The invention pertains to a vehicle cabin climate control system.

In particular in electric vehicles, the vehicle cabin climate control system consumes a considerable amount of energy.

Several solutions have been proposed to reduce the amount of energy needed for vehicle cabin climate control. For example, DE102015115196 discloses a system which comprises a peripheral heat exchanger. In this peripheral heat exchanger, air that is introduced into the vehicle cabin climate control system from outside the vehicle flows through one side of the peripheral heat exchanger and air that is expelled from the vehicle cabin flows through the other side of the peripheral heat exchanger. This way, heat exchange takes place between the incoming air and the outgoing air, therewith pre-heating or pre cooling the incoming air is obtained, depending on whether the temperature in the vehicle cabin is above or below the temperature of the outside air. This way, the heating or cooling that has to be done by the vehicle cabin climate control system is reduced, and therewith, the energy consumption is reduced.

However, the effect of this system on the total energy consumption of the vehicle cabin climate control system is limited.

The invention aims to provide an energy efficient vehicle cabin climate control system.

This object is obtained by a vehicle cabin climate control system which comprises:

- an air treatment device, which comprises:

- an air cooler comprising an air cooler inlet for receiving an air flow, which air cooler is adapted to generate a cooled air flow from the air flow that is received through the air cooler inlet,

- an air heater which is arranged downstream of the air cooler, which air heater comprises an air heater inlet which is arranged to receive a first portion of the cooled air flow, and which air heater is adapted to heat the first portion of the cooled air flow to generate a heated air flow,

- a cold air discharge, which is arranged to receive a second portion of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler and to discharge the second portion of the cooled air flow to a location outside a vehicle cabin, wherein the cold air discharge is arranged to keep the second portion of the cooled air flow outside the air heater, - a primary cabin air inlet, which is arranged to receive the heated air flow from the air heater and introduce at least a part of the heated airflow into the vehicle cabin.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention comprises an air treatment device which comprises an air cooler and an air heater. The air heater is arranged downstream of the air cooler, downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the air treatment device. So, the air flows through the air cooler before at least a part of the air flows through the air heater.

The air cooler of the air treatment device comprises an air cooler inlet for receiving an air flow.

The air flow for example is obtained from outside air that is introduced into the vehicle cabin climate control system from outside of the vehicle. Optionally, the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air inlet system having an air inlet. The air inlet system is adapted to allow outside air to enter the vehicle climate cabin control system and to generate an inlet air flow into the vehicle cabin climate control system, which inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet. The air inlet is arranged upstream of the air cooler inlet, upstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system. So, the air flows through the air inlet before it flows through the air cooler inlet. Optionally, the air inlet system further comprises a flow device to actively generate the air flow and/or to provide a required flow rate for the inlet air flow. The flow device is or comprises for example a fan.

Alternatively or in addition, the air flow may comprise air that is recirculated from the vehicle cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.

The air cooler is adapted to generate a cooled air flow from the air flow that is received through the air cooler inlet. The air cooler for example is or comprises an evaporator.

The air treatment device of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises an air heater which is arranged downstream of the air cooler, downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the air treatment device. So, the air flows through the air cooler before at least a part of the air flows through the air heater.

The air heater of the air treatment device comprises an air heater inlet which is arranged to receive a first portion of the cooled air flow.

The air heater of the air treatment device is adapted to heat the first portion of the cooled air flow to generate a heated air flow. For example, the air heater of the air treatment device is or comprises a condenser. The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises a cold air discharge. The cold air discharge is arranged to receive a second portion of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler and to discharge the second portion of the cooled air flow to a location outside a vehicle cabin. The cold air discharge is arranged to keep the second portion of the cooled air flow outside the air heater.

So, in accordance with the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system is adapted to allow the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler of the air treatment device to be split in a first portion that is to be directed to the air heater and a second portion that is not directed to the air heater of the air treatment device but instead is directed to outside the vehicle cabin (of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged), optionally to outside the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. Optionally, a valve is present which in addition to splitting the cooled air flow into a first portion and a second portion, also allows to block the cold air discharge so the entire cooled air flow is directed to the air heater and/or to block the flow path from the air cooler to the air heater so the entire cooled air flow is directed to the cold air discharge.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises a primary cabin air inlet, which is arranged to receive the heated air flow from the air heater and introduce at least a part of the heated airflow into the vehicle cabin.

