Integrated Vehicle HVAC Coolant Layout for Cabin Space and Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioning systems face challenges in improving power efficiency while maintaining a spacious vehicle interior due to the layout of components like the interior evaporator and heater core, which leads to heat dissipation and reduced cabin space.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a coolant module with an air conditioning unit, allowing for streamlined coolant flow paths and reducing heat dissipation, thereby enhancing power efficiency and enabling a larger cabin space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If components such as the interior evaporator and heater core are disposed throughout the vehicle (cabin and motor room), then the air conditioning function is achieved, but the cabin space is narrowed and heat dissipation occurs deteriorating power cost
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant module is integrated with the air conditioning unit, merging the coolant flow path components (condenser and evaporator) into a single consolidated unit. This integration shortens the coolant flow paths and reduces the spatial footprint required for component distribution throughout the vehicle, thereby enlarging cabin space while improving power cost through reduced heat dissipation
2Loss of energy
If components are distributed throughout the vehicle, then the air conditioning system functions properly, but heat dissipation from coolant increases power cost
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant module integrates the condenser and evaporator into a single unit with a unified coolant flow path, eliminating the need for separate component layouts throughout the vehicle. This merger shortens the total coolant flow path length, reducing heat dissipation losses while simplifying the overall device structure and component arrangement
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
The integrated configuration improves power efficiency and enlarges the cabin space by minimizing coolant heat dissipation and system size.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant flow path C1 through which a coolant that exchanges heat with a refrigerant in a condenser 12 and an evaporator 14 flows
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A vehicle air conditioning system includes: a coolant module having a coolant flow path through which a coolant that exchanges heat with a refrigerant in a condenser and an evaporator flows; and an air conditioning unit that performs cooling and heating of a vehicle interior. The coolant module is integrated with the air conditioning unit.