System and method for controlling a vehicle HVAC system

Abstract

A climate system for a vehicle and a method for controlling the climate system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the climate system (101) includes: (1) a temperature sensor (106) configured to measure a temperature in a cabin of the vehicle; (2) a user interface (108) configured to receive a desired temperature from a user; (3) a first compressor (102) driven by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (4) a second compressor (104) driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (5) a controller (124) configured to: (1) calculate a heat load of the cabin based on a difference between the desired temperature and a measured temperature; and (2) based on the calculated heat load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and / or (iii) the second compressor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for vehicles and methods of controlling such systems, including but not limited to HVAC systems and methods using dual compressors. Background Art

[0002] The recent global economic expansion has increased the pressure on the transportation industry to meet the demand for the transportation of materials and products. In order to meet the high demand of the market, the time drivers spend on the road and in their vehicles has increased. In addition, drivers in this industry take breaks on the road to combat fatigue or comply with various regulations. As a result, the number of trucks stopping at places such as toll plazas, weigh stations, rest stops, etc. has also increased in recent years. It is worth noting that these places usually do not provide facilities for drivers to sleep or rest, forcing drivers to continue to live in their vehicles.

[0003] In some cases, high temperatures can cause drivers problems ranging from discomfort to health risks such as heat stroke. Therefore, it is important that drivers have access to an effective vehicle climate system at all times, including at rest stops.

[0004] Such climate systems need to provide a comfortable environment for the driver and passengers regardless of whether the vehicle's engine is on or off. However, maximizing the efficiency of such systems is a challenge. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for systems and / or devices with more efficient and accurate methods for providing a comfortable environment in a vehicle. In some cases, such systems, devices and methods manage the engine-driven compressor and the electric-driven compressor to maximize efficiency. These systems, devices and methods optionally supplement or replace conventional systems, devices and methods for providing a comfortable environment in a vehicle.

[0006] In some embodiments, a climate system is provided, comprising a main air conditioning system having a first compressor, a second compressor, and a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor (sometimes also referred to as a main compressor) and the second compressor (sometimes also referred to as an auxiliary compressor). The main air conditioning system further comprises: a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within a vehicle cabin; and a user interface configured to receive a desired temperature of the cabin from a user. The second compressor is coupled to the main air conditioning system and is driven by an electric motor to compress a refrigerant. The controller is configured to obtain the desired temperature of the cabin from an input device, receive the cabin temperature from a sensor, and calculate a heat load of the cabin based at least in part on a difference between the desired temperature and the measured temperature. When it is determined that the heat load exceeds a first predetermined heat load threshold, the controller automatically turns on the engine if the engine is off, turns on the first compressor if the first compressor is off to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin, and turns on the second compressor if the second compressor is off to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin. When it is determined that the heat load does not exceed the first predetermined heat load threshold, but does exceed the second heat load threshold, without human intervention, the controller automatically turns on the engine if the engine is off, and turns on the first compressor if the first compressor is off to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin. When it is determined that the heat load does not exceed the second predetermined heat load threshold, the controller turns off the first compressor if the first compressor is on, and turns on the second compressor if the second compressor is off to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin.

[0007] In some embodiments, the electric motor is powered by batteries that are charged by the engine during engine operation, by solar panels mounted on the vehicle, or by an external power source.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second compressor is fluidly coupled in parallel with the first compressor, and the second compressor is fluidly coupled in series with the first condenser and the first evaporator of the main air conditioning system.

[0009] In some embodiments, the climate system further comprises a second condenser disposed downstream of the second compressor and fluidly coupled to the second compressor to condense the refrigerant compressed by the second compressor. The second compressor and the second condenser form an auxiliary device, the auxiliary device being fluidly coupled to the first compressor in parallel and being fluidly coupled to the first condenser and the first evaporator of the main air conditioning system in series. In some embodiments, the second compressor and the second condenser are integrated into a separate device. In some embodiments, the auxiliary device further comprises a first blower electrically coupled to the controller, the first blower being located proximate to the second condenser and being configured to blow ambient air or air from an engine air intake through the second condenser. In these embodiments, when the second compressor is activated, the controller automatically activates the first blower to blow ambient air or air from an engine air intake through the second condenser.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is wirelessly coupled to a mobile remote controller configured to selectively turn the controller on and off from inside and outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the remote controller is embedded in a vehicle key or mobile phone. In some embodiments, the controller is automatically turned on when the remote controller moves toward the vehicle and passes through a first predetermined perimeter. The controller is automatically turned off when the remote controller moves away from the vehicle and passes through a second predetermined perimeter.

[0011] In some embodiments, the climate system further includes an object sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object in the vehicle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the main air conditioning system includes a heat exchanger thermally coupled to a cabin of the vehicle; and a coolant pump connected to the engine coolant line for circulating heated engine coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger to heat the cabin of the vehicle. In such an embodiment, if the temperature in the cabin is below a desired temperature and the engine is on, the controller automatically turns on the coolant pump to direct heated engine coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger to heat the cabin of the vehicle.

