Bus heating system and method of controlling the same

Abstract

A bus heating system and a control method thereof are configured to control a water heating type main heater unit and a heat pump type auxiliary heater unit in conjunction with each other for heating an interior of a bus, to improve operating efficiency of the main heater unit while reducing the number of switching operations. The bus heating system includes the water heating type main heater unit configured to heat an internal floor area of the bus, the heat pump type auxiliary heater unit configured to heat an internal ceiling area of the bus, and a controller configured to control operations of the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit in conjunction with each other based on a set target internal temperature (T 目标 ), a measured external air temperature (T 外部 ), a measured internal temperature (T 室 ), and a main heater unit refrigerant temperature (T 制冷剂 ).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a bus heating system and its control method, and more specifically, to a bus heating system and its control method that can control a water-heated main heater unit and a heat pump auxiliary heater unit in combination to heat the bus interior, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the main heater unit and reducing the number of switching operations. Background Technology

[0002] Typical conventional vehicles use power generated by an internal combustion engine as their power source and utilize heat pump heating / cooling systems for heating and cooling the vehicle interior.

[0003] With the rise of environmental issues in recent years, the demand for environmentally friendly vehicles has been continuously increasing. As a representative example of environmentally friendly vehicles, electric vehicles driven by motors that use electricity as a power source have already been launched on the market.

[0004] Because such electric vehicles are equipped with large-capacity batteries, they utilize water-heated heating systems to quickly heat the vehicle interior.

[0005] In vehicles with large interior spaces, such as buses, heat pump heating / cooling systems and water heating systems are used together.

[0006] Traditional buses structurally include a main heater unit mounted on its interior floor for heating via water heating and an auxiliary heater unit mounted on its roof for heating via a heat pump. In this case, the auxiliary heater unit performs heating and is also configured to function as an air conditioner for cooling via a heat pump.

[0007] Because the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit are installed in different locations, they operate using separate heat exchangers and are therefore controlled separately by separate controllers.

[0008] On the other hand, to improve vehicle fuel efficiency in winter, it is necessary to increase the operating time of the auxiliary heater unit, which operates via a heat pump, rather than the main heater unit, which operates via water heating. However, since the driver has free access to both the main and auxiliary heater units, it is difficult to expect to improve fuel efficiency while maintaining the desired internal temperature.

[0009] The information contained in the background section of this disclosure is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of this disclosure and should not be construed as an admission or any form of implication that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure aims to provide a bus heating system and control method thereof, which is configured to control a water-heated main heater unit and a heat pump auxiliary heater unit in combination for heating the bus interior, improving the operating efficiency of the main heater unit while reducing the number of switching operations.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the above and other objectives can be achieved by providing a system for heating the interior of a bus, the system comprising: a water-heated main heater unit configured to heat the interior bottom area of ​​the bus; a heat pump-type auxiliary heater unit configured to heat the interior roof area of ​​the bus; and a controller configured to adjust the temperature based on a set target interior temperature (T). 目标 ), measured external air temperature (T) 外部 ), measured internal temperature (T) 室 ) and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) 制冷剂 They are used to control the operation of the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit in combination.

[0012] When the bus interior begins to be heated, the controller can activate the first mode, in which the main heater unit turns on and operates based on the measured outside air temperature (T). 外部 The target's internal temperature (T) 目标 ) and the measured internal temperature (T) 室 This is compared to control whether to operate the auxiliary heater unit.

[0013] In the first mode, based on the measured outside air temperature (T) 外部 ), target internal temperature (T 目标 ) and the measured internal temperature (T) 室 The relationship between ) satisfies T 室 =T 目标 -X℃, where X is between 3 and 8, the controller can turn on the auxiliary heater unit.

[0014] Here, X can vary with the measured outside air temperature (T). 外部 The lower the value, the smaller it becomes.

[0015] The controller can enable a second mode, in which the internal temperature (T) is measured while the main heater unit and auxiliary heater unit are on in the first mode. 室 ) to reach the target internal temperature (T) 目标 At α℃, the main heater unit is shut down.

[0016] The controller can enable a third mode, in which the internal temperature (T) measured in the second mode is adjusted. 室 ) to reach the target internal temperature (T)目标 The auxiliary heater unit is turned off at )+β℃, and the internal temperature (T) measured when the auxiliary heater unit is turned off is... 室 ) to reach the target internal temperature (T) 目标 The auxiliary heater unit turns on at α℃ (where α < β).

[0017] The controller can operate in a third mode in response to the measured internal temperature (T). 室 ) and target internal temperature (T 目标 The conditions are such that the auxiliary heater unit alternately turns on and off, while simultaneously measuring the internal temperature (T). 室 (Keep within the predetermined range.)

[0018] The controller can enable a fourth mode, in which the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) is increased when the refrigerant temperature in the third mode is increased. 制冷剂 The main heater unit turns on when the temperature is below 30°C, and the refrigerant temperature (T) of the main heater unit is also turned on when the main heater unit is on. 制冷剂 The main heater unit shuts down when the temperature is above 40°C.

[0019] The controller can operate in a fourth mode in response to the refrigerant temperature (T) of the main heater unit. 制冷剂 This causes the main heater unit to alternately open and close, while simultaneously raising the refrigerant temperature (T) of the main heater unit. 制冷剂 (Keep within the predetermined range.)

[0020] The controller can be configured to implement the second mode only once, on the first attempt.

[0021] The controller may include: a CCM configured to control the operation of the auxiliary heater unit while controlling the operation of the main heater unit; and an ACP configured to subordinately control the operation of the auxiliary heater unit in conjunction with the control of the operation of the auxiliary heater unit by the CCM.

[0022] CCM and ACP can share signals via CAN.

[0023] The system may further include a sensing unit connected to the controller and configured to measure the ambient air temperature (T) by the sensing unit. 外部 ), measured internal temperature (T) 室 ) and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) 制冷剂 Send to the controller.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for heating the interior of a bus by controlling a water-heated main heater unit configured to heat the interior bottom area of ​​the bus and a heat pump auxiliary heater unit configured to heat the interior roof area of ​​the bus. The method includes: initiating heating of the bus interior; and based on a set target interior temperature (T... 目标 ), measured external air temperature (T) 外部 ), measured internal temperature (T) 室 ) and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) 制冷剂 They are used to control the operation of the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit in combination.

[0025] The operation of controlling the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit may include: implementing a first mode in which the main heater unit is turned on, and based on the measured outside air temperature (T... 外部 The target's internal temperature (T) 目标 ) and the measured internal temperature (T) 室 The system compares the measured internal temperature (T0) with the measured internal temperature when the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit are both on in the first mode to control whether to operate the auxiliary heater unit; it implements a second mode in which the internal temperature (T0) is compared with the measured internal temperature when the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit are on in the first mode. 室 ) to reach the target internal temperature (T) 目标 When the temperature reaches α℃, the main heater unit shuts down; a third mode is implemented, in which the internal temperature (T) measured in the second mode is... 室 ) to reach the target internal temperature (T) 目标 The auxiliary heater unit is turned off at )+β℃, and the internal temperature (T) measured when the auxiliary heater unit is turned off is... 室 ) to reach the target internal temperature (T) 目标 The auxiliary heater unit turns on at α℃ + α (where α < β); and a fourth mode is implemented, in which the main heater unit refrigerant temperature (T) in the third mode is increased. 制冷剂 The main heater unit turns on when the temperature is below 30°C, and the refrigerant temperature (T) of the main heater unit is also turned on when the main heater unit is on. 制冷剂 The main heater unit shuts down when the temperature is above 40°C.

[0026] In the first mode, when based on the measured outside air temperature (T) 外部 ), target internal temperature (T 目标 ) and the measured internal temperature (T) 室 The relationship between ) satisfies T 室 =T 目标 The auxiliary heater unit can be turned on when the temperature is -X℃ (X = 3 to 8).

[0027] Here, X can vary with the measured outside air temperature (T). 外部 The lower the value, the smaller it becomes.

[0028] A fourth mode can be implemented, in which the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) is increased in the third mode. 制冷剂 The main heater unit turns on when the temperature is below 30°C, and the refrigerant temperature (T) of the main heater unit is also turned on when the main heater unit is on. 制冷剂 The main heater unit shuts down when the temperature is above 40°C.

[0029] The second mode can be implemented only once, as in the first mode. In the third mode, in response to the measured internal temperature (T) 室 ) and target internal temperature (T 目标 Under certain conditions, the opening and closing operations of the auxiliary heater unit can be repeated alternately, while simultaneously measuring the internal temperature (T). 室 The temperature remains within the predetermined range. In the fourth mode, in response to the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T... 制冷剂 The main heater unit can be turned on and off alternately, while simultaneously adjusting the refrigerant temperature (T) of the main heater unit. 制冷剂 (Keep within the predetermined range.)

[0030] The methods and apparatus of this disclosure have other features and advantages, which will be apparent from or set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a bus heating system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a bus heating system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0033] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is a graph showing the change in internal temperature measured in a bus operated by a bus heating system according to the comparative example and the example of this disclosure.

[0034] It is understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present slightly simplified representations of the various features illustrating the basic principles of this disclosure. Specific design features of this disclosure, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and environment of use.

[0035] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of this disclosure in the various figures. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the present disclosure to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present disclosure is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments thereof, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a bus heating system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] The bus heating system according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is a system for heating the interior of a bus. In the present exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a heating system for an electric bus will be referenced as an example. Of course, the bus heating system according to the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is not limited to electric buses, but can be applied to hydrogen fuel cell buses that use electricity generated by fuel cells as a power source, or to typical buses that use power generated by an internal combustion engine as a power source.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, a bus heating system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a water-heated main heater unit 100 configured to heat the interior bottom region of the bus; a heat pump auxiliary heater unit 200 configured to heat the interior roof region of the bus; and a controller 300 configured to heat the bus based on a set target interior temperature (T). 目标 ), measured external air temperature (T) 外部 ), measured internal temperature (T) 室 ) and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) 制冷剂 The main heater unit 100 and the auxiliary heater unit 200 are controlled in combination to control their operation.

[0041] The bus heating system further includes a sensing unit 400 configured to measure the outside air temperature to obtain a measured outside air temperature (T). 外部 The internal temperature of the bus is measured to obtain the measured internal temperature (T). 室 ), and measuring the refrigerant temperature to obtain the measured refrigerant temperature (T). 制冷剂 The sensing unit 400 also sends the measured temperature to the controller 300.

[0042] The main heater unit 100 is a water-heating device for heating the interior underside area of ​​a bus, and includes heating equipment using a typical water-heating heater applied thereto.

[0043] For example, the main heater unit 100 includes: a water-heated heater configured to heat refrigerant when powered; a passage through which the refrigerant heated by the water-heated heater flows; and a plurality of heaters disposed on the passage to transfer heat from the heated refrigerant to the interior underside area of ​​the bus. In this case, the water-heated heater can be configured as a single water-heated heater or multiple water-heated heaters on the passage as needed. Furthermore, the main heater unit can be configured as a single main heater unit or multiple main heater units in the underside area of ​​the bus as needed. Of course, when multiple water-heated heaters are disposed, and when multiple main heater units are disposed, it is preferable to control the individual water-heated heaters simultaneously and in combination with each other.

[0044] The auxiliary heater unit 200 is a heat pump device for heating the interior roof area of ​​a bus and includes heating equipment using a typical heat pump structure. In this case, the auxiliary heater unit performs heating while also functioning as an air conditioner that performs cooling via a heat pump.

[0045] For example, the auxiliary heater unit 200 has a heat pump structure including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator to utilize heat dissipation in the condenser and heat absorption in the evaporator during refrigerant cycling.

[0046] The controller 300 is configured to control the operation of the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit in conjunction with various conditions. The controller 300 includes: a comfort control module (CCM) 310, which controls the operation of the auxiliary heater unit 200 while simultaneously controlling the operation of the main heater unit 100; and an advanced control platform (ACP) 320, which subordinately controls the operation of the auxiliary heater unit 200 in conjunction with the control of the operation of the auxiliary heater unit 200 by the CCM 310.

[0047] In this configuration, CCM 310 and ACP 320 share signals via the Controller Area Network (CAN) 330 located in the bus.

[0048] The controller 300 is based on the set target internal temperature (T) 目标 ), measured external air temperature (T) 外部 ), measured internal temperature (T) 室 ) and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) 制冷剂 The main heater unit 100 and the auxiliary heater unit 200 are controlled in combination to control their operation.

[0049] The sensing unit 400 can be equipped with and use different types of temperature detectors to measure the outside air temperature and the interior temperature of the bus in real time, and is positioned on the refrigerant circulation path in the main heater unit to measure the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the water-heated heater in real time. The sensing unit 400 includes at least one temperature detector for measuring the outside temperature, at least one temperature detector for measuring the interior temperature, and at least one temperature detector for measuring the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the main heater unit, and sends the temperature value measured in real time by each temperature detector to the controller 300.

[0050] Therefore, the controller 300 sets the target internal temperature (T) 目标 ) and the provided measured external air temperature (T) 外部 ), measured internal temperature (T) 室 ) and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) 制冷剂 The main heater unit 100 and the auxiliary heater unit 200 are controlled by comparing them in combination.

[0051] A control method for a bus heating system having the above configuration according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The control method described below is based on control logic executed by the controller 300 that constitutes the bus heating system.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a bus heating system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, a method for controlling a bus heating system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure generally includes the steps of starting to heat the interior of the bus and then controlling the interior based on a set target temperature (T). 目标 ), measured external air temperature (T) 外部 ), measured internal temperature (T) 室 ) and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) 制冷剂 The steps for controlling the operation of the main heater unit 100 and the auxiliary heater unit 200 in combination are as follows.

[0054] The initial step is for the bus driver to operate the controller 300 to heat the interior of the bus. For example, the driver may start heating with the main heater unit 100 and the auxiliary heater unit 200 turned off.

[0055] Accordingly, the driver checks whether ACP 320 is off in the control panel provided for operating the main heater unit 100, and sets the target internal temperature (T). 目标 Then turn on the switch for operating the main heater unit 100.

[0056] Accordingly, controller 300 enables the first mode M1 to be implemented. At this time, when the driver activates ACP 320, it is determined that the auxiliary heater unit 200 is used to cool the interior regardless of the measured outside air temperature (T). 外部 How to make the process enter the cooling mode through the auxiliary heater unit 200.

[0057] If the driver keeps the ACP 320 off instead of on, it is determined that the interior is heated regardless of the measured outside air temperature (T). 外部 How to make the main heater unit operate and the auxiliary heater unit 200 enter the heating mode to prepare for execution.

[0058] In this way, when the main heater unit 100 operates and the auxiliary heater unit 200 enters heating mode to prepare for execution, the internal temperature (T) is measured through the operation of the main heater unit 100. 室 Follow the target's internal temperature (T) 目标 () gradually increases.

[0059] In this case, based on the measured outside air temperature (T) 外部 ), the target's internal temperature (T) 目标 ) and the measured internal temperature (T) 室 A comparison is made to determine whether to operate the auxiliary heater unit 200.

[0060] Preferably, in the first mode M1, when based on the measured outside air temperature (T) 外部 The internal temperature of the target (T) 目标 ) and the measured internal temperature (T) 室 The relationship between ) satisfies T 室 =T 目标 When the temperature reaches -X℃ (where X = 3 to 8), the ACP 320 activates the auxiliary heater unit. The value of X varies with the measured outside air temperature (T). 外部 The lower the value, the smaller it becomes.

[0061] For example, in the first mode Ml, when based on the measured outside air temperature (T)外部 The internal temperature of the target (T) 目标 ) and the measured internal temperature (T) 室 The ACP 320 will activate the auxiliary heater unit when the relationship between the two conditions meets any one of the following conditions 1-1 to 1-3:

[0062] (Condition 1-1) in T 外部 At temperatures between 17.5 and 10°C, T 室 =T 目标 -8℃;

[0063] (Conditions 1-2) in T 外部 At temperatures between 10 and 5°C, T 室 =T 目标 -5℃; and

[0064] (Conditions 1-3) in T 外部 At temperatures ranging from 5 to -10℃, T 室 =T 目标 -3℃.

[0065] In this way, in the first mode M1, the main heater unit 100 and the auxiliary heater unit 200 operate simultaneously, so that the measured internal temperature (T) 室 The temperature gradually increases to the internal temperature of the target (T). 目标 )above.

[0066] Accordingly, when the main heater unit 100 and the auxiliary heater unit 200 operate in the first mode M1, the measured internal temperature (T) is... 室 When the temperature rises to the predetermined temperature, the process enters the second mode M2 ​​where the main heater unit 100 is shut down.

[0067] For example, in the second mode M2, when the internal temperature (T) is measured... 室 ) and target internal temperature (T 目标 The internal temperature (T) is determined by comparison. 室 ) to reach the target internal temperature (T) 目标 When the internal temperature reaches α℃, the main heater unit 100 is turned off. Therefore, internal heating is performed only by the auxiliary heater unit 200, thereby maintaining the internal temperature or reducing the rate of increase in the internal temperature. For example, α is preferably set such that the measured internal temperature (T) is... 室 Slightly higher than the target's internal temperature (T) 目标 Therefore, α is a real number that includes positive real (+) values; for example, α = 1 can be applied.

[0068] In this case, the second mode M2 ​​is only implemented once, as in the first one.

[0069] In this way, under the condition of implementing the second mode M2, by measuring the internal temperature (T) 室 ) and target internal temperature (T 目标 The process is compared to control the operation of the auxiliary heater unit 200, and then enters the third mode M3, which maintains the internal temperature within a predetermined temperature range.

[0070] For example, in the third mode M3, when the measured internal temperature (T) 室 ) to reach the target internal temperature (T) 目标 When the temperature reaches 0.5℃ + β℃, the auxiliary heater 200 is turned off. Therefore, the measured internal temperature (T) can be prevented from being measured. 室 (This can be further increased.) For example, β is a temperature higher than α within the range where bus passengers will not feel uncomfortable due to temperature changes. β is a real number; for example, β = 2 can be applied.

[0071] In this way, since both the main heater unit 100 and the auxiliary heater unit 200 remain off, the measured internal temperature (T) is... 室 () gradually decreases.

[0072] Therefore, with the main heater unit 100 and the auxiliary heater unit 200 off, when the measured internal temperature (T) 室 ) to reach the target internal temperature (T) 目标 At 0°C + α, the auxiliary heater unit turns on again to maintain or gradually increase the internal temperature.

[0073] In this way, in the third mode M3, the opening and closing operations of the auxiliary heater unit are repeated alternately to measure the internal temperature (T). 室 (Keep within the predetermined range.)

[0074] Although the internal temperature (T) was measured while the third mode M3 remained active. 室 While the temperature remains within a predetermined range, the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the main heater unit 100 may decrease because the main heater unit 100 remains off. Consequently, the temperature in the interior bottom area of ​​the bus may be lower than the temperature in the interior roof area. In this situation, passengers may experience discomfort, such as cold feet. Therefore, a fourth mode M4 is implemented, in which the operation of the main heater unit 100 is controlled in response to the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the main heater unit 100 to eliminate discomfort.

[0075] The fourth mode, M4, is the main heater unit 100 responding to the refrigerant temperature (T) of the main heater unit. 制冷剂 The operating mode. For example, when the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T...) 制冷剂When the temperature is below 30°C, the main heater unit 100 is turned on. Therefore, the discomfort of passengers feeling cold feet can be eliminated by using the main heater unit 100 to heat the interior bottom area of ​​the bus.

[0076] When the main heater unit 100 operates, the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) 制冷剂 When the temperature rises above 40°C, the main heater unit 100 is turned off to prevent the interior bottom area of ​​the bus from being heated to a relatively high temperature.

[0077] Similar to the third mode M3, in the fourth mode M4, the opening and closing operations of the main heater unit 100 are repeated alternately to maintain the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the main heater unit 100 within a predetermined range.

[0078] In this way, in the third mode M3 and the fourth mode M4, the opening and closing operations of the auxiliary heater unit 200 and the main heater unit 100 can be repeated alternately to measure the internal temperature (T) inside the bus. 室 ) and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit (T) 制冷剂 (Keep within the predetermined range.)

[0079] Furthermore, since the intermittent opening and closing operations of the auxiliary heater unit 200 and the main heater unit 100 are repeated alternately without the need for individual operation by the driver, driver fatigue can be reduced and the operating efficiency of the auxiliary heater unit 200 and the main heater unit 100 can be improved.

[0080] Next, an example of a bus heating system and control method according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be compared with a comparative example of a conventional bus heating system and control method.

[0081] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is a graph showing the change in internal temperature measured in a bus operated by a bus heating system according to the comparative example and the example of this disclosure. Figure 3A This is a graph of the comparative examples. Figure 3B This is an example graph.

[0082] In the comparative and example cases, the target internal temperature (T) 目标 Both are set to 20°C. In the comparative example, the driver controls whether to operate the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit respectively, depending on the situation. In the example, the controller is configured to control whether to operate the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit according to the method of this disclosure.

[0083] from Figure 3AAs can be seen, in the comparative example, because the driver independently controls whether to operate the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit, the bus's interior temperature can be maintained at the target interior temperature of 20°C (T). 目标 However, when the main heater unit remains off for an extended period, for example, the measured internal temperature (T) occurs. 室 The section "A" experiences a rapid decrease. Therefore, the measured internal temperature (T) is... 室 Passengers may experience discomfort during rapid descents. Due to the significant drop in temperature at the bottom of the bus interior, passengers may experience discomfort such as cold feet.

[0084] On the other hand, from Figure 3B As can be seen in the example disclosed herein, since the controller is configured to control the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit in combination, the interior temperature of the bus can be maintained at a target interior temperature of 20°C (T). 目标 ), and will not exhibit the measured internal temperature (T) of section "A" in the comparative example, for example. 室 The section that drops rapidly.

[0085] On the other hand, the controller according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can be implemented via a non-volatile memory configured to store data related to algorithms configured to control the operation of various components of a vehicle or software instructions for reproducing the algorithms, and a processor configured to perform the operations described herein using the data stored in the memory. Here, the memory and processor can be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor can be integrated with each other and implemented as a single chip. The processor can take the form of one or more processors.

[0086] As is apparent from the above description, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, driver fatigue can be reduced and the number of times the driver operates the system can be decreased by controlling the water-heated main heater unit and the heat pump auxiliary heater unit in combination.

[0087] Furthermore, since the water-heated main heater unit and the heat pump auxiliary heater unit are controlled in combination in response to conditions, the vehicle's fuel efficiency can be improved, thereby saving energy used for heating.

[0088] Furthermore, improved passenger comfort can be provided by controlling the main heater unit that heats the interior bottom area of ​​the bus and the auxiliary heater unit that heats the interior roof area of ​​the bus in combination.

[0089] The foregoing invention can also be embodied in computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device capable of storing data that can subsequently be read by a computer system and storing and executing program instructions that can subsequently be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and implementations as carrier waves (e.g., transmitted over the Internet). Examples of program instructions include not only machine language code generated by a compiler but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0090] In various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, each of the above operations may be performed by a control device, and the control device may be configured by multiple control devices or a single integrated control device.

[0091] In various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the control device may be implemented in hardware or software, or in a combination of hardware and software.

[0092] In addition, terms such as “unit” and “module” disclosed in the specification refer to a unit used to perform at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware, software or a combination thereof.

[0093] For ease of interpretation and precise definition of the appended claims, the features are described using the terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “up,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” “front,” “back,” “rear,” “inner side,” “outer side,” “inward,” “outer,” “within,” “outside,” “forward,” and “backward,” with reference to the location of the features in the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. It will be further understood that the term “connection” or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections.

[0094] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of this disclosure has been provided. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to its precise forms, and it will be apparent that many modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain certain principles of this disclosure and its practical application, so that others skilled in the art can implement and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and their various alternatives and modifications. The scope of this disclosure is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for heating the interior of a vehicle, the system comprising: The main heater unit heats the interior bottom area of ​​the vehicle; An auxiliary heater unit heats the interior roof area of ​​the vehicle. as well as The controller, based on the set target internal temperature, The measured external air temperature is... The measured internal temperature is... and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit The operation of the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit is controlled in combination. When the vehicle's interior begins to be heated, the controller implements a first mode, in which the main heater unit turns on, and the temperature is based on the measured outside air temperature. The internal temperature of the target, i.e. The internal temperature measured is... A comparison is made to control whether to operate the auxiliary heater unit. Wherein, in the first mode, based on the measured external air temperature, i.e. The internal temperature of the target is and the measured internal temperature The relationship between them satisfies = -X℃, where X is between 3 and 8, the controller turns on the auxiliary heater unit. Wherein, X varies with the measured external air temperature, i.e. The lower the value, the smaller it becomes.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller implements a second mode, in which the measured internal temperature is determined when the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit are turned on in the first mode. Reaching the target internal temperature At +α℃, the main heater unit is turned off, where α is a real number.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The controller implements a third mode, in which the internal temperature measured in the second mode is... Reaching the target internal temperature The auxiliary heater unit is turned off at +β℃, and the measured internal temperature is... Reaching the target internal temperature The auxiliary heater unit turns on at +α℃, where α is less than β. Wherein α and β are real numbers.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, In the third mode, the controller responds to the measured internal temperature. and the internal temperature of the target, i.e. Under certain conditions, the opening and closing operations of the auxiliary heater unit are repeated alternately, while the measured internal temperature is recorded. Stay within the predetermined range.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The controller implements a fourth mode, in which the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit in the third mode is... The main heater unit is turned on when the temperature is below 30°C, and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit is [missing information] when the main heater unit is turned on. The main heater unit is shut down when the temperature is above 40°C.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, In the fourth mode, the controller responds to the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit. This causes the opening and closing operations of the main heater unit to repeat alternately, while simultaneously raising the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit. Stay within the predetermined range.

7. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The controller implements the second mode only once, the first time.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller includes: The comfort control module (CCM) controls the operation of the auxiliary heater unit while simultaneously controlling the operation of the main heater unit; and The advanced control platform, or ACP, combines with the control of the auxiliary heater unit's operation by the CCM to remotely control the operation of the auxiliary heater unit.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The CCM and the ACP share signals via the Controller Area Network (CAN).

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensing unit connected to the controller, wherein the sensing unit measures the measured external air temperature, i.e., The measured internal temperature is... and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit, i.e. Send to the controller.

11. A method for heating the interior of a vehicle, the method heating the vehicle interior by controlling a main heater unit that heats the bottom area of ​​the vehicle interior and an auxiliary heater unit that heats the roof area of ​​the vehicle interior, the method comprising: Begin heating the interior of the vehicle; as well as Through the controller, based on the set target internal temperature, The measured external air temperature is... The measured internal temperature is... and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit The operation of the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit is controlled in combination. Controlling the operation of the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit includes: Implementing the first mode, in which the main heater unit is turned on, and based on the measured outside air temperature... The internal temperature of the target, i.e. The internal temperature measured is... A comparison is made to control whether to operate the auxiliary heater unit; Wherein, in the first mode, based on the measured external air temperature, i.e. The internal temperature of the target is and the measured internal temperature The relationship between them satisfies = The auxiliary heater unit is turned on when X is between 3 and 8, and the temperature is -X℃. Wherein, X varies with the measured external air temperature, i.e. The lower the value, the smaller it becomes.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Controlling the operation of the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit further includes: Implementing the second mode, in which the measured internal temperature is determined when the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit are turned on in the first mode. Reaching the target internal temperature At +α℃, the main heater unit is turned off, where α is a real number; Implement a third mode, in which the internal temperature measured in the second mode is... Reaching the target internal temperature The auxiliary heater unit is turned off at +β℃, and the measured internal temperature is... Reaching the target internal temperature The auxiliary heater unit turns on at +α℃, where α is less than β, and where β is a real number; and Implementing a fourth mode, in which the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit in the third mode is... The main heater unit is turned on when the temperature is below 30°C, and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit is [missing information] when the main heater unit is turned on. The main heater unit is shut down when the temperature is above 40°C.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, Implementing a fourth mode, in which the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit in the third mode is... The main heater unit is turned on when the temperature is below 30°C, and the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit is [missing information] when the main heater unit is turned on. The main heater unit is shut down when the temperature is above 40°C.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein The second mode is implemented only once by the controller; In the third mode, in response to the measured internal temperature, i.e. and the internal temperature of the target, i.e. Under the conditions specified, the opening and closing operations of the auxiliary heater unit are repeated alternately, while the measured internal temperature is recorded. Stay within the predetermined range; and In the fourth mode, in response to the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit, i.e. The opening and closing operations of the main heater unit are repeated alternately, while simultaneously raising the refrigerant temperature of the main heater unit. Stay within the predetermined range.

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