Abstract: Methods and system for operating a thermal storage device of a vehicle system are provided. In one example, a method comprises estimating a temperature of a thermal battery after the battery and coolant included therein have reached thermal equilibrium, and determining a state of charge of the battery based on the estimated temperature and one or more chemical properties of two phase change materials included within the battery. Specifically, the thermal battery may include two phase change materials with different melting points for providing thermal energy to warm coolant in a vehicle coolant system.

Abstract: A free cooling system includes a plurality of free cooling outdoor units each including a heat medium circuit, a controller, and a communication unit, the heat medium circuit being configured by connecting a heat medium pump, a first heat exchanger, and a heat source side of a second heat exchanger by pipes, a heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit, the controller configured to control the heat medium pump, and the communication units performing communication with each other, wherein the plurality of free cooling outdoor units are coupled with each other by a load pipe that allows a load heat medium to flow to or flow out from a load side of each second heat exchanger.

Abstract: Provided are a mixed refrigerant that is non-flammable and capable of reducing the greenhouse effect, and the use thereof. The mixed refrigerant comprises the following components in mass fractions: 10%-30% of R134a, 5%-70% of R1234ze(E), and 18%-65% of R1234yf. The mixed refrigerant of the present invention, in fitting combination with the amount ranges of all the components, makes the refrigerant non-flammable, and the ODP thereof is 0, and the GWP thereof is no greater than 400. The mixed refrigerant can be used in a refrigeration system, has no ozone destructive power, reduces the greenhouse effect, has a lower temperature glide, and belongs to ternary azeotropic or nearly azeotropic refrigerants, which is beneficial to the stable operation of a refrigeration system.

Abstract: A sublimator includes a porous plate having a first surface comprising a low pressure side and a second surface comprising a high pressure side such that refrigerant is configured to move through the porous plate from the high pressure side to the low pressure side. The second surface defines a primary heat transfer surface. The porous plate further includes a plurality of secondary heat transfer surfaces integrally formed on the primary heat transfer surface to facilitate flow and evenly distribute refrigerant across the high pressure side of the porous plate.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a porous plate is provided. The porous plate includes a body having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface and sidewalls extending between respective entireties of the upper surface and the lower surface, the body being formed of porous material, and a metallic coating, which is thermally deposited onto an entirety of the sidewalls to form a high-strength mechanical bond with the entirety of the sidewalls.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a heat source unit apparatus includes air heat exchangers, each includes a plurality of fins arranged at prescribed intervals, heat exchanging pipes penetrating the fins, and bent strips extending at sides and bent in the same direction, and a heat exchange module includes two air heat exchangers, each having the bent strips opposed to those of the other air heat exchanger, the air heat exchangers being inclined such that lower edges are close to each other and upper edges are spaced apart, whereby the heat exchange module is shaped like a letter V as seen from side.

Abstract: An ice-making assembly for a refrigeration appliance includes an ice maker for making ice cubes. An ice cube storage bin receives ice cubes from the ice maker. The ice cube storage bin is maintained at a temperature above the freezing temperature of water. A drain in communication with the ice cube storage bin for receives water melted from ice cubes located in the storage bin. A related refrigeration appliance is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling water in a swimming pool includes a heat exchanger coupled to a return conduit of the pool filtering system. The heat exchanger is buried in the ground at a depth at which the ground temperature is substantially constant year-round thereby providing a passive heat sink for the heat exchanger. Water from the swimming pool is passed to a three-way valve for directing pool water either directly back to the swimming pool or through the heat exchanger for cooling pool water by heat transfer to the ground heat sink before being returned to the pool. A temperature sensor may be disposed within the pool water to control the operation of the valve at a predetermined pool temperature above which pool water is directed through the heat exchanger for cooling.