[0013] In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a climate system installed in a vehicle for heating and cooling a cabin of the vehicle. The climate system includes an engine-driven air conditioning system, an electric drive device, and a controller for performing the method. The engine-driven air conditioning system includes an engine-driven compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator thermally coupled to the cabin of the vehicle to cool the cabin. The electric drive device includes an electric-driven compressor, which is coupled in parallel with the engine-driven compressor and arranged in series with the condenser and the evaporator. The method includes: (A) obtaining the temperature in the cabin; (B) determining whether the temperature in the cabin is within an expected temperature range; (C) if the temperature in the cabin is higher than the expected temperature range, at least partially based on the expected temperature range and the measured temperature, calculating the heat load of the cabin, and determining whether the heat load exceeds a first and a second predetermined heat load threshold; (D) if the heat load exceeds the first predetermined heat load threshold: if the engine is off, then start the engine; if the engine-driven compressor is off, then start the engine-driven compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin; and if the electric-driven compressor is off, then turning on the electrically-driven compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin; (E) if the heat load does not exceed a first predetermined heat load threshold but exceeds a second predetermined heat load threshold: if the engine is off, turning on the engine; and if the engine-driven compressor is off, turning on the engine-driven compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin; and (F) if the heat load does not exceed the second predetermined heat load threshold: if the engine-driven compressor is on, turning off the engine-driven compressor; and if the electrically-driven compressor is off, turning on the electrically-driven compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin.

[0014] In some embodiments, step (E) further comprises: if the electrically-driven compressor is off, turning on the electrically-driven compressor to compress the refrigerant, thereby reducing the load of the engine-driven compressor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the engine driven air conditioning system includes a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the cabin of the vehicle and a coolant pump connected to the engine coolant line for circulating heated engine coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger. In these embodiments, if it is determined in (B) that the temperature in the cabin does not exceed the expected temperature range, then (G) determining whether the engine is on; and (H) if the engine is on, automatically turning on the coolant pump to direct the heated engine coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger to heat the cabin of the vehicle.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further includes: (I) dynamically monitoring the heat load of the cabin; and (J) if the heat load drops below a second predetermined heat load threshold, automatically shutting down the engine-driven compressor while keeping the electrically-driven compressor on. In some embodiments, the method further includes: (K) dynamically monitoring the temperature of the cabin; and (L) if the cabin temperature drops below a desired temperature range, automatically shutting down the engine-driven compressor and the electrically-driven compressor.

[0017] In some embodiments, the controller is wirelessly coupled to a mobile remote controller, the mobile remote controller being configured to selectively turn the controller on and off from inside and outside the vehicle, the method further comprising: (M) selectively turning the controller on or off via the mobile remote controller. In some embodiments, the remote controller is embedded in a vehicle key or mobile phone. In some embodiments, the controller automatically turns on when the remote controller moves toward the vehicle and is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle. In some embodiments, the controller automatically turns off when the remote controller moves away from the moving vehicle and exceeds a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electric device further comprises a second condenser and a first blower, the first blower being disposed proximate to the second condenser, the method further comprising: (N) automatically starting the first blower when the second condenser is turned on to blow ambient air or air from an air intake of the engine through the second condenser. In some embodiments, the climate system comprises one or both of a second blower and a third blower, the second blower and the third blower being disposed proximate to the condenser and the evaporator, respectively, the method further comprising: (O) automatically starting the second blower, the third blower, or the second blower and the third blower when the electrically driven compressor or the engine driven compressor is turned on to blow ambient air or air from an air intake of the engine through the condenser and the evaporator, respectively.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: before (C), if the measured temperature is outside the expected temperature range, notifying the operator of one or more of the following information: the measured temperature, the outside temperature, the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the expected temperature range, and the temperature difference between the outside temperature and the expected temperature range. In some embodiments, the climate system includes an object sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object in a vehicle, and the method comprises: before (C), if the measured temperature is outside the expected temperature range, determining whether the object is in the vehicle; and when it is determined that the object exists, notifying the operator of the presence of the object, and optionally notifying the operator of one or more of the following information: the measured temperature, the outside temperature, the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the expected temperature range, and the temperature difference between the outside temperature and the expected temperature range. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: obtaining an operation instruction for cooling or heating from the operator, and operating one or more of the following according to the operator's instructions: an engine, an engine-driven compressor, an electrically driven compressor, and a coolant pump.

[0020] In some embodiments, the vehicle climate system is configured to perform any of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more programs for execution by one or more processors of the vehicle climate system, the one or more programs including instructions for performing any of the methods described herein.

[0021] Thus, apparatus, storage media, and systems are provided for methods of operating vehicle climate systems, thereby increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction of these systems. These methods may supplement or replace conventional methods for operating vehicle climate systems.

[0022] The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure have other features and advantages that will be apparent from or described in more detail in the drawings incorporated herein and in the detailed description that follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For a better understanding of the various embodiments described, please refer to the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0024] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a climate system according to some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a system including additional components according to some embodiments Figure 1 Block diagram of the climate system;

[0026] Figure 3A and 3Bis a perspective view showing an auxiliary device of a climate system according to some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a system including additional components according to some embodiments Figure 1 Block diagram of the climate system;

[0028] Figure 5A and 5B is a block diagram illustrating the use of a remote control to activate a climate system according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling a climate system according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating another method of controlling a climate system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description that follows, many specific details are set forth in order to fully understand the various embodiments described. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described without these specific details. In other cases, known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks are not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the purpose of the embodiments.

[0032] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The specific embodiments described herein are provided by way of example only, and the present disclosure is limited only by the terms of the appended claims and the full scope of equivalent forms to which these claims are assigned.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the context of air conditioning systems for use in vehicles, particularly in the context of air conditioning systems for cooling different compartments or spaces in long-haul or off-road vehicles. In some embodiments, the air conditioning system includes or is a component of an HVAC system.

[0034] It is worth noting that the term vehicle used herein may refer to a truck, such as a tractor-trailer truck or a semi-tractor, but the scope of the present teaching is not limited thereto. The present teaching is also applicable to, but not limited to, automobiles, trucks, buses, trailers, boats, airplanes, and any other suitable vehicle.

[0035] The climate system of the present disclosure generally includes a main air conditioning system and an auxiliary device coupled to the main air conditioning system. The auxiliary device includes a second compressor and, in some cases, a second condenser. The main air conditioning system may optionally be a conventional air conditioning system, and the auxiliary device may optionally be integrated into the conventional air conditioning system without requiring or with minimal changes to the conventional air conditioning system. The second compressor and / or the auxiliary device are powered by a power source other than the vehicle engine. If necessary, it can be turned on when the engine is turned off to provide cooling. When the engine is running, it can be optionally turned on to allow the engine to be turned off, or to reduce the heat load of the engine-driven first compressor (e.g., a belt-driven compressor) to reduce fuel consumption.

[0036] The climate system of the present disclosure also includes a controller, and the present disclosure provides a new method for controlling the operation of the main air conditioning system and auxiliary devices. The method can automatically control the main air conditioning system and auxiliary devices based on heat load and / or other factors. In some embodiments, the controller is turned on or off by a remote control inside or outside the vehicle, facilitating the ability to pre-condition the vehicle before entering.

[0037] Figure 1 A representative climate system 100 is shown according to some embodiments. As shown, the climate system includes a main air conditioning system 101, a second compressor 104 and a controller 124, and the second compressor 104 is fluidically coupled to the main air conditioning system 101. The main air conditioning system 101 includes a temperature sensor 106, a user interface 108 and a first compressor 102. In some embodiments, the user interface includes an input device. The temperature sensor 106 is configured to measure the temperature in the cabin 114 of the vehicle. The temperature sensor can be any suitable sensor, including a contact or non-contact sensor. The temperature sensor is optionally configured to be placed inside or outside the cabin. The user interface 108 (e.g., a thermostat) is configured to set and / or receive the desired temperature of the cabin 114 from the user. In some embodiments, a single device (e.g., a thermostat) serves as both the temperature sensor 106 and the user interface 108. The first compressor 102 is driven by a power source 110 (e.g., an engine of the vehicle) to compress the refrigerant when the engine of the vehicle is turned on. In some embodiments, the first compressor is configured to be turned off when it is determined that the engine has been turned off.

[0038] In some embodiments, the main air conditioning system 101 includes a condenser 118 and an evaporator 120. The first compressor 102, the condenser 118, and the evaporator 120 are fluidly connected through refrigerant lines (such as 122-1, 122-3, and 122-4) to form a refrigerant circuit. The evaporator 120 is thermally coupled to the cabin 114 of the vehicle to cool the cabin 114. The term "thermal coupling" used refers to one or more of the following situations: (1) a device (such as an evaporator) is installed in a corresponding cabin to exchange heat with the cabin, or to exchange heat with the air in the cabin, and (2) the device (such as an evaporator) is coupled to another device (such as a heat exchanger or a fan), and the other device exchanges heat with the cabin (such as introducing conditioned air). The cabin 114 can be optionally a driver's cab, a berth cabin, a combination of a driver's cab and a berth cabin, or any other space in the vehicle.

[0039] The second compressor 104 is driven by a power source 112 (e.g., an electric motor) to compress the refrigerant. In some embodiments, the electric motor is powered by a battery that is charged by the engine during engine operation, by a solar panel mounted on the vehicle, or by a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second compressor 104 is fluidly coupled to the first compressor 102 in parallel and is fluidly coupled to the first condenser 118 and the first evaporator 120 of the main air conditioning system 101 in series.

