WO2023275071A1 - Vehicle cabin climate control system - Google Patents

Vehicle cabin climate control system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023275071A1
WO2023275071A1 PCT/EP2022/067766 EP2022067766W WO2023275071A1 WO 2023275071 A1 WO2023275071 A1 WO 2023275071A1 EP 2022067766 W EP2022067766 W EP 2022067766W WO 2023275071 A1 WO2023275071 A1 WO 2023275071A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heat exchanger
clogging
air
side passage
air flow
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/067766
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Cornelis HUIJBEN
Durandus Kornelius Dijken
Marc Johannes Magdalena GRAAF
Original Assignee
Atlas Technologies Holding B.V.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Atlas Technologies Holding B.V. filed Critical Atlas Technologies Holding B.V.
Publication of WO2023275071A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023275071A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/02—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant
    • B60H1/03—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant and from a source other than the propulsion plant
    • B60H1/039—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices the heat being derived from the propulsion plant and from a source other than the propulsion plant from air leaving the interior of the vehicle, i.e. heat recovery
    • 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
    • B60H1/00735—Control systems or circuits characterised by their input, i.e. by the detection, measurement or calculation of particular conditions, e.g. signal treatment, dynamic models
    • B60H1/00785—Control systems or circuits characterised by their input, i.e. by the detection, measurement or calculation of particular conditions, e.g. signal treatment, dynamic models by the detection of humidity or frost
    • 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
    • B60H1/00007—Combined heating, ventilating, or cooling devices
    • B60H1/00021—Air flow details of HVAC devices
    • B60H2001/00078—Assembling, manufacturing or layout details
    • B60H2001/00085—Assembling, manufacturing or layout details of air intake

Definitions

  • Vehicle cabin climate control system Vehicle cabin climate control system
  • the invention pertains to a vehicle cabin climate control system.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system consumes a considerable amount of energy.
  • DE102015115196 discloses a system which comprises a peripheral heat exchanger.
  • this peripheral heat exchanger air that is introduced into the vehicle cabin climate control system from outside the vehicle flows through one side of the peripheral heat exchanger and air that is expelled from the vehicle cabin flows through the other side of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • heat exchange takes place between the incoming air and the outgoing air, therewith pre-heating or pre cooling the incoming air is obtained, depending on whether the temperature in the vehicle cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged is above or below the temperature of the outside air.
  • the heating or cooling that has to be done by the vehicle cabin climate control system is reduced, and therewith, the energy consumption is reduced.
  • peripheral heat exchangers of this type can suffer from clogging due to ice formation inside the passages of the peripheral heat exchanger through which either the incoming air or the outgoing air flows. Any significant ice related clogging prevents the proper functioning of the peripheral heat exchanger and often also of the vehicle cabin climate control system as a whole.
  • the invention aims to provide an improved vehicle cabin climate control system.
  • a vehicle cabin climate control system which comprises:
  • an air inlet system comprising an air inlet, which air inlet system is adapted to allow outside air to enter the vehicle climate cabin control system and to generate an inlet air flow into the vehicle cabin climate control system, which inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet,
  • a primary cabin air inlet which is arranged to receive an airflow and to introduce at least a part of that airflow into a vehicle cabin
  • an air discharge which comprises an air discharge inlet and an air discharge outlet, wherein the air discharge inlet is adapted to receive a discharge air flow and the air discharge outlet is adapted to discharge the discharged air flow
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises:
  • peripheral heat exchanger has a first side passage and a second side passage, wherein the first side passage and the second side passage are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage and an air flow within the second side passage, wherein the first side passage is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the primary air cabin inlet, and wherein the second side passage has an upstream end which is in fluid communication with the air discharge inlet and a downstream end which is in fluid communication with the air discharge outlet,
  • a clogging detector which is adapted to detect ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and to generate a clogging detector signal when ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is detected,
  • a heat exchanger valve system which is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger valve system has a first operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein in the first operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, and wherein in the second operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass, wherein if in the first operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, and wherein if in the second operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air inlet system.
  • the air inlet system comprises an air inlet.
  • the air inlet system is adapted to allow outside air to enter the vehicle climate cabin control system and to generate an inlet air flow into the vehicle cabin climate control system.
  • the inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet.
  • the air inlet system further comprises a flow device, to actively generate the air flow and/or to provide a required flow rate for the inlet air flow.
  • the flow device is or comprises for example a fan.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a primary cabin air inlet, which is arranged to receive an air flow and introduce at least a part of that received airflow into the vehicle cabin.
  • the air flow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet comprises at least a part of the inlet air flow.
  • a heated air flow is generated upstream of the primary cabin air inlet, and the primary cabin air inlet receives at least a part of the heated air flow, or the entire heated airflow.
  • a cooled air flow is generated upstream of the primary cabin air inlet, and the primary cabin air inlet receives at least a part of the cooled air flow, or the entire cooled air flow.
  • cabin air i.e.
  • the primary cabin air inlet receives at least a part of the recirculation air flow or the entire recirculation air flow.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an air discharge, which comprises an air discharge inlet and an air discharge outlet.
  • the air discharge is or comprises for example an air exhaust line.
  • the air discharge inlet is adapted to receive a discharge air flow.
  • the discharge air flow for example comprises cabin air to be discharged, i.e. air that is to be discharged from the cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
  • the discharge air flow also is to be discharged from the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
  • the air discharge outlet is adapted to discharge the discharge air flow, e.g. discharge it from the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the peripheral heat exchanger has a first side passage and a second side passage.
  • the first side passage and the second side passage are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage and an air flow within the second side passage.
  • the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the primary air cabin inlet.
  • the second side passage has an upstream end which is in fluid communication with the air discharge inlet and a downstream end which is in fluid communication with the air discharge outlet.
  • the peripheral heat exchanger is or comprises an enthalpy exchanger.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a heat exchanger bypass which is arranged to allow the inlet air flow to bypass the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a clogging detector, which is adapted to detect ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the clogging detector is further adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is detected.
  • the clogging detector may detect actual clogging, in particular ice related clogging, and/or may detect an ice related clogging risk.
  • An ice related clogging risk can for example be detected by detecting that one or more climate parameters, e.g. temperature and/or humidity e.g. relative humidity, either alone or in combination with each other, indicates that there is a risk of ice formation.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a heat exchanger valve system which is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the heat exchanger valve system has a first operational mode and a second operational mode. The second operational mode is different from the first operational mode.
  • the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the entire inlet airflow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct the at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass.
  • the entire inlet airflow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
  • the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
  • the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • At least 50% of the entire inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • at least 50% of the entire inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
  • an air pretreatment valve system is present which is used as a heat exchanger valve system in accordance with the invention.
  • the heat exchanger valve system coincides with the air pretreatment valve system.
  • the heat exchanger valve system further comprises a valve control device, which is adapted to receive the clogging detection signal from the clogging detector and which is adapted to set the heat exchanger valve system in the second operational mode when a clogging detection signal is received.
  • the peripheral heat exchanger heat is exchanged between the inlet air flow and an air flow of air to be discharged, e.g. cabin air that is to be discharged from the cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention is arranged.
  • Cabin air that is to be discharged will in practice have a temperature above 0 °C, but if it is below freezing outside the vehicle, the air inside the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger may drop below 0°C due to a lower temperature in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the inlet air flow has a temperature that is significantly below 0°C, it may not reach a temperature above 0°C upon passage through the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, so that ice formation can also occur in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Clogging in the peripheral heat exchanger on either side passage or on both side passages prevents refreshing the air within the cabin, and is therefore undesirable.
