US20140060101A1 - Unidirectional climate control system - Google Patents
Unidirectional climate control system Download PDFInfo
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- US20140060101A1 US20140060101A1 US13/602,406 US201213602406A US2014060101A1 US 20140060101 A1 US20140060101 A1 US 20140060101A1 US 201213602406 A US201213602406 A US 201213602406A US 2014060101 A1 US2014060101 A1 US 2014060101A1
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- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- primary loop
- control system
- climate control
- circuit
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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
- B60H1/00642—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
- B60H1/00899—Controlling the flow of liquid in a heat pump system
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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
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H1/3204—Cooling devices using compression
- B60H1/3228—Cooling devices using compression characterised by refrigerant circuit configurations
- B60H1/32284—Cooling devices using compression characterised by refrigerant circuit configurations comprising two or more secondary circuits, e.g. at evaporator and condenser side
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B29/00—Combined heating and refrigeration systems, e.g. operating alternately or simultaneously
- F25B29/003—Combined heating and refrigeration systems, e.g. operating alternately or simultaneously of the compression type system
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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
- B60H1/00642—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
- B60H2001/00928—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 comprising a secondary circuit
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to climate control systems for vehicles.
- climate control systems are used to provide conditioned air to vehicle passenger compartments.
- the climate control system may cool the passenger compartment in warm conditions and may warm the passenger compartment in cold conditions.
- air conditioners may be used to provide chilled air and resistance heaters may be used to provide warmed air.
- a climate control system for a vehicle.
- the vehicle includes a passenger compartment, and the climate control system includes a heater circuit, a cooler circuit, and a primary loop.
- the heater circuit is filled with a first liquid medium and has a heater core selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment.
- the cooler circuit is filled with a second liquid medium and has a cooler core selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment.
- the primary loop is filled with a refrigerant medium, and has a compressor and an expansion valve.
- the heater circuit, the cooler circuit, and the primary loop each have fixed flow directions, such that the flow through the circuits is not reversible.
- a liquid-cooled condenser thermally links the heater circuit and the primary loop.
- a liquid-warmed evaporator thermally links the cooler circuit and the primary loop. Therefore, the primary loop is always in direct heat-exchange communication with one of the first liquid medium of the heater circuit and the second liquid medium of the cooler circuit.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a climate control system having unidirectional fluid circuits and a primary loop completely separate from a passenger compartment;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another climate control system having features and components that may be combined or shared with the climate control system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another climate control system having features and components that may be combined or shared with the climate control systems shown in FIGS. 1-2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another climate control system having features and components that may be combined or shared with the climate control systems shown in FIGS. 1-3 .
- FIG. 1 shows a climate control system 10 for a vehicle (not shown).
- the vehicle may be a conventional vehicle, hybrid vehicle, alternative energy vehicle, or any combination thereof.
- the vehicle has a passenger compartment 12 , in which occupants and operators of the vehicle are located.
- One of the functions of the climate control system 10 is to provide a suitable environment for occupants of the vehicle within the passenger compartment 12 .
- the climate control system 10 generally includes three closed circuits or loops: a heater circuit 14 , a cooler circuit 16 , and a primary loop 18 .
- Each of the heater circuit 14 , the cooler circuit 16 , and the primary loop 18 have fixed flow directions, such that the various fluids within the circuits generally move, if moving, in only one direction.
- the climate control system 10 does not include any reversing valves, regardless of whether climate control system 10 is cooling the passenger compartment 12 , heating the passenger compartment 12 , or both heating and cooling the passenger compartment (such as may occur during dehumidification).
- liquid refers to substances composed of molecules at an appropriate pressure that move freely among themselves but do not tend to separate like those of gases, as opposed to a solid or gas.
- gas or “gaseous” refer to a substance possessing molecular mobility and the property of indefinite expansion, as opposed to a solid or liquid. Both liquids and gases are fluids.
- refrigerant refers to a fluid having a reversible phase transition from a liquid to a gas and generally capable of changing phase below and above normal ambient temperature of the environment.
- the primary loop 18 may also be referred to as a refrigeration loop or a direct expansion loop. Generally, the components of the primary loop 18 form, and operate, as a vapor compression cycle.
- the primary loop 18 is filled with a refrigerant medium, which operates as a working fluid for the primary loop 18 . No portion of the primary loop 18 is within the passenger compartment 12 , and the primary loop 18 may be wholly separated from the passenger compartment 12 by structures including a firewall (not shown).
- the refrigerant medium may be, for example, and without limitation: R32, R410A, R134a, R152a, or other single halogenated hydrocarbons; non-halogenated hydrocarbons, such as propane; ammonia; or carbon dioxide.
- the working fluid for the heater circuit 14 is a first liquid medium, as opposed to refrigerant.
- the cooler circuit 16 is filled with a second liquid medium.
- the first liquid medium and the second liquid medium may or may not be the same substances, but may both be coolants or heat transfer fluids.
- the first liquid medium and the second liquid medium both flow within the passenger compartment 12 , and may, therefore, be more limited due to possible contact with the occupants.
- coolant used for the first liquid medium and the second liquid medium may include, without limitation: water or antifreeze solutions of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, or propylene glycol in water.
- the primary loop 18 includes a compressor 20 , which pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it through the primary loop 18 .
- the compressor 20 may be electrically driven or mechanically driven.
- the compressor 20 generally changes the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid and moves the refrigerant to a liquid-cooled condenser 22 .
- the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the first liquid medium of the heater circuit 14 .
- liquid-cooled condenser 22 While in the liquid-cooled condenser 22 , the refrigerant condenses from a gas to a liquid form, so that the heat exchange occurring in the liquid-cooled condenser 22 is from the refrigerant to the working fluid in the heater circuit 14 , which is a liquid. Therefore, heat exchange in liquid-cooled condenser 22 occurs from gaseous refrigerant to liquid, two-phase refrigerant to liquid, and liquid refrigerant to liquid; with the bulk of the heat exchange occurred due to latent heat release when the refrigerant changes from gas to liquid.
- the refrigerant in the primary loop 18 flows to an expansion valve 24 , which is a pressure-lowering device or a metering device. Much, or all, of the refrigerant is changed into two-phase state (both liquid and gas) by the expansion valve 24 and then passes through a liquid-warmed evaporator 26 .
- the expansion valve 24 may be a thermostatic or thermal expansion valve, and is configured to hold a constant evaporator superheat state as the refrigerant enters the liquid-warmed evaporator 26 .
