With Reheating Patents (Class 62/90)
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Publication number: 20080127658Abstract: A dehumidification cooling apparatus for an indoor sports facility is provided which is capable of realizing dehumidification and cooling at a low operating cost in the indoor sports facility. This apparatus includes: an ice chamber for turning water into ice and storing it; an air supply-and-exhaust pipe which is disposed from the ice chamber to the indoor sports facility, leads to the ice chamber and leads to the upper space of the indoor sports facility; a fan which is disposed in a supply pipe of the air supply-and-exhaust pipe; and a heater which is disposed in the supply pipe of the air supply-and-exhaust pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Noriaki Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 7275384Abstract: A refrigerant heat pump system is operable in both heating and cooling modes. A reheat circuit is integrated into the system schematic to provide improved control over temperature and humidity and to cover a wide spectrum of sensible and latent capacity demands. In the heating mode, the reheat coil is utilized to act as a portion of the enlarged indoor heat exchanger (a condenser in this case), in order to enhance system efficiency without the capacity loss. In some cases, where the designer can choose between the efficiency and capacity augmentation, selective operation of the reheat coil may offer an additional step of capacity modulation, in the heating mode. System reliability is improved through a reduction of start/stop cycles. Although various reheat coil arrangements in relation to the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers are offered and reheat concepts are considered, the benefits of the invention are independent from and transparent to such system design features.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
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Patent number: 7261150Abstract: A method for humidifying and controlling the temperature of a process gas stream comprising the steps of super-saturating and heating the process gas stream with steam until it reaches a first pre-set temperature; cooling the process gas stream until it reaches a second pre-set temperature; removing excess condensed water from the process gas stream; and heating the process gas stream until it reaches a third pre-set temperature. An apparatus for implementing this method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Hydrogenics CorporationInventors: Joe Cargnelli, Ravi B. Gopal
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Patent number: 7231774Abstract: Multi-circuit refrigerant systems are provided with better control over a dehumidification function. In one embodiment, system circuits have means of communication with each other through connecting lines and flow control devices operable on demand. In another embodiment, a single reheat heat exchanger is utilized for both circuits, ensuring heat transfer interaction between the circuits. In yet another embodiment, a control unit operates refrigerant circuits in such a way that if some circuits are in a reheat mode, the remaining circuits are either shut off or are in an enhanced reheat mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
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Patent number: 7219505Abstract: A system and humidity control method is provided for a multi-stage cooling system having two or more refrigerant circuits that balances humidity control and cooling demand. Each refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. A hot gas reheat circuit having a hot gas reheat coil is connected to one of the refrigerant circuits and is placed in fluid communication with the output airflow from the evaporator of that refrigerant circuit to provide additional dehumidification to the air when humidity control is requested. The hot gas reheat circuit bypasses the condenser of the refrigerant circuit during humidity control. Humidity control is performed during cooling operations and ventilation operations. During a first stage cooling operation using only one refrigerant circuit and having a low cooling demand, the request for humidity control activates the hot gas reheat circuit for dehumidification and activates a second refrigerant circuit to provide cooling capacity.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: York International CorporationInventors: Nathan Andrew Weber, John Terry Knight, Stephen Blake Pickle
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Patent number: 7089997Abstract: A heat exchanger that uses water liquid and vapor phases transformation to enhance heat exchange performance mainly includes a primary heat exchanger, a water vaporization device and an auxiliary heat exchanger. The auxiliary heat exchanger has an upper heat exchange tube on an upper end and a lower heat exchange tube on a lower end thereof. The upper and lower heat exchange tubes are connected by a plurality of vertical heat tubes. Refrigerant and water serve as heat exchange media to pre-cool (pre-heat) air intake. The auxiliary heat exchanger and water vaporization device can generate liquid and vapor phases transformation to increase water content in the air to enhance heat exchange effect of the air, thereby to enhance heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger, and save energy and reduce thermal pollution.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Cohand Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kuo-Liang Weng, Ming-Tsun Ke, Jing-Wen Weng
