Air-conditioning device for a track-bound vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an air-conditioning device 10 for a track-bound vehicle for public transportation, comprising at least one air supply 20, 30 and at least one temperature-control device 40, 50, wherein the air-conditioning device 1 has a particle measuring device 60 which is arranged in an air flow L between the at least one air supply 20, 30 and the at least one temperature-control device 40, 50.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to an air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle for passenger transport, comprising at least one air supply and at least one temperature control device.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a track-guided vehicle for passenger transport, comprising at least one such air conditioning unit or one further developed as described below.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an air conditioning unit for use in a rail-guided vehicle for passenger transport, wherein the air conditioning unit comprises at least one air supply and at least one temperature control device.

[0006] The invention also relates to a computer program product to be used in a computer of an air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle or in a computer of a rail-guided vehicle with such an air conditioning unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program product is recorded.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention relates to a digital twin of such an air conditioning unit or such a track-guided vehicle.

[0009] Air quality in rail-guided vehicles plays a major role. Particles such as sand, dust, and dirt should not enter the interior or should be reduced as much as possible. To reduce contamination, separators or filters are used. Filters have a load limit and must be replaced as soon as this limit is reached. The difficulty usually lies in determining when this load limit is reached.

[0010] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide an air conditioning unit and a method for operating an air conditioning unit which allows the performance of the air conditioning unit to be better maintained.

[0011] This object is achieved by the air conditioning unit of claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by the track-guided vehicle of claim 11. Furthermore, the object is achieved by the method for operating an air conditioning unit of claim 13, the computer program product of claim 23, the computer-readable recording medium of claim 24, and the digital twin of claim 25.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

[0013] According to the invention, an air conditioning unit is provided for a rail-guided passenger transport vehicle, comprising at least one air supply and at least one temperature control device. The air conditioning unit has a particle measuring device arranged in an air flow between the at least one air supply and the at least one temperature control device.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the invention, a rail-guided vehicle for passenger transport is provided, comprising at least one air conditioning unit of this type or one developed further as described below. Furthermore, a method for operating an air conditioning unit, in particular comprising such an air conditioning unit or one developed further as described below, is provided, for use in a rail-guided vehicle for passenger transport, in particular developed further as described above or below. The air conditioning unit comprises at least one air supply and at least one temperature control device. The air conditioning unit has a particle measuring device which is arranged in an air flow between the at least one air supply and the at least one temperature control device.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention provides a computer program product that is to be used in a computer of an air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle or in a computer of a rail-guided vehicle with such an air conditioning unit. When executed, the computer program product causes the computer to perform such a method or a method further developed as described below.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the invention, a computer-readable recording medium is provided on which a computer program product is recorded, wherein the computer program product, when executed, is suitable for causing such a method or a method further developed as described below for operating such an air conditioning device in a computer of an air conditioning device for a rail-guided vehicle or in a computer of the rail-guided vehicle with such an air conditioning device to be carried out.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the invention, a digital twin of such an air conditioning unit or of such an air conditioning unit further developed as described below or of such a rail-guided vehicle further developed as described below is provided, wherein the digital twin comprises a digitized image of such an air conditioning unit or of such an air conditioning unit further developed as described below or of such a rail-guided vehicle further developed as described below.

[0018] The track-guided vehicle is, for example, a rail vehicle or a magnetic levitation train, preferably for passenger transport.

[0019] The air conditioner can be part of an air conditioning system.

[0020] The particle measuring device is designed, for example, as an optical sensor for detecting particles. These work with an infrared diode and a phototransistor, which can determine a value for the dust load based on the light reflected by the dust. Alternatively, sensors that perform such measurements using laser technology can also be used.

[0021] The at least one air supply can be a recirculating air supply and / or a fresh air supply. The at least one temperature control device can, for example, comprise a heat exchanger and / or a heating register.

[0022] In a further development of the air conditioning unit, it can be provided that the particle measuring device is designed to determine a particle concentration in the air flow.

[0023] This provides a measure that indicates the concentration of particles in the air stream. For example, the particle count or particle density in the air stream is measured.

