93733 - Vehicle Energetics and HVAC Systems M

Learning outcomes

The main aspects of vehicle climate control systems for automotive engineering are explored, with a special focus to electric vehicle applications. A thorough up-to-date knowledge of current A/C systems, with the common used refrigerants and the new possible replacement systems, the electronic and electrical controls are enlightened. Recent approaches to optimise the interaction between cabin vehicle climate control system and electronic and electric devices cooling system are shown.

Course contents

Vehicle enegetics - basis

The energy consumption of electric vehicles is explored, with a focus to the appliances energy demand. The car performances and the aerodynamics are included in the analysis, by including the climate change influence.

Energy balance in HVAC systems

Thermal Loads and Comfort conditions: thermophysical properties of vehicle components (thermal transmittance, thermal bridges, thermal inertia, solar transmission). Energy balance of the vehicle. Calculation of winter and summer thermal loads. Basic concepts on Thermal Comfort: subjective and objective indices.

Battery cooling

Lithium-ion battery cells. Principle of battery behavior from the thermal management point of view. Modeling of the thermal behavior of batteries. Comparison of dfferent battery cooling approaches: air cooling, liquid cooling, and new appoaches based on metal foams and Phase Change Materials (PCM).

Dynamic approach

Simulation techniques of the dynamic behavior of HVAC system in combination of the battery thermal management. Development of ad hoc lumped parameter approaches based on matlab.

Energy Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Basis of the LCA of electric vehicles in comparison with internal combustion vehicles. Application to some examples.

Readings/Bibliography

Automotive Air Conditioning - Optimization, Control and Diagnosis. Quansheng Zhang, Shengbo Eben Li, Kun Deng. Springer 2016.

Teaching methods

Theoretical lessons in the classroom with projection of slides.

Exercises consisting in the dimensioning and the verification of HVAC systems behavior.

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of the presentation and discussion of a group project. The project must address a topic related to the subjects covered during the course (vehicle energetics, HVAC systems, battery thermal management, dynamic simulation, and Life Cycle Assessment) and should demonstrate the group's ability to independently develop an original and creative engineering solution based on the concepts and methodologies introduced in the course.

During the oral presentation, each student will be required to demonstrate their individual contribution to the project, their understanding of the underlying theoretical and methodological aspects, and their ability to critically discuss and justify the engineering choices adopted.

The final mark is expressed on a 30-point scale and is based on the overall quality of both the project and the oral discussion. The assessment will take into account:

• the correctness, completeness, and scientific rigor of the technical content;
• the ability to apply the concepts and methods presented in the course to the development of innovative engineering solutions;
• the degree of autonomy, creativity, and originality demonstrated in the project;
• the ability to critically analyze and justify the proposed design choices;
• the clarity of the presentation, the appropriate use of technical terminology, and the ability to answer questions during the discussion.

These assessment criteria are fully aligned with the intended learning outcomes of the course, which aim to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical engineering skills, as well as independent judgment, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and teamwork in the field of vehicle energetics and HVAC systems.

The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is permitted only as a support for literature review, information analysis, and the organization of project materials. Students remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, and scientific quality of the submitted work. During the discussion, each student must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the project and the ability to independently explain and justify the adopted methodologies and engineering decisions.

Teaching tools

The teaching material presented at the lesson will be made available to the student electronically. All slides presented during the course will be available online.

Office hours

See the website of Beatrice Bonfanti Pulvirenti