[0040] The controller 124 is electrically coupled to the first compressor 102 and the second compressor 104. The controller 123 is configured to obtain the desired temperature of the cabin from the user interface 108 and obtain the measured temperature of the cabin from the sensor 106. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to obtain the desired temperature range of the cabin from the user interface 108. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine the desired temperature range based on the desired temperature obtained. In some embodiments, the controller determines the desired temperature range as the desired temperature obtained plus / minus 1 degree, 2 degrees, or 3 degrees. For example, the user inputs an expected temperature of 72 degrees, and the controller sets an expected temperature range of 73 to 71 degrees. In some embodiments, the controller calculates the heat load of the cabin at least in part based on the difference between the expected temperature and the measured temperature. In some embodiments, the controller calculates the heat load of the cabin at least in part based on the difference between the expected temperature range and the measured temperature. For example, the controller calculates the heat load based on the midpoint of the expected temperature range and / or the upper boundary point of the expected temperature range.

[0041] The controller 124 controls the operation of the first compressor and the second compressor based on the calculated heat load to achieve efficient cooling effect and / or reduce fuel consumption. For example, when it is determined that the heat load exceeds a first predetermined heat load threshold (e.g., the heat load capacity of the first compressor), the controller 124 automatically starts the engine (if the engine was previously turned off) without manual intervention, and starts the first compressor and the second compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin. When it is determined that the heat load does not exceed the first predetermined heat load threshold but exceeds the second heat load threshold (e.g., the heat load capacity of the second compressor), the controller 124 automatically starts the engine (if the engine was previously turned off) without manual intervention, and starts the first compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin. When it is determined that the heat load does not exceed the second predetermined heat load threshold, the controller 124 turns on the second compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin, and optionally turns off the first compressor.

[0042] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the heat load does not exceed the first predetermined heat load threshold but does exceed the second heat load threshold, the controller also turns on the second compressor to assist in compressing the refrigerant to cool the cabin. This reduces the heat load of the first compressor, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the climate system 100 further includes a second condenser 202 disposed downstream of the second compressor 104 and fluidically coupled to the second compressor 104. The second condenser 202 condenses the refrigerant compressed by the second compressor. The second compressor 104 and the second condenser 202 together form an auxiliary device 302, which is fluidically coupled to the first compressor 102 in parallel and fluidically coupled to the first condenser and the first evaporator of the first air conditioning system 101 in series. In some embodiments, as Figure 3A and 3BAs shown, the second compressor 104 and the second condenser 202 are integrated into one device. In some embodiments, the main air conditioning system 101 is a conventional air conditioning system, and coupling the second compressor 104 or the auxiliary device 302 to the main air conditioning system does not require any changes to the main air conditioning system or only requires minimal changes to the main air conditioning system. In some instances and implementations, since the two condensers 118 and 202 are connected in series, the first condenser 118 provides additional heat conduction (e.g., through convection) without turning on the air mover (e.g., the opening of the blower 208). In some embodiments, the first condenser 118 is configured to take into account additional heat transfer (e.g., reduce size). In some instances and implementations, the second condenser 202 provides additional heat conduction (e.g., through convection) without turning on the air mover (e.g., the opening of the blower 206). In some embodiments, the second condenser 202 is configured to take into account additional heat transfer (e.g., reduce size). In some embodiments, the climate system is configured so that only one of the two condensers 118, 202 operates in at least some modes. In some embodiments, the climate system is configured so that only one of the two blowers 206, 208 operates in at least some modes.

[0044] In some embodiments, the auxiliary device 302 includes a first blower 206, which is disposed adjacent to the second condenser 202 and configured to blow ambient air and / or air from the engine air intake through the second condenser 202. In some embodiments, the first blower 206 is electrically coupled to the controller 124. In some embodiments, when the second compressor is turned on, the controller 124 automatically turns on the first blower to blow ambient air and / or air from the engine air intake through the second condenser 202, thereby providing air that is not affected by the heat load of the engine (e.g., air that is not heated by the engine).

[0045] In some embodiments, the main air conditioning system 101 includes one or more blowers, which are arranged near the first condenser and / or the first evaporator of the main air conditioning system. As an example, Figure 2 A second blower 208 is shown near the first condenser 118 and a third blower 210 is shown near the first evaporator 120. In some embodiments, the second and third blowers are electrically connected to the controller 124 and are configured to blow ambient air and / or air from the engine air intake through the first condenser and the evaporator, respectively. In some embodiments, when the second compressor or the first compressor is turned on, the controller 124 automatically turns on the second and third blowers to blow ambient air and / or air from the engine air intake through the first condenser and the first evaporator, respectively.

