Abstract: A hybrid air conditioning system for a combustion engine vehicle. When the combustion engine is running and a rechargeable battery unit is not at full charge, an electric machine is configured by an MCU control unit as mechanically coupled to the combustion engine, and a battery charger is configured as electrically connected to the rechargeable battery unit such that the electric machine generates electric power to recharge the rechargeable battery unit. When the combustion engine stops and air conditioning is required, the rechargeable battery unit is configured by the MCU control unit as electrically connected to a motor drive, and the electric machine is configured as mechanically coupled to the compressor to provide mechanical power to drive the compressor. This allows the automobile air conditioning system to operate for a limited period of time after the combustion engine stops.

Abstract: Methods and devices that use an engine load condition of a vehicle, for example, the vehicle's engine intake manifold or plenum vacuum, to promote the efficiency of the engine. The methods and devices are operable to control the compressor of the vehicle's air-conditioning system, enabling the compressor to be shut off when the vehicle is under relatively high loads. The methods and devices operate by sensing a parameter indicative of an engine load condition of the vehicle, determining a difference between a reading of the parameter and an average based on multiple readings of the parameter, and then engaging and disengaging the compressor clutch depending on whether the reading of the parameter is above or below the average of the parameter. The compressor clutch is engaged if the engine operates under a high load for a duration that is dependent on the average of the parameter.

Abstract: A device and a method for a controlling compressor of vehicles improves acceleration performance and fuel efficiency and maintains comfort of a cabin by decreasing an operation of the compressor when accelerating.

Abstract: A method for controlling a compressor of vehicles improves fuel efficiency by accumulating a cold air energy when a speed-reducing condition occurs and using the accumulated cold air energy when a release condition occurs.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle can be driven using both of respective driving forces from an engine and a motor. A heating mechanism of an air conditioning apparatus uses thermal energy from cooling water of the engine to heat the interior of a passenger compartment. An ECU takes into consideration engine efficiency from the standpoint of fuel economy enhancement to primarily determine the driving force share ratio between the engine and the motor. Further, the ECU calculates a preset temperature corresponding to a cooling water temperature necessary for desired heating as well as a control target temperature in which the preset temperature is reflected, and corrects the primarily determined driving force share ratio to increase the share of the driving force of the engine by an amount according to a deviation between the cooling water temperature measured by a water temperature sensor and the control target temperature. Heating performance can thus be ensured promptly without deterioration of fuel economy.

Abstract: The present invention features a cooling system for a hybrid vehicle. The present invention makes it possible to minimize the increase of the cost of a vehicle and improve the cooling performance of the hybrid vehicle without an electric compressor, by allowing the hybrid vehicle to ensure an available cooling time as long as possible in the ISG mode.

Abstract: A control system controls a vehicle air-conditioning system including a cooling circuit having a compressor with a refrigerant that is supplemented with a compressor lubricant. The control system includes a control unit which controls the drive torque used for starting up the compressor. The control unit reduces the drive torque as a function of a determined time parameter that represents an elapsed compressor stoppage time (?T).

Abstract: A HVAC system for a vehicle that includes a propulsion system, a frame, a passenger compartment, and a door coupled to the frame. The HVAC system includes a refrigeration circuit that selectively controls the temperature of the passenger compartment based on a sensed temperature within the passenger compartment. The refrigeration circuit includes an exterior heat exchanger, a first air moving device coupled to the exterior heat exchanger, an interior heat exchanger, a second air moving device coupled to the interior heat exchanger, and a compressor. The HVAC system also includes a controller that is operable to detect a condition of the vehicle that includes at least one of a position of the door, a location of the vehicle, and a load of the propulsion system. The controller is programmed to adjust the refrigeration circuit in response to the sensed passenger compartment temperature and the detected vehicle condition.

Abstract: An air-conditioning control device for a vehicle includes an air-conditioner, an estimating portion, and a controller. The air-conditioner includes a compressor driven by an engine of the vehicle so as to compress refrigerant, and a heat storage portion having a coolness storage agent to store heat of the refrigerant. A passenger compartment of the vehicle is air-conditioned using air cooled by the heat storage portion when the compressor is stopped. The estimating portion estimates a present value of coolness amount stored in the heat storage portion based on a temperature history of the refrigerant. The controller controls the compressor based on the estimated present value of coolness amount.

Abstract: An HVAC system for a vehicle. The HVAC system includes a battery management controller, which can be used to run the components of the HVAC system when the engine of the vehicle is not running.

