Control method for a dual mode compressor drive system

A compressor system for a vehicle comprising:

• an internal combustion engine;
• a belt and pulley system coupled to said internal combustion engine;
• a clutch coupling said belt and pulley system to an electric machine, said electric machine driven by said belt and pulley;
• a compressor coupled to said electric machine;
• wherein said electric machine is coupled to said belt and pulley system to rotate said compressor;
• wherein said electric machine operates said compressor independent of said internal combustion engine in a decoupled state from said belt and pulley system;
• wherein said electric machine operates as a generator while engaged to said belt and pulley system;
• and
• wherein said electric machine initiates engine cranking to activate said internal combustion engine.

A method for controlling a refrigerant compressor in a vehicle comprising:

• providing an internal combustion machine;
• providing an electric machine;
• operatively connecting the internal combustion machine and the electric machine with a clutch;
• coupling the electric machine to the refrigerant compressor;
• operating the electric machine as a generator to develop supplemental electrical power for the vehicle while the engine is coupled to the electric machine through the clutch;
• during operation of the internal combustion engine, determining if driving of the electric machine by the internal combustion engine is not desired;
• operating the electric machine as a motor to drive the compressor independent of operation of the internal combustion engine by releasing the clutch;
• and
• starting the internal combustion engine with the electric machine.