SYSTEM AND METHOD OF HARVESTING WIRELESS ENERGY FOR CLIMATE CONTROL IN A VEHICLE

Systems and methods of harvesting wireless energy for climate control in a cabin of a vehicle are provided. The method comprises receiving an electromagnetic (EM) signal of EM radiation having EM energy to define an EM current. The method further comprises filtering the EM energy to regulate the EM current converting the EM current to direct current. The method further comprises storing the direct current for powering a battery-free wireless sensing unit and powering the battery-free wireless sensing unit with the direct current. After powering the battery-free wireless sensing unit, the method comprises sensing an actual condition in the cabin, the actual condition being one of actual temperature and actual humidity in the cabin. Furthermore, the method comprises adjusting one of temperature and humidity in the cabin in response to a difference between the actual condition and a set condition.

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure relates to climate control sensor units and, more particularly, climate control sensor units for harvesting wireless energy and controlling climate in a cabin of a vehicle.

Climate control is common and needed in a cabin of a vehicle. However, deploying wired or battery-based sensor units can be complex and cumbersome.

SUMMARY

Thus, while current climate control units achieve their intended purpose, there is a need for a new and improved climate control unit and a method of harvesting wireless energy for climate control in a cabin of a vehicle.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery-free wireless climate control unit for harvesting wireless energy and for controlling climate in a cabin of a vehicle is provided. The climate control unit comprises an antenna having a transceiver arranged to receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal of EM radiation having EM energy to define an EM current. In this aspect, the climate control unit further comprises a wireless energy harvesting (WEH) unit in communication with the antenna. The WEH unit is arranged to filter the EM energy to regulate or resist the EM current. Moreover, the WEH unit is arranged to convert the EM current to direct current.

Further to this aspect, the climate control unit comprises a power management (PM) unit in communication with the WEH unit. The PM unit is arranged to store the direct current and arranged to distribute the direct current. Moreover, the climate control unit further comprises a sensor in communication with the PM unit. In this aspect, the sensor is arranged to receive the direct current from the PM unit for power. Additionally, the sensor is arranged to sense an actual condition being one of temperature and humidity in the cabin. Further, the sensor is arranged to transmit a cabin signal of the actual condition.

Furthermore, the climate control unit further comprises a controller in communication with the sensor and the PM unit. In this aspect, the controller is arranged to receive the direct current from the PM unit for power. Moreover, the controller is arranged to receive the cabin signal of the actual condition from the sensor. Additionally, the controller is arranged to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin in response to a difference between the actual condition and a set condition. In this aspect, the set condition is one of a preset temperature and a preset humidity in the cabin.

In one embodiment, the sensor is arranged to sense a plurality of actual conditions across a plurality of locations in the cabin. In this embodiment, the controller is arranged to create a heat map of the cabin from at least a portion of the plurality of actual conditions by way of an interpolation technique with respect to time and area of the cabin. Additionally, the controller is arranged to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin with the interpolation technique in response to a difference between the plurality of the actual conditions and a corresponding plurality of the set conditions with the area of the cabin.

In another embodiment of this aspect, the sensor is arranged to sense an outside condition being one of temperature and humidity outside of the vehicle. Moreover, the sensor is arranged to transmit an outside signal of the outside condition. In this embodiment, the controller is arranged to receive the outside signal of the outside condition from the sensor. Additionally, the controller is arranged to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin in response to the outside signal and the difference between the actual condition and the set condition.

In yet another embodiment, the antenna extends from the sensor for at least 5 centimeters (cm). In still another embodiment, the sensor has a response time of at least 1 millisecond (ms).

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of harvesting wireless energy for climate control in a cabin of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises providing a battery-free wireless sensing unit for a climate control unit of the vehicle and receiving an electromagnetic (EM) signal of EM radiation having EM energy to define an EM current. The method further comprises filtering the EM energy to regulate the EM current and, after filtering, converting the EM current to direct current.

In this aspect, the method further comprises storing the direct current for powering the battery-free wireless sensing unit and powering the battery-free wireless sensing unit with the direct current. After powering the battery-free wireless sensing unit, the method further comprises sensing an actual condition in the cabin. The actual condition is one of actual temperature and actual humidity in the cabin.

