DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to a blower of a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and more particularly, to systems and methods of controlling an operation of a blower.

BACKGROUND
As is generally known, a blower is used in vehicles for circulation of air within a cabin of a vehicle. Generally, there are multiple operational modes of the blower. For example, in an operational mode, the blower may operate to circulate outside air, i.e., atmospheric air within the cabin after moving past a heater core or an air conditioning evaporator. In another operational mode, the blower may operate to circulate cabin air within the cabin, i.e., the already available air in the cabin is moved past the heater core or the air conditioning evaporator. The blower is usually operated by a motor which derives its operating power from an on-board battery.
Due to various factors, for example, atmospheric variations and ageing, a voltage supply from the on-board battery to the motor may vary over a period of time. As a result, an overall output of the motor varies as well, resulting into an inconsistent operation of the blower. For example, owing to the varying output of the motor, an average blower feedback may be low. Therefore, an overall capacity of the blower may not be properly utilized. Consequently, a service life of the blower may be significantly reduced leading to an increased operational cost of the vehicle.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for controlling an operation of the blower is provided. The system includes a receiving module, a determining module in communication with the receiving module, a generating module in communication with the determining module, and a controlling module in communication with the generating module. The receiving module receives details pertaining to an average feedback of the blower at each value of a blower speed and a battery voltage. The determining module determines a target feedback of the blower based on a set of predefined factors and the battery voltage, and an error between the target feedback and the average feedback. The generating module generates a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) duty input, based on the error. The controlling module controls the blower speed based on the PWM duty input.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of controlling an operation of a blower is provided. The method includes receiving, by a receiving module, details pertaining to an average feedback of the blower at each value of a blower speed and a battery voltage. The method includes determining, by a determining module, a target feedback of the blower, based on a set of predefined factors and the battery voltage. The method then includes determining, by the determining module, an error between the target feedback and the average feedback. The method includes generating, by a generating module, a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) duty input, based on the error. The method further includes controlling, by a controlling module, the blower speed based on the PWM duty input.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a blower unit is disclosed. The blower unit includes a blower, a motor adapted to operate the blower, and a system in communication with the motor. The system controls of an operation of the blower. The system receives details pertaining to an average feedback of the blower at each value of a blower speed and a battery voltage. The system determines a target feedback of the blower based on a set of predefined factors and the battery voltage, and an error between the target feedback and the average feedback. The system generates a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) duty input based on the error, and controls the blower speed based on the PWM duty input.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a blower unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system of the blower unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates an actuating switch for selecting different speeds for a blower of the blower unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram for converting a digital output of the system into an analogue input to a motor of the blower unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates graphs depicting behaviour of target PWM duty input with respect to varying battery voltage at different blower speeds, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates graphs depicting behaviour of target PWM duty input with respect to varying blower speed at different battery voltages, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method of controlling an operation of the blower, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method of controlling an operation of the blower, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method of controlling an operation of the blower, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method of controlling an operation of the blower, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 11 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method of controlling an operation of the blower, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a blower unit 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blower unit 100 may be installed in a vehicle for circulating air within the passenger cabin. In an embodiment, the blower unit 100 may include, but is not limited to, a blower 102, a motor 104 adapted to operate the blower 102, and a system 106 in communication with the motor 104. The system 106 may control an operation of the blower 102 through the motor 104.
