Abstract: A baffle controller for moving a baffle disposed within an HVAC outlet housing between an open position and a closed position to control airflow through an HVAC outlet in a vehicle includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator that is controlled and actuated by an electrical signal. The SMA actuator rotates a main lever that rotates a valve plate. The valve plate is attached to the baffle such that the baffle rotates with the valve plate. The baffle controller may include a position biasing device that increases a position holding ability of the baffle controller, and a cut-off switch that interrupts the electrical signal to the SMA actuator to prevent over-rotating the baffle.

Abstract: A method of cooling an engine control unit (ECU) coupled to an engine in a vehicle having a cabin climate control system, comprising operating the vehicle cabin climate control system according to a customer-based climate control setting during a first operating condition, and overriding said customer-based setting during a second operating condition including an ECU over-temperature condition.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage sidewall may include an aircraft sidewall volume and a flow controller. The aircraft sidewall volume may be delineated by an aircraft skin forming an outboard boundary of the aircraft sidewall volume, a passenger cabin sidewall forming an inboard boundary of the aircraft sidewall volume and fuselage frame structures forming axial boundaries of the aircraft sidewall volume. The flow controller may be positioned at a portion of the aircraft sidewall volume to selectably control air flow through the aircraft sidewall volume.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes a blower for blowing air into a space of a vehicle compartment, and an air-conditioning mode switching portion for switching between air conditioning modes. The air conditioning modes include a normal air conditioning mode in which air conditioning of a specific region including a driver seat and air conditioning of a non-specific region not including the specific region in the space of the vehicle compartment are performed, and a specific-region prioritizing air conditioning mode in which an air conditioning capability for the non-specific region is decreased as compared to the normal air conditioning mode. The air-conditioning mode switching portion adjusts the air conditioning capability for the non-specific region based on a pressure of air drawn into the blower, in the specific-region prioritizing air conditioning mode.

Abstract: An HVAC system for a vehicle includes a housing, a front HVAC unit with a front blower, and rear HVAC unit with a rear blower. The front and rear HVAC units are housed in the housing. The front blower generates an airflow through a front airflow path and the rear blower generates an airflow through a rear airflow path. A separating wall separates the front airflow path from the rear airflow path. The HVAC system further includes an evaporator with a first portion and a second portion. When the rear blower is switched to an OFF position, the rear HVAC unit automatically operates the rear blower at a minimum voltage so as to continue to generate airflow through the second portion of the evaporator.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of an adjustable shutter adapted for varying an amount of airflow to cool a powertrain in a vehicle includes monitoring the ambient temperature. The method also includes sensing an increase in the ambient temperature up to a threshold temperature value. The method additionally includes changing a position of the shutter after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed following the increase in the ambient temperature up to the threshold temperature value. A vehicle using a controller to perform such a method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of monitoring operation of an adjustable shutter adapted for cooling a powertrain in a vehicle includes commanding the shutter to adopt a position and assessing whether the shutter has adopted the commanded position. The method also includes generating a first signal if the shutter has adopted the commanded position, and commanding the shutter to perform a first retry to adopt the commanded position if the shutter has not adopted the commanded position. The method additionally includes generating a second signal if the shutter has adopted the commanded position on the first retry. A vehicle using a controller to perform such a method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling air flow into a cabin of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a valve controlling the proportion of fresh air and recirculated air admitted to the cabin, a ventilation fan, and a control module. The control module determines that the full fresh position is selected, detects a fan voltage selected to correspond to a desired air flow rate into the cabin, determines that an expected air flow rate into the cabin at an actual vehicle speed is greater than a desired air flow rate, and causes an actual air flow rate to match the desired air flow rate. The match between desired and actual air flow rates is achieved by maintaining the selected fan voltage and moving the valve to an intermediate position between the full fresh position and the full recirc position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for controlling air quality within an interior of a motor vehicle. The process can include providing a motor vehicle with a heating-venting-air conditioning (HVAC) system, the HVAC system having an internal air supply option and an external air supply option. The process can also include providing a reinforcement learning system that can increase the air quality within the motor vehicle as a function of user preferences with respect to choosing the external air supply or the internal air supply.

