Optimal Control of Air Conditioning Systems by Means of CO₂ Sensors in Electric Vehicles

Considering the consistent reduction in battery range due to the operation of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, this study deals with the CO₂ measurement inside the cabin of an electric crane and aims to reduce the energy consumption through the control of the air recirculation. A control strategy was defined and tested through an experimental set-up where the presence of a driver was simulated as a source of CO₂. The cabin was placed inside a climatic wind tunnel and the benefits of this control strategy on the HVAC system energy consumption were assessed, both in the heating and the cooling modes. In addition, we discussed the optimal position of the CO₂ sensor inside the cabin by comparing the results obtained from some sensors placed around the cabin occupant with the ones logged by three sensors in the breathing zone. Finally, an investigation of the uncertainty of the indirect measurement of the leakage flow and its dependence on the number of CO₂ sensors installed in the cabin was made through the Monte Carlo method.