Abstract: The primary invention is to cool a water vapor cryopump using a Gas Balanced Brayton cycle refrigerator. The refrigerator is comprised of a compressor, a gas balanced reciprocating engine and a counterflow heat exchanger. It is connected to the cryopump through insulated transfer lines. Options include a gas storage volume with valves that can adjust system pressures, a variable speed engine, gas lines between the compressor and cryopanel that by-pass the engine, and a gas line that by-passes the heat exchanger. This system can cool down and warm up rapidly, rapidly warm and cool the cryopanel without warming the engine, and reduce power input when the cryopanel heat load is reduced.

Abstract: A magnetic field generator (G1) for a magnetocaloric thermal device which comprises first (SM11) and second (SM21) identical magnetizing structures mounted head-to-tail, on either side of a central plane (P) and defining two air gaps (E1, E2). Each magnetizing structure (SMM11, SM12) comprises first (AM1) and second (AM2) magnetizing assemblies, whose induction vectors are oriented in opposite directions, and mounted on a support (SUP1). Each magnetizing assembly (AM1, AM2) has a permanent magnet structure (API, APC) which comprises a passive side (FP1, FP2) and an active side (FA1, FA2), delimiting the air gaps (E1, E2). The induction vectors of the first (AM1, AM19) and the second (AM2, AM29) magnetizing assemblies, form inside the generator, a single circulation loop of a magnetic field through the supports (SUP1) and the air gaps (E1, E2, E3, E4).

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of plate-shaped fins arranged at intervals such that air flows between adjacent fins, each of the fins having insertion holes and a plurality of flat tubes extending through the fins such that a refrigerant flows through the tubes in a stacking direction of the fins, each flat tube having a cross-section having straight long sides and half-round short sides, each flat tube having long-side outer circumferential surface parts and a short-side outer circumferential surface part in contact with the fin and covered with the brazing filler metal. The fins and the flat tubes are joined with the brazing filler metal covering the outer circumferential surfaces of the flat tubes such that top part of each fin collar of each fin is in contact with the flat tube and base part of the fin collar is spaced apart from the flat tube.

Abstract: A low temperature cooling and dehumidification system uses a reverse airflow arrangement to defrost a frosted cooling coil while not interrupting operation. Automatic air dampers are used to reverse the airflow at the proper time to initiate defrost of that section of frosted cooling coil. This system is useful for low temperature cooling and dehumidification in situations where the inlet air is above freezing, however exiting air below freezing can be supplied if desired. It is advantageous for operation if the coolant flow and temperature internal to the cooling coil are regulated to create the conditions for frost formation to begin closer to the air leaving side of the active cooling coil. The dehumidified generated condensate can be collected and used as grey water and/or potable water.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving generation of vacuum for a vehicle are disclosed. In one example, an air conditioning compressor bypass valve is selectively activated to improve generation of vacuum by an engine. The systems and methods may reduce the possibility of compressor clutch degradation.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes energy-saving operation unit that performs a control for performing a power saving operation, time measurement unit that measures an operation time of energy-saving operation unit, and energy-saving operation rate calculation unit that calculates an energy-saving operation rate based on the operation time measured by time measurement unit. The refrigerator further includes an energy-saving operation rate storage unit that stores the energy-saving operation rate calculated by energy-saving operation rate calculation unit.

Abstract: A sealed compressor includes a centrifugal impeller above a rotor to synchronously rotate. A refrigerant rises through a rotor air hole, flows in an upper space, and flows out from a discharge pipe. The centrifugal impeller includes an oil separation plate on the rotor, and plural vanes standing on the oil separation plate, and forms inter-vane flow passages between adjacent vanes, and a vane inner flow passage that guides refrigerant from the rotor air hole to inner entrances of the inter-vane flow passages. Outer exits of the inter-vane flow passages are disposed along an entire circumference, and refrigerant increased in pressure while passing through the inter-vane flow passages flows out from the outer exits to the upper space. The oil separation plate closes a short-circuit passage through which the refrigerant directly flows from the vane inner flow passages to the discharge pipe without passing through the inter-vane flow passages.

