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 precooling 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.

In a first aspect of the invention, this object is obtained by a vehicle cabin climate control system which comprises:

- an air inlet system comprising an air inlet, which 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,

- an air treatment device, comprising:

- 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, the air cooler being arranged downstream of the air inlet,

- an air heater comprising an air heater inlet for receiving an air flow, which air heater is adapted to generate a heated air flow from the air flow that is received through the air heater inlet, the air heater being arranged downstream of the air cooler, - a primary cabin air inlet, which is arranged to receive an air flow and to introduce at least a part of that airflow into a vehicle cabin, which vehicle cabin climate control system 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.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention comprises an air inlet system. The air inlet system comprises 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. The inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air 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.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of 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. This air flow for example is comprised of at least a part of the inlet air flow, the entire inlet air flow, a combination of a part of the inlet air flow with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin or the entire inlet air flow in combination with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin.

The air cooler is arranged downstream of the air inlet, downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system. 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 first aspect of 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 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 an air flow.

The air heater of the air treatment device is adapted to generate a heated air flow from the air flow that is received through the air heater inlet.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention further comprises a primary cabin air inlet, which is arranged to receive an air flow and introduce at least a part of that received airflow into the vehicle cabin.

Optionally, the air flow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet comprises at least a part of the heated air flow that is generated by the air heater of the air treatment device, an optionally all of the heated airflow that is generated by the air heater of the air treatment device. Optionally, the air flow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet comprises at least a part of the heated air flow that is generated by the air heater of the air treatment device in combination with an air flow coming from a different source, e.g. at least a part of the inlet air flow and/or recirculated air from the vehicle cabin. Optionally, the air flow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet comprises an air flow coming from a different source than the heated air flow that is generated by the air heater of the air treatment device, e.g. at least a part of the inlet air flow and/or recirculated air from the vehicle cabin.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention further comprises a first air treatment entry point, a second air treatment entry point and an entry point valve system.

The first air treatment entry point is arranged upstream of the air cooler of the air treatment device, upstream being related to the direction of the air flowing through the vehicle cabin climate control system.

The second air treatment entry point is arranged between the air cooler of the air treatment device and the air heater of the air treatment device.

The entry point valve system 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. With the entry point valve system being located between the air inlet on the one hand and the first and second air treatment entry points on the other hand, the entry point valve system is arranged to control the direction of the inlet air flow to either the first air treatment entry point, or to the second air treatment entry point, and optionally to split the inlet air flow in a first flow to the first air treatment entry point and a second flow to the second air treatment entry point.

The entry point valve system has a first operational mode and a second operational mode which is different from the first operational mode.

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.

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.

Optionally, a first duct is provided between the air cooler and the air heater, and the second air treatment entry point is arranged at the first duct.

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 dryer. 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. Therefore, the dehumidified air often needs to be heated in order to obtain the desired vehicle cabin temperature.

However, cooling an air flow for the purpose of dehumidification consumes quite a lot of energy, and if the outside air is already sufficiently dry, cooling for dehumidification purposes is not necessary.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention allows to avoid cooling of at least a part of the inlet air flow if the incoming air flow does not need to be cooled. The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention allows to tailor the setting of the entry point valve system to the outside air conditions, in particular to the outside air parameters of humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature, so the vehicle cabin climate control system does no more than what is necessary to obtain the desired vehicle cabin climate conditions in terms of humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature. 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 first aspect of the invention, in the first operational mode the entry point valve system is set to direct a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point and a second portion of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point, and the first portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion of the inlet airflow.

Alternatively or in addition, in the second operational mode the entry point valve system is also set to direct a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point and a second portion the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point, but in the second operational mode the first portion of the inlet air flow is smaller than the second portion of the inlet airflow. The first portion in the first operational mode is different from the first portion in the second operational mode. The second portion in the first operational mode is different from the second portion in the second operational mode.

Optionally, in the first operational mode, the entry point valve system is set to direct at least 50% of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point.

Optionally, in the second operational mode, the entry point valve system is set to direct at least 50% of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point.

This embodiment allows an accurate control of the vehicle cabin climate control system and optimization of the setting of the entry point valve system.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention, in first operational mode the entry point valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point.

Alternatively or in addition, in the second operational mode the entry point valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point.

This embodiment allows a simple control of the entry point valve system, and also allows to use a simple valve in the entry point valve system.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a third air treatment entry point, which is arranged between the air heater and the primary cabin air inlet. In this embodiment, the entry point valve system has a third operational mode. In this third operational mode, the entry point valve system is set to direct at least a part of the inlet air flow to the third air treatment entry point. This embodiment allows to bypass both the air cooler of the air treatment device and the air heater of the air treatment device, so if the outside air conditions allow, the inlet air flow is not treated before it enters the vehicle cabin.

Optionally, a third duct is provided between the air heater and the primary cabin air inlet, and the third air treatment entry point is arranged at the third duct.

Optionally, in the third operational mode the entry point valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point and/or to the second air treatment entry point.

Optionally, in the third operational mode the entry point valve system is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the third air treatment entry point and a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point, and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the first portion of the inlet airflow.

Optionally, in the third operational mode the entry point valve system is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the third air treatment entry point and a second portion of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point, and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion of the inlet airflow.

Optionally, in the third operational mode the entry point valve system is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the third air treatment entry point and a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point, and a second portion of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point, and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion of the inlet airflow as well as larger that the first portion of the inlet airflow.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a secondary cabin air inlet, and the entry point valve system further has a bypass mode. In the bypass mode the entry point valve system is set to direct at least a part of the inlet air flow to the secondary cabin air inlet.

Optionally, in the bypass mode the entry point valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point and/or to the second air treatment entry point and/or optionally to the third air treatment entry point if such a third air treatment entry point is present.

Optionally, in the bypass mode, the entry point valve system is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the secondary cabin air inlet and a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point, and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the first portion of the inlet airflow.

Optionally, in the bypass mode the entry point valve system is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the secondary cabin air inlet and a second portion of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point, and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion of the inlet airflow.