- the expansion valve 24 may monitor, such as with a sensor or a bulb, the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the liquid-warmed evaporator 26 , and may improve the performance of the heat exchange by letting additional or less refrigerant into the liquid-warmed evaporator 26 .
- the refrigerant regardless of its phase state, is in direct heat-exchange communication with the second liquid medium of the cooler circuit 16 .
- the primary loop 18 has a fixed flow direction during normal operations (generally counterclockwise, as diagramed in FIG. 1 ). Therefore, refrigerant flows from the compressor 20 through the liquid-cooled condenser 22 , then through the expansion valve 24 , then through the liquid-warmed evaporator 26 , and back to the compressor 20 . Note that during shut-down or start-up procedures, or in extreme situations, it may be possible for some of the refrigerant to flow in the reverse direction.
- the heater circuit 14 has a heater core 30 selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment 12 .
- a first pump 32 moves the first liquid medium through the heater circuit 14 .
- the first pump 32 and other pumps described herein, may have fixed or variable displacement and may be driven by coupling to another rotating component or to a dedicated motor (not shown).
- a fan or a blower may move air over the heater core 30 to transfer heat from the first fluid medium within the heater core 30 to the passenger compartment 12 .
- the first liquid medium may be directed to specific locations within the passenger compartment 12 , such as, and without limitation, passenger seats (not shown).
- the heater circuit 14 also includes a low-temperature radiator 34 , which is in thermal communication with ambient air.
- the low-temperature radiator 34 is disposed, in the direction of flow of the first liquid medium, between the heater core 30 and the liquid-cooled condenser 22 .
- Ambient air refers to air from outside of the compartment 12 . Generally, ambient air is taken from the exterior of the vehicle and directed to some portion of the under hood components.
- the liquid-cooled condenser 22 thermally links the heater circuit 14 and the primary loop 18 . Therefore, heat generated and pumped by the primary loop 18 is transferred to the heater circuit 14 , where the heat may then be communicated to the ambient air outside of the vehicle, to the passenger compartment 12 , some combination of both, or to other locations, depending upon the configuration of the climate control system 10 .
- the heater circuit 14 has a fixed flow direction during normal operations (generally clockwise, as diagramed in FIG. 1 ), such that the first pump 32 always moves the first liquid medium in the same direction. Therefore, the first liquid medium flows from the heater core 30 through the low-temperature radiator 34 , then through the liquid-cooled evaporator 22 , and back to the heater core 30 . In some situations, including transient periods related to start up or shut down, it may be possible for some of the first liquid medium to flow in the reverse direction.
- the cooler circuit 16 of the climate control system 10 is filled with a second liquid medium.
- the first fluid medium in the heater circuit 14 and the second fluid medium in the cooler circuit 16 are both coolants, although they need not be the same type of coolant.
- the cooler circuit 16 has a cooler core 40 , which is selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment 12 and the cooler circuit 16 .
- a second pump 42 moves the first liquid medium through the cooler circuit 16 .
- the first pump 32 and the second pump 42 may be numerous types of pumping mechanisms or devices. Furthermore, the first pump 32 and the second pump 42 may be driven by numerous power sources, including mechanical drives and electrical motors.
- the liquid-warmed evaporator 26 thermally links the cooler circuit 16 and the primary loop 18 .
- the liquid-warmed evaporator 26 may draw heat from the cooler circuit 16 into the primary loop 18 . Therefore, the primary loop 18 is always in direct heat-exchange communication with liquid media, as opposed to gaseous media.
- the primary loop 18 is in direct heat-exchange communication with at least one of the first liquid medium and the second liquid medium, which are always in liquid form during normal operations.
- direct heat-exchange communication refers to thermal communication occurring purposefully, and without an intermediary, between the circuits.
- the cooler circuit 16 and the passenger compartment may be in direct heat-exchange communication through the cooler core 40 , but the primary loop 18 and the passenger compartment 12 are not in direct heat-exchange communication.
- the primary loop 18 and the passenger compartment 12 may be placed into indirect heat-exchange communication through the intermediary components of the cooler circuit 16 .
- the vehicle may also include a battery 44 .
- the cooler circuit 16 includes a battery path 46 linking the cooler circuit 16 and the battery 44 . Therefore, the battery 44 may be placed into thermal communication with the cooler circuit 16 .
- the battery 44 illustrated may be a battery pack and may include components associated with the electrical system.
- the battery path 46 may include valves or switches to selectively control whether the second fluid medium in the cooler circuit 16 is in direct heat-exchange communication with the battery 44 .
- the battery path 46 allows the cooler circuit 16 to cool the battery 44 , which also acts as a heat source for the climate control system 10 .
- the cooler circuit 16 has a fixed flow direction during normal operations (generally clockwise, as diagramed in FIG. 1 ), such that the second pump 42 always moves the second liquid medium in the same direction. Therefore, the second liquid medium flows from the cooler core 40 through the liquid-warmed evaporator 26 , and back to the heater core 30 , with possible passage through the battery path 46 . In some situations, including transient periods related to start up or shut down, it may be possible for some of the second liquid medium to flow in the reverse direction. Note that the components of the cooler circuit 16 and the heater circuit 14 may be reordered or rearranged, and additional components may be included, but the direction of flow would be fixed in any configuration.
- the heater core 30 and the cooler core 40 selectively communicate with at least a common air stream 50 .
- the common air stream 50 may be generated by a fan (not shown) within the passenger compartment 12 , which may also draw ambient air into the passenger compartment 12 , often after passing through a cabin air filter (not shown). With the common air stream 50 , it is possible to simultaneously place the cooler core 40 and the heater core 30 into direct heat-exchange communication with the passenger compartment 12 .
- the climate control system 10 may use the cooler core 40 to condense and remove moisture from the passenger compartment 12 and the heater core 30 reheat the common air stream 50 after it passes through the cooler core 40 .
- the heater core 30 and the cooler core 40 may also be selectively in communication with separate air streams, such that either the heater core 30 or the cooler core 40 may individually condition the passenger compartment 12 . Furthermore the heater core 30 and the cooler core 40 may selectively communicate with other components in the passenger compartment 12 , such as seat warmers or seat coolers (not shown).
- a control system or controller monitors and controls some, or all, of the components of the climate control system 10 , including those discussed herein and others.
