Compressing, Condensing And Evaporating Patents (Class 62/115)
  • Publication number: 20140305149
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for concentrating a solution. The system includes a humidification device and a solution flow path for flow of a solution to be concentrated to the humidification device. The humidification device includes humidification media to facilitate evaporation of liquid from the solution to be concentrated to gas as the solution to be concentrated passes through the humidification media thereby concentrating the solution. The method includes flowing a solution to be concentrated along a flow path to a humidification device including humidification media, flowing a gas through the humidification media, and flowing the solution to be concentrated through the humidification media. There is evaporation of liquid from the solution to the gas as the solution passes through the humidification media thereby concentrating the solution and producing a humidified gas. The solution to be concentrated may be salt water and the gas may be air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Saltworks Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Stuart Sparrow, Henry Tsin, Hojung Kim, Ross Coleman
  • Publication number: 20140305150
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a converting unit, a first injection module, and a second injection module. The first injection module injects a portion of refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger to the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor in a heating operation and supercools refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger in a cooling operation. The second injection module injects a portion of refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger to the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor in the heating operation and injects refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger to the compressor in the cooling operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Byeongsu KIM, Beomchan KIM, Younghwan KO, Byoungjin RYU
  • Publication number: 20140298833
    Abstract: There is provided a CO2 cooling system which comprises: a compression stage in which CO2 refrigerant is compressed; a cooling stage in which the CO2 refrigerant releases heat; and an evaporation stage in which CO2 refrigerant, having released heat in the cooling stage, absorbs heat. The CO2 refrigerant exiting the evaporation stage is directed to at least one of the compression stage, before being directed to the cooling stage, and the cooling stage by at least one of gravity and natural convection. There is also provided a method for operating a CO2 cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Marc-Andre Lesmerises
  • Publication number: 20140290288
    Abstract: A method controls a vapor compression system including a variable speed compressor. A desired discharge temperature of the compressor is determined using a mapping between values of the discharge temperature of the compressor and values of speed of the compressor and outdoor air temperature. A transition function for transitioning a current discharge temperature to the desired discharge temperature is determined, such that the transition function is continuous and a rate of change of the transition function is limited. Next, a valve of the vapor compression system is controlled such that the discharge temperature is transitioned to the desired discharge temperature based on the transition function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Burns, Christopher Laughman, Scott A. Bortoff
  • Publication number: 20140290289
    Abstract: A cooling system includes: a compressor that circulates refrigerant; a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outside air; a cooling portion that uses the refrigerant to cool the heat generating source; a first line through which the refrigerant, which has been discharged from the compressor, flows to the cooling portion; a second line through which the refrigerant circulates between the heat exchanger and the cooling portion; and a selector valve that switches between fluid communication of the first line and fluid communication of the second line. A control device includes a detecting unit configured to detect an abnormality of the compressor; and a switching unit configured to switch the selector valve to interrupt the fluid communication of the first line and to allow the fluid communication of the second line when the abnormality has been detected by the detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Ohno, Kazuhide Uchida, Yuki Jojima, Yoshiaki Kawakami, Eizo Takahashi, Kousuke Sato
  • Patent number: 8849604
    Abstract: A method for calculating the probability of moisture build-up in a compressor includes the steps of sensing a temperature of the ambient air, sensing a discharge pressure of the compressor, sensing a temperature of the compressor, processing the ambient air temperature and operating pressure sensed to obtain a required temperature at which condensation will form, and comparing the temperature of the compressor to the required temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: David F. Rowe, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140260382
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to heat transfer compositions, and associated systems and methods, which include a first composition selected from the group consisting of HFO-1233zd, HFC-245fa, and combinations of these: and optionally, a second composition selected from the group consisting of HFO-1234ze, HFC-134a, and combinations of these.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Samuel F. Yana Motta, Mark W. Spatz, Ankit Sethi
  • Publication number: 20140260379
    Abstract: A compressor is connected with an evaporator, a condenser, and an electrically controlled valve for circulating a working fluid in a system for recovering waste heat to provide heated water for human use. A suction superheat temperature is determined from a measured compressor suction temperature and a suction saturation temperature. The electrically controlled valve is adjusted to maintain the suction superheat temperature at a suction superheat set point. The electrically controlled valve may be incrementally closed when a compressor suction pressure exceeds a maximum suction pressure. A discharge superheat temperature can be determined from a measured compressor discharge temperature and a discharge saturation temperature. The electrically controlled valve may be incrementally closed when the discharge superheat temperature falls below a minimum discharge superheat temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Energy Recovery Systems Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140260381
    Abstract: A controller can be connected to a heat transfer system including pressure and temperature sensors, an electrically controlled valve, and a compressor. The controller can be configured to control the heat transfer system according to compressor suction superheat, compressor discharge superheat, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, and temperature of water received at a condenser to be heated by waste-heat bearing fluid in an evaporator. The controller can include a touchscreen configured to display a user control interface configured to display views based on a permissions database defining different types of users. The views can include different views having different input fields, output fields, and output graphs. The permissions database can permit input of control loop parameters by one of the different types of users and prevent input of control loop parameters by another of the different types of users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ENERGY RECOVERY SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Sean Douglas Marte, Thomas King Fu Leung
  • Publication number: 20140260378
    Abstract: A method to control a fixed-sequence dual evaporator cooling system including providing a recurring cooling cycle cooling system wherein each recurring cooling cycle comprises first and second cooling cycles for cooling respective first and second interiors, a pump-out cycle for returning coolant to a condenser, and an idle cycle, and providing a processor to establish exceptions to the recurring cooling cycle. A step includes the processor monitoring first and second actual temperatures of the respective first and second interiors, selecting predetermined first and second control temperatures for the respective first and second interiors, and selecting a command input signal to supply to a compressor, the condenser fan, the first and second evaporator fans, and the valve of the cooling system during the recurring cooling cycle based upon the first and second actual temperatures and the predetermined first and second control temperatures to initiate the established exceptions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alberto R. Gomes, Andrew D. Litch
  • Publication number: 20140260380
    Abstract: A compressor is connected with an evaporator, a condenser, and an electrically controlled valve for circulating a working fluid in a system for recovering waste heat to provide heated water. A controller can be configured to adjust an operating capacity of the compressor to maintain output of a condenser temperature sensor at a condenser temperature set point, except when output of a compressor discharge pressure sensor indicates that a maximum operating pressure of the compressor has been exceeded. In such case the controller reduces the operating capacity of the compressor. The controller may further be configured to shut down the compressor when the discharge pressure sensor indicates that a shutdown pressure has been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ENERGY RECOVERY SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Sean Douglas Marte
  • Publication number: 20140260377
    Abstract: A refrigerator and method are provided where the refrigerator includes two or more cooling compartments monitored by temperature sensors and cooled by a plurality of evaporators. The cooling for the evaporators is provided by a compressor operating on a recurring cooling cycle. A processor provides varying levels of voltages to the compressor and sets the recurring cooling cycle. The recurring cooling cycle comprises at least two cooling periods and a rest period. The method includes determines the length of the rest period as compared a predetermined rest period range. When the rest period falls outside the predetermined range, the processor selects the voltage to send to the compressor during a subsequent cooling cycle. The processor selects the voltage based on at least one of the temperature of the first and second compartments and the voltage to the compressor during the cooling cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alberto R. Gomes, Stephen L. Keres, Andrew D. Litch
  • Publication number: 20140250929
    Abstract: A cooling device capable of achieving cooling performance suitable for an amount of generated heat from a heat source is provided. A cooling device cooling HV equipment includes a compressor for circulating a coolant; a heat exchanger performing heat exchange between the coolant and outside air; an expansion valve decompressing the coolant; a heat exchanger performing heat exchange between the coolant and air-conditioning air; a cooling unit provided on a route of the coolant flowing between the heat exchanger and the expansion valve, and cooling the HV equipment using the coolant; a bypass route bypassing the expansion valve and the heat exchanger; and a switching valve selectively switching between a flow of the coolant flowing from the cooling unit toward the expansion valve and a flow of the coolant flowing through the bypass route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eizo Takahashi, Yoshiaki Kawakami, Yuki Jojima, Kousuke Sato
