With Electrical Motor Drive Patents (Class 62/323.3)
  • Patent number: 11828499
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an air system including a first interlaced microchannel heat exchanger and a second interlaced microchannel heat exchanger. The air system can include a plurality of fluidly separated refrigerant circuits, and each of the refrigerant circuits can be configured to flow through the first interlaced microchannel heat exchanger and the second interlaced microchannel heat exchanger. The first interlaced microchannel heat exchanger can be located indoors, and the second interlaced microchannel heat exchanger can be located outdoors. Each of the refrigerant circuits can include its own compressor and expansion valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Hari Krishna Kanagala, Harold Gene Havard, Jr., Robert Leonard Long, Rosa Leal, David Kauppila, Junjie Luo
  • Patent number: 11796231
    Abstract: Proposed is a gas heat-pump system including: a compressor of an air conditioning module; a gas engine generating a drive force of the compressor; and a turbocharger primarily first-level pressure to a fuel-to-air mixture and supplying the fuel-to-air mixture to the gas engine or applying second-level pressure to the fuel-to-air mixture to which the first-level pressure is applied and supplying the fuel-to-air mixture to the gas engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Heejoong Jang, Hojong Jeong
  • Patent number: 11648821
    Abstract: A method of minimizing C-Rate fluctuations with an electrically powered accessory (EPA) is disclosed. The EPA is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, a trailer, and a transport container that has a first controller. The EPA has a second controller. The method includes determining, by the first controller, a first C-Rate of a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS). Also, the method includes comparing the first C-Rate to a first predetermined threshold. The method also includes when the first C-Rate exceeds the first predetermined threshold, the first controller sending a first request to the second controller to adjust a load of the EPA. The method further includes the second controller determining a first operational mode of the EPA based on the first request. Also the method includes when the first operational mode of the EPA allows a load change, the second controller adjusting the load of the EPA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Vanous, Carolyn Lewelling, Christos Alkiviadis Polyzois
  • Patent number: 11607928
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for use with a vehicle is configured to provide conditioned air. The air conditioning system includes a controller configured to vary a flow of the conditioned air and the controller is arranged to be cooled by the conditioned air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Mobile Climate Control, Corp.
    Inventors: Adel Gergis, Igor Galaev, Eric Weiss
  • Patent number: 11602978
    Abstract: Air conditioning units each include an evaporator, a blower fan, a compressor that compresses a coolant, a condenser that causes heat exchange between the coolant and outside air, a coolant pipe that causes the coolant to circulate, and a spray nozzle that sprays water in a mist form to the outside air flowing to the condenser. The evaporator and the blower fan are provided in a ceiling portion of the vehicle, and the condenser and the spray nozzle are provided in a lower portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masashi Hotta, Shunsuke Shigeta
  • Patent number: 11453265
    Abstract: A system for an attachment to existing A/C units in vehicles including a compressor assembly and a battery assembly is disclosed herein. The compressor assembly includes a hermetically sealed compressor that can be engaged without the need of the engine of a vehicle. The hermetically sealed compressor is powered by a battery of the battery assembly. The hermetically sealed compressor is mounted as an attachment or replacement to the existing A/C compressor of a vehicle. Furthermore, the hermetically sealed compressor is mounted using tee connectors and tubes. Additionally, check valves are added to allow the refrigerant within the additional tubes to flow in one direction. This system allows a user to engage the A/C unit of a car without needing the engine to be running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Jeff Justice
  • Patent number: 11117447
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle, which takes up less installation space due to its compact-sized structure and effectively performs cooling and heating with a simple structure. The air conditioner for a vehicle includes: a case (10) having an air inflow port and an air outflow port; a blower for introducing air into the air inflow port to send the air into the case (10); a compressor (30) for compressing refrigerant; a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant and air; and an expansion means for throttling the refrigerant, wherein the blower, the compressor (30), and the heat exchange are arranged inside the case (10) side by side to be formed in a flat type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Dong Kyu Lee, Tae Yong Park, Sang Gu Woo, Jong Bo Won
  • Patent number: 9021820
