Auxiliary vehicle HVAC power system and method

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing an auxiliary air conditioner and / or auxiliary heater for a work vehicle are disclosed. These systems include power conversion circuitry configured to convert AC power from an AC power source into power conditioned for driving the auxiliary air conditioner and / or auxiliary heater. The AC power source may be configured to drive various loads and may accordingly include control circuitry to manage the power provided to the various loads including the auxiliary air conditioner and / or auxiliary heater.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 880,384, entitled “Auxiliary Vehicle HVAC Power Systems and Methods,” filed on July 30, 2019. The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 880,384 are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to heating and air conditioning systems for a work vehicle cab, and more particularly to electrical systems for a heating and / or air conditioning system for a work vehicle.

[0004] Conventionally, vehicles are cooled by air conditioning systems that are integrated into the vehicle dashboard and chassis and powered by the vehicle engine. Typically, vehicles are also heated by heating systems that are integrated into the vehicle dashboard and chassis and powered by the vehicle engine. Various auxiliary air conditioning and heating systems may also be used to cool and / or heat the vehicle cabin, particularly when the vehicle is stationary. Summary of the invention

[0005] A power supply for converting received alternating current ("AC") power to direct current ("DC") power to power an auxiliary air conditioner to cool a vehicle, substantially as shown and described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic overview of a work vehicle and installed servo assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 is a schematic overview of an air conditioning system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 3 is a flow chart representing an example method for cooling a cab of a work vehicle via a servo engine and an auxiliary air conditioner that shares a common refrigeration circuit with a main air conditioning compressor of the work vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 4 is a flow chart representing another example method of controlling cooling of a cab in a work vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, wherein power conversion circuitry converts AC power to DC power to drive an auxiliary air conditioner.

[0010] Figure 5is a flow chart representing another example method of controlling cooling of a cab in a work vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, wherein a battery provides power to drive an auxiliary air conditioner.

[0011] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where appropriate, similar or identical reference numbers are used to refer to similar or identical components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Conventional vehicle cabs are cooled by air conditioning systems that are integrated into the vehicle dashboard and chassis and powered by the vehicle engine. If the cab is to be cooled when the vehicle engine is not running, a separate air conditioning system is placed on the vehicle (e.g., a service truck). Conventional vehicle cabs are also similarly heated by heating systems that are integrated into the vehicle dashboard and chassis and powered by the vehicle engine. Similarly, if the cab is to be heated when the vehicle engine is not running, a separate heating unit is placed on the vehicle. In some cases, it may be inefficient to power an integrated air conditioning system and / or an integrated heating system with the vehicle engine, and therefore, a separate auxiliary air conditioning system and / or a separate auxiliary heating system (e.g., a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (or HVAC) system) powered by a more efficient energy source may be desirable.

[0013] A separate air conditioning system may be powered by the vehicle battery or a separate power source (e.g., a solar electric system). A separate AC system may require a refrigeration (or coolant) circuit that is separate from the vehicle's refrigeration circuit, and thus the separate air conditioning system may reuse multiple components and systems. Similarly, a separate heating system may also be powered by the vehicle battery or a separate power source, and may reuse multiple components and systems of the vehicle's integrated heating system.

[0014] Some service trucks include a servo assembly mounted to the truck. The servo assembly includes an auxiliary engine (servo engine) and a generator that provides alternating current ("AC") power. The present disclosure relates to a system for powering an auxiliary air conditioning system of a vehicle via received AC power (e.g., AC power received from a generator of an onboard servo assembly). The present disclosure also relates to a system for powering an auxiliary heating system of a vehicle via received AC power.

[0015] An example system disclosed that is configured to supply power to an auxiliary air conditioner of a vehicle includes: an engine mounted on the vehicle; a generator mounted on the vehicle and configured to convert mechanical power generated by the engine into AC power; a converter circuit configured to convert the AC power into DC power to power the auxiliary air conditioner; and a control circuit system configured to: determine a first power demand from the auxiliary air conditioner; and control the amount of power supplied by the converter circuit to the auxiliary air conditioner based in part on the first power demand.

[0016] In some example systems configured to power an auxiliary air conditioner of a vehicle, the control circuitry is configured to control the converter circuit to convert AC power from the generator to charge a battery.

[0017] In some example systems configured to power an auxiliary air conditioner of a vehicle, the control circuit system is configured to control the converter circuit to charge the battery if the first power demand is less than a threshold power demand.

[0018] In some example systems configured to provide power to an auxiliary air conditioner of a vehicle, the control circuit system is configured to control the battery to provide power to the auxiliary air conditioner if the first power demand meets a threshold power demand.

[0019] In some example systems configured to provide power to an auxiliary air conditioner of a vehicle, the control circuit system is configured to: determine an amount of power available from the generator; and if the amount of power available from the generator is less than the first power demand, control the battery to provide power to the auxiliary air conditioner.

[0020] In some example systems configured to provide power to an auxiliary air conditioner of a vehicle, the generator is configured to charge a battery of the vehicle.

[0021] In some example systems configured to power an auxiliary air conditioner of a vehicle, the AC power is one of 120 volts or 240 volts.

[0022] An example auxiliary air conditioning system for a vehicle disclosed includes: a converter circuit configured to convert received AC power into DC power; a compressor driven by the DC power supplied by the converter circuit; and a control circuit system configured to: determine a first power requirement based on a temperature setting of the vehicle; and based on the first power requirement, control the amount of power supplied by the converter circuit to the compressor.

[0023] In some example auxiliary air conditioning systems for a vehicle, the temperature setting is entered at a user interface of the vehicle.

