Vehicle Thermal Container Using HVAC-Thermoelectric Air Preconditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive HVAC systems are inefficient in rapidly conditioning air for thermal comfort, as they rely on the Rankine cycle which takes time to cool or warm air, and thermoelectric devices lack the thermal capacity to perform effectively, especially in short time demands, leading to significant heat loss to surrounding air and thermal mass.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a thermoelectric device in series with the HVAC module to precondition air before delivery to a thermal container, utilizing the HVAC module's heating and cooling air through an auxiliary heat exchanger, which reduces initial warm-up and cool-down times and enhances temperature control within a narrower temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the Rankine cycle HVAC system is used to cool air, then cooling function is provided, but it takes time to cool the air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the air that passes through the thermoelectric device using the HVAC system's cold plate. This pre-conditioned air is then used to cool the beverage container, significantly reducing the time required compared to using ambient air. The pre-cooling action is performed in advance on the air stream before it reaches the thermoelectric cooling element.
2Temperature
If the Rankine cycle HVAC system is used to heat air, then heating function is provided, but it takes time to warm the coolant due to thermal inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the air that passes through the thermoelectric device using the HVAC system's heater core. This pre-heated air is then directed to the beverage container, reducing the time required to heat contents compared to using ambient air. The thermal energy is transferred to the air stream in advance before it reaches the thermoelectric heating element.
3Temperature
If a thermoelectric device is used to cool or heat air, then temperature control is provided, but it lacks thermal capacity to perform the task effectively in short time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two thermal conditioning systems: the HVAC system's Rankine cycle thermal mass and the thermoelectric device's precise temperature control. The HVAC system provides the thermal capacity through its cold plate and heater core, while the thermoelectric device provides efficient heat transfer and precise control. This combination delivers both the power and speed required for rapid beverage cooling or heating.
4Temperature
If HVAC ducts are used to cool or heat occupants, then thermal comfort is provided, but effectiveness is significantly lost to surrounding air and thermal mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing pre-conditioned air specifically to the beverage container rather than distributing it throughout the general cabin space. The thermoelectric device creates a localized thermal environment for the beverage, improving heat exchange efficiency by concentrating thermal energy where needed rather than allowing it to dissipate into the surrounding cabin air and thermal mass.
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 configuration significantly reduces the time to reach desired temperatures in the vehicle compartment, improving cooling and heating efficiency by utilizing preconditioned air from the HVAC module, thereby optimizing the thermoelectric device's operation for maximum cooling power and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric device is disclosed for cooling and heating air in an automotive vehicle. The device includes a cold side and a hot side and utilizes the Peltier effect to cool and heat air.
Implementation Method 2
exchanging heat with the heating and cooling air from the HVAC module in an auxiliary heat exchanger before delivery to the thermal container
Data Source
AI summary
A thermo-electric device is disposed in series with the HVAC module for heating and cooling air Ta from the HVAC module for delivery to seat passages of a seat assembly and/or to a thermal container. The thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger having cold and hot sides, ductwork, a divider that sends variable air flow to the cold or hot sides of the thermoelectric module, and thermal insulation between the cold and hot sides downstream of the heat exchanger. The fan of the HVAC module is the sole motivation for moving the conditioned air Ta originating from the central HVAC module through the thermoelectric device and to the seat assembly and/or to a thermal container.