US20100257870A1 - Vehicle air conditioner - Google Patents

Vehicle air conditioner Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100257870A1
US20100257870A1 US12/756,242 US75624210A US2010257870A1 US 20100257870 A1 US20100257870 A1 US 20100257870A1 US 75624210 A US75624210 A US 75624210A US 2010257870 A1 US2010257870 A1 US 2010257870A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
heat
pipe
heat storage
air conditioner
inlet port
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
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US12/756,242
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English (en)
Inventor
Junya Suzuki
Naoya Yokomachi
Masahiro Kawaguchi
Noritaka Nishimori
Naoto Morisaku
Hirokuni Akiyama
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Toyota Industries Corp
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Toyota Industries Corp
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Assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI reassignment KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AKIYAMA, HIROKUNI, MORISAKU, NAOTO, NISHIMORI, NORITAKA, SUZUKI, JUNYA, YOKOMACHI, NAOYA, KAWAGUCHI, MASAHIRO
Publication of US20100257870A1 publication Critical patent/US20100257870A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B60H1/00492—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices comprising regenerative heating or cooling means, e.g. heat accumulators
    • 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
    • B60H1/00478—Air-conditioning devices using the Peltier effect

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner.
  • Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 6-99724 discloses a conventional vehicle air conditioner including a heat storage unit and a blower.
  • the heat storage unit has a heat storage medium such as paraffin that is capable of storing positive heat or negative heat.
  • the heat storage unit further has therein a heat source for supplying heat to the heat storage medium.
  • the heat source is connected to an energy supply that is provided inside or outside the vehicle.
  • the heat source is supplied with positive heat or negative heat from the energy supply.
  • the blower is provided near the heat storage unit to supply the air around the heat storage unit to the vehicle compartment.
  • the vehicle compartment when the heat storage medium stores negative heat, the vehicle compartment may be cooled by operating the blower while the vehicle is in use.
  • the vehicle compartment When the heat storage medium stores positive heat, the vehicle compartment may be heated by operating the blower while the vehicle is in use.
  • the air conditioner includes a heat storage unit, a heat exchanger and a peltier device.
  • the heat storage unit has a heat storage medium and is insulated from the outside air.
  • the heat storage unit further has a first heat sink including a flow passage and formed with a first outlet port and a first inlet port.
  • Heat exchange medium flows through the first inlet port into the first heat sink where heat is exchanged between the heat storage medium and the heat exchange medium.
  • the heat exchange medium then flows through the first outlet port out of the first heat sink.
  • the first outlet port is connected to a first pipe, and the first inlet port is connected to a second pipe.
  • the air around the heat exchanger is supplied to the vehicle compartment.
  • the heat exchanger has a second outlet port and a second inlet port that are connected through a third pipe. Heat exchange medium flows through the second inlet port into the heat exchanger and then through the second outlet port out of the heat exchanger.
  • the third pipe is connected to a second heat sink including a flow passage.
  • the peltier device is operable to provide one of positive heat and negative heat to the first heat sink and the other of the positive heat and the negative heat to the second heat sink.
  • the first pipe is connected to the third pipe through a first valve on one side of the peltier device, and the second pipe is connected to the third pipe through a second valve on the other side of the peltier device.
  • the third pipe is provided with a pump for delivering heat exchange medium.
  • the pettier device, the first valve and the second valve are controlled by a controller.
  • the controller When the air conditioner is not in use, the controller operates the first and second valves so that the second outlet port is connected to the second inlet port through the second heat sink, the first outlet port is disconnected from the second inlet port, and the second outlet port is disconnected from the first inlet port.
  • the peltier device operates under the control of the controller so as to absorb heat from the heat exchange medium in the first heat sink thereby to provide negative heat and to release heat to the heat exchange medium in the second heat sink thereby to provide positive heat.
  • negative heat is stored in the heat storage medium of the heat storage unit while the heat exchange medium having positive heat is being circulated between the heat exchanger and the second heat sink through the third pipe.
  • the first outlet port is connected to the second inlet port
  • the second outlet port is connected to the first inlet port
  • the second outlet port is connected to the second inlet port through the first heat sink.