[0024] In some example auxiliary air conditioning systems for a vehicle, the compressor is configured to pump refrigerant through a refrigeration circuit integral to the vehicle.

[0025] Some example auxiliary air conditioning systems for vehicles include a fan configured to blow air over a condenser of the refrigeration circuit.

[0026] In some example auxiliary air conditioning systems for vehicles, the fan is powered by the converter circuit.

[0027] Some example auxiliary air conditioning systems for vehicles include a battery, and the control circuit system is configured to control the converter circuit to charge the battery. In some example auxiliary air conditioning systems for vehicles, the control circuit system is configured to control the converter circuit to charge the battery if the first power demand is less than a threshold power demand. In some example auxiliary air conditioning systems for vehicles, the control circuit system is configured to control the battery to power the compressor if the first power demand exceeds a threshold power demand.

[0028] In some example auxiliary air conditioning systems for a vehicle, the control circuit system is configured to receive a signal from a power source that provides AC power to the converter circuit that indicates a power load on the power source, and the control circuit system is configured to control the amount of power supplied by the converter circuit based in part on the signal.

[0029] In some example auxiliary air conditioning systems for a vehicle, the control circuit system is configured to send a signal to a power source providing AC power to the converter to turn on the power source when the first power demand is detected.

[0030] An example power supply for an auxiliary air conditioning system for a vehicle is disclosed, including: a converter circuit configured to convert received AC power into DC power to drive a compressor of the auxiliary air conditioning system; and a control circuit system configured to: determine a first power demand from the auxiliary air conditioning system; determine a total power load on a power source providing the AC power; and control an amount of power supplied by the converter circuit based on the first power demand and the total power load.

[0031] In some example power supplies for an auxiliary air conditioning system of a vehicle, the control circuitry is configured to control the converter circuit to convert AC power from the generator to charge a battery.

[0032] In some example power supplies for an auxiliary air conditioning system for a vehicle, the control circuitry includes communication circuitry configured to send a signal indicative of the first power demand to the power source.

[0033] As used herein, "power conversion circuitry" and / or "power conversion circuitry" refers to circuitry and / or electrical components that convert power from one or more first forms (e.g., power output by a generator) to one or more second forms having any combination of voltage, current, frequency, and / or response characteristics. The power conversion circuitry may include safety circuitry, output selection circuitry, measurement and / or control circuitry, and / or any other circuitry for providing appropriate features.

[0034] As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to list different components or elements of the same type, and do not necessarily imply any particular order. For example, although in some examples, a first compartment is located before a second compartment in the airflow path, the terms "first compartment" and "second compartment" do not imply any particular order in which air flows through the compartments.

[0035] The term "welding type system" as used herein includes any device capable of supplying power suitable for welding, plasma cutting, induction heating, CAC-A and / or hot wire welding / preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding), including inverters, converters, choppers, resonant power supplies, quasi-resonant power supplies, etc., as well as control circuit systems and other auxiliary circuit systems associated therewith.

[0036] As used herein, the term "welding-type power" refers to power suitable for welding, plasma cutting, induction heating, CAC-A and / or hot wire welding / preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding). As used herein, the term "welding-type power supply" and / or "power supply" refers to any device capable of supplying power to welding, plasma cutting, induction heating, CAC-A and / or hot wire welding / preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding) when power is applied thereto, including but not limited to inverters, converters, resonant power supplies, quasi-resonant power supplies, etc., and control circuit systems and other auxiliary circuit systems associated therewith.

[0037] As used herein, the terms "circuit" and "circuitry" refer to physical electronic components, any analog and / or digital components, power elements and / or control elements, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), etc., including discrete components and / or integrated components, or parts and / or combinations thereof (i.e., hardware), and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can configure, be executed by and / or otherwise associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory may constitute a first "circuit" when executing a first line or more lines of code, and may constitute a second "circuit" when executing a second line or more lines of code.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "control circuit," "control circuit system," and / or "controller" may include digital and / or analog circuit systems, discrete and / or integrated circuit systems, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other logic circuit systems, and / or associated software, hardware, and / or firmware. A control circuit or control circuit system may include a memory and a processor for executing instructions stored in the memory. A control circuit or control circuit system may be located on one or more circuit boards that form part or all of a controller and are used to control a welding process, equipment such as a power supply or wire feeder, and / or any other type of welding-related system.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "memory" and / or "memory device" refer to computer hardware or circuitry for storing information for use by a processor and / or other digital device. The memory and / or memory device may be any suitable type of computer memory or any other type of electronic storage medium, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, compact disk read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid-state storage device, computer-readable medium, etc.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "torch," "welding torch," welding tool, or "welding-type tool" refer to a device configured to be manipulated to perform welding-related tasks, and may include a handheld welding torch, a robotic welding torch, a welding gun, or other device for generating a welding arc.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "welding mode," "welding process," "welding-type process," or "welding operation" refer to the type of process or output used, such as current controlled (CC), voltage controlled (CV), pulsed, gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), spray, short circuit and / or any other type of welding process.