In an embodiment, the system 106 may generate a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) duty input for the motor 104 to operate the blower 102. The PWM duty input may be generated so as to consistently receive maximum output from the blower 102. When a driver of the vehicle selects a particular blower speed, the system 106 may control the PWM duty input with respect to a battery voltage. In an embodiment, the blower 102 may operate between 9000mV to 16000mV. In case of a voltage value outside of this range, the blower 102 may not operate and remain idle. For a particular blower speed, a target feedback of the blower 102 may be computed at each value of the battery voltage. The system 106 may determine an error between the target feedback and an average blower feedback to further determine the PWM duty input. Constructional and operational features of the system 106 are explained in detail in the description of Figure 2 and subsequent figures.
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system 106 of the blower unit 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system 106 may be a microcontroller, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system 106 may be a part of an Electronic Temperature Control Panel (ETCP) of the vehicle. For the sake of brevity, features of the present disclosure that are already disclosed in the description of Figure 1 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 2 and therefore, the description of Figure 2 should be read in conjunction with the description of Figure 1.
The system 106 may include a processor 202, a memory 204, modules 206, and data 208. The modules 206 and the memory 204 are coupled to the processor 202. The processor 202 can be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor 202 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 202 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 204.
The memory 204 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, and flash memories.
The modules 206, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The modules 206 may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
Further, the modules 206 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can comprise a computer, a processor, such as the processor 202, a state machine, a logic array or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks or, the processing unit can be dedicated to perform the required functions. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the modules 206 may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities.
In an implementation, the modules 206 may include a receiving module 210, a determining module 212, a generating module 214, a controlling module 216, and a converting module 218. The receiving module 210, the determining module 212, the generating module 214, the controlling module 216, and the converting module 218 may be in communication with each other. Further, the data 208 serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 206.
The receiving module 210 may receive details pertaining to the average feedback of the blower 102 at each value of a blower speed and the battery voltage. The receiving module 210 may be in communication with the determining module 212.
In an embodiment, the blower speed may be selected by the driver of the vehicle. The driver may select the blower speed by at least one switch installed, for example, in an instrument panel of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the switch may be one of a sliding bar, as toggle switch, a rotary knob, and a push button.
Figure 3 illustrates the switch 300 for selecting different speeds for the blower 102 of the blower unit 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 300 is a rotary-type switch, and can be rotated to rest in 8 positions, namely 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, …and 302-8. Each position may be indicative of a predefined speed of the blower 102. Therefore, when the switch 300 is at the position 302-1, the speed of the blower 102 may be S1. Similarly, at the position 302-3, the speed of the blower 102 may be S2.
Referring back to Figure 2, the determining module 212 may determine a target feedback of the blower 102, based on a set of predefined factors and the battery voltage. In an embodiment, the set of predefined factors includes at least one of a reference battery voltage, a multiplication factor, and a predefined feedback constant factor. In an embodiment, for a blower speed S1, the determining module 212 may determine the target feedback as:
Target Feedback = C1 + (((battery voltage/10)-ref_volt)*mul_fact)

