METHOD FOR MANAGING THE TEMPERATURE OF A VEHICLE'S INTERIOR

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing the temperature of a vehicle's passenger compartment, comprising a step of transmitting (E1) the outside temperature at the destination point from the meteorological database to the automatic passenger compartment temperature management system; a step of determining a target destination temperature (E2) by the automatic passenger compartment temperature management system based on the outside temperature at the destination point provided by the meteorological database and the energy consumption calculated by the controller; and a step of activating the automatic passenger compartment temperature management system (E3), the target destination temperature being applied by the heating or air conditioning system over a period of time preceding the vehicle's arrival at the destination point, the target destination temperature being reached when the vehicle arrives at the destination point.Figure from the summary: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD FOR MANAGING THE TEMPERATURE OF A VEHICLE'S INTERIOR

[0001] The invention relates to the control of the temperature of the passenger compartment of a vehicle by the driver.

[0002] Prior art patent application CN118003829, which describes a method for controlling the temperature inside a vehicle, is known. The method includes a step of collecting information such as the outside temperature, the inside temperature of the vehicle, sunlight, outside humidity, inside air quality, atmospheric pressure, rain, vehicle speed, vehicle power distribution, vehicle range, vehicle driving mode, vehicle location, and weather forecast. Patent application CN118003829 describes a first method of temperature control in which a target temperature is proposed to the driver based on the collected information. The vehicle includes an interactive interface on which the target temperature is presented. The driver can choose whether or not to apply the target temperature via the interactive interface.However, some drawbacks remain. All the information is collected by devices on board the vehicle, meaning at a precise location. It is impossible for the vehicle to predict the temperature at the destination, and therefore to adjust the interior temperature accordingly. This creates a risk of thermal shock for the vehicle's occupants, characterized by symptoms such as tingling in the limbs or headaches.

[0003] The objective of the present invention is to remedy these disadvantages and reduce the risk of thermal shock upon arrival at the driver's destination, while optimizing the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a method for managing the temperature of a vehicle's passenger compartment, the vehicle comprising a heating or air conditioning system configured to increase or decrease the passenger compartment temperature, a navigation system for moving the vehicle from a starting point to a destination point, and a human-machine interface for the driver to control the heating or air conditioning system and the navigation system, said vehicle comprising a controller configured to calculate the energy consumption of the heating or air conditioning system, characterized in that the vehicle comprises an automatic passenger compartment temperature management system capable of communicating with a meteorological database, with the human-machine interface, with the controller, with the navigation system and with the heating or air conditioning system, said automatic cabin temperature management system being configured to be activated or deactivated by the driver via the human-machine interface, said meteorological database being configured to transmit the outside temperature at the destination point to the automatic cabin temperature management system, the method comprising the following steps: - a step of transmitting the outside temperature at the destination point from the meteorological database to the automatic cabin temperature management system when the driver enters the destination point in the navigation system via the human-machine interface; - a step of determining a target destination temperature by the automatic cabin temperature management system based on the outside temperature at the destination point provided by the meteorological database and the energy consumption calculated by the controller; - a step of activation of the automatic cabin temperature management system by the driver via the human-machine interface, the target destination temperature being applied progressively by the heating or air conditioning system over a predetermined period of time preceding the arrival of the vehicle at the destination point, the target destination temperature being reached when the vehicle arrives at the destination point.

[0005] Thanks to the invention, the risks of thermal shock when the occupants exit the vehicle at the point of destination are reduced, while optimizing the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0006] Preferably, the target destination temperature is between a minimum destination temperature and a maximum destination temperature, the minimum destination temperature being calculated by the following mathematical formula: Outside temperature at the destination point - 8 °C, the maximum destination temperature being calculated by the following mathematical formula: Outside temperature at the destination point + 8 °C.

[0007] Such a temperature difference considerably reduces the risks of thermal shock when the occupants exit the vehicle at the destination point.

[0008] Preferably, said vehicle includes an outside temperature sensor, said method comprising a step of measuring the outside temperature at the starting point by the outside temperature sensor and a step of determining a target starting temperature by the automatic cabin temperature management system as a function of the outside temperature at the starting point provided by the sensor for outside temperature and energy consumption calculated by the controller.

[0009] In this way, the risks of thermal shock when the occupants of the vehicle enter the starting point are reduced, while optimizing the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0010] Preferably, the target starting temperature is between a minimum starting temperature and a maximum starting temperature, the minimum starting temperature being calculated by the following mathematical formula: Outside temperature at the starting point - 8 °C, the maximum starting temperature being calculated by the following mathematical formula: Outside temperature at the starting point + 8 °C.

