EP1866174A1

EP1866174A1 - Auxiliary air-conditioning module for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP1866174A1
Application number: EP05850152A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Krämer; Noureddine Khelifa
Original assignee: Webasto SE
Current assignee: Webasto SE
Priority date: 2005-01-14
Filing date: 2005-12-13
Publication date: 2007-12-19
Also published as: DE102005001901A1; KR20070111477A; WO2006074623A1; CN101142101A

Abstract

The invention relates to an auxiliary air-conditioning module (10) for a motor vehicle (12), particularly for a goods-carrying vehicle (12), comprising a latent cold accumulator (14) that is designed for being charged via a compression cooling circuit (16) and discharged via a heat transfer circuit (18), and comprising a heat transfer/air heat exchanger (20) with which cold can be transferred from the heat transfer medium of the heat transfer circuit (18) to air (22) to be cooled. The dimensions of the auxiliary air-conditioning module (10) have a greatest length L and the center of gravity S of the auxiliary air-conditioning module (10) is located approximately in the vicinity of the middle of the greatest length L. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (12), particularly a goods-carrying vehicle (12) equipped with an auxiliary air-conditioning module (10).

Description

Stand air conditioning module for a motor vehicle

The invention relates to a stationary air conditioning module for a motor vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle which is equipped with a stationary air conditioning module.

The air conditioning or cooling of passenger compartments or cabs of vehicles in the state is becoming increasingly important due to the growing comfort demands of the occupants, in which case the use of the engine power of the vehicle is not allowed due to statutory provisions or environmentally ineffective. Furthermore, the operation of the drive motor of the vehicle to ensure the cooling function, especially during the night (sleeper) will lead to a shortening of the life of the unit.

In connection with the stationary air conditioning of motor vehicle interiors, different approaches have been pursued or realized so far.

The invention relates generally to conditioning operation suitable for air conditioning systems, which operate on the basis of a thermal cold accumulator, in particular based on a latent cold accumulator. Compared to storage with the exclusive use of sensitive cold Latentkältespeicher have the advantage, in addition to the sensible cold the "latent cold" at phase transformation solid-liquid exploit and therefore show a higher energy density and minimal memory losses. The Latentkältespeicher is loaded while driving and discharged in the state. Such air conditioning systems can either be acted upon or charged by a refrigeration unit already present in the vehicle or by a separate refrigeration unit while driving with the cold. It is also possible to charge the latent cold store with the aid of electrical energy when the drive motor is at a standstill, provided that a corresponding power connection is present.

The previously proposed latent cold storage devices generally have a cubic or cuboidal geometry and are intended to be accommodated at a location of the motor vehicle where they disturb as little as possible, for example under the driver's seat or the like. The cold is discharged in such systems via a heat carrier circuit from the latent cold storage and transferred via a heat exchanger to the air to be cooled.

In such systems relatively long heat transfer medium lines between the latent cold storage and the heat exchanger are required, which can lead to high losses. If longer air ducts are used instead of long heat transfer medium lines, these lead to pressure losses. Furthermore, an arrangement of the latent cold storage under the driver's seat, for example, leads to an uneven distribution of weight in the cabin, which under certain circumstances can have a disadvantageous effect on the driving behavior. The invention has for its object to provide a stationary air conditioning module for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with a stationary air conditioning module, in which the above-described problems are avoided.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention düng result from the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a stationary air conditioning module for a motor vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, comprising:

a latent cold storage which is designed to be loaded via a compression refrigeration cycle and discharged via a heat carrier circuit, and

a heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger, with which cold can be transferred from the heat transfer medium of the heat transfer medium circulation to air to be cooled,

wherein the geometry of the stationary air conditioning module has a maximum length L and the center of gravity S of the stationary air conditioning module is at least approximately in the region of the middle of the largest length L.

Because at least the latent cold storage and the heat transfer / air heat exchanger are integrated in one module, the cold can be generated where it is needed becomes. That is, it occur due to the short heat transfer medium lines low losses, in particular, brine can serve as a heat transfer medium in the case of a liquid heat transfer medium. The air ducts can be kept short, which is why the pressure losses are low. By integrating the components in a stationary air conditioning module, the required installation space can be minimized overall. Due to the fact that the center of gravity of the stationary air conditioning module is at least approximately in the middle of the greatest length, the stationary air conditioning module can advantageously be arranged transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle so that a uniform weight distribution results in the cabin. For example, the stationary air conditioning module can be arranged in a particularly advantageous manner on the rear wall of a driver's cab, as will be explained in more detail later. In this context, it is useful that the stationary air conditioning module is flat, that is, the length to depth ratio is very large.