[0046] In some embodiments, the main air conditioning system 101 further includes one or more flow control valves for controlling the refrigerant flowing to the first compressor or the second compressor or both compressors. Figure 2 A first flow control valve 212 disposed upstream of the first compressor 102 and a second flow control valve 214 disposed upstream of the second compressor 104 are shown. The first flow control valve 212 is configured to selectively restrict and allow the flow of refrigerant to the first compressor 102. The second flow control valve 214 is configured to selectively restrict and allow the flow of refrigerant to the second compressor 104. In some embodiments, the main air conditioning system 101 further includes a metering device 216 disposed upstream of the first evaporator and configured to control the flow of refrigerant into the first evaporator.

[0047] In some embodiments, the main air conditioning system 101 further includes a receiver and / or dryer 222 disposed between the first condenser system and the first evaporator, which is configured to perform one or more of the following operations: temporarily storing the refrigerant, and absorbing moisture from the refrigerant.

[0048] In some embodiments, the climate system 100 further includes an object sensor 205, which is configured to detect the presence of the object (e.g., a temperature-sensitive object) in the vehicle (e.g., in the cabin). Examples of object sensors include, but are not limited to, motion detectors, mass or weight sensors, infrared sensors, cameras (e.g., detecting objects by temperature differences relative to the environment), visual sensors (e.g., detecting objects by color, shape, or texture), or a combination of two or more different types of sensors. Examples of temperature-sensitive objects include, but are not limited to, pets, medications, beverages, food, and / or plants.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments, the main air conditioning system 101 includes a heat exchanger 402 and a coolant pump 404 for heating the cabin. The heat exchanger 402 is thermally coupled to the cabin of the vehicle (e.g., mounted in the cabin, or connected to the cabin by a pipe). The coolant pump 404 is connected (or fluidly coupled) to the engine coolant line. When the coolant pump is turned on, the heated engine coolant is circulated from the engine to the heat exchanger 402 to heat the cabin of the vehicle. In some embodiments, if the temperature in the cabin does not exceed (or does not reach or exceed) the desired temperature, and if the engine is turned on, the controller 124 is configured to automatically turn on the coolant pump 404 to direct the heated engine coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger 402 to heat the cabin of the vehicle.

[0050] Reference Figure 5A and 5BIn some embodiments, the climate system includes a mobile remote control 204 or the controller 124 is wirelessly coupled to a mobile remote control 204 that can selectively turn the controller on or off from inside or outside the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to be pre-conditioned when needed (e.g., cooling or heating the vehicle before an operator enters the vehicle). In some embodiments, the remote control 204 is embedded in a vehicle key or mobile phone. In some embodiments, the remote control 204 includes a manual user interface (e.g., a button) for turning the controller on or off. In some embodiments, the controller is automatically turned on when the remote control 204 moves toward the vehicle and passes through a first predetermined perimeter, such as Figure 5A In some embodiments, when the remote control 204 moves toward the vehicle and is within a predetermined distance (e.g., 1, 5, or 10 feet) of the vehicle or a specific part of the vehicle (e.g., the driver's seat), the controller is automatically turned on. In some embodiments, when the remote control 204 moves away from the vehicle and passes through a predetermined perimeter 506, the controller is automatically turned off, such as Figure 5B As shown. In some embodiments, the controller automatically turns off when the remote control 204 moves away from the vehicle and is not within a predetermined distance (e.g., 2, 10, or 15 feet) of the vehicle or a specific component of the vehicle (e.g., the driver's seat). It should be noted that the first and second predetermined peripheries can optionally be the same or different (e.g., in size, shape, or position). In addition, it should be noted that the first predetermined periphery is optionally located within or overlaps the second predetermined periphery, or vice versa. In addition, it should be noted that the shape of the first or second predetermined periphery can optionally be regular (e.g., circular or elliptical) or irregular.

[0051] Figure 6 A method 600 for controlling a climate system according to some embodiments is described. In some embodiments, the method 600 is performed by a climate system (such as climate system 100) or one or more components of a climate system (such as controller 124). In some embodiments, the method 600 is performed by a device or controller coupled to a climate system. Therefore, in some embodiments, the operations of the method 600 described herein are fully interchangeable, with the respective operations of the method 600 being performed by any of the above-described devices, systems, or combinations of devices and / or systems. In some embodiments, the method 600 is controlled by instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which are executed by one or more processors of a climate system, such as one or more processors of controller 124. For convenience, the method 600 is described below as being performed by a system, such as climate system 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, the climate system (e.g., climate system 100) is installed in a vehicle for heating and cooling a cabin of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the climate system includes a main air conditioning system (e.g., main air conditioning system 101), an auxiliary device (e.g., auxiliary device 302), and a controller (e.g., controller 124). In some embodiments, the main air conditioning system includes a first compressor (e.g., first compressor 102) driven by an engine of the vehicle, a first condenser (e.g., first condenser 118), and a first evaporator (e.g., first evaporator 120) thermally coupled to the cabin of the vehicle to cool the cabin. In some embodiments, the auxiliary device includes a second compressor (e.g., second compressor 104), which is fluidically coupled to the first compressor in parallel and fluidically coupled to the first condenser and the first evaporator in series.

