US20040093882A1 - Heating, venting, and air conditioning system for providing supplemental heat in a vehicle - Google Patents
Heating, venting, and air conditioning system for providing supplemental heat in a vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- US20040093882A1 US20040093882A1 US10/299,344 US29934402A US2004093882A1 US 20040093882 A1 US20040093882 A1 US 20040093882A1 US 29934402 A US29934402 A US 29934402A US 2004093882 A1 US2004093882 A1 US 2004093882A1
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- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- engine
- heat exchanger
- pump
- outlet
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/02—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant
- B60H1/03—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant and from a source other than the propulsion plant
- B60H1/032—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant and from a source other than the propulsion plant from the cooling liquid of the propulsion plant and from a burner
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00642—Control systems or circuits; Control members or indication devices for heating, cooling or ventilating devices
- B60H1/00814—Control systems or circuits characterised by their output, for controlling particular components of the heating, cooling or ventilating installation
- B60H1/00878—Control systems or circuits characterised by their output, for controlling particular components of the heating, cooling or ventilating installation the components being temperature regulating devices
- B60H1/00885—Controlling the flow of heating or cooling liquid, e.g. valves or pumps
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/02—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant
- B60H1/14—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant otherwise than from cooling liquid of the plant, e.g. heat from the grease oil, the brakes, the transmission unit
- B60H1/143—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant otherwise than from cooling liquid of the plant, e.g. heat from the grease oil, the brakes, the transmission unit the heat being derived from cooling an electric component, e.g. electric motors, electric circuits, fuel cells or batteries
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P7/00—Controlling of coolant flow
- F01P7/14—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid
- F01P7/16—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid by thermostatic control
- F01P7/165—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid by thermostatic control characterised by systems with two or more loops
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/0663—Details on the fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
- F02D19/0668—Treating or cleaning means; Fuel filters
- F02D19/0671—Means to generate or modify a fuel, e.g. reformers, electrolytic cells or membranes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H2001/3286—Constructional features
- B60H2001/3288—Additional heat source
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P5/00—Pumping cooling-air or liquid coolants
- F01P5/10—Pumping liquid coolant; Arrangements of coolant pumps
- F01P2005/105—Using two or more pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2025/00—Measuring
- F01P2025/08—Temperature
- F01P2025/13—Ambient temperature
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2025/00—Measuring
- F01P2025/08—Temperature
- F01P2025/30—Engine incoming fluid temperature
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2060/00—Cooling circuits using auxiliaries
- F01P2060/08—Cabin heater
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P2060/00—Cooling circuits using auxiliaries
- F01P2060/10—Fuel manifold
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
- Y02T10/30—Use of alternative fuels, e.g. biofuels
Definitions
- the subject invention generally relates to a heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle or power system.
- HVAC heating, venting, and air conditioning
- the subject invention also relates to a powertrain cooling (PTC) system for a vehicle or power system and also to an emission control system of an internal combustion engine.
- the HVAC system provides supplemental heat to a passenger compartment and to an engine of the vehicle, and the PTC system provides necessary cooling of various powertrain components, such as the engine and the transmission.
- HVAC systems are known in the art.
- a prior art HVAC system is generally disclosed in FIG. 1 at 10 .
- HVAC systems are used to heat and cool a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and also to cool an engine 12 of the vehicle during operation.
- the HVAC system 10 disclosed in FIG. 1, and other conventional HVAC systems include a first heat exchanger 14 , or radiator, a second heat exchanger 16 , or heater core, and a pump 18 .
- Conventional HVAC systems 10 also include a first fluid circuit 15 between the pump 18 and the first heat exchanger 14 , and a second fluid circuit 17 between the pump 18 and the second heat exchanger 16 .
- the pump 18 which is typically a mechanical, belt-driven pump that is operatively connected to a crankshaft of the engine 12 , circulates a fluid from the pump 18 , through the engine 12 , into the radiator 14 , and back to the pump 18 .
- the heater core 16 is utilized to heat the passenger compartment, the fluid from the engine 12 circulates through the heater core 16 and back to the pump 18 .
- HVAC heating, venting, and air conditioning
- the HVAC system provides supplemental heat in a vehicle, specifically to a passenger compartment and to an engine of the vehicle.
- the HVAC system of the subject invention includes at least one pump, and first and second heat exchangers.
- the pump circulates a fluid through the engine and throughout the system.
- the first and second heat exchangers are in fluid communication with the pump for transferring heat from the fluid.
- the HVAC system also includes a first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit.
- the first fluid circuit is defined between the first heat exchanger and the pump. As such, the first fluid circuit cools the fluid upon circulation of the fluid through the first heat exchanger after the fluid circulates through the engine to cool the engine.
- the second fluid circuit is defined between the second heat exchanger and the pump. As such, the second fluid circuit heats the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The second fluid circuit also cools the fluid upon circulation of the fluid through the second heat exchanger after the fluid circulates through the engine to cool the engine.
- the HVAC system of the subject invention also includes a reformer assembly.
- the reformer assembly converts a hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel of the vehicle into a hydrogen-containing reformate.
- the reformer assembly generates heat upon the conversion of the fuel into the reformate.
- the reformer assembly is also in fluid communication with the pump.
- a third fluid circuit is defined between the reformer assembly and the pump.
- This third fluid circuit is interconnected with the second heat exchanger.
- the third fluid circuit provides supplemental heat to the passenger compartment through the second heat exchanger due to the heat that is generated in the reformer assembly upon the conversion of the fuel into the reformate.
- This third fluid circuit also provides supplemental heat to the engine due to the heat that is generated in the reformer assembly upon the conversion.
- the subject invention provides a HVAC system for a vehicle that utilizes heat generated in a reformer assembly to supply heat in the vehicle.
- the HVAC system of the subject invention provides supplemental heat to a passenger compartment of the vehicle thereby increasing the comfort of any occupants of the vehicle.
- the HVAC system of the subject invention also provides reformate and supplemental heat to an engine and/or an exhaust catalyst of the vehicle thereby improving the emission performance of the vehicle, improving durability of the engine by reducing friction of engine components, and improving fuel economy.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art heating, venting, and air conditioning system (HVAC) for a vehicle including a first heat exchanger, or radiator, a second heat exchanger, or heater core, and a pump;
- HVAC heating, venting, and air conditioning system
- FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a HVAC system of the subject invention including the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the pump, and a reformer assembly and illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to a passenger compartment of the vehicle;
- FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the HVAC system disclosed in FIG. 2A illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to an engine of the vehicle;
- FIG. 2C is a schematic view of the HVAC system disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to the engine of the vehicle while cooling the reformer assembly;
- FIG. 3A is a schematic view of an alternative HVAC system of the subject invention including the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the pump, and the reformer assembly and illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to the passenger compartment of the vehicle;
- FIG. 3B is a schematic view of the alternative HVAC system disclosed in FIG. 3A illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to the engine of the vehicle;
- FIG. 3C is a schematic view of the alternative HVAC system disclosed in FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to the engine of the vehicle while cooling the reformer assembly;
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a query sequence for controlling the alternative HVAC system that is associated with the schematic view disclosed in FIG. 3A;
- FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating a query sequence for controlling the alternative HVAC system that is associated with FIG. 3B;
- FIG. 5B is a flow diagram illustrating a query sequence for controlling the alternative HVAC system that is associated with FIG. 3B;
- FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a query sequence for controlling the alternative HVAC system that is associated with FIG. 3C.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the reformer assembly relative to an intake manifold and a catalytic converter of the vehicle.
- HVAC heating, venting, and air conditioning
- the HVAC system 20 provides supplemental heat in a vehicle. More specifically, the HVAC system 20 of the subject invention provides supplemental heat to a passenger compartment and also to an engine 22 of the vehicle. In addition to the passenger compartment and the engine 22 , the vehicle also include an intake manifold 23 and a catalytic converter 25 .
- the intake manifold 23 and the catalytic converter 25 are represented schematically in FIG. 7.
- the HVAC system 20 includes at least one pump 24 , a first heat exchanger 26 , a second heat exchanger 28 , a reformer assembly 30 , and first 32 , second 34 , and third 36 fluid circuits.
- the first heat exchanger 26 is commonly referred to as a radiator 26
- the second heat exchanger 28 is commonly referred to as a heater core 28 .
- the first heat exchanger 26 is hereinafter referred to as the radiator 26
- the second heat exchanger 28 is hereinafter referred to as the heater core 28 .
- the radiator 26 and the heater core 28 are in fluid communication with the pump 24 to transfer heat from a fluid circulated by the pump 24 .
- the pump 24 includes a pump inlet and a pump outlet, and the engine 22 includes an engine fluid inlet 38 and first and second engine fluid outlets 40 , 42 .
- the second engine fluid outlet 42 is interconnected with both the second and third fluid circuits 34 , 36 as described below.
- the pump outlet is in fluid communication with the engine fluid inlet 38 to circulate fluid into and through the engine 22
- the first and second engine fluid outlets 40 , 42 are in fluid communication, indirectly, with the pump inlet through the radiator 26 , the heater core 28 , and the reformer assembly 30 for receiving the fluid that has been circulated through the engine 22 .
- the radiator 26 includes a fluid inlet and outlet
- the heater core 28 includes a fluid inlet and outlet
- the reformer assembly 30 includes a fluid inlet and outlet. All of these fluid inlets and outlets are represented schematically throughout the Figures and have not been numbered in the Figures for clarification purposes.
- the pump 24 circulates the fluid through the engine 22 and throughout the HVAC system 20 .
- the pump inlet receives the fluid after the fluid has been circulated through the engine 22
- the pump outlet circulates the fluid through the engine 22 and throughout the HVAC system 20 .
- the pump inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the radiator 26 and the pump outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the radiator 26 after the fluid circulates through the engine 22 .