  • the heat exchanger valve system switches into the second operational mode, in which the inlet airflow is at least partly directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
  • the air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is cooled to a lesser extent, or not cooled at all, upon passage through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the cabin air to be discharged which flows to and - if the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is not entirely clogged - passes through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger will generally have a temperature above 0°C, this cabin air will melt any ice inside the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the system according to the invention is set up to do this, e.g. by already detecting a partial blockage or by already switching into the second operational mode when there is a risk of the formation of ice.
  • the heat exchanger valve system in the first operational mode is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass.
  • the heat exchanger valve system in the second operational mode is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the entire inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • a first portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and the remainder of the inlet air flow is directed to a further flow path or to further flow paths, the further flow path or further flow paths not being and/or including the heat exchanger bypass.
  • the entire inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
  • a second portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass and the remainder of the inlet air flow is directed to a further flow path or to further flow paths, the further flow path or further flow paths not being and/or including the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • This embodiment allows a simple control of the heat exchanger valve system, and also allows to use a simple valve in the heat exchanger valve system.
  • the clogging detector is adapted to detect the formation and/or potential formation of ice in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the heat exchanger.
  • the build-up of ice in the first side passage and/or the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is detected, so that full blockage of the first side passage and/or the second side passage can be prevented.
  • the clogging detector is or comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a pressure differential sensor and/or a flow sensor.
  • sensors provide suitable information to detect clogging or clogging risk.
  • the pressure drop over the passage of the peripheral heat exchanger in which the clogging occurs will increase. This can be detected by a pressure sensor and/or by a pressure differential sensor.
  • the flow rate of the air flow through the respective passage may also change, which can be detected by a flow sensor.
  • Temperature is a good indication of the risk of the formation of ice and/or of the actual formation of ice, so a temperature sensor is useful to apply for this purpose.
  • a temperature sensor can also be used to distinguish between clogging due to ice formation and clogging due to other reasons.
  • the clogging detector comprises a first temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature of air outside the vehicle and a second temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature of air inside the air discharge and/or in the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the clogging detector further comprises a data processing device which is adapted to determine a clogging risk at least partly based on temperature data that is generated by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.
  • the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging risk is determined which exceeds a clogging risk threshold and/or the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging level is determined which exceeds a clogging level threshold.
  • the clogging risk threshold and the clogging level threshold represent levels of the clogging risk or the actual clogging, respectively, above which it is desired to switch the heat exchanger valve system into the second operational mode in order to reduce and/or eliminate any ice related clogging.
  • the clogging detector comprises a first humidity sensor which is adapted to measure the humidity of air outside the vehicle and a second humidity sensor which is adapted to measure the humidity of air inside the air discharge and/or in the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the clogging detector further comprises a data processing device which is adapted to determine a clogging risk at least partly based on humidity data that is generated by the first humidity sensor and the second humidity sensor.
  • the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging risk is determined which exceeds a clogging risk threshold and/or the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging level is determined which exceeds a clogging level threshold.
  • the clogging risk threshold and the clogging level threshold represent levels of the clogging risk or the actual clogging, respectively, above which it is desired to switch the heat exchanger valve system into the second operational mode in order to reduce and/or eliminate any ice related clogging.
  • the clogging detector comprises a first temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature of air outside the vehicle and a second temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature of air inside the air discharge and/or in the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, and a first humidity sensor which is adapted to measure the humidity of air outside the vehicle and a second humidity sensor which is adapted to measure the humidity of air inside the air discharge and/or in the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the clogging detector further comprises a data processing device which is adapted to determine a clogging risk at least partly based on temperature data that is generated by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor and at least partly on humidity data that is generated by the first humidity sensor and the second humidity sensor.
  • the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging risk is determined which exceeds a clogging risk threshold and/or the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging level is determined which exceeds a clogging level threshold.
  • the clogging risk threshold and the clogging level threshold represent levels of the clogging risk or the actual clogging, respectively, above which it is desired to switch the heat exchanger valve system into the second operational mode in order to reduce and/or eliminate any ice related clogging.
  • the air discharge inlet is arranged or arrangeable in fluid communication with the vehicle cabin.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a recirculation line which is connected to a primary cabin air outlet and arranged to remove cabin air from the cabin and recirculate the cabin air back into the cabin, optionally after treatment in an air treatment system and optionally after being mixed with an inlet air flow.
  • the air discharge inlet is connected to and/or arranged in fluid communication with the recirculation line.
  • the vehicle climate control system further comprises an air heater comprising an air heater discharge, wherein the air heater discharge is in fluid communication with the air discharge.
  • the air heater discharge is arranged to release heated air into the air discharge. This way, the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger receives heated air, which results in an improved and/or accelerated reduction, elimination and/or prevention of ice related clogging in the second and/or first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the air heater forms part of an air treatment device.
  • Such an air treatment device optionally also comprises an air cooler.
  • the air heater is arranged downstream of the air cooler, downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the air treatment device. So, the air flows through the air cooler before at least a part of the air flows through the air heater.
  • the air heater for example is or comprises a condensor.
  • the air heater of the air treatment device comprises an air heater inlet which is arranged to receive an air flow.
  • the air heater of the air treatment device is adapted to generate a heated air flow from the air flow that is received through the air heater inlet.
  • the air cooler of the optional air treatment device comprises an air cooler inlet for receiving an air flow.
  • This air flow for example is comprised of at least a part of the inlet air flow, the entire inlet air flow, a combination of a part of the inlet air flow with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin or the entire inlet air flow in combination with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin.
  • the air cooler is adapted to generate a cooled air flow from the air flow that is received through the air cooler inlet.
  • the air cooler for example is or comprises an evaporator.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a water collector which is arranged to receive water that is generated by melting the ice related clogging in the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the water collector is connected to a further vehicle temperature control system and/or further vehicle humidity control system.
  • the water collector is connected to a radiator system of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
  • the generated water used within the vehicle instead of e.g. being dumped on a street or parking lot.
  • the invention further pertains to a method for preventing, reducing and/or eliminating ice related clogging in a peripheral heat exchanger of a vehicle cabin climate control system, which method comprises the following steps:
  • valve control device in response to the clogging detector signal, setting the heat exchanger valve system to direct the inlet air flow at least partly to a heat exchanger bypass instead of through the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger while continuing to pass the discharge air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the method according to the invention is carried out using a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention.
  • the step of: by the valve control device, setting the heat exchanger valve system to direct the inlet air flow at least partly to a heat exchanger bypass instead of through the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger while continuing to pass the discharge air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is carried out by switching the valve control device from a first operational mode into a second operational mode, which second operational mode is different from the first operational mode.
  • the heat exchanger valve system in the first operational mode is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. In the second operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass.
  • the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
  • the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the step of detecting clogging and/or clogging risk involves monitoring clogging level and/or clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger using the clogging detector.
  • the clogging detector signal is sent when the clogging reaches or exceeds a clogging level threshold and/or when the clogging risk reaches or exceeds a clogging risk threshold.
  • the development and/or changes in the clogging level and/or clogging risk are followed over time. Once the clogging level and/or clogging risk exceeds a threshold value, clogging detector signal is sent and the heat exchanger valve system switches into the second operational mode.
