U.S. patent application number 15/868242 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-31 for air-conditioning system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael Levin, Furqan Zafar Shaikh.
Application Number | 20190331369 15/868242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66096406 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190331369 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Levin; Michael ; et
al. |
October 31, 2019 |
AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Abstract
An air-conditioning system includes first and second PCM
vessels, a heat recovery circuit, and a conduit and valve system.
The heat recover circuit includes a third PCM vessel. The conduit
and valve system operably couples i.) a first heat exchanger to the
first PCM vessel and a radiator, ii.) a second heat exchanger to a
core and the second PCM vessel, and iii.) the heat recovery circuit
to the first heat exchanger.
Inventors: |
Levin; Michael; (Ann Arbor,
MI) ; Shaikh; Furqan Zafar; (Troy, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20190113259 A1 |
April 18, 2019 |
|
|
Family ID: |
66096406 |
Appl. No.: |
15/868242 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62573428 |
Oct 17, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 1/025 20130101;
F25B 17/086 20130101; F25B 17/08 20130101; B60H 1/32014
20190501 |
International
Class: |
F25B 17/08 20060101
F25B017/08 |
Claims
1. An air-conditioning system, comprising: first and second PCM
vessels; a heat recovery circuit comprising a third PCM vessel; and
a conduit and valve system that operably couples: i. a first heat
exchanger to the first PCM vessel and a radiator, ii. a second heat
exchanger to a core and the second PCM vessel, and iii. the heat
recovery circuit to the first heat exchanger, wherein the conduit
and valve system comprises a first valve, a second valve, a third
valve, a fourth valve, a fifth valve, a sixth valve, a seventh
valve, and an eighth valve, and wherein the seventh valve is
downstream of the first PCM vessel and upstream of the radiator and
the eighth valve is downstream of the first PCM vessel, downstream
of the radiator, and upstream of the first pump.
2. The air-conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the first heat
exchanger and the second heat exchanger are housed within a vacuum
enclosure.
3. The air-conditioning system of claim 2, wherein the first heat
exchanger comprises: an adsorption bed for adsorbing a vapor of a
refrigerant; and a first heat exchange conduit that circulates a
first heat exchange fluid through the adsorption bed during a first
mode of operation.
4. The air-conditioning system of claim 3, wherein the adsorption
bed comprises: a plurality of plates that are coated with a
desiccant.
5. The air-conditioning system of claim 4, wherein the first heat
exchange conduit comprises: an inlet end having the first valve;
and an outlet end having the second valve.
6. The air-conditioning system of claim 5, wherein the second heat
exchanger comprises: a refrigerant evaporator/condenser; and a
second heat exchange conduit that circulates a second heat exchange
fluid through the evaporator/condenser during a first mode of
operation.
7. The air-conditioning system of claim 6, wherein the second heat
exchange conduit comprises: an inlet having the third valve; and an
outlet having the fourth valve.
8. The air-conditioning system of claim 7, wherein the fifth valve
is upstream of the core and the sixth valve is downstream of the
second PCM vessel.
9. The air-conditioning system of claim 8, further comprising: a
first pump positioned between the radiator and the vacuum
enclosure; and a second pump positioned between the fifth valve and
the core.
10. (canceled)
11. The air-conditioning system of claim 10, wherein the first heat
exchange fluid bypasses the radiator by being directed through the
first PCM vessel by the seventh and eighth valves until the first
PCM vessel is filled, and wherein when the first PCM vessel is
filled, the first heat exchange fluid is directed through the
radiator by the seventh and eighth valves.
12. The air-conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the
air-conditioning system is installed in a vehicle.
13. The air-conditioning system of claim 9, wherein the heat
recovery circuit further comprises: a heat source; a third pump;
and a third heat exchange fluid that is circulated through the heat
source to capture heat.
14. The air-conditioning system of claim 13, wherein the conduit
and valve system circulates the third heat exchange fluid from the
heat recovery circuit through the first heat exchange conduit
during a second mode of operation such that the refrigerant is
heated and induces desorption at the adsorption bed.
