Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for managing client control systems of a fleet of vehicles. In one aspect, a method includes (i) receiving, at a controller from a fleet server remote from at least one vehicle, at least one graphics instruction relating to a state of the at least one vehicle's auxiliary power source, and (ii) displaying on a graphical user interface (GUI), (a) a parameter associated with a climate control system of the at least one vehicle, and (b) a ring surrounding the parameter. The ring represents the state of the auxiliary power source that changes color, intensity, or size based on a degree of energy efficiency of the climate control system of the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: The method for reducing virus transmission in an enclosed space includes providing a minimum humidity ratio threshold at which transmission of a particular virus is decreased. The method also includes determining a humidity ratio of an enclosed space suitable for receiving a living being. The method also includes, in response to determining that the humidity ratio is less than the minimum humidity ratio threshold, increasing the humidity ratio until the humidity ratio in the enclosed space is at least equal to the minimum humidity ratio threshold.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for managing client control systems of a fleet of vehicles. In one aspect, a method includes (i) receiving, at a controller from a fleet server remote from at least one vehicle, at least one graphics instruction relating to a state of the at least one vehicle's auxiliary power source, and (ii) displaying on a graphical user interface (GUI), (a) a parameter associated with a climate control system of the at least one vehicle, and (b) a ring surrounding the parameter. The ring represents the state of the auxiliary power source that changes color, intensity, or size based on a degree of energy efficiency of the climate control system of the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (3) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (4) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for managing client control systems of a fleet of vehicles. In one aspect, a method includes (i) receiving, at a controller from a fleet server remote from at least one vehicle, at least one graphics instruction relating to a state of the at least one vehicle's auxiliary power source, and (ii) displaying on a graphical user interface (GUI), (a) a parameter associated with a climate control system of the at least one vehicle, and (b) a ring surrounding the parameter. The ring represents the state of the auxiliary power source that changes color, intensity, or size based on a degree of energy efficiency of the climate control system of the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for managing client control systems of a fleet of vehicles. In one aspect, a method includes (i) receiving, at a controller from a fleet server remote from at least one vehicle, at least one graphics instruction relating to a state of the at least one vehicle's auxiliary power source, and (ii) displaying on a graphical user interface (GUI), (a) a parameter associated with a climate control system of the at least one vehicle, and (b) a ring surrounding the parameter. The ring represents the state of the auxiliary power source that changes color, intensity, or size based on a degree of energy efficiency of the climate control system of the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (3) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (4) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for managing client control systems of a fleet of vehicles. In one aspect, a method includes (i) receiving, at a controller from a fleet server remote from at least one vehicle, at least one graphics instruction relating to a state of the at least one vehicle's auxiliary power source, and (ii) displaying on a graphical user interface (GUI), (a) a parameter associated with a climate control system of the at least one vehicle, and (b) a ring surrounding the parameter. The ring represents the state of the auxiliary power source that changes color, intensity, or size based on a degree of energy efficiency of the climate control system of the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for managing client control systems of a fleet of vehicles. In one aspect, a method is performed at a fleet server. The method includes: (1) receiving, from each vehicle of a plurality of vehicles in the fleet of road vehicles, at least one parameter relaying information about a performance of a climate control system of the respective vehicle, each climate control system having a distinct electrically-driven heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; (2) determining based on the at least one parameter from each vehicle an efficient operational setting for at least one vehicle of the fleet of vehicles; and (3) transmitting an operational setting instruction to the at least one vehicle to control the climate control system of the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a vehicular ventilation module having control circuitry, a return air duct, a fresh air duct, a heat exchanger, and a door joining an upstream portion of the return air duct upstream of the heat exchanger and an upstream portion of the fresh air duct upstream of the heat exchanger. The fresh air duct has an air inlet and an air outlet downstream of the air inlet. The heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the return air duct upstream of the return air outlet and to the fresh air duct downstream of the return air inlet. The door selectively opens to enable air to pass between the fresh air duct and the return air duct. The control circuitry is configured to operate in a first mode of operation, including having the door open. The return air outlet is configured to provide air to the HVAC system.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a vehicular ventilation module having control circuitry, a return air duct, a fresh air duct, a heat exchanger, and a door joining an upstream portion of the return air duct upstream of the heat exchanger and an upstream portion of the fresh air duct upstream of the heat exchanger. The fresh air duct has an air inlet and an air outlet downstream of the air inlet. The heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the return air duct upstream of the return air outlet and to the fresh air duct downstream of the return air inlet. The door selectively opens to enable air to pass between the fresh air duct and the return air duct. The control circuitry is configured to operate in a first mode of operation, including having the door open. The return air outlet is configured to provide air to the HVAC system.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for managing client control systems of a fleet of vehicles. In one aspect, a method is performed at a fleet server. The method includes: (1) receiving, from each vehicle of a plurality of vehicles in the fleet of road vehicles, at least one parameter relaying information about a performance of a climate control system of the respective vehicle, each climate control system having a distinct electrically-driven heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; (2) determining based on the at least one parameter from each vehicle an efficient operational setting for at least one vehicle of the fleet of vehicles; and (3) transmitting an operational setting instruction to the at least one vehicle to control the climate control system of the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system is provided. The vehicle air conditioning system includes a first vapor compression refrigeration loop. The first vapor compression refrigeration loop includes a first refrigerant compressor and a first evaporator. The vehicle air conditioning system further includes a tank for holding a compressed fluid, an outlet configured to carry expanded fluid from the tank, and a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first vapor compression refrigeration loop and to the outlet. The heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from refrigerant carried by the first vapor compression refrigeration loop to fluid carried by the outlet, where the temperature of the fluid carried by the outlet has been reduced as a result of expansion of the fluid upon exiting the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ventilation module for improving the efficiency of a vehicle HVAC system. The ventilation module includes a return air duct having an outlet to be coupled to the HVAC system. The ventilation module also includes a fresh air duct, a heat exchanger, and first and second doors. The first and second doors connect the return and fresh air ducts upstream and downstream of the heat exchanger. By selectively opening or closing the first and second doors, the ventilation module provides the HVAC system with desired return, fresh or mixed air through the outlet of the return air duct.