- the pump inlet is also in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the heater core 28 and the pump outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the heater core 28 after the fluid circulates through the engine 22 .
- the pump inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 and the pump outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the reformer assembly 30 after the fluid circulates through the engine 22 .
- the at least one pump 24 is further defined as a main pump 44 and an auxiliary pump 46 .
- the main pump 44 circulates the fluid through the engine 22 and throughout the first and second fluid circuits 32 , 34
- the auxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid throughout the third fluid circuit 36 into the heater core 28 .
- the main pump 44 can be a mechanical pump and the auxiliary pump 46 can be an electric pump.
- the main pump 44 can be an electric pump and auxiliary pump 46 can also be a separate electric pump.
- the main pump 44 which is an electric pump then circulates the fluid through the engine 22 and throughout the first and second fluid circuits 32 , 34 and also circulates the fluid throughout the third fluid circuit 36 and to the heater core 28 .
- the HVAC system 20 also includes the first fluid circuit 32 and the second fluid circuit 34 .
- the first fluid circuit 32 is defined between the radiator 26 and the pump 24 .
- the first fluid circuit 32 is more specifically defined between the pump outlet, through the engine fluid inlet 38 , through the engine 22 itself, through the first engine fluid outlet 40 , through the fluid inlet of the radiator 26 , through the radiator 26 itself, through the fluid outlet of the radiator 26 , and to the pump inlet.
- the first fluid circuit 32 cools the fluid upon circulation of the fluid through the radiator 26 after the fluid has circulated through the engine 22 to cool the engine 22 .
- the second fluid circuit 34 is defined between the heater core 28 and the pump 24 .
- the second fluid circuit 34 is more specifically defined between the pump outlet, through the engine fluid inlet 38 , through the engine 22 itself, through the second engine fluid outlet 42 , through the fluid inlet of the heater core 28 , through the heater core 28 itself, through the fluid outlet of the heater core 28 , and to the pump inlet.
- the second fluid circuit 34 heats the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
- the second fluid circuit 34 also cools the fluid upon circulation of the fluid through the heater core 28 after the fluid circulates through the engine 22 to cool the engine 22 .
- the HVAC system 20 of the subject invention also includes the reformer assembly 30 , which is in fluid communication with the pump 24 , and the third fluid circuit 36 .
- the reformer assembly 30 enables low vehicle emissions with internal combustion engines by converting the hydrocarbon (HC) fuel, i.e., gasoline, or alcohol fuel of the vehicle into a hydrogen-containing reformate.
- HC hydrocarbon
- the hydrogen-containing reformate is used to reduce NO x levels during the start-up of a cold engine due to the low flammability limit of hydrogen.
- the reformer assembly 30 combines the hydrocarbon fuel or the alcohol fuel for the vehicle with an oxidant, such as air or exhaust gases, under highly fuel-rich conditions in a partial oxidation reaction that can be schematically represented as:
- the reformate has very wide combustion limits to enable gasoline-fueled, spark-ignition engine operation under very dilute conditions such as ultra-lean conditions or conditions with heavy exhaust gas recirculation concentrations.
- the reformer assembly 30 utilized in the subject invention is advantageous in that it provides robustness for vehicles that are heavier than normal.
- the reformer assembly 30 provides robustness for vehicles with larger engines and provides robustness under off cycle conditions such as low ambient temperatures, i.e., cold start-ups.
- the reformer assembly 30 provides a robustness to low volatility fuel (this is known throughout the industry as high Driveability Index (DI) fuel), and the reformer assembly 30 is also compatible with automotive fuel cell systems.
- DI Driveability Index
- the third fluid circuit 36 strategically utilizes the heat generated in the reformer assembly 30 .
- the third fluid circuit 36 is defined between the reformer assembly 30 and the pump 24 and is interconnected with the heater core 28 . More specifically, the third fluid circuit 36 is defined between the pump outlet, through the engine fluid inlet 38 , through the engine 22 itself, through the second engine fluid outlet 42 , through the fluid inlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the reformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 , and to the pump inlet.
- the third fluid circuit 36 is able to provide the supplemental heat to the passenger compartment through the heater core 28 due to the heat that is generated in the reformer assembly 30 upon conversion of the fuel into the reformate. Also as a result, as disclosed in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 3 B, and 3 C, the third fluid circuit 36 is able to provide the supplemental heat, from the reformer assembly 30 , to the engine 22 of the vehicle due to the heat that is generated in the reformer assembly 30 upon the conversion.
- the third fluid circuit 36 includes a first fluid return 48 to the pump inlet and a second fluid return 50 to the pump inlet.
- the first fluid return 48 of the third fluid circuit 36 interconnects the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 and the fluid inlet of the heater core 28 .
- the first fluid return 48 provides the supplemental heat to the passenger compartment through the heater core 28 due to the heat that is generated in the reformer assembly 30 upon the conversion of the fuel into the reformate.
- the second fluid return 50 of the third fluid circuit 36 is isolated from the heater core 28 and instead interconnects the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 and the pump inlet. More specifically, the second fluid return 50 interconnects the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 with the engine fluid inlet 38 through the pump 24 . As such, as disclosed in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 3 B, and 3 C, the second fluid return 50 provides the supplemental heat to the engine 22 due to the heat that is generated upon the conversion.
- the third fluid circuit 36 preferably includes a fluid bypass 52 .
- the fluid bypass 52 interconnects the fluid outlet of the heater core 28 and the fluid inlet of the reformer assembly 30 .
- the fluid can be circulated directly back to the reformer assembly 30 , without circulating through the engine 22 , to provide the supplemental heat from the reformer assembly 30 to the passenger compartment.
- a shut-off valve 54 is disposed in the second fluid circuit 34 after the fluid outlet of the heater core 28 and after the fluid bypass 52 to selectively direct the fluid through the fluid bypass 52 and not through the remainder of the second fluid circuit 34 and then through the engine 22 .
- the HVAC system 20 further includes a solenoid valve 56 disposed in the third fluid circuit 36 . More specifically, the solenoid valve 56 is disposed in the third fluid circuit 36 after the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 .
- the solenoid valve 56 is infinitely operable between a first position and a second position. As such, the solenoid valve 56 is most preferably a pulse width modulation (PWM) solenoid valve.
- PWM pulse width modulation
- the fluid circulates from the third fluid circuit 36 and through the heater core 28 . More specifically, in the first position of the solenoid valve 56 , the fluid is circulated through the reformer assembly 30 and directed by the solenoid valve 56 toward the heater core 28 to selectively provide the supplemental heat from the reformer assembly 30 to the passenger compartment through the heater core 28 . In the second position of the solenoid valve 56 , disclosed in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 3 B, 3 C, the fluid circulates from the third fluid circuit 36 and through the engine 22 .
- the fluid is circulated through the reformer assembly 30 and is directed by the solenoid valve 56 toward the pump inlet for circulation through the engine 22 to selectively provide the supplemental heat from the reformer assembly 30 to the engine 22 .
- the solenoid valve 56 which is infinitely operable between the first and second positions, can selectively control flow of the fluid in both directions at the same time. That is, the solenoid valve 56 can selectively control the flow of the fluid from the reformer assembly 30 and then through the heater core 28 , and from the reformer assembly 30 and then through the engine 22 .
- the third fluid circuit 36 is interconnected with the heater core 28 so that the supplemental heat from the reformer assembly 30 can be provided to the passenger compartment through the heater core 28 .
- the third fluid circuit 36 is interconnected with the heater core 28 through the second fluid circuit 34 . That is, prior to circulating through the heater core 28 , the fluid circulates from the third fluid circuit 36 into a portion of the second fluid circuit 34 , and then into and through the heater core 28 .
- both preferred and alternative, disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 3, the examples set forth below are described as if there are two pumps, the main pump 44 and the auxiliary pump 46 .
- two pumps are not required and the main pump 44 is adequate to circulate the fluid throughout all components of the HVAC system 20 , including the first 32 , second 34 , and third 36 fluid circuits so long as the main pump 44 is electric.
- an ultra-fast heating configuration for rapidly heating the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
- This configuration is also referred to as pre-conditioning as the temperature of the passenger compartment is conditioned even though the engine 22 of the vehicle is not operating.
- the solenoid valve 56 is in the first position, the main pump 44 is off, the auxiliary pump 46 is on, and the reformer assembly 30 has been activated.
- the auxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the reformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the solenoid valve 56 which is in the first position, through the first fluid return 48 of the third fluid circuit 36 , into the second fluid circuit 34 , through the fluid inlet of the heater core 28 , through the heater core 28 itself, and through the fluid outlet of the heater core 28 .
- the fluid which is tempered from the heat generated in the reformer assembly 30 , circulating through the heater core 28 , the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be heated even though the engine 22 is not operating.
- the shut-off valve 54 is closed such that the fluid from the fluid outlet of the heater core 28 is selectively directed through the fluid bypass 52 and not through the second fluid circuit 34 to the engine 22 .
- the shut-off valve 54 is disclosed as a two position shut-off valve 54 .
- the two position shut-off valve 54 may be a variable position shut-off valve that can provide for both warming of the engine 22 and the passenger compartment at the same time. That is, some fluid may be directed through both the fluid bypass 52 and through the second fluid circuit 34 to the engine 22 .
- a second solenoid valve 58 which is a two-position valve, is disposed at the second engine fluid outlet 42 .
- the second solenoid valve 58 has two different valve inlets and one valve outlet. In a first position of the second solenoid valve 58 , one of the valve inlets is in fluid communication with the fluid bypass 52 (see FIG. 2A), and in a second position of the second solenoid valve 58 , the other of the valve inlets is in fluid communication with the second engine fluid outlet 42 (see FIGS. 2 B- 2 C). In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the second solenoid valve 58 is in the first position, and the fluid circulates from the fluid bypass 52 , through the second solenoid valve 58 , directly back through the auxiliary pump 46 and into the reformer assembly 30 where the fluid is immediately re-heated.
