Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off are provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS.

Abstract: Systems and methods that receive a digital signal outputted from a single line of a device are disclosed. Embodiments of the systems and methods calculate the temperature of the device based on the digital signal. Embodiments of the systems and methods generate a signal to a cooling system to cool the device when the calculated temperature of the device is higher than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actively cooling the battery pack of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off, thereby limiting the adverse effects of temperature on battery life, are provided. Different battery pack cooling techniques are provided, thus allowing the cooling technique used in a particular instance to be selected not only based on the thermal needs of the battery pack, but also on the thermal capacity and energy requirements of the selected approach.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling operation of a plurality of different model variants of a refrigeration appliance using a commonly-configured control board for the plurality of different model variants. The method includes identifying the first model variant as being one of the plurality of model variants to be controlled; and responsive to this identifying, selecting a suitable control routine from among a plurality of available control routines that are accessible to the control board for controlling operation of the plurality of model variants. The plurality of available control routines includes at least a first control routine to be executed for controlling operation of a portion of a refrigeration circuit provided to the first model variant and a second control routine to be executed for controlling operation of a portion of a refrigeration circuit provided to the second model variant. The first control routine is different than the second control routine.

Abstract: A dehumidifier includes an air flow path with first, second and third segments in series from upstream to downstream and passing ambient air respectively to an evaporator coil then to a condenser coil and then discharging same. The air flow path has a fourth segment passing ambient air to the condenser coil in parallel with the noted second air flow path segment. A bypass door is configured to selectively block air flow along the fourth segment and allow air flow along the fourth segment.

Abstract: In controlled cooling operation, data on the controlled cooling operation characteristics is read out from a memory and compared with a drop degree of an inside temperature actually measured by an inside temperature sensor 46, and a cooling device is operated so that the inside temperature drops following a temperature curve stored in advance. A state where the inside temperature is higher than the set temperature by 7 K or more lasts for 15 minutes, for example, the cooling capacity by the cooling device is increased than the cooling capacity based on control of a controlled operation controller so that even if a door 17 is frequently opened/closed and the inside temperature tends to gradually rise, it can be detected at an early stage and kept close to the set temperature.

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: A method for controlling a refrigerator having at least two compartments and actuators adapted to maintain temperatures of said compartments close to predetermined set values comprises a comparison between a signal (CCR) indicative of the cooling request of each compartment and a signal variable according to a predetermined carrier function. This comparison is carried out in a predetermined time interval (TW), said actuators being activated or deactivated on the basis of such comparison that is repeated for each subsequent time interval (TW).

Abstract: An air conditioning monitoring and control system includes an air conditioner, a first air conditioning monitoring and control device and a second air conditioning monitoring and control device. The first air conditioning monitoring and control device communicates with the air conditioner via a first communication line. The first air conditioning monitoring and control device includes a first monitoring and control function and a second monitoring and control function. The second air conditioning monitoring and control device communicates with the air conditioner via a second communication line. The second air conditioning monitoring and control device includes the first monitoring and control function and a third monitoring and control function.

Abstract: In an air conditioning economizer system outdoor air intake is reduced automatically by a control device based on a shut-off control setting for a measured outdoor air quality. A geographical location associated with the air conditioning economizer system is received (S2) in the control device. The control device defines automatically (S3) the shut-off control setting based on the geographical location. Thus, the air conditioning economizer system is adapted specifically for a geographic location and its climate zone, without the requirement for installing or operating personnel to determine a shut-off control setting for a specific climate zone and/or select a corresponding operating range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation apparatus comprising a storage compartment which is formed with an accommodating space for storing food and at least one of a heating part and a cooling part to ferment the food in the storage compartment, further comprising a sensor to sense a fermentation level of the food; an input part comprising a memory button allowing to memorize the fermentation level in a state that the food is fermented to an extent that a user wants to memorize; and a controller to control operation of at least one of the heating part and the cooling part, and store a fermentation value from the sensor as a custom fermentation value if the memory button is selected. Thus, the present invention provides a fermentation apparatus for customizing a fermentation level and a method thereof, which memorizes a desired fermentation level and repeatedly provides food at a desired fermentation level by selecting a memorized fermentation level.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides energy saving control for a water heater via an intelligent thermostat. This intelligent thermostat provides programmatic control over the HVAC system as is conventional, and provides coordinated control over the water heater temperature set point. This control over the water heater is accomplished via a communications network between the intelligent thermostat and the water heater. In one embodiment the communications are wireless, although wired and network bus communications may also be utilized. Enhanced and coordinated control is also provided so that different operational temperature cycles can be provided to coordinate with the intelligent thermostat's programmatic control of the HVAC system. Separate programmatic control of the water heater is also provided whereby different operational temperature modes may be commanded, e.g. Wake, Sleep, and Demand modes of operation.

