Abstract: A heat-pump system is provided that includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, an indoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and a multiway valve. The expansion device is in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the expansion device. The compressor circulates working fluid through the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. The multiway valve is movable between a first position corresponding to a cooling mode of the heat-pump system and a second position corresponding to a heating mode of the heat-pump system. The working fluid flows in the same direction through the outdoor heat exchanger in the cooling mode and in the heating mode, and the working fluid flows in the same direction through the indoor heat exchanger in the cooling mode and in the heating mode.

Abstract: A vehicle seat with a ventilation device which is paired with at least two fans. It is provided that only one of the at least two fans is provided with a bus signal as an input signal which is converted into a PWM signal for the at least one other fan in a signal converter wherein the signal converter has at least one output which provides the PWM signal, generated for the at least one fan, to an input of the at least one further fan.

Abstract: A vehicular heater includes a heat medium circuit connected to a heater core that heats vent air via heat exchange with a heat medium. The heat medium circuit includes a first flow path connected to the heater core through a power unit, and a second flow path arranged in parallel with the first flow path and connected to the heater core through a heat source different from the power unit. A controller adjusts a first flow rate of the heat medium in the first flow path to be larger than a second flow rate of the heat medium in the second flow path when the power unit is operating.

Abstract: An indoor heating line is arranged to pass through a heater core for a coolant heater and indoor air conditioning, and is provided with a first pump so that coolant can flow. A battery heating line is branched from a downstream point of the heater core and connected to an upstream point of the coolant heater after passing through a battery heat exchange part for temperature-raising a high voltage battery, where the battery heating line includes a first heat exchange flow passage that connects a downstream point of the heater core to a first side of the battery heat exchange part, and a second heat exchange flow passage that connects a second side thereof and an upstream point of the coolant heater, where the first heat exchange flow passage and the second heat exchange flow passage are configured to mutually exchange heat.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle air conditioning device of a heat pump system which improves comfortability when changing to heating only by an auxiliary heating device. The device includes a heating medium circulating circuit 23 to heat air to be supplied from an air flow passage 3 to a vehicle interior, and when shifting to the heating of the vehicle interior only by the heating medium circulating circuit 23 in a heating mode, a controller executes a shifting control to increase a heating capability of the heating medium circulating circuit 23 prior to stopping a compressor 2 and decrease a heating capability of a radiator 4 in accordance with the increase of the heating capability of the heating medium circulating circuit 23.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring a temperature control system of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system controller are described. The HVAC system controller includes a processor in communication with a memory and a user interface. The processor is configured to determine a dynamic parameter related to a dynamic property of a conditioned space and maintain a controlled environment within the conditioned space by utilizing the dynamic parameter.

Abstract: An engine controller includes a reading section and a ratio-setting control section. The reading section is included in an air conditioner. The air conditioner draws an air into an air-conditioner housing, heats the air by a cooling water cooling the engine, and blows the air into a vehicle compartment. The reading section reads a state information that relates to a state of the air conditioner having an effect on an outside-air drawing ratio. The outside-air drawing ratio is a ratio of a volume of an outside air to a total volume of the outside air and an inside air. The ratio-setting control section decreases an amount of heat generated by the engine when the outside-air drawing ratio is a second ratio, which is smaller than a first ratio, to be smaller than an amount of heat generated by the engine when the outside-air drawing ratio is the first ratio.

Abstract: An electronic control unit is configured to start external charging in accordance with a time schedule. The electronic control unit is configured to acquire information about electric power rates of electric power supplied from the power source outside the vehicle in each specified time slot. The electronic control unit is configured to determine the time schedule so as to execute the external charging continuously from a start to an end of the external charging without stopping the external charging and execute the external charging at the time when the electric power cost in a case where the external charging is continuously executed is the lowest.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for motor vehicles includes an air conditioner case having a left path, a right path and a rear seat path. A temperature door is configured to adjust a volume of a cold air or a hot air. A main blower is configured to blow the cold air or the hot air and an air volume distribution door is configured to control opening degrees of the left path and the right path. A rear seat auxiliary blower is configured to increase a volume and a pressure of the cold air or the hot air flowing through the rear seat path. A control unit is configured to, when an air volume distribution ratio of the main blower is changed, correct an opening position of the air volume distribution door and compensate a change in an air volume distribution ratio of the left path and the right path.

