Patent ID: 6598671
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: B60H

Abstract:
A method for maintaining a desired temperature within the passenger compartment of a vehicle, said method comprising:providing heat to the passenger compartment through the use of a dual heating system having a first heating system and a second heating system; said first heating system circulating an engine coolant through a heater core, and said second heating system utilizing a heat pump system comprising a compressor for pressurizing an automobile refrigerant; and operating said first heating system, said second heating system, or both of said first and said second heating systems in response to an engine status of the vehicle, a desired temperature setting, an ambient temperature of the passenger compartment and an ambient temperature outside of the vehicle; said first and second heating systems further being controlled by a control system utilizing a computer algorithm, said computer algorithm characterized by: determining said engine status and comparing said engine status to a first predetermined parameter; operating said second heating system without operating said first heating system if said engine status is outside a range defined by said first predetermined parameter; operating said first heating system if said engine status is within said first predetermined parameter; operating said second heating system in addition to said first heating system if said ambient temperature outside of the vehicle is below a second predetermined temperature or if said ambient temperature of the passenger compartment does not reach said desire temperature setting within a predetermined period of time; and discontinuing operation of said first heating system, said second heating system, or said first and second heating systems if said ambient temperature of the passenger compartment reaches said desired temperature setting within said predetermined period of time.