Abstract: Non-potable, utility water is circulated by a pump in a closed loop. The utility water is heated by a heat pump. Heat exchange from the utility water heats domestic hot water on demand, eliminating or reducing the need for domestic hot water storage tanks and storage of large quantities of water. In the present invention, fluctuations in condenser water temperature are dampened internally in a condenser water buffer and a control system.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a main body including a water supply pipe provided therein and a water chute connected to the main body to discharge drinking water. The water chute is capable of rotating about the main body in a left and right direction and has a length adjustable in a forward and backward direction and an upward and downward direction.

Abstract: A heat request arbitration device includes: a first thermal circuit; a second thermal circuit; a third thermal circuit having path patterns that are selectable as a path that is heat exchangeable with each of the first thermal circuit and the second thermal circuit; and heat source units configured to absorb heat or radiate heat via a heat medium circulating in at least one of the thermal circuits; a derivation unit configured to derive requests related to heat flow control of heat absorbed or radiated by each of the heat source units; and a selection unit configured to select a path for at least one of the thermal circuits so as to satisfy at least one of the requests related to the heat flow control based on the requests related to the heat flow control derived by the derivation unit.

Abstract: A system for a smart refrigerator including a refrigerator assembly, ice assembly, produce assembly and beverage mixer assembly is disclosed. The refrigerator assembly includes a refrigerator having storage compartments for perishable goods. The refrigerator further includes an ice compartment for the ice assembly and a produce compartment for the produce assembly. The beverage mixer assembly is also stored within the refrigerator. Displays are provided on the refrigerator for communication and education of the users. The ice assembly includes an ice maker to provide ice to a mixer of the beverage mixer assembly. The produce assembly includes produce containers storing the needed produce for the desired drinks and provides the produce to the mixer. The ice cubes and produce are processed, and a beverage is provided to the user with the beverage mixer assembly. Dieting is facilitated for users as healthy food options become readily available with the smart refrigerator.

Abstract: A structure of an ice making tray of a refrigerator configured to discharge the excess water to generate ice having a suitable size and to crush the link of the ice generated at an ice making tray to prevent the ice from being stuck when the ice is separated from the ice making tray, the ice making tray including a bottom, a sidewall extended toward an upper side thereof from the bottom in order to form an ice making space, an opening formed at the sidewall to discharge the water supplied in excess, a partial wall unit to divide the ice making space, and a cutting rib formed at an upper side of the partition wall.

Abstract: There is provided a controller for a heat capture and storage system configured to capture and store energy from heat expelled in engine exhaust. The controller includes a plurality of inputs, a plurality of outputs, and at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing within the memory instructions executable by the at least one processor. The controller is configured by execution of the instructions stored in the memory to: receive signals at one or more of the plurality of inputs, the signals representing at least one operating parameter of the heat capture and storage system; and based on at least one operating parameter, generate signals at one or more of the plurality of outputs for controlling at least one component of the heat capture and storage system to capture and store the energy from the heat expelled in the engine exhaust.

Abstract: A secondary pump-type heat source system includes: heat sources connected in parallel; a load system in which the heat source water flows; a primary pump supplying the heat source water to the load system; a secondary pump provided for each heat source and supplies the heat source water subjected to heat exchange in the load system to the heat source; and a heat source controller calculating flow quantity of the heat source water flowing in the heat source side and flow quantity of the heat source water flowing in the load system side by assigning a result from measurement by a water temperature sensor detecting heat source temperature to an operating characteristic of each heat source and controlling operation of the secondary pumps based on the calculation result.

Abstract: Improved air-conditioning system having an assembly of constituent elements comprising a water solenoid box with a control switch, the solenoid box being connected to the electrical system of the condenser unit; water filter means to purify the water flowing into the solenoid box; a main water supply line, extending from the solenoid box to the condenser housing unit and affixed, circumferentially around the exterior periphery of the housing unit; and a plurality of distribution tubes (micro-tubing) each extending downwardly from the main water supply line and terminating in a micro spray cap, the spray cap being adjustable to control spray pattern and flow rate. Water, dispersed from each of the micro spray caps positioned around the periphery of the condenser unit, lowers the temperature and pressure of the compressor and lowers the RLA of the compressor.