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control process for an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system comprises a thermal loop (1) used as a heat pump and an electrical heating device (2). The process calculates a global heating capacity (HCglo) in function of the temperature chosen by the passenger, the speed of the blower and the temperature of the exterior air. Then, the process calculates a heating capacity (HC1) of the thermal loop (1) and compares this heating capacity (HC1) of the thermal loop to the global heating capacity (HCglo). If the global heating capacity (HCglo) is superior to the heating capacity (HC1) of the thermal loop, the process determines a heating capacity (HC2) of the electrical heating device (2). This heating capacity (HC2) of the electrical heating device (2) added to the heating capacity (HC1) of the thermal loop (1) allows to obtain the global heating capacity (HCglo) required in function of the temperature selected by the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Mohamed Yahia, Bertrand Nicolas, Samy Hammi
  • Patent number: 8881544
    Abstract: A power unit for air conditioning systems installed on boats, including at least one compressor, of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry, connected to the circuit of the conditioning system, at least one mechanical pump for circulation of a heat exchange fluid along a circuit and one or more rotating electrical machines. Operation of the power unit is ensured during navigation by an internal combustion engine for marine propulsion, for example a four stroke engine of the type normally used for outboard marine propulsion, mass produced at low costs, while when the boat is in port it is ensured by an electric motor. The fan coils are also of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: FB Design S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fabio Buzzi
  • Patent number: 8826681
    Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicles in which the probability of executing pre-air conditioning is increased so that it may be prevented that the inside of the vehicle cannot be often in a comfortable state before the driver gets into the vehicle. The air conditioner performs air conditioning of a vehicle having a traveling motor and an engine as drive sources and comprises a pre-air conditioning main switch. The crew permits operation of pre-air conditioning by turning the switch on. When the pre-air conditioning main switch is set on, an engine control section performs charge preference control where battery charge takes precedence of engine fuel consumption and performs normal control where engine fuel consumption takes precedence when the pre-air conditioning main switch is set off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihiko Kojima
  • Patent number: 8723458
    Abstract: A system for driving a three phase motor using a variable speed drive in communication with an alternator driven by a prime mover. A rectifier can be connected with the alternator. The system can also include a logic and alternator field drive configured to sense voltage leaving the rectifier and controlling the alternator to maintain a predetermined output from the rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Billy Chambers
  • Publication number: 20130180264
    Abstract: The present inventive disclosure is directed generally to an improved automobile air- conditioning system that can be operated while the automobile's engine is not running. In variations, a typical vapor-compression-cycle air-conditioning system is modified to allow the refrigerant compressor to be driven from either of two power sources: (1) from a traditional engine-mounted pulley system, or (2) from a DC-motor powered by an electrical source independent from the engine. In another variation, the air-conditioning system is driven by one or more thermal-electric-cooling (TEC) modules, wherein the TEC-based system is powered by an auxiliary DC-power source that in some variations is powered by, or at least supplemented by, a solar-energy grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jerome Daniels
  • Patent number: 8453722
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that provides a method of operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The method operates the air conditioning system at one capacity when the engine is running, and at a second capacity when the engine is not running. The selection of these capacities is based on the power capacity of the source of electric power from which the air conditioning system is operated. When a storage battery is used to power the air conditioning system during engine off conditions, the second capacity is lower than the capacity at which the system is operated when the engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
  • Patent number: 8429924
    Abstract: The present invention includes a novel fuel management and auxiliary power system and apparatus having a control module in control of auxiliary equipment and accessories and climate control functions of a vehicle, while the vehicle's engine is not running. The system of this invention is capable of detecting warning states and providing status indicators to an operator on a graphical user interface. At the graphical user interface, the operator is capable of initiating start up of the system and accessing status and historical technical data of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: David E. Ratliff, Gregory S. Davis
  • Publication number: 20130091872
