Abstract: Vehicles are provided with a first air conditioning system adapted to condition at least air in the driver compartment and a second air conditioning system distinct from the first air conditioning system and adapted to operate independently of the first air conditioning system. The second air conditioning system is adapted to condition at least air in the sleeper compartment and includes an exterior assembly mounted to a location outside the interior area and an interior assembly operably connected with the exterior assembly and mounted within the interior area. The exterior assembly includes an auxiliary condenser coil and an auxiliary condenser fan and the interior assembly includes an auxiliary evaporator coil, an auxiliary evaporator fan and an auxiliary compressor.

Abstract: A heating and cooling and air conditioning (HVAC) module housing wherein the defrost outlet and the vent outlet and the seat outlet are disposed next adjacent to one another and a first plate overlies the defrost outlet and the seat outlet and a second plate overlies the seat outlet and the vent outlet for opening and closing various combinations of the outlets. Accordingly, the defrost valve and the vent valve are used to also control air flow through the seat outlet of a HVAC module to a thermo-electric device to heat and cool the seat assembly in a vehicle.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include systems, methods, and apparatus for improving the fuel efficiency (mpg/kpl) of a motor vehicle during those times when the vehicle air conditioning system is operating. Whenever the driver takes his foot off the gas, or the vehicle engine is otherwise caused to decelerate, the refrigerant compressor clutch engages, allowing the compressor to operate on previously-imparted vehicle waste energy (e.g., imparted by the engine, or by downhill travel.) When the refrigerant pressure reaches a pre-set maximum value, the clutch is deactivated, and the compressor stops. When the refrigerant pressure reaches a pre-set minimum level, the clutch is activated regardless of the existence of vehicle waste energy. When the refrigerant pressure reaches another pre-set level between the aforementioned maximum and minimum levels, in the absence of any vehicle waste energy, the clutch is again deactivated and the compressor stops.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a freezing capacity of a low-temperature delivery vehicle is that cool cold devices by a freezing machine, each of which has an eutectic material therein, to a temperature lower than eutectic temperatures of the cold devices, and then put the cold devices in a chamber of a vehicle, which the vehicle has a refrigerator to provide a cold airflow to the chamber via an outlet on a wall of the chamber. The cold devices have to be taken out after a predetermined period and cooled again to recycle. The low-temperature delivery vehicle of the present invention has a van body having a chamber therein, a refrigerator having an outlet on a wall of the chamber to provide a cold airflow to the chamber, and a plurality of cold devices in the chamber of the van body.

Abstract: A technique for rejecting heat from a fuel cell stack. Heated stack coolant from the fuel cell stack is directed to a heat pump module where it is compressed to raise its temperature. The heated and compressed coolant is then directed through a radiator that cools the coolant through interaction with ambient air. The coolant is then sent through an expansion aperture to reduce its pressure, and thus, further reduce its temperature before it is sent back to the fuel cell stack to collect waste heat therefrom. The heated and compressed coolant can be sent to hydride bed to release hydrogen therefrom before it is sent to the radiator. In one embodiment, the coolant is hydrogen.

Abstract: A vapor compression refrigerator having a refrigeration cycle (200) is disclosed. In a Rankine cycle (300), a refrigerant is circulated through a pump (310), a heater (320), an expander (330) and a condenser (220) in that order, and power is recovered by the expander 330 due to the expansion of the refrigerant from the heater (320). In a host gas cycle (500), on the other hand, the inlet of the compressor (210) can be connected from a point between the pump (310) and the heater (320) by a switching path (510) having a first restricting portion (510), the refrigerant is circulated by the compressor (210) through the heater (320) and the switching path (510) in that order, and the heater (320) exhibits the function of heating a heat generating device (10).

Abstract: A hybrid auxiliary power system for a vehicle provides auxiliary electrical power, cooling, and heating while the main engine of the vehicle is turned off. An auxiliary engine directly drives an air-conditioner compressor. A condenser condenses the refrigerant and supplies it to an evaporator. A blower moves air through the evaporator and into the vehicle. The engine also drives an AC generator, which supplies air to a battery charger. The battery charger supplies DC voltage to charge the battery of the vehicle as well as power to the blower of the auxiliary air-conditioner.

