Abstract: An air separator for low flow rate coolant systems which removes air from the liquid coolant thereof. The air separator is a closed canister having a bottom wall, a top wall at a gravitationally high location with respect to the bottom wall, and a sidewall sealingly therebetween. A coolant inlet is at the sidewall, a pump outlet is at the bottom wall and a coolant reservoir outlet is at the top wall. The coolant reservoir outlet is connected to a coolant reservoir gravitationally elevated with respect to the canister. A much larger cross-sectional area per unit length of the canister relative to the piping results in a coolant dwell time in the canister that encourages coolant air bubbles to migrate toward the coolant reservoir.

Abstract: Air conditioning system controls are optimized for an air conditioning system having a compressor in IC engine vehicles and in hybrid or fuel cell vehicles having electric drive motors by first determining the operating temperature of at least one of the following vehicle components: engine coolant and transmission oil for all types of vehicles, and for hybrid or fuel cell vehicles also determining the operating temperature of inverter coolant and the electric drive motors. At least one operating temperature is then compared to lower and upper temperature limits. If the operating temperature is outside of the temperature limits air conditioner heat load is reduced by at least one of the following steps: increasing cabin air recirculation, reducing cabin blower speed and reducing air conditioner compressor capacity.

Abstract: An improved control method for a dual mode compressor drive arrangement selectively operates an electric machine coupled to the compressor as a motor or a generator during operation of an engine coupled to the compressor for improved efficiency and performance. The machine is operated as a generator to increase the available power for vehicle electrical loads when compressor operation is not needed or when the engine is driving the compressor. Conversely, the machine is operated as a motor to drive the compressor under heavy engine loading or when the engine speed is outside a desired operating range defined in terms of compressor speed.

Abstract: An improved control method for a dual mode compressor drive arrangement selectively operates an electric machine coupled to the compressor as a motor or a generator during operation of an engine coupled to the compressor for improved efficiency and performance. The machine is operated as a generator to increase the available power for vehicle electrical loads when compressor operation is not needed or when the engine is driving the compressor. Conversely, the machine is operated as a motor to drive the compressor under heavy engine loading or when the engine speed is outside a desired operating range defined in terms of compressor speed.