Air conditioning system operating on vehicle waste energy
US7260947B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60H2001/327
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A waste energy-based vehicle air conditioning system includes efficient compression driving means coupled to refrigeration means. In one implementation, the compression driving means includes a controller (e.g., magnetic clutch) that couples mechanical waste energy from an engine fan axle, a vehicle drive shaft, or a transmission shaft to an axle of a refrigerant compressor. Alternatively, the controller can also include a battery that is charged from the mechanical waste energy. Upon detecting certain pressure values, the controller powers the refrigerant compressor with a rotating axle (e.g., during deceleration) or with battery power, as appropriate. In one implementation, the controller is configured to engage compression immediately upon detecting that the vehicle is decelerating. One or more kits can be used to retrofit existing vehicles to operate the respective air conditioning systems principally on waste energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.