Fuel consumption optimization system for motor vehicles through adjustment of the interior climate control

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle (20) comprising an engine (22), an interior (21) and an interior air conditioning device (23) with an interior heating heat exchanger, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Setting an indoor temperature setpoint T0 and a minimum indoor temperature value T1, - Operating the interior air conditioning device (23), wherein coolant heated by the motor (22) is supplied to the interior heating heat exchanger only when the actual temperature T in the interior (21) is lower than the specified minimum interior temperature value T1 and / or when the motor (22) has reached its operating temperature.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle and a data storage device.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a so-called extended fuel consumption optimization system for motor vehicles by adjusting the interior climate control.

[0003] In motor vehicles, the interior climate control can have a significant impact on fuel consumption. For example, after a cold start, coolant warmed by the engine is supplied to the interior heater core, or heat is extracted from the coolant if the desired interior temperature is undershot (automatic control). This slows down the engine's warm-up process and increases fuel consumption. The driver can also set the desired interior temperature to a lower value to allow for the fastest possible engine warm-up at moderate outside temperatures (e.g., 18°C). However, once the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, the driver must then manually adjust the interior temperature back to the desired value. Furthermore, the driver must reset the desired interior temperature after every cold start.

[0004] Furthermore, the air conditioning system also affects fuel consumption. When the air conditioning is switched on, higher engine torque is required to drive the air conditioning compressor. Modern vehicles are usually equipped with automatic climate control. If the desired set interior temperature is exceeded, the air conditioning switches on automatically, and fuel consumption increases. The driver can deliberately switch off the air conditioning to avoid increasing fuel consumption. However, this would mean that the interior would not be cooled at all. Alternatively, a higher target temperature could be set for the interior to reduce the operating time of the air conditioning system. The disadvantage of this, however, is that the temperature would then have to be readjusted to the desired value later.

[0005] Interior climate control devices are described, among others, in documents JP 2013-220 715 A, US 2010 / 0274394 A1, US 2011 / 0082594 A1, and US 2013 / 0274968 A1. These documents address, in particular, how to balance the thermal comfort of the occupants with the energy consumption of the climate control system.

[0006] JP 2013-220 715 A describes an air conditioning device in which the user can enter a level at which the indoor climate becomes uncomfortable. The air conditioning system is then operated according to the entered level.

[0007] US Patents 2010 / 0274394 A1 and 2011 / 0082594 A1 describe a system with a comfort level indicator and a fuel economy indicator, in which each comfort level is assigned to a specific temperature range. Once a selected comfort range is reached, no additional fuel is consumed.

[0008] US Patent 2013 / 0274968 A1 describes a system in which the driver and / or passenger of an electric vehicle can select the desired rate of temperature change from various options and, in particular, can contribute to lower energy consumption by choosing a low rate of change.

[0009] Document DE 25 31 015 C2 describes a device for regulating the heating of a motor vehicle. Document DE 26 51 232 A1 discloses a motor vehicle heater with a controllable heat-emitting heat exchanger device.

[0010] Against the background described above, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle which enables the driver to optimize fuel consumption with adapted interior climate control, i.e. to actively reduce fuel consumption.

[0011] The problem is solved by a method according to claim 1 and a motor vehicle according to claim 8. The dependent claims contain further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0012] The inventive method for operating a motor vehicle relates to a motor vehicle comprising an engine, an interior, and an interior air conditioning system with an interior heating heat exchanger. The method comprises the following steps: First, a setpoint interior temperature T0 and a minimum interior temperature T1 are defined. Subsequently, the interior air conditioning system is operated, whereby coolant heated by the engine is supplied to the interior heating heat exchanger only when the actual interior temperature T is lower than the defined minimum interior temperature T1 and / or when the engine has reached its operating temperature.

[0013] In other words, the interior is initially heated only to the set minimum interior temperature T1, and before any further heating, the engine is prioritized to reach its operating temperature. If the actual interior temperature T is already above the set minimum interior temperature value T1, only the engine is heated to its operating temperature first, and only then is coolant warmed by the engine supplied to the interior heating heat exchanger to raise the interior temperature to the set interior temperature target value T0.

[0014] The vehicle in question could be, for example, a passenger car or a truck. The target interior temperature T0 and / or the minimum interior temperature T1 can generally be set by a vehicle occupant, such as the driver or a passenger.

