Operation processing method and device for virtual air conditioner model realized by digital twinning

Abstract

According to various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an operation processing method of a virtual air-conditioning model implemented by digital twin and an apparatus therefor, the method performing temperature control of a vehicle based on a virtual air-conditioning model reflecting a refrigerant, the refrigerant includes at least one of a natural refrigerant, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant, a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant, a hydrocarbon refrigerant, which is a non-natural refrigerant, and a Haron or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerant, and the refrigerant includes at least one of a natural refrigerant, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant, a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant, a hydrocarbon refrigerant, which is a non-natural refrigerant, and a Haron or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an operation processing method and apparatus for a virtual air conditioning model implemented using digital twins. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems are configured to heat and cool the air in the passenger compartment to enhance passenger comfort. Additionally, some HVAC systems are configured to selectively change the air supply source. Furthermore, some HVAC systems are configured to draw in a mixture of outside and inside air, and after conditioning this mixture, supply conditioned air to the passenger compartment.

[0003] In the manufacturing process of such air conditioning systems, the design or testing of the actual cooling or heating functions is performed by applying the air conditioning system to actual vehicles in a laboratory for testing, or by operating the air conditioning system during test driving.

[0004] This process involves meticulously adjusting the configuration of the air conditioning system for cooling or heating to maintain the desired temperature based on user input. However, in this process, there is a problem that the operation to reduce power consumption cannot fully reflect the actual driving environment of the electric vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for improving battery efficiency by controlling the air conditioning system of an electric vehicle based on digital twin simulation.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved by various embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above. Other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0008] (II) Technical Solution

[0009] According to one embodiment, an operation processing method for a virtual air conditioning model implemented with a digital twin can be provided. The method performs vehicle temperature control based on a virtual air conditioning model reflecting a refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant includes at least one of natural refrigerants, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, hydrocarbon refrigerants that are not natural refrigerants, and halon or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerants.

[0010] Here, the natural refrigerant may include at least one of methane (R-50), ammonia (R-717), carbon dioxide (R-744), ethane (R-170), and propane (R-290).

[0011] Here, the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant may include at least one of difluoromethane (R-32), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), pentafluoroethane (R-125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a), trifluoromethane (R-23), fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ea), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236ea), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236fa), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa), and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R-365mfc).

[0012] Here, the hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant may contain at least one of 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (R-1123), 1-chloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R1224yd(Z)), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234yf), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ze), 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ye), 3,3,3-trifluoropropylene (R-1243zf), 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), and 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene (R-1225ye).

[0013] Here, the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant may include at least one of difluorochloromethane (R-22), chlorotetrafluoroethane (R-124), and 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (R-142b).

[0014] Here, the hydrocarbon refrigerant of the non-natural refrigerant may include at least one of propylene (R-1270), isobutane (R-600a), dimethyl ether, isopentane, and pentane.

[0015] Here, the halon or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerant may contain at least one of trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1), octafluoropropane (R-218), and octafluorocyclobutane (RC318).

[0016] Here, the operation processing method of the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins may include the following steps: setting the destination of the vehicle's navigation and the target indoor environment of the vehicle's air conditioning system according to user input; when the virtual vehicle starts simulating driving based on the driving path set in the navigation destination, acquiring the driving environment information of the virtual vehicle's location at preset time intervals or preset driving distances; realizing the virtual indoor environment of the virtual vehicle's interior based on the driving environment information and the virtual air conditioning system constructed with digital twins; controlling the virtual air conditioning system so that the virtual indoor environment reaches the target indoor environment; and determining the operation of the air conditioning system that minimizes the battery consumption of the vehicle based on the log data of the virtual air conditioning system related to the control.

[0017] Here, the virtual air conditioning model can be based on artificial intelligence learning to predict and realize the virtual indoor environment of the virtual air conditioning system based on the driving environment information.

[0018] In the step of acquiring the driving environment information, the speed of the virtual vehicle can be controlled so that the position of the simulated virtual vehicle travels a preset time or a preset distance relative to the position of the vehicle.

[0019] According to another embodiment, an operation processing apparatus for a virtual air conditioning model implemented in a digital twin can be provided, the apparatus comprising: an air conditioning system for performing heating control of a vehicle; a refrigerant circulating in the air conditioning system; and a virtual air conditioning model configured to implement and operate the air conditioning system in a digital twin, the refrigerant comprising at least one of natural refrigerants, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, hydrocarbon refrigerants that are not natural refrigerants, and halon or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerants.

[0020] Here, the natural refrigerant may include at least one of methane (R-50), ammonia (R-717), carbon dioxide (R-744), ethane (R-170), and propane (R-290).

[0021] Here, the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant may include at least one of difluoromethane (R-32), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), pentafluoroethane (R-125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a), trifluoromethane (R-23), fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ea), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236ea), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236fa), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa), and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R-365mfc).

[0022] Here, the hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant may contain at least one of 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (R-1123), 1-chloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R1224yd(Z)), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234yf), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ze), 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ye), 3,3,3-trifluoropropylene (R-1243zf), 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), and 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene (R-1225ye).

[0023] Here, the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant may include at least one of difluorochloromethane (R-22), chlorotetrafluoroethane (R-124), and 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (R-142b).

[0024] Here, the hydrocarbon refrigerant of the non-natural refrigerant may include at least one of propylene (R-1270), isobutane (R-600a), dimethyl ether, isopentane, and pentane.

[0025] Here, the halon or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerant may contain at least one of trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1), octafluoropropane (R-218), and octafluorocyclobutane (RC318).

[0026] Here, the operation processing device for the virtual air conditioning model implemented with a digital twin may further include: navigation, guiding the driving of the vehicle or the virtual vehicle implemented in the virtual air conditioning model; and a processing unit, performing the following processes: setting the destination of the navigation and the target indoor environment of the vehicle's air conditioning system according to user input; when the simulated driving of the virtual vehicle starts based on the driving path set in the navigation, acquiring the driving environment information of the virtual vehicle's location at preset time intervals or preset driving distances; realizing the virtual indoor environment of the virtual vehicle's interior based on the driving environment information and the virtual air conditioning model; controlling the virtual air conditioning system so that the virtual indoor environment reaches the target indoor environment; and determining the operation of the air conditioning system that minimizes the battery consumption of the vehicle based on log data of the virtual air conditioning system related to the control.

[0027] Here, the virtual air conditioning model can be based on artificial intelligence learning to predict and realize the virtual indoor environment of the virtual air conditioning system based on the driving environment information.

[0028] Here, the processing unit can control the speed of the virtual vehicle, so that the simulated virtual vehicle travels a preset time or a preset distance relative to the position of the vehicle.

