Vehicle Or Engine Speed Responsive Patents (Class 165/271)
-
Patent number: 11661198Abstract: An air conditioning pack of a cooling system includes an air cycle machine assembly, a cabin air compressor assembly, and a mixing duct. The air cycle machine assembly includes a compressor configured to receive an air stream that includes bleed air to generate a compressed air stream. The air cycle machine assembly utilizes a first portion of the compressed air stream to power the compressor. The cabin air compressor assembly receives a second portion of the compressed air stream, and utilizes the second portion to generate compressed ram air. The mixing duct receives the compressed ram air and allows the compressed ram air to mix with one or more of the air stream upstream of the compressor or the compressed air stream downstream of the compressor to generate a hybrid air stream that is used for cooling at least a portion of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2018Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: William Webster Behrens, Andrew Richard Tucker
-
Patent number: 11255586Abstract: The present invention provides a parallel-connected condensation device, comprising a front condensation unit, a rear condensation unit, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins. The front condensation unit is parallel to the rear condensation unit. The heat dissipation fins is inserted into the front condensation unit and the rear condensation unit. The front condensation unit and the rear condensation unit comprise a plurality of confluence chambers. The confluence chambers are connected with each other to form a plurality of flow channels.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: MAN ZAI INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Cheng-Chien Wan, Cheng-Jui Wan, Chun-Hsien Su, Hui-Fen Huang
-
Patent number: 11065951Abstract: A passive shutter mechanism (10; 20) for a cooling pack (2) in a vehicle (1) adapted to selectively close at least part of an airflow path into the cooling pack (2), wherein the shutter mechanism comprises at least one blocking member (11; 21) adapted to be displaced between an open position, wherein air may flow into the cooling pack (2), and a closed position, wherein air is prevented from flowing into at least part of the cooling pack (2), depending on the movement of the vehicle (1). A vehicle (1) comprising such a passive shutter mechanism, as well as a method of operating such a passive shutter mechanism is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2017Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.Inventor: Robert Moestam
-
Patent number: 11046441Abstract: An environmental control system includes a cross-flow heat exchanger, a first valve, and a second valve. The heat exchanger includes three cores each with their own respective inlet, outlet, and cold air passage. The first inlet is fluidly connected with a hot air source. The second outlet is fluidly connected to the first outlet. The third inlet is fluidly connected to the second inlet and to a hot air destination. The first valve is fluidly connected with the hot air source, the second inlet, and the third inlet. The first valve is positioned in-line between the hot air source and the second and third inlets. The second valve is fluidly connected to the hot air destination, to the first outlet, and to the second outlet. The second valve is positioned in-line between the hot air destination and the first and second outlets.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Alan Retersdorf
-
Patent number: 10830538Abstract: A heat exchanger that includes a plurality of conduits that transmit a refrigerant therethrough. A valve that actuates to fluidly couple a first set of conduits of the plurality of conduits in a first setting and fluidly couple a second set of conduits of the plurality of conduits in a second setting.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Ryan L. Snider, Nicholas P. Mislak, Kristen Velez-Diaz, Kevin R. Stockton, Stacy S. Lemkelde, Douglas A. Kester
-
Patent number: 10808610Abstract: An environmental control system includes a low pressure tap at a location on a first compressor section of a main compressor section. The low pressure tap communicates airflow to a first passage leading to a downstream outlet. A compressor is driven by an electric motor. A combined outlet intermixes airflow from the first passage and from the compressor driven by the electric motor and passes the airflow downstream to be delivered to an aircraft use.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Raytheon Technologies CorporationInventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Gabriel L. Suciu
-
Patent number: 10738695Abstract: An engine bleed air system for providing air to an aircraft system includes a port for extracting bleed air from a compressor section of an engine. The system additionally includes a turbo-generator having a turbine and a generator. The generator is driven by rotation of the turbine. A boost compressor is fluidly coupled to the port. Bleed air from the port is selectively provided to one of the turbo-generator and the boost compressor based on a demand of the aircraft system.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Richard A. Himmelmann, Stephen E. Tongue
-
Patent number: 10525819Abstract: An active grille shutter arrangement having an assembled modular frame with a plurality of primary frame pieces formed by extrusion. Each one of the plurality of primary frame pieces has a first end, a second end and at least one key slot extending between the first end and the second end. Each of the plurality of frame pieces also includes a hollow bore extending through the each one of the plurality of primary frame pieces forming an aperture at the first end and an aperture at the second end. When the modular frame is assembled there is an upper frame portion and lower frame portion, both formed from one of the plurality of primary frame pieces. The arrangement also includes a number of alternate frame and vane pieces that allow several different active grille shapes and configurations to be formed.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS INC.Inventors: Braendon Lindberg, Ross Parpart, Jeffrey B. Manhire