    Abstract: A buck/boost rectifier. The rectifier is connectable to an alternating current power source and includes an upper bus, a lower bus, an upper rectifier, a lower rectifier, a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) controller, a phase-angle (PA) controller, and a capacitor. The upper rectifier is coupled to the upper bus, and the lower rectifier is coupled in a series-type relationship with the upper rectifier and to the lower bus. The PWM controller is coupled to the lower rectifier and is configured to boost a direct current (DC) voltage output by the rectifier. The PA controller is coupled to the lower rectifier and is configured to buck the DC voltage output by the rectifier. The capacitor is coupled between the upper bus and the lower bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arnost Hurych, Vladimir Kmoch
  • Publication number: 20120079843
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for trailer includes an engine, a generator driven by the engine to generate electric power, an inverter substrate, a temperature sensor that senses a temperature of the inverter circuit, and a heat carrying mechanism that heats the inverter substrate with waste heat of the engine when a sensed temperature by the temperature sensor is an operational temperature or lower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Makoto Ikemiya, Hisaaki Takaoka
  • Publication number: 20110301762
    Abstract: A method of operating a transport refrigeration unit that is operable to regulate a temperature of a cargo space. The method includes providing a controller, driving a refrigerant compressor of the transport refrigeration unit with an internal combustion engine to compress a refrigerant defining an engine operating state of the transport refrigeration unit, and driving the refrigerant compressor of the transport refrigeration unit with an electric motor to compress the refrigerant defining a motor operating state of the transport refrigeration unit. The method further includes sensing the temperature of the cargo space, receiving into the controller a signal indicative of the temperature of the cargo space, determining the temperature of the cargo space using the controller, and switching between the engine operating state and the motor operating state in response to a signal generated by the controller based on the temperature of the cargo space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy A. Walker, Luis Camacho
  • Publication number: 20110247350
    Abstract: The refrigeration unit of an electrically powered trailer refrigeration system includes an economized scroll compressor and an economizer circuit selectively operable to inject refrigeration vapor into an intermediate stage of the scroll compressor. An engine driven generator produces AC current to power the scroll compressor and other electric components of the system. During operation of the refrigeration system at high capacity demand, a controller will operate the refrigeration system in an economized mode if sufficient electric power is available from the generator and in the non-economized mode if insufficient power is available to sustain operation of the refrigeration system in the economized mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nader S. Awwad, Michael Stockbridge
  • Publication number: 20110132006
    Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes an engine, a motor capable of producing a similar power output as the engine, and a compressor driven by one of the engine and the motor. The compressor includes a suction inlet and a discharge outlet. The refrigeration unit also includes a condenser in fluid communication with the discharge outlet through which pressurized, gaseous refrigerant is condensed, an evaporator in fluid communication with the condenser to receive liquid refrigerant and return gaseous refrigerant to the suction inlet, a passageway having a first end in fluid communication with an outlet of the condenser, and a second end in fluid communication with the suction inlet, and a purge valve defining at least a portion of the passageway between the first and second ends. The purge valve is operable to selectively divert liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the suction inlet to increase the pressure in the suction inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott C. Milton, Stan O. Hoium, Peter W. Freund, Bradley M. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7921662
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel automobile has a heat medium passage through which a heat medium which can exchange heat with a drive portion and can be supplied to a heat medium pipe for a hydrogen tank flows. An air cooling apparatus has a compressor for compressing a refrigerant gas, a condenser, an evaporator and a refrigerant circuit. The hydrogen fuel automobile is provided with a bypass passage which branches from the refrigerant circuit so that expanded refrigerant liquid detours the evaporator so as to be drawn into the compressor. A switch portion can switch between a state where the refrigerant liquid passes through the evaporator so as to be drawn into the compressor and a state where the refrigerant liquid detours the evaporator so as to flow through the bypass passage. The hydrogen storage material cooling portion cools the hydrogen storage material in the hydrogen tank using the refrigerant liquid that flows through the bypass passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidehito Kubo, Daigoro Mori
  • Publication number: 20110067425
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a system for operating an air conditioning compressor from alternative sources. The system includes primary and secondary torque supply sources, each in communication with the input shaft of an air conditioning compressor by first and second respective pulley belts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Richard D. Taylor, Paul E. Harris