Furthermore, the method comprises adjusting one of temperature and humidity in the cabin in response to a difference between the actual condition and a set condition. The set condition is one of a preset temperature and a preset humidity in the cabin.

In one example, sensing the actual condition in the cabin comprises sensing a plurality of actual conditions across a plurality of locations in the cabin. In this example, adjusting one of temperature and humidity in the cabin comprises creating a heat map of the cabin from at least a portion of the plurality of actual conditions by way of an interpolation technique with respect to time and area of the cabin. In this example, adjusting one of temperature and humidity in the cabin further comprises adjusting one of temperature and humidity in the cabin with the interpolation technique in response to a difference between the plurality of the actual conditions and a corresponding plurality of the set conditions with the area of the cabin.

In another example, sensing the actual condition in the cabin comprises sensing an outside condition being one of temperature and humidity outside the vehicle. In this example, adjusting one of temperature and humidity in the cabin comprises adjusting one of temperature and humidity in the cabin in response to the outside condition and the difference between the actual condition and the set condition.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for harvesting wireless energy for climate control in a cabin of a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) unit disposed in the vehicle for heating, venting, and cooling the cabin of the vehicle.

In this aspect, the system further comprises a climate control unit in communication with the HVAC unit. The climate control unit comprises an antenna having a transceiver arranged to receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal of EM radiation having EM energy to define an EM current. The climate control unit further comprises a wireless energy harvesting (WEH) unit in communication with the antenna. In this aspect, the WEH unit is arranged to filter the EM energy to regulate the EM current. Moreover, the WEH unit is arranged to convert the EM current to direct current.

In accordance with this aspect, the climate control unit further comprises a power management (PM) unit in communication with the WEH unit. The PM unit is arranged to store the direct current. Additionally, the PM unit is arranged to distribute the direct current.

Moreover, the climate control unit comprises a sensor in communication with the PM unit. In this aspect, the sensor is arranged to receive the direct current from the PM unit for power. Moreover, the sensor is arranged to sense an actual condition being one of temperature and humidity in the cabin. Further, the sensor is arranged to transmit a cabin signal of the actual condition.

In this aspect, the climate control unit comprises a controller in communication with the sensor and the PM unit. The controller is arranged to receive the direct current from the PM unit for power. Moreover, the controller is arranged to receive the cabin signal of the actual condition from the sensor. Furthermore, the controller arranged to activate the HVAC unit to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin in response to a difference between the actual condition and a set condition. The set condition is one of a preset temperature and a preset humidity in the cabin.

In one embodiment, the sensor is arranged to sense a plurality of actual conditions across a plurality of locations in the cabin. In this embodiment, the controller is arranged to create a heat map of the cabin from at least a portion of the plurality of actual conditions by way of an interpolation technique with respect to time and area of the cabin. Moreover, the controller is arranged to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin with the interpolation technique in response to a difference between the plurality of the actual conditions and a corresponding plurality of the set conditions with the area of the cabin.

In another embodiment of this aspect, the sensor is arranged to sense an outside condition being one of temperature and humidity outside of the vehicle. In addition, the sensor is arranged to transmit an outside signal of the outside condition. Further to this embodiment, the controller is arranged to receive the outside signal of the outside condition from the sensor. Additionally, the controller is arranged to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin in response to the outside signal and the difference between the actual condition and the set condition.

In yet another embodiment, the antenna extends from the sensor for at least 50 cm. In still another embodiment, the sensor has a response time of between 5 ms and 600 ms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments and examples of the present disclosure provide a battery-free wireless climate control unit, and systems and methods of harvesting wireless energy for climate control in a cabin of a vehicle. Such embodiments and examples reduce deployment complexity and provide an more cost-saving way to control climate in a cabin of a vehicle.

