Vehicle Airflow Segmentation for Temperature and Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems for vehicles face challenges in efficiently generating air temperatures above 10°C without additional heating, leading to increased energy consumption and discomfort due to excessive dehumidification, which affects both energy efficiency and interior comfort.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device that selectively cools only a portion of the air flow, allowing the non-cooled portion to be mixed with the cooled air to regulate temperature and humidity, eliminating the need for additional heating and humidification sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the entire air flow is cooled through the evaporator, then the temperature after the evaporator can be reduced, but the energy consumption increases and the humidity drops below comfortable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow is divided into two separate portions: a first portion that is cooled through the evaporator and a second portion that bypasses the evaporator. This segmentation allows selective cooling of only the necessary air volume, reducing energy consumption while maintaining temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality treatment is applied to different portions of the air flow: the first portion receives full cooling treatment through the evaporator, while the second portion remains uncooled. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between cooling efficiency and energy consumption.
2Temperature
If the entire air flow is cooled through the evaporator, then the temperature after the evaporator can be reduced, but the humidity drops below comfortable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow is segmented into cooled and uncooled portions, allowing the uncooled second portion to maintain higher humidity content. This prevents excessive dehumidification while still achieving the desired temperature reduction through the cooled first portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality characteristics are applied locally: the first portion undergoes dehumidifying cooling, while the second portion retains its original humidity. The mixture of these portions results in optimal humidity levels that prevent mucous membrane drying.
3Temperature
If additional heating is used to generate temperatures above 10°C, then the temperature requirement is met, but the energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cooling the entire air flow and then reheating it (which would be energy-inefficient), the system inverts the approach by cooling only the necessary portion and mixing it with uncooled air. This eliminates the need for additional heating energy while still achieving temperatures above 10°C.
Solution Approach 2:
The uncooled second portion of air is effectively 'discarded' from the cooling process and directly mixed with the cooled first portion. This recovers the thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, allowing the system to achieve higher temperatures without additional heating input.
4Quantity of substance
If additional humidification equipment is installed to maintain optimal humidity, then the humidity comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow splitting system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls temperature through selective cooling and maintains humidity by preserving the uncooled portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate humidification equipment, reducing device complexity while achieving both temperature and humidity control.
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 approach enhances energy efficiency and interior comfort by allowing temperature control above 10°C without additional heating and maintaining optimal humidity levels within the vehicle, reducing energy consumption and the risk of mucous membrane drying.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device which is arranged in the first air duct and is designed to cool the first portion of the air flow
Implementation Method 2
a mixing device which is designed to mix the first air flow from the first air duct with the second portion of the air flow from the second air duct in order to generate a temperature-controlled air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a temperature control device (200) for a vehicle, comprising a first air duct for guiding a first portion of an air flow and a second air duct (352) for guiding a second portion of the air flow. A cooling device (108) is disposed in the first air duct, in order to cool the first portion of the air flow. A mixer device (350) is provided for mixing the first air flow from the first air duct with the second portion of the air flow from second air duct (352) in order to generate a temperature controlled air flow.