Autonomous Vehicle Re-Parking for Cabin Temperature and Fuel Savings
Solution Overview
Problem
The energy consumption for achieving a comfortable cabin temperature in vehicles after they have been parked is significant, especially when vehicles are parked in direct sunlight or shade, leading to increased fuel consumption and occupant discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A system that evaluates and optimizes the parking location and orientation of a vehicle based on expected cabin temperature and energy consumption, using algorithms to estimate the induced cabin temperature and fuel consumption for different parking spots, and autonomously relocating the vehicle to a more energy-efficient position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight to absorb solar energy for heating, then the cabin temperature increases naturally, but the fuel consumption increases due to higher A/C requirements when parked in shade
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of parking spots before the vehicle is parked, calculating the induced cabin temperature for each spot based on solar orientation, window areas, and environmental factors. This advance assessment allows the vehicle to select a parking spot that will minimize future energy consumption for temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parking location parameter (GPS coordinates, orientation, shade conditions) to optimize the induced cabin temperature. By selecting from multiple alternative parking spots with different solar exposure characteristics, the system adjusts the thermal parameters of the cabin environment to reduce subsequent energy requirements.
2Loss of energy
If the vehicle relocates to an optimal parking spot to reduce energy consumption, then fuel savings are achieved, but additional fuel is consumed to execute the relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the total energy cost by combining the relocation fuel consumption with the projected HVAC energy savings. This feedback loop compares the energy required to move the vehicle against the energy that will be saved by parking in an optimal location, enabling a rational decision that minimizes total energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of both relocation costs and expected savings before executing the move. By evaluating alternative parking spots and computing their energy implications in advance, the system ensures that relocation only occurs when net energy savings are achieved.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle remains in its current parking spot, then relocation fuel consumption is avoided, but higher energy consumption occurs during HVAC operation to achieve desired cabin temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously evaluates parking options, calculates energy implications, and executes relocation decisions without requiring driver intervention. The vehicle serves itself by automatically selecting and moving to optimal parking spots, reducing the operational burden on the driver while minimizing energy consumption.
4Loss of energy
If multiple alternate parking spots are evaluated to find the optimal location, then energy optimization is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates multiple parking spots by changing key parameters such as solar orientation angles, window exposure areas, and environmental conditions for each location. By systematically varying these parameters across alternative spots, the system identifies the optimal parking location that maximizes energy savings while managing computational complexity through focused parameter analysis.
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 reduces energy consumption by minimizing the difference between the cabin temperature and the desired temperature upon vehicle startup, thereby lowering fuel consumption and reducing occupant discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
When parked, the orientation and location of a vehicle has energy consequences. For example, tests indicate that cabins of vehicles parked in the Sun during the summer can reach 138 degrees Fahrenheit.
Implementation Method 2
A dark-colored dashboard, steering wheel, or seat can reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which further warms the air trapped inside a vehicle cabin.
Implementation Method 3
The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that air conditioning in very hot weather can increase fuel consumption 25%.
Implementation Method 4
During cold winter weather, an opposite situation exists, namely, that it may be desirable to absorb solar energy. The internal temperature of a vehicle parked in sunlight rather than in shade can naturally increase above the outside ambient temperature, enabling the vehicle to be heated to a comfortable temperature more quickly and efficiently when driving begins.
Data Source
AI summary
After a driver parks a vehicle and has left the vehicle, a system relocates the autonomous vehicle into an optimized parking spot. The system obtains availability of other parking spots within a parking lot in which the vehicle is located. The system estimates whether any alternate parking spot would optimize cabin temperature and whether the energy consumed to complete an autonomous relocation of the vehicle will obtain a net savings in fuel economy relative to the energy expended by the relocation. The system determines the benefits of these optimized parking spots by using shaded and unshaded areas, GPS location of the vehicle, current date and time, and weather and fuel consumption estimates. If a favorable parking spot is determined, the autonomous vehicle relocates into the optimal alternate parking spot and informs the driver of the new location.