Employing Diverse Materials Or Particular Material In Refrigeration Circuit Patents (Class 62/114)
  • Patent number: 9759460
    Abstract: A channel on an upstream side of a third expansion device and a channel on an upstream side of a second expansion device are connected during a heating operation, and medium pressure refrigerant generated by the third expansion device during the heating operation is introduced on a suction side of a compressor via the second expansion device and a suction injection pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Yamashita, Takeshi Hatomura, Katsuhiro Ishimura, Shinichi Wakamoto, Naofumi Takenaka
  • Patent number: 9752801
    Abstract: A system (200; 250; 270) has first (220) and second (222) compressors, a heat rejection heat exchanger (30), first (38) and second (202) ejectors, a heat absorption heat exchanger (64), and a separator (48). The heat rejection heat exchanger is coupled to the second compressor to receive refrigerant compressed by the second compressor. The first ejector has a primary inlet (40) coupled to the heat rejection exchanger to receive refrigerant, a secondary inlet (42), and an outlet (44). The second ejector has a primary inlet (204) coupled to the heat rejection heat exchanger to receive refrigerant, a secondary inlet (206), and an outlet (208). The separator has an inlet (50) coupled to the outlet (44) of the first ejector to receive refrigerant from the first ejector. The separator has a gas outlet (54) coupled to the secondary inlet (206) of the second ejector via the first compressor (220) to deliver refrigerant to the second ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Parmesh Verma, Thomas D. Radcliff, Frederick J. Cogswell
  • Patent number: 9746193
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a refrigerant flow path in at least one intermediate heat exchanger are connected by a refrigerant pipe, and a heat medium circuit in which a pump, a use-side heat exchanger, and a heat-medium flow path in the at least one intermediate heat exchanger are connected by a heat-medium conveying pipe, the heat medium circuit being configured to cause a heat medium to circulate therethrough. The at least one intermediate heat exchanger comprises a plurality of intermediate heat exchangers. The plurality of intermediate heat exchangers are operative in a heating only operation mode, a cooling only operation mode, and a cooling and heating mixed operation mode in which some of the intermediate heat exchangers serve as the condenser and others of the intermediate heat exchangers serve as the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Motomura, Daisuke Shimamoto, Takayoshi Honda, Osamu Morimoto, Koji Nishioka, Tatsuo Ono
  • Patent number: 9746222
    Abstract: A computing device calculates an evaporating temperature Te* and a dew-point temperature Tdew* from a quality X, a temperature glide ?T determined by a difference between a boiling temperature and a dew-point temperature at a predetermined pressure, and a refrigerant temperature detected by second temperature detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Morimoto, Koji Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9676984
    Abstract: The use of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane for increasing the miscibility of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene with a lubricating oil, and in particular with a polyalkylene glycol oil. Further included are heat-transfer compositions and also equipment and processes using these compositions. Also, a kit including a heat-transfer fluid including 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, and a lubricant oil including a polyalkylene glycol, for use in a heat-transfer installation including a vapor compression circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: ARKEMA FRANCE
    Inventors: Sophie Guerin, Laurent Abbas, Wissam Rached
  • Patent number: 9574124
    Abstract: A process for cooling or heating a fluid or a body by a vapor compression circuit having a centrifugal compressor and containing a heat transfer fluid, the heat-transfer fluid including at least two of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1-difluoroethane and 3,3,3-trifluoropropene, wherein: the ratio of the Mach number of the centrifugal compressor to the Mach number when the centrifugal compressor has, under the same operating conditions, the heat-transfer fluid is replaced with 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane is at least 0.97 and at most 1.03; the compression ratio of the centrifugal compressor is less than or equal to the compression ratio when the centrifugal compressor has, under the same operating conditions, the heat-transfer fluid is replaced with 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Also, equipment suitable for implementing this cooling or heating process, and also to a process for converting existing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ARKEMA FRANCE
    Inventor: Wissam Rached
  • Patent number: 9518787
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal energy storage system comprising an energy storage (2) having a vertical temperature gradient and an internal combined heating and cooling machine (15). The internal combined heating and cooling machine (15) is adapted for retrieving energy having a first temperature from the energy storage, while simultaneously returning heated energy having a second higher temperature and cooled energy having a third lower temperature. The invention also relates to a method for using the thermal energy storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: SKANSKA SVERGIE AB