- an engine 22 warm-up configuration is disclosed for heating the engine 22 of the vehicle.
- the solenoid valve 56 is in the second position, the main pump 44 is on, the auxiliary pump 46 is on, and the reformer assembly 30 has been activated.
- the auxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the reformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the solenoid valve 56 which is in the second position, through the second fluid return 50 of the third fluid circuit 36 , through the main pump 44 , through the engine fluid inlet 38 , through the engine 22 itself to warm the engine 22 , and through the first and second engine fluid outlets 40 , 42 .
- the fluid that circulates through the first engine fluid outlet 40 circulates through the first fluid circuit 32 including the radiator 26 .
- the fluid that circulates through the second engine fluid outlet 42 can circulate through the second 34 or third 36 fluid circuit or both 34 , 36 .
- the second solenoid valve 58 which is disposed at the second engine fluid outlet 42 , is in the second position.
- the fluid circulates from the second engine fluid outlet 42 to the second fluid circuit 34 and to the heater core 28 .
- the shut-off valve 54 is open. As such, the fluid from the heater core 28 circulates through the second fluid circuit 34 back to the main pump 44 .
- the fluid from the second engine fluid outlet 42 also circulates through the second solenoid valve 58 , back through the auxiliary pump 46 and into the reformer assembly 30 where the fluid is reheated for circulation through the engine 22 .
- the main pump 44 can be off provided the auxiliary pump 46 can circulate the fluid as required.
- a reformer assembly 30 cooling configuration is disclosed for cooling the reformer assembly 30 .
- the solenoid valve 56 is in the second position, the main pump 44 is on, the auxiliary pump 46 is on, and the reformer assembly 30 has been activated.
- the auxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the reformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the solenoid valve 56 which is in the second position, through the second fluid return 50 of the third fluid circuit 36 , through the main pump 44 , through the engine fluid inlet 38 , through the engine 22 itself thereby warming the engine 22 , and through the first and second engine fluid outlets 40 , 42 .
- the fluid that circulates through the first engine fluid outlet 40 circulates through the first fluid circuit 32 including the radiator 26 .
- the fluid that circulates through the second engine fluid outlet 42 can circulate through the second 34 or third 36 fluid circuit, or both.
- the second solenoid valve 58 which is disposed at the second engine fluid outlet 42 , is in the second position.
- the fluid circulates from the second engine fluid outlet 42 to the second fluid circuit 34 and to the heater core 28 .
- the shut-off valve 54 is open.
- the fluid from the heater core 28 circulates through the second fluid circuit 34 back to the main pump 44 .
- the second solenoid valve 58 is in the second position, the fluid from the second engine fluid outlet 42 also circulates through the second solenoid valve 58 , back through the auxiliary pump 46 and into the reformer assembly 30 for circulation through the engine 22 .
- the reformer assembly 30 With the fluid circulating from the reformer assembly 30 being utilized to heat the passenger compartment, via the heater core 28 , and to heat the engine 22 , the reformer assembly 30 is cooled at the quickest rate possible.
- a rapid heating configuration for rapidly heating the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
- This rapid heating configuration heats the passenger compartment of the vehicle less rapidly than the ultra-fast heating configuration disclosed in FIG. 2A.
- the configuration disclosed in FIG. 3A is also referred to as pre-conditioning as the temperature of the passenger compartment is conditioned even though the engine 22 of the vehicle is not operating.
- the solenoid valve 56 is in the first position, the main pump 44 is off, the auxiliary pump 46 is on, and the reformer assembly 30 has been activated.
- the second shut-off valve 61 is in an OFF position to isolate the auxiliary pump 46 such that flow cannot go to the auxiliary pump 46 .
- the auxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the reformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the solenoid valve 56 which is in the first position, through the first fluid return 48 of the third fluid circuit 36 , into the second fluid circuit 34 , through the fluid inlet of the heater core 28 , through the heater core 28 itself, and through the fluid outlet of the heater core 28 .
- the fluid which is tempered from the heat generated in the reformer assembly 30 , circulating through the heater core 28 , the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be heated even though the engine 22 is not operating.
- an engine 22 warm-up configuration is disclosed for heating the engine 22 of the vehicle.
- the solenoid valve 56 is in the second position, the main pump 44 is on, the auxiliary pump 46 is on, and the reformer assembly 30 has been activated.
- the second shut-off valve 61 is in an ON position.
- the auxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the reformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the solenoid valve 56 which is in the second position, through the second fluid return 50 of the third fluid circuit 36 , through the main pump 44 , through the engine fluid inlet 38 , through the engine 22 itself to warm the engine 22 , and through the first and second engine fluid outlets 40 , 42 .
- the fluid that circulates through the first engine fluid outlet 40 circulates through the first fluid circuit 32 including the radiator 26 .
- the fluid that circulates through the second engine fluid outlet 42 is split at the second engine fluid outlet 42 to circulate to the heater core 28 and to the reformer assembly 30 .
- the fluid circulating to the heater core 28 circulates through the second fluid circuit 34 back to the main pump 44 and through the engine 22 .
- the fluid circulating to the reformer assembly 30 circulates through the third fluid circuit 36 , through the reformer assembly 30 , back to the main pump 44 and through the engine 22 .
- the fluid which is tempered from the heat generated in the reformer assembly 30 , circulating through the engine 22 , the warm-up of the engine 22 is enhanced.
- a reformer assembly 30 cooling configuration is disclosed for cooling the reformer assembly 30 .
- the solenoid valve 56 is in the second position, the main pump 44 is on, the auxiliary pump 46 is on, and the reformer assembly 30 has been activated.
- the second shut-off valve 61 is in the ON position.
- the auxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the reformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of the reformer assembly 30 , through the solenoid valve 56 which is in the second position, through the second fluid return 50 of the third fluid circuit 36 , through the main pump 44 , through the engine fluid inlet 38 , through the engine 22 itself thereby warming the engine 22 , and through the first and second engine fluid outlets 40 , 42 .
- the fluid that circulates through the first engine fluid outlet 40 circulates through the first fluid circuit 32 including the radiator 26 .
- the fluid that circulates through the second engine fluid outlet 42 is split at the second engine fluid outlet 42 to circulate to the heater core 28 and to the reformer assembly 30 .
- the fluid circulating to the heater core 28 circulates through the second fluid circuit 34 back to the main pump 44 and through the engine 22 .
- the fluid circulating to the reformer assembly 30 circulates through the third fluid circuit 36 , through the reformer assembly 30 , back to the main pump 44 and through the engine 22 .
- the reformer assembly 30 With the fluid circulating from the reformer assembly 30 being utilized to heat the passenger compartment, via the heater core 28 , and to heat the engine 22 , the reformer assembly 30 is cooled at the quickest rate possible.
- the query sequence disclosed in FIG. 4 correlates to the alternative HVAC system 20 as disclosed in FIG. 3A.
- This query sequence is merely illustrative of one query sequence that is compatible with the HVAC system 20 as arranged in FIG. 3A for rapidly heating the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
- this query sequence incorporates a timing sequence that depends on the ambient air temperature.
- the query sequences disclosed in FIGS. 5A and 5B correlate to the alternative HVAC system 20 as disclosed in FIG. 3B.
- These query sequences are merely illustrative of query sequences that are compatible with the HVAC system 20 as arranged in FIG. 3B for heating the engine 22 of the vehicle.
- the query sequence disclosed in FIG. 6 correlates to the alternative HVAC system 20 as disclosed in FIG. 3C.
- This query sequence is merely illustrative of one query sequence that is compatible with the HVAC system 20 as arranged in FIG. 3C for cooling the reformer assembly 30 .
- TSET is typically equal to 65° F.
- TSET 1 is typically equal to 170° F.
- TSET 2 is typically equal to 190° F.
- TSET 3 is typically equal to 130° F. It is to be understood that, although not disclosed herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art could develop similar query sequences that correlate to the preferred HVAC system 20 as disclosed in FIGS. 2 A- 2 C.
- the reformer assembly 30 of the HVAC system 20 provides supplemental heat in the vehicle.
- the reformer assembly 30 is in fluid communication with the intake manifold 23 and the catalytic converter 25 .
- the reformer assembly 30 includes a reformer inlet 62 and a reformer outlet 64 .
- the reformer inlet 62 and the reformer outlet 64 are represented schematically in FIG. 7.
- the reformer inlet 62 receives the fuel and the oxidant.
- the reformer outlet 64 is described below.
- the reformer assembly 30 also includes a first chamber 66 .
- the first chamber 66 is in fluid communication with the reformer inlet 62 . As such, the first chamber 66 receives the fuel and the oxidant and mixes and vaporizes the fuel and the oxidant.
- the reformer assembly 30 also includes a second chamber 68 .
- the second chamber 68 is in fluid communication with the first chamber 66 .
- the second chamber 68 includes a reformer catalyst 69 .
- the reformer catalyst is represented schematically in FIG. 7.
- the second chamber 68 also typically includes a combustor, not disclosed in the Figure.
- the reformer catalyst 69 included in the second chamber 68 converts the vaporized fuel and oxidant mixture received from the first chamber 66 into the hydrogen-containing reformate described above.
- the reformate is distributed to the intake manifold 23 to run the engine 22 .
- heat is generated in the reformer assembly 30 , specifically in the second chamber 68 of the reformer assembly 30 , during the conversion to form the reformate.
- the reformer assembly 30 further includes a gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 .
- the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 is in fluid communication with the second chamber 68 .
- the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 receives the reformate prior to distribution of the reformate to the intake manifold 23 .
- the reformer assembly 30 may include a blower 71 disposed between the reformer inlet 62 and the first chamber 66 to assist in distributing the reformate.
