HVAC system control for improved vehicle fuel economy

US7861547B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Gregory A. Major · Farmington Hills, US
• Harry E. Eustice · Troy, US
• Kenneth L. Porrett · Grand Blanc, US
• Edwin J. Stanke · Bloomfield Hills, US
• Todd J. Gordon · Royal Oak, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 28, 2008
• Grant date: Jan 4, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 14, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60H2001/327
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of operating a HVAC system in a vehicle having an engine that operates in a high efficiency mode and a less efficient mode is disclosed. The method may comprise the steps of: operating a refrigerant compressor to cool a passenger compartment and charge a cold thermal storage apparatus; determining if a cold charge in the storage apparatus has exceeded a threshold; enabling compressor cycling if the cold charge in the storage apparatus has exceeded the threshold; detecting if the engine is operating in the high efficiency mode; determining an amount of HVAC loads on the engine; determining a proximity of the engine operation to a switching point from the high efficiency mode to the less efficient mode; and conducting a HVAC load shed if the HVAC load reduction allows the engine to stay below the switching point and the compressor cycling is enabled.