    Inventors: Hans Pilebro, Tobias Strand, Rasmus Vestin
  • Patent number: 9476613
    Abstract: A method to control a cooling circuit, with the cooling circuit comprising at least three evaporators, which are fluid connected to the cooling circuit in a parallel connection in individual paths, with each of the paths containing one shut-off valve, through which the flow of the refrigerant, which is circulating through the specific path, can be metered or cut off, where the shut-off valves can be activated or deactivated individually, with the individual evaporators being operative when the shut-off valve located within the specific path of the individual evaporator permits fluid flow, where a maximum of two of the at least three evaporators are operative simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: John Milton Tepas, Lawrence Wei
  • Patent number: 9464822
    Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a working fluid and an electrochemical compressor. The working fluid is made up of a polar solvent that primarily acts as a condensable refrigerant and hydrogen that primarily acts as an electrochemically-active component. The electrochemical compressor includes an inlet fluidly coupled to an evaporator to receive the working fluid; an outlet fluidly coupled to a condenser; and one or more electrochemical cells electrically connected to each other through a power supply. Each electrochemical cell includes a gas pervious anode, a gas pervious cathode, and an electrolytic membrane disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Xergy LTD
    Inventor: Bamdad Bahar
  • Patent number: 9074787
    Abstract: The present invention provides a configuration in which a compressor can be controlled using an inverter in an air conditioner where only a signal related to ON/OFF of the compressor is output from a control terminal. An operation controller for a compressor is configured so that the compressor can be controlled using an inverter based on an ON signal output from a control interface of an air conditioner. Specifically, a target value of at least one of an outlet air temperature, an evaporation temperature and a condensation temperature, and a suction pressure and a discharge pressure of the compressor is corrected according to a duration of the ON signal or a duration of the OFF state thereof, thereby controlling the frequency of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masamitsu Kitagishi, Ryouta Takechi, Masao Igata
  • Publication number: 20150096312
    Abstract: A composition including 2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-1-ene as a mixture with one or more hydrocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, ether, hydrofluoroether or fluoroolefin compounds having a boiling point of less than or equal to 0° C. Also, the use of such a composition in heat transfer applications. Also, a heat transfer installation including a vapor compression circuit containing such a composition as heat-transfer fluid or containing a heat-transfer composition including such a composition, and also one or more additives chosen from lubricants, stabilizers, surfactants, tracers, fluorescers, odorous agents and solubilizers, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Wissam Rached
  • Patent number: 8926856
    Abstract: A heat transfer composition comprising trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), difluoromethane (R-32) and 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mexichem Amanco Holding S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Robert E. Low
  • Patent number: 8911641
    Abstract: A heat transfer composition comprising trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), carbon dioxide (R-744) and a third component selected from difluoromethane (R-32), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), propylene, propane and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Mexichem Amanco Holding S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Robert E. Low
  • Patent number: 8894874
    Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) from about 45 to about 75% by weight 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf); and (ii) from about 25 to about 55% by weight 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a). A heat transfer composition comprising, optionally consisting essentially of, (i) from about 20 to about 90% by weight R-1234yf; (ii) from about 10 to about 60% by weight R-134a; and (iii) from about 1 to about 20% by weight R-32 is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mexichem Amanco Holding S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Robert E. Low
  • Patent number: 8850830
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a cooling loop that includes a reservoir. The reservoir has a level sensor that is configured to provide a level signal indicative of a coolant level within the reservoir. A temperature sensor is in communication with the cooling loop and is configured to provide a temperature signal. A controller is in communication with the level sensor and the temperature sensor. The controller has a coolant density data. The controller is configured to correct the level signal based upon the temperature signal and detect a leakage condition of the cooling system. A method of determining a coolant amount within a cooling system includes the steps of determining an amount of coolant having a temperature-variable density, determining a coolant temperature, correcting the coolant amount based upon the coolant temperature, and comparing the corrected coolant amount to a desired coolant amount to detect a coolant leakage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt J. Doughty