Abstract: A compound shutter system includes a first shutter assembly having at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the first shutter assembly. The compound shutter system also includes a second shutter assembly disposed remotely from the first shutter assembly. The second shutter assembly includes at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the second shutter assembly. The compound shutter system additionally includes a drive element. The drive element operatively connects the first shutter assembly and the second shutter assembly and automatically coordinates operation of the first and second shutter assemblies. A vehicle employing the compound shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fail-safe air flap control apparatus for a vehicle includes a coolant temperature sensor, a control unit, an actuator, a movable unit, a flap unit, an elastic member and a solenoid unit. The coolant temperature sensor measures the temperature of a coolant. The control unit compares a value measured by the sensor to a reference value and generates a corresponding control signal. The actuator has a rotator which rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on the control signal. The movable unit linearly moves under rotational force of the rotator. The flap unit includes a flap housing having an air flow slot, a flap door mounted to the flap housing to openably close the air flow slot, and a connecting rod connected to the movable unit. The elastic member applies elastic force to the movable unit in a direction in which the flap door opens.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for avoiding penetration of foreign particles into a vehicle interior. An apparatus for avoiding penetration of foreign particles into a vehicle interior including, but not limited to a monitoring device, which detects an expected opening of a vehicle door. In this case an overpressure generating device generates an air overpressure in the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A sensor module includes a housing. A heat source is located within the housing of the sensor module and a plurality of temperature sensors are mounted in housing of said sensor module. At least one temperature sensors is located adjacent to the heat source and at least one other temperature sensor is spaced from the heat source. A humidity sensor is located within the housing of the sensor module. A controller is connected to the plurality of temperature sensors and to the humidity sensor for determining at least one of relative humidity and temperature at the windscreen using a regression analysis and for providing a control signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A system for controlling a fan in a vehicle comprises an ambient temperature module that generates an ambient temperature enable signal when ambient temperature is within a vaporization window. An engine component monitoring module that generates a vaporization temperature enable signal when an engine component in an engine compartment has an estimated outer surface temperature that greater than a water vaporization temperature. A vehicle speed module generates a speed enable signal when the vehicle speed is less than a first vehicle speed. A fan turn-on module that selectively turns on a fan based on the temperature enable signal, the vaporization temperature enable signal and the speed enable signal.

Abstract: A demand-based air conditioning system for a passenger vehicle that may utilize one or both of a contaminate sensor and a door sensor. A controller operates a damper to send an estimated amount of fresh air into a passenger compartment, based on the sensed level of contaminate in the passenger compartment, to ensure the air quality in the passenger compartment is acceptable for passengers.

Abstract: A system and method of selecting air intake between 100% fresh air mode and 100% recirculated air mode for optimum heating/cooling performance, fuel economy and/or high voltage (HV) battery power consumption is disclosed. The system and method includes a partial recirculation control strategy in which the air inlet door is moved progressively to any position by taking into account cooling/heating loads and cabin fogging probability. As cooling/heating loads increase the air inlet door moves toward 100% recirculation mode. As fogging probability increases the air inlet door moves toward 100% fresh air mode. By selectively choosing a position between 100% recirculation and 100% fresh air, fuel economy and/or HV battery power consumption is optimized without compromising passenger comfort or causing fogging on interior glass surfaces. In cooling applications the compressor load is minimized and air conditioning performance is improved due to the reduced evaporator cooling load.

Abstract: A sensor system (24) for controlling a ventilation unit (22) of a vehicle (20) includes a sensitivity selector (70) for enabling a user to select a setting (76) corresponding to an air quality threshold (94, 98), and an air quality sensor (62) proximate an exterior of the vehicle (20) for detecting an air quality parameter (71). A controller (66) is responsive to the selector (70) and the sensor (62), and is in communication with an inlet air valve (32) of the ventilation unit (22). A method (118) of operating the sensor system (24) entails receiving a current value of the air quality parameter (71) at the controller (66) for comparison with the air quality threshold (94, 98). The controller (66) generates a switch signal (74) in response to the comparison for adjusting the inlet air valve (32) between an outside air mode (44) and a recirculation mode (46).

Abstract: The exhaust system is for removing malodor flatulence air expelled by a person sitting in a seat. The gas sensor and the control module are provided in the form an integral unit removably mounted to a manifold incorporated in or under the seat. The gas sensor is removably mounted either to the side wall or at a bottom portion of the manifold. A sensor fan is provided close to the intake opening of the manifold for drawing the flatulence air into the system as soon as it is expelled by the person.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a first sensor that provides first data indicating at least one of vehicle speed and ambient temperature. The system also includes a shutter control module. The shutter control module includes a first sub-module that provides a first amount of modification to an opening amount for a shutter based on the first data.