Abstract: The method simultaneously manages climate control systems of a fleet of vehicles at a fleet server remote from the vehicles. The fleet server has one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the processor(s). Initially, at least one parameter relaying information about performance of a climate control system of a respective vehicle is received, from each vehicle. Each vehicle's climate control system includes at least an electrically driven compressor. The system then determines whether a performance inefficiency exists for the climate control system of at least one vehicle based at least in part on the parameter(s) received from the at least one vehicle. Upon determining that a performance inefficiency exists, an efficient operational setting that reduces the performance inefficiency is determined. Finally, an operational setting instruction is transmitted to the at least one vehicle to control the climate control system of that vehicle.

Abstract: The method simultaneously manages climate control systems of a fleet of vehicles at a fleet server remote from the vehicles. The fleet server has one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the processor(s). Initially, at least one parameter relaying information about performance of a climate control system of a respective vehicle is received, from each vehicle. Each vehicle's climate control system includes at least an electrically driven compressor. The system then determines whether a performance inefficiency exists for the climate control system of at least one vehicle based at least in part on the parameter(s) received from the at least one vehicle. Upon determining that a performance inefficiency exists, an efficient operational setting that reduces the performance inefficiency is determined. Finally, an operational setting instruction is transmitted to the at least one vehicle to control the climate control system of that vehicle.

Abstract: The vehicle ventilation module includes a return air duct, a fresh air duct, a heat exchanger, and first and second doors. The return air duct has a return air inlet and a return air outlet downstream of the return air inlet. The fresh air duct has a fresh air inlet and a fresh air outlet downstream of the fresh air inlet. The heat exchanger thermally coupled to the return air duct and the fresh air duct. The heat exchanger is upstream of the return air outlet and the fresh air outlet, and downstream of the return air inlet and the fresh air inlet. The first door joins the return air duct and the fresh air duct upstream of the heat exchanger. The second door joins the return air duct and the fresh air duct downstream of the heat exchanger. The first door and the second door are operable to selectively open and close in order to allow air to pass between the fresh air duct and the return air duct.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system is provided. The vehicle air conditioning system includes a first vapor compression refrigeration loop. The first vapor compression refrigeration loop includes a first refrigerant compressor and a first evaporator. The vehicle air conditioning system further includes a tank for holding a compressed fluid, an outlet configured to carry expanded fluid from the tank, and a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first vapor compression refrigeration loop and to the outlet. The heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from refrigerant carried by the first vapor compression refrigeration loop to fluid carried by the outlet, where the temperature of the fluid carried by the outlet has been reduced as a result of expansion of the fluid upon exiting the tank.

Abstract: An HVAC system for heating and cooling a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a first heat exchanger that transfers heat between a primary loop and a secondary loop. The primary loop is a reversible loop and uses high pressure refrigerant. A compressor pressurizes the refrigerant. A second heat exchanger selectively transfers heat energy to and from the passenger compartment. The secondary loop is a low pressure liquid coolant loop that passes through the first heat exchanger. A pump moves fluid through the secondary loop. A third heat exchanger transfers heat to and from an external medium from the fluid passing through the secondary loop. A secondary heat source adds heat to the secondary loop during a heating mode. A bypass means selectively bypasses the secondary heat source during a cooling mode.

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.