Abstract: The liquid galley refrigeration system for cooling food carts for aircraft employs an intermediate working fluid to transfer heat from one or more food carts to one or more remote chillers, allowing the carts and chillers to be advantageously distributed in the aircraft. A plurality of heat exchanges effect a cooling of the carts wherein heat from the food cart is first transferred to a first airflow; heat from the first airflow is then transferred to an intermediate working fluid that is circulated between a location immediately adjacent the food carts and a remote chiller; heat from the intermediate working fluid is subsequently transferred to the chiller working fluid; and finally, heat from the chiller working fluid is expelled. While the chiller working fluid undergoes a phase change in order to transfer heat from the intermediate working fluid to the cooling air, the intermediate working fluid remains in its liquid phase throughout its circulation.

Abstract: A phase-change cooling system for a vehicle includes an electronic control device for receiving power from a power source and having a first temperature. The phase-change cooling system also includes a condenser of an air conditioning system of the vehicle thermally communicating with the electronic control device and having a second temperature less than the first temperature to remove heat from the electronic control device due to a phase-change of coolant in the condenser.

Abstract: A mobile refrigeration system that includes an engine that is operable at a first speed greater than zero and a second speed greater than zero. A compressor is operable in response to the engine at a first speed and a second speed. The system also includes an evaporator, a first temperature sensor positioned to measure a first temperature, and a second temperature sensor positioned to measure a second temperature. A controller is operable to transition the engine between the first speed and the second speed in response to the first temperature exceeding a first predetermined value and the second temperature falling below a second predetermined value.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle having a direct current electric power supply includes a compressor driven by an engine, a condenser connected to the compressor, and an evaporator connected between the condenser and the compressor. The fans for blowing air past the condenser and the evaporator are powered by alternating current motors that are much more economical and maintenance-free than the direct current motors currently in use. An inverter connected to the direct current power supply provides alternating current to the alternating current motors. In an alternative embodiment, the inverter may provide variable output frequency, and the motors may have output speed related to current frequency for temperature control.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus for use on a vehicle. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger in which heat is removed from a heat load by a coolant, and first and second coolant supplies. The first coolant supply is adapted to receive a first coolant and to supply the first coolant to the heat exchanger. The first coolant is available during normal vehicle operations. The second coolant supply is adapted to receive a second coolant and to supply the second coolant to the heat exchanger. The second coolant is supplied by a fluid supply and is unavailable during normal vehicle operation.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle comprises an air conditioning unit for conditioning air in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The air conditioning unit has an air conditioning case forming an air passage with at least one sidewall. The sidewall of the air conditioning case is divided into a plurality of partial sidewalls, the thicknesses of which are different, so as to restrain vibration of the air conditioning case. The air conditioning apparatus further characterized in that the air conditioning case is installed at one of a front part and a rear part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The thicknesses of adjoining two of the partial sidewalls are different correspondingly to vibration restriction performance of the sidewall of the air conditioning case.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled air cargo container transport dolly for use in transporting perishable cargo from an air cargo storage area to an aircraft. In a preferred embodiment, the air cargo container transport dolly comprises a conventional air cargo trailer having a housing structure mounted thereupon. The housing structure defines a cargo-holding interior within which perishable cargo, as stored within a conventional air cargo container, can be securely stored. To facilitate the ability to move such perishable cargo, rollers may be integrated into the flooring of the housing. A temperature control unit is further integrated within such housing to provide a temperature-controlled environment within the housing. The temperature-control unit will preferably be powered through a variety of means, whether from electricity from an external source, a battery, or by electric generator means, such as a diesel electric generator.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for an automobile heating core includes a dash panel defining a boundary between a passenger compartment and an engine compartment. The heater core is positioned in the passenger compartment. An inlet pipe extends between the dash panel and the heating core and delivers fluid to the heating core. An outlet pipe extends between the heating core and the dash panel and delivers fluid away from the heating core. A fluid collection member is positioned in the passenger compartment and arranged to collect fluid leaking from the inlet and outlet pipes.