In vehicle cabin climate control systems, an air cooler is often used for dehumidifying air, for example air that is withdrawn from the outside environment of the vehicle and/or air that is recirculated from the vehicle cabin. By cooling this air, the air gets drier. In general, the colder the air gets, the less moisture it is able to contain. If the air is cooled to a temperature at or below the dew point, water vapour condensates from the air.

However, this dehumidified air often has a temperature which is below the temperature at which the air should be introduced into the vehicle cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged for obtaining the desired temperature in the vehicle cabin, for example the desired cabin temperature as set by an occupant of the vehicle.

On the other hand, it is often not necessary to heat the entire cooled air flow as generated by the air cooler of the air treatment device in order to obtain the desired vehicle cabin temperature. The desired vehicle cabin temperature can in those cases also be obtained by heating just a portion of the cooled air flow. The portion of the cooled air flow that does not have to be heated, does not pass through the air heater of the air treatment device and remains outside this air heater, so no energy is wasted on heating this part of the cooled air flow. So, in the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, cold air that is not needed for heating the vehicle cabin, is not heated by the air heater of the air treatment device. Therewith, energy consumption of the vehicle cabin climate control system is reduced.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the air cooler further comprises a first air cooler outlet which is adapted to discharge the cooled air flow from the air cooler. In addition, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a first duct which extends between the first air cooler outlet and the air heater inlet. Furthermore, the cold air discharge comprises a second duct which is connected to the first duct.

So, in this embodiment the cooled airflow is split into a first portion and a second portion at a location between air cooler and the air heater, downstream of the air cooler and upstream of the air heater.

This is a practical embodiment which can be used in many different vehicle lay-outs.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the air cooler further comprises a first air cooler outlet which is adapted to discharge the first portion the cooled air flow from the air cooler and a second air cooler outlet which is adapted to discharge the second portion of the cooled air flow from the air cooler. Furthermore, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a first duct which extends between the first air cooler outlet and the air heater inlet. The cold air discharge is connected to or formed by the second air cooler outlet.

So, in this embodiment the cooled airflow is split into a first portion an a second portion at a location within the air cooler.

This is a practical embodiment which is particularly suitable for compact vehicle lay-outs or lay-outs in which there is not much room for components close to the air treatment device.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an air exhaust line which is arranged to receive an air flow from the vehicle cabin and discharge at least a portion of this air flow outside the vehicle. Furthermore, the cold air discharge is arranged to discharge the second portion of the cooled air flow into the air exhaust line at a cooled air injection point.

Humidity and carbon dioxide build up in the air of a closed vehicle cabin. As in particular an increased concentration of carbon dioxide is dangerous - it can for example make a driver sleepy - some of the air in the vehicle cabin has to be removed from the vehicle cabin and be replaced with fresh air from outside the vehicle cabin. An air exhaust line is provided to allow air to be removed from the vehicle cabin. The second portion of cooled air, which does not pass through the air heater of the air treatment system, is in this embodiment discharged into the air exhaust line.

Optionally, the cold air discharge comprises a cold air discharge duct which is connected to the air exhaust line. In an embodiment in which the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises a first duct which extends between a first air cooler outlet and the air heater inlet and the cold air discharge comprises a second duct which is connected to the first duct, the cold air discharge duct for example is, comprises or is connected to the second duct. In an embodiment in which the air cooler further comprises a first air cooler outlet which is adapted to discharge the first portion the cooled air flow from the air cooler and a second air cooler outlet which is adapted to discharge the second portion of the cooled air flow from the air cooler and the cold air discharge is connected to or formed by the second air cooler outlet, the cold air discharge duct for example is arranged and/or extends between the second air cooler outlet and the air exhaust line.

Optionally, in this embodiment a peripheral heat exchanger is provided in or forms part of the air exhaust line, with the air flow from the exhaust line passing through for example a side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Optionally, an inlet air flow passes through the other side passage, for example a first side passage, of the peripheral heat exchanger. Optionally, the side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger through which the air flow from the air exhaust line passes is arranged downstream of the cooled air injection point.

Optionally, the peripheral heat exchanger is or comprises an enthalpy exchanger.

