Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a pair of two-stage air conditioners. The method monitors a temperature of an area served by the air conditioners; activates a first stage of a first or lead air conditioner when the temperature rises above a first set point temperature; activates a first stage of a second or lag air conditioner when the temperature rises above a second set point temperature; activates a second stage of the first air conditioner only if the temperature remains above the second set point temperature beyond a first selected time period; and activates a second stage of the second air conditioner only if the temperature remains above the second set point temperature beyond a second selected time period.

Abstract: It is possible to prevent that a liquid refrigerant is included in a refrigerant injected into a compressor. Accordingly, the risk of liquid compression of the compressor is greatly reduced, thereby decreasing the possibility of damage to the compressor and improving reliability and performance.

Abstract: A first management apparatus that is connected to a first equipment device group including a plurality of first equipment devices centrally manages the first equipment devices. A second management apparatus connected to a second equipment device group including a plurality of second equipment devices separate from the plurality of first equipment devices centrally manages the second equipment devices. A group management apparatus connected to the first and second management apparatus centrally manages the first and second equipment device groups. The first and second management apparatus include first and second management programs to centrally manage the first and second equipment devices. The group management apparatus includes a group management program for centrally managing the first and second equipment device groups.

Abstract: By studying or storing refrigerating cycle characteristics of an air conditioning apparatus at the normal time and comparing them with refrigerating cycle characteristics acquired from the air conditioning apparatus at the time of operation, it becomes possible to exactly and accurately diagnose normality or abnormality of the air conditioning apparatus under any installation conditions and environmental conditions, which eliminates operations of inputting a difference between apparatus model names, a piping length, a height difference, etc at the time of apparatus installation. Accordingly, it aims at shortening the time of judging normality or abnormality, and improving the operability.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided that is capable of allowing an operator to know, during a refrigerant charging operation using a cylinder, that the refrigerant cylinder is emptied without using a scale or the like. An air conditioner in which the refrigerant is charged using a cylinder containing the refrigerant includes a refrigerant circuit, a charge port, a downstream temperature sensor, an outdoor side controller, and a display unit. The refrigerant circuit is configured by the interconnection of a compressor, an outdoor side heat exchanger, an indoor side expansion valve, and an indoor side heat exchanger. The charge port is a port for charging the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit from the cylinder. The downstream temperature sensor is provided in the vicinity of the charge port of the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: A system is provided and may include logic circuitry in communication with an intelligent device. The logic circuitry may process a refrigeration system operating parameter as a function of time and at least one of the logic circuitry and the intelligent device may diagnose a refrigeration system status based on the processing. The intelligent device may output the diagnosis.

Abstract: A user interface for a control system for an air conditioning apparatus includes a visual display and keys for scrolling menu items and entering commands to the control system. The interface is mounted in the apparatus cabinet and on a rotatable bracket to orient the interface for ease of reading the display and actuating the respective keys.

Abstract: A system for controlling a heating and cooling system for use on a machine includes a condenser, an evaporator assembly, an electric motor driven compressor, and a master controller operable to determine and regulate an operational speed of the compressor. The master controller includes a plurality of control algorithms each receiving respective dynamic input information and outputting a respective controller speed request based upon the respective dynamic input information.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit and an operation control means are provided. A refrigerant circuit is configured by the interconnection of a heat source unit, a plurality of utilization units, and expansion mechanisms. The heat source unit has a compressor and a heat source side heat exchanger. The utilization units have utilization side heat exchangers. The operation control means is capable of performing a refrigerant quantity judging operation to control constituent equipment such that a first state value becomes a first target control value. In addition, during the refrigerant quantity judging operation, the operation control means maintains a cooling capacity of a first utilization unit among the plurality of utilization units, which air conditions a predetermined space.

Abstract: Provided are a refrigerator and a controlling method thereof. The refrigerator includes a main body, a display device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, an audio output, an audio input, a voice recognizer, and a display controller. The display device is on the main body and includes a display. The RFID reader is on the display device or the main body. The audio output outputs through audio to an outside whether to enter a food name, when an RFID tag attached to a food item or a container holding the food item is read by the RFID reader. The audio input is on the display device, to which audio from the outside can be input. The voice recognizer reads audio input to the audio input. The display controller controls the display device to display on the display a screen corresponding to data read by the voice recognizer.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant quantity calculating section, and a refrigerant quantity judging section. The refrigerant circuit is configured by the interconnection of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor heat exchanger. The refrigerant quantity calculating section uses a relational expression between the refrigerant quantity in each portion of the refrigerant circuit when the refrigerant circuit is divided into a plurality of portions and an operation state quantity of constituent equipment or refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit in order to calculate the refrigerant quantity in each portion from the operation state quantity of constituent equipment or refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant quantity judging section uses the refrigerant quantity in each portion calculated by the refrigerant quantity calculating section in order to judge the adequacy of the refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: The applicant describes a system and methods of calculating the overall operating efficiency of an air conditioning chiller that evaluates efficiency of the component parts of the chiller and generates an overall efficiency based on these component efficiency values. If the overall chiller efficiency is less than the maximum attainable chiller efficiency, the cost of the inefficiency is calculated and presented to the user. Recommendations for corrective action to restore maximum chiller efficiency are identified and presented to the user. The system also adjusts the efficiency calculations as appropriate to account for actual compressor current load conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle heating and/or air-conditioning system has an automatic heating and air-conditioning function. In a manual control mode, corresponding to an air quantity settable by the user with a first setting device and a desired interior temperature settable by a second setting device, a manual control of the actual interior temperature and the air quantity takes place. In an automatic-function control mode, corresponding to the desired interior temperature settable by the user and a selected air-conditioning style, an automatic-function control of the actual interior temperature takes place by controlling fans and air distribution flaps corresponding to the selected air-conditioning style. A characteristic fan curve and/or a characteristic air distribution curve is assigned to each air-conditioning style.

Abstract: A method for controlling a temperature in a refrigeration system using a quality decay value expressing an expected decay rate in quality of the products being refrigerated, and which depends on the temperature of air present in the refrigeration system. The quality decay value is obtained using a mathematical model reflecting one or more physical and/or biological processes in the products. Prevents or reduces the quality degradation of the products in terms of shelf life, appearance or tastiness. Furthermore, a method for controlling the temperature in such a way that effects of scheduled events, such as temperature increase during defrosts, can be compensated prior to the event.

Abstract: A predictive maintenance method and apparatus for HVACR systems including a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a gaseous phase in the refrigerant fluid at a location wherein solely liquid phase should be present if the system is functioning properly.

Abstract: A differential temperature display system for balancing hydronic systems includes a first sensor for sensing a supply temperature and for outputting a first signal indicating the supply temperature. A second sensor is adapted for sensing a return temperature and for outputting a second signal indicating the return temperature. At least one integrated circuit is adapted for calculating a differential between the supply and return temperature. A single electronic display is adapted for displaying one of the supply temperature and the differential. A method of using the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Monitoring method and system are provided for dynamically determining airflow rate through and heat removal rate of an air-conditioning unit, such as a computer room air-conditioning unit. The method includes: sensing inlet and outlet temperatures of fluid passing through a heat exchanger associated with the air-conditioning unit; sensing air temperature at an air inlet side of the heat exchanger; automatically determining at least one of airflow rate through or heat removal rate of the air-conditioning unit, the automatically determining employing the sensed inlet temperature and outlet temperature of fluid passing through the heat exchanger, and the sensed air temperature at the air inlet side of the heat exchanger; and outputting the determined airflow rate through or heat removal rate of the air-conditioning unit. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger is an auxiliary air-to-air heat exchanger, and in another embodiment, the heat exchanger is the air-to-liquid heat exchanger of the air-conditioner.

Abstract: A smart rack having intelligent wireless climate sensors that detect and report one or more climate conditions is provided. The smart rack includes an enclosure that houses network elements and an array of intelligent wireless climate sensors that form a mesh network. The enclosure of the smart rack includes a console that displays climate measurements and notifications. The intelligent wireless climate sensors perform periodic climate measurements and detect climate conditions in the smart rack. When a climate condition is detected the console of the smart rack graphically displays the climate condition.

