AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of components of an automotive air conditioning system configured to allow for efficient pressurization of an air conditioning refrigerant;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for efficient pressurization of an air conditioning refrigerant in an air conditioning system of an auto vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a logic flow diagram illustrating a method for dynamically pressurizing a refrigerant of an air conditioning system in a dual-mode manner;

FIG. 4 is a graphic illustrating pressurization of a refrigerant utilizing different methods and systems, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a circuit utilized to efficiently pressurize an air conditioning system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for air conditioning a motor vehicle comprising: a motor vehicle engine configured to power the movement of the motor vehicle, wherein the power previously imparted to the motor vehicle is available as vehicle waste energy when the motor vehicle engine stops or reduces its power output;an air conditioning system coupled to the motor vehicle and containing a compressible refrigerant, wherein the air conditioning system is configured to compress the refrigerant with the previously imparted power after the motor vehicle stops or reduces its power output.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the air conditioning compressor operates in concert with the production of vehicle waste kinetic energy.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the air conditioning system coupled to the motor vehicle and containing compressible refrigerant is configured to compress the refrigerant with vehicle waste potential energy incurred when the motor vehicle is traveling down hill after the engine of the motor vehicle stops or reduces its power output.