This embodiment allows to reduce the number of openings in the vehicle body, which is for example advantageous for aerodynamic reasons. In case a peripheral heat exchanger is present, this allows to pre-warm of pre-cool the inlet air flow before it reaches the air cooler inlet.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a condensate collector which is arranged to receive condensate that is generated in the air cooler.

Optionally, the condensate collector is connected to a further vehicle temperature control system and/or further vehicle humidity control system. For example, the condensate collector is connected to a radiator system of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.

In this embodiment, the generated condensate (which in general will be water) is used within the vehicle instead of e.g. being dumped on a street or parking lot. In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a valve system to control the flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air flow, which valve system comprises a valve controller to control a setting of the valve system.

This allows to tune the ratio between a flow rate of the first portion of the cooled and a flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air, e.g. between a mass flow rate of the first portion of the cooled and a mass flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air and/or between a volumetric flow rate of the first portion of the cooled and a volumetric flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air.

Optionally, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cabin sensor system for measuring a value of a cabin climate parameter in the vehicle cabin. The valve controller is adapted to set the valve system at an operating point corresponding to a desired flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the second portion of the cooled air flow based on the measured value of the cabin climate parameter. Optionally, one or more other parameters, e.g. outside climate parameters and/or settings provided by a vehicle occupant, may be taken into account as well by the valve controller. The cabin climate parameter is for example temperature, humidity, relative humidity and/or carbon dioxide level. Optionally, the cabin sensor system comprises a plurality of sensors, e.g. climate parameter sensors and/or other sensors, wherein different sensors of the plurality of sensors measure different parameters and/or wherein different sensors of the plurality of sensors measure parameters at different locations.

Optionally, alternatively or in addition, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an outside sensor system for measuring a value of an outside climate parameter outside of the vehicle cabin. The valve controller is adapted to set the valve system at an operating point corresponding to a desired flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the second portion of the cooled air flow based on the measured value of the outside climate parameter. Optionally, one or more other parameters, e.g. cabin climate parameters and/or settings provided by a vehicle occupant, may be taken into account as well by the valve controller. The outside climate parameter is for example temperature, humidity, and/or relative humidity. Optionally, the outside sensor system comprises a plurality of sensors, e.g. climate parameter sensors and/or other sensors, wherein different sensors of the plurality of sensors measure different parameters and/or wherein different sensors of the plurality of sensors measure parameters at different locations.

In an embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises: - a first air treatment entry point, which is arranged upstream of the air cooler,

- a second air treatment entry point, which is arranged between the air cooler and the air heater,

- an entry point valve system which is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the first air treatment entry point and upstream of the second air treatment entry point, which entry point valve system has a first operational mode and a second operational mode which is different from the first operational mode, wherein in the first operational mode the entry point valve system is set to direct at least a part of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point, and wherein in the second operational mode the entry point valve system is set to direct at least a part of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point.

In an embodiment, the air cooler of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention is adapted for dehumidification of the air flow that is received by the air cooler.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an air flow sensor system for determining an air flow climate parameter of the air flow that is received by the air cooler. The air flow climate parameter for example is or includes temperature, humidity, dew point and/or carbon dioxide concentration. Optionally, the air flow sensor system comprises an outside sensor system for measuring a value of an outside climate parameter outside of the vehicle cabin and/or a cabin sensor system for measuring a value of a cabin climate parameter in the vehicle cabin and/or a determination device for establishing the ratio between an inlet air flow and a recirculated air flow in case the inlet air flow and recirculated air flow together form the air flow that is received by the air cooler. Data generated by the air flow sensor system can be used in the control of the vehicle cabin climate control system (for example by controlling the operational settings of the air cooler and/or air heater), which allows to optimise any setting or settings of the vehicle cabin climate control system such that the vehicle cabin climate control system runs in an energy efficient way.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a valve system to control the flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air flow, which valve system comprises a valve controller to control a setting of the valve system. Optionally, the valve controller is adapted and arranged to receive data from the air flow sensor system and adapted to base the setting of the valve system at least partly on data received from the air flow sensor system. In an embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention further comprises an air inlet system having an air inlet. The air inlet system is adapted to allow outside air to enter the vehicle climate cabin control system and to generate an inlet air flow into the vehicle cabin climate control system, which inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet. The air inlet is arranged upstream of the air cooler inlet, upstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system. So, the air flows through the air inlet before it flows through the air cooler inlet. Optionally, the air inlet system further comprises a flow device to actively generate the air flow and/or to provide a required flow rate for the inlet air flow. The flow device is or comprises for example a fan.

In addition, in this embodiment, the air flow that is supplied to the air cooler further comprises - in addition to the inlet air flow which originates from outside the vehicle - air that is recirculated from the vehicle cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. To this end, a recirculation line is provided, which extends between a primary cabin air outlet and the air cooler inlet. Air is extracted from the vehicle cabin via the primary cabin air outlet e.g. in order to make sure the carbon dioxide level in the vehicle cabin remains within acceptable limits. Some of this extracted air may be discharged from the vehicle, while another portion may be recirculated back into the vehicle cabin. Optionally, a flow device is present to ensure the required level of air flow through the recirculation line.

In this embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an air flow valve system, which is adapted to control the ratio of inlet air and recirculated air in the air flow that is to be received by the air cooler. The air flow valve system comprises an air flow valve controller to control a setting of the air flow valve system.

In a variant of this embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a valve system to control the flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air flow, which valve system comprises a valve controller to control a setting of the valve system. This allows to tune the ratio between a flow rate of the first portion of the cooled and a flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air, e.g. between a mass flow rate of the first portion of the cooled and a mass flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air and/or between a volumetric flow rate of the first portion of the cooled and a volumetric flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air.

Furthermore, in this variant of this embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an air flow sensor system for determining an air flow climate parameter of the air flow that is received by the air cooler. The air flow climate parameter for example is or includes temperature, humidity, dew point and/or carbon dioxide level (e.g. carbon dioxide concentration). Optionally, the air flow sensor system comprises an outside sensor system for measuring a value of an outside climate parameter outside of the vehicle cabin and/or a cabin sensor system for measuring a value of a cabin climate parameter in the vehicle cabin and/or a determination device for establishing the ratio between an inlet airflow and a recirculated air flow in case the inlet air flow and recirculated air flow together form the air flow that is received by the air cooler. Data generated by the air flow sensor system can be used in the control of the vehicle cabin climate control system, which allows to optimise any setting or settings of the vehicle cabin climate control system such that the vehicle cabin climate control system runs in an energy efficient way.

Optionally, this variant of this embodiment further comprises a further controller, which is adapted to optimise any setting or settings of the vehicle cabin climate control system or parts thereof for energy efficient operation of the vehicle cabin climate control system. For example, this further controller is adapted to determine the energy that is needed for cooling and/or dehumidification by the air cooler of the air flow that is received by the air cooler (e.g. based on data generated by the air flow sensor system) and/or the energy needed for warming up the first portion of the cooled air flow (e.g. based on the temperature to which the air cooler has cooled the cooled air flow, the mass flow rate or volume flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the desired cabin temperature). For example, the further controller can be adapted to determine the optimal operational settings of the vehicle cabin climate control system or parts thereof from an energy efficiency point of view for e.g. temperature to which the air cooler cools the air flow it receives, the ratio between the first and second portion of the cooled air flow, and/or the ratio between the inlet air flow and the recirculation air flow in the air flow that is received by the air cooler.

Optionally, in this variant of this embodiment, the further controller can be adapted to determine the optimal operational settings of the vehicle cabin climate control system or parts thereof from an energy efficiency point of view while maintaining the carbon dioxide level in the vehicle cabin below a predetermined carbon dioxide level threshold. Such a carbon dioxide level threshold is for example 700 ppm, 800 ppm or 1000 ppm.

Optionally, in this variant of the embodiment, the air inlet is provided with an air inlet valve, which controls the amount of air that enters the vehicle cabin climate control system. The valve for example is or comprises a door or a flap. Opening the valve may have a detrimental effect on the aerodynamic drag the vehicle experiences, in particular when travelling at a relatively high speed. Optionally, the further controller can be adapted to take into account the increased aerodynamic drag when opening or partly opening the air inlet valve, optionally dependent from the speed of the vehicle when determining the optimal operational settings of the vehicle cabin climate control system or parts thereof from an energy efficiency point of view.

Optionally, in this variant of this embodiment, the further controller is adapted to determine the optimal operational settings of the vehicle cabin climate control system or parts thereof from an energy efficiency point of view by calculations, e.g. by calculations in real time, and/or by using a look-up table.