[0053] The system obtains the temperature T of the cabin (602) and determines whether the temperature in the cabin is within an expected temperature range [T1, T2] (604), where T2 is equal to or greater than T1. In some embodiments, the expected temperature range [T1, T2] is based on an expected temperature obtained from a user (e.g., an expected temperature plus / minus 1, 2, or 3 degrees). In some embodiments, the system determines whether the temperature in the cabin is lower than T1, within [T1, T2] (inclusive or exclusive), or higher than T2. ​​If the temperature in the cabin is higher than the expected temperature range, the system calculates the heat load Q in the cabin based at least in part on the expected temperature range and the measured temperature (608), and determines whether the heat load exceeds (or reaches or exceeds) a first predetermined heat load threshold Q1 and a second predetermined heat load threshold Q2 (610 and 614). In some embodiments, determining whether the heat load exceeds (or reaches or exceeds) the first and second predetermined heat load thresholds is performed simultaneously, or the order of determination is alternating. In some embodiments, the first predetermined heat load threshold is the cooling capacity of the first compressor. In some embodiments, the second predetermined heat load threshold is the cooling capacity of the second compressor.

[0054] Upon determining that the heat load exceeds (or reaches or exceeds) a first predetermined heat load threshold, the system (612) 612: (1) turns on the engine if it is off; (2) turns on the first compressor if it is off to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin; and (3) turns on the second compressor if it is off to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin. In some embodiments, the system turns on various components, including powering the components when necessary. In some embodiments, the system turns off various components, including turning off the power to the components. For example, upon determining that the heat load exceeds (or reaches or exceeds) a first predetermined heat load threshold, the system: (1) turns on the engine; (2) turns on the first compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin; and (3) turns on the second compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin.

[0055] Upon determining that the heat load does not exceed a first predetermined heat load threshold, but exceeds (or reaches or exceeds) a second predetermined heat load threshold, the system (616): (1) turns on the engine if it is off; and (2) turns on the first compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin if the first compressor is off. In some embodiments, upon determining that the heat load does not exceed the first predetermined heat load threshold but does exceed the second predetermined heat load threshold, the system: (1) turns on the engine; and (2) turns on the first compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin. In some embodiments, the system also turns on the second compressor (if the second compressor is off) to compress the refrigerant. This reduces the load on the first compressor, reduces the engine power required to operate the first compressor, and thereby reduces fuel consumption. This also provides additional output capacity if necessary.

[0056] Upon determining that the heat load does not exceed the second predetermined heat load threshold, the system (618): (1) turns off the first compressor if the first compressor is on; and (2) turns on the second compressor or keeps the second compressor on if the second compressor is off to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin. In some embodiments, upon determining that the heat load does not exceed the second predetermined heat load threshold, the system: (1) turns off the first compressor; and (2) turns on the second compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin.

[0057] In some embodiments, the method includes additional or optional steps. For example, in some embodiments, the main air conditioning system also includes a heat exchanger (e.g., heat exchanger 402) thermally coupled to the cabin of the vehicle, and a coolant pump (e.g., coolant pump 404) connected to the engine coolant line. The method additionally or alternatively includes the system determining whether the engine is on (622). When it is determined that the engine is on, the system automatically turns on the coolant pump to direct heated engine coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger to heat the cabin of the vehicle.

[0058] In some embodiments, the method additionally or optionally further comprises dynamically monitoring the cabin temperature and operating the first compressor, the second compressor and / or the coolant pump accordingly. The temperature monitoring can be performed, for example, by obtaining the cabin temperature (602) after cooling or heating (e.g., at 612, 616, 618 and / or 622). In some embodiments, the system obtains the cabin temperature (602) at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute). Once it is determined that the cabin temperature is higher than the desired temperature range, if the coolant pump is on, the system will automatically turn off the coolant pump (606). Once it is determined that the cabin temperature drops below the desired temperature range, if the first compressor and the second compressor are on, the system will automatically turn off the first compressor and the second compressor (620). When it is determined that the cabin temperature is within the desired temperature range, the system optionally sleeps for a preset period of time (e.g., every 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute), obtains a new cabin temperature, or ends the control process.

[0059] Reference Figure 7 In some embodiments, if it is determined that the measured temperature is not within the expected temperature range, the system notifies the operator (e.g., the driver) (704). The notification can be an audio notification (e.g., an alarm), a visual notification (e.g., a text message), or any suitable format. In some embodiments, the system notifies the operator of one or more of the following information: the measured temperature, the outside temperature (e.g., the temperature outside the vehicle), the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the expected temperature range, and the temperature difference between the outside temperature and the expected temperature range.

