Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Smart Automotive Air Conditioning System with Adaptive Thermal Control for Passenger Vehicles

Abstract

Modern vehicle systems must prioritise passenger comfort and energy efficiency, especially in the face of fluctuating operational and climatic conditions. Traditional vehicle air conditioning (AC) systems use manual settings or fixed control logic, which frequently leads to fluctuating cabin temperatures, excessive compressor operation, and increased energy usage. The adaptive thermal control-based smart automobile air conditioning system for passenger cars is designed, built, and experimentally evaluated in this study. The suggested system incorporates cabin temperature, ambient temperature, and high- and low-pressure sensors for real-time monitoring. It uses a vapour compression refrigeration cycle with an expansion valve arrangement. By dynamically adjusting compressor engagement and refrigerant flow in response to changes in thermal load, a sophisticated control algorithm reduces needless cycling and boosts system efficiency. Standard assembly techniques, specialised hose routing, and optimum component selection were used to create the system. Vacuum testing and R134a charging were then conducted. In comparison to conventional systems, experimental results show improved temperature stability, a lower compressor duty cycle, a faster cooling reaction, and increased operational reliability. For passenger cars, electric and hybrid platforms, and intelligent automotive thermal management applications, the proposed system provides an affordable and retrofit-friendly solution.