U.S. patent application number 15/177836 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-15 for climate control system for hybrid vehicles using thermoelectric devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gentherm Incorporated. Invention is credited to Peter R. Gawthrop.
Application Number | 20160361967 15/177836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35238387 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160361967 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gawthrop; Peter R. |
December 15, 2016 |
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HYBRID VEHICLES USING THERMOELECTRIC
DEVICES
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a system for controlling the
climate of a vehicle. The system includes a thermoelectric module
and a heat exchanger. The thermoelectric module includes
thermoelectric elements powered by electric energy. The
thermoelectric elements emit or absorb heat energy based on the
polarity of the electrical energy provided. The thermoelectric
module and the heat exchanger heat or cool the air flow provided to
the cabin of the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Gawthrop; Peter R.; (Troy,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gentherm Incorporated |
Northville |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
35238387 |
Appl. No.: |
15/177836 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13966106 |
Aug 13, 2013 |
9365090 |
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15177836 |
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13007454 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
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13966106 |
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12131853 |
Jun 2, 2008 |
7870892 |
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13007454 |
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10842109 |
May 10, 2004 |
7380586 |
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12131853 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 1/004 20130101;
B60H 2001/2234 20130101; B60H 1/00007 20130101; B60H 1/00478
20130101; B60H 2001/224 20130101; B60H 1/00885 20130101; B60H
2001/2237 20130101; F25B 21/04 20130101; B60H 1/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60H 1/00 20060101
B60H001/00; B60H 1/12 20060101 B60H001/12; F25B 21/04 20060101
F25B021/04 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A climate control system for heating or cooling a passenger
cabin of a vehicle during shutdown of an internal combustion engine
of the vehicle, the climate control system comprising: a coolant
conduit configured to convey a coolant therein and selectively in
thermal communication with an engine coolant system, wherein the
engine coolant system is in thermal communication with an internal
combustion engine of a vehicle; a heater core disposed in an air
flow provided to a passenger cabin of the vehicle and in thermal
communication with the engine coolant system; a thermoelectric
module including a thermoelectric element and in thermal
communication with the coolant conduit, the thermoelectric element
configured to transfer thermal energy between the coolant conduit
and a heat transfer medium; a heat exchanger disposed in the air
flow and in thermal communication with the thermoelectric module;
and a controller configured to operate the climate control system
in a plurality of modes of operation, and wherein the plurality of
modes of operation comprises: a heating mode wherein the internal
combustion engine is configured to heat the air flow via the heater
core while the internal combustion engine is running and while
operation of the thermoelectric module is ceased; and an engine off
heating mode wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to
heat the air flow via at least the heat exchanger by the
thermoelectric element transferring thermal energy from the heat
transfer medium to the coolant while receiving electric current
supplied in a first polarity and while the internal combustion
engine is shut down, wherein, in the engine off heating mode, the
thermoelectric module provides heat to the air flow while allowing
the engine to shut down and save fuel.
22. The climate control system of claim 21, wherein, in the engine
off heating mode, thermal inertia of an engine block of the
internal combustion engine heats the air flow while the
thermoelectric element receives electric current supplied in the
first polarity.
23. The climate control system of claim 21, wherein, in the engine
off heating mode, thermal inertia of the coolant heats the air flow
while the thermoelectric element receives electric current supplied
in the first polarity.
24. The climate control system of claim 21, further comprising a
valve coupled to the coolant conduit, wherein the valve is
configured to move from a first position fluidly connecting the
coolant conduit with the engine coolant system to a second position
fluidly isolating the coolant conduit from the engine coolant
system.
25. The climate control system of claim 21, further comprising a
pump configured to pressurize the coolant in the coolant
conduit.
26. The climate control system of claim 21, wherein the plurality
of modes of operation further comprises an engine off cooling mode
wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to cool the air
flow by the thermoelectric element transferring thermal energy from
the coolant to the heat transfer medium while receiving electric
current supplied in a second polarity and while the internal
combustion engine is shut down.
27. The climate control system of claim 26, wherein, in the engine
off cooling mode, thermal inertia of the coolant cools the air flow
while the thermoelectric element receives electric current supplied
in the second polarity.
28. The climate control system of claim 21, wherein the heat
exchanger is upstream of the heater core such that the heat
exchanger heats the air flow before the heater core heats the air
flow.
29. The climate control system of claim 21, further comprising an
air duct within which the heater core and the heat exchanger are
located.
30. The climate control system of claim 21, further comprising a
fluid line configured to provide fluid communication between the
thermoelectric module and the heat exchanger.
31. The climate control system of claim 21, further comprising a
regenerative braking system, wherein the controller is configured
to direct electric current generated by the regenerative braking
system to the thermoelectric module to generate a temperature
change in the thermoelectric element.
32. The climate control system of claim 31, wherein the controller
is configured to monitor speed and braking of the vehicle to
predict an imminent stop of the vehicle and direct electric current
generated by the regenerative braking system to the thermoelectric
module to generate the temperature change in the thermoelectric
element.
33. A climate control system for heating or cooling a passenger
cabin of a vehicle during shutdown of an internal combustion engine
of the vehicle, the climate control system comprising: a coolant
conduit configured to convey a coolant therein and selectively in
thermal communication with an internal combustion engine of a
vehicle; a heater core disposed in an air flow provided to a
passenger cabin of the vehicle and in thermal communication with
the internal combustion engine; a thermoelectric module in thermal
communication with the coolant conduit, the thermoelectric module
configured to transfer thermal energy between the coolant conduit
and a heat transfer medium; a heat exchanger disposed in the air
flow and in thermal communication with the thermoelectric module;
and a controller configured to operate the climate control system
in a plurality of modes of operation, and wherein the plurality of
modes of operation comprises: an engine off heating mode wherein
the thermoelectric module is configured to heat the air flow via at
least the heat exchanger by transferring thermal energy from the
heat transfer medium to the coolant while receiving electric
current supplied in a first polarity and while the internal
combustion engine is shut down, wherein, in the engine off heating
mode, the thermoelectric module provides heat to the air flow while
allowing the engine to shut down and save fuel.
34. The climate control system of claim 33, wherein, in the engine
off heating mode, thermal inertia of an engine block of the
internal combustion engine heats the air flow via at least the
heater core while the thermoelectric module receives electric
current supplied in the first polarity.
35. The climate control system of claim 33, wherein the plurality
of modes of operation further comprises a heating mode wherein the
internal combustion engine is configured to heat the air flow while
the internal combustion engine is running and while operation of
the thermoelectric module is ceased.
36. The climate control system of claim 33, wherein the plurality
of modes of operation further comprises an engine off cooling mode
wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to cool the air
flow by transferring thermal energy from the coolant to the heat
transfer medium while receiving electric current supplied in a
second polarity and while the internal combustion engine is shut
down.
37. The climate control system of claim 36, wherein, in the engine
off cooling mode, thermal inertia of the coolant cools the air flow
while the thermoelectric module receives electric current supplied
in the second polarity.
38. The climate control system of claim 33, wherein the heat
exchanger is upstream of the heater core such that the heat
exchanger heats the air flow before the heater core heats the air
flow.
39. The climate control system of claim 33, further comprising an
air duct within which the heater core and the heat exchanger are
located.
40. The climate control system of claim 33, further comprising a
fluid line configured to provide fluid communication between the
thermoelectric module and the heat exchanger.
41. A system for controlling climate of a passenger cabin of a
vehicle, the system comprising: a coolant conduit configured to
convey a coolant therein and selectively in thermal communication
with an internal combustion engine of a vehicle; a heater core
disposed in an air flow provided to a passenger cabin of the
vehicle and in thermal communication with the internal combustion
engine; a thermoelectric module in thermal communication with the
coolant conduit, the thermoelectric module configured to transfer
thermal energy between the coolant conduit and a heat transfer
medium; and a controller configured to operate the system in a
plurality of modes of operation, and wherein the plurality of modes
of operation comprises: an engine off heating mode wherein thermal
inertia in an engine block of the internal combustion engine heats
the air flow via at least the heater core and while the internal
combustion engine is shut down.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein, in the engine off heating
mode, the thermoelectric module is configured to heat the air flow
via at least a heat exchanger by transferring thermal energy from
the heat transfer medium to the coolant while receiving electric
current, the heat exchanger disposed in the air flow and in thermal
communication with the thermoelectric module, wherein, in the
engine off heating mode, the thermoelectric module provides heat to
the air flow while allowing the engine to shut down and save fuel.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic
priority claim are identified in the Application Data Sheet as
filed with the present application, are incorporated by reference,
and made a part of this specification.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Field
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a climate control
system for hybrid vehicles.
