Browse Topic: Interiors, Cabins, and Cockpits

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From Propane to Pi: Affordable AI-Driven Solutions for Sustainable Bus Heating.2026-01-0164To be published on 04/07/2026
The design of an affordably luxurious school bus means improving passenger comfort while greatly decreasing energy usage and emissions. The key consideration is to replace traditional propane heating with an electric heated-seat system and supported by green electricity/energy efficient smart power management. The system is designed from a 24V/48V battery system; to a Smart Energy Cube - a portable dock in power module requiring solar, battery and grid connection. Seat heating is only applied to seats that are occupied. The on-board image processing models (YOLOv5/YOLOv8, OpenCV, TensorFlow Lite) are run on affordable/portable microcomputers capable of detecting the number of occupied and available seats e.g. Raspberry Pi. There is one bottle neck when using the Raspberry Pi in the experiments to validate concept, when using low/medium power frame rates of ~ 1 fps for Raspberry Pi 3; to 7-8 fps with a Raspberry Pi 5. As a baseline, there is still potential for improvement and
Chikkala, Daney Bhargav, Zadeh, Mehrdad, TAN, Teik-Khoon, Ponnam, Jitin, BATTE, JAI RATHAN
Climate Heat Recovery Energy Study in Electric Vehicles2026-01-0129To be published on 04/07/2026
Climate control systems in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) rely on electrical energy to provide cabin heating. In winter conditions, the absence of waste heat from internal combustion engines necessitates increased energy consumption for thermal comfort, which directly impacts vehicle range. Conventional HVAC systems typically operate with a mixture of cold ambient air and recirculated cabin air. However, the proportion of recirculated air is limited due to windshield fogging risks, constraining energy-saving potential. To address this, MAHLE has developed modular heat recovery technologies that utilize the thermal energy of exhaust cabin air, that would normally leave the passenger compartment through vehicle body vents, to precondition incoming fresh air, thereby reducing the heating load. These solutions are engineered for scalable integration into existing HVAC architectures, allowing
Wolfe, Edward, Wochele, Kerstin, Reid, Bailey
Revisiting Rear Seat Safety: Field Evaluations of Relative Injury Risk Across Seating Positions and the Integration of Advanced Rear Seat Belt Systems.2026-01-0561To be published on 04/07/2026
Despite advances in automotive crash avoidance, occupant restraint systems remain crucial in protecting the motoring public. Following decades of improvement in occupant protection, including the development of features such as frontal airbags, collapsable steering columns, and seat belt pretensioners and load limiters for the front seat, the safety of rear seat occupants has recently undergone scrutiny. Studies evaluating rear seat occupant injury risk via field crash data have reported findings of reduced relative safety in the rear seating positions and alluded to rear seat advanced restraints, such as pretensioners and load limiters, as a potential solution. While the pursuit of certain novel technologies has historically improved automotive occupant outcomes, evaluation of these new systems in both controlled laboratory environments and field crashes is necessary to understand potential positive and negative effects of widespread introduction. This study expanded upon prior field
Rapp van Roden, Elizabeth Ann, Miller, Bruce, Pearson, Joseph, Williamson, James, Brown, Thomas
Pre-Impact Seat Rotation for Mitigating Lumbar Injury in Flying Car Crash2026-01-0558To be published on 04/07/2026
Flying cars have already been used in tourism, firefighting, and logistics, and might be soon used for short-distance commute. However, the lumbar spine injury risks in flying car crash accidents have raised safety concerns. This is because the crash load of a flying car is largely aligned with the orientation of the occupant’s spine. This study introduces a countermeasure of actively adjusting seat posture for mitigating lumbar injury in crash events. A flying car crash usually has a few seconds of warning time before collision to ground. The pre-impact warning time is enough to rotate the seat and occupant together using seat motors. Posteriorly rotating seat can alter the angle between the crash load and the spinal axis, thereby reducing lumbar injury risk. Using numerical simulations, the 30g deceleration pulse defined in SAE-AS-8049 was applied to seat of flying car. The THUMS (Total Human Model for Safety) human body model was used to model occupant, sitting in a typical vehicle
Zhuang, Ziao, Puyuan, Tan, Shen, Wenxuan, Zhou, Qing, Gu, Gongyao
Methodology to Quantify the Petroleum Equivalent Fuel Economy Impact of BEV Thermal System Energy Consumption2026-01-0132To be published on 04/07/2026
This paper will present research and 1D modeling results to support a proposed methodology to determine a fleet ambient weighted average Petroleum Equivalent Fuel Economy (PEFE) for the energy consumed by the thermal system of a BEV, including a proposal of how factor in the thermal system PEFE result into an OEM’s overall CAFE determination on an incentivized (not punitive) basis, within the existing regulatory framework. The topic is particularly important because EPA and NHTSA final rules issued in early 2024 eliminated A/C Efficiency Credits for BEVs that are currently in place for all classes of light duty vehicles. However, without some sort of regulatory incentivization, market forces will dictate thermal comfort system solutions that consume more energy – and with that more negative secondary effects such as higher greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle mass - than would otherwise be the case. Eliminating incentivization for BEVs is particularly concerning because the thermal
Taylor, Dwayne
Effective design method for lightweight suite of seats considering crashworthiness and cost2026-01-0493To be published on 04/07/2026
This paper presents a methodology for designing and evaluating lightweight, crashworthy aircraft seats that meet 21g crash safety standards and injury criteria. Four seat classes—economy double, economy single, single premium, and business—were developed using a modular design strategy focused on part commonality (family of parts) and manufacturability. A shared family of structural components was implemented across all seat types, with dimensional modifications applied only, when necessary, due to differences in seat width or height. In such cases, the same material systems and design principles were used to ensure consistency and reduce manufacturing complexity. The designs were evaluated using finite element simulations to verify performance under aerospace crash conditions. Each seat configuration was validated against regulatory crashworthiness criteria and injury thresholds, including pelvic, lumbar, and femur compressive forces, as well as head injury criteria (HIC) values. The