  • Publication number: 20110024203
    Abstract: A hybrid drive for motor vehicle has at least one combustion engine, an electric machine and an electric energy accumulator (10). The electric energy accumulator (10) is dischargeable by the electric machine during the motor operation and is chargeable by the electric machine during the generator operation thereof. The air conditioning system has at least one compressor (11), a condenser (12) and a main evaporator (13) that provides cooling air (16) to be supplied to a passenger compartment (17) of the motor vehicle. An additional evaporator (18) is connected in parallel to the main evaporator (13) and supplies cooling air (19) to the electric energy accumulator (10) of the hybrid drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Robert Fleischhacker, Hagen Deyhle, Ralf Goetze, Holger Gruetzner, Andreas Voss
  • Publication number: 20110011115
    Abstract: An improved evaporator air management system for trailer refrigeration systems, including an electrically powered, vertical axis, axial flow fan, arranged so as to draw air through a horizontally mounted evaporator coil. The flow is then driven upward through a nozzle and discharged into the trailer. The nozzle shape graduates from a circular cross-section to a wide-aspect ratio rectangular cross-section, while turning through 90°. The preferred choice of axial flow fan for the invention is the vane-axial type incorporating outlet guide vanes. Provision is made for a single fan-nozzle configuration which may be either centered or transversely off-set with respect to the evaporator coil. An additional option provides for an arrangement with a pair of side-by-side fan-nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Peter R. Bushnell
  • Publication number: 20110000244
    Abstract: A series hybrid power supply system for a trailer box refrigeration system is disclosed. The trailer box refrigeration system may use either a DC or an ac motor to power the compressor. The power system alternator produces power to power refrigeration system loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: John R. Reason, Nader S. Awwad
  • Publication number: 20100223947
    Abstract: An electric compressor (20) comprises an electric motor (70) enclosed in a motor casing (33), a division wall (60) dividing the interior of the motor casing (33) and having an inner side surface in contact with a working fluid before compressed, a leg (120) integrally formed on an outer side surface of the division wall (60), and a control board (111) with a microcomputer (112) for driving the electric motor (70) mounted, the control board being fixed to the leg (120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Makoto Shibuya
  • Publication number: 20100180614
    Abstract: A Cold Plate Refrigeration System Optimized for Energy Efficiency is provided utilizing two refrigerant compressors and a single set of cold plates; or two refrigerant compressors, a conventional evaporator to air heat exchanger, and a single set of cold plates; or a single refrigerant compressor, a conventional evaporator to air heat exchanger, and a single set of cold plates. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald L. Larson, James J. Anderson, Larry Peterson
  • Publication number: 20100154449
    Abstract: The present invention affords a regenerative electric drive refrigerated unit for a conveyance vessel, thereby providing temperature cooling in a compartment of the conveyance vessel. An electricity generator powers a compressor unit in the refrigeration unit. The electricity generator is powered by a drive mechanism obtaining its energy from the motion of the conveyance vessel such that when the invention is employed, a diesel engine that normally powers the compressor unit in the refrigeration unit is disabled and stops running, thereby saving energy and reducing air pollution otherwise generated by the burning of fossil fuels when the diesel engine is running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: A. Blair Stover, JR., Richard Leonard Barrett
  • Publication number: 20100095694
    Abstract: A power unit for air conditioning systems installed on boats, including at least one compressor, of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry, connected to the circuit of the refrigeration device, at least one mechanical pump for circulation of a heat exchange fluid along a circuit and one or more rotating electrical machines. Operation of the power unit is ensured during navigation by an internal combustion engine for marine propulsion, in particular a four stroke gasoline engine, with vertical motor axis, normally used for outboard marine propulsion, mass produced at low costs, while when the boat is in port it is ensured by an electric motor. The fan coils are also of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: FB DESIGN S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fabio Buzzi
  • Publication number: 20100095700
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a compressor. A heat rejection heat exchanger is downstream of the compressor along a refrigerant primary flowpath. An expansion device is downstream of the heat rejection heat exchanger along the primary flowpath. A heat absorption heat exchanger is downstream of the expansion device along the primary flowpath. An economizer heat exchanger is between the heat rejection heat exchanger and the expansion device along the primary flowpath. The economizer heat exchanger includes a first portion configured to provide heat transfer from the primary flowpath to a first economizer flowpath. The economizer heat exchanger includes a second portion configured to provide heat transfer from the primary flowpath to a second economizer flowpath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: James W. Bush, Wayne P. Beagle
