Vehicle air conditioning control systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles equipped with HVAC systems, the need to keep the engine running for cooling purposes, especially when parked, leads to inefficient use of the engine and excessive refrigerant compressor operation, which is wasteful and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An electric refrigerant compressor driven by an inverter from a battery pack, with a control module that adjusts compressor speed based on discharge pressure and power consumption to maintain optimal cooling while the engine is running, and manages battery life when the engine is off, using features like variable speed fans and a damper door to regulate temperature and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is kept running to provide cooling while the vehicle is parked, then the cooling function is maintained, but the engine is used inefficiently and excessive refrigerant compressor operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the engine-driven mechanical compressor with an electric compressor that operates independently. This allows the refrigerant compression function to be decoupled from the engine, enabling the engine to be turned off while maintaining cooling capability through the electric compressor powered by the battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cooling system into independent components: the engine, battery pack, and electric compressor. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be controlled separately from the engine operation, enabling the engine to be shut off while the electric compressor continues to provide refrigerant compression for cooling.
2Reliability
If the engine is kept running to provide cooling while the vehicle is parked, then the cooling function is maintained, but refrigerant compressor operation becomes wasteful and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the engine-driven mechanical compressor with an electric compressor that operates independently. This allows the refrigerant compression function to be decoupled from the engine, enabling the engine to be turned off while maintaining cooling capability through the electric compressor powered by the battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the compressor from being mechanically coupled to the engine's rotational speed to being electrically controlled with variable speed capability. This allows the compressor to operate only when needed and at optimal speeds, reducing energy waste while maintaining reliable cooling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an electric compressor is used with inverter drive and variable speed control, then energy efficiency is improved and battery life is extended, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the control module: it manages the electric compressor operation, monitors battery pack state of charge, controls variable speed fans, and coordinates damper door positioning. This centralized control approach manages the increased system complexity by providing unified management of all AC system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through the inverter drive that monitors compressor operation and battery pack state of charge. The system adjusts compressor speed and fan operation based on real-time feedback from sensors, optimizing energy efficiency while managing the complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for efficient cooling of vehicle cabins without running the engine, optimizing energy use and extending battery life by dynamically controlling the air conditioning system's components based on real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A condenser is configured to receive refrigerant output by an electric compressor and transfers heat from the refrigerant within the condenser to air passing the condenser
Implementation Method 2
A first evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a first control valve is open and transfers heat from air passing the first evaporator to the refrigerant within the first evaporator
Implementation Method 3
A condenser is configured to receive refrigerant output by an electric compressor
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes a condenser configured to receive refrigerant output by an electric compressor and transfer heat from the refrigerant within the condenser to air passing the condenser. A first evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a first control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the first evaporator to the refrigerant within the first evaporator. A first blower is configured to blow air across the first evaporator to a first section of a cabin of the vehicle. A second evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a second control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the second evaporator to the refrigerant within the second evaporator. A second blower is configured to blow air across the second evaporator to a second section of the cabin of the vehicle.