Abstract: A refrigerated appliance that dispenses items for use with a power source and includes a cooling system. Power control circuitry is electrically coupled between the power source and components (for example, a compressor and one or more circulating fans of the cooling system) of the appliance. A controller, which is operably coupled to the power control circuitry, is adapted to manage the supply of electrical power to such components by intelligently transitioning between a normal-operation mode and at least one power-conserving mode. To achieve efficient power conservation, an audio signal detector is provided that generates at least one dispensing event signal that represents the occurrence of one or more sound-based dispensing events. The controller automatically transitions between the power-conserving mode(s) and the normal-operation mode based upon at least one dispensing event data signal supplied to the controller by the audio signal detector, and possibly other data signals supplied to the controller.

Abstract: A waste energy-based vehicle air conditioning system includes efficient compression driving means coupled to refrigeration means. In one implementation, the compression driving means includes a controller (e.g., magnetic clutch) that couples mechanical waste energy from an engine fan axle, a vehicle drive shaft, or a transmission shaft to an axle of a refrigerant compressor. Alternatively, the controller can also include a battery that is charged from the mechanical waste energy. Upon detecting certain pressure values, the controller powers the refrigerant compressor with a rotating axle (e.g., during deceleration) or with battery power, as appropriate. In one implementation, the controller is configured to engage compression immediately upon detecting that the vehicle is decelerating. One or more kits can be used to retrofit existing vehicles to operate the respective air conditioning systems principally on waste energy.

Abstract: A controller comprises a first input that receives a signal indicating an energy consumption value of a compressor, a second input that receives a signal indicating an energy consumption value of a variable speed condenser fan, and an output that provides a control signal to the variable speed condenser fan. The controller also comprises a memory that stores a condenser set point, and a processor in communication with the input, output and memory and that modulates the condenser set-point to minimize energy consumption and controls the variable speed condenser fan based on the condenser set-point.

Abstract: A method of controlling the frequency of a compressor in a chiller system is disclosed. The method includes determining a nominal minimum frequency of a compressor, and providing a control algorithm for controlling the period of time and the deviation of the actual operating frequency below the nominal minimal frequency that the compressor may operate without shutting down the chiller system. The time period of operation below nominal minimum frequency may be predetermined as a fixed time period of operation below nominal minimum frequency, or as a variable time period based on the amount by which the frequency deviates below nominal minimum frequency. Also, an absolute minimum operating frequency is provided that results in the control algorithm shutting down the chiller system and the compressor.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling an ambient to be cooled, a cooler and a method of controlling a cooling control system are described. The cooling control system comprises a variable capacity compressor and a controller, the controller measuring the load of the compressor by means of the measurement of the electric current and verifying the temperature condition in the cooler ambient and actuating on the cooling capacity of the compressor, the compressor being controlled to actuate in cycles, the cooling capacity being altered in function of an evolution of the load of the compressor along the cooling cycles in combination with an evolution of the temperature condition in the cooled ambient.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and method includes monitoring a cooling system having a refrigerant compressor, evaporator, and condenser, and employs a number of sensors to monitor various operating parameters of the system. A database stores predefined operating parameters for a plurality of cooling systems. The operating parameters are provided to a computer, which compares the provided operating parameters of the monitored cooling system with the predefined operating parameters to provide diagnostic results for the monitored cooling system.

Abstract: A compressor unit includes a compressor, an inverter for driving the compressor, and an over-current protective device for protecting the inverter against an output over-current. A control part controls the output voltage of the inverter when the compressor is started based on a ambient temperature detected by a temperature sensor so that the input current of the inverter does not exceed the working current value of the over-current protective device having temperature characteristics varying according to the ambient temperature. Thereby, a start torque can be increased by increasing the output voltage of the inverter without operating the over-current protective device when the compressor is stated at a low temperature when a start load is increased.

Abstract: A unitary control for operating at least the fan and compressor of a climate control apparatus in response to signals received from a thermostat, the unitary air conditioning control includes a circuit board, a microprocessor on the circuit board; a first relay on the circuit board operable by the microprocessor, to connect a fan connected thereto to line voltage, and having first and second contacts at least one of which is connected to the microprocessor; and a second relay on the circuit board operable by the microprocessor, to connect a fan connected thereto to line voltage, and having first and second contacts connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for variable speed operation of a screw compressor to obtain increased capacity and efficiency. The screw compressor is connected to an induction motor driven by a variable speed drive, wherein the screw compressor has a variable output capacity that is dependent on the output speed of the motor. To obtain increased capacity and efficiency, the screw compressor is operated at a speed greater than the screw compressor's rated speed and does not include a slide valve. The maximum operating speed of the screw compressor, which speed is greater than the rated speed, is related to the maximum operating speed of the motor when operated at a voltage and frequency provided by the variable speed drive that is greater than the motor's rated voltage and frequency in a constant flux or constant volts/Hz mode.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to increase the horsepower of an induction motor. One technique for increasing the horsepower of a motor is to connect the motor to a variable speed drive that is providing an output voltage and frequency greater than the standard line voltage and frequency. The connection of the variable speed drive to the induction motor enables the motor to be operated in constant flux or constant volts/Hz mode and provide a greater output horsepower. Another technique for increasing the horsepower of a motor is to use a dual voltage motor configured for lower voltage operation and then provide the motor with the corresponding voltage and frequency for higher voltage operation. The higher voltage and higher frequency can be provided by a variable speed drive with or without voltage boost. A variable speed drive without voltage boost, but with frequency boost, can be used in situations where the standard main voltage is greater than the lower voltage rating.

Abstract: A cooling system comprising a compressor (20) and controlled by means of an electronic circuit (TE), the electronic circuit (TE) comprising a measuring circuit (ME) for measuring an electric power (Pn) supplied to the compressor (20) a microcontroller (10), a time variable (td), the measuring circuit (ME) effecting a measurement of the electric power (Pn) supplied the compressor (20), the microcontroller (10) comparing the measure. An electric power with reference-power values (Prl) and (Prd) previously stored in the microcontroller (10), the microcontroller altering the state of operation of the compressor (20) in function of the electric power (Pn) and of the time variable (td). A method of controlling a compressor (20), which comprises steps of storing a variable (Pn(te)) at a power value (Pn) measured at the moment when a period of time (te) counted from the moment of turning on the compressor (20) has been, and altering the value of the time variable (tD).

Abstract: An air conditioner has a variable capacity rotary compressor, which allows the compressor to be smoothly re-started, thus increasing start reliability of the compressor. The air conditioner includes a compressor rotated in opposite directions. A drive unit rotates the compressor in a forward or reverse direction. A start determining unit determines whether the compressor has started to rotate in a forward direction or not. A control unit operates the drive unit so as to rotate the compressor in a direction opposite to the forward direction, and then re-start the compressor in the forward direction, when the compressor has failed to start. The air conditioner and a method of controlling the air conditioner allow the compressor to be smoothly and rapidly re-started even when the compressor has failed to re-start, thus increasing start reliability, and shortening a time required to re-start the compressor.

Abstract: A method of operating a climate control system includes generating a signal based upon the operation of the compressor, and controlling the compressor in response to the generated signal. A climate control system implementing the method includes a compressor, and module for generating at least one signal based upon the operation of the compressor, and a thermostat for controlling the compressor, the thermostat controlling the compressor in response to signals generated by the module. A system for controlling a compressor in a climate control system implementing the method includes a module that generates signals relating to the operation of the compressor, and a thermostat, responsive to the module, for controlling the compressor. A thermostat for controlling a climate control system having a compressor implementing the method operates the compressor in response to at least one signal representative of the operation of the compressor.

Abstract: A method for controlling cycling of an air conditioning compressor coupled to an internal combustion engine interrupts normal cycling based on operation conditions. In addition, normal engaged and disengaged cycling durations are adaptively estimated in real-time. The method of the present invention achieves improved fuel economy and improved drive feel. As an example, improved fuel economy is achieved by engaging the compressor during braking or when the engine is being driven by the vehicle. As another example, improved drive feel is achieved by engaging the compressor during transient conditions when drive feel is unaffected.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle includes an engine operable to generate energy. An energy storage unit may be associated with the engine and adapted to receive and store the energy generated by the engine. A temperature control unit may be associated with the energy storage unit and adapted to control a temperature in the vehicle. The temperature control unit may be adapted to selectively draw stored energy from the energy storage unit to control the temperature when the engine is not operating. A controller may be adapted to monitor an operating condition of the thermal management system and to control the transfer of the energy from the engine to the energy storage unit based on the monitored operating condition.

