WO2019201593A1

WO2019201593A1 - Method for controlling an air-conditioning device for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2019201593A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/058313
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Niering; Gregor Homann; Sven Twenhövel
Original assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2018-04-19
Filing date: 2019-04-02
Publication date: 2019-10-24
Also published as: DE102018205958A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling an air-conditioning device for a motor vehicle, characterized by the steps of a. querying a setpoint temperature Tsoll for a vehicle interior, b. querying a priority value P of an air-conditioning speed in relation to an air-conditioning energy efficiency variable, c. selecting an operating mode for the air-conditioning device on the basis of the requested priority value P, and d. controlling components of the air-conditioning device in accordance with the selected operating mode.

Description

description

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AIR-CONDITIONING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

The invention relates to a method for controlling an air conditioning device for a motor vehicle and an air conditioning device for air conditioning an interior of a motor vehicle, with a refrigerant circuit, an electrical

Refrigerant compressor, a heat exchanger and a control unit.

Corresponding methods and air-conditioning devices have long been known from the prior art. The control of the air conditioning device can either be done by the user by this parameter as the target temperature for the interior, the fan speed and the distribution of tempered air to different outlet nozzles pretending or between a recirculation mode and a

Fresh air mode selects. Furthermore, automatic programs are known in which the user specifies only a target temperature and the automatic climate control in the form of a

Control unit automatically sets the other parameters.

From JP 2013166468A2 it is known to provide an "eco-mode", upon activation of which by means of a switch provided for this purpose, some of the parameters predetermined by the user are overwritten by the automatic climate control in order to save fuel

To reach operating status. Thus, for example, the fan speed and / or the discharge temperatures are reduced, it is judged with which intake an energy-efficient air conditioning of the vehicle is possible, and it outlet openings are controlled such that, if possible, no disc fitting occurs. In other words, therefore, user specifications that can lead to increased fuel consumption by the air conditioning device, at least partially overwritten to permanently provide the user a similar to his desired settings comfort as possible while keeping the energy consumption of the air conditioning device as low as possible , However, the eco mode is permanently associated with at least a slight loss of comfort for the user.

In a reverse approach, it is also known to provide the user with a switch for setting a "Hi" mode or a "Lo" mode which overrides the automatic climate control and all available components in one Maximum power mode for heating or cooling of the vehicle interior to be offset.

A disadvantage of the known method is that they each only consider a static state and can not react dynamically to the current wishes of the user and to the current conditions in the vehicle interior. Thus, for example, does not take into account how large the temperature difference between the desired

Target temperature and the current actual temperature is, as well as whether the user wants a rapid temperature control to the target temperature, or the most energy-efficient reaching the target temperature to allow a high range of the vehicle. The known "Hi" or "Lo" modes require a complete override of the automatic climate control and must be terminated by the user, which often occurs only when the actual set temperature has already been exceeded. The well-known "Eco" mode, however, is designed to permanently save fuel and thereby takes permanent loss of comfort of the user in purchasing.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling an air conditioning device and an air conditioning device, which corresponds to the requirements of the user automatic temperature control of the

Car interior takes and thereby the user a high level of comfort at situational simultaneously high energy efficiency allows.

The invention solves the problem by means of a generic method with the steps a. Polling a target temperature for a vehicle interior,

b. Polling a priority value of an air conditioning speed versus an air conditioning energy efficiency,

c. Selecting an operating mode for the air conditioning device based on the requested priority value, and

d. Controlling components of the air conditioning device according to the selected operating mode,

and by a generic air conditioning device whose control unit is set to the air conditioning device according to the invention

Procedures to operate.

The inventors have recognized that, especially in novel vehicles with electrified powertrain, in which heat pumps are often used for air conditioning, an increased potential for flexible adaptation to the needs of the user is available. Since in the heating case, the heat for heating the interior is not obtained from an internal combustion engine, which must first reach its operating temperature before he can provide significant amounts of heat available, as well as in cooling by the independent of the engine electric air compressor very fast high cooling capacity can be made available, it is possible to achieve very high air conditioning speeds. In other words, it is possible to bring the vehicle interior in a short period of time from the start of the journey to the desired temperature. This can be a clearer, especially for short distances

Comfort gain for the user, as in conventional vehicles may have already stopped driving until the required heat or cooling capacity would be available at all.

At the same time, vehicles with electrified drivetrain are limited in their range due to the battery capacities, so that any energy consuming

Component of such a vehicle should also be considered in terms of their respective efficiency. A particularly rapid tempering of the vehicle interior is regularly less efficient than a slower tempering of the vehicle interior. Thus, there is a trade-off between quickly providing an environment in which the user feels comfortable and increasing the range. According to the invention, different operating modes are now provided for the air-conditioning device, which are designed for a different prioritization of the air-conditioning speed. In other words, the air-conditioning device can be operated in at least one operating mode, which is designed to achieve the target temperature as quickly as possible, and in at least one operating mode, which is designed for the highest possible range.