Abstract: A method for controlling an aircraft air conditioning system includes the steps of detecting an operating state of an air conditioning unit of the aircraft air conditioning system and controlling the temperature of a process air mass flow supplied to the air conditioning unit in dependence on the operating state of the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A temperature control system and method include a source of a temperature control medium that is to be introduced into a space. A fluid line conveys the temperature control medium from the source to the space, a first end of the fluid line being disposed in the space. An orifice assembly has an orifice through which the cooling medium flows toward the space. A size of the orifice is adjustable such that a rate of flow of the cooling medium entering the space is controllable.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit having: a first air passageway and a second air passageway adjacent to the first air passageway. Dampered air inlets are provided at one end of the first and second air passageways to selectively provide indoor air or outdoor air to each passageway. There is an indoor air outlet in the first air passageway and an outdoor air outlet in the second air passageway, both outlets at the other end of the passageways. There is a first blower in the first passageway and a second blower in the second passageway for moving air through each passageway. The unit has a refrigerant system with an evaporator in the first passageway, a compressor, a condenser in the second passageway, and a refrigerant line joining the evaporator, the compressor, and the condenser, in series, in a closed loop. The unit can be used in an air conditioning mode, a dehumidifying mode and a purge/ventilating mode. The unit is particularly suited for use in an indoor swimming pool.

Abstract: A method and a device for heat recovery on a vapour compression refrigeration system allowing to produce hot water, includes at least a first piping closed refrigerating circuit in which a refrigerant fluid circulates, a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion valve, a condenser and/or a heat recovery unit including a water inlet and a water outlet respectively connected to a second piping circuit comprising a circulating pump. At least one physical unit of the refrigerant fluid and/or water of the second piping circuit is determined. When the physical unit is lower than a predetermined threshold, condensing temperature is increased, and when said physical unit is greater than said predetermined threshold, condensing temperature is decreased to a minimum value.

Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, a second compartment, a first door providing access to the first compartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment, and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user.

Abstract: It is aimed to provide a heat pump type hot-water supply outdoor apparatus that can control a temperature of a compressor shell, according to a water temperature of a water circuit and a temperature of the compressor.

Abstract: A hot water supply apparatus associated with a heat pump is provided. The hot water supply apparatus may employ a cascade heat pump including a two-stage cycle to perform a hot water supply operation. Refrigerants flowing through a heat side heat exchanger and a usage side heat exchanger may be heat-exchanged with water. Thus, the hot water supply operation may be continuously performed, without a defrosting operation, and hot water supply performance and heating performance may be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for operating a refrigeration cycle with the addition of noncondensable gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid heater comprising a vapour compression cycle system. The vapour compression cycle system includes an evaporator, at least one condenser and a working fluid. The fluid heater also includes a fluid conduit through which a fluid can pass in thermal contact with the condenser to allow, via heat exchange between the fluid and the working fluid, the heating of the fluid. A sensor providing an output from which the temperature of the working fluid at the condensing phase of the vapour compression cycle system can be determined is also included in the fluid heater. The fluid heater system has a flow rate controller to control the flow rate of fluid through the conduit. The fluid heater is controlled using a controller operatively connected with the flow rate controller to vary the flow rate of fluid through the conduit reliant on the output from the sensor to achieve a desired target temperature of the fluid leaving the conduit.

Abstract: A multi-functional air conditioner has a casing, a compressor, a cooler, an evaporator, at least two fans and at least one gate controller. The casing is stored with the compressor, the cooler and the evaporator that connected by multiple pipes, has two inlets, an outlet, a first gate, a second gate, a third gate and a fourth gate. The third and fourth gates are corresponding to the cooler. The first and second gates are corresponding to the evaporator. The fans are mounted respectively on the cooler and the evaporator to generate air flow. The gate controller selectively close the first gate, the second gate, the third gate and the fourth gate to change the route of the air flow according to the function that the multi-function air conditioner intends to provide. With such an air flow route change, air flow with different condition is discharged from the casing to provide air cooling, air warming, air exhausting, air recycling and air exsiccating function.

