Air-conditioning clutch override device and method

摘要

Methods and devices that use an engine load condition of a vehicle, for example, the vehicle's engine intake manifold or plenum vacuum, to promote the efficiency of the engine. The methods and devices are operable to control the compressor of the vehicle's air-conditioning system, enabling the compressor to be shut off when the vehicle is under relatively high loads. The methods and devices operate by sensing a parameter indicative of an engine load condition of the vehicle, determining a difference between a reading of the parameter and an average based on multiple readings of the parameter, and then engaging and disengaging the compressor clutch depending on whether the reading of the parameter is above or below the average of the parameter. The compressor clutch is engaged if the engine operates under a high load for a duration that is dependent on the average of the parameter.

主权项

1. A device for promoting the efficiency of an engine of a vehicle equipped with an air-conditioning system having a compressor and a compressor clutch, the device comprising:
means for sensing a parameter indicative of an engine load condition of the vehicle; means for determining a difference between an instantaneous reading of the parameter sensed by the sensing means and a calculated average based on multiple readings of the parameter sensed by the sensing means; and means for engaging and disengaging the compressor clutch depending on whether the instantaneous reading of the parameter is above or below the calculated average of the parameter, the engaging/disengaging means engaging the compressor clutch if the engine operates under a high load for a duration of time that results in the calculated average of the parameter becoming higher than the instantaneous reading of the parameter.