- the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 also functions to cool the reformate going to the engine 22 .
- the reformer outlet 64 is in fluid communication with the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 and with the intake manifold 23 for distributing the reformate to the intake manifold 23 to run the engine 22 .
- a fluid circuit is thermodynamically coupled with the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 such that the heat that is generated in the second chamber 68 during the conversion is transferred to the fluid.
- supplemental heat can be provided to the vehicle because the third fluid circuit 36 , similar to the first and second fluid circuits 32 , 34 , distributes the fluid throughout the HVAC system 20 of the vehicle.
- the second chamber 68 includes a first fluid outlet 72 and a second fluid outlet 74 .
- the first fluid outlet 72 is in fluid communication with the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 for distributing the reformate to the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 .
- the second fluid outlet 74 is in fluid communication with the catalytic converter 25 for distributing the heat generated in the second chamber 68 to the catalytic converter 25 .
- a first control valve 76 is disposed in the second fluid outlet 74 for selectively controlling the distribution of heat to the catalytic converter 25 through the second fluid outlet 74 . It is to be understood that the first control valve 76 and the second fluid outlet 74 are optional.
- the reformer outlet 64 is also in fluid communication with the catalytic converter 25 .
- the reformate can be distributed to the catalytic converter 25 if desired.
- a second control valve 78 is disposed adjacent the reformer outlet 64 for selectively controlling the distribution of the reformate to the intake manifold 23 and the catalytic converter 25 .
- the second control valve 78 is specifically disposed in a fluid line extending between the reformer outlet 64 , the intake manifold 23 , and the catalytic converter 25 .
- the second control valve 78 is variable such that it can control flow to the only the intake manifold 23 (and not to the catalytic converter 25 ), such that it can control flow to only the catalytic converter 25 (and not to the intake manifold 23 ), and such that it can control flow to both the intake manifold 23 and the catalytic converter 25 at the same time.
- the blower 71 , the first chamber 66 , the second chamber 68 , and the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 are represented schematically. This schematic representation is not to be limiting in any manner relative to these components.
- the first control valve 76 is closed and the second control valve 78 is closed to the intake manifold 23 and open to the catalytic converter 25 .
- a maximum amount of the heat that is generated in the reformer assembly 30 is transferred to the fluid in the third fluid circuit 36 , via the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 , for supplementally heating the vehicle.
- this fluid is transferred to the heater core 28 to heat the passenger compartment.
- the position of the first and second control valves 76 , 78 can be sequenced in different manners depending on what condition of operation for the vehicle is desired. For example, if a low emission start-up of the vehicle is desired and supplemental heating is also desired, the first control valve 76 is open such that heat is provided to the catalytic converter 25 . Then, once the engine is cranked and started, the second control valve 78 is positioned to control the flow of the reformate into the engine for lean, low emission start-up, and the first control valve 76 is closed such that the catalytic converter 25 is isolated.
- the second control valve 78 is positioned such that all of the reformate is distributed to the engine 22 . This increases the warm-up rate of the engine 22 thereby increasing the efficiency of the engine 22 and lowering NO x emissions.
- the reformer assembly 30 is a fast start-up reformer that functions to precondition the vehicle by accelerating warm-up of the engine 22 and the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
- the reformer assembly 30 utilized in the subject invention also functions to accelerate warm-up of catalyst in the catalytic converter, i.e., exhaust catalyst and to reduce emissions of the engine 22 .
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Abstract
A heating, venting, and air conditioning system utilizes a reformer to provide supplemental heat to a passenger compartment and to improve start-up emissions of an engine of a vehicle or power system. A pump circulates a fluid through the engine and throughout the system. A radiator and heater core transfer heat from the fluid. A first circuit cools the fluid upon circulation through the radiator after circulation through the engine to cool the engine, and a second circuit heats the passenger compartment and cools the fluid upon circulation through the heater core after circulation through the engine to cool the engine. The reformer, which converts a hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel into a reformate, generates heat. A third circuit, defined between the reformer and the pump and interconnected with the heater core, provides the supplemental heat from the reformer to the passenger compartment through the heater core and also to the engine.
Description
- The subject invention generally relates to a heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle or power system. The subject invention also relates to a powertrain cooling (PTC) system for a vehicle or power system and also to an emission control system of an internal combustion engine. The HVAC system provides supplemental heat to a passenger compartment and to an engine of the vehicle, and the PTC system provides necessary cooling of various powertrain components, such as the engine and the transmission.
- HVAC systems are known in the art. A prior art HVAC system is generally disclosed in FIG. 1 at10. HVAC systems are used to heat and cool a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and also to cool an
engine 12 of the vehicle during operation. TheHVAC system 10 disclosed in FIG. 1, and other conventional HVAC systems, include afirst heat exchanger 14, or radiator, asecond heat exchanger 16, or heater core, and apump 18.Conventional HVAC systems 10 also include afirst fluid circuit 15 between thepump 18 and thefirst heat exchanger 14, and asecond fluid circuit 17 between thepump 18 and thesecond heat exchanger 16. - To cool the engine, the
pump 18, which is typically a mechanical, belt-driven pump that is operatively connected to a crankshaft of theengine 12, circulates a fluid from thepump 18, through theengine 12, into theradiator 14, and back to thepump 18. When theheater core 16 is utilized to heat the passenger compartment, the fluid from theengine 12 circulates through theheater core 16 and back to thepump 18. - It is known throughout the art that, during the start-up of a cold engine, it takes a significant amount of time for the passenger compartment of the vehicle to warm-up, which causes discomfort for any occupants of the vehicle. This prolonged amount of time also prevents faster defrosting of the windshield of the vehicle. Furthermore, as engines continue to be redesigned to improve their efficiency, the amount of time necessary for the fluid to warm-up is increasing. This also contributes to the discomfort of the vehicle occupants and prolonged defrosting of the windshield. The
HVAC systems 10 of the prior art do not adequately resolve this occupant discomfort. TheHVAC systems 10 of the prior art are also unable to quickly defrost the windshield. - As a result, it is desirable to provide supplemental heat to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. More specifically, due to the inadequacies of the prior art HVAC systems, including those described above, it is desirable to provide an HVAC system that utilizes heat that is generated in a reformer to provide supplemental heat to the passenger compartment and also to the engine of the vehicle.
- A heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The HVAC system provides supplemental heat in a vehicle, specifically to a passenger compartment and to an engine of the vehicle. The HVAC system of the subject invention includes at least one pump, and first and second heat exchangers. The pump circulates a fluid through the engine and throughout the system. The first and second heat exchangers are in fluid communication with the pump for transferring heat from the fluid.
- The HVAC system also includes a first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit is defined between the first heat exchanger and the pump. As such, the first fluid circuit cools the fluid upon circulation of the fluid through the first heat exchanger after the fluid circulates through the engine to cool the engine. The second fluid circuit is defined between the second heat exchanger and the pump. As such, the second fluid circuit heats the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The second fluid circuit also cools the fluid upon circulation of the fluid through the second heat exchanger after the fluid circulates through the engine to cool the engine.
- The HVAC system of the subject invention also includes a reformer assembly. The reformer assembly converts a hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel of the vehicle into a hydrogen-containing reformate. The reformer assembly generates heat upon the conversion of the fuel into the reformate. Like the first and second heat exchangers, the reformer assembly is also in fluid communication with the pump.
- A third fluid circuit is defined between the reformer assembly and the pump. This third fluid circuit is interconnected with the second heat exchanger. As such, the third fluid circuit provides supplemental heat to the passenger compartment through the second heat exchanger due to the heat that is generated in the reformer assembly upon the conversion of the fuel into the reformate. This third fluid circuit also provides supplemental heat to the engine due to the heat that is generated in the reformer assembly upon the conversion.
- Accordingly, the subject invention provides a HVAC system for a vehicle that utilizes heat generated in a reformer assembly to supply heat in the vehicle. Specifically, the HVAC system of the subject invention provides supplemental heat to a passenger compartment of the vehicle thereby increasing the comfort of any occupants of the vehicle. The HVAC system of the subject invention also provides reformate and supplemental heat to an engine and/or an exhaust catalyst of the vehicle thereby improving the emission performance of the vehicle, improving durability of the engine by reducing friction of engine components, and improving fuel economy.
- Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art heating, venting, and air conditioning system (HVAC) for a vehicle including a first heat exchanger, or radiator, a second heat exchanger, or heater core, and a pump;
- FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a HVAC system of the subject invention including the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the pump, and a reformer assembly and illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to a passenger compartment of the vehicle;
- FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the HVAC system disclosed in FIG. 2A illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to an engine of the vehicle;
- FIG. 2C is a schematic view of the HVAC system disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to the engine of the vehicle while cooling the reformer assembly;
- FIG. 3A is a schematic view of an alternative HVAC system of the subject invention including the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the pump, and the reformer assembly and illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to the passenger compartment of the vehicle;
- FIG. 3B is a schematic view of the alternative HVAC system disclosed in FIG. 3A illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to the engine of the vehicle;
- FIG. 3C is a schematic view of the alternative HVAC system disclosed in FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrating a configuration for providing supplemental heat to the engine of the vehicle while cooling the reformer assembly;
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a query sequence for controlling the alternative HVAC system that is associated with the schematic view disclosed in FIG. 3A;
- FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating a query sequence for controlling the alternative HVAC system that is associated with FIG. 3B;
- FIG. 5B is a flow diagram illustrating a query sequence for controlling the alternative HVAC system that is associated with FIG. 3B;
- FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a query sequence for controlling the alternative HVAC system that is associated with FIG. 3C; and
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the reformer assembly relative to an intake manifold and a catalytic converter of the vehicle.
- Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is generally disclosed at20. The
HVAC system 20 provides supplemental heat in a vehicle. More specifically, theHVAC system 20 of the subject invention provides supplemental heat to a passenger compartment and also to anengine 22 of the vehicle. In addition to the passenger compartment and theengine 22, the vehicle also include anintake manifold 23 and acatalytic converter 25. Theintake manifold 23 and thecatalytic converter 25 are represented schematically in FIG. 7. - The
HVAC system 20 includes at least onepump 24, afirst heat exchanger 26, asecond heat exchanger 28, areformer assembly 30, and first 32, second 34, and third 36 fluid circuits. As understood by those skilled in the art, thefirst heat exchanger 26 is commonly referred to as aradiator 26, and thesecond heat exchanger 28 is commonly referred to as aheater core 28. Accordingly, for descriptive purposes only, thefirst heat exchanger 26 is hereinafter referred to as theradiator 26, and thesecond heat exchanger 28 is hereinafter referred to as theheater core 28. Theradiator 26 and theheater core 28 are in fluid communication with thepump 24 to transfer heat from a fluid circulated by thepump 24. - The
pump 24 includes a pump inlet and a pump outlet, and theengine 22 includes anengine fluid inlet 38 and first and secondengine fluid outlets pump 24 are disclosed in the Figures, these components are not numbered for clarification purposes in the Figures. The secondengine fluid outlet 42 is interconnected with both the second and thirdfluid circuits engine fluid inlet 38 to circulate fluid into and through theengine 22, and the first and secondengine fluid outlets radiator 26, theheater core 28, and thereformer assembly 30 for receiving the fluid that has been circulated through theengine 22. - The
radiator 26 includes a fluid inlet and outlet, theheater core 28 includes a fluid inlet and outlet, and thereformer assembly 30 includes a fluid inlet and outlet. All of these fluid inlets and outlets are represented schematically throughout the Figures and have not been numbered in the Figures for clarification purposes. Thepump 24 circulates the fluid through theengine 22 and throughout theHVAC system 20. The pump inlet receives the fluid after the fluid has been circulated through theengine 22, and the pump outlet circulates the fluid through theengine 22 and throughout theHVAC system 20. Relative to theradiator 26, the pump inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of theradiator 26 and the pump outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of theradiator 26 after the fluid circulates through theengine 22. Relative to theheater core 28, the pump inlet is also in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of theheater core 28 and the pump outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of theheater core 28 after the fluid circulates through theengine 22. Relative to thereformer assembly 30, the pump inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30 and the pump outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of thereformer assembly 30 after the fluid circulates through theengine 22. - Although not required, in the preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the at least one
pump 24 is further defined as amain pump 44 and anauxiliary pump 46. In this preferred embodiment, themain pump 44 circulates the fluid through theengine 22 and throughout the first and secondfluid circuits auxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid throughout the thirdfluid circuit 36 into theheater core 28. In embodiments where two pumps, themain pump 44 and theauxiliary pump 46, are utilized, themain pump 44 can be a mechanical pump and theauxiliary pump 46 can be an electric pump. Alternatively, in these embodiments, themain pump 44 can be an electric pump andauxiliary pump 46 can also be a separate electric pump. However, as described above, it is not necessary that there be two pumps in theHVAC system 20 of the subject invention. For instance, if themain pump 44 is an electric pump then anauxiliary pump 46 is not required. In such an alternative embodiment, themain pump 44, which is an electric pump, circulates the fluid through theengine 22 and throughout the first and secondfluid circuits fluid circuit 36 and to theheater core 28. - The
HVAC system 20 also includes thefirst fluid circuit 32 and thesecond fluid circuit 34. Thefirst fluid circuit 32 is defined between theradiator 26 and thepump 24. Thefirst fluid circuit 32 is more specifically defined between the pump outlet, through theengine fluid inlet 38, through theengine 22 itself, through the firstengine fluid outlet 40, through the fluid inlet of theradiator 26, through theradiator 26 itself, through the fluid outlet of theradiator 26, and to the pump inlet. As such, thefirst fluid circuit 32 cools the fluid upon circulation of the fluid through theradiator 26 after the fluid has circulated through theengine 22 to cool theengine 22. - On the other hand, the
second fluid circuit 34 is defined between theheater core 28 and thepump 24. Thesecond fluid circuit 34 is more specifically defined between the pump outlet, through theengine fluid inlet 38, through theengine 22 itself, through the secondengine fluid outlet 42, through the fluid inlet of theheater core 28, through theheater core 28 itself, through the fluid outlet of theheater core 28, and to the pump inlet. As such, thesecond fluid circuit 34 heats the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Thesecond fluid circuit 34 also cools the fluid upon circulation of the fluid through theheater core 28 after the fluid circulates through theengine 22 to cool theengine 22. - The
HVAC system 20 of the subject invention also includes thereformer assembly 30, which is in fluid communication with thepump 24, and the thirdfluid circuit 36. Thereformer assembly 30 enables low vehicle emissions with internal combustion engines by converting the hydrocarbon (HC) fuel, i.e., gasoline, or alcohol fuel of the vehicle into a hydrogen-containing reformate. For example, the hydrogen-containing reformate is used to reduce NOx levels during the start-up of a cold engine due to the low flammability limit of hydrogen. - The
reformer assembly 30 combines the hydrocarbon fuel or the alcohol fuel for the vehicle with an oxidant, such as air or exhaust gases, under highly fuel-rich conditions in a partial oxidation reaction that can be schematically represented as: - Fuel+Air→H2+CO+N2+Heat+(CO2, H2O, HCs)
- In this reaction, hydrogen atoms are split from carbon atoms. As the above schematic representation discloses, the
reformer assembly 30 generates heat upon the conversion of the fuel into the reformate. - The reformate has very wide combustion limits to enable gasoline-fueled, spark-ignition engine operation under very dilute conditions such as ultra-lean conditions or conditions with heavy exhaust gas recirculation concentrations. The
reformer assembly 30 utilized in the subject invention is advantageous in that it provides robustness for vehicles that are heavier than normal. Thereformer assembly 30 provides robustness for vehicles with larger engines and provides robustness under off cycle conditions such as low ambient temperatures, i.e., cold start-ups. Thereformer assembly 30 provides a robustness to low volatility fuel (this is known throughout the industry as high Driveability Index (DI) fuel), and thereformer assembly 30 is also compatible with automotive fuel cell systems. Thereformer assembly 30 is described additionally below. - The third
fluid circuit 36 strategically utilizes the heat generated in thereformer assembly 30. To accomplish this, the thirdfluid circuit 36 is defined between thereformer assembly 30 and thepump 24 and is interconnected with theheater core 28. More specifically, the thirdfluid circuit 36 is defined between the pump outlet, through theengine fluid inlet 38, through theengine 22 itself, through the secondengine fluid outlet 42, through the fluid inlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thereformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30, and to the pump inlet. As a result, as disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the thirdfluid circuit 36 is able to provide the supplemental heat to the passenger compartment through theheater core 28 due to the heat that is generated in thereformer assembly 30 upon conversion of the fuel into the reformate. Also as a result, as disclosed in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 3B, and 3C, the thirdfluid circuit 36 is able to provide the supplemental heat, from thereformer assembly 30, to theengine 22 of the vehicle due to the heat that is generated in thereformer assembly 30 upon the conversion. - The third
fluid circuit 36 includes afirst fluid return 48 to the pump inlet and asecond fluid return 50 to the pump inlet. Thefirst fluid return 48 of the thirdfluid circuit 36 interconnects the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30 and the fluid inlet of theheater core 28. As such, as disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 3A, thefirst fluid return 48 provides the supplemental heat to the passenger compartment through theheater core 28 due to the heat that is generated in thereformer assembly 30 upon the conversion of the fuel into the reformate. - On the other hand, the
second fluid return 50 of the thirdfluid circuit 36 is isolated from theheater core 28 and instead interconnects the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30 and the pump inlet. More specifically, thesecond fluid return 50 interconnects the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30 with theengine fluid inlet 38 through thepump 24. As such, as disclosed in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 3B, and 3C, thesecond fluid return 50 provides the supplemental heat to theengine 22 due to the heat that is generated upon the conversion. - Referring specifically to the preferred embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 2A through 2C, the third
fluid circuit 36 preferably includes afluid bypass 52. Thefluid bypass 52 interconnects the fluid outlet of theheater core 28 and the fluid inlet of thereformer assembly 30. As such, after circulating through theheater core 28, the fluid can be circulated directly back to thereformer assembly 30, without circulating through theengine 22, to provide the supplemental heat from thereformer assembly 30 to the passenger compartment. Of course, a shut-offvalve 54 is disposed in thesecond fluid circuit 34 after the fluid outlet of theheater core 28 and after thefluid bypass 52 to selectively direct the fluid through thefluid bypass 52 and not through the remainder of thesecond fluid circuit 34 and then through theengine 22. - The
HVAC system 20 further includes asolenoid valve 56 disposed in the thirdfluid circuit 36. More specifically, thesolenoid valve 56 is disposed in the thirdfluid circuit 36 after the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30. Thesolenoid valve 56 is infinitely operable between a first position and a second position. As such, thesolenoid valve 56 is most preferably a pulse width modulation (PWM) solenoid valve. - In the first position of the
solenoid valve 56, which is disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the fluid circulates from the thirdfluid circuit 36 and through theheater core 28. More specifically, in the first position of thesolenoid valve 56, the fluid is circulated through thereformer assembly 30 and directed by thesolenoid valve 56 toward theheater core 28 to selectively provide the supplemental heat from thereformer assembly 30 to the passenger compartment through theheater core 28. In the second position of thesolenoid valve 56, disclosed in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 3B, 3C, the fluid circulates from the thirdfluid circuit 36 and through theengine 22. More specifically, in the second position of thesolenoid valve 56, the fluid is circulated through thereformer assembly 30 and is directed by thesolenoid valve 56 toward the pump inlet for circulation through theengine 22 to selectively provide the supplemental heat from thereformer assembly 30 to theengine 22. - Of course, as described additionally below, the