  • air is extracted from a vehicle cabin to form or form part of the discharge air flow.
  • the method further comprises the steps of:
  • Passing the heated air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger results in an improved and/or accelerated reduction, elimination and/or prevention of ice related clogging in the second and/or first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
  • the method further comprises the steps of:
  • the vehicle part is for example a radiator.
  • the invention further pertains to a vehicle comprising a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention.
  • Fig. 1 schematically, a first embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 schematically, a first variant of the embodiment of fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 3 schematically, a second variant of the embodiment of fig. 1,
  • Fig. 4 schematically, a third variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.
  • Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged into vehicle 1 , for example a passenger car, a truck, a van, a plane, a bus, a tram, a train or any other means of public transport, or the like.
  • vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle cabin 2, in which a driver and optionally one or more passengers can be present.
  • the dashed lines in fig. 1 schematically indicate the boundaries of the vehicle 1 and the vehicle cabin 2.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air inlet system.
  • the air inlet system comprises an air inlet 50 and an inlet line 51.
  • the air inlet system is adapted to allow outside air to enter the vehicle climate cabin control system and to generate an inlet air flow into the vehicle cabin climate control system.
  • the inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet 50.
  • the air inlet system further comprises a flow device 52, to actively generate the air flow and/or to provide a required flow rate for the inlet air flow.
  • the flow device is or comprises for example a fan.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a primary cabin air inlet 30, which is arranged to receive an air flow and introduce at least a part of that received airflow into the vehicle cabin 2.
  • the air flow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet comprises the entire inlet air flow, or at least a part of the inlet air flow in case a further flow path would be present (not shown).
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air discharge 48, which comprises an air discharge inlet 46 and an air discharge outlet 47.
  • the air discharge 48 is or comprises for example an air exhaust line 42.
  • the air discharge inlet 46 is adapted to receive a discharge air flow.
  • the discharge air flow comprises cabin air to be discharged, i.e. air that is to be discharged from the cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
  • the discharge air flow also is to be discharged from the vehicle i1 n which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
  • the air discharge outlet 47 is adapted to discharge the discharge air flow, e.g. discharge it from the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
  • the air discharge inlet 46 is directly connected to a primary cabin air outlet 43.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • the peripheral heat exchanger 60 has a first side passage 63 and a second side passage 64.
  • the first side passage 63 and the second side passage 64 are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage 63 and an air flow within the second side passage 64.
  • the first side passage 63 is arranged downstream of the air inlet 50 and upstream of the vehicle cabin 2. “Downstream” and “upstream” are related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system of fig. 1 further comprises a heat exchanger bypass 65 which is arranged to allow at least a portion of the inlet air flow to bypass the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • a further flow path is additionally present.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a clogging detector 100, which is adapted to detect ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage 64 and/or in the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • the clogging detector 100 is further adapted to generate a clogging detector signal 101 when ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage 64 and/or in the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 is detected.
  • the clogging detector may detect actual clogging, in particular ice related clogging, and/or may detect an ice related clogging risk.
  • An ice related clogging risk can for example be detected by detecting that one or more climate parameters, e.g. temperature and/or humidity e.g. relative humidity, either alone or in combination with each other, indicates that there is a risk of ice formation.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system as shown in fig. 1 further comprises an heat exchanger valve system 62* which is arranged downstream of the air inlet 50 and upstream of the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 and of the heat exchanger bypass 65.
  • the heat exchanger valve system 62* determines where the inlet air flow or the portion thereof that arrives at the heat exchanger valve system 62* goes to next: does it go the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60, to the heat exchanger bypass 65, to a further flow path, or is it split into a first portion that goes to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 and a second portion that goes to the heat exchanger bypass 65 and optionally a third portion that goes to an additional flow path (if such an additional flow path is present) ?
  • an air pretreatment valve system is present which is also used as a heat exchanger valve system 62* in the context of the embodiment of fig. 1 , or the heat exchanger valve system 62* is also used as an air pretreatment valve system.
  • the heat exchanger valve system 62* has a first operational mode and a second operational mode.
  • the second operational mode is different from the first operational mode.
  • the heat exchanger valve system 62* is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 63.
  • the entire inlet airflow is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • the heat exchanger valve system 62* is set to direct the at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass 65.
  • the entire inlet airflow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65.
  • the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65.
  • the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65 is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • At least 50% of the entire inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • at least 50% of the entire inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65.
  • the heat exchanger valve system 62* further comprises a valve control device 66*, which is adapted to receive the clogging detection signal 101 from the clogging detector 101 and which is adapted to set the heat exchanger valve system 62* in the second operational mode when a clogging detection signal 101 is received.
  • the air pretreatment valve system controller of the air pretreatment valve system is also used as a valve control device 66*.
  • the heat exchanger valve system 62* in the first operational mode is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass 65.
  • the heat exchanger valve system 62* in the second operational mode is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • the entire inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • a first portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 and the remainder of the inlet air flow is directed to a further flow path or to further flow paths, the further flow path or further flow paths not being and/or including the heat exchanger bypass 65.
  • the entire inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65.
  • a second portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65 and the remainder of the inlet air flow is directed to a further flow path or to further flow paths, the further flow path or further flow paths not being and/or including the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • the clogging detector is adapted to detect the formation and/or potential formation of ice in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the heat exchanger.
  • the build-up of ice in the first side passage and/or the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is detected, so that full blockage of the first side passage and/or the second side passage can be prevented.
  • This can for example be achieved by monitoring clogging level and/or clogging risk in the second side passage 64 and/or in the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 using a clogging detector 100.
  • Fig. 2 schematically shows a first variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.
  • the clogging detector comprises multiple sensors 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. Any of these sensors is or comprises for example a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a pressure differential sensor and/or a flow sensor.
  • sensors 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 provide suitable information to detect clogging or clogging risk.
  • the pressure drop over the passage 63, 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 in which the clogging occurs will increase. This can be detected by a pressure sensor and/or by a pressure differential sensor.
  • the flow rate of the air flow through the respective passage may also change, which can be detected by a flow sensor.
  • Temperature is a good indication of the risk of the formation of ice and/or of the actual formation of ice, so a temperature sensor is useful to apply for this purpose.
  • a temperature sensor can also be used to distinguish between clogging due to ice formation and clogging due to other reasons.
  • the clogging detector 100 for example comprises a first temperature sensor 102 which is adapted to measure the temperature of air outside the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged, and a second temperature sensor 105 which is adapted to measure the temperature of air inside the air discharge 48 and/or in the second side passage64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • the clogging detector 100 comprises a first humidity sensor 107 which is adapted to measure the humidity (e.g. relative humidity) of air outside the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged and a second humidity sensor 106 which is adapted to measure the humidity (e.g. relative humidity) of air inside the air discharge 48 and/or in the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • sensors 103, 104 are present e.g. in the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 and just downstream thereof.
  • These sensors for example are also adapted to measure temperature and/or (relative) humidity, but alternatively they can also be adapted to measure other parameters, such as flow rate and/or pressure and/or pressure differential.
  • one or more sensors that are adapted to measure other parameters, such as flow rate and/or pressure and/or pressure differential may be present.
  • the clogging detector 100 further comprises a data processing device which is adapted to determine a clogging risk at least partly based on temperature data that is generated by the first temperature sensor 102 and the second temperature sensor 107 and at least partly on humidity data that is generated by the first humidity sensor 105 and the second humidity sensor 106.