FIG.1illustrates a cabin10of a vehicle12having battery-free wireless climate control units14for harvesting wireless energy and for controlling climate therein in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the climate control units14are disposed in the cabin10of the vehicle12. Preferably, the climate control units14may be disposed in a seat cushion, a head rest, an interior panel, a floorboard, or a ceiling board in the cabin of the vehicle. However, it is understood that the climate control unit14may be dispose in any other suitable location in the vehicle without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS.1-2, the climate control unit14comprises an antenna20having a transceiver21arranged to receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal of EM radiation having EM energy to define an EM current. In this embodiment, the EM signal is a radio frequency (RF) signal carrying both data and energy by way of an RF identification (RFID) protocol. However, it is to be understood that the EM signal may be any other suitable EM signal by way of any other suitable protocol or network such as Bluetooth low energy (BLE), wireless fidelity (WiFi), long-term evolution (LTE), or internet of things (IoT) without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

As depicted inFIG.2, the climate control unit14further comprises a wireless energy harvesting (WEH) unit22in communication with the antenna20. From the antenna20, the WEH unit22receives the EM signal and stores the EM energy thereof. In one embodiment, the WEH unit22may comprise a capacitor (not shown) arranged to store EM energy of the EM signal. Moreover, the WEH unit22is arranged to filter the EM energy to regulate or resist the EM current. For example, the WEH unit22may comprise an inducer (not shown) arranged to filter the EM energy for regulating or resisting the EM current. Moreover, the WEH unit22is arranged to convert the EM current to direct current. As an example, the WEH unit22may comprise a rectifier (not shown) arranged to convert the EM current (here, RF current) to direct current (DC) to be used for powering devices and charging batteries as discussed below. Other components may be used in replacement or in addition to the components of the WEH unit22without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

As depicted inFIG.2, the climate control unit14further comprises a power management (PM) unit24in communication with the WEH unit22. The PM unit24receives the direct current from the WEH unit22. In this embodiment, the PM unit24is arranged to store the direct current to a desired or required DC output power/electrical potential to power devices (discussed below). Additionally, the PM unit24is arranged to distribute the direct current. In one example, the PM unit24may comprise a storage capacitor (not shown) to store the direct current and a DC-DC converter (not shown) to convert the direct current to a required DC output power. In this embodiment, the PM unit24may also comprise an electronic control module arranged to manage a distribution of available energy across a plurality of consuming devices to maximize lifetime of the devices while maintaining efficiency. Other components may be used in replacement or in addition to the components of the PM unit24without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.2, the climate control unit14further comprises a sensor30in communication with the PM unit24and the antenna20. In this embodiment, the sensor30may be a receiver/transmitter (or transceiver) arranged to receive and transmit signals of a consistent/backscatter protocol (here, RFID) or differing protocols (e.g., BLE, WiFi, LTE, or IoT). Moreover, the sensor30is arranged to receive the direct current from the PM unit24for power. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the antenna20preferably extends from the sensor30for a length of at least 50 centimeters (cm).

Upon being powered, the sensor30is arranged to sense an actual condition in the cabin10. That is, the sensor30is disposed in an area of the cabin10(e.g., a head rest) and is arranged to sense, preferably continually sense, the actual condition of an area adjacent or proximate to the head rest. Preferably, the actual condition is temperature or humidity in the cabin10. Upon sensing the actual condition, the sensor30is arranged to transmit a cabin signal of the actual condition. It is to be understood that the sensor30may have a varied response time based on obstructions to the sensor30and a location at which the sensor30is disposed. Relative to the sensor30, the varied response time may be defined as a time between being powered and transmitting the cabin signal. For example, the sensor30may have a response time of between 5 milliseconds (ms) and 600 ms.

As shown inFIG.1, a plurality of climate control units14is preferably disposed throughout the cabin10of the vehicle12and thereby the climate control units14(via the sensors30) are arranged to sense a plurality of actual conditions across a plurality of locations in the cabin10. The sensors30are arranged to continually sense the actual conditions over a timeframe. As such in this example, each sensor30is arranged to continually transmit cabin signals of the actual condition at a respective location in the cabin10over the timeframe. As a result, a plurality of cabin signals is continually transmitted for the actual condition at each location over the timeframe.

Furthermore, the climate control unit14comprises a controller32in communication with the antenna20, the sensor30, and the PM unit24. In this embodiment, the controller32is arranged to receive the direct current from the PM unit24for power. Upon being powered, the controller32is arranged to receive the cabin signal of the actual condition from the sensor30. Based on the actual condition, the controller32is arranged to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin10in response to a difference between the actual condition and a set condition. In this embodiment, the set condition is one of a preset temperature and a preset humidity in the cabin10. That is, the controller32is arranged to store the set condition (e.g.,70F) and compare the actual condition (e.g.,65F) with the set condition. The controller32is arranged to adjust the temperature, for example, in the cabin10based on the difference.