Abstract: A system and method includes a compressor operable in a refrigeration circuit and including a motor, a current sensor detecting current supplied to the motor, a discharge line temperature sensor detecting discharge line temperature of the compressor, and processing circuitry receiving current data from the current sensor and discharge line temperature data from the discharge line temperature sensor and processing the current data and the discharge line temperature data to determine a capacity of the refrigeration circuit.

Abstract: A cooling unit includes a cabinet with a cooling chamber, a refrigeration system including an evaporator mounted, a compressor, a condenser, and a controller for controlling the cooling unit. The controller has a memory, a processor and an output interface. The controller monitors at least one parameter of the cooling unit, logs in the memory data corresponding to the at least one parameter, and outputs the logged data via the output interface. The cooling unit can include a sensor that monitors a parameter that is logged in memory. The sensor can be a temperature sensor. The logged data can be compared to stored error conditions to detect whether an error condition has occurred. If an error condition has occurred, an error code is logged in memory and can be outputted via the output interface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a cooling or heating apparatus including at least a 5 compressor (1), a condenser (2), an expansion apparatus (7), a vaporizer (9) and a space for liquid accumulation (10). The invention is characterized essentially by a control system consisting of an electronic bubble detecting device (4) for detecting the occurrence of bubbles in the refrigerant condensate. The bubble detecting device (4) is attached in proximity to the condenser's (2) outlet or to its exit line, the bubble detecting device (4) is in electrical connection with an expansion apparatus (7) that is controlled electrically. The bubble detecting device (4) gives signals to the expansion apparatus (7).

Abstract: A food keeping refrigerator is provided. The food keeping refrigerator keeps food in refrigerating and freezing chambers and refrigerates and freezes the food through a cooling device. The food keeping refrigerator preserves the freshness and nutrition of food for an extended period of time by emitting appropriate light to the food stored in the refrigerating and freezing chambers of the food keeping refrigerator. The food keeping refrigerator includes a storing device that stores food keeping information, a light generating device mounted inside the refrigerating and freezing chambers that generates light and emits the light to the food, and a controller that reads the food keeping information corresponding to the food from the storing device and controls the light generating device to emit the light according to the food keeping information.

Abstract: Vapor compression air conditioning systems are provided with a flow restrictor for transferring working fluid to and from at least one of the compressor low pressure inlet conduit and compressor high pressure outlet conduit to provide for accurate charge adjustment to achieve predetermined fluid sub-cooling. Pressure and temperature measurements are taken at a condenser fluid outlet conduit and provided to a microcontroller for determining fluid sub-cooling and comparing sub-cooling with a predetermined target sub-cooling. A charge addition or recovery apparatus may include a solenoid valve controlled by the microcontroller to more accurately control the addition or recovery of refrigerant fluid charge.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes at least one refrigerated compartment and a food product management system. The food product management system includes a container for storing foodstuffs in the at least one refrigerated compartment. The container includes a storage zone and a lid. A tag is arranged on the container to provide a consumer with an indication of whether a food item stored in the container is or is not spoiled. The tag can include a timer having a display, an indicator that changes state upon the passage of a predetermined time period and a computer that notifies a consumer, such as through an email, about a parameter associated with the food item in the container. The tag is affixed to the container with adhesive, snaps, clips, hooks and the like or, alternatively, simply integrally formed with the container.

Abstract: A method for configuring a controller for an HVAC system. The method comprises providing a closed loop refrigerant system and a control system to control the closed loop refrigerant system. The control system comprises a controller, an input device, and a processor including a signal sensing circuit. The input device is activated to provide one or more signals to the controller to control the components of the closed loop refrigerant system. One or more signals are sensed with the signal sensing circuit to determine whether signals are present between the input device and the controller. The signals are processed with the processor to determine what type of closed loop refrigerant system is present. The controller is then configured to control the type of system determined by the processor.