  • the clogging detector 100 is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal 101 when a clogging risk is determined which exceeds a clogging risk threshold and/or the clogging detector 100 is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal 101 when a clogging level is determined which exceeds a clogging level threshold.
  • the clogging risk threshold and the clogging level threshold represent levels of the clogging risk or the actual clogging, respectively, above which it is desired to switch the heat exchanger valve system 62* into the second operational mode in order to reduce and/or eliminate any ice related clogging.
  • Fig. 3 schematically shows a second variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.
  • the air discharge inlet 46 is arranged or arrangeable in fluid communication with the vehicle cabin 2.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a recirculation line 40 which is connected to a primary cabin air outlet 4.
  • the recirculation line 40 is arranged to remove cabin air from the cabin 2 and recirculate the cabin air back into the cabin 2.
  • the recirculated air enters the cabin 2 after treatment in an air treatment system 10 and after being mixed with the inlet air flow.
  • the air discharge inlet 46 is connected to and/or arranged in fluid communication with the recirculation line 40.
  • a flow device 41 is present in the recirculation line 40 to ensure the required level of air flow through the recirculation line.
  • the vehicle climate control system further comprises an air heater 12 comprising an air heater discharge 19, wherein the air heater discharge 19 is in fluid communication with the air discharge 48, in the example of fig. 3 via the recirculation line 40.
  • the air heater discharge 19 is arranged to release heated air into the air discharge 48. This way, the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 receives heated air, which results in an improved and/or accelerated reduction, elimination and/or prevention of ice related clogging in the second and/or first side passage 64, 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • the air heater 12 optionally forms part of an air treatment device 10.
  • Such an air treatment device 10 optionally also comprises an air cooler 11.
  • the air heater 12 is arranged downstream of the air cooler 11 , downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the air treatment device 10. So, the air flows through the air cooler before at least a part of the air flows through the air heater.
  • the air heater 12 for example is or comprises a condensor.
  • the air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10 comprises an air heater inlet 15 which is arranged to receive an air flow.
  • the air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10 is adapted to generate a heated air flow from the air flow that is received through the air heater inlet 15.
  • the air cooler 11 of the optional air treatment device 10 comprises an air cooler inlet 14 for receiving an air flow.
  • This air flow for example is comprised of at least a part of the inlet air flow, the entire inlet air flow, a combination of a part of the inlet air flow with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin or the entire inlet air flow in combination with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin.
  • the air cooler 11 is adapted to generate a cooled air flow from the air flow that is received through the air cooler inlet 14.
  • the air cooler for example is or comprises an evaporator.
  • This second variant can be combined with the first variant of the first embodiment as described in relation to fig. 2.
  • Fig. 4 schematically shows a third variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.
  • the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a water collector 108 which is arranged to receive water that is generated by melting the ice related clogging in the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
  • the water collector 108 is connected to a further vehicle temperature control system and/or further vehicle humidity control system.
  • the water collector 108 is connected to a radiator system 76 of the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
  • This third variant can be combined with the first variant and/or second variant of the first embodiment as described in relation to fig. 2 and/or fig. 3, respectively.

Abstract

The invention pertains to a vehicle cabin climate control system, comprising: - a peripheral heat exchanger, - a heat exchanger bypass, arranged to allow the inlet air flow to bypass the peripheral heat exchanger, - a clogging detector, to detect ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the peripheral heat exchanger and to generate a clogging detector signal - a heat exchanger valve system which has a first operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein in the first operational mode at least a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, and wherein in the second operational mode at least a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, including a valve control device, to set the valve system in the second operational mode when a clogging detection signal is received.

Description

Vehicle cabin climate control system
The invention pertains to a vehicle cabin climate control system.
In particular in electric vehicles, the vehicle cabin climate control system consumes a considerable amount of energy.
Several solutions have been proposed to reduce the amount of energy needed for vehicle cabin climate control. For example, DE102015115196 discloses a system which comprises a peripheral heat exchanger. In this peripheral heat exchanger, air that is introduced into the vehicle cabin climate control system from outside the vehicle flows through one side of the peripheral heat exchanger and air that is expelled from the vehicle cabin flows through the other side of the peripheral heat exchanger. This way, heat exchange takes place between the incoming air and the outgoing air, therewith pre-heating or pre cooling the incoming air is obtained, depending on whether the temperature in the vehicle cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged is above or below the temperature of the outside air. This way, the heating or cooling that has to be done by the vehicle cabin climate control system is reduced, and therewith, the energy consumption is reduced.
However, peripheral heat exchangers of this type can suffer from clogging due to ice formation inside the passages of the peripheral heat exchanger through which either the incoming air or the outgoing air flows. Any significant ice related clogging prevents the proper functioning of the peripheral heat exchanger and often also of the vehicle cabin climate control system as a whole.
The invention aims to provide an improved vehicle cabin climate control system.
This object is obtained by a vehicle cabin climate control system which comprises:
- an air inlet system comprising an air inlet, which air inlet system is adapted to allow outside air to enter the vehicle climate cabin control system and to generate an inlet air flow into the vehicle cabin climate control system, which inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet,
- a primary cabin air inlet, which is arranged to receive an airflow and to introduce at least a part of that airflow into a vehicle cabin, - an air discharge, which comprises an air discharge inlet and an air discharge outlet, wherein the air discharge inlet is adapted to receive a discharge air flow and the air discharge outlet is adapted to discharge the discharged air flow, wherein the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises:
- a peripheral heat exchanger, which peripheral heat exchanger has a first side passage and a second side passage, wherein the first side passage and the second side passage are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage and an air flow within the second side passage, wherein the first side passage is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the primary air cabin inlet, and wherein the second side passage has an upstream end which is in fluid communication with the air discharge inlet and a downstream end which is in fluid communication with the air discharge outlet,
- a heat exchanger bypass which is arranged to allow the inlet air flow to bypass the peripheral heat exchanger,
- a clogging detector, which is adapted to detect ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and to generate a clogging detector signal when ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is detected,
- a heat exchanger valve system which is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger valve system has a first operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein in the first operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, and wherein in the second operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass, wherein if in the first operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, and wherein if in the second operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger valve system further comprises a valve control device, which is adapted to receive the clogging detection signal from the clogging detector and which is adapted to set the heat exchanger valve system in the second operational mode when a clogging detection signal is received.
The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention comprises an air inlet system. The air inlet system comprises an air inlet.
The air inlet system is adapted to allow outside air to enter the vehicle climate cabin control system and to generate an inlet air flow into the vehicle cabin climate control system. The inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet.
Optionally, the air inlet system further comprises a flow device, to actively generate the air flow and/or to provide a required flow rate for the inlet air flow. The flow device is or comprises for example a fan.
The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises a primary cabin air inlet, which is arranged to receive an air flow and introduce at least a part of that received airflow into the vehicle cabin.
Optionally, the air flow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet comprises at least a part of the inlet air flow. Optionally, a heated air flow is generated upstream of the primary cabin air inlet, and the primary cabin air inlet receives at least a part of the heated air flow, or the entire heated airflow. Optionally, a cooled air flow is generated upstream of the primary cabin air inlet, and the primary cabin air inlet receives at least a part of the cooled air flow, or the entire cooled air flow. Optionally, in the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged, cabin air (i.e. air that is or was present in the cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged) is recirculated from and back into the cabin in the form of a recirculation air flow, and the primary cabin air inlet receives at least a part of the recirculation air flow or the entire recirculation air flow.