[0029] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0030] According to various embodiments, by providing a database for optimizing air conditioning system control while minimizing battery consumption during vehicle operation, battery consumption can be effectively controlled when a destination is set and a target interior environment is set via navigation in an actual vehicle.

[0031] According to various embodiments, an operation processing method and apparatus for a virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins can minimize battery consumption while maintaining the optimal state of the vehicle's interior environment based on the predicted driving environment of the actual vehicle.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the operation processing method and apparatus of the virtual air conditioning model implemented by digital twin can periodically or in real time adjust the operation of the air conditioning system according to changes in the vehicle's external environment, thereby reducing vehicle battery consumption and improving energy efficiency.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the operation processing method and apparatus of the virtual air conditioning model implemented by digital twin can verify the performance of the air conditioning system under various driving conditions in advance, thereby enabling the optimization of the air conditioning system and the prediction and response to problems that may occur in the design and operation of the air conditioning system.

[0034] According to various embodiments, an operation processing method and apparatus for a virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins can automatically select the optimal control method by analyzing performance data such as battery consumption based on the operation log data of the air conditioning system.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the operation processing method and apparatus of the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins can improve passenger convenience while maximizing the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system without requiring separate operation by the user. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating components of an operation processing device for an air conditioning system implemented as a digital twin according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a virtual air conditioning system implemented using digital twins of the components of a vehicle's air conditioning system in an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a refrigeration unit for vehicle cooling in a virtual air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a heating unit for vehicle heating in a virtual air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 The present invention illustrates the operation flow of an air conditioning system for controlling a virtual vehicle based on a virtual air conditioning model in an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating the simulated driving of a virtual vehicle via navigation in an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for implementing them, will become clear from the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but is implemented in various different ways. These embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully illustrate the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, to which the invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0043] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various elements, components, and / or parts, it is obvious that the elements, components, and / or parts are not limited by these terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, or part from another. Therefore, within the scope of the present invention, the first element, first component, or first part described below may also be a second element, second component, or second part.

[0044] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular also includes the plural, unless otherwise specified. The terms "comprises" and / or "made of" as used in this specification indicate that the described components, steps, operations, and / or elements do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical or scientific terms) are to be used as they would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, unless explicitly defined otherwise, terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted ideally or overly formally.

[0046] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings serve to further illustrate the technical concept in conjunction with the detailed description; therefore, this disclosure is not to be limited to the matters described in the drawings.

[0047] This disclosure describes the operation processing method and apparatus of a virtual air conditioning model of a vehicle's heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system implemented using a digital twin.

[0048] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, in processing operations of a virtual air conditioning model, the term "processing" may include the meaning of monitoring, simulating, or controlling operations of the virtual air conditioning model.

[0049] Here, a vehicle, as a vehicle that uses an electric motor to drive its wheels, can include an electric vehicle that uses electricity stored in a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, to drive its wheels.

[0050] According to one embodiment, an electric vehicle may include a vehicle that does not have an internal combustion engine. However, it is not limited to this; an electric vehicle may also include a hybrid vehicle that uses the power of an electric motor and / or an internal combustion engine to drive the wheels.

[0051] The virtual air conditioning model operation processing device (hereinafter, the device) can use navigation to obtain driving environment information based on vehicle driving (or simulated driving), and use the obtained driving environment information and the virtual air conditioning model to monitor, simulate or control the operation of the air conditioning system.

[0052] Related to this, Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating components of an operation processing device for an air conditioning system implemented as a digital twin according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a virtual air conditioning system implemented using digital twins of the components of a vehicle's air conditioning system in an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a refrigeration unit for vehicle cooling in a virtual air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a heating unit for vehicle heating in a virtual air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] First, refer to Figure 1 The apparatus 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured as an apparatus (or system) for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control related to heating or cooling inside a vehicle, based on digital twin processing (e.g., monitoring, simulation, or control).

[0054] Reference Figure 1 The device 100 may include: a processing unit 110 for controlling the operation of the components; a storage unit 120 for storing a virtual air conditioning model 121 and a navigation system 123 constructed using a digital twin of the vehicle's air conditioning system; and a communication unit 130 for communication of the device 100.

[0055] The processing unit 110 includes at least one processor and can process various data for the operation of the device 100 through at least one program (application, tool, plug-in, software, etc.).

[0056] The processing unit 110 can control the operation or function of components included in (or connected to) the device 100 (e.g., storage unit 120, communication unit 130, or heating unit 140, etc.), and for this purpose, it can send and receive data with the components through the communication unit 130.

[0057] The storage unit 120 may include data for the operation of the processing unit 110. Additionally, the storage unit 120 may include volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or similar computer-readable recording media.

[0058] At this time, the computer-readable recording medium may store computer programs based on various embodiments for the device 100 (or components of the device 100) to perform operations.

[0059] For example, storage unit 120 may store various data sent and received or processed by at least one component of device 100 (e.g., processing unit 110 or communication unit 130, etc.). For example, the data may include programs for processing control commands, data processed by the programs, or related input and output data.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the storage unit 120 may include at least one program for controlling the operation of the virtual air conditioning model 121 and navigation.

[0061] The virtual air conditioning model 121 stored in the storage unit 120 may include a virtual environment (e.g., a virtual air conditioning system) constructed from the vehicle's actual air conditioning system using digital twin technology.

[0062] For example, the virtual air conditioning model 121 may be a state that achieves the same or similar shape, function and operation as at least some components of the actual air conditioning system of the vehicle.

[0063] The virtual air conditioning model 121 or virtual air conditioning system 200 can be based on at least a portion of the configurations of various simulation software, including Modelica (modeling language), OpenFOAM (open source computational fluid dynamics software), Ansys Fluent (Ansys fluid simulation software), Simulink (simulation and modeling software), COMSOL Multiphysics (multiphysics simulation software), EnergyPlus (building energy consumption simulation software), TwinCAT (Beckford automation software), TRNSYS (transient system simulation program), Unity (interactive simulation engine), and NVIDIA PhysX (NVIDIA physics simulation engine).

[0064] Based on this, the virtual air conditioning system 200 can be configured to reproduce in a virtual environment the process by which the vehicle's air conditioning system 140 supplies temperature-regulated air (e.g., cold air, warm air, etc.) to the vehicle's interior (e.g., passenger area) for cooling and / or heating, and controls the interior temperature.

[0065] More specifically, in the virtual air conditioning system 200 of the virtual air conditioning model 121, at least one pipe 105 can be implemented that is the same as or similar to the loop formed by the refrigerant circulating through the components of the actual air conditioning system.

[0066] At least one pipe 105 implemented in the virtual air conditioning system 200 can be implemented as being filled with at least one refrigerant, so as to be the same as or similar to the state in the actual pipe of the actual air conditioning system being filled with at least one refrigerant.

[0067] Here, the properties realized by each of the at least one refrigerant may include at least a portion of thermodynamic properties, hydrodynamic properties, phase change properties, physicochemical properties, equation of state properties, and performance properties.

[0068] More specifically, thermodynamic properties may include pressure-temperature relationships, specific heat, and / or evaporation and condensation characteristics. Fluid dynamic properties may include viscosity and density, and / or flow rate. Phase change properties may include latent heat caused by phase change, and / or pressure and temperature changes caused by phase change. Physicochemical properties may include chemical stability at temperature, and / or environmental impacts (e.g., the likelihood of ozone layer depletion, global warming index, etc.). Equation of state properties may include the refrigerant's behavior based on an equation of state (EOS) representing the refrigerant's state (e.g., the relationship between pressure, volume, or temperature). Performance properties may include the refrigerant's heat transfer efficiency during heat absorption and release.

[0069] Based on this, the refrigerant filled in pipe 105 can be made to possess the characteristics of at least one of various refrigerants, including natural refrigerants, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, hydrocarbon refrigerants (non-natural refrigerants), halons, or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerants. These characteristics can be achieved individually or in combination of two or more.

[0070] Here, natural refrigerants can include methane (R-50), ammonia (R-717), carbon dioxide (R-744), ethane (R-170), propane (R-290), etc.

[0071] Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants can include difluoromethane (R-32), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), pentafluoroethane (R-125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a), trifluoromethane (R-23), fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ea), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236ea), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236fa), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa), and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R-365mfc), etc.

[0072] Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants can include 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (R-1123), 1-chloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R1224yd(Z)), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234yf), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ze), 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ye), 3,3,3-trifluoropropylene (R-1243zf), 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), and 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene (R-1225ye), etc.

[0073] Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants may include difluorochloromethane (R-22), chlorotetrafluoroethane (R-124), 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (R-142b), etc.

[0074] Hydrocarbon refrigerants that are not natural refrigerants can include propylene (R-1270), isobutane (R-600a), dimethyl ether, isopentane, pentane, etc.

[0075] Halon or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerants may include trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1), octafluoropropane (R-218), octafluorocyclobutane (RC318), etc.

[0076] The components implemented in the virtual air conditioning system 200 can include a compressor 220, an internal heat exchanger 231, an external heat exchanger 233, and an expansion valve 240, which are the same as or similar to the configuration of the compressor, internal heat exchanger, external heat exchanger, and expansion valve that compress the refrigerant in an actual air conditioning system.

[0077] Here, through Figure 3 and Figure 4To illustrate, the internal heat exchanger 231 can be implemented with the same or similar configuration as an actual internal heat exchanger. More specifically, the internal heat exchanger 231 can implement an evaporator 310 for the cooling mode of the virtual control system 200 and a heat core 410 for the heating mode.

[0078] Here, the evaporator 310 and heater core 410 constituting the internal heat exchanger 231 can be configured on the pipe 105 in parallel or in series.

[0079] In addition, the virtual air conditioning system 200 may include a blower 250 for circulating air in the interior 11, which is the same as or similar to the blower in the actual air conditioning system for circulating indoor air in the vehicle.

[0080] Here, the virtual vehicle can be a vehicle implemented in the virtual air conditioning model 121, which is the same as or similar to an actual vehicle. The interior 11 can be the interior of the virtual vehicle, implemented to be the same as or similar to the interior of an actual vehicle configured as the object of the virtual air conditioning system 200. The interior 11 of the virtual vehicle can be included as part of the configuration of the virtual air conditioning system 200.

[0081] Therefore, the virtual air conditioning system 200 can be at least a portion of the interior and interior environment of an actual vehicle equipped with an actual air conditioning system as a state realized by the virtual vehicle and / or the interior 11 of the virtual vehicle.

[0082] Here, the blower 250 can be configured to be located at the front or rear end of the internal heat exchanger 231 to control the flow of air through the internal heat exchanger 231. Here, the blower 250 may include at least one fan.

[0083] Additionally, the virtual air conditioning system 200 may be configured with channels (e.g., pipes) that allow air to flow into the room 11 via the internal heat exchanger 231.

[0084] In the virtual air conditioning model 121, you can refer to Figure 3 The operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 (or refrigeration unit 300) used in cooling mode will be described in more detail.

[0085] Here, as described above, the virtual air conditioning system 200 may include a compressor 220, an external heat exchanger 233, an expansion valve 240, and may include an evaporator 310 as an internal heat exchanger 231.

[0086] Based on this, the cooling mode of the virtual air conditioning system 200 is described. The compressor 220 can be configured to pressurize (or compress) a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to convert it into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and supply it to the external heat exchanger 233.

[0087] The external heat exchanger 233 can operate as a condenser in cooling mode. The condenser can be configured to exchange heat with a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to convert it into a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant, which is then supplied to the expansion valve 240.

[0088] The expansion valve 240 can be implemented to depressurize (or expand) a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant to convert it into a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant, and supply it to the internal heat exchanger 231.

[0089] Evaporator 310 can be implemented to absorb heat from the vehicle's interior 11 with a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant, thereby evaporating it into a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0090] The virtual air conditioning system 200 may include at least one blower 250 for operation of the internal heat exchanger 231 (evaporator 310), and the blower 250 may be configured to supply air from the vehicle’s interior 11 to the evaporator 310 and supply air through the evaporator 310 to the vehicle’s interior 11, thereby improving air cooling effect.

[0091] Low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant can be supplied to compressor 220 again, thereby continuing to perform refrigeration mode operation.

[0092] On the other hand, in the virtual air conditioning model 121, one can refer to Figure 4 The operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 (or heating unit 400) used in heating mode is described in more detail.

[0093] Here, as described above, the virtual air conditioning system 200 may include a compressor 220, an external heat exchanger 233, an expansion valve 240, and a heater core 410 as an internal heat exchanger 231.

[0094] Based on this, the heating mode of the virtual air conditioning system 200 is described. The compressor 220 can be configured to pressurize (or compress) a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to convert it into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and supply it to the heater core 410.

[0095] The heater core 410 can be configured to release heat from a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, thereby condensing it into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0096] The virtual air conditioning system 200 may include at least one blower 250 for operation of the internal heat exchanger 231 (heater core 410), and the blower 250 may be configured to supply air from the vehicle’s interior 11 to the heater core 410 and supply air through the heater core 410 to the vehicle’s interior 11, thereby improving the air heating effect.

[0097] High-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant can be supplied to expansion valve 240 through internal heat exchanger 231.

[0098] The expansion valve 240 can be implemented to depressurize (or expand) a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant to convert it into a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant, and supply it to an external heat exchanger 233.