Abstract: A vehicular air conditioner includes cabin-exterior fans that blow air with respect to a cabin-exterior heat exchanger in which a coolant is vaporized, and a plurality of openable/closable shutters disposed in a duct that communicates between the cabin-exterior heat exchanger and the exterior of the vehicle. On an upper portion of the duct, a cover is formed that covers the cabin-exterior heat exchanger, which is disposed rearwardly of the shutters, and an upper region of the radiator. Additionally, air that is raised in temperature by heat from the engine passes between the cover and both the cabin-exterior heat exchanger and the radiator, and is guided toward a forward side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A HVAC system for a vehicle that includes a propulsion system, a frame, a passenger compartment, and a door coupled to the frame. The HVAC system includes a refrigeration circuit that selectively controls the temperature of the passenger compartment based on a sensed temperature within the passenger compartment. The refrigeration circuit includes an exterior heat exchanger, a first air moving device coupled to the exterior heat exchanger, an interior heat exchanger, a second air moving device coupled to the interior heat exchanger, and a compressor. The HVAC system also includes a controller that is operable to detect a condition of the vehicle that includes at least one of a position of the door, a location of the vehicle, and a load of the propulsion system. The controller is programmed to adjust the refrigeration circuit in response to the sensed passenger compartment temperature and the detected vehicle condition.

Abstract: An air-conditioning device includes a refrigerating cycle; a controller to control a refrigerant discharge capacity of a compressor of the cycle in a manner that a refrigerant evaporation temperature of an evaporator of the cycle approaches a target temperature; and a setting portion to set an upper limit for a fuel amount consumed by an engine based on at least the refrigerant evaporation temperature. The controller controls the refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor in a manner that an actual fuel amount consumed by the engine is equal to or lower than the upper limit.

Abstract: In a refrigeration cycle device with a capacity-variable compressor, a preset suction pressure that serves as a target value of a refrigerant suction pressure of the compressor is calculated and a refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor is controlled by operating a capacity varying portion such that the suction pressure of the compressor is appreciated to the preset suction pressure. A thermal load detection portion is configured to detect a thermal load of a refrigeration cycle, and a refrigerant flow amount detection portion is configured to detect a flow amount of refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle. In the refrigeration cycle device, a pressure at a predetermined part of the compressor is estimated based on the thermal load detected by the thermal load detection portion and on the flow amount detected by the refrigerant flow amount detection portion.

Abstract: The subject system is an air conditioner system for vehicles that uses compressed air as the means of powering the airconditioner refrigerant cycle instead of mechanical or electrical means. The subject system is designed to capture and store braking energy by compressing air and recharging a compressed air reservoir while the vehicle is under deceleration. The air compressor can also be powered from the main vehicle engine or motor to recharge the compressed air reservoir at other times. The stored compressed air system allows the air conditioner to be operated independently of the main vehicle motor. This system does not provide motive power for the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A refrigerant cycle device includes a compressor driven by a vehicle engine for drawing and compressing gas refrigerant from an evaporator, a variable displacement mechanism which varies a discharge capacity of the compressor based on a control value from an exterior to approach a suction pressure of the compressor to a predetermined suction pressure, and a control unit for controlling the discharge capacity of the compressor. The control unit includes a determining part for determining an accelerating state of the vehicle engine, a detecting member which detects a thermal load of the evaporator, a setting part for setting a minimum control value in accordance with the thermal load, and a controlling part. The controlling part reduces the control value to the minimum control value and returns the reduced control value to a control value before the reducing, when the determining means determines an accelerating state of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: A controller area network based climate control system for a work machine, and a method of operation of the same, which advantageously and economically integrates into and utilizes the resources and capabilities of a CAN of a work machine, including, but not limited to, shared data from other systems of the machine, particularly engine data including engine operating speed and temperature, for controlling climate control system operation, as well as for troubleshooting and diagnosing problems.

Abstract: A vehicle compressor is controlled based on an environment parameter and a vehicle status parameter. In at least one embodiment, a temperature control system for a vehicle including an engine is provided. The system includes a compressor having a target operating speed. The system also includes an environment sensor arrangement configured to sense an environment parameter and a vehicle status sensor arrangement configured to sense a vehicle status parameter. The system further includes a control module that determines a maximum operating speed of the compressor as a function of both the environment parameter and the vehicle status parameter. The control module limits an operating speed of the compressor to the maximum operating speed if the target operating speed is greater than the maximum operating speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating a coolant circuit (2) of a vehicle air conditioning system (4). According to said method, a target value (SW(VT)) for an evaporator temperature (VT) is predetermined in a base control circuit. Said value is used to determine a control value (U) for controlling the evaporator temperature (VT) by means of an evaporator temperature regulator (16). Said control value is also fed to a ventilator fan controller (26).