  • Publication number: 20100077786
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration unit includes an integrally mounted unitary engine driven generator wherein the generator is cooled by the circulation of oil over the stator coils and the rotor to thereby provide a cooling system that is closed from the outside environment and capable of increased cooling efficiencies. In one embodiment, the circulation of the engine oil is integrated into the generator such that its serves the dual purpose of cooling the generator. In other embodiments, the oil is contained entirely within the generator and is circulated by various means such as by a pump and spray, a slinger or total immersion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Siegenthaler, Gary E. Dickes
  • Publication number: 20100011789
    Abstract: A method of controlling a HVAC system for a hybrid vehicle having a refrigerant compressor driven by an engine is disclosed. The method may comprise: determining a requested air conditioning operating point for a passenger compartment; estimating a time to reach the requested operating point; based on the previous steps, estimating a maximum allowed compressor off time; determining if the allowed compressor off time is greater than a minimum engine off time; if the allowed compressor off time is greater than the engine off time, determining if the vehicle is entering an allowable engine off mode; if so, commencing engine shut-off mode; if engine shut-off is anticipated, prior to commencing the shut-off mode, adjusting the HVAC system to maximize cooling of the passenger compartment with minimum energy usage; and if the engine shut-off is commenced, monitoring the HVAC system to determine when engine restart is needed to maintain comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael H. Carlson, Lawrence P. Ziehr, Todd M. Tumas
  • Publication number: 20090314019
    Abstract: A sub-engine (30), a compressor (40) driven by the sub-engine (30), and a refrigeration circuit (70) connected to the compressor (40) and operable in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle are provided, and the interior of a refrigerator (13) of a refrigerated vehicle (10) is cooled. A rotational speed control unit (91) for linearly controlling fluctuations in the rotational speed of the sub-engine (30) such that the refrigeration capacity grows or declines in response to a refrigeration load is provided. A battery (51) for storing electric power and an electric generator (50) for generating electric power by the rotational drive of the refrigerating engine (30) to store the generated electric power in the battery (51) are provided. A fan motor (7a) for the refrigeration circuit (70) is selectively connectable to the electric generator (50) and the battery (51) such that power is fed from one of the electric generator (50) and the battery (51) to the fan motor (7a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Yuji Fujimoto, Yukio Nishihama, Shigeichi Kitano, Yuzou Sawada, Sumikazu Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20090277202
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a frame, a prime mover, an alternator, a cabin, a HVAC system, and a power source. The prime mover is operable in a first mode that is configured for driving the vehicle and a second mode that is configured for standby operation of the vehicle. The cabin includes walls that define a space and that have insulation to insulate the space. The HVAC system is in communication with the cabin to condition the space, and includes a cooling system, a heating system, and a sorption system that dehumidifies air provided to the space. The power source has a battery that is in electrical communication with the alternator and the HVAC system to supply power to the HVAC system from the battery when the prime mover is in the first mode and when the prime mover is in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herman H. Viegas, William F. Mohs
  • Patent number: 7591303
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that provides a method of operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The method operates the air conditioning system at one capacity when the engine is running, and at a second capacity when the engine is not running. The selection of these capacities is based on the power capacity of the source of electric power from which the air conditioning system is operated. When a storage battery is used to power the air conditioning system during engine off conditions, the second capacity is lower than the capacity at which the system is operated when the engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
  • Publication number: 20090229281
    Abstract: According to one form of the invention, an auxiliary system is provided for supplying air conditioning to the cabin of a truck. The system includes an air conditioning compressor having a jackshaft mounted on a hub of the compressor. The system further includes an electric motor connected to the jackshaft by a belt for the motor, wherein the electric motor has a drive shaft and a pulley rigidly secured thereon, i.e., with no clutch and with no provision for slippage of the pulley relative to the drive shaft. The jackshaft has a pulley thereon for the electric motor drive. An end of the jackshaft that is not proximate to the compressor is rotatably held by a bearing and a bearing bracket in order to increase capability of the jackshaft to withstand side loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: ZERO EMISSION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Warner Olan Harris