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit which detects a collision of the vehicle and activates an air bag of the vehicle, and a circulation passage for a refrigerant or R152a. The system further includes a discharge device which discharges the refrigerant from the circulation passage in the engine room when the control unit outputs an air-bag activation signal. The discharge device includes an electromagnetic valve adapted to opened to discharge a refrigerant from the circulation passage in the engine room when the control unit outputs the signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling system for batteries in an electric vehicle. The cooling system includes an air conditioner for generating cool air; a battery tray in which batteries are mounted, the battery tray having an air intake passageway to receive cool air supplied by the air conditioner to cool the batteries, and having an air exhaust passageway. An air duct interconnects the air conditioner and the air intake passageway of the battery tray. A mesh assembly including a plurality of holes is mounted within the air duct, and first condensation drain holes are formed along a lower end of the mesh assembly. A cooling fan is provided in the air exhaust passageway of the battery tray to draw the air inside the battery tray outside the system.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for selectively actively and passively refrigerating one or more enclosures. The apparatus includes a primary heat sink that defines at least one surface configured to receive thermal energy from a gas in the enclosure so that the enclosure is refrigerated. First and second coolant heat sinks thermally communicate with the primary heat sink to remove thermal energy therefrom. For example, in a passive mode, a coolant is circulated through the first heat sink to cool the primary heat sink. In an active mode, the coolant is circulated through the second coolant heat sink and at least one heat pump is operated to transfer thermal energy from the primary heat sink to the coolant in the second coolant heat sink.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-conditioning system, in particular for the air conditioning of an airplane cabin, comprising at least two air-conditioning plants which are in communication in each case on the inlet side with a supply line and on the outlet side with a cabin to be air conditioned or with a mixing chamber, with the supply line on the inlet side having at least one flow regulating valve in each case for the purpose of regulating the flow. A high redundancy with low losses in performance and with optimum costs and weight is achieved in that downstream of the flow regulating valves at least one connection line is provided which connects the supply lines on the inlet side or the air-conditioning plants on the pressurized air side to one another and which is provided with a valve, by means of which the connection line can be opened or closed in dependence on the valve position.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning apparatus for idle-stop vehicles is capable of performing both cooling and heating operations throughout the year. The air-conditioning apparatus includes an engine-driven compressor and engine-driven pump for a heating unit. The air-conditioning apparatus includes a motor-driven compressor and pump. A control unit drives the motor such that the motor-driven compressor is operated when there is a need for cooling and the motor-driven pump is operated when there is a need for heating when the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A heating and air-conditioning system has an auxiliary engine for heating and cooling of a vehicle while the primary engine of the vehicle is not operating. The vehicle has a sleeper compartment with a sleeper compartment air conditioning unit powered by the main engine. An auxiliary air conditioning system located exterior of the sleeper compartment is powered by the auxiliary engine. An auxiliary supply duct extends into the sleeper compartment and joins the duct of the sleeper compartment air conditioning unit. A valve operated by air pressure blocks air flow from the sleeper compartment air conditioning unit into the auxiliary duct while in the main position. In the auxiliary position, the valve blocks air flow from the auxiliary duct into the sleeper compartment air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A condenser module for a temperature control unit (14) of a transport vehicle (10). The condenser module includes a frame (70) defining an interior space (72) and a substantially U-shaped condenser coil (166) supported by the frame in the interior space. The condenser module also includes a control box (150) for providing electric power to the unit. The control box (150) is movably coupled to the frame (70) and is movable between a first position, where the control box is inside the frame and positioned for operation of the temperature control unit and a second position, where the control box is at least partially outside the frame and positioned to grant access to the interior space of the frame.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable, computer operated, light weight, temperature controlled compartment for installation in emergency vehicles has insulated walls and a door. The compartment carries a mechanical refrigeration system having a small compressor for cooling the interior and electrical heating units providing radiant heat to the interior. The heating and cooling units are controlled by a microcomputer and temperature sensor to keep the interior within a desired range of temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined cooling plant/heat pump for use in motor vehicles for the cooling, heating and dehumidification of the vehicle interior. A refrigerant circuit is thermally coupled to the ventilation system over an internal heat exchanger having two functional units. The functional units are switchable as the condenser/gas cooler of the heat pump (in heating operation) and as the evaporator of the cooling plant (in cooling operation). In a combined dehumidification-reheating operation, one of these functional units is operable as an evaporator and the other as condenser/gas cooler.

Abstract: An enclosed mobile container having a refrigeration unit for providing conditioned air to a mixing chamber located at the front of the container. Air penetratable cartons containing perishable produce are stacked in rows along the length of the container to create a pair of supply air plenums running along each side wall of the container and a return air aisle running along the center of the container. A gas generator is mounted in the mixing chamber to add a ripening agent to the conditioned air. Fans force the supply air from the mixing chamber into the plenums under pressure so that the supply air is passed through the cartons into heat transfer relationship with the produce and the air is returned to the mixing chamber via the center aisle. A fresh air exchanger is mounted in the container for venting the ripening agent to ambient after the completion of a ripening cycle.

