Modular, energy-efficient air conditioning system for public transport vehicles
The modular air conditioning system addresses inefficiencies in public transport by integrating renewable energy and intelligent control, optimizing energy use and passenger comfort with minimal emissions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025106837
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-30
AI Technical Summary
Conventional air conditioning systems in public transport vehicles are energy-intensive, non-modular, and inefficient, leading to high fuel consumption, maintenance complexity, and environmental impact, without considering passenger numbers or ambient conditions.
A modular air conditioning system integrating solar photovoltaic modules, battery storage, intelligent control, and adaptive energy management, with PWM-controlled compressors and environmental sensors, optimizing energy use based on real-time data and passenger density.
Ensures efficient, scalable, and sustainable climate control with reduced energy consumption and emissions, facilitating easy retrofitting and predictive maintenance.
Abstract
Description
Application area of the invention:
[0001] The invention relates to energy-efficient heat management systems, in particular modular air conditioning systems for public transport using renewable energy sources, intelligent control and adaptive cooling mechanisms. Background of the invention:
[0002] Conventional air conditioning systems in public transport such as buses and trains consume significant amounts of energy, as they often rely solely on the engine or the electrical grid. This dependence increases fuel consumption, operating costs, and environmental impact. Traditional systems are also not modular, which complicates maintenance and retrofitting. Furthermore, they do not take into account passenger numbers or ambient conditions, resulting in inefficient cooling or heating. Given the growing focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and comfort in public transport, there is an urgent need for a smart, modular air conditioning solution that integrates renewable energy.Such a system should optimize performance based on real-time sensor data, efficiently control the energy flow from renewable and stored sources, and ensure thermal comfort while reducing emissions and energy waste. Summary of the invention:
[0003] The present invention relates to a modular and energy-efficient air conditioning system specifically for public transport vehicles such as buses. The system integrates solar photovoltaic modules for generating renewable energy, an intelligent control unit, and a battery module for energy storage. It features an adaptive energy management circuit that dynamically switches between renewable energy and stored energy to ensure uninterrupted operation. The system further includes cooling and ventilation modules with pulse-width modulation (PWM) for efficient compressor operation.
[0004] The system also uses multiple environmental sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and passenger density inside the vehicle. Based on real-time sensor data, the intelligent control system adjusts compressor speed, fan operation, and air distribution to achieve optimal thermal comfort with minimal energy consumption. Thanks to its modular design, the system can be easily retrofitted into existing vehicles and is scalable for different fleet configurations. Integrated IoT connectivity and the user interface enable monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance, thus ensuring reliable, sustainable, and intelligent climate control for public transport. Detailed description of the invention:
[0005] The modular, energy-efficient climate control system consists of several subsystems that work together to ensure optimal thermal comfort in public transport. At the heart of the system is a renewable energy generation module. This module comprises photovoltaic solar cells mounted on the vehicle roof that capture solar energy during operation. The energy generated by these cells is regulated by a charge controller and stored in a high-performance battery module for later use.
[0006] An intelligent energy management circuit dynamically distributes power between the solar panel, battery, and auxiliary power sources, based on the current load demand and battery status. This circuit minimizes reliance on the vehicle's primary, fuel-based propulsion system, thereby increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
[0007] The air conditioning system consists of modular cooling and ventilation modules, each equipped with a compressor, evaporator, and fan. These modules can be operated independently or in combination, depending on the number of passengers and passenger zones in the vehicle. Compressor speed and fan output are controlled by a PWM controller, which adjusts energy consumption as needed.
[0008] Temperature, humidity, and occupancy sensors are strategically placed in the passenger compartment to continuously provide data to the central intelligent control unit. The control algorithm uses this data to adjust compressor cycling, air distribution, and cooling capacity, thus ensuring a consistent level of comfort with minimal energy consumption.
[0009] Thanks to its modular design, the system can be installed flexibly and is therefore suitable for a wide variety of public transport vehicles, including electric buses, hybrid models, and conventional diesel buses. Each module can be replaced or upgraded independently, simplifying maintenance and enabling system scalability.
[0010] The control unit features IoT connectivity, enabling cloud-based monitoring, performance analysis, and remote diagnostics. The user interface provides the operator with insights into energy consumption, battery status, and temperature control metrics, thus facilitating predictive maintenance and data-driven operation.
[0011] To increase operational reliability, the system uses thermal insulation materials in the ducts and housings to reduce heat loss. The design also incorporates adaptive algorithms that learn from historical usage data to predict environmental stresses and thus further optimize energy efficiency over time.
[0012] The architecture is designed to be compatible with both DC and AC systems, thus enabling flexible integration into existing electrical bus infrastructures. Safety mechanisms such as overload protection and thermal shutdowns ensure reliable long-term operation.
[0013] By combining the use of renewable energies, intelligent control and modular design, the invention offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges of energy-intensive air conditioning in public transport, thus promoting sustainable mobility and passenger comfort.
Claims
[1] A modular, energy-efficient climate control system for public transport, consisting of solar energy harvesting modules, an energy management circuit and a battery storage system configured to provide a renewable and stable power supply for climate control. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein an intelligent control unit receives real-time data from temperature, humidity and presence sensors and adjusts the compressor speed and airflow by means of a PWM controller to optimize energy consumption. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the modular cooling units are designed for scalable installation, enabling flexible retrofitting and maintenance across different vehicle types and vehicle areas. [4] System according to claim 1, wherein IoT connectivity and a user interface enable real-time monitoring, diagnostic analysis and predictive maintenance to improve operational efficiency and reliability.