  • Patent number: 8844300
    Abstract: A method is disclosed that makes it possible to reduce the amount of refrigerant used and shorten the amount of time over which the new air conditioner must be run in a refrigerant pipe washing mode when an air conditioner that used a mineral-oil-based refrigerant oil is updated to or replaced with an air conditioner using an HFC refrigerant as the working refrigerant and the existing refrigerant piping is reused as is. Thus, the existing refrigerant piping of the air conditioner that used a mineral-oil-based refrigerant oil is reused in the air conditioner that uses an HFC refrigerant as the working refrigerant, the by washing the refrigerant piping using a cleaning agent comprising an HFC refrigerant containing at least 40 wt % of R32 to remove residual refrigerant oil in the refrigerant piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhide Mizutani, Hiromune Matsuoka, Atsushi Yoshimi, Manabu Yoshimi
  • Patent number: 8820079
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to working fluids and their use in processes wherein the working fluids comprise compounds having the structure of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: H, F, Cl, Br, and C1-C6 alkyl, at least C6 aryl, at least C3 cycloalkyl, and C6-C15 alkylaryl optionally substituted with at least one F, Cl, or Br, wherein formula (I) contains at least one F and at least one Cl or Br, provided that if any R is Br, then the compound does not have hydrogen. The working fluids are useful in Rankine cycle systems for efficiently converting waste heat generated from industrial processes, such as electric power generation from fuel cells, into mechanical energy or further to electric power. The working fluids of the invention are also useful in equipment employing other thermal energy conversion processes and cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Zyhowski, Ryan J. Hulse, Haridasan K. Nair, David Nalewajek, Rajiv R. Singh
  • Patent number: 8808571
    Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) a first component selected from trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), cis-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(Z)) and mixtures thereof; (ii) carbon dioxide (R-744); and (iii) a third component selected from 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), fluoroethane (R-161), and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Mexichem Amanco Holding S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Robert E. Low
  • Patent number: 8808570
    Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) a first component selected from trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), cis-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(Z)) and mixtures thereof; (ii) carbon dioxide (R-744); and (iii) a third component selected from propylene (R-1270), propane (R-290), n-butane (R-600), isobutane (R-600a), and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Mexichem Amanco Holding S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Robert E. Low
  • Publication number: 20140196483
    Abstract: In a heat pump apparatus of an indirect type including a primary circuit on a heat source side and a secondary circuit on a load side, a refrigerant in the primary circuit is prevented from leaking through the secondary circuit. An air-conditioning apparatus includes a leakage detecting device that detects leakage of the refrigerant circulated through a refrigerant circuit, serving as the primary circuit, from an intermediate heat exchanger into a water circuit, serving as the secondary circuit, and a controller that closes valves arranged on both sides of the intermediate heat exchanger in the water circuit to prevent water containing the refrigerant from flowing beyond the valves when the leakage detecting device detects the leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Okazaki
  • Patent number: 8696927
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is heat transfer system, comprising a brazed aluminum component, and a heat transfer fluid in fluid communication with the brazed aluminum component, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises a liquid coolant, an oxy-anion of molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, phosphorus, antimony, or a combination thereof, and a corrosion inhibitor. Also disclosed is a method of preventing corrosion in the heat transfer system, and a heat transfer fluid and additive package for use in the heat transfer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Prestone Products Corporation
    Inventors: Bo Yang, Peter M. Woyciesjes, Aleksei V. Gershun, Filipe J. Marinho
  • Patent number: 8661839