The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises an air discharge, which comprises an air discharge inlet and an air discharge outlet. The air discharge is or comprises for example an air exhaust line. The air discharge inlet is adapted to receive a discharge air flow. The discharge air flow for example comprises cabin air to be discharged, i.e. air that is to be discharged from the cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. Optionally, the discharge air flow also is to be discharged from the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. The air discharge outlet is adapted to discharge the discharge air flow, e.g. discharge it from the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises a peripheral heat exchanger. The peripheral heat exchanger has a first side passage and a second side passage. The first side passage and the second side passage are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage and an air flow within the second side passage.
The first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the primary air cabin inlet. The second side passage has an upstream end which is in fluid communication with the air discharge inlet and a downstream end which is in fluid communication with the air discharge outlet.
Optionally, the peripheral heat exchanger is or comprises an enthalpy exchanger.
The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises a heat exchanger bypass which is arranged to allow the inlet air flow to bypass the peripheral heat exchanger.
The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises a clogging detector, which is adapted to detect ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. The clogging detector is further adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is detected. The clogging detector may detect actual clogging, in particular ice related clogging, and/or may detect an ice related clogging risk. An ice related clogging risk can for example be detected by detecting that one or more climate parameters, e.g. temperature and/or humidity e.g. relative humidity, either alone or in combination with each other, indicates that there is a risk of ice formation.
The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises a heat exchanger valve system which is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. The heat exchanger valve system has a first operational mode and a second operational mode. The second operational mode is different from the first operational mode.
In the first operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Optionally, in the first operational mode, the entire inlet airflow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
In the second operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct the at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass. Optionally, in the second operational mode, the entire inlet airflow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
If in the first operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
If in the second operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
Optionally, in the first operational mode, at least 50% of the entire inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Alternatively or in addition, optionally, in the second operational mode, at least 50% of the entire inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
Optionally, an air pretreatment valve system is present which is used as a heat exchanger valve system in accordance with the invention. In that case, the heat exchanger valve system coincides with the air pretreatment valve system.
The heat exchanger valve system further comprises a valve control device, which is adapted to receive the clogging detection signal from the clogging detector and which is adapted to set the heat exchanger valve system in the second operational mode when a clogging detection signal is received.
In the peripheral heat exchanger, heat is exchanged between the inlet air flow and an air flow of air to be discharged, e.g. cabin air that is to be discharged from the cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention is arranged. Cabin air that is to be discharged will in practice have a temperature above 0 °C, but if it is below freezing outside the vehicle, the air inside the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger may drop below 0°C due to a lower temperature in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. In addition, if the inlet air flow has a temperature that is significantly below 0°C, it may not reach a temperature above 0°C upon passage through the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, so that ice formation can also occur in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Clogging in the peripheral heat exchanger on either side passage or on both side passages prevents refreshing the air within the cabin, and is therefore undesirable.
In accordance with the invention, when clogging is detected or when it is detected that one or more climate parameters, e.g. temperature and/or humidity e.g. relative humidity, either alone or in combination with each other, indicate that there is a risk of ice formation in one or both side passages of the peripheral heat exchanger, the heat exchanger valve system switches into the second operational mode, in which the inlet airflow is at least partly directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
As a consequence, less of the inlet air flow passes through the first side passage or the peripheral heat exchanger, or none of the inlet air flow passes through the first passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Therewith, the air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is cooled to a lesser extent, or not cooled at all, upon passage through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. As the cabin air to be discharged, which flows to and - if the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is not entirely clogged - passes through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger will generally have a temperature above 0°C, this cabin air will melt any ice inside the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. In addition, it will heat up the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger as well, so also in the first side passage of the heat exchanger melting of the formed ice will occur. Heating up the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger will also prevent the further formation of ice related clogging.
In case the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchange is fully blocked by ice, contact with the cabin air that is above 0 °C will melt the ice in the second side passage. However, it is better to prevent this total blockage from happening, and preferably the system according to the invention is set up to do this, e.g. by already detecting a partial blockage or by already switching into the second operational mode when there is a risk of the formation of ice.
In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, in the first operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass. Alternatively or in addition, in the second operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
Optionally, in this embodiment, in the first operational mode, the entire inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Alternatively, in the first operational mode, a first portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and the remainder of the inlet air flow is directed to a further flow path or to further flow paths, the further flow path or further flow paths not being and/or including the heat exchanger bypass.
Optionally, in this embodiment, in the second operational mode, the entire inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass. Alternatively, in the second operational mode, a second portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass and the remainder of the inlet air flow is directed to a further flow path or to further flow paths, the further flow path or further flow paths not being and/or including the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
This embodiment allows a simple control of the heat exchanger valve system, and also allows to use a simple valve in the heat exchanger valve system.
In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the clogging detector is adapted to detect the formation and/or potential formation of ice in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the heat exchanger.
In this embodiment, the build-up of ice in the first side passage and/or the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is detected, so that full blockage of the first side passage and/or the second side passage can be prevented.
In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the clogging detector is or comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a pressure differential sensor and/or a flow sensor.
These sensors provide suitable information to detect clogging or clogging risk. In case of actual clogging, the pressure drop over the passage of the peripheral heat exchanger in which the clogging occurs will increase. This can be detected by a pressure sensor and/or by a pressure differential sensor. In addition, the flow rate of the air flow through the respective passage may also change, which can be detected by a flow sensor. Temperature is a good indication of the risk of the formation of ice and/or of the actual formation of ice, so a temperature sensor is useful to apply for this purpose. A temperature sensor can also be used to distinguish between clogging due to ice formation and clogging due to other reasons.
In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the clogging detector comprises a first temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature of air outside the vehicle and a second temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature of air inside the air discharge and/or in the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. The clogging detector further comprises a data processing device which is adapted to determine a clogging risk at least partly based on temperature data that is generated by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.
Optionally, the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging risk is determined which exceeds a clogging risk threshold and/or the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging level is determined which exceeds a clogging level threshold. The clogging risk threshold and the clogging level threshold represent levels of the clogging risk or the actual clogging, respectively, above which it is desired to switch the heat exchanger valve system into the second operational mode in order to reduce and/or eliminate any ice related clogging.
In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the clogging detector comprises a first humidity sensor which is adapted to measure the humidity of air outside the vehicle and a second humidity sensor which is adapted to measure the humidity of air inside the air discharge and/or in the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. The clogging detector further comprises a data processing device which is adapted to determine a clogging risk at least partly based on humidity data that is generated by the first humidity sensor and the second humidity sensor.
Optionally, the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging risk is determined which exceeds a clogging risk threshold and/or the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging level is determined which exceeds a clogging level threshold. The clogging risk threshold and the clogging level threshold represent levels of the clogging risk or the actual clogging, respectively, above which it is desired to switch the heat exchanger valve system into the second operational mode in order to reduce and/or eliminate any ice related clogging.
In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the clogging detector comprises a first temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature of air outside the vehicle and a second temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature of air inside the air discharge and/or in the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, and a first humidity sensor which is adapted to measure the humidity of air outside the vehicle and a second humidity sensor which is adapted to measure the humidity of air inside the air discharge and/or in the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. The clogging detector further comprises a data processing device which is adapted to determine a clogging risk at least partly based on temperature data that is generated by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor and at least partly on humidity data that is generated by the first humidity sensor and the second humidity sensor. Optionally, the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging risk is determined which exceeds a clogging risk threshold and/or the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging level is determined which exceeds a clogging level threshold. The clogging risk threshold and the clogging level threshold represent levels of the clogging risk or the actual clogging, respectively, above which it is desired to switch the heat exchanger valve system into the second operational mode in order to reduce and/or eliminate any ice related clogging.