It is to be understood that the controller32may implement algorithms and modules to assist in comparisons and calculations relative to climate control of the cabin10. It is also to be understood that the controller32may be an electronic control unit (ECU), a body control module (BCM), or any other suitable control device without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

As depicted inFIG.1, a plurality of climate control units14is preferably disposed throughout the cabin10of the vehicle12and thereby the climate control units14are arranged to sense a plurality of actual conditions across a plurality of locations in the cabin10. Thus, the controller32may receive the plurality cabin10signals of actual conditions from the sensors30across the plurality of locations in the cabin10.

FIG.3depicts a heat map graph110of space vs. time of climate in the cabin10. With respect to the response time, the controller32is arranged to create a heat map112of the cabin10from at least a portion of the plurality of actual conditions114by way of an interpolation technique providing estimated or interpolated conditions116of temperature or humidity. The estimated conditions116may be implemented by the controller32for more accurate and efficient climate control in the cabin10. In this embodiment, the interpolation technique is performed with respect to area in the cabin (x-axis), time (y-axis), and actual conditions (z-axis). Moreover, since the plurality of cabin signals received may be sparse due to the response time of each sensor30, the controller32may be arranged to create the heat map112from sparse measurements of the cabin10to assist with controlling climate in the cabin10.

In this embodiment and without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, the interpolation technique may be a global technique to interpolate values using all available data, a local technique to estimate values from neighboring points only, or any other suitable technique to assist in creating the heat map for climate control of the cabin10. Furthermore, the controller32may implement the interpolation technique by way of algorithms and modules.

Referring back toFIG.2, the controller32is arranged to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin10with the interpolation technique in response to a difference between the plurality of the actual conditions and a corresponding plurality of the set conditions with the area of the cabin10. It is to be understood that the controller32may implement algorithms and modules to assist in comparisons and calculations relative to climate control of the cabin10.

In one embodiment, the sensor30may be arranged to sense an outside condition being one of temperature and humidity outside of the vehicle12. As such, the sensor30may be arranged to transmit an outside signal of the outside condition. In this example, the controller32is arranged to receive the outside signal of the outside condition from the sensor30. Moreover, the controller32is arranged to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin10in response to the outside signal and the difference between the actual condition and the set condition.

FIGS.4A-4Bdepict a system210for harvesting wireless energy for climate control in a cabin10of a vehicle12in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system210implements the climate control unit14described above and depicted inFIGS.1and2. Additionally, the system210comprises a heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) unit212disposed in the vehicle12for heating, venting, and cooling the cabin10of the vehicle12. The HVAC unit212may comprise an HVAC transceiver213, an air conditioning (A/C) unit214connected to the transceiver, a heating unit216connected to the A/C unit214and the HVAC transceiver213, and flap controls/activators218connect to each of the heating and A/C units212,214. Moreover, the system210comprises a human machine interface (HMI) unit220disposed in the vehicle12for driver/occupant interaction. The HMI unit220may comprise a HMI transceiver221, a user input component222in connection with the transceiver and a screen output component224connected to the HMI transceiver221. Other components may be used in replacement or in addition to the components of the HVAC unit212and the HMI unit220without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIGS.4A-4B, the system210further comprises a battery-free wireless climate control unit14for harvesting wireless energy and for controlling climate in the cabin10of the vehicle12in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.4A, the climate control unit14is in communication with the HVAC unit212and the HMI unit220. In this embodiment, the climate control unit14of the system210is preferably the climate control unit14shown inFIGS.1-2and described above.

