US6698663B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Model-based method of generating control algorithms for an automatic climate control system
Assignee: Delphi Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 2002-12-04
•
Granted: 2004-03-02
•
Expires: 2022-12-04
Abstract
Abstract Optimized control algorithms for a vehicle automatic climate control system (ACCS) are developed using math-based models of the vehicle, the ACCS and a vehicle occupant. The models are cross-coupled in closed-loop fashion with feedback from both vehicle systems and occupant. A first feedback loop including the vehicle and the ACCS, simulates how the ACCS interacts with the cabin environment; and a second feedback loop including the vehicle, the ACCS and the occupant, simulates how the occupant will adjust the ACCS to optimize comfort. When the system arrives at a control algorithm that satisfies control objectives and optimizes occupant comfort, an auto-code generation tool is used to create program code directly from the control model, which may be downloaded into a test vehicle for final system confirmation and calibration.
Inventors
- 👤 Mingyu Wang
- 👤 Charles Andrew Archibald
- 👤 Lin-Jie Huang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 15:02
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60H; B60H1/00; B60H1/00642; B60H1/00735; B60H1/0073; F; F24; F24F; F24F11/00; F24F11/30; F24F11/62; B60H2001/00733; F24F2120/00; F24F2120/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
A method of generating a control algorithm for execution by an automatic climate control unit to control an air conditioner of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: simulating a vehicle plant including said air conditioner and a cabin of said motor vehicle; simulating an automatic climate control unit executing a pre-defined control algorithm responsive to vehicle plant parameters and user input parameters; cross-coupling the simulated vehicle plant and the simulated automatic climate control unit to simulate a temperature, velocity and location of air to be discharged into said cabin by said air conditioner for satisfying the user input parameters; simulating a comfort level of a vehicle occupant in response to the simulated air temperature, velocity and location, and an occupant reaction to discomfort, including a requested occupant adjustment of one or more of the user input parameters; adjusting the user input parameters of the simulated automatic climate control unit in accordance with said requested occupant adjustment to thereby modify the pre-defined control algorithm of the simulated automatic climate control unit in a way that increases the simulated comfort level; and generating the control algorithm for execution by the automatic climate control unit based on the modified control algorithm of said simulated automatic climate control unit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
206 words
A method of generating a control algorithm for execution by an automatic climate control unit to control an air conditioner of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: simulating a vehicle plant including said air conditioner and a cabin of said motor vehicle; simulating an automatic climate control unit executing a pre-defined control algorithm responsive to vehicle plant parameters and user input parameters; cross-coupling the simulated vehicle plant and the simulated automatic climate control unit to simulate a temperature, velocity and location of air to be discharged into said cabin by said air conditioner for satisfying the user input parameters; simulating a comfort level of a vehicle occupant in response to the simulated air temperature, velocity and location, and an occupant reaction to discomfort, including a requested occupant adjustment of one or more of the user input parameters; adjusting the user input parameters of the simulated automatic climate control unit in accordance with said requested occupant adjustment to thereby modify the pre-defined control algorithm of the simulated automatic climate control unit in a way that increases the simulated comfort level; and generating the control algorithm for execution by the automatic climate control unit based on the modified control algorithm of said simulated automatic climate control unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the simulated automatic climate control unit develops adjustments for control parameters of the simulated air conditioner in response to the vehicle plant parameters and a specified set temperature.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 2 , including the step of: overriding the control parameter adjustments developed in response to the vehicle plant parameters and the specified set temperature when said user input parameters are adjusted in response to said requested occupant adjustment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 1 , including the steps of: determining that the simulated comfort level could be improved by adjusting the simulated temperature of the discharged air; and requesting occupant adjustment of a user input parameter corresponding to the temperature of the discharged air.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 1 , including the steps of: determining that the simulated comfort level could be improved by adjusting the simulated velocity of the discharged air; and requesting occupant adjustment of a user input parameter corresponding to the velocity of the discharged air.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 1 , including the steps of: determining that the simulated comfort level could be improved by adjusting the simulated location of the discharged air; and requesting occupant adjustment of a user input parameter corresponding to the location of the discharged air.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the pre-defined control algorithm includes calibrated parameters, and the method includes the step of: adjusting said calibrated parameters so as to optimize the simulated comfort level of the vehicle occupant.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the pre-defined control algorithm includes transient parameters and steady-state parameters, and the method includes the steps of: averaging the simulated comfort level of the vehicle occupant during a period of simulated operation of said vehicle plant and said automatic climate control unit; determining a set of calibration values for said transient and steady-state parameters for optimizing the averaged simulated comfort level; and adjusting said transient and steady-state parameters in accordance with the determined set of calibration values.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-03-02 | 2007-09-01 | 2008-03-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-03-02 | 2011-09-01 | 2012-03-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-03-02 | 2015-09-01 | 2016-03-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |