公开(公告)号：US20140360211A1

公开(公告)日：2014-12-11

申请号：US13912759

申请日：2013-06-07

Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.

Inventor： Douglas J. Hovel ,  Erick A. Njos ,  Daniel A. Spurgeon

IPC: B60H1/32 ,  B60H1/00

CPC classification number: B60H1/3205 ,  B60H1/00828 ,  B60H2001/3277

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit may both save energy and monitor for fault conditions by monitoring an ambient air temperature, compressor discharge pressure, and evaporator suction pressure and using these measurements to identify known conditions. Compressor discharge pressure and ambient temperature may be used as indices to a look up table or map to determine a speed and direction for a condenser fan. In some cases, the look up table may direct the fan to be reversed at full power in an attempt to remove a suspected buildup of dirt or debris at the condenser. Ambient temperature and evaporator suction pressure may be monitored for a combination of conditions that indicate low refrigerant levels, allowing the compressor to be turned off before damage to the compressor is sustained.

Abstract translation: 加热，通风和空调（HVAC）单元可以通过监测环境空气温度，压缩机排放压力和蒸发器吸入压力来节省能源并监测故障状况，并使用这些测量来识别已知条件。 压缩机排放压力和环境温度可用作查询表或地图的索引，以确定冷凝器风扇的速度和方向。 在某些情况下，查找表可能会引导风扇以全功率反转，以试图去除冷凝器上可疑的污垢或碎屑。 可以监测环境温度和蒸发器吸入压力，以组合指示低制冷剂水平的条件，允许压缩机在压缩机损坏之前被关闭。

公开(公告)号：US11766919B2

公开(公告)日：2023-09-26

申请号：US17160651

申请日：2021-01-28

Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.

Inventor： Michael W. Bridenbaugh ,  Brad R. Van De Veer ,  Erick A. Njos

IPC: B60H1/00

CPC classification number: B60H1/00878 ,  B60H1/00007 ,  B60H1/00378

Abstract: A system for controlling the climate of a cab of an autonomously operable machine when operated unmanned, and related machine. The system includes at least one temperature sensor to generate a signal indicative of the temperature within the cab and a controller configured to receive the signal as well as determine if the machine is being operated unmanned. If the machine is being operated unmanned, the controller is further configured to generate machine control commands to turn on the cab cooling device or cab heating device and adjust a blower as needed to maintain the cab temperature above the minimum and/or below the maximum temperature thresholds.

公开(公告)号：US20140086759A1

公开(公告)日：2014-03-27

申请号：US13907370

申请日：2013-05-31

Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.

Inventor： Douglas J. Hovel ,  Bob Horst ,  Erick A. Njos

IPC: F04B49/00

CPC classification number: F04B49/002 ,  F04B35/04 ,  F04B49/06 ,  F24F11/83 ,  F24F11/89

Abstract: A modular HVAC unit may incorporate a hydraulically powered refrigerant compressor to more efficiently provide air conditioning to an operator cab of a work machine. The refrigerant compressor may be fluidly powered by a hydraulic fluid motor fluidly coupled to and driven by a variable displacement pump. An electronic controller may be configured to vary hydraulic pump flow rates to the motor via use of a proportioning control valve to maintain a desired evaporator performance temperature. The control valve may be configured to stop the HVAC unit whenever a backup system may be used, when a discharge is to be prevented, and/or when operator air-conditioning is not desired. The controller may monitor evaporator performance via a fin temperature sensor, and may send appropriate signals to the control valve for modulating hydraulic flows through the motor. The arrangement may provide a significant increase in the life and performance of the compressor.

