Vehicle Cabin Climate Control Using Occupancy-Based Thermal Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems for passenger transport vehicles, such as rail vehicles, struggle to precisely and quickly achieve desired comfort parameters like temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels due to limited response capabilities, often resulting in delayed and approximate climate control.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling air conditioning devices using a disturbance variable control based on a characteristic map that determines thermal power requirements from external conditions, occupancy, and target temperatures, allowing for precise and timely adjustments in supply air temperature and volume flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional climate control systems with limited response levels (2-4 levels) are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the precision and speed of achieving desired comfort parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by continuously adjusting the thermal power output of heating and cooling devices based on real-time measurements of comfort parameters (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration) and external conditions. Instead of discrete control levels, the system dynamically modifies operational parameters to achieve precise control of the climate environment, resolving the contradiction between control precision and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback control by measuring actual comfort parameters and comparing them with target values, then using this information to adjust the thermal power output. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise and rapid achievement of desired comfort parameters while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
2Speed
If conventional climate control systems with discrete response levels are used, then the system remains easy to operate, but the response speed to changing thermal conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically measuring comfort parameters, comparing them with targets, and adjusting thermal power output without requiring manual intervention. The control system autonomously responds to changing thermal conditions and occupancy levels, achieving fast response speeds while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling continuous adjustment of thermal power output rather than relying on fixed discrete levels. The system dynamically adapts to changing conditions (external temperature, humidity, solar radiation, occupancy) by continuously modifying heating and cooling rates, thereby achieving rapid response while the automated control maintains operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive measurements of external thermal conditions (temperature, humidity, solar radiation) and occupancy are continuously performed, then the precision of thermal power determination improves, but the measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by using a single control unit that performs multiple functions: measuring comfort parameters (temperature, humidity, CO2), sensing external conditions (temperature, humidity, solar radiation), calculating thermal power requirements using characteristic curves, and controlling heating/cooling devices. This multi-functional integration achieves precise thermal power determination while managing overall system complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces characteristic curves as an intermediary element that simplifies the control process. These pre-determined curves represent the relationship between external conditions, occupancy, and required thermal power. By using these characteristic curves as a mediator, the system achieves precise thermal power determination without requiring complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing control system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an air-conditioning device that is used to generate supply air, which is air-conditioned by cooling and heating devices, for the interior of a vehicle. The control is designed as an interference variable control and is based on a specified characteristic field, wherein a thermal output requirement to be supplied by the air-conditioning device is determined on the basis of external thermal conditions of the vehicle, a target temperature assigned to the interior, and the occupancy of the vehicle by persons.