Optionally, in the bypass mode the entry point valve system is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the secondary cabin air inlet and a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point, and a second portion of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point, and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion of the inlet airflow as well as larger that the first portion of the inlet airflow.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a first sensor system which comprises a first climate parameter sensor which is arranged upstream of the entry point valve system. The first sensor system is adapted to generate climate parameter measurement data. For example, the first climate parameter sensor is arranged in the air inlet system, so that it is able to generate climate parameter measurement data relating to the inlet air flow. Optionally, the first 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 this embodiment, the entry point valve system comprises an entry point valve system controller which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the entry point valve system at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the first sensor system.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an outside sensor system which comprises an outside climate parameter sensor which is arranged on the outside of the vehicle. The outside sensor system is adapted to generate climate parameter measurement data. 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 this embodiment, the entry point valve system comprises an entry point valve system controller which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the entry point valve system at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the outside sensor system. ln an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cabin sensor system which comprises a cabin climate parameter sensor which is arranged in the vehicle cabin. The cabin sensor system is adapted to generate vehicle cabin parameter measurement data. 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.

In this embodiment, the entry point valve system comprises an entry point valve system controller which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the entry point valve system at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the cabin sensor system.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention, the vehicle climate control system further comprises a primary cabin air outlet and a recirculation line. The recirculation line extends between the primary cabin air outlet and the air treatment device. The recirculation line is arranged to supply a recirculation air flow from the vehicle cabin to the air cooler inlet. The first air treatment entry point is arranged at the recirculation line upstream of the air cooler.

In this embodiment, air is extracted from the vehicle cabin. The extracted air is at least partly recirculated back into the vehicle cabin via a recirculation line. The recirculated air may need to be dehumidified because if vehicle occupants are present in the vehicle cabin, the humidity of the air in the vehicle cabin increases. In addition to the extraction of air from the vehicle cabin for the purpose of recirculation, air will be extracted from the cabin and dumped outside the vehicle cabin in order to keep the carbon dioxide level in the vehicle cabin at an acceptable level. For example, an air exhaust line may be present which is connected to the recirculation line, and the portion of air that is extracted from the vehicle cabin via the recirculation line flows into the air exhaust line and from there to outside the vehicle. Alternatively or in addition, a second primary cabin air outlet may be provided which obtains air directly from the vehicle cabin and an air exhaust line is connected to the second primary cabin air outlet for direct discharge of air from the vehicle cabin.

In this embodiment, the first air treatment entry point is arranged in the air recirculation line, upstream of the air cooler of the air treatment system. If the entry point valve system is in an operational mode in which at least a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first air treatment entry point, this portion of the inlet air flow is mixed with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin. ln case the entry point valve system is in an operational mode in which none of the inlet air flow is directed to the first air treatment entry point, the air cooler of the air treatment device only dehumidifies the recirculated air (by cooling).

In a variant of this embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a recirculation line sensor system which comprises a recirculation line climate parameter sensor which is arranged in the recirculation line. The recirculation line sensor system is adapted to generate recirculation line climate parameter measurement data.

In this variant, the entry point valve system comprises an entry point valve system controller which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the entry point valve system at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the recirculation line sensor system.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention, a cold air discharge is provided in the air cooler or between the air cooler and the air heater.

Optionally, the air heater is arranged to receive a first portion of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler and the cold air discharge is arranged to receive a second portion of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler.

In this embodiment, only a part of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler of the air treatment device is heated by the air heater of the air treatment device. This is advantageous if the desired vehicle temperature setting does not require that all cooled air is heated in order to obtain the desired vehicle cabin temperature.

Optionally, the cold air discharge is a cold air discharge in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, in particular a cold air discharge in accordance with one or more of the embodiments of the cold air discharge as described in relation to the third aspect of the invention.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a peripheral heat exchanger. The peripheral heat exchanger has a first side passage and a second side passage, and the first side passage and the second side passage are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage and an air flow within the second side passage. The first side passage is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the entry point valve system. Optionally, the peripheral heat exchanger is or comprises an enthalpy exchanger.

In a first variant of this embodiment, the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger has a downstream end which is arranged to allow an air flow which has passed through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger to leave the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. In this variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air discharge passage which is arranged to discharge air to outside the vehicle, and the air discharge passage is connected to the downstream end of the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.

Optionally, in this first variant, the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger has an upstream end which is arranged to allow an air flow to enter the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cabin air discharge passage which is adapted to discharge air from the vehicle cabin. The cabin air discharge passage is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. The cabin air discharge passage and the air discharge passage both may form part of an air exhaust line.

Optionally, in this first variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cold air discharge which comprises a cold air discharge inlet which is arranged to receive at least a part of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler of the air treatment device and a cold air discharge outlet which is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Optionally, the cold air discharge is a cold air discharge in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, in particular a cold air discharge in accordance with one or more of the embodiments of the cold air discharge as described in relation to the third aspect of the invention.

In a second variant of this embodiment, optionally, an air pretreatment valve system is provided downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. The air pretreatment valve system has a first operational mode and a second operational mode. The second operational mode is different from the first operational mode.

In the first operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, and in the second operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to make at least a portion of the inlet air bypass the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger via a heat exchanger bypass. If in the first operational mode, also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass. If in the second operational mode, also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Optionally, in this second variant, in the first operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass past the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Alternatively or in addition, in the second operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.

Optionally, in this second variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an outside sensor system which comprises an outside climate parameter sensor which is arranged on the outside of the vehicle. The outside sensor system is adapted to generate climate parameter measurement data. The air pretreatment valve system comprises an air pretreatment valve system controller which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the air pretreatment valve system at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the outside sensor system.

Optionally, both the features of the first variant and of the second variant are present in this embodiment.

Optionally, the peripheral heat exchanger, heat exchanger bypass and the air pretreatment valve system are a peripheral heat exchanger, heat exchanger bypass and air pretreatment valve system in accordance with the second aspect of the first aspect of the invention, in particular are a peripheral heat exchanger, heat exchanger bypass and air pretreatment valve system in accordance with one or more of the embodiments of the peripheral heat exchanger, heat exchanger bypass and air pretreatment valve system as described in relation to the second aspect of the first aspect of the invention.