  • Publication number: 20090228149
    Abstract: An environmental control and power system (ECAPS) including an ECU with at least one variable-speed compressor driven by a DC motor, wherein the ECU is adapted to condition air and output the conditioned air and a variable-speed diesel engine connected to a generator. The generator is configured to vary in speed so as to output AC power at a variable frequency. The system includes a rectification assembly which transforms the AC power from the generator and/or external AC power into DC power. The ECAPS directs the DC power to the DC motor to drive the variable-speed compressor and varies, in a controlled manner, at least one parameter of the outputted conditioned air from the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald Allen Alston
  • Patent number: 7562698
    Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine adapted to stop idling on predetermined stop conditions of the vehicle, which system comprises an electric motor for driving a refrigerant compressor when the engine idling is stopped, motor speed control means for controlling the speed of the motor in correspondence with an evaporator outlet temperature, and evaporator temperature correction means for, when the engine idling is stopped while outside air is being introduced, correcting the evaporator outlet temperature to a lower temperature in correspondence with a temperature of the outside air and a temperature of engine cooling water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Fujiki, Shinji Yasuno
  • Publication number: 20090120115
    Abstract: A diesel truck air conditioning system operable automatically on battery power when the main diesel engine is inactive and to restart a motor upon relay sensing a minimum voltage. An auxiliary battery bank is charged by a separately fuel powered vehicle generator and which returns power to the motor portion of the generator for in turn operating an AC pump to which it is connected. A voltage sensor/relay feature enables either automatically activating a fuel powered version of the generator or, according to a secondary version, restarting the engine to run the generator and thereby recharge the separate battery bank. In an additional variant, the use of the generator heat exhaust can be convected within a fluid jacket to provide heat from the operation of the vehicle generator, such as which can be used within the cab of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: David Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20090090122
    Abstract: A method of using an externally powered HVAC system for an over-the-road motor coach includes coupling the HVAC system to an external shore power source at a temporary stop location for the over-the-road motor coach while the over-the-road motor coach is parked and vehicle engine is turned off; receiving electrical power from the electrical outlet to power the HVAC system; and using the HVAC system to circulate refrigerant for heating or cooling an interior cabin of the over-the-road motor coach and power HVAC fans to ventilate the interior cabin of the over-the-road motor coach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: ISE CORPORATION
    Inventor: David M. Mazaika
  • Patent number: 7454922
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle that provides operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The system includes a variable speed compressor, a motor, and a controller. The controller receives electric power from the vehicle's electric power generation system when the engine is on to enable operation of the compressor during an engine on condition. When the engine is off, the controller receives electric power from a battery to enable operation of the compressor during the engine off condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
  • Patent number: 7448227
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle provides operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The system includes a variable speed compressor, a motor, and a controller. The controller receives electric power from the vehicle's electric power generation system when the engine is on to enable operation of the compressor during an engine on condition. When the engine is off, the controller receives electric power from a battery to enable operation of the compressor during the engine off condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
  • Publication number: 20080196436
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for cooling an environment in an over-the-road vehicle is provided. The air conditioning system includes an electrically driven, variable speed compressor, which enables operation of the system when the engine of the over-the-road vehicle is not running. The system is modular and is adapted to be installed in the side luggage compartment of the vehicle to enable existing vehicles to be retrofitted to provide no-idle air conditioning. The housing of the system defines two flow paths therethrough; one cold air path and one hot air path. The hot air path is configured to intersect the condenser at least two times, and draws and expels the air through the same wall of the housing. An air direction device is used to reduce the amount of air recirculation through the hot air path to increase the efficiency of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: BERGSTROM, INC.