Abstract: A refrigerator for monitoring the status of another space by means of a display device mounted to the refrigerator, a monitoring system having the refrigerator and a control method thereof. The refrigerator includes a body which is formed with a storage chamber, a door for opening and closing the storage chamber, and a display device which is mounted to a front side of the door, the display device having a receiving part for receiving a monitoring image signal from a predetermined outside signal supply source, an image signal processing part for processing the received monitoring image signal, a display part for displaying the monitoring image signal and a control part for controlling the image signal processing part so that the received monitoring image signal is displayed on the display part.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring an air-conditioner may include a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the fluid of the air-conditioner, a power sensor for detecting the presence of supply voltage supplied to the air-conditioner and applied voltage which is applied to the air-conditioner, an activation device to activate an alarm based upon the detection of the pressure from the pressure sensor, the detection of the supply voltage to the air-conditioner and the detection of the applied voltage to the air-conditioner. The activation device may be activated based only on the loss of pressure detected by the pressure sensor, and the activation device may not be activated if the supplied voltage is detected. The activation device may be activated when both the supplied voltage is detected and the applied voltage is not detected, and the activation device may be connected to a disconnect switch to detect the supplied voltage.

Abstract: Intelligent refrigerator system for storing pharmaceutical product containers, such as vials, ampules, syringes, bottles, medication tubes, blister packs and cartons, at the point of dispensing. Embodiments of the invention use product identification technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers, to uniquely identify containers as they are added to or removed from the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator, and automatically retrieve from a local or remote database a variety of details associated with the containers and their contents, such as manufacturing data, expiration dates, time out of refrigeration, inventory levels, safety information, usage statistics, known contraindications and warnings, etc. If the details indicate that there is a problem with a particular pharmaceutical (e.g.

Abstract: A method for detecting a clogged state of a pipe of a heat pump type multi-air conditioner includes: detecting a temperature of a pipe of an arbitrary indoor heat exchanger among a plurality of indoor heat exchangers; detecting a pressure of a refrigerant sucked into an arbitrary outdoor unit among a plurality of outdoor units in case of performing an air-conditioning operation, and detecting a pressure of a refrigerant introduced into the arbitrary indoor heat exchanger after being discharged from an arbitrary outdoor unit among the plurality of outdoor units in case of performing a heating operation; and comparing a pressure corresponding to the detected temperature of the pipe and the detected pressure of the refrigerant and determining whether the pipe is clogged based on the comparison result. By detecting a clogged state of a pipe, the heat pump type multi-air conditioner is prevented from being damaged due to a clogged state of the pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for position based tracking of operation of a transport refrigeration unit (TRU). A client application is provided on a data logger connected to the TRU. The client application determines position data of the TRU with respect to predefined geographic zones, acquires operational data of the TRU when the TRU is within the predefined geographic zones, and communicates with a remote server via wired communication or wireless communication. When the TRU arrives at a new facility that has not been defined as a geographic zone that the TRU operates in, a new geographic zone for the new facility is defined. The client application notifies a user of the TRU regarding control of the TRU's operating conditions based on the position data and the operational data. The control of the operating conditions ensures compliance of the user with TRU airborne toxic control measures.

Abstract: A control method for the air-conditioning treatment of products cyclically measures, at definable time intervals, the product temperature and, according thereto, automatically adjusts several environmental parameters inside the treatment chamber. In order to provide a process that is automatic and gentle and to save energy and time in comparison to conventional methods, actual values for a characteristic temperature of the product, the temperature of the air inside the treatment chamber and the temperature of the incoming air are measured in each cycle. At least at the beginning of the treatment process, the desired final state of the product is defined based on characteristic parameters, and set values for the measured parameters for the next cycle are automatically determined from the measured and defined parameters and, in the next measuring cycle, are compared with the respective actual values.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner system having, and method of operating, an externally controlled variable displacement compressor and a compressor clutch. If the system is operating during conditions when the operating displacement is low, the efficiency of the system is increased by duty cycling the clutch. Operating an externally controlled variable displacement compressor in this manner can also prevent overcooling by the air conditioner.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a device including an environmental condition sensor, a light sensor; and a control module. The control module associates a light intensity above a defined threshold with an open-door status of a container. In another embodiment, a device includes an environmental condition sensor, a rewriteable memory that stores environmental condition data from the environmental condition sensor, and a wireless communication module that transmits stored environmental condition data. Embodiments of the invention may be useful to provide techniques for monitoring environmental conditions within a container, such as a refrigerated trailer.