Abstract: A system is disclosed comprising an engine having coolant passages defined therethrough, a first coolant pump, and a first radiator. The system additionally comprises a second coolant pump, a second radiator, and a liquid-to-air heat exchanger configured to condition the temperature of intake air to the engine. The system further includes a coolant valve means. For a first configuration of the coolant valve means the first coolant pump is configured to urge coolant through the coolant passages in the engine and through the first radiator, and the second coolant pump is configured to urge coolant through the liquid-to-air heat exchanger and through the second radiator. For a second configuration of the coolant valve means the second coolant pump is configured to urge coolant through the coolant passages in the engine and through the liquid-to-air heat exchanger. A method for controlling the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling cooling fans for a vehicle is configured to control operation speeds of first and second cooling fans depending on a running state and operation of an air conditioner of the vehicle in a cooling module including a stack radiator, an electrical equipment radiator disposed in front of the stack radiator, a condenser disposed in parallel with reference to a width direction of the electrical equipment radiator and the vehicle, and the first and second cooling fans being provided at positions respectively corresponding to the electrical equipment radiator and the condenser in the rear of the stack radiator, including: independently controlling operation of each cooling fan by comparing required speeds of the cooling fans of constituent elements when operating the cooling fans provided as a pair in the cooling module depending on the running state and the operation of the air conditioner in the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring a temperature control system of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system controller are described. The HVAC system controller includes a processor in communication with a memory and a user interface. The processor is configured to determine a dynamic parameter related to a dynamic property of a conditioned space and maintain a controlled environment within the conditioned space by utilizing the dynamic parameter.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system, a control unit controls an adjusting unit to adjust a ratio between an amount of a first part of introduced air passing through a heater core and an amount of a second part of the introduced air bypassing the heater core to a first ratio at which the amount of the first part of the introduced air decreases from a maximized amount of the first part of the introduced air according to an increase in temperature of the heater core by a warming unit. When a setting temperature for air conditioning is increased by an input unit, the control unit controls the adjusting unit to change the ratio from the first ratio to a second ratio at which the amount of the first part of the introduced air increases.

Abstract: An electricity distribution, monitoring, and control system for recharging electric vehicles. The system may include a plug outlet device having a sensor, and a plug adapter apparatus having a tag. The tag may communicate with the sensor when the plug adapter apparatus is coupled to the plug outlet device. An electric vehicle receives an electric charge from the plug outlet device after an identification number associated with the tag is verified by a remote server. Alternatively, a plug outlet device includes a tag, and an electric vehicle has attached thereto a monitoring and communication device, which may include a sensor. The sensor may communicate with the tag when the electric vehicle is proximally located to the plug outlet device, and obtain authorization from a remote server or the outlet device to charge the electric vehicle. A user account is automatically billed and a provider account is automatically credited.

Abstract: A method is provided for charging an electric vehicle with an electric energy accumulator and for stationary mode air conditioning the vehicle interior by way of an electric air conditioning system. The electric energy accumulator is charged to a minimum state of charge. After the energy accumulator has reached the minimum state of charge, the interior is air conditioned in such a way that at an assumed departure time a preset air conditioning state of the interior is reached. The energy accumulator is charged to a target state of charge with any excess energy that is not required to reach the air conditioning state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lane recognition system using a defog sensor, including: a defog sensor mounted in a defogging system of a vehicle; an imaging unit mounted on a windshield of the vehicle so as to image the front of the vehicle; and an integrated control unit configured to analyze a defog sensor signal received from the defog sensor, process an image signal received from the imaging unit based on the analyzed defog sensor signal, and acquire lane information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device (10) for a vehicle, comprising:—a flow path (14, 16, 20, 22, 24) for a fluid heat transport means and—an electrical heating arrangement (25) for heating the heat transport means on a heating section of the flow path. According to the invention, the heating section has at least two channels (20) running in a serpentine pattern, through which the heat transport means can flow in parallel. The invention further relates to a method for operating a heating device (10).

Abstract: In a first aspect, a vehicle HVAC system includes: a housing that defines at least first and second air conduits to a vehicle interior compartment; and at least first and second heat rods that each traverses the first and second air conduits, wherein a first positive temperature coefficient along a length of the first heat rod is greater at the first air conduit than at the second air conduit, and wherein a second positive temperature coefficient along a length of the second heat rod is greater at the second air conduit than at the first air conduit.