[0015] The described method has the advantage of enabling fuel consumption optimization, whereby the driver or vehicle occupant can actively reduce fuel consumption by appropriately setting the desired and minimum interior temperature values. Furthermore, the method allows for faster engine warm-up in cold or low outside temperatures, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

[0016] Furthermore, the described procedure can be used if the engine has reached its operating temperature and the actual temperature T in the interior is lower than the set interior temperature target value T0, i.e., T <T0, durch den Motor aufgewärmtes Kühlmittel dem Innenraumheizungswärmetauscher solange zugeführt werden, bis die Ist-Temperatur T im Innenraum gleich oder größer dem Innenraumtemperatursollwert T0 ist, also bis T≥T0.

[0017] Furthermore, a maximum interior temperature value T2 can be set, and an air conditioner can only be activated if the actual temperature T in the interior is higher than the set maximum interior temperature value T2, and the air conditioner can only be operated until the maximum interior temperature T2 is reached.

[0018] The described procedure allows the driver to actively optimize fuel consumption through adjusted interior climate control. The system can be used for faster engine warm-up in cold outside temperatures, as well as to reduce air conditioning run times, by setting a maximum limit temperature T2. In this case, activating the air conditioning system only regulates the interior temperature to the value T2 and not to the actual set target temperature. Further reduction of the interior temperature to the set target temperature of the climate control system would only occur through measures that do not increase fuel consumption (such as during braking phases or by cooling with outside air at ambient temperatures below T2).

[0019] Furthermore, the actual fuel consumption can be determined. Additionally, a hypothetical initial fuel consumption can be determined, assuming that the interior temperature setpoint T0 is reached as quickly as possible. Subsequently, the difference between the actual fuel consumption and the hypothetical initial fuel consumption can be determined, for example, by calculation.

[0020] For example, the actual fuel consumption from a cold engine start until the interior temperature setpoint T0 is reached, and the time t required from the cold engine start until the interior temperature setpoint T0 is reached, can be determined. A hypothetical initial fuel consumption within time t, assuming a supply of coolant heated by the engine to the interior heating heat exchanger with the aim of reaching the interior temperature setpoint T0 as quickly as possible, can be estimated or determined.

[0021] In principle, the fuel saved by applying the described method can be determined or calculated from the difference or from another method as a saving per 100 km, as a saving since the last refueling, or as a saving since the last engine start. The determined difference, or any fuel saving derived from it or otherwise, can be displayed on a gauge in the vehicle. For example, the saving achieved on the last trip by applying the described method, or a saving since the last refueling by applying the described method, can be displayed, for example, in liters per 100 km.

[0022] Furthermore, a hypothetical second fuel consumption can be determined for the case where a lower minimum interior temperature value than the actually set minimum interior temperature value T1 is specified. The difference between the first hypothetical fuel consumption and the second hypothetical fuel consumption can be determined, for example, by calculation. The difference, or a fuel saving derived from it, can be displayed on a screen in the vehicle. For example, the savings from a further reduction of the minimum interior temperature value to a specific temperature can be displayed, preferably in liters per 100 km.

[0023] Furthermore, the difference between the actual fuel consumption and the second hypothetical fuel consumption can be determined, for example, calculated. This difference, or any resulting fuel savings, can be displayed on a screen in the vehicle.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the absolute savings for a specific minimum interior temperature value set by a vehicle occupant for testing purposes, which is lower than the last set minimum interior temperature value, can be displayed, for example in liters per 100 km.

[0025] The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises an engine, an interior, and an interior climate control device with an interior heating heat exchanger and a device for inputting an interior temperature setpoint T0. The interior climate control device includes a device for inputting a minimum interior temperature value T1 and is designed for operation according to the previously described method according to the invention.

[0026] The engine includes, for example, a radiator containing coolant. The interior climate control system includes, for example, fluid channels that carry coolant from the engine radiator to the interior heater core.

[0027] The motor vehicle can be a passenger car, a truck, or another type of motor vehicle.

[0028] Data for an application program is stored on a storage device according to the invention. When executed by a processor in a motor vehicle, this program enables the operation of the motor vehicle according to the method described above. In other words, it allows the described method to be carried out and makes it available to a motor vehicle occupant as an application. In particular, this makes it possible to retrofit existing systems.