-
Patent number: 10364735Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting vehicle grille shutters based on a direction of motion of the grille shutters. In one example, a method includes adjusting a motor coupled to the grille shutters based on the direction of motion of the grille shutters, a desired opening of the grille shutters, and vehicle speed. Further, the method may include determining the direction of motion of the grille shutters based on a desired motor position relative to an actual motor position.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin Macfarlane, Christopher Semanson, Joseph James Gallo, Mark Fleming, Colby Jason Buckman, Robert Roy Jentz
-
Patent number: 10160547Abstract: An environmental control system (ECS) pack is provided including a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger. An air cycle machine is arranged in fluid communication with at least one of the primary and second heat exchanger. The air cycle machine includes a compressor and a plurality of turbines. Discharged cabin air is supplied to at least one of the plurality of turbines to operate the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Louis J. Bruno, Harold W. Hipsky, Donald E. Army, Jr., Erin G. Kline, Christina W. Millot, Paul M. D'Orlando
-
Patent number: 9701174Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a control unit. The control unit limits an output of an electrically powered compressor included in an air conditioner when a shutter has a closed failure in which the shutter cannot be set to an opened state.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masashi Yoshimi, Takayuki Asami
-
Patent number: 9254920Abstract: An aircraft energy management system including a cabin air compressor adapted to be coupled to a source of fan discharge air at a first pressure during an inflight operating mode and adapted to be coupled to a ram intake air during a ground operating mode. The system further including an environmental control system mechanically coupled to a compressor exit of the cabin air compressor. The aircraft energy management system configured to provide a conditioned fluid flow to an aircraft cabin, cockpit or de-icing system.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignees: General Electric Company, Embraer S.A.Inventors: Rui Zhou, Stephen Francis Winter, Athanasios Kyriazopoulos, Jones Ricardo Muller, Javier Armando Parilla
-
Publication number: 20150114016Abstract: When an air conditioning ECU determines that it is immediately before idling stop, the air conditioning ECU implements a front seat air conditioning mode even if the air conditioning ECU determines that an occupant intensive air-conditioning mode can be implemented. Accordingly, the air conditioning ECU controls opening and closing mechanisms so as to blow a conditioned air from driver's seat side outlet ports, and also blow the conditioned air from a passenger's seat side foot outlet port. Hence, in cooling operation, since a temperature increase of air drawn into an inside air inlet port is limited when the idling stop is carried out, temperature increase of air blown into the vehicle interior from the outlet port can be restricted. In other words, a temperature change in the vehicle interior can be limited when a travel engine stops due to the idling stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Koji Ota, Yasuhiro Sagou
-
Publication number: 20140318759Abstract: A method of controlling an aircraft gas turbine engine cooling system. The cooling system includes a heat exchanger having a first fluid path through which fan air flows, and a second fluid path through which relatively hot compressor air flows. The cooling system includes a valve configurable between an open position corresponding to a first operating mode, where fan air flows through the first path cooling the compressor air in the second path to a lower temperature, and a closed position corresponding to a second operating mode, where fan air may flow through the first path at a reduced rate, thus the compressor air in the second path could be cooled to a lesser extent. The valve is operated in first mode when the aircraft is in a descent mode, or when turbine entry temperature is above a predetermined amount. Otherwise, the valve is operated in second mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Sean Patrick ELLIS, Rory Douglas STIEGER
-
Patent number: 8833313Abstract: A method of controlling airflow through a grille on a front end of a vehicle comprising the steps of: detecting vehicle operating conditions; determining a desired percentage of airflow through the grille based on the desired operating conditions; actuating grille airflow shutters to an open position for the determined desired percentage of a predetermined time interval; and actuating the grille airflow shutter to a closed position for a remaining percentage of the predetermined time interval.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas K. Lockwood, Darren L. Bohne, Michael G. Leffert, Rajneesh K. Singh, Jason W. Guenzel
-
Patent number: 8708071Abstract: A cooling system for an electric vehicle includes: a cooling unit that cools an electric drive unit; and a control unit that controls cooling of the electric drive unit by controlling the cooling unit. The control unit controls the cooling unit in a first cooling mode that provides a first cooling capacity when a force for driving the electric vehicle due to the electric drive unit is in a first operational region, and controls the cooling unit in a second cooling mode that provides a second cooling capacity that is higher than the first cooling capacity when the force due to the electric drive unit is in a second operational region that is higher than the first operational region; and in the second cooling mode, the control unit controls the cooling unit so that the second cooling capacity becomes higher as a rotational speed of the electric drive unit decreases.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Yokoyama, Masatsugu Arai, Shingo Nasu