[0011] Such a temperature difference considerably reduces the risks of thermal shock when the occupants of the vehicle enter the starting point.

[0012] Advantageously, the vehicle includes an electric motor and a traction battery capable of being electrically recharged, the automatic cabin temperature management system being configured to communicate with a mobile terminal, the method including a preconditioning step during which the starting target temperature is applied when the driver activates the automatic cabin temperature management system via the mobile terminal and when the traction battery is being electrically recharged.

[0013] Thus, the vehicle reaches the target starting temperature before the driver enters the vehicle, which improves comfort and further reduces the risk of thermal shock between the outside temperature and the temperature inside the passenger compartment.

[0014] Advantageously, the human-machine interface includes a screen, said controller being capable of determining an estimated gain in energy consumption and / or an estimated gain in vehicle range between an initial setpoint temperature determined by the driver via the human-machine interface and the target destination temperature or the target departure temperature, range being the maximum distance that can be traveled by the vehicle depending on the state of charge of the battery and / or the amount of fuel remaining in said vehicle, said screen displaying the estimated gain in energy consumption and / or the estimated gain in vehicle range determined by the controller during said activation step of the automatic cabin temperature management system.

[0015] Displaying the estimated gain is an argument to convince the driver to activate the automatic cabin temperature management system, which offers a health benefit to the driver by reducing the risk of thermal shock and preventing potential excessive energy consumption, thus enabling a Increased vehicle range, i.e. the maximum distance that can be traveled with the energy available in the vehicle.

[0016] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, lead the computer to implement the steps of the process of managing the temperature of a vehicle's passenger compartment previously described.

[0017] In addition, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a computer configured to implement the temperature management method of a vehicle passenger compartment previously described.

[0018] The invention will be further detailed by the description of a non-limiting embodiment, and on the basis of the attached figure illustrating the invention, in which [Fig.1] schematically illustrates, in the form of a logic diagram, a method for managing the temperature of a vehicle's passenger compartment according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] A method for managing the temperature of a vehicle's passenger compartment is schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1] in the form of a flowchart. The method is particularly suitable for motor vehicles, especially electric or hybrid vehicles. However, this example is by no means limiting. Indeed, it can be applied to any land, sea, or air vehicle with a passenger compartment. The vehicle has a heating or air conditioning system configured to raise or lower the passenger compartment temperature. The automatic heating or air conditioning system is a complete device for regulating the temperature and comfort of a space according to ambient conditions. It consists of a central heating and air conditioning unit, including a compressor or a heat pump for cooling.Various sensors (such as temperature probes, pressure sensors in the refrigerant circuit, and sunlight sensors) provide real-time information about the environment. In response, actuators adjust the hot and cold air mixing flaps, airflow direction, and air recirculation. This system can integrate heating elements into the air or coolant circuits for additional warmth in winter. The user can interact via a dedicated interface, consisting of buttons and / or indicator lights, for example, or via an interface integrated into the vehicle's touchscreen, while the associated electronics coordinate everything, ensuring optimal comfort without constant intervention. The vehicle also features a navigation system for moving the vehicle from a starting point to a destination.Indeed, a navigation system is a set of hardware and software devices designed to guide the driver from a starting point to a chosen destination using geographic data and optimized routes. The navigation system typically uses a satellite positioning system designated by [system name missing]. The generic term GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) can utilize different technologies depending on the region and may include additional features to enhance the driving experience. The navigation system can be integrated into a dedicated computer, an infotainment system, or an HPC (High Performance Computer), which is used to meet the increasing computing demands of modern vehicles, such as those incorporating advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving capabilities. Furthermore, the vehicle also features a human-machine interface configured to allow the driver to control the heating or air conditioning system and the navigation system.The human-machine interface is usually located in the passenger compartment and can take various forms. For example, the human-machine interface may include a touchscreen for managing heating or air conditioning system settings, as well as for entering a destination or a waypoint in the navigation system. The vehicle has a controller configured to calculate the energy consumption of the heating or air conditioning system. Indeed, heating and air conditioning systems are particularly energy-intensive, especially when there is a large difference between the outside temperature and the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment. This is even more problematic for electric or hybrid vehicles, meaning vehicles with at least one electric motor and a traction battery.Specifically, for heating, an electric or hybrid vehicle operating in electric mode does not benefit from the abundant heat energy generated by an internal combustion engine. This is due to its operating principle and relatively low efficiency, as it only converts a portion of the energy used into motive power and dissipates the rest as heat, which is easily recovered for heating the passenger compartment. Excessive use of the heating or air conditioning system leads to excessive consumption of the electrical energy stored in the traction battery, significantly reducing the vehicle's range.In electric or hybrid vehicles, the traction battery includes a battery management system (BMS), which communicates with the battery management system to determine the battery's state of charge and calculate its range based on the route entered into the navigation system. For internal combustion engine vehicles, range is the maximum distance that can be traveled depending on the amount of fuel remaining in the vehicle's tank. Regarding hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the range... The vehicle's range is the maximum distance it can travel based on the amount of hydrogen available in its tanks. In addition, the vehicle includes an automatic cabin temperature management system capable of communicating with the human-machine interface, the heating or air conditioning system, the navigation system, and the controller. The various internal vehicle communications are handled by communication buses such as CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN-FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-rate), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and / or Ethernet. The automatic cabin temperature management system is implemented in a dedicated computer, a BCM (Body Control Module), or the HPC.The automatic cabin temperature management system is also capable of communicating with an external weather database. This database transmits weather forecasts, such as temperature and / or sunshine levels, to the destination entered by the driver into the navigation system via the human-machine interface. Communication with the weather database is achieved using fourth- or fifth-generation wireless mobile networks. The automatic cabin temperature management system is configured to be activated or deactivated by the driver through the human-machine interface.