Gray, Savannah, Orr, Mathew, Shi, Yifan, Park, Taeil, Lee, Jake, Wotten, Erik, LeFrancois, Richard, Huang, Yuhao, Patel, Anuj, Kim, Hansu, Burns, Nicholas, Jalayer, Shayan, Grant, Robert, Kok, Leo, Hansen, Eric, Kim, Il Yong
Application of topology optimization to production-ready passenger seat components design2026-01-0498To be published on 04/07/2026
Lightweighting of components has become a key challenge in the development of modern transportation systems. The overall mass of a vehicle has a significant impact on its fuel efficiency and manufacturing cost. Therefore, the lightweight design of vehicle components is crucial in the industrial field. Topology optimization (TO) is a computational design approach aimed at achieving lightweight design. However, most existing studies focus on simplified academic models, with limited demonstration in real-world applications. This paper presents a practical implementation of TO in the design of three structural components in the real-world aerospace field: seatback frame, seat fuselage mount, and seat spreader. The optimization process incorporates realistic loading conditions and boundary constraints, followed by necessary adjustments to ensure manufacturability and ergonomic compatibility, providing production-ready designs. In addition, strategies for improving stress distribution in the
Lee, Hanbok Jake, Shi, Yifan, Gray, Savannah, Orr, Mathew, Park, Taeil, Wotten, Erik, LeFrancois, Richard, Huang, Yuhao, Patel, Anuj, Kim, Hansu, Jalayer, Shayan, Burns, Nicholas, Hansen, Eric, Grant, Robert, Kok, Leo, Kim, Il Yong
Simulation-based prediction and optimization of acoustic comfort in vehicle interiors2026-01-0502To be published on 04/07/2026
Passenger expectations for quiet and acoustically comfortable vehicle interiors have increased significantly, driven by advancements in electric vehicles and premium audio systems. Acoustic comfort affects perceived quality, communication ease, and overall driving experience. This paper presents a simulation-driven methodology to predict and optimize interior noise performance during the early design phase, focusing on high-frequency acoustic transfer functions and trim material absorption properties. Traditional NVH development relies heavily on physical testing, which is time-consuming and costly. Early-stage predictive tools are essential to evaluate acoustic performance before prototype availability. High-frequency noise (1kHz–12kHz) is particularly challenging due to complex reflections and absorption behavior. Acoustic trims play a critical role in shaping the cabin’s sound field, and their properties must be optimized to achieve desired sound quality. A novel simulation approach
Baladhandapani, Dhanasekar, Jadhav, Vishal, Du, Isaac
Thermal Performance of Natural Fiber Hybrid Composites for Automotive Insulation Applications2026-01-0244To be published on 04/07/2026
This study investigates the thermal conductivity of natural-fiber-based hybrid polymer composites with potential automotive insulation applications. With the increasing demand for lightweight, sustainable, and thermally efficient materials in vehicle cabins, under-hood systems, and electric vehicle battery enclosures, natural fiber composites present a promising alternative to conventional glass-fiber composites. Three distinct composite configurations were fabricated: pure glass, glass-jute hybrid, and glass-jute-coir hybrid, using general-purpose polyester resin as the matrix. The composites were manufactured using the hand lay-up method. Thermal conductivity measurements were conducted using the ASTM C177 guarded hotplate method on composite plates. Results indicate that the hybrid composite with glass, jute, and coir fibres has the lowest thermal conductivity, making it the most effective for insulation applications. This study demonstrates that natural fibre-reinforced composites
Mache, Ashok, Salve, Aniket, Chinchanikar, Satish, Borse, Hardik, Deshmukh, Omkar, Mahadikpatil, Siddhi, Kulkarni, Aparna
Sensor Fusion Method for In-Cabin Humidity Prediction2026-01-0131To be published on 04/07/2026
Maintaining optimal in-cabin humidity levels is part of occupant comfort, air quality, and the effective operation of climate control systems, particularly for functions like windshield defogging. This paper introduces a novel sensor fusion methodology for predicting in-cabin humidity distribution without dedicated humidity sensor. The proposed approach leverages readily available vehicle data, integrating information from ambient temperature sensors, in-cabin temperature sensors, occupant detection systems, window status, and climate control settings. By intelligently fusing these diverse data streams, a predictive model is developed to infer the dynamic humidity conditions within the vehicle cabin. We discuss the complex interactions between these parameters, such as the moisture contribution from occupants, the influence of external air ingress through open windows, and the dehumidifying or humidifying effects of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. The paper
Ghannam, Mahmoud, Schroeter, Robert, Shaik, Faizan
Development and Application of SAE J3260 & J3290 Recommended Practice for Minimizing Spread of Infections in Motor Vehicles2026-01-0128To be published on 04/07/2026
In response to COVID pandemic, and at the persistent urging of the late Ward Atkinson, long-time SAE leader in Interior Climate Control Committees, the SAE Cabin Disinfection Practices Committee was formed in May 2021. Towards that end, two SAE J-standards have been produced by this committee: SAE J3260, Identification of Acceptable Cleaning and Disinfection Products for Vehicle Interior Surfaces and Exterior Touch Points, and SAE J3290, Selection and Use of Technologies and Methods for Vehicle Cabin Air Disinfection. This SAE paper will unpack the background and application of these J-Standards to minimize the probability of spreading of infection during the operation of motor vehicles while in normal operation, before and after vehicle servicing, and when in use as paid-for-hire operation - for both ‘normal’ environmental conditions, and during times of pandemic emergencies. Additionally, recent advances in air and surface disinfection technologies—including methods relevant to SARS
Schaeber, Steven, Mathur, Gursaran, Taylor, Dwayne
Design development and optimization of hybrid cross car beam for performance2026-01-0513To be published on 04/07/2026
The cross-car beam (CCB) within the instrument panel (IP) is a multifunctional structural element that supports safety, vibration control and modular integration in automotive design. The reduction of mass without compromising structural integrity plays a vital role in this endeavor. This study presents the design and optimization of design intent model of magnesium beam to meet the performance requirements Vs study model of hybrid cross car beam using magnesium steering column bracket, steel and plastic material to achieve reduced mass and enhanced stiffness while meeting performance targets. Advanced Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) techniques were employed, including topology optimization, lattice optimization, bracket sensitivity studies as well as shape & gauge optimization. Performed benchmarking against industry models such as Tesla Model Y observed hybrid material with structural simplification. The final hybrid beam design demonstrated overall cost reduction, while satisfying
