With Alternately Usable Energy Sources Patents (Class 62/236)
  • Patent number: 11993133
    Abstract: Vehicle control apparatus and vehicle control method are described. The vehicle control apparatus may include a compressor and a controller. The controller may determine a thermal load level at one or more of: a first time point at which an engine is switched to an ON state from an OFF state, a second time point at which a first discharge amount of the battery exceeds a first reference value while the engine is in the OFF state, or a third time point at which a second discharge amount of the battery exceeds a second reference value smaller than the first reference value and a discharge rate associated with the battery exceeds a third reference value while the engine is in the OFF state. The controller may control the compressor using a control value corresponding to the thermal load level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Dae Hyun Song, Tae Hyeong Kim, Jang Hyo Lee, Tae Hun Jung
  • Patent number: 11976833
    Abstract: An air conditioning system controller is provided, which performs an air conditioning of a house through an air conditioning controller. The air conditioning system controller includes an in-house power generation amount obtaining section for obtaining a power generation amount generated by a natural energy power generator (for example, a solar power generation panel), an electric power amount obtaining section for obtaining a consumed electric power amount used in the house, a comparing section for comparing the power generation amount obtained by the in-house power generation amount obtaining section with a consumed electric power amount obtained by the electric power amount obtaining section and an air conditioning controlling section for controlling the air conditioning controller according to a comparison result provided by the comparing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Kanematsu, Koki Ando, Ayumi Konishi
  • Patent number: 11936191
    Abstract: A power supply assembly is disclosed comprising a power supply unit adapted to provide power to a user's device in accordance with power requirements of the user's device, a power connection control unit and an AC controllable switch, configured to connect and disconnect AC power source from the power supply unit in response to respective control provided by the power connection control unit, wherein the power connection control unit and the AC controllable switch are configured to maintain one of two states without consuming electrical power, wherein the two states of the power connection control unit are set state adapted to switch on the AC controllable switch and unset state adapted to switch off the AC controllable switch and wherein when the power supply assembly is in its unset state it is completely disconnected from the AC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: IK Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Yaron Israel, Gilad Bartov
  • Patent number: 11892227
    Abstract: A graphical display device for mounting to a door of an appliance includes an electronic visual display having a display screen, a housing having a receptacle for receiving the electronic visual display and a mount for affixing the housing to the door of an appliance. The housing additionally includes an internal cavity with a controller retained within the internal cavity, with the controller being operable to selectively enable visual display information to be displayed on the display screen. In a particular embodiment the graphical display device is configured as a housing with the housing including a grip portion and one or more mounts extending rearwardly from the grip portion. The controller may include an interface enabling connection with a remote computer for controlling the visual display information to be displayed on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: CSE, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Miedema
  • Patent number: 11858370
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: a battery that is chargeable with electric power supplied from a charger provided outside the vehicle; and an air-conditioning and cooling system that cools the battery. An ECU controls a charging operation for the battery such that the battery is charged under a charging condition of a constant current which is constant over a charging period from start of charging to satisfaction of a completion condition. The ECU sets the charging condition such that a battery temperature when the completion condition is satisfied becomes an upper limit temperature, based on an amount of heat generation in the battery caused by charging and an amount of cooling of the battery by the air-conditioning and cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshio Matsuyama, Yugo Mochizuki, Yoshiaki Kawakami, Masataka Ogushi
  • Patent number: 11712946
    Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (3) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (4) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Aaron D. Sullivan, Brett J. Herrmann, Terry Zeigler
  • Patent number: 11703261
    Abstract: A system includes an electronic power converter and a controller. The electronic power converter supplies power to one or more motor drives of an HVAC system. The controller obtains a plurality of pulse width modulation (PWM) algorithms. Each PWM algorithm has an associated spectrum of frequencies. The controller further determines one or more resonance frequencies associated with the HVAC system. The controller also selects a first PWM algorithm from the plurality of PWM algorithms wherein the spectrum of frequencies of the first PWM algorithm lacks frequency peaks that overlap with the one or more resonance frequencies associated with the HVAC system. The controller further operates the electronic power converter according to the first PWM algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Palanivel Subramaniam
  • Patent number: 11642936