[0020] The method comprises at least three steps. During a transmission step E1, the outside temperature at the destination point is transmitted from the meteorological database to the automatic cabin temperature management system when the driver enters the destination point into the navigation system via the human-machine interface. Alternatively, the navigation system includes a memory configured to store habitual routes, based on the roads on which the vehicle travels and / or the date and time. Thus, for a habitual route from the driver's home to their workplace, the navigation system is capable of automatically defining the workplace as the destination point, even if the driver has not previously entered their workplace into the navigation system.Thus, the El transmission step is implemented so that the meteorological database communicates the appropriate weather forecast to the driver's workplace. During a long journey, for example a motorway trip of several hundred kilometers, the weather forecast can be periodically updated according to the estimated time of arrival, which may vary depending on the conditions. traffic conditions, particularly in case of congestion, for example... During the E2 target destination temperature determination step, the automatic cabin temperature management system determines a target destination temperature. This target destination temperature is determined based on the outside temperature at the destination point, previously provided by the meteorological database, and on the energy consumption calculated by the controller. In this way, the target destination temperature is the optimal temperature for the comfort of the driver and any other vehicle occupants, as well as for energy consumption, especially for electric or hybrid vehicles, to optimize vehicle range.During the activation step of the E3 automatic cabin temperature management system, the driver activates the system via the human-machine interface. Following activation, the target destination temperature is gradually applied by the heating or air conditioning system over a predetermined period before the vehicle arrives at the destination. The target destination temperature is reached when the vehicle arrives at the destination.For example, if the outside temperature at the destination is 35°C, the target destination temperature determined by the automatic cabin temperature management system is 30°C, but the cabin temperature is 25°C, then the heating or air conditioning system is activated for a predetermined period, which could be 30 minutes before arrival at the destination, for example. This reduces the temperature difference between the cabin and the outside temperature at the destination, significantly decreasing the risk of thermal shock for the driver and other vehicle occupants. Ideally, the target destination temperature should fall between a minimum and maximum destination temperature.The minimum destination temperature is calculated using the following mathematical formula: Outside temperature at the destination point - 80°C. The maximum destination temperature is calculated using the following mathematical formula: . Outside temperature at the destination point + 8°C. In other words, the temperature difference between the cabin temperature at the destination point, i.e., the target destination temperature, and the outside temperature at the destination point is less than or equal to 8°C. During the activation step of the automatic cabin temperature management system from the human-machine interface, said human-machine interface preferably includes a screen. The screen displays the estimated energy consumption gain, and possibly also the estimated range gain, between an initial setpoint temperature determined by The driver, via the human-machine interface, sets the target destination temperature or the target departure temperature, determined by the controller. The driver retains the option to set the initial target temperature themselves—an arbitrary temperature chosen by the driver, disregarding potential thermal shock upon entering or exiting the vehicle, or the energy consumption of the heating or air conditioning system. During the activation of the automatic cabin temperature management system, the human-machine interface offers the option to activate the system, displaying the estimated energy consumption savings and potentially also the estimated range increase, or to maintain the initial target temperature.