Abstract: A vehicle interior cooling system (200) for a vehicle having a cabin (208) and an engine (207) for providing propulsion power generally includes a first cabin cooling system (202) driven by the engine of the vehicle having a first condenser (214). The vehicle interior cooling system also generally includes a second cabin cooling system (203) driven by electrical power having a cold storage device (210) and a second condenser (232), with the first condenser and the second condenser being in an airflow line (260). The second cabin cooling system selectively thermally charges the cold storage device when the engine is in an on position. The second cabin cooling system is also selectable to thermally cool the cabin when the engine is in an off position and selectable to thermally cool the cabin when the engine is in the on position.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a cooling fluid pump and cooling fluid heater in a vehicle when the vehicle is not being used so that the temperature of the cooling fluid does not drop to low in a cold environment. The system includes an AC connector for plugging the system into an AC power outlet. The system also includes AC/DC converter that converts the AC power to a DC signal suitable to operate the pump. The system also includes a temperature switch that closes if the ambient temperature falls below a predetermined temperature, which electrically connects the AC connector to the AC/DC converter. When the AC/DC converter is powered, a switch is closed to connect the pump to a pulse width modulation (PWM) generator to operate the pump. Further, when the temperature switch is closed, power is provided to the heater.

Abstract: In a method for controlling an aircraft air conditioning system (10) a correlation is established between a plurality of values of a process air mass flow supplyable to an air conditioning unit (12) of the aircraft air conditioning system (10) and the fuel consumption of the aircraft. A correlation is also established between a plurality of values of an ambient air mass flow which is used to cool the process air mass flow supplyable to the air conditioning unit (12) of the aircraft air conditioning system (10) and the fuel consumption of the aircraft. The process air mass flow and the ambient air mass flow are controlled in dependence on a predetermined cooling capacity of the aircraft air conditioning system (10) such that the fuel consumption of the aircraft is minimised.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner is controlled so a target control value of a pressure control valve controlling tilt angle of a swash-plate of a swash-plate type variable capacity compressor is variably controlled according to temperature deviation between target evaporator temperature and actual evaporator temperature, thereby controlling the compressor discharge capacity. Target heat discharge quantity is calculated. Target heat discharge quantity is calculated for high thermal load control or low thermal load control. The control value of the pressure control valve is compulsively controlled. Then the control value is normally controlled. The actual evaporator temperature can reach the target evaporator temperature at an initial operating stage, and temperature stability is secured.

Abstract: A variable capacity automotive refrigerant compressor is provided with a pressure equalization passage between the crankcase volume and the suction passage in the manifold to prevent a pressure imbalance between the two that could otherwise cause a reduction in crankcase lubricant retention during extended periods of system inactivity.

Abstract: A method and system determines when a climate control system of a hybrid vehicle can be operated without the use of an A/C compressor. The method and system make this determination by determining whether the vehicle is at idle or is being driven and determining whether or not the A/C compressor is required to function to maintain air conditioning comfort in the vehicle. The A/C compressor couples to an engine of the vehicle when the engine is on in order to function. The method and system turn off the engine and thereby turn off the A/C compressor if the A/C compressor is not required to function and if the vehicle is at idle. The method and system turn off the A/C compressor without turning off the engine if the A/C compressor is not required to function and if the vehicle is being driven.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a compressor, a condenser, a pressure-reducing mechanism, an evaporator, an orifice provided in a refrigerant flow path from the compressor to the pressure-reducing mechanism, a differential pressure sensor that detects the differential pressure before and after the orifice, a refrigerant flowrate calculating portion that calculates a refrigerant flowrate based on the differential pressure, and a torque estimating portion that estimates the torque required to drive the compressor based on the refrigerant flowrate calculated by the refrigerant flowrate calculating portion, the intake pressure of the compressor, and the discharge pressure of the compressor.

Abstract: In a refrigeration cycle device for a vehicle, a weak-inflammability refrigerant that does not ignite at a high-temperature heat source mounted in an engine compartment of the vehicle in a refrigerant single state is circulated in a refrigerant cycle. The refrigerant cycle includes a compressor for compressing and discharging the refrigerant. The compressor includes an oil separator that is located at a refrigerant discharge side of the compressor to separate a lubrication oil from the refrigerant and to return the separated lubrication oil to an interior of the compressor, a shutting portion configured to shut a reverse flow of the refrigerant at a refrigerant suction side of the compressor, and a driving portion located to drive the shutting portion. Furthermore, the driving portion causes the shutting portion to shut the reverse flow of the refrigerant when the refrigerant cycle is damaged.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a vehicle having an engine adapted to stop idling on predetermined stop conditions of the vehicle, which system comprises an electric motor for driving a refrigerant compressor when the engine idling is stopped, motor speed control means for controlling the speed of the motor in correspondence with an evaporator outlet temperature, and evaporator temperature correction means for, when the engine idling is stopped while outside air is being introduced, correcting the evaporator outlet temperature to a lower temperature in correspondence with a temperature of the outside air and a temperature of engine cooling water.