- the controller may include one or more components with a storage medium and a suitable amount of programmable memory, which are capable of storing and executing one or more algorithms or methods to effect control of the climate control system 10 and, possibly, other components of the vehicle.
- the controller may be in communication with numerous sensors and communication systems of the vehicle and the passenger compartment 12 .
- Each component of the controller may include distributed controller architecture, such as a microprocessor-based electronic control unit (ECU). Additional modules or processors may be present within the controller, and the controller may be only a portion of another control system.
- ECU electronice control unit
- the climate control system 110 may be used in a vehicle (not shown) similar to those in which the control system 10 may be used.
- the climate control system 110 generally includes three closed circuits or loops: a heater circuit 114 , a cooler circuit 116 , and a primary loop 118 ; each having fixed flow directions.
- the primary loop 118 includes a compressor 120 , which pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it through the primary loop 118 to a liquid-cooled condenser 122 , such that the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the first liquid medium of the heater circuit 114 .
- the climate control system 110 also includes a front-end subcooler 123 , which may selectively place the refrigerant in direct heat-exchange communication with ambient air.
- the front-end subcooler 123 provides an additional point of heat dissipation for the primary loop 118 .
- an electronic expansion valve 124 which is a pressure-lowering device or a metering device.
- the electronic expansion valve 124 may use a motor, stepper motor, or solenoid to adjust pressure settings based upon a signal from a controller (not shown).
- the refrigerant is changed into two-phase state by the electronic expansion valve 124 and then passes through a liquid-warmed evaporator 126 .
- the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the second liquid medium of the cooler circuit 116 .
- the electronic expansion valve 124 may monitor, such as with a sensor, the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the liquid-warmed evaporator 126 , and may improve the performance of the heat exchange by adjusting flow of refrigerant into the liquid-warmed evaporator 126 . Where the expansion valve 24 of the climate control system 10 likely utilized physical sensing and physical control, the electronic expansion valve 124 uses electronic sensing and control to adjust flow into the liquid-warmed evaporator 126 .
- the electronic expansion valve 124 may include its own processor or controller, or may use the controller for the climate control system 110 as a whole, in order to maintain a constant evaporator superheat into the liquid-warmed evaporator 126 .
- the accumulator 127 is a device configured to store liquid refrigerant and to prevent liquid refrigerant, as opposed to gaseous refrigerant, from returning to the compressor 120 . Liquid refrigerant is collected by the accumulator 127 and may be vaporized back into gas before continuing to the compressor 120 .
- the heater circuit 114 has a heater core 130 selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment 112 .
- a first pump 132 moves the first liquid medium through the heater circuit 114 , which includes a low-temperature radiator 134 in thermal communication with ambient air.
- the liquid-cooled condenser 122 thermally links the heater circuit 114 and the primary loop 118 and allows direct heat-exchange communication therebetween.
- the cooler circuit 116 of the climate control system 110 is filled with a second liquid medium, and includes a cooler core 140 , which is selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment 112 and the cooler circuit 116 .
- a second pump 142 moves the second liquid medium through the cooler circuit 116 .
- the liquid-warmed evaporator 126 thermally links the cooler circuit 116 and the primary loop 118 . Therefore, the primary loop 118 is in direct heat-exchange communication with at least one of the first liquid medium through the liquid-cooled condenser 122 and the second liquid medium through the liquid-warmed evaporator 126 , which are always in liquid form during normal operations.
- the climate control system 110 also communicates with a battery 144 through a battery path 146 linking the cooler circuit 116 and the battery 144 . Therefore, the battery 144 may selectively be placed into thermal communication with the cooler circuit 116 .
- the battery path 146 allows the cooler circuit 116 to cool the battery 144 , which also acts as a heat source for the climate control system 110 .
- the heater core 130 and the cooler core 140 selectively communicate with a common air stream 150 .
- the climate control system 210 may be used in a vehicle (not shown) similar to those in which the control system 10 may be used.
- the climate control system 210 generally includes three closed circuits or loops: a heater circuit 214 , a cooler circuit 216 , and a primary loop 218 ; each having fixed flow directions.
- the primary loop 218 includes a compressor 220 , which pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it through the primary loop 218 to a liquid-cooled condenser 222 , such that the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the first liquid medium of the heater circuit 214 .
- refrigerant in the primary loop 218 flows to an expansion valve 224 , which is a pressure-lowering device or a metering device.
- the expansion valve 224 may be an electronic expansion valve, thermal expansion valve, or another suitable device.
- the refrigerant is changed into two-phase by the expansion valve 224 and then passes through a liquid-warmed evaporator 226 .
- the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the second liquid medium of the cooler circuit 216 .
- the expansion valve 224 may monitor, such as with a sensor, the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the liquid-warmed evaporator 226 , and may improve the performance of the heat exchange by adjusting flow of refrigerant into the liquid-warmed evaporator 226 .
- the primary loop 218 also includes a liquid-gas separator 228 disposed between the liquid-cooled condenser 222 and the expansion valve 224 .
- the liquid-gas separator 228 distributes gaseous portions of the refrigerant medium to the compressor 220 and liquid portions of the refrigerant medium to the liquid-warmed evaporator 226 via the expansion valve 224 .
- the heater circuit 214 has a heater core 230 selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment 212 .
- a first pump 232 moves the first liquid medium through the heater circuit 214 , which includes a low-temperature radiator 234 in thermal communication with ambient air.
- the liquid-cooled condenser 222 thermally links the heater circuit 214 and the primary loop 218 and allows direct heat-exchange communication therebetween.
- the cooler circuit 216 of the climate control system 210 is filled with a second liquid medium, and includes a cooler core 240 , which is selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment 212 and the cooler circuit 216 .
- a second pump 242 moves the first liquid medium through the cooler circuit 216 .
- the liquid-warmed evaporator 226 thermally links the cooler circuit 216 and the primary loop 218 . Therefore, the primary loop 218 is in direct heat-exchange communication with at least one of the first liquid medium through the liquid-cooled condenser 222 and the second liquid medium through the liquid-warmed evaporator 226 , which are always in liquid form during normal operations.
- the climate control system 210 also communicates with a battery 244 through a battery path 246 linking the cooler circuit 216 and the battery 244 . Therefore, the battery 244 may selectively be placed into thermal communication with the cooler circuit 216 .
- the battery path 246 allows the cooler circuit 216 to cool the battery 244 , which also acts as a heat source for the climate control system 210 .
