Refuse Vehicle HVAC Interlock Control for Lower Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle HVAC systems are inefficient, leading to significant energy expenditure and reduced fuel efficiency in internal combustion engine vehicles or battery state of charge in electrified vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A refuse vehicle equipped with a HVAC system controlled by a controller that receives data from sensors to detect interlock conditions, altering the operation of the HVAC system to optimize energy use and maintain cabin comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the HVAC system operates continuously to maintain cabin comfort, then the cabin temperature control is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time interlock condition monitoring. When interlock conditions are detected (indicating unsafe cabin environments), the system activates HVAC operations. When conditions are safe, the system reduces or stops operation, creating a dynamic response that balances comfort needs with energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to continuously monitor interlock conditions (such as door status, seatbelt status, or other safety parameters). This feedback loop enables the HVAC system to make informed decisions about when to operate, allowing it to respond to changing cabin conditions while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during periods when comfort is not critically needed.
2Temperature
If the HVAC system operates at full capacity to ensure cabin comfort, then the temperature regulation is improved, but the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of operating the HVAC system at full capacity continuously, the system applies partial action by activating HVAC operations only when interlock conditions indicate they are necessary. This partial operation mode maintains adequate temperature regulation while significantly reducing the energy demand that would otherwise negatively impact fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the HVAC system based on interlock conditions. When conditions warrant operation, the HVAC system activates at appropriate intensity levels. When conditions do not warrant operation, the system reduces or eliminates HVAC activity, thereby changing the energy consumption parameters to favor improved fuel efficiency without completely sacrificing temperature regulation capability.
3Temperature
If the HVAC system operates continuously in electrified vehicles, then the cabin climate control is improved, but the battery state of charge decreases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system operates periodically based on interlock condition triggers rather than continuously. This periodic operation pattern allows the system to provide climate control when necessary while incorporating rest periods where the system is inactive, thereby reducing the cumulative energy draw from the battery and preserving state of charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating HVAC operations only to the extent necessary based on interlock conditions. This selective partial operation maintains adequate climate control functionality while significantly reducing the total energy consumption from the battery, thereby mitigating the rate of state of charge depletion.
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a cab, a body assembly coupled with the chassis, and a lift assembly. The body assembly defines a refuse compartment. The lift assembly can be configured to engage a refuse container. The refuse vehicle further comprises a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system that is configured to deliver air to the cab via a plurality of ducts. The refuse vehicle further includes a controller configured to receive data from one or more sensors, determine, based on the received data, that an interlock condition is present, and alter an operation of the HVAC system based on the interlock condition.