Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system for a centralized microchannel cooling system in precision cooling applications, such as mission-critical systems with data centers or cabinets or rooms with medical equipment. The microchannel condenser is designed to provide sufficient cooling for such applications by configuring multiple microchannel slabs together in a fashion that advantageously can increase the overall cooling abilities of multiple slabs not heretofore known. The system can provide a retrofit condenser for some existing precision cooling systems that have limitations on size, while satisfying cooling capacity requirements. The multiple slabs can be cooled by flowing a fluid such as air or a liquid across them. One or more microchannel slabs can be mounted horizontally, vertically, or in an inclined position. Further, the system can allow for multiple passes of refrigerants through the microchannel slabs.

Abstract: A software module for a building automation system includes a plurality of software modules. A first module is configured to compute energy consumption characteristics of a building. A second module is configured to determine at least one alternate hardware configuration for the building, and to provide an estimated performance level associated with each of the at least one alternate hardware configuration. A third module is configured to recommend one of the at least one hardware configurations based on at least one predetermined financial criteria.

Abstract: In a closed loop refrigerant system and method, a refrigerant liquid filter is provided downstream of the condenser to receive and clean high pressure, high temperature liquid refrigerant. The invention provides means for cooling liquid refrigerant so as to render otherwise soluble contaminants insoluble before leaving the filter. The means for cooling preferably includes a refrigerant line provided in thermal contact with the liquid refrigerant in the filter. The refrigerant line contains expanded refrigerant gas or expanded liquid/gas mixture, which is at a lower temperature than the liquid refrigerant received from the condenser. Condensed liquid refrigerant is provided to the filter, which filter further includes a filter element for removing contaminants that have been rendered insoluble by the cooling of the liquid refrigerant.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for variable speed operation of a screw compressor to obtain increased capacity and efficiency. The screw compressor is connected to an induction motor driven by a variable speed drive, wherein the screw compressor has a variable output capacity that is dependent on the output speed of the motor. To obtain increased capacity and efficiency, the screw compressor is operated at a speed greater than the screw compressor's rated speed and does not include a slide valve. The maximum operating speed of the screw compressor, which speed is greater than the rated speed, is related to the maximum operating speed of the motor when operated at a voltage and frequency provided by the variable speed drive that is greater than the motor's rated voltage and frequency in a constant flux or constant volts/Hz mode.

Abstract: A chiller system includes a refrigerant loop, the refrigerant loop further including a compressor, an air-cooled condenser arrangement and an evaporator arrangement connected in a first closed refrigerant loop. A motor is connected to the compressor to drive the compressor, a drive is connected to the motor to power the motor and a power/control panel controls the refrigerant loop. The power/control panel and the condenser arrangement are connected in a second closed coolant loop. The second closed coolant loop provides cooling to the enclosure and/or components within the enclosure disposed on a chill plate. Condensation is substantially prevented from forming inside the enclosure, despite the enclosure lacking a humidity control device.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly for use in an HVAC system is provided. The heat exchanger assembly includes: a shell-type casing; a plurality of tubes located inside the shell-type casing, each of the tubes having an outer surface and an irregular inner surface; and a plurality of electrodes. Each electrode is located inside one of the corresponding tubes to create a space between the electrode and the inner surface of the tube. A first fluid is located in each space between the electrodes and the inner surfaces of the tubes. A second fluid is located in a space between the tubes and the shell-type casing to flow across the outer surfaces of the tubes. A voltage is applied on the electrodes in order to increase the rate of heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid. The invention also includes a method of exchanging heat between a heat transfer fluid and a refrigerant in a shell and tube heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for discharging a fluid and a liquid separated from the fluid from an outlet chamber of a heat exchanger. The outlet chamber is configured to collect the separated liquid. The outlet chamber is in fluid communication with an outlet opening disposed on an exit surface of the outlet chamber. The apparatus includes a plate that is positionable in the outlet chamber adjacent to the exit surface to form a channel between the plate and the exit surface. The plate is configured to protrude over the outlet tube opening so that the fluid flowing through the outlet chamber and into the outlet opening pulls the liquid collected in the outlet chamber through the channel and out through the outlet opening with the fluid. Because of the plate protruding over the outlet opening, the fluid exiting directly from the outlet chamber through the outlet opening must flow through a decreased area. This decreased area produces the vena contracta effect and creates a low pressure region.