The invention further pertains to a method for climate control in a vehicle cabin, which method comprises the following steps:

- by an air cooler of a vehicle cabin climate control system, cooling an air flow and therewith generate a cooled air flow,

- by an air heater of the vehicle cabin climate control system, heating a first portion of the cooled air flow to a desired temperature and therewith generate a heated air flow,

- introducing at least a portion of the heated air flow into a vehicle cabin,

- keeping a second portion of the cooled air flow outside the air heat of the vehicle cabin climate control system and discharging the second portion of the cooled air flow to outside the vehicle cabin climate control system.

In accordance with the method of the invention, an air flow is cooled by an air cooler of a vehicle cabin climate control system, e.g. by an air cooler of an air treatment device of a vehicle cabin climate control system, e.g. of an air treatment device of a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention. By this cooling, a cooled air flow is generated.

Then, a first portion of the cooled air flow is heated to a desired temperature, by an air heater of the vehicle cabin climate control system e.g. by an air heater of an air treatment device of a vehicle cabin climate control system, e.g. of an air treatment device of a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention. By this heating, a heated air flow is generated.

Then, at least a portion of the heated air flow is introduced into a vehicle cabin, i.e. in the vehicle cabin of the same vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.

Meanwhile, a second portion of the cooled air flow is kept outside the air heater of the vehicle cabin climate control system. So, the second portion of the cooled air flow does not pass through the air heater. The second portion of the cooled air flow is discharged to outside the vehicle cabin climate control system, e.g. to outside the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.

So, in accordance with the invention, the cooled air flow is split into at least a first portion and a second portion.

The method according to the invention is for example carried out using a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention. In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the air flow is cooled by the air cooler to the dew point or to below the dew point of the air in the air flow.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of:

- passing at least a part of the second portion of the cooled air flow through a heat exchanger, e.g. a peripheral heat exchanger,

- then, discharging this at least part of the second portion of the cooled air flow to outside a vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.

In this embodiment, the cooled air is used to cool another air flow and/or a liquid and/or a vehicle part. This may for example be used to further increase the energy efficiency of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of:

- measuring a cabin climate parameter,

- adjusting the flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air flow on the basis of the measured cabin climate parameter.

Optionally, one or more other parameters, e.g. outside climate parameters and/or settings provided by a vehicle occupant, may be taken into account as well when adjusting the flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air. The cabin climate parameter is for example temperature, humidity, relative humidity and/or carbon dioxide level.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of:

- measuring an outside climate parameter,

- adjusting the flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air flow on the basis of the measured outside climate parameter.

Optionally, one or more other parameters, e.g. cabin climate parameters and/or settings provided by a vehicle occupant, may be taken into account as well when adjusting the flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air. The outside climate parameter is for example temperature, humidity, relative and/or humidity. The invention further pertains to a computer program, which when executed on a computer, e.g. a computer of a vehicle and/or a computer of a vehicle cabin climate control system, causes a vehicle climate control system according to the invention to perform the steps of:

- obtaining measurement data from a climate parameter sensor,

- obtaining information about a vehicle cabin temperature set point,

- based on the obtained measurement data and vehicle cabin temperature set point, determining the desired flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow of a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention.

Optionally, the computer program, when executed on the computer further causes a vehicle climate control system according to the invention which further comprises a valve system to control the flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air flow, which valve system comprises a valve controller to control a setting of the valve system , to perform the step of instructing the valve controller to set the valve system such that the desired flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow is obtained.

The obtained measurement data for example relates to vehicle cabin temperature, vehicle cabin humidity, vehicle cabin carbon dioxide level, outside air temperature and/or outside air humidity.

The invention further pertains to a vehicle comprising a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention.

The invention will be described in more detail below under reference to the drawing, in which in a non-limiting manner exemplary embodiments of the invention will be shown. The drawing shows in:

Fig. 1: schematically, an embodiment of a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention,

Fig. 2: schematically, a first variant of the embodiment according to fig. 1,

Fig. 3 shows, schematically, a second variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows, schematically, an embodiment of a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the invention.