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle air conditioning system supports multiple recreational vehicle air conditioning units having closed air conditioning circuits and a controller that is electronically coupled to each of the recreational vehicle air conditioning units to control each of the closed air conditioning circuits to regulate an overall power consumption of the multiple recreational vehicle air conditioning units. A recreational vehicle air conditioning system may also support multiple recreational vehicle air conditioning units where a refrigerant line set is coupled between the recreational vehicle air conditioning units such that a compressor in one of the recreational vehicle air conditioning units is capable of supplying refrigerant to the evaporators of the multiple recreational vehicle air conditioning units, and such that valves coupled in series with each of the evaporators may be regulated to control cooling by each recreational vehicle air conditioning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eric Scalf, David Leezer
  • Patent number: 11602975
    Abstract: A vehicle battery management apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The vehicle battery management apparatus includes a battery that supplies power to a vehicle, a cooling device that cools the battery and a controller that monitors a state of the battery during parking and controls the cooling device to cool the battery with a cooling level corresponding to the state of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kwon Hyoung Choi, Jin Hyung Lee, Dea Ki Cheong
  • Patent number: 11602472
    Abstract: A hydrogen-containing gas supply system includes one or more hydrogen-containing gas suppliers, one or more acquirers, and a controller. The one or more hydrogen-containing gas suppliers supply a hydrogen-containing gas to one or more areas in a building. The one or more acquirers acquire information indicating that a person is present in the one or more areas. When it is determined that a person is present in a certain area of the one or more areas in accordance with the information acquired by the acquirers, the controller causes at least one of the one or more hydrogen-containing gas suppliers to supply the hydrogen-containing gas to the certain area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Ukai, Kazuhito Hato
  • Patent number: 11506437
    Abstract: A refrigerating cycle device includes a compressor, a motor, and a wiring switch part. The compressor compresses a refrigerant. The motor generates power for compressing the refrigerant by rotating a rotor with voltage applied to a plurality of wirings. The motor is disposed in the compressor. The wiring switch part switches between a plurality of wiring states by changing connection between the plurality of wirings. When a rotational speed of the rotor exceeds a predetermined value, the wiring switch part switches to a first wiring state of the plurality of wiring states. The first wiring state differs from a second wiring state of the plurality of wiring state. Efficiency of the second wiring state is highest at the rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takumi Nishiyama, Koichi Arisawa, Masahiro Nigo, Kazunori Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 11453269
    Abstract: A power management method used for power distribution in a transportation refrigeration unit. The power management method includes calculating engine power according to engine operating parameters; calculating power generator real-time input power according to power generator excitation current; calculating available power based on the power generator real-time input power and the engine power; and managing power distributed to a compressor based on the available power. The present invention further relates to a power management system. The power management method and system have the advantages of simplicity, reliability, stable operation and the like, the power generator real-time input power can be calculated according to the power generator excitation current, thus more power can be provided to the compressor on the premise that the power supply to power generator loads is guaranteed, and the operating efficiency of the transportation refrigeration unit is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Linhui Chen, Cyril Menard, Kangshan Xie, Li Zhang
  • Patent number: 11421604
    Abstract: An architecture for powering systems on an aircraft has a gas turbine engine including a main compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The turbine powers the main compressor, and further powers a propulsor. The turbine is operably connected to drive a generator. The generator is connected to store generated power at a battery. The battery is connected to provide power to a motor from the propulsor such that the propulsor can be selectively driven by both the motor and the turbine. A bleed air control system and a tap for selectively tapping compressed air from the main compressor, and a control valve for delivering at least one of the tapped compressed air or a compressed alternative air to bleed systems on an associated aircraft. An electric bleed compressor selectively compresses the compressed alternative air. The electric bleed compressor is powered by the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Adam Woods
  • Patent number: 11209182
    Abstract: A system for air-conditioning and hot-water supply is configured to selectively perform a cooling operation and a heating operation. The system includes: an outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger; at least one or more indoor units each of which is connected to the outdoor unit and includes an indoor heat exchanger; a hot-water supply unit connected to the outdoor unit so as to be arranged in parallel to the at least one or more indoor units and including a refrigerant-water heat exchanger; and a controller configured to monitor an occurrence of a request for hot-water supply from the hot-water supply unit during the cooling operation performed at at least one of the indoor units, and then to start the heating operation. The controller is further configured to determine a time point to resume the cooling operation based on at least one of an outdoor temperature and a target temperature of at least one indoor unit in the heating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignees: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD., DAIKIN EUROPE N.V.
    Inventors: Hideo Chikami, Tim Coessens
  • Patent number: 11205812
    Abstract: It is determined whether or not the absolute value |a_sd| of the acceleration in the stacking direction of the cells is equal to or greater than the threshold THa (step S10). If the determination result of the step S10 is positive, it is determined whether or not the condition in which the absolute value |a_sd| is equal to or greater than the threshold THa continues (step S12). If the determination result of the step S12 is positive, the control valve is closed (step S14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Hiroe
  • Patent number: 11135892
    Abstract: An air conditioning system comprises a compressor, a rotary engine, and a condenser. The rotary engine comprises at least one drive shaft. The at least one drive shaft is operatively connected to the compressor and to the fuel tank. The condenser is operatively connected to the compressor. The evaporator is operatively connected to the condenser and to the compressor. The rotary engine combusts fuel to rotate the at least one drive shaft. Rotation of the at least one drive shaft operates the compressor to cause working fluid to flow such that the evaporator air conditions the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: TIGER TOOL INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Michael Andrews
  • Patent number: 11111905
    Abstract: Provided is a wind turbine including a nacelle and a cooling circuit, wherein the cooling circuit includes at least one internal cooling device within the nacelle and at least one external cooling device outside of the nacelle, wherein a heat exchanging device coupling the cooling circuit with a second cooling circuit is provided, wherein the second cooling circuit includes a further external cooling device outside of the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventor: Giovanni Airoldi
  • Patent number: 11011765
    Abstract: A fuel cell based power generator includes a fuel cell element, an ambient air path configured to receive ambient air and provide the ambient air across a cathode side of the fuel cell element, receive water from the fuel cell element and provide wet air to the water exchanger element, and a fuel cell cooling mechanism associated with the fuel cell element, separate from the ambient air path and configured to cool the fuel cell element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Klein, Steven J. Eickhoff, Paul Bryant Koeneman
  • Patent number: 10858113
    Abstract: An aircraft air conditioning system includes an ambient air line configured to have ambient air flow therethrough and being connected to a mixer of the air conditioning system to feed ambient air to the mixer, and a recirculation air line configured to have recirculation air flow therethrough and being connected to the mixer to feed to the mixer recirculation air discharged from an aircraft area to be air conditioned. A refrigerating machine of the air conditioning system includes a refrigerant circuit configured to have a refrigerant flow therethrough and being thermally coupled to the ambient air line and to the recirculation air line to transmit heat from the ambient air flowing through the ambient air line and from the recirculation air flowing through the recirculation air line to the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit, before the ambient air and the recirculation air are fed into the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Klimpel, Hans Brunswig, Steffen Golle, Ullrich Hesse, Enrico Klausner, Mario Raddatz
  • Patent number: 10773807
    Abstract: An airplane is provided. The airplane includes a compressing device. The compressing device includes a turbine with a first inlet and a second inlet. The turbine provides energy by expanding mediums. The first inlet is configured to receive a first medium of the mediums. The second inlet is configured to receive a second medium of the mediums. The compressing device includes a compressor and a motor. The compressor receives a first energy derived from the first and second mediums being expanded across the turbine during a first mode of the compressing device, receives a second energy derived from the first medium being expanded across the turbine during a second mode of the compressing device, and compresses the second medium in accordance with the first mode or the second mode. The motor provides a supplementary energy to the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: David E. Hall, Louis J. Bruno, Harold W. Hipsky
  • Patent number: 10704438
    Abstract: A transportation refrigeration unit includes an evaporator circulating a flow of refrigerant therethrough to cool a flow of supply air flowing over the evaporator, a compressor in fluid communication with the evaporator to compress the flow of refrigerant, and an engine operably connected to the compressor to drive operation of the compressor. The engine includes an exhaust pathway to direct an exhaust gas flow from the transportation refrigeration unit, and a nozzle extending circumferentially around the exhaust pathway defining a nozzle flowpath between the exhaust pathway and the nozzle, the nozzle configured to flow a cooling airflow along the nozzle flowpath to reduce a temperature of the exhaust gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Swab
  • Patent number: 10670322