Didgur, Gulzarahmed, McAdams, Ian, Viswaraj, Obuliraj
From algorithm to engineering judgment: navigating topology optimization's limits in crash applications2026-01-0189To be published on 04/07/2026
The non-linear nature of crash applications has led to many designs being developed through extensive trial and error based on the intuitions of the design engineer, as such using topology optimization for crash applications can provide major improvements in cost, weight, and passenger safety. Topology optimization is known for creating stiff, lightweight structures, however its application to crash scenarios must be handled carefully. Compliance minimization, the most common optimization objective, can yield misleading designs that prioritize undesirable qualities when developing structures for crash applications. In this paper the design optimization process of a passenger seat assembly subject to both an enforced displacement phase into a crash deceleration phase is discussed Due to the conflicting nature of compliance minimization and enforced displacement, the design was split into two types of regions; sacrificial, which are regions manually designed to absorb the majority of the
Orr, Mathew, Shi, Yifan, Lee, Jake, Gray, Savannah, Park, Taeil, Wotten, Erik, LeFrancois, Richard, Huang, Yuhao, Patel, Anuj, Kim, Hansu, Burns, Nicholas, Jalayer, Shayan, Grant, Robert, Kok, Leo, Hansen, Eric, Kim, Il Yong
Use inertial sliding of reclined seat to enhance occupant retention under rear-end crash2026-01-0563To be published on 04/07/2026
Smart cabin of autonomous vehicle may lead more passengers to recline their seat for comfort. However, reclined seat is disadvantageous for holding occupant in seat when vehicle is subjected to rear-end crash. Under severe rear-end crash and large reclining angle, the backward inertia could completely throw occupant out of seat. Or, even if occupant body can be restrained well by seatbelt, the occupant head could slide out of the head restraint area. Any of these situations may potentially cause severe injuries. To address this safety concern, we developed a sliding seat system designed to enhance occupant retention. Activated by impact inertia from rear-end collision, the system allows the seat sliding backward along its track in a controlled manner, and the sliding stroke is accompanied by a restraint force and absorbs some amount of kinetic energy during the sliding. Meanwhile, the backward sliding of seat, together with backward sliding of occupant, makes the ride-down process more
Dai, Rui, Zhou, Qing, Puyuan, Tan, Shen, Wenxuan
Evaluating the Effects of Improper Positioning and Unbuckling of a Restraint System on a 10-year-old Child ATD in a Far Side Side-Impact Environment2026-01-0562To be published on 04/07/2026
Five sled tests were performed with a Hybrid III 10-year-old child ATD positioned in the 2nd row left seat of a three row 2006 Sport Utility Vehicle. The sled buck was positioned and accelerated on a Hyge Sled to replicate an intersection side impact collision to the passenger (right) side of the Sport Utility Vehicle. 3 of the 5 tests were performed with a delta-V of 17 mph, with one test performed with a properly restrained ATD and two tests performed with improper restraint positioning. 2 of the 5 tests were performed with a delta-V of 24 mph, and both tests included improper restraint positioning effectively identical to the two 17 mph delta-V tests. The first scenario of improper restraint positioning involved moving the torso belt from the left shoulder, over the head, and onto the right shoulder. The second scenario involved the same belt re-positioning as the first scenario, but additionally disengaged the latch plate from the buckle, essentially creating a condition of seat
Luepke, Peter, Hewett, Natalie, Betts, Kevin, Van Arsdell, William, Weber, Paul, Stankewich, Charles, Miller, Gregory, Watson, Richard, Sochor, Mark
Investigation of the Blockage Phenomenon in Closed Wall Wind Tunnels During the Testing of Bluff Automotive Bodies with Small Wakes in Yawed Configurations2026-01-0607To be published on 04/07/2026
The difficulties of testing a bluff automotive body of sufficient scale to match the on-road vehicle Reynolds number in a closed wall wind tunnel has led to many approaches being taken to adjust the resulting data for the inherent interference effects. But it has been very difficult to experimentally analyze the effects that are occurring on and around the vehicle when these blockage interferences are taking place. The present study is an extension of earlier works by the author and similarly to those studies uses the computational fluid dynamics analysis of five bodies that generate relatively small wakes to examine the interference phenomena in solid wall wind tunnels and the effects that they have on the pressures, and forces experienced by the vehicle model when it is in yawed conditions up to 20 degrees. This is accomplished by executing a series of CFD configurations with varying sized cross sections from 0.4% to 14% blockage enabling an approximation of free air conditions as a
Gleason, Mark, Riegel, Eugen
A Scalable and Accessible Remote Testing Framework for Automotive Development2026-01-0191To be published on 04/07/2026
With the rise of software-defined vehicles and the emergence of cyber threats to vehicular systems, developing teams are compelled to conduct extensive testing on both virtual and physical prototypes at an accelerated pace. This new development landscape necessitates diagnostic tools that are both precise and adaptable. However, proprietary systems dominate this field, often hindering accessibility for students and researchers due to high costs and restrictive licensing. This paper presents the design and implementation of an open-source, low-cost remote testing system tailored for automotive development and diagnostics. The proposed system utilizes Arduino and Raspberry Pi processing units, along with relay-based switching modules, to provide secure remote control of vehicle components through a web-based dashboard equipped with authentication, scheduling, and real-time synchronization capabilities. The tested prototype showcased robust scalability, secure session handling, and
Pries, Andrew, Mohammad, Utayba
Improving Transient Diesel Performance with E-Supercharging and Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Controls2026-01-0444To be published on 04/07/2026