[0024] In one embodiment of the method, the particle measuring device can determine a particle concentration in the air stream. The particles can be, for example, sand, dust, and / or dirt present in the ambient air along the path of a track-guided vehicle.

[0025] In an embodiment of the air conditioning unit, it can be provided that the air conditioning unit has an evaluation device associated with the particle measuring device, which is designed to record the particle concentration over a period of time.

[0026] In an embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the air conditioning unit has an evaluation device assigned to the particle measuring device, which records the particle concentration over a period of time.

[0027] The measured particle concentration in the airflow correlates over time with the contamination of the air conditioner. If predominantly "clean air" with a low particle concentration is fed into the air conditioner, the air conditioner will become contaminated more slowly. By determining the particle concentration in the airflow, the current load status can be determined at any time. From this data, the evaluation device can then record the particle concentration over a period of time.

[0028] In a further development of the air conditioning unit, it can be provided that the evaluation device is set up to form a long-term particle concentration value on the basis of the particle concentration recorded over the period of time.

[0029] In a further development of the method, it can further be provided that the evaluation device calculates a long-term particle concentration value based on the particle concentration recorded over the period of time. By determining a long-term particle concentration value based on the particle concentration recorded over the period of time, it is possible to draw conclusions about the degree of particle contamination of the air conditioning unit.

[0030] The air conditioning unit can further provide that the evaluation device is designed to compare the long-term particle concentration value with a limit value and to generate a signal if the limit value is exceeded.

[0031] The method may further provide that the evaluation device compares the long-term particle concentration value with a limit value and generates a signal if the limit value is exceeded.

[0032] This makes it possible for the signal to be emitted when a predefined long-term particle concentration value is reached. This allows the signal to be emitted when the air conditioner is contaminated by particles to a predefined level.

[0033] Alternatively, the long-term particle concentration value can also be determined by a device other than the evaluation device, such as the control device for controlling the track-guided vehicle, and compared with a limit value.

[0034] In one embodiment, the air conditioning unit can be configured to signal that the air conditioning unit needs to be cleaned and / or serviced. In one embodiment, the method can be configured to signal that the air conditioning unit needs to be cleaned and / or serviced.

[0035] This avoids unnecessary cleaning or waiting at fixed times and indicates necessary cleaning or waiting at a time determined by the signal.

[0036] The cleaning or maintenance may include a filter change, a cleaning or maintenance of the at least one temperature control device or the at least one air supply of the particle measuring device or other components of the air conditioning unit located in the air flow.

[0037] In a further development of the air conditioning unit, it can further be provided that an evaluation device is set up to send the signal to a control device, which is operationally connected to the evaluation device, for controlling the track-guided vehicle.

[0038] In a further development of the method, it can further be provided that the evaluation device sends the signal to a control device, which is operationally connected to the evaluation device, for controlling the track-guided vehicle.

[0039] The control device for controlling the track-guided vehicle can, for example, be a central train control system.

[0040] By transmitting the signal to the central train control, the signal is sent to a central device so that it can be displayed centrally, for example to a vehicle driver or maintenance personnel.

[0041] Furthermore, the control device for controlling the track-guided vehicle can be configured to transmit data, such as the signal, to a device arranged outside the vehicle, for example via mobile radio or other common transmission standards.

[0042] In an embodiment of the air conditioning unit, it can be provided that the air conditioning unit has at least one first filter which is arranged in the air flow between the at least one air supply and the at least one temperature control device.

[0043] By arranging a filter in this way it is achieved that the air flowing in front of the at least one temperature control device is filtered.

[0044] In a design of the air conditioning unit, it can further be provided that the air conditioning unit has at least one second filter which is arranged in the air flow behind the at least one temperature control device.

[0045] This ensures that the air is filtered again before it is distributed further, thus filtering out contaminants in the air conditioning unit and extracting them from it.

[0046] According to the method, it can be provided that the air conditioning unit has at least one filter, and the signal signals a filter change.

[0047] The filters mentioned above can be either filters or separators. The air conditioning unit can also have an air intake port, and the particle measuring device can be arranged in an air intake port.