    Abstract: A refrigerated transport system (20) comprises a body (22) enclosing a refrigerated compartment (69). A refrigeration system (30) comprises: a vapor compression loop (31) having a first heat exchanger (38) positioned to reject heat to an external environment in a cooling mode. A heat transfer loop (32) has a second heat exchanger (58) positioned to absorb heat from the refrigerated compartment in the cooling mode. An inter-loop heat exchanger (44) has a first leg (42) along the vapor compression loop and a second leg (43) along the heat transfer loop in heat exchange relation with the first leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Renee A. Eddy, Jeffrey J. Burchill, Giorgio Rusignuolo, Robert A. Chopko, Larry D. Burns, Ivan Rydkin, Ciara N. Poolman, Paul Papas, Parmesh Verma
  • Patent number: 10428844
    Abstract: A method and system for generating electrical power from a wheeled engine-driven vehicle. At least two hydraulic pumps are provided for pumping hydraulic fluid though respective hydraulic fluid outputs of the hydraulic pumps. A first one of the hydraulic pumps is driven by the engine of the vehicle and a second one of the hydraulic pumps is driven by one or more of the road-wheels of the vehicle. Hydraulic fluid pumped by the first and second hydraulic pumps is input in parallel to a hydraulic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Eugene Holt
  • Patent number: 10293946
    Abstract: An airplane is provided. The airplane includes a vapor cycle air conditioning system that receives outside air, a bleed system with at least one port, and an electric fan. A source of outside air when the airplane is on ground is forced air from the electric fan. The source of the outside air when the airplane is at cruise is bleed air from the at least one port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Thomas M. Zywiak, David W. Anderson, Todd A. Spierling
  • Patent number: 10041706
    Abstract: An air conditioner and a method for controlling an air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner may include at least one indoor device; an electric heat pump (EHP) outdoor device connected to the at least one indoor device, configured to drive a first compressor using electric power, and having a first outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange of a refrigerant; a gas heat pump (GHP) outdoor device connected to the at least one indoor device, and having an engine configured to drive a second compressor using a burned gas, a second outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange of the refrigerant, and a waste heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant using waste heat of the engine; and a low pressure refrigerant common pipe configured to connect the first outdoor heat exchanger with the second outdoor heat exchanger and to supply a low pressure refrigerant of the GHP outdoor device to the EHP outdoor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kwangho Shin, Hojong Jeong, Minho Chung, Song Choi
  • Patent number: 9997926
    Abstract: A home appliance includes a driver to drive a load, a power supply to convert AC power supplied from an outside of the home appliance, and to receive DC power during interruption of electric power, and a controller (1) to perform a control operation to supply first electric power based on the supplied AC power to the load in accordance with a normal operation mode when no interruption of electric power occurs, (2) to perform a control operation to supply second electric power based on the supplied DC power to the load in accordance with the normal operation mode when no interruption of electric power occurs, and (3) to perform a control operation to supply third electric power based on the supplied DC power to the load in accordance with a power saving mode upon the interruption of electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Byoungsuk Choi, Jinseok Hu, Heesun Kim, Shinhyun Park
  • Patent number: 9915165
    Abstract: An environmental control system includes a higher pressure tap at a higher pressure location in the main compressor section, and a lower pressure tap at a lower pressure location. The lower pressure location being at a lower pressure than the higher pressure location. The lower pressure tap communicates to a first passage leading to a downstream outlet and a compressor section of a turbocompressor. The higher pressure tap leads into a turbine section of the turbocompressor such that air in the higher pressure tap drives the turbine section to in turn drive the compressor section of the turbocompressor. A pylon includes a lowermost surface and the higher pressure tap does not extend above a plane including the lowermost surface. A combined outlet of the compressor section and the turbine section of the turbocompressor intermixes and passes downstream to be delivered to an aircraft use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Gabriel L. Suciu
  • Patent number: 9895959
    Abstract: A refrigerant circulation apparatus includes: a vehicle-interior air conditioning (2) that cools an interior of a vehicle; an on-vehicle battery cooler (3) that includes an evaporator for on-vehicle battery cooling (32) that cools an on-vehicle battery mounted on the vehicle; and an electric compressor (5) that compresses and supplies a refrigerant to at least one of the vehicle-interior air conditioning (2) and the on-vehicle battery cooling (3). The apparatus also includes: a temperature sensor (41) that detects a temperature of the electric compressor (5); a pressure sensor (42) that detects a pressure of the refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor (5); and a control unit (40) that restricts operation of the evaporator for on-vehicle battery cooling (32) to reduce load on the electric compressor (5) based on the temperature of the electric compressor (5) and the pressure of the refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Seto, Shinsaku Tomita, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Shigeharu Ishii
