Claims:We Claim:
1. A method for estimating solar load in a cabin of a vehicle, the method comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (CU) of a vehicle, date, and time information from a timer (23) associated with the vehicle;
determining, by the control unit (CU), intensity of sunlight, based on pre-stored values corresponding to the date and time information received from the timer (23);
determining, by the control unit (CU), operational status of one of a lighting system (21) of the vehicle and a wiper actuator (22), based on signals received from a body control module of the vehicle; and
estimating, by the control unit (CU), the solar load in the cabin of the vehicle, based on the determined intensity of sunlight and operational status of one of the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-stored values are stored in a memory unit (24) associated with the control unit (CU).

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pre-stored values correspond to the intensity of sunlight in each hour of a day, determined based on historical data.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operational status of the lighting system (21) is at least one of an ON condition and an OFF condition.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operational status of the wiper actuator (22) is at least one of an ON condition and an OFF condition.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (CU) is configured to operate an HVAC system (100) of the vehicle based on the estimated solar load.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (CU) is configured to regulate a display intensity of an infotainment display (25) and an instrument display (25) in a cabin of the vehicle based on the estimated solar load.

8. A method for operating a HVAC system (100) of a vehicle, the method comprising:
receiving, by the control unit (CU) associated with the HVAC system (100), a plurality of input parameters including:
a set temperature information from an input module (1) in a cabin of the vehicle;
an evaporator temperature from an evaporator temperature sensor (2);
a cabin temperature from a cabin temperature sensor (3);
an ambient temperature from an ambient temperature sensor (4);
estimating, solar load by the control unit (CU) by:
receiving, date and time information from a timer (23) associated with the vehicle;
determining, intensity of sunlight, based on pre-stored values corresponding to the date and time information received from the timer (23);
determining, operational status of one of a lighting system (21) of the vehicle and a wiper actuator (22), based on signals received from a body control module of the vehicle; and
estimating, the solar load in the cabin of the vehicle, based on the determined intensity of sunlight and operational status of one of the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22); and
regulating, by the control unit (CU) a blower (6) to regulate intensity of air blowing in the cabin, an air distribution actuator (7) to regulate direction of the air blowing in the cabin, an air inlet actuator (8) to regulate air flowing into the cabin and a temperature actuator (9) to regulate temperature of air based on the estimated solar load and the received plurality of input parameters.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pre-stored values correspond to the intensity of sunlight in each hour of a day, determined based on historical data.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pre-stored values are stored in a memory unit (24) associated with the control unit (CU).

Dated this 25th of February 2021

GOPINATH A S
IN/PA – 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT OF THE APPLICANT(S)
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT 1970

[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

[See section 10; rule 13]

TITLE: “A METHOD FOR ESTIMATING SOLAR LOAD IN A CABIN OF A VEHICLE”

Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Nationality: Indian

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to infotainment system and Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning [HVAC] system of the vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method for estimating solar load in a cabin of the vehicle to regulate operation of the infotainment system and the HVAC system of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, vehicles are incorporated with various systems for providing comfort to the passengers and/or a driver. Such systems may generally be provided within a cabin of the vehicle and may be including, but are not limited to, a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, powered windows, infotainment systems, and the like. The HVAC system is provisioned in the cabin of the vehicle to condition air present therein. The HVAC system may include a temperature controller and a blower controller which may be employed to set the temperature and the blower speed as per the requirement to cool or heat the cabin of the vehicle.

With advent of technology, automatic HVAC systems, have been developed which are configured to automatically detect the amount of cooling or heating required to condition the cabin of the vehicle based on various environmental conditions including load from sunlight. For example, the automatic HVAC system may include a blower, an air distribution actuator, an air inlet actuator and a temperature actuator which are communicatively connected to an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to receive input from an input module in the cabin of the vehicle, an evaporator sensor, a temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor and a solar load sensor. The electronic control unit upon receiving the inputs is configured to operate the blower, the air distribution actuator, the air inlet actuator and the temperature actuator based on the inputs received.

