Vehicle Blower Motor Voltage Control for Faster Cabin Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid electric vehicles, the climate control system faces inefficiencies in heating the cabin when operating in charge-depleting mode, as the engine is not available to provide heat, leading to longer heating times and potential user discomfort due to sustained discharge of cool air in cold conditions.
Innovation Solution
The climate controller adjusts the blower motor's operating voltage based on the vehicle's mode of operation (charge-sustaining or charge-depleting) and climate control mode (automatic or manual) when the ambient temperature is below a threshold, optimizing airflow and heating efficiency by using different blower parameters for engine-propelled versus electric-machine-propelled scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the blower motor operates at high voltage to increase heating speed in charge-depleting mode, then heating efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the blower motor voltage based on real-time operating conditions (charge-depleting vs. charge-sustaining mode, ambient temperature thresholds). In charge-depleting mode below threshold temperature, the motor receives higher voltage for faster heating, while in other modes it operates at standard voltage, making the system adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameter (voltage) of the blower motor based on vehicle operating mode and temperature conditions. By modifying the voltage parameter dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between heating performance and energy consumption differentially across operating scenarios
2Loss of time
If the blower motor operates continuously at high speed to heat the cabin quickly, then heating time is reduced, but energy depletion accelerates in charge-depleting mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts blower motor operation based on charge state. In charge-depleting mode, the motor operates at reduced voltage to conserve energy, while in charge-sustaining mode it can operate at full voltage for faster heating, making the heating strategy adaptive to battery state
Solution Approach 2:
In charge-depleting mode, the system applies partial action by operating the blower motor at reduced capacity (lower voltage) rather than full capacity, accepting longer heating time as a trade-off to preserve battery energy for essential functions
3Use of energy by moving object
If the climate system uses engine heat for cabin heating, then energy efficiency improves, but the system becomes unavailable when operating in electric-only mode
Solution Approach 1:
The climate control system is designed to function universally across multiple operating modes (charge-sustaining with engine, charge-depleting without engine). By implementing mode-dependent control strategies, the system maintains adaptability and versatility to operate effectively whether the engine is available for heat or not
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (blower voltage, climate control settings) based on the available heat source. When the engine is unavailable in electric-only mode, the system adjusts parameters to compensate for the lack of engine heat, ensuring the climate system remains adaptable to different operational contexts
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 reduces heating times and improves user comfort by adjusting blower motor voltage according to the vehicle's operational mode and climate control settings, ensuring efficient cabin heating even when the engine is not available as a heat source.
Implementation Method 1
operating a blower motor at a voltage that depends on whether the vehicle is in charge sustain mode or charge deplete mode
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a vehicle climate system when an ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature is provided. In response to an ambient temperature being less than a threshold temperature, a controller is adapted to operate a blower motor at a voltage that depends on whether the vehicle is in charge sustain mode or charge deplete mode. In response to an ambient temperature being greater than a threshold temperature, the controller is adapted to operate the blower motor at a voltage that does not depend on whether in the charge sustain or charge deplete modes.