    Abstract: A portable recovery unit for automatically filling a background tank of blended refrigerant includes a main tank for holding recovered refrigerant from a vehicle A/C system which has a first chemical composition, and an auxiliary tank for holding an auxiliary supply of fresh refrigerant which has a second refrigerant composition. The auxiliary tank is arranged in fluid communication with the main tank so that fluid can be transferred from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. An electronic controller controls the flow of fluid from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. A refrigerant identifier is coupled to the main tank to sample and analyze the refrigerant in the main tank in order to determine the chemical composition of the refrigerant in the main tank, so the refrigerant in the main tank can be purified to an acceptable level based on that analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Mark McMasters
  • Patent number: 8628681
    Abstract: A heat transfer composition comprising trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), carbon dioxide (R-744) and a third component selected from difluoromethane (R-32), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), propylene, propane and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Mexichem Amanco Holding S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Robert E Low
  • Publication number: 20130327071
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a cooling loop that includes a reservoir. The reservoir has a level sensor that is configured to provide a level signal indicative of a coolant level within the reservoir. A temperature sensor is in communication with the cooling loop and is configured to provide a temperature signal. A controller is in communication with the level sensor and the temperature sensor. The controller has a coolant density data. The controller is configured to correct the level signal based upon the temperature signal and detect a leakage condition of the cooling system. A method of determining a coolant amount within a cooling system includes the steps of determining an amount of coolant having a temperature-variable density, determining a coolant temperature, correcting the coolant amount based upon the coolant temperature, and comparing the corrected coolant amount to a desired coolant amount to detect a coolant leakage condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Kurt J. Doughty
  • Patent number: 8544183
    Abstract: A device for supporting at least one vessel containing a target material to be lyophilized generally includes a support panel, a central region, a perimeter region, a thermal shield, and at least one shielding cavity. The support panel has a support surface. The central region is defined by the support panel for supporting the at least one vessel. The perimeter region is also defined by the support panel and surrounding the central region. The thermal shield is positioned about the perimeter region and extends transverse to the support surface of the support panel such that the thermal shield and the support panel define a storage space for accommodating the at least one vessel. The at least one shielding cavity is defined by the thermal shield and contains a shielding material during a lyophilization process. The shielding material is distinct from the target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Wei Y. Kuu, Gregory A. Sacha
  • Publication number: 20130219929
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing cooling comprising evaporating a liquid refrigerant comprising (a) E-CF3CH?CHF and (b) at least one tetrafluoroethane of the formula C2H2F4; provided that the weight ratio of E-CF3CH?CHF to the total amount of E-CF3CH?CHF and C2H2F4 is from about 0.05 to 0.99, in an evaporator, thereby producing a refrigerant vapor. Also disclosed herein is a method for replacing HCFC-124 or HFC-134a refrigerant in a chiller designed for said refrigerant comprising providing a replacement refrigerant composition comprising (a) E-CF3CH?CHF and (b) at least one tetrafluoroethane of the formula C2H2F4; provided that the weight ratio of E-CF3CH?CHF to the total amount of E-CF3CH?CHF and C2H2F4 is from about 0.05 to 0.99.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: E.I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Konstantinos Kontomaris
  • Publication number: 20130213063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fluoroolefin compositions. The fluoroolefin compositions of the present invention are useful as refrigerants or heat transfer fluids and in processes for producing cooling or heat. Additionally, the fluoroolefin compositions of the present invention may be used to replace currently used refrigerant or heat transfer fluid compositions that have higher global warming potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: E I Du Pont de Nemours And Company
  • Patent number: 8512591
    Abstract: A heat transfer composition comprising trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), difluoromethane (R-32) and 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Mexichem Amanco Holding S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Robert E Low
  • Patent number: 8402778
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the solubility of oils in refrigerant compositions within a system using a refrigerant compressed with a mechanical device by adding polyolester directly to the refrigerant followed by charging a mixture of the polyolester and refrigerant into the system (air conditioner, refrigerator, etc.). The present invention also relates to a method of optimizing mineral oil return in a system using a refrigerant compressed with a mechanical device and a method of cleansing heat exchange tubes of a system using a refrigerant compressed with a mechanical device by adding polyolesters directly to a refrigerant composition followed by charging a mixture of the polyolester and refrigerant into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: National Refrigerants, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Yost, James P. Lavelle, Umar M. Khokhar
