U.S. patent application number 11/481327 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-10 for system, method, and apparatus for providing auxiliary power, heating, and air conditioning for a vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCS Frigette. Invention is credited to Keiv Brummett.
Application Number | 20080006045 11/481327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38917961 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080006045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brummett; Keiv |
January 10, 2008 |
System, method, and apparatus for providing auxiliary power,
heating, and air conditioning for a vehicle
Abstract
An auxiliary system provide auxiliary power and air conditioning
for a vehicle while a main engine of the vehicle is not operating.
An auxiliary alternator is mounted to and driven directly by the
drive shaft of an auxiliary engine. The auxiliary alternator has
permanent magnets and three sets of windings, including two sets of
windings for generating AC voltage via inverters, and a second set
of windings for generating DC voltage for directly recharging a
battery of the vehicle via a regulator. An air conditioner
compressor also is driven by the auxiliary engine for compressing
refrigerant. A condenser is in fluid communication with the
compressor for condensing the refrigerant, an evaporator is in
fluid communication with the refrigerant condensed by the
condenser, and an electric blower moves air through the evaporator
into the interior of the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Brummett; Keiv; (Atoka,
OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRACEWELL & GIULIANI LLP
P.O. BOX 61389
HOUSTON
TX
77208-1389
US
|
Assignee: |
SCS Frigette
|
Family ID: |
38917961 |
Appl. No.: |
11/481327 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/236 ;
62/323.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 1/3226 20130101;
B60H 2001/00221 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/236 ;
62/323.4 |
International
Class: |
F25B 27/00 20060101
F25B027/00 |
Claims
1. A system for providing auxiliary power to a vehicle while a main
engine of the vehicle is not operating, comprising: an auxiliary
engine having a drive shaft; an auxiliary alternator mounted to and
driven directly by the drive shaft of the auxiliary engine, the
auxiliary alternator having permanent magnets and at least two sets
of windings, including a first set of windings for generating AC
voltage via an inverter to provide auxiliary power, and a second
set of windings for generating DC voltage to recharge a battery of
the vehicle; and a regulator for regulating an output of the DC
voltage from the second set of windings to directly recharge the
battery while the main engine of the vehicle is not operating.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first set of windings
comprises two sets of windings and the inverter comprises two
inverters, with each of the inverters producing about 2.5 to 3 kW
at approximately 115 to 120 volts AC, and the regulator produces
approximately 12 to 14 volts DC at about 60 amps.
3. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: an air
conditioner compressor mounted to and driven by the auxiliary
engine for compressing refrigerant; a condenser in fluid
communication with the compressor for condensing the refrigerant;
an evaporator in fluid communication with the refrigerant condensed
by the condenser; and an electrically driven blower mounted
adjacent the evaporator for moving air through the evaporator and
into an interior of the vehicle.
4. A vehicle, comprising: a main engine and a main battery; an
external auxiliary compartment connected to an exterior of the
vehicle; an auxiliary system positioned in the external auxiliary
compartment, the auxiliary system comprising: an auxiliary engine
having a drive shaft; an auxiliary alternator mounted to and driven
directly by the drive shaft of the auxiliary engine, the auxiliary
alternator having permanent magnets and at least two sets of
windings, including a first set of windings for generating AC
voltage via an inverter to provide auxiliary power, and a second
set of windings for generating DC voltage to recharge a battery of
the vehicle; and a regulator for regulating an output of the DC
voltage from the second set of windings to directly recharge the
battery while the main engine of the vehicle is not operating.
5. A vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the first set of
windings comprises two sets of windings and the inverter comprises
two inverters, with each of the inverters producing about 2.5 to 3
kW at approximately 115 to 120 volts AC, and the regulator produces
approximately 12 to 14 volts DC at about 60 amps.
6. A vehicle according to claim 4, further comprising: an air
conditioner compressor mounted to and driven by the auxiliary
engine for compressing refrigerant; a condenser in fluid
communication with the compressor for condensing the refrigerant;
an evaporator in fluid communication with the refrigerant condensed
by the condenser; and an electrically driven blower mounted
adjacent the evaporator for moving air through the evaporator and
into an interior of the vehicle.