In certain embodiments of the stationary air conditioning module according to the invention can be provided that the heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger is arranged with respect to the largest length L approximately in the middle of Latentkältespeichers. In particular, when the latent cold storage has a uniform elongated shape, such an arrangement of the heat transfer / air heat exchanger leads to a symmetrical weight distribution. Furthermore, this arrangement makes it possible in many cases that the air ducts can also be arranged symmetrically. Alternatively, it is also possible that the heat carrier / air heat exchanger is arranged between a first latent cold storage section and a second latent cold storage section. The two Latentkältespeicherab- sections can be formed by two separate Latentkältespeicher, which are connected by appropriate lines in a suitable form. Such an arrangement of the components also leads to a symmetrical weight distribution and to short line lengths.

If the other components of the stationary air conditioning module are evenly distributed with respect to the masses, it is preferred in the context explained above that the first latent cold storage section and the second latent cold storage section have at least approximately the same mass. If the other components of the stationary air-conditioning module are not uniformly distributed in terms of their masses, the symmetry can optionally be restored by virtue of the fact that the first cold-storage section and the second cold-storage section have different masses. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the production of different latent cold storage sections is associated with higher costs.

Furthermore, it is preferred for the stationary air conditioning module according to the invention that it comprises air guidance means for guiding cooled air. For example, the heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger can be arranged above the latent cold storage tank and below the air ducting means, resulting in a particularly compact construction of the auxiliary air conditioning module. The stationary air conditioning module according to the invention can be developed in an advantageous manner in that it comprises an expansion valve device. This solution is advantageous in order to initiate the expansion process, and thus the cooling, in the immediate vicinity of the latent cold storage.

Furthermore, it may be provided in connection with the stationary air conditioning module according to the invention that it comprises a heat transfer medium pump. An integration of the already required heat transfer medium pump in the stationary air conditioning module according to the invention increases its compactness and leads to very short heat transfer medium lines and thus to low losses.

In the stationary air conditioning module according to the invention, moreover, it can be provided that it comprises a heat carrier compensating tank. This solution also contributes to the compactness and completeness of the stationary air conditioning module according to the invention. Generally, it is considered advantageous to integrate as many of the required components in the stationary air conditioning module, as this can be preassembled practically finished, so that the installation in the vehicle can be done easily and quickly.

Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are characterized in that the latent cold storage has at least partially filled with a cold storage medium matrix. The matrix can advantageously form a plate or a package, the For example, dimensions of (900 mm or 108 mm or 1600 mm) x 500 mm x 80 mm may have. Including the required isolation, using a corresponding number of plates, the following overall dimensions of the memory can result: (1300 mm or 1480 mm or 1640 mm) x 540 mm x 128 mm.

It can be provided that the matrix is a graphite matrix or a metal foam matrix. Graphite is a stable material that can accumulate a lot of water on its inner surface. The maximum load is 5.7 kg water / kg graphite. On the one hand, the basic material graphite significantly improves the heat conduction in the storage tank, thus ensuring effective charging dynamics and a controlled cooling capacity when unloading the storage tank. On the other hand, graphite absorbs the volume expansion of the water. A deformation of the storage container does not occur because of existing cavities. Also, metal foams can be used; These can be filled in a simpler manner compared to the filling of a graphite matrix with water.

As already indicated above, it is preferred that the cold storage medium is at least partially formed by water. In particular solutions come into consideration, in which the cold storage medium is formed by pure water. For example, the mass of graphite is relatively small compared to the mass of water, so that the energy density is determined primarily by the latent coldness of the water. A particularly preferred embodiment of the stationary air conditioning module according to the invention is characterized in that it is intended to be arranged on the rear wall of a driver's cab of the motor vehicle. This mounting position has a number of advantages and is particularly possible if the entire module is designed flat. For example, the couch is usually arranged in the region of the rear wall of the driver's cab, so that the sleeping space can be supplied via the stationary air conditioning module in a simple manner, the cool air. If the center of gravity of the stationary air conditioning module according to the invention is located in the middle with respect to the greatest length, and the largest length corresponds approximately to the vehicle width or the cabin width, such an arrangement of the stationary air conditioning module leads to an optimal weight distribution.

It is considered, for example, as particularly advantageous that extending in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle depth T of the stationary air conditioning module is less than 20 cm, and preferably less than 15 cm.