  • Publication number: 20130055739
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ternary composition comprising difluoromethane, 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and a hydrocarbon-derived compound containing at least two fluorine atoms and having a boiling point of between ?30 and ?20° C., which is selected from 1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. This composition is particularly suitable for use as a heat-transfer fluid in the presence of countercurrent heat exchangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Arkema France
    Inventor: Wissam Rached
  • Publication number: 20130055738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ternary composition comprising: from 5 to 50% of difluoromethane;—from 2 to 20% of pentafluoroethane; and—from 30 to 90% of tetrafluoropropeae. The tetrafluoropropeae may be 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene or 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. This composition can he used as a heat-transfer fluid in vapor compression circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ARKEMA FRANCE
    Inventor: Wissam Rached
  • Patent number: 8381537
    Abstract: The present invention provides a brine composition for a frozen food which does not raise the freezing temperature even if the ethanol concentration is low, and is therefore able to suppress tissue breakdown caused by the growth of water ice crystals in the tissues (cells) of foods, and a method for producing a frozen food. The brine composition for a frozen food contains 30 to 70% by weight of ethyl alcohol, 0.5 to 10.0% by weight of erythritol, and water. It is preferable that the concentration of the ethyl alcohol is 35 to 60% by weight, the concentration of the erythritol is 0.8 to 5.0% by weight, and the rest is water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tetsuya Sugino
    Inventors: Hideo Morita, Fumio Noda
  • Patent number: 8371039
    Abstract: A device for supporting at least one vessel containing a target material to be lyophilized generally includes a support panel, a central region, a perimeter region, a thermal shield, and at least one shielding cavity. The support panel has a support surface. The central region is defined by the support panel for supporting the at least one vessel. The perimeter region is also defined by the support panel and surrounding the central region. The thermal shield is positioned about the perimeter region and extends transverse to the support surface of the support panel such that the thermal shield and the support panel define a storage space for accommodating the at least one vessel. The at least one shielding cavity is defined by the thermal shield and contains a shielding material during a lyophilization process. The shielding material is distinct from the target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Wei Y. Kuu, Gregory A. Sacha
  • Publication number: 20120324926
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of heat transfer by means of a vapor compression circuit containing a heat transfer fluid, said method including, consecutively, evaporating the heat transfer fluid, compressing the heat transfer fluid, condensing the heat transfer fluid to a temperature greater than or equal to 70? C., and decompressing the heat transfer fluid. In said method, the heat transfer fluid includes 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, the compounding weight ratio of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane in the fluid being no higher than 20%. The invention also relates to a heat transfer fluid suitable for implementing said method and to a facility that is also suitable for implementing said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Arkema France
    Inventors: Wissam Rached, Laurent Abbas
  • Patent number: 8327653
    Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing an efficiency of a refrigeration system, comprising means for measuring a refrigeration efficiency of an operating refrigeration system; means for altering a process variable of the refrigeration system during efficiency measurement; and a processor for calculating a process variable level which achieves an optimum efficiency. The process variables may include refrigerant charge and refrigerant oil concentration in evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hudson Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Zugibe, Douglas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8327651
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant from a subcritical state to a supercritical state, a cooler for transferring heat from the refrigerant, an expander for expanding the refrigerant in the supercritical state, an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant from the supercritical state to the subcritical state and an evaporator for transferring heat from a cooling fluid to the refrigerant in the subcritical state. Work extracted by the expander provides power to the compressor. A method for cooling a vehicle includes compressing a refrigerant from a subcritical state to a supercritical state, cooling the refrigerant, expanding the refrigerant in the supercritical state where work produced by expanding the refrigerant is used to compress the refrigerant, expanding the refrigerant from the supercritical state to the subcritical state, cooling a cooling fluid with the refrigerant in the subcritical state and cooling vehicle components with the cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Adam M. Finney, Young K. Park, Scott F. Kaslusky, Daniel R. Sabatino
