Claims:We claim:

1. An air conditioning system (10) for a vehicle, the system (10) comprising:
an evaporator (13) configured to act as heat exchanger between a refrigerant and air circulated into cabin of the vehicle by a blower (14);
at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) configured to selectively operate in an adsorption mode and a generation mode, the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) is fluidly connected to the evaporator (13) to receive the refrigerant from the evaporator (13) and convert the refrigerant to high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant;
a condenser (1) fluidly connected to the at least one adsorbent unit (8), and configured to remove heat from the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant received from the at least one adsorbent unit (8);
a refrigerant circuit (17) defining a flow channel between the evaporator (13), the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8), and a condenser (1) for flow of the refrigerant; and
a heating circuit (5) fluidly connecting the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) with a heat source (7) of an engine of the vehicle, wherein the heating circuit (5) is configured to circulate hot fluid through the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) in the generation mode;
a cooling circuit (11) defining a flow channel between the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8), the chiller (12) and the low temperature ambient heat exchanger (18), the cooling circuit (11) is configured to selectively circulate cold fluid through the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8);
a plurality of valves (16) disposed in each of the refrigerant circuit (17), the heating circuit (5) and the cooling circuit (11); and
a control unit (4) communicatively coupled to the plurality of valves (16), wherein the control unit (4) is configured to:
selectively operate some valves of the plurality of valves (16) to allow the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) to operate in the adsorption mode to liquify the refrigerant vapors and remove heat;
selectively operate other valves of the plurality of valves (16) to switch the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) from the adsorption mode to the generation mode,
wherein, in the generation mode hot fluid from heating circuit (5) heats the liquefied refrigerant vapours in the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) and converts it to the high pressure and high temperature refrigerant which is released into the condenser to cool the refrigerant for next cycle.

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (1) comprises:
a chamber, structured to accommodate an adsorbent material (A);
a refrigerant tube extending along the chamber and fluidly connected to the refrigerant circuit (17);
at least a pair of flow channels (T) configured within the chamber, each connectable to at least one of the heating circuit (5) and the cooling circuit (11).

3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the adsorbent material (A) is at least one of activated charcoal, zeolites, and clay.

4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) includes a first vapor adsorbent unit (8a) and a second vapor adsorbent unit (8b).

5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1 and 4, wherein each of the first vapor adsorbent unit (8a) and the second vapor adsorbent unit (8b) is in fluid communication with each of the refrigerant circuit (17), heating circuit (5) and the cooling circuit (11).

6. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat source (7) from the engine of the vehicle is at least one of a radiator (6) and an exhaust duct of the vehicle.

7. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a chiller (12) is disposed in the cooling circuit (11), the chiller (12) is configured to further cool the colling circuit fluid from low temperature ambient heat exchanger (18).

8. The system (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the chiller (12) along with expansion valve (15) is disposed between the condenser (1) and the evaporator (13).

9. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chiller (12) is defined with at least two one inlet port and at least two outlet ports, the one of ports of at least two inlet port is fluidly coupled to an outlet of the condenser (1) and one port of the at least two outlet ports is fluidly connected to an inlet of the evaporator (13) and other port of the at least two inlet and two outlet ports is fluidly connected to an inlet and outlet of the cooling circuit (11).

10. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an expansion valve (15) is disposed in the refrigerant circuit (17) between the condenser (1) and the chiller (12).

11. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a thermal reservoir (2) disposed in fluid communication with the refrigerant circuit (17), the thermal reservoir (2) is positioned between the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) and the condenser (1).

12. The system (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the thermal reservoir (2) is configured to store a portion of the high pressure and high temperature refrigerant.

13. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one temperature sensor (S) associated with the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8), the at least one temperature sensor (S) is communicatively coupled to the control unit (4).

14. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (4) operates the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) between the adsorption mode and the generation mode based on signals received from the at least one sensor (S).

15. A vapor adsorbent unit (8) for an air conditioning system (10) of claim 1, the vapor adsorbent unit (8) comprises:
a chamber, structured to accommodate an adsorbent material (A)
a refrigerant tube extending along the chamber and fluidly connected to the refrigerant circuit (17);
at least a pair of flow channels (T) configured within the chamber, each connectable to at least one of the heating circuit (5) and the cooling circuit (11).