  • the heat exchange medium having negative heat is circulated between the heat exchanger and the first heat sink through the first, second and third pipes, so that the vehicle compartment is cooled by the negative heat stored in the heat storage medium of the heat storage unit.
  • the heat source using parts such as an electric heater of a linear or planar shape, a water pipe, hot water pipe or heat pipe through which heat exchange medium flows for heat conduction becomes large and complex in structure.
  • Such large and complex structure makes it difficult to mount the air conditioner in a vehicle.
  • a peltier device is used as the heat source, the size of the air conditioner is reduced, which makes it easier to mount the air conditioner in a vehicle. Further, the heat provided by the peltier device may be changed between positive heat and negative heat by reversing the polarity of electrical current, and the use of the peltier device may facilitate temperature control in the air conditioner, accordingly.
  • the provision of the peltier device in the heat storage unit for heat supply to the heat storage medium does not necessarily result in efficient cooling and heating of the heat storage medium in the heat storage unit, because the peltier device is operable to simultaneously absorb and release heat.
  • the air conditioner it is difficult for the air conditioner to provide satisfactory air conditioning of the vehicle compartment.
  • the air conditioner disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-304633 it is also difficult for the air conditioner disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-304633 to offer satisfactory air conditioning of the vehicle compartment.
  • the peltier device absorbs heat from the heat exchange medium in the first heat sink while releasing heat to the heat exchange medium in the second heat sink.
  • the heat exchange medium which has been cooled by the heat storage medium of the heat storage unit, is heated by the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger and the third pipe, which may result in insufficient cooling of the vehicle compartment.
  • the present invention is directed to providing a vehicle air conditioner that allows easier mounting in a vehicle and temperature controlling and also allows efficient heat storage in a heat storage unit for efficient air conditioning of a vehicle compartment.
  • a vehicle air conditioner includes a heat storage unit, a first pipe, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first valve, a second valve, a second pipe, a third pipe, a peltier device, a first pump and a controller.
  • the heat storage unit has a heat storage medium thermally insulated from the outside.
  • the heat storage unit has a first inlet port and a first outlet port through which heat exchange medium flows in and out of the heat storage unit where heat is exchanged between the heat storage medium and the heat exchange medium.
  • the first pipe is connected to the first outlet port and the first inlet port.
  • the first heat exchanger is provided for heat exchange with air that is sent out of the vehicle.
  • the second heat exchanger is provided for heat exchange with air that is sent to the vehicle compartment.
  • the second heat exchanger has a second inlet port and a second outlet port through which the heat exchange medium flows in and out of the second heat exchanger.
  • the first valve and the second valve are respectively provided on the first pipe.
  • the second pipe connects the second outlet port to the first valve.
  • the third pipe connects the second inlet port to the second valve.
  • the peltier device is operable to provide one of positive heat and negative heat to the heat exchange medium flowing in the first pipe and also to provide the other of the positive heat and the negative heat directly or indirectly to the first heat exchanger.
  • the first pump is provided for delivering the heat exchange medium in the first pipe.
  • the controller is provided for controlling the operation of the peltier device, the first valve and the second valve.
  • the first and second valves are operated so that the first outlet port is connected to the first inlet port, the first outlet port is disconnected from the second inlet port, and the second outlet port is disconnected from the first inlet port.
  • the first and second valves are operated so that the first outlet port is connected to the second inlet port, the second outlet port is connected to the first inlet port, and the first pipe between the first outlet port and the first inlet port is disconnected.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle air conditioner according to the embodiments of the present invention when the vehicle air conditioner is not in use;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the vehicle air conditioner when it is in use
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of the vehicle air conditioner, showing a heat storage unit of the vehicle air conditioner when it is not in use;
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of components connected to a controller of the vehicle air conditioner of FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a heat storage unit of the vehicle air conditioner of FIG. 3 when it is not in use and positive heat or negative heat is being stored;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the heat storage unit of FIG. 5 when the vehicle air conditioner is in use;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the vehicle air conditioner, showing a heat storage unit of the vehicle air conditioner when it is not in use and positive heat or negative heat is being stored;
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of the heat storage unit of FIG. 7 when the vehicle air conditioner is in use;
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the vehicle air conditioner, showing a heat storage unit of the vehicle air conditioner when it is not in use;
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view of the heat storage unit of FIG. 9 when the vehicle air conditioner is in use;
  • FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic sectional view of the heat storage unit of FIGS. 9 and 10 ;
  • FIG. 12 is an enlarged schematic sectional view of a jacket of the heat storage unit of FIGS. 9 and 10 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the vehicle air conditioner, showing a heat storage unit of the vehicle air conditioner when it is not in use.
