METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPTIMIZING A MOTOR VEHICLE'S THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BY ANTICIPATING TERRAIN

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for optimizing a vehicle's thermal management system by anticipating the terrain. The method uses a GPS system to determine the vehicle's current position and anticipate upcoming road conditions. Based on vehicle speed data, temperature settings, and the outside temperature, the system proactively adjusts the operation of the heating or cooling system before the vehicle begins to climb. This anticipation optimizes the vehicle's thermal management by adapting the operating mode of the thermal systems to the future road conditions, thereby improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPTIMIZING A THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE BY ANTICIPATING THE ROAD RELIEF Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal management systems for motor vehicles, and more particularly to the optimization of their operation according to the road relief. Technological background

[0002] In the current context of research for energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the optimization of all systems of a motor vehicle has become a priority.

[0003] The thermal management system, including the heating, ventilation and air conditioning functions (hereinafter referred to as the "HVAC system"), represents a significant part of the energy consumption of a motor vehicle, particularly in extreme climatic conditions or when traveling on steep terrain.

[0004] Conventional HVAC systems generally operate reactively, adjusting their performance according to current conditions without taking into account imminent changes in the driving environment. This approach results in suboptimal energy consumption, particularly when driving on roads with significant elevation changes.

[0005] Several solutions have been proposed to improve the efficiency of HVAC systems in vehicles. For example, heat recovery systems recover waste heat from the engine or other vehicle components to heat the passenger compartment, thereby reducing the load on the main heating system. However, these solutions generally do not proactively take into account upcoming changes in road topography and their potential impact on the vehicle's energy requirements and passenger thermal comfort.

[0006] The proposed invention aims to fill this gap by introducing an intelligent system capable of anticipating changes in road terrain and proactively adjusting the operation of the HVAC system to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining occupant comfort. Object of the invention

[0007] To this end, the invention proposes a method for optimizing the operation of the thermal management system in a motor vehicle, remarkable in that it implements the following steps:

[0008] - obtaining, via a GPS system, a current position of the motor vehicle; Then

[0009] - the determination, based on the current position, of a future road relief; then

[0010] - the management of speed data of the motor vehicle, the setpoint data of the motor vehicle's temperature and the outside temperature data; then

[0011] - the adjustment, before the motor vehicle begins to climb the upcoming road relief, of a mode of operation of a heating system or a cooling system of the motor vehicle.

[0012] The determination of a future road relief can be done by using a map database embedded in the motor vehicle or by accessing map data via an internet connection.

[0013] The future road topography can be determined for a predefined distance, by example between 1 kilometer and 2 kilometers, preferably for a distance equal to or greater than five kilometers and / or preferably for a distance equal to or less than ten kilometers, or can be dynamically adjusted according to vehicle speed and traffic conditions.

[0014] The method according to the invention can also manage vehicle speed data, vehicle temperature setpoint data, and outside temperature data. This data can be obtained from various sensors present in the vehicle. Vehicle speed can be measured by the vehicle's speedometer or calculated from GPS data. The temperature setpoint can be that defined by the vehicle occupants via the climate control system interface. The outside temperature can be measured by a dedicated sensor located outside the vehicle.

[0015] The GPS system may be integrated into the vehicle or may be a portable device connected to the vehicle's system. The accuracy of the position obtained may vary depending on the type of GPS receiver used, ranging from an accuracy of a few meters to centimeter accuracy for the most advanced systems.

[0016] The invention is remarkable in that the method adjusts, before the motor vehicle engages in an upcoming uphill road incline, the operating mode of a heating and / or cooling system of the motor vehicle.

[0017] This adjustment is made based on the upcoming road topography, the vehicle's speed data, the vehicle's temperature setpoint data, and the outside temperature data. The adjustment may can take various forms, such as modifying the setpoint temperature, modulating the power of the air conditioning compressor, or activating / deactivating certain components of the thermal management system early.

[0018] In one embodiment, adjusting the operating mode may include lowering a temperature setpoint in cold weather to optimize the heating system's energy consumption. For example, if the system detects an upcoming incline and the outside temperature is low, it may slightly lower the setpoint temperature, for example by 1 to 2°C, to reduce the load on the heating system and free up energy for propelling the vehicle uphill. The extent of this reduction may be adjusted according to the incline's gradient, its length, and the difference between the interior and exterior temperatures.

