Vehicle Coolant Cooling via AC Condenser and Evaporator Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle cooling systems, relying on passive air-cooled radiators, face inefficiencies in warm climates, leading to increased component costs and fuel consumption due to inadequate heat dissipation, especially for units like charge air and EGR coolers.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a compressor-driven refrigerant circuit connected to the vehicle's existing cooling system, where the condenser is placed upstream of the radiator to pre-warm the coolant, enhancing the temperature difference for more effective heat dissipation, and the coolant then passes through the evaporator for further cooling before returning to the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If passive air-cooled radiator is used for cooling the coolant, then the cooling system is simple and compact, but the cooling effectiveness is greatly reduced in warm climates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air conditioning refrigerant circuit with the engine cooling circuit by connecting the condenser to the cooling circuit upstream of the radiator. This integration allows the AC system to provide additional cooling capacity to the engine coolant, improving cooling effectiveness in warm climates while utilizing existing system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant circuit is designed to serve dual functions: providing air conditioning for the cabin and simultaneously assisting in engine cooling. The condenser acts as a heat exchanger that can cool the engine coolant in addition to its primary role in the AC system, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate cooling systems.
2Productivity
If the temperature difference between coolant and surrounding air is small, then the radiator can be compact, but the radiator's ability to cool heat away is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser pre-cools the refrigerant before it enters the evaporator, and simultaneously pre-cools the engine coolant before it reaches the radiator. This preliminary cooling action increases the temperature difference between the coolant and surrounding air at the radiator, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation rate without requiring a larger radiator.
3Reliability
If more advanced and tolerant components capable of operating at higher temperatures are used, then the components can operate in warm climates, but the components are more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the coolant temperature and AC system operation. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the refrigerant flow and condenser cooling capacity to maintain optimal coolant temperature, ensuring component reliability in warm climates while avoiding the need for expensive high-temperature rated components.
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 active cooling method achieves a cooler coolant temperature post-radiator, improving unit efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and extending component lifespan while maintaining the use of existing cooling infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
the condenser of the refrigerant circuit is connected to the vehicle's cooling circuit upstream of the radiator so that at least part of the warmed coolant in the cooling circuit passes the condenser's heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
the coolant is led into and through the heat exchanger of the compressor-driven refrigerant circuit, which heat exchanger is co-assembled with the evaporator, in which heat exchanger it is further cooled
Implementation Method 3
a compressor-driven refrigerant circuit being provided in the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cooling of coolant in a vehicle comprising a refrigerant circuit (9) driven by a compressor (10), and with a condenser (11), an evaporator (12) and a radiator (7). The invention is achieved by connecting the liquid-cooled condenser (11) and liquid-cooled evaporator (12) of the refrigerant circuit to the vehicle's cooling circuit (2) upstream and/or downstream of the radiator (7), and by using the refrigerant circuit (9) to lower the coolant's temperature in the vehicle's cooling circuit (2) downstream of the radiator (7). The invention relates also to a system for cooling of coolant in a vehicle.