  • a vehicle air conditioner (hereinafter referred to merely as air conditioner) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided in a vehicle 1 such as a hybrid or electric vehicle.
  • the air conditioner includes a heat storage unit 2 , a first heat exchanger 3 , a second heat exchanger 60 , a first pipe 4 , a delivery pipe 5 , a second pipe 61 , a third pipe 62 , a peltier device 6 , a first pump 7 (see FIG. 3 ), a second pump 8 , a first valve 9 (see FIG. 3 ), a second valve 10 (see FIG. 3 ), a controller 11 ( FIG. 4 ), a first blower 12 for delivering the air around the first heat exchanger 3 out of the vehicle 1 , and a second blower 63 for supplying the air around the second heat exchanger 60 to the vehicle compartment.
  • the heat storage unit 2 has a housing 21 that is formed therethrough with a first outlet port 2 A and a first inlet port 2 B.
  • a vacuum insulator 22 is mounted on the inner surface of the housing 21 , and a heat storage tank 13 and a reservoir tank 14 are disposed within the vacuum insulator 22 .
  • the reservoir tank 14 is located below the heat storage tank 13 .
  • the heat storage tank 13 is filled with a heat storage medium 15 such as paraffin that is capable of storing positive heat or negative heat.
  • a heat exchange pipe 16 is provided in the heat storage tank 13 .
  • the reservoir tank 14 and the heat exchange pipe 16 are filled with water, which serves as heat exchange medium, and air.
  • the heat exchange pipe 16 has an outlet port 16 A and an inlet port 16 B arranged so as to be directed upward from the upper surface of the heat storage tank 13 , and a communication port 16 C directed downward from the lower surface of the heat storage tank 13 .
  • the outlet port 16 A is connected to the communication port 16 C through a vertically extending first portion 16 D of the heat exchange pipe 16 .
  • the inlet port 16 B is connected to a second portion 16 E of the heat exchange pipe 16 extending in a serpentine pattern in the heat storage tank 13 and connected to the first portion 16 D at a position above the communication port 16 C.
  • the outlet port 16 A of the heat exchange pipe 16 is connected to an outlet pipe 17 that extends through the vacuum insulator 22 to the first outlet port 2 A of the housing 21 .
  • the part of the outlet pipe 17 that is located inside the vacuum insulator 22 is provided with a first pump 7 .
  • the part of the outlet pipe 17 that is located outside the housing 21 is provided with a valve 19 .
  • the outlet pipe 17 is connected to one end of the first pipe 4 .
  • the first pipe 4 includes plural straight portions 4 A (only one being shown).
  • the inlet port 16 B of the heat exchange pipe 16 is connected to an inlet pipe 30 that extends through the vacuum insulator 22 to the first inlet port 2 B of the housing 21 .
  • the part of the inlet pipe 30 that is located inside the vacuum insulator 22 is connected to a branch pipe 31 .
  • the part of the inlet pipe 30 that is located outside the housing 21 is provided with a valve 32 .
  • the inlet pipe 30 is connected to the other end of the first pipe 4 .
  • the communication port 16 C of the heat exchange pipe 16 is connected to a communication pipe 23 that is open to the bottom of the reservoir tank 14 .
  • the communication pipe 23 is provided with a valve 24 .
  • the branch pipe 31 is open to the top of the reservoir tank 14 .
  • the branch pipe 31 is provided with a valve 25 .
  • the first heat exchanger 3 has a fluid outlet port 3 A and a fluid inlet port 3 B connected to each other through the delivery pipe 5 .
