Abstract: A heat extraction or reclamation system particularly adapted to recover otherwise rejected heat from the refrigerant gas flowing through air conditioning and refrigerating systems includes a counter-flow heat exchanger for transferring heat to a medium such as water, the heat exchanger being installed in the tubing upstream of the conventional condenser. The heat extraction system has a pump for circulating water or other medium to be heated, located on one side of the heat exchanger. Hot refrigerant gas, the so-called superheated gas flowing from the compressor of the air conditioning or refrigerating system, is circulated through the other side of the heat exchanger. The pump flow rate and the heat transfer area between the refrigerant gas and the water or other medium are chosen to ensure that the refrigerant gas outlet quality remains within limits which ensure flow continuity in operation. Refrigerant gas leaving the system will contain some liquid in the form of droplets or a small stream.

Abstract: Apparatus responsive to leaks occurring in a heat exchanger between a first tubular passageway which transports a heat transfer fluid at a relatively low pressure and a surrounding concentrically second tubular passageway which transports a refrigerant at a relatively higher pressure and including a sensor positioned to respond to the occurrence of a leak permitting the refrigerant to pass into the first passageway, a relay which is actuated by the sensor upon detection of a leak, and a plurality of valves which may be selectively actuated to interrupt the flow of either or both fluids through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat extraction or reclamation system particularly adapted to recover otherwise rejected heat from the refrigerant gas flowing through air conditioning and refrigerating systems includes a counter-flow heat exchanger for transferring heat to a medium such as water, the heat exchanger being installed in the tubing upstream of the conventional condenser. The heat extraction system has a pump for circulating water or other medium to be heated, located on one side of the heat exchanger. Hot refrigerant gas, the so-called superheated gas flowing from the compressor of the air conditioning or refrigerating system, is circulated through the other side of the heat exchanger. The pump flow rate and the heat transfer area between the refrigerant gas and the water or other medium are chosen to ensure that the refrigerant gas outlet quality remains within limits which ensure flow continuity in operation. Refrigerant gas leaving the system will contain some liquid in the form of droplets or a small stream.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus of the reversible heat pump type includes a booster heat exchanger for the refrigerant gas. The booster heat exchanger receives refrigerant from or in parallel with the evaporator or outdoor coil during the heating mode of operation and adds additional superheat to the gas by exposing it to convective or radiant ambient heat, or both. A temperature sensitive valve controls flow through the booster heat exchanger to the compressor of the apparatus, to prevent compressor damage due to excessive suction temperature. The booster is automatically shunted out of the refrigerant flow line when the apparatus is operating in the cooling mode, to control the load on the compressor and ensure proper operation during cooling. Substantial increases in operating efficiency are obtained.