Abstract: An auxiliary water reservoir system is disclosed for coupling with an ice making apparatus. The auxiliary water reservoir system comprises an auxiliary water reservoir. An auxiliary water supply conduit supplies water to the auxiliary water reservoir. A return conduit couples with the ice making apparatus and positions an excess water within the auxiliary water reservoir. An auxiliary water pump and auxiliary pump conduit positions the water and the excess water from the auxiliary water reservoir to the ice making apparatus. An auxiliary system controller is electronically coupled to a water inlet regulator and a water level sensor for maintaining a water level within the auxiliary water reservoir. The auxiliary water pump propels the water to the ice making apparatus for utilizing the water and the excess water.

Abstract: Provided is an air-conditioning hot-water supply combined system configured such that, in the case where all of load side units perform a cooling operation and a hot water load (heating load) is low during a cooling and heating mixed operation in a cooling cycle, an input of an air conditioning refrigerant block is reduced to increase the COP of the system. An air-conditioning hot-water supply combined system A reduces a target condensing temperature in a heat source unit in the case where a heating load in load side units and a hot water load in a hot water unit are less than a predetermined reference value in a cooling operation cycle state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid cooling circuit for a storage battery with which a motor vehicle of the electric or hybrid type is equipped, comprising a main loop for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, said main loop being connected to elements for cooling the storage battery, and a first bypass connecting the main loop to an air cooling radiator, and a second bypass connecting the main loop to a heat exchanger intended to be connected to an air conditioning system with which the motor vehicle is equipped, so as to cool the heat transfer fluid by means of the radiator and/or the heat exchanger of the air conditioning system. The main loop is connected to the first bypass by way of a first progressive three-way valve, and the main loop is connected to the second bypass by way of a second progressive three-way valve.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus is provided with a heat-source device that supplies a refrigerant, a relay unit that exchanges heat of a heat medium such as water or anti-freezing fluid supplied from the heat-source device in an intermediate heat exchanger and supplies the heat medium, an indoor unit that exchanges heat between a use side heat exchanger through which the heat medium supplied from the relay unit flows and indoor air and performs cooling or heating in the indoor space, a controller that controls operations of the heat-source device, the relay unit and the indoor unit, and a third temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the use side heat exchanger, and if an abnormality in at least one of the heat-source device and the relay unit is detected, the controller continues the operation of the indoor unit while the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor remains within a first predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A cold beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispenser having an ice maker and at least one nozzle for dispensing a beverage formed by multiple components including water. A method of operating the system involves: mounting at least one condensing unit on a frame; interconnecting the condensing unit with a heat exchanger such that coolant exiting the at least one condensing unit follows a flow path through the heat exchanger and back to the at least one condensing unit; connecting a water supply of the beverage dispenser to feed into the heat exchanger for being cooled; and connecting a cooled water outlet of the heat exchanger to a water supply input of the beverage dispenser such that cooled water from the cooled water outlet is used by the beverage dispenser as a component of the beverage dispensed by the nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus for use as a heat pump includes compression chamber means, inlet means for allowing gas to enter the compression chamber means, compression means for compressing gas contained in the compression chamber means, heat exchanger means for receiving thermal energy from gas compressed by the compression means, expansion chamber means for receiving gas after exposure to the heat exchange means, expansion means for expanding gas received in the expansion chamber means, and exhaust means for venting gas from the expansion chamber means after expansion thereof.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system includes a transport refrigeration unit having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant is circulated in heat exchange relationship with air drawn from a cargo box, a fuel-fired engine for powering the refrigeration unit and having an exhaust system through which exhaust gases generated by the engine are discharged and an engine coolant circuit, an engine exhaust gases to engine coolant heat exchanger, and an engine coolant circuit to refrigeration unit heat exchanger.