  • the delivery pipe 5 is provided with the second pump 8 and includes plural straight portions 5 A (only one being shown).
  • the straight portion 4 A of the first pipe 4 and the straight portion 5 A of the delivery pipe 5 are arranged so as to face each other.
  • the peltier device 6 is provided between the first pipe 4 and the delivery pipe 5 while in contact with the straight portions 4 A and 5 A.
  • the second heat exchanger 60 has a second outlet port 60 A and a second inlet port 60 B.
  • the second outlet port 60 A is connected to the first pipe 4 through the second pipe 61
  • the second inlet port 60 B is connected to the first pipe 4 through the third pipe 62 .
  • the first valve 9 is provided at the connection between the first and second pipes 4 and 61 .
  • the second valve 10 is provided at the connection between the first and third pipes 4 and 62 .
  • the first and second valves 9 and 10 are provided by a three-way valve connected to three passages and operable to allow fluid communication between any two passages while closing the remaining one passage.
  • the second pump 8 , the first valve 9 , the second valve 10 , the peltier device 6 , the valve 19 , the valve 32 , the first pump 7 , the valve 24 , and the valve 25 are electrically connected to the controller 11 .
  • the vehicle 1 is provided with a battery 27 . Electric power stored in the battery 27 is used for driving the vehicle 1 .
  • the air conditioner is not in use, for example, while the vehicle 1 is placed in a parking place of a house, the battery 27 is connected to a power source 28 for charging.
  • a material suitable for storing negative heat is used for the heat storage medium 15 .
  • a circulator 29 is connected to the heat exchange pipe 16 in the heat storage tank 13 of the heat storage unit 2 so as to replace the water in the heat exchange pipe 16 with cold water.
  • the heat exchange pipe 16 connected to the circulator 29 as shown in FIG. 1 is filled with cold water, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
  • the temperature of the water in the heat exchange pipe 16 becomes substantially equal to the temperature of the heat storage medium 15 , which allows quick cooling in the air conditioner.
  • the air conditioner allows cooling of water in various places such as a parking place of a home.
  • Cooling of water is performed depending on water temperature.
  • cooling of water is stopped.
  • the heat storage unit 2 is operated so that the heat exchange pipe 16 in the heat storage tank 13 becomes empty, as shown in FIG. 3 , which will be described below.
  • the controller 11 operates the first and second valves 9 and 10 so that the first outlet port 2 A is connected to the first inlet port 2 B, the first outlet port 2 A is disconnected from the second inlet port 60 B and the second outlet port 60 A is disconnected from the first inlet port 2 B, as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the peltier device 6 operates under the control of the controller 11 so as to absorb heat from the water in the first pipe 4 thereby to provide negative heat and also to release heat to the water in the delivery pipe 5 thereby to provide positive heat.
  • the water flowing in the heat storage unit 2 is cooled and negative heat is stored in the heat storage medium 15 .
  • the water flowing in the first heat exchanger 3 is heated.
  • the second pump 8 circulates the heated water between the first heat exchanger 3 and the delivery pipe 5 .
  • the heat of the first heat exchanger 3 is released by the first blower 12 into the surrounding air, so that the water flowing in the delivery pipe 5 is cooled.
  • the battery 27 may be sufficiently charged.
  • electric power is supplied from the battery 27 to the peltier device 6 so as to increase the amount of negative heat stored in the water and the heat storage medium 15 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the valves 19 , 24 , 25 , and 32 are opened and the first pump 7 is operated by the controller 11 .
  • the water in the reservoir tank 14 is moved through the communication pipe 23 and the valve 24 into the heat exchange pipe 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 5 ).
  • the valves 24 and 25 are closed, so that water is then circulated between the first pipe 4 and the heat exchange pipe 16 .
  • the first and second valves 9 and 10 are operated by the controller 11 so that the first pipe 4 between the first outlet port 2 A and the first inlet port 2 B is disconnected, the first outlet port 2 A is connected to the second inlet port 60 B, and the second outlet port 60 A is connected to the first inlet port 2 B (see FIG. 6 ).
  • the water with negative heat stored in the heat storage unit 2 is supplied to the second heat exchanger 60 .
