Integrated Bus Heater Controller for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bus heating systems face inefficiencies in maintaining internal temperature due to separate control of main and auxiliary heater units, leading to increased fuel consumption and passenger discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A bus heating system and method that coordinates the operation of a water-heating-type main heater unit and a heat-pump-type auxiliary heater unit using a controller, based on set target temperatures and measured conditions, to optimize energy use and reduce switch operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the main heater unit and auxiliary heater unit are controlled separately by separate controllers, then each heater can be operated independently, but the overall heating efficiency decreases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions of the main heater unit and auxiliary heater unit into a single integrated controller. This unified controller coordinates both heater units to work together, optimizing their operation to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining the ability to heat the bus interior effectively.
2Ease of operation
If the driver freely operates the main heater unit and auxiliary heater unit, then operational flexibility is maintained, but fuel efficiency cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the interior temperature and adjusting the operation of both heater units accordingly. This ensures optimal fuel efficiency while maintaining the desired interior temperature, preventing energy waste from unnecessary heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of the main and auxiliary heater units based on real-time temperature conditions. The controller can switch between different heating modes and adjust the intensity of each heater unit to match the actual heating requirements, optimizing energy usage.
3Ease of operation
If separate controllers are used for main and auxiliary heater units, then individual control is possible, but the number of switch operations increases causing driver fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of two separate controllers into a single integrated controller that manages both the main heater unit and auxiliary heater unit. This reduces the number of switches and controls the driver needs to interact with, decreasing operational complexity and driver fatigue.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the auxiliary heater unit operated by heat pumping is used more to improve fuel efficiency, then energy savings are achieved, but maintaining desired internal temperature becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller coordinates both the main heater unit (water heating type) and auxiliary heater unit (heat pump type) to work together. This combination allows the system to leverage the fuel efficiency of the heat pump while using the main heater unit to ensure reliable temperature maintenance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts operating parameters of both heater units based on temperature requirements and efficiency considerations. By changing operational parameters such as heating intensity and duration, the system optimizes the balance between fuel efficiency and temperature maintenance reliability.
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
The system improves fuel efficiency and passenger comfort by alternately controlling the main and auxiliary heaters, maintaining a consistent internal temperature while reducing driver fatigue and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a water-heating-type main heater unit configured to heat an internal bottom area of the bus
Implementation Method 2
a heat-pump-type auxiliary heater unit configured to heat an internal roof area of the bus
Data Source
AI summary
A bus heating system and a method of controlling the same, is configured for controlling a water-heating-type main heater unit and a heat-pump-type auxiliary heater unit in conjunction with each other for heating an interior of a bus, improving the efficiency of operation of the main heater unit while reducing the number of switch operations. The bus heating system includes a water-heating-type main heater unit configured to heat an internal bottom area of the bus, a heat-pump-type auxiliary heater unit configured to heat an internal roof area of the bus, and a controller configured to control operations of the main heater unit and the auxiliary heater unit in conjunction with each other based on a set target internal temperature (Ttarget), a measured outside air temperature (Toutside), a measured internal temperature (Troom), and a main-heater-unit refrigerant temperature (Trefrigerants).