WP1 (HRE-G): The vehicle platform data acquisition of the demonstrator was the starting point of the QUIET project. The baseline system layouts and specifications, as well as the foreseen principals behind the final evaluation were identified. To find improvement potentials of the Honda Fit EV the analysis of the potential of various innovations was performed by using mathematical equations and 1D models of the overall vehicle system.
WP2 (HRE-G): A comprehensive overview of subjective and objective methods of thermal comfort assessment in vehicles was elaborated focussing on individual user needs in consideration of gender and aging society aspects. To understand the energy flows in the vehicle, a comprehensive simulation model was created for the prototype.
Each sub-system and component was modelled and parametrized based on actual measurements. The simulation model was applied in genetic algorithm-based optimisation to derive an efficient HVAC control strategy. Since the car occupants need to adapt the system to their needs, a novel HMI control concept was developed.
WP3 (ECON): The focus in WP3 is put on lightweight materials. As an added advantage, advanced lightweight materials can also have improved thermal properties. The composite closures for the doors, bonnet hood and tailgate were designed and manufactured and led to a weight saving of -24 %. The side and rear windows were changed from glass to Polycarbonate resulting in a weight save of -35%. The seat frames were converted from steel to thin-wall aluminium castings and the seat cushions were optimized for comfort and light weight and led to weight saving of -17%.
WP4 (AVL): The focus in WP4 was on detailed analysis and assessment of the baseline vehicle (Honda FIT EV) and a re-design of the vehicle thermal management system (VTMS). Extensive tests were done for the entire vehicle, the passenger compartment and single components. A compact heat pump system was developed including specifically developed components (R290 refrigerant, automotive scroll compressor, variable expansion valve, pressure relief valve).
To harness waste heat created by the electric powertrain or on-board charger a thermal storage unit was developed. Furthermore, novel infra-red heating panels were developed and implemented allowing thermal comfort with low power demand.
WP5 (HRE-G): In WP5 all systems were combined and assembled into the fully functioning QUIET demonstrator vehicle. It was evaluated on a climatic chassis dynometer to assess the impact of the technologies.
Under winter and summer conditions, the range was improved, successfully achieving the project target.
Then, the usability of the new systems and the perceived thermal comfort were evaluated by user studies.
WP6 (AIT):
Offline communication and dissemination
• QUIET logo
• Project flyers
• Decoration of demonstrator vehicle
Online communication and dissemination
• Public website
• Project video-trailer
• E-newsletter
Interactive dissemination and communication
• Organisation of 2 workshops and participation in 2 workshops
• 7 lectures and 6 exhibitions
• 16 papers published (6 conference papers, 10 scientific journal papers)
WP7 (AIT): The project management comprises organising the interaction between and within WPs as well as the administrative management of the project. Information were collected and exchanged and the necessary IT infrastructure for video or phone conferences were maintained and provided to the QUIET consortium.
WP8 (AIT): Ethics is an integral part of research from the beginning to the end and thus the highest priority in EU funded research is given to ethics. Consequently, for the QUIET project ethics requirements were set out, which the QUIET project complied with.