Engine torque response for turbocharged diesel engines is limited by lag in air supply to the engine restricting the rate at which fuel can be delivered. This delay can lead to rich air-fuel mixtures and elevated soot emissions during transient events. Electric forced induction systems (EFIS) offer a potential solution to address both of these challenges. For this study, an electric supercharger (E-Booster) is integrated with the original forced induction system of a 4.5-L 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine to create a two-stage boosting system that assists induction during transients. Electric supercharger operation is managed by two control schemes, a model-based single-input single-output (SISO) and a model-based robust multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) controller. Constant speed load acceptance (CSLA) experiments and emulated drive-cycles were performed in a dyno cell evaluating both control methods. The E-supercharged two-stage boosted engine has demonstrated significant
Vang, Nicholas, Rothamer, David, Ghandhi, Jaal, Ashta, Shubham, Qiu, Weijin, Rayasam, Sree Harsha, Shaver, Greg, Frushour, Bryan, Dou, Danan
Optimization of Engine Cooling System for Improved Fuel Efficiency and Vehicle Marketability2026-01-0297To be published on 04/07/2026
Effective thermal management in internal combustion engines is essential for meeting increasingly stringent global emissions regulations and fuel efficiency standards. This paper presents a comprehensive solution to enhance engine thermal management performance by addressing key system aspects, including coolant circuit architecture, Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM) control strategies, port-specific flow management, zero-flow operation, and standardization of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) settings. The research was conducted on a newly developed engine platform, where a suite of advanced thermal management measures was applied and verified through both vehicle and bench testing. Key improvements included reducing the thermal mass of the coolant circuit to enable faster warm-up of the engine and major components, as well as refining ITM control logic through linear mapping and signal filtering for more precise target coolant temperature regulation. Enhanced
Lee, ChangJoo, LEE, KyuMin, Kim, Seonyeong, Nam, Choonho, YOO, JiHun
Acoustic simulation for a vehicle audio system across the full audible frequency2026-01-0226To be published on 04/07/2026
Audio system is an important part of vehicle cabin for various purposes. In vehicle development process, it need be tuned for optimal acoustic performance. Traditionally, this process is performed physically on vehicles. In this paper, a methodology is developed to simulate the acoustic performance of the audio system across the full audible frequency range. To quantify the effectiveness, the p/v acoustic transfer functions of the sound pressures at passengers’ ears over the voltage inputs are measured for 12 different speakers in a production vehicle. As the sound perceived by the passengers depends on both the source and the path, the effort of the numerical study mainly concentrates on two aspects: characterization of the loudspeaker parameters and representation of cabin environment. The speaker parameters are characterized from the sound radiation data measured in 2pi chamber. To represent the vehicle cabin, pure finite element model is applied under 1k Hz while a hybrid FE-SEA is
Yang, Wenlong, Patra, Suresh, Hawes, David, Shorter, Phil
Development of Smart Climate Control with Multiple Level Auto Calibrations2026-28-00082/12/2026
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are rapidly transforming the automotive landscape, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles. As EV adoption grows, optimizing energy consumption becomes critical to enhancing vehicle efficiency and extending driving range. One of the most significant auxiliary loads in EVs is the climate control system, commonly referred to as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). HVAC systems can consume a substantial portion of the battery's energy—especially under extreme weather conditions—leading to a noticeable reduction in vehicle range. This energy demand poses a challenge for EV manufacturers and users alike, as range anxiety remains a key barrier to widespread EV acceptance. Consequently, developing intelligent climate control strategies is essential to minimize HVAC power consumption without compromising passenger comfort. These strategies may include predictive thermal management, cabin pre-conditioning
Mulamalla, Sarveshwar Reddy, SV, Master Eniyan, M, Nisshok, Anugu, Anil, E A, Muhammed, Guturu, Sravankumar
Methodology for Shower Water Management in Electric Car Applications2026-28-00682/12/2026
All automotive vehicles with enclosed compartments must pass the shower test standard - IS 11865 (2006). One of the most severe and critical areas of water leakage is “water entry into HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) opening”. Excess water flow at high-pressure conditions and seepage during long-time low-pressure conditions could potentially have a significant impact on water entry inside the HVAC suction cutout given on BIW (body in white) and subsequently into the cabin. The present study clearly indicates that for making leak proof HVAC opening (suction interface), it is crucial for the structure of BIW plenum, plenum applique, and its sealing components to be robust enough to effectively collect and divert the water during rainy seasons.
Gunasekaran, Mohanraj, Namani, Prasad, Ramaraj, Rajasekar, Junankar, Ashish, Raju, Kumar
HFC-134a (R-134a) Recovery/Recycle/Recharging Equipment for Mobile Air-Conditioning SystemsJ2788_202602 (Current)2/12/2026
The purpose of this SAE Standard is to establish the specific minimum equipment performance requirements for recovery and recycling of HFC-134a that has been directly removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning (A/C) systems. It also is intended to establish requirements for equipment used to recharge HFC-134a to an accuracy level that meets Section 9 of this document and SAE J2099. The requirements apply to the following types of service equipment and their specific applications: a. Recovery/recycling equipment b. Recovery/recycling - refrigerant charging c. Refrigerant recharging equipment only
Interior Climate Control Service Committee
Fitting End, Typical, Cone, Design StandardAS1219B (Current)2/11/2026
This SAE Aerospace Standard defines a typical coupling (with different fitting end styles), which is used in typical cone connection fittings installed in high-pressure (up to 3000 psi) oxygen systems for the purpose of mating to applicable oxygen equipment. Dimensions are developed from AND10089 and AS4375.
A-10 Aircraft Oxygen Equipment Committee
Interior DoorsARP499D (Current)2/1/2026
The purpose of this SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) is to provide recommendations which will lead to the standardization of interior door design and operation in all transport aircraft. Interior doors are broadly classified into two main categories which include egress path doors and non-egress path doors. The scope of this ARP does not include crew rest doors, secondary barriers to the flight deck, or doors incorporated in furniture surrounding passenger seats as defined in AS6960.