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Patent number: 7082990Abstract: An interior of an air conditioning case is partitioned into a first air passage extending from an inside air suction port to a foot opening portion and a second air passage extending from an outside air suction port is disposed at a side of the first air passage to detect a temperature of air blown out from the evaporator disposed in the first air passage and the second air passage. An operation of the compressor for supplying the refrigerant to the evaporator is intermitted by comparing the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the set temperature set in advance, and the set temperature is changed to be higher according to an increase in the temperature of outside air. In this way, it is possible to prevent the frosting of the evaporator in winter season, when the inside air is introduced into the first air passage and the outside air is introduced into the second air passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Yukio Uemura, Kenji Suwa, Kazushi Shikata
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Patent number: 7059151Abstract: Refrigerant system schematics are provided with enhanced humidity and temperature control of the air supplied to an environment to be conditioned. In particular, an economizer cycle is incorporated to be utilized in a combination with a reheat coil. Proposed system configurations enhance system performance characteristics, offer more steps of unloading, especially in the reheat mode of operation, and operate at improved reliability. Additionally, due to the enhanced performance of the economizer cycle, the reheat coil size can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
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Patent number: 7055334Abstract: An indoor air-conditioning unit 10 which can effectively deactivate allergens includes an intake grill 11 for drawing in indoor air. Indoor heat exchangers 13, 14, and 15 exchange heat between air drawn in from the intake grill 11 and a refrigerant to thereby cool or heat the air. A diffuser 16 returns the air which has been heat-exchanged with the indoor heat exchangers 13, 14, 15, back into the room. A cross-flow fan 17 blows air which has been drawn in from the inlet and heat exchanged from the diffuser 16 into the room. An allergen deactivation filter 18 is arranged in an internal space 5 through which the air flows and supports an allergen deactivation enzyme. An enzyme activation device maintains the internal space S in an atmosphere for activating the allergen deactivation enzyme.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Tanaka, Katsuhiro Hashitsume, Seiji Ando, Yuji Nakajima, Susumu Kojima, Kenichi Miyazawa, Hiroshi Kanbara, Takayuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 7051801Abstract: A method for humidifying and controlling the temperature of a process gas stream comprising the steps of super-saturating and heating the process gas stream with steam until it reaches a first pre-set temperature; cooling the process gas stream until it reaches a second pre-set temperature; removing excess condensed water from the process gas stream; and heating the process gas stream until it reaches a third pre-set temperature. An apparatus for implementing this method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Hydrogenics CorporationInventors: Joe Cargnelli, Ravi B. Gopal
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Patent number: 7051539Abstract: A refrigerator freezer having an upper refrigerator compartment and a lower below freezing freezer compartment. The upper compartment can be a convertible compartment selectively operable by the user as an above freezing refrigerator compartment or as a below freezing freezer compartment. The evaporator for supplying refrigerated air is located in the upper compartment along with an auxiliary heater and upper compartment thermostat to control the temperature in the upper compartment. A control discharges an amount of refrigerated air to the upper compartment for refrigerator operation and a larger amount of refrigerated air for freezer operation. The control also energizes the auxiliary heater under control of the upper compartment thermostat during refrigerator operation to assure above freezing temperatures in the upper compartment. A low ambient heater can be provided for the upper compartment for use of the refrigerator freezer in low ambient temperature conditions such as an unheated garage.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Brent A. Junge, Thomas Wesley Arent, Todd Christopher Starr, Brian J. Stewart, Mark Allen Stout, Allan R. Steinkuhl, Duane A. Schmidt, Quynh Hoang, Dan V. Orman, Susan Ridgley Keil, Hairong H. Li
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Patent number: 6986264Abstract: Various refrigerant system schematics incorporate the ability to bypass refrigerant around a condenser, to selectively provide refrigerant of a desired thermodynamic state to downstream system components, including a reheat coil located downstream of the condenser. In addition, the reheat coil may be utilized in combination, or independently from an economizer cycle, that is also incorporated into the system design. The economizer branch can be configured in a sequential or parallel arrangement relative to the reheat coil. Consequently, a wide spectrum of sensible and latent load demands can be satisfied. Furthermore, various schematics provide distinct benefits and flexibility in unloading and temperature and humidity control, also resulting in system performance and reliability enhancement.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
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Patent number: 6966364Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.Inventors: Dikran S. Babikian, Bryan H. Wade
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Patent number: 6941770Abstract: An economizer loop is incorporated into the refrigerant system, which in conjunction with any selected reheat mode of operation, provides augmented performance, improved reliability, and enhanced control in meeting external heat load demands. A refrigerant system includes several features that can be selectively utilized alone or in combination with each other to provide an enhanced control over system cooling and dehumidification capability. In particular, a reheat coil is incorporated into the refrigerant system, and has alternative connection points to the main circuit, positioned both upstream and downstream of a condenser. Also, a flow control device allows a selective bypass around a condenser. In this manner, the refrigerant flowing through the reheat coil can be controlled to provide a desired level of temperature and humidity. Finally, the compressor may include an unloader feature such that additional steps in capacity control can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
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Patent number: 6935421Abstract: An air conditioner includes a compressor for compressing refrigerant, an exterior heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and outside air, an interior heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and air to be blown into the compartment, an ejector for decompressing high-pressure refrigerant, a heater core for heating air using a high-temperature fluid as a heating source, and a fluid-refrigerant heat exchanger that heats the fluid flowing to the heater core using high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor as a heating source. In a dehumidifying and heating operation, refrigerant in the interior heat exchanger absorbs heat from air so that the air is cooled and dehumidified, and the dehumidified and cooled air can be further heated in the heater core by indirectly using the heating source from the high-temperature refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Hirotsugu Takeuchi, Shin Nisida
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Patent number: 6920922Abstract: An air conditioner includes a compressor for compressing refrigerant, an exterior heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and outside air, an interior heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and air to be blown into the compartment, a decompression unit for decompressing high-pressure refrigerant, and a heater that heats air using high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor as a heating source. In a dehumidifying and heating operation, refrigerant in the interior heat exchanger absorbs heat from air so that the air is cooled and dehumidified, and the heater heats air having been dehumidified and cooled by using the heating source, so that low-humidity and high-temperature air is supplied into the compartment. The heater can be disposed to indirectly heat air by heating a fluid flowing through a heater core for heating air, or to directly heat air to be blown into the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventor: Hirotsugu Takeuchi
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Patent number: 6910339Abstract: A system for extracting including a cooled condenser apparatus in contact with the volume of pressurized air being dehumidified, the condensed water being transferred into collection areas by means of capillary attraction; an evaporation chamber in thermal contact with the condenser apparatus having an inlet connected to the collection areas by means of a first valve device and an outlet connected by means of a second valve device to a space wherein the pressure is lower than that of the volume of pressurized air; and a control device for controlling the valve devices in order to carry out a control cycle with a first phase for placing the evaporation chamber under negative pressure in relation to the volume of pressurized air, and a second phase for suctioning the condensed water in the collection areas towards the decompression chamber, until the pressure in the decompression chamber reaches a predefined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Agence Spatiale EuropeenneInventors: Robert Laine, Primo Tamburini
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Patent number: 6883602Abstract: An evaporator unit for use in the air conditioning system of a mass transit vehicle that includes a housing mounted inside the air conditioned section of the vehicle having a return air inlet connected to a supply air outlet by a flow passage. The evaporator coil of the air conditioner is mounted in the flow passage to cool the air moving through the passage. A heater coil is mounted behind the evaporator coil to selectively heat the air moving through the passage. A dehumidifying coil is mounted in front of the evaporator coil that utilizes ambient air to dehumidify the indoor air when the ambient air temperature is at a temperature below that at which the air conditioner cannot reliably operate.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Alan S. Drucker
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Publication number: 20040261429Abstract: A vapor compression system for allowing humidity control includes a plurality of vapor compression circuits including at least one cooling circuit and at least one heat pump operable circuit; the plurality of circuits being adapted to act upon a stream of air whereby a first portion is cooled by the at least one cooling circuit and a second portion is heated by the heat pump operable circuit whereby the stream of air can be dehumidified while maintaining a desired air stream temperature. As a result, such a system can have three modes of operation; cooling, heating and dehumidification with low sensible capacity as well as multiple steps of unloading. Furthermore, system reliability and complexity are improved and operation and control functions are enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Thomas J. Dobmeier, Michael F. Taras