[0042] Figure 1 1 is a schematic overview of a work vehicle 10 in which a servo assembly 12 is installed. The work vehicle 10 is shown as a work truck, but any suitable vehicle configuration may be used. The work vehicle 10 has a cab 14 that is cooled by an air conditioning system 16 of the work vehicle 10. The work cab 14 is heated by a heating system 17. The work vehicle 10 has an engine 18 that provides power to the work vehicle 10 and also powers an air conditioning compressor 20 of the air conditioning system 16 of the work vehicle 10. The engine 18 also powers the heating system 17. The air conditioning system 16 of the work vehicle 10 includes a main air conditioning compressor 20 and a refrigeration (or coolant) circuit 22, which includes pipes, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The control circuit system 24 of the work vehicle 10 controls the operation of the air conditioning system 16 of the work vehicle 10, including the engine 18 and the main compressor 20. Cooling air from the air conditioning system 16 is delivered to the cab 14 of the work vehicle 10 via a blower fan 25 and a vent 26 in the cab 14. Control circuitry 24 also controls the operation of heating system 17. Control circuitry 24 includes processing circuitry, memory, and communications circuitry.

[0043] User interface 28 may allow a user to control the temperature in cab 14. User interface 28 may include a sensor that senses the temperature inside cab 14. User interface 28 communicates with control circuit system 24 to control air conditioning system 16 or heating system 17 of work vehicle 10 to cool or heat cab 14 to a set or desired temperature. Control circuit system 24 also controls various other functions of work vehicle 10, including monitoring the charge of battery 30 and charging battery 30 from engine 18. In some examples, control circuit system 24 includes a dedicated cooling control system that receives control inputs from user interface 28 and controls air conditioning system 16 to cool cab 14 based on these inputs. In some examples, control circuit system 24 includes a dedicated heating control system that receives control inputs from user interface 28 and controls heating system 17 to heat cab 14 based on these inputs.

[0044] exist Figure 1In the example of FIG. 1 , the servo assembly 12 is mounted on the truck 10. The servo assembly 12 includes a servo motor 32. The servo motor 32 drives a generator 34. The servo motor 32 is a source of mechanical power, and the generator 34 uses this power to provide an output in the form of AC electricity. The mechanical power of the engine 32 is transmitted to the generator 34 via a belt or other interface.

[0045] The generator 34 can provide power to various loads that are connected to the servo assembly 12 at the sockets / outputs 38, 63, and 65 of the servo assembly 12. For example, a portable welder 54 (e.g., welding circuitry configured to convert power from the generator 34 to welding-type power) that provides current-controlled and / or voltage-controlled power suitable for welding applications receives power from the servo assembly 12. The welder 54 can receive power from the electrical output of the generator 34 via the socket(s) 38 and include circuitry configured to appropriately condition the output power provided to the cable suitable for the welding application 56. The welder 54 can be any type of welding-type equipment, including a welder, a plasma cutter, and / or an induction heating device, which can be operated according to any of a number of conventional welding techniques, such as stick welding, tungsten inert gas shielded (TIG) welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding, etc. Although not described herein, the welder 54 can be any type of welding-type equipment, including a welder, a plasma cutter, and / or an induction heating device, which can be operated according to any of a number of conventional welding techniques, such as stick welding, tungsten inert gas shielded (TIG) welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding, etc. Figure 1 , but some of these welding techniques may require or facilitate the use of a wire feeder to supply a continuously fed wire electrode, as well as shielding gas and other shielding supplies. Where desired, such a wire feeder may be coupled to and powered by the servo assembly 12. In some examples, a welder (e.g., welder 54) may be included in the servo assembly 12. In some examples, a welder may be included in the servo assembly, and an additional portable welder 54 may receive power via the socket 38.

[0046] Auxiliary loads may also be coupled to the receptacle(s) 38 and receive power from the servo assembly 12. The auxiliary loads may include lights 58, or any other load that may otherwise be powered by operation of the work vehicle engine 18. The receptacle 38 may also be connected to the work vehicle battery 30 for battery charging and / or jump starting of the work vehicle 10 via a battery charger (not shown). The receptacle 38 may be connected to the battery 30 via a path internal to the body of the work vehicle 10 and / or via an external path (e.g., an extension cable connected to a jump start connector). In some examples, as shown, the work vehicle battery 30 is connected to the generator 34 via a battery charger.

[0047] The servo motor 32 may also drive an air compressor and / or pump (not shown). The air compressor may provide compressed air to a tool such as a punch 60 via a hose 62. The hose 62 may be connected to an output 63 of the servo assembly 12. Similarly, a hydraulic load, shown in the form of a reciprocating hydraulic cylinder 64, may be coupled to the servo assembly 12 via an appropriate hose or conduit 66. The hose or conduit 66 may be connected to the servo assembly 12 at an output 65. Some of these applications (e.g., hydraulic applications) may require the use of additional valves, particularly for directional control and load holding. Such valves may be incorporated into the work vehicle 10, and / or may be provided separately in the application itself or intermediate between the servo assembly and the hydraulic actuator. Figure 1 One or more of the applications schematically illustrated in the drawings may be incorporated into the work vehicle 10 itself. For example, the work vehicle 10 may be designed to include an aerial work platform, a scissor lift, a hydraulic transmission tailgate, or any other driven system that may be coupled to a servo assembly and driven separately from the main vehicle engine.

[0048] Servo assembly 12 may be physically located at any suitable location in work vehicle 10. In the presently contemplated example, servo motor 32 may be mounted on, below, or beside a vehicle bed or work platform behind the vehicle cab. For example, in some work vehicles, the vehicle chassis may provide convenient mechanical support for the motor and certain other components of the servo assembly. For example, steel pipes, rails, or other support structures extending between the front and rear axles of the vehicle may serve as support for servo motor 32.

[0049] The work vehicle 10 also includes an auxiliary air conditioner and / or heating system 110 and an auxiliary air conditioner power supply 120. For convenience, the auxiliary air conditioner and / or heating system 110 will be referred to as "air conditioner 110", but the air conditioner 110 may include air conditioning components and / or heating components. In some examples, the auxiliary air conditioner 110 operates with direct current ("DC") power. In some examples, the auxiliary air conditioner 110 can operate with a DC input power of 12 volts, 24 volts, 36 volts, 48 ​​volts, or 57 volts. The auxiliary air conditioner 110 includes an auxiliary compressor 112 and a controller 114. The auxiliary compressor 112 can be connected to the refrigeration circuit 22. Therefore, the compressor 112 can drive the refrigeration circuit 22 of the work vehicle 10 with minimal system component duplication. The auxiliary compressor 112 is connected to the refrigeration circuit 22 via a pipeline 41 (such as, through a coupling system and / or a valve system 42). Similarly, the main compressor 20 is connected to the refrigeration circuit 22 via a coupling and / or a valve system 44.

[0050] In some examples, the auxiliary air conditioner 110 may further include a heating unit 113. The heating unit 113 may be, for example, a resistance heating component. The heating component may be connected to the vent 26 of the cab 14 to minimize duplication of components.

[0051] The control circuit system 24 of the work vehicle 10 communicates with the controller 114 of the auxiliary air conditioner 110. The controller 114 includes a processor, a memory, and a communication circuit system that facilitates communication with the controller 24 and the user interface 28 of the work vehicle 10. The controller 24 can notify the controller 114 that the engine 18 of the work vehicle 10 has been turned off. The controller 24 can also transmit the cooling setting or the heating setting from the user interface 28 to the controller 114. Therefore, the controller 114 can control the compressor 112 to operate to cool the cab 14, or control the heating unit 113 to operate to heat the cab to the setting temperature set at the user interface 28.

[0052] In some examples, one or more of valves 42 and 44 are controllable. For example, when the engine 18 of the work vehicle 10 is running, the controller 24 closes the valve 42 and opens the valve 44, so that the engine 18 drives the main compressor 20, and the refrigerant flows through the refrigeration circuit 22 and the main compressor 20, thereby cooling the cab 14. When the engine 18 of the work vehicle 10 is turned off, the controller 24 closes the valve 44 and opens the valve 42. Therefore, the auxiliary compressor 112 pumps the refrigerant through the refrigeration circuit 22, thereby cooling the cab 14. In some examples, the valves 42 and 44 are controlled by the controller 114 of the auxiliary air conditioner 110.

[0053] The power supply 120 includes a power conversion circuit system 122 that converts the received AC power into power suitable for powering the auxiliary air conditioner 110. For example, the power conversion circuit system can convert the received AC power into DC power (e.g., 12 volts, 24 volts, 36 volts, 48 ​​volts, or 57 volts of DC power). The power supply 120 also includes a battery 124 and a controller 126. The controller 126 includes a processor, a memory, and a communication circuit system that facilitates communication with the controller 40 of the servo assembly and / or the controller 114 of the auxiliary air conditioner 110. The controller 126 determines the power demand from the auxiliary air conditioner 110, for example, based on a signal received from the controller 114, and controls the power conversion circuit system 122 to convert the power received from the generator 34 based on the determined power demand.

[0054] As described above, the servo motor 32 may also drive various loads in addition to the auxiliary air conditioner 110. Therefore, in some examples, the controller 40 sends a signal to the controller 126 indicating the amount of power available to the power supply 120 from the generator 34 based on the power required by the other loads on the servo motor 32. In some examples, the controller 40 is configured to manage the power provided to the various loads to prevent overloads on the servo motor 32.

[0055] In some examples, the controller 40 manages the loads based on a load priority scheme (e.g., welding and / or cutting may be a first priority load, hydraulic and / or air compression may be a second priority, charging the work vehicle battery 30 may be a third priority, auxiliary output is a fourth priority, and cooling is a fifth priority). In some examples, cooling is a lower priority than other loads on the servo motor 32, and therefore the controller 40 may control the generator 34 based on the load priority scheme to limit the amount of power provided from the generator 34 to the power supply 120. The controller 40 may also indicate (e.g., send a signal indicating) to the controller 126 of the power supply 120 the amount of power (e.g., the instantaneous amount of power) that the generator is capable of providing to the power supply.

[0056] In some examples, controller 40 can monitor the speed of servo motor 32. In some examples, when the speed of motor 32 is below a threshold, controller 40 enables generator 34 to output power to power supply 120. In some examples, controller 40 controls the amount of power provided by generator 34 to power supply 120 based on the speed of motor 32.

[0057] In some examples, controller 40 can monitor the electrical load drawn by each load (e.g., controller can determine the power, voltage, and / or current drawn by each load) to determine the total load on servo motor 32. In some examples, if the total load is below a threshold, controller 40 enables generator 34 to output power to power supply 120. In some examples, controller 40 controls the amount of power provided by generator 34 to power supply 120 based on the total load.

[0058] Similarly, when the total power demand on the servo motor 32 exceeds a threshold, the controller 40 can limit the power provided by the servo motor 32 to any of the various loads. As described above, the controller 40 can assign priorities to the various loads. The priorities of the loads can be stored in a memory of the controller 40, can be accessed from a remote platform, can be assigned to a unique welding sequence and / or process, can be updated based on historical data (i.e., from machine learning and / or artificial intelligence) and / or other suitable data management sources. In some examples, the priorities of the loads can be set and / or updated by a user, for example, via a user interface (not shown) of the servo assembly 12. If the load demand from several of the various loads exceeds the threshold (multiple), the controller 40 will provide available power to the loads in priority order (e.g., the first priority may be welding and / or cutting, the second priority may be hydraulic, the third priority may be an air compressor, the fourth priority may be lighting or other auxiliary loads, the fifth priority may be battery charging, and the sixth priority may be powering the power supply 120 to cool the cab 14). Thus, when the power demand on the servo motor 32 exceeds a threshold, the controller may block or cut power to the lower priority loads, such as by opening a switch or disengaging a coupling that connects the load to power. If the servo motor 32 is operating below its load threshold, the controller 40 may increase the speed of the servo motor 32 to generate more power in response to the increase in load power demand.

[0059] The load on the servo motor 32 may vary greatly throughout the day, so cooling or heating the cab 14 between other loads on the servo motor 32 is an efficient way to achieve temperature control of the cab 14 without affecting other loads or requiring the use of an oversized motor.

[0060] In some examples, if the engine 32 and the generator 34 are not running when the power supply 120 determines that the auxiliary air conditioner 110 requires power, the controller 126 of the power supply 120 can send a signal to the controller 40 of the servo assembly 12 to turn on the engine 32 and the generator 34. In response to receiving the signal from the controller 126 of the power supply 120, the controller 40 of the servo assembly turns on the engine 32 and the generator 34. The generator 34 then provides power to the power supply 120.

[0061] Controller 126 may also determine the charge level of battery 124, for example by comparing the voltage level of power supply battery 124 to an expected battery voltage. Controller 126 may control power conversion circuitry 122 to charge battery 124 if the battery voltage is below the expected battery voltage by a threshold amount.

[0062] In some examples, when the amount of power available from the generator 34 is greater than the amount of power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 110, the controller 126 controls the power conversion circuit system 122 to charge the battery 124. In some examples, if the controller 126 determines that the amount of power available from the generator 34 is less than the power demand from the auxiliary air conditioner 110, the controller 126 controls the battery 124 to provide the additional power required to drive the auxiliary air conditioner 110. For example, the controller 126 can close the switch to allow the auxiliary air conditioner 110 to draw power from the battery. In some examples, if the controller 126 determines that the voltage of the battery 124 is lower than the threshold voltage and the power demand from the auxiliary air conditioner 110 is greater than the power available from the generator, the controller 126 controls the power conversion circuit system 122 to provide power available for use by the auxiliary air conditioner 110. Therefore, when the power demand from the auxiliary air conditioner 110 is greater than the power available from the generator and the battery 124 is exhausted, the auxiliary air conditioner 110 may operate at a low power level. In some examples, the power supply 120 may not include a battery, and the controller 126 controls the power conversion circuitry 122 to power the auxiliary air conditioner 110. In such examples, when the power demand from the auxiliary air conditioner 110 is greater than the power available from the generator and the battery 124 is depleted, the auxiliary air conditioner 110 may operate at a low power level.

[0063] In some examples, the auxiliary air conditioner 110 is driven by the battery 124 instead of the power conversion circuit system 122. The controller 126 monitors the voltage of the battery 124 and controls the power conversion circuit system 122 to charge the battery 124 when the voltage of the battery 124 drops below a threshold level. When the signal from the controller 40 indicates that the generator 34 is able to supply power to the power supply 120, the controller 126 controls the power conversion circuit system 122 to charge the battery.

[0064] When the engine 18 is off, the user interface 28 and the blower fan 25 are powered by the work vehicle battery 30. Thus, the servo assembly 12 is configured to replace the battery 30 of the work vehicle 10 during operation of the auxiliary air conditioner 110. In some examples, the blower fan 25 may also be powered via the auxiliary air conditioner power supply 120. Some auxiliary air conditioning systems 110 may include a second blower fan powered by the power supply 120. Some auxiliary air conditioning systems 110 may also include an auxiliary condenser fan configured to blow air across the condenser coil of the refrigeration circuit during operation of the auxiliary air conditioner 110. The auxiliary condenser fan may be powered by the power supply 120 or the battery 30 of the work vehicle 10.

[0065] Although described as receiving power from the generator 34 of the servo assembly 12, the auxiliary air conditioner power supply 120 may convert AC power from any AC power source (e.g., any power source that provides 120 or 240 volt AC power) to drive the auxiliary air conditioner 110. For example, the auxiliary air conditioner power supply 120 may receive power from an AC grid or an engine / generator set that is not mounted to the work vehicle 10.

[0066] Figure 2 A close-up view of components of the air conditioning system 16 of the work vehicle and the air conditioning components of the servo assembly 12 is shown. Where common features are shown, Figure 1 Reference numerals in are used to indicate similar features. As shown, the refrigeration circuit 22 connects the evaporator 70 with the condenser 72. The main compressor 20 and the auxiliary compressor 32 are connected to the refrigeration circuit 22 via valves 42, 44. The main controller 24 (or alternatively, the auxiliary controller 40) is configured to control the valves 42, 44 to open and / or close based on which compressor is being used. Alternatively, the valves 42, 44 are used as connection points for the refrigeration circuit 22 and the check valves in the main compressor 20 and the auxiliary compressor 112 to control the compressor operation.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, one or more high pressure switches 74 and low pressure switches 76 are also included. Switches 74, 76 monitor the pressure within the refrigerant circuit 22 and can provide information to the controller 24 and / or the controller 114. In this way, the signal from the switch can be compared with one or more threshold pressure values, which can be used to trigger the operation of the compressor 20, 112. According to various examples, the threshold pressure value can be stored in a memory and compared via a processor in either controller. In some examples, during the operation of the air conditioning system, when the measured pressure drops below a first threshold pressure value, the (multiple) controllers start the (multiple) compressors. This can be accomplished by controlling a coupling (e.g., coupling 48) to operate the (multiple) compressors by power supplied by the power supply 120. In an example where the measured pressure exceeds a second threshold pressure value, the (multiple) controllers can, for example, deactivate the compressor by disengaging the coupling control.