Abstract: A system and method for managing energy consumption of a building system includes a source of actual energy consumption data, a source of actual weather data, and a database correlating discrete weather data values with expected energy consumption values for at least one component of the building system. A computer accesses the actual weather data, actual energy consumption data and database, wherein the computer compares the expected energy consumption values with actual energy consumption data and generates an output based on the comparison. The expected energy consumption values are generated for the discrete weather data values using an energy consumption model that functionally relates discrete weather data values and design information for the building system component.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring a plurality of appliances, wherein each appliance is connected to an electrical circuit having a first wire and a second wire. The device includes a plurality of cores, each of the plurality of cores being constructed to be able to surround one of the first wires of each circuit and having a secondary winding at which an electrical signal is generated in response to a current polarity change in the first wire. A multiplexer is connected to the secondary winding of each of the plurality of cores. A processor is connected to the multiplexer to monitor the phase relationship between an AC voltage an AC current of each appliance connected to one of the plurality of circuits and to determine information relating to the function of the appliance based on the phase relationship. The device may be located at the circuit breaker box of an establishment.

Abstract: When a preset protection temperature is exceeded, an air conditioning device for a vehicle equipped with air conditioner inverter protection means works to lower the output of the air conditioner inverter. This lowers the output of the air conditioner inverter, whereby heat is released in decreased amounts from the coolant through a first heat exchanger suppressing a rise in the temperature of the EV cooling water.

Abstract: A refrigerating machine having a compressor driven by a motor. The motor incorporates an armature with an iron core having a cage type conductor and a permanent magnet which is magnetized so as to enable the motor to operate as a synchronous motor. A bypass passage is provided between a discharge side of the compressor and a suction side of the compressor, a shut-off valve is provided for opening and closing the bypass passage, a pressure detecting device is provided for detecting a discharge pressure from the compressor and a current detector is provided for detecting a value of drive current for the compressor. The shut-off valve is opened and closed in accordance with the discharge pressure and the value of the drive current.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a compressor. The vehicle includes a first drive source and the compressor includes a second drive source. The compressor is driven by the first drive source or the second drive source, or a combination thereof, and the second drive source includes an electrical power supply. The air conditioning system also includes a controller for selecting between the first drive source and the second drive source, such that when the compressor is active, the first drive source drives the compressor except when the vehicle is operating in a predetermined mode, a voltage of the electrical power supply is greater than or equal to a minimum electrical power supply voltage, and an amount of electric power consumed by the second drive source is less than a maximum electric power. For example, the predetermined mode may be an idle-stop mode.

Abstract: An electric compression device has a motor section and a compressor section contained in a housing, an inverter attached to the outer surface of the housing, and a temperature measurement device for measuring a temperature of the inverter. In a stopped state of a refrigeration cycle system, a control unit drives the motor section when the temperature of the inverter, measured by the temperature measurement device, exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a compressor is driven by a vehicle engine, and a displacement of the compressor is controlled based on a cooling load. When a post-evaporator air temperature (TE) is higher than a predetermined value (TEO+?), it is determined that the cooling load is large, and the compressor is forcibly controlled at maximum displacement that is larger than a control value controlled based on the cooling load. Accordingly, the post-evaporator air temperature (TE) can be rapidly reduced to be lower than the predetermined value (TEO+?), so that a driving time of the vehicle engine can be made shorter. As a result, fuel consumption efficiency of the vehicle engine can be effectively improved.

Abstract: A cooling system for a motor is prevented from exhibiting a thermal fatigue failure due to a temperature cycle. The operation or stopping of the cooling motor fan 6 of the forced cooling system is controlled using the difference between the temperature thereof and the operation start temperature Tis of the power converter 3. Thus expansion of the temperature range is suppressed.

Abstract: There is provided an automotive air conditioning system, which is free from troubles in traveling itself caused by power consumption in air conditioning means in an automobile having storage means, power generation means for charging the storage means, and air conditioning means having an electric compressor driven by feeding from the storage means.

Abstract: An operation control apparatus and method of a linear compressor are disclosed. The operation control apparatus includes: an ambient temperature sensor unit for sensing a temperature around a refrigerator; a second microcomputer for outputting a control signal according to a temperature statue of a temperatures sensing unit for sensing an inner temperature of the refrigerator; a load driving unit for receiving an ON/OFF control signal for driving a linear compressor from the second microcomputer and outputting a drive signal to the linear compressor; a relay switched by the driving signal and supplying an AC power to a motor of the linear compressor; and a power supply unit for converting the AC power into a DC power and supplying power to each unit inside the linear compressor.

Abstract: A method for operating a vapor compression system having a compressor driven by a variable frequency drive, wherein the compressor feeds a refrigerant loop, wherein the refrigerant loop includes a cooling circuit for the variable frequency drive, and wherein a flow control member is positioned for controlling flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant loop to the cooling circuit including the steps of: sensing an operating temperature of the variable frequency drive; and controlling the flow control member based upon the operating temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are an air conditioning system with two compressors and a method for operating the same, so as to variably change a compression capacity of a refrigerant according to the variation of cooling load. Herein, when a full operation order is inputted to the two compressors in order to satisfy increased cooling load, the first compressor is first operated, and then the second compressor having a compression capacity of a refrigerant smaller than that of the first compressor is additionally operated, so that a current peak value for operating the compressors does not exceed an allowable current range of a circuit breaker installed in a home or building, thereby safely controlling the air conditioning system and simultaneously allowing the current to be provided to other electric appliances, thus improving users' convenience.

Abstract: A compressor device for a refrigerant cycle includes a compressor and a control unit. The compressor is provided with a displacement changing mechanism for changing its displacement. The control unit changes a current value supplied to the displacement changing mechanism, thereby relatively changing the displacement of the compressor. In the compressor device, when a rotational speed of a vehicle engine is lower than a predetermined rotational speed, the control unit controls an upper limit of the current value between a first predetermined value and a maximum value. Accordingly, a displacement specification of the compressor device can be normalized for vehicle engines having different power outputs, while engine stall can be prevented.

Abstract: In an air conditioner for a hybrid vehicle, an air conditioning unit performs air-conditioning operation by electrical power supplied from a battery. When a residual charging degree of the battery becomes equal to or lower than a charging-starting target value, an electrical generator is driven by a vehicle engine so that the battery is charged through the electrical generator. Further, when the battery is in a discharging mode, the control unit decreases an air-conditioning capacity of the air conditioning unit, as compared with that in a charging mode of the battery. Accordingly, a frequency for consuming the engine for charging the battery can be reduced. Therefore, a fuel consumption efficiency can be effectively improved and a total discharge amount of environmental destruction substance contained in exhaust gas of the engine can be effectively reduced.

Abstract: A controlled compressor apparatus enables a hybrid compressor in an idle-stopping vehicle to operate more efficiently when driven by a motor alone. The controlled compressor apparatus includes a compressor 110, included in a refrigeration circuit 200, of a variable volume type for compressing a refrigerant; a motor 120 powered by a battery 12 to operate; and a controller 130 for selecting the driving force provided either by the engine 10 or the motor 120 to drive the compressor 110 and control its discharge volume. The controller 130 causes the motor 120 to operate the compressor 110 such that the compressor 110 is turned on or off at a discharge volume of the compressor 110 that larger within a variable range than that required for operating the refrigeration circuit 200.

Abstract: Mechanical refrigeration systems, including ice machines, having increased effective operating range. The ability to operate over a wide range of heat transfer capacity allows the system controller to conserve energy by closely matching the refrigeration capacity and the heat load. In applications where the refrigeration system is being operated from low-grade power or small power grids, the refrigeration capacity may be adjusted to control the amount of electrical energy taken from the grid. For the more specific application where ice is being manufactured, to maintain product quality the varying refrigeration capacity of the system must be followed by a variance in the heat load that is applied to the system.

Abstract: A method for operating a vapor compression system having a compressor driven by a variable frequency drive, wherein the compressor feeds a refrigerant loop, wherein the refrigerant loop includes a cooling circuit for the variable frequency drive, and wherein a flow control member is positioned for controlling flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant loop to the cooling circuit including the steps of: sensing an operating temperature of the variable frequency drive; and controlling the flow control member based upon the operating temperature.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and method includes monitoring a cooling system having a refrigerant compressor, evaporator, and condensor, and employs a number of sensors to monitor various operating parameters of the system. A database stores predefined operating parameters for a plurality of cooling systems. The operating parameters are provided to a computer, which compares the provided operating parameters of the monitored cooling system with the predefined operating parameters to provide diagnostic results for the monitored cooling system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling an air conditioner. In particular, driving modes of elements, namely sucking/discharge compressure, of the compressor in operation are determined so that variable means are controlled to ensure for the elements of the compressor to be within predetermined value ranges in safe area. According to the present invention, vibrations/noises that usually occur when the compressor is in unstable area are greatly reduced and thus, the compressor can be protected from damages.

