Abstract: A transportation container includes a storage volume. A refrigeration system is contained within the storage volume. The refrigeration system includes a fan configured to ingest exterior air, a condenser coil immediately downstream of the fan, and a vent configured exhaust spent cooling air from the storage volume. A controller is configured to control the refrigeration system. the controller includes instructions configured to cause the refrigeration system to detect an indication of operational deterioration of a transportation container refrigeration system, reverse a rotational direction of an airflow fan such that air is drawn over a refrigeration coil and expelled from the transportation container using the airflow fan, and revert the rotational direction of the airflow fan at a conclusion of a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A method to manage defrosting of a refrigeration plant provided with at least one compressor and at least one evaporator, including defining a plurality of defrosting modes, which can be selected by the manufacturer and/or by the end user, which are based on one or more functioning parameters of the refrigeration plant; such functioning parameters are detected by detection probes provided in the refrigeration plant such as pressure switches, thermostats, timing devices or other, associated with the compressor and/or the evaporator, or other; and memorizing the plurality of defrosting modes in an electronic device to manage the defrosting.

Abstract: A control system for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a controller. The controller is configured to control the HVAC system to condition an air flow based on first feedback from a first sensor of the HVAC system, receive second feedback from a second sensor of the HVAC system, and control the HVAC system to condition the air flow based on the second feedback instead of the first feedback when the first feedback from the first sensor being no longer available. The first feedback is indicative of a first operating parameter of the HVAC system, and the second feedback is indicative of a second operating parameter of a refrigerant flowing through the HVAC system.

Abstract: A thermal control system includes a housing defining an intake flow path for travel of intake airflow and an exhaust flow path for travel of exhaust airflow. An intake door is disposed along the intake flow path and has first and second positions blocking and allowing intake airflow through the intake door. An exhaust door is disposed along the exhaust flow path and has first and second positions blocking and allowing exhaust airflow through the exhaust door. A mode door is disposed in the housing between the intake flow path and the exhaust flow path with a first position blocking the intake airflow and allowing the exhaust airflow to pass through a heat exchanger, a second position blocking the exhaust airflow and allowing the intake airflow to pass through the heat exchanger, and a third position allowing the intake airflow and the exhaust airflow to pass through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An IoT-based system and method are described having an IoT hub including an accelerometer. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: an Internet of Things (IoT) service, a plurality of IoT devices, each IoT device comprising a first secure communication module, and an IoT hub in communication with the plurality of IoT devices. The IoT hub comprising: a microcontroller unit to execute application-specific program code, a second secure communication module to establish a first secure communication channel with the IoT service and a plurality of second secure communication channels with the plurality of IoT devices, and a sensor to detect physical movements of the IoT hub and to change an operating mode of the IoT hub from a first operating mode to a second operating mode based on the physical movements.

Abstract: An air conditioner system is provided that may include an air conditioner including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger that performs heat exchange using refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a camera module that photographs the outdoor heat exchanger, a sensor unit including a plurality of sensors, and a communication unit that transmits an image of the outdoor heat exchanger photographed by the camera module and sensor data detected by the sensor unit, and a server including a communication unit that receives the image of the outdoor heat exchanger photographed by the camera module and the sensor data detected by the sensor unit, and a defrosting controller that determines whether the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted based on image data of the outdoor heat exchanger photographed by the camera module, and predicts a frosting timing based on the sensor data detected by the sensor unit.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum adiabatic body. The vacuum adiabatic body includes an alternating current line through which AC current flows as a driving source, a direct current line through which direct current flows as a driving source, and a signal line through which a control signal flows as electric lines configured to electrically connect the first space to the second space. Thus, the number of lines passing through the vacuum adiabatic body may be reduced.

Abstract: A control method for a heating system of an air conditioner, the method includes: obtaining ambient temperature and external heat exchanger evaporation temperature; obtaining external heat exchanger evaporation pressure, and obtaining, according to the external heat exchanger evaporation pressure, corresponding saturation temperature; and controlling a base plate heating device according to the ambient temperature, the external heat exchanger evaporation temperature, or the saturation temperature. The base plate heating device is controlled according to the ambient temperature, the saturation temperature corresponding to the external heat exchanger evaporation pressure, or the external heat exchanger evaporation temperature, and may avoid freezing of the base plate of an air conditioner, and may ensure normal drainage of the base plate during defrosting to improve the stability and reliability of the air conditioner.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a compressor, a condenser, a freezing chamber evaporator, a freezing chamber fan, a defrosting heater, a wine chamber evaporator, a wine chamber fan, a path switching device configured to guide the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to the freezing chamber evaporator in a freezing chamber mode and to guide the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to the wine chamber evaporator in a wine chamber mode, and a controller configured to turn on the defrosting heater to perform a freezing chamber defrosting mode for defrosting the freezing chamber evaporator, to control the path switching device to the wine chamber mode while the temperature of the wine chamber is dissatisfied when the temperature of the wine chamber is dissatisfied in the freezing chamber defrosting mode, and to drive the wine chamber fan.

