Vehicle cabin temperature control device and electric vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles, the power consumption of air conditioning devices for cabin temperature control significantly reduces the cruising range due to the high energy demand of the compressor, especially during rapid heating or cooling, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cabin temperature control device that includes an air conditioning system with a seat temperature control device using a heater or semiconductor device, consuming less power than the air conditioning device, and a control unit that activates the seat temperature control for a predetermined time upon startup to quickly achieve a comfortable temperature environment while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the air conditioning device is activated at startup to quickly achieve a comfortable temperature environment, then the temperature control speed is improved, but the power consumption of the battery increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the temperature control function into two independent systems: a main air conditioning device for overall cabin temperature control and a seat temperature control device for localized seat heating. This segmentation allows the system to achieve rapid temperature control at the seat level without requiring high power consumption from the main air conditioning device, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast temperature control and low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat temperature control device provides localized heating specifically at the seat area where the occupant is seated. This local quality approach concentrates the heating effect where it is most needed, achieving rapid comfort improvement without the need for heating the entire cabin air, thus significantly reducing power consumption compared to full cabin air conditioning.
2Productivity
If the compressor drive load is increased for rapid heating or cooling, then the temperature control effectiveness is improved, but the cruising range of the electric vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the temperature control function into main air conditioning and seat heating systems. The seat temperature control device can quickly provide thermal comfort with minimal power consumption, reducing the need for the compressor to operate at high load for rapid temperature adjustment, thereby preserving battery energy and extending cruising range.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat temperature control device acts as a supplementary, low-power solution that provides rapid thermal comfort only when needed during startup. This temporary, targeted intervention allows the system to achieve temperature control effectiveness without committing to sustained high-power compressor operation that would deplete battery energy and reduce cruising range.
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 configuration allows for rapid achievement of a comfortable cabin temperature while reducing overall power consumption, thereby minimizing the reduction in electric vehicle cruising range.
Implementation Method 1
an air blowing device for blowing air-conditioned air by at least one of a heater and a semiconductor device toward an occupant of a seat
Implementation Method 2
an air blowing device for blowing air-conditioned air by at least one of a heater and a semiconductor device toward an occupant of a seat
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle cabin temperature control device comprises an air conditioning device based on a refrigeration cycle including a compressor driven by an electric motor, and including an air blowing port for blowing conditioned air into a cabin of a vehicle, and an air blowing device configured to blow conditioned air to an occupant seated on a seat and consuming less electric power than the air conditioning device, and a control unit that activates the air blowing device for a predetermined time period upon startup of the air conditioning device.