[0048] This ensures that the continuous particle concentration in the intake area of ​​the air conditioning unit is determined.

[0049] In an embodiment of the track-guided vehicle, it can be provided that the track-guided vehicle comprises at least one control device for controlling the track-guided vehicle, which is operatively connected to the evaluation device of the air conditioning unit.

[0050] The control device for controlling the track-guided vehicle is designed, for example, to control at least one air conditioning unit of the track-guided vehicle. For this purpose, the control device for controlling the track-guided vehicle is operatively connected to the air conditioning unit.

[0051] By operationally connecting the control device for controlling the track-guided vehicle with the evaluation device, the data and signals of the evaluation device can be evaluated at a central location.

[0052] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the track-guided vehicle, it can be provided that the evaluation device and / or control device is configured to document filter changes and, based on the long-term particle concentration value and the particle concentration, to indicate a time for a filter change of the at least one first or second filter of the at least one air conditioning unit. In a further development of the method, it can be provided that the control device documents filter changes and, based on the long-term particle concentration value and the particle concentration, indicates a time for a filter change of the at least one first or second filter of the at least one air conditioning unit.

[0053] This ensures that filter changes can be specified at the best possible time. Furthermore, past filter changes are documented, and it is possible to compare the data obtained from different air conditioning units. This makes it possible to determine filter service life and calculate and specify the best possible time for a filter change.

[0054] Furthermore, it is possible to compare the filter service life of different air conditioning units and thereby identify anomalies with regard to the filter service life, so that it can be determined whether further maintenance is required or whether an air conditioning unit or individual components of an air conditioning unit need to be replaced.

[0055] By optimally determining the filter change time, maintenance intervals can be optimized and maintenance costs can be reduced. This eliminates unnecessary filter changes at fixed change intervals. The same applies to cleaning at least one temperature control device that has not previously been cleaned of dirt deposits at fixed maintenance intervals.

[0056] All procedural details apply equally to the air conditioning unit and the rail-guided vehicle. All details of the air conditioning unit and / or the rail-guided vehicle apply equally to the procedure.

[0057] The invention will now be explained using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing.

[0058] It shows :

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the track-guided vehicle according to the invention with an air conditioning unit according to the invention;

[0060] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the air conditioning device according to the invention; and

[0061] Fig. 3 shows the method according to the invention for operating the air conditioning unit according to the invention, in particular for use in the track-guided vehicle for passenger transport according to the invention.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a track-guided vehicle 1 according to the invention with an air conditioning unit 10 according to the invention.

[0063] The track-guided vehicle 1 has an interior 2 which is tempered and ventilated by the air conditioning unit 10.

[0064] The air conditioning unit absorbs the ambient air U around the track-guided vehicle 1. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the air conditioning unit 10 according to the invention.

[0065] The air conditioning unit 10 comprises at least one air supply 20, 30 and at least one temperature control device 40, 50.

[0066] The at least one air supply 20, 30 has at least one fresh air supply 20 and at least one recirculated air supply 30.

[0067] The at least one temperature control device 40, 50 comprises at least one heater 40 and at least one heat exchanger 50.

[0068] The air conditioning unit 1 further comprises a particle measuring device 60 which is arranged in an air flow L between the at least one air supply 20, 30 and the at least one temperature control device 40, 50.

[0069] The air flow L is formed between the at least one air supply 20, 30 and at least one air supply 90 to the interior 2 of the track-guided vehicle 1.

[0070] The particle measuring device 60 is designed to measure a particle concentration P K in the air flow L .

[0071] In one embodiment, the particle measuring device 60 has a channel 62 in which a measuring device, such as a measuring nozzle, is arranged.

[0072] The air conditioning unit 10 further comprises an evaluation device 70 associated with the particle measuring device 60, which is designed to determine the particle concentration P Kf over a period of time. The evaluation device 70 is designed to use the particle concentration P recorded over the period of time K a long-term particle concentration value P KL to form .

[0073] Furthermore, the evaluation device 70 is designed to determine the long-term particle concentration value P KL to compare with a limit value and to generate a signal S if the limit value is exceeded.

[0074] The signal S indicates that the air conditioning unit 10 needs to be cleaned and / or serviced.

