Experimental Studies and Software Development for Vehicle HVAC Heat Exchangers

In order to reduce the development cycle of a vehicle HVAC system, the evaluation and testing of the vehicle HVAC components and systems as well as the methods to shorten the design process have been extensively studied. In this paper, we focused on the experimental studies and software developments for vehicle HVAC evaporators, heater coils, and blower wheels only. We introduced the SAE testing specifications for commercial vehicle HVAC componenets and systems. Based on the SAE HVAC testing specifications and experimental studies, we proposed the normalization approaches for evaluation of evaporators and heater coil components. The computational examples for off-highway vehicle applications have been discussed. The results represent that the normalization and evaluation approaches are effective.

Based on the normalization and evaluation approaches proposed in this paper, we have developed a database software program which can be used to store the test data and build the normalized database for evaluation. To reduce the design cycle of vehicle HVAC systems, we have developed the design assistant application software. Using the combined database software and design assistant software, we can quickly and easily design, analyze, and test the vehicle HVAC components.