FUEL EFFICIENT METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HYBRID VEHICLES

摘要

A method and system determines when a climate control system of a hybrid vehicle can be operated without the use of an A/C compressor. The method and system make this determination by determining whether the vehicle is at idle or is being driven and determining whether or not the A/C compressor is required to function to maintain air conditioning comfort in the vehicle. The A/C compressor couples to an engine of the vehicle when the engine is on in order to function. The method and system turn off the engine and thereby turn off the A/C compressor if the A/C compressor is not required to function and if the vehicle is at idle. The method and system turn off the A/C compressor without turning off the engine if the A/C compressor is not required to function and if the vehicle is being driven.