DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
AN AUTOMATIC HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM TO CONTROL ITS OPERATION BY OCCUPANCY DETECTION AND AIRFLOW MANAGEMENT

Applicant:
Tata Motors Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,
Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400001,
Maharashtra, India

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

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] The present application claims priority from Indian Patent application no. (201921011542) filed on 25th March, 2019.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention generally relates to vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In quite a lot of cases buses run almost empty but the AC system is running at max capacity. (Example- tarmac buses, state transport buses while returning from a particular route less utilized by public). This is especially important for EVs and HEVs as power consumption cuts into the range of the vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] One object of the present disclosure is to provide an HVAC system that facilitates efficient operation of AC/HVAC system in conjunction with occupancy detection and intelligent airflow management.

[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an HVAC system that is easy to operate.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] According to the present subject matter an automatic AC/HVAC control system to control its operation by occupancy detection and airflow management is disclosed comprising at least one occupancy detection system for detecting the number of occupants in vehicle, at least one automatic airflow management system to control the air flow based on the number of occupants in the vehicle; and at least one AC/HVAC system operation regulation based on occupancy detection system.

[0007] The system according to one embodiment is configured with at least one occupancy sensor for detection of number of occupants in the vehicle, at least one rail for sensor movement, at least one actuator for opening/closing of vents, plurality of automatically operated vents and AC/HVAC system operation regulation configured for air flow management. The rail for sensor movement is configured for said sensor traversing along the rails to generate occupancy map for periodic updating of number of occupants for communicating to AC/HVAC controller to regulate the opening/closing of vents for distribution of air inside the AC/HVAC duct. The automatic AC/HVAC control system is configured to be operative based on including but not limited to the set temperature value, sensing of compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, return air sensor temperature, ambient sensor temperature, solar sensor data and occupancy map, for controlling of compressor speed, condenser fan speed, blower speed and vent operation.

[0008] The system according to one embodiment is configured with at least one load sensor for detection of number of occupants in the vehicle, plurality of automatically operated flaps/baffle, at least one actuator for opening/closing of flaps/baffles and AC/HVAC system operation regulation configured for air flow management. The load sensors are configured to be mounted in the suspension systems of the buses for sensing the total weight and the weight distribution along the length of the bus, at least one Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) configured to estimate the occupancy distribution (occupant density) inside the bus, and AC/HVAC controller configured to regulate the operations of baffles for controlled distribution of air inside the AC/HVAC duct. The automatic HVAC control system is configured to be operative based on set temperature value, sensing of compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, return air sensor temperature, ambient sensor temperature, solar sensor data and occupant density for controlling of compressor speed, condenser fan speed, blower speed and Baffle operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

[0009] 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:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a currently existing HVAC system;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of an HVAC system depicting one method of operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrate a schematic representation of an HVAC system depicting another method of operation, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] 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 illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] 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 embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures 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 spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, 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.

[0015] Proposed subject matter will help to reduce power consumption without compromising on comfort in non-peak load / part-load condition by
• Occupancy detection
• Automatic airflow management and AC/HVAC system operation regulation
[0016] The idea is to ensure efficient operation of Roof AC/HVAC system in conjunction with occupancy detection and intelligent airflow management. There are two methods for occupancy detection and airflow management.
[0017] Two methods by which this end objective can be achieved are as follows:
Method 1 (referring to Figure 2):
• Occupancy detection through occupancy sensor arrangement
• Air flow management by automated operation of vents and AC/HVAC system operation regulation
There are additional components involved in the process of achieving the results:
• Occupancy sensor
• Rail arrangement for sensor movement
• Actuators for vent opening/closing
Operation:
The occupancy sensors on the two rails (two rails are depicted in the figure 2 for representation, for a person skilled in the art it is obvious that there can be one or even more than 2 rails and the arrangement can be modified as per requirements) will be traversing along the rails and will generate occupancy map. This map will be updated periodically. These are communicatively connected with AC/HVAC controller. On the basis of occupancy detected, AC/HVAC controller will regulate the opening/closing of vents and ensure the distribution of air inside the AC/HVAC duct. It will also regulated the operation of AC components, blowers, condenser fans and compressor. Refer figure for detail.

[0018] AC/HVAC operation based on occupancy map and vent operation:

X (Inputs) Y (Sensing parameters) Z (Output)
Set temperature Compressor Suction pressure Compressor speed
Compressor Discharge pressure Condenser fan speed
Return air sensor temperature Blower speed
Ambient sensor temperature Vent Operation
Solar Sensor Data
Occupancy map

Method 2 (referring to Figure 3):

• Occupancy detection through load sensor arrangement
• Air flow management by automated operation of flaps & AC/HVAC system operation regulation
There are additional components involved in the process of achieving the results:
• Load sensors
• Baffles
Operation:
The load sensors are mounted in the suspension systems of the buses. By sensing the total weight and the weight distribution along the length of the bus, coupled with feedback from Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), it will estimate the occupancy distribution (occupant density) inside the bus. On the basis of occupancy detected, AC/HVAC controller will regulate the operations of baffles and ensure the distribution of air inside the AC/HVAC duct. It will also regulate the operation of AC/HVAC components, blowers, condenser fans and compressor. Refer figure for detail.

