Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling one or more electrically powered devices. A control for a temperature conditioning system is shown which is operative to monitor the electrical current supplied to component devices, i.e., compressors, auxiliary heating elements, indoor fan, and outdoor fan; and to cause an indicator means to indicate that one or more of the devices has failed to operate in a manner consistent with the controlled status of the system. If a failure is detected, control means are operative to lock out one or more of the devices from operation.

Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly for controlling air flow through a fan. A plurality of shafts are mounted extending radially inward of an inlet cone, and are affixed to a hub positioned at the center of the cone and concentric thereto. Rotatably mounted on each shaft is an adjustable inlet vane, having a crank arm extending from its root end. Cam follower bearings are used to rotatably mount a ring on the hub. The ring is connected to each of the crank arms by a link having a ball and socket joint at each end. Rotation of the ring thereby causes the inlet vanes to rotate about their supporting shafts without binding.

Abstract: A refrigeration circuit is disclosed which is operable in each of four distinct modes for the heating or cooling of a space, the production of a heated liquid, or the simultaneous cooling of a space and production of heated liquid. The circuit includes compressor means; indoor, outdoor, and liquid heat exchange means; along with vapor conduit means including first valve means and liquid conduit means including second valve means so as to afford selective operation of the circuit in any one of the aforementioned modes. A significant feature of the invention lies in the fact that, during operation in any particular mode, the inactive heat exchange means of the circuit is vented to the suction side of the compressor means so as to afford proper refrigerant charge control within the circuit. Control means are further disclosed which sense the load imposed upon the compressor means and prevent overloading thereof during operation in a water heating mode.

Abstract: A method for joining two plate type heat exchanger core sections, previously brazed individually in intimate heat conducting relationship. The surfaces of the two heat exchanger core sections to be joined are non-planar as a result of brazing. In the method, the two core sections are stacked with their non-planar surfaces to be joined facing toward each other with an interposed layer comprising deformable metallic members. The deformable metallic members are subjected to a shear force causing them to be displaced to conform to the non-planar surfaces, substantially increasing the area over which they are in contact with these surfaces and thereby substantially increasing the heat conduction between the core sections. Closing members are thereafter inserted around the perimeter of the intermodular layer and joined to the heat exchanger core sections with a gas metal arc welding bead.

Abstract: Pressurized control signal apparatus is disclosed, which being supplied with air from a source of variable pressure, is operative to produce a control signal essentially independent of variations in the supply pressure. In one aspect of the invention, the control signal is amplified in volume of flow; in another, it is generated in response to temperature. The apparatus is specifically adapted to effect regulation of air flow in a variable air volume (VAV) temperature conditioning system in response to temperature in a conditioned zone, wherein the supply air for the apparatus is derived from a temperature conditioned air distribution duct of the VAV system.

Abstract: A plate type heat exchanger is disclosed having flow passages extending beyond the area of heat transfer on at least one end. The extending ends of the flow passages serve as sacrificial inlets for flow of one of two fluids through the heat exchanger so that any leak resulting from flow erosion or from corrosion in the extending flow passages does not result in mixing of the two fluids.

Abstract: An air cooled heat exchanger provided with water distribution means for wetting the surfaces of air flow passages with a thin film of water, which by evaporation enhances the cooling of a fluid. The fluid flows through the heat exchanger in passages arranged in generally parallel, spaced apart layers. A series of metallic fin sheets, extending between the layers, maintain the separation between the layers and define a plurality of air passages. Water is distributed into the air passages as a liquid through slot means disposed on the edge of the layers, at the side where the air stream enters the heat exchanger. The air stream causes the water to spread in a thin film over the surfaces of the air passages, resulting in improved cooling of the fluid by evaporation of the water. Provision is made for collecting any excess water at the side of the heat exchanger where the air stream exits.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling and selectively setting back the comfort condition, such as temperature, within a conditioned zone utilizing a system which includes both preferred and back-up conditioning means, the former exhibiting more favorable energy consumption characteristics than the latter. The system is operable in both a normal mode, and in an economy mode during which the comfort condition is permitted to degrade toward an economy level during a setback period of predetermined duration. Selective operation of the preferred and back-up conditioning means is effected in order to minimize energy consumption during both modes and especially during the time that the comfort condition is restored to the normal level from the economy level. In a preferred embodiment, the preferred conditioning means comprise an electrically operated heat pump of the vapor compression type and the back-up conditioning means comprise electrical resistance-type heating means.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is disclosed in which the air conditioning capacity is stepped to a lower level upon reduced sensible air conditioning demand. The stepped reduction involves both a stepped reduction of blower capacity and a stepped change of the heat exchange fluid flow at the heat exchanger modifying the temperature of the air. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A plate type heat exchanger is shown in which liquid and vaporous phases of a heat exchange fluid are separately distributed uniformly across the width of a heat exchanger and after mixing, flow therethrough in heat exchange relationship with a feed fluid. Crossover means are disposed in the metallic plates separating adjacent passages in which the fluid and vaporous heat exchange fluids flow and are operative to provide fluid communication between the adjacent passages so that the two phases of heat exchange fluid may mix. Slotted metallic bars provide structural support to the metallic plates in the proximity of the crossover means and restrict the flow of one of the liquid and vaporous fluids through the crossover means.In one embodiment of the invention, the rate of flow of one of the heat exchange fluids through the heat exchanger is continuously adjustable over a limited range by metering control means; in another embodiment, it is controlled in discrete steps.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an electronically controlled apparatus for accurately charging and/or venting refrigerant for an air conditioning system having an air cooled condenser and capillary tube control. The system includes means for stabilizing the sensed pressure values, means for rapidly charging a refrigeration system having a gross undercharge, means for automatically terminating the operation of the charge adjuster and means utilizing condenser heat to increase the speed at which refrigerant may be added to the refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: A temperature control is disclosed for a variable volume air conditioning system of the type wherein electric motor-operated air valve means are provided for varying the volume of relatively warm or relatively cool conditioned air supplied to a conditioned zone. The control includes zone thermostat means for sensing the temperature within a conditioned zone, determining the deviation between a set-point temperature and the zone temperature, and for producing an electrical error signal having a magnitude which varies in a predetermined relationship with respect to said deviation in temperature. Valve motor control circuit means receive the error signal and are operative to energize electric motor-operated air valve means in response thereto so as to vary the volume of conditioned air being supplied to said conditioned zone in a sense to restore the zone temperature to the set-point temperature.