C1 is a predefined feedback constant factor.
Further, for a blower speed S2, the determining module 212 may determine the target feedback as:
Target Feedback = C2 + (((battery voltage/10)-ref_volt)*mul_fact)

C2 is a predefined feedback constant factor.
Similarly, for a blower speed S3, the determining module 212 may determine the target feedback as:
Target Feedback = C3 + (((battery voltage/10)-ref_volt)*mul_fact)

C3 is a predefined feedback constant factor.
Based on the blower characteristics, the reference battery voltage, the multiplication factor, and the predefined factor Cx may vary. In an embodiment, a value of the reference battery voltage may vary within a range of 7.5 Volts to 11 Volts. Further, a value of the multiplication factor may vary within a range of 0.3 to 0.7. Furthermore, a value of C1 may vary within a range of 200 to 300. Similarly, a value of C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6 may vary within a range of 150 to 200, 100 to 200, 20 to 100, (-50) to 20, and (-150) to (-60), respectively. In an example, the range of Cx may vary from (-1000) to 1000, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Further, the determining module 212 may determine the error between the target feedback and the average feedback. The determining module 212 may be in communication with the generating module 214.
Based on the error, the generating module 214 may generate the PWM duty input. The generating module 214 may be in communication with the controlling module 216. The controlling module 216 may control the blower speed based on the PWM duty input. In an example, the PWM duty input duty may be maximum, for example, 3998 and an error may be minimum, i.e., zero, at the highest speed of the blower. In an example, a range of the PWM duty input may vary from 255 to 65535. Further, for PWM, a base frequency range may vary between 200Hz to 20KHz.
In an embodiment, the system 106 may include the converting module 218 in communication with the generating module 214. The converting module 218 may convert the PWM duty input generated by the generating module 214 into an analogue voltage output. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram 400 for converting a digital output, i.e., the PWM duty input of the system 106 into the analogue voltage output to the motor 104 of the blower unit 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the circuit diagram 400 may include an output section having a low pass filter circuit for converting the PWM duty input to the analogue voltage output. The analogue voltage output may then be provided to the motor 104 which may accordingly then operate the blower 102.
Figure 5 illustrates graphs depicting behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to varying values of the battery voltage at different values of blower speeds, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 5A illustrates a graph 502 depicting behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the battery voltage at a first blower speed, also referred to as Speed 1. As shown, values shown along an Abscissa, i.e., X-axis of the graph 502 are indicative of the values of the battery voltage. Further, values shown along an Ordinate, i.e., Y-axis of the graph 502 are indicative of the target feedback.

In the present embodiment, the target feedback may be computed as:
Target=270+ (((battery voltage(mV)/10)-944)*(405/704)))

Table 1 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the battery voltage at the first blower speed. The values are derived from the graph 502. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 1 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 1
SPEED 1
Battery Voltage(V) Target Feedback
9 244.687
10 302.215
11 359.744
12 417.272
13 474.801
14 532.329
15 589.857
16 647.386

Figure 5B illustrates a graph 504 depicting behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the battery voltage at a second blower speed, also referred to as Speed 2.

In the present embodiment, the target feedback may be computed as:
Target=190+ (((battery voltage(mV)/10)-944)*(405/704)))

Table 2 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the battery voltage at the second blower speed. The values are derived from the graph 504. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 2 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 2
SPEED 2
Battery Voltage(V) Target Feedback
9 164.687
10 222.215
11 279.744
12 337.272
13 394.801
14 452.329
15 509.857
16 567.386

Figure 5C illustrates a graph 506 depicting a behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the battery voltage at a third blower speed, also referred to as Speed 3.

In the present embodiment, the target feedback may be computed as:
Target=140+(((battery voltage(mV)/10)-944)*(405/704)))

Table 3 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the battery voltage at the third blower speed. The values are derived from the graph 506. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 3 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 3
SPEED 3
Battery Voltage(V) Target Feedback
9 114.687
10 172.215
11 229.744
12 287.272
13 344.801
14 402.329
15 459.857
16 517.386

Figure 5D illustrates a graph 508 depicting a behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the battery voltage at a fourth blower speed, also referred to as Speed 4.

In the present embodiment, the target feedback may be computed as:
Target=58+(((battery voltage(mV)/10)-944)*(405/704)))

Table 4 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the battery voltage at the fourth blower speed. The values are derived from the graph 508. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 4 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 4
SPEED 4
Battery Voltage(V) Target Feedback
9 32.687
10 90.215
11 147.744
12 205.272
13 262.801
14 320.329
15 377.857
16 435.386

Figure 5E illustrates a graph 510 depicting a behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the battery voltage at a fifth blower speed, also referred to as Speed 5.

In the present embodiment, the target feedback may be computed as:
Target= (-30)+(((battery voltage(mV)/10)-944)*(405/704)))

Table 5 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the battery voltage at the fifth blower speed. The values are derived from the graph 510. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 5 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 5
SPEED 5
Battery Voltage(V) Target feedback
9 -55.312
10 2.215
11 59.744
12 117.272
13 174.801
14 232.329
15 289.857
16 347.386

Figure 5F illustrates a graph 512 depicting a behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the battery voltage at a sixth blower speed, also referred to as Speed 6.