  • Patent number: 8318038
    Abstract: The invention relates to non-flammable compositions comprising fluorinated compounds selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoroalkanes, hydrofluoroalkenes, partially or perfluorinated aromatic compounds, hydrofluoroethers or fluoroketones, 1,2-dichloroethylene, especially trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, and a stabilizer. These non-flammable compositions which preferably contain 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane, can be used especially as solvents for cleaning and defluxing electronic components and for degreasing metals. The compositions further may comprise a propellant, e.g. 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. These compositions are especially suitable as flushing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: SOLVAY FLUOR GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Marhold, Helge Rau, Karsten Börner, Christoph Meurer
  • Publication number: 20120272671
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing loss of a cooling fluid from a boiler in an aircraft by incorporating an absorber material is provided. In some aspects, an apparatus may include a base section, a top section, a cooling fluid, and an absorber material disposed in the base section. The absorber material may be configured to retain the cooling fluid therein. The apparatus may further include a barrier disposed between the base and top sections. The barrier may be configured to retain the absorber material in the base section while allowing the cooling fluid to pass therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Frank E. MILLS
  • Publication number: 20120240606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to refrigerant compositions containing trans-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd(E)) useful for chiller applications and processes using 1233zd(E).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Hulse, Rajiv Ratna Singh, Mark W. Spatz
  • Patent number: 8266915
    Abstract: A thermodynamic energy conversion device (14) based on the effect of differential evaporation generated by a convex liquid surface and by a temperature gradient is constructed for the use either as a heat or hydraulic pump. In one arrangement the device (14) comprises two heat conductive containers (1) and (2); a working liquid (5) disposed in said containers with open surfaces (6) and (6?); a vapor (7) of the working liquid; a porous device (8) for creating at least one convex meniscus (9) on the open surface (6), of the working liquid (5) in one of the containers said convex meniscus having higher mean curvature than that of the open surface (6?); means (10) for connecting containers (1) and (2) to an external hydraulic circuit (11). An efficient external combustion engine using such a device (14) is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Thermodynamic Nanotechnologies Limited
    Inventor: Aliaksandr Saroka
  • Patent number: 8261560
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a device and a mechanism for heat transfer. The mechanism includes a hydrofluoroether heat-transfer fluid wherein the heat transfer fluid is represented by the following structure: Y—Rf—CH2OCH2Rf—Y wherein Rf may be the same or different and is, independently, selected from the group consisting of perfluorinated alkylene groups which may be linear, cyclic, or branched having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, partially fluorinated alkylene groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and derivatives thereof wherein one or more carbon atoms are replaced by catenated nitrogen or oxygen heteroatoms, wherein each Rf contains at most one hydrogen atom, wherein Y represents H, F, or an RfCH2OCH2— group, and wherein the total number of carbon atoms in the molecule is at least 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Flynn, Michael G. Costello, Michael J. Bulinski
  • Publication number: 20120060513
    Abstract: The invention is for an apparatus and method for a refrigerator and a heat pump based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) offering a simpler, lighter, robust, more compact, environmentally compatible, and energy efficient alternative to traditional vapor-compression devices. The subject magnetocaloric apparatus alternately exposes a suitable magnetocaloric material to strong and weak magnetic field while switching heat to and from the material by a mechanical commutator using a thin layer of suitable thermal interface fluid to enhance heat transfer. The invention may be practiced with multiple magnetocaloric stages to attain large differences in temperature. Key applications include thermal management of electronics, as well as industrial and home refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning. The invention offers a simpler, lighter, compact, and robust apparatus compared to magnetocaloric devices of prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
  • Patent number: 8117856
    Abstract: A system and method that configures a connecting relationship between two wine bottles (or one wine bottle with two wine compartments) such that wine in one bottle/compartment may be served chilled and wine in a second bottle/compartment may be served at a higher temperature than the chilled bottle, while both wines are presented tableside from a single holding vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Chazon Stein