Abstract: A refrigeration system is provided that includes a low voltage control circuit, a high voltage control circuit, a refrigeration system component, a contactor, a plurality of detection points, and a diagnostic device. The contactor is controlled by the low voltage control circuit to apply supply voltage from the high voltage control circuit to the refrigeration system component. The detection points are serially positioned with respect to one another within the low voltage control circuit and/or the high voltage control circuit. The diagnostic device has a plurality of indicator lights, where each indicator light is in electrical communication with a different one of the plurality of detection points.

Abstract: A household energy management system uses measurements of the household electricity supply to identify and to determine the energy consumption of individual household appliances. From these measurements, models can be built of the behaviour of the occupants of the house, the thermal properties of the house and the efficiency of the appliances. Using the models, the household appliances—in particular heating and cooling appliances—can be controlled to optimize energy efficiency; and maintenance programmes for the appliances and for the house itself can be recommended to the householder or arranged with a service company.

Abstract: Intelligent refrigerator system for storing pharmaceutical product containers, such as vials, ampules, syringes, bottles, medication tubes, blister packs and cartons, at the point of dispensing. Embodiments of the invention use product identification technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers, to uniquely identify containers as they are added to or removed from the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator, and automatically retrieve from a local or remote database a variety of details associated with the containers and their contents, such as manufacturing data, expiration dates, time out of refrigeration, inventory levels, safety information, usage statistics, known contraindications and warnings, etc. If the details indicate that there is a problem with a particular pharmaceutical (e.g.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit and diagnostic method therefore are provided. The refrigeration unit includes: a housing with an insulated cavity for storing food and beverages; a vapor cycle system operative to cool the food and beverages in the insulated cavity; a plurality of sensors in communication with the vapor cycle system and outputting data relative to the vapor cycle system; and a controller that, according to the data from the plurality of sensors, determines an occurrence of an event. Wherein the controller logs the data from the plurality of sensors to a data structure according to a first data-logging mode, and logs the data to the data structure according to a second data-logging mode upon occurrence of the event. In one embodiment the refrigeration unit may be a refrigeration line replaceable unit (LRU) configured for an aircraft galley.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and apparatus for determining a food product and determining a price range defining a maximum price and a minimum price. An indication is stored that the food product may be offered, as a set of one or more food products, in exchange for a round-up amount associated with a purchase, if the round-up amount is in the price range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring state information in a trial run mode of a multi-airconditioning system in which a plurality of indoor units are controlled by only one outdoor unit is disclosed. The apparatus and method connects a dedicated controller to the outdoor unit in a trial run mode of the multi-airconditioning system, such that it controls the indoor units and monitors state information of the indoor and outdoor units. The apparatus includes a trial-run-mode controller and a control input & state display unit. The trial-run-mode controller connected to the outdoor unit includes a trial-run-mode program for automatically detecting poor installation of the multi-airconditioning system.