In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the air discharge inlet is arranged or arrangeable in fluid communication with the vehicle cabin.
Optionally, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a recirculation line which is connected to a primary cabin air outlet and arranged to remove cabin air from the cabin and recirculate the cabin air back into the cabin, optionally after treatment in an air treatment system and optionally after being mixed with an inlet air flow. For example, the air discharge inlet is connected to and/or arranged in fluid communication with the recirculation line.
In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the vehicle climate control system further comprises an air heater comprising an air heater discharge, wherein the air heater discharge is in fluid communication with the air discharge.
The air heater discharge is arranged to release heated air into the air discharge. This way, the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger receives heated air, which results in an improved and/or accelerated reduction, elimination and/or prevention of ice related clogging in the second and/or first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
Optionally, the air heater forms part of an air treatment device. Such an air treatment device optionally also comprises an air cooler. Optionally, the air heater is arranged downstream of the air cooler, downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the air treatment device. So, the air flows through the air cooler before at least a part of the air flows through the air heater. Optionally, the air heater for example is or comprises a condensor.
Optionally, the air heater of the air treatment device comprises an air heater inlet which is arranged to receive an air flow. The air heater of the air treatment device is adapted to generate a heated air flow from the air flow that is received through the air heater inlet.
Optionally, the air cooler of the optional air treatment device comprises an air cooler inlet for receiving an air flow. This air flow for example is comprised of at least a part of the inlet air flow, the entire inlet air flow, a combination of a part of the inlet air flow with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin or the entire inlet air flow in combination with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin. The air cooler is adapted to generate a cooled air flow from the air flow that is received through the air cooler inlet. The air cooler for example is or comprises an evaporator.
In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a water collector which is arranged to receive water that is generated by melting the ice related clogging in the peripheral heat exchanger.
Optionally, the water collector is connected to a further vehicle temperature control system and/or further vehicle humidity control system. For example, the water collector is connected to a radiator system of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
In this embodiment, the generated water used within the vehicle instead of e.g. being dumped on a street or parking lot.
The invention further pertains to a method for preventing, reducing and/or eliminating ice related clogging in a peripheral heat exchanger of a vehicle cabin climate control system, which method comprises the following steps:
- passing an inlet air flow through a first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and passing a discharge air flow through a second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, thereby allowing heat exchange between the inlet air flow and the discharge air flow,
- detecting clogging and/or clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger using a clogging detector,
- in case clogging and/or clogging risk is detected, sending a clogging detector signal to a valve control device of a heat exchanger valve system,
- by the valve control device, in response to the clogging detector signal, setting the heat exchanger valve system to direct the inlet air flow at least partly to a heat exchanger bypass instead of through the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger while continuing to pass the discharge air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
For example, the method according to the invention is carried out using a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention. In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of: by the valve control device, setting the heat exchanger valve system to direct the inlet air flow at least partly to a heat exchanger bypass instead of through the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger while continuing to pass the discharge air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, is carried out by switching the valve control device from a first operational mode into a second operational mode, which second operational mode is different from the first operational mode.
In this embodiment, in the first operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. In the second operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass.
In this embodiment, if in the first operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.
In this embodiment, if in the second operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of detecting clogging and/or clogging risk involves monitoring clogging level and/or clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger using the clogging detector. The clogging detector signal is sent when the clogging reaches or exceeds a clogging level threshold and/or when the clogging risk reaches or exceeds a clogging risk threshold.
In this embodiment, the development and/or changes in the clogging level and/or clogging risk are followed over time. Once the clogging level and/or clogging risk exceeds a threshold value, clogging detector signal is sent and the heat exchanger valve system switches into the second operational mode.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, air is extracted from a vehicle cabin to form or form part of the discharge air flow.
This is advantageous, because the air in the vehicle cabin usually has a temperature above 0 °C. In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of:
- heating air in an air heater in order to obtain a heated air flow,
- passing at least a part of the heated air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger as the discharge air flow or as a part of the discharge air flow.
Passing the heated air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger results in an improved and/or accelerated reduction, elimination and/or prevention of ice related clogging in the second and/or first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of:
- melting ice of any ice related clogging by the passing of the discharge air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger,
- collecting water that is formed by melting ice,
- using the collected water for cooling a vehicle part.
The vehicle part is for example a radiator.
The invention further pertains to a vehicle comprising a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention.
The invention will be described in more detail below under reference to the drawing, in which in a non-limiting manner exemplary embodiments of the invention will be shown. The drawing shows in:
Fig. 1: schematically, a first embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention,
Fig. 2: schematically, a first variant of the embodiment of fig. 1 ,
Fig. 3: schematically, a second variant of the embodiment of fig. 1,
Fig. 4: schematically, a third variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.
Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention.
In the embodiment of fig.1, the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged into vehicle 1 , for example a passenger car, a truck, a van, a plane, a bus, a tram, a train or any other means of public transport, or the like. The vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle cabin 2, in which a driver and optionally one or more passengers can be present. The dashed lines in fig. 1 schematically indicate the boundaries of the vehicle 1 and the vehicle cabin 2. In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air inlet system. The air inlet system comprises an air inlet 50 and an inlet line 51.
The air inlet system is adapted to allow outside air to enter the vehicle climate cabin control system and to generate an inlet air flow into the vehicle cabin climate control system. The inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet 50.
In this example, the air inlet system further comprises a flow device 52, to actively generate the air flow and/or to provide a required flow rate for the inlet air flow. The flow device is or comprises for example a fan.
In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a primary cabin air inlet 30, which is arranged to receive an air flow and introduce at least a part of that received airflow into the vehicle cabin 2.
In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the air flow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet comprises the entire inlet air flow, or at least a part of the inlet air flow in case a further flow path would be present (not shown).
In the embodiment of fig. 1, the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air discharge 48, which comprises an air discharge inlet 46 and an air discharge outlet 47. The air discharge 48 is or comprises for example an air exhaust line 42. The air discharge inlet 46 is adapted to receive a discharge air flow. In the embodiment of fig. 1, the discharge air flow comprises cabin air to be discharged, i.e. air that is to be discharged from the cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the discharge air flow also is to be discharged from the vehicle i1 n which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. The air discharge outlet 47 is adapted to discharge the discharge air flow, e.g. discharge it from the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. In the embodiment of fig. 1, the air discharge inlet 46 is directly connected to a primary cabin air outlet 43.
In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a peripheral heat exchanger 60. The peripheral heat exchanger 60 has a first side passage 63 and a second side passage 64. The first side passage 63 and the second side passage 64 are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage 63 and an air flow within the second side passage 64. The first side passage 63 is arranged downstream of the air inlet 50 and upstream of the vehicle cabin 2. “Downstream” and “upstream” are related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system. In addition, the vehicle cabin climate control system of fig. 1 further comprises a heat exchanger bypass 65 which is arranged to allow at least a portion of the inlet air flow to bypass the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
So, air enters the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet 50, and flows to the cabin 2, via the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 or via the heat exchanger bypass 65. Optionally, a further flow path is additionally present.