15. An air-conditioning system, comprising: first and second PCM
vessels; a heat recovery circuit comprising a third PCM vessel that
is configured to store heat; and a conduit and valve system that
operably couples: i. a first heat exchanger to the first PCM vessel
and a radiator, wherein a first heat exchange fluid is cooled by at
least one of the first PCM vessel and the radiator, and wherein a
valve is positioned downstream of the first PCM vessel and upstream
of the radiator, ii. a second heat exchanger to a core and the
second PCM vessel, which together are configured to cool a second
heat exchange fluid such that the core provides cooled air, and
iii. the heat recovery circuit to the first heat exchanger.
16. A method of operating an air-conditioning system, comprising
the steps of: circulating a first heat exchange fluid through a
first heat exchanger, a first PCM vessel, and a valve during a
first mode of operation, the valve being positioned between the
first PCM vessel and a radiator; circulating a second heat exchange
fluid through a second heat exchanger, a core, and a second PCM
vessel during the first mode of operation; circulating the first
heat exchange fluid through the first PCM vessel during a second
mode of operation; and circulating a third heat exchange fluid
through a heat recovery circuit that comprises a third PCM vessel
during the second mode of operation.
17. The method of operating an air-conditioning system of claim 16,
wherein the step of circulating a first heat exchange fluid through
a first heat exchanger and a first PCM vessel during a first mode
of operation, further comprises the step of: circulating the first
heat exchange fluid through the radiator once the first PCM vessel
has been filled by adjusting a position of the valve.
18. The method of operating an air-conditioning system of claim 16,
wherein the step of circulating the first heat exchange fluid
through the first PCM vessel during a second mode of operation,
further comprises the step of: circulating the first heat exchange
fluid through the radiator once the first PCM vessel has been
filled by adjusting a position of the valve.
19. The method of operating an air-conditioning system of claim 16,
further comprising the step of: circulating air to be conditioned
through the core during the first mode of operation and the second
mode of operation.
20. The method of operating an air-conditioning system of claim 16,
further comprising the step of: circulating the third heat exchange
fluid from the heat recovery circuit through the first heat
exchanger during the second mode such that the first heat exchanger
and the second heat exchanger are regenerated.
21. The air-conditioning system of claim 15, further comprising: a
separate valve positioned downstream of the first PCM vessel,
downstream of the radiator, and upstream of a first pump.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/573,428 filed Oct. 17, 2017, entitled AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM,
the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an
air-conditioning system. More specifically, the present disclosure
relates to an air-conditioning system for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Air-conditioning systems are utilized by consumers in many
situations to cool their environment. One such situation where
consumers often desire the ability to cool their environment is
when utilizing a vehicle. Vehicles can become uncomfortably hot in
warm weather, particularly when the vehicle sits in the sun for
extended periods of time. Conventional air-conditioning systems
often have a time lag between when the consumer requests cool air
and when the vehicle is able to provide noticeably cooler air.
Additionally, conventional air-conditioning systems often utilize a
belt-driven compressor that can provide additional load to an
engine of the vehicle such that the fuel efficiency is negatively
impacted. Accordingly, there is a need for improved
air-conditioning systems that avoid the negative impact on the fuel
efficiency of the vehicle while simultaneously decreasing the time
lag between when the consumer requests cool air and when the
vehicle is able to provide noticeably cooler air.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an
air-conditioning system includes first and second PCM vessels, a
heat recovery circuit, and a conduit and valve system. The heat
recover circuit includes a third PCM vessel. The conduit and valve
system operably couples i.) a first heat exchanger to the first PCM
vessel and a radiator, ii.) a second heat exchanger to a core and
the second PCM vessel, and iii.) the heat recovery circuit to the
first heat exchanger.