S-9B Cabin Interiors and Furnishings Committee
Aircraft Cabin Pressurization System CriteriaARP1270C (Current)1/29/2026
This report, in conjunction with other referenced SAE documents, provides recommendations for development of aircraft cabin pressure control systems and equipment, with particular emphasis on performance objectives, requirements definition, operational scenarios, design practices, safety processes, and verification methods. The objective of a Cabin Pressure Control System (CPCS) is to regulate aircraft cabin pressure throughout the operational flight envelope, in order to ensure occupant safety, aircraft safety, and passenger comfort. The system should comply with all relevant certification and safety requirements, particularly in the areas of: Maintaining a breathable environment within occupied compartments Protecting the fuselage structure against excessive positive and negative differential pressure loads Supporting cabin egress on ground The system should have the capability to schedule cabin pressure at rates of change that are comfortable to crew and passengers. Careful
AC-9 Aircraft Environmental Systems Committee
Provisions of Medical Oxygen for Aircraft OccupantsAIR6190A (Current)1/28/2026
This document provides information on provisions for passengers with disabilities on board commercial aircraft. In this context the term "provision of medical oxygen" shall be understood as application of oxygen on board an aircraft not linked to (post) decompression in the sense of Airworthiness Requirements FAR/CS 25 and Operational Regulations of FAR 121/135. Information about available equipment and physiological treatment in clinical practice will be provided in this document. It covers the use of oxygen concentrators according to guidance of FAR Advisory Circular AC120-95.
A-10 Aircraft Oxygen Equipment Committee
The Control of Excess Humidity in Avionics CoolingARP987B (Current)1/26/2026
This Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) outlines the causes and impacts of moisture and/or condensation in avionics equipment and provides recommendations for corrective and preventative action.
AC-9 Aircraft Environmental Systems Committee
Environmental Control Systems for RotorcraftARP292D (Current)1/21/2026
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) discusses design philosophy, system and equipment requirements, environmental conditions, and design considerations for rotorcraft environmental control systems (ECS). The rotorcraft ECS comprises that arrangement of equipment, controls, and indicators which supply and distribute dehumidified conditioned air for ventilation, cooling and heating of the occupied compartments, and cooling of the avionics. The principal features of the system are: a A controlled fresh air supply b A means for cooling (air or vapor cycle units and heat exchangers) c A means for removing excess moisture from the air supply d A means for heating e A temperature control system f A conditioned air distribution system The ARP is applicable to both civil and military rotorcraft where an ECS is specified; however, certain requirements peculiar to military applications—such as nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection—are not covered. The integration of NBC
AC-9 Aircraft Environmental Systems Committee
Smart Grid and Cloud-Based Strategy for EV Pre-Cooling and HVAC Load Management2026-26-00561/16/2026
This paper explains the method of precooling of electric vehicle from grid connected charger reduce load on HVAC and improve the range. HVAC systems are integral part of a commercial EV bus. With the rise of ambient temperatures during various seasons, the load on HVAC System is increasing. Once an Electric vehicle is released from a depot for service, with an initial soaked up ambient vehicle, the HVAC system demands peak power for cooling the interiors which consumes a lot of battery power thus affecting the range. That cause the additional energy consumption required for precooling, which cannot be estimated as it is highly dependent on ambient temperature and range of the vehicle is also dependent on HVAC consumption during summer and peak loads. This paper is proposing a method that uses a special precooling mode which is activated depending on the selection of the vehicle route based on backend application running on cloud. The Application in the cloud checks if the vehicle is
Ganguly, Sutanu, Shukla, Amisha, Jain, Sarika, Patil, Rohan, Sahu, Pritish, Yadav, Ankit, Marskole, Deepa, Amancharla, Naga Chaithanya
Assessment of Emissions Behaviour of Volatile Compounds from Polymeric Materials used in Automobile Interiors2026-26-02221/16/2026
There is an increasing trend of using polymeric materials in the vehicle interior compartment. While the polymers provide benefits in terms of flexibility in profiling, lighter weight and aesthetics but one of the challenges with the polymers is emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during their usage and particularly at a temperature prevailing in the vehicle cabin. VOCs adversely impact the vehicle interior air quality and can pose a risk to occupants’ health. However, there is a lack of information on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from automotive interior materials. There are two types of methods, a whole vehicle chamber method (ISO 12219-1) and a bag method (ISO 12219-2) for evaluation of VOCs emissions from materials used in vehicle interior parts. ISO 12219-2 method describes quantitative testing of VOCs and semi-VOCs. This test method is quick and cost effective for analysis of materials for quick emission checks and can prove to be very effective in
PAtil, Yamini Jitendra, Thipse, Sukrut, Bawase, Moqtik
Development of Sustainable Textile Solutions Using Recycled and Bio-Based Materials for Automotive Soft Trims2026-26-02361/16/2026
The rising importance of sustainability in the automotive sector has led to increased interest in circular and environmentally responsible materials, particularly for plastic trims parts, both interior and exterior. This study focuses on developing textile solutions using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r-PET) sourced from post-consumer plastic waste, along with bio-based fibres such as bamboo. These materials made into woven and knitted fabrics are studied to suit different vehicle interior applications. r-PET textiles show promising strength, aesthetic appeal, and durability performance. Bamboo fabrics are known for their natural antimicrobial properties and enhanced breathability. Extensive testing is performed to validate explored sustainable materials performance against key automotive requirements. With this study, we gain an understanding of the performance of variedly sourced sustainable raw materials for automotive specific textile applications by different manufacturing
Deshpande, Sanjana, Borgaonkar, Subodh
Cabin Modelling Approach in 1D Simulation for Studying the Impact of Partial Recirculation in Warmup for BEV at Extreme Cold Ambient Conditions2026-26-04501/16/2026