In the present embodiment, the target feedback may be computed as:
Target= (-119)+(((battery voltage(mV)/10)-944)*(405/704)))

Table 6 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the battery voltage at the sixth blower speed. The values are derived from the graph 512. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 6 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 6
SPEED 6
Battery Voltage(V) Target Feedback
9 -144.312
10 -86.784
11 -29.255
12 28.272
13 85.801
14 143.329
15 200.857
16 258.386

Figure 5G illustrates a graph 514 depicting behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the battery voltage at the first blower, the second blower speed, the third blower speed, the fourth blower speed, the fifth blower speed, and the sixth blower speed. Table 7 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the battery voltage at the different blower speeds. The values are derived from the graphs 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, and 512. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 7 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 7
TARGET FEEDBACK
Battery Voltage(V) SPEED 1 SPEED 2 SPEED 3 SPEED 4 SPEED 5 SPEED 6
9 244.687 164.687 114.687 32.687 -55.312 -144.312
10 302.215 222.215 172.215 90.215 2.215 -86.784
11 359.744 279.744 229.744 147.744 59.744 -29.255
12 417.272 337.272 287.272 205.272 117.272 28.272
13 474.801 394.801 344.801 262.801 174.801 85.801
14 532.329 452.329 402.329 320.329 232.329 143.329
15 589.857 509.857 459.857 377.857 289.857 200.857
16 647.386 567.386 517.386 435.386 347.386 258.386

Figure 6 illustrates graphs depicting behaviour of the target feedback from the blower 102 with respect to varying blower speeds at different battery voltages, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 6A illustrates a graph 602 depicting behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the blower speed at a first value of the battery voltage, i.e., 9 Volts. As shown, values shown along an Abscissa, i.e., X-axis of the graph 602 are indicative of the values of the blower speed. Further, values shown along an Ordinate, i.e., Y-axis of the graph 602 are indicative of the target feedback of the blower 102.
Table 8 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the blower speed at the battery voltage of 9 Volts. The values are derived from the graph 602. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 8 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 8
Battery Voltage 9V
Speed Target Feedback
1 244.687
2 164.687
3 114.687
4 32.687
5 -55.312
6 -144.312

Figure 6B illustrates a graph 604 depicting behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the blower speed at a second value of the battery voltage, i.e., 10 Volts. Table 9 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the blower speed at the battery voltage of 10 Volts. The values are derived from the graph 604. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 9 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 9
Battery Voltage 10V
Speed Target Feedback
1 302.215
2 222.215
3 172.215
4 90.215
5 2.215
6 -86.784

Figure 6C illustrates a graph 606 depicting a behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the blower speed at a third value of the battery voltage, i.e., 11 Volts. Table 10 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the blower speed at the battery voltage of 11 Volts. The values are derived from the graph 606. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 10 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 10
Battery Voltage 11V
Speed Target Feedback
1 359.744
2 279.744
3 229.744
4 147.744
5 59.744
6 -29.255

Figure 6D illustrates a graph 608 depicting a behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the blower speed at a fourth value of the battery voltage, i.e., 12 Volts. Table 11 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the blower speed at the battery voltage of 12 Volts. The values are derived from the graph 608. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 11 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 11
Battery Voltage 12V
Speed Target Feedback
1 417.272
2 337.272
3 287.272
4 205.272
5 117.272
6 28.272

Figure 6E illustrates a graph 610 depicting a behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the blower speed at a fifth value of the battery voltage, i.e., 13 Volts. Table 12 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the blower speed at the battery voltage of 13 Volts. The values are derived from the graph 610. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 12 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 12
Battery Voltage 13V
Speed Target Feedback
1 474.801
2 394.801
3 344.801
4 262.801
5 174.801
6 85.801

Figure 6F illustrates a graph 612 depicting a behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the blower speed at a sixth value of the battery voltage, i.e., 14 Volts. Table 13 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the blower speed at the battery voltage of 14 Volts. The values are derived from the graph 612. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 13 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 13
Battery Voltage 14V
Speed Target Feedback
1 532.329
2 452.329
3 402.329
4 320.329
5 232.329
6 143.329

Figure 6G illustrates a graph 614 depicting a behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the blower speed at a seventh value of the battery voltage, i.e., 15 Volts. Table 14 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the blower speed at the battery voltage of 15 Volts. The values are derived from the graph 614. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 14 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 14
Battery Voltage 15V
Speed Target Feedback
1 589.857
2 509.857
3 459.857
4 377.857
5 289.857
6 200.857

Figure 6H illustrates a graph 616 depicting a behaviour of the target feedback of the blower 102 with respect to the varying values of the blower speed at an eighth value of the battery voltage, i.e., 16 Volts. Table 15 illustrates exemplary values of the target feedback of the blower 102 corresponding to different values of the blower speed at the battery voltage of 16 Volts. The values are derived from the graph 616. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the Table 15 is included for providing better understanding of the present subject matter and therefore, should not be construed as limiting.
Table 15
Battery Voltage 16V
Speed Target Feedback
1 647.386
2 567.386
3 517.386
4 435.386
5 347.386
6 258.386

Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart depicting a computer-executable method 700 of controlling an operation of the blower 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer-executable method 700 is hereinafter referred to as the method 700. In an embodiment, the method 700 may be executed by the processor 202 of the system 106. For the sake of brevity, features of the blower unit 100 that are already explained in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, and Figure 6 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 7.
At block 702, the method 700 includes receiving the details pertaining to the average feedback of the blower 102 at each value of the blower speed and the battery voltage. In an embodiment, the receiving module 210 may receive the details.
At block 704, the method 700 includes determining the target feedback of the blower 102, based on the set of predefined factors and the battery voltage. In an embodiment, the set of predefined factors includes at least one of the reference battery voltage, the multiplication factor, and the predefined feedback constant factor. In an embodiment, the determining module 212 may determine the target feedback.
At block 706, the method 700 includes determining the error between the target feedback and the average feedback. In an embodiment, the determining module 212 may determine the error.
At block 708, the method 700 includes generating the PWM duty input, based on the error. In an embodiment, the generating module 214 may generate the PWM duty input.
At block 710, the method 700 includes controlling the blower speed based on the PWM duty input. In an embodiment, the controlling module 216 may control the blower speed.
In an embodiment, the method 700 may include converting the PWM duty input into the analogue voltage output. The analogue voltage output may be provided to the motor 104 to operate the blower 102.
Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart depicting a computer-executable method 800 of controlling the operation of the blower 102, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer-executable method 800 is hereinafter referred to as the method 800. In an embodiment, the method 800 may be executed by the processor 202 of the system 106. For the sake of brevity, features of the blower unit 100 that are already explained in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, and Figure 7 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 8.
At a block 802, the method 800 includes determining the error between the average feedback and the target feedback. At a block 804, the method 800 includes determining whether the average feedback is within a range of -10 to +10 of the target feedback. In an embodiment, when it is determined that the average feedback is within the mentioned range, the method 800 branches to a block 806. At the block 806, the current PWM is retained as a settling PWM, i.e., the PWM as set by the system 106. Further, the method 800 then branches to a computer-executable method 1100. The computer-executable method 1100 is explained in detail in the description of Figure 11.
In an alternate embodiment when the average feedback is not within the mentioned range of the target feedback, the method 800 branches to a block 808. At the block 808, it is determined whether the error is less than zero. In an embodiment when it is determined that the error is not less than zero, the method 800 branches to a computer executable method 900. The computer-executable method 900 is explained in detail in the description of Figure 9.
In an alternate embodiment when the error is less than zero, the method 800 branches to a block 810. At the block 810, the method 800 includes determining whether the error is between a first minimum value, i.e., Imin1 and a second minimum value, i.e., Imin2. In an embodiment when it determined that the error is between the first minimum value and the second minimum value, the method 800 branches to a block 812. At the block 812, the settling PWM is determined to be the current PWM + X1. Further, the method 800 branches to the method 1100.