7. A method of providing auxiliary power to a vehicle while a main
engine of the vehicle is not operating, the method comprising: (a)
providing an auxiliary engine having a drive shaft, and an
auxiliary alternator having permanent magnets and at least two sets
of windings; (b) driving the auxiliary alternator directly with the
drive shaft of the auxiliary engine; (c) generating AC voltage with
a first set of windings of the auxiliary alternator via an inverter
to provide auxiliary power; (d) generating DC voltage with a second
set of windings of the auxiliary alternator; and (e) regulating an
output of the DC voltage from the second set of windings to
directly recharge the battery while the main engine of the vehicle
is not operating.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the first set of windings
comprises two sets of windings and the inverter comprises two
inverters, with each of the inverters producing about 2.5 to 3 kW
at approximately 115 to 120 volts AC, and the regulator producing
approximately 12 to 14 volts DC at about 60 amps.
9. A method according to claim 7, further comprising: driving an
air conditioner compressor with the auxiliary engine for
compressing refrigerant; condensing the refrigerant with a
condenser that is in fluid communication with the compressor;
evaporating the refrigerant condensed by the condenser with an
evaporator; and moving air through the evaporator and into an
interior of the vehicle with an electrically driven blower mounted
adjacent the evaporator.
10. A method according to claim 7, wherein step (e) further
comprises providing power to additional electrical devices.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates in general to auxiliary power
systems for vehicles and, in particular, to an improved system,
method, and apparatus for providing auxiliary power, heating, and
air conditioning for a vehicle.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Many vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and heating
systems. The vehicle's engine drives a compressor that compresses
refrigerant and delivers it to a condenser. The condenser converts
the hot gaseous refrigerant to a liquid refrigerant. The liquid
refrigerant flows to an evaporator where it undergoes a pressure
drop, converting the liquid refrigerant to a cold gas. An interior
blower moves air through the evaporator and into the interior of
the vehicle. The condenser is cooled by the main engine fan, which
also flows air through the engine radiator. For heating, a heater
coil or element is mounted in the vehicle, typically in
communication with the radiator via hoses. A portion of the hot
engine coolant flows through the heater element, and the interior
blower moves air through the heater coil to heat the interior of
the vehicle.
[0005] Many large vehicles, such as tractor trailer trucks,
recreational vehicles, house trailers, etc., have sleeping
compartments attached to or part of the interior for allowing the
driver or passengers to rest. Some vehicles have separate or rear
units for heating and cooling the sleeping compartment. The rear
unit typically comprises an evaporator in parallel with a main
evaporator, and a heater element in parallel with the main heater
element. The rear unit uses the same compressor and condenser as
the main unit. In order for the rear unit to operate, the operator
must run the main engine of the vehicle. These vehicles are often
parked while running the rear unit. Unfortunately, the main engine
generates far more power at idle than is needed for operating the
rear unit, resulting in a wasted fuel.
[0006] One approach for heating and cooling a sleeping compartment
while a vehicle is parked is to utilize a 110 volt air conditioning
unit on the vehicle. Some rest stops have service receptacles that
enable the operator to connect a power cord to the 110 volt air
conditioning unit. Many rest stops, however, do not have such
provisions for connecting a vehicle to AC (alternating current)
electrical power.
[0007] Also, in the prior art, portable generators have been
mounted to some vehicles for generating 110-115 volt AC power. An
auxiliary engine, normally diesel, is located in a compartment
along with an AC generator. The generator powers a 110 volt air
conditioning unit mounted to the sleeping compartment. The air
conditioning unit has an AC electrical motor that drives the
compressor and the fan. For heat, an electrical resistance element
is employed. These systems are normally referred to as
"gen-sets."
[0008] Another prior art approach, sometimes referred to as an
"auxiliary power unit," utilizes an auxiliary engine in an external
compartment on a vehicle to directly drive a motor vehicle-type
compressor. Typically, a condenser and radiator are located in the
external compartment. An evaporator, heater element, and DC (direct
current) blower are mounted within the sleeping compartment. The
compressor delivers refrigerant to the condenser, which in turn
delivers condensed refrigerant to the evaporator for cooling the
interior of the vehicle. For heating, a portion of the coolant from
the auxiliary engine may be diverted from the radiator to the
heater element. In one such system, when the heater is turned on, a
valve assembly proportionately reduces the coolant flowing to the
auxiliary radiator while increasing the coolant flowing to the
heater element.
[0009] Prior art auxiliary power units do not have generators.
Rather, they have alternators that supplies DC (direct current)
voltage. The DC voltage powers the blower for the evaporator and
heater element and drives the fan for the condenser and radiator.
The alternator of the auxiliary unit also charges the main
batteries of the vehicle. This type of unit may also have an
inverter that converts part of the DC voltage from the auxiliary
engine alternator into AC voltage for running AC appliances in the
sleeping compartment. Although each of these prior art designs are
workable, an improved solution would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] One embodiment of a system, method, and apparatus for
providing auxiliary power to a vehicle while a main engine of the
vehicle is not operating is disclosed. The invention comprises an
auxiliary engine having a drive shaft. An auxiliary alternator is
mounted to and driven directly by the drive shaft of the auxiliary
engine. The auxiliary alternator has permanent magnets and at least
two sets of windings, including a first set of windings for
generating AC voltage via an inverter to provide auxiliary power to
the vehicle, and a second set of windings for generating DC voltage
to recharge a battery of the vehicle. A regulator regulates the
output of DC voltage from the second set of windings to, for
example, directly recharge the battery while the main engine of the
vehicle is not operating. The DC voltage also may be used to power
other electrical components.
[0011] In one embodiment, the first set of windings comprises two
sets of windings and the inverter comprises two inverters.
Depending on the application, each of the inverters may produce
about 2.5 to 3 kW at approximately 115 to 120 volts AC. The
regulator may produce approximately 12 to 14 volts DC at about 60
amps. In addition, an air conditioner compressor may be mounted to
and driven by the auxiliary engine for compressing refrigerant,
with a condenser in fluid communication with the compressor for
condensing the refrigerant, an evaporator in fluid communication
with the refrigerant condensed by the condenser, and an
electrically driven blower mounted adjacent the evaporator for
moving air through the evaporator and into an interior of the
vehicle.
[0012] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in
view of the following detailed description of the present
invention, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] So that the manner in which the features and advantages of
the present invention, which will become apparent, are attained and
can be understood in more detail, more particular description of
the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to
the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended
drawings which form a part of this specification. It is to be
noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only some embodiments
of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting of
its scope as the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view of a vehicle having
an auxiliary power system constructed in accordance with the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a simplified electrical diagram of the auxiliary
power system of FIG. 1 and is constructed in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 3 is a high level flow diagram of one embodiment of a
method constructed in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 11, such as a recreational
vehicle, truck, etc., has an engine compartment 13, a cab 15 and,
optionally, a sleeping compartment 17. For simplicity, a truck 11
is illustrated. The interior of sleeping compartment 17 may be in
common with the interior of cab 15. An auxiliary power source 19 is
shown mounted to a frame 21 of truck 11. Auxiliary power source 19
may be located in various positions on truck 11, and is typically
rearward of sleeping compartment 17. Auxiliary power source 19 may
be located within a housing or exterior compartment 23. An
auxiliary evaporator and heater unit 25 is preferably located
separate from compartment 23. In one embodiment, evaporator and
heater unit 25 is located within sleeper compartment 17, preferably
on the floor under a bed or bunk.