  • such cold water is not heated by the water in the second heat exchanger 60 , the first pipe 4 , the second pipe 61 and the third pipe 62 which has not been heated by the peltier device 6 .
  • the second blower 63 is operated, so that the vehicle compartment is cooled. While the vehicle compartment is cooled, the second pump 8 is stopped.
  • the valves 19 , 24 , 25 and 32 are opened the first pump 7 is stopped by the controller 11 .
  • the water in the heat exchange pipe 16 is moved by its own weight through the valve 24 , the communication pipe 23 into the reservoir tank 14 .
  • the valves 19 , 24 , 25 and 32 are closed.
  • the circulator 29 is connected to the heat exchange pipe 16 of the heat storage unit 2 so as to replace the water in the heat exchange pipe 16 with hot water, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the peltier device 6 operates under the control of the controller 11 so as to release heat to the water in the first pipe 4 thereby to provide positive heat and also to absorb heat from the water in the delivery pipe 5 thereby to provide negative heat.
  • the water flowing in the heat storage unit 2 is heated and positive heat is stored in the heat storage medium 15 .
  • the first heat exchanger 3 absorbs heat from the surrounding air with the operation of the first blower 12 , so that the water flowing in the delivery pipe 5 is heated.
  • the positive heat stored in the heat storage medium 15 of the heat storage unit 2 is supplied to the second heat exchanger 60 through the water.
  • the hot water heated by the heat storage medium 15 is not cooled by the water in the second heat exchanger 60 , the first pipe 4 , the second pipe 61 and the third pipe 62 which has not been cooled by the peltier device 6 .
  • the vehicle compartment is efficiently heated by the second heat exchanger 60 .
  • the air conditioner according to the present embodiment allows efficient cooling and heating of a vehicle compartment without using a complicated heat source, which makes it easier to mount the air conditioner in a vehicle.
  • the use of the peltier device 6 facilitates temperature controlling in the air conditioner.
  • the peltier device 6 located outside the heat storage unit 2 allows effective utilization of heat absorption and heat release in the peltier device 6 , which results in efficient heating and cooling of the heat storage medium 15 in the heat storage unit 2 . Further, the provision of the first and second heat exchangers 3 and 60 prevents unnecessary heating of the water cooled by the heat storage medium 15 , as well as unnecessary cooling of the water heated by the heat storage medium 15 , which allows efficient air conditioning in the vehicle compartment.
  • the air conditioner When the air conditioner is not in use, the water in the first outlet port 2 A and the first inlet port 2 B of the heat storage unit 2 is moved out thereof downward by its own weight and air flows into the first outlet port 2 A and the first inlet port 2 B, accordingly. In this case, the water in the heat storage unit 2 is exposed to the surrounding environment of the housing 21 through the air, which prevents the water from absorbing and releasing heat. Further, the heat storage tank 13 and the reservoir tank 14 are surrounded and insulated by the housing 21 and the vacuum insulator 22 , which effectively prevents heat absorption of the heat storage medium 15 and the water and also heat release from the heat storage medium 15 and the water.
  • the air conditioner according to the present embodiment allows heating and cooling for a long time even after being unused for a long time.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 show the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • same reference numerals are used for the common elements or components in the first and second embodiments, and the description of such elements or components for the second embodiment will be omitted.
  • the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first heat exchanger 41 corresponding to the first heat exchanger 3 of FIG. 3 is disposed in contact with one side of the peltier device 6 .
  • the controller 11 operates the first and second valves 9 and 10 so that the first outlet port 2 A is connected to the first inlet port 2 B, the first outlet port 2 A is disconnected from the second inlet port 60 B and the second outlet port 60 A is disconnected from the first inlet port 2 B, as shown in FIG. 7 .
  • the peltier device 6 operates under the control of the controller 11 so as to absorb heat from the water in the first pipe 4 thereby to provide negative heat and also to release heat to the first heat exchanger 41 thereby to provide positive heat.
  • the water flowing in the heat storage unit 2 is cooled and negative heat is stored in the heat storage medium 15 .