Abstract: A method includes measuring a saturated suction temperature, receiving actual temperature value reflective of the measured saturated suction temperature, and determining whether the actual temperature value is less than a first pre-determined minimum threshold temperature value. If the actual temperature value is less than the first pre-determined minimum threshold temperature value, initiating a timer to operate for a pre-determined time interval. Determining whether the actual temperature value is less than a second pre-determined minimum threshold temperature value and if the actual temperature value is less the second pre-determined minimum threshold temperature value, initiating the timer to operate for a modified time interval. If the timer has expired, the operation of the compressor is modified.

Abstract: Defrost system for smart locker in package delivery are disclosed herein. An example method can include receiving a delivery message from a delivery unit that a package is to be delivered to a locker unit, the delivery message including an expected delivery time, determining a frozen condition for the locker unit, and activating a defroster element associated with the locker unit before delivery of the package by the delivery unit according to expected delivery time.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, a condenser configured to condense the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, an expander configured to depressurize the refrigerant condensed in the condenser, a plurality of evaporators configured to evaporate the refrigerant depressurized in the expander, a first valve configured to be operated to introduce the refrigerant into at least one of the plurality of evaporators, a hot gas valve device disposed at an inlet side of the first valve and configured to guide the refrigerant passed through the compressor or the condenser to the plurality of evaporators, and a hot gas path configured to extend from the hot gas valve device to the plurality of evaporators.

Abstract: An air conditioning system and a defrosting control method and device thereof including: obtaining defrosting exit time determined in previous defrosting, and controlling the air conditioning system to perform this defrosting according to the defrosting exit time determined in the previous defrosting; in this defrosting process of the air conditioning system, obtaining the temperature of an outdoor environment, and obtaining the temperature of an outlet of an outdoor heat exchanger; determining the temperature of the outdoor environment and the temperature of the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger; and if the temperature of the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger is lower than a first preset temperature and lasts a preset time and the temperature of the outdoor environment is lower than a second preset temperature, obtaining forced defrosting time serving as the defrosting exit time of the next defrosting of the air conditioning system, and storing the time.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater including a water tank, a combustion chamber, a burner assembly disposed within the combustion chamber, a gas valve for controllably supplying gas to the burner assembly, a temperature sensor coupled to the combustion chamber, wherein the temperature sensor generating a signal related to the temperature of the combustion chamber, and a controller having an electronic processor and memory. The controller is configured to receive the signal at a first predetermined time and at a second predetermined time, calculate a change in temperature based on the signal received at the first predetermined time and the signal received at the second predetermined time, compare the change in temperature to a rate of change threshold to produce a first comparison, and shut the gas valve in response to the change in temperature being less than the rate of change threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a controller for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system. The controller is configured to operate in a first defrost mode or a second defrost mode, determine that feedback from a first sensor of the HVAC system is unavailable, receive feedback from a second sensor of the HVAC system, and operate the HVAC system in the second defrost mode instead of the first defrost mode in response to unavailability of the feedback from the first sensor and based on the feedback from the second sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the defrost cycles of evaporators associated with the compartments of a refrigerator. Defrost heaters associated with each evaporator are turned on and run until either a predetermined maximum defrost temperature is reached for the compartments or until a predetermined maximum run time is reached for each defrost heater. A controller determines a defrost interval based on running times of the freezer defrost heater and the ice maker defrost heater so that the duration of the defrost interval is inversely related to the duration of the running time of the freezer defrost heater and the ice maker defrost heater. The controller also reduces the defrost interval for every second a door of the compartments remains open, compares the reduced defrost interval with the defrost length, and selects the shorter one as the new defrost interval.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly for preventing condensation on a surface of an object. The assembly may include a condensation mitigation device; a surface temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature; an ambient temperature sensor configured to sense an ambient temperature; and a humidity sensor configured to sense a humidity. The condensation mitigation device may be operably coupled to the surface temperature sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the humidity sensor.