In an alternate embodiment, when it is determined that the error is not between the first minimum value and the second minimum value, the method 800 branches to a block 814. At the block 814, it is determined whether the error is between the second minimum value and a third minimum value, i.e., Imin3. In an embodiment when it is determined that the error is between the second minimum value and the third minimum value, the method 800 branches to a block 816. At the block 816, the settling PWM may be determined as the current PWM+X2. In an embodiment, the first minimum value, the second minimum value, and the third minimum value are less than zero. Further, the first minimum value is less than the second minimum value. The second minimum value is less than the third minimum value. Moreover, X1 is greater than X2, and X2 is greater than zero. Further, the method 800 branches to the method 1100.
In an alternate embodiment when it is determined that the value of the error is not between the second minimum value and the third minimum value, the method 800 branches to a block 818. At the block 818, a higher addition may be made to the current PWM. Further, the method 800 branches to the method 1100.
Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart depicting a computer-executable method 900 of controlling the operation of the blower 102, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer-executable method 900 is hereinafter referred to as the method 900. In an embodiment, the method 900 may be executed by the processor 202 of the system 106. For the sake of brevity, features of the blower unit 100 that are already explained in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, and Figure 8 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 9.
At block 902, the method 900 determines whether the error is greater than zero. In an embodiment when it is determined that the error is not greater than zero, the method 900 branches to a computer-executable method 1000. In an alternate embodiment when it is determined that the error is greater than zero, the method 900 branches to a block 904. At the block 904, it is determined whether the value of the error is between a first maximum value, i.e., Imax1 and a second maximum value, i.e., Imax2. In an embodiment when it is determined that the value is between the first maximum value and the second maximum value, the method 900 branches to a block 906. At the block 906, the settling PWM may be determined as the current PWM-X1. Further, the method 900 branches to the method 1100.
In an alternate embodiment when the value is not between the first maximum value and the second maximum value, the method 900 branches to a block 908. At the block 908, it is determined whether the value of the error is between the second maximum value and the third maximum value, i.e., Imax3. In an embodiment, the first maximum value, the second maximum value, and third maximum value are greater than zero. Further, the second maximum value is greater than the third maximum value and less than the first maximum value.
In an embodiment when it is determined that the value is between the second maximum value and the third maximum value, the method 900 branches to a block 910. At the block 910, the settling PWM is determined as the current PWM-X2. Further, the method 900 branches to the method 1100.
In an alternate embodiment when it is determined that the value is not between the second maximum value and the third maximum value, the method 900 branches to a block 912. At the block 912, a higher subtraction may be made from the current PWM to generate the settling PWM. Further, the method 900 branches to the method 1100.
Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method 1000 of controlling the operation of the blower 102, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer-executable method 1000 is hereinafter referred to as the method 1000. In an embodiment, the method 1000 may be executed by the processor 202 of the system 106. For the sake of brevity, features of the blower unit 100 that are already explained in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8, and Figure 9 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 10.
At a block 1002, the method 1000 includes determining whether the error is zero. In an embodiment when it is determined that the error is zero, the current PWM is determined as the settling PWM. Further, the method 1000 branches to the method 1100. In an alternate embodiment when it is determined that the error is not zero, the method 1000 directly branches to the method 1100.
Figure 11 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method 1100 of controlling the operation of the blower 102, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer-executable method 1100 is hereinafter referred to as the method 1100. In an embodiment, the method 1100 may be executed by the processor 202 of the system 106. For the sake of brevity, features of the blower unit 100 that are already explained in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, and Figure 10 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 11.
At block 1102, the method 1100 includes determining the PWM duty input. At block 1104, it is determined whether the PWM duty input is greater than 3998. In an example, 3998 may be the maximum PMW input that can be provided to the motor 104. In an embodiment when it is determined that the PWM duty input is greater than 3998, the method 1100 branches to a block 1106. At the block 1106, the PWM duty input is set as 3998. Further, the method 1100 branches to the method 800.