[0099] The external heat exchanger 233 can operate as an evaporator in heating mode. The evaporator can be configured to exchange heat with a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant to convert it into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0100] Low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant can be supplied to compressor 220 again, thereby continuing to perform heating mode operation.

[0101] Based on the above, the external heat exchanger 233 can be implemented to perform the operation of a condenser in cooling mode or the function of an evaporator in heating mode through the same device (e.g., a reversible heat exchanger or a reversible heat pump heat exchanger).

[0102] However, not limited to this, the virtual air conditioning system 200 can be implemented as including a condenser assembly as an external heat exchanger 233 for vehicle cooling, and including an evaporator assembly as an external heat exchanger 233 for vehicle heating.

[0103] In addition, the virtual air conditioning system 200 may further include a control valve 260 for controlling the flow of refrigerant in the pipe 105, thereby providing cooling or heating to the room 11.

[0104] Here, control valve 260 may include the function of a reversing valve for controlling the direction of refrigerant flow in the pipeline. Control valve 260 can control the direction of refrigerant flow in the pipeline.

[0105] For example, the processing unit 110 can control the control valve 260 so that the refrigerant flows in the pipeline 105 towards the external heat exchanger 233 with the compressor 220 as the reference, thereby enabling the virtual air conditioning system 200 to operate in cooling mode.

[0106] On the other hand, the processing unit 110 can control the control valve 260 so that the refrigerant flows in the pipeline 105 towards the internal heat exchanger 231 with the compressor 220 as the reference, thereby enabling the virtual air conditioning system 200 to operate in heating mode.

[0107] When pipe 105 is implemented as multiple independent pipes for the same path, the components of the virtual air conditioning system 200, such as compressor 220, internal heat exchanger 231, external heat exchanger 233, expansion valve 240, and control valve 260, can be implemented independently in each pipe 105.

[0108] More specifically, in compressor 220, the compression cylinder can be independently connected to each of multiple pipelines. In this case, compressor 220 can compress the refrigerant in the corresponding pipeline when the flow of refrigerant is sensed.

[0109] Furthermore, control valve 260 can be independently connected to each of the multiple pipelines. Control valve 260 can control the flow of refrigerant in each of the multiple pipelines, and can also be implemented to control the direction of refrigerant flow for operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 in heating or cooling mode.

[0110] For example, control valve 260 can control the refrigerant to move towards the internal heat exchanger 231 for heating the room 11. On the other hand, control valve 260 can control the refrigerant to move towards the external heat exchanger 233 for cooling the room 11.

[0111] In addition, the virtual air conditioning system 200 can also be implemented with a condenser connected between the compressor 220 and the internal heat exchanger 231 (e.g., heater core 410) to perform a phase change of the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 220.

[0112] In addition, the virtual air conditioning system 200 may have at least one heat transfer section (not shown) configured between the external heat exchanger 233 and the control valve 260.

[0113] Here, the heat transfer section can be connected to pipe 105 to connect to at least one heating element disposed inside the vehicle to transfer heat from the heating element to the refrigerant.

[0114] Here, the heating element may include at least one of a battery, wiring, a motor, and a transmission. The heating element and the heat transfer element may be connected by at least a portion of a heat transfer medium such as a heat pipe, a thermally conductive polymer, a thermally conductive pad, graphene, or thermally conductive rubber.

[0115] In addition, the virtual air conditioning system 200 may include at least one temperature measuring sensor S1 at a preset location (e.g., a first location) inside the room 11 (passenger seat) for measuring the indoor temperature of the room 11.

[0116] Here, the first location may include at least one area of ​​the driver's seat area and the passenger seat area of ​​the interior 11. The temperature measurement sensor S1 may be disposed in at least a portion of the seat, body frame, dashboard, floor, and ceiling.

[0117] Furthermore, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can be configured to predict and implement the virtual indoor environment of the interior 11 of the virtual air conditioning model 121 based on the driving environment information obtained during the simulated driving of the navigation 123.

[0118] Here, when the virtual vehicle of the virtual air conditioning system 200 is simulating driving on (or linked to) the navigation system 123, the driving environment information may include information related to at least a portion of the driving environment, such as atmospheric temperature, ground temperature, weather, humidity, altitude, and tilt angle, at the simulated driving location.

[0119] In addition, driving environment information may include information obtained for a driving area centered on the location where the virtual vehicle is simulating driving.

[0120] More specifically, driving environment information may include terrain information such as altitude or tilt angle of the virtual vehicle's location, or information such as ground temperature.

[0121] At this point, the driving environment information can be configured to use the position of the simulated virtual vehicle as a reference, set the preset area in front of or behind the virtual vehicle as the driving area, and obtain the driving environment information of the preset driving area.

[0122] Here, the preset area in front of or behind the virtual vehicle can be determined on navigation 123 relative to the road where the virtual vehicle is located (or is simulating driving).

[0123] Here, obtaining driving environment information for the location of the virtual vehicle's simulated driving can refer to obtaining the actual environmental information of the actual location corresponding to the location of the virtual vehicle's simulated driving.

[0124] However, this is not the only one. When an actual vehicle, which is a virtual vehicle object, is in motion, the driving environment information may include information related to at least a portion of the driving environment, such as atmospheric temperature, ground temperature, weather, humidity, altitude, and tilt angle, which are related to the location of the vehicle.

[0125] When acquiring driving environment information based on the simulated driving of a virtual vehicle, the information acquisition unit 125 can determine the actual position corresponding to the simulated driving position and acquire driving environment information of the area set with the actual position as the center.

[0126] Furthermore, even when acquiring actual vehicle driving environment information, the information acquisition unit 125 can also acquire driving environment information of a region set with the actual vehicle's driving position as the center.

[0127] In addition, the virtual indoor environment may include the temperature or humidity of the virtual vehicle's interior 11. Furthermore, when the virtual air conditioning system 200 is operating, the virtual indoor environment may include the direction or volume of air (e.g., cool or warm air) supplied to the virtual vehicle's interior 11.

[0128] Here, as described above, the virtual indoor environment of the interior 11 can be implemented as the indoor environment of the virtual vehicle 11 that reflects the driving environment information obtained based on the simulated driving of the virtual vehicle (or the driving of the actual vehicle).

[0129] When the virtual indoor environment of the virtual vehicle's interior 11 is realized based on the driving environment information, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can execute the cooling mode or heating mode of the virtual air conditioning system 200 based on the input target indoor environment.

[0130] For example, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can control the temperature of the air flowing into the room 11 through the virtual air conditioning system 200, so that the virtual indoor environment of the room 11 reaches the target indoor environment.

[0131] In addition, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can control the temperature of the air flowing into the room 11 through the virtual air conditioning system 200, so that the virtual indoor environment of the room 11 can maintain the target indoor environment.