Referring toFIG.4B, each climate control unit14is disposed in the cabin10of the vehicle12. Preferably, the climate control unit14may be disposed in a seat cushion, a head rest, an interior panel, a floorboard, or a ceiling board in the cabin10of the vehicle12. However, it is understood that the climate control unit14may be dispose in any other suitable location in the vehicle without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS.2and4B, the climate control unit14comprises an antenna20having a transceiver21arranged to receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal of EM radiation having EM energy to define an EM current. In this embodiment, the EM signal is a radio frequency (RF) signal carrying both data and energy by way of an RF identification (RFID) protocol. However, it is to be understood that the EM signal may be any other suitable EM signal by way of any other suitable protocol or network such as Bluetooth low energy (BLE), wireless fidelity (WiFi), long-term evolution (LTE), or internet of things (IOT) without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

As depicted inFIGS.2and4B, the climate control unit14further comprises a wireless energy harvesting (WEH) unit22in communication with the antenna20. From the antenna20, the WEH unit22receives the EM signal and stores the EM energy thereof. In one embodiment, the WEH unit22may comprise a capacitor (not shown) arranged to store EM energy of the EM signal. Moreover, the WEH unit22is arranged to filter the EM energy to regulate or resist the EM current. For example, the WEH unit22may comprise an inducer (not shown) arranged to filter the EM energy for regulating or resisting the EM current. Moreover, the WEH unit22is arranged to convert the EM current to direct current. As an example, the WEH unit22may comprise a rectifier (not shown) arranged to convert the EM current (here, RF current) to direct current (DC) to be used for powering devices and charging batteries as discussed below. Other components may be used in replacement or in addition to the components of the WEH unit22without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

As depicted inFIGS.2and4B, the climate control unit14further comprises a power management (PM) 24 unit in communication with the WEH unit22. The PM unit24receives the direct current from the WEH unit22. In this embodiment, the PM unit24is arranged to store the direct current to a desired or required DC output power/electrical potential to power devices (discussed below). Additionally, the PM unit24is arranged to distribute the direct current. In one example, the PM unit24may comprise a storage capacitor (not shown) to store the direct current and a DC-DC converter (not shown) to convert the direct current to a required DC output power. In this embodiment, the PM unit24may also comprise an electronic control module arranged to manage a distribution of available energy across a plurality of consuming devices to maximize lifetime of the devices and while maintaining efficiency. Other components may be used in replacement or in addition to the components of the PM unit24without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.2and4B, the climate control unit14further comprises a sensor30in communication with the PM unit24and the antenna20. In this embodiment, the sensor30may be a receiver/transmitter (or transceiver) arranged to receive and transmit signals of a consistent/backscatter protocol (here, RFID) or differing protocols (e.g., BLE, WiFi, LTE, or IoT). Moreover, the sensor30is arranged to receive the direct current from the PM unit24for power. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the antenna20preferably extends from the sensor30for a length of at least 50 centimeters (cm).

Upon being powered, the sensor30is arranged to sense an actual condition in the cabin10. That is, the sensor30is disposed in an area of the cabin10(e.g., a head rest) and is arranged to sense, preferably continually sense, the actual condition of an area adjacent or proximate to the head rest. Preferably, the actual condition is temperature or humidity in the cabin10. Upon sensing the actual condition, the sensor30is arranged to transmit a cabin signal of the actual condition. It is to be understood that the sensor30may have a varied response time based on a location at which the sensor30is disposed and obstructions to the sensor30. Relative to the sensor30, the varied response time may be defined as a time between being powered and transmitting the cabin signal. For example, the sensor30may have a response time of between 5 milliseconds (ms) and 600 ms.

Referring toFIGS.1and4B, a plurality of climate control units14is preferably disposed throughout the cabin10of the vehicle12and thereby the climate control units14(via the sensors30) are arranged to sense a plurality of actual conditions across a plurality of locations in the cabin10. The sensors30are arranged to continually sense the actual conditions over a timeframe. As such in this example, each sensor30is arranged to continually transmit cabin signals of the actual condition at a respective location in the cabin10over the timeframe. As a result, a plurality of cabin signals is continually transmitted for the actual condition of each location over the timeframe.

Furthermore, referring toFIGS.2and4B, the climate control unit14comprises a controller32in communication with the antenna20, the sensor30, and the PM unit24. In this embodiment, the controller32is arranged to receive the direct current from the PM unit24for power. Upon being powered, the controller32is arranged to receive the cabin signal of the actual condition from the sensor30.

Based on the actual condition, the controller32is arranged to activate the HVAC unit212(FIG.4A) to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin10in response to a difference between the actual condition and a set condition. In operation, the controller32(via a transceiver or a current driver) may send a drive signal to the HVAC unit212which may activate flap controls and activators218to thereby provide heating or cooling to the cabin10accordingly. In this embodiment, the set condition is one of a preset temperature and a preset humidity in the cabin10. That is, the set condition may be preset by an occupant via the HMI unit220(FIG.4A). Further, the controller32may be arranged to store the set condition (e.g.,70F) and compare the actual condition (e.g.,65F) with the set condition.

It is to be understood that the controller32may implement algorithms and modules to assist in comparisons and calculations relative to climate control of the cabin10. It is also to be understood that the controller32may be an electronic control unit (ECU), a body control module (BCM), or any other suitable control device without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

As depicted inFIGS.1and4B, a plurality of climate control units14is preferably disposed throughout the cabin10of the vehicle12and thereby the climate control units14are arranged to sense a plurality of actual conditions across a plurality of locations in the cabin10. Thus, the controller32may receive the plurality of cabin signals of the actual conditions from the sensors30across the plurality of locations in the cabin10.

Referring toFIGS.3and4A, with respect to the response time, the controller32is arranged to create the heat map graph110comprising the heat map112of the cabin10from at least a portion of the plurality of actual conditions114by way of an interpolation technique to provide estimated or interpolated conditions116. The controller32uses the estimated conditions116to more effectively and efficiently control climate in the cabin10. In this embodiment, the interpolation technique is performed with respect to area in the cabin (x-axis), time (y-axis), and actual conditions in the cabin (z-axis). Moreover, since the plurality of cabin signals received may be sparse due to the response time of each sensor30, the controller32may be arranged to create the heat map112from sparse measurements of the cabin10to assist with controlling climate in the cabin10.

In this embodiment and without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, the interpolation technique may be a global technique to interpolate values using all available data, a local technique to estimate values from neighboring points only, or any other suitable technique to assist in creating the heat map for climate control of the cabin10. Furthermore, the controller32may implement the interpolation technique by way of algorithms and modules.

Referring back toFIGS.4A and4B, the controller32is arranged to activate the HVAC unit212to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin10with the interpolation technique in response to a difference between the plurality of the actual conditions and a corresponding plurality of the set conditions with the area of the cabin10. It is to be understood that the controller32may implement algorithms and modules to assist in comparisons and calculations relative to climate control of the cabin10. In operation, the controller32(via a transceiver or a current driver) may send a drive signal to the HVAC unit212which may activate flap controls and activators218to thereby provide heating or cooling to the cabin10accordingly.

FIG.5illustrates a flowchart of a method of harvesting wireless energy for climate control in a cabin10of a vehicle12. In this example, the method implements the system210and climate control unit14described above and shown inFIGS.1,2,4A and4B. As shown in block312, the method comprises providing the HVAC unit212, the HMI unit220, and the climate control unit14described herein. As discussed above, the climate control unit14comprises the antenna20, the WEH unit22, the PM unit24, the sensor30, and the controller32.

In block314, the method further comprises (via the antenna20) receiving an electromagnetic (EM) signal of EM radiation having EM energy to define an EM current. In this example, the EM signal is a radio frequency (RF) signal carrying both data and energy by way of an RF identification (RFID) protocol. However, it is to be understood that the EM signal may be any other suitable EM signal by way of any other suitable protocol or network such as Bluetooth low energy (BLE), wireless fidelity (WiFi), long-term evolution (LTE), or internet of things (IOT) without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

In block316, the method further comprises (via the WEH unit22) filtering the EM energy to regulate the EM current. Moreover, in block318, the method further comprises (via the WEH unit22), after filtering, converting the EM current to direct current. From the antenna20, the WEH unit22receives the EM signal and stores the EM energy thereof. In one embodiment, the WEH unit22may comprise a capacitor arranged to store EM energy of the EM signal. Moreover, the WEH unit22is arranged to filter the EM energy to regulate or resist the EM current. For example, the WEH unit22may comprise an inducer arranged to filter the EM energy for regulating or resisting the EM current. Moreover, the WEH unit22is arranged to convert the EM current to direct current. As an example, the WEH unit22may comprise a rectifier (not shown) arranged to convert the EM current (here, RF current) to direct current (DC) to be used for powering devices and charging batteries as discussed below. Other components may be used in replacement or in addition to the components of the WEH unit22without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

