Vehicle Climate Control Regulating Energy Allocation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stationary climate control systems for vehicles do not account for the user's return time, leading to suboptimal climate conditions upon returning to the vehicle, and inefficient energy allocation.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the actual and desired climate parameters, calculates the required energy based on the time interval and available energy sources, and adjusts the climate control to ensure optimal conditions upon return, using multiple energy sources and a two-phase control strategy to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stationary climate control is activated early to ensure optimal climate conditions upon return, then the climate comfort is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines a projected usage time and activates the climate control in advance to achieve desired climate conditions before the user returns. The control unit calculates the required energy quantity based on the time interval and adjusts the climate control activation accordingly, performing the climate adjustment action beforehand rather than reactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the climate control strategy based on multiple factors including the projected usage time, available energy quantity, and current climate parameters. The control unit modifies the activation timing and intensity of climate control according to real-time conditions, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
2Device complexity
If the climate control is activated based on fixed timer schedules, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to user return time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fixed timer schedules, the system determines a projected usage time and activates climate control in advance of the actual return time. This allows the system to adapt to varying user schedules while maintaining automated operation, bridging the gap between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by determining actual climate parameters, comparing them with desired values, and adjusting the climate control activation accordingly. The control unit continuously monitors energy availability and modifies the climate control strategy based on this feedback, enabling adaptability without requiring complex user input.
3Reliability
If multiple energy sources are used to ensure sufficient energy for climate control, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple energy sources including the vehicle battery, regenerative braking energy, and external power supply into a unified energy management framework. The control unit integrates these different energy sources and determines the total available energy quantity, managing them as a combined resource rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management system serves multiple functions: it monitors various energy sources, calculates available energy quantity, determines climate control activation timing, and adjusts climate parameters. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit.
4Ease of operation
If the climate control is adjusted to meet desired temperature quickly, then the climate comfort is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the time interval based on projected usage time and determines the required energy quantity to achieve desired climate conditions within that specific time frame. By planning the climate adjustment in advance and accounting for available energy, the system optimizes the rate of temperature change to match both comfort requirements and energy constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts climate parameters including temperature setpoints, heating/cooling intensity, and activation timing based on the calculated required energy quantity and available energy. This allows the system to modify climate control parameters in real-time to balance comfort delivery with energy conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for regulating a stationary climate control system for a vehicle that includes at least one first energy source is provided. A first actual value of a climate parameter is determined from the interior of the parked vehicle, and a difference value is generated from the actual value and a reference value. In addition, a projected usage time is determined for the vehicle, wherein a time interval is determined from the current time and the determined projected usage time. A quantity of energy that is required to set to a desired value for the climate parameter is determined here based on the length of the time interval and the difference value, and the actual value for the climate parameter within the time interval is set to the desired value based on the required quantity of energy and the quantity of energy available from the first energy source.