System and Method to Reduce Thermal Energy in Vehicle Interiors Subjected to Solar Radiation

摘要

A system for reducing thermal energy in the interior of an unoccupied vehicle includes an energy source, a temperature sensor, and a control unit which triggers the system in response to satisfaction of conditions. The conditions include the temperature of the passenger compartment being greater than a target temperature and the vehicle engine not running. A fan configured to selectively bring ambient air into the passenger compartment is powerable by the energy source and circulates ambient air through the passenger compartment in response to the control unit. The energy source may include a solar panel or another source characterized by absence of energy derived from the vehicle engine, and excess energy may be distributed to an energy storage device. A seat ventilation fan may operate concurrently with the fan or an HVAC. A method of reducing thermal energy in the interior of a parked vehicle is also provided.