Abstract: A method, and related refrigerated device, is provided for controlling a heater element of a refrigerated device having a compartment including an access door engageable with a perimeter of a compartment opening when the door is closed and a refrigeration circuit for cooling the compartment to a set point temperature, wherein the heater element heats a surface of the perimeter of the compartment opening to inhibit formation of condensation on the surface. The method involves: determining a temperature and relative humidity of ambient air surrounding the refrigerated device; determining a dew point temperature of the ambient air based upon the temperature and the relative humidity of the ambient air; and defining an energization level for the heater element based at least in part upon each of (i) the determined dew point temperature, (ii) the temperature of the ambient air and (iii) the set point temperature of the compartment.

Abstract: In a heat pump cycle device, a flow passage switching portion includes a flow passage switching valve body configured to open and close a cooling side flow passage. A refrigerant circulation circuit includes a low-pressure flow passage through which a low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by a first decompressor flows toward a compressor in a heating mode, and a pre-evaporator flow passage provided between the flow passage switching valve body and a refrigerant inlet of an evaporator. The flow passage switching portion causes a pre-evaporator flow passage to communicate with the low-pressure flow passage while bypassing the evaporator when a refrigerant pressure in the low-pressure flow passage is lower than a refrigerant pressure in the pre-evaporator flow passage, in the heating mode.

Abstract: A method of operating an air conditioner unit, as provided herein, includes initiating a first heat pump cycle, the first heat pump cycle comprising sending a control signal to the fan to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed, and detecting an actual rotational speed of the fan, calculating a first flow rate of air through the first heat exchanger based on the control signal and the actual rotational speed, storing the first flow rate as a first reference flow rate, stopping the first heat pump cycle, initiating a second heat pump cycle, calculating a second flow rate of air through the first heat exchanger, comparing the calculated second flow rate to the first reference flow rate, and directing the air conditioner unit based on the comparison of the calculated second flow rate to the first reference flow rate.

Abstract: A refrigerator fan device, comprising: a fan motor (10) which has a fan rotor (12) and which can be provided in an air duct between an air inlet (16), a refrigerator heat exchanger (15), and/or a refrigerator compressor (14) and an air outlet (18) on or in a refrigerator housing (20, 22), said fan motor (10) being connectable to a unit of the refrigerator, via electrical supply and/or control lines, wherein the fan motor (10) is realized as a brushless speed-controllable DC motor whose operating speed is or can be controlled as a function of an operating and/or used cooling space temperature signal of, the assigned or assignable refrigerator compressor.

Abstract: A defrosting control method for a multi-split system is provided. A multi-split system comprises an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. An expansion valve is provided on a connecting pipeline between each of the indoor units and the outdoor unit. When the expansion valve of each activated indoor unit is closed and the degree of opening of the expansion valve of each off-state indoor unit is less than or equal to a maximum set degree of opening, the system satisfies a defrosting requirement, and as a result the method controls the expansion valve of each activated indoor unit to remain closed, thereby resolving the issue of a dramatic temperature drop in a room having an activated indoor unit during defrosting and improving user satisfaction. The degree of opening of the expansion valve of a off-state indoor unit is Off_PLS, and is controlled such that Off_PLS=ALL_HP*Avg_PLS/Off_HP.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger connected to each other, the refrigerant circuit being capable of executing at least a heating operation by circulating a refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit, and a control unit configured to start a defrosting operation for melting frost formed on the outdoor heat exchanger when a first defrosting start condition is satisfied in a case where a predetermined premise situation is not established and start the defrosting operation when a second defrosting start condition stricter than the first defrosting start condition is satisfied in a case where the predetermined premise situation is established. The predetermined premise situation is at least either a situation relating to unlikelihood of formation of frost on the outdoor heat exchanger progressing or a situation where a load of the heating operation is large.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle device performs a heating operation and a defrosting operation. A refrigerant circulates in opposite directions in the defrosting operation and the heating operation. The refrigeration cycle device includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, a decompressor, and a flow path switch. In the heating operation, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the decompressor, and the second heat exchanger. In the defrosting operation, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor, the second heat exchanger, the decompressor, and the first heat exchanger. The defrosting operation includes a first mode and a second mode. The opening of the decompressor is greater in the first mode than in the heating operation. The opening of the decompressor is less in the second mode than in the first mode.