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

- obtaining an inlet air flow and directing the inlet air flow to an entry point valve system,

- obtaining an input parameter for the entry point valve system,

- based at least partly on the input parameter, setting the entry point valve system into one of a plurality of operational modes, which plurality of operational modes comprises at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode,

- if the entry point valve system is set in the first operational mode, the method further comprises the following steps:

- directing at least a portion of the inlet air flow to a first air entry point, which first air entry point is located upstream of an air cooler,

- cooling the at least a portion of the inlet air flow in the air cooler to obtain a cooled air flow, - directing at least a first portion the cooled air flow to an air heater which is arranged downstream of the air cooler and heating the at least first portion of the cooled air flow in an air heater to obtain a heated air flow,

- directing the heated air flow into a vehicle cabin via a primary cabin air inlet,

- if the entry point valve system is set in the second operational mode, the method further comprises the following steps:

- directing at least a portion of the inlet air flow to a second air entry point, which second air entry point is arranged downstream of the air cooler and upstream of the air heater,

- heating the at least a portion of the inlet air flow in an air heater to obtain a heated air flow,

- directing the heated air flow into a vehicle cabin via a primary cabin air inlet.

The input parameter for the entry point valve system can for example be obtained by measurement, e.g. of one or more climate parameters (such as temperature, humidity, relative humidity) for example outside the vehicle or in the vehicle cabin, and/or by a setting of a desired value of a climate parameter (e.g. temperature) by a user of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. Such a setting may be entered by a user interface inside the cabin, or remotely e.g. via an app on a smartphone.

For example, the method according to the first aspect of the invention is carried out using a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention.

In an embodiment of the method for climate control in a vehicle cabin according to the first aspect of the invention, an input parameter for the entry point valve system is obtained based on climate parameter measurement data generated by a first sensor system which comprises a first climate parameter sensor, which first climate parameter sensor which is arranged upstream of the entry point valve system.

Alternatively or in addition, an input parameter for the entry point valve system is obtained based on climate parameter measurement data generated by an outside sensor system which comprises an outside climate parameter sensor, which outside climate parameter sensor is arranged on the outside of the vehicle.

Alternatively or in addition, an input parameter for the entry point valve system is obtained based on climate parameter measurement data generated by a cabin sensor system which comprises a cabin climate parameter sensor, which cabin climate parameter sensor is arranged in the cabin of the vehicle.

Alternatively or in addition, an input parameter for the entry point valve system is obtained based on climate parameter measurement data generated by an recirculation line sensor system which comprises a recirculation line climate parameter sensor, which recirculation line climate parameter sensor is arranged in an air recirculation line of the vehicle cabin climate control system.

In an embodiment of the method for climate control in a vehicle cabin according to the first aspect of the invention, the plurality of operational modes of the entry point valve system further comprises a third operational mode. If the entry point valve system is in the third operational mode, the method further comprises the following steps:

- directing at least a portion of the inlet air flow to a third air entry point, which third air entry point is arranged downstream of the air heater,

- directing the at least a portion of the inlet air flow into a vehicle cabin via a primary cabin air inlet.

In an embodiment of the method for climate control in a vehicle cabin according to the first aspect of the invention the plurality of operational modes of the entry point valve system further comprises a fourth operational mode. If the entry point valve system is in the fourth operational mode, the method further comprises the following steps:

- directing a first portion of the inlet air flow to a first air entry point, which first air entry point is located upstream of an air cooler,

- directing a second portion of the inlet air flow to a second air entry point, which second air entry point is arranged downstream of the air cooler and upstream of an air heater,

- cooling the first portion of the inlet air flow in the air cooler to obtain a cooled air flow,

- directing at least a first portion the cooled air flow to the air heater

- heating the at least first portion of the cooled air flow and the second portion of the inlet air flow in the air heater to obtain a heated air flow,

- directing the heated air flow into a vehicle cabin via a primary cabin air inlet.

In an embodiment of the method for climate control in a vehicle cabin according to the first aspect of the invention, the plurality of operational modes of the entry point valve system further comprises a bypass mode. If the entry point valve system is in the bypass mode, the method further comprises the following steps:

- directing at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the vehicle cabin via a secondary cabin air inlet.

The method according to the first aspect of the first aspect of the invention can be combined with one or more of a method according to the second aspect of the first aspect of the invention, a method according to the third aspect of the first aspect of the invention. The first aspect of the invention further pertains to a vehicle comprising a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a second aspect of the invention, the object of the invention is obtained by a vehicle cabin climate control system which comprises:

- an air inlet system comprising an air inlet, which 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,

- an air treatment device, comprising:

- 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, the air cooler being arranged downstream of the air inlet,

- an air heater comprising an air heater inlet for receiving an air flow, which air heater is adapted to generate a heated air flow from the air flow that is received through the air heater inlet, the air heater being arranged downstream of the air cooler,

- a primary cabin air inlet, which is arranged to receive an air flow and to introduce at least a part of that airflow into a vehicle cabin, wherein the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises:

- a peripheral heat exchanger, which peripheral heat exchanger has a first side passage and a second side passage, wherein the first side passage and the second side passage are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage and an air flow within the second side passage, wherein the first side passage is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air treatment device, and

- a heat exchanger bypass which is arranged to allow at least a portion of the inlet air flow to bypass the peripheral heat exchanger,

- an air pretreatment valve system which is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, wherein the air pretreatment valve system has a first operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein the second operational mode is different from the first operational mode, wherein in the first operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, and wherein in the second operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass, wherein if in the first operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, and wherein if in the second operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention comprises an air inlet system. The air inlet system comprises 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. The inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air 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.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of 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. This air flow for example is comprised of at least a part of the inlet air flow, the entire inlet air flow, a combination of a part of the inlet air flow with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin or the entire inlet air flow in combination with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin.

The air cooler is arranged downstream of the air inlet, downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system.

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 second aspect of 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 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 an air flow.

The air heater of the air treatment device is adapted to generate a heated air flow from the air flow that is received through the air heater inlet.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention further comprises a primary cabin air inlet, which is arranged to receive an air flow and introduce at least a part of that received airflow into the vehicle cabin.

