ENERGY-SAVING OFFSET STRATEGY FOR THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE

Abstract

Method for controlling an air conditioning system (106, 120) in an autonomous vehicle (100), comprising: determining a vehicle operating status from the group consisting of vehicle (100) occupied-used, vehicle (100) unoccupied-usage requested and vehicle (100) unoccupied-standby; operating the air conditioning system (106, 120) according to the determined vehicle operating status; wherein, if the request to a climate control module (122) and / or a body control module (126) determines that the operating status of the vehicle (100) is 'vehicle (100) standby', the climate control module (122) and / or the body control module (126) sets a predetermined or preset comfort level C by an offset value in order to heat or cool the interior of a passenger compartment (102) to a predetermined standby comfort level C'.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to autonomous vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to passenger compartment climate control strategies for energy saving in autonomous vehicles. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Autonomous vehicles, also variously referred to as driverless vehicles, self-driving vehicles, and robot cars, are, as is well known, vehicles that are able to perceive their surroundings via a navigation system and navigate between destinations without human input or control. The navigation system typically comprises a combination of onboard and remotely located systems and / or services and can rely in various ways on radar, laser light, global positioning satellite (GPS), odometry, and computer vision technologies. Autonomous vehicles also include control systems capable of analyzing sensor data to distinguish between different vehicles encountered along the way in order to create a route between locations. Although fully autonomous vehicles (i.e.,Vehicles lacking any means of driver input are not currently permitted on public roads, but this technology, once mature and implemented, will provide numerous benefits, including, without limitation, the reduction of traffic congestion and improvements in traffic flow, including the reduction of collisions and related injuries and economic costs, improved travel opportunities for people with physical disabilities, reduced parking requirements, reduction of crime, and others.

[0003] Another potential benefit of autonomous vehicle technology is the development of new business models for mobility as a service, particularly in a sharing economy. In fact, the initial applications of first-generation autonomous vehicle technology are expected to be for use in for-profit vehicle fleets. A user wishing to travel from their current location to a destination would simply request (and pay for) a ride from a for-profit company, after which an autonomous vehicle would arrive at the user's location to pick them up.

[0004] One concern regarding a profit-oriented fleet of autonomous vehicles is energy consumption, as increased vehicle energy consumption in any type of fleet, autonomous or not, translates into higher indirect costs and reduced profits. A likely strategy for fleet owners would be to provide autonomous vehicles that are as fuel-efficient as current technology allows. However, the operating mode of even extremely fuel-efficient vehicles can have a positive or negative impact on energy consumption and is also a factor that fleet owners / operators must consider.

[0005] For example, in an unoccupied autonomous vehicle, it would certainly be possible to change the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system from an "on" to an "off" setting to reduce energy consumption while the vehicle is not actively used or in service. However, before the autonomous vehicle is used again, i.e., to pick up a passenger, the HVAC system must be activated to restore the passenger compartment to a comfortable temperature and / or humidity setpoint. Without this step, the passenger compartment could be too hot or too cold, leading to passenger dissatisfaction. Operating the HVAC system at a constant setting to maintain the passenger compartment at the desired temperature setpoint, etc., even when the vehicle is not actively used (i.e., when picking up a passenger), is not feasible.Leaving the vehicle in "standby" mode would increase energy consumption. Similarly, switching off the HVAC system while the vehicle is in standby and restoring the passenger compartment to desired temperature levels, etc., before re-entering the vehicle would require increased energy consumption, particularly in very hot or very cold ambient temperatures, and would increase the time needed to bring the passenger compartment back to a desired comfort level, thus reducing the paid usage time for the vehicle.

[0006] Accordingly, the prior art reveals a need for methods to reduce the energy consumption of autonomous vehicles. The present disclosure solves this and other problems by providing methods and associated systems for controlling the air conditioning of an autonomous vehicle according to a specific vehicle operating state, thereby reducing the energy consumption of autonomous vehicles. SUMMARY

[0007] In accordance with the purposes and advantages described herein, one aspect of this disclosure provides a method for controlling the air conditioning system of an autonomous vehicle, comprising determining a vehicle operating state and operating the air conditioning system according to that determined vehicle operating state. The step of operating the air conditioning system according to the determined vehicle operating state is performed by a control module comprising a sensor array and at least one controller coupled operatively to the sensor array and the air conditioning system. The at least one controller selects the vehicle operating state from the group consisting of vehicle occupied-used, vehicle unoccupied-usage requested, and vehicle unoccupied-ready.