Abstract: This invention increases efficiency of a refrigeration system by maximizing the cooling of the condenser and reducing unnecessary work done by the compressor. In air cooled systems it will also increase the stability of the fans by reducing fan cycling. The fan controller will utilize an algorithm that will consider the following inputs: oil pressure, compressor suction pressure, expansion valve position, compressor loading, last compressor loading change, and current fan stage. The algorithm uses fuzzy logic to characterize the inputs and generates an output that controls the system cooling fans.

Abstract: This invention increases efficiency of a refrigeration system by maximizing the cooling of the condenser and reducing unnecessary work done by the compressor. In air cooled systems it will also increase the stability of the fans by reducing fan cycling. The fan controller will utilize an algorithm that will consider the following inputs: oil pressure, compressor suction pressure, expansion valve position, compressor loading, last compressor loading change, and current fan stage. The algorithm uses fuzzy logic to characterize the inputs and generates an output that controls the system cooling fans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cold plate for cooling electronic components comprising a base having a top surface onto which at least one electronic component is to be placed; a cooling well formed in the top of the base and open at the top; a feed channel formed in the base for carrying fluid into the cooling well; a drain channel formed in the base for carrying cooling fluid away from the cooling well; cooling well inlets and outlets formed in the cooling well and in communication with the feed channel and drain channels, respectively. The feed and drain channels are sufficiently large relative to the size and flow characteristics of the well and cooling well inlets and outlets such that when the cooling fluid flows through the device, the pressure drop across the feed channel is substantially less than the pressure drop across the well.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for accommodating a circulating refrigerant and heat transfer fluid. The plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat transfer plates and at least one electrode plate. The plurality of heat transfer plates are mounted in parallel relationship to each other defining alternating flow spaces for a refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid. The electrode plate is located in each refrigerant flow space and is spaced from the adjacent heat transfer plates. The electrode plate includes outer electrode surfaces on each side thereof to produce an electric field. The effect of the electric field is an increase in the heat transfer rate between the refrigerant and heat transfer fluid. The invention also includes a method of exchanging heat between a heat transfer fluid and a refrigerant in a plate heat exchanger.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for accommodating a circulating refrigerant and heat transfer fluid. The plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat transfer plates and at least one electrode plate. The plurality of heat transfer plates are mounted in parallel relationship to each other defining alternating flow spaces for a refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid. The electrode plate is located in each refrigerant flow space and is spaced from the adjacent heat transfer plates. The electrode plate includes outer electrode surfaces on each side thereof to produce an electric field. The effect of the electric field is an increase in the heat transfer rate between the refrigerant and heat transfer fluid. The invention also includes a method of exchanging heat between a heat transfer fluid and a refrigerant in a plate heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method for determining the composition of a ternary refrigerant in a refrigeration system. The method calculates the composition of the ternary refrigerant under the assumption that the expansion cycle is isenthalpic and that the ratio of two components in the ternary mixture remain fixed in relation to one another before and after the expansion. These assumptions permit the calculation of composition of a ternary mixture with relatively few inputs.

Abstract: A method of charging and recharging a refrigerant loop with a ternary refirgerant composition, wherein substantially equal proportions of difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane are added to the loop in substantially equal proportion by mass, during the step of charging and recharging.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a refrigerant in a vapor compression system utilizes a sight glass in fluid communication with the condenser. Refrigerant collects in the sight glass and, upon reaching equilibrium, can be read to provide an accurate measure of the amount of refrigerant in the entire vapor compression system.