Vehicle Thermal Effector Control Using Dynamic Temperature Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle climatization systems face challenges in regulating temperature between setpoints and require extensive calibration for various scenarios, leading to slow temperature adjustments and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A conditioning system that dynamically estimates thermal conditions using local sensors and controllers, allowing for real-time control of thermal effectors to achieve setpoint temperatures without pre-determined setpoints, and enables collaboration between thermal effectors to optimize energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-determined discrete setpoints are used for temperature control, then the system is simple to operate, but the temperature cannot be regulated between setpoints and requires extensive calibration for different scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static pre-determined setpoints to dynamic continuous temperature control. The controller continuously adjusts the thermal effector operation based on real-time feedback from temperature sensors, enabling temperature regulation at any value within the operating range rather than being constrained to discrete pre-set values. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for extensive calibration for different scenarios while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback control where temperature sensors monitor the actual temperature and the controller adjusts the thermal effector duty cycle based on the difference between the desired and actual temperatures. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise temperature regulation between setpoints without requiring pre-calibration for different operating conditions, as the system adapts in real-time based on sensor input.
2Reliability
If multiple thermal effectors operate independently with individual calibration, then each effector can be optimized, but the ramp-up to setpoint temperature proceeds slowly to avoid occupant discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple thermal effectors under a unified control strategy. Instead of independent calibration and operation, the controller coordinates multiple effectors to work together toward a common temperature setpoint. This collaborative approach allows for faster ramp-up rates while maintaining occupant comfort, as the combined thermal output of multiple effectors can be precisely modulated to achieve the desired temperature more quickly than individual effectors operating cautiously and independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary coordination of multiple thermal effectors before operation begins. The controller pre-calculates the optimal duty cycle distribution among multiple effectors to achieve the target temperature rapidly while considering thermal time constants and occupant comfort constraints. This preliminary planning enables faster temperature adjustment without compromising comfort, as the system is prepared to deliver coordinated thermal output from the start.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are placed proximate to surfaces to detect temperature felt by occupants, then accurate surface temperature detection is achieved, but manufacturing consistency is difficult and additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal effectors themselves as intermediary elements that both condition the surface and provide temperature feedback. Instead of placing separate sensors proximate to surfaces, the system utilizes the thermal effector's built-in temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the surface it is heating or cooling. This intermediary approach provides accurate surface temperature detection without requiring additional sensors, eliminating manufacturing consistency issues related to sensor placement while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal effector serves multiple functions: it conditions the surface temperature and simultaneously provides temperature feedback through its integrated sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing elements that would require precise placement during manufacturing. The same component that heats or cools the surface also measures its temperature, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining accurate surface temperature detection for comfort control.
4Reliability
If thermal effectors operate cautiously to avoid overheating or overcooling occupants, then occupant comfort is maintained, but the time to reach setpoint temperature is longer
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous feedback from temperature sensors to dynamically adjust the thermal effector output. Instead of operating cautiously with fixed conservative parameters, the controller continuously monitors the actual temperature and adjusts the duty cycle in real-time based on the temperature differential. This feedback control enables the system to operate at higher intensities when needed while automatically preventing overheating or overcooling, thus reducing the time to reach setpoint temperature while maintaining occupant comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static cautious operation to dynamic adaptive control. The thermal effector duty cycle is continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature feedback and the difference between desired and actual temperatures. This dynamic approach allows the system to operate at optimal intensity levels at each moment, enabling faster temperature adjustment while automatically adapting to prevent discomfort, rather than being constrained by fixed conservative operating parameters throughout.
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 achieves rapid temperature adjustments, reduces energy consumption, and eliminates the need for extensive calibration, providing more comfortable and efficient vehicle climate control.
Implementation Method 1
The system comprises a thermal effector, a first local sensor associated with the thermal effector
Implementation Method 2
There is a need for a system to control convective thermal effectors based on dynamically estimated temperatures of airstreams at outlets
Data Source
AI summary
A conditioning system operable in a vehicle. The conditioning system comprises a thermal effector, a first local sensor associated with the thermal effector, and a controller in signaling communication with the thermal effector and the first local sensor. The controller or an additional controller dynamically estimates a thermal condition remote from and at least partially influenced by the thermal effector. The dynamic estimation is based on a first temperature sensed by the first local sensor and optionally a second temperature sensed by an optional second local sensor. The controller controls the thermal effector based on the dynamically estimated thermal condition.