Outlet Air Temperature Estimation for Vehicle Climate Control
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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 reliance on pre-determined setpoints, leading to prolonged ramp-up times and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically estimating air stream temperature using heat transfer rates between thermal effectors, heat exchangers, conduits, and the environment, employing existing sensors and controllers to calculate and update temperature estimates in real-time, allowing for rapid adjustment to ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-determined discrete setpoints are used for temperature control, then system operation is simplified, but temperature regulation accuracy and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static pre-determined setpoints to dynamic continuous temperature control. The system continuously estimates outlet air stream temperature using heat transfer rate calculations and adjusts thermal effector operation in real-time, enabling smooth temperature transitions without being constrained to discrete predetermined values.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring parameters (thermal effector temperature, blower speed, outside temperature, cabin air temperature) and using these to estimate the outlet air stream temperature. This estimated temperature feeds back to control the thermal effectors, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accurate temperature regulation.
2Reliability
If thermal effectors operate cautiously to avoid overheating or overcooling, then occupant comfort is maintained, but temperature ramp-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical temperature sensors in the air stream with a computational model that estimates outlet temperature based on heat transfer rate calculations. This substitution allows for more aggressive and precise control of thermal effectors, as the system can accurately predict outlet temperature without the conservative limitations imposed by cabin air temperature calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from cabin air temperature to estimated outlet air stream temperature. This parameter change enables more precise control because the outlet temperature directly reflects the actual air being delivered to occupants, allowing faster ramp-up rates while maintaining comfort.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are placed proximate to outlets for temperature detection, then measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational estimation model as an intermediary between the thermal effectors and the control system. Instead of directly measuring outlet temperature with physical sensors, the system uses existing sensor data (thermal effector temperature, blower speed, ambient temperature) combined with heat transfer rate calculations to estimate the outlet air stream temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the thermal system that replicates the behavior of physical sensors would provide. By calculating heat transfer rates and estimating outlet temperature through computational means, the system obtains accurate temperature data without requiring additional physical sensing infrastructure.
4Ease of manufacture
If thermal effectors are calibrated individually to specific cabin air temperatures, then each effector operates independently, but collaboration and energy sharing between effectors are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple thermal effectors under a unified control strategy based on estimated outlet air stream temperature. Instead of individual effectors calibrated to cabin air temperature, the system coordinates multiple effectors to work together toward achieving the desired outlet temperature, enabling energy sharing and cooperative operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The estimated outlet temperature serves as a universal control parameter that governs the operation of multiple thermal effectors regardless of their individual locations or types. This universal parameter enables different effectors to collaborate effectively, as each effector's contribution is evaluated based on its impact on the overall outlet temperature rather than individual calibration targets.
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
Provides accurate and rapid temperature regulation of air streams, reducing discomfort by enabling efficient collaboration between thermal effectors and minimizing the need for additional sensors, thus enhancing thermal comfort in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
determining a first heat transfer rate to or from the air stream based on a first temperature applied to the air stream
Implementation Method 2
The air stream may exchange heat with the one or more thermal effectors and/or heat exchangers
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.