Reduced-order thermo-fluid modelling of automotive interior

Recreational vehicles operating off the grid rely on battery power to maintain climate control and, by doing so, the occupants comfort. Extended battery usage in these vehicle can be achieved by optimizing the thermal-fluid design of the interior space through the judicious selection of insulation material, properly sized HVAC systems, window glazing, and even external paint selection. The vehicle interior represents a highly-complex thermo-fluid system in which each component affects the other. To understand the mutual interaction between the components, a reduced-order model of the interior thermo-fluid dynamics will be constructed. The uncertainty of the coupled model and subcomponents will be assessed through high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental validation. The model development and validation will help the Erwin-Hymer Group to optimize and inform their thermal design decisions which will help reduce the energetic demands and prolong battery life of their product.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jean-Pierre Hickey

Student:

Mahboubeh Taftian

Partner:

Erwin Hymer Group North America Inc

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Automotive and transportation

University:

Program: