US20100050671A1 - Climate control systems and methods for a hybrid vehicle - Google Patents
Climate control systems and methods for a hybrid vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- US20100050671A1 US20100050671A1 US12/202,166 US20216608A US2010050671A1 US 20100050671 A1 US20100050671 A1 US 20100050671A1 US 20216608 A US20216608 A US 20216608A US 2010050671 A1 US2010050671 A1 US 2010050671A1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H1/3204—Cooling devices using compression
- B60H1/3205—Control means therefor
- B60H1/3208—Vehicle drive related control of the compressor drive means, e.g. for fuel saving purposes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00357—Air-conditioning arrangements specially adapted for particular vehicles
- B60H1/00378—Air-conditioning arrangements specially adapted for particular vehicles for tractor or load vehicle cabins
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00357—Air-conditioning arrangements specially adapted for particular vehicles
- B60H1/00385—Air-conditioning arrangements specially adapted for particular vehicles for vehicles having an electrical drive, e.g. hybrid or fuel cell
- B60H1/004—Air-conditioning arrangements specially adapted for particular vehicles for vehicles having an electrical drive, e.g. hybrid or fuel cell for vehicles having a combustion engine and electric drive means, e.g. hybrid electric vehicles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H2001/3236—Cooling devices information from a variable is obtained
- B60H2001/3266—Cooling devices information from a variable is obtained related to the operation of the vehicle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H2001/3269—Cooling devices output of a control signal
- B60H2001/327—Cooling devices output of a control signal related to a compressing unit
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H2001/3286—Constructional features
- B60H2001/3292—Compressor drive is electric only
Abstract
Climate control systems are provided that are suitable for providing climate control functionality to a hybrid vehicle. The system is capable of operating in dual modes, depending on the present operational state of the vehicle. For example, the dual modes may be as follows: (1) when the vehicle is currently in transit, including intermittent stops, the climate control system is capable of operating at its maximum output, as requested, for cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and (2) when the vehicle is not in transit (e.g., when parked) the climate control system operates at a reduced capacity in order for the climate control system to be powered by the energy storage device for a set period of time. The climate control system may reduce the capacity based on energy reserve levels in the energy storage device.
Description
- Air conditioning systems are well known for climate control in vehicles. The compressors of these air conditioning systems in conventional vehicles are belt driven by the internal combustion engine. Therefore, when the internal combustion engine is turned off, the A/C compressor is also turned off. Although not a problem during the operation of conventional vehicles, this can pose a problem when conventional vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are parked for long periods or during the operation of hybrid HEVs because the internal combustion engine in such HEVs is frequently shut off while the vehicle is stopped, for example, at a stop light, or during low vehicle speeds (or low vehicle power demands).
- Air conditioning systems are important in Class 8 trucks, which typically include a sleeper section as part of the cab for providing sleeping or resting quarters for the operator during government mandated rest periods. Historically, during these periods, the internal combustion engine of the conventional truck would idle in order to supply power for “house” loads and for climate control systems, such as air conditioning units.
- To address this deficiency, and in order to reduce fuel consumption and to cut emissions, newer trucks employ a small diesel powered generator so that the main engine need not idle during these rest periods. However, these systems are not without problems.
- This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a climate control system is provided for a hybrid heavy duty vehicle having an engine-on condition while driving and an engine-off condition while parked. The system includes an electrically powered compressor, an energy storage device connected in electrical communication with the electrically powered compressor for supplying power thereto, at least one sensor capable of outputting signals indicative of an engine-on condition or an engine-off condition, and a controlling component operable to receive the signals of the at least one sensor, and based on the signals and energy storage level data from the energy storage device, operate to selectively control the power supplied to the electrically powered compressor so as to provide a first compressor output level during a vehicle engine-on condition and a second, lower, compressor output level during a vehicle engine-off condition. The second compressor output level may be selected so as to allow the compressor to operate at a lower output as compared to the first compressor output level for a predetermined period of time.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a hybrid vehicle is provided having an engine-on condition while driving and an engine-off condition while parked. The vehicle comprises a fuel powered engine having an engine-on condition and an engine-off condition, a motor, and a first controlling component for controlling the operation of the fuel powered engine and the motor. The first controlling component can control the transition of the fuel powered engine between the engine-on condition and the engine-off condition. The vehicle also includes an electrically powered compressor, an energy storage device connected in electrical communication with the electrically powered compressor for supplying power thereto, and at least one sensor capable of outputting signals indicative of an engine-on or an engine-off condition. The vehicle further includes a second controlling component operable to receive the signals of the at least one sensor, and based on the signals and a state of charge of the energy storage device, operate to selectively regulate the power supplied to the electrically powered compressor so as to provide a first compressor output level during a vehicle engine-on condition and a second, lower, compressor output level during a vehicle engine-off condition. The second compressor output level may be selected so as to allow the compressor to operate at a lower output as compared to the first compressor output level for a predetermined period of time.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a climate control method is provided for a vehicle having an electrical compressor powered by an energy storage device. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining a signal from an A/C power switch; obtaining data regarding the current state of operation of the vehicle; obtaining energy reserve level data of the energy storage device; determining the energy level to be supplied to the electrical compressor; and controlling the energy supplied to the electrical compressor.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a partial schematic diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a climate control system formed in accordance with aspects of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagrammatic view of one suitable vehicle in which the climate control system ofFIG. 1 may be employed; -
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a vehicle-wide network or CAN formed in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and -
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of one exemplary method implemented by the climate control system in accordance with aspect of the present invention. - Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings where like numerals correspond to like elements. Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to climate control systems and methods suitable for use in vehicles, such as Class 8 trucks. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to climate control systems having dual operating modes, which can be suitable for use with vehicles of the hybrid type (e.g., gas-electric, diesel-electric, etc.). As will be described in more detail below, the climate control system functioning in the first mode is capable of operating at a maximum output in transit, and functioning in the second mode is capable of operating at a lower output than the first mode as a result of present operating parameters of the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle is parked).
- Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to a hybrid powered heavy duty truck, it will be appreciated that aspects of the present invention have wide application, and therefore, may be suitable for use with many other types of vehicles, including but not limited to light & medium duty vehicles, passenger vehicles, motor homes, buses, commercial vehicles, marine vessels, etc., that are hybrid powered. Accordingly, the following descriptions and illustrations herein should be considered illustrative in nature, and thus, not limiting the scope of the present invention, as claimed.
- Prior to discussing the details of various aspects of the present invention, it should be understood that the following description includes sections that are presented largely in terms of logic and operations that may be performed by conventional electronic components. These electronic components, which may be grouped in a single location or distributed over a wide area, can generally include processors, memory, storage devices, input/output circuitry, etc. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the logic described herein may be implemented in a variety of configurations, including but not limited to, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, processing units, etc., and combinations thereof. In circumstances were the components are distributed, the components are accessible to each other via communication links.
- In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present invention.
- As briefly described above, embodiments of the present invention are directed to climate control systems and methods suitable for use in a vehicle. One suitable vehicle in which the climate control systems may be employed will now be described in more detail with reference to
FIG. 2 . Turning now toFIG. 2 , there is shown avehicle 20, such as a Class 8 tractor, having one suitable embodiment of aparallel hybrid powertrain 22. Thevehicle 20 depicted inFIG. 2 represents one of the possible applications for the systems and methods of the present invention. It should be appreciated that aspects of the present invention transcend any particular type of land or marine vehicle employing a hybrid powertrain. Moreover, thehybrid powertrain 22 depicted inFIG. 2 has a parallel configuration, although hybrid powertrains with series configurations, or combined hybrid configurations (i.e., hybrids that operate in some manner as a parallel hybrid and a series hybrid) may also be employed. - One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
hybrid powertrain 22 and associated subsystems/components may include many more components than those depicted inFIG. 2 . For the sake of brevity, these additional components have not be described herein. However, it is not necessary that all of these generally conventional components be shown or described in order to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing the present invention, as claimed. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2 , thehybrid powertrain 22 includes aninternal combustion engine 26, an electric motor/generator 28, a power transfer unit 30, and atransmission 32. Thehybrid powertrain 22 also includes afuel source 36 or the like that stores any suitable combustive fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, alcohol, etc. In use, theinternal combustion engine 26 receives fuel from thefuel source 36 and converts the energy of the fuel into output torque. Thepowertrain 22 further comprises an electricalenergy storage device 38 in the form of a high voltage battery, a bank of batteries or a capacitor. Alternatively, a device such as a fuel cell may be used in conjunction with a battery and/or capacitor to provide a source of electrical power for thepowertrain 22. In use, theelectric motor generator 28 can receive electrical energy from theenergy storage device 38 via a highvoltage DC bus 40 and converts the electrical energy into output torque. Theelectric motor generator 38 can also operate as a generator for generating electrical energy to be stored in the electricalenergy storage device 38. - Still referring to
FIG. 2 , the power transfer unit 30 operatively interconnects theinternal combustion engine 26, theelectric motor generator 28, and thetransmission 32. Thetransmission 32 may be a manual transmission, an automated manual transmission, or an automatic transmission that includes multiple forward gears and a reverse gear operatively connected to an output shaft 42, and a neutral position that disconnects the output shaft from the torque inputted into thetransmission 32. The power transfer unit 30 is configured for selectively switching between multiple vehicle operating states, which include but are not limited to: 1) a state where only the output torque of theengine 26 is transmitted through thetransmission 32 to the output shaft 42; 2) a state where only the output torque generated by theelectric motor 28 is transferred through thetransmission 32 to the output shaft 42; 3) a state where the output torque of theinternal combustion engine 26 and theelectric motor generator 28 is combined and transferred through thetransmission 32 to the output shaft 42; and 4) a state where theinternal combustion engine 26 transmits output torque to the output shaft 42 through thetransmission 32 and transmits output torque to theelectric motor generator 28 so that theelectric motor generator 28 acts as a generator for generating electrical energy to charge theenergy storage device 38. A regenerative braking state of vehicle operation may also be provided by the power transfer unit 30, as known in the art. - One or
more clutch assemblies 44 may be positioned between theinternal combustion engine 26 andelectric motor generator 28 and the power transfer unit 30 and/or thetransmission 32 to selectively engage/disengage theinternal combustion engine 26 and/orelectric motor generator 28 from the power transfer unit 30 and/or thetransmission 32. The one ormore clutch assemblies 44 may be part of the power transfer unit 30 or may be discrete therefrom. In one embodiment, the power transfer unit 30 may include a planetary gear set conventionally arranged for carrying out the functions 1-4 described above. Of course, other types of power transfer units, including other gear sets and transmissions, may be employed. In another embodiment, the power transfer unit 30 and thetransmission 32 may be arranged as a unitary device that provides both the functions of the power transfer unit 30 and that of thetransmission 32. One type of unitary device that may be employed by thepowertrain 22 is known in the art as a power split device. - The
