Adaptive Vehicle Climate Control Thermodynamic Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle climate control systems are inefficient in adapting to various vehicle and drive variants, especially during the heating-up phase after a cold start, due to limitations in thermodynamic modeling and the variability of factors such as occupancy, cargo, and ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the acquisition of climatically relevant data, creation of a self-learning thermodynamic model of the vehicle climate system, and adaptation based on thermal disturbances to optimize temperature control, including determining thermal capacity and heat loss, and adjusting the model accordingly to ensure efficient heating and comfort across different conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed control algorithm is used for climate control, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt efficiently to different vehicle variants and climatic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm transitions from a fixed static approach to a dynamic adaptive approach. The system continuously updates the thermodynamic model parameters (thermal capacity, heat loss coefficients) based on real-time sensor data and actual system behavior, allowing the control strategy to adapt to different vehicle variants, occupancy conditions, and environmental factors without requiring multiple pre-programmed algorithms for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically adjusting the thermodynamic model parameters based on its own operational data. Through self-learning mechanisms, the climate control system verifies and updates its internal model of the vehicle interior thermal characteristics without external intervention, enabling it to adapt to specific vehicle configurations and usage patterns autonomously.
2Measurement precision
If the thermodynamic model is optimized for specific vehicle characteristics, then temperature control precision is improved, but substantial outlay is required for adaptation to each vehicle type
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal thermodynamic model structure is implemented that can serve multiple vehicle types and configurations. The model uses generic thermal zones and heat transfer equations that apply to all vehicles, with parameters that are automatically calibrated to match specific vehicle characteristics. This eliminates the need to develop separate control algorithms for different vehicle variants while maintaining high temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the control algorithm structure for different vehicles, the system adjusts the parameters of a universal model. The thermal capacity, heat loss coefficients, and other model parameters are dynamically calibrated based on sensor data from the specific vehicle, allowing the same control software to optimize temperature control across diverse vehicle platforms without substantial reprogramming.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control algorithm is optimized for multiple climatic conditions, then versatility is improved, but the control is frequently not optimal under specific climatic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic parameter adaptation rather than static pre-configuration for different climatic conditions. The thermodynamic model parameters are continuously refined based on actual temperature measurements and system responses, allowing the control to be optimized for the current specific conditions while maintaining the capability to adapt to any climatic scenario. This dynamic approach superior to fixed algorithms designed for specific pre-defined conditions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If engine heat is used for interior heating, then energy efficiency is improved, but the interior heating speed may be insufficient during cold starts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating actions by storing and utilizing engine heat as soon as it becomes available, even before the interior requires full heating. The thermodynamic model predicts future heating requirements and proactively accumulates thermal energy in the engine cooling system, ensuring that heat is ready for immediate use when needed. This preliminary energy storage approach enables fast interior heating while maintaining overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors interior temperature, engine temperature, and heat availability, using this feedback to dynamically adjust the balance between engine heat utilization and auxiliary heating. The feedback loop ensures that engine heat is maximally utilized when sufficient and efficient, while automatically supplementing with additional heating sources when the interior heating rate becomes insufficient, optimizing both energy efficiency and heating speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables optimal temperature control during the heating-up phase, adapting to multiple vehicle and drive variants, and different interior configurations, ensuring comfort and efficiency without requiring additional control elements or sensors, and allowing for predictive climate control based on anticipated conditions.
Implementation Method 1
applying a thermal disturbance to the vehicle climate system, and verifying and/or adapting the thermodynamic model based upon a reaction of the interior system to the thermal disturbance
Implementation Method 2
introducing into the interior a quantity of air having a temperature different from an existing interior temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A method for climate control for an interior of a motor vehicle includes acquiring climatically relevant data of the interior and/or surroundings of the vehicle, creating a thermodynamic model of a vehicle climate system, the model including at least one of a first thermal capacity of the interior and a first heat loss of the interior, introducing into the interior a quantity of air having a temperature different from an existing interior temperature, calculating at least one of a second thermal capacity of the interior and a second heat loss of the interior existing after the air quantity is introduced into the interior, and adapting the thermodynamic model to include at least one the second thermal capacity and the second heat loss.