Abstract: A guard device for an externally mounted vehicle refrigeration unit is provided, comprising an open frame assembly constructed from steel tubing, and having a mounting base, wherein the mounting base includes at least two rigid members adapted to connect to a vehicle body. The guard device includes a front airflow portion, a top access port, and a bottom access port. A front airflow panel is connected to and covers the front airflow portion. A pair of side access ports are also provided within the frame assembly, wherein each side access port is adjacent to the front airflow portion. The side access ports are each covered by reinforced side access panels.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a heat pump (12) having a main refrigerant circuit (14) taking heat from a cold source (16) and transferring it to a hot source (18), and a cooling circuit (48) for cooling an exothermal part, such as an engine, the cooling circuit being connected to a cooling heat exchanger (50). The cold source (16) has a first refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger (24) thermally coupling the main circuit to a first secondary coolant circuit (26) capable of being selectively connected to an “outside” heat exchanger (30), to a “cold” heat exchanger (32), and to the cooling heat exchanger (50). The hot source (18) has a second refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger (34) thermally coupling the main circuit (14) to a second secondary coolant circuit (36) capable of being selectively connected to the outside heat exchanger (30), to a “hot” heat exchanger (39), and to the cooling heat exchanger (50). The invention is applicable to air conditioning a vehicle cabin.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for maintaining perishable produce in a controlled environment has a novel air vent and damper system to provide optimal airflow within the apparatus to maintain and ripen perishable produce. An arrangement of seals within insulated compartments cooperate with the physical dimensions of palletized produce inserted therein to direct air flow therethrough to achieve optimal air flow characteristics. The air vent and damper system of the invention allows the apparatus to operate at peak efficiency regardless of the number of pallets present in the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a horizontal push back cart system which does not interfere with the seal arrangement by using an elastic biasing means instead of prior art gravity feed methods. The self-contained apparatus can be used as a modular unit, and encompasses all the equipment necessary for installation while offering temperature stability, simplified maintenance requirements, and ultimately, precise control of ripening.

Abstract: Containers are provided. An exemplary container for storing an item comprises: an insulating material defining an interior, the insulating material comprising a bio-based polyurethane; and a temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior, the temperature-maintaining material being arranged to maintain a temperature of an item placed with the interior. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: The liquid galley refrigeration system for cooling food carts for aircraft employs an intermediate working fluid to transfer heat from one or more food carts to one or more remote chillers, allowing the carts and chillers to be advantageously distributed in the aircraft. A plurality of heat exchanges effect a cooling of the carts wherein heat from the food cart is first transferred to a first airflow; heat from the first airflow is then transferred to an intermediate working fluid that is circulated between a location immediately adjacent the food carts and a remote chiller; heat from the intermediate working fluid is subsequently transferred to the chiller working fluid; and finally, heat from the chiller working fluid is expelled. While the chiller working fluid undergoes a phase change in order to transfer heat from the intermediate working fluid to the cooling air, the intermediate working fluid remains in its liquid phase throughout its circulation.

Abstract: A mobile refrigerator unit is turned on and off remotely via wireless technology using a system with a secondary control switch, or a ‘remote switch’, which is part of a reefer trip remote control unit, and is operated via a wireless or combination communication link.

Abstract: An aircraft galley air cooling system utilizes a controller having software for regulating the temperature within food carts within a galley air cooling unit. The cooling unit includes supply air and return air temperature sensors which measure the temperature of the air entering and exiting the food cart. The return air temperature is regulated by controlling the amount of a liquid refrigerant that flows through a heat exchanger within the cooling unit. If the return air temperature sensor fails, then the controller regulates the supply air temperature. The controller also regulates defrosting of the cooling unit.

Abstract: A thermal jacket adapted to accommodate and cool a storage battery placed in the engine compartment of an automobile and exposed to heat at elevated temperatures emanating from the engine. The walls of the rectangular jacket are formed of rigid, foam-plastic material which thermally isolate the battery from the engine. Embedded in a wall of the jacket is a heat exchanger in which there is circulated a refrigerant fluid derived from the air conditioner installed in the vehicle. The heat exchanger acts to cool the battery to maintain the temperature of the electrolyte therein at a level at which the battery operates at optimal efficiency.