- the heater core 230 and the cooler core 240 selectively communicate with a common air stream 250 .
- the cooler circuit 216 includes a liquid reservoir 252 , which is configured to store the second liquid medium, and a reservoir valve 254 .
- the liquid reservoir 252 is shown disposed between the cooler core 240 and the liquid-warmed evaporator 226 , and allows the cooler circuit 216 to store thermal mass for later use. However, the liquid reservoir 252 may be disposed in other locations within the cooler circuit 216 .
- the reservoir valve 254 is configured to selectively direct some, or all, of the second liquid medium into the liquid reservoir 252 , and is also configured to allow the second liquid medium to flow from the liquid reservoir 252 back into the cooler circuit 216 .
- the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 252 may be used to cool the passenger compartment 212 when the primary loop 218 is not operating.
- the liquid reservoir 252 may be used as an auxiliary heat source for the primary loop 218 .
- the climate control system 310 may be used in a vehicle (not shown) similar to those in which the control system 10 may be used.
- the climate control system 310 generally includes three closed circuits or loops: a heater circuit 314 , a cooler circuit 316 , and a primary loop 318 ; each having fixed flow directions.
- the primary loop 318 includes a compressor 320 , which pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it through the primary loop 318 to a liquid-cooled condenser 322 , such that the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the first liquid medium of the heater circuit 314 .
- refrigerant in the primary loop 318 flows to an expansion valve 324 , which is a pressure-lowering device or a metering device.
- the expansion valve 324 may be an electronic expansion valve, thermal expansion valve, or another suitable device.
- the refrigerant is changed into two-phase by the expansion valve 324 and then passes through a liquid-warmed evaporator 326 .
- the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the second liquid medium of the cooler circuit 316 .
- the expansion valve 324 may monitor, such as with a sensor, the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the liquid-warmed evaporator 326 , and may improve the performance of the heat exchange by adjusting flow of refrigerant into the liquid-warmed evaporator 326 .
- the primary loop 318 includes an internal heat exchanger 329 , which selectively allows direct heat-exchange communication between refrigerant flowing from the liquid-cooled condenser 322 to the expansion valve 324 and refrigerant flowing from the liquid-warmed evaporator 326 to the compressor 320 .
- the internal heat exchanger 329 may promote delivery of only liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve 324 and only gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 320 .
- the heater circuit 314 has a heater core 330 selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment 312 .
- a first pump 332 moves the first liquid medium through the heater circuit 314 , which includes a low-temperature radiator 334 in thermal communication with ambient air.
- the heater circuit 314 also includes a bypass path 336 and a bypass valve 338 .
- the bypass path 336 links portions of the heater circuit 314 on either side of the low-temperature radiator 334 , and the bypass valve 338 selectively channels the first liquid medium to the bypass path 336 .
- the bypass valve 338 may be an on/off valve or may proportionally divide flow between the low-temperature radiator 334 and the bypass path 336 .
- the bypass valve 338 shown is illustrative only and the type, operation, function, and actuation of the bypass valve 338 may vary greatly. All of the valves shown in the figures are illustrative only and different valves or equivalent components may be substituted or added.
- bypass path 336 when the bypass path 336 is used, some, or all, of the first liquid medium moves between the heater core 330 and the liquid-cooled condenser 322 without passing through the low-temperature radiator 334 .
- the bypass path 336 allows the heater circuit 314 to retain heat instead of expelling it when the ambient air is cold and the heat is desired in the heater circuit 314 . Furthermore, when the ambient air is hotter than the first liquid medium, the bypass path 336 allows the heater circuit 314 to avoid picking up additional heat.
- the cooler circuit 316 of the climate control system 310 is filled with a second liquid medium, and includes a cooler core 340 , which is selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment 312 and the cooler circuit 316 .
- a second pump 342 moves the second liquid medium through the cooler circuit 316 .
- the liquid-warmed evaporator 326 thermally links the cooler circuit 316 and the primary loop 318 . Therefore, the primary loop 318 is in direct heat-exchange communication with at least one of the first liquid medium through the liquid-cooled condenser 322 and the second liquid medium through the liquid-warmed evaporator 326 , which are always in liquid form during normal operations.
- the cooler circuit 316 also includes an auxiliary heat source 348 .
- the auxiliary heat source 348 may be, for example and without limitation: a resistance heater, water from an internal combustion engine, or an exhaust gas heat recirculation heat exchanger.
- Other configurations of the climate control system 310 may include an auxiliary heater within the heater circuit 314 .
- the heater core 330 and the cooler core 340 both selectively communicate with a common air stream 350 . Therefore, the common air stream 350 may be chilled and dehumidified by the cooler core 340 and then warmed by the heater core 330 , such that the passenger compartment 312 is warmed and dehumidified.
Abstract
Description
- This disclosure relates to climate control systems for vehicles.
- Climate control systems are used to provide conditioned air to vehicle passenger compartments. The climate control system may cool the passenger compartment in warm conditions and may warm the passenger compartment in cold conditions. For example, air conditioners may be used to provide chilled air and resistance heaters may be used to provide warmed air.
- A climate control system is provided for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a passenger compartment, and the climate control system includes a heater circuit, a cooler circuit, and a primary loop. The heater circuit is filled with a first liquid medium and has a heater core selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment. The cooler circuit is filled with a second liquid medium and has a cooler core selectively in thermal communication with the passenger compartment.
- No portion of the primary loop is within the passenger compartment. The primary loop is filled with a refrigerant medium, and has a compressor and an expansion valve. The heater circuit, the cooler circuit, and the primary loop each have fixed flow directions, such that the flow through the circuits is not reversible.
- A liquid-cooled condenser thermally links the heater circuit and the primary loop. A liquid-warmed evaporator thermally links the cooler circuit and the primary loop. Therefore, the primary loop is always in direct heat-exchange communication with one of the first liquid medium of the heater circuit and the second liquid medium of the cooler circuit.
- The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a climate control system having unidirectional fluid circuits and a primary loop completely separate from a passenger compartment; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another climate control system having features and components that may be combined or shared with the climate control system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another climate control system having features and components that may be combined or shared with the climate control systems shown inFIGS. 1-2 ; and -
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another climate control system having features and components that may be combined or shared with the climate control systems shown inFIGS. 1-3 . - Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components wherever possible throughout the several figures.
