The DOMUS project aims to provide a new user-centric methodology for the development of the next generation of Electric Vehicles (EVs), by radically changing the way in which vehicle passenger compartments and their respective comfort control systems are designed, so as to optimise energy use and efficiency while keeping user comfort and safety needs central. Although a more thorough understanding of thermal comfort over recent years has led to significant increases in energy efficiency through better insulation and passive cooling, substantial room for improvement still exists. With EVs in particular, which are emerging as the most sustainable option for both satisfying the future mobility needs in Europe and reducing the impact on the environment, inefficiencies must be minimized due to their detrimental effect on range.
Starting with activities to gain a better understanding of comfort, combined with the development of numerical models which represent both the thermal and acoustic characteristics of the passenger compartment, DOMUS aims to create a validated framework for virtual assessment and optimisation of the energy used. In parallel, innovative solutions for glazing, seats, insulation and radiant panels will be developed along with controllers to optimise their performance individually and when operating in combination, the optimal configuration of which will be derived through numerical simulation.
The overall objective of the DOMUS project is to reduce the overall energy consumption of future EVs in order to increase the electric range for different ambient conditions by 25%. This will be achieved by understanding in depth the comfort perception of EV users before developing reliable methodologies for designing and assessing the full vehicle context from a user-centric perspective, investigating radically new cabin designs and delivering innovative components, systems and control strategies to meet customer expectations.
As a result, DOMUS will develop, integrate and demonstrate new components, systems and control strategies for EVs that are energy efficient, comfortable, safe, configurable and cost effective. This project will generate know-how about user’s perception of comfort and corresponding cabin requirements for future mass-market oriented efficient EVs.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement number 769902.