  • the first heat exchanger 41 is heated, the heat of the first heat exchanger 41 is released by the first blower 12 into the surrounding air, so that the first heat exchanger 41 is cooled.
  • the first and second valves 9 and 10 are operated by the controller 11 so that the first outlet port 2 A is connected to the second inlet port 60 B and the second outlet port 60 A is connected to the first inlet port 2 B, as shown in FIG. 8 .
  • the negative heat stored in the heat storage medium 15 of the heat storage unit 2 is supplied to the second heat exchanger 60 through the water, and the vehicle compartment is cooled by the second heat exchanger 60 .
  • a material suitable for storing positive heat is used for the heat storage medium 15 .
  • the peltier device 6 operates under the control of the controller 11 so as to release heat to the water in the first pipe 4 thereby to provide positive heat and also to absorb heat from the first heat exchanger 41 thereby to provide negative heat.
  • the water flowing in the heat storage unit 2 is heated and positive heat is stored in the heat storage medium 15 .
  • the first heat exchanger 41 absorbs heat from the surrounding air and is heated.
  • the positive heat stored in the heat storage medium 15 of the heat storage unit 2 is supplied to the second heat exchanger 60 through the water, and the vehicle compartment is heated by the second heat exchanger 60 .
  • the second embodiment offers advantages similar to those of the first embodiment.
  • FIGS. 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 show the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • same reference numerals are used for the common elements or components in the first and third embodiments, and the description of such elements or components for the third embodiment will be omitted.
  • the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first pump 7 is provided in the first pipe 4 and the heat storage unit 20 replaces the heat storage unit 2 of FIG. 3 .
  • the heat storage unit 20 includes a housing 21 A, a reservoir tank 53 and a heat storage section 51 .
  • a vacuum insulator 22 A is mounted on the inner surface of the housing 21 A.
  • the reservoir tank 53 is fixed in the housing 21 A.
  • the interior of the reservoir tank 53 forms a storage space 53 A for storing therein antifreeze liquid.
  • an outlet pipe 17 A is connected to the lower portion of the reservoir tank 53 on one side thereof.
  • the outlet pipe 17 A extends upward and then horizontally through the vacuum insulator 22 A and the housing 21 A and has an opening facing upward and serving as a first outlet port 20 A, as shown in FIG. 11 .
  • an inlet pipe 30 A is connected to the upper portion of the reservoir tank 53 on the other side thereof.
  • the inlet pipe 30 A extends horizontally through the vacuum insulator 22 and the housing 21 and has an opening facing upward and serving as a first inlet port 20 B.
  • the heat storage section 51 includes a heat storage tank 52 , a jacket 59 and a heat transfer member 54 .
  • the heat storage tank 52 has plural recesses 52 A each of which holds therein the heat storage medium 15 .
  • the jacket 59 is integrated with the heat storage tank 52 .
  • the heat transfer member 54 is made of copper and mounted to the bottom of the jacket 59 .
  • the heat transfer member 54 includes a plate-shaped base 54 A and plural fins 54 B extending downward from the base 54 A. Each fin 54 B extends into the recess 52 A and is in contact with the heat storage medium 15 .
  • the jacket 59 forms therein a flow passage 55 extending above the heat transfer member 54 .
  • the flow passage 55 has a third outlet port 59 A connected to a fourth pipe 56 and a third inlet port 59 B connected to a fifth pipe 57 .
  • the upstream end of the first pipe 4 as viewed in the flow direction of antifreeze liquid, the outlet pipe 17 A and the fourth pipe 56 are connected to a third valve 58 A.
  • the opposite downstream end of the first pipe 4 , the inlet pipe 30 A and the fifth pipe 57 are connected to a fourth valve 58 B.
  • Each of the third and fourth valves 58 A and 58 B is provided by a three-way valve and connected to the controller 11 .
  • the controller 11 operates the first and the second valves 9 and 10 and the third and fourth valves 58 A and 58 B so that the third outlet port 59 A and the third inlet port 59 B are connected to the first pipe 4 , the first outlet port 20 A is disconnected from the second inlet port 60 B and the second outlet port 60 A is disconnected from the first inlet port 20 B, as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the first outlet port 20 A is also disconnected from the first inlet port 20 B.