Abstract: An economizer is disclosed having a plurality of stages for flash cooling refrigerant liquid for use in a refrigeration system. The refrigerant liquid is cooled by evaporation of a portion of the liquid as it passes through throttling means into chambers of successively lower pressure. Sump means are provided to collect the refrigerant liquid flowing between the chambers. As the refrigerant enters each chamber, it is deflected by distribution means, thereby effecting more efficient separation of the flashed refrigerant vapor from the resulting liquid spray.

Abstract: Pressurized control signal apparatus is disclosed, which being supplied with air from a source of variable pressure, is operative to produce a control signal essentially independent of variations in the supply pressure. In one aspect of the invention, the control signal is amplified in volume of flow; in another, it is generated in response to temperature. The apparatus is specifically adapted to effect regulation of air flow in a variable air volume (VAV) temperature conditioning system in response to temperature in a conditioned zone, wherein the supply air for the apparatus is derived from a temperature conditioned air distribution duct of the VAV system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for absorbing a subject vapor in an absorbent liquid wherein an additive is provided which exists in at least a vapor phase concurrently with the subject vapor, which additive is effective to reduce the surface tension of the absorbent liquid upon contact therewith. A heat transfer member is provided having a first surface over which absorbent liquid is passed such that a film is formed thereon, and a second surface over which a heat transfer fluid is passed in order to remove heat from the absorption process. Means are provided associated with the first surface of the heat transfer member for promoting interfacial turbulence between the film of absorbent liquid and the subject vapor such that a series of preferential absorption sites is established along the first surface.

Abstract: An air cooled centrifugal water chiller is disclosed which may be operable (1) under conditions of low outdoor ambient temperature, requiring flooding of the air cooled condenser in order to reduce its capacity and maintain proper system operation; or (2) in a heat recovery mode through the provision of a liquid cooled heat recovery condenser which thereby accommodates a portion of or all the condensing load, also requiring reduction in the capacity of the air cooled condenser through flooding. In order to provide sufficient refrigerant within the system to accommodate flooding under the conditions enumerated above, a refrigerant storage vessel is provided in communication with the shell of the evaporator of the system for receiving and storing excess liquid refrigerant during those operating conditions when it is not required in order to flood the air cooled condenser.

Abstract: A refrigeration system is disclosed which includes evaporator means of the type for producing chilled liquid and wherein a compressor of the centrifugal type is provided for compressing refrigerant which has been vaporized in the evaporator means. Both air cooled and liquid cooled condenser means are connected in parallel flow relationship to the compressor, whereby the heat of condensation and compression may be rejected either to a source of ambient air or recovered through heat exchange with a source of liquid, whereby a heated liquid is produced for use as desired.

Abstract: A hermetic compressor assembly is disclosed wherein a motor-compressor unit is supported in a hermetically sealed chamber so as to permit at least limited rotation thereof about an axis which may coincide with the axis of the drive shaft of the compressor. In order to limit such rotation, at least a first leaf spring member is provided affixed to one of the interior wall of the chamber and the motor-compressor unit, which member cooperates with abutment means affixed to the other of said interior wall and motor compressor unit whereby, upon rotation of the motor-compressor unit about said axis, engagement between the abutment means and the leaf spring member results in deflection thereof so as to limit such rotation.

Abstract: An air cooled centrifugal liquid chiller is disclosed which includes an air cooled condenser exposed to ambient conditions such that, during those times when the temperature of the ambient is at a relatively low level and the chiller is inoperative, refrigerant will tend to migrate to and condense in the air cooled condenser. If this accumulated condensed refrigerant is permitted to then flow by gravity to the evaporator of the chiller, the heat exchange liquid within the tubes thereof may freeze, causing possible damage. In order to prevent this occurrence, the conduit means connecting the air cooled condenser to the evaporator are provided with a trap portion disposed at a level above the maximum level of condensed refrigerant accumulation within the air cooled condenser, which trap portion is vented to a point in the air cooled condenser above said maximum level.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for cooling a process gas stream having a temperature in the range from about 400.degree. F. and 3000.degree. F. and absorbing gaseous contaminants therefrom wherein contact is effected between said process gas stream and respective quench and absorbent liquids in order to provide said cooling and absorbing functions. The flow rates of the process gas stream, quench liquid, and/or absorbent liquid are subject to substantial variations due to operating conditions related to the process gas source or to the provision for contaminant recovery, requiring absorbent liquid of a desired concentration. In practice, the process gas stream may be that discharged from a waste product incinerator containing not only products of combustion but also the aforesaid gaseous contaminants.