16. A vehicle comprising an air conditioning system (10) as claimed in claim 1.

Dated this 30th March 2021

GOPINATH ARENUR SHANKARARAJ
Of K&S Partners
IN/PA 1852
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]

TITLE: “AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE”

Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Nationality: INDIAN

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
[001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning system for a vehicle. Further embodiments of the present disclosure describe a configuration of the air-conditioning system with adsorbent unit.

[003] BACKGROUND

[004] A heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit or simply referred as air conditioning unit may be used in all types of vehicles ranging from passenger vehicle to commercial vehicles, to provide comfort to passengers in different climatic conditions. In HVAC unit, air may be drawn either from inside the cabin of the vehicle or from atmosphere. The drawn air may be conditioned, i.e., cooled or heated by the HVAC unit as per need of the passengers or the vehicle conditions and may be finally delivered to the cabin of the vehicle through one or more air vents provided in the cabin.

[005] A conventional AC system comprises of a condenser unit with a plurality of fans. The condenser cools the refrigerant by rejecting heat to air and the refrigerant from the condenser unit is fed to a receiver dryer. The refrigerant from the receiver dryer is fed to an expansion valve, where the refrigerant is allowed to expand, due to which the temperature and the pressure drops. This low temperature and low-pressure refrigerant are further directed to an evaporator unit. A plurality of blowers directs a stream of air onto the evaporators. The low temperature refrigerant in the evaporator unit absorbs the heat from the incoming stream of air and cools the incoming stream of air. The cold air is further directed to the passenger cabin to provide thermal comfort to passengers. When the incoming stream of air is cooled, the water vapor in the air undergoes dehumidification process, which generates condensed water on evaporator fins provided in the evaporators. This condensed water is usually drained onto the road as wastewater. As the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the incoming stream of air, the refrigerant in the evaporator unit evaporates into a gaseous state. This refrigerant is further compressed to high temperature and high pressure by a compressor and this high temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is further directed to the condenser unit.

[006] For smooth operation of AC system, it is required to maintain high pressure at condenser unit side and low pressure at evaporator side. This work is done by AC compressor, which is used for pressuring the refrigerant and thereby increasing the temperature of the refrigerant =. Conventionally, compressors are directly coupled to the engine and draw power directly from the engine of the vehicle. Consequently, the vehicle consumes more fuel when the AC system of the vehicle is in an operational state, thereby reducing the overall fuel economy of the vehicle. Further, the fans in the condenser unit also draw power from the battery which further increases the fuel consumption of the vehicle and thereby further reduces the fuel economy of the vehicle. Ancillaries in the AC system such as the condenser fans, compressor, blowers, etc. often run by drawing power from the engine of the vehicle and lead to reduced fuel economy in the vehicle. The above-mentioned ancillaries are majorly used to reduce the operational temperature of the refrigerant, so that the refrigerant at a lower temperature may absorb heat from the incoming stream of air and thereby cool air which is further circulated to the passenger cabin. This increased dependency of the ancillaries in the AC system on the engine of the vehicle is not particularly suitable for an efficient operation of the vehicle. Therefore, it has become a necessity to reduce the operational dependency of these AC ancillaries on the engine.

[007] Among the myriad drawbacks of the conventional AC/HVAC systems above, other drawbacks of the conventional systems faced in general is elucidated henceforth. When sleeping at night, drivers of large trucks that operate over long distances and travel for many days often utilize sleeper compartments built into their vehicle cabin. This reduces the cost of lodgings while allowing truckers to sleep in rest areas on highways, thereby eliminating the need to detour off their routes to find and return from overnight lodging. Maintaining comfortable cabin temperatures during warm evenings, however, often means running the truck engine throughout the night to power the truck air conditioner. This uses considerable fuel, decreases engine life by incessant operation, acts as a relentless source of environmental pollutants, and diminishes driver health by exposing the driver to elevated levels of the pollutants during sleep. In addition, the continuous vibration increases mechanical fatigue on truck tractor components, thereby decreasing time between repairs. Not running a truck air conditioner can lead to increased driver fatigue due to poor sleep or increased operating costs.

[008] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the prior arts.

