Abstract: A method of controlling power to a vehicle accessory gradually shuts down power to the vehicle accessory and gradually restores power to the vehicle accessory. After a request for an auto-shutdown of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is detected, power to the vehicle accessory is reduced on a predetermined schedule responsive to such detection. The occurrence of a restart of the internal combustion engine of a vehicle is determined, and power supplied to the vehicle accessory is increased on a predetermined schedule responsive to the restart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling blower speed of an air conditioning system in a vehicle having a start/stop engine. When an auto stop event of the start/stop engine is entered, an ambient temperature and a second temperature (e.g., evaporator) of the air conditioning system are measured by sensors. A first cutback limit is determined in response to the ambient temperature. The blower speed is ramped to the first cutback limit by a controller. The engine is restarted and the blower speed is restored in response to the second temperature reaching a restart threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus controls a recirculation position of a return vent in an HVAC system for a vehicle with a compressor driven by a start/stop engine. A partial recirculation position is set according to a basic recirculation strategy while the engine is operating. An auto stop event is entered at a time with the compressor operating. A full recirculation position is set during the stop event by an HVAC controller if a plurality of low fogging probability indicators are true. The low fogging probability indicators include a sensed ambient temperature being above a predetermined temperature, a sensed state of a windshield wiper being an off state, and a sensed sunload being above a predetermined sunload. The return vent is set at other than the full recirculation position by the HVAC controller according to the basic recirculation strategy if the low fogging probability indicators are not true.

Abstract: A vehicle climate control system includes a heat exchanger to heat ambient air using engine waste heat, and a plurality of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating elements to heat air passed through the heat exchanger. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to, while the vehicle is driven without engine propulsion, issue a command to sequentially de-energize the PTC heating elements before an upcoming engine activation. The sequential de-energization of the PTC heating elements is performed according to a schedule that is based upon a power surge dissipation time.

Abstract: Methods for improving operation of a stop-start system of a vehicle include controlling an electrical load delivered to an electrically heated windshield (HWS) subsystem of the vehicle prior to a stop cycle or a start cycle of the stop-start system. The methods include steps of discontinuing the electrical load delivered to the HWS subsystem for a predetermined time period prior to a determined predicted stop cycle of the stop-start system. The methods further include differently apportioning the electrical load delivered to a passenger's side and a driver's side of the HWS subsystem. The differently apportioning may be according to a determined ambient temperature value, and further may include steps of differently apportioning the electrical load for predetermined time periods determined according to the ambient temperature value. Vehicle stop-start systems and vehicles implementing the methods are described.

Abstract: A method controls a recirculation position of a return vent in an HVAC system for a vehicle with a compressor driven by a start/stop engine. A partial s recirculation position is set according to a basic recirculation strategy while the engine is operating. An auto stop event is entered at a time with the compressor operating. A full recirculation position is set during the stop event if a plurality of low fogging probability indicators are true. The low fogging probability indicators include a sensed ambient temperature being above a predetermined temperature, a sensed state of a windshield wiper being an off state, and a sensed sunload being above a predetermined sunload.

Abstract: A method for controlling blower speed of an air conditioning system in a vehicle having a start/stop engine. A stop event is entered and an ambient temperature and a second temperature (e.g., evaporator) of the air conditioning system are measured. A first cutback limit is determined in response to the ambient temperature. The blower speed is ramped to the first cutback limit The engine is restarted and the blower speed is restored in response to the second temperature reaching a restart threshold. Consequently, a rise in evaporator temperature is delayed so that any to request by the HVAC system to terminate the stop event is also delayed.

Abstract: Recirculation of air within a passenger cabin by a vehicular HVAC system is controlled to maximize the use of recirculation without causing discomfort from a large air flow around the legs of a passenger located near the cabin air return vent. An automatic recirculation condition is detected in response to first conditions including a window defrost setting. A fogging probability is determined in response to second conditions including a humidity measurement. Occupancy of a passenger seat adjacent the cabin air return vent is detected. A partial recirculation of the return vent is set in response to the fogging probability and the detected occupancy.

Abstract: An apparatus assembles a heat exchanger core having first and second side plates. The first and second side plates cooperate with first and second end plates to sandwich a plurality of layered tubes and fin plates therebetween. The apparatus includes a lifting mechanism for stacking the tubes and fin plates with respect to one another to define a layered stack having opposite sides and opposite ends. A side plate assembling mechanism associates the first and second side plates on opposite sides of the layered stack. An end plate assembling mechanism associates the first and second end plates on opposite ends of the layered stack.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and delivering fins manufactured in a fin mill for use in manufacture and assembly of heat exchangers used for controlling temperature conditions. The apparatus includes first and second conveyors, the first conveyor receiving and transporting fins emanating from a fin mill, and the second conveyer delivering the fins to an apparatus for manufacturing and assembling a heat exchanger. A tier of chutes reorient the direction of the fins with respect to the direction of the conveyor travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for alignment and delivery of tubing for use in manufacture and assembly of heat exchangers used for controlling temperature conditions. The apparatus includes a drum into which bulk tubes are loaded. The drum aligns and deposits the tubes onto a conveyor which transports the tubes to a feed magazine. An alignment mechanism aligns the tubes within the feed magazine for use in the process of the assembly of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus assembles a heat exchanger core having first and second side plates. The first and second side plates cooperate with first and second end plates to sandwich a plurality of layered tubes and fin plates therebetween. The apparatus includes a lifting mechanism for stacking the tubes and fin plates with respect to one another to define a layered stack having opposite sides and opposite ends. A side plate assembling mechanism associates the first and second side plates on opposite sides of the layered stack. An end plate assembling mechanism associates the first and second end plates on opposite ends of the layered stack.