Vehicle Air Conditioning Standby Isolation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioning systems for vehicle interiors consume excessive energy when left active during non-use periods, prolonging vehicle starting times and compromising comfort and device operation.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system that isolates the passenger compartment from the exterior during standby, using distinct setpoint temperatures based on outdoor conditions and compartment state, minimizing energy consumption by controlling the air conditioning device to maintain a comfortable temperature for rapid commissioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the air conditioning system is left active during non-use periods to maintain desired cabin temperature, then the vehicle starting time is reduced and comfort is improved, but the energy consumption of the air conditioning device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conditioning of the passenger compartment before the vehicle is actually needed for use. The control device determines that the compartment is in a standby state and activates the air conditioning device to adjust the temperature toward the operational setpoint temperature in advance, so that when the vehicle enters service, the desired temperature is already achieved or nearly achieved, reducing the actual starting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the air conditioning operation based on the determined state of the passenger compartment. When in standby state, the system uses a standby setpoint temperature that is energy-efficient while still progressing toward the operational temperature. The control device continuously monitors the state and adjusts the conditioning intensity, using closure means to isolate the compartment when appropriate, thereby reducing energy consumption during the standby period while maintaining the ability to rapidly reach operational temperature.
2Ease of operation
If the air conditioning system conditions the passenger compartment to reach desired temperature when the vehicle is not in use, then the comfort for users is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter based on the operational state of the vehicle. When the passenger compartment is in a standby state (vehicle not in use), the control device determines to use a standby setpoint temperature that is different from the operational setpoint temperature. This standby temperature is chosen to balance comfort preparation with energy conservation, typically being a moderate temperature that requires less energy to maintain while still providing a comfortable transition to the full operational temperature when the vehicle enters service.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control is segmented into different phases: standby phase and operational phase. During the standby phase, the system applies a standby setpoint temperature that is energy-efficient. During the operational phase, the system switches to the operational setpoint temperature for full comfort. This segmentation allows the system to provide comfort when needed while minimizing energy consumption during non-use periods.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the air conditioning system maintains constant temperature in the passenger compartment during standby, then the comfort is maintained, but the energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
During the standby state, the system applies partial action by using a standby setpoint temperature that provides moderate temperature stability rather than full operational temperature maintenance. The closure means are activated to partially isolate the passenger compartment from the exterior, creating a semi-closed environment that maintains adequate temperature stability with reduced energy input compared to full operational conditioning. This partial action is sufficient to prevent extreme temperature variations while consuming less energy.
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
Reduces energy consumption while ensuring rapid vehicle commissioning and maintaining comfort by adjusting setpoint temperatures according to outdoor conditions and compartment state, optimizing energy use and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The air conditioning devices of such systems are suitable for adjusting an interior temperature of the passenger compartment by heating or cooling air coming from inside and/or from outside the passenger compartment
Implementation Method 2
The air conditioning devices of such systems are suitable for adjusting an interior temperature of the passenger compartment by heating or cooling air coming from inside and/or from outside the passenger compartment
Implementation Method 3
the control device is configured to determine that the passenger compartment is in a standby state and to control the air conditioning device to activate the closure means so that the closure means are in a closed state when the passenger compartment is in the standby state
Data Source
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AI summary
This air conditioning system (14) includes an air conditioning unit (20) adapted to regulate an interior temperature to a setpoint temperature by heating or cooling interior and/or exterior air, and a control unit (22) for the air conditioning unit (20), comprising an acquisition module (34) configured to acquire passenger compartment status information (12), and a control module (38) configured to control the air conditioning unit (20) based on the passenger compartment status information. The air conditioning unit (20) includes at least one exterior air intake (24) and means for closing the exterior air intake (24). The control module (38) is configured to control the closing of the means (30) when the acquired passenger compartment status information (12) corresponds to a standby state.