The inclusion of the cabin in HVAC simulations gained more importance with the introduction of BEV’s. Thermal management and efficiency being in the forefront, exploration for the possible opportunities to reduce the energy consumption for meeting the comfort of passengers gained importance. The energy consumed by the Electric coolant or air heaters for heating the cabin at extreme cold ambient temperatures to deliver similar comfort to that of an ICE version is 2 to 3 times that of the energy required for cooling the cabin in a high ambient condition. Even during the sizing of HVAC system, if traditional method of ambient or fresh air conditions is considered for calculating the requirements, the result is we would require a product which will have unrealistic performance demand. Hence to explore different possibilities for studying the system, usage of recirculation air was considered as one of the options. This paper talks about the approach followed in creating the cabin model in
Veerla, Eswar, Subramanian, Karthik
Quantifying the Energy Consumption of HVAC Operation and Its Impact on the Range of Electric Buses Across Diverse Climatic Conditions2026-26-02041/16/2026
Electric buses (e-buses) are essential to sustainable public transport, but their real-world efficiency and range are heavily affected by auxiliary systems, particularly the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. This study investigates how ambient temperature variations and HVAC loads influence energy consumption, range, and efficiency in e-buses operating under diverse climatic conditions. The methodology combines field data collection from urban e-buses across seasons—including extreme summer and winter—with controlled laboratory testing. Field measurements included ambient temperature, HVAC demand, vehicle speed, state of charge (SOC) variation, and energy consumption. These inputs were used to develop real-world duty cycles, replicating actual thermal loads, passenger profiles, idling periods, and driving patterns. In the laboratory, these cycles were simulated using a chassis dynamometer and environmental chamber, with HVAC systems tested at controlled ambient
Vishe, Prashant, Dalela, Saurabh, Saraswat, Shubham, Joshi, Madhusudan
Vehicle Interior Material Emissions and Contributions in Passenger Vehicle Cabin Air Quality2026-26-02871/16/2026
Polymer compounds used in the manufacturing of automotive interiors are traditionally consist of polymer virgin material, elastomers, additives, pigments, fillers. These compounded polymers are prone to the emission of low molecular weight chemicals over a period of usage and exposure to the environment called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbonyl compounds. These released VOCs and carbonyl compounds consist of chemicals like benzene, toluene, xylene, styrene, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, acrolein etc. Short term or long-term exposure of these chemicals have adverse health effects like nausea, headache, vomiting, cancer, even death of personnel if found beyond the permissible limits. It has been observed that the majority of passenger have the above symptoms whenever travelled using passenger cars within few minutes of boarding and exchange the car cabin air. The study was planned to understand the reasons for the concerns and further resolution. This paper is focused on the
Shukla, Sandeep Kumar, Balaji, K V, Varatharajan, Senthilkumaran
Challenges in Head-Up Display (HUD) Design for Modern Connected Vehicles: Balancing Functionality with Structural Integrity in an NVH Landscape2026-26-03541/16/2026
A more recent focus on driver comfort and the increasing demand for wide range of information availability make automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) provide advanced features such as Head Up Display (HUD) system. Even though HUD projects vital information onto the windshield/glass, its structural integration comes with significant vibration challenges, leading to display instability and haziness. This paper discusses the significant design parameters influencing the functional effectiveness of HUD system. The structure considered for analysis is the HUD assembly and its integration in vehicle. Cross Car Beam (CCB) turns out to be the critical component of the vehicle structure susceptible to road excitations. Although it’s mass dampens the vibrations inherently, due to the low mass of the HUD, relative oscillation between its projector, mirror, and either the windshield or display causes image distortion This paper investigates in detail the role of HUD structural
Vardhanan K, Aravindha Vishnu, Naidu, Sudhakara, Titave, Uttam
Innovative Inverted Cross Car Beam Design for Optimized Packaging of Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies in Global Vehicles2026-26-00511/16/2026
The integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) into modern vehicles necessitates innovative solutions for interior packaging that balance out safety, performance, and ergonomic considerations. This paper introduces an inverted U-shaped steel tube cross car beam (CCB) as a superior alternative to traditional straight tube designs, tailored for premium vehicle instrument panels. The U-shaped geometry overcomes the limitations of straight tube beams by creating additional packaging space for components such as AR-HUDs, steering columns, HVAC systems, and electronic control units (ECUs). This geometry supports efficient crunch packaging while accommodating ergonomic requirements like H-point, eyeball trajectory, and cockpit depth for optimal ADAS component placement. The vertical alignment of the steering column within the U-shaped design further enhances space utilization and structural integrity. This study demonstrates that the inverted U-shaped CCB is a transformative
Mahajan, Ajay Senu, Regatte, Ganesh, Nagarjuna, Kamisetti, Sahoo, Sandeep, Udugu, Kumaraswamy, JC, Sudheera
Packaging the HPTS Airbag in a Second-Row Seat2026-26-00331/16/2026
Seats of modern cars should necessarily meet the regulatory safety norms along with aesthetics and comfort. In the existing passenger cars prevailing across the Indian subcontinent, the measure of safety has been a challenging one. The stringent regulatory norms thereby make the Airbag very promising. In the Automotive industry, safety features are very important, one of the topmost features which falls in this category is airbags. The driver and passenger safety during high impact collisions and sudden crashes is the key objective of airbag. This safety is provided by the airbag with its automatic deployment. The inflatable airbag is engineering in a way to respond very quickly during a collision and furnish necessary cushioning to decrease the impulse and enhance the safety of the passenger. The technology has been practiced widely upon many vehicles' seats. However, the present work highlights a novel approach of packaging the HPTS air bag in second row seat. This Air bag unit is
Buradkar, Rajat, Bose, Karthik, Jadhav, Deepika, Balakrishnan, Gangadharan
A Performance-Driven Numerical Approach for Optimizing the Plenum Opening Area of Cowl Box2026-26-04611/16/2026