Abstract: A method of heating the interior of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a central heating system and several decentralized heating surfaces constructed as infrared radiators. The temperature of the vehicle interior is controllable by the central heating system and/or the decentralized heating surfaces corresponding to a heating demand of at least one vehicle occupant. For controlling the temperature of the vehicle interior corresponding to a heating demand, a power distribution takes place between the central heating system and the decentralized heating surfaces as a function of specified distribution demands.

Abstract: A method of auxiliary heater pump control in a vehicle including a heater core and an auxiliary pump in a heater core branch of a vehicle coolant system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: determining if a power plant is on, the power plant being connected to the coolant system; calculating an estimated heating power required to meet HVAC system heating requirements that is a function of mass air flow, specific heat, and a change in temperature in a passenger compartment; determining if the calculated estimated heating power required is greater than a minimum required heating power that will be able to maintain thermal comfort in the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and if the calculated estimated heating power required is greater than the minimum required heating power and the power plant is not on, activating the auxiliary pump to pump a coolant through the heater core.

Abstract: A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has an internal combustion engine with a coolant outlet connected to a coolant inlet of a fuel operated heater and wherein a coolant outlet of the fuel operated heater is connected to a coolant inlet of an HVAC heater, a coolant outlet of the HVAC heater further being connected to a coolant inlet of the internal combustion engine. The vehicle also has a temperature sensor at the coolant outlet of the internal combustion engine and a temperature sensor at the coolant outlet of the fuel operated heater. The vehicle has a three way valve arranged between the coolant outlet of the HVAC heater and the coolant inlet of the internal combustion engine such that there is a connection between the coolant outlet of the HVAC heater and the coolant inlet of the fuel operated heater, the connection bypassing the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (12) for an engine-independent heater (3) that heats a liquid heat transfer medium of a heat transfer medium circuit (1) especially for motor vehicles. Said control device (12) reduces a heater (3) capacity when an actual temperature gradient ((dT/dtIst) of the heat transfer medium is equal to or exceeds a temperature gradient threshold value ((dT/dt)Schwell). The control device (12) determines the temperature gradient threshold value ((dT/dt)Schwell) dynamically in accordance with a difference in temperature (??) between a target temperature (?Soll) of the heat transfer medium and an actual temperature (?Ist) of the heat transfer medium. The invention further relates to a heater (3), a heating system (1), and a method for controlling the inventive heater (3).

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor generator, and a heater core for adjusting a temperature in a vehicle compartment by using operating oil supplied to the motor generator. The heater core includes a tube in a first region that connects between an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a tube in a second region that connects between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and a first adjusting valve for shutting off, where a temperature of the operating oil is lower than a prescribed temperature range, flow of the operating oil in the tube in the second region by being changed to a closed position, and for adjusting an amount of flow of the operating oil in the tube in the second region in accordance with the temperature of the operating oil where the temperature of the operating oil is within the prescribed temperature range.

Abstract: A vehicular heating control system, method, and program acquire an operation value that is a setting by an occupant and, when there is no manual operation, acquire a fuel consumption reduction amount and a fuel consumption amount and, when the fuel consumption reduction amount exceeds the fuel consumption amount and an improvement in fuel economy is expected, execute seat heater control, that is, heating by an electrothermal heater, decrease the wind force of a blower fan, and lower an engine startup threshold value. Heating by an air conditioning system and heating by the electrothermal heater are combined, so a heating effect is obtained while reducing the fuel consumption amount.

Abstract: A heat transfer system is provided for a road vehicle having a passenger cabin. A primary branch includes a primary pump and a primary power plant. An auxiliary branch includes an auxiliary coolant pump, an auxiliary heat source, and a cabin heat exchanger. A thermostatic multi-way valve directs coolant from a valve inlet to substantially only a first valve outlet when receiving coolant below a first temperature. The valve directs coolant from the valve inlet to substantially only a second valve outlet when receiving coolant above a second temperature. The valve inlet is coupled to receive coolant from either the primary branch or the auxiliary branch. The first valve outlet is configured to return coolant to the same branch as is connected to the valve inlet. The second valve outlet is configured to direct coolant to the other branch to which the valve inlet is not connected.