[0005] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0006] the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are
housed within a vacuum enclosure;
[0007] the first heat exchanger includes an adsorption bed for
adsorbing a vapor of a refrigerant and a first heat exchange
conduit that circulates a first heat exchange fluid through the
adsorption bed during a first mode of operation;
[0008] the adsorption bed includes a plurality of plates that are
coated with a desiccant;
[0009] the first heat exchange conduit includes an inlet end with a
first valve and an outlet end with a second valve;
[0010] the second heat exchanger includes a refrigerant
evaporator/condenser and a second heat exchange conduit that
circulates a second heat exchange fluid through the
evaporator/condenser during a first mode of operation;
[0011] the second heat exchange conduit includes an inlet with a
third valve and an outlet with a fourth valve;
[0012] the conduit and valve system includes a fifth valve upstream
of the core and a sixth valve downstream of the second PCM
vessel;
[0013] the air-conditioning system further includes a first pump
positioned between the radiator and the vacuum enclosure and a
second pump positioned between the fifth valve and the core;
[0014] the air-conditioning system further includes a seventh valve
downstream of the first PCM vessel and upstream of the radiator and
an eighth valve downstream of the first PCM vessel, downstream of
the radiator, and upstream of the first pump;
[0015] the first heat exchange fluid bypasses the radiator by being
directed through the first PCM vessel by the seventh and eighth
valves until the first PCM vessel is filled, wherein when the first
PCM vessel is filled, the first heat exchange fluid is directed
through the radiator by the seventh and eighth valves;
[0016] the air-conditioning system is installed in a vehicle;
[0017] the heat recovery circuit further includes a heat source, a
third pump, and a third heat exchange fluid that is circulated
through the heat source to capture heat; and
[0018] the conduit and valve system circulates the third heat
exchange fluid from the heat recovery circuit through the first
heat exchange conduit during a second mode of operation such that
the refrigerant is heated and induces desorption at the adsorption
bed.
[0019] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an
air-conditioning system includes first and second PCM vessels, a
heat recovery circuit, and a conduit and valve system. The heat
recovery circuit includes a third PCM vessel that is configured to
store heat. The conduit and valve system operably couples a first
heat exchanger to the first PCM vessel and a radiator, wherein a
first heat exchange fluid is cooled by at least one of the first
PCM vessel and the radiator, ii.) a second heat exchanger to a core
and the second PCM vessel, which together are configured to cool a
second heat exchange fluid such that the core provides cooled air,
and iii.) the heat recovery circuit to the first heat
exchanger.
[0020] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a
method of operating an air-conditioning system includes the steps
of circulating a first heat exchange fluid through a first heat
exchanger and a first PCM vessel during a first mode of operation;
circulating a second heat exchange fluid through a second heat
exchanger, a core, and a second PCM vessel during the first mode of
operation; circulating the first heat exchange fluid through the
first PCM vessel during a second mode of operation; and circulating
a third heat exchange fluid through a heat recovery circuit that
includes a third PCM vessel during the second mode of
operation.
[0021] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure
can include any one or a combination of the following features:
[0022] the step of circulating a first heat exchange fluid through
a first heat exchanger and a first PCM vessel during a first mode
of operation further includes the step of circulating the first
heat exchange fluid through a radiator once the first PCM vessel
has been filled;
[0023] the step of circulating the first heat exchange fluid
through the first PCM vessel during a second mode of operation
further includes the step of circulating the first heat exchange
fluid through a radiator once the first PCM vessel has been
filled;
[0024] the method of operating an air-conditioning system further
includes the step of circulating air to be conditioned through the
core during the first mode of operation and the second mode of
operation; and
[0025] the method of operating an air-conditioning system further
includes the step of circulating the third heat exchange fluid from
the heat recovery circuit through the first heat exchanger during
the second mode such that the first heat exchanger and the second
heat exchanger are regenerated.
[0026] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an air-conditioning
system;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the air-conditioning
system illustrating an adsorption mode of operation;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the air-conditioning
system illustrating a desorption mode of operation; and
[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the air-conditioning
system illustrating a heating mode of operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0033] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in
combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an
air-conditioning system. Accordingly, the apparatus components and
method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by
conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific
details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the
present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details
that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like
numerals in the description and drawings represent like
elements.
[0034] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of
two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be
employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed
items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described
as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can
contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C
in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in
combination.
[0035] In this document, relational terms, such as first and
second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to
distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action,
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does not include only those elements but may include other elements
not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article,
or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises . . . a" does not,
without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional
identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus
that comprises the element.
[0036] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which schematically
illustrates the air-conditioning system 10 that is the subject
matter of this document. The air-conditioning system 10 includes a
vacuum enclosure 12, a first heat exchanger 14, a second heat
exchanger 16 and a refrigerant 18. The first heat exchanger 14, the
second heat exchanger 16, and the refrigerant 18 are all held in
the vacuum enclosure 12.