[009] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the disclosure and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[011] One or more shortcomings of conventional systems are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the assembly and the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[012] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an air conditioning system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes an evaporator configured to act as heat exchanger between a refrigerant and air circulated into cabin of the vehicle by a blower. At least one vapor adsorbent unit is configured to selectively operate in an adsorbent mode and a generation mode. The at least one vapor adsorbent unit is fluidly connected to the evaporator to receive the refrigerant from the evaporator and convert the refrigerant to high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. The system includes a condenser fluidly connected to the at least one vapor adsorbent unit. The condenser is configured to remove heat from the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant received from the at least one vapor adsorbent unit. A refrigerant circuit defines a flow channel between the evaporator, the at least one vapor adsorbent unit, and a condenser for flow of the refrigerant. The system includes a heating circuit fluidly connecting the at least one vapor adsorbent unit with a heat source of an engine of the vehicle. The heating circuit is configured to circulate hot fluid through the at least one vapor adsorbent unit in the generation mode. Further, the system includes a cooling circuit defining a flow channel between the at least one vapor adsorbent unit, pump, low temperature ambient heat exchanger, and the chiller. The cooling circuit is configured to selectively circulate cold fluid through the at least one vapor adsorbent unit. A plurality of valves is disposed in each of the refrigerant circuit, the heating circuit, and the cooling circuit. The system further includes a control unit which is communicatively coupled to the plurality of valves. The control unit is configured to selectively operate some valves of the plurality of valves. Operating some of the plurality of valves allows the at least one vapor adsorbent unit to operate in the adsorption mode to liquify the refrigerant vapors and remove heat. Further, the control unit selectively operates other valves of the plurality of valves to switch the at least one vapor adsorbent unit from the adsorption mode to the generation mode. In the generation mode hot fluid from heating circuit heats the adsorbed refrigerant vapors in the at least one adsorbent unit and coverts it to the high pressure and high temperature refrigerant which is released into the condenser to cool the refrigerant for next cycle.

[013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one vapor adsorbent unit includes a chamber structured to accommodate an adsorbent material, and a refrigerant tube extending along the chamber and fluidly connected to refrigerant circuit. The at least one adsorbent unit further includes at least a pair of flow channels configured within the chamber, each connectable to at least one of the heating circuit and the cooling circuit.

[014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the adsorbent material is at least one of activated charcoal, zeolites, and clay.

[015] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one vapor adsorbent unit includes a first vapor adsorbent unit and a second adsorbent unit. Each of the first vapor adsorbent unit and the second vapor adsorbent unit is in fluid communication with each of the refrigerant circuit, heating circuit and the cooling circuit.

[016] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat source from the engine of the vehicle is at least one of a radiator and exhaust duct of the vehicle.

[017] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioning system includes a chiller disposed in the cooling circuit. The chiller is configured to further cool the coolant supplied from the low temperature ambient heat exchanger. The chiller is disposed between the condenser and the evaporator. The chiller is defined with at least two inlet port and at least two outlet ports. One of ports of at least two inlet port is fluidly coupled to an outlet of the condenser and one port of the at least two outlet ports is fluidly connected to an inlet of the evaporator. Other ports of the at least two inlet and outlet ports is fluidly connected to an inlet and outlet of the cooling circuit.

[018] In an embodiment of the disclosure, an expansion valve is disposed in the refrigerant circuit between the condenser and the chiller.

[019] In an embodiment of the disclosure, a thermal reservoir is disposed in fluid communication with the refrigerant circuit. The thermal reservoir is positioned between the at least one vapor adsorbent unit and the condenser. The thermal reservoir is configured to store a portion of the high pressure and high temperature refrigerant.

[020] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the system includes at least one temperature sensor associated with the at least one vapor adsorbent unit. The at least one temperature sensor is communicatively coupled to the control unit. The control unit operate the at least one vapor adsorbent unit between the adsorption mode and the generation mode based on signals received from the at least one sensor.

[021] In a yet another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a vapor adsorbent unit for an air conditioning system is disclosed. The vapor adsorbent unit includes a chamber structured to accommodate an adsorbent material and A refrigerant tube extends along the chamber and fluidly connected to a refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system. The unit further includes at least a pair of flow channels configured within the chamber, each connectable to at least one of the heating circuit and the cooling circuit of the air conditioning system.