Abstract: An air volume adjustment device for a refrigerator comprises a fan, a baffle, an operating knob and a potentiometer. The baffle is disposed between a first air inlet cavity of a first compartment and a second air inlet cavity of a second compartment. The baffle is capable of moving among a plurality of positions to adjust the volume of air entering the first air inlet cavity and the second air inlet cavity. The operating knob and the potentiometer are connected to the front side and the rear side of the baffle respectively. The potentiometer is connected to a controller. The operating knob operably drives the baffle to move. The potentiometer transmits an electrical signal corresponding to a position of the baffle to the controller. The controller controls a rotational speed of the fan or controls the compressor to be started up or shut down.

Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid. The fluid vapor distillation apparatus also includes a control system.

Abstract: To provide a technique of eliminating condensation adhering to a vehicle inner side of the glass to improve the reliability of a vehicle-mounted optical device. A vehicle-mounted optical device includes: an imaging unit that captures an outside of a vehicle through glass mounted to the vehicle to obtain an image; a condensation detection unit that detects condensation of the glass by determining whether an image in a predetermined range of a part of the image is in a predetermined state; and a condensation removal device control processing unit that actuates a condensation removal device which removes condensation of the glass when the condensation detection unit detects the condensation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that calibrate a defrost threshold used to determine when a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system enters a defrost mode, and, more particularly, determine frost temperature differences used to determine the defrost threshold when the HVAC system is in a stable condition. A frost temperature difference is a difference between an outdoor ambient temperature and a refrigerant temperature. The HVAC system determines that it is in the stable condition by determining that a standard deviation of a current frost temperature difference from a previous frost temperature difference is below a standard deviation threshold. When the HVAC system is in the stable condition, the frost temperature differences are determined, and the defrost threshold is determined from the frost temperature differences.

Abstract: A mist management system for a processing machine includes a pressure distribution assembly configured to evacuate mist from a portion of the processing machine into a plenum using pressure differences between the portion of the processing machine and the plenum. In one aspect, the system may include a mist directing assembly configured to purposefully direct mist toward the plenum using movement and momentum of the mist.

Abstract: A refrigerator configured to have enhanced energy efficiencies during the defrosting process, thus delivering excellent energy-saving performance. The refrigerator, includes: a cooler that produce a cold air; a defrosting heater that is placed under the cooler; a cooler cover that covers the cooler, an inlet-side space leading to the cooler, an outlet-side space extending from the cooler, and a connection space connecting the inlet-side space and the outlet-side space to one another; an inlet damper that opens and closes the inlet-side space; and a connection damper that opens and closes the connection space.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes an ice maker disposed in a fresh food compartment. An air handler assembly conveys cooling air through the ice maker. An insulated air duct is disposed between an evaporator and a fan for preventing the migration of ice from the evaporator to the fan. The insulated duct has an opening extending from an end adjacent the evaporator to an end adjacent the fan. A lower inner wall of the air duct has a first ramped portion on the end adjacent the evaporator. In another example, the icemaker includes a sensor assembly positioned to detect a level of ice in the ice bin. The sensor assembly includes an emitter for sending photons along a predetermined path, and a receiver for detecting the photons when the photons are reflected off an object disposed in the predetermined path.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an air conditioning apparatus has one or a plurality of indoor units, an outdoor unit, and a controller. The one or plurality of indoor units have an indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor expansion valve in which a degree of opening is variable. The outdoor unit has an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, a compressor, and a discharge pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure of a refrigerant discharged from the compressor. When a discharge pressure detected by the discharge pressure sensor is less than a predetermined pressure threshold value while a heating operation is performed, the controller sets a maximum time for continuing a defrosting operation started by a start condition of the defrosting operation being satisfied to be shorter than a maximum time for continuing the defrosting operation when the discharge pressure is equal to or higher than the pressure threshold value.

Abstract: Method for controlling defrosting of the outer exchanger of a heat pump machine, comprising the steps of: defining in the outer air temperature/evaporation temperature plane three zones; acquiring the outer air temperature and the evaporation temperature; individuating in which zone of the Taria_ext/T_evap plane the point falls, identified by the two acquired temperature measures; inverting the machine functioning cycle when the point falls in an unsafe zone; reducing the rotation speed of the compressor of said heat pump machine when the point falls in an intermediate zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include providing a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system with a controller that may adjust the defrost procedure algorithm by monitor the refrigeration coil temperature sensor and the ambient outdoor temperature sensor, calculate an Actual Coil Delta Temperature (ACDT); compare the calculated ACDT to an Initiate Delta Temperature (DTINIT) associated with the measured ambient outdoor temperature; initiate a defrost procedure in response to the calculated ACDT being greater than or equal to the DTINIT; determine if the duration of the defrost procedure is within a predetermined time threshold; and adjust the duration of a next defrost procedure in response to determining that a predetermined number of consecutive defrost procedures have occurred outside of the predetermined time threshold.

