Predictive optimization of bus cabin temperatures using passenger button pressing information

Heating, Ventilation and Cooling systems are a large consumer of energy in buses. Understanding and optimizing the thermal behaviour inside the cabin is key in order to minimize energy consumption while maintaining satisfactory passenger comfort. Frequent door opening events in buses further complicate the situation, as stabilizing the cabin temperature requires further energy. This paper explores the use of predictive HVAC control, utilizing the knowledge of a future stopping event based on a passenger pressing the stop button. Model Predictive Control is used to optimize for the ideal HVAC control to improve temperature stability, passenger comfort, and reduce energy consumption.