Abstract: An electronic flow meter having sensors to determine the temperature and flow rate of a fluid flowing through the flow meter and into a downstream circuit, such as a cooling water circuit, of known diameter is flowing under turbulent or laminar conditions based upon a calculation of a corresponding Reynolds number and comparison of the calculated Reynolds number to Reynolds numbers indicative of the desired flow characteristic. A display is provided to indicate the flow characteristic of the fluid flowing through the flow meter as determined by the processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for indicating the status of the refrigerant charge in an air conditioning system based upon the degree of subcooling present in the condensed refrigerant system temperature measurements. The status of the refrigerant charge in the system is indicated in real-time on a service panel for access by a field service technician. The status of the refrigerant charge in the system on a time-average basis for a specified period of operation is presented on an indicator panel. The indicator panel includes a first indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is low, a second indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is high, and a third indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is correct.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting flash gas in a vapor-compression refrigeration or heat pump system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator interconnected by conduits providing a flow path for a refrigerant, by determining a first rate of heat flow of a heat exchange fluid flow across a heat exchanger of the system and a second rate of heat flow of the refrigerant across the heat exchanger, and using the rates of heat flow for establishing an energy balance from which a parameter for monitoring the refrigerant flow is derived, to thereby provide early detection of flash gas with a minimum number of false alarms.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for identifying an optimal placement of an item within a storage unit. The process identifies an item for placement in the storage unit. The process determines a preferred storage temperature range for the identified item. The process then selects an optimal placement location within the storage unit for the identified item based on the preferred storage temperature range and a set of temperature readings for the storage unit.

Abstract: An illumination device for a refrigerator and a method of controlling the same are provided. The illumination device includes a lamp assembly that irradiates light to an inside of a storage chamber of the refrigerator, a base plate mounted on a side within the storage chamber, wherein the lamp assembly is provided on a side of the base plate, a watertight cover formed to enclose the lamp assembly blocking direct penetration of water into the lamp assembly, and at least one fastening device formed on a side of the base plate. The at least one fastening device surrounds an outer surface and an inner surface of entire lower edge of the watertight cover along a side of the watertight cover forming a recess-prominence engagement with the watertight cover. Lamps provided in the lamp assembly are individually controlled through a manipulation panel mounted on the main body.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, monitoring the health of a cryocooler includes monitoring physical properties of the cryocooler to obtain failure precursor parameters that indicate cryocooler health. A health fingerprint of the cryocooler is accessed. The health fingerprint associates the failure precursor parameters with a health level of the cryocooler. The health of the cryocooler is estimated in accordance with the health level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for evaluating a non-measured operating variable in a refrigeration plant, which can be derived from at least one signal which is sensed at specific points in time, enabling early recognition of errors. An error indicator is formed by means of the following steps: a) the error indicator is set to a specified value at a first moment in time; b) a sum if formed from the error indicator of a predetermined earlier moment in time and a first variable derived from an estimated value for the operating variable taking into account at least one signal-dependent variable; c) the error indicator is set to the value of the sum if the sum is greater than the specified value, and set to the specified value if the sum is less than or the same as the specified value.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a compressor assembly including a compressor and a motor protector includes logic circuitry associated with the motor protector and operable to analyze a status of the motor protector as a function of time and identify a specific fault cause. The diagnostic system also includes a demand signal sensor and a current sensor, wherein the logic circuitry is associated with the sensors to further enable the diagnostic system to determine a specific fault cause.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and managing a refrigeration system of a remote location includes a management center in communication with a refrigeration system through a communication network. The management center receives performance information of the refrigeration system. The management center employs software modules to analyze the performance information; diagnose system conditions; provide alarms for food safety issues, food quality issues and refrigeration system component failure; indicate maintenance conditions; and configure the refrigeration system.

Abstract: An air conditioner having an enhanced user perception and a controlling method thereof are provided. A predetermined character and/or its applied character image are/is displayed on a display window of the air conditioner. The character and/or the character image are/is changed depending on the operational states of the air conditioner, so that the user perceives the operational state of the air conditioner more conveniently. The air conditioner has advantages in that the user can perceive the operational state of the air conditioner more conveniently, the user can be stimulated to purchase the product, and a use term of the air conditioner can be extended.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a mass of refrigerant, a reservoir containing a first portion of the mass of refrigerant, and a condenser containing a second portion of the mass of refrigerant. A first sensor is positioned to measure a first parameter of the reservoir and output a first signal indicative of the first parameter. A second sensor is positioned to measure a second parameter of the condenser and output a second signal indicative of the second parameter. A processor receives the first signal and the second signal to calculate a weight of missing refrigerant.