Patent ID: 7357176
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: B60H

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling recirculation of air in a vehicle cabin to reduce compressor load in a vehicle air conditioning system, comprising the steps of: measuring relative humidity within the vehicle cabin; measuring a speed of the vehicle; calculating an outlet temperature of the vehicle air conditioning system; determining whether the calculated outlet temperature is above one of a first predetermined outlet temperature and a second predetermined outlet temperature, the second predetermined outlet temperature being higher than the first predetermined outlet temperature; recirculating air in the vehicle cabin through the air conditioning system when the calculated outlet temperature is below the first predetermined outlet temperature; introducing fresh air into the vehicle air conditioning system and recirculating air from the vehicle cabin through the vehicle air conditioning system in response to the measured vehicle speed, when the calculated outlet temperature is above the first predetermined outlet temperature and below the second predetermined outlet temperature, and the measured relative humidity is above a predetermined level; introducing only fresh air into the vehicle air conditioning system when the calculated outlet temperature is above the first predetermined outlet temperature and below the second predetermined outlet temperature, and the measured relative humidity is below the predetermined level; and introducing only fresh air into the vehicle air conditioning system when the calculated outlet temperature is above the second predetermined outlet temperature.