Device and method for icing prevention regulation for heat pump evaporators

US10914504B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• AUDI AG · DE
• Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation · KR

Inventors

• Engelbert Schmitz · Bergheim, DE
• Peter Heyl
• Marc Graaf · Krefeld, DE
• Christian Rebinger · Munich, DE
• Dirk Schroeder · Eckental, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 8, 2013
• Grant date: Feb 9, 2021
• Expiry date: Dec 19, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60H2001/00961
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for icing prevention regulation for a heat pump evaporator (3) in air conditioning systems of vehicles, composed of a subsection (1) of a refrigerant circuit which can be operated both as a heat pump and also as an air conditioning system. The device comprises the heat pump evaporator (3), an electrical or mechanical refrigerant compressor (4), a cooler fan (9) which is attached to the heat pump evaporator (3) and which draws ambient air (11) upstream from and through the heat pump evaporator (3) at an adjustable flow speed, and which thus permits a permanent flow of ambient air (11) over the heat pump evaporator surface, a first temperature sensor (6) in or on the refrigerant line (5, 5a) upstream from the heat pump evaporator (3) with respect to the heat pump operating direction, and a control and regulating unit (8). The control and regulating unit (8) is connected via signal lines (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10e) at least to the first temperature sensor (6), to further sensors, in particular for detecting the ambient air temperature (Tu) and the vehicle speed (VF), to the expansion valve (2), to the cooler fan (9) and to the refrigerant co…