Abstract: A heat transporting arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle, having at least one heat circuit (14, 16, 50) in which a heat transporting medium is accommodated and which is thermally coupled to one of the components of a drivetrain in order to exchange heat between the component and the heat transporting medium, a temperature control device (25) which is configured to heat a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, and a heat store arrangement (30) which is coupled to the heat circuit (14, 16, 50) and to the temperature control device (25) and which is configured to store heat discharged from the heat transporting medium and to release said heat for of heating one of the components of the drivetrain and the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle waste heat recovery system may include a first pump, an internal combustion engine, a waste heat recovery device and a condenser. The first pump may be in fluid communication with a fluid. The internal combustion engine may be operable to power rotation of a drive axle of a vehicle and may define an engine coolant passage having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the first pump. The waste heat recovery device may have an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the engine coolant passage. The condenser may have an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the waste heat recovery device and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the first pump.

Abstract: An automobile temperature control system has a motor chamber on which a secondary cell or a fuel cell is mounted for driving wheels by a motor and a cabin and controlling a temperature of portions of the automobile. The temperature control system includes at least one catalytic heater and a fuel tank. The catalyst heater generates heat when an oxidizing gas and fuel from the fuel tank are supplied to the catalyst. At least part of the gas supplied to the catalyst and heated by the generated heat is subjected to circulative supply to the catalyst. The temperature of the portion of the automobile is controlled by using heat generated by the catalytic heater. As a result, a system is provided that efficiently controls the temperature of a portion of the automobile so that performance deterioration is prevented and comfortable running is realized even in a cold region.

Abstract: When the temperature of coolant in an engine is greater than or equal to a half-warm-up determination value, an engine cooling control section opens a valve to mix the coolant in two coolant circuits. Accordingly, even if the temperature of the coolant in the engine fluctuates due to mixing coolants at different temperatures, such fluctuation occurs in a temperature range lower than the determination value for the warm-up completion of the engine. This prevents a control procedure for the time before the warm-up completion and a control procedure for the time after such completion from being performed in a repeating, alternating manner. As a result, when the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit and the coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit are mixed together, control that should be performed based on the coolant temperature in the engine is carried out without hindrance.

Abstract: An air-conditioner ECU sets the maximum flowrate or a set flowrate which is less than the maximum flowrate as a required flowrate Vr based on outside air temperature when a DEF mode is selected, and requires that coolant be circulated (steps 100 to 110). Also, when the coolant temperature Tw during heating is between a set temperature TS3 and a set temperature TS1, circulation of coolant at the minimum flowrate is required (steps 134, 130, 132). When a blower fan is stopped when the coolant temperature is equal to or less than the set temperature TS3 and a fresh air mode is selected, the circulation of coolant at the minimum flowrate is required when the vehicle speed Sv is above a set vehicle speed (steps 134 to 146). Cool air is prevented from being blown out of an air outlet and heating of the coolant is promoted by suppressing the speed of an electric pump while maintaining the ability to prevent fogging.

Abstract: A method of conserving energy during a heating event wherein a coolant is heated in a cooling system is disclosed. The method includes establishing a first set point temperature for a first point in the cooling system and establishing a second set point temperature lower than the first set point temperature for a second point in the cooling system. Normally, the coolant is maintained at the second set point temperature at the second set point in the cooling system. During the heating event, the second set point temperature is raised to substantially match the first set point temperature to reduce necessary heating of the coolant at the first point.

Abstract: A system that supplements the cooling of the power train of the vehicle and maintains the vehicle's cabin temperature. The system includes an processor, a blower, a heater core, and an evaporator. The blower blows air over the heater core so as to make the heater core in essence an auxiliary radiator. The system further includes a first proportioning valve and a second proportioning valve. The proportioning valves are operable by the processor to control the flow of the dissipated heat between the vehicle cabin and a designated location. Specifically, the first proportioning valve is disposed upstream the heater core and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The second proportioning valve is disposed downstream the heater core and directs airflow from the heater core between the vehicle cabin and the environment.