There is a scarcity of research in literature regarding the determination of Plenum Opening Area of cowl box. The area of the plenum opening in the cowl box significantly affects the airflow rate in fresh airflow modes, such as face and defrost modes, as well as issues related to water ingress. Primarily, the size of the plenum opening is determined by the necessary HVAC airflow rate. This study aims to investigate how the plenum opening area impacts both airflow discharge and the water ingress issue in the HVAC module. A novel approach is introduced in this research to determine the optimal plenum opening area of the cowl box, taking into account both airflow rate and water ingress concerns. The ANSYS FLUENT software is utilized to analyze airflow discharge in both face and defrost modes, while the SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics) based Preonlab tool is employed for water ingress analysis. Airflow discharge is evaluated for various plenum opening sizes in both modes, and the area
Baskar, Subramaniyan, Mahesh, A, Gopinathan, Nagarajan
Acoustic Challenges in Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Study of HVAC Noise in EVs and ICE Vehicles2026-26-03531/16/2026
With the transition from ICE vehicles to EV’s, the dominant noise sources within the vehicle cabin have shifted from engine noise to auxiliary systems, especially HVAC systems. In conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE), engine noise tends to mask noise from auxiliary sources. However, in electric vehicles (EVs), the lack of engine noise causes these auxiliary noises, such as those from the HVAC system, to become more prominent and potentially uncomfortable for occupants. The primary objective is to understand how the absence of engine noise in EVs influences the perceived HVAC noises. The research methodology involves static and on-road evaluation of both electric and ICE vehicle having common platform, conducted under same testing conditions. The study aims to quantify and compare the acoustic characteristic differences of HVAC noise between ICEs and EVs, primarily focusing on cabin airflow noise, refrigerant flow noise, and AC compressor noise. Based on the
Patra, Subhashree, Joshi, Rishi, Sharma, Rachit, Lingampelly, Rajaprasad, Neupane, Manoj
Optimizer Sunshade Packaging with Half Aluminum Cassette and Metal Pull Bar2026-26-05971/16/2026
The automotive industry is advancing rapidly with the integration of cutting-edge technology, aesthetics, and performance. One area that has remained relatively underexplored in the pursuit of sleek, minimalistic interiors is the packaging of Sunshade in door trim system. Traditional sunshade design, often bulky and increasingly incompatible with the trend towards compact design and packaging. The car sunshade is a shield that is placed on a car side window and used for regulating the amount of light entering from the car window and helps improve the passenger comfort inside the cabin. Car Interior components, specifically plastic and seats are based on thermal stress properties. When we expose these parts to direct contact with sunlight, humidity and ambient temperature above threshold limit, the interior plastic parts can start to soften and melt. Due to this, they start emitting harmful chemicals which cause anemia and poor immune systems. So, the Sunshade, in addition to protecting
Palyal, Nikita, D, Gowtham, Bhaskararao, Pathivada, Bornare, Harshad, Ritesh, Kakade
Ambient Light Reflection Analysis Using Dimensional Modeling Tools to Predict Windshield View Obscuration and Improve Safety2026-26-04761/16/2026
Ambient light reflecting off internal components of the car, specifically the Head-Up Display (HUD), creates unwanted reflections on the Windshield. These reflections can obscure the driver's field of view, potentially compromising safety and reducing visual comfort. The extent of this obscuration is influenced by geometrical factors such as the angle of the HUD and the curvature of the Windshield, which need to be analyzed and managed. The primary motivation is to improve driver safety and visual comfort. This is driven by the need to address the negative impact of ambient light reflecting off Head-Up Displays (HUDs), which can impair visibility through the Windshield. There is a need for tools and methods to address this issue proactively during the vehicle design phase. This study employs a tool-based modeling method to trace the pathways of ambient light from its source, reflecting off the HUD, and onto the Windshield using a dimensional modeling tool. It focuses on: Geometrical
Muchchandi, Vinod, Akula, Satya Jayanth, Mahindrakar, Pramod, G S, Sharath
Unique Hybrid Panoramic Headliner Clip with High Tolerance to Replace Dual Lock Fasteners2026-26-02991/16/2026
Mounting strategies for vehicles with panoramic sunroofs remains a challenge owing to its high complexity to balance cost, performance and assembly efficiency. Achieving efficient and reliable headliner mounting solutions is one of the conundrums where cost optimization must go together with uncompromised performance. Traditional methods like Dual Lock Fasteners (DLFs), have set high benchmarks for robustness but at the cost of increased manufacturing complexity and expense . In pursuit of a more economical and production-friendly alternative, various plastic clip designs were explored. However, these solutions posed significant challenges during validation due to the stringent requirements for mounting feasibility, tolerance management, and long-term durability This paper introduces a novel hybrid plastic-metal clip solution that addresses those challenges comprehensively. [2] The new design achieves precise tolerance control, ensuring reliable headliner installation under varying
D, Gowtham, Kumarasamy, Raj Ganesh, Shoeb, Mohd, Chauhan, Aarti
Improve the Electric Vehicle Range by Using the Climate Control Setting in Economy Mode at Hot Climatic Conditions2026-26-01721/16/2026
Electric vehicles (EVs) have surged in popularity in recent years due to their environmental benefits. The influence of range on air conditioning (AC) power consumption is a critical concern for electric vehicle (EV) owners, particularly in warmer climates. Overcoming obstacles such as a limited vehicle range is necessary for the increased use of electric-powered automobiles. Cabin heating and cooling demand for climate control consumes more energy from the main battery and has been revealed to significantly reduce vehicle range. During peak cooling or heating, the overall power consumption of the AC system takes almost 50% of the energy used for traction. The average reduction in driving range caused by air conditioning (heating and cooling) approximates 33%. The energy usage of an electric vehicle can be considerably decreased by switching the climate control setting to economy mode. The AC system will operate more effectively, enabling the vehicle to save energy and extend its range
Mulamalla, Sarveshwar Reddy, Anugu, Anil, E A, Muhammed, Ummiti, Kumar, M, Nisshok, Choudhary, Ankit