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Patent number: 6705093Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a first circuit having a first compressor and a first condenser; a second circuit having a second compressor and a second condenser; an evaporator communicated with the first circuit and the second circuit for cooling a stream of air to provide a cooled air stream; and an air reheat circuit communicated with the cooled air stream and one circuit of the first circuit and the second circuit for exposing the cooled air stream to heat transfer interaction with refrigerant from the one circuit to control humidity of the air stream. Humidity control is provided in a cost-effective manner, reducing system complexity, improving part- and full-load performance, extending operating range, and enhancing reliability.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael F. Taras, Thomas J. Dobmeier
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Patent number: 6701723Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a vapor compression circuit including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator communicated along refrigerant conveying lines; an evaporator air reheat circuit communicated with the vapor compression circuit for reheating air from the evaporator; and a refrigerant subcooling circuit communicated with the vapor compression circuit for subcooling refrigerant from the condenser, whereby humidity in the air from the evaporator can be controlled while system efficiency is maintained by the refrigerant subcooling circuit. The system further enhances system unloading capability, and part-load operation and reliability are also enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Dobmeier, Michael F. Taras, Ruddy C. Bussjager
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Patent number: 6694756Abstract: A vapor compression system includes at least one vapor compression circuit including a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion device; an evaporator for receiving refrigerant from the vapor compression circuit and adapted to provide a cooled stream of air; an air-reheat heat exchanger positioned to receive the cooled stream of air and communicated with at least one of liquid discharged from the condenser and gas discharged from the compressor or both for reheating the cooled stream of air to a desired temperature; wherein the at least one vapor compression circuit, the evaporator and the air reheat heat exchanger are operable to provide a range of selectable dehumidification rates; and a control system adapted to receive input related to a desired humidity and current humidity-related data and to select an appropriate dehumidification rate from the range based upon the input and the data. A method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael F. Taras, Thomas J. Dobmeier
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Patent number: 6672087Abstract: A vapor compression system including a vapor compression circuit having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator serially connected by refrigerant lines; an air flow path through the evaporator for generating a cooled air stream; a heat exchanger communicated with the cooled air stream and an air reheating medium which is at least one of refrigerant liquid discharge from the condenser and refrigerant gas discharge from the compressor; and a regulating valve for controlling flow rate of the air reheating medium to the heat exchanger. This scheme provides precise and smooth simultaneous temperature and humidity control as well as reduces a number of start/stop cycles and eliminates switching between cooling and dehumidification regimes of operation, which enhances system reliability.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael F. Taras, Thomas J. Dobmeier
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Patent number: 6666040Abstract: A five element refrigeration system whereby heating and cooling functions of the system can be accomplished as in a reverse cycle system without needing to reverse the flow of the liquid through the system. The system comprises a refrigerant compressor, a pair of air side heat exchangers, an air blower to provide circulation for the air side heat exchangers, a pair of water side heat exchangers, and a reservoir to provide cooling water for the water side heat exchangers. The refrigerant compressor increases the pressure of a refrigerant flowing through it, causing it to circulate through the first air side heat exchanger, or a reheat coil. The refrigerant continues to the first water side heat exchanger, which acts as a condenser. In a cooling mode, the refrigerant continues to the second air side heat exchanger, which acts as an evaporator. In a heating mode, the refrigerant continues to the second water side heat exchanger, which acts as an evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Desert Aire Corp.Inventors: Peter Groenewold, Danny Hall, Jr.
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Patent number: 6658874Abstract: An air conditioner controller comprises a supply air duct with an air inlet, an air outlet and a blower. An evaporator is within the duct adjacent to the inlet. A subcooling heat exchanger is within the duct between the evaporator and the outlet. A liquid line feeds coolant from a condenser. The liquid line has a primary outlet coupled to the subcooling heat exchanger and a secondary outlet coupled to a first valve. A coupling line feeds coolant from the subcooling heat exchanger to an evaporator. The coupling line has a second valve adjacent to the subcooling heat exchanger and an intermediate line. A humidistat, under the control of an operator, controls the first and second valve to thereby vary the operating parameters.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Inventor: Richard W. Trent
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Patent number: 6644049Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a space conditioning system having multi-stage cooling and dehumidification capability is provided. The system includes plural refrigeration circuits operable in a cooling mode to provide cooled air to an indoor space. At least one of the refrigeration circuits is also operable in a reheat mode, wherein air is dehumidified by cooling it and then reheating it before it is supplied to the space. A control system is provided for controlling the operation of the refrigeration circuits to satisfy both a demand for cooling and a demand for dehumidification. Depending upon the level of demand for cooling, the system is operated to satisfy the dehumidification demand and the cooling demand simultaneously. However, in response to a higher level of demand for cooling (e.g., a second stage demand, or in some cases, a higher demand), the demand for cooling takes priority over the dehumidification demand.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Lennox Manufacturing Inc.Inventor: Malcolm L. Alford
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Patent number: 6612119Abstract: A refrigeration system with a high percentage of fresh air. The system comprises a supply air duct; an indoor heat exchange coil operably positioned in the supply air duct; a reheat heat exchange coil operably positioned in the supply air duct; an outdoor heat exchange coil; at least one compressor; and an expansion device. The system also comprises refrigeration system tubing connected to and serially arranging the compressor, the outdoor heat exchange coil, the expansion device and the indoor coil into a refrigeration circuit; and reheat tubing connecting the reheat coil to the refrigeration tubing so as to arrange the reheat coil in a parallel circuited arrangement with the outdoor heat exchange coil and in a series circuited arrangement with the compressor, the expansion device and the indoor heat exchange coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: American Standard International Inc.Inventors: David H. Eber, Paul R. Glamm, Dwayne L. Johnson, Walter Earhart, Jr., John F. Klouda, Brian J. Kiel, Dale A. Hulst
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Publication number: 20030131611Abstract: An air conditioner with an ejector includes first and second interior heat exchangers for performing heat-exchange between refrigerant and air to be blown into a compartment. The second interior heat exchanger is disposed at a downstream air side of the first interior heat exchanger, and a decompression valve for decompressing refrigerant in a dehumidifying-heating operation is disposed in a refrigerant passage connecting the first and second interior heat exchangers. In a cooling operation, the first and second interior heat exchanger are used as evaporators. On the other hand, in the dehumidifying-heating operation, refrigerant decompressed in the decompression valve is evaporated in the first interior heat exchanger while bypassing a nozzle of the ejector, and refrigerant is radiated in the second interior heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Hiroshi Oshitani, Hirotsugu Takeuchi
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Patent number: 6591902Abstract: An air conditioning system has a plurality of heat pipes including an input coil at the input end of a chiller for the passage of input air there through and an output coil at the output end of a chiller for the passage of output air there through. Each of the heat pipes has a vapor leg and a liquid leg coupling the vapor coil and liquid coil for the flow of a working fluid there through. At least one back flow abater is in the liquid leg for controlling the back flow of the working fluid within the liquid leg.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Inventor: Richard W. Trent
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Patent number: 6578629Abstract: An air conditioning system comprising a plurality of heat pipes. Each of the heat pipes includes an input coil at the input end of a chiller for the passage of input air there through and an output coil at the output end of a chiller for the passage of output air there through. Each of the heat pipes also having an inlet leg and an outlet leg coupling an associated input coil and output coil for the flow of a working fluid there through. At least one valve for controlling the flow of the coolant within each heat pipes exists. A tube and shell heat exchanger transfers heat from a chiller fluid to an intermediate portion of the heat pipes.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Inventor: Richard W. Trent
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Patent number: 6539731Abstract: A humid gas stream is dehumidified by bringing that stream into contact with the front surface of a hydrophilic capillary condenser layer that captures the water and moves it adjacent the rear surface of the capillary layer. An osmotic layer, such as a semi-permeable membrane, is disposed on the rear surface of the condenser layer, and an osmotic fluid having a low concentration of water therein, is disposed adjacent the osmotic layer. An osmotic driving force, resulting from the water concentration gradient across the osmotic layer, transports the condensed water from the condensing layer through the thickness of the osmotic layer and into an osmotic fluid. The osmotic layer also inhibits the osmotic fluid from flowing into the condenser layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventors: Arthus S. Kesten, Sunita Satyapal, James D. Freihaut, Carol M. Hawk
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Patent number: 6470693Abstract: A gas compressor refrigeration system including a chiller for cooling gas, a separator for separating condensate from the gas, and a reheater for heating the gas. The system also includes a closed refrigerant system which passes a charge of refrigerant in series, through a compression unit, then through the reheater in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with the gas, then through a condenser in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with ambient air, and then through the chiller.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventor: James R. Dickey
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Patent number: 6430951Abstract: The evaporator and the condenser are disposed in a duct. First bypass passage is disposed at the side of the condenser and first air mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Further second bypass passage is formed at the side of the evaporator and second mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Cooling rate at the evaporator and heating rate at the condenser are varied so that air adjusted in proper temperature is generated and discharged from each outlets into a room. An outside heat exchanger is disposed the outside of the duct. Refrigerant flow is randomly switched among the outside heat exchanger, the evaporator and the condenser so that cooling, heating, dehumidifying, dehumidified-heating and defrosting operations are performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kunio Iritani, Shigeo Numazawa, Kenichi Fujiwara, Yasushi Yamanaka, Akira Isaji, Nobunao Suzuki
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Publication number: 20020088239Abstract: The air conditioning system for conditioning of an airflow stream uses a fluid flow system to control operational modes of heating, cooling, freeze protection and defrost. The fluid flow system allows an air conditioning system to operate using a hot fluid source without the need for a gas or oil direct heat air stream heat system. The fluid flow system circulates fluid through a reheat coil and a precooling coil or a bypass conduit thereof depending on the operating mode of the system. Routing of fluid flow is controlled by a hot water control valve and a bypass valve under control of a controls fluid pressure and minimizing formation of gas bubbles in the fluid which condition may degrade system performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2002Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Stanley Goldstein
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Patent number: 6385985Abstract: A conventional air conditioning system has a heat recovery device installed therein such that the return air from the space is passed through a heat gaining portion thereof, and the resupply air passes through a heat rejection portion thereof. Substantially 100% outside air is passed through the heat rejection portion thereof where it is cooled prior to passing through the evaporator coil and to the space to be cooled. After the return air is passed through the heat gaining portion, it is passed through the condenser coil and then discharged outside. A subcooler is preferably provided downstream of the evaporator coil, and an evaporative cooler is preferably placed upstream of the heat gaining portion of the heat recovery device to provide substantially improved cooling and dehumidification characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1996Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Ruddy C. Bussjager, James M. McKallip, Lester N. Miller
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Patent number: 6381970Abstract: A refrigeration system with a high percentage of fresh air. The system comprises a supply air duct; an indoor heat exchange coil operably positioned in the supply air duct; a reheat heat exchange coil operably positioned in the supply air duct; an outdoor heat exchange coil; at least one compressor; and an expansion device. The system also comprises refrigeration system tubing connected to and serially arranging the compressor, the outdoor heat exchange coil, the expansion device and the indoor coil into a refrigeration circuit; and reheat tubing connecting the reheat coil to the refrigeration tubing so as to arrange the reheat coil in a parallel circuited arrangement with the outdoor heat exchange coil and in a series circuited arrangement with the compressor, the expansion device and the indoor heat exchange coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: American Standard International Inc.Inventors: David H. Eber, Paul R. Glamm, Dwayne L. Johnson, Walter Earhart, Jr., John F. Klouda, Brian J. Kiel, Dale A. Hulst
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Patent number: 6347527Abstract: An integrated compression based heating/cooling, humidification and mid or high efficiency heat recovery ventilation system is provided. The integrated system is a centralized apparatus that offers a very efficient method for heating/cooling with more winter and summer humidity control plus offering heat recovery ventilation in a structure having a regulated indoor temperature and specific ventilation/energy recovery rate. The heating and cooling section of the apparatus would most commonly be configured as a forced air geothermal or air-to-air heat pump. The heat recovery ventilation section of the apparatus will incorporate a heat recovery chamber complete with a primary passive cross flow heat recovery core. Plus, a secondary refrigeration based high efficiency reversible energy recovery evaporator/condenser coil. The integrated system will also incorporate a humidification system designed to operate during the winter heating season.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Inventors: Louis J. Bailey, Ralph Haan
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Publication number: 20020017107Abstract: An integrated compression based heating/cooling, humidification and mid or high efficiency heat recovery ventilation system is provided. The integrated system is a centralized apparatus that offers a very efficient method for heating/cooling with more winter and summer humidity control plus offering heat recovery ventilation in a structure having a regulated indoor temperature and specific ventilation/energy recovery rate. The heating and cooling section of the apparatus would most commonly be configured as a forced air geothermal or air-to-air heat pump. The heat recovery ventilation section of the apparatus will incorporate a heat recovery chamber complete with a primary passive cross flow heat recovery core. Plus, a secondary refrigeration based high efficiency reversible energy recovery evaporator/condenser coil. The integrated system will also incorporate a humidification system designed to operate during the winter heating season.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 1998Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventors: LOUIS J. BAILEY, RALPH HAAN
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Patent number: 6338254Abstract: An efficient method and system for dehumidifying an environment and refrigerating a second environment with a closed loop refrigeration system consisting of compressing refrigerant with a refrigeration compressor (10) to a high temperature and pressure, condensing the high pressure refrigerant to a liquid at a high temperature, circulating high pressure refrigerant through a heat exchanger (60) which is used to transfer energy from the liquid to an environment which is being air conditioned at a higher efficiency which contains the refrigerated environment (200). The liquid is then evaporated to a gas at a low pressure in a refrigeration evaporator coil (220).Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Altech Controls CorporationInventor: Richard H. Alsenz
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Patent number: 6293123Abstract: During a heating mode, higher-pressure refrigerant having passed through a condenser within an air-conditioning duct is divided into two portions. One portion is depressurized by a first depressurizing device to an intermediate pressure. Heat exchange is performed in a refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchanger between the other portion of the higher-pressure refrigerant having just passed through the condenser and the intermediate-pressure refrigerant having just passed through the first depressurizing device. During the heating mode, the higher-pressure refrigerant cooled in refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchanger 23 is supercooled by a supercooling device within the air-conditioning duct. Then, the supercooled higher-pressure refrigerant is depressurized by a second depressurizing device to a lower pressure, thereby vaporized in an outdoor heat-exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kunio Iritani, Satoshi Itoh
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Patent number: 6260366Abstract: A heat-recycling air conditioner is disclosed, which includes a first loop having a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator and a second loop having a condenser cooling water inlet and an outlet, an auxiliary heat exchanger and a source of cooling water. The cooling water flows to the condenser to absorb the heat from the coolant and then the heated cooling water flows to an auxiliary heat exchanger to add extra heat to the discharge air.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Inventor: Chi-Chuan Pan
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Patent number: 6212900Abstract: The evaporator and the condenser are disposed in a duct. First bypass passage is disposed at the side of the condenser and first air mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Further second bypass passage is formed at the side of the evaporator and second mixing damper rotates to control air bypassing amount. Cooling rate at the evaporator and heating rate at the condenser are varied so that air adjusted in proper temperature is generated and discharged from each outlets into a room. An outside heat exchanger is disposed the outside of the duct. Refrigerant flow is randomly switched among the outside heat exchanger, the evaporator and the condenser so that cooling, heating, dehumidifying, dehumidified-heating and defrosting operations are performed.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Nippendenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Iritani, Shigeo Numazawa, Kenichi Fujiwara, Yasushi Yamanaka, Akira Isaji, Nobunao Suzuki
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Patent number: 6212892Abstract: Described are an air conditioning and heat pump system and methods for conditioning air. The system is provided with valve means, control means, and an auxiliary refrigerant coil in airflow communication with an evaporator. The system operation for cooling and dehumidification air comprises of two separate modes: a cooling mode and a dehumidification mode. In the cooling mode the valve means direct refrigerant to the auxiliary coil a way to absorb heat by refrigerant from conditioning air in the auxiliary coil, and in the dehumidification mode the valve means direct refrigerant to the auxiliary coil a way to reject heat to the air from refrigerant in the auxiliary coil. Thus, refrigerant in the dehumidification mode is subcooled and capacity of the evaporator is increased. In addition, the system is provided with a restrictor to expand refrigerant before the auxiliary coil and to reduce refrigerant evaporating pressure in the evaporator in the dehumidification mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Alexander Pinkus Rafalovich
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Patent number: 6199388Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature and humidity level of a controlled space. The system includes a total energy recovery wheel and a dehumidification wheel in conjunction with a cooler to control the temperature and humidity of air supplied to a controlled space. In a method of controlling temperature and humidity of a controlled space, supply air is cooled and dehumidified by passing it through a rotating total energy recovery wheel. The total energy recovery wheel is cooled and dehumidified by passing exhaust air through it. The supply air is further cooled and dehumidified by passing it through a cooler. The supply air is warmed and further dehumidified by passing it through a rotating dehumidification wheel. The dehumidification wheel is warmed and dehumidified by passing exhaust air through it. During the heating mode, the system functions as an extremely effective total energy recovery device by operating the two wheels in series.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Semco IncorporatedInventor: John C. Fischer, Jr.