[0037] More specifically, the first heat exchanger 14 includes an
adsorption bed for adsorbing and storing refrigerant vapor. That
first heat exchanger 14 may include, for example, a plurality of
plates 22, which may be coated with a desiccant (see FIGS. 2 and
3). The desiccant type may be a zeolite or a metal organic
framework (MOF). Of course, other desiccant types appropriate for
this purpose could be used if desired.
[0038] The second heat exchanger 16 includes a refrigerant
evaporator/condenser which functions as a liquid refrigerant
storage device and depending upon the enclosure pressure and
temperature, condenses vapor or evaporates liquid. As will be
apparent from the following description, the refrigerant 18 goes
back and forth as a vapor and a liquid between the first heat
exchanger 14 and the second heat exchanger 16. In some examples,
the first and second heat exchangers 14, 16 in the vacuum enclosure
12 are not separated by any partition wall in order to minimize
resistance to vapor flow. However, in some alternative examples, a
thermal partition, such as a membrane, is provided within the
vacuum enclosure 12 that separates the first heat exchanger 14 from
the second heat exchanger 16. In examples that provide the thermal
partition, the membrane may allow for vapor flow between the first
and second heat exchangers 14, 16 while preventing heat transfer
from a first side of the membrane to a second side of the membrane.
In one possible embodiment, the refrigerant 18 is water which has a
high latent heat of evaporation. However, it should be appreciated
that other refrigerants could also be used. For example, other
refrigerants include, but are not limited to, ammonia,
methanol-water mixtures, and/or commonly used automotive
refrigerants (e.g., R1234yf).
[0039] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the air-conditioning
system 10 includes a radiator 24 that effectively replaces the
condenser in a conventional vehicle air-conditioning system and a
core 26 that effectively replaces the evaporator in a conventional
vehicle air-conditioning system. The core 26 may be positioned
within an HVAC system of a vehicle (e.g., within ductwork of the
HVAC system). A first phase change material (PCM) vessel 28 is
provided upstream of the radiator 24. The first PCM vessel 28 may
be equipped with a plurality of phase change materials that provide
a plurality of phase changes within a temperature range from about
25.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C. to correspond with the variety
of ambient level heat that may be present when the air-conditioning
system 10 is used. The first PCM vessel 28 may be insulated with a
dual-wall vacuum-gap type insulation. Alternatively, or in
addition, the first PCM vessel 28 may be wrapped with vacuum
insulation panel (VIP) material. As further illustrated, a second
phase change material (PCM) vessel 29 is provided downstream from
the core 26. The second PCM vessel 29 may be equipped with one or
more phase change materials that provide one or more phase changes
in a temperature range from about 5.degree. C. to about 8.degree.
C. such that cool air may be provided when the air-conditioning
system 10 enters a regeneration mode. The air-conditioning system
10 includes a heat recovery circuit 30 that will be described in
greater detail below. The heat recovery circuit 30 may recover heat
from an exhaust system of a vehicle, from traction motors of the
vehicle, from a cooling jacket of an engine (e.g., the fluid
circulated through an engine cooling system), dedicated heaters,
from a cooling jacket of electric motors or heaters, a combination
thereof, and/or any suitable heat source that produces sufficient
heat and is present on or in the vehicle.