[0132] Furthermore, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can be configured to store data (e.g., log data) based on the operation processing of navigation 123 and virtual air conditioning system 200 in the storage unit 120.

[0133] For example, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can store at least a portion of log information related to the driving environment information input to realize the virtual indoor environment of the virtual vehicle's interior 11, the virtual indoor environment realized based on the driving environment information, the input target indoor environment, and the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 used to satisfy the input target indoor environment in the storage unit 120.

[0134] Here, the log data related to the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 may include various operational information performed by the virtual air conditioning system 200 in order to make the virtual indoor environment of the room 11 reach the target indoor environment.

[0135] For example, log data related to the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 may include at least some of the information such as refrigerant temperature changes, fan speed 250, temperature and humidity of air flowing into the room 11, and changes in air volume and direction.

[0136] In addition, log data related to the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 can also record driving environment information acquired during the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200, such as weather, atmospheric temperature, humidity, ground temperature and other environmental data at specific locations of the virtual vehicle on the driving path.

[0137] The recorded log data can be used to analyze the correlation between driving environment information and the virtual interior environment. Additionally, it can be used to optimize the future operation of the virtual air conditioning system. For example, log data can be used to analyze the operating conditions required for the air conditioning system to maintain a target interior environment in a specific driving environment, and can be used to derive optimized control methods that can maintain a comfortable interior environment while reducing energy consumption.

[0138] Furthermore, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can be configured to calculate the power consumed by the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 during operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 in order to achieve a target indoor environment for the virtual indoor environment realized for the room 11 or to maintain the virtual indoor environment of the room 11.

[0139] Here, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can be configured to calculate the power consumed under each change in the operating conditions of the virtual air conditioning system 200.

[0140] Here, changes in operating conditions may include changes in the operating conditions of at least a portion of the compressor 220, internal heat exchanger 231, external heat exchanger 233, expansion valve 240, and control valve 260 configured in the virtual air conditioning system 200, or changes in the temperature of the refrigerant filled in the piping.

[0141] At this time, the virtual air conditioning system 121 can be configured to store the power consumption calculated based on the operating conditions of the virtual air conditioning system 200 in the storage unit 120.

[0142] The storage unit 120 can be configured to store driving environment information acquired according to the operation of the virtual air conditioning model 121, the virtual air conditioning system 200 and / or virtual indoor environment that applies the driving environment information, the target indoor environment, and information related to the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 controlled thereon as a database.

[0143] The navigation 123 stored in the storage unit 120 can be configured to determine the current position of the virtual vehicle of the virtual air conditioning model 121 and the driving route to the set destination, and perform simulated driving according to the driving route.

[0144] Here, when device 100 consists of or is included in an actual vehicle, navigation 123 can confirm the current location of the actual vehicle. Additionally, it can determine the driving route to a set destination and, based on the set status (or user input), perform simulated driving of the virtual vehicle or perform navigation operations (e.g., driving guidance) based on the actual vehicle's driving.

[0145] Navigation 123 can be configured to provide driving environment information related to the location of the virtual vehicle in simulated driving (or, a driving area centered on the location), or to provide driving environment information related to the location of the actual vehicle in driving (or, a driving area centered on the location).

[0146] The information acquisition unit 125 can be configured to acquire driving environment information provided by the navigation 123 for the current location of a virtual vehicle or an actual vehicle on the navigation 123.

[0147] In addition, the information acquisition unit 125 can be configured to acquire information about the current location of the virtual vehicle or the actual vehicle from the navigation 123, and acquire driving environment information of the current location through a preset server (not shown).

[0148] Here, the information acquisition unit 125 can be configured to acquire terrain-related information such as altitude or tilt angle from the driving environment information via navigation 123, and acquire atmospheric and / or ground-related information such as atmospheric temperature, ground temperature, weather or humidity via a preset server.

[0149] Here, the preset server for obtaining driving environment information may include at least one of various servers that provide atmospheric and / or ground-related information for a specific location (or region), such as weather observation stations (e.g., meteorological bureaus), weather providing APIs, global meteorological data services, etc.

[0150] In addition, the storage unit 120 may include artificial neural network algorithms, blockchain algorithms, deep learning algorithms, regression analysis algorithms, and artificial intelligence algorithms based on at least a portion of related mechanisms, operators, language models, and big data for processing control commands.

[0151] As described above, when the virtual air conditioning model 121 is configured to predict and realize the virtual indoor environment of the indoor 11 of the virtual air conditioning system 200 based on driving environment information, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can be a state learned based on artificial intelligence algorithms.

[0152] More specifically, the virtual air conditioner model 121 can utilize artificial neural networks (ANN), deep learning, recurrent neural networks (RNN), reinforcement learning, decision trees, random forests, support vector machines (SVM), or k-nearest neighbors (KNN) for learning.

[0153] The virtual air conditioning model 121 can learn to predict the virtual indoor environment of the virtual vehicle (the virtual vehicle equipped with the virtual air conditioning system 200) by inputting driving environment information.

[0154] Here, the storage unit 120 may include a dataset for learning the virtual air conditioning model 121. For example, the storage unit 120 may store a dataset including driving environment information obtained based on the actual vehicle's location and indoor environment information measured at that location.

[0155] Here, the driving environment information and measured indoor environment information obtained by the actual vehicle can be the driving environment information obtained for each location and the indoor environment information measured corresponding to each driving environment information, when the actual vehicle (or multiple other actual vehicles with the same specifications and performance as the actual vehicle) is located in two or more different locations.

[0156] Based on this, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can learn to achieve a state of virtual indoor environment that is the same as or similar to the indoor environment based on the driving environment information input from the dataset.

[0157] In addition, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can be learned to predict the state of the virtual indoor environment of the virtual air conditioning system 200's interior 11 when the driving environment information of the virtual vehicle is input.

[0158] The communication unit 130 can establish a wired or wireless communication channel between the internal components of the device 100 and / or between the device 100 and at least one other device (e.g., a user device or a server), and can support communication through the established communication channel.

[0159] When device 100 is configured as or included in an actual vehicle, device 100 may include the actual vehicle’s air conditioning system 140. However, air conditioning system 140 may be connected to device 100 externally.

[0160] Reference Figure 1 The diagram shows that the air conditioning system 140 is directly connected to the processing unit 110, but it is not limited to this. It can be connected to the communication unit 130 to send and receive data with the processing unit 110.

[0161] Based on the above, the virtual air conditioning system 200 configured in the virtual air conditioning model 121 is a digital twin model of the air conditioning system 140. That is, the air conditioning system 140 can be configured to include components of the virtual air conditioning system 200 and have the same or similar structure, shape and function as the virtual air conditioning system 200.