[0018] Truck 11 has a primary or main engine 27, normally diesel,
that propels truck 11. Hoses connect a main radiator 29 to main
engine 27 for receiving engine coolant. An engine fan 30 is
directly driven by main engine 27 for causing air flow through main
radiator 29. Truck 11 also has a main interior heater element or
coil 31 and a main interior blower 33. Heater element 31 is
connected by hoses to radiator 29 for receiving a portion of the
flow of engine coolant. Blower 33 moves air through heater element
31 for heating the interior of cab 15. Valves (not shown)
controlled by the driver will selectively provide or stop the flow
of engine coolant through heater 31.
[0019] For cooling, main engine 27 drives a main compressor 35 by a
belt (not shown). Compressor 35 delivers hot gaseous refrigerant to
a main condenser 37 that is mounted parallel to radiator 29.
Condenser 37 condenses the refrigerant to a liquid, which flows to
a main evaporator 39. Typically, the same interior blower 33 moves
air through evaporator 39 into the interior of cab 15.
[0020] In some cases, sleeper compartment 17 is provided with a
rear evaporator, heater element, and blower (not shown) for heating
and cooling sleeper compartment 17. If so, main compressor 35 and
main condenser 37 supply refrigerant to the rear evaporator. Main
engine 27 and radiator 29 may supply coolant to the rear heater
element for heating. Main engine 27 also has a main alternator 41
driven by a belt. Alternator 41 supplies DC electrical power for
blower 33 and other uses. Alternator 41 also charges a main battery
43 or set of batteries.
[0021] Auxiliary power source 19 includes an auxiliary engine 45
which, in one embodiment, may comprise a small water-cooled diesel
engine. Auxiliary engine 45 has fluid lines connected to a radiator
47 that is also mounted in compartment 23. Auxiliary engine 45
drives an alternating current alternator 49 that supplies 115 volts
of AC voltage. Auxiliary engine also provides DC voltage via a
regulator 53. Regulator 53 may comprise a high amp, 14V regulator,
and is directly connected to the main truck battery 43 for
maintaining battery 43 at full charge while auxiliary power source
19 is operating. AC alternator 49 is also connected to one or more
AC outlets in sleeper compartment 17 for providing AC electrical
power, such as for powering AC appliances and the like.
[0022] An optional auxiliary compressor 57 is mounted to and driven
by auxiliary engine 45. Auxiliary compressor 57 may comprise a
conventional motor vehicle air conditioner compressor. Auxiliary
compressor 57 is connected by a hose to an auxiliary condenser 59,
which is also located in exterior compartment 23. Auxiliary
condenser 59 may be located in parallel to and upstream from
radiator 47. A single fan 61 moves air through condenser 59 and
radiator 47. Fan 61 may be powered by, e.g., either power source
described above.
[0023] Evaporator and heater unit 25 is also preferably located
under the bunk or bed within compartment 17, but it could be
mounted to the exterior back wall of sleeping compartment 17.
Evaporator and heater unit 25 includes an evaporator 65 that
receives condensed refrigerant from condenser 59. A heater element
67 is mounted next to evaporator 65. Heater element 67 could be of
a type that utilizes electrical resistance, but preferably is one
that is connected to auxiliary radiator 47 for circulating coolant.
A single blower 69 moves air through evaporator 65 and heater
element 67. Blower 69 may utilize a DC motor connected to the DC
output of regulator 53 but, alternately, it may utilize an AC
motor. In one embodiment, auxiliary engine 45 and alternator 49 are
mounted next to each other on a common support frame. In another
embodiment, a single drive shaft may be used to directly drive
alternator 49 and indirectly drive compressor 57 via a belt.
