Work

Simulation of mobile air-conditioning energy in electrified and conventional vehicles

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems (or Mobile Air-Conditioning systems, MAC), are the most power-consuming auxiliaries, affecting the vehicle's power consumption in all powertrains. MAC power consumption reduces the electric range in electrified vehicles and increases the CO2 emissions in internal combustion engine vehicles. The MAC consumption assessment is crucial for the decarbonisation of the transport sector. Prediction of MAC energy using simulation models optimizes this assessment, reducing the testing burden, and allowing further analysis of varying exterior conditions and component efficiencies.This paper proposes a thermal model for a vehicle MAC system to estimate the cabin temperature and MAC energy consumption during a WLTC. Based on the lumped-capacitance method, this model considers the outside temperature, irradiance, vehicle speed, materials, the driver's heat load, and engine, among others. The A/C compressor power demand is simulated though the refrigerant's semi-Ideal Vapour-Compression Cycle. The model considered a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller to regulate the refrigerant mass flow rate. A stepwise validation was done with literature, wind tunnel tests, and chassis-dyno WLTP tests in a climatic cell. Experimental heat transfer coefficients are obtained. The model accurately predicted the MAC energy. For an external temperature of 35 °C, MAC consumed around 900 Wh for BEVs, 770 Wh for the ICEV, and 720 Wh and 250 for the tested PHEVs in CD and CS modes, respectively, to reach a comfort temperature during a WLTC. The corresponding CO2 equivalent emissions for cooling are around 9.5, 3.8, 7.6, and 13.8 gCO2eq/km, respectively. The initial cabin temperature was an influencing parameter for MAC energy, as well as the seats masses and the PID controller gains. Cabin size showed negligible changes in MAC consumption.

Source: Energy Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2026.109522

Authors: Susana Gil-Sayas, Giuseppe Di Pierro, Alberto Broatch, Georgios Fontaras

Institutions: Universitat Politècnica de València, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Joint Research Centre

Language: English

Topic: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,040