[0040] The air-conditioning system 10 may cycle between two modes
of operation. In the first or adsorption/evaporation (AE) mode of
operation illustrated in FIG. 2, the first heat exchange fluid is
circulated by a first pump 23 from either the radiator 24 or the
first PCM vessel 28, where it is cooled, through a first heat
exchange conduit 32 in thermal communication with the first heat
exchanger 14, thereby cooling the first heat exchanger 14 to remove
the heat of adsorption (note action arrows A). The first PCM vessel
28 may bypass the radiator 24, as shown by action arrows K, from
the first PCM vessel 28 to the first pump 23. The first PCM vessel
28 cools the first heat exchange fluid that is circulated by the
first pump 23. In some embodiments, when the first PCM vessel 28 is
"filled" by reaching its capacity for absorbing heat from the first
heat exchange fluid, then the first PCM vessel 28 is bypassed, or
flowed-through, such that the radiator 24 cools the first heat
exchange fluid. The first heat exchange fluid may remain in thermal
communication with the filled (i.e., melted) first PCM vessel 28 as
the first heat exchange fluid moves to the radiator 24 without a
risk of damaging the first PCM vessel 28. In some examples, the
temperature difference (.DELTA.T) between the filled first PCM
vessel 28 and the circulating first heat exchange fluid may be less
than about 50.degree. C., less than about 30.degree. C., less than
about 10.degree. C., and/or combinations and ranges thereof. The
filled first PCM vessel 28 may remain free of risk of overheating
by the heated first heat exchange fluid up to a .DELTA.T of about
100.degree. C. When the vehicle is parked, for example at the end
of the day, the second PCM begins to cool and eventually may
re-freeze and be ready to be utilized again. In some embodiments,
the first PCM vessel 28 may be sufficiently insulated to store the
phase change material in a melted state for the "next start" of the
vehicle and may utilize the stored heat as a way to heat the
vehicle. The cooling of the first heat exchanger 14 reduces the
absolute pressure inside the vacuum enclosure 12 to a range from
about 0.5-1.0 kPa. The reduction in the absolute pressure inside
the vacuum enclosure 12 enables the plates 22, which are coated
with a desiccant, of the first heat exchanger 14 to draw and store
refrigerant vapor.
[0041] In embodiments where the refrigerant 18 is a liquid, the
reduction of the pressure inside the vacuum enclosure 12 to the
saturation pressure level of the refrigerant 18 and the vapor
suctioned by the first heat exchanger 14 produce intense
evaporation (boiling) of the film of refrigerant 18 on the surfaces
of plates 27 of the second heat exchanger 16. The refrigerant vapor
generated in the vacuum enclosure 12 is transported to, and stored
on, the plates 22.
[0042] During the AE mode of operation, a second heat exchange
fluid is circulated by a third pump 42. The second heat exchange
fluid circulates through a second heat exchange conduit 34 of the
second heat exchanger 16, the core 26, and the second PCM vessel 29
(note action arrows B). As a result, the core 26 is cooled to a
temperature range of about 5.degree.-7.degree. C. for heat exchange
with air being circulated through a passenger cabin C of a motor
vehicle by a blower 35 (note action arrows D). The blower 35 may be
a fan, such as an HVAC fan. As a result, the air is cooled and
dehumidified. The second heat exchange fluid is then circulated to
the second PCM vessel 29 where it serves to freeze the phase change
material in the second PCM vessel 29. The second PCM vessel 29 may,
for example, be made of a shell-and-tube construction with the
phase change material filling the tubes and the refrigerant flowing
on the shell side. The heat insulation could be of a dual-wall
vacuum-gap type. Alternatively, or in addition, the second PCM
vessel 29 could be wrapped with vacuum insulation panel (VIP)
material. The second PCM vessel 29 would typically contain 2-4 kg
of phase change material with the latent heat in the 150-350 kJ/kg
range and a melting point in a temperature range from about
4.degree. C. to about 10.degree. C., about 6.degree. C. to about
8.degree. C., and/or combinations thereof.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the second PCM vessel 29 is
located downstream of the core 26. It should be appreciated that
the second PCM vessel 29 could, alternatively, be located upstream
of the core 26 depending upon particular thermal management
requirements. In some embodiments, the core 26 and the second PCM
vessel 29 may be plumbed such that the second PCM vessel 29 may be
selectively made upstream or downstream of the core 26, for
example, by providing a humidity sensor that is referenced to
decide whether to utilize the second. PCM vessel 29 in the upstream
or downstream configuration relative to the core 26. The choice of
having the second PCM vessel 29 upstream or downstream of the core
26 may be beneficial since vehicles are often sold and driven in
various climates. It may be beneficial to have the second PCM
vessel 29 upstream of the core 26 in dry climates while it may be
beneficial to have the second PCM vessel 29 downstream of the core
26 in humid climates. When placed upstream, less or no reheating of
air may be required, as the heat exchange fluid entering the core
26 would be warmer having received some heat from the phase change
material. Additionally, the phase change material may store the
thermal energy quicker when the second PCM vessel 29 is placed
upstream of the core 26 as the phase change material would freeze
faster. However, in humid climates, delaying the freezing of the
phase change material may be preferable.