[0162] In an exemplary embodiment, the refrigerant filling the piping of the air conditioning system 140 may include natural refrigerants, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, non-natural hydrocarbon refrigerants, halons, or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerants, etc. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0163] Here, natural refrigerants can include methane (R-50), ammonia (R-717), carbon dioxide (R-744), ethane (R-170), propane (R-290), etc.

[0164] Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants can include difluoromethane (R-32), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), pentafluoroethane (R-125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a), trifluoromethane (R-23), fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ea), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236ea), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236fa), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa), and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R-365mfc), etc.

[0165] Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants can include 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (R-1123), 1-chloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R1224yd(Z)), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234yf), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ze), 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ye), 3,3,3-trifluoropropylene (R-1243zf), 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), and 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene (R-1225ye), etc.

[0166] Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants may include difluorochloromethane (R-22), chlorotetrafluoroethane (R-124), 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (R-142b), etc.

[0167] Hydrocarbon refrigerants that are not natural refrigerants can include propylene (R-1270), isobutane (R-600a), dimethyl ether, isopentane, pentane, etc.

[0168] Halon or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerants may include trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1), octafluoropropane (R-218), octafluorocyclobutane (RC318), etc.

[0169] In the device 100 configured as described above, it is possible to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The operation and processing methods of the virtual air conditioning model implemented using digital twins are explained in detail.

[0170] Figure 5 The present invention illustrates the operation flow of an air conditioning system for controlling a virtual vehicle based on a virtual air conditioning model in an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 A diagram illustrating the simulated driving of a virtual vehicle via navigation in an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] First, refer to Figure 5 This can explain the virtual air conditioning system of the vehicle and the operation of controlling the air conditioning system.

[0172] In step 501, the processing unit 110 can set the destination of the vehicle's navigation and the target indoor environment (or desired indoor environment) of the vehicle's air conditioning system according to user input.

[0173] Here, the target interior environment can be the interior environment desired for the interior of an actual vehicle (e.g., the passenger area) by operating the actual air conditioning system.

[0174] For example, it can be configured to include a target indoor temperature or humidity for the interior of the actual vehicle, and can further include the direction or volume of air supplied to the interior of the actual vehicle (e.g., cool or warm air).

[0175] The processing unit 110 can obtain user input that sets the target indoor environment through the actual air conditioning system of the actual vehicle.

[0176] For example, the processing unit 110 can obtain user input for setting a target temperature and / or humidity through the control panel (not shown) of the air conditioning system located inside the actual vehicle.

[0177] The processing unit 110 can set the target indoor environment of the virtual air conditioning system 200 in the virtual air conditioning model 121 based on the acquired target indoor environment information.

[0178] In addition, the processing unit 110 can confirm the user input of the destination set by the navigation 123 and the route to the destination.

[0179] Here, the operation of setting the destination and driving route via navigation 123 is described as being performed after the operation of setting the target indoor environment of the actual air conditioning system, but the order can be changed.

[0180] Here, the operation of setting the target indoor environment based on user input can include changing the target indoor environment while the air conditioning system 140 is in operation.

[0181] In step 503, when the virtual vehicle starts simulating driving based on the driving route to the destination set in the navigation, the processing unit 110 can obtain the driving environment information of the virtual vehicle's location at a preset time interval or a preset driving distance.

[0182] Reference Figure 6 To provide a more detailed explanation, the processing unit 110 can begin simulating the driving of the virtual vehicle based on the driving route set in the navigation system 123. Furthermore, the processing unit 110 can display the position 601 of the virtual vehicle during the simulated driving on the screen of the navigation system 123.

[0183] At this time, the processing unit 110 can process the operation of simulating the driving of the virtual vehicle through the navigation 123 and the operation of displaying the actual vehicle's driving position through the navigation 123 as independent operations.

[0184] At this time, the processing unit 110 can set the position of the simulated virtual vehicle to travel a preset time (e.g., 1 minute) or a preset distance (e.g., 500m) relative to the position of the actual vehicle. Therefore, the processing unit 110 can control the speed of the virtual vehicle traveling on the driving path set in the navigation system 123.

[0185] However, the 1 minute time or 500m distance is used to illustrate one embodiment and can be changed according to the settings.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the processing unit 110 can control the speed of the virtual vehicle or the time flow of the virtual environment simulating driving, which is performed by navigation 123, to be different from the actual vehicle's driving speed.

[0187] At this time, the processing unit 110 can display the actual vehicle's driving status via navigation 123 or the virtual vehicle's driving status via navigation 123 based on user input.

[0188] When the virtual vehicle simulation begins, the processing unit 110 can obtain driving environment information of the vehicle's location at preset actual intervals (e.g., 15 minutes) or preset driving distances (e.g., 1 km).

[0189] Reference Figure 6 The simulated driving path map 611 can confirm and display the expected location where driving environment information is obtained at preset time intervals or preset driving distances when the virtual vehicle travels according to the driving path.

[0190] However, the display of the expected location is for the purpose of clearly illustrating the embodiments of this disclosure for obtaining driving environment information, and whether or not the expected location is displayed can be changed according to the settings.

[0191] Here, the example given is a 15-minute interval for the processing unit 110 to acquire driving environment information and a 1km driving distance. However, this is only one embodiment, and the time interval or driving distance can be changed according to the settings.

[0192] The processing unit 110 can acquire driving environment information related to the location of the virtual vehicle simulating driving according to the driving path of the navigation 123 through the information acquisition unit 125.

[0193] In step 505, the processing unit 110 can realize the virtual indoor environment of the virtual vehicle's interior based on a virtual air conditioning model constructed using a digital twin based on driving environment information and the vehicle's air conditioning system.

[0194] More specifically, the processing unit 110 can input the driving environment information obtained for the location of the virtual vehicle into the virtual air conditioning system 200 of the virtual air conditioning model 121, and realize the virtual indoor environment of the indoor 11 of the virtual air conditioning system 200 based on this.

[0195] As described above, the virtual air conditioning model 121 is learned to predict and realize the state of the virtual indoor environment of the virtual air conditioning system 200 when driving environment information is input. The processing unit 110 can realize the virtual indoor environment information of the virtual vehicle 11 based on the learned virtual air conditioning model 121.

[0196] More specifically, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can predict at least a portion of the temperature and humidity inside the virtual vehicle 11 based on at least a portion of the atmospheric temperature, ground temperature, weather, and humidity information included in the input driving environment information. At this time, when the virtual air conditioning system 200 is operating, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can predict and implement the environment related to at least a portion of the temperature, wind direction, and airflow of the air supplied to the interior 11 of the virtual vehicle.

[0197] When the virtual indoor environment of the interior 11 is realized and new driving environment information is obtained, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can calculate the change value of the virtual environment information and modify the virtual indoor environment of the interior 11 in accordance with the change value of the driving environment information.