In an alternate embodiment when it is determined that the PWM duty input is not greater than 3998, the method 1100 branches to a block 1108. At the block 1108, it is determined whether the PWM duty input is zero. In an embodiment when it is determined that the PWM duty input is zero, the method 1100 branches to a block 1110. At the block 1110, the PWM duty input is set as zero. Further, the method 1100 branches to the method 800. In an alternate embodiment when it is determined that the PWM duty input is not zero, the method 1100 directly branches to the method 800.
The present disclosure offers a comprehensive approach to ensure an effective operation of the blower 102. The present disclosure utilizes voltage compensation to control the blower speed. The system 106 may stop the operation of the blower 102, when the battery voltage is out of an operating range. When the user selects a blower speed with respect to a particular battery voltage, the system 106 may control the PWM duty input (0 to 100%) with respect to the battery voltage. Therefore, the invention enables the control of the blower speed with respect to a voltage variation between 9V to 16V, based on the PWM duty input which is converted to the analogue voltage output, i.e., a reference operating voltage.
The system 106 ensures that the blower 102 is operating at its maximum capacity regardless of the variation in the voltage supply from the battery. Therefore, adverse effects of the variation are eliminated in the blower unit 100 of the present disclosure. This ensures that the service life of the blower 102 is improved. Further, an overall operating cost of the vehicle is significantly reduced. Moreover, the blower 102 operates efficiently to provide comfort to the passengers of the vehicle. Therefore, the blower unit 100 of the present disclosure is flexible, cost-effective, durable, convenient, and has a wide range of application.
While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A system (106) for controlling an operation of a blower (102), the system (106) comprising:
a receiving module (210) to receive details pertaining to an average feedback of the blower (102) at each value of a blower speed and a battery voltage;
a determining module (212), in communication with the receiving module (210), to determine:
a target feedback of the blower (102), based on a set of predefined factors and the battery voltage; and
an error between the target feedback and the average feedback;
a generating module (214), in communication with the determining module (212), to generate a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) duty input, based on the error; and
a controlling module (216), in communication with the generating module (214), to control the blower speed based on the PWM duty input.
2. The system (106) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a converting module (218), in communication with the generating module (214), to convert the PWM duty input into an analogue voltage output.
3. The system (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of predefined factors includes at least one of a reference battery voltage, a multiplication factor, and a predefined feedback constant factor.
4. The system (106) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a value of the reference battery voltage varies within a range of about 7.5 Volts to 11 Volts.
5. The system (106) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a value of the multiplication factor varies within a range of about 0.3 to 0.7.
6. The system (106) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a value of the predefined constant feedback factor varies within a range of -1000 to 1000.
7. A method (700) of controlling an operation of a blower (102), the method (700) comprising:
receiving, by a receiving module (210), details pertaining to an average feedback of the blower (102) at each value of a blower speed and a battery voltage;
determining, by a determining module (212), a target feedback of the blower (102), based on a set of predefined factors and the battery voltage;
determining, by the determining module (212), an error between the target feedback and the average feedback;
generating, by a generating module (214), a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) duty input, based on the error; and
controlling, by a controlling module (216), the blower speed based on the PWM duty input.
8. The method (700) as claimed in claim 7, further comprising converting the PWM duty input into an analogue voltage output.
9. The method (700) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the set of predefined factors includes at least one of a reference battery voltage, a multiplication factor, and a predefined constant feedback factor.
10. A blower unit (100) comprising:
a blower (102);
a motor adapted to operate the blower (102); and
a system (106), in communication with the motor, for controlling an operation of the blower (102), to:
receive details pertaining to an average feedback of the blower (102) at each value of a blower speed and a battery voltage;
determine a target feedback of the blower (102), based on a set of predefined factors and the battery voltage;
determine an error between the target feedback and the average feedback;
generate a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) duty input, based on the error; and
control the blower speed based on the PWM duty input.