Abstract: An heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of tubes defining a plurality of parallel refrigerant passages therein carrying a refrigerant longitudinally from an inlet header to an outlet header. Water flows from a reservoir through a distributor apparatus to provide even wetting between the ends of the tubes as the water flows laterally over the tubes between an entry edge and an exit edge. A screen is provided adjacent the exit edge to collect excess water to be deposited into a water tray provided beneath and spaced from the exit edge of the tubes. A pump is provided to move water from the water tray to the reservoir to preserve water. If excess water is lost, such as through evaporation, a supplemental water feed line provides supplemental water to the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing refrigerant charge in an air conditioning unit comprising a cooling circuit through which a refrigerant flows from a compressor, through a condenser, and through an evaporator, a heat recovery circuit extending from a first terminus between the compressor and the condenser to a second terminus between the evaporator and the condenser, a heat recovery unit located between the first and second terminus of the heat recovery circuit, a first valve located between the condenser and the first terminus, a second valve located between the first terminus and the heat recovery unit, a third valve located on a cooling charge circuit having a first end on the cooling circuit between the condenser and the evaporator and a second end at the evaporator, a fourth valve located on a heating charge circuit having a first end on the heat recovery circuit and a second end at the evaporator, and a logic unit for sensing a saturated temperature and opening and closing the valves based upon the saturated t

Abstract: A fluid fill system includes at least one sensor for indicating whether a fluid level in a reservoir is equal to or greater than a predetermined fluid level and a process control. The process control obtains a reading from the at least one sensor at a predetermined interval and increments a counter if the reading indicates that the fluid level is equal to or greater than the predetermined fluid level and decrements the counter if the reading indicates that the fluid level is less than the predetermined fluid level. Process control operates a fluid supply mechanism when a value of the counter moves beyond a predetermined value.

Abstract: An automatic icemaker for a refrigerator. The icemaker has an ice tray, an ice receiving container for receiving ice pieces formed in the ice tray, a water reservoir for storing a water to be supplied to the ice tray, a pump installed at one side of the water reservoir, a supply hose for guiding a water pumped by the pump to the ice tray, an overflow hose for recirculating a water overflowing from the ice tray to the water reservoir, and a sensor for detecting the overflowing water by making contact with the overflowing water and sending an electric signal to an ECU so as to stop a water supply. The pump continuously supplys a water to the first vessel, and when the sensor makes contact with the water, the sensor sends an electric signal to the ECU and the ECU stops an operation of the pump.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a water tank, a pump with a motor, a current detecting part, and a controller. The current detecting part detects a motor current flowing through the motor so that the current detecting part outputs control signals like a binary of high/low level according to the detected motor current. The controller turns on/off the motor according to the control signal from the current detecting part. By this refrigerator, the existence of the water in the water tank may be detected accurately.

Abstract: An ice maker includes an interior volume containing a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment. The freezer compartment houses an automatic ice making unit, including an ice mold, a water solenoid valve for admitting water into the ice mold, and a first thermistor attached to the ice mold. A second thermistor is disposed in the fresh food compartment. A microprocessor based control unit monitors the first and second thermistors to determine when to initiate ice harvest cycles. Ice harvest cycles are delayed, if necessary, to maintain the fresh food compartment below a setpoint temperature. The control unit also includes sensing means for determining if the water solenoid valve is energized. The solenoid is monitored, and if it remains energized for a prolonged period, then power to the automatic ice making unit is removed to prevent excessive water spillage.

Abstract: A valve for regulating flow of fluid in a refrigerating system. The valve includes a valve chamber with an inlet, an outlet and a sensing bore communicating therewith and there is a valve element in the chamber for controlling flow of fluid from the inlet passage past a valve seat to the outlet passage. The valve element is urged by a spring pressed plunger toward an open position and is pressed by a thermostatically actuated piston extending through the sensing bore toward a closed position in opposition to the spring pressure.

Abstract: An ice maker of the type where water in excess of the freezing capacity is directed over a cylindrical surface member that is refrigerated to a subfreezing temperature to form ice thereon and from which the ice is harvested in combination with a thermostatic water valve means having a control portion in heat exchange relationship with the low pressure side of the refrigerating means that provides the subfreezing temperature for regulating the volumetric water supply to the surface in inverse ratio to the temperature of the low pressure side of the refrigerating means so that when the temperature is higher than desired the water flow is restricted or stopped so as to prevent waste. Then, when the temperature of the low pressure side of the refrigerating means and thus the cylindrical surface is sufficiently low the volumetric flow of water is increased.