FIG. 1 shows aclimate control system 10 for a vehicle (not shown). The vehicle may be a conventional vehicle, hybrid vehicle, alternative energy vehicle, or any combination thereof. The vehicle has apassenger compartment 12, in which occupants and operators of the vehicle are located. One of the functions of theclimate control system 10 is to provide a suitable environment for occupants of the vehicle within thepassenger compartment 12. - The
climate control system 10 generally includes three closed circuits or loops: aheater circuit 14, acooler circuit 16, and aprimary loop 18. Each of theheater circuit 14, thecooler circuit 16, and theprimary loop 18 have fixed flow directions, such that the various fluids within the circuits generally move, if moving, in only one direction. Theclimate control system 10 does not include any reversing valves, regardless of whetherclimate control system 10 is cooling thepassenger compartment 12, heating thepassenger compartment 12, or both heating and cooling the passenger compartment (such as may occur during dehumidification). - While the present invention may be described with respect to automotive or vehicular applications, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the invention. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” et cetera, are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
- Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the description. All elements may be mixed and matched between figures.
- As used herein, the term “liquid” refers to substances composed of molecules at an appropriate pressure that move freely among themselves but do not tend to separate like those of gases, as opposed to a solid or gas. The terms “gas” or “gaseous” refer to a substance possessing molecular mobility and the property of indefinite expansion, as opposed to a solid or liquid. Both liquids and gases are fluids. The term “refrigerant” refers to a fluid having a reversible phase transition from a liquid to a gas and generally capable of changing phase below and above normal ambient temperature of the environment.
- Throughout the figures, some components are illustrated with standardized or basic symbols. These symbols are representative and illustrative only, and are in no way limiting of any specific configuration shown, of combinations between the different configurations shown, or of the claims. All descriptions of componentry are open-ended and any examples of components are non-exhaustive.
- The
primary loop 18 may also be referred to as a refrigeration loop or a direct expansion loop. Generally, the components of theprimary loop 18 form, and operate, as a vapor compression cycle. Theprimary loop 18 is filled with a refrigerant medium, which operates as a working fluid for theprimary loop 18. No portion of theprimary loop 18 is within thepassenger compartment 12, and theprimary loop 18 may be wholly separated from thepassenger compartment 12 by structures including a firewall (not shown). The refrigerant medium may be, for example, and without limitation: R32, R410A, R134a, R152a, or other single halogenated hydrocarbons; non-halogenated hydrocarbons, such as propane; ammonia; or carbon dioxide. - The working fluid for the
heater circuit 14 is a first liquid medium, as opposed to refrigerant. Similarly, thecooler circuit 16 is filled with a second liquid medium. The first liquid medium and the second liquid medium may or may not be the same substances, but may both be coolants or heat transfer fluids. The first liquid medium and the second liquid medium both flow within thepassenger compartment 12, and may, therefore, be more limited due to possible contact with the occupants. Examples of coolant used for the first liquid medium and the second liquid medium may include, without limitation: water or antifreeze solutions of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, or propylene glycol in water. - The
primary loop 18 includes acompressor 20, which pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it through theprimary loop 18. Thecompressor 20 may be electrically driven or mechanically driven. Thecompressor 20 generally changes the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid and moves the refrigerant to a liquid-cooledcondenser 22. In the liquid-cooledcondenser 22, the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the first liquid medium of theheater circuit 14. - While in the liquid-cooled
condenser 22, the refrigerant condenses from a gas to a liquid form, so that the heat exchange occurring in the liquid-cooledcondenser 22 is from the refrigerant to the working fluid in theheater circuit 14, which is a liquid. Therefore, heat exchange in liquid-cooledcondenser 22 occurs from gaseous refrigerant to liquid, two-phase refrigerant to liquid, and liquid refrigerant to liquid; with the bulk of the heat exchange occurred due to latent heat release when the refrigerant changes from gas to liquid. - After flowing through the liquid-cooled
condenser 22, the refrigerant in theprimary loop 18 flows to anexpansion valve 24, which is a pressure-lowering device or a metering device. Much, or all, of the refrigerant is changed into two-phase state (both liquid and gas) by theexpansion valve 24 and then passes through a liquid-warmedevaporator 26. - The
expansion valve 24 may be a thermostatic or thermal expansion valve, and is configured to hold a constant evaporator superheat state as the refrigerant enters the liquid-warmedevaporator 26. There are no electronic devices associated with a conventional thermal expansion valve. Theexpansion valve 24 may monitor, such as with a sensor or a bulb, the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the liquid-warmedevaporator 26, and may improve the performance of the heat exchange by letting additional or less refrigerant into the liquid-warmedevaporator 26. In the liquid-warmedevaporator 26, the refrigerant, regardless of its phase state, is in direct heat-exchange communication with the second liquid medium of thecooler circuit 16. - The
primary loop 18 has a fixed flow direction during normal operations (generally counterclockwise, as diagramed inFIG. 1 ). Therefore, refrigerant flows from thecompressor 20 through the liquid-cooledcondenser 22, then through theexpansion valve 24, then through the liquid-warmedevaporator 26, and back to thecompressor 20. Note that during shut-down or start-up procedures, or in extreme situations, it may be possible for some of the refrigerant to flow in the reverse direction. - The
heater circuit 14 has aheater core 30 selectively in thermal communication with thepassenger compartment 12. Afirst pump 32 moves the first liquid medium through theheater circuit 14. Thefirst pump 32, and other pumps described herein, may have fixed or variable displacement and may be driven by coupling to another rotating component or to a dedicated motor (not shown). - A fan or a blower (not shown) may move air over the