Abstract: According to a method of controlling a refrigerator in accordance with the present invention, in the case in which a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber has to be cooled, the refrigerating chamber is primarily cooled up to a cooling temperature set higher than a target temperature region and the freezing chamber is then cooled. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that temperatures of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber can be cooled to a temperature wanted by a user more rapidly.

Abstract: A fluid chiller system supplying cold fluid to a therapeutic wrap, in which a minimum level of fluid flow is provided through the heat exchange coils to insure that the fluid in the coils does not freeze. A fluid flow meter or pressure sensor connected inline with the inlet port of the chiller unit measures a level of fluid flow. A controller is connected to the flow meter or pressure sensor and a bypass valve, wherein based on a signal from the flow meter or pressure sensor, the controller adjusts the bypass valve to provide a predetermined level of fluid flow into the inlet port of the chiller unit, in order to prevent the heat exchange coils from freezing, if the flow through the wrap is blocked.

Abstract: A storing section stores data of a pull down cooling characteristic indicative of a time-varying mode of reduction in a target temperature drop. For example, when this is a linear function line, a target internal temperature drop degree takes a constant value, irrespective of an operating time. An actual temperature drop degree is computed on the basis of the detected internal temperature. The computed value is compared with a target value read from the storing section. When the computed value is less than the target value, a rotational speed of an inverter compressor is increased via an inverter circuit. When the computed value is larger than the target value, the rotational speed of the compressor is decreased. The speed increases and decreases are repeated so that pull down cooling is performed along the linear line.

Abstract: An air conditioning control device for a vehicle has an air conditioner for conditioning air in a vehicle interior, an input receiving unit for receiving inputs of both planned departure time of the vehicle and a target temperature in the vehicle interior, a pre-air-conditioning control unit for starting operation of the air conditioner at an air conditioning start time before the planned departure time so that the temperature in the vehicle interior at the planned departure time becomes the target temperature, and an outdoor air temperature acquisition unit for acquiring outdoor air temperature. The pre-air-conditioning control unit changes the air conditioning operation start time based on the outdoor air temperature acquired by the outdoor air temperature acquisition unit.

Abstract: The device comprises a basin-like container in which partitioning baffles define a plurality of cavities or moulds open at the top, intended to hold a respective quantity of water put into them by means of a solenoid valve, for the formation of corresponding ice cubes. An ejection device includes an electric motor device to which a rotatable shaft is coupled, from which stretch a plurality of ejector elements capable of provoking the expulsion of the ice cubes formed in said cavities or moulds as an effect of the rotation of the shaft. Control devices are associated with the motor device and with the solenoid valve, and comprise two cams operatively driven in rotation by the motor at different speeds. These cams have respective enabling and control profiles engaged operatively by the same feeler that cooperates with an electric switch in such a way as to define, in the operating cycle of the device, at least one time interval of predetermined duration for the opening of said water feed solenoid valve.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a housing defining a freezer storage compartment, an evaporator operatively coupled to the freezer storage compartment and configured to cool the freezer storage compartment, and an evaporator fan positioned to move air across the evaporator. The refrigerator also includes an ice maker positioned within the freezer storage compartment, a dispenser in flow communication with the ice maker and configured to dispense ice, and a control system configured to receive a signal from said dispenser indicating dispensing of a first amount of ice from the dispenser, the control system configured to activate the evaporator fan in response to the signal, the evaporator fan operating continuously for a time period upon activation.

Abstract: A refrigerator to provide information of completion of an ice making operation performed in an ice making container or ice separating information via an electric unit thereof is provided. Completion of the ice making operation is determined based on a temperature of a storage compartment and/or an ice making time. Providing information of completion of the ice making operation or ice separating information allows a user to easily know completion of the ice making operation so that the user can conveniently separate ice cubes from the ice making container at an appropriate time, and prevents unwanted conglomeration of ice cubes stored in an ice storage container due to insufficient ice making. Further, when the ice cubes are automatically separated from the ice making container, the electric unit of the refrigerator provides information informing the user that an ice separating operation is being performed.

Abstract: There is provided a control device of a permanent-magnet type synchronous motor that sets a synchronous operation current at start-up in response to a current limiting value determined from the temperature of an inverter that supplies three-phase power to the permanent-magnet type synchronous motor, that monitors an output voltage or an output current of the inverter during a rotation stabilizing period after start-up, and that updates the synchronous operation current using this output voltage or output current.