[022] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[024] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[025] FIG.1 illustrates a schematic view of an air conditioning system for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[026] FIG.2 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of the air conditioning system of FIG.1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[027] FIG.3 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of the air conditioning unit of FIG.1 in working state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[028] FIGS. 4 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of the air conditioning unit of FIG.1 in working state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[029] FIGS. 5 illustrates a portion of adsorbent unit used in the air conditioning unit of FIG.1, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[030] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the mechanism and the assembly illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[032] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent processes do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

[033] Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses an air conditioning (AC) system for a vehicle. The air conditioning system of the vehicle may also be referred to as a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. With the configuration of the system use of compressor may be eliminated in the present disclosure, thus eliminating load on the IC engine. The AC system according to the present disclosure may improve fuel efficiency of the vehicle as load on engine is eliminated. Since load on engine is reduced significantly, life of the IC engine significantly increases.

[034] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes an evaporator configured to act as heat exchanger between a refrigerant and air circulated into cabin of the vehicle by a blower. Further, the system includes at least one vapor adsorbent unit is configured to selectively operate in an adsorbent mode and a generation mode. The at least one vapor adsorbent unit is fluidly connected to the evaporator to receive the refrigerant from the evaporator and convert the refrigerant to high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. In an embodiment, the at least one vapor adsorbent unit includes a chamber structured to accommodate an adsorbent material. A refrigerant tube may extend along the chamber of the at least one vapor adsorbent unit. The refrigerant tube may be fluidly connected to the refrigerant circuit. Additionally, the chamber may be structured to accommodate at least a pair of flow channels. In an embodiment, the adsorbent material may be at least one of activated charcoal, zeolites, and clay. According to the present disclosure, the at least one adsorbent system may include a first vapor adsorbent unit and a second adsorbent unit, each configured to work in tandem.

[035] The system includes a condenser fluidly connected to the at least one vapor adsorbent unit. The condenser is configured to remove heat from the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant received from the at least one vapor adsorbent unit. A refrigerant circuit defines a flow channel between the evaporator, the at least one vapor adsorbent unit, and the condenser for flow of the refrigerant. In an embodiment, a thermal reservoir may be disposed in fluid communication with the refrigerant circuit. The thermal reservoir may be positioned between the at least one vapor adsorbent unit and the condenser. In an embodiment, the thermal reservoir may be configured to store a portion of the high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant.

[036] Further, the system includes a heating circuit which may be designed to fluidly connect the at least one vapor adsorbent unit with a heat source of an engine of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the heat source may be at least one of a radiator and an exhaust duct of the vehicle. That is, the heat may be provided by hot coolant fluid flowing out of engine or heat from exhaust gases. This enables optimal usage of waste heat generated by the engine. The heating circuit is configured to circulate hot fluid [either exhaust gases or hot coolant fluid] through the at least one vapor adsorbent unit in the generation mode. Further, the system includes a cooling circuit designed to define a flow channel between the at least one vapor adsorbent unit, the pump, low temperature ambient heat exchanger, and the chiller. The cooling circuit is configured to selectively circulate cold fluid through the at least one vapor adsorbent unit. The chiller may be configured to cool the coolant that may be supplied from the low temperature ambient heat exchanger. The chiller is disposed between the condenser and the evaporator and may be defined with at least two inlet port and at least two outlet ports. In an embodiment, one of ports of at least two inlet port may be fluidly linked to an outlet of the condenser and one port of the at least two outlet ports may be fluidly connected to an inlet of the evaporator. Other port of the at least two inlet and outlet ports may be fluidly connected to an inlet and outlet of the cooling circuit. In an embodiment, the refrigerant circuit may include an expansion valve disposed in the refrigerant circuit. The expansion valve may be positioned between the condenser and the chiller.

[037] The system further includes a plurality of valves disposed in each of the refrigerant circuit, the heating circuit, and the cooling circuit. A control unit is communicatively coupled to the plurality of valves. The control unit is configured to selectively operate some valves of the plurality of valves. Operating some of the plurality of valves allows the at least one vapor adsorbent unit to operate in the adsorption mode to liquify the refrigerant vapors and remove heat. Further, the control unit selectively operates other valves of the plurality of valves to switch the at least one vapor adsorbent unit from the adsorption mode to the generation mode. In the generation mode hot fluid from heating circuit heats the liquefied refrigerant vapors in the at least one adsorbent unit and coverts it to the high pressure and high temperature refrigerant which is released into the condenser to cool the refrigerant for next cycle.

[038] Hereinafter, the configuration of the air condition system may be elucidated with reference to figures.