vehicle 20 also includes at least two axles such as asteer axle 50 and at least one drive axle, such asaxles transmission 32, which may include avehicle drive shaft 56, is drivingly coupled to thedrive axles internal combustion engine 26 and/or theelectric motor generator 28 to thedrive axles steer axle 50 supports correspondingfront wheels 66 and thedrive axles rear wheels 68, each of the wheels havingservice brake components 70. Theservice brake components 70 may include wheel speed sensors, electronically controlled pressure valves, and the like, to effect control of the vehicle braking system. - The
vehicle 20 may also include conventional operator control inputs, such as a clutch pedal 72 (in some manual systems), an ignition orpower switch 74, anaccelerator pedal 76, aservice brake pedal 78, aparking brake 80 and asteering wheel 82 to effect turning of thefront wheels 66 of thevehicle 20. Thevehicle 20 may further include a cab mounted operator interface, such as acontrol console 84, which may include any of a number ofoutput devices 88, such as lights, graphical displays, speakers, gages, and the like, andvarious input devices 90, such as toggle switches, push button switches, potentiometers, or the like. - As will be described in more detail below, the
input devices 90 may include an A/C control panel 92 and anoptional mode switch 94. To provide power to thecontrol console 84, a DC/DC converter 96 is connected to thehigh voltage bus 40. The DC/DC converter 96 reduces the voltage it receives, and outputs power at this lower voltage to the control console. The DC/DC converter 96 can output power to other low voltage electrical devices on thevehicle 20. The DC/DC converter 96 may also condition the power prior to directing it to the low voltage electrical devices. - To control the various aspects of the
hybrid powertrain 22, apowertrain controller 100 is provided. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 , thepowertrain controller 100 can be a dedicated controller for thehybrid powertrain 22 or can be incorporated in another general vehicle controller, such as a vehicle system controller (VSC). Although thepowertrain controller 100 is shown as a single controller, it may include multiple controllers or may include multiple software components or modules embedded in a single controller. For example, thepowertrain controller 100 could be a separate hardware device, or may include a separate powertrain control module (PCM), which could be software embedded within general purpose controller, such as a VSC. - In one embodiment, the
powertrain controller 100 may control the operation of one or more of the following devices: theinternal combustion engine 26; theelectric motor generator 28; the power transfer unit 30; thetransmission 32; theelectrical storage device 38, optional clutch assemblies 42, etc. In one embodiment, thepowertrain controller 100 may include a programmable digital computer, microprocessor, or the like that is configured to receive (and may store) various input signals, including without limitation, the operating speeds ofinternal combustion engine 26 viasensor 102 and theelectric motor generator 28 viasensor 104, transmission input speed viasensor 106, selected transmission ratio, transmission output speed viasensor 108 and vehicle speed via wheel speed sensors (not shown), throttle position viasensor 110, and state of charge (SOC) of theenergy storage device 38. Thepowertrain controller 100 may store these signals for contemporaneous or future use. Thepowertrain controller 100 processes these signals and others accordingly to logic rules to control the operation of thehybrid powertrain 22. For example, to start or restart theinternal combustion engine 26, thepowertrain controller 100 may be programmed to signal delivery of fuel to theinternal combustion engine 26 and to signal the operation of the electrical motor generator or optional starter to start the engine. It will be appreciated that thepowertrain 100 may receive these input signals directly from the associated sensor(s), devices, etc., or may receive the input signals from other vehicle subsystems, as will be described in more detail below. - To support this control, various devices (e.g., the
internal combustion engine 26, theelectric motor generator 28, etc.) controlled by thepowertrain controller 100 may include their own controllers, which communicate with thepowertrain controller 100 through a vehicle-wide network, also referred to as a controller area network (CAN) 112, as shown inFIG. 3 . Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that theCAN 112 may be implemented using any number of different communication protocols such as, but not limited to, Society of Automotive Engineer's (“SAE”) J1587, SAE J1922, SAE J1939, SAE J1708, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the aforementioned controllers may be software control modules contained within thepowertrain controller 100 or other general purpose controllers residing on the vehicle. It will be appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to any particular type or configuration ofpowertrain controller 100, or to any specific control logic for governing operation ofhybrid powertrain system 20. - For example, an
engine controller 114 may communicate with thepowertrain controller 100 and may function to monitor and control various aspects of the operation of theinternal combustion engine 26, including ignition timing (on some vehicles), fuel delivery, variable valve timing (if equipped) and the like. To that end, theengine controller 114 typically receives signals from a variety of sensors, including but not limited to the wheel speed sensors (not shown) of thebrake components 70, theengine speed sensor 102, the acceleratorpedal position sensor 108, etc., either directly or by other system or device controllers (i.e., atransmission controller 116, a powertransfer unit controller 118, thepowertrain controller 100, etc.), processes such signals and others, and transmits a variety of control signals to devices including but not limited tofuel control devices 120 for selectively supplying fuel to theinternal combustion engine 26, anengine retarder 122, such as a jake brake, etc. - As will be described in more detail below, the