[0044] In winter or at other appropriate times, the air coming from
the core 26 could be directed to a separate heater core (not shown)
before the air enters the cabin in order to raise the air
temperature to the level of comfort desired by the occupants.
[0045] The core 26 may be constructed similar to automotive heater
cores commonly used for cabin heating. The blower 35 forces air
through the core 26 in thermal communication with the circulating
second heat exchange fluid and then into the cabin C of the vehicle
to provide cooling for the vehicle occupants.
[0046] During the AE mode of operation, a second pump 36 circulates
the third heat exchange fluid in the heat recovery circuit 30,
which may be a closed loop, between a heat source, such as an
exhaust gas heat exchanger 38, and a third phase change material
(PCM) vessel 40 in order to store heat in the phase change material
held in the third PCM vessel 40 (note action arrows E). While the
exhaust gas heat exchanger 38 is described as utilizing the exhaust
system of a vehicle as the source of heat, it is contemplated that
alternative heat sources may be used. The third PCM vessel 40 may
be equipped with a phase change material that melts in a
temperature range of about 60.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C.
For example, the melting point of the phase change material in the
third PCM vessel 40 may be in the range of about 60.degree. C. to
about 80.degree. C., such as 70.degree. C. The heat insulation
utilized in the third PCM vessel may be of a dual-wall vacuum-gap
type. Alternatively, or in addition, the third PCM vessel 40 may be
wrapped with vacuum insulation panel (VIP) material. The third PCM
vessel 40 may be utilized as a heat source for a second or
desorption/condensation (DC) mode.
[0047] In the second or desorption/condensation (DC) mode of
operation illustrated in FIG. 3, the heated third heat exchange
fluid is circulated between the first heat exchange conduit 32 of
the first heat exchanger 14 and the heat recovery circuit 30 (see
action arrows F). The heat from the third exchange fluid causes the
absolute pressure in the vacuum enclosure 12 to rise to within a
range from about 10 kPa to about 14 kPa. The increase in the
absolute pressure in the vacuum enclosure 12 causes the first heat
exchanger 14 to expel refrigerant vapor that condenses on the
surfaces of the plates 27 of the second heat exchanger 16.
Simultaneously, the heat of condensation is removed from the second
heat exchanger 16 by the circulation of the first heat exchange
fluid between the second heat exchange conduit 34 of the second
heat exchanger 16 and the radiator 24 (note action arrows G) where
that heat is rejected to the environment by ambient air (note
action arrow H) through the radiator 24.
[0048] As further illustrated in FIG. 3, in this DC mode of
operation, the second heat exchange fluid is circulated by the
third pump 42 to the core 26 and the second PCM vessel 29 (note
action arrows J). More specifically, the frozen phase change
material in the second PCM vessel 29 cools the second heat exchange
fluid, which is then delivered to the core 26. At the core 26, the
blower 35 pushes air (note action arrows D) through the core 26 in
thermal communication with the second heat exchange fluid thereby
cooling the air, which is then delivered to the cabin C of the
vehicle. As will be appreciated, this allows the uninterrupted
delivery of cold air to the cabin while the first heat exchanger 14
is regenerated to be ready for the next AE mode of the operation
cycle. In one embodiment, the air-conditioning system 10 cycles
between operating modes every 3 to 20 minutes with the time range
being adjusted based on various demand profiles for cooling the
cabin and to maximize the frozen phase change material fraction. By
maximizing the frozen phase change material fraction, it is
possible to maximize the vehicle parking time with the "instant
cold" availability at the next vehicle start. Of course, it will
also be appreciated that the "instant cold" availability time may
be extended by increasing the amount of the phase change material
held in the second PCM vessel 29, using a phase change material
type of a higher latent heat, and/or improving the vessel
insulation.
[0049] A conduit and valve system includes eight valves that may be
referred to as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh,
and eighth valves 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64, respectively.