  • Publication number: 20140250928
    Abstract: A control system, which may be a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control system, controls a component by adjusting the control input and the execution of the control output whenever a change in a state of a component exceeds a certain value. A method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Elliott David Keen, Mark Phillip Roden, Shannon Marie Shaw
  • Patent number: 8826677
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a plurality of heat exchangers (E1, E2, E3) in cascade, each of said heat exchangers including: a flow (150) of cold-producing liquefied methane; a high-pressure flow (122) of a two-phase mixture of refrigerant fluids giving up in heat and including refrigerant fluids having a low normal boiling temperature; and a low-pressure flow (100) of a cold-producing two-phase mixture of said refrigerant fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Association Pour la Recherche et le Developpement de Methodes et Processus Industriels “Armines”
    Inventors: Denis Clodic, Mourad Younes, Youssef Riachi
  • Publication number: 20140245763
    Abstract: A fluid circuit in a high-temperature heat pump absorbs thermal energy through the fluid from at least a first reservoir while performing technical work and outputs thermal energy through the fluid to at least a second reservoir, thereby heating the at least one second reservoir. The working medium may be hydrofluoroether or fluoroketone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Bernd Grommoll, Jochen Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20140238056
    Abstract: A method of controlling a cooling device capable of stably cooling a heat source is provided. A cooling device includes a first passage through which a coolant discharged from a compressor flows into a cooling unit for cooling EV equipment; a second passage through which the coolant is circulated between a heat exchanger and the cooling unit; a switching valve switching communication of the first passage and communication of the second passage; and a liquid storage container storing a liquid coolant condensed in the heat exchanger. The control method includes the steps of: increasing an amount of the liquid coolant stored in the liquid storage container; and switching the switching valve so as to block the first passage and allow communication of the second passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kawakami, Yuki Jojima, Eizo Takahashi, Kousuke Sato
  • Publication number: 20140238058
    Abstract: A cooling system for appliances, air conditioners, and other spaces includes a compressor, and a condenser that receives refrigerant from the compressor. The system also includes an evaporator that receives refrigerant from the condenser. Refrigerant received from the condenser flows through an upstream portion of the evaporator. A first portion of the refrigerant flows to the compressor without passing through a downstream portion of the evaporator, and a second portion of the refrigerant from the upstream portion of the condenser flows through the downstream portion of the evaporator after passing through the upstream portion of the evaporator. The second portion of the refrigerant flows to the compressor after passing through the downstream portion of the evaporator. The refrigeration system may be configured to cool an appliance such as a refrigerator and/or freezer, or it may be utilized in air conditioners for buildings, motor vehicles, or other such spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Guolian Wu
  • Publication number: 20140238059
    Abstract: An appliance employing a coolant system that includes a compressor having a housing, a cooling capacity, and operably connected to typically two evaporators for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment; a shared coolant fluid connection system; a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system; and a switching mechanism operably connected to a first fluid conduit that provides shared coolant fluid to the compressor at a first pressure level and a second fluid conduit that provides shared coolant fluid to the compressor at a second pressure level where the second pressure level is less than the first pressure level wherein the switching mechanism is capable of regulating and switching shared coolant flow to the compressor from the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Guolian Wu, Andrew Litch, Alberto Gomes, Nihat Cur
  • Publication number: 20140230469
    Abstract: A method of controlling a heat pump system of an electric vehicle, whereby power consumed for air conditioning is reduced during driving in a low load state in a heating mode, includes determining whether a heat dissipation amount insufficient condition of an indoor condenser is satisfied in the heat pump system of the electric vehicle. When it is determined that the heat dissipation amount insufficient condition of the indoor condenser is satisfied, measuring current revolutions per minute (rpm) of a compressor. It is determined whether the measured rpm of the compressor is greater than a minimum rpm limit of the compressor. When it is determined that the measured rpm of the compressor is greater than the minimum rpm limit of the compressor, the rpm of the compressor is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Hyun PARK, Sang Hun KIM, Dong Hyun KONG, Chang Won LEE, Joon Hyung PARK
  • Publication number: 20140223934