engine controller 114 may transmit signals indicative of vehicle operational data (e.g., engine speed, throttle position, etc.) to thepowertrain controller 100 or other system controllers via theCAN 112 and may receive control signals from thepowertrain controller 100 or from controllers of other vehicle subsystems either directly or viaCAN 112 to effect the operation of theinternal combustion engine 26. - Similarly, the electrical
energy storage device 38 may have acontroller 124 that may communicate with thepowertrain controller 100 and may function to monitor and control various aspects of the operation of the electricalenergy storage device 38. To that end, theenergy storage controller 124 sends and receives signals to and from thepowertrain controller 100 and the electricalenergy storage device 38. For example, thecontroller 124 may receive signals from a variety of sensors, etc., such as voltage data, current data, charge and discharge data (e.g., in amp hours), temperature data and/or other state of charge (SOC) determination data etc., and appropriately processes such signals. In one embodiment, thecontroller 124 continuously determines the SOC of the electricalenergy storage device 38. In another embodiment, thecontroller 124 determines the SOC of the electricalenergy storage device 38 upon control signals sent by thepowertrain controller 100. In another embodiment, thecontroller 124 sends the processed signals to thepowertrain controller 100, where they are processed to determine, for example, the SOC of the electricalenergy storage device 38. - Moreover, the
electric motor generator 28 may include one ormore controllers 126 that sends and receives signals to and from thepowertrain controller 100 and theelectric motor generator 28 for controlling the direction of power flow to/from theelectric motor generator 28. The vehicle may include other controllers, such as a braking system controller (not shown), as well known in the art, communicatively connected to theCAN 112. - As used herein, controllers, control units, control modules, program modules, etc., can contain logic for carrying out general or specific operational features of the
vehicle 20. The logic can be implemented in hardware components, such as analog circuitry, digital circuitry, processing units, or combinations thereof, or software components having instructions which can be processed by the processing units, etc. Therefore, as used herein, the term “controlling component” can be used to generally describe these aforementioned components, and can be either hardware or software, or combinations thereof, that implement logic for carrying out various aspects of the present invention. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in one embodiment of the present invention, thepowertrain controller 100, either alone or in conjunction with other controllers can control the operation of the vehicle in the following manner. It will be appreciated that the vehicle can be controlled to operate in any number of ways or modes. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the following description of the operation of the vehicle in accordance to one embodiment relates to a parallel hybrid vehicle, and that the operation of vehicles with serial hybrid powertrains, combined hybrid powertrains, or power assist hybrids will be slightly different. - When it is desired to start the
hybrid vehicle 20 from rest (i.e., parked), theignition switch 74 is moved to the start position. Next, the vehicle operator chooses the appropriate gear, releases theparking brake 80, if set, lifts their foot off of theservice brake pedal 78, and applies pressure on theaccelerator pedal 76. At this time, thepowertrain controller 100 monitors various hybrid powertrain operating parameters, for example, the SOC of theenergy storage device 38 and the load state of thevehicle 20, and depending on the SOC of theenergy storage device 38 and the load state of the vehicle (typically calculated by accelerator pedal position and/or vehicle speed), thepowertrain controller 100 controls the operation of theelectric motor generator 28 only (“electric launch mode”), theinternal combustion engine 26 only, or combines the output of both via the power transfer unit 30 (“blended torque mode”) to provide motive force to thevehicle 20. - For example, if the
powertrain controller 100 determines that the SOC of theenergy storage device 38 is at a sufficient level with respect to the vehicle load state, thepowertrain controller 100 operates thepowertrain 22 in the electric launch mode. For example, in a low load state and/or a low vehicle speed, and a high SOC, thepowertrain controller 100 operates solely in the electric launch mode. In the electric launch mode, theinternal combustion engine 26 is off (engine-off condition), and thepowertrain controller 100 signals delivery of electrical energy from the electricalenergy storage device 38 to power theelectric motor generator 28. Upon receipt of electrical power from the electricalenergy storage device 38, theelectric motor generator 28 acts as a motor to generate output torque for propelling thevehicle 20. - On the other hand, if the
powertrain controller 100 determines that the SOC of theenergy storage device 38 is low with respect to the calculated vehicle load state, thepowertrain controller 100 operates thepowertrain 22 either in the hybrid assist mode, also known as the “blended torque mode,” or the engine only mode. In the blended torque mode, thepower controller 100 signals delivery of electrical energy from the electricalenergy storage device 38 to power theelectric motor generator 28 and fuel delivery to theinternal combustion engine 26 so as to be started by theelectric motor generator 28, and then signals theinternal combustion engine 26 and the energy storage device/electric motor generator to generate output torque, which is “blended” or combined by the power transfer unit 30 according to control signals from thepowertrain controller 100. For example, in a medium load state where thepowertrain controller 100 determines that improved fuel efficiency may be realized by operating in the blended torque mode, or if additional torque is needed from theelectric motor generator 28 during, for example, rapid acceleration situations, theinternal combustion engine 26 and theelectric motor generator 28 are operated by thepowertrain controller 100 so that the generated output torque is combined by the power transfer unit 30 and sent to thedrive axles transmission 32. - It should also be appreciated that the