[0068] Although the auxiliary compressor 112 is described with respect to the auxiliary air conditioner 110 associated with a work vehicle, in some examples, the auxiliary air conditioner 110 is configured to provide cooling to various environments. For example, the main engine and main compressor can be part of a system for powering, providing air, etc., such as a portable system for emergency response, cooling, or other such purposes of temporary structures.

[0069] Figure 3is an example method 200 for monitoring the load on a servo engine and cooling a cab of a work vehicle. Although described as a method for cooling a cab, the method may also be used to heat a cab if the auxiliary air conditioner includes a heating component. The example method 200 may be used, for example, in Figure 1 The invention is implemented in the work vehicle 10 and / or the servo assembly 12 .

[0070] At block 202, controller 40 of servo assembly 12 determines whether engine 18 of work vehicle 10 is off. In some examples, controller 40 may receive a signal from a communication system (e.g., a wireless system or a CAN bus) of work vehicle 10 indicating that engine 18 is off. In some examples, controller 40 may have a wired connection to control circuitry 24 of work vehicle 10. If engine 18 is on (block 202), controller 40 continues to monitor whether engine 18 is off.

[0071] If the engine 18 is off (202), then at box 204, the controller 40 receives a signal from the user interface indicating a desired cooling setting for the cab 14. In some examples, the cooling setting may be a set temperature. In some examples, the cooling setting may be a simulated low-medium-high setting. In some examples, the controller 114 of the auxiliary air conditioner receives a signal from the user interface 28 indicating the desired temperature and forwards the signal to the controller 40. If the work vehicle engine is off (box 202), the controller 40 (or one of the controllers 24 or 114) may also open the valve 42 and close the valve 44 so that the auxiliary compressor 112 can pump refrigerant through the refrigeration circuit 22.

[0072] At block 206, the controller 40 determines the load on the servo motor 32. Figure 1 As described, the servo motor 32 can drive various loads, including the welder 54, the air compressor (and associated tool 60), the hydraulic device 64, the auxiliary load 58, the battery 30 charging, etc. In some examples, the controller 40 can determine the total load on the servo motor 32 by determining the power demand from each load (e.g., by measuring the voltage and / or current drawn at each load output) and adding the various power demands. In some examples, the controller 40 can estimate the load of the servo motor 32 by measuring the speed of the servo motor 32.

[0073] At box 208, the controller 40 compares the servo motor load determined at box 206 to one or more thresholds. If the determined load is above a certain threshold (box 208), then at box 210, the controller 40 controls the generator 34 to disable (or limit) power to the power supply 120. For example, the controller 40 may control a switch that closes to provide power from the generator 34 to the power supply 120 and opens to cut off power from the generator 34 to the power supply 120. In some examples, the controller 40 may control a circuit that limits the amount of power provided from the generator 34 to the power supply 120. After box 210, the controller 40 then returns to box 206 and continues to monitor the load on the servo motor 32. If the determined load is below the threshold (box 208), then at box 212, the controller 40 causes the generator 34 to provide power to the power supply 120.

[0074] At box 214, the controller 40 checks again whether the work vehicle engine 18 is on. If the work vehicle engine 18 is not on, the controller 40 returns to box 206 to determine the load of the servo motor 32. If the work vehicle engine 18 is on (box 214), then at box 216, the controller 40 controls the generator to disable power to the power supply 120. When the work vehicle engine 18 is on, the work vehicle engine 18 drives the main air conditioning compressor 20 to cool the cab. Therefore, when the work vehicle engine 18 is on, the controller 40 (or controller 24 or 114) can also control the valve 42 to close and the control valve 44 to open, so that the main compressor 20 can pump refrigerant through the refrigeration circuit 22.

[0075] Figure 4 is another example method 230 that may be performed to control power to an auxiliary air conditioner (eg, to cool or heat a cabin of a vehicle). The example method 230 may be performed, for example, in Figure 1 The invention is implemented in the power supply 120 of the working vehicle 10 and / or the auxiliary air conditioner, the auxiliary air conditioner 110 , and / or the servo assembly 12 .

[0076] At block 232, the controller 126 determines the power required for the auxiliary air conditioner 230. In some examples, the controller 114 of the auxiliary air conditioner 110 may determine the required power based on the desired temperature set by the operator at the user interface 28. The controller 114 of the auxiliary air conditioner 110 may send a signal to the controller 126 of the power supply 120 indicating the power requirement for driving the auxiliary air conditioner 110 to cool the cab 14 to the desired temperature.

[0077] At block 234, the controller 126 determines the power available from the servo assembly 12 (or other AC power source). As described above, the controller 40 of the servo assembly 12 can determine the amount of power available to the power supply 120 based on the total power load on the servo motor 32 and the load priority scheme. The controller 40 of the servo assembly 12 can send a signal to the controller 126 of the power supply 120 indicating the amount of power that the generator 34 can provide to the power supply 120. Generally, if the AC power source is the AC grid, the AC grid is capable of providing the maximum amount of power required to drive the auxiliary air conditioner 110 to the power supply 120.

[0078] At block 236, the controller 126 determines the voltage of the battery 124. For example, a voltmeter connected to the battery 124 may send a signal to the controller 126 indicative of the battery voltage.

