Air-Cycle Environment Control Systems and Methods for Automotive Applications
Need:
Automotive air conditioning systems are in the process of undergoing some major changes due to environmental concerns. The new changes are to prevent global warming, in addition to ozone depletion. These changes tend to have negative impacts on air conditioning performance due to a shift in refrigerant selection criteria. Looking into the future, additional changes to automotive air conditioning systems are likely, and use of a refrigerant that is naturally available and does not need to be retrofitted is convenient.
Solution:
Researchers at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo have developed an air-cycle air conditioning system and method. Specifically, an air-cycle air-conditioning system and method that uses an automotive turbocharger as the core of the system. Effects on engine performance were minimized while maximizing the possible cooling possible and also minimizing weight and space requirements. An unmodified automotive turbocharger was tested initially as a baseline in a Reversed-Brayton Cycle air-cooling system. A second air-cycle machine, assembled from commercial turbocharger components chosen individually to optimize their performance for cooling purposes, was tested to improve the overall cycle efficiency.
Applications:
- Automotive air conditioning systems
Advantages:
- Can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a process, an apparatus, a system, computer readable media, or a device
- Minimal space and weight requirements
- Maximized possible cooling while minimizing effects on the engine
IP Status:
US 9,249,998 issued 02/02/2016
US 9,857,104 issued 01/02/2018
Licensing Status:
Available - please contact us for more information