Abstract: A controller for a vehicle makes it possible to restrain a temperature rise or a temperature fall in a passenger compartment and also to reduce fuel consumption in conducting control to temporarily stop an engine when the vehicle is at rest. The controller for a vehicle includes an in-passenger-compartment temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the air supplied to an evaporator by actuating a blower fan, an outside air temperature sensor, an evaporator temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the evaporator, and an engine stop duration determiner which determines an engine stop duration on the basis of the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor immediately before an engine stops and the temperatures detected by the outside air temperature sensor and the in-passenger-compartment temperature sensor.

Abstract: A system described is for providing improved cabin heating.

Abstract: A vehicular air-conditioner includes a compressor to be driven by an engine. The vehicular air-conditioner includes a controller configured to reduce a load on the compressor in response to a braking condition of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure adjusts an air conditioner (A/C) compressor load responsive to the available torque to provide a compromise between A/C system and vehicle performance. The maximum available torque is monitored in real-time, and it is determined if there is enough torque to keep the A/C on for a fixed displacement compressor or how much the compressor displacement can be destroked through a current control for a variable displacement compressor. In an exemplary embodiment, an engine control unit (ECU) broadcasts the maximum available torque at a flywheel based on sensor readings and calculations. Accordingly, this broadcast enables a determination of whether there is enough torque available to maintain the A/C system in a controlled manner. Advantageously, the present disclosure avoids an abrupt turn-off or turn-on of the A/C system. Rather, the present disclosure maintains the A/C system in a controlled manner providing improved vehicle driveability.

Abstract: In a refrigeration cycle device with a capacity-variable compressor, a preset suction pressure that serves as a target value of a refrigerant suction pressure of the compressor is calculated and a refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor is controlled by operating a capacity varying portion such that the suction pressure of the compressor is appreciated to the preset suction pressure. A thermal load detection portion is configured to detect a thermal load of a refrigeration cycle, and a refrigerant flow amount detection portion is configured to detect a flow amount of refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle. In the refrigeration cycle device, a pressure at a predetermined part of the compressor is estimated based on the thermal load detected by the thermal load detection portion and on the flow amount detected by the refrigerant flow amount detection portion.

Abstract: A method for energy management of air-conditioning units in motor vehicles in which each of the air-conditioning units has a plurality of air-conditioning compressors prevents very heavy loading of an engine of a motor vehicle and prevents the engine from almost stalling when the air-conditioning compressors start up, as currently occurs during starting of the engine of the motor vehicle, after idling of the engine of the motor vehicle, and after an acceleration process in which the engine was in the full load mode. Each of the air-conditioning compressors is allocated a different priority, with the highest priority, for example, assigned to the air-conditioning compressor for a front vehicle region which is intended, inter alia, to prevent the front windscreen from misting up by removing moisture from the air. A lower priority can be assigned to the air-conditioning compressor for a rear vehicle region.