[0004] Description of Related Art
[0005] Hybrid vehicles, vehicles driven by both an internal
combustion engine and an electric motor, are becoming more well
known. For hybrid vehicles to increasingly become commercially
adopted, these vehicles need to provide the same features and
comforts as current traditional vehicles. In order to achieve
maximum efficiency, hybrid vehicles employ a start/stop strategy,
meaning the vehicle's internal combustion engine shuts down to
conserve energy during normal idle conditions. During this period,
it is still important to maintain comfort in the vehicle. In order
to keep the cabin comfortable during cool temperatures, coolant is
generally circulated through the heater core to provide cabin heat.
However, in warm weather climates, the only method for keeping the
cabin cool is by running the internal combustion engine to drive
the compressor of an air conditioning system. Vehicles on the road
today with such start/stop strategies allow the consumer to keep
the engine running, while stopped at idle conditions, to maintain
cabin comfort. Unfortunately, running the engine during vehicle
idle periods eliminates the fuel economy savings obtained by
shutting off the engine during idle operation.
[0006] As seen from the above, it is apparent that there exists a
need for an improved climate control system for hybrid
vehicles.
SUMMARY
[0007] In satisfying the above need, as well as overcoming the
enumerated drawbacks and other limitations of the related art, the
present invention provides a system for controlling the climate
within the passenger cabin of a hybrid vehicle. The system includes
a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a valve.
[0008] The thermoelectric module includes thermoelectric elements,
powered by electric energy, that emit or absorb heat energy based
on the polarity of the electrical energy provided. A tube
containing coolant runs proximate to the thermoelectric elements.
To aid in the transfer of heat energy, a blower is provided to
generate an air flow across the thermoelectric elements and the
tube. The coolant is provided from the thermoelectric module to a
heat exchanger that heats or cools the air flow provided to the
cabin of the vehicle. The pump pressurizes the coolant flow through
the tube and coolant lines, and in a cooling mode, the valve is
configured to selectively bypass the engine coolant system of the
vehicle.
[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, the system
includes a heater core and an evaporator in fluid communication
with the heat exchanger. The air flow to the passenger cabin may be
supplementally heated by the heater core or supplementally cooled
by the evaporator.
[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, the system
includes a controller in electrical communication with the
thermoelectric module. The controller is configured to switch the
polarity of electrical energy supplied to the thermoelectric module
to alternatively heat or cool the coolant. In addition, the
controller is configured to direct electrical energy generated by a
regenerative braking system to the thermoelectric module for use in
controlling the interior climate of the vehicle.
[0011] Further objects, features and advantages of this invention
will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a
review of the following description, with reference to the drawings
and claims that are appended to and form a part of this
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a climate control system, in a
supplemental cooling mode, embodying the principles of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a sectional front view of a thermoelectric module
embodying the principles of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a climate control system, in a
supplemental cooling mode, embodying the principles of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a climate control system, in a
supplemental heating mode, embodying the principles of the present
invention; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a climate control system, in an
engine off cooling mode, embodying the principles of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a climate control system, in an
engine off heating mode, embodying the principles of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, a system embodying the principles
of the present invention is illustrated therein and designated at
10. As its primary components, the system 10 includes a
thermoelectric module 12, a heat exchanger 14, an evaporator 16, a
heater core 18, a valve 22, a coolant pump 26, and a controller 27.
As further discussed below, the thermoelectric module 12, in
conjunction with the heat exchanger 14, allows the system 10 to
provide heating or cooling with the internal combustion engine shut
off, or alternatively, to provide supplemental heating or cooling
while the internal combustion engine is running.
[0019] Now referring to FIG. 2, a sectional view of the
thermoelectric module 12 is provided. The thermoelectric module 12
includes a series of thermoelectric elements 48 that generate a
temperature change from electrical energy. If the electrical energy
is provided in one polarity, the thermoelectric elements 48 will
generate heat energy causing a rise in the ambient temperature
around the thermoelectric elements 48. Alternatively, if electrical
energy is provided to the thermoelectric elements 48 in an opposite
polarity, the thermoelectric elements 48 will absorb heat energy,
thereby cooling the ambient temperature around the thermoelectric
elements 48. To transfer heating or cooling from the thermoelectric
elements 48, a heat transfer medium, namely coolant, flows through
a coolant tube 42 located proximate to the thermoelectric elements
48. To aid in this heat transfer to the coolant, one or more
blowers 40 generate an air flow across the thermoelectric elements
48 and the coolant tube 42. In addition, an air scoop 50 may be
provided to direct air leaving or entering the thermoelectric
module 12. The coolant is provided to the thermoelectric elements
48 circulates through an inlet connection 44 to the rest of the
system through an outlet connection 46, thereby enabling the
transferring of the temperature change generated by the
thermoelectric elements 48.