Optionally, the airflow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet comprises at least a part of the heated air flow that is generated by the air heater of the air treatment device, an optionally all of the heated airflow that is generated by the air heater of the air treatment device. Optionally, the air flow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet comprises at least a part of the heated air flow that is generated by the air heater of the air treatment device in combination with an air flow coming from a different source, e.g. at least a part of the inlet air flow and/or recirculated air from the vehicle cabin. Optionally, the air flow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet comprises an air flow coming from a different source than the heated air flow that is generated by the air heater of the air treatment device, e.g. at least a part of the inlet air flow and/or recirculated air from the vehicle cabin.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention further comprises a peripheral heat exchanger. The peripheral heat exchanger has a first side passage and a second side passage. The first side passage and the second side passage are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage and an air flow within the second side passage. The first side passage is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air treatment device. “Downstream” and “upstream” are related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system. Optionally, the peripheral heat exchanger is or comprises an enthalpy exchanger.

In addition, the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention further comprises a heat exchanger bypass which is arranged to allow at least a portion of the inlet air flow to bypass the peripheral heat exchanger.

So, air enters the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet, and flows to the air treatment device, via the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger or via the heat exchanger bypass. Optionally, a further flow path is additionally present. The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention further comprises an air pretreatment valve system which is arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and optionally also of the heat exchanger bypass. “Downstream” and “upstream” are related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system.

The air pretreatment valve system determines where the inlet air flow or the portion thereof that arrives at the air pretreatment valve system goes to next: does it go the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, to the heat exchanger bypass, to a further flow path, or is it split into a first portion that goes to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and a second portion that goes to the heat exchanger bypass and optionally a third portion that goes to an additional flow path (if such an additional flow path is present) ?

The air pretreatment valve system has a first operational mode and a second operational mode. The second operational mode is different from the first operational mode.

In the first operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Optionally, in the first operational mode, the entire inlet air flow (or the portion thereof that arrives at the air pretreatment valve system) is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Alternatively, in the first operational mode, a first portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and a second portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass. In that case, the first portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion.

So, if in the first operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.

As a further alternative, in the first operational mode, a first portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and a third portion of the inlet air flow is directed to a further flow path.

In the second operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass. The second operational mode is different from the first operational mode, so the valve setting of the air pretreatment valve system is different in the first operational mode than in the second operational mode.

In the second operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass. Optionally, in the second operational mode, the entire inlet air flow (or the portion thereof that arrives at the air pretreatment valve system) is directed to the heat exchanger bypass. Alternatively, in the second operational mode, a first portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and a second portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass. In that case, the first portion of the inlet air flow is smaller than the second portion.

So, if in the second operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.

As a further alternative, in the second operational mode, a second portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass and a third portion of the inlet air flow is directed to a further flow path.

Optionally, in the first operational mode, at least 50% of the entire inlet air flow (or of the portion thereof that arrives at the air pretreatment valve system) is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.

Alternatively or in addition, optionally, in the second operational mode, at least 50% of the entire inlet air flow (or of the portion thereof that arrives at the air pretreatment valve system) is directed to the heat exchanger bypass.

The second aspect of the invention allows to pretreat air before the inlet air flow or a portion thereof before the inlet air flow reaches the air treatment device, and at the same time allows not to pretreat the inlet air flow or a part thereof, if that is more advantageous under the circumstances. This allows to optimize the energy consumption of the vehicle cabin climate control system.

Pretreatment could involve preheating or precooling the inlet airflow, and precooling also offers the option for dehumidification of the inlet air flow, as cooler air is able to hold less humidity than warmer air does.

Depending on the configuration of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention, the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger can be connected to another part of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged, including another part of the vehicle cabin climate control system itself. This way, otherwise wasted heat and/or waste cold can be used for pretreatment of the inlet air flow. This increases the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle as a whole. In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention, in the first operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass.

Alternatively or in addition, in the second operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.

Optionally, in this embodiment, in the first operational mode, the entire inlet air flow (or the portion thereof that arrives at the air pretreatment valve system) is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Alternatively, in the first operational mode, a first portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and the remainder of the inlet air flow (or the portion thereof that arrives at the air pretreatment valve system) is directed to a further flow path or to further flow paths, the further flow path or further flow paths not being and/or including the heat exchanger bypass.

Optionally, in this embodiment, in the second operational mode, the entire inlet air flow (or the portion thereof that arrives at the air pretreatment valve system) is directed to the heat exchanger bypass. Alternatively, in the second operational mode, a second portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass and the remainder of the inlet air flow (or the portion thereof that arrives at the air pretreatment valve system) is directed to a further flow path or to further flow paths, the further flow path or further flow paths not being and/or including the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger.

This embodiment allows a simple control of the air pretreatment valve system, and also allows to use a simple valve in the air pretreatment valve system.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an outside sensor system which comprises an outside climate parameter sensor which is arranged on the outside of the vehicle. The outside sensor system is adapted to generate climate parameter measurement data. 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 this embodiment, the air pretreatment valve system comprises an air pretreatment valve system controller which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the air pretreatment valve system at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the outside sensor system. ln an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a first sensor system which comprises a first climate parameter sensor which is arranged in the air inlet system. The first sensor system is adapted to generate climate parameter measurement data. For example, the first climate parameter sensor is arranged in the air inlet system upstream of the air pretreatment valve system, so that it is able to generate climate parameter measurement data relating to the inlet air flow as it enters the vehicle cabin climate control system. Optionally, the first 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. Alternatively or in addition, the first climate parameter sensor is arranged in the air inlet system downstream of the air pretreatment valve system and upstream of the air treatment device, so that it is able to generate climate parameter measurement data relating to the inlet air flow before it enters the air treatment device. “Downstream” and “upstream” are related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system. Optionally, the first 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 this embodiment, the air pretreatment valve system comprises an air pretreatment valve system controller which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the air pretreatment valve system at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the first sensor system.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cabin sensor system which comprises an cabin climate parameter sensor which is arranged in the cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. The cabin sensor system is adapted to generate vehicle cabin parameter measurement data. 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.

In this embodiment, the air pretreatment valve system comprises an air pretreatment valve system controller which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the air pretreatment valve system at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the cabin sensor system. In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises a first air transfer duct which is in fluid communication with the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. The first air transfer duct is arranged downstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and upstream of the air treatment device. The first air transfer duct comprises a radiator passage which is adapted to pass at least a part of the air flow through the first air transfer duct over or through a radiator of a vehicle. “Downstream” and “upstream” are related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system.

This way, for example air that is cooled or heated by the peripheral heat exchanger can be used for cooling or heating another air flow or liquid flow which also passes through the radiator. This way, the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged can be improved.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger bypass comprises a second air transfer duct which has a first end that is connected to and/or in fluid communication with the air pretreatment valve system and a second, opposite end which is connected to the first air transfer duct at a location upstream of the radiator passage. In this case, also the portion of the inlet air flow that has passed through the heat exchanger bypass, or the full inlet airflow if the inlet airflow flows in its entirety through the heat exchanger bypass, can be used for cooling or heating another air flow or liquid flow which also passes through the radiator. This way, the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged can be improved. The second air transfer duct may be connected to or be at least partly or fully formed by the heat exchanger bypass.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises a third air transfer duct which has a first end that is connected to and/or in fluid communication with the air pretreatment valve system and a second, opposite end which is arranged at a location upstream of the air treatment device.

If this embodiment is combined with the embodiment having the radiator passage, this allows to bypass the radiator passage if desired.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises a first air transfer duct which is in fluid communication with the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. The first air transfer duct is arranged downstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and upstream of the air treatment device. The first air transfer duct comprises a radiator passage which is adapted to pass at least a part of the air flow through the first air transfer duct over or through a radiator of a vehicle. “Downstream” and “upstream” are related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system.

This way, for example air that is cooled or heated by the peripheral heat exchanger can be used for cooling or heating another air flow or liquid flow which also passes through the radiator. This way, the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged can be improved.

In this embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a third air transfer duct which has a first end that is connected to and/or in fluid communication with the air pretreatment valve system and a second, opposite end which is arranged at a location upstream of the air treatment device. This allows to bypass the radiator passage if desired.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger bypass comprises a second air transfer duct which has a first end that is connected to and/or in fluid communication with the air pretreatment valve system and a second, opposite end which is connected to the first air transfer duct at a location upstream of the radiator passage. In this case, also the portion of the inlet air flow that has passed through the heat exchanger bypass, or the full inlet airflow if the inlet airflow flows in its entirety through the heat exchanger bypass, can be used for cooling or heating another air flow or liquid flow which also passes through the radiator. This way, the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged can be improved. The second air transfer duct may be connected to or be at least partly or fully formed by the heat exchanger bypass.

In this embodiment, the inlet air flow has at least four options for the flow path from the air inlet to the air treatment device:

- via the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and subsequently via the first air transfer duct with the radiator passage, or

- via the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger and subsequently via the third air transfer duct (i.e. bypassing the radiator passage), or

- via the heat exchanger bypass and subsequently via the first air transfer duct with the radiator passage, or

- via the heat exchanger bypass 65 and subsequently the third air transfer duct (i.e. bypassing the radiator passage).

Optionally, a valve is provided which has a first air entrance port which is arranged to receive at least a part of the inlet air flow from the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, a second air entrance port which is arranged to receive at least a part of the inlet air flow from the heat exchanger bypass, a first air discharge port which is arranged to direct at least a part of the inlet air flow to the via the first air transfer duct with the radiator passage and a second air discharge port which is arranged to direct at least a part of the inlet air flow to the third air transfer duct.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention, the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger has a downstream end which is arranged to allow an air flow which has passed through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger to leave the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. In addition, in this embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an air discharge passage which is arranged to discharge air to outside the vehicle, and the air discharge passage is connected to the downstream end of the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. “Downstream” is related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system.

This way, air that has passed through the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is discharged from the vehicle. In this arrangement, air that is to be expelled from the vehicle can be used in the peripheral heat exchanger of the vehicle cabin climate control system for pretreating at least a portion of the inlet air flow. This allows to improve the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle.

Optionally, in a variant of this embodiment, the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger has an upstream end which is arranged to allow an air flow to enter the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. “Upstream” is related to the direction of the airflow through the vehicle cabin climate control system.

Optionally, in this variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cabin air discharge passage which is adapted to discharge air from the vehicle cabin, and the cabin air discharge passage is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Optionally, this cabin air discharge passage is in fluid communication with a recirculation line, which extends between a primary cabin air outlet and the air treatment device.

Alternatively or in addition, in this variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cold air discharge which comprises a cold air discharge inlet which is arranged to receive at least a part of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler of the air treatment device and a cold air discharge outlet which is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. For example, the cold air discharge can be connected directly to the upstream end of the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Alternatively, for example the cold air discharge can be connected to the cabin air discharge passage, upstream of the second side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. “Upstream” is related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system. Optionally, the cold air discharge is a cold air discharge in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, in particular a cold air discharge in accordance with one or more of the embodiments of the cold air discharge as described in relation to the third aspect of the invention.

This allows to further improve the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention, vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises:

- a first air treatment entry point, which is arranged upstream of the air cooler and downstream of the peripheral heat exchanger and the heat exchanger bypass,

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

- an entry point valve system which is arranged downstream of the peripheral heat exchanger and the heat exchanger bypass 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, 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.

Optionally, this embodiment is combined with one or more embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

Optionally, in this embodiment, in first operational mode of the entry point valve system, the entry point valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point, and/or in the second operational mode of the entry point valve system, the entry point valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a first sensor system which comprises a first climate parameter sensor which is arranged in the air inlet system. The first sensor system is adapted to generate climate parameter measurement data. For example, the first climate parameter sensor is arranged in the air inlet system upstream of the air pretreatment valve system, so that it is able to generate climate parameter measurement data relating to the inlet air flow as it enters the vehicle cabin climate control system. Alternatively or in addition, the first climate parameter sensor is arranged in the air inlet system downstream of the air pretreatment valve system and upstream of the air treatment device, so that it is able to generate climate parameter measurement data relating to the inlet air flow before it enters the air treatment device. “Downstream” and “upstream” are related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system. The setting of the operational mode of the air pretreatment valve system and/or the entry point valve system is for example at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the first sensor system.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an outside sensor system which comprises an outside climate parameter sensor which is arranged on the outside of the vehicle. The outside sensor system is adapted to generate climate parameter measurement data. The setting of the operational mode of the air pretreatment valve system and/or the entry point valve system is for example at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the outside sensor system.