solenoid valve 56, which is infinitely operable between the first and second positions, can selectively control flow of the fluid in both directions at the same time. That is, thesolenoid valve 56 can selectively control the flow of the fluid from thereformer assembly 30 and then through theheater core 28, and from thereformer assembly 30 and then through theengine 22. - As described above, the third
fluid circuit 36 is interconnected with theheater core 28 so that the supplemental heat from thereformer assembly 30 can be provided to the passenger compartment through theheater core 28. Although not required, it is preferred that the thirdfluid circuit 36 is interconnected with theheater core 28 through thesecond fluid circuit 34. That is, prior to circulating through theheater core 28, the fluid circulates from the thirdfluid circuit 36 into a portion of thesecond fluid circuit 34, and then into and through theheater core 28. - In order to correspond with the exemplary embodiments, both preferred and alternative, disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 3, the examples set forth below are described as if there are two pumps, the
main pump 44 and theauxiliary pump 46. However, as described above, two pumps are not required and themain pump 44 is adequate to circulate the fluid throughout all components of theHVAC system 20, including the first 32, second 34, and third 36 fluid circuits so long as themain pump 44 is electric. - Referring to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2A, an ultra-fast heating configuration is disclosed for rapidly heating the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This configuration is also referred to as pre-conditioning as the temperature of the passenger compartment is conditioned even though the
engine 22 of the vehicle is not operating. In this Figure, thesolenoid valve 56 is in the first position, themain pump 44 is off, theauxiliary pump 46 is on, and thereformer assembly 30 has been activated. Accordingly, theauxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thereformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thesolenoid valve 56 which is in the first position, through thefirst fluid return 48 of the thirdfluid circuit 36, into thesecond fluid circuit 34, through the fluid inlet of theheater core 28, through theheater core 28 itself, and through the fluid outlet of theheater core 28. With the fluid, which is tempered from the heat generated in thereformer assembly 30, circulating through theheater core 28, the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be heated even though theengine 22 is not operating. Furthermore, in this ultra-fast heating configuration, the shut-offvalve 54 is closed such that the fluid from the fluid outlet of theheater core 28 is selectively directed through thefluid bypass 52 and not through thesecond fluid circuit 34 to theengine 22. In this embodiment, the shut-offvalve 54 is disclosed as a two position shut-offvalve 54. However, it is to be understood that the two position shut-offvalve 54 may be a variable position shut-off valve that can provide for both warming of theengine 22 and the passenger compartment at the same time. That is, some fluid may be directed through both thefluid bypass 52 and through thesecond fluid circuit 34 to theengine 22. Asecond solenoid valve 58, which is a two-position valve, is disposed at the secondengine fluid outlet 42. Thesecond solenoid valve 58 has two different valve inlets and one valve outlet. In a first position of thesecond solenoid valve 58, one of the valve inlets is in fluid communication with the fluid bypass 52 (see FIG. 2A), and in a second position of thesecond solenoid valve 58, the other of the valve inlets is in fluid communication with the second engine fluid outlet 42 (see FIGS. 2B-2C). In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, thesecond solenoid valve 58 is in the first position, and the fluid circulates from thefluid bypass 52, through thesecond solenoid valve 58, directly back through theauxiliary pump 46 and into thereformer assembly 30 where the fluid is immediately re-heated. - Referring to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2B, an
engine 22 warm-up configuration is disclosed for heating theengine 22 of the vehicle. In this Figure, thesolenoid valve 56 is in the second position, themain pump 44 is on, theauxiliary pump 46 is on, and thereformer assembly 30 has been activated. Accordingly, theauxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thereformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thesolenoid valve 56 which is in the second position, through thesecond fluid return 50 of the thirdfluid circuit 36, through themain pump 44, through theengine fluid inlet 38, through theengine 22 itself to warm theengine 22, and through the first and secondengine fluid outlets engine fluid outlet 40 circulates through thefirst fluid circuit 32 including theradiator 26. On the other hand, the fluid that circulates through the secondengine fluid outlet 42 can circulate through the second 34 or third 36 fluid circuit or both 34, 36. In this embodiment, thesecond solenoid valve 58, which is disposed at the secondengine fluid outlet 42, is in the second position. The fluid circulates from the secondengine fluid outlet 42 to thesecond fluid circuit 34 and to theheater core 28. In this embodiment, the shut-offvalve 54 is open. As such, the fluid from theheater core 28 circulates through thesecond fluid circuit 34 back to themain pump 44. Because thesecond solenoid valve 58 is in the second position, the fluid from the secondengine fluid outlet 42 also circulates through thesecond solenoid valve 58, back through theauxiliary pump 46 and into thereformer assembly 30 where the fluid is reheated for circulation through theengine 22. With the fluid, which is tempered from the heat generated in thereformer assembly 30, circulating through theengine 22, the warm-up of theengine 22 is enhanced. In this embodiment, themain pump 44 can be off provided theauxiliary pump 46 can circulate the fluid as required. - Referring to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2C, a
reformer assembly 30 cooling configuration is disclosed for cooling thereformer assembly 30. In this Figure, thesolenoid valve 56 is in the second position, themain pump 44 is on, theauxiliary pump 46 is on, and thereformer assembly 30 has been activated. Accordingly, theauxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thereformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thesolenoid valve 56 which is in the second position, through thesecond fluid return 50 of the thirdfluid circuit 36, through themain pump 44, through theengine fluid inlet 38, through theengine 22 itself thereby warming theengine 22, and through the first and secondengine fluid outlets engine fluid outlet 40 circulates through thefirst fluid circuit 32 including theradiator 26. On the other hand, the fluid that circulates through the secondengine fluid outlet 42 can circulate through the second 34 or third 36 fluid circuit, or both. In this embodiment, thesecond solenoid valve 58, which is disposed at the secondengine fluid outlet 42, is in the second position. The fluid circulates from the secondengine fluid outlet 42 to thesecond fluid circuit 34 and to theheater core 28. In this embodiment, the shut-offvalve 54 is open. As such, the fluid from theheater core 28 circulates through thesecond fluid circuit 34 back to themain pump 44. Because thesecond solenoid valve 58 is in the second position, the fluid from the secondengine fluid outlet 42 also circulates through thesecond solenoid valve 58, back through theauxiliary pump 46 and into thereformer assembly 30 for circulation through theengine 22. With the fluid circulating from thereformer assembly 30 being utilized to heat the passenger compartment, via theheater core 28, and to heat theengine 22, thereformer assembly 30 is cooled at the quickest rate possible. - In the alternative embodiments of FIGS.3A-3C, there is no
fluid bypass 52. As a result, there is no shut-offvalve 54 and a second shut-offvalve 61 is added in thesecond fluid circuit 34. Furthermore, there is nosecond solenoid valve 58 disposed at the secondengine fluid outlet 42. - Referring to the alternative embodiment of FIG. 3A, a rapid heating configuration is disclosed for rapidly heating the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This rapid heating configuration heats the passenger compartment of the vehicle less rapidly than the ultra-fast heating configuration disclosed in FIG. 2A. Like FIG. 2A, the configuration disclosed in FIG. 3A is also referred to as pre-conditioning as the temperature of the passenger compartment is conditioned even though the
engine 22 of the vehicle is not operating. In this Figure, thesolenoid valve 56 is in the first position, themain pump 44 is off, theauxiliary pump 46 is on, and thereformer assembly 30 has been activated. Also, in this embodiment, the second shut-offvalve 61 is in an OFF position to isolate theauxiliary pump 46 such that flow cannot go to theauxiliary pump 46. Accordingly, theauxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thereformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thesolenoid valve 56 which is in the first position, through thefirst fluid return 48 of the thirdfluid circuit 36, into thesecond fluid circuit 34, through the fluid inlet of theheater core 28, through theheater core 28 itself, and through the fluid outlet of theheater core 28. With the fluid, which is tempered from the heat generated in thereformer assembly 30, circulating through theheater core 28, the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be heated even though theengine 22 is not operating. - Referring to the alternative embodiment of FIG. 3B, an
engine 22 warm-up configuration is disclosed for heating theengine 22 of the vehicle. In this Figure, thesolenoid valve 56 is in the second position, themain pump 44 is on, theauxiliary pump 46 is on, and thereformer assembly 30 has been activated. Also, in this embodiment, the second shut-offvalve 61 is in an ON position. Accordingly, theauxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thereformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thesolenoid valve 56 which is in the second position, through thesecond fluid return 50 of the thirdfluid circuit 36, through themain pump 44, through theengine fluid inlet 38, through theengine 22 itself to warm theengine 22, and through the first and secondengine fluid outlets engine fluid outlet 40 circulates through thefirst fluid circuit 32 including theradiator 26. On the other hand, the fluid that circulates through the secondengine fluid outlet 42 is split at the secondengine fluid outlet 42 to circulate to theheater core 28 and to thereformer assembly 30. The fluid circulating to theheater core 28 circulates through thesecond fluid circuit 34 back to themain pump 44 and through theengine 22. The fluid circulating to thereformer assembly 30 circulates through the thirdfluid circuit 36, through thereformer assembly 30, back to themain pump 44 and through theengine 22. With the fluid, which is tempered from the heat generated in thereformer assembly 30, circulating through theengine 22, the warm-up of theengine 22 is enhanced. - Referring to the alternative embodiment of FIG. 3C, a