[0024] The evaporator and heater unit 25 may include a housing that
houses evaporator 65 and heater element 67, with the blower 69
mounting to the housing. The housing may include outlet ports for
discharging air heated or cooled by evaporator 65 or heater element
67. The outlet ports may be connected to ducts that lead to
registers placed at desired points within sleeping compartment
17.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of a simplified
schematic diagram for a system for providing auxiliary power to a
vehicle while the main engine of the vehicle is not operating is
shown. As described above, the system comprises auxiliary engine 45
having a drive shaft for directly driving the auxiliary alternator
49. The auxiliary alternator 49 has permanent magnets and at least
two sets of windings, including a first set of windings 101 (e.g.,
two shown) for generating AC voltage via one or more inverters 103
(e.g., two shown) to provide auxiliary power. A second set of
windings 105 is used to generate DC voltage to recharge a battery
(e.g., main battery 43) of the vehicle 11. The regulator 53
regulates the output of the DC voltage from the second set of
windings 105 to directly recharge the battery 43 while the main
engine 27 of the vehicle 17 is not operating. In one embodiment,
each of the inverters 103 produces about 2.5 to 3 kW at
approximately 115 to 120 volts AC at 60 Hz in perfect sine wave
form, and the regulator 53 produces approximately 12 to 14 volts DC
at about 60 amps, and, for example, up to about 200 amps.
[0026] In operation, there is no need to operate auxiliary power
source 19 while main engine 27 is operating. Main engine 27
supplies sufficient power for heating and cooling while it is in
operation. When truck 11 has stopped for an extended period, the
operator may stop engine 27 and turn on auxiliary engine 45.
Battery 43 provides voltage to a starter (not shown) of auxiliary
engine 45.
[0027] Auxiliary engine 45 drives alternator 49 to generate 115 AC
volt power. Alternator 49 also provides power to regulator 53,
which regulates the DC voltage to battery 43, and provides power
for other electrical devices or applications 109, such as, e.g.,
trailer lights, vehicle accessories, other electrical components,
etc. Some of the AC voltage is also supplied through outlets in the
interior of sleeping compartment 17 for electrical devices like AC
appliances 107, such as, e.g., a television, microwave, stereo,
computer, tools, etc.
[0028] If cooling is desired, a clutch (not shown) for auxiliary
compressor 57 engages compressor 57, causing it to supply
pressurized refrigerant to condenser 59. Condenser 59 delivers
condensed refrigerant to evaporator 65. A pressure drop causes the
refrigerant to expand, and blower 69 moves air across evaporator 65
into the interior of sleeping compartment 17. The refrigerant
returns from evaporator 65 to compressor 57. If heat is desired in
compartment 17, compressor 57 is disengaged and blower 69 causes
air movement through heater element 67 into the interior of sleeper
compartment 17.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a method of
providing auxiliary power to a vehicle while a main engine of the
vehicle is not operating. The method begins as indicated at step
301, and may comprise providing an auxiliary engine having a drive
shaft, and an auxiliary alternator having permanent magnets and at
least two sets of windings (step 303); driving the auxiliary
alternator directly with the drive shaft of the auxiliary engine
(step 305); generating AC voltage with a first set of windings of
the auxiliary alternator via an inverter to provide auxiliary power
(step 307); generating DC voltage with a second set of windings of
the auxiliary alternator (step 309); regulating an output of the DC
voltage from the second set of windings to directly recharge the
battery while the main engine of the vehicle is not operating (step
311); before ending as indicated at step 313.
[0030] The method may further comprise driving an air conditioner
compressor with the auxiliary engine for compressing refrigerant;
condensing the refrigerant with a condenser that is in fluid
communication with the compressor; evaporating the refrigerant
condensed by the condenser with an evaporator; and moving air
through the evaporator and into an interior of the vehicle with an
electrically driven blower mounted adjacent the evaporator. In
addition, the method may further comprise providing power to
additional electrical devices.
[0031] The present invention has several advantages including the
ability to regulate at least a portion of the output of an
auxiliary power source, rather than the regulating the input. The
regulated output may be used to directly recharge the main battery
of a vehicle when the main engine of the vehicle is not operating.
Moreover, the invention does not require the use of an alternator
or battery charger to accomplish this advantage. The additional
winding used to perform this function adds additional density to
the rotor to increase its mechanical operational capacity as a
flywheel which, in turn, produces smoother, quieter power for the
end user at lower auxiliary engine speeds. Consequently, this
design has lower emissions to reduce its environmental impact
during operation.
[0032] While the invention has been shown or described in only some
of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art
that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes
without departing from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *