Title: Thermally energy efficient vehicle
Abstract: A thermally energy efficient vehicle includes a vehicle structure having generally interconnected structural members that form a frame for the vehicle and generally planar interconnected panels that define a shape of the vehicle. The thermally energy efficient vehicle also includes a low transmittance glass window positioned within the vehicle structure which increases a thermal resistance of the vehicle and an energy efficient thermal management system that provides exterior thermal management and interior thermal management for the vehicle, such that the energy efficient thermal management system consumes less thermal energy as a result of the increased thermal resistance of the vehicle.
Patent Number: 6,877,786 Issued on 04/12/2005 to Gielda
| Inventors:
|
Gielda; Thomas Paul (Brighton, MI)
|
| Assignee:
|
Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. (Van Buren Township, MI)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
766972 |
| Filed:
|
January 22, 2001 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
296/39.3; 296/203.01; 296/70; 296/84.1 |
| Intern'l Class: |
B60N 002//44 |
| Field of Search: |
296/185,200,203.01,205,39.3,146.15,70,84.1,96.19
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 4973511 | Nov., 1990 | Farmer et al. | 428/216.
|
| 5173148 | Dec., 1992 | Lisec | 156/578.
|
| 5480208 | Jan., 1996 | Cobes et al. | 296/203.
|
| 5532062 | Jul., 1996 | Miyazaki et al. | 428/432.
|
| 5633067 | May., 1997 | Illbruck et al. | 428/128.
|
| 5865940 | Feb., 1999 | Li | 156/379.
|
| 5988517 | Nov., 1999 | Bauer et al.
| |
| 6334252 | Jan., 2002 | Sato et al. | 29/897.
|
| 6391400 | May., 2002 | Russell et al. | 296/96.
|
| 6561562 | May., 2003 | Hesch | 296/208.
|
Primary Examiner: Morrow; Jason
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Parent Case Text
This application claims all benefits of priority in the U.S. Provisional
Patent Application 60/177,450 filed Jan. 21, 2000.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A thermally energy efficient vehicle comprising:
a vehicle structure, wherein said vehicle structure includes generally
interconnected structural members that form a frame for the vehicle and
generally planar interconnected panels that define a shape of the vehicle,
wherein a thermally efficient structural material is utilized for said
structural members to reduce a thermal mass of said structural members;
a low transmittance glass window positioned within window portions of said
vehicle structure, wherein said low transmittance glass window increases a
thermal resistance of the vehicle;
an energy efficient insulator attached to an inside portion of said vehicle
structure to increase a thermal resistance of the vehicle, the energy
efficient insulator including a first wall surface and a second wall
surface defining a gas-filled cavity, the gas-filled cavity extending
substantially completely along the first and second wall surfaces; and
an energy efficient thermal management system providing exterior thermal
management for powertrain cooling within an engine compartment and
interior thermal management for climate control within an occupant
compartment for the vehicle, wherein said energy efficient thermal
management system consumes less thermal energy as a result of the
increased thermal resistance of the vehicle.
2. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said energy efficient insulator provides a thermal barrier and an acoustic
barrier.
3. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said low transmittance glass window includes two parallel sheets of glass
defining a second gas-filled cavity, to improve a thermal resistance of
the low transmittance glass.
4. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 3 wherein
said low transmittance glass includes a solar reflective film attached to
an outside surface of one of the two parallel sheets of glass.
5. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 3 wherein
said low transmittance glass includes a desiccant material disposed within
the second gas-filled cavity.
6. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said low transmittance glass window is made from a glass/polycarbonate
composite material.
7. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein a
thermal energy consumption capacity of the energy efficient thermal
management system is reduced by increasing the thermal resistance of the
vehicle.
8. A thermally energy efficient vehicle comprising:
a vehicle structure, wherein said vehicle structure includes generally
interconnected structural members that form a frame for the vehicle and
generally planar interconnected panels that define a shape of the vehicle,
wherein a thermally efficient structural material is utilized for said
structural members to reduce a thermal mass of the vehicle;
a low transmittance glass window positioned within window portions of said
vehicle structure, wherein said low transmittance glass window includes;
two parallel sheets of glass defining a window gas-filled cavity, to
increase a thermal resistance of the vehicle;
an energy efficient insulator attached to an inside portion of said vehicle
structure to increase a thermal resistance of the vehicle, the energy
efficient insulator including a first wall surface and a second wall
surface defining an insulator gas-tilled cavity, the insulator gas-filled
cavity extending substantially completely along the first and second wall
surfaces; and
an energy efficient thermal management system providing exterior thermal
management for powertrain cooling within an engine compartment and
interior thermal management for climate control within an occupant
compartment for the vehicle, wherein a thermal energy consumption capacity
of said energy efficient thermal management system is decreased since said
energy efficient thermal management system consumes less thermal energy
resulting from the increased thermal resistance and reduced thermal mass
of the vehicle.
9. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 8 wherein
said energy efficient insulator provides a thermal barrier and an acoustic
barrier.
10. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 8 wherein
said low transmittance glass includes a solar reflective film attached to
an outside surface of one of the two parallel sheets of glass.
11. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 8 wherein
sold low transmittance glass includes a desiccant material disposed within
the window gas-filled cavity.
12. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 8 wherein
said low transmittance glass window is made from a glass/polycarbonate
composite material.
13. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein
the first wall surface and the second wall surface are substantially
parallel with each other.
14. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 13, wherein
the gas-filled cavity includes argon.
15. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 8, wherein
the first wall surface and the second wall surface are substantially
parallel with each other.
16. A thermally energy efficient vehicle as set forth in claim 15, wherein
the insulator gas-filled cavity includes argon.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to thermal energy management in a
vehicle and, more specifically, to a thermally energy efficient vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Vehicles, and in particular automotive vehicles, have traditionally used
fuels, including petroleum-based gasoline, as a source of energy. However,
the cost and availability of petroleum-based energy sources varies
considerably due to economic and political factors. As a result, vehicle
designers continuously seek out strategies for reducing the energy
consumption of the vehicle. One example of an energy reducing strategy is
to reduce the energy consumption of a vehicle system, such as a thermal
management system, by increasing its energy efficiency.
The thermal management system provides powertrain cooling to maintain the
temperature within an underhood compartment of the vehicle. The thermal
management system also provides climate control, to maintain the
temperature of an occupant compartment of the vehicle at a comfortable
level, by providing heating, cooling and ventilation. The thermal
management system further coordinates the interrelated challenges of
removing waste heat rejected by various vehicle systems such as the engine
or battery, while at the same time providing heating or cooling for the
occupant compartment.
It is known that the efficiency of the thermal management system is
influenced by energy losses and or gains. Examples of energy losses or
gains include thermal energy transmission through the vehicle structure,
solar heating, thermal mass of the vehicle, and ambient temperature. Other
factors, such as vehicle weight reduction, may also influence the
efficiency of the thermal management system, such as by the use of thinner
glass for windows.
In the past, these energy losses were either neglected, or compensated for
by enhancing the performance of the climate control system by increasing
airflow capacity of the system. However, a climate control system with
increased airflow capacity correspondingly increases the energy
consumption of the climate control system. Thus, there is a need in the
art for a thermally energy efficient vehicle that optimizes energy
consumption without compromising performance of the thermal management
system and occupant compartment comfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is a thermally energy efficient vehicle.
The thermally energy efficient vehicle includes a vehicle structure having
generally interconnected structural members that form a frame for the
vehicle and generally planar interconnected panels that define a shape of
the vehicle. The thermally energy efficient vehicle also includes a low
transmittance glass window positioned within the vehicle structure which
increases a thermal resistance of the vehicle and an energy efficient
thermal management system that provides exterior thermal management and
interior thermal management for the vehicle, such that the energy
efficient thermal management system consumes less thermal energy as a
result of the increased thermal resistance of the vehicle.
One advantage of the present invention is that a thermally energy efficient
vehicle is provided that demonstrates reduced thermal energy transmission
into or out of the vehicle. Another advantage of the present invention is
that a thermally energy efficient vehicle is provided with improved
thermal resistance. Still another advantage of the present invention is
that a thermally energy efficient vehicle is provided with optimized
climate control system airflow capacity and reduced energy consumption. A
further advantage of the present invention is that a thermally energy
efficient vehicle is provided that optimizes thermal management system
interactions under various vehicle operating conditions.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated, as the same becomes better understood after reading the
subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermal energy efficient vehicle,
according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a thermal management system for the thermal
energy efficient vehicle of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an average surface temperature of a
cross-car beam made from a thermally efficient structural material during
a standard air conditioning test.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a low transmittance glass for the thermally energy
efficient vehicle of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating an inside surface temperature of a low
transmittance glass rear window for the thermally energy efficient vehicle
of FIG. 4, according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the overall effect of the low transmittance
glass on glass heat flux, for the thermally energy efficient vehicle of
FIG. 1, according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the effect of the low transmittance glass on
heat flux through a side window, for the thermally energy efficient
vehicle of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the effect of an energy efficient insulator
on the dash panel for the thermally energy efficient vehicle of FIG. 1,
according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a graph comparing an average interior temperature of a thermally
energy efficient vehicle with a non-thermally energy efficient vehicle.
FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating a thermal load reduction of the thermally
energy efficient vehicle of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a thermally energy efficient vehicle
10 is illustrated. The thermally energy efficient vehicle 10 includes a
vehicle structure 12 that is the frame of the vehicle 10. The vehicle
structure 12 is subject to thermal gains and losses from a multitude of
factors that influence the efficiency of a thermal management system (to
be described). An example of a thermal gain is a thermal load from a solar
source, such as the sun. The sun's thermal load refers to the amount of
energy transmitted through the vehicle structure 12 into the vehicle 10.
An example of a thermal loss is dynamic thermal leakage through the
vehicle structure 12 to the environment. Advantageously, the thermal
energy efficient vehicle 10 has improved thermal resistance to reduce
thermal energy transmission, so that a thermal load requirement of the
thermal management system is reduced.
The vehicle structure 12 includes a frame portion (not shown) having a pair
of rails (not shown) disposed in a spaced relationship to one another and
defining a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10. The vehicle structure 12
also includes a front axle (not shown) and a rear axle (not shown)
disposed in a spaced relationship to one another and extending
substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10. It
should be appreciated that wheels are operatively mounted to the front
axle and real axle, for rolling engagement with a surface, such as a road.
The vehicle structure 12 also includes a vehicle body 14 which defines the
shape of the vehicle 10, as is known in the art, and includes structural
members 16 typically associated with the vehicle body 14. For example, the
vehicle body 14 includes generally beam shaped structural members 16 that
form a load bearing structure for the thermally energy efficient vehicle
10, such as a pillar 18 or a roof rail 20, as is known in the art. The
vehicle body 14 further includes generally planar structural members
interconnecting the load bearing structural members, such as a roof 22, a
floor 24, and a dash panel 26.
The vehicle body 14 includes a plurality of generally planar interconnected
body panels 28 secured thereto the frame using a conventional means, such
as welding or fastening. Advantageously, the body panels 28 further define
an aesthetically pleasing shape of the thermally energy efficient vehicle
10. The vehicle structure 12 is divided into sections, such as a front
storage compartment 30, an occupant compartment 32, and a rear storage
compartment 34. The front storage compartment 30, referred to as an engine
compartment, houses the mechanisms for operating the vehicle 10, such as
the powertrain (to be described). The occupant compartment 32 provides a
shelter for a vehicle occupant, and includes seats (not shown), control
mechanisms for operating the vehicle (not shown), and control mechanisms
for maintaining the comfort of the occupant compartment (not shown). The
rear storage compartment 34, as is known in the art, provides for storage,
and forms the shape of the rear of the vehicle 10. It should be
appreciated that the occupant compartment 32 and rear storage compartment
34 may be integral, as in the example of a sports utility type vehicle.
The vehicle structure 12 includes the use of a thermally efficient
structural material 36 in a portion thereof. Advantageously, the thermally
efficient structural material 36 reduces the thermal mass of the thermally
energy efficient vehicle 10 by reducing the thermal energy stored by the
vehicle structure 12. The thermal mass of the vehicle structure 12 refers
to the amount of heat stored by the vehicle structure 12. For example, in
the summer, the vehicle structure 12 retains heat, and the heat retention
of the vehicle structure 12 impacts the cooling efficiency within the
occupant compartment 32. The use of a thermally efficient structural
material 36 improves thermal energy transmission so that less energy is
required to heat or cool the thermally energy efficient vehicle 10.
It should be appreciated that the vehicle structure 12 is typically made of
steel, which has a greater mass and a higher specific heat than other
materials. An example of a thermally efficient structural material 36 is
aluminum, which has a low specific heat. Advantageously, utilizing
aluminum in a portion of the vehicle structure 12, such as a seat frame
(not shown), reduces the thermal mass of the vehicle structure 12. Another
example of a thermally efficient structural material 36 is a
graphite/composite material having comparable thermal properties of
magnesium. The graphite/composite material may be used in a structural
member 16 such as a cross car beam, 38 in place of steel.
Referring to FIG. 3, an example of the effect of a thermally efficient
structural material 36 in a thermally energy efficient vehicle is
illustrated graphically. In this example, the average surface temperature
of a cross-car beam 38 was measured during a typical air conditioning
system evaluation. The average surface temperature of a steel crossbeam is
shown at 200. The average surface temperature of a cross beam made from a
thermally efficient structural material is shown at 202. In comparing the
rate of change of temperature, it is apparent that the thermally efficient
structural material 36 has a faster rate of temperature change. As a
result, the cross-car beam 38 behaves as a thermal storage device. By
reducing the thermal mass of the cross-car beam 38, the amount of energy
stored by the cross-car beam 38 is correspondingly reduced. The net result
is a faster cool-down of the thermally energy efficient vehicle 10 as
compared to a non-thermally energy efficient vehicle.
The vehicle structure 12 also includes a window 40, such as a windshield
42, a side window 44 or a rear window 46. The window 40 is a significant
source of thermal energy transmission, since convective heat loss is very
high. For example, as the vehicle speed increases, convective cooling
and/or heating through the window 40 becomes a dominant source of
convective heat loss and/or gain. At the same time, solar thermal load
gain through the window 40, is less than convective heat loss.
The thermally energy efficient vehicle 10 utilizes a low transmittance
glass 48 as shown in FIG. 4 for the window portions of the thermally
energy efficient vehicle 10. Preferably, the low transmittance glass 48 is
a dual pane glass consisting of two parallel sheets of glass 50 separated
by an air gap 52. An air gap 52 is a known insulator. In this example, the
air gap 52 is 2 mm wide. The low transmittance glass 48 has improved
thermal resistance characteristics, as compared to a single pane of glass
traditionally used in non-thermally efficient vehicles. The low
transmittance glass 48 also reduces the thermal radiation entering the
occupant compartment 32 through a window 40, while reducing heat loss from
conduction or convection processes. Preferably, the low transmittance
glass 48 includes a solar reflective film 54 secured to a surface of the
glass sheet 50. The film 54 reduces the load on a climate control system
(to be described) by reducing the solar radiation into the occupant
compartment. For example, 3M Corporation manufactures a solar reflective
film 54 having a solar transmission of 43.3%.
The low transmittance glass 48 may also include a desiccant material 56
positioned in the air gap 52 between the glass sheets 50 to trap water
vapor, as is known in the art.
Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, the thermal transmission benefit of the low
transmittance glass 48 is illustrated graphically. In this example, the
window 40 is a windshield 42 made from a glass/polycarbonate composite
material having increased thermal resistance but less weight than
traditional bi-laminate glass. In FIG. 5, the impact of the low
transmittance glass 48 on an overall heat transfer coefficient is
illustrated. The benefit of the increased insulating value of the low
transmittance glass 48 on the overall heat transfer coefficient is
illustrated at 220, versus a non-insulated glass at 225.
In FIG. 6, the benefit of the increased resistance value of the low
transmittance glass 48 is illustrated graphically. The resistance value is
changed by varying the overall heat transfer coefficient of the low
transmittance glass 48 relative to the heat flux, as shown at 240. The
heat transfer coefficient of the low transmittance glass 48 includes the
conduction coefficient of the glass solid and the external convection
coefficient. It should be appreciate that the convection coefficient on
the inside glass structure can be determined through a computer aided
engineering analysis, such as computational fluid dynamics.
In FIG. 7, the heat flux of the low transmittance glass 48 as compared to a
typical glass is illustrated graphically. In this example, the window is a
passenger side window 44, and the heat flux is measured over time. The
heat flux or change of a typical glass window over time is shown at 250.
The temperature flux of the low transmittance glass 48 over time is shown
at 260. It should be appreciated that the average heat flux through the
side window 44 was significantly reduced by using the low transmittance
glass 48 in the thermally energy efficient vehicle 10 versus a
non-thermally energy efficient vehicle. Also, the non-thermally energy
efficient vehicle side window had a large gradient in heat flux. It should
be appreciated that an inside surface temperature of the low transmittance
glass 48 is higher that for a non-low transmittance glass. Therefore, the
low transmittance glass 48 is subject to little or no fogging, since the
inside surface temperature remains warm.