reformer assembly 30 cooling configuration is disclosed for cooling thereformer assembly 30. In this Figure, thesolenoid valve 56 is in the second position, themain pump 44 is on, theauxiliary pump 46 is on, and thereformer assembly 30 has been activated. Also, in this embodiment, the second shut-offvalve 61 is in the ON position. Accordingly, theauxiliary pump 46 circulates the fluid through the fluid inlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thereformer assembly 30 itself, through the fluid outlet of thereformer assembly 30, through thesolenoid valve 56 which is in the second position, through thesecond fluid return 50 of the thirdfluid circuit 36, through themain pump 44, through theengine fluid inlet 38, through theengine 22 itself thereby warming theengine 22, and through the first and secondengine fluid outlets engine fluid outlet 40 circulates through thefirst fluid circuit 32 including theradiator 26. On the other hand, the fluid that circulates through the secondengine fluid outlet 42 is split at the secondengine fluid outlet 42 to circulate to theheater core 28 and to thereformer assembly 30. The fluid circulating to theheater core 28 circulates through thesecond fluid circuit 34 back to themain pump 44 and through theengine 22. The fluid circulating to thereformer assembly 30 circulates through the thirdfluid circuit 36, through thereformer assembly 30, back to themain pump 44 and through theengine 22. With the fluid circulating from thereformer assembly 30 being utilized to heat the passenger compartment, via theheater core 28, and to heat theengine 22, thereformer assembly 30 is cooled at the quickest rate possible. - The query sequence disclosed in FIG. 4 correlates to the
alternative HVAC system 20 as disclosed in FIG. 3A. This query sequence is merely illustrative of one query sequence that is compatible with theHVAC system 20 as arranged in FIG. 3A for rapidly heating the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In particular, this query sequence incorporates a timing sequence that depends on the ambient air temperature. The query sequences disclosed in FIGS. 5A and 5B correlate to thealternative HVAC system 20 as disclosed in FIG. 3B. These query sequences are merely illustrative of query sequences that are compatible with theHVAC system 20 as arranged in FIG. 3B for heating theengine 22 of the vehicle. The query sequence disclosed in FIG. 6 correlates to thealternative HVAC system 20 as disclosed in FIG. 3C. This query sequence is merely illustrative of one query sequence that is compatible with theHVAC system 20 as arranged in FIG. 3C for cooling thereformer assembly 30. For the query sequences disclosed in FIGS. 4-6, TSET is typically equal to 65° F., TSET1 is typically equal to 170° F., TSET2 is typically equal to 190° F., and TSET3 is typically equal to 130° F. It is to be understood that, although not disclosed herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art could develop similar query sequences that correlate to thepreferred HVAC system 20 as disclosed in FIGS. 2A-2C. - It is to be understood that all of the
fluid circuits HVAC systems 20 including, but not limited to, fans, temperature sensors, and athermostat 60, are not described herein because such components are not critical to the purposes of the subject invention. - The
reformer assembly 30 of theHVAC system 20 provides supplemental heat in the vehicle. Referring particularly to FIG. 7, thereformer assembly 30 is in fluid communication with theintake manifold 23 and thecatalytic converter 25. Thereformer assembly 30 includes areformer inlet 62 and areformer outlet 64. Thereformer inlet 62 and thereformer outlet 64 are represented schematically in FIG. 7. Thereformer inlet 62 receives the fuel and the oxidant. Thereformer outlet 64 is described below. Thereformer assembly 30 also includes afirst chamber 66. Thefirst chamber 66 is in fluid communication with thereformer inlet 62. As such, thefirst chamber 66 receives the fuel and the oxidant and mixes and vaporizes the fuel and the oxidant. - The
reformer assembly 30 also includes asecond chamber 68. Thesecond chamber 68 is in fluid communication with thefirst chamber 66. Thesecond chamber 68 includes areformer catalyst 69. The reformer catalyst is represented schematically in FIG. 7. Thesecond chamber 68 also typically includes a combustor, not disclosed in the Figure. Thereformer catalyst 69 included in thesecond chamber 68 converts the vaporized fuel and oxidant mixture received from thefirst chamber 66 into the hydrogen-containing reformate described above. Ultimately, the reformate is distributed to theintake manifold 23 to run theengine 22. As initially described above, heat is generated in thereformer assembly 30, specifically in thesecond chamber 68 of thereformer assembly 30, during the conversion to form the reformate. - The
reformer assembly 30 further includes a gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70. The gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 is in fluid communication with thesecond chamber 68. As such, the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 receives the reformate prior to distribution of the reformate to theintake manifold 23. Optionally, thereformer assembly 30 may include ablower 71 disposed between thereformer inlet 62 and thefirst chamber 66 to assist in distributing the reformate. The gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 also functions to cool the reformate going to theengine 22. Thereformer outlet 64 is in fluid communication with the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 and with theintake manifold 23 for distributing the reformate to theintake manifold 23 to run theengine 22. - A fluid circuit, specifically the third
fluid circuit 36, is thermodynamically coupled with the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 such that the heat that is generated in thesecond chamber 68 during the conversion is transferred to the fluid. With this heat transferred to the fluid, supplemental heat can be provided to the vehicle because the thirdfluid circuit 36, similar to the first and secondfluid circuits HVAC system 20 of the vehicle. - As disclosed in FIG. 7, the
second chamber 68 includes a firstfluid outlet 72 and asecond fluid outlet 74. The firstfluid outlet 72 is in fluid communication with the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 for distributing the reformate to the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70. Thesecond fluid outlet 74 is in fluid communication with thecatalytic converter 25 for distributing the heat generated in thesecond chamber 68 to thecatalytic converter 25. More specifically, afirst control valve 76 is disposed in thesecond fluid outlet 74 for selectively controlling the distribution of heat to thecatalytic converter 25 through thesecond fluid outlet 74. It is to be understood that thefirst control valve 76 and thesecond fluid outlet 74 are optional. - In addition to the gas-to-
liquid heat exchanger 70 and theintake manifold 23, thereformer outlet 64 is also in fluid communication with thecatalytic converter 25. As such, the reformate can be distributed to thecatalytic converter 25 if desired. More specifically, asecond control valve 78 is disposed adjacent thereformer outlet 64 for selectively controlling the distribution of the reformate to theintake manifold 23 and thecatalytic converter 25. Thesecond control valve 78 is specifically disposed in a fluid line extending between thereformer outlet 64, theintake manifold 23, and thecatalytic converter 25. Thesecond control valve 78 is variable such that it can control flow to the only the intake manifold 23 (and not to the catalytic converter 25), such that it can control flow to only the catalytic converter 25 (and not to the intake manifold 23), and such that it can control flow to both theintake manifold 23 and thecatalytic converter 25 at the same time. For clarity purposes in FIG. 7, it is to be understood that theblower 71, thefirst chamber 66, thesecond chamber 68, and the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70 are represented schematically. This schematic representation is not to be limiting in any manner relative to these components. - In the pre-conditioning mode of operation i.e., where the engine is off, as disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the
first control valve 76 is closed and thesecond control valve 78 is closed to theintake manifold 23 and open to thecatalytic converter 25. As a result, a maximum amount of the heat that is generated in thereformer assembly 30 is transferred to the fluid in the thirdfluid circuit 36, via the gas-to-liquid heat exchanger 70, for supplementally heating the vehicle. Ultimately, this fluid is transferred to theheater core 28 to heat the passenger compartment. - As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the position of the first and
second control valves first control valve 76 is open such that heat is provided to thecatalytic converter 25. Then, once the engine is cranked and started, thesecond control valve 78 is positioned to control the flow of the reformate into the engine for lean, low emission start-up, and thefirst control valve 76 is closed such that thecatalytic converter 25 is isolated. As another non-limiting example, if both supplemental heating and lower NOx combustion are desired, then thesecond control valve 78 is positioned such that all of the reformate is distributed to theengine 22. This increases the warm-up rate of theengine 22 thereby increasing the efficiency of theengine 22 and lowering NOx emissions. - Overall, the
reformer assembly 30 is a fast start-up reformer that functions to precondition the vehicle by accelerating warm-up of theengine 22 and the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Indirectly, thereformer assembly 30 utilized in the subject invention also functions to accelerate warm-up of catalyst in the catalytic converter, i.e., exhaust catalyst and to reduce emissions of theengine 22. - The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (40)
1. A heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for providing supplemental heat to a passenger compartment and to an engine of a vehicle, said system comprising:
at least one pump for circulating a fluid through the engine and throughout said system;
first and second heat exchangers in fluid communication with said pump for transferring heat from the fluid;
a first fluid circuit between said first heat exchanger and said pump for cooling the fluid upon circulation through said first heat exchanger after the fluid circulates through the engine to cool the engine;
a second fluid circuit between said second heat exchanger and said pump for heating the passenger compartment of the vehicle and for cooling the fluid upon circulation through said second heat exchanger after the fluid circulates through the engine to cool the engine;
a reformer assembly for converting a hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel of the vehicle into a hydrogen-containing reformate, said reformer assembly being in fluid communication with said pump and generating heat upon the conversion of the fuel into the reformate; and
a third fluid circuit between said reformer assembly and said pump and interconnected with said second heat exchanger for providing the supplemental heat to the passenger compartment through said second heat exchanger and to the engine of the vehicle due to the heat generated in said reformer assembly upon conversion of the fuel into the reformate.
2. A system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a solenoid valve disposed in said third fluid circuit wherein said solenoid valve is infinitely operable between a first position for selectively providing the supplemental heat from said reformer assembly to the passenger compartment through said second heat exchanger and a second position for selectively providing the supplemental heat from said reformer assembly to the engine.
3. A system as set forth in claim 2 wherein, when said solenoid valve is in said first position, the fluid circulates from said third fluid circuit through said second heat exchanger to selectively provide the supplemental heat from said reformer assembly to the passenger compartment, and when said solenoid valve is in said second position, the fluid circulates from said third fluid circuit through the engine to selectively provide the supplemental heat from said reformer assembly to the engine.
4. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said at least one pump comprises a pump inlet for receiving the fluid from said fluid circuits after circulation through the engine, and a pump outlet for circulating the fluid through the engine to said fluid circuits.