  • the first outlet port 20 A is disconnected from the third outlet port 59 A, and the first inlet port 20 B is disconnected from the third inlet port 59 B.
  • the first pump 7 circulates the antifreeze liquid in the first pipe 4 , and the peltier device 6 is operated so as to absorb heat from the antifreeze liquid in the first pipe 4 thereby to provide negative heat.
  • the antifreeze liquid in the first pipe 4 is cooled and then delivered through the third inlet port 59 B into the flow passage 55 of the jacket 59 , where heat is exchanged through the fins 54 B of the heat transfer member 54 between the antifreeze liquid and the heat storage medium 15 in the recess 52 A.
  • the antifreeze liquid is then delivered through the third outlet port 59 A into the first pipe 4 .
  • the first and second valves 9 and 10 and the third and fourth valves 58 A and 58 B are operated by the controller 11 so that the first outlet port 20 A is connected to the second inlet port 60 B, the second outlet port 60 A is connected to the first inlet port 20 B, the first outlet port 20 A is disconnected from the first inlet port 20 B, and the third outlet port 59 A and the third inlet port 59 B are disconnected from the first pipe 4 , as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the negative heat stored in the heat storage medium 15 of the heat storage unit 20 is supplied to the second heat exchanger 60 through the antifreeze liquid, and the vehicle compartment is cooled by the second heat exchanger 60 .
  • the peltier device 6 is operated under the control of the controller 11 so as to release heat to the antifreeze liquid in the first pipe 4 thereby to provide positive heat.
  • the antifreeze liquid in the first pipe 4 is heated and then delivered through the third inlet port 59 B into the flow passage 55 of the jacket 59 , where heat is exchanged through the fins 54 B of the heat transfer member 54 between the antifreeze liquid and the heat storage medium 15 in the recess 52 A.
  • the antifreeze liquid is then delivered through the third outlet port 59 A into the first pipe 4 .
  • the positive heat stored in the heat storage medium 15 of the heat storage unit 2 is supplied to the second heat exchanger 60 through the antifreeze liquid, and the vehicle compartment is heated by the second heat exchanger 60 .
  • the heat transfer member 54 is made of copper and the fins 54 B are in contact with the heat storage media 15 in the respective recesses 52 A. Heat of the antifreeze liquid flowing through the flow passage 55 is quickly stored in the heat storage medium 15 through the heat transfer member 54 . That is, heat is stored in the heat storage medium 15 more rapidly, as compared to the case where heat is stored in the heat storage medium 15 only through the antifreeze liquid in the storage space 53 A.
  • the controller 11 operates the third and fourth valves 58 A and 58 B so that the third outlet port 59 A is connected to the third inlet port 59 B and the first outlet port 20 A is disconnected from the first inlet port 20 B, as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the outlet pipe 17 A and the inlet pipe 30 A are disconnected from the first pipe 4 , and air insulation layer is formed in the outlet pipe 17 A and the inlet pipe 30 A.
  • the antifreeze liquid in the reservoir tank 53 is insulated by such air, which effectively prevents positive heat or negative heat stored in the antifreeze liquid in the reservoir tank 53 from being released outside the heat storage unit 20 .
  • the heat storage tank 52 has the recesses 52 A each of which holds therein the heat storage medium 15 , and the fins 54 B of the heat transfer member 54 extend from the jacket 59 into the respective recesses 52 A.
  • the surface area of the heat storage tank 52 becomes large and, therefore, the antifreeze liquid in the storage space 53 A is efficiently heated and cooled.
  • the heat storage medium 15 in each recess 52 A can store positive heat or negative heat of the antifreeze liquid flowing in the flow passage 55 , which allows positive heat or negative heat to be stored more quickly in the heat storage medium 15 .
  • the third embodiment offers advantages similar to those of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 shows the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the heat storage unit 20 of FIG. 9 is used in place of the heat storage unit 2 of FIG. 7 .
  • the fourth embodiment offers advantages similar to those of the second and third embodiments.