The thermally energy efficient vehicle 10 also includes an energy efficient
insulator 58 (shown in FIG. 2) to insulate the vehicle 10 from dynamic
thermal energy transmission. It should be appreciated that the
interconnected nature of the vehicle body structure 12 creates inherent
pathways for thermal energy leakage. Also, the vehicle body structure 12
itself has poor insulation qualities. It should be appreciated that
insulator (not shown) currently used in vehicles, such as between the dash
panel and the occupant compartment, or the floor and the occupant
compartment, are used primarily for reducing the transmission of noise and
vibration into the occupant compartment 32. Advantageously, the energy
efficient insulator 58 is thermally efficient and also provides an
acoustic barrier. Preferably, the energy efficient insulator 58 is a
lightweight gas filled panel or bag, as in known in the art. The energy
efficient insulator 58 is attached to an inside portion of the vehicle
structure 12, such as by an adhesive. In this example, the gas-filled
panel insulation utilizes argon as a filler gas for the panel.
Advantageously, the energy efficient insulator 58 improves the thermal
resistance of the thermally energy efficient vehicle 10, resulting in
higher outside surface temperatures.
Referring to FIG. 8, the advantage of using an energy efficient insulator
58 on dynamic vehicle body thermal transmission is illustrated
graphically. The outside surface temperature (engine compartment side) of
the dash panel 26 for a vehicle without the energy efficient insulator is
shown at 280. The outside surface temperature of the dash panel 26 for a
thermally energy efficient vehicle 10 with the energy efficient insulator
58 is shown at 285. Advantageously, improving the insulating ability of
the thermally energy efficient vehicle 10 results in higher sheet metal
temperatures due to a higher thermal resistance. This reduces the transfer
of heat from the engine compartment to the occupant compartment 32,
thereby keeping the occupant compartment 32 cooler.
Referring to FIG. 2, the thermally energy efficient vehicle 10 includes a
power train 70, such as a heat engine 72, operating on a hydrocarbon-based
or fossil fuel, although other vehicle types are contemplated. It should
be appreciated that power from the engine 72 is used to operate the
thermal energy management system, in a manner to be described. The engine
72 is also operatively connected to a transmission (not shown), as is
known in the art, to transmit engine rotation and power to a drive wheel
(not shown). Thus, the transmission enables the thermally energy efficient
vehicle 10 to accelerate over its speed range through predetermined gear
ratios, while the engine 72 functions within a predetermined operating
range. It should be appreciated that the engine 72 is in communication
with an engine controller 74 that manages and controls its operation. The
engine controller 74 is also in communication with a thermal management
system 80.
The thermally energy efficient vehicle 10 includes an energy efficient
thermal management system 80. It should be appreciated that the energy
efficient thermal management system 80 receives operative power from
sources including the engine 72. The thermal management system 80
generally provides both exterior thermal management and interior thermal
management for the vehicle. Exterior thermal management provides
powertrain cooling within the front storage compartment 30. Interior
thermal management provides for heating, ventilation and air conditioning
of an occupant compartment 32 portion of the thermally energy efficient
vehicle 10, and is referred to as climate control. Advantageously,
interior thermal management provides for a comfortable interior
temperature of the occupant compartment 32, and good visibility through
the windshield 42 and other windows 40 of the thermally energy efficient
vehicle 10. It should be appreciated that the interior temperature of the
thermally energy efficient vehicle 10 may be affected by factors such as
occupant compartment temperature, ambient temperature, external airflow
heat radiation, and thermal resistance.
The energy efficient thermal management system 80 includes a fan 82
positioned behind a front grill (not shown) portion of the thermally
energy efficient vehicle 10. The fan draws air 84 from outside the vehicle
10 into the front storage compartment 30 to provide cooling of powertrain
components, such as the engine 72. It is contemplated that less front-end
airflow is required to maintain climate control system performance for the
thermally energy efficient vehicle 10. Therefore, a smaller fan 82 is
specified, so that front end fan power consumption may be reduced, such as
by forty percent (40%).
The thermal management system 80 further includes a radiator (not shown)
positioned behind the front grill. The radiator provides powertrain
cooling by the rejection of waste heat from the engine 72 through a
coolant fluid (not shown). In this example, the coolant fluid is a mixture
of antifreeze and water.
The energy efficient thermal management system 80 also includes a coolant
pump (not shown), as is known in the art, to distribute the coolant fluid
throughout the thermal management system 80 throughout a series of ducts
(not shown). The control of the coolant fluid through the ducts is by a
valve (not shown) disposed therein. It is contemplated that the energy
efficient thermal management system 80 utilizes a smaller pump, since
there is less thermal energy transmission to compensate for.
The energy efficient thermal system 80 includes a condenser 88, as is known
in the art, positioned behind the front grill. The condenser 88
facilitates a thermodynamic reaction between air 84 and a refrigerant 90
in a gaseous state, whereby the refrigerant 90 changes from a gas to a
liquid through the transfer of heat from the refrigerant 90 to the air.