    Abstract: A condenser unit including a compressor for compressing a refrigerant vapor to provide a superheated refrigerant vapor exerting a head pressure, and a condenser for receiving the superheated refrigerant vapor and condensing the superheated refrigerant vapor therein, the condenser being located in an uncontrolled space with air therein at an ambient temperature. The condenser unit also includes a flow control means for controlling flow of the superheated refrigerant vapor from the compressor into the condenser, a rotatable condenser fan for moving air past the condenser to dissipate heat from the condenser, and a controller for controlling the flow control means and the speed of rotation of the condenser fan based on at least one preselected parameter, to maintain the head pressure within a predetermined range thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: National Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Vince Zolli, William J. Mead, Gerald Wallet
  • Publication number: 20140223936
    Abstract: Generally, management of refrigerant in an evaporator of an HVAC chiller is described. Methods, systems, and apparatuses to manage refrigerant in an evaporator can include one or combination of the following approaches: (1) by use of a refrigerant displacement array to physically prevent refrigerant from residing where the array is positioned; (2) by control of the interstitial velocity of refrigerant flow within the volume of the shell of an evaporator; (3) by a phase biased distribution of the refrigerant mixture, so that a gaseous portion is uniformly distributed into the evaporator shell, while liquid refrigerant and oil is distributed into the evaporator shell at a designated area; and (4) by preventing or reducing the occurrence of foaming inside the evaporator through anti-foaming surfaces, such as by the use of refrigerant phobic and lubricant phobic material(s). Refrigerant management can in turn improve the thermal performance and overall efficiency of the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Phillip Hartfield, Harry Kenneth Ring, Michael William Groen, Stephen Anthony Kujak, Ronald Maurice Cosby II
  • Publication number: 20140223935
    Abstract: A method for heating a fluid or a body using a vapour compression circuit containing a heat-transfer fluid containing tetrafluoropropene, said method including, successively and cyclically, evaporation of the heat-transfer fluid, compression of the heat-transfer fluid, cooling of the heat-transfer fluid and expansion of the heat-transfer fluid, the heat-transfer fluid being in the supercritical state at the end of compression. Also, an installation suited to implementing this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ARKEMA FRANCE
    Inventor: Wissam Rached
  • Patent number: 8800307
    Abstract: A method for operating a refrigeration system for a container for refrigerating chilled cargo includes providing a refrigeration system including a compressor and an evaporator fan associated with an evaporator. The method also includes determining the temperature of supply air and the temperature of return air. The method further includes determining one of a requirement for heating and a requirement for cooling based on the temperature of the return air and the temperature of the supply air. The method additionally includes activating the evaporator fan when a requirement for heating is determined and increasing the speed of the evaporator fan when increased heating is determined. The method also includes activating the compressor and the evaporator fan when a requirement for cooling is determined and increasing the power supplied to the compressor and maintaining the evaporator fan at a first speed when increased cooling is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Thermo King Corporation, Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Ole Thogersen, Allan Dyrmose, Dan Vad Steffensen
  • Publication number: 20140208784
    Abstract: A refrigeration system is provided that comprises a compressor, condenser, a thermal expansion valve, an isentropic expansion nozzle, and an evaporator. An isentropic expansion nozzle includes an inlet and an outlet with the isentropic expansion nozzle inlet fluidly coupled to a thermal expansion valve outlet. The evaporator includes an inlet and an outlet, wherein the evaporator inlet is fluidly coupled to the isentropic expansion nozzle outlet and the evaporator outlet is fluidly coupled to the compressor inlet. Using the system, a fluid can be modified prior to evaporation. The fluid is passed through the thermal expansion valve to decrease a pressure and decrease a temperature of the fluid. The fluid is then passed through the isentropic expansion nozzle to increase a velocity of the fluid without substantially changing the temperature of the fluid. The fluid is thereafter passed into the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
  • Publication number: 20140208785
    Abstract: A system and method for a CO2 refrigeration system includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, a liquid receiver, a first valve, and a valve controller. The heat exchanger operates as a gas cooler when the CO2 refrigeration system is in a transcritical mode and as a condenser when the CO2 refrigeration system is in the subcritical mode. The first valve controls a flow of refrigerant from the heat exchanger to the liquid receiver. The valve controller monitors an outdoor ambient temperature and a pressure of refrigerant exiting the heat exchanger, determines whether the CO2 refrigeration system is in the subcritical mode or in the transcritical mode, determines a pressure setpoint based on the monitored outdoor ambient temperature, and controls the first valve based on a comparison of the determined pressure setpoint and the monitored pressure when the CO2 refrigeration system is in the transcritical mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES RETAIL SOLUTIONS, INC .
