System and method for remotely managing climate control systems of a fleet of vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC climate control systems in vehicle fleets face inefficiencies due to user-dependent operation and lack of centralized control, leading to excessive power drainage from auxiliary sources, which can result in insufficient power for climate control and vehicle startup.
Innovation Solution
A remote management system that monitors and controls climate control systems across a fleet of vehicles, identifying performance inefficiencies and adjusting operational settings in real-time to optimize energy use, using a central server to receive and analyze parameters from each vehicle and transmit efficient settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the climate control system is controlled locally by the driver, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates due to user-dependent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors climate control parameters (temperature, humidity, compressor status) and auxiliary power source state, then provides real-time feedback to the driver through the user interface. When inefficiency is detected, the system alerts the driver and can automatically adjust settings to optimize energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the climate control to self-regulate by automatically adjusting operational parameters based on monitored conditions. When the system detects that the auxiliary power source is approaching depletion or that inefficient operation is occurring, it autonomously modifies compressor cycling, temperature setpoints, or fan speeds without requiring continuous driver intervention.
2Reliability
If the auxiliary power source is used continuously to power the climate control system when the vehicle is off, then the climate control function is maintained, but the power capacity is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic cycling of the compressor and other climate control components rather than continuous operation. The controller monitors the auxiliary power source state and alternates compressor on/off cycles, adjusting the duty cycle to maintain climate control functionality while preventing complete depletion of the auxiliary power source capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time monitoring of auxiliary power source state. As the power source charge level changes, the system automatically modifies compressor power consumption, fan speeds, and temperature setpoints to optimize the balance between maintaining climate control reliability and preserving power capacity for vehicle startup.
3Productivity
If remote monitoring of fleet vehicles is implemented, then the productivity of fleet management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-functional telematics controller that integrates climate control monitoring, auxiliary power source state tracking, diagnostic functions, and communication capabilities into a single device. This universal controller reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary telematics communication module that bridges the vehicle's climate control system and the remote fleet management platform. This intermediary handles data transmission, protocol conversion, and cloud connectivity, simplifying the integration complexity by providing a standardized interface between the vehicle system and external monitoring infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The method simultaneously manages climate control systems of a fleet of vehicles at a fleet server remote from the vehicles. The fleet server has one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the processor(s). Initially, at least one parameter relaying information about performance of a climate control system of a respective vehicle is received, from each vehicle. Each vehicle's climate control system includes at least an electrically driven compressor. The system then determines whether a performance inefficiency exists for the climate control system of at least one vehicle based at least in part on the parameter(s) received from the at least one vehicle. Upon determining that a performance inefficiency exists, an efficient operational setting that reduces the performance inefficiency is determined. Finally, an operational setting instruction is transmitted to the at least one vehicle to control the climate control system of that vehicle.