[0075] The evaluation device 70 is configured to send the signal to a control device 80, which is operatively connected to the evaluation device 70, for controlling the track-guided vehicle.

[0076] The track-guided vehicle 1 comprises at least one control device 80 for controlling the track-guided vehicle 1, which is operatively connected to the evaluation device 70 of the air conditioning unit 10.

[0077] The control device 80 and / or the evaluation device 70 is configured to document filter changes and, based on the long-term particle concentration value P KL and the particle concentration P Kf to specify a time for a filter change of the at least one first or second filter F2, F2 of the at least one air conditioning unit 10.

[0078] The air conditioning unit 10 has at least one first filter F2, which is arranged in the air flow L, between the at least one air supply 20, 30 and the at least one temperature control device 40, 50.

[0079] The air conditioning unit 10 further comprises, according to Fig. 2, at least one second filter F2, which is arranged in the air flow L behind the at least one temperature control device 40, 50.

[0080] The air conditioning unit 10 may further comprise an air intake port (not shown) and the particle measuring device 60 is arranged in the air intake port.

[0081] Fig.3 shows the method according to the invention for operating an air conditioning unit 10 according to the invention, for use in the track-guided vehicle 1 according to the invention for passenger transport.

[0082] The method comprises the following steps S1: Providing and operating the air conditioning unit 10, wherein the air conditioning unit 10 comprises at least one air supply 20, 30 and at least one temperature control device 40, 50, wherein the air conditioning unit 1 has a particle measuring device 60 which is arranged in an air flow L between the at least one air supply 20, 30 and the at least one temperature control device 40, 50 S1.

[0083] Furthermore, the method comprises the following step S2: Determining a particle concentration P K in the air flow L.

[0084] The next step in the process S3 is to record the particle concentration P K over a period of time, for which purpose the air conditioning unit 10 has the evaluation device 70 associated with the particle measuring device 60. Furthermore, the method comprises the following step S4:

[0085] Formation of a long-term particle concentration value P KLby the evaluation device 70 based on the particle concentration P recorded over the time period K .

[0086] In a further step S5, the evaluation device 70 compares the long-term particle concentration value P KL with a limit value .

[0087] If the limit value is exceeded, a signal S is generated S 6 . If the limit value is not exceeded, steps S2 to S5 are continued.

[0088] As a further step S7 of the method, signaling by the signal S that the air conditioning unit 10 needs to be cleaned and / or serviced S7 is provided.

[0089] As a further method step S 8 , it is provided that the evaluation device 70 sends the signal S to a control device 80 operatively connected to the evaluation device 70 for controlling the track-guided vehicle 1 , S 8 .

[0090] The air conditioning unit 10 further comprises at least one filter F l f F2open and a filter change is signaled by the signal S S 9 .

[0091] In a further step S 10 . 1, the control device 80 documents a filter change and / or based on the long-term particle concentration value P KL and the particle concentration P K indicates a time for a filter change of the at least one first or second filter F2, F2 of the at least one air conditioning unit 10 S 10 . 2 . Even if method steps S 1 to S 10 . 2 are described above as a sequential sequence in the exemplary embodiment and shown in Figure 3, this disclosure also encompasses the omission of individual method steps or the implementation of method steps only in part.

[0092] The above disclosure applies equally to a rail-guided vehicle comprising at least one air conditioning unit configured as described above. Likewise, the above disclosure can also relate to an individual carriage of a rail-guided vehicle.

[0093] Finally, it should be noted that the features of all the above-described embodiments can be combined with one another in any desired manner to form further alternative embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, all features of subclaims can be combined individually with any feature of any other claim, either individually or in any desired combination, to obtain further alternative embodiments.

[0094] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of an embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0095] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identity are included.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Air conditioning unit (10) for a rail-guided vehicle (1) for passenger transport, comprising at least one air supply (20, 30) and at least one temperature control device (40, 50), characterized in that the air conditioning unit (1) has a particle measuring device (60) which is arranged in an air flow (L) between the at least one air supply (20, 30) and the at least one temperature control device (40, 50).