The solar load sensor is configured to detect the intensity of sunlight and transmit solar load signals to the electronic control unit for accurate operation of the automatic HVAC system. Typically, the solar load sensor consists of one or more photodiodes and are positioned throughout the vehicle in order to detect the sunlight intensity at different locations of the cabin. Further, the solar load sensor is employed to regulate a display brightness and color of an infotainment system and an instrument cluster based on the load from the sunlight and enable clear viewing of the infotainment system and the instrument cluster without sun washout. However, the solar load sensor provides a limited amount of information as the solar load sensor can only measure the solar load at one particular point in the vehicle. Further, the solar load sensor may not be adapted to account for variations in solar load due to sun direction and seasons. Furthermore, the solar load sensor increases the cost of the system and requires a tedious process to service or repair. Also, the solar load sensor takes up space within the cabin of the vehicle and reduces the aesthetic appeal of the cabin. Additionally, the electronic control unit requires addition mounting portions for receiving the inputs from the solar load sensor which makes the electronic control unit complex .

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a method as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a method for estimating solar load in a cabin of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes the step of receiving by a control unit of a vehicle, date and time information from a timer associated with the vehicle. The control unit is then configured to determine intensity of sunlight based on pre-stored values corresponding to the date and time information received from the timer. Further, the control unit is configured to determine operational status of one of a lighting system of the vehicle and a wiper actuator based on signals received from a body control module of the vehicle. Furthermore, the solar load in the cabin of the vehicle is estimated by the control unit, based on the determined intensity of sunlight and operational status of one of the lighting system and the wiper actuator.

In an embodiment, the pre-stored values are stored in a memory unit is associated with the control unit. Further, the pre-stored values correspond to the intensity of sunlight in each hour of a day, determined based on historical data.

In an embodiment, the operational status of the lighting system is at least one of an ON condition and an OFF condition.

In an embodiment, the operational status of the wiper actuator is at least one of an ON condition and an OFF condition.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to operate a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle based on estimated solar load.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to regulate a display intensity of an infotainment display and an instrument display in a cabin of the vehicle based on estimated solar load.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving by the control unit associated with the HVAC system, a plurality of input parameters. The input parameters include a set temperature information from an input module in a cabin of the vehicle, an evaporator temperature from an evaporator temperature sensor, a cabin temperature from a cabin temperature sensor and an ambient temperature from an ambient temperature sensor. Further, solar load is estimated, by the control unit. The estimation of the solar load includes steps of receiving a date and time information from a timer associated with the vehicle. Further, the intensity of sunlight is determined, based on pre-stored values corresponding to the date and time information received from the timer. The operational status of one of a lighting system of the vehicle and a wiper actuator is determined, based on signals received from a body control module of the vehicle. Furthermore, the solar load in the cabin of the vehicle is estimated, based on the determined intensity of sunlight and operational status of one of the lighting system and the wiper actuator. The control unit is then configured to regulate a blower to regulate intensity of air blowing in the cabin, an air distribution actuator to regulate direction of the air blowing in the cabin, an air inlet actuator to regulate air flowing into the cabin and a temperature actuator to regulate temperature of air based on the estimated solar load and the received plurality of input parameters.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a HVAC system of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for operating a HVAC system of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other methods, processes, systems, mechanisms, devices, and assemblies for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism, an assembly, or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Vehicle are provided with various systems for providing comfort to the passengers and/or a driver of the vehicle. Such systems may generally be provided within a cabin of the vehicle and may be including, but are not limited to, a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, powered windows, infotainment systems, and the like. The HVAC system is provisioned in the cabin of the vehicle to condition air present therein.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for operating a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving by the control unit associated with the HVAC system, a plurality of input parameters. The input parameters include a set temperature information from an input module in a cabin of the vehicle, an evaporator temperature from an evaporator temperature sensor, a cabin temperature from a cabin temperature sensor and an ambient temperature from an ambient temperature sensor. Further, solar load is determined, by the control unit. The determination of the solar load includes steps of receiving by the control unit of a vehicle, date and time information from a timer associated with the vehicle. Further, the control unit is configured to determine intensity of sunlight, based on pre-stored values corresponding to the date and time information received from the timer. The control unit is then configured to determine operational status of one of a lighting system of the vehicle and a wiper actuator, based on signals received from a body control module of the vehicle. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to estimate the solar load in the cabin of the vehicle, based on the determined intensity of sunlight and operational status of one of the lighting system and the wiper actuator. The control unit is then configured to regulate a blower to regulate intensity of air blowing in the cabin, an air distribution actuator to regulate direction of the air blowing in the cabin, an air inlet actuator to regulate the air flowing into the cabin and a temperature actuator to regulate temperature of the air based on the estimated solar load and the received plurality of input parameters. The method enables the HVAC system to operate independently without a solar load sensor.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system (100) of a vehicle. The HVAC system (100) may include a blower (6) that may be adapted to supply air into a cabin of the vehicle. The blower (6) may also be adapted to regulate volume and intensity of the air being circulated into the cabin of the vehicle. An air distribution actuator (7) may be provisioned in the HVAC system (100) which may be configured to distribute the air blowing from the blower (6) by regulating a direction of the air blowing into the cabin. The air distribution actuator (7) may control, flaps that are disposed in an opening of an air vent. The flaps may be displaced horizontally and/or vertically to regulate the direction of the air blowing into the cabin. Further, the HVAC system (100) includes an inlet actuator. The inlet actuator may be configured to selectively allow and restrict the air flow into the cabin from outside the vehicle. Additionally, a temperature actuator (9) may be provisioned in the HVAC system (100) that may be configured to selectively regulate the temperature of the air blowing into the cabin.