Abstract: A method of controlling airflow through a grille on a front end of a vehicle comprising the steps of: detecting vehicle operating conditions; determining a desired percentage of airflow through the grille based on the desired operating conditions; actuating grille airflow shutters to an open position for the determined desired percentage of a predetermined time interval; and actuating the grille airflow shutter to a closed position for a remaining percentage of the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An HVAC system for work vehicle having an operator compartment for an operator is disclosed. The HVAC system includes a pressurizer blower and an air-conditioning system coupled to an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is configured to reduce the output of the pressurizer blower when the operator selects a high output from the air-conditioning system. The HVAC system is also configured to provide defog operation in both a manual mode and an automatic mode of operation. The HVAC system is configured to reset the defog operation when the vehicle ignition is turned off or turned back on. The HVAC system is also configured not to reset the defog operation when the operator switches rapidly between the automatic mode and the manual mode of operation.

Abstract: A thermal conditioning system for the energy storage system of a hybrid vehicle. At least one auxiliary air source, other than a permanently open air source, has a selectively operable actuator door which either connects or disconnects the auxiliary air source to the energy storage system blower, the air flow being selected to optimally temperature condition the energy storage system. The auxiliary air source preferably includes the HVAC ducting.

Abstract: A shutter system includes a first louver element having a first pivot axis and a second louver element having a second pivot axis. The first louver element is configured to rotate about the first pivot axis, and the second louver element is configured to rotate about the second pivot axis. The shutter system additionally having a flexible drive element connecting the first louver element and the second louver element to thereby substantially synchronize the rotation of the first and second louver elements.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure.

Abstract: Outside air enters a ram air scoop on an aircraft frame, and is ducted to a ram air control valve. The air control valve outputs a desired air mass flow to a cyclone air-water separator which removes moisture and produces a dry air flow. A heater assembly heats the dry air to a desired temperature and directs the heated air into an equipment bay enclosure on the aircraft. The relative humidity of the heated air is sensed by an air moisture sensor which produces a corresponding signal. Other sensors disposed near a payload in the bay enclosure produce corresponding air temperature and air pressure signals. All the sensor signals are input to a processor or controller configured to activate the air control valve and the heater assembly according to set points for temperature and humidity that are specified for the payload in the bay enclosure.

Abstract: A control device for a climate control system of a motor vehicle has a temperature control for selecting the temperature of the ventilation air supplied by the system. The temperature control is operatively connected with a switch controlling an additional operating function of the climate control system, such that actuation of the temperature control to a demist temperature position actuates the additional operating function to a windshield demist mode. The demist temperature position may advantageously be the full-hot position. The windshield demist mode may include setting an air recirculation function to off, setting an air conditioning function to full cold, setting a blower speed function to maximum output, setting an air distribution function to direct a majority of ventilation air toward a vehicle windshield, and/or setting a rear window heat/defrost function to heat a rear window.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a passenger cabin, an HVAC system adjustable between a fresh air mode and a recirculate mode, a compartment containing a heat-producing electrical component, and a non-passenger compartment that is ventilated to outside of the vehicle. A duct has an inlet end adjacent the compartment and an outlet end adjacent an air intake of the HVAC system. A valve controls whether cooling air exiting the compartment is directed into the duct or into the non-passenger compartment. The valve is operated to direct a majority of the cooling air into the duct when the HVAC system is in the recirculate mode, and into the non-passenger compartment when the HVAC system is in the fresh air mode. Air from the non-passenger compartment may be vented out of the vehicle through an air extractor vent.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle may include a container, a battery disposed within the container and configured to provide motive power for the vehicle, and a battery climate system configured to move air from the cabin to the container. The vehicle may also include at least one controller configured to, while the vehicle is in a non-propulsion mode, receive a request to activate the battery climate system and, in response to the request, activate the battery climate system.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment may be directed to a ventilation system including a fan assembly coupled within said interior opening and fully supported on a window pane. The fan assembly includes a fan coupled to a motor and a flap movable from a substantially closed and sealed position to an open position, wherein the open position is characterized wherein a quantity of air can move through said fan assembly from a first side of the window pane through said flap to a second side of the window pane as directed by the rotating fan. The fan assembly also includes at least one solar collector electrically coupled to the motor for receiving and converting sunlight to electrical energy for powering the motor to rotate the fan.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle and a method of controlling the air conditioning system. According to preferred embodiments, the air conditioning system includes a blower, a battery and a Motor Control Unit (MCU), and a controller.