heater core 30 to transfer heat from the first fluid medium within theheater core 30 to thepassenger compartment 12. Alternatively, the first liquid medium may be directed to specific locations within thepassenger compartment 12, such as, and without limitation, passenger seats (not shown). - In the
climate control system 10, theheater circuit 14 also includes a low-temperature radiator 34, which is in thermal communication with ambient air. The low-temperature radiator 34 is disposed, in the direction of flow of the first liquid medium, between theheater core 30 and the liquid-cooledcondenser 22. Ambient air refers to air from outside of thecompartment 12. Generally, ambient air is taken from the exterior of the vehicle and directed to some portion of the under hood components. - The liquid-cooled
condenser 22 thermally links theheater circuit 14 and theprimary loop 18. Therefore, heat generated and pumped by theprimary loop 18 is transferred to theheater circuit 14, where the heat may then be communicated to the ambient air outside of the vehicle, to thepassenger compartment 12, some combination of both, or to other locations, depending upon the configuration of theclimate control system 10. - The
heater circuit 14 has a fixed flow direction during normal operations (generally clockwise, as diagramed inFIG. 1 ), such that thefirst pump 32 always moves the first liquid medium in the same direction. Therefore, the first liquid medium flows from theheater core 30 through the low-temperature radiator 34, then through the liquid-cooledevaporator 22, and back to theheater core 30. In some situations, including transient periods related to start up or shut down, it may be possible for some of the first liquid medium to flow in the reverse direction. - The
cooler circuit 16 of theclimate control system 10 is filled with a second liquid medium. The first fluid medium in theheater circuit 14 and the second fluid medium in thecooler circuit 16 are both coolants, although they need not be the same type of coolant. - The
cooler circuit 16 has acooler core 40, which is selectively in thermal communication with thepassenger compartment 12 and thecooler circuit 16. Asecond pump 42 moves the first liquid medium through thecooler circuit 16. - The
first pump 32 and thesecond pump 42 may be numerous types of pumping mechanisms or devices. Furthermore, thefirst pump 32 and thesecond pump 42 may be driven by numerous power sources, including mechanical drives and electrical motors. - The liquid-warmed
evaporator 26 thermally links thecooler circuit 16 and theprimary loop 18. As theclimate control system 10 operates, the liquid-warmedevaporator 26 may draw heat from thecooler circuit 16 into theprimary loop 18. Therefore, theprimary loop 18 is always in direct heat-exchange communication with liquid media, as opposed to gaseous media. Particularly, theprimary loop 18 is in direct heat-exchange communication with at least one of the first liquid medium and the second liquid medium, which are always in liquid form during normal operations. - Generally, direct heat-exchange communication refers to thermal communication occurring purposefully, and without an intermediary, between the circuits. For example, the
cooler circuit 16 and the passenger compartment may be in direct heat-exchange communication through thecooler core 40, but theprimary loop 18 and thepassenger compartment 12 are not in direct heat-exchange communication. However, theprimary loop 18 and thepassenger compartment 12 may be placed into indirect heat-exchange communication through the intermediary components of thecooler circuit 16. - The vehicle may also include a
battery 44. In theclimate control system 10 shown, thecooler circuit 16 includes abattery path 46 linking thecooler circuit 16 and thebattery 44. Therefore, thebattery 44 may be placed into thermal communication with thecooler circuit 16. Thebattery 44 illustrated may be a battery pack and may include components associated with the electrical system. Thebattery path 46 may include valves or switches to selectively control whether the second fluid medium in thecooler circuit 16 is in direct heat-exchange communication with thebattery 44. Thebattery path 46 allows thecooler circuit 16 to cool thebattery 44, which also acts as a heat source for theclimate control system 10. - The
cooler circuit 16 has a fixed flow direction during normal operations (generally clockwise, as diagramed inFIG. 1 ), such that thesecond pump 42 always moves the second liquid medium in the same direction. Therefore, the second liquid medium flows from thecooler core 40 through the liquid-warmedevaporator 26, and back to theheater core 30, with possible passage through thebattery path 46. In some situations, including transient periods related to start up or shut down, it may be possible for some of the second liquid medium to flow in the reverse direction. Note that the components of thecooler circuit 16 and theheater circuit 14 may be reordered or rearranged, and additional components may be included, but the direction of flow would be fixed in any configuration. - In the
climate control system 10, theheater core 30 and thecooler core 40 selectively communicate with at least acommon air stream 50. Thecommon air stream 50 may be generated by a fan (not shown) within thepassenger compartment 12, which may also draw ambient air into thepassenger compartment 12, often after passing through a cabin air filter (not shown). With thecommon air stream 50, it is possible to simultaneously place thecooler core 40 and theheater core 30 into direct heat-exchange communication with thepassenger compartment 12. During, for example and without limitation, dehumidification cycles, theclimate control system 10 may use thecooler core 40 to condense and remove moisture from thepassenger compartment 12 and theheater core 30 reheat thecommon air stream 50 after it passes through thecooler core 40. - The
heater core 30 and thecooler core 40 may also be selectively in communication with separate air streams, such that either theheater core 30 or thecooler core 40 may individually condition thepassenger compartment 12. Furthermore theheater core 30 and thecooler core 40 may selectively communicate with other components in thepassenger compartment 12, such as seat warmers or seat coolers (not shown). - A control system or controller (not shown) monitors and controls some, or all, of the components of the
climate control system 10, including those discussed herein and others. The controller may include one or more components with a storage medium and a suitable amount of programmable memory, which are capable of storing and executing one or more algorithms or methods to effect control of theclimate control system 10 and, possibly, other components of the vehicle. The controller may be in communication with numerous sensors and communication systems of the vehicle and thepassenger compartment 12. - Each component of the controller may include distributed controller architecture, such as a microprocessor-based electronic control unit (ECU). Additional modules or processors may be present within the controller, and the controller may be only a portion of another control system.