Further, the HVAC system may include an input module (1) disposed in the cabin to selectively regulate the HVAC system (100). In an embodiment, the input module (1) may include, but not limited to, buttons, knobs, tactile surface of an infotainment display and any other means to set temperature of the HVAC system (100). For example, the input module (1) may be configured to receive inputs for setting temperature of the cabin from a driver or a passenger of the vehicle. An evaporator may be provisioned in the HVAC system, which may be adapted to cool or heat a refrigerant to condition the air flowing into the cabin corresponding to the temperature set in the input module (1). The evaporator may include an evaporator temperature sensor (2) which may be configured to detect a real time temperature of the refrigerant within the evaporator or may indicate the temperature of the evaporator. Further, a cabin temperature sensor (3) may be disposed in the cabin of the vehicle that may be configured to indicate real-time temperature of the cabin based on operation of the evaporator and based on operating condition of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the temperature of the cabin and the evaporator may be calculated either during operation of the vehicle at a defined speed or in an idle condition. Additionally, an ambient temperature sensor (4) may be connected to the HVAC system. The ambient temperature sensor (4) may be configured to monitor and indicate the real time temperature of the ambient air surrounding the vehicle. Further, the temperature of the cabin may be low when the vehicle is operating under no sun condition, for example when the vehicle is operating at evenings, night, early mornings, cloudy regions, and tunnels. The cabin temperature under these conditions may be substantially low when compared with the cabin temperature during day. To detect no sun condition or low light condition the HVAC system may be connected to a lighting system (21) of the vehicle. The lighting system (21) may include but is not limited to parking lamps, head lamps, tail lamps, daytime running lights, fog lamps, cabin lamps and any other lighting system which may be employed for illumination. The lighting system (21) may be operated manually by the driver, when the driver actuates a switch in the cabin of the vehicle. The lighting system in an ON condition may indicate the operation of the vehicle in no sun condition and indicates low real-time ambient temperature. The lighting system (21) may be operated manually by the driver or may be operated automatically based on inputs from a light sensor. Furthermore, the temperature of the cabin may be low when the vehicle is operating in the rain. To detect rain the HVAC system may be connected to a wiper actuator (22) of a plurality of wipers that are configured to wipe a windshield of the vehicle. The actuation of the wiper actuator (22) may be initiated manually by the driver of the vehicle or may be automatically operated based on the water being detected on the windshield by a rain sensor. The initiation of the wiper actuator (22) to an ON condition indicates the vehicle operating in the presence of rainfall which corresponds to low or no sunlight.

