Dynamic simulation of HVAC system thermal loads in an automobile compartment

Abstract

Automobile compartments arc exposed to unstable heat loads due to solar radiation, combined convection, conduction and radiation beat 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) oil the thermal comfort were also investigated.