The conduit and valve system is configured to control the flow of
the three heat exchange fluids as the air-conditioning system 10
cycles through the AE and DC modes of operation. The first valve 50
is provided at the inlet end of the first heat exchange conduit 32
while the second valve 52 is provided at the outlet end of the
first heat exchange conduit 32. The third valve 54 is provided at
the inlet end of the second heat exchange conduit 34 while the
fourth valve 56 is provided at the outlet end of the second heat
exchange conduit 34. The fifth valve 58 is provided upstream of the
core 26 while the sixth valve 60 is provided downstream of the
second PCM vessel 29. Finally, the seventh valve 62 is provided
upstream of the radiator 24 while the eighth valve 64 is provided
downstream of the radiator 24. The seventh valve 62 and the eighth
valve 64 are configured to control flow of the first heat exchange
fluid to or through the first PCM vessel 28 and/or the radiator 24.
As described above, the first PCM vessel 28 may be utilized before
the radiator 24 such that the first heat exchange fluid follows the
path indicated by action arrows K. Once the first PCM vessel 28 has
been "filled," then the seventh valve 62 and the eighth valve 64
can direct the first heat exchange fluid to the radiator 24 for
cooling. Accordingly, the radiator 24 may not be utilized if a
given trip with the vehicle is sufficiently short such that the
first PCM vessel 28 is not filled. Therefore, the energy associated
with operating the radiator 24 and/or an associated radiator fan
may be saved. It is contemplated that in some examples only one of
the seventh valve 62 and the eighth valve 64 may be utilized. For
example, the seventh valve 62 may be utilized while the eighth
valve 64 is omitted. Alternatively, the eighth valve 64 may be
utilized while the seventh valve is omitted.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 4, in addition to the core 26 cooling
the cabin C of the vehicle, the core 26 may also be utilized to
increase the temperature of the cabin C during a heating mode of
operation. During the heating mode, heat produced during adsorption
may be utilized for heating the core 26. In such instances, the air
moved by the blower 35 could be directed through the heated core 26
before it enters the cabin C in order to raise the air temperature
to the level of comfort desired by the occupants. In some
instances, a single core 26 may be used for both heating and
cooling the cabin C. In other examples, the core 26 may include two
separate components that are operably coupled with the first and/or
second heat exchangers 14, 16 to separately cool and heat the cabin
C based on the demands of the occupant.
[0051] Referring further to FIG. 4, the heat recovery circuit 30
may be additionally and selectively (e.g., with a valve) plumbed to
the second heat exchanger 16 and/or the core 26 (see action arrows
L and. M) such that the heat recovery circuit 30 may provide the
second heat exchange fluid and/or the third heat exchange fluid to
the second heat exchanger 16 and/or the core 26. Accordingly, the
core 26 then becomes a heater core rather than an air-conditioning
core. When the core 26 is being operated as a heater core, the
second PCM vessel 29 may be bypassed. The bypass of the second PCM
vessel 29 may be accomplished, for example, by providing an
additional valve between the core 26 and the second PCM vessel 29
or by alternatively positioning the sixth valve 60 between the
second PCM vessel 29 and the core 26 rather than downstream of both
the core 26 and the second PCM vessel 29. When the core 26 is being
utilized as a heater core, the second heat exchanger 16 and/or the
core 26 may be upstream of the first PCM vessel 28 and/or the
radiator 24 such that an "instant heat" feature is available to
occupants of the vehicle. The third PCM vessel 40 may be provided
with sufficient insulation to retain the heat stored therein for
the "next start" (typically about 24 hours) of the vehicle to
provide the instant heat feature. If the core 26 is exceeding a
pre-determined temperature, then the second and/or third heat
exchange fluid may be directed to the first PCM vessel 28 and/or
the radiator 24 to provide some cooling of the second and/or third
heat exchange fluid prior to returning to the heat recovery circuit
30 (see action arrows N and K). Directing the second and/or third
heat exchange fluid to the first PCM vessel 28 and/or the radiator
24 may be controlled, for example, by a thermostat. It is
contemplated that in some environments, it may be difficult to
provide adequate insulation to retain the heat stored in the third
PCM vessel 40 for the next start of the vehicle. In such examples,
it may be beneficial to provide a supplemental heat source (e.g.,
an electric heater) or some other source of heat that may be
utilized immediately upon start-up of the vehicle to heat the
second and/or third heat exchange fluid until the heat recovery
circuit 30 has stored a minimum operating amount of heat (e.g.,
after about 30 seconds). At such a point, the supplemental heat
source may be disengaged, bypassed, and/or flowed-through such that
the heating mode operates as described above.
