Performance analysis on a novel sorption air conditioner for electric vehicles

Abstract A novel sorption air conditioner for electric vehicles is presented, which is expected to reduce electricity consumption of on-board battery with a longer cruising mileage. This technology may be an alternative solution to conventional vapor compression air conditioner for current electric vehicles. Expanded natural graphite is selected in the development of composite sorbent. Performance of novel sorption air conditioner is analyzed based on sorption characteristic of composite sorbent, and a model electric car is chosen for detailed evaluation. It is indicated that sorption technology is able to be applied into electric vehicles. Energy density in winter and in summer ranges from 757 kJ·kg −1 to 1980 kJ·kg −1 and 387 kJ·kg −1 to 990 kJ·kg −1 whereas energy efficiency ranges from 0.34 to 0.82 and from 0.19 to 0.42. Also worth noting that the extra mass of sorption air conditioner system will have limited influence on cruising mileage of electric vehicles, which results in a reduction less than 4.3%. In winter, the highest saved cruising mileage by using novel sorption air conditioner is close to 100 km. Even the lowest saved mileage in summer is still able to reach 21 km, which is about 7.5% of the maximum mileage.