  • a material capable of storing positive heat such as paraffin, calcium chloride hydrate, sodium sulfate hydrate, sodium thiosulfate hydrate, or sodium acetate hydrate may be used, and a material capable of storing negative heat such as sodium polyacrylate, also known as cold storage medium, may be used.
  • An electric heater may be provided for heating the heat storage medium 15 .
  • a hot water heater which includes a pipe where heat exchange medium such as hot water is flown, may be provided for heating the heat storage medium 15 .
  • a cold water heater which includes a pipe where heat exchange medium such as cold water is flown, may be provided for cooling the heat storage medium 15 .
  • the insulation of the interior of the housing 21 ( 21 A) may be accomplished not only by the vacuum insulator 22 ( 22 A), but also by expanded polystyrene foam, glass wool, air or vacuum.
  • Any suitable heater or cooler may be provided for heating or cooling the water in the reservoir tank 14 and the antifreeze liquid in the reservoir tank 53 .
  • valve 19 may be provided by a three-way valve connecting to the third pipe 62
  • valve 32 may be provided by a three-way valve connecting to the second pipe 61 .
  • the present invention may be applied to a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)
US12/756,242 2009-04-09 2010-04-08 Vehicle air conditioner Abandoned US20100257870A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2009094734 2009-04-09
JP2009-094734 2009-04-09
JP2009193570A JP2010260528A (ja) 2009-04-09 2009-08-24 車両用空調装置
JP2009-193570 2009-08-24

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US20100257870A1 true US20100257870A1 (en) 2010-10-14

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US (1) US20100257870A1 (ja)
EP (1) EP2239158A1 (ja)
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Cited By (7)

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CN103158499A (zh) * 2013-03-23 2013-06-19 湖南哲能赫新能源有限责任公司 储冷式太阳能汽车降温器
US20130213632A1 (en) * 2010-10-29 2013-08-22 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Thermal control apparatus and method for vehicle
CN103747970A (zh) * 2011-03-31 2014-04-23 法雷奥热系统公司 用于电推进车辆的除霜/除雾装置
DE102013211505A1 (de) * 2013-06-19 2014-12-24 Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg Temperiervorrichtung
US20150034026A1 (en) * 2011-10-20 2015-02-05 Innovationsschatz Gmbh Internal Combustion Engine of an Automotive Vehicle with a Heat Storage Device that Provides Reusable Heat
US9109841B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2015-08-18 Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation Air to refrigerant heat exchanger with phase change material
US10471803B2 (en) * 2016-01-27 2019-11-12 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Systems and methods for thermal battery control

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DE102013200022A1 (de) * 2013-01-02 2014-07-03 Robert Bosch Gmbh Vorrichtung zur Wärmespeicherung in einem Kraftfahrzeug
JP7567678B2 (ja) 2021-06-18 2024-10-16 株式会社Soken 温調装置

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02141324A (ja) * 1988-11-23 1990-05-30 Nippon Denso Co Ltd 車両用冷蔵庫
JPH04218424A (ja) * 1990-12-19 1992-08-10 Nippondenso Co Ltd 車両用空気調和装置
JP3631097B2 (ja) * 2000-04-18 2005-03-23 三洋電機株式会社 蓄熱空気調和機

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130213632A1 (en) * 2010-10-29 2013-08-22 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Thermal control apparatus and method for vehicle
CN103747970A (zh) * 2011-03-31 2014-04-23 法雷奥热系统公司 用于电推进车辆的除霜/除雾装置
US9109841B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2015-08-18 Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation Air to refrigerant heat exchanger with phase change material
US20150034026A1 (en) * 2011-10-20 2015-02-05 Innovationsschatz Gmbh Internal Combustion Engine of an Automotive Vehicle with a Heat Storage Device that Provides Reusable Heat
CN103158499A (zh) * 2013-03-23 2013-06-19 湖南哲能赫新能源有限责任公司 储冷式太阳能汽车降温器
DE102013211505A1 (de) * 2013-06-19 2014-12-24 Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg Temperiervorrichtung
US10471803B2 (en) * 2016-01-27 2019-11-12 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Systems and methods for thermal battery control

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EP2239158A1 (en) 2010-10-13

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