[0019] Alternatively or in addition, the adjustment may include increasing the temperature setpoint in warm weather to optimize the energy consumption of the cooling system. In this case, if an ascent is anticipated and the outside temperature is high, the system may slightly increase the setpoint temperature to reduce the load on the air conditioning system's compressor, thus saving energy for the ascent. Again, the extent of this increase can be adjusted according to the characteristics of the ascent and the thermal conditions.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the heating system used within the framework of this invention may include at least one of the following elements: a positive temperature coefficient heater (hereinafter referred to as "PTC"), a heat pump or an electric resistance heater.

[0021] PTC heating is particularly efficient for rapid temperature rise and is often used in electric vehicles.

[0022] The heat pump offers superior energy efficiency, particularly under moderate temperature conditions.

[0023] Electric resistance heating, although less energy efficient, can be used as a supplementary system or in vehicles where simplicity and cost are important factors.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the cooling system may include a refrigeration circuit with refrigerant compression. This circuit typically includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The optimization process may, for example, adjust the operation of this system by modulating the compressor power or modifying the operating parameters of the other components to optimize energy consumption.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method may include means for preserving engine torque during a phase of reduced energy consumption. This may involve coordination with the engine or battery management system (in the case of an electric vehicle) to ensure that the reduction in energy consumption of the thermal management system does not compromise vehicle performance, particularly during uphill phases.

[0026] The invention also provides a device for optimizing the operation of the thermal management system in a motor vehicle. This device includes means for obtaining the current position of the motor vehicle, which may include a GPS receiver integrated into or connected to the vehicle's system. The device also includes means for determining upcoming road topography based on the current position, which may include a navigation system with a detailed map database.

[0027] The device includes means for managing vehicle speed data, vehicle temperature setpoint data, and outside temperature data. These means may include various sensors present in the vehicle as well as a data processing system capable of integrating and analyzing this information.

[0028] Remarkably, the device includes means for adjusting, before the motor vehicle begins to climb an upcoming incline, the operating mode of a heating or cooling system of the motor vehicle. These adjustment means may include a central controller, in the form of a microprocessor or microcontroller, programmed with advanced optimization algorithms to manage the entire thermal management system based on the method and embodiments thereof described above.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the means for obtaining the current position of the motor vehicle include a GPS receiver, and the means for determining the upcoming road topography include a navigation system configured to access map data including topographic information. This configuration allows for precise, real-time determination of the upcoming topography, which is essential for the proactive optimization of the thermal management system.

[0030] The device may also include means for preserving engine torque during a phase of reduced energy consumption resulting from the adjustment of the operating mode. These means may include communication interfaces with other vehicle systems, such as the engine or battery management system, allowing for fine coordination between thermal optimization and overall vehicle performance.

[0031] The invention also extends to a motor vehicle comprising the optimization device described above. This vehicle may be of any type, including, but not limited to, passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trucks, or buses. It may be internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles, or hybrid vehicles.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the motor vehicle further comprises a heating system including at least one of the following: a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, a heat pump, or an electric resistance heater. The vehicle also comprises a cooling system including a refrigeration circuit with refrigerant compression. This configuration allows for considerable flexibility in optimizing the thermal management system, as the device can adjust the operation of these different elements according to anticipated conditions. Description of the figures

[0033] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, which presents non-limiting embodiments of the invention and is explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, in which:

[0034] [Fig. 1] illustrates a graph showing the adjustment of the temperature of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, according to the terrain that the motor vehicle will travel over, in which the x-axis represents the distance traveled by the motor vehicle, the main y-axis shows the altitude, and the secondary y-axis indicates the setpoint temperature, the curves illustrate how the setpoint temperature is proactively adjusted in anticipation of the terrain that the motor vehicle will travel over. Detailed description of the invention

[0035] As a reminder, the invention proposes a method and a device for adjusting the operation of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a motor vehicle, according to the terrain of the road taken by said vehicle.

[0036] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the system according to the invention may comprise several interconnected components working together to improve the efficiency of a thermal management system of a motor vehicle.

[0037] According to the present example, the system includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine the current or real-time position of a motor vehicle.