Abstract: A cooling system and method for an outdoor electronics enclosure includes an air conditioner controlled to operate during off-peak hours, so as to pre-cool batteries. The cooled batteries keep the enclosure cool during peak hours so that it is not necessary to run the air conditioner when electricity prices are at their peak. A clock or light sensor determines the time of day. A controller has stored data indicating the peak hours when electricity costs more.

Abstract: A central control system and method for controlling air conditioners. The central control system performs central control operations for the air conditioners according to an operation schedule or control command inputted from a central controller coupled to the air conditioners through an internal network or a remote controller accessible to an external Internet network. When the air conditioners are simultaneously operated, control signals based on the control command are adjusted to prevent electric power consumption from abruptly increasing and hence the stability and reliability of control can be improved. The central controller includes a touch screen-based monitor. A control program included in the central controller provides a timetable corresponding to a specified period. An operator can conveniently input/edit the operation schedule through a dragging operation performed on the monitor, and confirm the inputted/edited operation schedule.

Abstract: A turbo chiller equipped with a high-efficiency two-stage turbo compressor is provided. In a turbo chiller including a control unit for controlling the degrees of opening of first inlet guide vanes of a first impeller and second inlet guide vanes of a second impeller, the control unit has a slave mode in which the second inlet guide vanes are operated so as to be dependent on the first inlet guide vanes in a slave-mode priority region, and an independent mode in which the degree of opening of the second inlet guide vanes is increased independently of the first inlet guide vanes in an independent-mode priority region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the auxiliary stage control of multistage thermostats are disclosed. An illustrative multistage thermostat for a multistaged HVAC system installed within a building or structure can include a processor having a control algorithm adapted to operate the thermostat in either a normal mode for achieving rapid temperature changes within the building or structure or an economy mode for conserving energy usage. In the economy mode of operation, the thermostat can be configured to determine a target time for achieving a temperature setpoint by either delaying or suppressing activation of the system's auxiliary stage. The target time can be adjusted in part based on the past usage characteristics of the auxiliary stage, the behavior of the user, and/or the progress of the primary stage in achieving the setpoint change without operating the auxiliary stage.

Abstract: A refrigeration device may provide a snooze feature, in which the compressor of the refrigeration device is turned off for a predetermined period of time in response to a user command. The refrigeration device may also provide a quick chill feature, in which the compressor of the refrigeration device is turned on for a predetermined period of time in response to a user command. User commands for controlling the operation of the refrigeration device may be provide through a control panel, a remote control or a network interface.

Abstract: An air conditioning system that includes desiccant compartments for holding a desiccant; a heat exchanger, a blower and a vessel. The heat exchanger can be filled with a heat transfer medium, while the blower blows ambient air by the heat exchanger such that the blown air is cooled and the heat exchanger is warmed such that thermal energy increases and is transferred from the air to the heat transfer medium causing the heat transfer medium to turn into vapor. The vapor is then diffused to one of the desiccant compartments such that the vapor is adsorbed onto the desiccant creating a mixture. Then an energy source is applied to the mixture such that the vapor and desiccant are separated. The separated vapor is transported to the vessel where it is condensed and then sent back to the heat exchanger, such that the system is able to be continuously operating.

Abstract: A recovery system for a frozen product dispenser accommodates automatic recovery and continued operation of the dispenser in response to the output torque of a beater bar and scraper assembly drive motor exceeding a selected upper limit due to transient conditions. A controller monitors the output torque of the drive motor and, upon sensing an output torque in excess of the selected upper limit, shuts off the drive motor and operates a refrigeration system to defrost a freeze barrel within which the beater bar and scraper assembly is rotated, for a time sufficient to defrost product in the barrel. The controller then turns on the drive motor, operates the refrigeration system to refreeze product in the barrel and continues to monitor the output torque of the drive motor. The foregoing operation is repeated several times, if and as necessary, before a system error is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating the operation of first and second temperature modification sources for heating or cooling a building structure is provided. The system switches between the first and second temperature modification sources based on conditions other than just outside temperature.

Abstract: A refrigerator capable of supercooling a target object and a control method thereof are provided. The refrigerator includes a temperature sensor which senses a temperature of the target object in the cooling compartment, wherein the temperature sensor is prevented from being in contact with ambient cool air and is installed on a bottom surface on which the target object is placed so as to sense only the temperature of the target object. Further, the control method includes sensing a temperature of the target object at each interval of a specified time ?t, calculating a difference between two temperatures sensed at specified time intervals, and comparing the difference between two temperatures with a predetermined reference value ?Tc to determine the supercooled state of the target object.