[0060] In some embodiments, the climate system further includes an object sensor 205 for sensing a particular object (or type of object), the system determining whether the particular object is in the vehicle (e.g., upon determining that the measured temperature is not within an expected temperature range) (702). When the particular object is determined to be present, the system notifies an operator of the presence of the object (704). Optionally, the notification may be audio (e.g., an alarm), visual (e.g., a text message, an image of the object, an animation), or any other suitable format. In some embodiments, the system notifies the operator of the presence of the object and one or more of the following information: the measured temperature, the outside temperature (e.g., the temperature outside the vehicle), the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the expected temperature range, the temperature difference between the outside temperature and the expected temperature range.

[0061] In some embodiments, the system requests an operator to indicate whether cooling or heating is to be performed (706); and operates the engine, the main air conditioning system, the second compressor and / or other components accordingly. For example, after receiving an indication from the operator that cooling or heating is required, if the measured temperature is higher than the expected temperature range, the method executes S606 or S608, or, if the measured temperature does not exceed the expected temperature range, executes S620 or S622. In some embodiments, when an indication is received from the operator that cooling or heating is not required, the method executes S708 regardless of the temperature to prepare for the end of the control process. In some embodiments, after receiving an indication from the operator that cooling or heating is not required, the system sleeps for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes) before obtaining the cabin temperature (602). In some embodiments, the system turns off one or more of the following: the engine, the first compressor, the second compressor, and the coolant pump, if they are turned on (708).

[0062] It is noteworthy that although some different figures show some logical stages in a particular order, stages that are not dependent on the order can be reordered, and other stages can be combined or decomposed. Although some reordering or other groupings are specifically mentioned, other orderings or groupings are obvious to those skilled in the art, so the ordering and groupings shown here are not exhaustive of alternatives. In addition, it should be recognized that these stages can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. As an example, optionally, the presence or absence of the detection object (702) is performed before the temperature measurement (602). Also optionally, the presence or absence of the detection object (702) can also be performed after the temperature measurement (602) but before the temperature determination (604). As another example, the closing of the coolant pump (606) is optionally performed before the presence or absence of the detection object (702), or before notifying the operator (704). Similarly, the closing of the compressor (620) is optionally performed before the presence or absence of the detection object (702), or before notifying the operator (704).

[0063] In some embodiments, the method includes other additional or optional steps. For example, in some embodiments, the climate system includes a remote control or the controller is coupled to a remote control (e.g., remote control 204), and the method includes using the mobile remote control to selectively turn the controller on or off (manually or automatically). In some embodiments, when the remote control moves toward the vehicle and passes through a first predetermined perimeter (e.g., first predetermined perimeter 504), the controller is automatically turned on. In some embodiments, when the remote control moves away from the vehicle and passes through a second predetermined perimeter (e.g., second predetermined perimeter 506), the controller is automatically turned off.

[0064] In some embodiments, the auxiliary device further includes a second condenser (such as the second condenser 202) and a first blower (such as the blower 206) disposed near the second condenser, and the method includes automatically turning on the first blower to blow ambient air or air from the air intake of the engine through the second condenser when the second compressor is turned on. In some embodiments, the main air conditioning system includes one or two of a second blower and a third blower (the second blower 208 and the third blower 210), and the second blower and the third blower are disposed near the first condenser and the first evaporator, respectively. The method includes automatically turning on one or two of the second and third blowers when the second compressor or the first compressor is turned on, so as to blow ambient air or air from the air intake of the engine through the first condenser and the first evaporator, respectively. The turning on of the first, second and third blowers can be performed in the same operation as the turning on of the second compressor and the first compressor (for example, at 612, 616 or 618). It can also be performed separately or with a preset time delay.

[0065] It should also be understood that although in some cases, the words primary, secondary, first, second, etc. used herein are used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these words. These words are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described, the first blower can be referred to as the second blower, and similarly, the second blower can be referred to as the first blower. The first blower and the second blower are both blowers, but they are not the same blower.

[0066] The terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more related listed items. It should also be understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or "includes" are used in this specification, the specified features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts exist, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof.

[0067] As used herein, the term “if” is alternatively construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting” or “upon determining…”, depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases “if it is determined” or “if [stated condition or event] is detected” are alternatively construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the condition or event]” or “upon determining to detect [the condition or event],” depending on the context.

