Method for operating a vehicle climate control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle air conditioning systems experience noticeable torque disturbances when mechanically coupling and decoupling the air conditioner compressor to the energy source, affecting driver comfort and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves reducing the refrigerant pressurization capacity of the air conditioning compressor before engaging and disengaging it from the energy conversion device, adjusting the compressor displacement command to minimize torque changes, thereby reducing the noticeable impact on the driveline and engine load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air conditioner compressor is mechanically coupled and decoupled to the energy source to control cabin temperature, then the cooling capacity is sufficient to maintain desired cabin temperature, but noticeable torque disturbances occur on the driveline affecting driver comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system reduces the compressor displacement command to a minimum value before the clutch is engaged or disengaged. This preliminary action ensures that when the mechanical coupling occurs, the compressor is already in a low-torque state, minimizing the torque disturbance transmitted to the driveline and improving driver comfort while maintaining the ability to provide sufficient cooling when needed.
2Temperature
If the air conditioner compressor operates at high capacity to provide sufficient cooling during warm conditions, then driver comfort is improved, but fuel consumption increases due to higher engine load
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor displacement command based on real-time cabin temperature conditions and clutch engagement state. When the clutch is disengaged or during transitions, the displacement is reduced to minimum. When the clutch is engaged and cooling is needed, the displacement is increased to provide sufficient cooling capacity. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between cooling performance and fuel consumption.
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 improves the smoothness of transitions between loading and unloading the air conditioner compressor, enhances fuel control, and reduces the noticeability of torque changes to the driver, leading to a more comfortable and efficient vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
reducing a refrigerant pressurization capacity of the air conditioning compressor before engaging and disengaging the air conditioner compressor to an energy conversion device that supplies rotational energy to the air conditioner compressor
Implementation Method 2
Air from the vehicle cabin is passed over an evaporator that cools the air and condenses water vapor from the air, thereby conditioning the cabin air to improve driver comfort
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an air conditioner compressor of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes adjusting a displacement command in response to an error between an expected air conditioner evaporator temperature and a measured or inferred air conditioner evaporator temperature, the displacement command is further adjusted via adding a value to the displacement command based on desired air conditioner evaporator temperature, the value determined apart from the error between the expected air conditioner evaporator temperature and the measured or inferred air conditioner evaporator temperature.