Abstract: An HV_ECU executes a program, which includes a step of receiving route information; a step of acquiring a duty command value of a battery cooling blower; a step of calculating a cooling airflow; steps for acquiring a battery temperature and an intake temperature; a step of calculating a value TB?TC; a step of calculating a cooling performance; a step of estimating a battery temperature; and a step of performing fail safe processing when in an abnormal state.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of secondary coolant pump(s) in a refrigeration system having a secondary coolant system that circulates the coolant to applicable cooling loads, and a primary refrigeration system that chills the coolant in the secondary coolant system. The system and method for controlling the pumps measures the pressure of the plurality of secondary coolant fluid loops, sorts the measurements to identify a secondary coolant fluid loop with a pressure farthest from a setpoint, and adjusts pump speed to compensate for the critical loop (i.e., the secondary coolant fluid loop with a pressure furthest from the setpoint).

Abstract: An air-conditioning system (1) for an environment, in particular for the passenger compartment of a vehicle, is provided with an evaporator (13) and a compressor (18) coupled to the evaporator (13). In a system (30) for controlling the air-conditioning system (1), a control electronics (33) switches an operating condition of the compressor (18) when the temperature of the air leaving the evaporator (13) has a pre-set relation with a threshold temperature (Tthresh). The control electronics varies the value of the threshold temperature (Tthresh) as a function, in at least certain operating conditions, of a set-point temperature (Tsp), required by a user of the air-conditioning system (1), so as to reduce the energy consumption associated to the air-conditioning system.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a method of controlling the same are provided. The air conditioner may include an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units operably coupled to the outdoor unit, a temperature sensor, a valve driver, and a controller. By monitoring an actual temperature and comparing the actual temperature to a desired temperature, a flow path, of flow direction, and flow capacity flowing to the one or more indoor units to adjust a heating/cooling capacity thereof as appropriate.

Abstract: A method of operating an electronic system includes determining first and second temperature signals with a thermostat processor. The first and second temperature signals are provided by a temperature sensor. The method includes adjusting the operation of an air conditioning unit in response to an indication that a difference between the first and second signals is within a predetermined range. The second temperature signal is provided in response to an indication from a timer.

Abstract: An ice making assembly for a refrigerator and a method for controlling the ice making assembly are provided. The ice making assembly and the method of controlling the ice making assembly provides a constant amount of water supply for each ice making cycle regardless of environmental conditions such as the varying water supply pressure of different installation locations. Furthermore, overflowing can be prevented during water supply with the use of a capacitance water level sensor.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a room containing a plurality of computer devices is provided. The cooling system has a number of cooling supplies and at least one temperature sensor. Using the at least one temperature sensor and altering the cooling supplied to the room by the cooling supplies, the affect of each cooling supply on the temperature of the room can be approximated and used for the operation of the cooling system.

Abstract: A fan control apparatus and method that sets a stop period constant at a starting time by adding a fan control in a time axis to a fan control by a temperature sensor. The fan control apparatus includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the equipment body; and a CPU and a sub-microcomputer that has a temperature control function, that perform the control of the cooling fans according to the detected temperature value. The CPU performs a communication with a server connected to the equipment body via a network; and the sub-microcomputer performs the control of the cooling fans according to the time value based on the communication commencement.

Abstract: A pre-riding air conditioning method in which if an intention of a passenger to ride in a vehicle is detected, an inside air fan (3) is operated to stir air in a passenger room, and an air conditioner comprising the inside air fan (3) which can stir air in the passenger room, and a control (21) which operates the inside air fan (3) when the intention of a passenger to ride in the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: A refrigeration machine for a domestic refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, which are connected to form a refrigerant circuit, wherein a stop valve is arranged in a refrigerant path from the condenser to the evaporator.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided that can recover and recharge refrigerant. The unit is further configured with a pair of service hoses and a refrigerant control circuit operable to receive and transport the refrigerant between the hoses and the storage vessel and to process the refrigerant to substantially remove contaminants from the refrigerant. A fluid connector is provided in fluid communication with the hoses to enable the refrigerant to flow between the hoses and to establish a closed loop through the refrigerant control circuit, and a controller is operatively connected to the refrigerant control circuit and configured to control a flow of the refrigerant through the refrigerant control circuit and through the fluid connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for operating a cooling system comprising components at least including a compressor (2), an evaporator (3), a pressure control element (6) and a condenser the (4), and also having a control circuit (9) having electrical connections with at least some cooling system components, through which the control circuit (9) continually measures and stores, over time intervals, electrical operating variables of the cooling system, the control circuit establishes interrelationships among at least some measured values and some stored values of the electrical operating variables of the cooling system and generates a control signal for the cooling system based on at least some measured values and stored values of the electrical operating variables and on the interrelationships established among at least some measured and stored values of the electrical operating variables of the cooling system.

