Model-based Optimization of a Multi-zone HVAC System for Cooling

This paper describes an optimal mode of operation for cooling of a sedan car with a multi-zone HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system for an EV (electrical vehicle) by model-based optimization of energy consumption and thermal comfort in steady state. The thermal environment of the automobile is constructed as a multi-compartment model which is one class of the lumped-parameter models. As a result of the optimization with a single passenger (driver), the thermal environment should be controlled not by air temperature but air flow rate from the HVAC system and the outlets of the occupied zones should be used.