Abstract: An internal heat exchanger (IHX) assembly for use in a vehicle includes at least three plates joined together to form two or more separate compartments or channels and at least one flat structure on an external surface of the IHX assembly. One compartment or channel contains a high pressure fluid and the other compartment or channel contains a low pressure fluid. The compartment or channel containing the high pressure fluid is in thermal communication with the compartment or channel containing the low pressure fluid, such that heat is transferred from the high pressure fluid to the low pressure fluid. The IHX assembly acts as a structural member in the vehicle upon which one or more refrigerant components are mounted onto the flat structure.

Abstract: An internal heat exchanger (IHX) assembly for use in a vehicle includes at least three plates joined together to form two or more separate compartments or channels and at least one flat structure on an external surface of the IHX assembly. One compartment or channel contains a high pressure fluid and the other compartment or channel contains a low pressure fluid. The compartment or channel containing the high pressure fluid is in thermal communication with the compartment or channel containing the low pressure fluid, such that heat is transferred from the high pressure fluid to the low pressure fluid. The IHX assembly acts as a structural member in the vehicle upon which one or more refrigerant components are mounted onto the flat structure.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature in a vehicle cabin, while the vehicle engine is turned off, includes the following steps: importing a State-of Charge information of a vehicle traction battery, an outside temperature, and inside temperature of the cabin into an electronic controller; calculating a normal electric power required for operating an HVAC system in a Normal mode; calculating a maximum operation time of the HVAC system in the Normal mode based on the State-of-Charge information; displaying the maximum operation time on a display; reading an operator input selecting one mode of at least the Normal mode and a first Eco mode of the HVAC system, wherein in the first Eco mode the HVAC system operates at a reduced electric power compared to the Normal mode; and operating the HVAC system in accordance with the operator input. A suitable HVAC system includes an appropriate user interface.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature in a vehicle cabin, while the vehicle engine is turned off, includes the following steps: importing a State-of Charge information of a vehicle traction battery, an outside temperature, and inside temperature of the cabin into an electronic controller; calculating a normal electric power required for operating an HVAC system in a Normal mode; calculating a maximum operation time of the HVAC system in the Normal mode based on the State-of-Charge information; displaying the maximum operation time on a display; reading an operator input selecting one mode of at least the Normal mode and a first Eco mode of the HVAC system, wherein in the first Eco mode the HVAC system operates at a reduced electric power compared to the Normal mode; and operating the HVAC system in accordance with the operator input. A suitable HVAC system includes an appropriate user interface.

Abstract: A method to detect the charge level of a refrigerant within a refrigeration circuit, where the refrigeration circuit has a compressor, a sensor to detect a pressure, and a sensor to detect a temperature. The method has a key cycle that has a first part and a second part.

Abstract: A method to control a cooling circuit, with the cooling circuit comprising at least three evaporators, which are fluid connected to the cooling circuit in a parallel connection in individual paths, with each of the paths containing one shut-off valve, through which the flow of the refrigerant, which is circulating through the specific path, can be metered or cut off, where the shut-off valves can be activated or deactivated individually, with the individual evaporators being operative when the shut-off valve located within the specific path of the individual evaporator permits fluid flow, where a maximum of two of the at least three evaporators are operative simultaneously.

Abstract: A method to detect the charge level of a refrigerant within a refrigeration circuit, where the refrigeration circuit has a compressor, a sensor to detect a pressure, and a sensor to detect a temperature. The method has a key cycle that has a first part and a second part.

Abstract: A method to control a cooling circuit, with the cooling circuit comprising at least three evaporators, which are fluid connected to the cooling circuit in a parallel connection in individual paths, with each of the paths containing one shut-off valve, through which the flow of the refrigerant, which is circulating through the specific path, can be metered or cut off, where the shut-off valves can be activated or deactivated individually, with the individual evaporators being operative when the shut-off valve located within the specific path of the individual evaporator permits fluid flow, where a maximum of two of the at least three evaporators are operative simultaneously.