vehicle 20 may start out in electric launch mode, but based on continuously monitored operating conditions of the powertrain, e.g., SOC and vehicle load, thepowertrain controller 100 may determine that theinternal combustion engine 26 is needed to meet the output demands of thevehicle 20. In this case, thepowertrain controller 100 signals for theinternal combustion engine 26 to be started by theelectric motor generator 28 or a separate starter motor, and signals the appropriate components, e.g., power transfer unit 30,clutch assemblies 44, etc. to combine the output torque of theinternal combustion engine 26 and theelectric motor generator 28 for propelling thevehicle 20. - When the
hybrid vehicle 20 is cruising (i.e. not accelerating), and theinternal combustion engine 26 can meet the vehicle load demand, thepowertrain controller 100 controls the operation of theinternal combustion engine 26, theelectric motor generator 28, and thepower transfer unit 28 based on the SOC of theenergy storage device 38. If the energy storage device SOC is low, thepowertrain controller 100 operates the power transfer unit 30 to split the power from theinternal combustion engine 26 between thedrive axles electric motor generator 28 so that theelectric motor generator 28 acts as a generator and charges theenergy storage device 38. This is called the “utility regeneration” mode. If the SOC of theenergy storage device 38 is high, thepowertrain controller 100 may operate theinternal combustion engine 26 solely to propel the vehicle, or may operate thepower transfer unit 32 and theelectric motor generator 28 in the blended torque mode, as described above. - At any time the
powertrain controller 100 determines during vehicle operation that the SOC of theenergy storage device 38 becomes equal to or lower than a threshold level, theinternal combustion engine 26 is immediately driven, and the output torque of theinternal combustion engine 26 is transmitted to theelectric motor generator 28 through the power transfer device 30. In this case, theelectric motor generator 28 is operated as a power generator to charge theenergy storage device 38. This may occur during vehicle transit or idling situations as well. - The
energy storage device 38 may also be charged during vehicle movement via the regenerative braking mode. That is, instead of using the brakes to slow or stop thevehicle 20, theelectric motor generator 28 is used to slow thevehicle 20. At the same time, the energy from the rotatingrear wheels 68 is transferred to theelectric motor generator 28 via thetransmission 32 and power transfer unit 30 (theinternal combustion engine 26 is either in the engine-off mode or is decoupled from the power transfer unit 30 by a clutch assembly 44), which in turn, causes theelectric motor generator 28 to act as a generator to charge theenergy storage device 38. - Referring now to
FIG. 1 , there is shown a block diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a climate control system, generally designated 140, formed in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Theclimate control system 140 is suitable for use in a vehicle, such as thevehicle 20 described above, for providing climate control functionality to a hybrid vehicle. As will be described in more detail below, thesystem 140 is capable of operating in dual modes, depending on the present operational state of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the dual modes are as follows: (1) when the vehicle is currently in transit, including intermittent stops, theclimate control system 140 is capable of operating at its maximum output, as requested, for cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and (2) when the vehicle is not in transit (e.g., when parked) theclimate control system 140 operates at a reduced capacity in order for the climate control system to be powered by theenergy storage device 38 for a set period of time. As will be described in more detail below, theclimate control system 140 reduces the capacity based on energy reserve levels in theenergy storage device 38. - As best shown in the embodiment of
FIG. 1 , theclimate control system 140 generally includes anair conditioning unit 142 for performing air-conditioning control in a passenger compartment of thevehicle 20, such as the cab and/or sleeper section of a Class 8 truck. Theclimate control system 140 also includesair conditioning controller 144 for controlling components of theair conditioning unit 142 via inputs from the air conditioning (A/C)control panel 92, theignition switch 74, and/or theoptional mode switch 94. In one embodiment, theair conditioning unit 142 may be an automatic-controlled air conditioner where the temperature in the passenger compartment is automatically controlled at a temperature set arbitrarily by the operator. Alternatively, theair conditioning unit 142 may be a manually controlled air conditioner where the temperature in the passenger compartment is manually controlled by the operator though manipulation of inputs on thecontrol panel 92. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theair conditioning unit 142 generally includes arefrigerant cycle system 160 that lowers the temperature of air flowing via a blower (not shown) through air-conditioning ducting of the vehicle and into the passenger compartment. In one embodiment, therefrigerant cycle system 160 general includes anelectrical compressor 166, acondenser 168, anexpansion valve 172, and anevaporator 176 operatively connected in a conventional manner. Theair conditioning unit 142 may include other components not shown but well known in the art, such as a heater core, a gas-liquid separator, an accumulator, air mix dampers, air directional dampers or diverters, etc. - In the embodiment shown, the
