Computational performance analysis of overheating mitigation measures in parked vehicles. (1st December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soulios, V.; Loonen, R.C.G.M.; Metavitsiadis, V.; Hensen, J.L.M.
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 231(2018)
• Page Start: 635
• Page End: 644
• Publication Date: 2018-12-01
• Subjects: Overheating -- Thermal soak test -- Vehicle modeling -- Building performance simulation; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.09.149
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: EnergyPlus is capable of accurately estimating the heat transfer in parked vehicles. Spectrally selective glazing can cause an average temperature difference inside the cabin as high as 12.5 °C. Solar-reflective opaque coating in combination with ChLC glazing can reduce the cabin air temperature up to 23.8 °C. Abstract: Parked vehicles have the tendency to overheat quickly. This can lead to a negative impact on the thermal comfort of the driver and its passengers, as well as intensive use of air conditioning systems, and thus fuel consumption of the vehicle or, in the case of electric mobility, a reduced cruising range. In the search for effective measures to mitigate this effect, important guidance can be provided by the field of sustainable building design. On the one hand, inspiration can come from design strategies in terms of shapes and advanced cover materials, but this paper advocates that this can also pertain to the simulation-based design support tools that are used by building engineers. This paper first presents the results of a thermal soak test, and then uses this data to demonstrate the suitability of the building performance simulation tool EnergyPlus for predicting the thermal behavior of parked vehicles. This fit-for-purpose validated model is used to evaluate the performance of three overheating mitigation measures for two car models in two climates. The results show that spectrally selective glazing can reduce the cabin air temperature by 12.5 °C and when combined with solar reflective opaque surfaces, the reduction of cabin air temperature can reach 23.8 °C. Increased use of building performance simulation in the automotive domain can help to further optimize the overheating reduction potential of cars.