-
Patent number: 8684117Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a vehicle with an engine system and a power dissipation system. One example method includes, during directing airflow from an airflow generating device to cool a component of the power dissipation system, and directing the airflow from the airflow generating device to cool a component of the engine system.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Todd Adam Ptacek, Scott Leute, Patrick Allen
-
Patent number: 8672022Abstract: A method and a correspondingly designed motor vehicle are provided for pre-climatizing the motor vehicle when shut-off by way of a heating and/or cooling unit, which draws its energy for heating and/or cooling from an electric storage unit. When the heating and/or cooling unit is activated by a vehicle external operator control element, the heating and/or cooling unit is initially activated in a first output stage. Then, the heating and/or cooling unit is switched from the first output stage to a second output stage as a function of predetermined conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralph Ostermeier, Peter Satzger, Georg Gerstenbrandt
-
Publication number: 20140034287Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles provide for cooling of a vehicle rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). A control system is coupled to the RESS, and is configured to cool the RESS. The control system includes a passive cooling system for cooling the RESS, an active cooling system for cooling the RESS, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the passive cooling system and the active cooling system, and is configured to determine whether conditions are present for effective use of the passive cooling system, initiate cooling of the RESS using the passive cooling system if it is determined that the conditions are present for effective use of the passive cooling system, and initiate cooling of the RESS using the active cooling system if it is determined that the conditions are not present for effective use of the passive cooling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: KEITH D. BUFORD, MATTHEW SIMONINI
-
Patent number: 8620502Abstract: An electric vehicle battery heater includes a housing having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. A heating element is positioned within the housing in a heat transfer relationship with coolant for transferring heat to an electric vehicle battery. A thermistor is positioned in the housing to output a signal indicative of a temperature of the battery coolant. A controller energizes the heating element when the signal represents that the coolant temperature is less than a predetermined lower limit.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Allen
-
Patent number: 8602091Abstract: There is provided an air-cooling structure for a vehicle-mounted object is capable of taking in a sufficient amount of air. The top end of an air suction part 36 is opened extremely near an air deflector 20 behind the air deflector 20. With this, an air flow W4 prevented from flowing to a vehicle compartment space 12 by the air deflector 20 is introduced to the top end of the air suction part 36 and flows into the interior of the air suction part 36. In this manner, the air flow W4 flowing at a speed corresponding to the running speed of a vehicle 10 flows into the interior of the air suction part 36, so that even though the air flow W4 is the outside air, the air flow W4 can effectively air-cool a battery 34 installed in a battery housing part 32.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Tyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsuki Nemoto
-
Publication number: 20130248165Abstract: A mobile environment-controlled unit comprising a chassis, a compartment supported by the chassis, and an environmental-control system in environmental communication with the compartment. The environmental-control system is configured to control an environmental parameter of the compartment. The environmental-control system includes an AC Alternator and a controller. The AC alternator is powered by an internal combustion engine and supplies electrical power for the environmental-control system. The controller is configured to monitor the environmental parameter of the compartment, monitor one or more electrical parameters of the AC alternator, control the environmental-control system based on the monitored environmental parameter, and control the AC alternator based on the monitored parameters of the alternator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Thermo King CorporationInventor: Vaitheeswaran Kandasamy
-
Patent number: 8485249Abstract: A cold engine lockout CELO method is carried out when cooling water of an engine is not sufficiently warmed upon the startup of a vehicle in the winter according to default levels, wherein the default levels are divided into a total default level, a partial default level and a control level according to inside and outside air temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Nak Sup Sung, Sang Ku Hur
-
Publication number: 20130153198Abstract: A fluid system for an intercooler has a fill level defining a maximum volume of liquid in the fluid system, a main fluid circuit and a secondary fluid volume. The main fluid circuit includes the intercooler, and one or more passages through which fluid is circulated with operation of the engine, and at least a portion of the main fluid circuit is located above the fill level. The secondary fluid volume has at least a portion located below the fill level that communicates with the main fluid circuit to receive liquid from the main fluid circuit at least when the engine is not operating to drain at least some of the liquid from the portion of the main fluid circuit that is located above the fill level. This reduces the volume of liquid that remains above the fill level when the engine is not operating.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC.Inventors: Gregory P. Prior, E. Timothy Pawl