electrical compressor 166 includes anelectric motor 180 for driving a compression mechanism (not shown) using electrical power from the electricalenergy storage device 38. To that end, theelectrical compressor 166 is electrically connected to the highvoltage DC Bus 40 via a variable output DC toDC converter 184, which outputs a variable DC voltage based on instructions from theair conditioning controller 144. Theelectrical compressor 166 is sized to replace the engine driven unit of conventional vehicles. In one embodiment, theelectrical compressor 166 has a variable capacity of up to about 33,000 BTU/hour, although higher or lower capacity compressors may be used by embodiments of the present invention, as claimed. - While a variable DC voltage is applied to the
compressor motor 180 via the DC toDC converter 184 to control the output of theair conditioning unit 142, it will be appreciated that in another embodiment, an alternating-current (AC) voltage may be applied to an appropriately configured electrical motor, such as an AC induction motor, through an inverter, which is configured for adjusting a frequency of the AC voltage based on instructions from theair conditioning controller 144. Thus, the rotation speed of theelectrical compressor 166 can be continuously changed. - As best shown in
FIG. 1 , theair conditioning controller 144 is connected in electrical communication with thecontrol panel 92, theoptional mode switch 94 and/or thevehicle ignition switch 74, one or more sensors 182 (e.g., temperature sensors), and the DC toDC converter 184. In use, theAir conditioning controller 144 receives input signals from thecontrol panel 92, the one ormore sensors 182 and/or other input signals, theoptional mode switch 94 or thevehicle ignition switch 74, processes these signals and others according to logic rules to be described in detail below, and transmits control signals to the DC toDC converter 184 in order to control the amount of energy transmitted to theelectrical compressor 166. - It will be appreciated that the one or
more sensors 182, switches 74 and 94, etc., or other control inputs from thecontrol panel 92 may transmit their signals directly to theair conditioning controller 144, as shown inFIG. 1 , or may communicate with theair conditioning controller 144 via theCAN 102. It will be appreciated that theair conditioning controller 144 may communicate with other electronic components of thevehicle 20 over theCAN 102 for collecting data from other electronic components to be utilized by theair conditioning controller 144. For example, theengine controller 114 orpowertrain controller 100 may output one or more signals indicative of an engine-off condition (the engine is not producing output torque) to theair conditioning controller 144 via theCAN 112 so that theair conditioning controller 144 may adjust the operation of theclimate control system 140. Similarly, thetransmission controller 116 orpowertrain controller 100 may output a signal indicative of the present gear of the transmission (e.g., reverse, 1st, 2nd, etc., neutral, or park (if so equipped). Similarly, the electricalenergy storage controller 124 orpowertrain controller 100 may transmit a signal indicative of energy reserves (e.g., ampere hours), so that theair conditioning controller 144 may adjust the operation of theclimate control system 140. This energy reserves signal may include a SOC signal, a current draw signal, and/or a voltage signal, etc. Theair conditioning controller 144 may receive other signals for assisting the control of theair conditioning unit 140, such as a signal from aparking brake sensor 186, a signal from aservice brake sensor 188, etc. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , thecontrol panel 92 may include a plurality of inputs, such as switches, knobs, levers, etc., to operate theair conditioning unit 142. In one embodiment, thecontrol panel 92 includes an A/C on/offswitch 190, atemperature selector input 192, a blowerfan selector input 194, and an air-outlet mode input 196. The A/C on/offswitch 190 operates to start and stop theelectrical compressor 166. Thetemperature setting input 192 sets the temperature in the passenger compartment at a requested temperature. The blowerfan selector input 194 dictates the amount of air blown by the blower fan (not shown), and the air-outlet mode input 196 changes the discharge direction of the cooled air between a bi-level mode, a foot mode, a face mode, a foot/defroster mode, and a defroster mode. Theoptional mode switch 94 may be activated by the vehicle operator to indicate that thevehicle 20 is in an engine-off condition. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3 , theair conditioning controller 144 is a separate controller dedicated to theclimate control system 140. However, it will be appreciated that theair conditioning controller 144 may be an A/C control module, which could be software embedded within an existing on-board controller, such as theengine controller 114, a general purpose controller, such as a cab mounted controller, that controls multiple subsystems of the vehicle, or thepowertrain controller 100. - In several embodiments, the
air conditioning controller 144 and any one of the various motors, sensors, switches, actuators, etc. of theclimate control system 140 may contain logic rules implemented in a variety of hardware circuitry components and/or programmed microprocessors to effect control of theclimate control system 140 described herein. To that end, as further illustrated inFIG. 1 , one suitable embodiment of theair conditioning controller 144 includes amemory 200 with a Random Access Memory (“RAM”) 204, and an Electronically Erasable, Programmable, Read-Only Memory (“EEPROM”) 206, aprocessor 208, and an A/C control module 210 for providing functionality to the climate control system. Themodule 210 includes executable instructions that provide at least the following functions: 1) general control over theclimate control system 140; and 2) specific control over the output of theelectric compressor 166, as will be described in detail below. - Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that the
EEPROM 206 is a non-volatile memory capable of storing data when power is not supplied to thecontroller 144. Conversely, theRAM 204 is a volatile form of memory for storing program instructions that are accessible by theprocessor 208. Typically, a fetch and execute cycle in which instructions are sequentially “fetched” from theRAM 204 and executed by theprocessor 208 is performed. In this regard, theprocessor 208 is configured to operate in accordance with program instructions that are sequentially fetched from theRAM 204. - Turning now to
