Abstract: A vehicle heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system having a variable compressor can reduce a load applied to a vehicle powertrain during certain conditions. Systems and methods can determine if a power state of an HVAC system is activated, and whether an engine water temperature meets a forced HVAC recirculation intake threshold. Responsive to determining that the engine water temperature meets the forced HVAC recirculation intake threshold, a recirculation mode air source can be selected for the HVAC system. Responsive to the recirculation mode air source being selected, determining if at least one measured vehicle condition meets predetermined criteria. Responsive to determining that the at least one measured vehicle condition meets the predetermined criteria, the variable compressor can be operated according to a reduced duty map.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for managing climate control. The control system includes one or more sensors that are configured to measure sunload energy. The control system includes a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit that is configured to output air with an airflow rate into the cabin of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to obtain the amount of sunload energy and obtain a blower map based on the amount of sunload energy. The electronic control unit is configured to determine the airflow rate based on the obtained blower map and an expected temperature. The electronic control unit is configured to control the airflow rate to adjust an air temperature within the cabin of the vehicle to reach the expected temperature therefore increasing the fuel efficiency.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for managing climate control. The control system includes one or more sensors that are configured to measure sunload energy. The control system includes a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit that is configured to output air with an airflow rate into the cabin of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to obtain the amount of sunload energy and obtain a blower map based on the amount of sunload energy. The electronic control unit is configured to determine the airflow rate based on the obtained blower map and an expected temperature. The electronic control unit is configured to control the airflow rate to adjust an air temperature within the cabin of the vehicle to reach the expected temperature therefore increasing the fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A vehicle heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be configured for operation in a vehicle having a start-stop system. The start-stop system can automatically switch a vehicle engine between ON and OFF states to save fuel economy. A compressor within the HVAC system can be controlled based on a request to switch the engine from an OFF state to an ON state. It can be determined whether an air conditioning system is in an active state, whether the engine is in an OFF state due to the start-stop system, whether there is an engine OFF cancel request to switch the engine to an ON state, and whether the engine OFF cancel request is due to an HVAC request. If the engine OFF cancel request is not due to an HVAC request, the engine can be switched to an ON state while the compressor remains in an OFF state.

Abstract: A vehicle heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system having a variable compressor can reduce a load applied to a vehicle powertrain during certain conditions. Systems and methods can determine if a power state of an HVAC system is activated, and whether an engine water temperature meets a forced HVAC recirculation intake threshold. Responsive to determining that the engine water temperature meets the forced HVAC recirculation intake threshold, a recirculation mode air source can be selected for the HVAC system. Responsive to the recirculation mode air source being selected, determining if at least one measured vehicle condition meets predetermined criteria. Responsive to determining that the at least one measured vehicle condition meets the predetermined criteria, the variable compressor can be operated according to a reduced duty map.

Abstract: An instrument panel is provided for use in a vehicle interior. The instrument panel includes an outer surface, a vent and a step. The vent is arranged along the outer surface to direct forced air toward a specific area of a window in the vehicle. The step is formed along the outer surface of the instrument panel to promote formation of a turbulent buffer that reduces adhesion between air exiting the vent and the outer surface.

Abstract: An air duct assembly for a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a first duct member having a pair of opposed side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall, a front wall, a rear wall and a central passageway. A second duct member is operatively attached to the first duct member, and includes a plurality of integrally formed chambers. Each chamber has a pair of opposed side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall interconnecting the sidewalls, a front wall and a rear wall and a central passageway extending between an opening in the front wall and an opening in the upper wall. A door member is disposed between the first duct member and the second duct member. The door member includes a plurality of flaps that control the flow of air through the second duct member and the first duct member.

Abstract: An instrument panel is provided for use in a vehicle interior. The instrument panel includes an outer surface, a vent mad a step. The vent is arranged along the outer surface to direct forced air toward a specific area of a window in the vehicle. The step is formed along the outer surface of the instrument panel to promote formation of a turbulent buffer that reduces adhesion between air exiting the vent and the outer surface.

Abstract: An air duct assembly for a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a first duct member having a pair of opposed side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall, a front wall, a rear wall and a central passageway. A second duct member is operatively attached to the first duct member, and includes a plurality of integrally formed chambers. Each chamber has a pair of opposed side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall interconnecting the sidewalls, a front wall and a rear wall and a central passageway extending between an opening in the front wall and an opening in the upper wall. A door member is disposed between the first duct member and the second duct member. The door member includes a plurality of flaps that control the flow of air through the second duct member and the first duct member.