[0198] At this time, when the virtual air conditioning system 200 is in operation, the virtual air conditioning model 121 can reflect the changes in the operation and driving environment information of the virtual air conditioning system 200 to modify the virtual indoor environment of the room 11.

[0199] In step 507, the processing unit 110 can control the virtual air conditioning system to make the virtual indoor environment reach the target indoor environment.

[0200] For example, the processing unit 110 can control at least a portion of the refrigerant temperature, the fan speed 250, the temperature of the air flowing into the room 11, and the airflow direction of the air flowing into the room 11, so that the virtual indoor environment realized for the room 11 of the virtual air conditioning system 200 in the virtual air conditioning model 121 reaches the target indoor environment.

[0201] When the virtual indoor environment of the room 11 of the air conditioning system changes during the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200, the processing unit 110 can reflect the changed virtual indoor environment and control the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 to meet the target indoor environment.

[0202] Furthermore, when the virtual indoor environment realized in the room 11 of the virtual air conditioning system 200 through the virtual air conditioning model 121 reaches the target indoor environment, the processing unit 110 can control the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200 to maintain the virtual indoor environment.

[0203] More specifically, the processing unit 110 can sense changes in the virtual interior environment of the interior 11 based on newly acquired driving environment information or internal heat sources of the virtual vehicle (e.g., battery).

[0204] At this time, the processing unit 110 can maintain the virtual indoor environment at the target indoor environment by adjusting the refrigerant temperature and controlling the speed of the blower 250.

[0205] For example, when it is confirmed that the temperature in the virtual indoor environment has increased, the processing unit 110 can lower the temperature of the refrigerant or increase the speed of the blower 250 to lower the temperature of the air supplied to the room 11 or increase the air flow supplied to the room 11.

[0206] On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the temperature in the virtual indoor environment has dropped, the processing unit 110 can increase the temperature of the refrigerant or decrease the speed of the blower 250 to increase the temperature of the air supplied to the room 11 or reduce the air flow supplied to the room 11.

[0207] In addition, the processing unit 110 can effectively circulate indoor air by controlling the temperature and / or airflow direction of the air supplied to the indoor 11 of the virtual air conditioning system 200.

[0208] For example, the processing unit 110 can control the virtual air conditioning system 200 to appropriately adjust the temperature of the air flowing into the room 11 and adjust the airflow direction to prevent uneven temperature or humidity in specific areas, thereby ensuring uniform air distribution. The processing unit 110 can acquire log data related to the operation of the virtual air conditioning system 200, such as log data related to the control of refrigerant temperature, fan speed 250, air temperature flowing into the room 11, and / or airflow direction flowing into the room 11, and store it in the storage unit 120.

[0209] Furthermore, the processing unit 110 can calculate the power consumption of the virtual air conditioning system 200 based on its operation and store it in the storage unit 120. At this time, the processing unit 110 can calculate the power consumption under each change in the operating conditions of the virtual air conditioning system 200.

[0210] In step 509, the processing unit 110 may determine the operation of the air conditioning system that minimizes the battery consumption of the vehicle based on log data of the virtual air conditioning system related to control.

[0211] The processing unit 110 can determine the operating conditions of the virtual air conditioning system that minimize the battery consumption of the actual vehicle by comparing log data related to various conditions stored in the operation storage for the virtual air conditioning system 200 with the power consumption of the battery.

[0212] Here, the operating conditions of the virtual air conditioning system may include at least a portion of the refrigerant temperature, the fan speed 250, the air temperature flowing into the room 11, and the air direction flowing into the room 11.

[0213] Here, the processing unit 110 can combine at least a portion of various log data in the direction of minimizing battery consumption to determine the operating conditions of the virtual air conditioning system that minimizes battery consumption.

[0214] The processing unit 110 can determine the operation of the air conditioning system 140 by applying the operating conditions of the virtual air conditioning system that minimizes battery consumption to the operation of the actual vehicle's air conditioning system 140.

[0215] The processing unit 110 can determine the operating conditions of the virtual air conditioning system that minimize battery consumption for each of the acquired driving environment information, and perform the operation of applying it to the air conditioning system 140 of the actual vehicle.

[0216] For example, when acquiring driving environment information at the first location of a virtual vehicle in simulated driving, the processing unit 110 can execute... Figure 5 At least a portion of the steps are used to determine first operating conditions for the air conditioning system 140 that meet a target temperature while minimizing battery consumption, and to control the air conditioning system 140 based on the first operating conditions.

[0217] Therefore, at the time when the vehicle actually passes the first position, the air conditioning system 140 will operate according to the first operating conditions determined for the first position.

[0218] Subsequently, when the virtual vehicle simulating driving moves from the first position to the second position for obtaining the next driving environment information, the processing unit 110 can obtain the driving environment information of the second position and execute... Figure 5 At least a portion of the steps are used to determine a second operating condition for the air conditioning system 140 that satisfies the target temperature while minimizing battery consumption, and to control the air conditioning system 140 according to the second operating condition.

[0219] At this time, similarly, at the point in time when the actual vehicle passes through the second position, the air conditioning system 140 will operate according to the second operating conditions determined for the second position.

[0220] Based on the above, at each point in time during actual vehicle operation when acquiring driving environment information, the processing unit 110 can control the operation of the actual air conditioning system in a direction that minimizes battery consumption while maintaining the target indoor environment, and can effectively control the vehicle's battery consumption.

[0221] Processing unit 110 can execute Figure 5 In all embodiments, under the circumstances of actual vehicle start-up and shutdown, or operation of air conditioning system 140 being turned off, the process ends. Figure 5 Execution of the example.

[0222] According to various embodiments, the processing unit 110 may store at least a portion of the following information in the storage unit 120: the location of the virtual vehicle, the driving environment information obtained at the vehicle location, the virtual indoor environment realized based on the driving environment information, the operating conditions of the virtual air conditioning system required for the virtual indoor environment to reach or maintain the target indoor environment, and the operating conditions of the virtual air conditioning system to minimize battery consumption.

[0223] At this time, at least a portion of the information stored in the storage unit 120 can be used as data for improving the performance of the virtual air conditioning model 121, including in the dataset used for artificial intelligence learning of the virtual air conditioning system 200.

[0224] According to the above embodiments, by providing a database that optimizes air conditioning system control while minimizing battery consumption during vehicle operation, battery consumption can be effectively controlled when a destination and target indoor environment are set via navigation in an actual vehicle.

[0225] According to various embodiments, the operation processing method and apparatus of the virtual air conditioning model implemented by digital twin can minimize battery consumption while maintaining the optimal state of the vehicle's interior environment by using the virtual air conditioning model to predict the driving environment based on the actual vehicle.

[0226] According to various embodiments, the operation processing method and apparatus of the virtual air conditioning model implemented by digital twin can periodically or in real time adjust the operation of the air conditioning system according to changes in the vehicle's external environment, thereby reducing vehicle battery consumption and improving energy efficiency.