[039] The terms “comprises…. a”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the specification, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or method. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

[040] Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitation of the present disclosure.

[041] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIG(s) 1 to 5. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated methods, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

[042] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments that may be disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meanings of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[043] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification set henceforth including the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one. When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.

[044] Generally, a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) may be adapted to combust a fuel to release the chemical energy therein and convert that energy to mechanical power. The vehicle may be an over the road vehicle such as truck used in transportation or may be any other type of machine that may be designed to perform some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, and the like. For example, the vehicle may be an earth mover, wheel loader, dump truck, big-rigs, tractor-trailers, or the like. Further, the vehicles may include passenger vehicles such as cars, buses, and the like. The vehicle may include a passenger compartment, an engine compartment, a climate control system i.e., HVAC unit/air conditioning system (10) [as shown in FIG.1] and at least one control unit (4). The passenger compartment may be disposed inside the vehicle body and may be configured to receive one or more occupants. In an embodiment, a portion of the AC system (10) may be interfaced with the passenger compartment. Further, the engine compartment may be disposed proximal to the passenger compartment and separated from the passenger compartment by a firewall. In the present disclosure neither the passenger compartment, engine compartment nor the entire vehicle is depicted. Only the air conditioning system (10) is depicted in figures for better understanding.

[045] Referring now to FIG.1, which illustrate a schematic representation of the air conditioning system generally depicted by referral numeral 10. The air conditioning system (10) according to the present disclosure may advantageously eliminate parasitic load on the internal combustion engine. The configuration of the air conditioning system (10) without the use of compressor may be elucidated herein after.

[046] The term “adsorber” used hereinafter in the present disclosure refers to materials which adsorbs, especially solid materials, that has a high surface area and is used to capture a gas or liquid. The term “adsorption” used in the present disclosure refers to a process by which a solid holds molecules of a gas or liquid or solute as a film. The term “desorption or generation or regeneration” used in the present disclosure refers to release of an adsorbed substance from a surface. Further, the term “adsorbent” used in the present disclosure refers to a solid substance used to collect solute molecules from a liquid or gas. Furthermore, the term “chiller” used henceforth may refer to a machine or a unit for cooling/a cold cabinet. The term refrigerant is a working fluid used in the refrigeration cycle of air conditioning systems, the refrigerant can be any refrigerant including R134, CO2, R1234yf, R152a, R152a, and the like.

[047] The elucidation hereinafter may be made with reference to FIG.2 which is a circuit diagram of the air conditioning system (10) in conjunction with FIG.1. The air conditioning system (10) [hereinafter referred to as AC system/system (10)] may include an evaporator (13). At the evaporator (13), the system (10) may be ready to cool the operator cabin. In an embodiment, the evaporator (13) may be configured to act as a heat exchanger that may be liable for absorbing heat such as heat from the operator cabin so that the operator cabin may become cooler. A blower (14) may circulate the hot air in the operator cabin or from the surroundings to the evaporator (13), which may then return cooler air back to the operator cabin. The evaporator (13) may continue to absorb heat from the operator cabin until the liquid refrigerant may start to vaporize or turn into gas state. The vaporized refrigerant from the evaporator (13) may then be circulated to at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8), hereinafter also referred to as adsorbent unit (8) and may be interchangeably used. The vaporized refrigerant may be heated due to the heat exchange that takes place between refrigerant and the operator cabin air in the evaporator (13).

[048] The vaporized refrigerant may be circulated to the at least one adsorbent unit (8) through a refrigerant circuit (17). In an embodiment, the at least one adsorbent unit (8) may be configured to selectively operate in an adsorption mode and a generation mode. The adsorbent unit (8) may be configured to adsorb the refrigerant vapors and liquify and reject heat when in adsorption mode. In an embodiment and in reference to FIG.5, the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) [hereinabove and below referred to as the at least one adsorbent unit and may be interchangeably used] may include a chamber designed to accommodate an adsorbent material (A). The adsorbent material (A) may be at least one of activated charcoal, zeolites, amorphous silica gel, calcium aluminosilicate clay and the like. However, the adsorbent material (A) mentioned above should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure as any material configured to act as adsorber may be used in place. The at least one adsorbent unit (8) may further include a refrigerant tube extending along the chamber and may be fluidly connected to the refrigerant circuit (17). At least a pair of flow channels (T) may be provided within the chamber of the at least one adsorbent unit (8). The pair of flow channels (T) may be fluidly coupled to various circuits in the present disclosure elucidated hereinafter.