- Referring now to
FIG. 2 , and with continued reference toFIG. 1 , there is shown aclimate control system 110, which may be used in a vehicle (not shown) similar to those in which thecontrol system 10 may be used. Theclimate control system 110 generally includes three closed circuits or loops: aheater circuit 114, acooler circuit 116, and aprimary loop 118; each having fixed flow directions. - The
primary loop 118 includes acompressor 120, which pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it through theprimary loop 118 to a liquid-cooledcondenser 122, such that the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the first liquid medium of theheater circuit 114. Theclimate control system 110 also includes a front-end subcooler 123, which may selectively place the refrigerant in direct heat-exchange communication with ambient air. The front-end subcooler 123 provides an additional point of heat dissipation for theprimary loop 118. - After flowing through the liquid-cooled condenser 122 (and, possibly, the front-end subcooler 123) refrigerant in the
primary loop 118 flows to anelectronic expansion valve 124, which is a pressure-lowering device or a metering device. Theelectronic expansion valve 124 may use a motor, stepper motor, or solenoid to adjust pressure settings based upon a signal from a controller (not shown). - The refrigerant is changed into two-phase state by the
electronic expansion valve 124 and then passes through a liquid-warmedevaporator 126. In the liquid-warmedevaporator 126, the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the second liquid medium of thecooler circuit 116. - The
electronic expansion valve 124 may monitor, such as with a sensor, the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the liquid-warmedevaporator 126, and may improve the performance of the heat exchange by adjusting flow of refrigerant into the liquid-warmedevaporator 126. Where theexpansion valve 24 of theclimate control system 10 likely utilized physical sensing and physical control, theelectronic expansion valve 124 uses electronic sensing and control to adjust flow into the liquid-warmedevaporator 126. Theelectronic expansion valve 124 may include its own processor or controller, or may use the controller for theclimate control system 110 as a whole, in order to maintain a constant evaporator superheat into the liquid-warmedevaporator 126. - As the refrigerant in the
primary loop 118 returns to thecompressor 120, it passes through anaccumulator 127 or accumulator bottle. Theaccumulator 127 is a device configured to store liquid refrigerant and to prevent liquid refrigerant, as opposed to gaseous refrigerant, from returning to thecompressor 120. Liquid refrigerant is collected by theaccumulator 127 and may be vaporized back into gas before continuing to thecompressor 120. - The
heater circuit 114 has aheater core 130 selectively in thermal communication with thepassenger compartment 112. Afirst pump 132 moves the first liquid medium through theheater circuit 114, which includes a low-temperature radiator 134 in thermal communication with ambient air. The liquid-cooledcondenser 122 thermally links theheater circuit 114 and theprimary loop 118 and allows direct heat-exchange communication therebetween. - The
cooler circuit 116 of theclimate control system 110 is filled with a second liquid medium, and includes acooler core 140, which is selectively in thermal communication with thepassenger compartment 112 and thecooler circuit 116. Asecond pump 142 moves the second liquid medium through thecooler circuit 116. - The liquid-warmed
evaporator 126 thermally links thecooler circuit 116 and theprimary loop 118. Therefore, theprimary loop 118 is in direct heat-exchange communication with at least one of the first liquid medium through the liquid-cooledcondenser 122 and the second liquid medium through the liquid-warmedevaporator 126, which are always in liquid form during normal operations. - The
climate control system 110 also communicates with abattery 144 through abattery path 146 linking thecooler circuit 116 and thebattery 144. Therefore, thebattery 144 may selectively be placed into thermal communication with thecooler circuit 116. Thebattery path 146 allows thecooler circuit 116 to cool thebattery 144, which also acts as a heat source for theclimate control system 110. In theclimate control system 110, theheater core 130 and thecooler core 140 selectively communicate with acommon air stream 150. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-2 , there is shown aclimate control system 210, which may be used in a vehicle (not shown) similar to those in which thecontrol system 10 may be used. Theclimate control system 210 generally includes three closed circuits or loops: aheater circuit 214, acooler circuit 216, and aprimary loop 218; each having fixed flow directions. - The
primary loop 218 includes acompressor 220, which pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it through theprimary loop 218 to a liquid-cooledcondenser 222, such that the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the first liquid medium of theheater circuit 214. - After flowing through the liquid-cooled
condenser 222 refrigerant in theprimary loop 218 flows to anexpansion valve 224, which is a pressure-lowering device or a metering device. Theexpansion valve 224 may be an electronic expansion valve, thermal expansion valve, or another suitable device. - The refrigerant is changed into two-phase by the
expansion valve 224 and then passes through a liquid-warmedevaporator 226. In the liquid-warmedevaporator 226, the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the second liquid medium of thecooler circuit 216. - The
expansion valve 224 may monitor, such as with a sensor, the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the liquid-warmedevaporator 226, and may improve the performance of the heat exchange by adjusting flow of refrigerant into the liquid-warmedevaporator 226. - In the
climate control system 210, theprimary loop 218 also includes a liquid-gas separator 228 disposed between the liquid-cooledcondenser 222 and theexpansion valve 224. The liquid-gas separator 228 distributes gaseous portions of the refrigerant medium to thecompressor 220 and liquid portions of the refrigerant medium to the liquid-warmedevaporator 226 via theexpansion valve 224. - The
heater circuit 214 has aheater core 230 selectively in thermal communication with thepassenger compartment 212. Afirst pump 232 moves the first liquid medium through theheater circuit 214, which includes a low-temperature radiator 234 in thermal communication with ambient air. The liquid-cooledcondenser 222 thermally links theheater circuit 214 and theprimary loop 218 and allows direct heat-exchange communication therebetween. - The
cooler circuit 216 of theclimate control system 210 is filled with a second liquid medium, and includes acooler core 240, which is selectively in thermal communication with thepassenger compartment 212 and thecooler circuit 216. Asecond pump 242 moves the first liquid medium through thecooler circuit 216. - The liquid-warmed
evaporator 226 thermally links thecooler circuit 216 and theprimary loop 218. Therefore, theprimary loop 218 is in direct heat-exchange communication with at least one of the first liquid medium through the liquid-cooledcondenser 222 and the second liquid medium through the liquid-warmedevaporator 226, which are always in liquid form during normal operations. - The
climate control system 210 also communicates with abattery 244 through abattery path 246 linking thecooler circuit 216 and thebattery 244. Therefore, thebattery 244 may selectively be placed into thermal communication with thecooler circuit 216. Thebattery path 246 allows thecooler circuit 216 to cool thebattery 244, which also acts as a heat source for theclimate control system 210. In theclimate control system 210, theheater core 230 and thecooler core 240 selectively communicate with acommon air stream 250. - In the
climate control system 210, thecooler circuit 216 includes aliquid reservoir 252, which is configured to store the second liquid medium, and areservoir valve 254. Theliquid reservoir 252 is shown disposed between thecooler core 240 and the liquid-warmedevaporator 226, and allows thecooler circuit 216 to store thermal mass for later use. However, theliquid reservoir 252 may be disposed in other locations within thecooler circuit 216. Thereservoir valve 254 is configured to selectively direct some, or all, of the second liquid medium into theliquid reservoir 252, and is also configured to allow the second liquid medium to flow from theliquid reservoir 252 back into thecooler circuit 216. - The liquid stored in the