Abstract: In a normal control of a vehicle air conditioner, a control unit controls a compressor so that a work amount of the compressor is maintained at a target work amount calculated based on a heat load. In a cut control, the control unit controls the compressor so that the work amount is forcibly reduced smaller than the target work amount. When the cut control is set from the normal control, the cut control is continued for a predetermined time and then is changed to the normal control again. In this case, the work amount of the compressor immediately after the predetermined time passes is corrected to be increased. Thus, the target work amount of the compressor immediately after the cut control is increased larger than the target work amount calculated based on the heat load. Therefore, suitable air conditioning can be performed immediately after the cut control.

Abstract: In a compressor control system for a vehicle air conditioner, a hybrid ECU of the vehicle controls a rotation speed of a compressor electric motor. In this case, an output circuit, which outputs a driving signal for driving the compressor electric motor, only needs to be newly provided in the hybrid ECU when a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle is manufactured based on an engine vehicle. Therefore, a high cost is not caused even when the output circuit is provided in the hybrid ECU which should be newly designed and manufactured. In addition, because the output circuit does not need to be provided in an air-conditioning ECU which is an existing component of the engine vehicle, the air-conditioning ECU in the engine vehicle can be directly applied to that in the hybrid vehicle without a substantial hardware change. Therefore, design cost can be reduced.

Abstract: In an air conditioner for a hybrid vehicle, an air conditioning unit performs air-conditioning operation by electrical power supplied from a battery. When a residual charging degree of the battery becomes equal to or lower than a charging-starting target value, an electrical generator is driven by a vehicle engine so that the battery is charged through the electrical generator. Further, when the battery is in a discharging mode, the control unit decreases an air-conditioning capacity of the air conditioning unit, as compared with that in a charging mode of the battery. Accordingly, a frequency for consuming the engine for charging the battery can be reduced. Therefore, a fuel consumption efficiency can be effectively improved and a total discharge amount of environmental destruction substance contained in exhaust gas of the engine can be effectively reduced.

Abstract: A cooling system comprising a compressor (20) and controlled by means of an electronic circuit (TE), the electronic circuit (TE) comprising a measuring circuit (ME) for measuring an electric power (Pn) supplied to the compressor (20) a microcontroller (10), a time variable (td), the measuring circuit (ME) effecting a measurement of the electric power (Pn) supplied the compressor (20), the microcontroller (10) comparing the measure. An electric power with reference-power values (Prl) and (Prd) previously stored in the microcontroller (10), the microcontroller altering the state of operation of the compressor (20) in function of the electric power (Pn) and of the time variable (td). A method of controlling a compressor (20), which comprises steps of storing a variable (Pn(te)) at a power value (Pn) measured at the moment when a period of time (te) counted from the moment of turning on the compressor (20) has been, and altering the value of the time variable (tD).

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a compressor comprises a compressor having a compression mechanism part for sucking a fluid to compress the same, and an electric motor for driving the compression mechanism part, and an inverter device for driving the electric motor at variable speeds. The electric motor comprises a self-starting type electric motor having a rotor, which comprises a cage conductor and a polarized permanent magnet, and the inverter device comprises a plurality of semiconductor switches for controlling drive frequencies of the electric motor.

Abstract: A compressor includes a motor protector which stops the compressor motor when it senses an out of specification condition. A diagnostic system monitors the status of the motor protector and includes logic circuitry that diagnoses the type of problem the compressor or the system is having based upon the running times and status of the motor in conjunction with the times and status of the tripped motor protector. The diagnostic system also includes either a discharge pressure sensor or a condenser temperature sensor, an ambient air sensor and a voltage sensor. The sensors provide information to the diagnostic system, which enable it to determine where a system fault has occurred.

Abstract: A control system is provided to maintain stable operating conditions for centrifugal compressors operating in parallel when one of the centrifugal compressors enters into an unstable operating condition. The control system determines an unstable operating condition in response to signals indicating the motor current or power consumption of each compressor and the position of the pre-rotation vanes of the compressors. Once an unstable operating condition is determined, the control system closes the pre-rotation vanes to each compressor until the unstable operating condition has been corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of an electronic device under test includes a thermal head having a temperature controlled surface for making thermal contact with the electronic device. The thermal head defines a flow channel for passage of a refrigerant fluid so as to cause transfer of thermal energy between the electronic device and the thermal head. A refrigeration system is connected in fluid communication with the flow channel of the thermal head to supply refrigerant fluid thereto. The refrigeration system includes a metering valve operative to regulate introduction of the refrigerant fluid into the thermal head. A controller is operative to control the metering valve for maintaining a predetermined temperature at the temperature controlled surface.