In an embodiment, the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22) may be connected to a body control module [not shown in figures]. The body control module may control the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22) based on manual inputs provided by the driver and may also automatically operate the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22) based on inputs from the light sensor and the rain sensors, respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment, a timer (23) may be associated with the vehicle and may be configured to track aspects such as date and time.

In an exemplary embodiment, a control unit (CU) that may be an electronic control unit of the vehicle, may be associated with the HVAC system (100). The control unit (CU) may be configured to selectively operate the HVAC system (100) based on plurality of input parameters and a solar load. The plurality of input parameters includes a set temperature information received by the control unit (CU) from the input module (1) in the cabin of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the set temperature information corresponds to the temperature value set by the driver as per requirement. The control unit (CU) may be connected to the evaporator temperature sensor (2) and receive the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator or the temperature of the evaporator. Further, the control unit (CU) may be connectable to the cabin temperature sensor (3) and may be configured to receive the real-time cabin temperature. The control unit (CU) upon receiving the plurality of input parameters estimates the solar load to operate the HVAC system (100).

In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit (CU) may be connected to the timer (23) and may be configured to receive information regarding the date and time from the timer (23). Further, the control unit (CU) may be associated with a memory unit (24). The memory unit (24) may include pre-stored values of intensity of sunlight based on date and time as seen in Table 1 below. In an embodiment, the pre-stored values may correspond to the intensity of sunlight in each hour of a day, which may be determined based on historical data. For example, the Table 1 includes pre-stored values of the intensity of sunlight for each hour of a day for twelve months which are acquired from historical data. The Table 1 includes the intensity of sunlight recorded in W/m2 for each hour of the day. The intensity of sunlight provides the load exerted by the sunlight which may influence the real time cabin temperature. Furthermore, the control unit (CU) may be electrically coupled to the body control module. The body control module may transmit information signals about the operational status of the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22) to the control unit (CU) to indicate the low or no sunlight that may influence the cabin temperature. The operational status of the lighting system (21) may be at least one of the ON condition and an OFF condition of the lighting system (21) corresponding to the operation of the vehicle under no sun condition. Additionally, the operational status of the wiper actuator (22) may be at least one of the ON condition and an OFF condition of the wiper actuator (22) that indicates presence of rainfall and low or no sun condition. The control unit (CU) may be configured to estimate the solar load in the cabin of the vehicle based on the intensity of sunlight detected from the pre-stored values corresponding to the date and time, and by factoring the operational status of one of the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22).

MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 0 0 45 45 100 100 40 40 0 0 0 0
7 75 75 135 135 200 200 120 120 60 60 70 70
8 225 225 270 270 300 300 240 240 180 180 210 210
9 375 375 450 450 500 500 400 400 300 300 350 350
10 525 525 630 630 700 700 560 560 420 420 490 490
11 675 675 810 810 900 900 720 720 540 540 630 630
12 750 750 900 900 1000 1000 800 800 600 600 700 700
13 750 750 900 900 1000 1000 800 800 600 600 700 700
14 675 675 810 810 900 900 720 720 540 540 630 630
15 525 525 630 630 700 700 560 560 420 420 490 490
16 375 375 450 450 500 500 400 400 300 300 350 350
17 225 225 270 270 300 300 240 240 180 180 210 210
18 75 75 135 135 200 200 120 120 60 60 70 70
19 0 0 45 45 100 100 40 40 0 0 0 0
20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
23 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Table. 1

In an embodiment, the pre-stored values of the intensity of sunlight may be stored according to the historical values recorded for the geographical location where the vehicle is intended to operate. Further, the pre-stored values of the memory unit (24) containing the values of the intensity of sunlight for each hour of the day may be configured during programming of the memory unit (24). Furthermore, the memory unit (24) may be configured to receive inputs from an external source to calibrate the pre-stored values.