Abstract: A system described is for providing improved cabin heating. The system may include a vehicle cabin heating system having a first and second heating system receiving coolant flow from the engine; and a control system for operating the engine at a first engine idle speed upon entering idle speed control operation from previous drive operation, maintaining said first idle speed for a duration, and then increasing engine speed to increase coolant flow to the second heating system during cold ambient conditions when the second heater system is in operation.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle powertrain includes a heater core, a transmission fluid warmer selectively in thermal communication with the heater core, a bypass valve between the heater core and transmission fluid warmer configured to control fluid flow therebetween, a control module configured to control the bypass valve, and a timer linked to the control module configured to delay deactivation of the bypass valve.

Abstract: A compact hydronic space and water heating apparatus and system is disclosed for use in a recreational vehicle. A liquid heating medium, stored within a low pressure tank, is recirculated through a gas fired heater thereby maintaining a desired set point temperature. The liquid heating medium is further circulated through the vehicles hydronic space heaters to heat the interior of the vehicle. Further fresh domestic water is passed through a heat transfer coil within the tank whereby hot domestic water may be provided. An auxiliary heating device is attached to the tank whereby hot combustion engine coolant may assist in maintaining the temperature of the liquid heating medium within the tank and/or reversed to pre heat the combustion engine if and when needed.

Abstract: A controller in a heat management system is capable of managing unlimited hydronic heat sources and unlimited heating zones, each located within a desired area and each controlled by temperature sensors in bi-directional electronic/electrical communication with the controller. A user interface can be included with the controller (or interact with the controller) and be in bi-directional electrical/electronic communication with the controller. In such a way, one or more users can manage the heating of domestic water and the heating of zones or areas in which the one or more users live via the controller. The controller in the heat management system may be used for controlling hydronic heating systems installed in RV, marine and home applications.

Abstract: By employing a heat source control section that controls the operating state of an internal combustion engine mounted in a vehicle, a necessary heat calculating section that calculates the engine coolant temperature needed by a heater core, which consumes the heat supplied from the engine through engine coolant water, and the time at which this engine coolant temperature becomes necessary, a heat supply estimating section that estimates engine coolant temperature at the aforementioned time in a case in which the engine is operated continuously in the current operating state, and a heat generation increase requesting section that requests the heat source control section to increase heat generation quantity of the engine when the engine coolant temperature estimated by the heat supply estimating section is less than the engine coolant temperature calculated by the necessary heat calculating section the heat necessary for the heater core is supplied more efficiently and adequately.

Abstract: A fuel-operated heating device is provided which is adapted to provide heat by conversion of fuel with combustion air. A control unit of the fuel-operated heating device is adapted to control operation of the fuel-operated heating device. The control unit of the fuel-operated heating device is adapted to control at least one electric heating element as a slave.

Abstract: A method of conserving energy during a heating event wherein a coolant is heated in a cooling system is disclosed. The method includes establishing a first set point temperature for a first point in the cooling system and establishing a second set point temperature lower than the first set point temperature for a second point in the cooling system. Normally, the coolant is maintained at the second set point temperature at the second set point in the cooling system. During the heating event, the second set point temperature is raised to substantially match the first set point temperature to reduce necessary heating of the coolant at the first point.

Abstract: The invention can securely carry out an operation by a reduced number of the parts. The invention is provided with a base member having a gear lever arranged portion and a pinion member arranged portion, and provided with a communication hole communicating with the gear lever arranged portion in a closed wall portion of the pinion member arranged portion, a gear lever rotatably arranged in a bearing portion, having a gear portion and driving an output member (a control wire) based on a rotation, a pinion member rotatably arranged in the pinion member arranged portion and having a pinion portion engaging with the gear portion via the communication hole, a holder having a retention portion retaining the pinion member in one end, and having a fixing portion fixing to the base member in the other end, and an operation knob arranged so as to be outside fitted to the pinion member and integrally rotating the pinion member.

Abstract: A system that supplements the cooling of the power train of the vehicle and maintains the vehicle's cabin temperature. The system includes an processor, a blower, a heater core, and an evaporator. The blower blows air over the heater core so as to make the heater core in essence an auxiliary radiator. The system further includes a first proportioning valve and a second proportioning valve. The proportioning valves are operable by the processor to control the flow of the dissipated heat between the vehicle cabin and a designated location. Specifically, the first proportioning valve is disposed upstream the heater core and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The second proportioning valve is disposed downstream the heater core and directs airflow from the heater core between the vehicle cabin and the environment.