Abstract: When a preset protection temperature is exceeded, an air conditioning device for a vehicle equipped with air conditioner inverter protection means works to lower the output of the air conditioner inverter. This lowers the output of the air conditioner inverter, whereby heat is released in decreased amounts from the coolant through a first heat exchanger suppressing a rise in the temperature of the EV cooling water.

Abstract: A refrigeration/air conditioning system includes a compressor having a motor protector which stops the compressor's motor when it senses an out of specification condition. A diagnostic system of the refrigeration/air conditioning system monitors the status of the motor protector. The diagnostic system includes logic circuitry that diagnoses the type of problem the compressor or the system is having based upon the running times and status of the motor in conjunction with the times and status of the tripped motor protector. The diagnostic system also includes either a discharge pressure sensor or a condenser temperature sensor, an ambient air sensor and a voltage sensor. The sensors provide information to the diagnostic system which enables it to determine where a system fault has occurred.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for preventing an overload of an air conditioner and a method thereof. The apparatus includes current feedback units for feeding back the currents supplied to the compressors to the controller where at least one of a plurality of compressors, operated in response to currents generated from a controller for controlling an operation of the air conditioner, is in an overload state; and a comparator for sensing current differences between the currents inputted into the compressors and the currents fed back from the current feedback units. After sensing the current differences between the currents inputted into the compressors and the currents fed back from the current feedback units, the comparator determines that at least one of the compressors is in the overload state if a current difference does not exist.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a compressor is driven by a vehicle engine, and a displacement of the compressor is controlled based on a cooling load. When a post-evaporator air temperature (TE) is higher than a predetermined value (TEO+&bgr;), it is determined that the cooling load is large, and the compressor is forcibly controlled at maximum displacement that is larger than a control value controlled based on the cooling load. Accordingly, the post-evaporator air temperature (TE) can be rapidly reduced to be lower than the predetermined value (TEO+&bgr;), so that a driving time of the vehicle engine can be made shorter. As a result, fuel consumption efficiency of the vehicle engine can be effectively improved.

Abstract: A central control system and method for controlling air conditioners. The central control system performs central control operations for the air conditioners according to an operation schedule or control command inputted from a central controller coupled to the air conditioners through an internal network or a remote controller accessible to an external Internet network. When the air conditioners are simultaneously operated, control signals based on the control command are adjusted to prevent electric power consumption from abruptly increasing and hence the stability and reliability of control can be improved. The central controller includes a touch screen-based monitor. A control program included in the central controller provides a timetable corresponding to a specified period. An operator can conveniently input/edit the operation schedule through a dragging operation performed on the monitor, and confirm the inputted/edited operation schedule.

Abstract: In a hybrid compressor for a vehicle where a vehicle engine is stopped when the vehicle is temporally stopped, a pulley, a motor and a compressor can be driven in independent from each other, and are connected to a sun gear, planetary carriers and a ring gear of a planetary gear. A rotational speed of the motor is adjusted by a controller, so that a rotational speed of the compressor is changed with respect to a rotational speed of the pulley. Accordingly, production cost of the hybrid compressor and the size thereof can be reduced, while a cooling function can be ensured even when the vehicle engine is stopped.

Abstract: A compressor device compresses refrigerant of a refrigeration cycle system and is connected to an engine and a motor to selectively receive drive force from one or both of the engine and the motor. When the engine is operated in an idling mode, a control apparatus energizes the motor to drive the compressor device alone or in cooperation with the engine and controls the energization of the motor to adjust load on the engine.

Abstract: In an air conditioner for a hybrid vehicle, an air conditioning unit performs air-conditioning operation by electrical power supplied from a battery. When a residual charging degree of the battery becomes equal to or lower than a target degree, an electrical motor generator is driven by a vehicle engine so that the battery is charged through the electrical motor generator. Further, when a rotation speed of the engine is lower than a predetermined speed or when a power generation efficiency due to the engine is lower than a predetermined efficiency, air-conditioning capacity of the air conditioning unit is set lower, so that a consumption power of the air conditioner is restricted. Accordingly, the frequency for starting the engine only for charging the battery can be reduced.