In an embodiment, the control unit (CU) may be configured to estimate the solar load based on the intensity of sunlight determined corresponding to the date and time information received from the timer (23) when the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22) are in the OFF condition. For example, the control unit (CU) may be configured to estimate the solar load based on the values of the intensity of sunlight received from the memory unit (24) and does not factor the operational status of the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22). Further, the solar load may be estimated by combining the intensity of sunlight determined and the operational status of at least one of the lighting system (21) of the vehicle and the wiper actuator (22). For example, the control unit (CU) may be configured to estimate the solar load based on the values of the intensity of sunlight received from the memory unit (24) and may be configured to factor in the ON condition of the lighting system (21) and/or the wiper actuator (22). In an embodiment, the control unit (CU) may factor the inputs received from the body control module when the lighting system (21) of the vehicle is operating in the ON condition in conjunction to the intensity of sunlight determined to estimate the solar load. Furthermore, the control unit (CU) may factor the inputs received from the body control module when the wiper actuator (22) of the vehicle is operating in the ON condition in conjunction to the intensity of sunlight determined to estimate the solar load. Additionally, the control unit (CU) may factor in the inputs received from the body control module when both the lighting system (21) of the vehicle and the wiper actuator (22) are operating in the ON condition in conjunction to the intensity of sunlight determined to estimate the solar load.

The control unit (CU) may be configured to operate the HVAC system (100) of the vehicle based on the estimated solar load. In an embodiment, the control unit (CU) may be a separate module which may be configured to control the operations of the HVAC system (100) in the vehicle or the control unit (CU) may be a centralized controller configured to control numerous parameters required which are required to operate the vehicle, for example the control unit (CU) may be an electronic control unit (CU) or an electronic control module which are configured to control and operate the prime mover and other electrical components such as but not limited to windows, HVAC system (100), seats, lights and entertainment systems.

In an embodiment, the control unit (CU) may be include a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron, or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.

In an embodiment, the control unit (CU) may be an electronic control unit (CU), disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to the memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.

Further, the control unit (CU) may be connected to an infotainment display (25) and an instrument display (25) disposed in the cabin of the vehicle. The control unit (CU) may be configured to regulate a display intensity and color of the infotainment display (25) and the instrument display (25) based on the estimated solar load and prevent sun washout. For example, when the solar load estimated is high, the control unit (CU) is configured to increase the display intensity of the infotainment display (25) and the instrument display (25). Further, upon estimation of low solar load the control unit (CU) is configured to decrease the display intensity of the infotainment display (25) and the instrument display (25). In an embodiment, the control unit (CU) is configured to select a lighter color for the infotainment display (25) and the instrument display (25), when the estimated solar load is high and enable easy viewing. Furthermore, the control unit (CU) is configured to select a darker color for the infotainment display (25) and the instrument display (25), when the estimated solar load is low to prevent strain on eyes of the driver and the passengers.

Referring now to Figure 2 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a flow chart of a method for operating the HVAC system (100) of the vehicle.

