Patent ID: 7631512
Filing Date: 2009-12-15
Classification: B60H,B60L,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A cooling system for a vehicle having first and second spaces to be cooled, the cooling system including first and second heat exchangers for respectively cooling air flowing into the first and second vehicle spaces, and a conduit system in communication with the first and second heat exchangers and configured to provide a fluid flow path to and from the heat exchangers, the cooling system further including a pump and first and second valves, the pump having an inlet and an outlet and being selectively operable for moving fluid through the conduit system, each of the valves being in communication with the conduit system, the cooling system comprising: a first pressure sensitive device disposed between one of the heat exchangers and the pump inlet, the first pressure sensitive device being configured to determine a fluid pressure in the conduit system, and to effect shutdown of the pump when the determined fluid pressure is below a predetermined pressure; first and second sensors, the first sensor being configured to measure a first temperature indicative of the temperature of air exiting the first heat exchanger, and further configured to output a signal related to the first temperature, the second sensor being configured to measure a second temperature indicative of the temperature of air exiting the second heat exchanger, and further configured to output a signal related to the second temperature; and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors and configured to effect a stoppage of fluid flow to the first heat exchanger when the first temperature is below a predetermined temperature irrespective of a cooling requirement of the first vehicle space, and to effect a stoppage of fluid flow to the second heat exchanger when the second temperature is below the predetermined temperature irrespective of a cooling requirement of the second vehicle space, thereby inhibiting ice formation in the first and second heat exchangers.