In the embodiment of fig.1 , the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged into vehicle 1 , for example a passenger car, a truck, a van, a plane, a bus, a tram, a train or any other means of public transport, or the like. The vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle cabin 2, in which a driver and optionally one or more passengers can be present. The dashed lines in fig. 1 schematically indicate the boundaries of the vehicle 1 and the vehicle cabin 2.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to fig. 1 comprises an air treatment device 10. The air treatment device 10 comprises an air cooler 11 and an air heater 12. The air heater 12 is arranged downstream of the air cooler 11 , downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the air treatment device 10. So, the air flows through the air cooler 11 before at least a part of the air flows through the air heater 12.

The air cooler 11 of the air treatment device comprises an air cooler inlet 14 for receiving an air flow. The direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system is indicated in fig. 1 by the arrows.

The air flow for example is obtained from outside air that is introduced into the vehicle cabin climate control system from outside of the vehicle. Optionally, the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air inlet 50 which is adapted to allow outside air to enter the vehicle climate cabin control system and a flow device 52 to generate an inlet air flow into the vehicle cabin climate control system. The inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet 50. The air inlet 50 is arranged upstream of the air cooler inlet 14, upstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system. So, the air flows through the air inlet 50 before it flows through the air cooler inlet 4. The flow device 52 is or comprises for example a fan. In the embodiment of fig. 1 , inlet line 51 takes the incoming air for the air inlet 50, via the flow device 52 towards the air cooler inlet 14. In the example of fig. 1 , the inlet line 51 ends just upstream of the air cooler inlet 14, where it delivers to inlet air flow to be mixed with a recirculated air flow, but alternatively the inlet line could be directly connected to the air cooler inlet 14. The inlet line 51 is for example made of plastic or metal tubes.

In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the air flow that is supplied to the air cooler 11 additionally comprises air that is recirculated from the vehicle cabin 2 of the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. In the embodiment of fig. 1, a recirculation line 40 is provided, which extends between a primary cabin air outlet 43 and the air cooler inlet 14. Air is extracted from the vehicle cabin 2 via the primary cabin air outlet 43 e.g. in order to make sure the carbon dioxide level in the vehicle cabin 2 remains within acceptable limits. Flow device 41 is present to ensure the required level of air flow through the recirculation line.

The air cooler 11 is adapted to generate a cooled air flow from the air flow that is received through the air cooler inlet 14. The air cooler 11 for example is or comprises an evaporator. The air treatment device 10 of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to fig.

1 further comprises an air heater 12 which is arranged downstream of the air cooler 11 , downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the air treatment device 10. So, the air flows through the air cooler 11 before at least a part of the air flows through the air heater 12.

The air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10 comprises an air heater inlet 15 which is arranged to receive a first portion of the cooled air flow from the air cooler 11.

The air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10 is adapted to heat this received first portion of the cooled air flow to generate a heated air flow. For example, the air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10 is or comprises a condenser.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the embodiment of fig. 1 further comprises a cold air discharge 20. The cold air discharge 20 is arranged to receive a second portion of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler 11 and to discharge this second portion of the cooled air flow to a location outside a vehicle cabin 2, for example outside the vehicle 1. The cold air discharge 20 is arranged to keep the second portion of the cooled air flow outside the air heater 12.

So, the vehicle cabin climate control system is adapted to allow the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler 11 of the air treatment device 10 to be split in a first portion that is to be directed to the air heater 12 and a second portion that is not directed to the air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10 but instead is directed to outside the vehicle cabin 2 (of the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged), optionally to outside the vehicle 1 in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. Optionally, a valve is present which in addition to splitting the cooled air flow into a first portion and a second portion, also allows to block the cold air discharge so the entire cooled air flow is directed to the air heater 12 and/or to block the flow path from the air cooler 11 to the air heater 12 so the entire cooled air flow is directed to the cold air discharge 20.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the embodiment of fig. 1 further comprises a primary cabin air inlet 30, which is arranged to receive the heated air flow from the air heater 12 and introduce at least a part of the heated airflow into the vehicle cabin 2.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the air cooler 11 further comprises a first air cooler outlet 16 which is adapted to discharge the cooled air flow from the air cooler 11. In addition, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a first duct 13 which extends between the first air cooler outlet 16 and the air heater inlet 15. Furthermore, the cold air discharge 20 comprises a second duct 21 which is connected to the first duct 13. So, in this embodiment the cooled airflow is split into a first portion and a second portion at a location between air cooler 11 and the air heater 12, downstream of the air cooler 11 and upstream of the air heater 12.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an air exhaust line 42 which is arranged to receive an air flow from the vehicle cabin 2 and discharge at least a portion of this air flow outside the vehicle 1. In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the air exhaust line 42 is fed by the recirculation line 40, but alternatively or in addition the exhaust line 42 may be connected to the vehicle cabin 2 directly.