-
Patent number: 8453722Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
-
Patent number: 8424589Abstract: An oil cooler for a motorcycle includes a heat exchanger residing within a primary drive between an engine pulley and a clutch pulley. A fan within the primary drive pushes or pulls air through the heat exchanger. The fan may be electrically or mechanically operated and mounted to one of a base plate or a cover plate of the primary drive. Alternatively, the fan may be formed as a mechanical portion of one of the primary drive components. Vectoring blades may assist in directing an air flow within the primary drive to the heat exchanger, and vents may be formed in the cover plate for air intake and/or exhaust.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Inventors: George Erik McMillan, Scott L. Lowe
-
Publication number: 20120230843Abstract: A cooling system includes a cooling duct extending between a first component and a second component of a machine. A motor powered fan in the cooling duct creates an airflow in the duct. First and second temperature sensors are disposed to measure, respectively, first and second temperatures, which are associated with first and second temperature limits in first and second components. An electronic controller provides a motor command signal, receives the first and second temperatures, calculates first and second temperature differences to generate first and second blower commands based on the respective temperature differences, and calculates a feed-forward blower motor command based on a machine load factor. The electronic controller selects the greater of the first blower command, the second blower command, and the feed-forward blower command to be a maximum command, and determines and provides the motor command signal to the motor based on the maximum command.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: SREENIVASA RAVIPATI, ALEXANDER CROSMAN, MATTHEW HENDRICKSON, LEWEI QIAN
-
Publication number: 20120211216Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a temperature of oil in a power-plant operable to propel a vehicle. The system includes a heat-exchanger arranged relative to the power-plant. The heat-exchanger is configured to receive the oil from the power-plant, modify the temperature of the oil, and return the modified temperature oil to the power-plant. The system also includes a valve configured to direct the oil through the heat-exchanger during a warm-up operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is increased. The valve is also configured to direct the oil to bypass the heat-exchanger during a low load operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is increased. Additionally, the valve is configured to direct the oil through the heat-exchanger during a high load operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is decreased.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2011Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Joseph J. Noonchester, Jonathan Pung, Thomas A. Spix
-
Patent number: 8245768Abstract: An air-conditioning system of an electric car has an air-conditioning unit which is configured to perform air-conditioning in a passenger compartment by heater/cooler operation, a setting panel configured to set a target temperature of the passenger compartment, and a control unit which is connected to the air-conditioning unit and setting panel, and has different control of heater operation of the air-conditioning unit, wherein the control unit is configured to select controls of heater operation based on a vehicle speed v.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Nomura, Kou hei Umezu, Masaru Kadoi, Shinya Fujiwara
-
Publication number: 20120168140Abstract: A cooling system for an electric vehicle includes: a cooling unit that cools an electric drive unit; and a control unit that controls cooling of the electric drive unit by controlling the cooling unit. The control unit controls the cooling unit in a first cooling mode that provides a first cooling capacity when a force for driving the electric vehicle due to the electric drive unit is in a first operational region, and controls the cooling unit in a second cooling mode that provides a second cooling capacity that is higher than the first cooling capacity when the force due to the electric drive unit is in a second operational region that is higher than the first operational region; and in the second cooling mode, the control unit controls the cooling unit so that the second cooling capacity becomes higher as a rotational speed of the electric drive unit decreases.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Yokkoyama, Masatsugu Arai, Shingo Nasu
-
Publication number: 20120132411Abstract: Provided is a wind power generating system for a vehicle using a cooling fan motor that is operated by receiving power from a battery, the system including a cooling fan motor operated in a cooling mode to cool a heat exchanger with the applied power or operated in a power generation mode to produce electricity by rotating a cooling fan by driving wind, and a control device controlling rotation of the cooling fan motor and determining whether the cooling fan motor is operated in the power generation mode or the cooling mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Man-Hee Park, Jae-San Kim, Jae-Yeon Kim, Yong-Hyun Choi
-
Publication number: 20120061069Abstract: In an engine coolant circuit with a radiator and an engine, a fan and a coolant pump may be provided. The fan and pump may be electrically driven, driven by a variable speed clutch, hydraulically driven, or driven by some other actively controllable means. When an increase in heat transfer rate is indicated, the fan speed or the coolant pump speed may be increased. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the choice of increasing the fan speed or increasing the pump speed is determined so that the power consumed is minimized. The broad concept is that dQ/dP, the gradient in heat transfer rate to power, is determined for both the fan and the pump at the present operating condition. The one with the higher gradient is the one that is commanded to increase speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: William Samuel Schwartz
-
Patent number: 8118087Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning device having first and second fans for forcing air through a heat exchanger, and a fan controller for controlling an operation of the first and second fans. On receiving a signal indicating that the shutter is closed, the fan controller controls the first and second fans such that the first fan is turned into an operating state and the second fan is turned into a stopped state.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshitaka Saida, Choji Sakuma
-
Publication number: 20110288717Abstract: A vehicle system includes a first sensor that provides first data indicating at least one of vehicle speed and ambient temperature. The system also includes a shutter control module. The shutter control module includes a first sub-module that provides a first amount of modification to an opening amount for a shutter based on the first data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Songping Yu, Bryon Wasacz, Michael Prucka
-
Patent number: 8047274Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle includes a main heater for heating air in a vehicle compartment using coolant of an engine of the vehicle as a heat source, and an auxiliary heater for heating air in the vehicle compartment using a heat source other than exhaust heat of the engine. In the air conditioner, a requirement signal for requiring startup of the engine is output when a temperature of the coolant of the engine is determined to be lower than a threshold, and the threshold is adjusted based on an operating state of the auxiliary heater such that as an amount of heat generated by the auxiliary heater increases, the threshold decreases. Accordingly, as the heating capacity of the auxiliary heater is increased, the startup of the engine becomes more difficult.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Mitsuyo Oomura
-
Patent number: 7976419Abstract: A system for controlling a flow rate in a vehicle transmission includes a source of fluid exiting a torque converter, an oil cooler, a source of control pressure, and a valve for regulating a rate of fluid flow from the torque converter to the cooler in response to the control pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chip Hartinger, Steve A. Frait, James T. Gooden
-
Patent number: 7878011Abstract: A method for determining the desired ventilation air temperature of an automatic heating and air-conditioning system of a vehicle having an opening top is described. The open or closed state of the top of the vehicle is detected, and the heating and air-conditioning system is controlled and/or regulated in a number of different ways as a function of the state of the top. In the open state of the top, the desired ventilation air temperature is determined as a function of the speed of the vehicle. Also, in the open state of the top the desired ventilation air temperature is determined in such a manner that the top-closed desired ventilation air temperature is increased by a speed-dependent offset value.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Heil, Robert Salzberger
-
Patent number: 7870892Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling the climate of a hybrid vehicle. The system includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a valve. The thermoelectric module includes thermoelectric elements powered by electric energy. The thermoelectric elements emit or absorb heat energy based on the polarity of the electrical energy provided. A tube containing coolant runs proximate the thermoelectric elements. To aid in the transfer of heat energy, a blower is provided to generate an air flow across the thermoelectric elements and the tube. The coolant is provided from the thermoelectric module to a heat exchanger that heats or cools the air flow provided to the cabin of the vehicle. The pump and valve are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and thermoelectric module. The pump pressurizes the coolant flow through the tube and coolant lines. In a cooling mode, the valve is configured to selectively bypass the engine coolant system of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Peter R. Gawthrop
-
Patent number: 7610954Abstract: The technique of the invention determines whether input data for driving and controlling a cooling fan have any abnormality (steps S100 and S110), sets an actual drive level F* of the cooling fan to a high level (Hi) in the event of detection of any abnormality (step S130), and controls a fan motor to drive the cooling fan at the set drive level F* (step S140). This arrangement effectively prevents a temperature rise to an abnormally high level in any of an engine and motors even in the event of any abnormality arising in the input data.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ikuo Ando, Osamu Harada, Yukio Kobayashi, Katsuhiko Yamaguchi, Kazuhiro Ichimoto, Takahiro Nishigaki, Daigo Ando, Mamoru Tomatsuri, Keiko Hasegawa
-
Patent number: 7591303Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
-
Patent number: 7454922Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
-
Patent number: 7448227Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
-