[0021] Optionally, the vehicle includes an outside temperature sensor. When the vehicle is a motor vehicle, it includes rearview mirrors, and the outside temperature sensor is generally located on one of the vehicle's mirrors, specifically the passenger-side mirror, i.e., the side opposite the driver's side. It is primarily thanks to the outside temperature sensor that most motor vehicles display the outside temperature on the human-machine interface. The method then includes a step of measuring the outside temperature at the starting point by said outside temperature sensor and a step of determining a target starting temperature by the automatic cabin temperature management system.The target starting temperature is determined based on the outside temperature at the starting point provided by the outside temperature sensor and the energy consumption calculated by the controller. Preferably, as with the target destination temperature, the target starting temperature is between a minimum starting temperature and a maximum starting temperature. The minimum starting temperature is calculated using the following mathematical formula: . Outside temperature at the starting point: -8°C. The maximum starting temperature is calculated using the following mathematical formula: Outside temperature at the starting point + 8 °C.

[0022] When the vehicle has an electric motor and a traction battery configured for electrical charging, i.e., when the vehicle is an electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the method optionally includes a preconditioning step. The automatic cabin temperature management system is capable of communicating with a mobile terminal, for example, a mobile phone. The preconditioning step is characterized by the application of the initial target temperature when the driver activates the management system. Automatic cabin temperature control via mobile device and when the traction battery is charging. This improves driver comfort as the cabin temperature is adjusted as soon as the driver enters the vehicle.

[0023] In addition, the invention relates to a computer program configured to implement the steps of the process of managing the temperature of a vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0024] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a computer configured to implement the steps of the process of managing the temperature of a vehicle's passenger compartment.

Claims

1. Demands A method for managing the temperature of a vehicle's passenger compartment, the vehicle comprising a heating or air conditioning system configured to increase or decrease the passenger compartment temperature, a navigation system for moving the vehicle from a starting point to a destination point, and a human-machine interface for the driver to control the heating or air conditioning system and the navigation system, said vehicle comprising a controller configured to calculate the energy consumption of the heating or air conditioning system, characterized in that the vehicle comprises an automatic passenger compartment temperature management system capable of communicating with a meteorological database, with the human-machine interface, with the controller, with the navigation system, and with the heating or air conditioning system.said automatic cabin temperature management system being configured to be activated or deactivated by the driver via the human-machine interface, said meteorological database being configured to transmit the outside temperature at the destination point to the automatic cabin temperature management system, the method comprising the following steps: - a transmission step (El) of the outside temperature at the destination point from the meteorological database to the automatic cabin temperature management system when the driver enters the destination point into the navigation system via the human-machine interface; - a step of determining a target destination temperature (E2) by the automatic cabin temperature management system based on the outside temperature at the destination point provided by the meteorological database and the energy consumption calculated by the controller; - a step of activation of the automatic cabin temperature management system (E3) by the driver via the human-machine interface, the target destination temperature being applied progressively by the heating or air conditioning system over a predetermined period of time preceding the arrival of the vehicle at the destination point, the target destination temperature being reached when the vehicle arrives at the destination point to reduce the risk of thermal shock for the driver and optimize the energy consumption of the heating or air conditioning system.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the target destination temperature is between a minimum destination temperature and a maximum destination temperature, the minimum destination temperature being calculated by the following mathematical formula: Outside temperature at the destination point 0 C, the maximum destination temperature being calculated by the following mathematical formula: Outside temperature at the destination point + 80 C.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said vehicle comprises an outside temperature sensor, said method comprising a step of measuring the outside temperature at the starting point by the outside temperature sensor and a step of determining a target starting temperature by the automatic cabin temperature management system as a function of the outside temperature at the starting point provided by the outside temperature sensor and the energy consumption calculated by the controller.

4. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the target starting temperature is between a minimum starting temperature and a maximum starting temperature, the minimum starting temperature being calculated by the following mathematical formula: Outside temperature at the starting point -80 C, the maximum starting temperature being calculated by the following mathematical formula: Outside temperature at the starting point + 80 C.

5. A method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the vehicle comprises an electric motor and a traction battery capable of being electrically recharged, the automatic cabin temperature management system being configured to communicate with a mobile terminal, the method comprising a preconditioning step during which the temperature The starting target is applied when the driver activates the automatic cabin temperature management system via the mobile terminal and when the traction battery is being electrically recharged.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the human-machine interface comprises a screen, said controller being capable of determining an estimated gain in energy consumption and / or an estimated gain in vehicle range between an initial setpoint temperature determined by the driver via the human-machine interface and the target destination temperature or the target departure temperature, range being the maximum distance that can be traveled by the vehicle depending on the state of charge of the battery and / or the amount of fuel remaining in said vehicle, said screen displaying the estimated gain in energy consumption and / or the estimated gain in vehicle range determined by the controller during said activation step of the automatic cabin temperature management system.

7. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method for managing the temperature of a vehicle's passenger compartment according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Vehicle comprising a computer configured to implement the method of managing the temperature of a vehicle passenger compartment according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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