Title: Dynamic simulation of HVAC system thermal loads in an automobile compartment

Authors: S. Melih Akyol, Muhsin Kilic

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Uludag University, Gorukle Campus, Bursa 16059, Turkey. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Uludag University, Gorukle Campus, Bursa 16059, Turkey

Abstract: Automobile compartments are exposed to unstable heat loads due to solar radiation, combined convection, conduction and radiation heat transfer through the cabin surfaces, air exchange and metabolic heat production of the occupants. In this study, a dynamic model of the heat loads that affect the thermal behaviour of the automobile compartment was developed in a Matlab-Simulink environment. Solar irradiation on cabin surfaces and thermal interactions between the driver and cabin interior can be calculated by the model. In order to determine mean radiant temperature and direct solar irradiation absorbed by the driver, view factors between the person and the interior surrounding surfaces were obtained by using a 3-D CFD model of cabin and driver. Experiments were also performed and the simulation results were compared with the measured and the obtained experimental data available in the literature. The effects of colour (white and black) and windows| optical properties (transmissivity, reflectivity and absorptivity coefficients) on the thermal comfort were also investigated.

Keywords: dynamic simulation; solar radiation; automotive compartments; thermal sensation; heat transfer; thermal comfort; vehicle; HVAC system; heat loads; thermal loads; heating; ventilation; air conditioning; vehicle cabins; automobile industry; vehicle windows; window colour; optical properties; transmissivity; reflectivity; absorptivity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2010.029643

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2010 Vol.52 No.1/2/3/4, pp.177 - 198

Published online: 30 Nov 2009 *

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