[0029] The present invention has the advantage that the driver or vehicle occupant plays an active role in reducing fuel consumption. This promotes the driver's acceptance of fuel-efficient driving, as the driver actively sacrifices driving comfort for increased fuel efficiency. By allowing the driver to individually adjust the minimum interior temperature, they can independently and situationally determine their desired level of driving comfort and view the resulting fuel savings. This direct feedback contributes to a greater awareness of fuel-related issues among vehicle occupants. Overall, the present invention reduces carbon dioxide emissions because fuel consumption decreases.

[0030] Further features, properties, and advantages of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. All features described so far and below are advantageous both individually and in any combination. The exemplary embodiments described below are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a variant of the method according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows another flowchart.

[0031] The present invention will first be explained using two specific examples and then illustrated with reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 are explained in the form of more general implementation variants.

[0032] In a first example concerning engine warm-up, the engine is cold-started at 18°C, with the interior temperature also at 18°C ​​and the interior climate control set to 22°C. The interior temperature setpoint T0 is therefore set to 22°C. The driver then activates an "Extended Fuel Consumption Optimization System" (EVOS) provided for carrying out the method according to the invention. The EVOS may also have been activated previously. Within the EVOS, the option of optimizing interior climate control fuel consumption is available and is selected by the driver. The limit temperature T1 is entered by the driver; for example, the driver enters a minimum interior temperature value T1 of 16°C.

[0033] The enhanced EVOS fuel consumption optimization system now optimizes fuel consumption using the interior climate control system, taking into account the preset limits. The interior climate control display remains at 22°C, but the system does not supply warmed refrigerant to the heater because the current interior temperature of 18°C ​​is above the preset limit of 16°C. Only when the engine has warmed up sufficiently and no further fuel savings can be achieved will warmed refrigerant be supplied to the heater. The resulting fuel savings can then be displayed. Furthermore, fuel savings over a longer period can be displayed and statistically analyzed, for example, during a refueling.

[0034] In a second example concerning air conditioning operation, the engine starts at an outside temperature of 25°C. The interior temperature is 35°C, and the interior climate control is set to 22°C. The interior temperature setpoint T0 is therefore set to 22°C. The driver activates the "Extended Fuel Consumption Optimization System" (EVOS), or it may have already been activated. Within EVOS, the driver selects the "Interior Climate Control Fuel Consumption Optimization" option. The driver enters the limit temperatures T1 and T2; for example, the driver enters a minimum interior temperature value T1 of 16°C and a maximum interior temperature value T2 of 24°C.

[0035] The system now optimizes fuel consumption according to the entered limits. The interior climate control display remains at 22°C, but the system only activates the air conditioning until an interior temperature of 24°C is reached. The interior temperature is only further reduced through other fuel-neutral measures, such as switching on the air conditioning compressor during braking or cooling with outside air. The resulting fuel savings can then be displayed. Furthermore, fuel savings over a longer period can also be displayed and statistically analyzed, for example, during refueling.

[0036] The Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle 20 comprises an interior 21, an engine 22 with a cooling system, and an interior air conditioning system 23 with an interior heating heat exchanger. The cooling system of the engine 22 is fluidly coupled to the interior heating heat exchanger. Heat is transferred to the interior 21 via the interior heating heat exchanger.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of the inventive method in the form of a flowchart. In a first step 1, the vehicle occupant, for example the driver, can decide whether to use an "Extended Fuel Consumption Optimization System" (EVOS). If the answer is no, the existing standard system for interior climate control is used in step 2.

[0038] If the answer is yes, the EVOS interior climate control is activated in step 3. In step 4, the limit values ​​T1 and T2 are set, i.e., the minimum interior temperature value T1 and the maximum interior temperature value T2 are defined. Alternatively, setting the maximum interior temperature value T2 can be omitted.

[0039] In step 5, the engine is then warmed up more quickly after a cold start, or the air conditioning system's operating time is reduced. During this process, coolant warmed by the engine is only supplied to the interior heating heat exchanger if the actual interior temperature is lower than the defined minimum interior temperature value T1.

