Numerical Model of the Temperature Control Curve Linearity of HVAC Module in Automobile Air-Conditioning System and Applications

In the present work, a numerical model of the temperature control curve (TCC) linearity of the heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) module in automobile air-conditioning system is established. The numerical model is composed of several higher precision submodels. The simulation results are validated by experimental data performed on a calorimeter test bench. It is found that the simulation data agree with the experimental data very well. The maximum deviations of the airflow rate and the temperature are 3% and 1.4°C, respectively. The factors, which influenced the TCC linearity, are numerically studied. The simulation results show that the different door configuration needs to be matched with the division type for vent ducts of the HVAC module outlet, which can decrease the temperature stratification of airflow at the outlets. Cold and hot air mixing ratio determines the slope of the linearity curve. In addition, the further the distance between the HVAC module outlet and the mixing chamber and the greater the turbulent intensity, the more the cold-hot airflow will fully mix. It contributes to the temperature uniformity at the outlets.