This embodiment allows further optimization of the operation of the vehicle cabin climate control system, as it allows to tune the temperature and humidity of the inlet airflow before the inlet airflow reaches the air treatment device. Once the airflow reaches the entry point valve system, it can be sent to the entry point which suits e.g. the conditions of the inlet air flow in combination with e.g. the desired temperature and humidity (or relative humidity) in the vehicle cabin. This allows to obtain an even further improved energy efficiency.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the cabin climate control system further comprises a cabin sensor system which comprises a cabin climate parameter sensor which is arranged in the vehicle cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. The cabin sensor system is adapted to generate cabin parameter measurement data. The setting of the operational mode of the air pretreatment valve system and/or the entry point valve system is for example at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the cabin sensor system.

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

- obtaining an inlet air flow and directing the inlet air flow to an air pretreatment valve system,

- obtaining an input parameter for the air pretreatment valve system,

- based at least partly on the input parameter, setting the air pretreatment valve system into one of a plurality of operational modes, which plurality of operational modes comprises at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein the second operational mode is different from the first operational mode, wherein if the air pretreatment valve system is set in the first operational mode, the method further comprises the following steps:

- directing at least a portion of the inlet air flow to a first side passage of a peripheral heat exchanger,

- then, directing said at least a portion of the inlet air flow to a vehicle cabin, wherein if in the first operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass, and wherein if the air pretreatment valve system is set in the second operational mode, the method further comprises the following steps:

- directing at least a portion of the inlet air flow a heat exchanger bypass which is arranged to allow at least a portion of the inlet air flow to bypass the peripheral heat exchanger,

- then, directing said at least a portion of the inlet air flow to a vehicle cabin, wherein if in the second operational mode also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger, then the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger

The method according to the second aspect of the invention is for example carried out using a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention.

The input parameter for the air pretreatment valve system can for example be obtained by measurement, e.g. of one or more climate parameters (such as temperature, humidity, relative humidity) for example outside the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged or in the vehicle cabin of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged, and/or by a setting of a desired value of a climate parameter (e.g. temperature) by a user of the vehicle in which the vehicle cabin climate control system is arranged. Such a setting may be entered by a user interface inside the cabin, or remotely e.g. via an app on a smartphone.

In an embodiment of the method for climate control in a vehicle cabin according to the second aspect of the invention, an input parameter for the air pretreatment valve system is obtained based on climate parameter measurement data generated by a first sensor system which comprises a first climate parameter sensor, which first climate parameter sensor which is arranged in the air inlet system, either upstream or downstream of the first side passage of the peripheral heat exchanger. Alternatively or in addition, an input parameter for the air pretreatment valve system is obtained based on climate parameter measurement data generated by an outside sensor system which comprises an outside climate parameter sensor, which outside climate parameter sensor is arranged outside the vehicle.

Alternatively or in addition, an input parameter for the air pretreatment valve system is obtained based on climate parameter measurement data generated by a cabin sensor system which comprises a cabin climate parameter sensor, which cabin climate parameter sensor is arranged in the cabin of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the method for climate control in a vehicle cabin according to the second aspect of the invention, in the first operational mode and/or in the second operational mode said at least a portion of the air flow is directed to the vehicle cabin via an air treatment device which comprises an air cooler and an air heater.

In an embodiment of the method for climate control in a vehicle cabin according to the second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the following steps,

- based at least partly on the input parameter, setting an entry point valve system into one of a plurality of operational modes, which plurality of operational modes comprises at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode,

- if the entry point valve system is set in the first operational mode, the method further comprises the following steps:

- directing at least a portion of the inlet air flow to a first air entry point, which first air entry point is located upstream of an air cooler,

- cooling the at least a portion of the inlet air flow in the air cooler to obtain a cooled air flow,

- directing at least a first portion the cooled air flow to an air heater which is arranged downstream of the air cooler and heating the at least first portion of the cooled air flow in an air heater to obtain a heated air flow,

- directing the heated air flow into a vehicle cabin via a primary cabin air inlet,

- if the entry point valve system is set in the second operational mode, the method further comprises the following steps:

- directing at least a portion of the inlet air flow to a second air entry point, which second air entry point is arranged downstream of the air cooler and upstream of the air heater,

- heating the at least a portion of the inlet air flow in an air heater to obtain a heated air flow,

- directing the heated air flow into a vehicle cabin via a primary cabin air inlet. The second aspect of the invention further pertains to a vehicle comprising a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention can be combined with one or more of a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the third aspect of the invention, a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention.

The method according to the second aspect of the invention can be combined with one or more of a method according to the third aspect of the invention, a method according to the first aspect of the invention.

The vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention can be combined with one or more of a vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention, a vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect of the invention, 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 airflow.

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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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.

Optionally, the peripheral heat exchanger is a peripheral heat exchanger as described in relation to the second aspect of the invention. In this case, a heat exchanger bypass and a pretreatment valve system or heat exchanger valve system is optionally also present.

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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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.

Optionally, this embodiment is combined with one or more embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

The third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of the invention, the cooled air flow is split into at least a first portion and a second portion.

The method according to the third aspect of the invention is for example carried out using a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the third aspect of the invention.

In an embodiment of the method according to the third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of 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 third aspect of the invention.

Optionally, the computer program, when executed on the computer further causes a vehicle climate control system according to the third aspect of 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 third aspect of the invention further pertains to a vehicle comprising a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the third aspect of the invention.

The vehicle cabin climate control system according to the third aspect of the invention can be combined with one or more of a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention, a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the second aspect of the invention. The method according to the third aspect of the invention can be combined with one or more of a method according to the first aspect of the invention, a method according to the second aspect of the invention.

The vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention can be combined with one or more of a vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention, a vehicle according to the second aspect of 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, a first embodiment of a vehicle cabin climate control system according to the first aspect of the invention,

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

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

Fig. 4: schematically, a third variant of the embodiment of fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5: schematically, a fourth variant of the embodiment of fig. 1,

Fig. 6: schematically, a fifth variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.

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

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air inlet system. The air inlet system comprises an air inlet 50 and an inlet line 51.

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. The inlet air flow is generated from outside air entering the vehicle cabin climate control system via the air inlet 50.

In this example, the air inlet system further comprises a flow device 52, 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 the embodiment of fig.1, the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air treatment device 10 which 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 10 comprises an air cooler inlet 14 for receiving an air flow. This air flow for example is comprised of at least a part of the inlet air flow, the entire inlet air flow, a combination of a part of the inlet air flow with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin or the entire inlet air flow in combination with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin.

The air cooler 11 is arranged downstream of the air inlet, downstream being related to the direction of the air flow through the vehicle cabin climate control system.

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 of the vehicle cabin climate control system according 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 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 an air flow.

The air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10 is adapted to generate a heated air flow from the air flow that is received through the air heater inlet 15.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a primary cabin air inlet 30, which is arranged to receive an air flow and introduce at least a part of that received airflow into the vehicle cabin 2.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the air flow that is received by the primary cabin air inlet 30 comprises the heated airflow that is generated by the air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the vehicle climate control system further comprises a primary cabin air outlet 43 and a recirculation line 40. The recirculation line 40 extends between the primary cabin air outlet 43 and the air treatment device 10. The recirculation line 40 is arranged to supply a recirculation air flow from the vehicle cabin 2 to the air cooler inlet 14. The first air treatment entry point 81 is arranged at the recirculation line 40 upstream of the air cooler 11. Flow device 41 is present to ensure the required level of air flow through the recirculation line. ln this embodiment, an air exhaust line 42 is present which is connected to the recirculation line 40, and a portion of air that is extracted from the vehicle cabin 2 via the recirculation line 40 flows into the air exhaust line 42 and from there to outside the vehicle 1.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a first air treatment entry point 81 , a second air treatment entry point 82 and an entry point valve system 80. In the embodiment of fig.1 , the entry point valve system comprises an entry point valve system controller 83.

The first air treatment entry point 81 is arranged upstream of the air cooler 11 of the air treatment device 10, upstream being related to the direction of the air flowing through the vehicle cabin climate control system.

The second air treatment entry point 82 is arranged between the air cooler 11 of the air treatment device 10 and the air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10.

The entry point valve system 80 is arranged downstream of the air inlet 50 and upstream of the first air treatment entry point 81 and upstream of the second air treatment entry point 82. With the entry point valve system 80 being located between the air inlet 50 on the one hand and the first and second air treatment entry points 81 , 82 on the other hand, the entry point valve system 80 is arranged to control the direction of the inlet air flow to either the first air treatment entry point 81 , or to the second air treatment entry point 82, and optionally to split the inlet air flow in a first flow to the first air treatment entry point 81 and a second flow to the second air treatment entry point 82.

The entry point valve system 80 has a first operational mode and a second operational mode which is different from the first operational mode.

In the first operational mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct at least a part of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81.

In the second operational mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct at least a part of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point 82.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, a first duct 13 is provided between the air cooler 11 and the air heater 12, and the second air treatment entry point 82 is arranged at the first duct 13.

For example, in the embodiment of fig. 1 , in the first operational mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81 and a second portion of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point 82, and the first portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion of the inlet airflow.

Alternatively or in addition, in the second operational mode the entry point valve system 80 is also set to direct a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81 and a second portion the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point 82, but in the second operational mode the first portion of the inlet air flow is smaller than the second portion of the inlet airflow. The first portion in the first operational mode is different from the first portion in the second operational mode. The second portion in the first operational mode is different from the second portion in the second operational mode.

Optionally, in the first operational mode, the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct at least 50% of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81.

Optionally, in the second operational mode, the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct at least 50% of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point 82.

Optionally, alternatively or in addition, in this embodiment, in first operational mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point 82.

Optionally, alternatively or in addition, in this embodiment, in the second operational mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the first air treatment entry point 81 is arranged in the air recirculation line 40, upstream of the air cooler 11 of the air treatment system 10. If the entry point valve system 80 is in an operational mode in which at least a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first air treatment entry point 81, this portion of the inlet air flow is mixed with recirculated air from the vehicle cabin 2.

In case the entry point valve system 80 is in an operational mode in which none of the inlet air flow is directed to the first air treatment entry point 81, the air cooler 11 of the air treatment device 10 only dehumidifies the recirculated air (by cooling).

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

In this variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a third air treatment entry point 83, which is arranged between the air heater 12 and the primary cabin air inlet 30.

In this variant, the entry point valve system 80 has a third operational mode. In this third operational mode, the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct at least a part of the inlet air flow to the third air treatment entry point 83.

This variant allows to bypass both the air cooler 11 of the air treatment device 10 and the air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10, so if the outside air conditions allow, the inlet air flow is not treated before it enters the vehicle cabin 2.

Optionally, a third duct 18 is provided between the air heater 12 and the primary cabin air inlet 30, and the third air treatment entry point 83 is arranged at the third duct 18. Optionally, in the third operational mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81 and/or to the second air treatment entry point 82.

Optionally, in the third operational mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the third air treatment entry point 83 and a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81 , and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the first portion of the inlet airflow.

Optionally, in the third operational mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the third air treatment entry point 83 and a second portion of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point 82, and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion of the inlet airflow.

Optionally, in the third operational mode the entry point valve system is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the third air treatment entry point 83 and a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81 , and a second portion of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point 82, and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion of the inlet airflow as well as larger that the first portion of the inlet airflow.

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

In this variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a secondary cabin air inlet 31 , and the entry point valve system 80 further has a bypass mode. In the bypass mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct at least a part of the inlet air flow to the secondary cabin air inlet 31.

Optionally, in the bypass mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81 and/or to the second air treatment entry point 82 and/or optionally to the third air treatment entry point if such a third air treatment entry point is present. In fig. 3, a third air treatment entry point is not shown, but it could be present, i.e. the variants of fig. 2 and fig. 3 can be combined.

