Outlet Air Temperature Estimation Using Heat Transfer Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climatized vehicle systems struggle with inaccurate and slow temperature regulation of air streams due to the lack of precise outlet temperature estimation, inefficient communication between thermal effectors, and the need for extensive calibration, leading to prolonged ramp-up times and discomfort for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically estimating air stream temperature using heat transfer rates between thermal effectors, heat exchangers, and conduits, employing existing sensors and controllers to calculate and update temperature estimates in real-time, allowing for rapid and precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed proximate to the outlet to detect air stream temperature, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but sensor wear and damage increases, diminishing sensor integrity over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary estimation model that calculates air stream temperature based on thermal effector temperatures and heat transfer rates, rather than placing sensors directly in the air stream. This intermediary calculation method provides accurate temperature data without exposing physical sensors to the harsh air stream environment, thus maintaining both measurement precision and sensor reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor placement approach with a computational estimation approach. Instead of physically positioning sensors in the air stream path where they would be exposed to wear and damage, the system uses mathematical models to estimate temperature based on other measurable parameters, eliminating the mechanical vulnerability while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If thermal effectors operate cautiously to avoid overheating or overcooling occupants, then occupant comfort is maintained, but the time to reach setpoint temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors estimated air stream temperature and adjusts thermal effector operation accordingly. By using real-time temperature estimation feedback, the system can aggressively control thermal effectors while automatically preventing overheating or overcooling, thus reducing ramp-up time without sacrificing occupant comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static, pre-determined setpoint operation to dynamic temperature control. The system continuously updates temperature estimates and adjusts thermal effector duty cycles in real-time based on actual conditions, allowing the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions and reach setpoints faster while maintaining comfort through continuous adaptation
3Ease of operation
If climatized vehicle systems operate under pre-determined discrete setpoints, then system operation is simplified, but the ability to regulate temperature between setpoints is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static setpoint-based control system into a dynamic continuous control system. By continuously estimating air stream temperature and adjusting thermal effector duty cycles based on real-time conditions, the system can regulate temperature at any value between traditional setpoints, providing fine-grained temperature control while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
4Ease of manufacture
If individual thermal effectors are calibrated separately, then calibration process is straightforward, but thermal effectors cannot communicate or cooperate to optimize performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple thermal effectors into a unified system that operates cooperatively. By estimating the combined thermal output of multiple effectors and controlling them as an integrated system, the patent enables thermal effectors to share energy usage and work together to reach setpoints faster, improving productivity while maintaining calibration simplicity through a centralized estimation model
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
Enables rapid and accurate temperature regulation of air streams, reducing calibration efforts and enhancing thermal comfort by allowing thermal effectors to collaborate efficiently, thus shortening the time to reach desired setpoints.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal effector, heat exchanger, or other thermal device that heats or cools the air stream
Implementation Method 2
the air stream may exchange heat with one or more conduits through which the air stream travels
Implementation Method 3
The air stream may exchange heat with one or more conduits through which the air stream travels
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating a temperature of an air stream. The method comprises determining a first and second heat transfer rate to or from the air stream, and optionally one or more additional heat transfer rates to or from the air stream. The first and second heat transfer rates are based on a first and second temperature, respectively, applied to the air stream. The rate of change of the air stream temperature is calculated based on the first and second heat transfer rates and optionally the one or more additional heat transfer rates. An estimated temperature of the air stream is updated from a prior program cycle based on the rate of change of the air stream temperature and the estimated air stream temperature from the prior program cycle.