    Inventors: John Wallace, Franklin Beltran, Samuele Da Ros
  • Patent number: 8789381
    Abstract: The refrigeration unit of an electrically powered trailer refrigeration system includes an economized scroll compressor and an economizer circuit selectively operable to inject refrigeration vapor into an intermediate stage of the scroll compressor. An engine driven generator produces AC current to power the scroll compressor and other electric components of the system. During operation of the refrigeration system at high capacity demand, a controller will operate the refrigeration system in an economized mode if sufficient electric power is available from the generator and in the non-economized mode if insufficient power is available to sustain operation of the refrigeration system in the economized mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Nader S. Awwad, Michael Stockbridge
  • Publication number: 20140202187
    Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet; a first compartment; and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by a horizontal mullion. The cabinet also typically includes a coolant system that has: a single compressor for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment operably connected to at least one evaporator; a shared coolant fluid connection system; and a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system used to regulate both the temperature of the first compartment and the second compartment. The compressor can provide the shared coolant at least two different pressures to at least one evaporator using the shared coolant fluid connection circuit. The ratio of the substantially steady state heat gain for the first compartment to the substantially steady state total heat gain for the overall cabinet is about 0.65:1 or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: NIHAT O. CUR, STEVEN JOHN KUEHL, ANDREW D. LITCH, LUIZ A LOPEZ, GUOLIAN WU
  • Publication number: 20140196490
    Abstract: A variable speed drive (VSD) can be used to vary the voltage-to-frequency ratio (V/f) supplied to a compressor motor of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system to make the motor stronger or weaker to compensate for varying conditions in the HVAC&R system. The VSD and corresponding control system or algorithm can monitor an operating parameter of the HVAC&R system, such as the kW absorbed by the motor, and then raise or lower the V/f of the VSD to obtain the lowest possible power consumption from the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventor: Paul Nemit, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140196485
    Abstract: A thermal storage heat pump system transfers heat to a passenger compartment of a vehicle from at least one of a thermal storage device and ambient air. Heat from the thermal storage device is absorbed by a first coolant flowing through it, and is transferred to a refrigerant via a first heat exchanger. The heat is then transferred from the refrigerant to a second coolant via a second heat exchanger, and then from the second coolant to air flowing into the passenger compartment via a heater core. Heat from ambient air is absorbed by the refrigerant via a third heat exchanger. The heat source is determined by at least one of the thermal storage device temperature, ambient air temperature, and ambient air humidity. At start-up of the vehicle, heat transfer to the refrigerant and to the second coolant is controlled based on low-side and high-side pressure measurements of the refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul S. Lombardo, Lawrence P. Ziehr, Brian P. Lemon
  • Publication number: 20140196491
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the temperature of an electronic component of a computer. In one embodiment, a system includes a compressor, a compact cooling block, a condenser, and a controller. The compressor compresses or cools a refrigerant. The condenser receives the refrigerant and condenses the refrigerant. The compact cooling block is thermally coupled to an electronic component of a computer, receives the refrigerant from the condenser, transfers thermal energy from the electronic component to the refrigerant, and sends the refrigerant to back to the compressor. The controller is in electronic communication with the compressor and controls the compressor based on a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal in order to maintain a temperature range for the electronic component. In another embodiment, a system is provided that controls the temperature of a circulating liquid that, in turn, cools an electronic component of a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: POWERQUEST LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Zuili, Todd Stabinski, Daren Stabinski, Joe Arnold
  • Publication number: 20140196489