[0040] When the actual temperature T in the interior reaches the defined minimum interior temperature T1, the engine is preferably warmed up to its operating temperature; therefore, no further coolant heated by the engine is initially supplied to the interior heating heat exchanger. Once the engine has reached its operating temperature, coolant heated by the engine is then supplied to the interior heating heat exchanger to heat the interior to a temperature above the defined limit T1, preferably to a target interior temperature T0 that is above the limit T1.

[0041] Step 6 displays the fuel savings achieved through the described procedure. The calculated fuel savings can then be statistically evaluated in Step 7. Additionally, suggestions for improvement can be displayed to the vehicle occupants. For example, Step 8 could show the savings achieved on the last trip using EVOS, preferably in liters per 100 km, e.g., 0.15 l / 100 km. Alternatively, Step 9 could display the savings achieved since the last refueling using EVOS, preferably in liters per 100 km, e.g., 0.18 l / 100 km. Alternatively, Step 10 could display further fuel-saving options. A corresponding display could, for example...The message reads: "With your current driving profile, you could achieve fuel savings of 0.25 l / 100 km through EVOS by further reducing the T1 temperature to 15°C."

[0042] The Fig. Figure 3 shows another flowchart that illustrates the core of the inventive method. In step 11, a target interior temperature T0 is entered. In step 2, a minimum interior temperature T1 is entered. In step 13, it is checked whether the engine has reached its operating temperature. If the answer is yes, then in step 14, coolant heated by the engine is supplied to the interior heating heat exchanger until the actual interior temperature T is greater than or equal to the target interior temperature T0 (T≥T0). The method then ends in this case.

[0043] If the answer in step 13 is no, meaning the engine has not yet reached its operating temperature, then in step 15 it is checked whether the actual temperature T in the interior is lower than the minimum interior temperature T1 (T <T1?). Ist die Antwort Nein, so wird zu Schritt 13 zurückgesprungen, also gewartet bis die Motorbetriebstemperatur erreicht ist.

[0044] If the query in step 15, asking whether the current interior temperature is lower than the minimum interior temperature T1, is answered "yes", then in step 16, coolant heated by the engine is supplied to the interior heating heat exchanger until the interior temperature T is greater than or equal to the minimum interior temperature T1, i.e., T ≥ T1. The process then returns to step 13 and continues there, meaning that interior heating only resumes after the engine has reached operating temperature.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a motor vehicle (20) comprising an engine (22), an interior (21) and an interior air conditioning device (23) with an interior heating heat exchanger, the method comprising the following steps: - Setting an indoor temperature setpoint T0 and a minimum indoor temperature value T1, - Operating the interior air conditioning device (23), wherein coolant heated by the motor (22) is supplied to the interior heating heat exchanger only when the actual temperature T in the interior (21) is lower than the specified minimum interior temperature value T1 and / or when the motor (22) has reached its operating temperature. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that when the engine (22) has reached its operating temperature and the actual temperature T in the interior (21) is lower than the set interior temperature setpoint T0, coolant heated by the engine (22) is supplied to the interior heating heat exchanger until the actual temperature T in the interior (21) is equal to or greater than the interior temperature setpoint T0. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a maximum interior temperature value T2 is set and an air conditioning system is only activated if the actual temperature T in the interior (21) is higher than the set maximum interior temperature value T2 and the air conditioning system is only operated until the maximum interior temperature value T2 is reached. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the actual fuel consumption is determined, a hypothetical initial fuel consumption is determined under the assumption that the interior temperature setpoint T0 is reached as quickly as possible, and the difference between the actual fuel consumption and the hypothetical initial fuel consumption is determined. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by , that the difference or a derived fuel saving is displayed on a display in the motor vehicle (20). [6] Method according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized by , that a hypothetical second fuel consumption is determined in the event that a lower minimum interior temperature value than the actually set interior temperature value T1 is set, and the difference between the first hypothetical fuel consumption and the second hypothetical fuel consumption is determined. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by , that the difference or a derived fuel saving is displayed on a display in the motor vehicle (20). [8] Motor vehicle (20) comprising an engine (22), an interior (21) and an interior climate control device (23) with an interior heating heat exchanger and a device for inputting an interior temperature setpoint T0, characterized by , that the indoor air conditioning device (23) comprises a device for inputting a minimum indoor temperature value T1 and is designed to operate a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Storage device on which data for an application program is stored which, when executed by a processor in a motor vehicle, causes the operation of the motor vehicle according to a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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