Abstract: In an air conditioner including a plurality of outdoor units, a first outdoor unit includes: a converter that receives commercial AC power and converts the received commercial AC power into DC power; and at least one first outdoor fan inverter that converts the DC power into AC power to drive a motor for at least one first outdoor fan, and a second outdoor unit includes: at least one second outdoor fan inverter that receives the DC power which has been converted by the converter and converts the received DC power into AC power to drive a motor for at least one second outdoor fan.

Abstract: A method for operating a refrigerator includes supplying an evaporator of a second compartment with coolant and flushing the coolant out of the evaporator of the second compartment so that it can be used for an evaporator of a first compartment, closing a coolant circuit to the evaporator of the second compartment, and supplying only the evaporator of the first compartment with coolant.

Abstract: A refrigerator capable of properly cooling a plurality of containers storing a liquid beverage by uniformizing and stabilizing a temperature inside a cooling chamber. The refrigerator comprises the cooling chamber storing the containers of the liquid beverage, a cooling duct incorporating a heat exchanger, the suction port of the cooling duct installed in the cooling chamber, the cool air blowout port of the cooling duct installed in the cooling chamber, a lead-in port formed at the upper end of a cool air feed duct, through holes blowing out the air in the cool air feed duct into the cooling chamber, and a fan positioned the lead-in port of the cool air feed duct. The cool duct sucks the air in the cooling chamber from the suction port, cools it by the heat exchanger, and blows it out from the cool air blowout port. The lead-in port of the cool air feed duct faces the cool air blowout port of the cooling duct and also faces the inside of the cooling chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ice-making system having a control system. The control system selectively places the ice-making machine in a freeze cycle and a harvest cycle, based upon inputs from sensors that determine a flow rate of fluid out of an evaporator, and a level of fluid in a sump. The control system can further prevent a slushing condition in the ice-making machine by monitoring the temperature of the fluid in the sump. The control system can also monitor the sensors to ensure that they are providing correct signals.

Abstract: A cooling system for providing conditioned air to a facility includes a chiller or other cooling subsystem, a cooling tower subsystem and one or more air handling units or process cooling units. The cooling subsystem may advantageously include one or more chillers (e.g., variable speed chillers, constant speed chillers, absorption chillers, etc.) and chilled fluid pumps. The cooling tower subsystem includes one or more cooling tower units and condenser fluid pumps. In some implementations, the air handling unit has a cooling coil and a variable volume fan. In some implementations, direct expansion (DX) cooling systems comprise compressors, evaporators and air-cooled, water-cooled or evaporatively-cooled condensing systems. Such systems can be controlled to reduce energy waste, improve occupant comfort and/or improve the thermal characteristics of the process cooling unit.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a cooling storage cabinet having a compressor that is included in a freezing device, a heater that is connected in parallel with the compressor to a power source, a switch that controls supply of current to the compressor, and a control unit that stops supply of current to the heater during a predetermined time after the switch operates start-up of the compressor.

Abstract: The present inventors took notice of the fact that a person has constant repetitive nature in timing of restart of an indoor air conditioner after the OFF timer was ended, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an indoor air conditioner and an operation control method thereof capable of obtaining comfortable sleep by setting an automatic start condition suitable for a user. The indoor air conditioner includes an OFF timer function for continuing the operation until set time is elapsed, time elapsed until restart by restart input means 15 after an OFF timer is ended is stored in automatic start time storing means 35 as automatic start time, and a room temperature at the time of restart is stored in automatic start temperature/humidity storing means 36 as automatic start temperature.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for testing a fan or pump assembly in a refrigerant system includes steps of operating a controller to periodically shut down, or reduce fan or pump speed for a short period of time, while continuing to operate the refrigerant system. Changes in an operating condition such as pressure, temperature, electric current or operating speed are monitored. If expected changes do not occur, a determination can be made that a fan or pump assembly is malfunctioning.

Abstract: In a refrigeration cycle device in which a compressor is driven by power transmitted from an engine, a torque limiter is adapted to interrupt a transmission of the power from the engine to the compressor when a toque transmitted from the engine to the compressor becomes a predetermined value. A control unit is adapted to determine whether the transmission of the power from the engine to the compressor is interrupted by the torque limiter by determining whether a deviation of a refrigerant discharge pressure of the compressor is below a predetermined pressure when the control unit commands the compressor to change the refrigerant discharge flow amount of the compressor. Thus, the control unit can determine whether the torque limiter interrupts the transmission of power from the engine to the compressor without, using a compressor revolution sensor.