liquid reservoir 252 may be used to cool thepassenger compartment 212 when theprimary loop 218 is not operating. Alternatively, theliquid reservoir 252 may be used as an auxiliary heat source for theprimary loop 218. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-3 , there is shown aclimate control system 310, which may be used in a vehicle (not shown) similar to those in which thecontrol system 10 may be used. Theclimate control system 310 generally includes three closed circuits or loops: aheater circuit 314, acooler circuit 316, and aprimary loop 318; each having fixed flow directions. - The
primary loop 318 includes acompressor 320, which pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it through theprimary loop 318 to a liquid-cooledcondenser 322, such that the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the first liquid medium of theheater circuit 314. - After flowing through the liquid-cooled
condenser 322, refrigerant in theprimary loop 318 flows to anexpansion valve 324, which is a pressure-lowering device or a metering device. Theexpansion valve 324 may be an electronic expansion valve, thermal expansion valve, or another suitable device. - The refrigerant is changed into two-phase by the
expansion valve 324 and then passes through a liquid-warmedevaporator 326. In the liquid-warmedevaporator 326, the refrigerant is in direct heat-exchange communication with the second liquid medium of thecooler circuit 316. - The
expansion valve 324 may monitor, such as with a sensor, the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the liquid-warmedevaporator 326, and may improve the performance of the heat exchange by adjusting flow of refrigerant into the liquid-warmedevaporator 326. - The
primary loop 318 includes aninternal heat exchanger 329, which selectively allows direct heat-exchange communication between refrigerant flowing from the liquid-cooledcondenser 322 to theexpansion valve 324 and refrigerant flowing from the liquid-warmedevaporator 326 to thecompressor 320. Theinternal heat exchanger 329 may promote delivery of only liquid refrigerant to theexpansion valve 324 and only gaseous refrigerant to thecompressor 320. - The
heater circuit 314 has aheater core 330 selectively in thermal communication with thepassenger compartment 312. Afirst pump 332 moves the first liquid medium through theheater circuit 314, which includes a low-temperature radiator 334 in thermal communication with ambient air. - The
heater circuit 314 also includes abypass path 336 and abypass valve 338. Thebypass path 336 links portions of theheater circuit 314 on either side of the low-temperature radiator 334, and thebypass valve 338 selectively channels the first liquid medium to thebypass path 336. Thebypass valve 338 may be an on/off valve or may proportionally divide flow between the low-temperature radiator 334 and thebypass path 336. Thebypass valve 338 shown is illustrative only and the type, operation, function, and actuation of thebypass valve 338 may vary greatly. All of the valves shown in the figures are illustrative only and different valves or equivalent components may be substituted or added. - Therefore, when the
bypass path 336 is used, some, or all, of the first liquid medium moves between theheater core 330 and the liquid-cooledcondenser 322 without passing through the low-temperature radiator 334. Thebypass path 336 allows theheater circuit 314 to retain heat instead of expelling it when the ambient air is cold and the heat is desired in theheater circuit 314. Furthermore, when the ambient air is hotter than the first liquid medium, thebypass path 336 allows theheater circuit 314 to avoid picking up additional heat. - The
cooler circuit 316 of theclimate control system 310 is filled with a second liquid medium, and includes acooler core 340, which is selectively in thermal communication with thepassenger compartment 312 and thecooler circuit 316. Asecond pump 342 moves the second liquid medium through thecooler circuit 316. - The liquid-warmed
evaporator 326 thermally links thecooler circuit 316 and theprimary loop 318. Therefore, theprimary loop 318 is in direct heat-exchange communication with at least one of the first liquid medium through the liquid-cooledcondenser 322 and the second liquid medium through the liquid-warmedevaporator 326, which are always in liquid form during normal operations. - The
cooler circuit 316 also includes anauxiliary heat source 348. Theauxiliary heat source 348 may be, for example and without limitation: a resistance heater, water from an internal combustion engine, or an exhaust gas heat recirculation heat exchanger. Other configurations of theclimate control system 310 may include an auxiliary heater within theheater circuit 314. - In the
climate control system 310, theheater core 330 and thecooler core 340 both selectively communicate with acommon air stream 350. Therefore, thecommon air stream 350 may be chilled and dehumidified by thecooler core 340 and then warmed by theheater core 330, such that thepassenger compartment 312 is warmed and dehumidified. - The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the invention, but the scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed invention have been described in detail, various alternative designs, configurations, and embodiments exist for practicing the invention defined in the appended claims.
Claims (17)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/602,406 US20140060101A1 (en) | 2012-09-04 | 2012-09-04 | Unidirectional climate control system |
DE102013216921.3A DE102013216921A1 (en) | 2012-09-04 | 2013-08-26 | Unidirectional climate control system |
CN201310397535.2A CN103660846A (en) | 2012-09-04 | 2013-09-04 | Unidirectional climate control system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/602,406 US20140060101A1 (en) | 2012-09-04 | 2012-09-04 | Unidirectional climate control system |
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US20140060101A1 true US20140060101A1 (en) | 2014-03-06 |
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US13/602,406 Abandoned US20140060101A1 (en) | 2012-09-04 | 2012-09-04 | Unidirectional climate control system |
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US (1) | US20140060101A1 (en) |
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US10119738B2 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2018-11-06 | Waterfurnace International Inc. | Air conditioning system with vapor injection compressor |
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US10935260B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2021-03-02 | Climate Master, Inc. | Heat pump with dehumidification |
US11506430B2 (en) | 2019-07-15 | 2022-11-22 | Climate Master, Inc. | Air conditioning system with capacity control and controlled hot water generation |
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US10279647B2 (en) * | 2016-03-23 | 2019-05-07 | Hanon Systems | Integrated thermal management system |
US20180194196A1 (en) * | 2017-01-06 | 2018-07-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Systems and methods utilizing heat pumps to recover thermal energy from exhaust gas |
US10752087B2 (en) * | 2018-01-10 | 2020-08-25 | Denso International America, Inc. | Vehicle refrigeration system including cabin and outdoor condenser circuits with a holding reservoir and a bypass controlled outside subcool heat exchanger for heating output control of condensers |
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US10935260B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2021-03-02 | Climate Master, Inc. | Heat pump with dehumidification |
US11592215B2 (en) | 2018-08-29 | 2023-02-28 | Waterfurnace International, Inc. | Integrated demand water heating using a capacity modulated heat pump with desuperheater |
US11953239B2 (en) | 2018-08-29 | 2024-04-09 | Waterfurnace International, Inc. | Integrated demand water heating using a capacity modulated heat pump with desuperheater |
US11506430B2 (en) | 2019-07-15 | 2022-11-22 | Climate Master, Inc. | Air conditioning system with capacity control and controlled hot water generation |
Also Published As
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DE102013216921A1 (en) | 2014-03-06 |
CN103660846A (en) | 2014-03-26 |
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