Analysis of the Thermal Behavior of a Vehicle Cabin Using a Dynamic Thermal Model

Abstract

This work analyzes the thermal behavior of a vehicle cabin by using a dynamic thermal model, which allows to accurately reproduce the vehicle interior temperature under different external environmental conditions. The thermal model considers heat transfer through the glazed and opaque surfaces of the vehicle using the energy balance method. It considers changes in weather conditions, vehicle geometry, body construction characteristics, types of opaque and glazed surfaces, and existing thermal loads. Experimental tests (with and without solar radiation) were carried out to validate the dynamic thermal model. The model predicts the temperature variations of the air inside the vehicle cabin. The results showed a maximum variation of 1.38 K without solar incidence and 3.78 K with solar radiation.


Keywords: dynamic thermal model, vehicle, heat balance, thermal load.


Resumen


El objetivo principal del presente trabajo fue analizar el comportamiento térmico de la cabina de un vehículo utilizando un modelo térmico dinámico, que permite reproducir de manera precisa el comportamiento de la temperatura interior del vehículo bajo distintas condiciones ambientales externas. El modelo térmico considera la transferencia de calor a través de las superficies acristaladas y opacas del vehículo utilizando el método de balance de energía, para lo cual se toman en cuenta los cambios en las condiciones climatológicas, la geometría del vehículo, las características constructivas de la carrocería, tipos de superficies opacas y acristaladas y las cargas térmicas existentes. Se realizaron ensayos experimentales (con y sin radiación solar) para validar el modelo térmico dinámico. El modelo permite reproducir las variaciones de la temperatura del aire interior de la cabina del vehículo. Los resultados obtenidos muestran una variación máxima de 1.38 K, sin incidencia solar y 3.78 K con radiación solar.


Palabras Clave: modelo térmico dinámico, vehículo, balance de calor, carga térmica.

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