In this case, an air conditioning speed is understood in particular to be a value which indicates how long it takes for the desired interior temperature to be reached. Of course, since this time also depends on the difference between the start temperature and the target temperature, if one wants to specify a numerical value for the air conditioning speed, it can be indicated in K / min, for example. Alternatively, the term can be used relatively, so that air conditioning with a higher

Air conditioning speed at the same difference between start temperature and

Target temperature takes less time than air conditioning with a lower air conditioning speed. An air conditioning efficiency is understood in particular to mean a value indicating how much energy is needed to reach and / or maintain the target temperature. A high air conditioning efficiency means accordingly that the target temperature is achieved with relatively little energy expenditure.

All of these operating modes are automatic modes in which the

Settings for controlling the individual components of the air conditioning device dynamically adapted to changing conditions in the vehicle interior and possibly in the vehicle environment. Of course, a variety of such modes of operation may be available for selection and assigned to different priority values for the air conditioning speed. The number of operating modes may be, for example, at least 3, at least 5, at least 10, or at least 20.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention can be provided that in step b. the priority value is determined based on a user input. The user can then pretend that it is just a quick achievement of the target temperature or the target temperature or a particularly energy-efficient temperature control of the interior and thus a high range of the vehicle is important. The input of the priority value can take place, for example, via a mechanical slider or dial or preferably via a touch-sensitive element, for example a touchscreen. It can, for example, on the touch screen

Sliders are displayed. Other input elements, such as an up / down button or the possibility of voice input are also possible.

The user input can be done via a continuous input means. In the event that the input via a touch-sensitive element or a touch screen and thus inevitably digitized, can be understood by a continuous input means in particular an input means in which the individual gradations are not visible to the user. For example, based on the input means, a priority value with a value between 0 and 255 can be determined and used to control the

Air conditioning device can be used.

In an alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step b. the priority value is determined based on a forecast of the journey time. The forecast of the journey duration can be based, for example, on data entered by the user in a navigation device with regard to the route course and in particular the length of the route. It is also possible, for example, using intelligent algorithms often to predict recurring journeys or journey time. For example, in the case of commuters, the time can be used to determine that the familiar route to work or home work is likely to be driven. There is then no longer any interaction of the user with the system necessary, and at the same time the alleged wishes or needs of the user are automatically implemented.

It is possible for the user to switch between the mode in which he himself enters the priority value and the automatic mode in which the system automatically determines the priority value for the air conditioning speed as described above. This can be done for example via a switch, a softkey in a user interface or via a voice command.

The different modes of operation can in particular by different

Air conditioning curves to be marked. In other words, it can therefore be provided that, depending on the step b. Priority value determined one of several present in a memory conditioning curves for controlling the air conditioning device can be selected. The air conditioning curves comprise data records for certain operating parameters that are used to control the individual components of the

Air conditioning device can be used. For example, a data set corresponding to a current interior temperature or a current difference between the

Interior temperature and a target temperature assigns a parameter set for controlling the components of the air conditioning device, be stored. In particular, parameters such as the discharge temperature, the fan speed and thus the air mass flow, the outlet nozzle to be controlled or the compressor pressure in the data record can be coded. Furthermore, it can be specified that the respective parameters are set for predetermined periods of time.

The above-mentioned parameters for regulating the air-conditioning device, in particular therefore the discharge temperature, the fan speed, the choice of the outlet nozzles used and the compressor pressure can be used individually or in combination for influencing the air-conditioning speed. Here, for a high air conditioning speed, the compressor pressure of the electric

Air compressor of the air conditioning device can be increased. At the same time can be increased by a suitable control of the heating elements, the performance of these heating elements. By faster provision of the heating or cooling energy, the corresponding further parameters are automatically adjusted, so that there is always ideal comfort in the vehicle. For an increase in air conditioning efficiency applies accordingly Contrary to what has been said before regarding an increase in air conditioning speed.

If a high priority value for the air conditioning speed is entered or determined and heating of the vehicle interior is desired, auxiliary heating may be activated. The definition of a high priority value may depend on the specific embodiment. For example, the maximum priority value may become a high priority value, as well as priority values having a value of over 50% or over 75% of the maximum priority value may be considered a high priority value. By means of such additional heating then a particularly rapid heating of the interior can be made possible. The additional heater can be an electrical

Additional heating in the form of a heating resistor, for example, a so-called PTC resistor (English "positive temperature coefficient"), be. It is also possible that the mentioned additional heating is a surface heating, for example in the form of a seat heating, an armrest heating and / or a steering wheel heating. Such surface heating has the advantage that the user is immediately given a feeling of warmth, so that the perceived total temperature exceeds the current interior temperature. Thus, areas with which the user has direct physical contact are heated first and as quickly as possible so that the user perceives a pleasant indoor climate more quickly than if the entire interior air had to be tempered first.