[049] An outlet of the evaporator (13) may be fluidly connected to an inlet of the at least one adsorbent unit (8). In the present disclosure, the at least one adsorbent unit (8) may include a first adsorbent unit (8a) and a second adsorbent unit (8b). However, the use of the first adsorbent unit (8a) and the second adsorbent unit (8b) should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. As “n” number of adsorbent units may be used ranging from one adsorbent unit and above in the system based on requirements. In an embodiment, the refrigerant circuit (17) between the evaporator (13) and the at least one adsorbent unit (8) may be branched/split into one or more outlets. One outlet of the one or more outlets may be fluidly linked to an inlet of the first adsorbent unit (8a) and other outlet of the one or more outlets may be fluidly coupled to an inlet of the second adsorbent unit (8b). At least one valve (16a and 16b) of the plurality of valves (16), may be disposed in between the inlet of the first and second adsorbent unit (8a and 8b) and the outlet of the evaporator (13). The at least one valve (16a and 16b) may be interfaced with the control unit (4). The control unit (4) may be configured to selectively open and close the flow path to the first and the second adsorbent unit (8a and 8b).

[050] Further, the refrigerant circuit (17) may extend between an outlet of the first and second adsorbent unit (8a and 8b) and a condenser (1) [refer to FIG.2]. The split line of the refrigerant circuit (17) may merge into a single line at an outlet of the first and second adsorbent unit (8a and 8b) and then extend towards the condenser (1). At least one valve (16c and 16d) may be disposed at the outlet of each of the first and second adsorbent unit (8a and 8b). The said valves (16c and 16d) may be interfaced with the control unit (4). In an embodiment, a flow meter (3) may be provided on the refrigerant circuit (17) between the condenser (1) and the at least one adsorbent unit (8). The flowmeter (3) may be configured to quantify flow of gases through the condenser (1). In an embodiment, the refrigerant circuit (17) may include an accumulator/thermal reservoir (2). The thermal reservoir may be disposed between the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) and the condenser (1). In an embodiment, the thermal reservoir (2) may be configured to store a portion of the high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant for use when the vehicle may in off-condition.

[051] The condenser (1) may be configured to receive high-pressure and high temperature refrigerant vapor from the at least one adsorbent unit (8) i.e., the first and second adsorbent unit (8a and 8b). The process of generating the high-pressure and high temperature refrigerant vapor in the first adsorbent unit (8a) and the second adsorbent unit (8b) may be explained in detail in portions elucidated henceforth in the present disclosure. Heat may be removed from the refrigerant vapor and liquify the same. Heat may be removed due to an airstream moving through the condenser (1). The air may be moved through condenser (1) while the vehicle may be moving or by a radiator cooling fan [in case ICE is stationary]. As the high-pressure refrigerant vapor is cooled it may be condensed to a liquid state. In the liquid state, the refrigerant may be still under high pressure and may exit the condenser (1) and pass through an expansion valve (15) where the pressure is reduced. The low-pressure refrigerant then be circulated through the evaporator (13) may again be circulated to the evaporator (13) for next cooling cycle. An outlet of the condenser (1) may be fluidly linked to an inlet of the expansion valve mounted on chiller (12). The chiller (12) may be defined with at least two inlet port and at least two outlet ports. The refrigerant circuit (17) extending from the outlet of the condenser (1) may be fluidly connected to one of ports of at least two inlet ports of the chiller (12) (through expansion valve). Further, one of the outlet port of the at least two outlet ports of the chiller (12) may be fluidly connected the evaporator (13) and the other port of the at least two inlet and outlet ports may be connected inlet and outlet of the cooling circuit (11).