According to a second basic concept, the present invention provides a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, which has a stationary air conditioning module, in particular a stationary air conditioning module according to one of the preceding claims, with a latent cold storage, which is designed to be loaded via a compression refrigeration cycle and discharged via a heat carrier circuit be, and with a heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger, with the cold of the

Heat transfer medium of the heat carrier circuit can be transferred to be cooled air, wherein the heavy point S of the stationary air conditioning module is at least approximately in the middle of the vehicle width B. As a result, the properties and advantages explained in connection with the stationary climate control module according to the invention result in the same or similar manner, for which reason reference is made to the corresponding explanations in order to avoid repetition.

The same applies mutatis mutandis to the following preferred Ausführungsforraen of the motor vehicle according to the invention, to avoid repetition in this regard, reference is made to the corresponding statements in connection with the stationary air conditioning module according to the invention.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the inventive motor vehicle is provided that the stationary air conditioning module is arranged transversely to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle on the rear wall of a driver's cab of the motor vehicle.

It is considered particularly advantageous that the extending in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle depth T of the stationary air conditioning module is less than 15 cm, and preferably less than 10 cm.

Although a configuration of the stationary air-conditioning module which is as symmetrical as possible with regard to the type of construction is preferred, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that the center of gravity need not lie exactly in the middle, but that the advantages according to the invention also arise if In this regard, there are minor deviations, for example, of 10 percent.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred embodiments.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 2a to 2c show different views of a first embodiment of the auxiliary air conditioning module according to the invention in a schematic representation;

3a to 3c different views of a second embodiment of the stationary air conditioning module according to the invention in a schematic representation;

FIGS. 4a to 4c show various views of a third embodiment of the stationary climate control module according to the invention in a schematic representation;

FIG. 5 a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the stationary air-conditioning module according to the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a practical embodiment of the stationary air conditioning module of Figure 5;

Figure 7a is a schematic representation of a

Embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention; and

FIG. 7b shows the rear wall of the driver's cab of the vehicle of FIG. 7a.

In the figures, the same or similar components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals throughout, with the same or similar components to avoid fertilizing repetitions are partially explained only once.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principles of the present invention. All the components shown in FIG. 1 of the auxiliary climate control module, which is designated as a whole by 10, are combined as compactly as possible into a module in practical implementations, for example in a similar manner as will be explained in greater detail below with reference to FIG. The stationary air conditioning module 10 has a latent cold storage 14, which is designed to be loaded via a schematically indicated compression refrigeration cycle 16 with cold. The compression refrigeration cycle can be a compression refrigeration cycle already present in the motor vehicle with a compressor driven by the drive motor. In principle, however, it is also possible that the compression refrigeration cycle 16 a separate circuit that has, for example, an electrically operated compressor. The use of hybrid compressors is basically possible. The compression refrigeration cycle 16 has an expansion valve 28 arranged immediately adjacent to the latent cold storage 14, so that the cooling caused by the expansion of the compressed refrigerant can be effectively used to charge the latent cold storage 14 (possible routing within the latent cold storage 14 will be discussed below with particular reference to FIGS 4 explained in more detail). Furthermore, a heat transfer circuit 18 is provided, via which the latent cold storage 14 can be discharged. The heat carrier circuit 18 includes a heat transfer medium pump 30 and a heat transfer / air heat exchanger 20. By the operation of a blower 42 is

Air sucked through the heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger 20, wherein the air passes through the heat transfer medium / air

Heat exchanger 20 is cooled and finally as abge-

■ cooled air 26 is available. As indicated by the corresponding arrows, the cooled air

26 distributed by not shown in Figure 1 air guide means in the form of air ducts on different air outlets. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the structure of the stationary air-conditioning module 10 is largely symmetrical. The geometry of the stationary air conditioning module 10, which is intended to be installed transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle, in this case has a maximum length L. Due to the symmetrical structure, it follows that the center of gravity S of the stationary air-conditioning module 10 is at least approximately in the region of the center of the greatest length L. If the greatest length L corresponds approximately to the width of a vehicle cabin, this structure of the stand air conditioning module 10 to an optimal symmetrical weight distribution.

