Vehicle Cabin Air Replacement Timed to Predicted Occupancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air quality control systems in vehicles are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and can cause discomfort to occupants during purging modes, necessitating alternative approaches that improve energy efficiency and occupant experience.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to commence air replacement in vehicle compartments before an occupant enters, using sensors to detect the absence of occupants and estimating the time of entry to optimize air replacement vigor and completion, incorporating cleaning, tempering, and scenting based on occupant preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air replacement is performed when air quality parameters exceed limits, then air quality is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and occupant comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs air replacement in advance based on predicted occupancy patterns. The controller determines a predicted time when the compartment will be occupied and initiates air replacement before that time, even when current air quality parameters are within acceptable limits. This preliminary action ensures fresh air is available when occupants arrive while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during periods of low occupancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses air quality sensors to continuously monitor parameters such as CO2 concentration, particulate matter, and VOC levels. This feedback information is fed to the controller which adjusts the air replacement strategy dynamically - performing replacement when quality degrades and predicting optimal times for replacement based on historical data and sensor inputs.
2Reliability
If air replacement is performed when air quality parameters exceed limits, then air quality is improved, but occupant comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system predicts when occupants will arrive and completes air replacement before they enter the compartment. By timing the air replacement to finish just before predicted occupancy, the system ensures occupants always encounter fresh air without experiencing the discomfort of high-flow air replacement operations.
3Productivity
If air replacement is performed at high vigor, then air replacement efficiency is improved, but occupant comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines a predicted time of occupancy and initiates high-vigor air replacement before that time. This allows the system to use maximum airflow rates when the compartment is empty (achieving rapid air replacement) while ensuring the high-flow operation completes before occupants arrive, thus maintaining both efficiency and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the air replacement intensity based on occupancy status and predicted occupancy patterns. High-vigor replacement is used when the compartment is empty or during transition periods, while low-vigor or no replacement is used during active occupancy, optimizing both efficiency and comfort at different times.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a vehicle prior to an occupant entering the vehicle includes acquiring information indicative of an upcoming time of entry of the occupant into a compartment of the vehicle, and commencing air replacement of at least part of the air in the compartment of the vehicle prior to the upcoming time of entry of the occupant. In some embodiments, the method also includes detecting whether the compartment of the vehicle has occupants, and commencing the air replacement responsive to detecting that the compartment of the vehicle has no occupants. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a latest possible time for commencing the air replacement provided that the air replacement is to be completed at the upcoming time of entry of the occupant, and commencing the air replacement based on the determined latest possible time.