Abstract: Heat pumps that heat or cool a space and that also heat water, refrigerant management systems for such heat pumps, methods of managing refrigerant charge, and methods for heating and cooling a space and heating water. Various embodiments deliver refrigerant gas to a heat exchanger that is not needed for transferring heat, drive liquid refrigerant out of that heat exchanger, isolate that heat exchanger against additional refrigerant flowing into it, and operate the heat pump while the heat exchanger is isolated. The heat exchanger can be isolated by closing an electronic expansion valve, actuating a refrigerant management valve, or both. Refrigerant charge can be controlled or adjusted by controlling how much liquid refrigerant is driven from the heat exchanger, by letting refrigerant back into the heat exchanger, or both. Heat pumps can be operated in different modes of operation, and segments of refrigerant conduit can be interconnected with various components.

Abstract: A turbo chiller that allows for temperature adjustment even when a target heat load is low is provided. A turbo chiller (11) is equipped with a chiller-side control unit that controls an operation so that a coolant outlet temperature is equal to a desired value. When a target heat load is lower than or equal to a predetermined value, the chiller-side control unit outputs a target coolant flow rate, which satisfies the target heat load, of the coolant on the basis of a current coolant inlet temperature, which is a current temperature of the coolant flowing into an evaporator, and a target coolant outlet temperature, which is a coolant outlet temperature to be targeted.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a bypass duct configured to selectively receive a bypass airflow therethrough in response to a supply air pressure of the HVAC system and a supply air temperature of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing chute, an ice dispensing housing positioned within a refrigerator door cavity and configured to define an ice dispensing cavity through which ice dispensed by the ice dispensing chute passes, a liquid dispensing chute positioned closer to a front surface of a refrigerator door than the ice dispensing housing, and a liquid dispensing actuator positioned on the ice dispensing housing and configured to receive input to inspire dispensing of liquid through the liquid dispensing chute.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a modular fluid-handling system may include an air-handling and mixing unit and a cooling unit. The air-handling and mixing unit may include an air mover plenum and a first mixing plenum. The air mover plenum may have an air mover configured to move air and the air mover plenum may air mover plenum may be configured to be in fluid communication with an outside environment via a first damper and configured to be in fluid communication with a primary structure. The first mixing plenum may be configured to be in fluid communication with the air mover plenum via a second damper and configured to be in fluid communication with the outside environment via a third damper.

Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing chute, an ice dispensing housing positioned within a refrigerator door cavity and configured to define an ice dispensing cavity through which ice dispensed by the ice dispensing chute passes, a liquid dispensing chute positioned closer to a front surface of a refrigerator door than the ice dispensing housing, and a liquid dispensing actuator positioned on the ice dispensing housing and configured to receive input to inspire dispensing of liquid through the liquid dispensing chute.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing heating in a high temperature heat pump comprising condensing a vapor working fluid comprising Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, in a condenser, thereby producing a liquid working fluid. Also disclosed herein is a method of raising the maximum feasible condenser operating temperature in a high temperature heat pump apparatus comprising charging the high temperature heat pump with a working fluid comprising Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene. Also disclosed herein is a composition comprising: (a) Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene; (b) 2-chloropropane; and (c) at least one lubricant suitable for use at a temperature of at least about 150° C.; is wherein the 2-chloropropane is present in an amount effective to form an azeotrope or azeotrope-like combination with the Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene. Also disclosed herein is a high temperature heat pump apparatus containing a working fluid comprising Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling fan-only cooling duration following normal air conditioning operation. Following normal AC cooling, economical fan cooling is used. The duration of the fan cooling period is adjusted based on temperature measurements made during the previous cooling cycle that ended with fan cooling. An expected temperature drop to be provided by fan cooling as well as an expected time to achieve that drop is calculated based on prior measurements. The expected values are then used improve fan cooling for subsequent cooling cycles. In some cases, fan cooling is not initiated unless: (1) a time limit has an elapsed, such that sufficient condensation is allowed to form on the evaporator coil during the first phase, and (2) indoor relative humidity is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system for inlet air of a turbine compressor. The heating and cooling system may include a fluid coil positioned about the turbine compressor and a thermal energy storage tank. The fluid coil and the thermal energy storage tank are in fluid communication such that fluid is both provided to the fluid coil from the thermal energy storage tank for exchanging heat with the inlet air and returned to the thermal energy storage tank without further heat exchange.