Abstract: An air conditioning system 1 includes a primary compressor (an engine-driven compressor 6) driven by a primary driving source (an engine 2) and a secondary compressor (a motor-driven compressor 7) driven by a secondary driving source (a motor 3). When a required cooling capability is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the air conditioning system 1 causes the primary compressor (the engine-driven compressor 6) to be driven by the primary driving source (the engine 2) and adjusts the rotational speed of the secondary compressor (the motor-driven compressor 7), whereas when the required cooling capability is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the air conditioning system 1 causes the secondary compressor (the motor-driven compressor 7) to be driven by the secondary driving source (the motor 3) so as to control the rotational speed of the primary compressor (the engine-driven compressor 6).

Abstract: In an ejector cycle having an ejector, a throttle is provided inside a passenger compartment adjacent to an evaporator so that a length of a refrigerant passage between the throttle and the evaporator is shortened. Therefore, it can restrict a part of liquid refrigerant after being decompressed in the throttle from being evaporated in the refrigerant passage, before being introduced into the evaporator. In addition, a refrigerant inlet is provided at a lower header tank of an evaporator. Therefore, a gas-liquid refrigerant distribution difference due to the density difference between gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant can be effectively restricted. Thus, refrigerant distributed into the plural tubes from the lower header tank can be made uniform, even if the refrigerant flow speed is low in the ejector cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a cooling method and a cooling apparatus in which a thermal storage and a cooling in a vehicle, in particularly in an automobile, are provided with the minimum electric power consumption and an idling of an engine necessary for the cooling during the automobile stopping time is dissolved.

Abstract: An air return bulkhead is disclosed which may be adapted to fit on differently-sized trailer walls around differently-sized trailer refrigeration units. The bulkhead includes an upper support panel with ridges or other discontinuities thereon. The discontinuities bound areas sized to accommodate standard refrigeration units, and a cutting tool may be easily guided along these discontinuities to form a space wherein the refrigerator may be fit when the bulkhead is mounted to the trailer wall. Also disclosed is a bulkhead which includes flutes and columns thereon wherein the ends of the flutes and columns may be removed by use of a cutting tool to allow the bulkhead installer to tailor the airflow into the refrigerator inlet as desired.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit which detects a collision of the vehicle and activates an air bag of the vehicle, and a circulation passage for a refrigerant or R152a. The system further includes a discharge device which discharges the refrigerant from the circulation passage in the engine room when the control unit outputs an air-bag activation signal. The discharge device includes an electromagnetic valve adapted to opened to discharge a refrigerant from the circulation passage in the engine room when the control unit outputs the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for conditioning air in a plurality of spaced apart and thermally separated conditioned spaces with a cryogenic temperature control apparatus. The apparatus includes a storage tank housing a cryogen, an evaporator coil being selectively moveable into and out of thermal communication with the plurality of conditioned spaces for alternately conditioning air in the plurality of conditioned spaces, and a flow path fluidly connecting the storage tank and the evaporator coil.

Abstract: A refrigerant-fluid circuit has a compressor, a condenser serving as heat sink and a first evaporator serving as cold source. The circuit also has a second evaporator and the refrigerant fluid is made to flow either only in the first evaporator, or in the two evaporators, depending on the cooling power required.

Abstract: A hydraulic power unit for a refrigeration system. According to one aspect of the invention, the power unit is provided for driving the refrigeration system of a truck having an engine for propelling the truck and a power take off from the engine. The refrigeration system has a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and an evaporator which is cooled by the compressed refrigerant. The power unit comprises a pump, a compressor motor, and a hydraulic circuit. The pump is adapted for pumping hydraulic fluid and for connection to the power take off for driving the pump. The compressor motor is adapted for driving the compressor in response to receiving hydraulic fluid from the pump. The hydraulic circuit is adapted for conducting the hydraulic fluid from the pump to the compressor motor and for conducting the hydraulic fluid from the compressor motor back to the pump.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for a hydraulic shovel with which a wide space in a cab can be secured and a placement operation of ducts for distributing wind to each important point in the cab is facilitated. For this purpose, in the air conditioning apparatus, an air-conditioning unit (21) is placed at a front portion of a right side in a cab (10). The air-conditioning unit (21) is mounted to a front portion of a right side wall surface (51) of the cab (10). The air-conditioning unit (21) is mounted to the right side wall surface (51) of the cab (10) to be capable of being taken in and out from an inside and an outside of the cab (10).