The method may be described in the general context of processor executable instructions in the control unit (CU). Generally, the executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block 201, the control unit (CU) associated with the HVAC system (100) may be configured to receive the plurality of input parameters for regulating temperature in the cabin of the vehicle at varying solar load. The plurality of input parameters may include the set temperature information from the input module (1) in the cabin of the vehicle, the evaporator temperature from the evaporator temperature sensor (2), the cabin temperature from the cabin temperature sensor (3) and the ambient temperature from the ambient temperature sensor (4), based on operating condition of the vehicle. The cabin temperature sensor (3) may be configured to indicate real-time temperature of the cabin, while the evaporator temperature sensor (2) may be configured to indicate real-time temperature of the refrigerant within the evaporator or may indicate the temperature of the evaporator, where temperature of the cabin and the evaporator may be calculated either during operation of the vehicle at the defined speed or in the idle condition.

Further, the control unit (CU) may be configured to estimate the solar load in the cabin of the vehicle. In an embodiment, variation in solar load may be due to factors including, but not limited to, time of corresponding day, season, geographical location where the vehicle may travel and any other factor that may affect solar load in the cabin on the vehicle and in-turn affect operation of the HVAC system (100).

At block 202, the control unit (CU) may be configured to receive the date and time information from the timer (23) that is associated with the vehicle.

At block 203, the control unit (CU) may be configured to determine the intensity of sunlight based on the pre-stored values corresponding to the date and time information that is received from the timer (23). The pre-stored values indicative of the intensity of sunlight may be stored in the memory unit (24) communicatively coupled to the control unit (CU).

At block 204, the control unit (CU) may be configured to determine the operational status of one of the lighting system (21) of the vehicle and the wiper actuator (22) which are received by signals that are transmitted from the body control module to the control unit (CU). The operational status of the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22) may be one of the ON condition and the OFF condition, where low sun condition or no sun condition are determined upon the ON condition of the lighting system (21) and/or the wiper actuator (22).

At block 205, the control unit (CU) may be configured to estimate the solar load in the cabin of the vehicle based on the determined intensity of sunlight and operational status of one of the lighting system (21) and the wiper actuator (22).

At block 206, the control unit (CU) may be configured to control the HVAC system based on the input parameters and the estimated solar load. In an embodiment, the control unit may be configured to control the blower (6) and the air distribution actuator (7) to regulate the intensity and the direction of air blowing in the cabin. Further, the control unit is configured to control the air inlet actuator (8) to regulate the air flowing into the cabin and the temperature actuator (9) to regulate the temperature of air based on the determined solar load and the received plurality of input parameters.

In an embodiment, the blower (6), air distribution actuator (7), air inlet actuator (8), and the temperature actuator (9) may be manually operated by the driver or the passenger of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the timer (23) may be including, but not limited to an internal clock, a timer in the infotainment system, a real time clock associated with the geographical location of the vehicle and any other timer configured to indicate and record date and time.

In an embodiment, the ON condition of the lighting system (21) signifies a dense cloud, travel through a tunnel or nighttime and corresponds to low solar load. Further, the ON condition of the wiper actuator (22) may signify cloud cover and corresponds to low solar load.

In an embodiment, the method in which the control unit (CU) operates the HVAC system (100) eliminates the requirement of a solar load sensor (5).

In an embodiment, the method in which the control unit (CU) operates the HVAC system (100) provides accurate air conditioning irrespective of the direction and the position of the sun.

In an embodiment, the solar load sensor (5) is eliminated, and the space taken up the solar load sensor (5) is made available for other components or to increase the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle cabin.

In an embodiment, mounting portions for receiving the inputs from the solar load sensor (5) on the control unit (CU) is eliminated which makes the control unit (CU) compact and easy to position.

In an embodiment, the sun washout of the infotainment display (25) and the instrument display (25) is mitigated by regulating the infotainment display (25) and the instrument display (25) based on the estimated solar load.

Equivalents:
Embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers, or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 HVAC system
CU Control unit
1 Input module
2 Evaporator temperature sensor
3 Cabin temperature sensor
4 Ambient temperature sensor
6 Blower
7 Air distribution actuator
8 Air inlet actuator
9 Temperature actuator
21 Lighting system
22 Wiper actuator
23 Timer
24 Memory unit
25 Infotainment display/ Instrument display