Abstract: Provided is a heat source system that includes two heat source devices connected in series to a heat medium and can be efficiently operated. A heat source system (1) reduces the temperature of chilled water that is guided from a cooling load and has a predetermined return temperature Tr, to a predetermined supply temperature Ts, and supplies the chilled water to the cooling load. The heat source system (1) includes: a second centrifugal chiller (TR2) that reduces the temperature of the chilled water from the return temperature Tr to an intermediate temperature T2; a first centrifugal chiller (TR1) that reduces the temperature of the chilled water that has been reduced to the intermediate temperature T2 by the second centrifugal chiller (TR2), to the supply temperature Ts; and a control unit (9) that variably sets the intermediate temperature T2.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank assembly includes a baffle member and a tank assembly. The baffle member includes a generally helical or spiral shaped portion. The baffle member defines a spiral flow path between inlet and outlet openings of the tank assembly. When the baffle member is positioned within the tank and the tank assembly holds a volume of a first liquid, input of a supply of a second liquid at the inlet to the tank assembly forces the first liquid along the spiral flow path and out of the tank assembly exit without substantial mixing of the first and second liquids before substantially all of the first liquid has been dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compressor/turbine arrangement for use in an air conditioning unit of an aircraft air conditioning system comprising a process air supply line which is designed to supply process air generated by a process air source to a compressor. A detection device is designed to detect a characteristic signal for the temperature of the process air flowing through the process air supply line. A turbine is designed to drive the compressor. A cooling device is disposed in a process air line connecting the compressor to the turbine and is designed to cool the process air coming out of the compressor and flowing through the process air line in the direction of the turbine. Downstream of the cooling device a connecting line branches off from the process air line and opens into the process air supply line. A control device is designed to control a process air flow through the connecting line in dependence on the signal detected by the detection device.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for cooling. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention relates to a lightweight, compact, reliable, and efficient cooling system. The subject system can provide heat stress relief to individuals operating under, for example, hazardous conditions, or in elevated temperatures, while wearing protective clothing. The subject invention also relates to a condenser for transferring heat from a refrigerant to an external fluid in thermal contact with the condenser. The subject condenser can have a heat transfer surface and can be designed for an external fluid, such as air, to flow across the heat transfer surface and allow the transfer of heat from heat transfer surface to the external fluid. In a specific embodiment, the flow of the external fluid is parallel to the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: A method of cooling multiple beverage components involves: providing a heat exchanger comprising a plurality of sheets of heat transfer material and at least first and second flow channels defined by surfaces made at least in part by the sheets of heat transfer material; directing a first and second fluid respectively through the first and second flow channels, each of the first and second fluids being selected from the group consisting of non-carbonated water, carbonated water, beverage concentrates and non-concentrated beverages; placing ice in contact with at least one of the sheets of heat transfer material.

Abstract: An air conditioning system (10) using a refrigerant fluid (102) and a cooling liquid, the air conditioning system (10) comprising: a first compartment (22) defining a first air inlet (31) and a first air outlet (33) and a first ventilator (28) for creating a first air flow (35) through the first compartment (22) from the first air inlet (31) to the first air outlet (33); a first heat exchange unit (16) provided in the first compartment (22) for allowing heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid (102) and the first air flow (35) when the refrigerant fluid (102) is circulated through the first heat exchange unit (16); a second heat exchange unit (14) also provided in the first compartment (22) for allowing heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid (102) and the first air flow (35) when the refrigerant fluid (102) is circulated through the second heat exchange unit (14), the second heat exchange unit (14) being provided downstream from the first heat exchange unit (16) relatively to the first air flow (35),