  • Patent number: 9822767
    Abstract: A floating-body type wind turbine power generating apparatus includes a floating body floating on a water surface; and a wind turbine disposed on the floating body and configured so that at least a part of the wind turbine is submersible. The wind turbine includes: at least one blade; a hub to which the blade is mounted; a tower erected on the floating body; a nacelle disposed on the tower; a first electrical device disposed inside the hub or the nacelle; and a second electrical device connected to the first electrical device via a cable and configured to be movable relative to the tower in a vertical direction so as not be submerged upon submergence of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: MHI VESTAS OFFSHORE WIND A/S
    Inventor: Tomohiro Numajiri
  • Patent number: 9745908
    Abstract: A method of evaluating operating capability of a prime mover includes: starting the prime mover with a minimum load requirement threshold; obtaining a reference prime mover operation parameter for the prime mover; comparing the reference prime mover operation parameter with a standard prime mover operation parameter to determine a reference matrix; and adjusting via a TRS controller a standard operation threshold based on the reference matrix to obtain an optimal operation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erich Albert Lucht, Titilope Zaburat Sule
  • Patent number: 9689598
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing power to a refrigeration unit or an air conditioner used on a hybrid vehicle. The system includes an accumulation choke, a PWM rectifier, and a frequency inverter. The accumulation choke is configured to receive a first AC power, a second AC power, and a DC power. The accumulation choke and PWM rectifier convert the received power into an intermediate DC power having a peak voltage. The PWM rectifier provides the intermediate DC power to the frequency inverter. The frequency inverter converts the intermediate DC power to an output AC power. The frequency inverter provides the output AC power to the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Truckenbrod, Arnost Hurych, Bruce Kranz, Eric Kirby, Michael D. Gilman, Richard W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9653744
    Abstract: A method of starting a fuel cell system for a vehicle includes determining whether or not an activation signal of a fuel cell provided in the fuel cell system has been inputted, operating, if it is determined that the activation signal has been inputted, a cooling medium circulation pump to supply a cooling medium to an impurity removal mechanism for reducing a conductivity of the cooling medium, and driving an oxidant gas supply device and a fuel gas supply device in the fuel cell system to start activation of the fuel cell if it is determined that the conductivity of the cooling medium is less than or equal to a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsunori Matsumoto, Kazuyoshi Miyajima
  • Patent number: 9493054
    Abstract: An auxiliary climate control system for a vehicle comprises a compressor, a condenser in fluid communication with the compressor, and an evaporator in fluid communication with the compressor and the condenser. The system further comprises an auxiliary controller configured to evaluate one or more system parameters to detect a malfunction. The controller is integrated with the main HVAC system and may control one or more elements of the main system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Joseph Lewis, Andrew Bayley, Scott Rogers, James Wagner
  • Patent number: 9425610
    Abstract: A power supply control device includes an inverter having plural switching elements, an inverter controller that controls the inverter, a device power supply that generates a first power supplied to the inverter controller, a detector that detects whether there is an abnormality relating to the compressor, and a power supply controller. The inverter generates drive voltages usable to drive a compressor motor that is a drive source of a compressor as a result of the switching elements switching on or off, and outputs the drive voltages to the compressor motor. The power supply controller stops generation of the first power by the device power supply to thereby stop the control of the inverter controller in a case where there is an abnormality relating to the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuko Nakashita, Satoshi Yagi
  • Patent number: 9420732
    Abstract: A solar inverter is provided having a cooling module, a DC module, an inverter module and an AC module provided side-by-side within a chassis. The DC module includes an input accessible from a first side of the chassis and a disconnection switch on a second side of the chassis, with the input being configured to be connected to a DC solar power source. The AC module includes an output accessible from the first side of the chassis and a disconnection switch provided on the second side of the chassis. The cooling module is configured to pump a liquid coolant around the solar inverter in order to cool elements of the DC module, the inverter module and/or the AC module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SMA SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Piyush Chandrakant Desai, Stephen Ray Larsen, Orges Gjini, Matthew Donovan Gray
  • Patent number: 9385385