FIG. 4 , there is shown a flow diagram of one exemplary embodiment of aclimate control method 400 formed in accordance with aspects of the present invention that may be carried out by theair conditioning controller 144. Themethod 400 starts atblock 402 and proceeds to block 404. Atblock 404, the air-conditioning controller 144 monitors various inputs of theclimate control system 140, such as the A/C on/offswitch 190, one or more control inputs, such as thetemperature setting knob 194, blowerfan selector knob 196, etc. - Next, at
block 206, theAir conditioning controller 144 determines whether or not the A/C on/offswitch 190 is activated. If the determination is “no,” the method returns to block 404. If thecontroller 144 determines that the A/C on/offswitch 190 is activated, the method proceeds to block 208. Atblock 208, theair conditioning controller 144 determines whether thevehicle 20 is in transit or whether the vehicle is parked. To determine whether thevehicle 20 is in transit or whether it is parked, theAir conditioning controller 144 passively receives or actively retrieves data from one or more sensors, switches, etc., regarding current or recent vehicle operating data. - For example, the
Air conditioning controller 144 may obtain data from the engineoutput speed sensor 102, the transmission input speed fromsensor 106, transmission output speed viasensor 108, or vehicle wheel speed via wheel sensors (not shown). Theair conditioning controller 144 may receive other data, including the presently selected transmission gear (e.g., park, 1st, 2nd, etc.) or may obtain data from theparking brake sensor 186 indicating whether theparking brake 80 is activated. Theair conditioning controller 144 may further receive data from theignition switch 74 and theoptional mode switch 194. For example, in some embodiments, theignition switch 74 in the accessory (ACC) position or activation of themode switch 94 indicates that thevehicle 20 is in a non-transit condition. It will be appreciated that theair conditioning controller 144 may receive these signals directly from the sensors, switches, and the like, or may receive such signals, some appropriately processed, from theengine controller 114,transmission controller 116,powertrain controller 100, etc. via theCAN 112. - If it is determined that the vehicle is in transit, the
method 400 proceeds to block 410, where theelectrical compressor 166 is operated at its full capacity, if necessary, in order to lower the temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle as selected bytemperature setting input 192. If it is determined that the vehicle is parked, the method proceeds to block 412, where theair conditioning controller 144 passively receives or actively retrieves one or more signals indicative of the energy reserve level of theenergy storage device 38. The one or more signals may include voltage data, SOC data, etc. It will be appreciated that theair conditioning controller 144 may obtain the one or more signals either directly from the energystorage device controller 126 or from other controllers or devices, such as thepowertrain controller 100 via theCAN 102. - Next, at
block 414, the energy reserve level data is used to determine the amount of energy to be transmitted to thecompressor 166 via a power control device, e.g., DC toDC converter 184, AC inventor (not shown). It will be appreciated that the amount of energy supplied to thecompressor 166 is less that the maximum capacity that could be sent during transit. In several embodiments, in order to aid in the determination of the amount of the energy to be transmitted, other information may be utilized. For example, theair conditioning controller 144 may obtain signals indicating current power demands from other operating vehicle systems, such as the entertainment system, e.g., radio, television, video player, etc., CB, GPS, and the like. Theair conditioning controller 144 may also use signals generated from the A/C control panel 92, such as thetemperature setting input 192, the blowerfan selector input 194, etc., and from one ormore temperature sensors 182, which indicate the amount of cooling desired by the vehicle operator, and the load created by the environmental conditions of the passenger compartment. - Based on these signals and/or others, as desired, the
air conditioning controller 144 determines the energy level to be transmitted to theelectrical compressor 166. Theair conditioning controller 144 may determine the energy level as a percentage, e.g., 20%, of the remaining energy level so that theelectrical compressor 166 may continuously operate to provide cooling to the passenger compartment for a given period of time. The percentage may be constant throughout its operation, or may be graduated lower as the energy reserve levels decrease. It will be appreciated that other methods may be used to calculate the energy transmitted to theelectrical compressor 166. - Once the amount of energy to be transmitted to the
electrical compressor 166 is calculated, themethod 400 proceeds fromblock 414 to block 416, where suitable controls signals are generated based on the energy level determination made by theair conditioning controller 144 and transmitted to the power control device, such as the DC toDC converter 184, for controlling the energy supplied to theelectrical compressor 166. Themethod 400 ends atblock 418. It will be appreciated that themethod 400 may include other steps, such as shutting off the power supplied to theelectrical compressor 166 when the energy levels of theenergy storage device 38 are below a preset threshold level. The threshold level may be selected at a sufficient level to start the internal combustion engine for recharging. - As a result, when the vehicle is parked (and the engine is shut off), the
climate control system 140 automatically limits the energy into theair conditioning unit 142 to a preset amount of present energy storage device capacity. This allows theenergy storage device 38 to perform for a predetermined period of time prior to recharging. On the other hand, when the vehicle is in transit (i.e., not parked), theclimate control system 140 operates at maximum capacity. This occurs either when the vehicle is in motion, or when the vehicle is intermittently stopped, for example, at a stop light, stop sign, or the like. - The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present invention which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as claimed.