Abstract: A removable self-contained refrigeration unit is mounted within a vehicle, and is removable from a vehicle as a unit. The casing mounts both the evaporator and the condenser, and in one embodiment also mounts the compressor. With the embodiment that mounts the compressor, no refrigerant lines need be found anywhere except on the casing. The casing is removable from the vehicle as a one piece unit merely by connecting or disconnecting electrical connections. In a second embodiment the compressor is mounted remotely from the casing but the evaporator and condenser are still changeable as a one piece unit. In this embodiment a refrigerant connection need also be connected or disconnected to change the unit.

Abstract: A waste heat collecting system for an internal combustion engine has an object to collect waste heat from the engine and make most use of the collected waste heat to achieve the maximum effect of improving fuel consumption ratio. The waste heat utilizing system has a waste heat collecting cycle for collecting waste heat from an internal combustion engine and having an expansion device for generating rotational driving force from the collected waste heat, a refrigerating cycle having a compressor device for compressing a refrigerant and a power transmitting means rotationally driven by a driving force generating means and operatively connected to the compressor device to rotationally drive the same. In this system, the expansion device is operatively connected to the compressor device to rotationally drive the same.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a vehicle that includes an air-cooled coolant radiator and air-cooled gas cooler to cool a gas flow of a CO2 type air conditioning system of the vehicle. The cooling system includes a pre-cooler for pre-cooling of the refrigerant by transferring heat from the refrigerant either to the coolant flowing through the radiator or to a cooling air flow passing through the radiator, or both.

Abstract: A condenser module for a temperature control unit (14) of a transport vehicle (10). The condenser module includes a frame (70) defining an interior space (72) and a substantially U-shaped condenser coil (166) supported by the frame in the interior space. The condenser module also includes a control box (150) for providing electric power to the unit. The control box (150) is movably coupled to the frame (70) and is movable between a first position, where the control box is inside the frame and positioned for operation of the temperature control unit and a second position, where the control box is at least partially outside the frame and positioned to grant access to the interior space of the frame.

Abstract: A bimodal refrigeration system for use in refrigerated transport containers or refrigerated warehouses. The present invention includes a refrigerated container having an enclosed cargo chamber for storing refrigerated goods and a mechanical refrigeration unit that produces a chilled forced-air current within the cargo chamber. The cargo chamber is designed to guide the forced-air current in a specified discharge and return path. In accordance with the present invention, a row of thermal storage ducts for retaining endothermic storage material are disposed within the cargo chamber. The thermal storage ducts are longitudinally disposed in parallel with the air flow direction of the specified forced-air discharge and return path to enable maximum convective thermal exchange between the forced-air current and the endothermic storage material without obstructing the specified forced-air discharge and return path.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner with a heat pump refrigerant cycle, an interior heat exchanger of the refrigerant cycle is disposed in an air conditioning case to heat air in a heating operation and to cool air in a cooling operation. Further, a cooling heat exchanger for cooling air by evaporating the refrigerant is disposed so that a part of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant cycle flows into the cooling heat exchanger at least in the heating operation. In addition, a decompression unit for decompressing refrigerant flowing to the cooling heat exchanger is disposed, and the decompression unit is opened even in the cooling operation. Accordingly, dehumidifying capacity of the air conditioner can be improved while the refrigerant cycle has a simple structure.

Abstract: An all-electric transport refrigeration system receives its compressor drive motor power and all other electrical power from at least one on-board fuel cell. The fuel cell is able to power all of the refrigeration system electrical components. In one example a single fuel cell is used. Another example includes multiple fuel cells.

Abstract: A removable self-contained refrigeration unit is mounted within a vehicle, and is removable from a vehicle as a unit. The casing mounts both the evaporator and the condenser, and in one embodiment also mounts the compressor. With the embodiment that mounts the compressor, no refrigerant lines need be found anywhere except on the casing. The casing is removable from the vehicle as a one piece unit merely by connecting or disconnecting electrical connections. In a second embodiment the compressor is mounted remotely from the casing but the evaporator and condenser are still changeable as a one piece unit. In this embodiment a refrigerant connection need also be connected or disconnected to change the unit.