Patent number: 7392838Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle HVAC system to automatically defog a windshield glass and to prevent fogging or condensation of the windshield glass. The ambient air temperature and vehicle speed are measured and used to determine a windshield glass temperature. The in-cabin air temperature and relative humidity are measured and used to determine a dewpoint. An dewpoint margin is calculated to compensate for sensor accuracy and fog predictability. A fog margin, which is based upon calculated windshield glass temperature and dewpoint, is calculated and used, in conjunction with the dewpoint margin, to control the HVAC system to anticipate potential fogging conditions and to scale the intensity of the HVAC system response based upon the severity of fogging conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bradley C. Errington, Junichi Kanemaru
-
Patent number: 7357176Abstract: A blower system and method of operation for a vehicle air conditioning system, including a blower case for receiving air to be circulated into a vehicle cabin, with first and second dampers, for varying between a recirculation position for recirculating vehicle cabin air and a fresh position for introduction of fresh air from outside the vehicle. If a calculated outlet temperature is below a first temperature, a control system opens both dampers to a recirculation position. If the calculated outlet temperature is between the first temperature and a higher second temperature, the control system opens either the first or second damper to a fresh position, and opens the other damper to a recirculation position or the fresh position based upon relative humidity and vehicle speed. If the calculated outlet temperature is higher than the second temperature, the first and second dampers are both opened to the fresh position.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daniel Yelles
-
Patent number: 7287583Abstract: A low-cost vehicle air-conditioning apparatus for idle stopping vehicles is capable of performing both cooling and heating operations throughout the year. The air-conditioning apparatus includes an engine-driven compressor and engine-driven pump for a heating unit. The air-conditioning apparatus includes a motor-driven compressor and pump. A control unit drives the motor such that the motor-driven compressor is operated when there is a need for cooling and the motor-driven pump is operated when there is a need for heating when the engine is stopped. Battery power is conserved through various methods.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Yasushi Suzuki, Yasushi Yamanaka, Yukio Ogawa, Keiichi Uno
-
Patent number: 7156168Abstract: An intensity of solar radiation is determined in a vehicle based on an absolute position of the sun, a spatial orientation of the vehicle, and a measured intensity of the sun. A position of the sun relative to the vehicle is determined on the basis of the orientation of the vehicle on the globe. This orientation can be determined by GPS data, at least one acceleration sensor, and/or an additional vehicle compass. The position of the sun relative to the vehicle can be determined based on the individual or combined data and the actual, absolute position of the sun, thereby making it possible to determine the intensity of the solar radiation in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: PREH GmbHInventors: Thomas Gutbrod, Thomas Noeth
-
Patent number: 6981544Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning apparatus for idle-stop vehicles is capable of performing both cooling and heating operations throughout the year. The air-conditioning apparatus includes an engine-driven compressor and engine-driven pump for a heating unit. The air-conditioning apparatus includes a motor-driven compressor and pump. A control unit drives the motor such that the motor-driven compressor is operated when there is a need for cooling and the motor-driven pump is operated when there is a need for heating when the engine is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Yasushi Suzuki, Yasushi Yamanaka
-
Patent number: 6892808Abstract: A device to control an installation for heating, ventilating and/or ai-conditioning a vehicle passenger compartment responds to a set-point set by a passenger and chosen air-heating parameter values. A control module drives actuators to modify the operation of the installation. The device includes a module calculating a comfort temperature for a passenger in the passenger compartment using the stored values of the chosen parameters and by taking into account the set-point. The control module alters the operation of the installation as a function of the comfort temperature which corresponds to the air-heating configuration desired in the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Valeo ElectroniqueInventors: Bernard Remond, Michel Schwob, Atallah Benalia
-
Patent number: 6889762Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that allows operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The system utilizes a variable speed, motor driven compressor controlled by an intelligent power generation management controller. This controller selects from one of the available sources of power on the vehicle to drive the compressor, and modulates the compressor speed and capacity based on operational parameters and source availability and depletion. The controller may also operate a coolant or air heater to provide heating to the interior compartments.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
-
Publication number: 20040226708Abstract: Optimal, individual, and comfortable regulation of an air conditioning unit inside a vehicle is provided. An intensity of solar radiation is determined in a vehicle based on an absolute position of the sun, a spatial orientation of the vehicle, and a measured intensity of the sun. A position of the sun relative to the vehicle is determined on the basis of the orientation of the vehicle on the globe. This orientation can be determined by GPS data, at least one acceleration sensor, and/or an additional vehicle compass. The position of the sun relative to the vehicle can be determined based on the individual or combined data and the actual, absolute position of the sun, thereby making it possible to determine the intensity of the solar radiation in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Thomas Gutbrod, Thomas Noeth