[0008] At least one controller operates the air conditioning system in a first operating setting when it determines that the vehicle operating status is "occupied / used" or "vehicle use requested," and operates the air conditioning system in a second operating setting, which provides lower energy consumption than the first operating setting, when it determines that the vehicle operating status is "vehicle ready." The second operating setting can be determined by the controller adjusting the first operating setting according to a predefined offset value.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first operating setting is adjusted by the at least one controller according to a constant offset value to provide the second operating setting. In alternative embodiments, the first operating setting is adjusted by the at least one controller according to a variable offset value to provide the second operating setting.

[0010] In embodiments, a sensor array is provided that includes a vehicle ambient temperature sensor, and the at least one controller determines the variable offset value according to a specific vehicle ambient temperature input provided by the vehicle ambient temperature sensor. In alternative or additional embodiments, the sensor array also includes a passenger compartment solar energy incidence sensor and a passenger compartment humidity sensor, and the at least one controller determines the variable offset value according to a passenger compartment solar energy incidence input provided by the passenger compartment solar energy incidence sensor and / or a passenger compartment humidity input provided by the passenger compartment humidity sensor.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling energy consumption in an autonomous vehicle is provided, comprising an air conditioning system and a control module coupled to the air conditioning system. The control module includes a sensor array and at least one controller configured to determine the vehicle operating status and to operate the air conditioning system according to the determined vehicle operating status and one or more inputs from the sensor array. The at least one controller is configured to select the vehicle operating status from the group consisting of vehicle occupied / used, vehicle unoccupied / usage requested, and vehicle unoccupied / standby.

[0012] At least one controller is configured to operate the air conditioning system in a first operating setting when the control module determines that the vehicle operating status is "vehicle occupied" or "vehicle use requested." The at least one controller is further configured to operate the system in a second operating setting that provides lower energy consumption than the first operating setting when the control module determines that the vehicle operating status is "vehicle ready." The at least one controller is also configured to determine the second operating setting by adjusting the first operating setting according to a predefined offset value.

[0013] In embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to set the first operating setting according to a constant offset value. In alternative embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to set the first operating setting according to a variable offset value. In embodiments, the sensor array includes a vehicle ambient temperature sensor, and the at least one controller is configured to change the variable offset value according to a specific vehicle ambient temperature input provided by the vehicle ambient temperature sensor.In alternative or additional embodiments, the sensor array further comprises a passenger compartment solar energy incidence sensor and a passenger compartment humidity sensor, and the at least one controller is further configured to set the variable offset value according to a specific passenger compartment solar energy incidence input provided by the solar energy incidence sensor and / or a passenger compartment humidity input provided by the passenger compartment humidity sensor.

[0014] The following description presents and describes embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems for controlling the air conditioning system of an autonomous vehicle. It is understood that other different embodiments of the described methods and associated systems are possible and that their various details can be modified in several obvious aspects without deviating from the devices and methods set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be considered illustrative and not limiting. List of characters

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included here and form part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the disclosed methods and systems for controlling the air conditioning system of an autonomous vehicle and, together with the description, serve to explain certain fundamental concepts. The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 shows in schematic form an autonomous vehicle with an air conditioning system and a control module configured to control the air conditioning module according to the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure for controlling an air conditioning system of an autonomous vehicle; and Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a method according to the present invention for determining the occupant status of an autonomous vehicle.

[0016] Now, detailed reference is made to embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems for controlling an air conditioning system of an autonomous vehicle, examples of which are shown in the attached figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] It should first be noted that various methods and systems for controlling navigation and other functions of autonomous vehicles are known. A complete description of these methods and systems is beyond the scope of this disclosure and is not provided here. Furthermore, the methods and associated systems described here for controlling the air conditioning system of an autonomous vehicle are primarily described in the context of controlling the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. However, as is known, other vehicle systems can form part of a vehicle's air conditioning system, for example, electrically operated windows designed to open and close automatically under certain predetermined passenger compartment conditions of temperature, humidity, air pollution levels, etc.Those skilled in the art will also understand that the methods and associated systems described herein for controlling the air conditioning system of an autonomous vehicle are equally applicable to fully autonomous vehicles, partially autonomous vehicles, and conventional or non-autonomous vehicles. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 represents a system through which the procedures described here for controlling an air conditioning system of an autonomous vehicle are implemented. 100 with a passenger compartment 102 can be implemented. The vehicle 100 Furthermore, as described above, it includes a navigation control system, the specific mechanical and operational details of which go beyond the scope of this disclosure and which is generally referred to by reference numerals. 104 is shown, but at least one system for determining the geographical position of the vehicle is shown. 100This may include, for example, a global positioning satellite system.

