Water Box Heat Exchanger With Switchable Fresh-Air Pre-Tempering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle air conditioning systems consume significant energy to heat or cool intake air, affecting the overall energy balance, especially in electric and hybrid vehicles, and there is a need for further energy savings.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle with a water tank designed as a heat exchanger that includes a control element to manage thermal energy transfer between airflow streams, allowing for efficient pre-tempering of fresh air using exhaust air, and switching between operating states based on temperature differences to optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy transfer is enabled between first air flow and second air flow through the heat exchange element, then energy consumption is reduced by pre-tempering fresh air, but overheated interior air can heat fresh air before cooling when interior temperature exceeds outside temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operating states based on temperature conditions. The control element transitions from enabling thermal energy transfer (first operating state) to preventing it (second operating state) when interior temperature exceeds outside temperature, optimizing energy efficiency while preventing unwanted heating of fresh air
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors to continuously monitor interior and outside temperatures, providing feedback to the control unit which then activates or deactivates the control element accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the system responds appropriately to changing thermal conditions to maintain optimal energy efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If a control element is added to switch between operating states, then energy efficiency is optimized by preventing unwanted thermal energy transfer, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control element serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal isolation mechanism to prevent unwanted heat transfer, serves as a flow guidance structure to direct air streams, and functions as a switching mechanism between different operating states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The control element is integrated with the heat exchange element and water tank structure, combining the thermal management function with the existing air handling components. This integration approach consolidates multiple functions into a single unified structure rather than adding separate independent 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 solution reduces energy consumption by preventing overheated interior air from heating fresh air before cooling, allowing the evaporator to operate with lower cooling capacity and achieving quicker interior temperature regulation, while also enabling pre-heating or pre-cooling based on internal and external temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange element which is used for transmission of thermal energy between the first airflow and a second airflow
Implementation Method 2
a first interior space for separating and discharging water from a first air flow flowing through the first interior space
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle is described, comprising a water tank (10) with a first interior space (23) for separating and discharging water from a first airflow (15) flowing through the first interior space (23). The water tank (10) is designed as a heat exchanger with a heat exchange element (13, 20, 21) which serves to transfer thermal energy between the first airflow (15) and a second airflow. At least one guide structure (8, 26, 27) is provided, which serves to direct the second airflow specifically towards the heat exchange element (13, 20, 21). In addition, at least one control element (34) is provided, with which the transfer of thermal energy between the first airflow (15) and the second airflow can be enabled in a first operating state and at least partially prevented in a second operating state.