Patent ID: 8332098

Claim:
A method of controlling an electric power input to a compressor clutch that selectively drives an A/C compressor in a vehicle HVAC system, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining, with a controller, a first electric power level needed to cause the compressor clutch to move to a full engagement position from a compressor clutch non-engagement position; (b) applying the first electric power level, via a voltage controller, to the compressor clutch to cause the compressor clutch to move to the full engagement position; (c) determining, with the controller, a second electric power level, which is lower than the first electric power level, needed to maintain the compressor clutch in the full engagement position; and (d) applying the second electric power level, via the voltage controller, to the compressor clutch to maintain the compressor clutch in the full engagement position.