Abstract: A system for controlling a desuperheater includes a first temperature sensor coupled to a refrigerant discharge gas line of a compressor; and a controller operatively coupled to at least the first temperature sensor, the compressor, and the desuperheater. The controller controls the desuperheater based at least in part on temperature data received from the first temperature sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cooling or heating a fluid or a body by means of a vapour compression circuit containing a heat transfer fluid, said circuit being at least partially contained in an enclosure, and the relative humidity of the air in the enclosure being less than or equal to a threshold value H1 which is less than 50%, the flammability of the heat transfer fluid at relative humidity H1 being less than the flammability of the heat transfer fluid at 50% relative humidity. The invention also relates to a cooling or heating installation suited to the implementation of this method. The invention also relates to a method of protection against the risks of fire or explosion in an enclosure containing at least partially a vapour compression circuit containing a heat transfer fluid, as well as a method for reducing the GWP of a transfer fluid. The invention also relates to heat transfer fluids suited to the implementation of the above methods.

Abstract: An ice producing and dispensing machine for delivering ice on demand to a consumer with a housing containing an ice maker having a discharge outlet for discharging ice. An ice bin is disposed below the ice maker having an open top for receiving ice from the ice maker and a bottom opening for discharging ice therefrom; a substantially vertical tube in communication with the bottom opening for receiving discharged ice with an auger or the like in the tube for driving the ice directly vertically in the tube; and a discharge opening in communication with the tube for conveying the ice to the discharge outlet either in a bag or as free ice cubes. Melted water and ice chips from the ice production are recycled and used to cool the water that is fed to the ice maker.

Abstract: Refrigerators, with particular, but not exclusive, application to the storage and transport of vaccines are disclosed. A refrigerator has a payload container (20) within which items can be placed for temperature-controlled storage. The payload container (20) is submerged in a reservoir (21) that contains water. The reservoir has a cooling region containing the payload container and a headspace containing water that is, in use, higher than the payload container. Cooling means, that might include a refrigeration unit (30) having cooling elements (32) or a cold thermal mass can cool waterwithin the headspace. Where there is a refrigeration unit, a power supply, typically solar powered, can act as a source of power for the refrigeration unit. Embodiments may include a freezer compartment close to the cooling elements (32). Alternatively, the cooling region may comprise a pipe manifold within the payload container.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for single or multiple dispensing of beverages from a bulk container in a refrigerator includes a support or receiver for an interchangeable bulk liquid container on the inside of a refrigerated compartment door. A fluid conduit is adapted to be installed into the bulk container inside the refrigerator and extend through the door to a dispensing station accessible by a user from the exterior of the door. A pumping mechanism can be actuated to move liquid from the bulk container through the door to the dispensing station. Upon user choice or exhaustion of liquid from the bulk container, the conduit can be removed from the container, a new container substituted, the conduit reinserted, and a new source of single or multiple dispension is available at the exterior dispensing station of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A method of providing cooling by a cooling system to a computer data center. The method includes providing a plurality of air-and-water radiators and one or more chillers, the chillers each having a first side in fluid communication with a chilled water loop and a second side in communication with a condenser water loop. The method also includes circulating a first portion of return water coming from the computer data center to a first subset of the air-and-water radiators and through the condenser water loop, circulating a second portion of the return water from the computer data center to a second subset of the air-and-water radiators and through the chilled water loop, and circulating the first portion and the second portion of the return water to the computer data center as cooled supply water.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention permit the transfer of heat energy from one process fluid to another in an industrial process without the need for an energy field or centralized energy storage. Preferred embodiments include one or more heat transfer modules that draw heat from one process fluid into circulating refrigerant in an evaporator heat exchanger and supply that heat to a different process fluid in a condenser heat exchanger. In some embodiments, adjustments are made to one or more parameters of one or more process fluids to ensure the desired heat transfer is accomplished with the heat transfer module's compressor operating near optimum efficiency.

Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.

Abstract: A method of providing cooled air to electronic equipment includes capturing heated air from a volume containing electronic equipment, cooling the heated air by more than fifteen degrees Celsius in an air-to-water heat exchanger, and supplying cooling water to the air-to-water heat exchanger at a temperature above a dew point temperature of the heated air.