Optionally, in the bypass mode, the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the secondary cabin air inlet 31 and a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81 , and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the first portion of the inlet airflow.

Optionally, in the bypass mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the secondary cabin air inlet 31 and a second portion of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point 82, and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion of the inlet airflow. Optionally, in the bypass mode the entry point valve system 80 is set to direct a third portion of the inlet air flow to the secondary cabin air inlet 31 and a first portion of the inlet air flow to the first air treatment entry point 81 , and a second portion of the inlet air flow to the second air treatment entry point 82, and the third portion of the inlet air flow is larger than the second portion of the inlet airflow as well as larger that the first portion of the inlet airflow.

This second variant can be combined with the first variant of the first embodiment as described in relation to fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows, schematically, a third variant of the embodiment of fig. 1. This third variant can be combined with the first and/or second variant of the first embodiment as described in relation to fig. 2 and/or fig. 3, respectively.

In this third variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a first sensor system which comprises a first climate parameter sensor 91 which is arranged upstream of the entry point valve system 80. The first sensor system is adapted to generate climate parameter measurement data. In the example of fig. 4, the first climate parameter sensor 91 is arranged in the air inlet system, so that it is able to generate climate parameter measurement data relating to the inlet airflow.

In this third variant, the entry point valve system 80 comprises an entry point valve system controller 83 which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the entry point valve system 80 at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the first sensor system.

In this third variant as shown in fig. 4, alternatively or in addition, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an outside sensor system which comprises an outside climate parameter sensor 92 which is arranged on the outside of the vehicle 1. The outside sensor system is adapted to generate climate parameter measurement data.

In this third variant, the entry point valve system 80 comprises an entry point valve system controller 83 which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the entry point valve system 80 at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the outside sensor system.

In this third variant as shown in fig. 4, alternatively or in addition, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cabin sensor system which comprises an vehicle cabin climate parameter sensor 93 which is arranged in the vehicle cabin 2. The cabin sensor system is adapted to generate vehicle cabin parameter measurement data.

In this third variant, the entry point valve system comprises an entry point valve system controller which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the entry point valve system at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the cabin sensor system.

In this third variant as shown in fig. 4, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a recirculation line sensor system which comprises an recirculation line climate parameter sensor 94 which is arranged in the recirculation line 40. The recirculation line sensor system is adapted to generate recirculation line climate parameter measurement data.

In this third variant, the entry point valve system comprises 80 an entry point valve system controller 83 which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the entry point valve system 80 at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the recirculation line sensor system.

Fig. 5 shows, schematically, a fourth variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.

In this fourth variant, a cold air discharge 20 is provided in the air cooler 11 or between the air cooler 11 and the air heater 12.

In this fourth variant as shown in fig. 5, the air heater 12 is arranged to receive a first portion of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler 11 and 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.

In this fourth variant, only a part of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler 11 of the air treatment device 10 is heated by the air heater 12 of the air treatment device 10. This is advantageous if the desired vehicle temperature setting does not require that all cooled air is heated in order to obtain the desired vehicle cabin temperature.

The fourth variant can be combined with one or more of the first variant, the second variant and/or the third variant.

Fig. 6 shows, schematically, a fifth variant of the embodiment of fig. 1.

In this fifth variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a peripheral heat exchanger 60. The peripheral heat exchanger 60 has a first side passage 63 and a second side passage 64, and the first side passage 63 and the second side passage 64 are arranged to allow heat transfer between an air flow within the first side passage 63 and an air flow within the second side passage 64. The first side passage 63 is arranged downstream of the air inlet 50 and upstream of the entry point valve system 80.

In the fifth variant as shown in fig. 6, the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger has a downstream end which is arranged to allow an air flow which has passed through the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 to leave the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60. In this variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system comprises an air discharge passage 44 which is arranged to discharge air to outside the vehicle 1, and the air discharge passage 44 is connected to the downstream end of the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.

In the fifth variant as shown in fig. 6, the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 has an upstream end which is arranged to allow an air flow to enter the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 and the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cabin air discharge passage 45 which is adapted to discharge air from the vehicle cabin 2. The cabin air discharge passage 45 is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the second side passage 64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60. The cabin air discharge passage 45 and the air discharge passage 44 both may form part of an air exhaust line 42.

Optionally, in this fifth variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises a cold air discharge 20 of the type as described in relation to fig. 5 above, which comprises a cold air discharge inlet which is arranged to receive at least a part of the cooled air flow that is generated by the air cooler 11 of the air treatment device 10 and a cold air discharge outlet which is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the second side passage64 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.

In the fifth variant as shown in fig. 6, optionally, an air pretreatment valve system 62 is provided downstream of the air inlet 50 and upstream of the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60. The air pretreatment valve system 63 has a first operational mode and a second operational mode. The second operational mode is different from the first operational mode. In the first operational mode the air pretreatment valve system 63 is set to direct at least a portion of the inlet air flow to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60, and in the second operational mode the air pretreatment valve system 60 is set to make at least a portion of the inlet air bypass the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 via a heat exchanger bypass 65. If in the first operational mode, also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to heat exchanger bypass 65, the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60 is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65. If in the second operational mode, also a portion of the inlet air flow is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60, the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the heat exchanger bypass 65 is larger than the portion of the inlet air flow that is directed to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.

Optionally, in this fifth variant, in the first operational mode the air pretreatment valve system is set to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the heat exchanger bypass 65 past the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60. Alternatively or in addition, in the second operational mode the air pretreatment valve system 62 is to block the flow of the inlet air flow to the first side passage 63 of the peripheral heat exchanger 60.

Optionally, in this fifth variant, the vehicle cabin climate control system further comprises an outside sensor system as is described in relation with previous variants. This comprises an outside climate parameter sensor which is arranged on the outside of the vehicle. The outside sensor system is adapted to generate climate parameter measurement data. In the variant as shown in fig. 6, the air pretreatment valve system 62 comprises an air pretreatment valve system controller which is adapted to control the setting of the operational mode of the air pretreatment valve system 62 at least partly based on the climate parameter measurement data as generated by the outside sensor system.

Optionally, the features of the first, second, third, fourth and/or fifth variant can be combined.