[052] Further, the system (10) of the present disclosure includes a heating circuit (5) [as indicated in FIG.2]. The heating circuit (5) may fluidly connect the at least one vapor adsorbent unit (8) unit with a heat source (7) of the engine. In an embodiment, the heat source (7) may be at least one of engine coolant fluid or exhaust gas from the engine carrying heat of from the engine. The heating circuit (5) may be configured to heat the adsorbed refrigerant in the at least one adsorbent unit (8) and convert the same to high-temperature and high-pressure vapors when the at least one adsorbent unit (8) is in generation mode. The heating circuit (5) may extend from the heat source (7) and may split into two lines. One of the two lines may be fluidly connected to an inlet of the flow channel (T) positioned within the chamber of the first adsorbent unit (8a). Other line of the two lines may be fluidly connected to an inlet of the flow channel (T) positioned within the chamber of the second adsorbent unit (8b). Each of the two lines of the heating circuit as said above may include at least one valve (16e and 16f) positioned and interfaced with the control unit (4). The valve (16e) of the at least one valve (16e) may be associated with the first adsorbent unit (8a) and the heat source (7) and may be configured to control flow between the two. Further, the valve (16f) may be associated with the second adsorbent unit (8b) and the heat source (7) and may be configured to control flow between the two. Further, an outlet end of the respective flow channels (T) of the first adsorbent unit (8a) and the second adsorbent unit (8b) may merge to form a single line heating circuit (5). The outlet ends of the first and the second adsorbent unit (8a and 8b) may be connected to an inlet of a radiator (6) in case of heat source being engine coolant, and to atmosphere in case of heat source being the exhaust gas. Further, the outlet end of the radiator (6) may be connected to an inlet of the heat source (7). At least one valve (16g and 16h) may be positioned at the outlet of the first adsorbent unit (8a) and the second adsorbent unit (8b) respectively, before the heating circuit (5) melds to a single line.

[053] The system (10) may also include a cooling circuit (11). The cooling circuit (11) may be configured to define a flow path between the at least one adsorbent unit (8) i.e., the first adsorbent unit (8a) and the second adsorbent unit (8b), pump (9), chiller (12) and the low temperature ambient heat exchanger (18). One outlet of the at least two outlets of the chiller (12) may be fluidly connected to an inlet of remaining flow channels (T) of the first adsorbent unit (8a) and the second adsorbent unit (8b) respectively. Similar to the previous circuits, the cooling circuit (11) may also include valves (16i, 16j, 16k, and 16l) of the plurality of valves (16). The valves (16i and 16j) may be associated with the inlet of the first and the second adsorbent unit (8a and 8b). Remaining valves (16k and 16l) may be disposed at the outlet end of the first and the second adsorbent unit (8a and 8b). The valves (16i, 16j, 16k and 16l) may be interfaced with the control unit (4). The valves (16i, 16j, 16k and 16l) may be selectively operated by the control unit (4) to at least one of open and closed position based on the operation of the circuit of the system (10).

[054] Working of the system (10) of configuration elucidated above may be set forth with the aid of FIG.3 and FIG.4. The working of the system (10) may be elucidated with respect to one of the first adsorbent unit (8a) or the second adsorbent unit (8b) for better understanding. It should be noted that the first adsorbent unit (8a) and the second adsorbent unit (8b) of the present disclosure may be similar and work in tandem. That is, in case the first adsorbent unit (8a) may be in adsorption mode, the second adsorbent module (8b) may work in desorption mode and vice-versa.

[055] Reference is now made to FIG.4, which illustrates the circuit for the system (10) where the first adsorbent unit (8a) may be in desorption/regeneration/generation mode and the second adsorbent unit (8b) in adsorption mode. Heated refrigerant vapors from the evaporator (13) may be circulated into the refrigerant tube of the second adsorbent unit (8b). The refrigerant vapor coming from the evaporator (13) may get adsorbed in the second adsorbent unit (8b). The refrigerant vapors may be adsorbed at the adsorber bed formed by the adsorbent material (A) in the second adsorbent unit (8b). In an embodiment, the amount of refrigerant adsorbed may be directly proportional to adsorption coefficient of the adsorbent material (A) in the chamber. Adsorption being an exothermic phenomenon rejects heat and adsorbs refrigerant molecules. The heat rejected in the second adsorbent unit (8b) may be eliminated by coolant flowing through the second adsorbent unit (8b) from the chiller (12). The control unit (4) may operate the valve (16i) associated with the second adsorbent unit (8b) in the cooling circuit (11) to an open position. Open position of the valve (16i) allows flow of coolant through the flow channels [of the second adsorbent unit] associated with the cooling circuit (11). The flow channels may act as a heat exchanger between coolant and the heat rejected during the adsorption process in the second adsorbent unit (8b). Thus, removing heat rejected in the second adsorbent unit (8b). Also, the flow of coolant through the second adsorbent unit (8b) may ensure efficient performance of the adsorbent material (A). For example, the activated charcoal bed needs to be at temperature ranging between 35 °C to 40°C prior to adsorption and continuous heat rejection during adsorption. The adsorbent material (A) may be maintained at the optimum range of temperature by circulating the coolant through the second adsorbent unit (8b).

[056] During the adsorption process in the second adsorbent unit (8b), the first adsorbent unit (8a) may be undergoing desorption process. In the desorption process, the refrigerant molecules adsorbed by the first adsorbent chamber (8a) in a previous cycle may be converted back to vapors. For desorption process to happen, the control unit opens the valve (16) between the heating circuit and the adsorbent unit (8a), to allow flow of heating fluid. The heating fluid heats the refrigerant in the first adsorbent unit (8a) increasing both temperature and pressure. The control unit (4) may hold the valve (16d) associated with the first adsorbent unit (8a) in a closed position until a desired pressure may be achieved within the first adsorbent chamber (8a). Once the desired pressure is achieved, the control unit (4) may operate the valve (16d) to an open position to allow flow of high temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapors to flow into the condenser (1) for further processing in the refrigerant circuit (17).

[057] Similarly, as shown in FIG.4, the first adsorbent unit (8a) may be switched to adsorption mode and the second adsorbent unit (8b) may be switched to desorption mode. The vapor adsorbed in the second adsorbent unit (8b) as described above may be converted to high-pressure and high temperature refrigerant vapor. The high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant vapor may be circulated to the condenser (1) for further processing. The first adsorbent unit (8a) and the second adsorbent unit (8b) may be alternated between the adsorption mode and the desorption mode cycle by cycle.

[058] Exemplary Experimental analysis

[059] Following paragraphs may be illustrate exemplary experimental results performed on the system (10) of the present disclosure. A mathematical model of the system (10) is developed using mat-lab to get optimized performance. Tables-1 illustrates refrigerant effect for give input parameters. Further, Table-2 illustrates variation of refrigeration effect with cycle time for a known amount of adsorbent (here 40Kg adsorbent material per bed) and given input parameters. The refrigerant effect may refer to the amount of heat that each pound of refrigerant retains from the refrigerated space to deliver helpful cooling. Table-1 and Table-2 may be produced below.

Table-1

Table-2

[060] Conventionally, a compressor is used for converting the refrigerant vapors from the evaporator into high pressure and high temperature vapors which will be then circulated to the condenser. The compressor is powered by the engine, a battery, and the like. Since, the functioning of compressor is entirely dependent on engine, load on the engine increase thereby reducing life of the engine, efficiency of the vehicle etc. Also, for the AC system to function, it is a necessity that engine is on always i.e., even when the operator/driver is resting in vehicle. Continuous operation of engine reduces life of engine and efficiency of vehicle and may demand higher maintenance. The present disclosure is directed towards elimination of use of the compressor by employing the at least one adsorbent unit (8) which is configured to perform similar function as that of the compressor in the AC system.

[061] In an embodiment, the air conditioning system (10) of the vehicle among other advantages may be used even though an internal combustion (IC) engine is in off-condition for a certain period of time. This is achieved by storing the high-pressure and high temperature refrigerant in thermal reservoir (2). The AC system (10) according to the present disclosure may improve fuel efficiency of the vehicle as load on engine is eliminated. Since load on engine is reduced significantly, life of the IC engine significantly increases. Cost of maintenance and running for the vehicle may reduce significantly. Also, the system (10) according to the present disclosure utilizes waste heat rejected from the engine in way of coolant and exhaust gases. Thus, reducing impact on environment.

[062] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[063] Equivalents:

[064] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[065] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (108) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (108) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Description Referral Numerals
Air conditioning system 10
Condenser 1
Accumulator/reservoir 2
Flowmeter 3
Control unit 4
Heating circuit 5
Radiator 6
Heating source 7
Vapour adsorbent unit 8
First adsorbent unit 8a
Second adsorbent unit 8b
Pump 9
Cooling circuit 11
Chiller 12
Evaporator 13
Blower 14
Expansion valve 15
Valves 16 (a to l)
Refrigerant circuit 17
Low temperature ambient heat exchanger 18
Chamber B
Flow channels T
Adsorbent bed A