[0019] AC operation based on occupant density and baffle operation:
X (Inputs) Y (Sensing parameters) Z (Output)
Set temperature Compressor Suction pressure Compressor speed
Compressor Discharge pressure Condenser fan speed
Return air sensor temperature Blower speed
Ambient sensor temperature Baffle operation
Solar Sensor Data
Occupant density

[0020] According to the present subject matter an automatic HVAC control system (1) to control its operation by occupancy detection and airflow management is disclosed comprising at least one occupancy detection system for detecting the number of occupants in vehicle, at least one automatic airflow management system to control the air flow based on the number of occupants in the vehicle; and at least one HVAC system operation regulation based on occupancy detection system.

[0021] The system according to one embodiment is configured with at least one occupancy sensor (9) for detection of number of occupants in the vehicle, at least one rail (10) for sensor (9) movement, at least one actuator (4) for opening/closing of vents, plurality of automatically operated vents and AC system operation regulation configured for air flow management. The rail (10) for sensor (9) movement is configured for said sensor (9) traversing along the rails (10) to generate occupancy map for periodic updating of number of occupants for communicating to AC controller to regulate the opening/closing of vents for distribution of air inside the AC duct. The automatic HVAC control system (1) is configured to be operative based on set temperature value, sensing of compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, return air sensor temperature, ambient sensor temperature, solar sensor data and occupancy map, for controlling of compressor speed, condenser fan speed, blower speed and vent operation.

[0022] The system according to one embodiment is configured with at least one load sensor (5) for detection of number of occupants in the vehicle, plurality of automatically operated flaps/baffle (6), at least one actuator (4) for opening/closing of flaps/baffles (6), and AC system operation regulation configured for air flow management. The load sensors (5) are configured to be mounted in the suspension systems of the buses for sensing the total weight and the weight distribution along the length of the bus, at least one Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) configured to estimate the occupancy distribution (occupant density) inside the bus, and AC controller configured to regulate the operations of baffles (6) for controlled distribution of air inside the AC duct. The automatic HVAC control system (1) is configured to be operative based on parameters including but not limited to the set temperature value, sensing of compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, return air sensor temperature, ambient sensor temperature, solar sensor data and Occupant density for controlling of compressor speed, condenser fan speed, blower speed and Baffle operation.

[0023] The control system (1) is configured to regulate the operation of AC components, blowers, condenser fans and compressor. The automatic HVAC control system (1) is a Roof AC system.

Equivalents
[0024] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0025] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[0026] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

,CLAIMS:

1. An automatic HVAC control system (1) to control its operation by occupancy detection and airflow management comprising
at least one occupancy detection system for detecting the number of occupants in vehicle;
at least one automatic airflow management system to control the air flow based on the number of occupants in the vehicle; and
at least one HVAC system operation regulation based on occupancy detection system.

2. The automatic HVAC control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system according to one embodiment is configured with at least one occupancy sensor (9) for detection of number of occupants in the vehicle, at least one rail (10) for sensor movement, at least one actuator (4) for opening/closing of vents, plurality of automatically operated vents and AC system operation regulation configured for air flow management.

3. The automatic HVAC control system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one rail (10) for sensor movement is configured for said sensor (9) traversing along the rails to generate occupancy map for periodic updating of number of occupants for communicating to AC controller to regulate the opening/closing of vents for distribution of air inside the AC duct.

4. The automatic HVAC control system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said automatic HVAC control system (1) is configured to be operative based on parameters including but not limited to the set temperature value, sensing of compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, return air sensor temperature, ambient sensor temperature, solar sensor data, and occupancy map, for controlling of compressor speed, condenser fan speed, blower speed and vent operation.

5. The automatic HVAC control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (1) according to one embodiment is configured with at least one load sensor (5) for detection of number of occupants in the vehicle, plurality of automatically operated flaps/baffles (6), at least one actuator (4) for opening/closing of flaps/baffles (6), and AC system operation regulation configured for air flow management.

6. The automatic HVAC control system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said load sensors (5) are configured to be mounted in the suspension systems of the buses for sensing the total weight and the weight distribution along the length of the bus, at least one Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) configured to estimate the occupancy distribution (occupant density) inside the bus, and HVAC controller configured to regulate the operations of baffles (6) for controlled distribution of air inside the HVAC duct.

7. The automatic HVAC control system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said automatic HVAC control system is configured to be operative based on set temperature value, sensing of compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, return air sensor temperature, ambient sensor temperature, solar sensor data and Occupant density for controlling of compressor speed, condenser fan speed, blower speed and Baffle operation.

8. The automatic HVAC control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control system (1) is configured to regulate the operation of HVAC components, blowers, condenser fans and compressor.

9. The automatic HVAC control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (1) is a Roof AC system.