Human Vehicle Interaction
Year:
2024
Type:
Hardware Development
,
System Design
How might we integrate infrared technology into vehicle door areas to optimize thermal management in electric cars—enhancing energy efficiency, passenger comfort, and system responsiveness in varying climate conditions?
About the Project
For my bachelor thesis, I set out to explore how infrared heating technology could redefine thermal comfort in electric vehicles. In collaboration with Brose, one of the world’s leading suppliers of mechatronic systems, I developed a visionary concept for an intelligent, energy-efficient infrared door module - designed to simultaneously enhance vehicle range and elevate the passenger experience.
The objective of my project was to rethink conventional climate control by integrating localized infrared heating into the vehicle’s door panel. Traditional air-based systems are not only slow to respond but also energy-intensive, especially under cold weather conditions. Current studies by the German Association of the Automotive Industry reveal that up to 40% of an EV’s battery energy can be consumed by cabin heating alone, often without achieving a satisfying interior climate. I saw an opportunity to address this inefficiency with a design solution that offers a more immediate, focused, and energy-conscious way of providing warmth - one that feels more like standing near a warm stove than waiting for hot air to circulate.
The idea was patented in autumn 2021.
Collaborators
Design Collaborators
:
Kilian Wiesmann, Nils Achenbach
Tutoring
:
Prof. Gerhard Kampe, Jan Peukert
Industry Partner
:
Brose Fahrzeugteile SE
Duration
:
Hochschule Coburg
Are you interested in learning more about the project, the tools I used, challenges I faced and the lessons learned? Contact me for the full project documentation that dives deeper into my design process.
