Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid compressor system is disclosed. The hybrid compressor system includes a variable displacement hybrid compressor that is selectively driven by one of an engine and an electric motor to cool a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of transmitting a demand signal to activate an electric motor drive mode of the hybrid compressor system, whereby the electric motor drives the hybrid compressor, transmitting a compressor displacement signal to the hybrid compressor to set a displacement of the compressor to a minimum level, waiting a predefined time period, activating the electric motor to drive the compressor, determining a suction pressure of a suction chamber of the hybrid compressor, determining whether the displacement of the hybrid compressor is sufficient based on the suction pressure determination, and changing the displacement of the compressor if the displacement is insufficient.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a bearing retention assembly is provided. The assembly includes a bearing set having an annular outer race ring. The outer race ring has a plurality of circumferentially spaced cam chamfers on at least one outer circular edge. The assembly also includes a bearing housing for capturing the bearing set. The bearing housing includes at least one integral securing member for interfering with and engaging at least one cam chamfer for axially and rotatably securing the outer race ring relative to the housing.

Abstract: A system for driving a compressor is disclosed. The system includes an internal combustion engine in communication with the compressor for selectively driving an input shaft of the compressor; an electric motor in communication with the compressor for selectively driving the compressor when the compressor is not being driven by the engine; and a gear assembly operatively connected to a motor output of the electric motor shaft for changing a rotational speed of the motor output shaft.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid compressor system is disclosed. The hybrid compressor system includes a variable displacement hybrid compressor that is selectively driven by one of an engine and an electric motor to cool a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of transmitting a demand signal to activate an electric motor drive mode of the hybrid compressor system, whereby the electric motor drives the hybrid compressor, transmitting a compressor displacement signal to the hybrid compressor to set a displacement of the compressor to a minimum level, waiting a predefined time period, activating the electric motor to drive the compressor, determining a suction pressure of a suction chamber of the hybrid compressor, determining whether the displacement of the hybrid compressor is sufficient based on the suction pressure determination, and changing the displacement of the compressor if the displacement is insufficient.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a bearing retention assembly is provided. The assembly includes a bearing set having an annular outer race ring. The outer race ring has a plurality of circumferentially spaced cam chamfers on at least one outer circular edge. The assembly also includes a bearing housing for capturing the bearing set. The bearing housing includes at least one integral securing member for interfering with and engaging at least one cam chamfer for axially and rotatably securing the outer race ring relative to the housing.

Abstract: A system for driving a compressor is disclosed. The system includes an internal combustion engine in communication with the compressor for selectively driving an input shaft of the compressor; an electric motor in communication with the compressor for selectively driving the compressor when the compressor is not being driven by the engine; and a gear assembly operatively connected to a motor output of the electric motor shaft for changing a rotational speed of the motor output shaft.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an engine driven compressor, and an independent electric motor driven compressor in a common housing. A controller adjusts the independent operation of the engine driven compressor and electric motor driven compressor in response to cooling demand input, and operational parameters of the engine and the battery, as well as optionally the electric motor driven compressor output and engine driven compressor output. A method of independently operating an engine driven compressor and electric motor driven compressor is also provided. The air-conditioning system, controller, and method are particularly useful in hybrid vehicles that use smaller displacement internal combustion engines and electric motor drive means.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an engine driven compressor, and an independent electric motor driven compressor in a common housing. A controller adjusts the independent operation of the engine driven compressor and electric motor driven compressor in response to cooling demand input, and operational parameters of the engine and the battery, as well as optionally the electric motor driven compressor output and engine driven compressor output. A method of independently operating an engine driven compressor and electric motor driven compressor is also provided. The air-conditioning system, controller, and method are particularly useful in hybrid vehicles that use smaller displacement internal combustion engines and electric motor drive means.