In block320, the method further comprises (via the PM unit24) storing the direct current for powering the battery-free wireless sensing unit. In block322, the method comprises (via the PM unit24) powering the battery-free wireless sensor30with the direct current. In operation, the PM unit24receives the direct current from the WEH unit22. In this example, the PM unit24is arranged to store the direct current to a desired or required DC output power/electrical potential to power devices such as the sensor30and controller32. Additionally, the PM unit24is arranged to distribute the direct current. In one example, the PM unit24may comprise a storage capacitor to store the direct current and a DC-DC converter to convert the direct current to a required DC output power. In this embodiment, the PM unit24may also comprise an electronic control module arranged to manage a distribution of available energy across a plurality of consuming devices to maximize lifetime of the devices and while maintaining efficiency. Other components may be used in replacement or in addition to the components of the PM unit24without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

After powering the battery-free wireless sensor30, in block324, the method further comprises (via the sensor30) sensing an actual condition in the cabin10. The actual condition is one of actual temperature and actual humidity in the cabin10. As in the examples above, the sensor30may be a receiver/transmitter (or transceiver) arranged to receive and transmit signals of a consistent/backscatter protocol (here, RFID) or differing protocols (e.g., BLE, WiFi, LTE, or IoT). Moreover, the sensor30is arranged to receive the direct current from the PM unit24for power.

Moreover, the sensor30is disposed in an area of the cabin10(e.g., a head rest) and is arranged to sense, preferably continually sense, the actual condition of an area adjacent or proximate to the head rest. Preferably, the actual condition is temperature or humidity in the cabin10. Upon sensing the actual condition, the sensor30is arranged to transmit a cabin signal of the actual condition to the controller32.

It is to be understood that the sensor30may have a varied response time based on a location at which the sensor30is disposed and obstructions to the sensor30. Relative to the sensor30, the varied response time may be defined as a time between being powered and transmitting the cabin signal. For example, the sensor30may have a response time of between 5 milliseconds (ms) and 600 ms.

Furthermore in block326, the method comprises (via the controller32) activating the HVAC unit212to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin10in response to a difference between the actual condition and a set condition. The set condition is one of a preset temperature and a preset humidity in the cabin10. In operation, the controller32(via a transceiver or a current driver) may send a drive signal to the HVAC unit212which may activate flap controls and activators218to thereby provide heating or cooling to the cabin10accordingly. In this example, the set condition is one of a preset temperature and a preset humidity in the cabin10. That is, the set condition may be preset by an occupant via the HMI unit220(FIG.4A). Further, the controller32may be arranged to store the set condition (e.g.,70F) and compare the actual condition (e.g.,65F) with the set condition.

It is to be understood that the controller32may implement algorithms and modules to assist in comparisons and calculations relative to climate control of the cabin10. It is also to be understood that the controller32may be an electronic control unit (ECU), a body control module (BCM), or any other suitable control device without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

As discussed above, a plurality of climate control units14is preferably disposed throughout the cabin10of the vehicle12and thereby the climate control units14are arranged to sense a plurality of actual conditions across a plurality of locations in the cabin10. Thus, the controller32may receive the plurality cabin signals of actual conditions from the sensors30across the plurality of locations in the cabin10. In this example, the step in block324of sensing the actual condition in the cabin10comprises sensing a plurality of actual conditions across a plurality of locations in the cabin10.

Moreover, the step in block326of activating the HVAC unit212to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin10comprises creating the heat map112(FIG.3) of the cabin10from at least a portion of the plurality of actual conditions by way of the interpolation technique (discussed above) with respect to the actual conditions, area of the cabin10, and time. Furthermore, the step in block326of activating the HVAC unit212to adjust one of temperature and humidity in the cabin10further comprises adjusting one of temperature and humidity in the cabin10with the interpolation technique in response to a difference between the plurality of the actual conditions and a corresponding plurality of the set conditions with the area of the cabin10.