  • Publication number: 20120017614
    Abstract: Nanofluids for vapor compression systems is a new invention to enable vapor compression systems used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems to take advantage of nanoparticles. Prior work has already shown that using nanoparticles is an excellent method to improve heat transfer in water, ethylene glycol, and engine oil applications. This invention is a method and apparatus for using nanofluids that will increase the heat transfer in the condenser of vapor compression systems; thereby, reducing power consumption. The system uses nanoparticles in the condenser to increase heat transfer and reduce the condensing pressure thereby saving energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Vincent Clancy
  • Patent number: 8087256
    Abstract: The methods and systems using supercritical fluids for cooling of objects with high thermal emissions are disclosed. The unique thermodynamic properties of supercritical fluids combined with microchannel cooling technology allow effective absorption of the waste heat and exclude “vapor lock”, “boiling crisis”, and other deficiencies of conventional two-phase liquid cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cryomechanics, LLC
    Inventors: Alexei V. Babkin, Robert V. Duncan, Anatoly I. Efremov, Peter J. Littrup
  • Patent number: 8061147
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a magnetic regenerator for an active magnetic refrigerator, the method comprising: forming a magnetic regenerator from a slurry or a paste containing a magnetocaloric material the magnetic regenerator being formed to have plural paths therethrough for the flow of a heat transfer fluid; and varying the composition of the magnetocaloric material so that the magnetic transition temperature of the magnetic regenerator varies along the paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Technical University of Denmark
    Inventors: Anders Reves Dinesen, Soren Linderoth, Nini Pryds, Anders Smith
  • Patent number: 8037698
    Abstract: An air conditioning unit is disclosed for motor vehicles. The air conditioning unit includes with a compression refrigerant circuit where a refrigerant circulates, comprising comprehensively switched in series with respect to fluid flow at least one compressor upstream of a heat-delivering heat exchanger, and an expansion element upstream of a heat-absorbing heat exchanger, whereby into the flow path leading from the outlet of the heat-delivering heat exchanger to the expansion element an additional heat exchanger is integrated thermally coupled to at least one cooling means the temperature of which can be put to values below the temperature of the refrigerant in the compression refrigeration circuit at the position of the refrigerant's outflow from the heat-delivering heat exchanger, and a method for its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Heckt, Marc Graaf, Tobias Haas
  • Patent number: 8003004
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for heat transfer that includes a device and a mechanism for transferring heat to or from the device, comprising using a heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat transfer fluid includes a hydrofluorocarbonate. Also provided is a method for transferring heat that includes providing a device and using the heat transfer fluid that includes a hydrofluorocarbonate to transfer heat to or from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Bulinski, Michael G. Costello, Richard M. Flynn, William M. Lamanna
  • Patent number: 7992397
    Abstract: An ammonia/CO2 refrigeration system is provided in which the ammonia cycle and CO2 brine cycle can be combined without problems even when refrigeration load such as refrigerating showcase, etc. is located at any place in accordance with circumstances of customer's convenience. The system comprises apparatuses working on an ammonia refrigerating cycle, a brine cooler for cooling and condensing CO2 by utilizing the latent heat of vaporization of the ammonia, and a liquid pump provided in a supply line for supplying the cooled and liquefied CO2 to a refrigeration load side cooler, wherein said liquid pump is a variable-discharge pump for allowing CO2 to be circulated forcibly, and the forced circulation flow is determined so that CO2 is recovered from the outlet of the cooler of the refrigeration load side in a liquid or liquid/gas mixed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Nemoto, Akira Taniyama, Shinjirou Akaboshi, Iwao Terashima
  • Publication number: 20110132005
    Abstract: A mechanical refrigeration process in which a refrigerant undergoes a cyclical process of evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion in order to provide a cooling effect, characterized by the condensation of the refrigerant including: supplying the refrigerant to a first side of a heat exchanger; and supplying an exhaust cryogen fluid from a cryogenic process to a second side of the heat exchanger; wherein the exhaust cryogen fluid is capable of subcooling the refrigerant within the heat exchanger. A mechanical refrigeration apparatus is also included capable of subcooling the refrigerant prior to expansion via the use of a cryogen fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Kilburn, Michael D. Newman