2. Air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the particle measuring device (60) is designed to measure a particle concentration (P K ) in the air flow (L).

3. Air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (10) has an evaluation device (70) associated with the particle measuring device (60), which is designed to determine the particle concentration (P K ) over a period of time.

4. Air conditioning unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation device (70) is designed to use the particle concentration (P K ) a long-term particle concentration value (P KL ) TO form.

5. Air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the evaluation device (70) is designed to determine the long-term particle concentration value (P KL ) with a limit value and generates a signal (S) when the limit value is exceeded.

6. Air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the signal (S) signals that the air conditioning unit (10) needs to be cleaned and / or maintained.

7. Air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the evaluation device (70) is designed to send the signal (S) to a control device (80) operatively connected to the evaluation device (70) for controlling the track-guided vehicle (1).

8. Air conditioning unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (10) has at least one first filter (F2) which is arranged in the air flow (L) between the at least one air supply (20, 30) and the at least one temperature control device (40, 50).

9. Air conditioning unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (10) has at least one second filter (F2) which is arranged in the air flow (L) behind the at least one temperature control device (40, 50).

10. Air conditioning unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (10) has an air intake port and the particle measuring device (60) is arranged in the air intake port.

11. A track-guided vehicle (1) for passenger transport, comprising at least one air conditioning unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A track-guided vehicle (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the track-guided vehicle (1) comprises at least one control device for controlling the track-guided vehicle (1), which is operatively connected to the evaluation device (70) of the air conditioning unit (10).

13. Track-guided vehicle (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the control device (80) is designed to document filter changes and / or to use the long-term particle concentration value (P KL ) and the particle concentration (P K) a time for a filter change of at least one first or second filter (Fx, F2) of the at least one air conditioning unit (10).

14. Method for operating an air conditioning unit (10), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10, for use in a rail-guided vehicle (1) for passenger transport, in particular according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing and operating the air conditioning unit (10), wherein the air conditioning unit (10) comprises at least one air supply (20, 30) and at least one temperature control device (40, 50), wherein the air conditioning unit (1) has a particle measuring device (60) which is arranged in an air flow (L) between the at least one air supply (20, 30) and the at least one temperature control device (40, 50) (S1).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the particle measuring device (60) determines a particle concentration (P K) in the air flow (L) is determined (S2).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (10) has an evaluation device (70) associated with the particle measuring device (60), which evaluates the particle concentration (P K ) over a period of time (S3) .

17. Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the evaluation device (70) uses the particle concentration (P K ) a long-term particle concentration value (P K L) forms (S4) .

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the evaluation device (70) compares the long-term particle concentration value (PKL) with a limit value (S5) and, if the limit value is exceeded, a signal (S) is generated (S6).

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the signal (S) signals that the air conditioning unit (10) must be cleaned and / or maintained (S7).

20. Method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the evaluation device (70) sends the signal (S) to a control device (80) operatively connected to the evaluation device (70) for controlling the track-guided vehicle (1) (S8).

21. Method according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (10) has at least one filter (F lf F2) and the signal (S) signals a filter change (S9).

22. Method according to one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that the control device (80) documents filter changes (S10) and / or on the basis of the long-term particle concentration value (PKL) and the particle concentration (P K) indicates a time for a filter change of the at least one first or second filter (F2, F2) of the at least one air conditioning unit (10).

23. A computer program product to be used in a computer of an air conditioning unit (10) for a rail-guided vehicle (1) or in a computer of a rail-guided vehicle (1) with such an air conditioning unit (1), wherein the computer program product, when executed, causes the computer to carry out a method according to any one of claims 14 to 22.

24. A computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program product is recorded, characterized in that the computer program product, when executed, is suitable for causing a method for operating the air conditioning device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 22 to be carried out in a computer of an air conditioning device (10) for a rail-guided vehicle (1) or in a computer of the rail-guided vehicle (1) with such an air conditioning device (10).

25. Digital twin of an air conditioning unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 or of a track-guided vehicle according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the digital twin is a digitized image of an air conditioning unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 or a digitized image of a track-guided vehicle according to one of claims 11 to 13.

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