FIGS. 2a to 2c show various views of a first embodiment of the auxiliary air conditioning module 10 according to the invention in a schematic representation. FIG. 2a shows a front view, FIG. 2b shows a side view and FIG. 2c shows a view from below. The basic construction of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to that of FIG. 1, for which reason reference is made to the corresponding explanations. In the figures 2b and 2c, however, the actual structure of the latent cold accumulator 14 is shown in more detail. The latent cold storage 14 consists essentially of four graphite plates 44, which are traversed by a refrigerant heat exchanger 46 forming flat lines and a heat transfer medium heat exchanger 48 forming lines. The lines forming the refrigerant heat exchanger 46 and the lines forming the heat transfer medium heat exchanger 48 are arranged alternately and adjacent to one another, as shown in FIG. 2c. The corresponding lines are essentially U-shaped, with the legs of the U in the embodiment according to FIG. 2b running essentially perpendicular to the intended installation position.

Figures 3a to 3c show various views of a second embodiment of the stationary air conditioning module 10 according to the invention in a schematic representation. The embodiment according to FIG. 3 differs from the embodiment according to FIG. 2 in that the connections for the compression refrigeration cycle 16 and the heat transfer medium circuit 18 are both led out on the same side of Latentkältespeichers 14, wherein the heat carrier / air heat exchanger 20 is still arranged symmetrically. The lateral lead out of the corresponding connections is particularly advantageous if the legs of the U-shaped lines forming the refrigerant heat exchanger 46 and the heat transfer medium heat exchanger 48, based on the intended installation position, extend horizontally, as the side view of Figure 3b relationship - As the bottom view according to Figure 3c can be seen.

FIGS. 4a to 4c show various views of a third embodiment of the auxiliary air conditioning module 10 according to the invention in a schematic representation. 4 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of FIG. 3, as can be seen in particular from the side view of FIG. 4b and the view from below according to FIG. 4c. However, in this case, the connections for the refrigeration circuit 16 and the heat carrier circuit 18 are led out on different sides of the latent cold accumulator 14, which can contribute to a particularly uniform mass distribution.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the auxiliary climate control module 10 according to the invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the latent cold storage 14 is formed by a first latent cold storage section 14a and a second latent cold storage section 14b. The first latent cold storage section 14a and the second latent cold storage section Section 14b are connected in parallel with respect to the compression refrigeration cycle 16 and in series with respect to the heat carrier circuit 18. The preferably symmetrical division of the latent cold accumulator 14 into two cold accumulator storage sections 14a, 14b makes it possible for the heat carrier / air heat exchanger 20 to be arranged between the first latent refrigeration accumulator section 14a and the second latent refrigeration accumulator section 14b, so that in addition to the required structural depth also the required construction - height can be further minimized. The symmetry is favored by the fact that the heat transfer medium pump 30 is arranged on the other side of the stationary air conditioning module 10, as a heat carrier surge tank 32. Since the dew point of the circulating air 22 to be cooled is higher than the temperature of the cooling fins of the heat transfer / air heat exchanger 20 During operation, water will condense on these cooling fins. For this reason, a condensate tray 50 is provided, from which the condensate can preferably be guided to the outside via a flow channel, not shown.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a practical embodiment of the auxiliary climate control module 10 of FIG. 5. In the extremely compactly constructed auxiliary climate module 10, all components are fastened to a support frame 54, which is provided with suitable fastening means 56 via which the auxiliary climate control module 10 on the rear wall a driver's cab can be attached. In particular, the support frame 54 supports a first latent cold storage section 14a and a second latent cold storage section 14b. The second latent cold storage section 14b is shown without a cover, so that the in this case serpentine structure of the refrigerant heat exchanger 46 and the heat transfer medium heat exchanger 48 can be seen. Between the first latent cold storage section 14a and the second latent cold storage section 14b, a heat carrier / air heat exchanger 20 is arranged. A cover, not shown in FIG. 6, seals the region above the heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger 20 in the completely assembled state such that a fan 42 can suck air to be cooled through the heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger 20, below which a condensation water tray 50 is arranged. The cooled air exiting from the heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger 20 is forwarded via air guide means 24 in the form of a flat air duct with corresponding outlets, so that the cool air can be distributed over the entire width of the motor vehicle. On the right side of the stationary air-conditioning module 10, a heat transfer pump 30 is arranged, while a heat transfer medium expansion tank 32 is provided on the left side. The symmetrical mass distribution of the stationary air conditioning module 10 shows that its

Center of gravity S is approximately in the middle of the largest length L, which leads to an optimal weight distribution in the case of symmetrical installation on the rear wall of the driver's cab. It is clear that the booth air conditioning module 10 shown in Figure 6 is preferably equipped with a fairing, not shown, for optical reasons, or that the cowl of the driver's cab takes over this task.