A development of the method according to the invention provides that the user receives an optical and / or acoustic feedback on his priority input regarding a resulting efficiency of the air conditioning device and / or a range of the vehicle. In practice, for example, via a touch-sensitive element, an input of the priority value for the air conditioning speed by the user. At the same time, in real time, for example, via a

Color coding the user an impression of the consequences of his selection on the range or generally on the energy efficiency are presented. For example, the background color of a shift greed on a touchscreen may change as the position of the slider is changed by the user. Alternatively or additionally, the user can also be shown the currently calculated range as a function of his selection. The user can then decide directly whether the immediately apparent change in the range is acceptable, or whether he prefers to forego a particularly rapid tempering of the interior and thus increases the range. The range can be displayed as absolute value in km, or it can also be a Range change, which results from the input of the user, also be displayed in the unit km. In this case, the system forms the difference between the range before the user input and after the user input and shows this to the user.

When the priority is at a high range, in other words, when the priority value for the air conditioning speed is low, the target temperature may be modified by an offset amount toward an outside temperature. In other words, in this case, not only the time until reaching the

Target temperature is influenced, but also the target temperature itself is modified to allow a permanent energy saving. In case of heating is accordingly the

Setpoint temperature is lowered, and in cooling the setpoint temperature is increased. The size of the offset can depend on the priority value. For example, a

Priority value of 50% of the maximum value a first amount of e.g. 0.5 ° C by which the target temperature is then modified, a priority value of 25% of the maximum value can be assigned to a second amount of e.g. 1, 0 ° C, and a priority value of 0% of the maximum value, that is, the minimum priority value for the

Air conditioning speed, a third amount of e.g. 2.0 ° C are assigned to the then the setpoint temperature is modified. The numerical values serve here only as an example to clarify the principle.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing and the following description. It shows:

1 shows an embodiment of a user interface for inputting the priority value.

FIG. 1 shows a user interface 2 for inputting the priority value for the user

Air conditioning speed by the user in the form of a sliding or

Slide regulator. The user interface 2 is designed as a touch-sensitive element in a display. By touching the user interface 2, the user can set the priority value. The currently selected priority value can be replaced by a

Mark on the bar 2 are shown. In the illustrated embodiment, values corresponding to marker positions in the left area 4 of the bar are values at which the efficiency of the air conditioning operation has priority. In other words, in this area, the priority value for the air conditioning speed has a low value. In the right-hand area 6 of the bar, the "time to comfort", ie the time until reaching the setpoint temperature, has priority. This corresponds to a high value for the priority value for the air conditioning speed. By way of example, an operating procedure is illustrated in which the user sets a priority value, which is initially relatively high, for the user

Air conditioning speed changed to a lower value. He touches the user interface 2 with his finger in the first position 8 and then moves the finger to the second position 10, which corresponds to a lower priority value.

Graphically, the process can be presented to the user by moving a marker with his finger within the user interface 2.

Furthermore, it is indicated by the different hatching within the user interface 2 that a color coding is shown here. For example, a green gradient in region 4, which corresponds to energy efficiency prioritization, may be represented as red in region 6, which corresponds to a prioritization of rapid air conditioning speed. The user can then estimate at a glance what consequences for the efficiency and the

Air conditioning speed will have its input. Alternatively, depending on the user input, the entire bar may also discolor, thus making it clear to the user upon his input what his choice will have for an effect on efficiency and air conditioning speed.

Reference List User Interface

first area

second area

first position

second position

Claims

claims

A method for controlling an air conditioning device for a motor vehicle, comprising the steps

a. Polling a setpoint temperature T _so n for a vehicle interior,

b. Polling a priority value P of an air conditioning speed against air conditioning energy efficiency,

c. Selecting an operation mode for the air conditioning device based on the requested priority value P, and

d. Controlling components of the air conditioning device according to the selected operating mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in step b. the priority value P is determined on the basis of a user input (8, 10).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step b. the priority value P is determined based on a forecast of a travel time.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the user input (8, 10) via a continuous input means (2).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that depending on the in step b. determined priority value P one of several present in a memory conditioning curves for controlling the air conditioning device are selected.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a high priority value P for the air conditioning speed in the form of a heating rate, an additional heating is activated.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a high priority value P for the air conditioning speed in the form of a heating a surface heating in the form of a seat heater, an armrest heating and / or a steering wheel heating is activated.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a user receives an optical and / or acoustic feedback to a priority input (8, 10) with respect to a resulting efficiency of the air conditioning device and / or a range of the vehicle.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for a low priority value P of the air conditioning speed, the target temperature Tsoii is modified by an offset amount in the direction of an outside temperature T _out .

10. An air conditioning device for air conditioning an interior of a motor vehicle, comprising a refrigerant circuit, an electric refrigerant compressor, a heat exchanger and a control unit, wherein the control unit is set up to operate the air conditioning device according to a method according to any one of the preceding claims.