    Abstract: Control methods for vapor compression systems and multiple-load vapor compression systems having one or more refrigeration loops include selecting a desired set-point temperature range for a load temperature at one or more load locations. The vapor compression system is then operated to transfer heat from the one or more load locations to a rejection location. While the vapor compression system is operating, a control apparatus continually adjusts various parameters. A capacity of an adjustable-capacity compressor is adjusted to maintain with respect to an evaporator load a maximum low-side pressure of the refrigeration loop as measured by a first sensor. An adjustable rejection capacity of a rejection apparatus is adjusted to maintain a minimum high-side pressure of the refrigeration loop as measured by a second sensor. An adjustable opening of an expansion valve is adjusted to maintain a load temperature measured by the third sensor within the desired set-point temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON
    Inventors: Stephen M. Emo, Travis Michalak
  • Publication number: 20140196482
    Abstract: A heat pump system (100) comprising a first hydraulic circuit (1) suitable to carry out a heat pump cycle in solution with a first operating fluid which, during part of said cycle, is combined with at least one auxiliary substance so as to form a material system therewith, and a second hydraulic circuit (2) adapted to carry out a compression heat pump cycle with a second operating fluid. The first hydraulic circuit (1) comprises a first treatment device (10) for the material system for separating from the material system at least a fraction of the first operating fluid; a first condenser (11) for at least partially condensing the first operating fluid which has been separated; a first evaporator (13) for at least partially evaporating the first operating fluid which has been condensed, and a second treatment device (14) for the material system for again incorporating in the material system the first operating fluid which has been evaporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Gianfranco Pelligrini
  • Patent number: 8776538
    Abstract: A pontoon that includes infrastructure for fluidically coupling a heat exchanger or heat exchanger module into each of the seawater and working-fluid distribution systems of an OTEC power generation system is provided. In some embodiments, a pontoon comprises: (1) a first passage for conveying seawater between a first port and a second port at which a heat exchanger module can be connected; and (2) a conduit and connectors for connecting the heat exchanger module and the working fluid circulation system—even while the heat exchanger module is submerged. In some embodiments, pontoons in accordance with the present invention enable heat exchangers or heat exchanger modules to be added or removed to an OTEC system without disrupting the operation of other heat exchangers or heat exchanger modules in use in the OTEC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Nagurny, Eugene C. Jansen, Natalie B. Levings, Stephen L. Bailey, Robert J. Howard
  • Patent number: 8776537
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for implementing and/or utilizing a vector component within an air-conditioning (a/c) system. In one embodiment, the vector component may be situated between a compressor and a condenser of the a/c system. Moreover, the vector component may receive a superheated vapor from the compressor and route the superheated vapor into one or more capillary tubes. The superheated vapor may be cooled to a liquid by exposing the superheated vapor to a sub-cooled liquid. The liquid may then be transferred to the condenser. Additionally, at least a portion of the sub-cooled liquid may be heated to a saturated vapor and routed back to the compressor, where the above process may be repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Spin Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Shaun E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8776539
    Abstract: A system has first and second compressors (22, 180), a heat rejection heat exchanger (30), an ejector (38), a heat absorption heat exchanger (64), and a separator (48). The heat rejection heat exchanger (30) is coupled to the compressor to receive refrigerant compressed by the compressor. The ejector (38) has a primary inlet (40) coupled to the heat rejection exchanger (30) to receive refrigerant, a secondary inlet (42), and an outlet (44). The separator (48) has an inlet coupled to the outlet of the ejector to receive refrigerant from the ejector. The separator has a gas outlet (54) coupled to the compressor (22) to return refrigerant to the first compressor. The separator has a liquid outlet (52) coupled to the secondary inlet of the ejector to deliver refrigerant to the ejector (38). The heat absorption heat exchanger (64) is coupled to the liquid outlet of the separator to receive refrigerant. The second compressor (180) is between the separator and the ejector secondary inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Parmesh Verma, Jinliang Wang
  • Patent number: 8769972
    Abstract: A refrigeration system defines a closed loop that contains a working fluid, at least part of the working fluid being circulated through the closed loop. The refrigeration system includes a first heat transfer device that transfers heat from the first heat reservoir to the working fluid, a second heat transfer device that transfers heat from the working fluid to the second heat reservoir, and an electrochemical compressor between the first and second heat transfer devices. The electrochemical compressor includes one or more electrochemical cells electrically connected to each other through a power supply, each electrochemical cell including 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Xergy Inc
