Integrated electrical generator/starter and air conditioning compressor device and system and method for controlling same

Abstract

An integrated electrical generator/starter and air conditioning compressor device driven by a common drive shaft, or other direct linkage. The device includes an electrical generator/starter and a compressor. The electrical generator/starter is coupled to the drive shaft. The compressor is coupled to the electrical generator/starter and to the drive shaft and acts to pressurize a flow of refrigerant in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The electrical generator/starter is operable in first and second states. In the first state, the electrical generator/starter generates electricity in response to rotation of the drive shaft. In the second state, the electrical generator/starter utilizes electrical power from a battery to rotate the drive shaft.

1 . A system for use with an engine having a first drive shaft, comprising: 
 a clutch mechanism coupled to the first drive shaft;    a second drive shaft coupled to the clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism being adapted to controllably engage and release the second drive shaft thereby coupling and de-coupling the first and second drive shafts, respectively;    an electrical generator/starter being coupled to the second drive shaft;    a battery coupled to the electrical generator/starter;    a compressor coupled to and integral with the electrical generator/starter and to the second drive shaft, the compressor having at least one piston with a stroke variable between a minimum stroke and a maximum stroke and for pressurizing a flow of coolant in response to rotation of the second drive shaft, the electrical generator/starter for generating electricity in response to rotation of the second drive shaft while in a first state and for utilizing electrical power from the battery to rotate the second drive shaft while in the second state; and,    a controller coupled to the electrical generator/starter, the compressor and the clutch mechanism, for controlling operation thereof in accordance of a plurality of modes of operation and for detecting a predetermined condition indicating insufficient engine power to drive the compressor and to responsively enter a third mode, the predetermined condition being one of an idle condition of the engine, a low speed condition of the engine, or a desired cabin cooling condition; and,    the system being operable in a first mode to start the engine, the system being operable to provide mechanical power from the engine to the electrical generator/starter and to the compressor while in a second mode, the controller being adapted to detect a predetermined condition indicating insufficient engine power to drive the compressor and to responsively enter the third mode the controller being adapted to detect an engine off condition and a desired cooling condition and to responsively enter a fourth mode, and the controller being to detect a predetermined condition indicating insufficient engine power to provide desired engine speed and to responsively enter a fifth mode.    
   
   
       2 . A system, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the electrical generator/starter includes a generator/starter housing and the compressor includes a compressor housing, the generator/starter housing being coupled to the compressor housing.  
   
   
       3 . A system, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the electrical generator/starter and compressor are within a single housing.  
   
   
       4 . A system, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the electrical generator/starter includes a fixed speed motor.  
   
   
       5 . A system, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the electrical generator/starter includes a variable speed motor.  
   
   
       6 . (canceled).  
   
   
       7 . (canceled).