Enhancing Thermal Comfort and Vehicle Energy Efficiency: A Simulation Study Using GT ISE + TAITherm2026-26-04581/16/2026
The automotive industry is encountering difficulties in balancing occupant thermal comfort with HVAC system energy efficiency, particularly under the hot Indian conditions, to meet user expectations and address range anxiety in electric vehicles. Front-loaded comfort-based approach simulations during the development stages have the potential to increase energy savings compared to the stages required at the end of product design. The focus of the current research targets HVAC energy consumers, such as blower flow rates, temperatures, and Cabin heaters, and investigates how these factors influence occupant overall comfort. Additionally, design elements like glass properties and the impact of solar radiation on human comfort are studied at the early concept stages to adopt an energy-based approach for comfort optimization. Simulations are conducted using GT-SUITE and GT-TAITherm software, integrated with CFD field maps platforms to obtain exact flow field predictions. The simulation
Bavrisetti, Sai Sampath Kumar, Chothave, Abhijeet, Gummadi, Gopakishore, Khan, Parvej, Thiyagarajan, Rajesh, Raju, Kumar, A Sr, Mahesh
Analysis of Energy Consumption for Heating City Electric Buses and Ways to Reduce It2026-26-01561/16/2026
For regions with cold climate, the range of an electric bus becomes a serious restriction to expanding the use of this type of transport. Increased energy consumption affects not only the autonomous driving range, but also the service life of the batteries, the schedule delays and the load on the charging infrastructure. The aim of the presented research is to experimentally and computationally determine the energy consumption for heating the driver's cabin and passenger compartment of an electric bus during the autumn-winter operation period, as well as to identify and analyze ways to reduce this energy consumption. To determine the air temperature in the passenger compartment, a mathematical model based on heat balance equations was used. This model was validated using data from real-world tests. The research was conducted at a proving ground under two conditions: driving at a constant speed and simulating urban bus operation with stops and door openings. The causes of heat loss in
Kozlov, Andrey, Terenchenko, Alexey, Stryapunin, Alexander
Numerical Investigation of Cowl Water Drainage in Automotive Design2026-26-03931/16/2026
Rainwater accumulation in the cowl region, located at the base of the windshield, can lead to serious HVAC performance degradation, corrosion, and passenger discomfort if not effectively drained. Traditional physical validation methods are often time-consuming, costly, and limited in diagnostic insight. This study presents a simulation-driven methodology for evaluating and optimizing HVAC cowl box drainage performance during the early design phase. Using STAR-CCM+, a multiphase Volume of Fluid (VOF) approach was implemented to visualize water flow behavior under static and dynamic conditions. Design variants were assessed by modifying drain tube geometry (shape, size, and placement) and cowl surface features, such as baffle positioning. Results showed that inadequate drainages were primarily due to stagnation zones, shallow slopes, and drain locations prone to clogging. Water film accumulation near the HVAC inlet was accurately predicted, highlighting potential ingress paths under high
Mathew, Ronnie, Ibrahim, Sayyaf, Nikumbh, Nayan
Cabin Heat-Up Thermal Assessment for Human Comfort in Passenger Car2026-26-04081/16/2026
The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning) system is designed to fulfil the thermal comfort requirement inside a vehicle cabin. Human thermal comfort primarily depends upon an occupant’s physiological and environmental condition. Vehicle AC performance is evaluated by mapping air velocity and local air temperature at various places inside the cabin. There is a need to have simulation methodology for cabin heating applications for cold climate to assess ventilation system effectiveness considering thermal comfort. Thermal comfort modelling involves human manikin modeling, cabin thermal model considering material details and environmental conditions using transient CAE simulation. Present study employed with LBM (Lattice-Boltzmann Method) based PowerFLOW solver coupled with finite element based PowerTHERM solver to simulate the cabin heat up. Human thermal comfort needs physiological modelling; thus, the in-built Berkeley human comfort library is used in simulation. Human
Baghel, Devesh Kumar, Kandekar, Ambadas, Kumar, Ravi, Dimble, Nilesh
A Strategic Approach to Design Automotive Intake Systems for Achieving a Sporty Acoustic Signature at the Drivers Ear Level2026-26-03281/16/2026
In pursuit of a distinct sporty interior sound character, the present study explores an innovative strategy for designing intake systems in passenger vehicles. While most existing literature primarily emphasizes exhaust system tuning for enhancing vehicle sound quality, the current work shifts the focus toward the intake system’s critical role in shaping the perceived acoustic signature within the vehicle cabin. In this research work, target cascading and settings were derived through a combination of benchmark and structured subjective evaluation study and aligning with literature review. Quantitative targets for intake orifice noise was defined to achieve the desired sporty character inside cabin. Intake orifice targets were engineered based on signature and sound quality parameter required at cabin. Systems were designed by using advanced NVH techniques, Specific identified acoustic orders were enhanced in the intake system to reinforce the required signature in acceleration as well
Sadekar, Umesh Audumbar, Titave, Uttam, Patil, Jitendra, Naidu, Sudhakara
An Outer Waist Seal with Integrated Glass Wiping Mechanism for a Window Frame of a Vehicle2026-26-00111/16/2026
This invention solves a significant safety issue where drivers have low visibility of the Outside Rear View Mirror (ORVM) in the case of rain, fog, dust or ice formation on the Side Door Window Glass (SDWG). Currently developed methods, such as hydrophobic finishing or films and heated window glass on the doors, provide temporary or weak results, and thus, a more successful and dependable method is demanded. In order to address this problem, we have modified the Outer Waist Seal, which includes a Glass Wiping Mechanism in it. Outer Waist Seal is a type of weather strip fixed on the bottom of the side window of a vehicle on the panel of the door. It does not allow the flow of heavy water, dust and debris into the door cavity, besides supporting the glass on the window when it is in a movement process. The stationary fixed arm of this system is coupled with a rotating arm and an attached wiper blade powered by a low-speed-high-torque motor and interfaced with the Body Control Module (BCM
Neelam, Rajat, Chowdhury, Ashok, Panchal, Girish, Kumar, Saurav
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