Seat Microclimate Control Using Local Equivalent Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automotive HVAC systems fail to provide accurate local temperature control for seat-based microclimate systems, leading to inefficient thermal comfort and energy consumption, as they rely on discrete ON/OFF or PWM control based on fixed temperature setpoints, which do not account for individual occupant preferences and varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A microclimate system that uses sensor fusion and fuzzy logic to estimate local equivalent temperatures for each occupant zone by combining vehicle and outside temperature data, along with solar load and vehicle speed, to control climate effectors such as climate-controlled seats and heater mats, optimizing thermal comfort through dynamic temperature adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If discrete ON/OFF or PWM control based on fixed temperature setpoints is used, then the control system is simple to implement, but the thermal comfort accuracy and adaptability to individual occupant preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by transitioning from fixed discrete temperature setpoints to continuous temperature control. The controller dynamically adjusts the power level to thermal effectors based on real-time temperature sensor feedback, enabling precise local temperature regulation that adapts to changing conditions and individual occupant preferences while maintaining system simplicity through proportional control algorithms.
2Ease of operation
If discrete temperature setpoints are used, then the control algorithm is simple, but the system requires manual adjustments and creates hunting behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the thermal environment and feed this information back to the controller. The controller compares the measured temperature with the desired setpoint and automatically adjusts the power output to thermal effectors in real-time, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and preventing hunting behavior by maintaining continuous equilibrium between heating/cooling demand and supply.
3Device complexity
If traditional HVAC bulk air temperature control is used, then the system structure is simple, but the energy consumption increases and time to comfort is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal control system into multiple independent zones, each with its own temperature sensors and controllable thermal effectors (heating/cooling elements). This allows localized temperature control in specific occupant zones rather than conditioning the entire cabin air bulk, significantly reducing energy consumption by targeting only the areas where occupants are present and need thermal comfort, while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through modular zone control.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed temperature setpoints are used, then the control system is easy to implement, but the adaptability to varying conditions and individual preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous variable temperature control that allows the temperature parameter to be dynamically adjusted within a range rather than being fixed at discrete setpoints. The system monitors occupant preferences and environmental conditions, then continuously modifies the temperature output parameter to adapt to individual needs and varying conditions, achieving high adaptability while maintaining ease of implementation through proportional control algorithms that are straightforward to program and execute.
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
The system provides enhanced thermal comfort by accurately estimating local temperatures and adjusting microclimate thermal effectors, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for manual adjustments, as it accounts for individual preferences and environmental conditions in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
An automotive seat-based microclimate system has many conductive, convective and radiative devices, like heater mats, thermo-electric devices (TED)s, positive temperature coefficient thermistors (PTCs)
Implementation Method 2
An automotive seat-based microclimate system has many conductive, convective and radiative devices
Data Source
AI summary
A microclimate system for a vehicle occupant includes multiple microclimate thermal effectors. Each of the microclimate thermal effectors at least partially controls a climate in at least one of multiple occupant zones. Each of the microclimate thermal effectors includes a sensor configured to determine microclimate temperature data corresponding to the zone. A controller includes an input configured to receive vehicle temperature data including cabin temperature and outside air temperature from a vehicle data bus. The controller fuses the microclimate temperature data with the vehicle temperature data and determines an estimated local equivalent temperature for each of the microclimate thermal effectors. The controller further provides a temperature command to each of the microclimate thermal effectors based upon the estimated local equivalent temperature corresponding to the microclimate thermal effector.