In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a clogging detector 100, which is adapted to detect ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage 64 and/or in the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60. The clogging detector 100 is further adapted to generate a clogging detector signal 101 when ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage 64 and/or in the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 is detected. The clogging detector may detect actual clogging, in particular ice related clogging, and/or may detect an ice related clogging risk. An ice related clogging risk can for example be detected by detecting that one or more climate parameters, e.g. temperature and/or humidity e.g. relative humidity, either alone or in combination with each other, indicates that there is a risk of ice formation.
The vehicle cabin climate control system as shown in fig. 1 further comprises an heat exchanger valve system 62* which is arranged downstream of the air inlet 50 and upstream of the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 and of the heat exchanger bypass 65.
The heat exchanger valve system 62* determines where the inlet air flow or the portion thereof that arrives at the heat exchanger valve system 62* goes to next: does it go the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60, to the heat exchanger bypass 65, to a further flow path, or is it split into a first portion that goes to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 and a second portion that goes to the heat exchanger bypass 65 and optionally a third portion that goes to an additional flow path (if such an additional flow path is present) ?
Optionally, an air pretreatment valve system is present which is also used as a heat exchanger valve system 62* in the context of the embodiment of fig. 1 , or the heat exchanger valve system 62* is also used as an air pretreatment valve system.
In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the heat exchanger valve system 62* has a first operational mode and a second operational mode. The second operational mode is different from the first operational mode. In the first operational mode the heat exchanger valve system 62* is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 63. Optionally, in the first operational mode, the entire inlet airflow is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
In the second operational mode the heat exchanger valve system 62* is set to direct the at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass 65. Optionally, in the second operational mode, the entire inlet airflow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65.
If in the first operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65.
If in the second operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65 is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
Optionally, in the first operational mode, at least 50% of the entire inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60. Alternatively or in addition, optionally, in the second operational mode, at least 50% of the entire inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65.
In the embodiment of fig. 1, the heat exchanger valve system 62* further comprises a valve control device 66*, which is adapted to receive the clogging detection signal 101 from the clogging detector 101 and which is adapted to set the heat exchanger valve system 62* in the second operational mode when a clogging detection signal 101 is received.
Optionally, in case an air pretreatment valve system is present which is also used a heat exchanger valve system 62* in the context of the embodiment of fig. 1 , the air pretreatment valve system controller of the air pretreatment valve system is also used as a valve control device 66*.
Optionally, In the embodiment of fig. 1, in the first operational mode the heat exchanger valve system 62* is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass 65. Alternatively or in addition, in the second operational mode the heat exchanger valve system 62* is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
Optionally, in this embodiment, in the first operational mode, the entire inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60. Alternatively, in the first operational mode, a first portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 and the remainder of the inlet air flow is directed to a further flow path or to further flow paths, the further flow path or further flow paths not being and/or including the heat exchanger bypass 65.
Optionally, in this embodiment, in the second operational mode, the entire inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65. Alternatively, in the second operational mode, a second portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65 and the remainder of the inlet air flow is directed to a further flow path or to further flow paths, the further flow path or further flow paths not being and/or including the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
Optionally, In the embodiment of fig. 1, the clogging detector is adapted to detect the formation and/or potential formation of ice in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the heat exchanger.
In this embodiment, the build-up of ice in the first side passage and/or the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is detected, so that full blockage of the first side passage and/or the second side passage can be prevented. This can for example be achieved by monitoring clogging level and/or clogging risk in the second side passage 64 and/or in the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 using a clogging detector 100.
Fig. 2 schematically shows a first variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.
In the first variant as shown in fig. 2, the clogging detector comprises multiple sensors 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. Any of these sensors is or comprises for example a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a pressure differential sensor and/or a flow sensor.
These sensors 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 provide suitable information to detect clogging or clogging risk. In case of actual clogging, the pressure drop over the passage 63, 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 in which the clogging occurs will increase. This can be detected by a pressure sensor and/or by a pressure differential sensor. In addition, the flow rate of the air flow through the respective passage may also change, which can be detected by a flow sensor. Temperature is a good indication of the risk of the formation of ice and/or of the actual formation of ice, so a temperature sensor is useful to apply for this purpose. A temperature sensor can also be used to distinguish between clogging due to ice formation and clogging due to other reasons.
In the first variant as shown in fig. 2, the clogging detector 100 for example comprises a first temperature sensor 102 which is adapted to measure the temperature of air outside the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged, and a second temperature sensor 105 which is adapted to measure the temperature of air inside the air discharge 48 and/or in the second side passage64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60. In addition, the clogging detector 100 comprises a first humidity sensor 107 which is adapted to measure the humidity (e.g. relative humidity) of air outside the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged and a second humidity sensor 106 which is adapted to measure the humidity (e.g. relative humidity) of air inside the air discharge 48 and/or in the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60. In the example of the first variant as shown in fig. 2, also additional sensors 103, 104 are present e.g. in the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 and just downstream thereof. These sensors for example are also adapted to measure temperature and/or (relative) humidity, but alternatively they can also be adapted to measure other parameters, such as flow rate and/or pressure and/or pressure differential. Optionally, also in the air discharge 48 and/or in the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger, one or more sensors that are adapted to measure other parameters, such as flow rate and/or pressure and/or pressure differential may be present.
In the first variant as shown in fig. 2, the clogging detector 100 further comprises a data processing device which is adapted to determine a clogging risk at least partly based on temperature data that is generated by the first temperature sensor 102 and the second temperature sensor 107 and at least partly on humidity data that is generated by the first humidity sensor 105 and the second humidity sensor 106.
Optionally, in the first variant as shown in fig. 2, the clogging detector 100 is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal 101 when a clogging risk is determined which exceeds a clogging risk threshold and/or the clogging detector 100 is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal 101 when a clogging level is determined which exceeds a clogging level threshold. The clogging risk threshold and the clogging level threshold represent levels of the clogging risk or the actual clogging, respectively, above which it is desired to switch the heat exchanger valve system 62* into the second operational mode in order to reduce and/or eliminate any ice related clogging.
Fig. 3 schematically shows a second variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.
In the second variant as shown in fig. 3, the air discharge inlet 46 is arranged or arrangeable in fluid communication with the vehicle cabin 2.
In the second variant as shown in fig. 3, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a recirculation line 40 which is connected to a primary cabin air outlet 4. The recirculation line 40 is arranged to remove cabin air from the cabin 2 and recirculate the cabin air back into the cabin 2. In the example of the second variant as shown in fig. 3, the recirculated air enters the cabin 2 after treatment in an air treatment system 10 and after being mixed with the inlet air flow. In this example, the air discharge inlet 46 is connected to and/or arranged in fluid communication with the recirculation line 40. In the example of fig. 3, a flow device 41 is present in the recirculation line 40 to ensure the required level of air flow through the recirculation line.
In the second variant as shown in fig. 3, the vehicle climate control system further comprises an air heater 12 comprising an air heater discharge 19, wherein the air heater discharge 19 is in fluid communication with the air discharge 48, in the example of fig. 3 via the recirculation line 40.
The air heater discharge 19 is arranged to release heated air into the air discharge 48. This way, the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 receives heated air, which results in an improved and/or accelerated reduction, elimination and/or prevention of ice related clogging in the second and/or first side passage 64, 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
In the second variant as shown in fig. 3, the air heater 12 optionally forms part of an air treatment device 10. Such an air treatment device 10 optionally also comprises an air cooler 11. Optionally, the air heater 12 is arranged downstream of the air cooler 11 , downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the air treatment device 10. So, the air flows through the air cooler before at least a part of the air flows through the air heater. Optionally, the air heater 12 for example is or comprises a condensor.