[0020] Referring again to FIG. 1, the thermoelectric module 12 is
in fluid communication, via the coolant, with the heat exchanger 14
along line 30. The blower 15 creates an air flow 20 across the heat
exchanger 14, and the air flow 20 extracts heating or cooling from
the coolant supplied by the thermoelectric module 12 thereby
altering the temperature of the air flow 20. In a heating mode, the
thermoelectric module 12 provides heated coolant thereby heating
the air flow 20. Alternatively in a cooling mode, the
thermoelectric module 12 provides cooled coolant, thereby cooling
the air flow 20. From the heat exchanger 14 the air flow 20 is
communicated over heat transfer surfaces of both the evaporator 16
and heater core 18.
[0021] The coolant exits the heat exchanger 14 along line 32 and is
provided to valve 22 that selectively allows the coolant to flow
along line 38 into the engine coolant system 24 or back to the
coolant pump 26. Generally, the engine coolant system 24 will heat
the coolant and return a portion of the coolant along line 36 to
the heater core 18 and to the valve 22 which passes it back to the
coolant pump 26. Alternatively, the valve 22 can solely direct the
coolant from line 32 directly to line 34, bypassing the engine
coolant system 24. This latter flow circuit is particularly
beneficial in the cooling mode of the system 10.
[0022] The controller 27 allows the system to work in multiple
heating and cooling modes. For example, the controller 27 can
switch the polarity of the electrical energy provided to the
thermoelectric module, thereby heating the coolant with one
polarity, and cooling the coolant with the opposite polarity. In
addition, the controller 27 can manipulate the valve 22 to bypass
the engine cooling system 24 in cooling mode, thereby isolating the
coolant from the heat generated by the engine in the engine coolant
system 24.
[0023] The controller 27 is also connected to a regenerative
braking system 29. The regenerative braking system 29 generates
electrical energy from the kinetic energy of the vehicle as the
vehicle is slowed down. The controller 27 can direct the energy
from the regenerative braking system 29 to an energy storage
device, a battery, (not shown) or directly to the thermoelectric
module 12, providing an ample source of power to adjust the climate
of the vehicle. If provided directly to the thermoelectric module
12, the controller 27 can change the polarity of the electrical
energy provided from the regenerative braking system 29 allowing
the energy to be used by the thermoelectric module 12 in both
heating and cooling modes.
[0024] Now referring to FIG. 3, the system 10 is shown in a
supplemental cooling mode while the internal combustion engine is
running. During "engine on" supplemental cooling, the
thermoelectric module 12 is used in conjunction with the evaporator
16 to cool the passenger cabin of the vehicle. The combined use of
the thermoelectric module 12 and the evaporator 16 provides a
faster time to comfort. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lines with a
single small dash convey heated coolant from the heat exchanger 14
while the lines with two smaller dashes convey cooled coolant to
the heat exchanger 14.
[0025] In the "engine on" supplemental cooling mode, the coolant
flows through the thermoelectric module 12, where heat is removed
from the coolant, and thereafter along line 30 to the heat
exchanger 14. The heat exchanger 14 cools the air flow 20 which is
then provided to the evaporator 16 for additional cooling before it
flows to the passenger cabin of the vehicle. From the heat
exchanger 14, coolant flows along line 32 to the valve 22, which is
manipulated by the controller 27 to bypass the engine coolant
system 24 thereby isolating the coolant from the heat generated by
the engine. From the valve 22 the coolant flows along line 34 to
the coolant pump 26 where the coolant flow is pressurized then
provided back to the thermoelectric module 12 along line 28. In
this mode of operation, the thermoelectric module 12 operates for
the first couple minutes to quickly pull down the temperature of
the air flow 20. If the temperature of the air coming into the heat
exchanger 14 is less than the temperature of the air flowing into
the thermoelectric module 12, the thermoelectric module 12 and pump
26 are not operated thereby conserving vehicle energy.
[0026] The system 10 in "engine on" supplemental heating mode is
seen in FIG. 4. In the "engine on" supplemental heating mode, the
thermoelectric module 12 is used in conjunction with the heater
core 18. Using the thermoelectric module 12 in combination with the
heater core 18 provides a faster time to comfort. Warm coolant from
the engine is pumped through the thermoelectric module 12 where
further heat is added. The coolant flows from the thermoelectric
module 12 along line 30 to the heat exchanger 14, upstream of the
heater core 18. The heat exchanger 14 first heats the air flow 20
that is received by the heater core 18. The heater core 18 emits
heat from the engine coolant system 24 to further heat the air flow
20 before it is provided to the passenger cabin of the vehicle.