Abstract: A system for heating a building via refrigerant includes a coil temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and a controller. The controller includes a processing circuit configured to record a system operating parameter and a control step of a control process before performing a sacrificial defrost cycle. The processing circuit is configured to cause the system to perform the sacrificial defrost cycle and operate the system at predefined system operating parameters other than the recorded system operating parameters. The system is configured to cause the system to operate at the recorded system operating parameters and generate calibration data in response to the sacrificial defrost cycle ending. The processing circuit is configured to cause the control process to operate at the recorded control step and cause the system to perform a defrost cycle based on the calibration data, the coil temperature, and the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body having a storage compartment, an ice making device, and an ice bucket to store the generated ice. The ice bucket includes an ice bucket body, an ice storage space inside the ice bucket body, and a spacing member to allow ice to be spaced apart from the ice bucket body toward the ice storage space to secure a flow path of cool air, so that the cool air smoothly flows inside the ice bucket body. A full-ice detecting sensor having an emitter and a receiver to receive optical signals is provided. A control unit determines a full-ice status by receiving an output value of signals received from the full-ice detecting sensor.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for load control for cooling systems are provided. Coolant flows through a plurality of cooling units in a cooling system. The coolant flow is halted for each cooling unit that is undergoing a defrost cycle. Each cooling unit is configured to start a first defrost cycle at a random time within a predetermined time range after the cooling unit is started or powered on. After the first random start defrost cycle, a regular periodic defrost cycle may be maintained. Thus, the cooling units may be powered on simultaneously while still providing desynchronized defrost cycles, enabling the cooling system to maintain adequate coolant flow and heat load to avoid deleterious stop and restart cycles.

Abstract: An energy management device includes: an acquirer that acquires a reduction target period, a reduction target amount, an equipment type, a presence of a special operation schedule, a scheduled time of a special operation, and a status; a generator that generates multiple control patterns on the basis of the information acquired by the acquirer; a selector that selects a control pattern to execute from among the multiple control patterns; and a controller that transmits control information to the equipment to be controlled on the basis of the control pattern to execute. At least one of the multiple control patterns is a control pattern for shifting the scheduled time of a special operation to outside the reduction target period, and reducing the power consumption amount by the reduction target amount or more during the reduction target period.

Abstract: A method for defrosting a heat exchanger of a refrigeration circuit is provided. The method includes monitoring a compressor suction parameter at a suction line to a compressor of the refrigeration circuit. The method also includes determining a compressor suction parameter threshold. Also, the method includes initiating a defrost mode of the refrigeration circuit when the compressor suction parameter is less than or equal to the compressor suction parameter threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compressor for use with an apparatus having a refrigeration cycle where the compressor includes a piston which reciprocates in a cylinder; a linear motor configured to provide a driving force to move the piston; a sensor configured to sense a motor current of the linear motor; and a compressor controller configured to detect information related to a load of the apparatus, in a separated manner from a controller which controls a body of the apparatus, wherein the compressor controller calculates a phase difference between a stroke of the piston and the sensed motor current, and wherein the compressor controller compares the calculated phase difference with a reference phase difference, and controls a driving of the linear motor in correspondence to the detected load, according to a result of the comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed are a compressor applied to a refrigerator not having a cycle matching function or a refrigerator not including a controller, and capable of controlling a driving of a linear motor by the compressor itself, and a method for controlling the same.

Abstract: In various implementations, an air conditioner may include one or more compressors, more than one expansion device, and/or a microchannel condenser. High pressure events may occur during operation of the air conditioner and may be identified. When a high pressure event is identified a bypass operation may be allowed.