[0052] In summary, numerous benefits are provided by the
air-conditioning system 10. As will be appreciated, the radiator 24
effectively replaces the air-conditioning condenser used in a
conventional compressor-driven vehicle air-conditioning system
while the core 26 effectively replaces the conventional evaporator.
This eliminates AC accessory loads produced by conventional
compressor-driven AC systems thereby increasing engine power and
fuel economy. Additionally, by storing heat in the phase change
material of the third PCM vessel 40 and cold in the phase change
material of the second PCM vessel 29, the air-conditioning system
10 provides instant heating or cooling as desired to remotely
precondition the air in the passenger cabin C prior to engine
start. Further, by providing the first PCM vessel 28, additional
energy savings may be provided for instances where the first PCM
vessel 28 may be utilized to the exclusion of the utilization of
the radiator 24.
[0053] The air-conditioning system 10 functions to provide a simple
and efficient method for vehicle climate control that may be
broadly described as including the steps of circulating a first
heat exchange fluid through the radiator 24 and the first heat
exchanger 14 of the vacuum enclosure 12 as well as circulating a
second heat exchange fluid through the second heat exchanger 16 (in
the same vacuum enclosure 12), the core 26, and the second PCM
vessel 29 during the AE mode of operation. In contrast, in DC mode
of operation, the method includes circulating the first heat
exchange fluid through the radiator 24 and the second heat
exchanger 16 as well as circulating the second heat exchange fluid
through the core 26 and the second PCM vessel 29.
[0054] The method further includes circulating a third heat
exchange fluid from the heat recovery circuit 30 through the first
heat exchanger 14 of the vacuum enclosure 12 in the DC mode of
operation in order to heat the refrigerant 18 and desorb that which
adsorbed to the first heat exchanger 14 during the AE, mode. As
described, the third heat exchange fluid is continuously circulated
through the exhaust gas heat exchanger 38 and the third PCM vessel
40 by means of the second pump 36 in order to store heat in the
phase change material within the third PCM vessel 40.
[0055] As also previously described, the method includes
circulating air to be conditioned through the core 26 in thermal
communication with the second heat exchange fluid. Advantageously,
the air-conditioning system 10 has only a single pair of heat
exchangers, such as the first heat exchanger 14 and the second heat
exchanger 16, which provides a substantial weight and space savings
over alternative adsorber-based air-conditioning systems that
include multiple adsorber sections (e.g., typically two pairs of
heat exchangers). As also disclosed, the air-conditioning system 10
includes only a single vacuum enclosure 12 wherein the first heat
exchanger 14 is open to the second heat exchanger 16 so as to
always operate at a high efficiency. As a result, the
air-conditioning system 10 can more efficiently and effectively
cool the cabin C of the vehicle for the occupants of the vehicle
while simultaneously allowing the vehicle to be operated with
greater fuel economy.
[0056] The air-conditioning system 10 of the present disclosure may
be utilized in a variety of vehicles. The vehicles may include, but
are not limited to, motor vehicles, wheeled motor vehicles,
internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid-electric vehicles,
plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and
the like. In aspects of the foregoing disclosure, the first,
second, and third heat exchange fluids may each be a different
fluid. Alternatively, the first, second, and third heat exchange
fluids may be the same such that a single type of heat exchange
fluid is utilized in the air-conditioning system 10 (e.g., glycol).
In some embodiments, two of the first, second, and third heat
exchange fluids may be the same while the remaining heat exchange
fluid is different.
[0057] Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled
in the art and to those who make or use the concepts disclosed
herein. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in
the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative
purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure,
which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according
to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of
equivalents.
[0058] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described concepts, and other
components, is not limited to any specific material. Other
exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be
formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise
herein.
[0059] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may
be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in
nature, unless otherwise stated.
[0060] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the
exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or
elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector
or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or
numeral of adjustment positions provided between the elements may
be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies
of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
innovations.
[0061] It will be understood that any described processes, or steps
within described processes, may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes
disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be
construed as limiting.
[0062] It is also to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and
methods without departing from the concepts of the present
disclosure, and further, it is to be understood that such concepts
are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless these
claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise.
* * * * *