Abstract: The present application provides a microchannel coil assembly. The microchannel coil assembly may include a frame, a number of microchannel coils positioned within the frame, and a microchannel coil spray system positioned about the frame and the number of microchannel coils.

Abstract: A method for densifying liquid methane is described. The method includes passing the liquid methane through a liquid nitrogen bath, self-pressurizing a container associated with the liquid nitrogen bath through boil off of the liquid nitrogen within the container, and regulating pressure within the liquid nitrogen container to maintain a boiling point of the liquid nitrogen above the triple point temperature of the liquid methane passing through the liquid nitrogen bath.

Abstract: An external heat exchanger is used to transfer heat from a compressor lubricant to an expanded working fluid, thereby cooling the lubricant. The heat exchanger may also be used to sub-cool condensed working fluid with the same flow of expanded working fluid. A horizontal scroll-type compressor includes an intermediate lubricant sump between a main bearing support and a scroll member. A counterweight on the crankshaft can travel through the lubricant in the intermediate sump to splash the lubricant around. A horizontal scroll-type compressor can include multiple machined surfaces that are utilized to precisely center and align components of the compressor.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by a beverage dispenser and a beverage dispensing tower located remote from the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser has a cold plate and the tower has a heat exchanger. To deliver chilled beverage components to and for dispensing by the tower, a closed-loop water circulating circuit extends between and includes a fluid chilling circuit of the cold plate and a heat exchange circuit of the heat exchanger. The closed-loop circuit is fluid coupled to a beverage valve of the tower to deliver chilled water to the valve, and a supply of beverage syrup is fluid coupled to the tower valve through a fluid chilling circuit of the heat exchanger for delivery of chilled syrup to the valve for mixing with chilled water in the dispensing of a beverage from the tower valve.

Abstract: A heating/cooling system includes a closed circuit refrigeration system including an evaporator. Water circulating through a closed water circuit exchanges heat with refrigerant in the evaporator, cooling the water for a cooling application. The water can also be heated by a boiler, and the heated water is used to heat a space. A water pump flows the water through the water circuit. When a current sensing relay detects a power failure, a boiler control algorithm is initiated to “trick” a motor of the compressor into believing the heating/cooling system is operating in a heating mode. Therefore, a compressor failure alarm is not generated. The water pump is powered by a battery pack during the power failure. Water continues to flow through the water circuit, preventing the water from freezing.

Abstract: An active thermal insulation system is disclosed. The system utilizes a cool air source or ambient air below a threshold temperature in conjunction with a phase change material and/or conventional insulation. In a controlled manner, the cooled air or ambient air facilitates the transition of the phase change material from a substantially liquid state to a substantially solid state allowing the solid phase change material to absorb heat. Cooled air or ambient air may be directed to the phase change material via a gap or plenum capable of introducing the cooled air or ambient air adjacent to the phase change material. A fan, blower or air intake device may be used to direct ambient air to the gap or plenum.

Abstract: An air-conditioning method comprises the steps of performing a refrigerator operation using a refrigerator to which cooling water cooled in a plurality of cooling towers is supplied as a cold heat source, and performing a free cooling operation using at least some of the plurality of cooling towers as a cold heat source, wherein at a time of the free cooling operation, the number of the cooling towers which are operated is controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for cooling a dispensed beverage. Direct cooling of the beverage is achieved by circulation of a refrigerant in contact with a reservoir that holds the beverage just prior to being dispensed. The reservoir is disposed within a dispense font. The open space within the font acts as an evaporator of a closed refrigeration loop thereby achieving cooling without having to use a separate heat transfer loop. A refrigeration subsystem is mounted directly adjacent the dispense font to provide a controlled flow of refrigerant to the open space within the font. Evaporated refrigerant is recycled in the refrigeration subsystem.

Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.

Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring or transporting water from a water source to a consumer can be used and performed while maintaining water quality. Containers housing or transporting the water maintain the water in an essentially liquid state at a low temperature. Consumers are connected to the water supply through taps in a larger system.