[0019] The vehicle 100 It also includes an air conditioning system. 106 with at least one HVAC system 108 , which in turn provides at least one HVAC evaporator core 110 It includes the HVAC system. 108 It also includes an HVAC blower. 112 in fluid exchange with an HVAC air distribution damper 114 The HVAC air distribution damper 114 In turn, the HVAC blower 112 exchanges fluid with an HVAC piping system. 116 , via the ventilation grilles 118 a processed airflow into the passenger compartment 102 is introduced.

[0020] An air conditioner 120 is connected to the HVAC system 108 in operational connection. Through the air conditioning system. 120 can the HVAC system 108automatically or by user command control the quantity and temperature of the airflow entering the passenger compartment 102 is initiated. Operational control is handled by a climate control module (CCM). 122 provided that at least one control 124 includes a device equipped with one or more processors, one or more memory and data storage devices, and which includes the logic required to control the vehicle's HVAC system. 108 is configured. The air conditioner 120 It can also be operationally connected to other on-board vehicle control systems, for example a body control module (BCM). 126 , other electronic control units (electronic control unit - ECU; not shown) and others.

[0021] The climate control module 122 and / or at least one control 124 are also equipped with a sensor array 127in communication link and receiving inputs from it, which includes various onboard sensors, including, without intending to limit, an HVAC evaporator core temperature sensor 128 , one or more HVAC duct outlet temperature sensors 130 , one or more vehicle external ambient temperature sensors 132, one or more passenger compartment solar energy incidence sensors 134 , one or more occupancy sensors 136 , one or more wheel sensors 138 , one or more engine speed sensors 140 , one or more vehicle interior temperature sensors 141 , one or more vehicle interior humidity sensors 143 and others. The implementation of further sensors is planned, for example door sensors. 145 , which indicate the "door open" or "door closed" status of the vehicle's doors 100determine. The specific mechanisms and operating details of these sensors are known in the field, and a complete description thereof goes beyond the scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the presentation of the various sensors described above in Fig. 1 serves only expediency and not necessarily the actual arrangement of these sensors in a vehicle 100 reflects.

[0022] The present disclosure also presents methods for controlling the air conditioning system. 120 ready to have a positive impact on various relevant factors, including, without intending to limit, reducing the time from the start of a passenger's interaction with the vehicle until vehicle availability (depending on the temperature of the passenger compartment). 102 ), reducing the amount of heat used to heat / cool the passenger compartment 102the time required to reach a predetermined comfort level C, reducing the energy consumption of the autonomous vehicle 100 and others. At a higher level, the procedures include determining the vehicle's operational status. 100 and the operation of the air conditioning system 106 according to this status.

[0023] For the purposes of the procedures described here, three operating status states are considered relevant. The first is "Vehicle 100 occupied," i.e., the vehicle 100 shows at least one passenger in the passenger compartment 102 It opens up and potentially actively transports the passenger to a destination. In this situation, it is desirable if the passenger compartment 102 It has a predetermined comfort level (temperature, humidity, etc.) that is satisfactory for a passenger. The next relevant operational status is "vehicle usage". 100 requested.” In this situation, the autonomous vehicle100 Currently unoccupied, but has been called and / or dispatched to pick up one or more passengers. It is also desirable that the passenger compartment be occupied. 102 a predetermined comfort level (temperature, humidity, etc.) that is satisfactory for a passenger. A third relevant operating status is "Vehicle 100 Ready". In this situation, the autonomous vehicle is 100 The vehicle is unoccupied and no interaction has yet taken place, so it should proceed to a location to pick up a passenger. This is where the passenger compartment would be set up. 102 While it's possible to maintain the specified comfort level, this would lead to unnecessary energy consumption. Switching off the air conditioning... 120 However, this would also require unnecessary energy consumption to power the passenger compartment. 102 to bring it up to the specified comfort level when interacting with the vehicle 100takes place so that it can go to pick up a passenger and / or when it has picked up the passenger, especially under hot and cold environmental conditions.

[0024] To solve this problem, a procedure is used. 200 to control an air conditioner 120 provided to reduce energy consumption by an autonomous vehicle 100 to reduce, one embodiment of which is shown in the flowchart. Fig. 2 is shown. For the purposes of the described procedure, it is assumed that the autonomous vehicle 100 "switched on" means that it is in a ready-to-drive state and available for the transport of passengers.