Abstract: A fan system includes a first fluid region having a first temperature and a second fluid region having a second temperature that is different from the first temperature. An energy harvesting system is disposed in contact with each of the first fluid region and the second fluid region. A fan is driven by an energy harvesting system in response to the temperature difference between the first fluid region and the second fluid region.

Abstract: A ventilation system (1) for vehicles comprises an electric ventilator (2) in turn comprising a fan (4), an electric motor (3) for driving the fan (4) and a microcontroller (6) installed at the motor (3) for controlling the rotation speed of the fan (4), the microcontroller (6) processes one or more vehicle functional parameters according to which it defines the rotation speed of the fan (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle and a method for controlling the same in which heat generated from a drive motor during vehicle running is used to assist the heating of a vehicle interior so as to provide more efficient heating of the vehicle interior and, especially, reduce the amount of battery power consumed for the heating of the vehicle interior, thus increasing driving distance and improving fuel efficiency. The air conditioning system of the invention can cool the drive motor, heat the vehicle interior using waste heat of the drive motor, and purify the air supplied to the vehicle interior with the use of a single blower.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of airborne contaminants and prevention of influx of the contaminants into an enclosed space, such as a vehicle cabin. A first sensor array samples exterior air prior to influx of the exterior air into the enclosed space. The first sensor array generates data uniquely corresponding to each contaminant. Data corresponding to predetermined contaminants is stored in computer memory. A user may also cause data corresponding to a contaminant selected by the user to be stored in the computer memory. Upon identification of a contaminant, an actuator is operative to control a position of a valve to prevent influx of the exterior air into the enclosed space.

Abstract: A method for generating electricity from solar power to an air handling unit or an electrical system for a car, relying on a photovoltaic panels (1) DC disconnects (2,3); charge controller (4); batteries (5); air handling unit or an electrical system (7); electrical wires, and fuses. The photovoltaic panel(s) will generate electrical power that will provide sufficient power to run the air handling unit or an electrical system.

Abstract: An air volume control module for use with a vehicular air conditioning apparatus includes a circuit board including a control circuit for controlling the rotational speed of the blower of the vehicular air conditioning apparatus, a heat sink connected to the circuit board and including a fin for radiating heat generated by the circuit board, and a base housing surrounding the circuit board, the heat sink being inserted in the base housing with the fin projecting from the base housing. The base housing is mounted on the heat sink only by a locking finger. Either one of the base housing and the fin of the heat sink has a protective projection having a heightwise dimension greater than that of the locking finger.

Abstract: A method for determining the desired ventilation air temperature of an automatic heating and air-conditioning system of a vehicle having an opening top is described. The open or closed state of the top of the vehicle is detected, and the heating and air-conditioning system is controlled and/or regulated in a number of different ways as a function of the state of the top. In the open state of the top, the desired ventilation air temperature is determined as a function of the speed of the vehicle. Also, in the open state of the top the desired ventilation air temperature is determined in such a manner that the top-closed desired ventilation air temperature is increased by a speed-dependent offset value.

Abstract: A vent assembly is disposed within an interior space of a vehicle for opening and closing fluid communication between the interior space and an exterior of the vehicle. The vent assembly includes a housing defining a plurality of openings and a plurality of vanes disposed in the openings. An actuator mechanism moves the vanes between an open position and a closed position, and includes a shaped memory alloy (SMA) member for actuating the vanes between the open and closed positions. The SMA member is activated when a hatch of the vehicle is open to move the vanes into the open position and thereby open fluid communication between the interior space and the exterior to alleviate excessive air pressure buildup during closure of the hatch.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle air conditioner that can perform air conditioning operation in an inside air circulating mode while suppressing the mist on a windshield and prevent deterioration in an inside air quality. When exhaust gas concentration on the outside of a vehicle is high, an outside air lead-in mode is switched to an inside air circulating mode and window mist limit humidity at that point is calculated. When inside humidity is close to the window mist limit, a compressor is actuated, the air is blown out from a DEF blowout port into a cabin, or an air volume in a blower is increased to prevent the mist on the windshield and delay switching to the outside air lead-in mode as much as possible. Consequently, air conditioning operation in the inside air circulating mode is performed while the mist on the windshield is suppressed to prevent deterioration in the inside air quality.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting low levels of humidity (i.e. less than 10%) inside an automotive vehicle is provided whereby the total absolute humidity inside the vehicle is determined by multiplying the number of occupants in the vehicle by an absolute humidity factor to obtain a total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants. The absolute humidity outside the vehicle is added to the total absolute humidity expelled by the vehicle occupants to arrive at a total vehicle cabin absolute humidity.