FIG. 7 a shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the motor vehicle 12 according to the invention. In this case, an embodiment of the stationary air conditioner according to the invention is shown. The inventive concept makes it possible that the depth T of the stationary air-conditioning module extending in the direction of travel is very small and, for example, is less than 15 cm.

FIG. 7b shows the rear wall 36 of the driver's cab 38 of the vehicle 12 of FIG. 7a. As can be seen from the illustration of FIG. 7b, the center of gravity S of the stationary air-conditioning module 10 is located both in the middle of the largest length L of the stationary air-conditioning system 10 and in the middle (B / 2) of the width of the rear wall 36 optimal weight distribution is achieved. In addition to the air outlets 24, a control panel 52 is provided in the paneled front of the stationary air conditioning module 10, with which the driver can control at least some of the functions of the stationary air conditioning module 10.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential to the realization of the invention both individually and in any combination.

List of reference numbers:

10 stationary air conditioning module 12 motor vehicle / commercial vehicle

14 latent cold storage

14a latent cold storage section

14b latent cold storage section

16 Compression refrigeration cycle 18 Heat transfer circuit

20 heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger 22 air

24 air conduction means

26 air 28 expansion valve device

30 heat transfer medium pump

32 heat carrier expansion tank

36 rear wall

38 driver's cab 40 lounger

42 blowers

44 matrix / graphite plate

46 refrigerant heat exchangers

48 Heat transfer medium heat exchanger 50 Condensation tank

52 control panel

54 Carrier frame

56 fasteners

Claims

1. stationary air conditioning module (10) for a motor vehicle (12), in particular for a commercial vehicle (12), with:

a latent cold storage (14) which is adapted to be loaded via a compression refrigeration cycle (16) and discharged via a heat carrier circuit (18), and

a heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger (20), with which cold air can be transferred from the heat transfer medium of the heat transfer medium circuit (18) to air (22) to be cooled,

wherein the geometry of the stationary air conditioning module (10) has a maximum length L and the center of gravity S of the stationary air conditioning module (10) is at least approximately in the region of the center of the largest length L.

2. stationary air conditioning module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat carrier / air heat exchanger (20) is arranged with respect to the largest length L approximately in the middle of the latent cold accumulator (14).

3. stationary air conditioning module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat carrier / air heat exchanger shear (20) between a first Latentkältespeicherabschnitt (14a) and a second Latentkältespeicherabschnitt (14b) is arranged.

4. air conditioning module (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first Latentkältespeicherabschnitt (14a) and the second Latentkältespeicherabschnitt (14b) have at least approximately the same mass.

5. stationary air conditioning module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises air guide means (24) for guiding cooled air (26).

6. stationary air conditioning module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an expansion valve means (28).

7. stationary air conditioning module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a

Includes heat transfer medium pump (30).

8. stationary air conditioning module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a heat carrier expansion tank (32).

9. stationary air conditioning module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latent cold storage (14) has an at least partially filled with a cold storage medium matrix (44).

10. air conditioning module (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the matrix (44) is a graphite matrix or a metal foam matrix.

11 stationary air conditioning module (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the cold storage medium is at least partially formed by water.

12. stationary air conditioning module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is intended to be arranged on the rear wall (36) of a driver's cab (38) of the motor vehicle (12).

13 stationary air conditioning module (10) according to claim 12, character- ized in that in the direction of travel of

Motor vehicle extending depth T of the stationary air conditioning module (10) is less than 20 cm and preferably less than 15 cm.

14. motor vehicle (12), in particular utility vehicle (12), the a stationary air conditioning module (10), in particular a stationary air conditioning module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, with a latent cold storage (14) which is adapted via a compression refrigeration cycle (16) loaded and discharged via a heat carrier circuit (18), and with a heat transfer medium / air heat exchanger (20), with the cold from the heat transfer medium of the heat carrier circuit (18) to be cooled air (22) can be transmitted, wherein the Center of gravity S of the stationary air conditioning module (10) is at least approximately in the middle of the vehicle width B.

15. Motor vehicle (12) according to claim 14, characterized in that the stationary air conditioning module (10) is arranged transversely to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle (12) on the rear wall (36) of a driver's cab (38) of the motor vehicle (12).

16. Motor vehicle (12) according to claim 14, characterized in that extending in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle (12) extending depth T of the stationary air conditioning module (10) is less than 15 cm and preferably less than 10 cm.