    Inventor: Bamdad Bahar
  • Patent number: 8769983
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a first compressor and a second compressor driven by an expander and including a high and low pressure heat exchanger, in which a low-pressure-side outlet of the high and low pressure heat exchanger is bypassed to a low pressure portion or an intermediate pressure portion to adjust an inlet density at the expander and thereby provide high efficiency. The high and low pressure heat exchanger of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the present invention changes an amount of heat exchange between a high-pressure refrigerant and a reduced-pressure refrigerant branched from the high-pressure refrigerant at an inlet portion of the high and low pressure heat exchanger and reduced in pressure to adjust the density of the refrigerant flowing in the expander so that power recovered by the expander and power required by the second compressor match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Okazaki
  • Patent number: 8769976
    Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigerant distribution in a vapour compression system, such as a refrigeration system, e.g. an air condition system, comprising at least two evaporators. The refrigerant distribution determines the distribution of the available amount of refrigerant among the evaporators. While monitoring a superheat, SH, at a common outlet for the evaporators, the distribution of refrigerant is modified in such a manner that a mass flow of refrigerant to a first evaporator is altered in a controlled manner. The impact on the monitored SH is then observed, and this is used for deriving information relating to the behaviour of the first evaporator, in the form of a control parameter. This is repeated for each evaporator, and the refrigerant distribution is adjusted on the basis of the control parameters. The impact may be in the form of a significant change in SH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Claus Thybo, Rafael Wisniewski
  • Publication number: 20140182317
    Abstract: A compressor (22; 260; 300; 400) has a housing assembly (140) with a suction port (24), a discharge port (26), and an economizer port (58). An impeller (154) is mounted to be driven in at least a first condition so as to draw a main flow of fluid through the suction port and discharge the fluid from the discharge port. A diffuser (220; 302; 402) has a plurality of diffuser passages (222; 310, 308; 403). Each diffuser passage has an inlet (224) positioned to receive fluid from the impeller and an outlet (220) downstream of the inlet in the first condition. One or more passages (230, 231, 232, 234, 236, 268; 320, 330, 332; 412) are positioned to draw an economizer flow of fluid from the economizer port and deliver the economizer flow downstream of the impeller inlet (212) but upstream of the diffuser passage outlets (226).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Joost Brasz
  • Patent number: 8765004
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a chiller apparatus containing a composition comprising from about 6 to about 70 weight percent 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and from about 30 to about 94 weight percent 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Also disclosed herein is a method for producing cooling in a chiller comprising (a) evaporating a liquid refrigerant comprising from about 6 to 70 weight percent 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and from about 30 to 94 weight percent 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane in an evaporator having a heat transfer medium passing therethrough thereby producing a vapor refrigerant; and (b) compressing the vapor refrigerant in a compressor. Also disclosed herein is a method for replacing a refrigerant in a chiller designed for using HFC-134a or CFC-12 as refrigerant, comprising charging said chiller with a composition comprising a refrigerant consisting essentially of from about 6 to 70 weight percent 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and from about 30 to 94 weight percent 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Konstantinos Kontomaris, Thomas Joseph Leck
  • Publication number: 20140165626
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of chloro-trifluoropropenes as refrigerants in negative-pressure liquid chillers and methods of replacing an existing refrigerant in a chiller with chloro-trifluoropropenes. The chloro-trifluoropropenes, particularly 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, have high efficiency and unexpectedly high capacity in liquid chiller applications and are useful as more environmentally sustainable refrigerants for such applications, including the replacement of R-123 and R-11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Arkema Inc.