    Abstract: A cooling system for an eco-friendly vehicle, may include an unified radiator that cools working fluid flowing therethrough to cool an electric power component and an air-cooling type AC condenser, respectively, a pump that is disposed in a series with the unified radiator to pump up the working fluid in the unified radiator to the electric power component or the water-cooling type AC condenser, a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe that connect the electric power components with the water-cooling type AC condenser in parallel for the unified radiator and the pump, and a valve connected to the first and second branch pipes and disposed to selectively supply the working fluid from the pump to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jaeyeon Kim, Manhee Park
  • Patent number: 9234683
    Abstract: An air treatment system for a vehicle includes a first compressor selectively coupled to a first vehicle power source. A second compressor is selectively coupled to a second vehicle power source. A first heat exchanger communicates with an interior space in the vehicle. A second heat exchanger communicates with an environment outside the vehicle. A valve member, in a first position, couples an inlet of each of the first and second compressors to an outlet of the first heat exchanger and an outlet of each of the compressors to an inlet of the second heat exchanger. In a second position, the valve member couples the outlets of the compressors to an inlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlets of the compressors to an outlet of the second heat exchanger. A controller selectively actuates at least one of the first and second compressors and the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: HDT Expeditionary Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Creed, Steven G. Skinner
  • Patent number: 9102225
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an air conditioning system, an engine and a belt-alternator-starter motor-generator, and a method of operation, is disclosed. A torque transfer assembly, such as a pulley and belt assembly, engages the engine and motor-generator, and includes a clutched member for selectively disconnecting the torque transfer between the engine and motor-generator. A refrigerant compressor includes a compressor shaft rotationally coupled to and driven by the motor-generator shaft. The compressor may be driven by the motor-generator when the engine is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Major, Todd M. Tumas
  • Publication number: 20150135744
    Abstract: A combination air and ground source heating and/or cooling system. The system includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit and an in-ground unit, each of which has a coil, an inlet line and an outlet line. The system also comprises a flow connector, a coupling and a controller. The controller is configured to control the flow connector and coupling so that the system is selectively operable in three different modes. In the first mode, refrigerant bypasses the coil of the outdoor unit, while, in the second mode, refrigerant bypasses the coil of the in-ground unit. In the third mode, refrigerant flows through the coils of the in-ground and outdoor units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ATLAS L.C. HEATING & A/C
    Inventor: Robert Gault
  • Patent number: 9033254
    Abstract: A non electric, temperature controlled system for passing or bypassing a solar water heating apparatus includes a temperature controlled water distribution valve directing water to flow from a main supply of water toward a user depending on the setting and configuration of the temperature controlled water distribution valve within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Jeff Wieland
  • Patent number: 9010140
    Abstract: A system for reducing idle time in service vehicles such as police patrol cars. A bank of auxiliary batteries is provided. An electrically-powered auxiliary air conditioning compressor is also provided. The auxiliary air compressor is connected to the discharge and suction lines of an existing an conditioning system so that it can propel refrigerant through an existing refrigerant circulation loop. When the vehicle's internal combustion engine is switched off, the auxiliary batteries are selectively used to power the auxiliary air-conditioning compressor in order to provide cooling for the vehicle's cabin. The auxiliary batteries are also used to provide electricity to the vehicle's other electrical loads—such as emergency lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: City of Tallahassee
    Inventor: Jonathan W. Cook
  • Patent number: 8997510
    Abstract: A solar powered compressor and pump is disclosed having a trough-shaped parabolic reflector for heating a conduit of refrigerant as it passes through the system. The compressor/pump combination includes a lens that covers the reflector and insulates and protects the reflector from the elements while increasing the intensity of the sun's energy entering the reflector. The reflector converts the sun's energy into heat that superheats the refrigerant as it passes through the reflector, reducing or eliminating the amount of mechanical work that the system has to do to achieve the needed superheating stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Craig McKenzie
  • Patent number: 8996214
    Abstract: A hybrid working vehicle comprises an engine, a drive wheel, a power take-off (PTO) shaft, and a power transmission system for transmitting power from the engine to the drive wheel and the PTO shaft. The power transmission system is bifurcated at a bifurcating point into a traveling drive train for driving the drive wheel and a PTO drive train for driving the PTO shaft. A continuously variable transmission is provided on the traveling drive train, and a motor generator is provided on the power transmission system between the engine and the bifurcating point. The motor generator functions as a generator by power of the engine and functions as an electric motor for driving the power transmission system. The hybrid working vehicle includes a controller for controlling an output rotary speed of the motor generator functioning as the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norihiro Ishii