[0038] The positions recorded by the GPS can be combined with topographic information from a navigation system or a map database to anticipate future changes in the elevation of the road taken by a motor vehicle.

[0039] The system according to the invention may also include various sensors and data inputs for collecting relevant information. These may include a speed sensor to monitor the vehicle's velocity, temperature sensors to measure temperatures inside or outside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, and optionally user interface controls to determine the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle as defined by the occupants of said vehicle.

[0040] The system according to the invention may also include a central unit or a controller configured to analyze the data collected by the systems mentioned above, with the aim of making predictive adjustments to the operation of the HVAC system.

[0041] Preferably, the controller is programmed with algorithms enabling the implementation of a process as described above, designed to optimize energy consumption based on anticipated road conditions and current environmental factors.

[0042] According to the present example, the HVAC system includes a heating system comprising one or more of the following: a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, a heat pump or an electric resistance heater.

[0043] The HVAC system also includes a cooling system comprising a refrigeration circuit with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator.

[0044] By anticipating upcoming ascents or descents on the road, the system according to the invention can advantageously adjust the operation of the HVAC proactively.

[0045] For example, in cold weather conditions, the system according to the invention can slightly lower the cabin setpoint temperature before an uphill section to reduce the heating load in order to conserve energy for increased propulsion demands.

[0046] Conversely, in hot weather, the system according to the invention can allow a slight increase in the temperature of the passenger compartment before an ascent to reduce the load on the air conditioning compressor.

[0047] The system according to the invention can also interface with a powertrain management system of a motor vehicle. Advantageously, this integration can enable coordinated adjustments that balance thermal comfort with the overall performance of the motor vehicle, thus ensuring that energy conservation measures do not unduly affect the vehicle's ability to navigate steep terrain.

[0048] Through these coordinated actions, the system according to the invention improves the overall efficiency of a motor vehicle, in particular by significantly increasing its range and / or reducing fuel consumption, while striving to maintain a comfortable environment for the occupants of the motor vehicle in various road and climatic conditions.

[0049] With reference to [Fig. 1], a graph illustrates the anticipation and optimization of the operation of the system according to the invention, equipping a motor vehicle traveling on a route that includes an incline. More specifically, the x-axis represents time in minutes, while the left y-axis shows the temperature in degrees Celsius and the right y-axis shows the altitude in meters of the route taken by the motor vehicle. The increase in the motor vehicle's altitude over time is indicated, in particular, by a diagonal dashed line.

[0050] The graph shown in [Fig. 1] is divided into two main sections: a left-hand section labeled "Anticipated Overconsumption" and a right-hand section labeled "Energy Underconsumption (Heat Pump OFF)". The temperature curve shows a stepwise increase followed by a gradual decrease. A star symbol on the x-axis marks the point at which the motor vehicle begins to climb a hill.

[0051] Remarkably, the system according to the invention is configured to adapt the interior temperature setting of the motor vehicle in advance, based on the vehicle's position as measured by the GPS system and the terrain of the upcoming road. This adaptation occurs before the vehicle begins to ascend the slope, as indicated by the star symbol. The GPS information, shown in the lower left of the graph with arrows pointing to the first time intervals, provides data on the upcoming road topography.

[0052] In order to optimize the energy consumption of the motor vehicle, the system anticipates changes in the interior temperature setpoint.

[0053] In the present case, the vehicle's thermal management system comprises two separate circuits: a heating loop and a cooling loop. The heating loop refers to all the components and circuits dedicated to heating the vehicle's passenger compartment, including, in particular, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, a heat pump, or an electric resistance heater. This heating loop ensures that a comfortable temperature is maintained in the vehicle's passenger compartment when the outside temperature is low.

[0054] The cold loop, for its part, corresponds to the cooling circuit of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, comprising a refrigerant compression system with its associated components (compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator). This cold loop is activated to cool the passenger compartment when the temperature outside the motor vehicle is high.

[0055] The hot loop and the cold loop work in a complementary manner and can be regulated independently to optimize the vehicle's energy consumption while maintaining the thermal comfort of the occupants.