Abstract: A method of auxiliary heater pump control in a vehicle including a heater core and an auxiliary pump in a heater core branch of a vehicle coolant system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: determining if a power plant is on, the power plant being connected to the coolant system; calculating an estimated heating power required to meet HVAC system heating requirements that is a function of mass air flow, specific heat, and a change in temperature in a passenger compartment; determining if the calculated estimated heating power required is greater than a minimum required heating power that will be able to maintain thermal comfort in the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and if the calculated estimated heating power required is greater than the minimum required heating power and the power plant is not on, activating the auxiliary pump to pump a coolant through the heater core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the flow rate of engine coolant through a heater core in an automobile by automatically determining a temperature difference between the temperature of coolant at a first flow rate before it enters a heater core and a temperature of air exiting the heater core and automatically increasing the flow rate of the coolant to a second flow rate higher than the first flow rate if the temperature difference is greater than a first predetermined temperature difference.

Abstract: An air-conditioner ECU sets the maximum flowrate or a set flowrate which is less than the maximum flowrate as a required flowrate Vr based on outside air temperature when a DEF mode is selected, and requires that coolant be circulated (steps 100 to 110). Also, when the coolant temperature Tw during heating is between a set temperature TS3 and a set temperature TS1, circulation of coolant at the minimum flowrate is required (steps 134, 130, 132). When a blower fan is stopped when the coolant temperature is equal to or less than the set temperature TS3 and a fresh air mode is selected, the circulation of coolant at the minimum flowrate is required when the vehicle speed Sv is above a set vehicle speed (steps 134 to 146). Cool air is prevented from being blown out of an air outlet and heating of the coolant is promoted by suppressing the speed of an electric pump while maintaining the ability to prevent fogging.

Abstract: The components used in this invention has never been utilized in this special type of arrangement ever before. This “Climate Control for Parked Automobiles” does not exist and cannot be found anywhere. Once available to the public it will be very helpful and will help stranded passengers and/or pets inside the automobile during warm summer days, and to drivers returning to their warm vehicles during cold winter days.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (12) for an engine-independent heater (3) that heats a liquid heat transfer medium of a heat transfer medium circuit (1) especially for motor vehicles. Said control device (12) reduces a heater (3) capacity when an actual temperature gradient ((dT/dtIst) of the heat transfer medium is equal to or exceeds a temperature gradient threshold value ((dT/dt)Schwell). The control device (12) determines the temperature gradient threshold value ((dT/dt)Schwell) dynamically in accordance with a difference in temperature (??) between a target temperature (?Soll) of the heat transfer medium and an actual temperature (?Ist) of the heat transfer medium. The invention further relates to a heater (3), a heating system (1), and a method for controlling the inventive heater (3).

Abstract: A method of controlling the ventilation system for an energy source in a fuel cell vehicle is disclosed, which includes an HVAC system, a fluid reserve, and a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), capable of controlling a temperature of the RESS to militate against damage to or a shortened life of the battery, while maximizing vehicle durability, efficiency, performance, and passenger comfort.

Abstract: In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

Abstract: An air conditioning system has a refrigerant cycle, a coolant cycle, a refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger, coupling these cycles so as to transfer heat, and a valve for operating mode-dependent control of the refrigerant flow, whereby the air conditioning system can be operated not only in air conditioning mode but also in a heat pump or reheat mode. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas/coolant heat exchanger is connected upstream in series to the refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger in the coolant cycle in the heat pump mode; and/or in the reheat operating mode the refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger functions as a condenser/gas cooler, connected upstream in series on the coolant side to the supply air/coolant heat exchanger. In addition or as an alternative, a drying operating mode can be provided for drying the supply air/refrigerant heat exchanger with reversed air conveying direction.

Abstract: An air conditioning system has a refrigerant cycle, a coolant cycle, a refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger, coupling these cycles so as to transfer heat, and valve for operating mode-dependent control of the refrigerant flow, whereby the air conditioning system can be operated not only in air conditioning mode but at least also in a heat pump or reheat mode. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas/coolant heat exchanger is connected upstream in series to the refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger in the coolant cycle at least in the heat pump mode; and/or in the reheat operating mode the refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger functions as a condenser/gas cooler, connected upstream in series on the coolant side to the supply air/coolant heat exchanger. In addition or as an alternative, a drying operating mode can be provided for drying the supply air/refrigerant heat exchanger with reversed air conveying direction.