Abstract: A method for reducing outside air inflow required for aircraft passenger cabin air quality is provided. The method determines when passenger cabin air quality is the driving outside air inflow requirement and reduces the outside air inflow to that required for passenger cabin air quality. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for reducing outside air inflow required for aircraft passenger cabin air quality using a fixed minimum outflow valve open area setpoint. In another embodiment, there is provided a method for reducing outside air inflow required for aircraft passenger cabin air quality using calculations that are repeated at regular intervals and using a mathematical function relating an outside air inflow requirement to a set of independent variables.

Abstract: With a method for controlling the temperature of feed air which is injected into the cabin zone of a passenger aircraft, the cabin of which is sub-divided into several cabin zones supplied respectively with specially temperature-controlled feed air, the temperature of the injected feed air is controlled for each cabin zone, dependent upon the deviation of an injection temperature actual value for the feed air injected into the cabin zone in question, measured by sensors, in relation to an injection temperature optimum value. If there is no, or at least no usable reading of the ambient temperature of this cabin zone for a cabin zone, an optimum value for the injection temperature of this cabin zone can be established in accordance with a variation, whereby it is determined upon the basis of the injection temperature optimum values and/or the injection temperature actual values of other cabin zones, whereby the measurement by sensors of the cabin temperature works reliably.

Abstract: A flow of air coming out of a louver facing the internal space of the passenger compartment of a vehicle is oriented, exploiting the Coanda effect, in an area adjacent to a first surface of the passenger compartment or in an area adjacent to a second surface of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: An HVAC system for a vehicle includes a housing, a front HVAC unit with a front blower, and rear HVAC unit with a rear blower. The front and rear HVAC units are housed in the housing. The front blower generates an airflow through a front airflow path and the rear blower generates an airflow through a rear airflow path. A separating wall separates the front airflow path from the rear airflow path. The HVAC system further includes an evaporator with a first portion and a second portion. When the rear blower is switched to an OFF position, the rear HVAC unit automatically operates the rear blower at a minimum voltage so as to continue to generate airflow through the second portion of the evaporator.

Abstract: A method for controlling air intake into an air conditioned enclosure includes generating a plurality of sensor output voltages using a NOx sensor. A NOx voltage ratio is calculated from the sensor output voltages. A determination is made when the NOx voltage ratio one of equals and exceeds a NOx threshold. The NOx voltage ratio is reset to a unitary value for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner with at least one air conduction device and a switching device. Provision is made that in a first operating state, the air conditioner has air passing at least partially through it in a first direction, that the air conditioner has air flowing through it at least partially in a second direction different from the first direction, and that the air conditioner has at least one switching device, to alter the flow direction of the air in the air conduction device.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a vehicle, that includes a module for controlling the air-conditioning group for adjusting the temperature inside the passenger compartment to a setpoint temperature, the control module being capable of correcting the temperature adjustment in the passenger compartment based on a received sunshine value in the passenger compartment. The system further includes a mechanism correcting the sunshine value to improve the correction of the temperature adjustment inside the passenger compartment particularly in cloudy conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the air flow entering a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle. The position of a valve or door in the vehicle air duct system is varied between a full-fresh air position and a full-recirculated air position to produce a controlled relationship between a fan speed selected by a vehicle occupant and a desired air flow rate into the passenger compartment over a wide range of vehicle speeds.

Abstract: An aircraft air-conditioning system (10) comprises an air-conditioning unit (12) that is connected by a main fresh-air line (16) to a mixer (18) in order to supply the mixer (18) with fresh air at a desired low temperature. A fresh-air branch line (20) that is connected upstream of the mixer (18) to the main fresh-air line (16) has a flow cross section that is smaller than a flow cross section of the main fresh-air line (16).

Abstract: An air conditioning system comprising a gas-impermeable wall defining a space for air conditioning, and a selective separating member disposed in the wall as a part of the wall, having a function of allowing preferential permeation of oxygen and carbon dioxide and at the same time, blocking the permeation of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and a fine solid component, in which the selective separating member comprises an organic polymer and satisfies the relationship of P1/P2>10 wherein P1 is the permeation coefficient of oxygen and carbon dioxide and P2 is the permeation coefficient of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and a fine solid component.