Claims (10)
1. A climate control system for a hybrid heavy duty vehicle having an engine-on condition while driving and an engine-off condition while parked, comprising:
an electrically powered compressor;
an energy storage device connected in electrical communication with the electrically powered compressor for supplying power thereto;
at least one sensor capable of outputting signals indicative of an engine-on condition or an engine-off condition; and
a controlling component operable to receive the signals of the at least one sensor, and based on said signals and energy storage level data from the energy storage device, operate to selectively control the power supplied to the electrically powered compressor so as to provide a first compressor output level during a vehicle engine-on condition and a second, lower, compressor output level during a vehicle engine-off condition, wherein the second compressor output level is selected so as to allow the compressor to operate at a lower output as compared to the first compressor output level for a predetermined period of time.
2. The climate control system of claim 1 , wherein the controlling component is a software component located on a hardware device.
3. The climate control system of claim 1 , wherein the controlling component is hardware circuitry
4. The climate control system of claim 1 , wherein the signals indicative of an engine-on condition are selected from the group of signals consisting of a transmission gear signal, an engine speed signal, a transmission input speed signal, transmission output speed signal, and a wheel speed signal.
5. The climate control system of claim 1 , wherein the signals indicative of an engine-off condition are selected from the group of signals consisting of a parking brake signal, a transmission gear signal, an ignition switch signal, and a mode switch signal.
6. A hybrid vehicle having an engine-on condition while driving and an engine-off condition while parked, comprising:
a fuel powered engine having an engine-on condition and an engine-off condition;
a motor;
a first controlling component for controlling the operation of the fuel powered engine and the motor; wherein the first controlling component controls the transition of the fuel powered engine between the engine-on condition and the engine-off condition;
an electrically powered compressor;
an energy storage device connected in electrical communication with the electrically powered compressor for supplying power thereto;
at least one sensor capable of outputting signals indicative of an engine-on or an engine-off condition; and
a second controlling component operable to receive the signals of the at least one sensor, and based on said signals and a state of charge of the energy storage device, operate to selectively regulate the power supplied to the electrically powered compressor so as to provide a first compressor output level during a vehicle engine-on condition and a second, lower, compressor output level during a vehicle engine-off condition, wherein the second compressor output level is selected so as to allow the compressor to operate at a lower output as compared to the first compressor output level for a predetermined period of time.
7. The vehicle of claim 6 , wherein the second controlling component includes:
a memory for storing data; and
a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is operative to:
cause an accumulation in the memory of one or more energy storage device data that is indicative of SOC;
cause an accumulation in the memory of one or more vehicle operating data that is indicative of an engine-off condition; and
based on said energy storage data and said vehicle operating data, output control signals to effect the amount of power to be transmitted to the electrically powered compressor.
8. The vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the data indicative of an engine-off condition is selected from the group of data consisting of a parking brake data, a transmission gear data, an ignition switch data, and a mode switch data.
9. A climate control method for a vehicle having an electrical compressor powered by an energy storage device, comprising the steps of:
obtaining a signal from an A/C power switch;
obtaining data regarding the current state of operation of the vehicle;
obtaining energy reserve level data of the energy storage device;
determining the energy level to be supplied to the electrical compressor; and
controlling the energy supplied to the electrical compressor.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the data regarding the current state of operation of the vehicle includes data selected from the group consisting of transmission gear data, an engine speed data, transmission input speed data, transmission output speed data, wheel speed data, parking brake data, ignition switch data, and mode switch data.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/202,166 US20100050671A1 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2008-08-29 | Climate control systems and methods for a hybrid vehicle |
EP09169069A EP2159086A3 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2009-08-31 | Climate control systems and methods for a hybrid vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/202,166 US20100050671A1 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2008-08-29 | Climate control systems and methods for a hybrid vehicle |
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US20100050671A1 true US20100050671A1 (en) | 2010-03-04 |
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US12/202,166 Abandoned US20100050671A1 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2008-08-29 | Climate control systems and methods for a hybrid vehicle |
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EP2159086A3 (en) | 2010-06-23 |
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