Abstract: A method of minimizing overall power consumption of a vehicle cooling system includes performing a hardware selection phase, performing an actuator position selection phase, and configuring operation of selected hardware components of the vehicle cooling system at a selected actuator position combination when the vehicle is operating in a predefined driving condition.

Abstract: A method of minimizing overall power consumption of a vehicle cooling system includes performing a hardware selection phase, performing an actuator position selection phase, and configuring operation of selected hardware components of the vehicle cooling system at a selected actuator position combination when the vehicle is operating in a predefined driving condition.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle for recovering waste heat from an engine includes a Rankine cycle circuit having a pump, a heat exchanger, an expansion device, a cooling device and a bypass circuit. The bypass circuit selectively provides a flow path for working fluid to bypass the expansion device, and includes a flow control valve actuated by a working fluid pressure differential to selectively open or close the bypass flow path. The expansion device includes a drive member directly coupled to a front end accessory drive (FEAD) of the engine such that a rotational speed of the expansion device is dictated by engine speed and the expansion device is free from separate speed control. The expansion device provides torque to the FEAD via the drive member when the system is in a waste heat recovery mode thereby reducing engine load and improving fuel economy.

Abstract: Engine coolant heating systems and methods that improve waste heat recovery. The systems and methods include a piped connection between the outlet of an exhaust gas recirculation cooler and the main exhaust pipe leading to the vehicle's tailpipe. The systems and methods also include at least one additional valve in the exhaust stream for directing the flow of exhaust appropriately given specific driving conditions.

Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle having a rotating member and using coolant in a liquid cooling system, is provided that comprises a radiator for dissipating the heat from the coolant, an electric pump for pumping the coolant through the cooling system, a mechanical pump operatively connected to the rotating member for pumping coolant through the cooling system, and a clutch for disengaging the second pump for minimizing the parasitic loss of the system and improving total fuel economy of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle having a rotating member and using coolant in a liquid cooling system, is provided that comprises a radiator for dissipating the heat from the coolant, an electric pump for pumping the coolant through the cooling system, a mechanical pump operatively connected to the rotating member for pumping coolant through the cooling system, and a clutch for disengaging the second pump for minimizing the parasitic loss of the system and improving total fuel economy of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cooling fan system includes an engine driven mechanical fan and an electrically driven fan. The mechanical fan and the electrical fans are placed in series within a common shroud that directs air between them. In one application, the electrical fan generates an axially directed air flow and the mechanical fan produces a radially directed air flow. The electrical fan is rotated counter to the mechanical fan.

Abstract: A flow regulating valve for air conditioning systems is shown in which a body member (26, 26a-26e) is provided with a passageway (28, 28a-28f) which results in regulating flow of refrigerant into the evaporator of the air conditioning system under normal conditions. Under severe operating conditions, e.g., high ambient temperature and low or idle speeds, the system refrigerant pressure rises. This increases pressure in the evaporator and an increase in the saturation temperature of refrigerant in the evaporator. This increase in temperature is sensed by a thermostatic metal element (44, 80, 88) of the regulating valve which moves to increase restriction to the flow of the refrigerant fluid through the valve thereby decreasing pressure of the refrigerant entering the evaporator.

Abstract: A flow regulating valve for air conditioning systems is shown in which a body member (26, 26a-26e) is provided with a passageway (28, 28a-28f) which results in regulating flow of refrigerant into the evaporator of the air conditioning system under normal conditions. Under severe operating conditions, e.g., high ambient temperature and low or idle speeds, the system refrigerant pressure rises. This increases pressure in the evaporator and an increase in the saturation temperature of refrigerant in the evaporator. This increase in temperature is sensed by a thermostatic metal element (44, 80, 88) of the regulating valve which moves to increase restriction to the flow of the refrigerant fluid through the valve thereby decreasing pressure of the refrigerant entering the evaporator.