[0068] For the purpose of explanation, the foregoing description has been made with reference to specific embodiments. However, the above illustrative discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. These embodiments have been selected in order to best explain the principles upon which the claims and their practical application are based, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best use the embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A climate system for conditioning a cabin of a vehicle, comprising: a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the cabin of the vehicle; a first compressor driven by an engine of the vehicle to compress refrigerant when the engine of the vehicle is turned on; a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; as well as a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor and configured to: determining a desired temperature of the chamber; obtaining a measured temperature of the cabin from the temperature sensor; calculating a heat load of the cabin based at least in part on a difference between the desired temperature and the measured temperature; When it is determined that the heat load exceeds a first predetermined heat load threshold: Based on the determination that the engine is in an off state, starting the engine; turning on the first compressor to compress refrigerant to cool the cabin; as well as turning on the second compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin; When it is determined that the heat load does not exceed the first predetermined heat load threshold but exceeds a second predetermined heat load threshold and the second predetermined heat load threshold is lower than the first predetermined heat load threshold: Based on the determination that the engine is in an off state, starting the engine; as well as turning on the first compressor to compress refrigerant to cool the cabin; as well as When it is determined that the heat load does not exceed the second predetermined heat load threshold: Only the second compressor is turned on to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin.

2. The climate system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a mobile remote control wirelessly coupled to the controller, the mobile remote control configured to selectively turn the controller on and off from inside and outside the vehicle.

3. The climate system according to claim 2, characterized in that The mobile remote controller is embedded in a vehicle key.

4. The climate system according to claim 2, characterized in that The mobile remote controller is embedded in the mobile phone.

5. The climate system according to claim 2, characterized in that The mobile remote control includes a manual user interface for selectively turning the controller on and off.

6. The climate system according to claim 2, characterized in that The mobile remote control is configured to automatically activate the controller when the mobile remote control moves toward the vehicle and is within a first predetermined perimeter around the vehicle.

7. The climate system according to claim 6, characterized in that The first predetermined periphery has a regular shape.

8. The climate system according to claim 6, characterized in that The first predetermined periphery has an irregular shape.

9. The climate system according to claim 6, characterized in that The mobile remote control is configured to automatically shut down the controller when the mobile remote control moves away from the vehicle and exceeds a second predetermined perimeter around the vehicle.

10. The climate system according to claim 9, characterized in that The first predetermined perimeter is different from the second predetermined perimeter.

11. The climate system of claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to, After turning on the first compressor, based on a determination that the heat load of the cabin does not exceed the second predetermined heat load threshold, automatically turning off the first compressor while keeping the second compressor turned on; as well as Based on a determination that the temperature of the cabin does not exceed the desired temperature, the first compressor and the second compressor are automatically turned off.

12. A method for controlling a climate system installed in a vehicle, the method comprising: determining a desired temperature of a cabin of the vehicle; obtaining a measured temperature of the cabin from a temperature sensor; calculating a heat load of the cabin based at least in part on a difference between the desired temperature and the measured temperature; When it is determined that the heat load exceeds a first predetermined heat load threshold: Based on the determination that the engine is in an off state, turning on the engine; turning on a first compressor to compress a refrigerant to cool the cabin, the first compressor being driven by an engine of the vehicle; as well as starting the second compressor to compress the refrigerant to cool the compartment; When it is determined that the heat load does not exceed the first predetermined heat load threshold but exceeds a second predetermined heat load threshold and the second predetermined heat load threshold is lower than the first predetermined heat load threshold: Based on the determination that the engine is in an off state, starting the engine; as well as turning on the first compressor to compress refrigerant to cool the cabin; as well as When it is determined that the heat load does not exceed the second predetermined heat load threshold: shutting down the first compressor; The second compressor is turned on to compress the refrigerant to cool the cabin.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Also includes: The climate system is selectively turned on and off via a mobile remote control wirelessly coupled to the climate system.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that Also includes: The climate system is selectively turned on and off via a manual user interface of the mobile remote control.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that Also includes: Based on a determination that the mobile remote is moving toward the vehicle and within a predetermined distance of the vehicle, the climate system is automatically turned on.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that Also includes: Based on a determination that the mobile remote has moved away from the vehicle beyond a predetermined distance from the vehicle, the climate system is automatically turned off.

17. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Also includes: dynamically monitoring the temperature of the cabin; as well as Based on a determination that the temperature does not exceed the desired temperature, the first compressor and the second compressor are automatically turned off.

18. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Calculating the heat load of the cabin includes calculating the heat load of the cabin based at least in part on the measured temperature of the cabin, the desired temperature of the cabin, a measured ambient temperature outside the vehicle, a size of the cabin, and a shape of the cabin.

19. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Also includes: Prior to calculating the heat load of the cabin, based on a determination that the measured temperature is outside of an expected temperature range, notifying a user of one or more of the following: The measured temperature; External temperature; a temperature difference between the measured temperature and the desired temperature range; and A temperature difference between the external temperature and the desired temperature range.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that Also includes: obtaining an indication from the user as to whether to perform cooling or heating; And do one or more of the following according to the instructions: The engine, the first compressor, the second compressor, and a coolant pump.

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