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: An air conditioner for a vehicle has a variable capacity compressor for compressing a refrigerant and controlling a discharged volume of the refrigerant by a power source for driving a vehicle, and a controller for setting a second target temperature higher by a predetermined temperature than a preset first target temperate and controlling the discharged volume of the refrigerant based on the second target temperature when entering into a state where fuel consumption of the power source for driving the vehicle is lowered.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle provides operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The system includes a variable speed compressor, a motor, and a controller. The controller receives electric power from the vehicle's electric power generation system when the engine is on to enable operation of the compressor during an engine on condition. When the engine is off, the controller receives electric power from a battery to enable operation of the compressor during the engine off condition.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system having a variable displacement compressor driven by an engine of a vehicle, method and device for controlling a refrigeration cycle are provided to ensure necessary cooling performance of the system without damaging the traveling performance of the vehicle. In the method, a limit value in the discharge rate of the variable displacement compressor is determined by an engine speed or a variable related to the engine speed. The variable displacement compressor is controlled on the basis of the limit value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle HVAC system to automatically defog a windshield glass and to prevent fogging or condensation of the windshield glass. The ambient air temperature and vehicle speed are measured and used to determine a windshield glass temperature. The in-cabin air temperature and relative humidity are measured and used to determine a dewpoint. An dewpoint margin is calculated to compensate for sensor accuracy and fog predictability. A fog margin, which is based upon calculated windshield glass temperature and dewpoint, is calculated and used, in conjunction with the dewpoint margin, to control the HVAC system to anticipate potential fogging conditions and to scale the intensity of the HVAC system response based upon the severity of fogging conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle air compressor controller includes a compressor electronic control unit receiving a plurality of signals representing respective vehicle parameters. A variable torque transmitter is controlled by the compressor electronic control unit. The variable torque transmitter receives an engine speed from an engine of the vehicle and delivers a variable torque to a compressor of the vehicle for controlling a speed of the compressor. The variable torque is determined as a function of the engine speed and the vehicle parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle HVAC system to automatically defog a windshield glass and to prevent fogging or condensation of the windshield glass. The ambient air temperature and vehicle speed are measured and used to determine a windshield glass temperature. The in-cabin air temperature and relative humidity are measured and used to determine a dewpoint. An dewpoint margin is calculated to compensate for sensor accuracy and fog predictability. A fog margin, which is based upon calculated windshield glass temperature and dewpoint, is calculated and used, in conjunction with the dewpoint margin, to control the HVAC system to anticipate potential fogging conditions and to scale the intensity of the HVAC system response based upon the severity of fogging conditions.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a climate control system on a vehicle after entering a heat soak mode in which the outside air temperature associated with the vehicle is affected by absorption of non-ambient heat includes an ambient temperature sensor for sensing a current ambient temperature outside the vehicle. A controller coupled to the ambient temperature sensor compares the current ambient temperature to a stored ambient temperature representative of the outside air temperature prior to entering the heat soak mode. The controller controls the climate control system using the current ambient temperature if the current ambient temperature is less than the stored ambient temperature. If the current ambient temperature is greater than the stored ambient temperature, the controller determines a heat build up affecting the current ambient temperature and controls the climate control system using the current ambient temperature only upon elimination of the heat build up.

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 blower system and method of operation for a vehicle air conditioning system, including a blower case for receiving air to be circulated into a vehicle cabin, with first and second dampers, for varying between a recirculation position for recirculating vehicle cabin air and a fresh position for introduction of fresh air from outside the vehicle. If a calculated outlet temperature is below a first temperature, a control system opens both dampers to a recirculation position. If the calculated outlet temperature is between the first temperature and a higher second temperature, the control system opens either the first or second damper to a fresh position, and opens the other damper to a recirculation position or the fresh position based upon relative humidity and vehicle speed. If the calculated outlet temperature is higher than the second temperature, the first and second dampers are both opened to the fresh position.

Abstract: A vehicle which uses an internal combustion engine and a motor generator as drive sources is provided with a battery disposed under a seat and a fan for cooling the battery. Power is exchanged between the motor generator and battery via an inverter. An electronic control unit estimates the level of background noise which is noise other than the operating sound of the fan in the passenger compartment based on the vehicle speed and rotation speed, etc., of the internal combustion engine. Then, the electronic control unit calculates an operation command value for the fan based on the estimated background noise level and temperature level of the battery and controls the rotation speed of the fan through the operation command value. As a result, it is possible to effectively cool the battery while reducing sensible noise caused by the operating sound of the fan.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system provided with a refrigeration cycle system is provided. The air-conditioning system includes an evaporator outlet air target temperature setting unit which sets the target temperature of air at an outlet of an evaporator at a predetermined temperature greater than or equal to a minimum temperature which is set for preventing freezing of the evaporator. The target temperature setting unit controls the predetermined temperature to the minimum temperature when the vehicle speed is lower than or equal to a predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling temperature of an energy storage device of a vehicle via a movable device. The method includes determining a set of inputs, the set of inputs including a representative temperature of the energy storage device and a cabin temperature corresponding to an operator cabin. The method further includes generating a control signal based at least in part on the set of inputs, outputting the control signal to the movable device, and modifying a variable rate of movement of the movable device in response to the control signal such that a corresponding variable amount of operator cabin air is moved past the energy storage device.

Abstract: A waste energy-based vehicle air conditioning system includes efficient compression driving means coupled to refrigeration means, which greatly reduces the extra fuel otherwise required to operate conventional vehicle air conditioning systems. 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 directly 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 the presence of vehicle waste energy, such as the driver's foot releasing from a gas pedal, the controller powers the refrigerant compressor with a rotating axle (e.g., during deceleration) or with the vehicle's battery power, as appropriate. One or more kits can be used to retrofit existing vehicles to operate the respective air conditioning systems principally on waste energy.

Abstract: A low-cost vehicle air-conditioning apparatus for idle stopping 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. Battery power is conserved through various methods.