The cold air discharge 20 is arranged to discharge the second portion of the cooled air flow into the air exhaust line 42 at a cooled air injection point 22.

Humidity and carbon dioxide build up in the air of a closed vehicle cabin. As in particular an increased concentration of carbon dioxide is dangerous - it can for example make a driver sleepy - some of the air in the vehicle cabin 2 has to be removed from the vehicle cabin 2 and be replaced with fresh air from outside the vehicle cabin 2. The air exhaust line 42 is provided to allow air to be removed from the vehicle cabin 2. The second portion of cooled air, which does not pass through the air heater 12 of the air treatment system 10, is in this embodiment discharged into the air exhaust line 42.

In the embodiment of fig.1 , the cold air discharge 20 comprises a cold air discharge duct 23 which is connected to the air exhaust line 42. In this embodiment, the cold air discharge duct 23 is formed by the second duct 21.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, a peripheral heat exchanger 60 is provided, which has a second side passage 64 which is or forms part of the air exhaust line 42. The second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 is arranged downstream of the cooled air injection point 22. In this embodiment, the air flow of the air exhaust line 42 passes through the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 and the inlet air flow (or inlet line 51) passes through s first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60, such that heat is exchanged between the inlet air flow in the first side passed 63 and the air flow in the second side passage 64.

In an embodiment of fig. 1, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a condensate collector 61 which is arranged to receive condensate that is generated in the air cooler 11. Optionally, the condensate collector is arranged to, alternatively or in addition, receive condensate that is generated in the peripheral heat exchanger 60.

Optionally, the condensate collector 61 is connected to a further vehicle temperature control system and/or further vehicle humidity control system (not shown in fig. 1). For example, the condensate collector is connected to a radiator system of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged.

Fig. 2 shows, schematically, a first variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.

In the variant of fig. 2, the cold air discharge is not branched to the first duct 13 which extends between the air cooler 11 and the air heater 12, but instead the second portion of the cooled air flow is expelled directly from the air cooler 11 via a second air cooler outlet 17.

So, in the variant of fig. 2, the air cooler comprises a first air cooler outlet 16 and a second air cooler outlet 17. The first air cooler outlet 16 is adapted to discharge the first portion of the cooled air flow from the air cooler 11 to the air heater 12. The second air cooler outlet 17 is adapted to discharge the second portion of the cooled air flow from the air cooler 11. The cold air discharge 20 in the variant of fig. 2 is connected to the second air cooler outlet 17.

In the variant of fig. 2, a cold air discharge duct 23 is arranged and/or extends between the second air cooler outlet 17 and the air exhaust line 42.

The variant of fig. 2 functions in the same way as the embodiment of fig. 1 , with reference numerals in fig. 2 corresponding to the same respective features having the same respective reference numerals as in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows, schematically, a second variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.

In the variant of fig. 3, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a valve system 70 to control the flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the flow rate of the second portion of the cooled air flow. The valve system 70 comprises a valve controller 71 to control a setting of the valve system 70.

In the variant of fig. 3, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cabin sensor system 73 for measuring a value of a cabin climate parameter in the vehicle cabin 2. The valve controller 71 is adapted to set the valve system 70 at an operating point corresponding to a desired flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the second portion of the cooled air flow based on the measured value of the cabin climate parameter.

In the variant of fig. 3, in addition the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an outside sensor system 72 for measuring a value of an outside climate parameter outside of the vehicle cabin 2. The valve controller 71 is adapted to set the valve system 70 at an operating point corresponding to a desired flow rate of the first portion of the cooled air flow and/or the second portion of the cooled air flow based on the measured value of the outside climate parameter. The cabin climate parameter is for example temperature, humidity, relative humidity and/or carbon dioxide level.

In the variant of fig. 3, the setting of the valve system is at least based on the measured value of at least one cabin climate parameter and at least one outside climate parameter. The outside climate parameter is for example temperature, humidity, and/or relative humidity.

Optionally, one or more other parameters, e.g. multiple cabin climate parameters and/or multiple outside climate parameters and/or settings provided by a vehicle occupant, may be taken into account as well by the valve controller 71.