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Patent number: 6131653Abstract: An air dehumidifying and conditioning system (20) draws incoming air (32) through a fan (40) and uses heat from the fan (40) and fan motor (48) to heat air discharged from the fan. The system then divides air discharged from the fan into a supply stream (50) and a scavenge stream (52). The supply stream is passed through a pre-cooler (60A) and an air cooler (60) for cooling and dehumidification. If necessary, the scavenge stream is heated with a pre-heater (62A) and a supplemental heater (62). The dehumidified air of the supply stream (50) is then heated by passing through a heat exchanger (80), with the heating by the heat exchanger being accomplished using the scavenge stream (52). Should no heating, cooling, or dehumidifying be required, a bypass stream (54) formed from the scavenge stream (52) is transmitted to the conditioned space.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1996Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Inventor: Donald E. Larsson
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Patent number: 6123147Abstract: A system for controlling the humidity with a residential air conditioning system without compressor or air flow control employs a simple control technique of matching inlet air temperature prior to the refrigeration coils of the air conditioning system to outlet temperature after the refrigeration coil and as raised by a reheat coil supplied with hot water from the residential hot water heater. The system permits heating and cooling cycles and may be retrofit into existing residential units.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1996Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Inventor: Jerry R. Pittman
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Patent number: 6085529Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a precooler and reheater core adjacent a chiller core, first heat transfer passages extending through both cores through which incoming air passes in a first direction, second heat transfer passages extending through the chiller core through which coolant passes in heat exchange relationship with incoming air and perpendicular to the first direction, and third heat transfer passages extending through the precooler and reheater core through which cooled air from the chiller core passes in heat exchange relationship with the incoming air and perpendicular to the first direction. A manifold contiguous with both cores conducts chilled air from the chiller core to the third set of heat transfer passages.Incoming air is chilled in the chiller core and thereafter exchanges heat with the incoming air in the precooler and reheater core to precool the incoming air to form water droplets and to raise the temperature of the chilled air to a usable temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: American Precision Industries Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Galus, David F. Fijas
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Patent number: 6079483Abstract: In a main controller for use in an air conditioner for controlling temperature/humidity of an intaken outside air, a controlling line setter (18) sets each of control lines (J.sub.1 -J.sub.5) on a psychrometric chart table (13), in which an aimed temperature/humidity line (Lo) is formed by connecting an upper limit state point (Ps) and a lower limit state point (Pw) of condition air from each of the outside air state points (G.sub.1 -G.sub.5) to the aimed temperature/humidity line (Lo). The controlling line (J.sub.1 -J.sub.5) is formed by connecting necessary lines selected from a main heating line (H.sub.L) showing the heating operation of a main heater (H), an adiabatic humidifying line (W.sub.L) showing the humidifying operation of an adiabatic humidifying device (W), a cooling line (C.sub.L) showing the cooling operation of a cooler (C) and an auxiliary heating line (RH.sub.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Trinity Industrial CorporationInventors: Hideaki Morooka, Yoshio Suzuki, Naoki Mawatari, Muneo Ueda
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Patent number: 6044653Abstract: An automotive air conditioner which conditions air making use of radiation of heat of a condenser and absorption of heat of an evaporator effectively. The evaporator 207 and the condenser 203 are disposed in a duct 100. A bypass passageway 150 is provided sidewardly of the condenser 203 in the duct 100, and a flow rate of air bypassing the condenser 203 is controlled by pivotal motion of an air mixing damper 154. Another bypass passage is provided sidewardly of the evaporator 207 in the duct 100, and a flow rate of air bypassing the evaporator 207 is controlled by pivotal motion of a bypass damper 159. Air is conditioned to an optimum blown out air temperature by varying the cooling rate at the evaporator 207 and the heating rate at the condenser 203 and is blown out to a room of an automobile from spit holes 141, 142 and 143.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Iritani, Shigeo Numazawa, Kenichi Fujiwara, Yasushi Yamanaka, Akira Isaji, Nobunao Suzuki
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Patent number: 6022200Abstract: There is a cooler fan assembly having a shroud, a fan blade and motor to produce an air flow, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger cools compressed air; the second heat exchanger cools a coolant. The shroud defines an air passageway. The air passageway directs an air flow produced by the fan blade and motor in a path having a direction going into an inlet portal of the shroud and out of a discharge portal of the shroud. The first heat exchanger is coupled to the shroud and is in the path of the air flow. The second heat exchanger is coupled to the shroud and is in the path of the air flow. The fan blade and motor is completely disposed within the shroud.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Gardner Denver Machinery, Inc.Inventor: Wayne K. Myers