Abstract translation: 模块化HVAC单元可以包括液压动力制冷剂压缩机，以更有效地向作业机器的操作员驾驶室提供空调。 制冷剂压缩机可以由流体耦合并由可变排量泵驱动的液压流体马达流体供电。 电子控制器可以被配置为通过使用比例控制阀来改变到马达的液压泵流量，以保持所需的蒸发器性能温度。 只要可以使用备用系统，要防止排放，和/或不希望操作者空调时，控制阀可被配置为停止HVAC单元。 控制器可以通过散热片温度传感器来监测蒸发器性能，并且可以向控制阀发送适当的信号，以调节通过电动机的液压流。 该装置可以显着提高压缩机的使用寿命和性能。

公开(公告)号：US20220234419A1

公开(公告)日：2022-07-28

申请号：US17160651

申请日：2021-01-28

Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.

Inventor： Michael W. Bridenbaugh ,  Brad R. Van De Veer ,  Erick A. Njos

IPC: B60H1/00

Abstract: A controller-implemented system and method for automated control of a climate control system of a machine when being operated unmanned. The method includes utilizing at least one temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the machine cab, and, if the machine is being operated unmanned, generating signals to turn on the blower to a minimum setting, comparing the sensed temperature to at least one of minimum and maximum temperature thresholds, and generating signals to turn on the cab cooling device or cab heating device and adjusting the blower to maintain the cab temperature above the minimum and/or below the maximum temperature thresholds.

公开(公告)号：US09809088B2

公开(公告)日：2017-11-07

申请号：US13912759

申请日：2013-06-07

Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.

Inventor： Douglas J. Hovel ,  Erick A. Njos ,  Daniel A. Spurgeon

IPC: F25B49/00 ,  B60H1/32 ,  B60H1/00

CPC classification number: B60H1/3205 ,  B60H1/00828 ,  B60H2001/3277

Abstract: A controller for a heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit may comprise a compressor control signal output; a condenser fan control signal output; a pressure sensor input that receives information regarding an output pressure of the compressor; a temperature input that receives information regarding ambient temperature; a processor coupled to the compressor control signal output, the condenser fan control signal output, the first pressure sensor input, and the temperature input; and a computer-readable memory that stores instructions. The processor may cause the controller to: turn on the compressor via the compressor control signal output based on a request for air conditioning, select a condenser fan speed, from condenser fan control data stored in the computer readable memory, based on the ambient temperature and an output pressure of the compressor, and set a speed of the condenser fan to the selected condenser fan speed via the condenser fan control signal.

公开(公告)号：US20150052916A1

公开(公告)日：2015-02-26

申请号：US13974643

申请日：2013-08-23

Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.

Inventor： Daniel A. Spurgeon ,  Erick A. Njos ,  Douglas J. Hovel ,  Gerald R. Morris

IPC: B60H1/32

CPC classification number: B60H1/3216 ,  B60H1/00378 ,  B60H2001/3261 ,  B60H2001/3272 ,  F25B49/022 ,  F25B2600/0251

Abstract: An air conditioning system for an operator cab of machine includes a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor and a controller operable to control an operation of the compressor. The controller maintains a pre-defined compressor run time when the compressor is in an ON state. The controller is configured to determine a temperature of the evaporator and compare it with at least one of a first lower threshold temperature value and a second lower threshold temperature value being less than the first lower threshold temperature value. The controller outputs a compressor control command signal to change the operational state of the compressor to an OFF state when the determined temperature of the evaporator is less than at least one of the first lower threshold temperature value for a first time period, and the second lower threshold temperature value for a second time period being less than the first time period.

Abstract translation: 用于机器操作员驾驶室的空调系统包括冷凝器，蒸发器，压缩机和可操作以控制压缩机的操作的控制器。 当压缩机处于ON状态时，控制器保持预定义的压缩机运行时间。 控制器被配置为确定蒸发器的温度并将其与低于第一下阈值温度值的第一下阈值温度值和第二下阈值温度值中的至少一个进行比较。 当所确定的蒸发器的温度小于第一时间段的第一下阈值温度值中的至少一个时，控制器输出压缩机控制命令信号，以将压缩机的操作状态改变为OFF状态，而第二较低 第二时间段的阈值温度值小于第一时间段。