[0056] In cold weather, the system anticipates an appropriate operating mode for the heating loop before the vehicle begins to climb the slope. The heating loop may include components such as a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, a heat pump, or an electric resistance heater. The system lowers the temperature setpoint to optimize the heating system's energy consumption. This is achieved by a stepwise increase in temperature followed by a gradual decrease in the temperature curve.

[0057] In hot weather conditions, the system anticipates an appropriate operating mode for the cooling loop before the vehicle begins to ascend the slope. The cooling loop may include a refrigeration circuit with refrigerant compression. In this case, the system increases the temperature setpoint to optimize the energy consumption of the cooling system.

[0058] The star symbol on the x-axis marks the point where the vehicle begins to climb a hill. This indicates when the anticipated changes in the heating or cooling system take effect.

[0059] The graph shows that by anticipating the incline and adjusting the heating or cooling system in advance, the vehicle can optimize its energy consumption. The period of increased energy consumption before the incline allows for a period of reduced energy consumption during the ascent, potentially preserving engine torque during this energy-intensive driving phase.

[0060] In certain aspects, the system maintains vehicle performance and safety while optimizing passenger comfort through proactive thermal management. The system can adjust HVAC parameters in advance of anticipated changes in road topography to balance energy consumption with passenger comfort and vehicle performance requirements.

[0061] For example, when approaching an uphill section of road, the system may temporarily reduce the HVAC's power consumption to conserve more energy for the vehicle's propulsion system. This may involve slightly increasing the cabin temperature setting in warm weather or decreasing it in cold weather. This temporary adjustment allows the vehicle to maintain adequate power for climbing the hill while still providing an acceptable level of climate control for the occupants.

[0062] The system can also take into account factors such as vehicle speed, outside temperature, and user-defined comfort preferences during these proactive adjustments. In some cases, the system performs a gradual transition between HVAC modes to avoid sudden changes in cabin temperature that could be noticeable to passengers.

[0063] For electric vehicles, proactive thermal management can help extend driving range by optimizing energy allocation between propulsion and climate control needs. In internal combustion engine vehicles, it can help maintain engine performance under demanding driving conditions by reducing the load on the air conditioning compressor.

[0064] The system may include safeguards to ensure that cabin temperatures remain within safe and comfortable limits even during these temporary adjustments. For example, maximum and minimum permissible temperature settings may be defined to prevent excessive deviation from the user's preferred settings.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for optimizing the operation of a thermal management system of a motor vehicle, characterized in that the following steps are implemented: - obtaining, via a GPS system, a current position of the motor vehicle; then - determining, based on the current position, a future road relief; then - managing the speed data of the motor vehicle, the temperature setpoint data of the motor vehicle and the outside temperature data; then - adjusting, before the motor vehicle engages in an uphill section of the future road relief, an operating mode of a heating system or a cooling system of the motor vehicle according to the future road relief, the speed data of the motor vehicle, the temperature setpoint data of the motor vehicle and the outside temperature data.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment of the operating mode includes: - lowering a temperature setpoint in cold weather to optimize the energy consumption of the heating system; and / or - increasing the temperature setpoint in hot weather to optimize the energy consumption of the cooling system.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heating system comprises at least one of the following: a positive temperature coefficient heater, a heat pump or an electric resistance heater.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling system comprises a refrigeration circuit with compression of a refrigerant fluid.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for preserving motor torque during a phase of reduced energy consumption.

6. A device for optimizing the operation of the thermal management system in a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: - means to obtain a current position of the motor vehicle; - means to determine a future road relief based on the current position; - means to manage the speed data of the motor vehicle, the temperature setpoint data of the motor vehicle and the outside temperature data; - means to adjust, before the motor vehicle engages in an uphill section of the future road relief, an operating mode of a heating system or a cooling system of the motor vehicle.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the means for obtaining the current position of the motor vehicle include a GPS receiver, and in which the means for determining the upcoming road relief include a navigation system configured to access map data including topographic information.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it includes means for preserving motor torque during a phase of reduced energy consumption resulting from the adjustment of the operating mode.

9. Motor vehicle characterized in that it comprises a device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. Motor vehicle according to claim 9, further comprising: - a heating system including at least one of the following, a positive temperature coefficient heater, a heat pump or an electric resistance heater; and / or - a cooling system comprising a refrigeration circuit with compression of a refrigerant fluid.

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