[0079] At box 238, the controller compares the determined amount of power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 110 (box 232) with the amount of power available from the AC power source (box 234). If the amount of power available is less than the required amount of power (box 238), then at box 240, the controller 126 compares the battery voltage determined at box 236 with a first threshold voltage. If the battery voltage exceeds the first threshold (box 240), then at box 242, the controller 126 controls the battery to supplement the power provided by the generator 34. The controller 126 then returns to box 232 and continues to monitor the power demand, available power, and battery voltage.

[0080] If the battery voltage does not exceed the first threshold (block 240), then at block 244, the controller 126 commands the power conversion circuit system 122 to convert the available power from the generator 34 into DC power to drive the auxiliary air conditioner 110. The controller 126 then returns to block 232 and continues to monitor the power demand, available power, and battery voltage. At block 244, the power provided by the power supply 120 to the auxiliary air conditioner 110 is less than the power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 110 to cool the cabin to the desired temperature, so the auxiliary air conditioner may not be able to cool the cabin 14 to the desired temperature until the available power increases.

[0081] If the required power does not exceed the available power (box 238), then at box 246, the controller 126 controls the power conversion circuit system 122 to provide the amount of power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 110 to the auxiliary air conditioner 110. At box 248, the controller 126 determines whether the battery voltage (determined at box 236) is lower than the second threshold voltage. If the battery voltage is lower than the second threshold (box 248), then at box 250, the controller 126 controls the power conversion circuit system 122 to convert the excess power available from the generator 34 to charge the battery 124. The controller 126 then returns to box 232 and continues to monitor the power demand, available power, and battery voltage. If the controller 126 determines that the battery voltage exceeds the second threshold (box 248), the controller 126 determines that the battery 124 is charged and does not require additional charging. Therefore, the controller 126 then returns to box 232 and continues to monitor the power demand, available power, and battery voltage.

[0082] Figure 5 is another example method 270 that may be performed to control power to an auxiliary air conditioner (eg, to cool or heat a cabin of a vehicle). Example method 230 may be performed, for example, in Figure 1 The method is implemented in the power supply 120 of the work vehicle 10 and / or the auxiliary air conditioner, the auxiliary air conditioner 110, and / or the servo assembly 12. In the example method 270, the battery 124 of the power supply 120 is configured to supply power to the auxiliary air conditioner 110.

[0083] At box 272, the controller 126 determines the power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 230. At box 274, the controller 126 determines the power available from the servo assembly 12 (or other AC power source). At box 276, the controller 126 determines the voltage of the battery 124.

[0084] At box 278, the controller compares the determined amount of power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 110 (box 272) with the amount of power available from the AC power source (box 274). If the amount of power available is less than the required amount of power (box 278), then at box 280, the controller 126 compares the battery voltage determined at box 276 with a first threshold voltage. If the battery voltage exceeds the first threshold (box 280), then at box 282, the controller 126 controls the battery to provide the power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 110. The controller 126 then returns to box 272 and continues to monitor power demand, available power, and battery voltage.

[0085] If the battery voltage does not exceed the first threshold (block 280), then at block 284, the controller 126 cuts off power to the auxiliary air conditioner 110 and controls the power conversion circuitry 122 to convert available power from the generator 34 to charge the battery 124. The controller 126 then returns to block 272 and continues to monitor power demand, available power, and battery voltage.

[0086] If the required power does not exceed the available power (box 278), then at box 286, the controller 126 controls the battery 124 to provide the amount of power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 110 to the auxiliary air conditioner 110. At box 288, the controller 126 determines whether the battery voltage (determined at box 276) is lower than the second threshold. If the battery voltage is lower than the second threshold (box 288), then at box 290, the controller 126 controls the power conversion circuit system 122 to convert the power available from the generator 34 to charge the battery 124. The controller 126 then returns to box 272 and continues to monitor the power demand, available power, and battery voltage. If the controller 126 determines that the battery voltage exceeds the second threshold (box 288), the controller 126 determines that the battery 124 is charged and does not require additional charging. Therefore, the controller 126 then returns to box 272 and continues to monitor the power demand, available power, and battery voltage.

[0087] Figure 5 is another example method 270 that may be performed to control power to an auxiliary air conditioner. Example method 230 may be performed, for example, in Figure 1 The method is implemented in the power supply 120 of the work vehicle 10 and / or the auxiliary air conditioner, the auxiliary air conditioner 110, and / or the servo assembly 12. In the example method 270, the battery 124 of the power supply 120 is configured to supply power to the auxiliary air conditioner 110.

[0088] At box 272, the controller 126 determines the power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 230. At box 274, the controller 126 determines the power available from the servo assembly 12 (or other AC power source). At box 276, the controller 126 determines the voltage of the battery 124.

[0089] At box 278, the controller compares the determined amount of power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 110 (box 272) with the amount of power available from the AC power source (box 274). If the amount of power available is less than the required amount of power (box 278), then at box 280, the controller 126 compares the battery voltage determined at box 276 with a first threshold voltage. If the battery voltage exceeds the first threshold (box 280), then at box 282, the controller 126 controls the battery 124 to provide the power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 110. The controller 126 then returns to box 272 and continues to monitor power demand, available power, and battery voltage.

[0090] If the battery voltage does not exceed the first threshold (block 280), then at block 284, the controller 126 cuts off power to the auxiliary air conditioner 110 and controls the power conversion circuitry 122 to convert available power from the generator 34 to charge the battery 124. The controller 126 then returns to block 272 and continues to monitor power demand, available power, and battery voltage.