[0025] At step 202 the climate control module asks 122 the operating status of a vehicle 100 as one of "vehicle 100 occupied" (step 202a) “Use of the vehicle 100 requested" (step 202b)or “Vehicle 100 Standby” (Step 202c) Alternatively, another control module such as the BCM can be used. 126 Provide this request and send corresponding commands to the climate control module 122 transmit. There are several ways this step could be implemented. For example, the "vehicle occupied" determination can be triggered by the climate control module. 122 and / or the BCM 126 Inputs from the occupancy sensors 136The inputs can be received from a variety of sensor types, for example, pressure sensors built into the vehicle seat, including without limitation those used in conjunction with airbags, cameras mounted on the vehicle dashboard or headliner, proximity sensors mounted on the vehicle dashboard or headliner, infrared or other motion sensors, and other sensors designed to detect the presence of a passenger in the passenger compartment. 102 to recognize and send an input indicating this presence. The determination of "vehicle use". 100 “Requested” can also be determined by the climate control module 122 or another module (BCM) 126 etc.) Inputs from one or more wheel sensors 138 and / or engine sensors 140 (which indicate that the autonomous vehicle 100 drives) or receives others.

[0026] In other embodiments, the vehicle occupant status can be determined by pre-programmed logic. One such embodiment is described in Fig. 3 shown, which is a procedure 300 to determine a vehicle occupant status (i.e., vehicle) 100 (occupied) according to various inputs shows that are provided by the climate control module 122 and / or at least one control 124 and / or the BCM 126 and / or other dedicated controllers. At step 302 The vehicle's occupant status will be determined. 100 (i.e., occupied or unoccupied) is determined to ascertain whether the vehicle has taken on one or more passengers. At step 304 A determination is made as to whether the vehicle 100 has reached a desired pickup location. This can be done by any suitable means, for example, using the vehicle's navigation control system. 104with one or more of the climate control modules 122 and / or at least one control 124 and / or the BCM 126 and / or other dedicated controls communicate to determine the current position of the vehicle. 100 to compare with a specific geographical pickup location where one or more passengers are to be picked up. At step 306a A determination is made as to whether the doors of the vehicle 100 The system waits for a "door open" status signal, indicating that one or more passengers are boarding the vehicle. If not, the system waits for this signal. It is understood that this can be provided by a number of mechanisms, including, without limitation, suitable electronic or mechanical (pressure) door sensors. 145 , which belong to the vehicle doors.

[0027] At step 308aA determination is made as to whether the doors of the vehicle 100 The system indicates that one or more passengers have boarded the vehicle and are ready to travel to their chosen destination. If not, the system waits for a "door closed" status signal. If so, the system implements the following action at step [number]. 310 the specified / preset comfort level C (temperature, humidity, etc.), which was determined to be at least sufficiently satisfactory for passengers.

[0028] If, returning to Fig. 2, the climate control module 122 and / or the BCM 126 in the steps 204 / 206 determine the operational status of the vehicle 100 one of "Vehicle 100 occupied" or "Vehicle in use" 100 "requested", operates the climate control module 122 one or more elements of the air conditioning system 120 such as the HVAC system108 , to the passenger compartment 102 to bring to an initial operating setting that provides the specified / preset comfort level C (temperature, humidity, etc.) which has been determined to be sufficiently satisfactory for passengers, or the passenger compartment 102 to maintain that temperature. It goes without saying that this is a predetermined temperature for the passenger compartment. 102 may be, for which it has been determined that it is sufficiently satisfactory for passengers, and which is controlled by the HVAC system 108 is provided to protect the interior of the passenger compartment 102 to heat or cool as required according to the vehicle's external ambient temperature.

[0029] If, on the other hand, the request from the climate control module 122 / BCM 126 determines the operational status of the vehicle 100 “Vehicle 100 Standby” is (step 202c) , the climate control module 122 / BCM 126 at step 208The specified / preset comfort level C is adjusted by an offset value to suit the interior of the passenger compartment. 102 to a predetermined standby comfort level C' (step 210 ) to heat or cool (as required). These offset values ​​are described in more detail below. It is understood that this specified standby comfort level C' is provided by the air conditioning system 106 / the HVAC system. 108 is operated to operate the interior of the passenger compartment 102 to heat or cool sufficiently (as required), thereby ensuring, if subsequently, the operating status of the vehicle 100 as one of "Vehicle 100 occupied" or "Use of vehicle 100 The energy consumption required to bring the passenger compartment to the specified / preset comfort level C is determined to be lower than it would be if the air conditioning 106 / HVAC system were used. 108It would simply have been switched off.