5. A system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said first heat exchanger comprises a fluid inlet and outlet, said second heat exchanger comprises a fluid inlet and outlet, and said reformer assembly comprises a fluid inlet and outlet.
6. A system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said pump inlet is in fluid communication with said fluid outlet of said first heat exchanger and said pump outlet is in fluid communication with said fluid inlet of said first heat exchanger after the fluid circulates through the engine.
7. A system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said pump inlet is in fluid communication with said fluid outlet of said second heat exchanger and said pump outlet is in fluid communication with said fluid inlet of said second heat exchanger after the fluid circulates through the engine.
8. A system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said pump inlet is in fluid communication with said fluid outlet of said reformer assembly and said pump outlet is in fluid communication with said fluid inlet of said reformer assembly after the fluid circulates through the engine.
9. A system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said first fluid circuit is defined between said pump outlet, through the engine, through said fluid inlet of said first heat exchanger, through said first heat exchanger, through said fluid outlet of said first heat exchanger, and to said pump inlet.
10. A system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said second fluid circuit is defined between said pump outlet, through the engine, through said fluid inlet of said second heat exchanger, through said second heat exchanger, through said fluid outlet of said second heat exchanger, and to said pump inlet.
11. A system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said third fluid circuit is defined between said pump outlet, through the engine, through said fluid inlet of said reformer assembly, through said reformer assembly, through said fluid outlet of said reformer assembly, and to said pump inlet.
12. A system as set forth in claim 11 wherein said third fluid circuit comprises a first fluid return to said pump inlet and a second fluid return to said pump inlet.
13. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said first fluid return of said third fluid circuit interconnects said fluid outlet of said reformer assembly and said fluid inlet of said second heat exchanger for providing the supplemental heat to the passenger compartment through said second heat exchanger due to the heat generated in said reformer assembly upon conversion of the fuel into the reformate.
14. A system as set forth in claim 13 wherein said second fluid return of said third fluid circuit is isolated from said second heat exchanger and interconnects said fluid outlet of said reformer assembly and said pump inlet for providing the supplemental heat to the engine of the vehicle due to the heat generated in said reformer assembly upon conversion of the fuel into the reformate.
15. A system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said third fluid circuit comprises a fluid bypass interconnecting said fluid outlet of said second heat exchanger and said fluid inlet of said reformer assembly for circulating the fluid directly back to said reformer assembly after circulation through said second heat exchanger to provide the supplemental heat from said reformer assembly to the passenger compartment.
16. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said at least one pump is further defined as a main pump and an auxiliary pump 46, said main pump circulating the fluid through the engine and throughout said first and second fluid circuits and said auxiliary pump 46 circulating the fluid throughout said third fluid circuit and to said second heat exchanger.
17. A system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said main pump is a mechanical pump and said auxiliary pump 46 is an electric pump.
18. A system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said main pump is an electric pump and said auxiliary pump 46 is an electric pump.
19. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first heat exchanger is further defined as a radiator and said second heat exchanger is further defined as a heater core.
20. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said third fluid circuit is interconnected with said second heat exchanger through said second fluid circuit.
21. A heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for providing supplemental heat in vehicle, said system comprising:
an engine for operating the vehicle, said engine comprising an engine fluid inlet and first and second engine fluid outlets;
at least one pump for circulating a fluid through said engine and throughout said system, said at least one pump comprising a pump inlet in fluid communication with said first and second engine fluid outlets for receiving the fluid circulated through said engine; and a pump outlet in fluid communication with said engine fluid inlet for circulating the fluid through said engine;
a first heat exchanger for transferring heat from the fluid wherein said first heat exchanger is in fluid communication with said engine fluid inlet and with said first engine fluid outlet to define a first fluid circuit for cooling the fluid upon circulation through said first heat exchanger after the fluid circulates through said engine to cool said engine;
a second heat exchanger for transferring heat from the fluid wherein said second heat exchanger is in fluid communication with said engine fluid inlet and with said second engine fluid outlet to define a second fluid circuit for heating a passenger compartment of the vehicle and for cooling the fluid upon circulation through said second heat exchanger after the fluid circulates through said engine to cool said engine;
a reformer assembly for converting a hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel of the vehicle into a hydrogen-containing reformate wherein said reformer assembly generates heat upon the conversion of the fuel into the reformate; and
a third fluid circuit between said reformer assembly and said engine fluid inlet, between said second engine fluid outlet and said reformer assembly, and interconnected with said second heat exchanger for providing the supplemental heat to the passenger compartment through said second heat exchanger and to said engine due to the heat generated in said reformer assembly upon conversion of the fuel into the reformats.
22. A system as set forth in claim 21 further comprising a solenoid valve disposed in said third fluid circuit wherein said solenoid valve is infinitely operable between a first position for selectively providing the supplemental heat from said reformer assembly to the passenger compartment through said second heat exchanger and a second position for selectively providing the supplemental heat from said reformer assembly to said engine.
23. A system as set forth in claim 22 wherein, when said solenoid valve is in said first position, the fluid circulates from said third fluid circuit through said second heat exchanger to selectively provide the supplemental heat from said reformer assembly to the passenger compartment, and when said solenoid valve is in said second position, the fluid circulates from said third fluid circuit through said engine to selectively provide the supplemental heat from said reformer assembly to said engine.
24. A system as set forth in claim 21 wherein said first heat exchanger comprises a fluid inlet and outlet, said second heat exchanger comprises a fluid inlet and outlet, and said reformer assembly comprises a fluid inlet and outlet.
25. A system as set forth in claim 24 wherein said third fluid circuit comprises a first fluid return to said pump inlet and a second fluid return to said pump inlet.
26. A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said first fluid return of said third fluid circuit interconnects said fluid outlet of said reformer assembly and said fluid inlet of said second heat exchanger for providing the supplemental heat to the passenger compartment through said second heat exchanger due to the heat generated in said reformer assembly upon conversion of the fuel into the reformate.
27. A system as set forth in claim 26 wherein said second fluid return of said third fluid circuit is isolated from said second heat exchanger and interconnects said fluid outlet of said reformer assembly and said engine fluid inlet for providing the supplemental heat to said engine due to the heat generated in said reformer assembly upon conversion of the fuel into the reformate.
28. A system as set forth in claim 24 wherein said third fluid circuit comprises a fluid bypass interconnecting said fluid outlet of said second heat exchanger and said fluid inlet of said reformer assembly for circulating the fluid directly back to said reformer assembly after circulation through said second heat exchanger to provide the supplemental heat to the passenger compartment.
29. A system as set forth in claim 21 wherein said at least one pump is further defined as a main pump and an auxiliary pump 46, said main pump circulating the fluid through said engine and throughout said first and second fluid circuits and said auxiliary pump 46 circulating the fluid throughout said third fluid circuit and to said second heat exchanger.
30. A system as set forth in claim 21 wherein said third fluid circuit is interconnected with said second heat exchanger through said second fluid circuit.
31. A system as set forth in claim 21 wherein said second engine fluid outlet is interconnected with both the second and third fluid circuits.
32. A reformer assembly for providing supplemental heat in a vehicle having an engine with an intake manifold, a catalytic converter, and an HVAC system, wherein said reformer assembly is in fluid communication with the intake manifold and the catalytic converter and comprises:
a reformer inlet for receiving a fuel and an oxidant;
a first chamber in fluid communication with said reformer inlet for mixing and vaporizing the fuel and the oxidant;
a second chamber in fluid communication with said first chamber, said second chamber comprising a reformer catalyst to convert the vaporized fuel and oxidant mixture received from said first chamber into a hydrogen-containing reformate to be distributed to the intake manifold, wherein heat is generated in said second chamber during the conversion;
a gas-to-liquid heat exchanger in fluid communication with said second chamber for receiving the reformate and for cooling the reformate prior to distribution of the reformate to the intake manifold;
a reformer outlet in fluid communication with said gas-to-liquid heat exchanger and with the intake manifold for distributing the reformate to the intake manifold; and
a fluid circuit for distributing a fluid throughout the HVAC system of the vehicle, said fluid circuit being thermodynamically coupled with said gas-to-liquid heat exchanger such that the heat generated in said second chamber during the conversion is transferred to the fluid to provide the supplemental heat to the vehicle.
33. A reformer assembly as set forth in claim 32 wherein said second chamber comprises a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet wherein said first fluid outlet is in fluid communication with said gas-to-liquid heat exchanger for distributing the reformate to said gas-to-liquid heat exchanger and said second fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the catalytic converter for distributing the heat generated in said second chamber to the catalytic converter.
34. A reformer assembly as set forth in claim 33 further comprising a first control valve disposed in said second fluid outlet for selectively controlling the distribution of heat to the catalytic converter.
35. A reformer assembly as set forth in claim 34 wherein said reformer outlet is also in fluid communication with the catalytic converter for distributing the reformate to the catalytic converter.
36. A reformer assembly as set forth in claim 35 further comprising a second control valve disposed adjacent said reformer outlet for selectively controlling the distribution of the reformate to the intake manifold and the catalytic converter.
37. A reformer assembly as set forth in claim 36 further comprising a blower disposed between said reformer inlet and said first chamber to assist in distributing the reformate.
38. A reformer assembly as set forth in claim 32 further comprising a blower disposed between said reformer inlet and said first chamber to assist in distributing the reformate.
39. A reformer assembly as set forth in claim 32 wherein said reformer outlet is also in fluid communication with the catalytic converter for distributing the reformate to the catalytic converter.
40. A reformer assembly as set forth in claim 39 further comprising a second control valve disposed adjacent said reformer outlet for selectively controlling the distribution of the reformate to the intake manifold and the catalytic converter.
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US10/299,344 US6732942B1 (en) | 2002-11-19 | 2002-11-19 | Heating, venting, and air conditioning system for providing supplemental heat in a vehicle |
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