[0091] If the required power does not exceed the available power (box 278), then at box 286, the controller 126 controls the battery 124 to provide the amount of power required by the auxiliary air conditioner 110 to the auxiliary air conditioner 110. At box 288, the controller 126 determines whether the battery voltage (determined at box 276) is lower than the second threshold. If the battery voltage is lower than the second threshold (box 288), then at box 290, the controller 126 controls the power conversion circuit system 122 to convert the power available from the generator 34 to charge the battery 124. The controller 126 then returns to box 272 and continues to monitor the power demand, available power, and battery voltage. If the controller 126 determines that the battery voltage exceeds the second threshold (box 248), the controller 126 determines that the battery 124 is charged and does not require additional charging. Therefore, the controller 126 then returns to box 272 and continues to monitor the power demand, available power, and battery voltage.

[0092] return Figure 1 In some examples, the power supply 120 is configured to provide DC power from the battery 124 to the auxiliary compressor 112 and / or the heating unit 113. The controller 126 monitors the voltage of the battery 124 and controls the power conversion circuit system 122 to charge the battery 124 when the voltage of the battery 124 is below a threshold level. In some examples, if the engine 32 and the generator 34 are not running when the control circuit system determines that the battery 124 needs to be charged, the controller 126 of the power supply 120 can send a signal to the controller 40 of the servo assembly 12 to start the engine 32 and the generator 34. In response to receiving the signal from the controller 126 of the power supply 120, the controller 40 of the servo assembly starts the engine 32 and the generator 34. The generator 34 then supplies power to charge the battery 124.

[0093] As used herein, "and / or" refers to any one or more of the items connected by "and / or" in a list. For example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" refers to "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" refers to "one or more of x, y and z". As used herein, the term "exemplary" refers to serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or paradigm. As used herein, the terms "eg," and "for example" lead to a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

[0094] Although the present method and / or system have been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and may be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the systems, frames and / or other components of the disclosed examples may be combined, split, rearranged and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present method and / or system are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Alternatively, the present method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A system configured to supply power to an auxiliary air conditioner of a vehicle, the system comprising: an engine mounted on the vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a main air conditioner driven by the vehicle engine to control the temperature of a cabin of the vehicle; a generator mounted on the vehicle and configured to convert mechanical power generated by the engine into AC electric power; a converter circuit configured to convert the AC power into DC power to power the auxiliary air conditioner to control the temperature of the environment within the cabin; and A control circuit system, the control circuit system being configured to: receiving a signal indicating that the vehicle engine is shut down; receiving a signal indicative of a desired temperature of the cab; determining a first power demand from the auxiliary air conditioner based on a desired temperature of the cabin; and Based in part on the first power demand and the desired temperature, the amount of power supplied by the converter circuit to the auxiliary air conditioner is controlled to control the temperature of the environment within the cab.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a battery, and wherein: The control circuit system is configured to control the converter circuit to convert AC power from the generator to charge the battery.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein: The control circuit system is configured to control the converter circuit to charge the battery if the first power demand is less than a threshold power demand.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein: The control circuit system is configured to control the battery to supply power to the auxiliary air conditioner if the first power demand satisfies a threshold power demand.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein: The control circuit system is configured to: determining the amount of electrical power available from the generator; and If the amount of electric power available from the generator is less than the first electric power demand, the battery is controlled to supply power to the auxiliary air conditioner.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein: The generator is configured to charge a battery of the vehicle.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein: The AC power is one of 120 volts or 240 volts.

8. A system configured to supply power to an auxiliary air conditioner of a vehicle, the system comprising: a servo engine mounted on the vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a main air conditioner driven by the vehicle engine to control the temperature of a cabin of the vehicle; a generator mounted on the vehicle and configured to convert mechanical power generated by the servo engine into electricity; and A control circuit system, the control circuit system being configured to: receiving a signal indicating that the vehicle engine is shut down; receiving a signal indicative of a desired temperature of the cab; determining a power demand from the auxiliary air conditioner; and Based in part on the power demand and the desired temperature, the amount of power supplied by the generator to the auxiliary air conditioner is controlled to control the temperature of the environment within the cab.

9. The system according to claim 8, in, The generator is configured to charge a battery of the vehicle; or wherein the generator outputs the electricity at one of 120 volts or 240 volts; or wherein the control circuit system is configured to send a signal to the generator to turn on the generator when the power demand is detected; or Wherein, the control circuit system is further configured as follows: determining a first power demand from the auxiliary air conditioner; determining a total electrical load on a power source providing said electrical power; and Based on the first power demand and the total power load, an amount of power supplied to the auxiliary air conditioner is controlled. 10 . The system of claim 8 , further comprising a converter circuit configured to convert the electric power to power the auxiliary air conditioner.

11. The system according to claim 10, in, The control circuit system is further configured to: determining a first power demand based on a temperature setting of the vehicle; and controlling an amount of power supplied by the converter circuit to the compressor based on the first power demand; or Wherein the system further comprises a battery, and wherein the control circuit system is configured to control the converter circuit to convert AC power from the generator into DC power to charge the battery.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a battery, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the converter circuit to charge the battery; and in, The control circuit system is configured to control the converter circuit to charge the battery if the power demand is less than a threshold power demand; and The control circuit system is configured to control the battery to provide power to the compressor when the power demand exceeds a threshold power demand.

13. A system configured to supply power to an auxiliary air conditioner of a vehicle, the system comprising: an engine, the engine being mounted on the vehicle; a generator mounted on the vehicle and configured to convert mechanical power generated by the engine into electricity; a converter circuit configured to convert the electric power to power the auxiliary air conditioner; as well as A control circuit system, the control circuit system being configured to: receiving a signal from the generator indicative of an electrical load on the generator; determining a power demand from the auxiliary air conditioner; and Based in part on the signal and the power demand, an amount of power supplied by the converter circuit is controlled.

Images