[0030] The preset comfort level C can be adjusted by a constant offset value to optimize the interior of the passenger compartment. 102 to heat or cool to a predetermined standby comfort level C' (as needed). When the ambient temperatures are "warm", the system allows the passenger compartment to 102 , to become warmer by the specified offset value, as indicated by a positive value for the offset. If the ambient temperatures are "cool", the system allows the passenger compartment to 102 , to become cooler by the specified offset value, as indicated by a negative offset value. One possible embodiment that relies solely on the specific vehicle ambient temperature is shown in Table 1. Table 1. Constant offset value. Environment > 15°C +4°C Environment < 15°C -4°C

[0031] In another possible embodiment, the specified / preset comfort level C can be adjusted by a constant offset that takes into account a specific solar energy incidence, which is supplied to the climate control module 122 / BCM. 126 through one or more passenger compartment solar energy incidence sensors 134 is provided. One possible embodiment is shown in Table 2 below. Table 2. Constant offset value with solar energy incidence. temperature solar energy incidence Offset Ambient temperature > 20 °C High solar energy incidence + 4 °C Low solar energy incidence + 6 °C Ambient temperature < 20 °C High solar energy incidence + 8 °C Low solar energy incidence - 4 °C

[0032] The minus sign ("-") indicates an offset for providing a setting that is colder than a predefined comfort setting (in a possible example, 23 °C). The plus sign ("+") indicates an offset for providing a setting that is warmer than the predefined comfort setting.

[0033] In yet another possible embodiment, the specified / preset comfort level C can be adjusted by a variable or sliding offset value to optimize the interior of the passenger compartment. 102 to heat or cool to a predetermined standby comfort level C' (as required). One possible embodiment, where the offset value is determined on a sliding scale according to a range of vehicle ambient temperatures, is shown in Table 3. Table 3. Variable offset value. Ambient temperature (°C) -18 -10 0 10 20 30 40 Offset -4°C -5°C -5°C 0°C +6°C +5°C +4°C

[0034] The application of variable offsets is determined by the vehicle's outside ambient temperature, which in turn is determined by the climate control module. 122 and / or BCM 126 determined according to inputs provided by one or more vehicle ambient temperature sensors 132.

[0035] It goes without saying that the respective set of variable or sliding offset values ​​can also be further calibrated according to other factors that affect the interior temperature of the passenger compartment. 102 Influence, such as without intention of limiting through inputs generated by one or more passenger cell solar energy incidence sensors 134 , one or more vehicle interior humidity sensors 143 , and others will be provided. One embodiment of this is shown below in Table 4. Table 4. Variable offset value with solar energy incidence. Ambient temperature (°C) -18 -10 0 10 20 30 40 High solar energy input, high humidity -4°C -5 °C -5°C -5 °C +5 °C +4 °C +3 °C Low solar energy input, high humidity -3°C -4 °C -4°C -3 °C +6 °C +5 °C +4 °C High solar energy input, low humidity Low solar energy input, low humidity

[0036] In the embodiment described above, ambient temperatures above 25 °C would be considered "warm". This applies to situations with high humidity and high solar radiation in the passenger compartment. 102This would increase the cooling load and the "time to comfort," minimizing the offset possibilities in warm ambient conditions. A condition with "low solar energy gain and high humidity" would result in a more moderate cooling state for the passenger compartment. 102 This requires a higher offset in warm ambient conditions. Conditions with low solar energy gain and low humidity would result in the lowest cooling load for the passenger compartment. 102 require and allow the highest offset from a given comfort setting C under warm ambient conditions.

[0037] At ambient temperatures below 0 °C, ambient humidity would not be a factor, as the vehicle's air conditioning system does not dry the air in the passenger compartment. 102 would be used. At cool ambient temperatures, a high solar energy incidence allows for an increased offset, as the solar energy incidence cools the passenger compartment.102 This slows down the process and increases the heating of the passenger compartment. Conversely, at cool ambient temperatures, a low solar energy incidence allows for a reduced offset, as the passenger compartment... 102 It cools down faster and heats up more slowly.