[0227] According to various embodiments, the operation processing method and apparatus of the virtual air conditioning model implemented by digital twin can verify the performance of the air conditioning system under various driving conditions in advance, thereby enabling the optimization of the air conditioning system and the prediction and response to problems that may occur in the design and operation of the air conditioning system.

[0228] According to various embodiments, an operation processing method and apparatus for a virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins can automatically select the optimal control method by analyzing performance data such as battery consumption based on the operation log data of the air conditioning system.

[0229] According to various embodiments, the operation processing method and apparatus of the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins enable users to maximize the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system while improving passenger convenience without requiring separate operation.

[0230] As described above, the embodiments have been illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, but those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the various embodiments.

[0231] For example, the described technique may be performed in a different order than the method described, or the components of the described system, structure, circuit, etc. may be combined or assembled in a different form than the method described, or the appropriate result may be achieved by replacing or substituting them with other components or equivalents.

[0232] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims should also be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for operating a virtual air conditioning model implemented using digital twins, the method performing vehicle temperature control based on a virtual air conditioning model reflecting the refrigerant, wherein, The refrigerant includes at least one of the following: natural refrigerant, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant, hydrocarbon refrigerant (non-natural refrigerant), and halon or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerant.

2. The operation processing method for the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins according to claim 1, wherein, The natural refrigerant contains at least one of methane (R-50), ammonia (R-717), carbon dioxide (R-744), ethane (R-170), and propane (R-290).

3. The operation processing method for the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins according to claim 1, wherein, The hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant comprises at least one of the following: difluoromethane (R-32), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), pentafluoroethane (R-125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a), trifluoromethane (R-23), fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ea), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236ea), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236fa), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa), and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R-365mfc).

4. The operation processing method for the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins according to claim 1, wherein, The hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant comprises at least one of 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (R-1123), 1-chloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R1224yd(Z)), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234yf), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ze), 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ye), 3,3,3-trifluoropropylene (R-1243zf), 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), and 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene (R-1225ye).

5. The operation processing method for the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins according to claim 1, wherein, The hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant contains at least one of difluorochloromethane (R-22), tetrafluorochloroethane (R-124), and 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (R-142b).

6. The operation processing method for the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins according to claim 1, wherein, The non-natural refrigerant hydrocarbon refrigerant includes at least one of propylene (R-1270), isobutane (R-600a), dimethyl ether, isopentane, and pentane.

7. The operation processing method for the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins according to claim 1, wherein, The halon or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerant contains at least one of trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1), octafluoropropane (R-218), and octafluorocyclobutane (RC318).

8. The operation processing method for the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: The user inputs the navigation destination of the vehicle and the target indoor environment of the vehicle's air conditioning system. When the virtual vehicle starts simulating driving based on the destination set in the navigation, the driving environment information of the virtual vehicle's location is obtained at preset time intervals or preset driving distances. A virtual air conditioning model is constructed using digital twins based on the driving environment information and the vehicle's air conditioning system to realize the virtual indoor environment of the virtual vehicle; Control the virtual air conditioning system so that the virtual indoor environment achieves the target indoor environment; as well as Based on log data of the virtual air conditioning system associated with the control, the operation of the air conditioning system that minimizes the battery consumption of the vehicle is determined.

9. The operation processing method for the virtual air conditioning model implemented with digital twins according to claim 8, wherein, The virtual air conditioning model is based on artificial intelligence learning to predict and realize the virtual indoor environment of the virtual air conditioning system based on the driving environment information.

10. The operation processing method for a virtual air conditioning model implemented using digital twins according to claim 8, wherein, In the step of obtaining the driving environment information The speed of the virtual vehicle is controlled so that the virtual vehicle moves a preset time or a preset distance relative to the position of the vehicle.

11. An operation processing device for a virtual air conditioning model implemented using a digital twin, comprising: The air conditioning system controls the vehicle's heating. The refrigerant circulates in the air conditioning system; as well as A virtual air conditioning model is configured to be implemented and operated as a digital twin of the air conditioning system. The refrigerant includes at least one of the following: natural refrigerant, hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant, hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant, hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant, hydrocarbon refrigerant (non-natural refrigerant), and halon or perfluorocarbon refrigerant.

12. The operation processing device for a virtual air conditioning model implemented using digital twins according to claim 11, wherein, The natural refrigerant contains at least one of methane (R-50), ammonia (R-717), carbon dioxide (R-744), ethane (R-170), and propane (R-290). The hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant comprises at least one of the following: difluoromethane (R-32), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), pentafluoroethane (R-125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a), trifluoromethane (R-23), fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ea), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236ea), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236fa), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa), and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R-365mfc). The hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant comprises at least one selected from the following: 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (R-1123), 1-chloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R1224yd(Z)), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234yf), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ze), 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (R-1234ye), 3,3,3-trifluoropropylene (R-1243zf), 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a), and 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene (R-1225ye). The hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant contains at least one of difluorochloromethane (R-22), chlorotetrafluoroethane (R-124), and 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (R-142b). The non-natural hydrocarbon refrigerant mentioned includes at least one of propylene (R-1270), isobutane (R-600a), dimethyl ether, isopentane, and pentane. The halon or perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerant contains at least one of trifluoroiodomethane (R-13I1), octafluoropropane (R-218), and octafluorocyclobutane (RC318).

13. The operation processing apparatus for the virtual air conditioning model implemented with a digital twin according to claim 11, further comprising: Navigation guides the movement of the vehicle or the virtual vehicle implemented in the virtual air conditioning model; as well as The processing unit performs the following processes: sets the destination of the navigation and the target indoor environment of the vehicle's air conditioning system based on user input; when the virtual vehicle starts simulating driving based on the driving path set in the navigation, it acquires the driving environment information of the virtual vehicle's location at preset time intervals or preset driving distances; based on the driving environment information and the virtual air conditioning model, it realizes the virtual indoor environment of the virtual vehicle; it controls the virtual air conditioning system to make the virtual indoor environment reach the target indoor environment; and based on the log data of the virtual air conditioning system related to the control, it determines the operation of the air conditioning system that minimizes the battery consumption of the vehicle.

14. The operation processing device for a virtual air conditioning model implemented using digital twins according to claim 13, wherein, The virtual air conditioning model is based on artificial intelligence learning to predict and realize the virtual indoor environment of the virtual air conditioning system based on the driving environment information.

15. The operation processing apparatus for a virtual air conditioning model implemented using digital twins according to claim 13, wherein, The processing unit controls the speed of the virtual vehicle, so that the simulated virtual vehicle travels a preset time or a preset distance relative to the position of the vehicle.

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