[0027] Coolant from the heat exchanger 14 is passed along line 32
to the valve 22, which in the supplemental "engine on" heating
mode, allows coolant to return to the engine coolant system along
line 38. The engine coolant system 24 provides heat from the engine
to the coolant, some of which then flows to the heater core 18 and
along line 36 to the valve 22. From the valve 22, the coolant flows
along line 34 through the coolant pump 26 and returns along line 28
to the thermoelectric module 12. If the engine coolant system 24
provides sufficient means for pumping the coolant through the
system, the coolant pump 26 is deactivated in this mode.
Preferably, the thermoelectric module 12 operates for the first
couple of minutes of heat up, and ceases to operate when the
temperature of the coolant from the engine alone reaches the
desired temperature to provide proper passenger cabin heating.
[0028] Now referring to FIG. 5, an "engine off" cooling mode is
provided. The "engine off" cooling mode is used to maintain a
comfortable cabin for a limited amount of time during an idle
engine shutdown. In this mode, the evaporator is non-operative as
the engine has been shut down. The cooling provided by the thermal
inertia in the coolant and the thermoelectric module 12 allows the
engine to shutdown and save fuel, while still allowing the
passenger cabin to be cooled.
[0029] Coolant flows through the thermoelectric module 12 where
heat is removed from the coolant. From the thermoelectric module
12, the coolant flows along line 30 to the heat exchanger 14. Heat
is absorbed by the coolant from the air flow 20 in the heat
exchanger 14. The coolant flows from the heat exchanger 14 along
line 32 to the valve 22. Manipulated by the controller 27 to bypass
the engine coolant system 14, the valve 22 isolates the coolant
from the engine heat. The coolant flows from the valve 22 along
line 34 back to the coolant pump 26, which generates coolant flow
by pressurizing the coolant in the lines. The coolant is then
received back by thermoelectric module 12 along line 28, where heat
is absorbed from the coolant again.
[0030] The controller 27 monitors vehicle speed and braking to
predict if a stop is imminent. If a stop is predicted, regenerating
braking energy from the regenerative braking system 29 is used by
the thermoelectric module 12 to cool the coolant. During the stop,
the thermoelectric module 12 continues to operate to maintain the
cool coolant temperature as heat is added from the cabin.
[0031] Now referring to FIG. 6, an "engine off" heating mode is
schematically shown. The "engine off" heating mode is used to
maintain a comfortable cabin temperature for a limited amount of
time during an idle engine shutdown. The heat provided by the
thermoelectric module 12, the thermal inertia in the coolant, and
the thermal inertia in the engine block allows the system 10 to
heat the cabin of the vehicle while allowing the engine to shutdown
and save fuel.
[0032] In this mode of operation, warm coolant from the engine is
pumped by the coolant pump 26 through the thermoelectric module 12
where heat is added. Coolant flows from the thermoelectric module
12 along line 30 to the heat exchanger 14. In the heat exchanger
14, heat is absorbed by the air flow 20 from the coolant. The
heated air flow 20 is then provided to the heater core 18 where
before the air flow 20 is provided to the cabin, further heat is
absorbed from the coolant provided by the engine coolant system 24,
The cooled coolant then flows from the heat exchanger 14 along line
32 to the valve 22, which is opened to provide the coolant to the
engine coolant system 24. The engine coolant system 24 adds heat
from the engine block to the coolant, which is returned to the
heater core 18 and along line 36 to the valve 22 and the coolant
pump 26. If the engine coolant system 24 has a pump to provide
sufficient coolant pressure through the system 10, the coolant pump
26 is deactivated. From the pump 26, the coolant flows along line
28 back to the thermoelectric module 12 where further heat is
added. In addition, the controller 27 monitors the vehicle speed
and braking to predict if a stop is imminent. If a stop is
predicted, the regenerative braking energy from the regenerative
braking system 29 is used by the thermoelectric module 12 to heat
the coolant. During the stop, the thermoelectric module 12
continues to operate and maintain the warm coolant temperature as
heat is removed from the cabin.
[0033] As a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the
above description is meant as an illustration of implementation of
the principles this invention. This description is not intended to
limit the scope or application of this invention in that the
invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change,
without departing from spirit of this invention, as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *