Partitioned intelligent thermal management system for automobile cabin

Abstract

The invention provides an automobile cabin partition intelligent thermal management system, which comprises a temperature acquisition module, an actuator module and a central controller, and is characterized in that the temperature acquisition module is used for acquiring the current temperature value of each temperature control area in real time; the actuator module is used for controlling the heating device and the refrigerating device to start or stop; the central controller is used for pre-storing a comfortable temperature range comprising a first temperature threshold value and a second temperature threshold value; the central controller is used for receiving the current temperature value of each temperature control area and comparing the current temperature value with the first temperature threshold value and the second temperature threshold value; the central controller is used for driving the actuator module to control the heating device or the refrigerating device according to the comparison result so that the temperature of the area can be maintained between the first temperature threshold value and the second temperature threshold value. According to the thermal management system, the temperature in the automobile is accurately controlled, the comfort degree of the automobile cabin is increased, the automobile cabin is prevented from being heated or cooled excessively, the electric quantity needed by thermal management is saved, and the cruising ability of the whole automobile is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent thermal management technology for automotive cabin zones, and more particularly to an intelligent thermal management system for automotive cabin zones. Background Technology

[0002] The core of automotive cabin thermal management systems revolves around two key points: improving comfort and optimizing energy consumption. Especially in the era of electric vehicles, this directly impacts range and user experience. Simply put, traditional gasoline vehicles rely on engine waste heat for heating, but electric vehicles lack this "natural heat source" and require an additional heating or cooling thermal management system. Simultaneously, batteries are highly sensitive to temperature, necessitating cabin thermal management to work in conjunction with the battery system to prevent excessive heating or cooling from affecting range. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an intelligent thermal management system for automotive cabin partitions to solve one or more technical problems encountered in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an intelligent thermal management system for automotive cabin partitions, comprising: The temperature acquisition module includes temperature sensors installed in at least two independent temperature control zones within the cabin. The temperature acquisition module is used to collect the current temperature value of each temperature control zone in real time. The actuator module is electrically connected to the heating and cooling devices located in independent temperature control zones; the actuator module is used to control the heating and cooling devices to start or stop. A central controller is used to pre-store a comfortable temperature range, which includes a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold; and the second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold. The central controller is communicatively connected to the temperature acquisition module. The central controller is used to receive the current temperature value of each temperature control zone. The central controller is used to compare the current temperature value of each independent temperature control zone with the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold. The central controller is communicatively connected to the actuator module. The central controller is used to drive the actuator module to control the heating device or the cooling device according to the comparison result so that the temperature of the zone is maintained between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the central controller is used to drive the actuator module to control the heating or cooling device based on the comparison result to maintain the temperature of the area between a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold, specifically including: When the current temperature of the independent temperature control zone is lower than the first temperature threshold, the central controller is used to drive the actuator module to start or enhance the operation of the heating device in that zone until its temperature reaches the first temperature threshold. When the current temperature of the independent temperature control zone is between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold, the central controller maintains or fine-tunes the current temperature control state to keep the temperature stable within this comfortable range. When the current temperature of the independent temperature control zone is higher than the second temperature threshold, the central controller is used to drive the actuator module to start or enhance the operation of the cooling device in that zone until its temperature drops to the second temperature threshold.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the central controller further stores a third temperature threshold and a fourth temperature threshold, wherein the third temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold and the fourth temperature threshold is greater than the second temperature threshold; the central controller is used to drive the actuator module to execute a protective control strategy when the real-time temperature of the independent temperature control zone is lower than the third temperature threshold or higher than the fourth temperature threshold. The protective control strategy includes the actuator module operating the corresponding cooling or heating device at maximum power and sending alarm information to the user.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the central controller is used to dynamically adjust a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold within the comfort temperature range based on received seasonal information, ambient temperature outside the vehicle, or manual selection by the user.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the system further includes an energy management module; the energy management module is communicatively connected to the central controller, and when the remaining charge of the vehicle's power battery is lower than a preset value, the energy management module sends an energy-saving signal to the central controller, and the central controller adjusts the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold after receiving the energy-saving signal to narrow the comfort temperature range.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the independent temperature control zones include the driver's seat area, the passenger seat area, and the rear seat area; the execution module corresponding to each independent temperature control zone can independently control the corresponding heating and cooling devices.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator module includes one or more of a seat heating pad, a steering wheel heater, and a zoned PTC heater for achieving zoned independent heating, and the actuator module includes a seat ventilation device and / or a zoned air conditioning damper for achieving zoned independent cooling.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the central controller employs a gradient power control strategy when driving the actuator module: the gradient power control strategy includes dynamically adjusting the output power of the heating or cooling device based on the difference between the current real-time temperature and a first temperature threshold or a second temperature threshold. The larger the difference between the current real-time temperature and the first temperature threshold or the second temperature threshold, the higher the initial power of the actuator module; the smaller the difference between the current real-time temperature and the first temperature threshold or the second temperature threshold, the lower the power of the actuator module.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the central controller further includes a predictive control module; the predictive control module predicts the cabin heat load during the future journey based on the vehicle navigation destination, real-time traffic information and current ambient temperature, and pre-compensates and adjusts the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold in advance.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the central controller shares some hardware and data with the vehicle's power battery thermal management system; the central controller is used to receive the temperature information of the power battery and coordinate the thermal management needs of the cabin and the battery when the battery needs to be heated or cooled, and the central controller utilizes the waste heat or waste cooling of the cabin temperature control system for comprehensive utilization of vehicle-level thermal energy.

[0014] One of the above technical solutions has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the thermal management system accurately controls the temperature inside the vehicle, increases the comfort of the car cabin, avoids overheating or cooling of the car cabin, saves the electricity required for thermal management, and improves the vehicle's range.

[0015] The above overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments disclosed in the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of the overall structure and connection of the intelligent thermal management system for the automotive cabin partition in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0019] This embodiment provides an intelligent thermal management system for automotive cabin partitioning. (See also...) Figure 1 As shown, the intelligent thermal management system for the automotive cabin includes a temperature acquisition module 100, an actuator module 200, and a central controller 300.

[0020] The temperature acquisition module 100 includes temperature sensors installed in at least two independent temperature control zones within the cabin. The temperature acquisition module 100 is used to acquire the current temperature value of each temperature control zone in real time.

[0021] The actuator module 200 is electrically connected to the heating device 210 and the cooling device 220, which are located in independent temperature control zones; the actuator module 200 is used to control the heating device 210 and the cooling device 220 to start or stop.

[0022] The central controller 300 is used to pre-store a comfortable temperature range, which includes a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold; and the second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold. The central controller 300 is communicatively connected to the temperature acquisition module 100. The central controller 300 is used to receive the current temperature value of each temperature control zone. The central controller 300 is used to compare the current temperature value of each independent temperature control zone with the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold. The central controller 300 is communicatively connected to the actuator module 200. The central controller 300 is used to drive the actuator module 200 to control the heating device 210 or the cooling device 220 to maintain the temperature of the zone between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold according to the comparison result.

[0023] The thermal management system of this invention precisely controls the temperature inside the vehicle, increasing the comfort of the car cabin, and avoiding overheating or overcooling of the car cabin, saving the electricity required for thermal management and improving the vehicle's range.

[0024] In one specific embodiment, the central controller 300 is used to drive the actuator module 200 to control the heating device 210 or the cooling device 220 to maintain the temperature of the area between a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold, specifically including: When the current temperature of the independent temperature control zone is lower than the first temperature threshold, the central controller 300 drives the actuator module 200 to start or enhance the operation of the heating device 210 in that zone until its temperature reaches the first temperature threshold. When the current temperature of the independent temperature control zone is between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold, the central controller 300 maintains or fine-tunes the current temperature control state to keep the temperature stable within this comfortable range. When the current temperature of the independent temperature control zone is higher than the second temperature threshold, the central controller 300 drives the actuator module 200 to start or enhance the operation of the cooling device 220 in that zone until its temperature drops to the second temperature threshold.

[0025] In one specific embodiment, the central controller 300 also pre-stores a third temperature threshold and a fourth temperature threshold, wherein the third temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold and the fourth temperature threshold is greater than the second temperature threshold; the central controller 300 is used to drive the actuator module 200 to execute a protective control strategy when the real-time temperature of the independent temperature control zone is lower than the third temperature threshold or higher than the fourth temperature threshold. The protective control strategy includes the actuator module 200 operating the corresponding cooling device 220 or heating device 210 at maximum power and sending alarm information to the user.

[0026] In one specific embodiment, the central controller 300 is used to dynamically adjust a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold within the comfort temperature range based on received seasonal information, ambient temperature outside the vehicle, or manual selection by the user.

[0027] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 1 As shown, the system also includes an energy management module 400; the energy management module 400 is communicatively connected to the central controller 300. When the remaining power of the vehicle's power battery is lower than a preset value, the energy management module 400 sends an energy-saving signal to the central controller 300. The central controller 300 receives the energy-saving signal and adjusts the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold to narrow the comfort temperature range.

[0028] In one specific embodiment, the independent temperature control area includes the driver's seat area, the passenger seat area and the rear seat area; the execution module 200 corresponding to each independent temperature control area can independently control the corresponding heating device 210 and cooling device 220.

[0029] In one specific embodiment, the actuator module 200 includes one or more of a seat heating pad, a steering wheel heater, and a zoned PTC heater for achieving independent heating in different areas, and the actuator module 200 includes a seat ventilation device and / or a zoned air conditioning damper for achieving independent cooling in different areas.

[0030] In one specific embodiment, the central controller 300 employs a gradient power control strategy when driving the actuator module 200 to work. The gradient power control strategy includes dynamically adjusting the output power of the heating device 210 or the cooling device 220 based on the difference between the current real-time temperature and the first temperature threshold or the second temperature threshold. The larger the difference between the current real-time temperature and the first temperature threshold or the second temperature threshold, the higher the initial power of the actuator module. The smaller the difference between the current real-time temperature and the first temperature threshold or the second temperature threshold, the more the power of the actuator module 200 gradually decreases.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 1 As shown, the central controller 300 also includes a predictive control module 310; the predictive control module 310 predicts the cabin heat load during the future journey based on the vehicle navigation destination, real-time traffic information and current ambient temperature, and pre-compensates and adjusts the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold in advance.

[0032] In one specific embodiment, the central controller 300 shares some hardware and data with the vehicle's power battery thermal management system; the central controller is used to receive the temperature information of the power battery, and coordinate the thermal management needs of the cabin and the battery when the battery needs to be heated or cooled, and the central controller utilizes the waste heat or waste cooling of the cabin temperature control system for comprehensive utilization of vehicle-level thermal energy.

[0033] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle cabin zoned intelligent thermal management system, characterized in that, include: The temperature acquisition module includes temperature sensors installed in at least two independent temperature control zones within the cabin. The temperature acquisition module is used to collect the current temperature value of each temperature control zone in real time. The actuator module is electrically connected to the heating and cooling devices located in independent temperature control zones. The actuator module is used to control the start-up or shutdown of heating and cooling devices; A central controller is used to pre-store a comfortable temperature range, which includes a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold; and the second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold. The central controller is communicatively connected to the temperature acquisition module. The central controller is used to receive the current temperature value of each temperature control zone. The central controller is used to compare the current temperature value of each independent temperature control zone with the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold. The central controller is communicatively connected to the actuator module. The central controller is used to drive the actuator module to control the heating device or the cooling device according to the comparison result so that the temperature of the zone is maintained between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold.

2. The intelligent thermal management system for vehicle cabin partitions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central controller is used to drive the actuator module to control the heating or cooling device based on the comparison result, so that the temperature of the area is maintained between a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold. Specifically, this includes: When the current temperature of the independent temperature control zone is lower than the first temperature threshold, the central controller is used to drive the actuator module to start or enhance the operation of the heating device in that zone until its temperature reaches the first temperature threshold. When the current temperature of the independent temperature control zone is between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold, the central controller maintains or fine-tunes the current temperature control state to keep the temperature stable within this comfortable range. When the current temperature of the independent temperature control zone is higher than the second temperature threshold, the central controller is used to drive the actuator module to start or enhance the operation of the cooling device in that zone until its temperature drops to the second temperature threshold.

3. The intelligent thermal management system for vehicle cabin zones according to claim 2, characterized in that, The central controller also has a third temperature threshold and a fourth temperature threshold pre-stored, wherein the third temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold and the fourth temperature threshold is greater than the second temperature threshold; the central controller is used to drive the actuator module to execute a protective control strategy when the real-time temperature of the independent temperature control zone is lower than the third temperature threshold or higher than the fourth temperature threshold. The protective control strategy includes the actuator module operating the corresponding cooling or heating device at maximum power and sending alarm information to the user.

4. The intelligent thermal management system for vehicle cabin zones according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central controller is used to dynamically adjust the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold within the comfort temperature range based on received seasonal information, outside ambient temperature, or user manual selection.

5. The intelligent thermal management system for automotive cabin zones according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an energy management module; the energy management module is connected to the central controller. When the remaining power of the vehicle's power battery is lower than a preset value, the energy management module sends an energy-saving signal to the central controller. The central controller receives the energy-saving signal and adjusts the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold to narrow the comfort temperature range.

6. The intelligent thermal management system for vehicle cabin zones according to claim 1, characterized in that, The independent temperature control zones include the driver's area, the passenger's area, and the rear area; the execution module corresponding to each independent temperature control zone can independently control the corresponding heating and cooling devices.

7. The intelligent thermal management system for vehicle cabin partitions according to claim 6, characterized in that, The actuator module includes one or more of the following for achieving independent heating in different areas: a seat heating pad, a steering wheel heater, and a zoned PTC heater; and the actuator module includes a seat ventilation device and / or a zoned air conditioning damper for achieving independent cooling in different areas.

8. The intelligent thermal management system for vehicle cabin partitions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central controller employs a gradient power control strategy when driving the actuator module: the gradient power control strategy includes dynamically adjusting the output power of the heating or cooling device based on the difference between the current real-time temperature and the first or second temperature threshold. The larger the difference between the current real-time temperature and the first or second temperature threshold, the higher the initial power of the actuator module. The smaller the difference between the current real-time temperature and the first or second temperature threshold, the lower the power of the actuator module.

9. The intelligent thermal management system for vehicle cabin partitions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central controller also includes a predictive control module; the predictive control module predicts the cabin heat load during the future journey based on the vehicle navigation destination, real-time traffic information and current ambient temperature, and pre-compensates and adjusts the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold in advance.

10. The intelligent thermal management system for automotive cabin zones according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The central controller shares some hardware and data with the vehicle's power battery thermal management system. The central controller is used to receive the temperature information of the power battery and coordinate the thermal management needs of the cabin and the battery when the battery needs to be heated or cooled. The central controller also utilizes the waste heat or waste cooling of the cabin temperature control system for comprehensive utilization of thermal energy at the vehicle level.

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