  • Publication number: 20150075198
    Abstract: An engine driven heat pump is such that when a self-sustaining switch is turned on during power failure, and a self-sustaining signal is received, it switches to a self-sustaining mode and start an engine and a generator, and when output power from an inverter is received, it supplies the output power to a power supply circuit and a battery charging circuit by means of an independent power supply relay, and it supplies the output power to the outside via an independent output unit, and during the supply of the output power, it maintains cutoff with respect to connection between a system, and the power supply circuit and the battery charging circuit by means of a system cutoff relay and maintain the output of the output power until the self-sustaining signal is interrupted, and it recovers the connection when power is restored and the output power is interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Shohei Amakawa, Masaya Horibe, Kyoko Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8983665
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a data and commands communication system between compressor and electronic thermostat, particularly applied to cooling systems having variable capacity compressor (VCC), with the purpose of providing an exchange of data between said equipment which is technically more efficient and less costly compared to the solutions available today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventor: Günter Johann Maass
  • Patent number: 8978395
    Abstract: An electric machine system includes: an electric motor; and an absorption cooling system driven by heat generated by the electric motor and configured to cool a primary cooling fluid that removes the heat from the electric motor to a temperature below an ambient temperature of an ultimate heat sink. A method for operating the electric machine system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Remy Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Alex Creviston
  • Patent number: 8966925
    Abstract: A portable cooling device including an insulated housing and a water cooler system, whereby water stored in a reservoir, or alternatively water introduced into the system through a specific inlet, is directed through a boustrophedonic series of piping to an ancillary misting head and to at least one misting orifice disposed proximal to at least one fan, which fan is directable within a fan housing, when a chilled mist is directionably propelled from the device. The device has a power system including a photocell, a power inlet, and a battery, configureable to different situations to selectively engage the water cooler system and each fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony DeClementi
  • Publication number: 20150033778
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating and distributing electric power for localized use. The method entails providing an enclosed building having an air conditioning and ventilation unit for supplying cooled air within the building, the unit including a closed loop circuit configured to operate a closed loop refrigeration cycle, including a compressor operable to compress a working fluid of the closed loop circuit. The method further includes engaging an internal combustion engine with the compressor and operating the internal combustion engine to drive the compressor, thereby transferring energy to the refrigeration cycle. The method may also involve engaging an electric motor with the compressor and operating the electric motor to drive the compressor, thereby transferring energy to the refrigeration cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Donald Williams
  • Publication number: 20140345301
    Abstract: Shaft horsepower output associated with a prime mover for driving a component of a transport refrigeration system may be selectively augmented through an auxiliary power apparatus. In an embodiment, a compressed air engine is provided and selectively operable to augment the shaft horsepower output for driving the component. At least one storage tank is provided for storing compressor air and at least one air compressor is provided for generating and supplying compressed air to the at least one compressed air storage tank. In an embodiment, the prime mover is a fuel combustion engine and the compressed air is heated by exhaust gas from the fuel combustion engine. The driven component may be a refrigerant compressor. The driven component may be an electric generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: John T. Steele
  • Patent number: 8893841
    Abstract: A work vehicle with a vehicle cooling system that cools a vehicle engine. The work vehicle also includes a service pack cooling system configured to cool a service pack engine of a service pack. The work vehicle includes valving fluidly coupling the vehicle cooling system to the service pack cooling system. The valving is configured to allow independent or integrated operation of the vehicle cooling system and the service pack cooling system. The valving is also configured to permit the vehicle cooling system and the service pack cooling system to operate at different pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Gene Peotter