    Inventors: Brett Sean Connell, Christophe Barreau, Terry A. Zeigler
  • Patent number: 7350365
    Abstract: A method for controlling a cogeneration system is disclosed. The control method determines whether or not the operation load or power load of an air conditioner corresponds to a load requiring driving of a generator, controls the generator to operate when it is determined that the operation load of the air conditioner corresponds to the generator driving load, controls the air conditioner to operate using electric power generated from the generator when the generator operates normally, and controls the air conditioner to operate using commercial electric power when the operation load of the air conditioner is not the generator driving load or when the generator operates abnormally. Accordingly, there are advantages in terms of economy and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Cheol Min Kim, Cheol Soo Ko, Sim Bok Ha, Baik Young Chung
  • Patent number: 7296427
    Abstract: In a hybrid compressor for a vehicle where a vehicle engine is stopped when the vehicle is temporally stopped, a pulley, a motor and a compressor can be driven in independent from each other, and are connected to a sun gear, planetary carriers and a ring gear of a planetary gear. A rotational speed of the motor is adjusted by a controller, so that a rotational speed of the compressor is changed with respect to a rotational speed of the pulley. Accordingly, production cost of the hybrid compressor and the size thereof can be reduced, while a cooling function can be ensured even when the vehicle engine is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasushi Suzuki, Shigeki Iwanami, Hironori Asa, Keiichi Uno
  • Publication number: 20070151273
    Abstract: Our System (20) is comprised of a small Battery-Powered, Split-Unit, Air-to-Air Heat Pump (30 & 50); and associated circuitry (60) to charge and condition the battery or batteries (41) any time an external power source (16) is available. The System (20) provides protection for the batteries (41) and systems of the vehicle (10) on which the System (20) is mounted when the vehicle alternator (15) is not producing any voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: James Roger Nelson, John Robert McNaught
  • Patent number: 7134290
    Abstract: In a transport refrigeration system which is susceptible to having its drive motors connected to a power source in reverse phase relationship to thereby operate the drive motors in reverse, provision is made to measure the current flow to the motors during operation in each direction and for comparing those current flows to determine which is greater and therefore representative of operation in the proper direction. A backup method is also provided for sensing the ambient temperature of the air downstream of the condenser coil, both before and during motor operation to determine whether the temperature during motor operation is greater than that prior to operation to thereby indicate a proper connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Nader S. Awwad, John R. Reason, Thomas F. Mallinson
  • Patent number: 6973798
    Abstract: An air conditioning system 1 includes a primary compressor (an engine-driven compressor 6) driven by a primary driving source (an engine 2) and a secondary compressor (a motor-driven compressor 7) driven by a secondary driving source (a motor 3). When a required cooling capability is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the air conditioning system 1 causes the primary compressor (the engine-driven compressor 6) to be driven by the primary driving source (the engine 2) and adjusts the rotational speed of the secondary compressor (the motor-driven compressor 7), whereas when the required cooling capability is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the air conditioning system 1 causes the secondary compressor (the motor-driven compressor 7) to be driven by the secondary driving source (the motor 3) so as to control the rotational speed of the primary compressor (the engine-driven compressor 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ikura, Hiromitsu Adachi, Masamichi Kubota, Hideki Watanabe, Shinichirou Wakou
  • Patent number: 6925826
    Abstract: A module for a bus rooftop air conditioner is self contained in that it has all the necessary components including a compressor, if desired, which when supplied with electrical power, can provide conditioned air to the passenger compartment of a bus. In addition, an electrically powered heater is provided in the air flowstream such that heated air can also be supplied to the passenger compartment when desired. Multiple units provide for incremental capacity requirements to be met as well as limp home capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Hille, Robert C. Reimann, Belin Czechowicz
  • Patent number: 6874328
    Abstract: In a hybrid compressor for a vehicle where a vehicle engine is stopped when the vehicle is temporally stopped, a pulley, a motor and a compressor can be driven in independent from each other, and are connected to a sun gear, planetary carriers and a ring gear of a planetary gear. A rotational speed of the motor is adjusted by a controller, so that a rotational speed of the compressor is changed with respect to a rotational speed of the pulley. Accordingly, production cost of the hybrid compressor and the size thereof can be reduced, while a cooling function can be ensured even when the vehicle engine is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignees: Nippon Soken Inc., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Suzuki, Shigeki Iwanami, Hironori Asa, Keiichi Uno
  • Patent number: 6863139
    Abstract: Accessory-driving equipment connects an engine having an idle stop system, a motor-generator and an accessory including an air-conditioner compressor that is driven even at a time when the idle stop system is operated. The accessory is driven by the engine when the engine is running and driven by the motor-generator when the idle stop system is operated. The accessory-driving equipment includes a first shaft for connecting to the engine, a second shaft for connecting to the motor-generator, a third shaft for connecting to the accessory, a lock device for locking the third shaft and a clutch. The clutch and the lock device are operated so that a torque transmitted from the engine through the first shaft is distributed to the motor-generator and the accessory, or a torque is transmitted from the motor-generator to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneyuki Egami, Tomoya Katoh, Jiro Asai