Abstract
The two primary functions of a vehicle climate control system are safety through de-icing and de-fogging windows, and occupant thermal comfort. However, vehicle air-conditioning systems can significantly impact fuel economy and tailpipe emissions of conventional and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and reduce electric vehicle (EV) range. In order to meet the new U. S. Supplemental Federal Test Procedure (SFTP), as well as growing concern about vehicle fuel economy, automotive engineers are being challenged to evaluate a multitude of new opportunities for reducing the impact of vehicle air-conditioning systems on fuel economy and tailpipe emissions. Because there isnt enough time to fabricate and test each system, a good modeling approach is essential. However, many models are required to evaluate solar spectral data, glazing spectral properties, cabin temperature and velocity fields, occupant thermal comfort, and vehicle fuel economy and tailpipe emissions. The focus of this paper is to describe an approach used at the U.S. Department of Energys National Renewable Energy Laboratory to evaluate the largest climate control load, air conditioning, by integrating diverse models.