Abstract: A method for defrosting an evaporator, includes: (i) closing an outlet part that serves as a refrigerant outlet of the evaporator; (ii) closing an inlet part that serves as a refrigerant inlet of the evaporator; (iii) connecting the outlet part and the inlet part to one another; (iv) heating the evaporator. An evaporator, includes: an inlet part that serves as a refrigerant inlet; a first switching valve that is placed in the inlet part; an outlet part that serves as a refrigerant outlet; a second switching valve that is placed in the outlet part; a bypass pathway that connected the inlet part and the outlet part to one another; a horizontal pipe that is communicated with the inlet part; and a vertical pipe that connects the horizontal pipe and the outlet part to one another. A cooling apparatus can include the evaporator.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device integrates an enable function and an over-temperature protection function (OTP) on the same line, thereby reducing the PCB layout between a microcontroller and a mainboard circuit, and further reducing the circuit complexity and cost. In addition, the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor in the electronic device is also directly coupled to a circuit pin used for the enable function of the microcontroller to serve as an over-temperature protection application. Therefore, even if the microcontroller fails, the electronic device may still use the hardware circuit structure to automatically achieve the over-temperature protection function.

Abstract: The refrigeration cycle apparatus includes: liquid-side connection piping that extends from liquid-side refrigerant piping; gas-side connection piping that extends from gas-side refrigerant piping; a refrigerant storage tank that stores refrigerant, an intake side thereof being connected to the liquid-side connection piping, and a discharge side thereof being connected to the gas-side connection piping; an inlet-side electromagnetic valve that is disposed on the liquid-side connection piping, and that is opened when there is no passage of electric current; an inlet-side check valve that is disposed on the liquid-side connection piping, and that allows the refrigerant to flow only toward the refrigerant storage tank; and a valve apparatus that is disposed on the gas-side connection piping, that is opened during passage of electric current to the inlet-side electromagnetic valve, and that is delayed before being shut off after passage of electric current to the inlet-side electromagnetic valve is stopped.

Abstract: An outdoor unit control unit 200 has a defrosting operation condition table 300a that defines a defrosting operation interval time Tm in accordance with a total sum of rated capacity of indoor units 5a to 5c and a refrigerant pipe length as lengths of a liquid pipe 8 and a gas pipe 9. The outdoor unit control unit 200 uses the total sum of the rated capacity of indoor units 5a to 5c input by using an installation information input unit 250 and refers to the defrosting operation condition table 300a, so as to determine the defrosting operation interval time Tm. Then, the outdoor unit control unit 200 forcibly performs a defrosting operation when the defrosting operation interval time Tm elapses without establishment of a defrosting operation start condition since the last defrosting operation is terminated.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a compressor; an outdoor heat exchanger; an indoor heat exchanger; an outdoor fan configured to supply outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger; and an indoor fan configured to supply indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner performs a heating operation by driving both the indoor fan and the outdoor fan and by causing refrigerant to flow in one direction through both the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger and so that a defrost operation in which both the indoor fan and the outdoor fan are stopped is performed by causing the refrigerant to flow in the opposite direction to that in the heating operation. When a defrost failure is caused by the defrost operation the outdoor fan is driven, and the indoor fan is stopped for a predetermined period of time, after which the defrost operation is resumed.

Abstract: During heat applying operation, both an air-source heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the atmosphere as a heat source and an earth-source heat exchanger that uses geothermal heat as a heat source serve as evaporators to collect heat from the atmosphere and the geothermal heat. During defrosting operation, while a four-way valve is switched to cause the air-source heat exchanger to serve as a radiator, and the earth-source heat exchanger to serve as an evaporator to collect the geothermal heat, and the collected geothermal heat is collected in the main circuit via the sub-circuit.

Abstract: A heat pump device 20 is operated so as to make a switch between multiple operation modes including a first dehumidification and heating operation mode in which a refrigerant discharged from a compressor is circulated through a downstream interior heat exchanger 31, a first pressure reducing valve 52, an upstream interior heat exchanger 32, and an exterior heat exchanger 33 in this order so that the heat exchanger 31 functions as a radiator and the heat exchanger 32 functions as a heat absorber, and a second dehumidification and heating operation mode in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is circulated through the downstream interior heat exchanger 31, a second pressure reducing valve 53, the exterior heat exchanger 33, and the upstream interior heat exchanger 32 in this order so that the heat exchanger 31 functions as a radiator and the heat exchanger 32 functions as a heat absorber.

Abstract: An energy saving defrost control system for an electromechanically controlled refrigerator. The system includes a defrost timer adapted to control a compressor according to an established run time, a defrost heater control operatively connected to the defrost timer and configured to activate a defrost heater in response to a timeout by the defrost timer, a demand side management module responsive to demand state signals from an associated utility indicative of at least a peak demand and an off peak demand state, and a time delay latching relay having a timer and configured to switch to one of a low position and a high position based on the demand state signal.