Vehicle Air Handling Control with Dual Sensor Mixing Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air handling systems in vehicles lack the ability to optimize the mixing ratio between recirculating and outside air, leading to inadequate air quality and comfort levels due to limited functionality in switching between recirculation and outside-air-inlet modes, especially in environments with high concentrations of health-hazardous pollutants.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second sensing unit to measure air quality at the downstream side of the air cleaning unit, allowing the controller to fine-tune settings such as air flow volume and mixing ratio, while the first sensing unit decides on mode switching based on upstream air pollution levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the air handling system operates in outside-air-inlet mode to maintain ventilation, then air quality and comfort level inside the cabin deteriorate due to health-hazardous airborne pollutants entering from outside, but if it switches to recirculation mode to prevent pollutant entry, then air quality and comfort level inside the cabin deteriorate due to accumulation of moisture, carbon dioxide, and odors
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling system dynamically switches between outside-air-inlet mode and recirculation mode based on real-time air quality conditions detected by the sensing unit. The controller adjusts the operating mode and mixing ratio of outside air and recirculated air according to the detected pollutant concentrations, enabling the system to adapt to varying external air quality conditions while maintaining comfortable cabin air quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mixing ratio parameter of outside air and recirculated air based on detected air quality conditions. When outside air quality is good, a higher proportion of outside air is supplied; when pollutant concentrations increase, the system increases the proportion of recirculated air to maintain comfortable cabin conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the system switches quickly to recirculation mode to prevent pollutant entry, then health-hazardous pollutants are minimized, but then ventilation and removal of internal pollutants (moisture, carbon dioxide, odors) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts the mixing ratio parameter dynamically between outside air and recirculated air based on real-time air quality measurements. When outside air quality is acceptable, the system increases the proportion of outside air to maintain effective ventilation. When pollutant concentrations exceed thresholds, the system increases recirculated air proportion to prevent pollutant entry while maintaining ventilation through the air cleaning unit
3Device complexity
If the system uses only a first sensing unit to detect upstream air quality for mode switching, then the system is simple in structure, but then the system cannot optimize the mixing ratio between recirculating and outside air
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is segmented into two distinct sensing units positioned at different locations in the air handling system. The first sensing unit detects upstream air quality to trigger mode switching, while the second sensing unit detects downstream air quality to enable optimization of the mixing ratio. This segmentation allows the system to perform both basic protection and optimized control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The dual sensing unit configuration enables the system to perform multiple functions: the first sensing unit provides mode switching control to prevent pollutant entry, while the second sensing unit provides mixing ratio optimization to maintain ventilation efficiency. Together, they enable the system to adapt to various air quality conditions while maintaining comfortable cabin air quality
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
This enhanced system maintains acceptable air quality by minimizing outside pollutant entry and ensuring adequate ventilation, improving reliability and responsiveness to varying air quality conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensing unit (11) arranged to generate a first output signal (4) based on a first measurement performed in air at an upstream side of the air cleaning unit (21)
Implementation Method 2
a second sensing unit (12) arranged to generate a second output signal (5) based on a second measurement performed in air at a downstream side of the air cleaning unit (21)
Implementation Method 3
an air cleaning unit (21) having an upstream side and a downstream side, the air cleaning unit being arranged to pass an air flow (7) into an enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a controlling system for controlling an air handling system that is arranged to handle air in an enclosure such as a cabin of a vehicle. The controlling system comprises a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, and a controller. The first sensing unit is arranged to generate a first output signal based on a measurement of the 5 concentration of certain airborne pollutants at the upstream side of an air cleaning unit that is comprised in the air handling system. The second sensing unit is arranged to generate a second output signal based on a measurement of the concentration of certain airborne pollutants at the downstream side of the air cleaning unit. The first output signal and the second output signal are used for specific purposes in a decision-making process that can be 10 performed by the controller. The controller is arranged to switch the air handling system into recirculation mode when the first output signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Furthermore, the controller is arranged to fine-tune settings of the air handling system, such as the mixing ratio of air admitted from outside the enclosure and recirculating air from the enclosure in the total air flow passing through the air handling system when the air handling 15 system operates in an outside-air-inlet mode. The controlling system according to the invent ion has an increased functionality and can maintain an acceptable air quality inside an enclosed space under a large variety of circumstances.