[0038] It is understood that the offset values ​​above are only representative and depict likely trends based on the environmental factors considered. Specific offset values ​​will vary depending on the size and type of vehicle, the presence or absence of features that influence solar energy gain and / or the temperature of the passenger compartment. 102 This can influence factors such as window light protection, tinted windows, opaque glass, etc. In one embodiment, the offset value can be adjusted, for example, by the climate control module. 122 and / or the BCM 126 determined according to the following formula: Temperatur-Offset = ∫ ( T programmierte Komforteinstellung C , T Umgebung , Luftfeuchtigkeit , S onnenenergieeinfall , Zeit bis zur nächsten Fahrt , Position ) .

[0039] In a specific embodiment, the above-described method takes place 200 Use in controlling the energy consumption of an autonomous vehicle 100 especially at ambient temperatures that represent particularly hot or cold conditions, where, as is understood, the interior of the passenger compartment 102 an autonomous vehicle in a standby operating state is rapidly heated or cooled to potentially extreme temperatures. However, the person skilled in the art will readily recognize that the described method 200 It is also used under less extreme environmental conditions, which is why the application of the methods and systems in extreme heat or cold should not be seen as limiting.

[0040] In light of the foregoing teachings, obvious modifications and variations are possible. All such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the attached claims when interpreted to the extent permitted by law, statute, and equity.

Claims

[1] Method for controlling an air conditioning system in an autonomous vehicle, comprising: Determining a vehicle operating status from the group consisting of vehicle occupied-used, vehicle unoccupied-usage requested, and vehicle unoccupied-standby; and Operating the air conditioning system according to the specific vehicle operating status. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the step of operating the air conditioning system according to the specified vehicle operating status is performed by a control module which is operatively coupled to the air conditioning system, wherein the control module comprises a sensor array and at least one controller. [3] Method according to claim 2, comprising the at least one control, operating the air conditioning system at a first operating setting, when it is determined that the vehicle operating status of vehicle occupied-used or vehicle unoccupied-usage is requested. [4] Method according to claims 2 or 3, comprising at least one control, operating the air conditioning system in a second operating setting which provides lower energy consumption than the first operating setting, when it is determined that the vehicle operating status is Vehicle unoccupied-Ready. [5] Method according to claim 4, comprising, by which at least one control determines the second operating setting by setting the first operating setting according to a predetermined offset value. [6] Method according to claim 5, comprising, by which at least one control, setting the first operating setting according to a constant offset value and a variable offset value. [7] Method according to claim 6, comprising providing the sensor array comprising a vehicle ambient temperature sensor, and, by means of at least one controller, determining the variable offset value according to a specific vehicle ambient temperature input provided by the vehicle ambient temperature sensor. [8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising providing the sensor array comprising a passenger compartment solar energy incidence sensor and a passenger compartment humidity sensor, and by which at least one controller determines the variable offset value according to a passenger compartment solar energy incidence input provided by the passenger compartment solar energy incidence sensor and / or a passenger compartment humidity input provided by the passenger compartment humidity sensor. [9] System for controlling an air conditioning system of an autonomous vehicle, comprising: a control module coupled to the air conditioning system, comprising a sensor array and at least one controller configured to determine a vehicle operating status selected from the group consisting of vehicle occupied-used, vehicle unoccupied-used requested, and vehicle unoccupied-standby; and the control module is further configured to operate the air conditioning system according to the specific vehicle operating status and one or more inputs from the sensor array. [10] System according to claim 9, wherein the at least one controller is configured to operate the air conditioning system in a first operating setting when the control module determines that the vehicle operating status of vehicle occupied-used or vehicle unoccupied-usage is requested. [11] System according to claim 10, wherein the at least one controller is configured to operate the air conditioning system in a second operating setting which provides lower energy consumption than the first operating setting when the control module determines that the vehicle operating status is Vehicle Unoccupied-Ready. [12] System according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one controller is further configured to determine the second operating setting by setting the first operating setting according to a predetermined offset value. [13] System according to claim 12, wherein the at least one controller is configured to set the first operating setting according to a constant offset value and a variable offset value. [14] System according to claim 13, wherein the sensor array comprises a vehicle ambient temperature sensor and the at least one controller is configured to change the variable offset value according to a specific vehicle ambient temperature input provided by the vehicle ambient temperature sensor. [15] System according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the sensor array further comprises a passenger compartment solar energy incidence sensor and a passenger compartment humidity sensor, and the at least one controller is further configured to set the variable offset value according to a specific passenger compartment solar energy incidence input provided by the solar energy incidence sensor and / or a passenger compartment humidity input provided by the passenger compartment humidity sensor.

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