The heated air is vented to the outside air, preferably at constant
pressure, and the refrigerant 90, now in a liquid state, flows from the
condenser 28 into the interior thermal management system, as will be
described. Preferably, the energy efficient thermal management system 80
is typical of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle for a closed loop
system, as is known in the art. The system 80 includes a compressor 110,
which operatively compresses the refrigerant 90 a predetermined amount to
increase the pressure of the refrigerant 90. The system 80 includes a
clutch operatively connected to the compressor 110 to turn the compressor
110 "on" and "off", as is understood in the art.
The thermal management system 80 also includes an airflow handling system,
referred to in the art as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) air-handling assembly 98, for providing climate control within the
occupant compartment 32. The HVAC air-handling assembly 98 conditions a
flow of air by heating or cooling the airflow and distributing the flow of
conditioned air to the interior of the occupant compartment 32 of the
thermally energy efficient vehicle 10. It should be appreciated that, in
this embodiment, the HVAC air-handling assembly 98 is positioned on the
occupant compartment side of a dash panel 26, below an instrument panel.
Also, in this embodiment, the HVAC air handling assembly 98 includes a
case 100, having a preferred architecture, to package the individual
component parts of the HVAC air-handling assembly 98.
The HVAC assembly 98 includes an evaporator core 102 that conditions the
flow of air within the HVAC assembly 98. The evaporator 102 cools and
dehumidifies the air by the thermodynamic transfer of heat from the
airflow to the refrigerant 90, as is known in the art. The conditioned air
may be diverted into a heater core 104, to heat the air.
The heater core 104 heats a flow of air to be conditioned by the
thermodynamic transfer of heat from the coolant fluid. The heated air is
distributed to the occupant compartment 32 via a series of airflow ducts
108, as is known in the art. Since the thermally energy efficient vehicle
10 requires less airflow, it is contemplated that the evaporative heater
core size and heater core size can also be reduced to achieve a weight
savings with a minimal effect on energy consumption.
The energy efficient thermal management system 80 further includes a
control mechanism (not shown) that manages and controls the operation of
the thermal management system 10 in a manner to be described.
Preferably, the energy efficient thermal management system 80 includes
other component parts, such as supplemental heat sources (not shown),
actuators (not shown), air inlet ducts (not shown), blower assembly 86,
doors 112 and switches (not shown), which are conventional and well known
in the art to operatively maintain the thermal environment of the
thermally energy efficient vehicle 10.
In operation, the energy efficient thermal management system 80 manages
airflow throughout the system. The energy efficient thermal management
system utilizes energy supplied by power sources, such as the engine 72,
to generate, manage and transfer the airflow. In general, energy
consumption and airflow distribution are directly related. The capacity of
the energy efficient thermal management system 80 is based upon the
system's maximum thermal load. By reducing the thermal load, a system with
reduced thermal energy consumption may be utilized. For example, a climate
control system having a one kilowatt (1 KW) energy consumption capacity
can be utilized versus a typical five kilowatt (5 KW) system for a
medium-sized vehicle.
It should be appreciated that the high power consumption typically required
for initially cooling the occupant compartment 32 under high ambient
temperature operating conditions, may be reduced by the improving the
resistance property of the thermally energy efficient vehicle 10. For
example, the interior temperature is lower after a predetermined soak
period if the vehicle has a height resistance value.
Referring to FIG. 9, the performance of a thermally energy efficient
vehicle 10, relative to a non-thermally energy efficient vehicle for a
standard air conditioning test is illustrated graphically. The temperature
of the non-thermally energy efficient management system over time is
illustrated at 300. The temperature of the thermally energy efficient
vehicle 10, with an energy efficient thermal management system 80 over
time is illustrated at 305. Advantageously, a reduction in air
conditioning power consumption of ten to fifty percent (10-50%) is
foreseeable for the thermally energy efficient vehicle 10.
Referring to FIG. 10, the thermal load reduction of the energy efficient
thermal management system 80 during a standard air conditioning test is
illustrated for the thermally energy efficient vehicle 10. The percent
reduction is shown incrementally for the energy efficient insulator 58 at
320; low transmittance glass 48 and energy efficient insulator 58 at 325;
and low transmittance glass 48, energy efficient insulator 58 and
thermally efficient structural material 36 at 330. As a result of the
reduction in thermal load, the thermal management system power consumption
is reduced, and a smaller capacity system can be used by the thermally
energy efficient vehicle 10.
The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is
to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to
be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in
light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended
claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically
described.
*