Optionally, the air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10 comprises an air heater inlet 15 which is arranged to receive an air flow. The air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10 is adapted to generate a heated air flow from the air flow that is received through the air heater inlet 15.
Optionally, the air cooler 11 of the optional air treatment device 10 comprises an air cooler inlet 14 for receiving an air flow. This air flow for example is comprised of at least a part of the inlet air flow, the entire inlet air flow, a combination of a part of the inlet air flow with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin or the entire inlet air flow in combination with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin. The air cooler 11 is adapted to generate a cooled air flow from the air flow that is received through the air cooler inlet 14. The air cooler for example is or comprises an evaporator.
This second variant can be combined with the first variant of the first embodiment as described in relation to fig. 2.
Fig. 4 schematically shows a third variant of the embodiment of fig. 1. In the third variant as shown in fig. 4, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a water collector 108 which is arranged to receive water that is generated by melting the ice related clogging in the peripheral heat exchanger 60.
Optionally, the water collector 108 is connected to a further vehicle temperature control system and/or further vehicle humidity control system. For example, the water collector 108 is connected to a radiator system 76 of the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.
This third variant can be combined with the first variant and/or second variant of the first embodiment as described in relation to fig. 2 and/or fig. 3, respectively.

Claims

1. Vehicle cabin climate control system, which comprises:
- an air inlet system comprising an air inlet, which air inlet system is adapted to allow outside air to enter the vehicle climate cabin control system and to generate an inlet air flow into the vehicle cabin climate control system, which inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet,
- a primary cabin air inlet, which is arranged to receive an air flow and to introduce at least a part of that airflow into a vehicle cabin,
- an air discharge, which comprises an air discharge inlet and an air discharge outlet, wherein the air discharge inlet is adapted to receive a discharge air flow and the air discharge outlet is adapted to discharge the discharge air flow, wherein the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises:
- a peripheral heat exchanger, which peripheral heat exchanger has a first side passage and a second side passage, wherein the first side passage and the second side passage are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage and an air flow within the second side passage, wherein the first side passage is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the primary air cabin inlet, and wherein the second side passage has an upstream end which is in fluid communication with the air discharge inlet and a downstream end which is in fluid communication with the air discharge outlet,
- a heat exchanger bypass which is arranged to allow the inlet air flow to bypass the peripheral heat exchanger,
- a clogging detector, which is adapted to detect ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and to generate a clogging detector signal when ice related clogging and/or ice related clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is detected,
- a heat exchanger valve system which is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger valve system has a first operational mode and a second operational mode, which second operational mode is different from the first operational mode, wherein in the first operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, and wherein in the second operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass, and wherein if in the first operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, and wherein if in the second operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger valve system further comprises a valve control device, which is adapted to receive the clogging detection signal from the clogging detector and which is adapted to set the heat exchanger valve system in the second operational mode when a clogging detection signal is received.
2. Vehicle cabin climate control system according to claim 1, wherein in the first operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass, and/or wherein in the second operational mode the heat exchanger valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
3. Vehicle cabin climate control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clogging detector is adapted to detect the formation and/or potential formation of ice in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the heat exchanger.
4. Vehicle cabin climate control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clogging detector is or comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a pressure differential sensor and/or a flow sensor.
5. Vehicle cabin climate control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clogging detector comprises a first temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature of air outside the vehicle and a second temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature of air inside the air discharge and/or in the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, and wherein the clogging detector further comprises a data processing device which is adapted to determine a clogging risk at least partly based on temperature data that is generated by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.
6. Vehicle cabin climate control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clogging detector comprises a first humidity sensor which is adapted to measure the humidity of air outside the vehicle and a second humidity sensor which is adapted to measure the humidity of air inside the air discharge and/or in the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, and wherein the clogging detector further comprises a data processing device which is adapted to determine a clogging risk at least partly based on humidity data that is generated by the first humidity sensor and the second humidity sensor.
7. Vehicle cabin climate control system according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging risk is determined which exceeds a clogging risk threshold and/or wherein the clogging detector is adapted to generate a clogging detector signal when a clogging level is determined which exceeds a clogging level threshold.
8. Vehicle cabin climate control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air discharge inlet is arranged or arrangeable in fluid communication with the vehicle cabin.
9. Vehicle cabin climate control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle climate control system further comprises an air heater comprising an air heater discharge, wherein the air heater discharge is in fluid communication with the air discharge inlet.
10. Method for preventing, reducing and/or eliminating ice related clogging in a peripheral heat exchanger of a vehicle cabin climate control system, which method comprises the following steps:
- passing an inlet air flow through a first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and passing a discharge air flow through a second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, thereby allowing heat exchange between the inlet air flow and the discharge air flow,
- detecting clogging and/or clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger using a clogging detector,
- in case clogging and/or clogging risk is detected, sending a clogging detector signal to a valve control device of a heat exchanger valve system,
- by the valve control device, setting the heat exchanger valve system to direct the inlet air flow to a heat exchanger bypass instead of through the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger while continuing to pass the discharge airflow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.
11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the step of detecting clogging and/or clogging risk involves monitoring clogging level and/or clogging risk in the second side passage and/or in the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger using the clogging detector, and wherein the clogging detector signal is sent when the clogging reaches or exceeds a clogging level threshold and/or when the clogging risk reaches or exceeds a clogging risk threshold.
12. Method according to any of the claims 10 - 11, wherein air is extracted from a vehicle cabin to form or form part of the discharge air flow.
13. Method according to any of the claims 10-12, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
- heating air in an air heater in order to obtain a heated air flow,
- passing at least a part of the heated air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger as the discharge air flow or as a part of the discharge air flow.
14. Method according to any of the claims 10-13, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
- melting ice of any ice related clogging by the passing of the discharge air flow through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger,
- collecting water that is formed by melting ice,
- using the collected water for cooling a vehicle part.
15. Vehicle comprising a vehicle cabin climate control system according to any of the claims 1-9.
PCT/EP2022/067766 2021-06-30 2022-06-28 Vehicle cabin climate control system WO2023275071A1 (en)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013189043A (en) * 2012-03-13 2013-09-26 Panasonic Corp Air conditioning device for vehicle
DE102015115196A1 (en) 2015-09-09 2017-03-09 Denso Automotive Deutschland Gmbh Ventilation system for a motor vehicle and associated control method
WO2018193570A1 (en) * 2017-04-20 2018-10-25 三菱電機株式会社 Vehicle air-conditioning equipment
JP6456456B1 (en) * 2017-10-31 2019-01-23 三菱電機株式会社 Air conditioner for vehicles

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013189043A (en) * 2012-03-13 2013-09-26 Panasonic Corp Air conditioning device for vehicle
DE102015115196A1 (en) 2015-09-09 2017-03-09 Denso Automotive Deutschland Gmbh Ventilation system for a motor vehicle and associated control method
WO2018193570A1 (en) * 2017-04-20 2018-10-25 三菱電機株式会社 Vehicle air-conditioning equipment
JP6456456B1 (en) * 2017-10-31 2019-01-23 三菱電機株式会社 Air conditioner for vehicles

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