    Inventors: Brett L. VAN HORN, Philippe BONNET, Laurent ABBAS
  • Patent number: 8752400
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a compressor to compress refrigerant, a condenser to liquefy the refrigerant supplied from the compressor, a capillary tube to decompress and expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser, an evaporator to vaporize the refrigerant supplied from the capillary tube, a shutoff valve installed at an inlet of the capillary tube so as to prevent the refrigerant in the condenser during stoppage of the compressor from being moved to the evaporator, and a control unit to enable the shutoff valve to be blocked together so as to prevent movement of the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator during stoppage of the compressor, and to enable the shutoff valve to be opened together so as to move the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator during starting of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jee Hoon Lee, Sang Gyu Jung, Seung Yong Yang, Jae Sek Oh, Kae Hum Lee, Sung Cheul Park, Jong Nam Lee, Ho June Jeon
  • Publication number: 20140157808
    Abstract: A system for cooling a refrigerant includes (a) an evaporator comprising one or more lengths of tubing each having an upstream first cross-sectional area and a second downstream cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being greater than the first cross-sectional area, the expansion in cross-sectional area between the first circular cross-sectional area and the second circular cross-sectional area being smooth and continuous; and (b) a compressor and a condenser for converting the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid for introduction into the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: PDX Technologies LLC
    Inventors: John S. Scherer, Ralph G. Tator
  • Publication number: 20140157807
    Abstract: An ejector (200; 300; 400; 600) has a primary inlet (40), a secondary inlet (42), and an outlet (44). A primary flowpath extends from the primary inlet to the outlet. A secondary flowpath extends from the secondary inlet to the outlet. A mixer convergent section (114) is downstream of the secondary inlet. A motive nozzle (100) surrounds the primary flowpath upstream of a junction with the secondary flowpath. The motive nozzle has an exit (110). A secondary inlet passageway along the secondary flowpath has a terminal portion oriented to discharge a secondary flow along the secondary flowpath at an angle of less than 75° off-parallel to a local direction of the primary flowpath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frederick J. Cogswell, Jinliang Wang, Parmesh Verma
  • Patent number: 8745996
    Abstract: To accommodate a transcritical vapor compression system with an operating envelope which covers a large range of heat source temperatures, a high side pressure is maintained at a level determined not only by operating conditions at the condenser but also at the evaporator. A control is provided to vary the expansion device in response to various combinations of refrigerant conditions sensed at both the condenser and the evaporator in order to maintain a desired high side pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: HongTao Qiao, Hans-Joachim Huff
  • Patent number: 8739562
    Abstract: Systems for limiting pressure differences in dual compressor chillers are provided. To achieve the efficiency benefits of series flow chillers within a single unit, an evaporator and/or a condenser may be partitioned into separate chambers by a baffle. Process fluid may then flow through one chamber of the evaporator and/or condenser prior to entering the other. This configuration creates a pressure differential between chambers which may reduce compressor head and result in greater chiller efficiency. However, to maintain the structural integrity of the evaporator and/or condenser baffle, a system for limiting this pressure differential may be employed. This system may include an evaporator pressure equalization valve, a common liquid line, or an equalizing line between separate liquid lines. Methods of operating dual compressor chillers using these systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jay A. Kohler, Mark A. Adams
  • Patent number: 8739561
    Abstract: A turbo compressor includes an impeller fixed to one end portion of a rotation shaft by a predetermined fastening member, and a regulating portion which is used to regulate rotation of the rotation shaft during fastening of the fastening member and is provided in the other end portion of the rotation shaft. The regulating portion is formed as a recessed portion recessed from an end surface of the other end portion of the rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuaki Kurihara
  • Publication number: 20140144164
    Abstract: The performance of a transport refrigeration system (12) having a transport refrigeration unit powered by a diesel engine is optimized by matching a capacity output of the transport refrigeration unit to an available shaft power of the diesel engine. The power consumption of the transport refrigeration may be controlled by selectively limiting refrigerant mass flow through the refrigerant circuit of the transport refrigeration unit in response to an operating engine load and an operating speed of the diesel engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Steele, John R. Reason, Michael Stockbridge
  • Publication number: 20140144165
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of warming a heat exchanger array of a very low temperature refrigeration system, the method comprising diverting at least a portion of refrigerant flow in the refrigeration system away from a refrigerant flow circuit used during very low temperature cooling operation of the refrigeration system, to effect warming of at least a portion of the heat exchanger array; and while diverting the at least a portion of refrigerant flow, preventing excessive refrigerant mass flow through a compressor of the refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Flynn, Yongqiang Qiu, HaeYong Moon