Abstract: A heat pump is provided that uses multiple stages of MCMs to cause heat transfer between a heat receiving end and a heat transmitting end. Thermal blocks are placed along the direction of heat transfer at locations in the heat pump that preclude the transfer of heat in a direction from the heat transmitting end towards the heat receiving end. The heat pump can be, for example, part of a refrigeration loop or can be connected directly with the object for which heating or cooling is desired. An appliance incorporating such a heat pump is also provided.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a system for fast and accurate filling of a two-phase cooling device, comprising a binding device (30) intended to be hermetically mounted onto the cooling device, the binding device (30) comprising a through-hole (32) able to be in fluid contact with the cooling device, said through-hole (32) being extending between a lower surface adapted to the cooling device's surface, and an essentially plane upper surface, the binding device (30) further comprising a gripping head essentially level with said upper surface, allowing for a filling tool (400) to be put in hermetic contact with said upper surface. In a preferred embodiment, the through-hole (32) can be hermetically sealed by forced insertion of a pin-shaped plug (33). The invention also relates to the filling tool (400) to be used in combination with the binding device (30), allowing gas removal from the cooling device, filling of a working fluid, and hermetic sealing of the cooling device.

Abstract: Provided is an air heat exchanger capable of preventing an increase in ventilation resistance and a decrease in heat exchange efficiency due to condensation water generated on surfaces of heat transfer fins, without increasing thermal resistance of flat tubes and the heat transfer fins, and preventing scattering of water droplets downwind from the heat transfer fins. In the air heat exchanger including a plurality of flat tubes 2 and heat transfer fins 5 provided between the flat tubes 2 and on which air is blown, the flat tubes 2 include water draining grooves 4 on side surfaces on which the heat transfer fins 5 are provided and the heat transfer fins 5 include water guiding grooves 6 communicating with the water draining grooves 4. At least a groove wall 40 on the upwind side of an air blowing direction 10 among groove walls forming the water guiding grooves 6 is provided from a position of the upwind side from the water draining grooves 4 to the water draining grooves 4.

Abstract: Provided is a method for selecting a lubricant and a refrigerant for use in a vapor-compression refrigeration device such that the combination of the lubricant and refrigerant produces a fluid system having a lubricant-rich phase and a refrigerant-rich phase, yet exhibits miscible-type properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly chilling or heating a container of liquid is provided. The method may include angularly oscillating the container in the presence of a coolant to impart inertial flow to the liquid contained in the container. Various devices for achieving accelerated cooling of liquids are disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetocaloric heat generator (1) which comprises at least one magnetocaloric unit (21) provided with at least one magnetocaloric material (3) in thermal contact with a heat transfer fluid (F) and at least one magnetic unit (41) capable of subjecting the magnetocaloric material (3) to a variable magnetic field. This generator (1) is characterized in that each unit (21, 41) has a modular configuration and comprises at least one fitting form (E1, E2, E3) which facilitates assembly with another unit (41, 21), along a same median axis (M), which is provided with a complementary fitting form (E1, E2, E3).

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage chamber having an opening; a drawer type door to open or close the opening; a display positioned at the drawer type door; a first connector provided at a sidewall of the storage chamber; a second connector provided at the drawer type door and being electrically connected to the display; a first frame coupled to an inner wall of the storage chamber, the first frame to cover the first connector; a second frame coupled to the drawer type door, the second frame to support a storage box; and a wire electrically connected between the first connector and the second connector. The first frame has a first accommodating part to accommodate one portion of the wire and the second frame has a second accommodating part to accommodate another portion of the wire.

Abstract: An indirect evaporative cooler for cooling inlet supply air from a first temperature to a second, lower temperature using a stream of liquid coolant and a stream of exhaust or purge air. The cooler includes a first flow channel for inlet supply air and a second flow channel adjacent the first for exhaust air. The first and second flow channels are defined in part by sheets of a membrane permeable to water vapor such that mass is transferred as a vapor through the membrane from the inlet supply air to a contained liquid desiccant for dehumidification and also to the exhaust air as heat is transferred from the inlet supply air to the liquid coolant. A separation wall divides the liquid desiccant and the coolant but allows heat to be transferred from the supply air to the coolant which releases water vapor to the counter or cross flowing exhaust air.

Abstract: A container or vial for the cryopreservation and/or vitrification and storage of a biological sample, including cellular samples and embryos is described. The container comprises a sealable closure that isolates a biological sample held in the container lumen from the external environment and is suitable for storage of the sample in liquid nitrogen. Methods for introducing and sealing biological samples within the container for cryopreservation and/or vitrification and storage are also described.

Abstract: A thermoelectrically cooled system and method is disclosed, which includes a thermoelectrically cooled sleeve, which is configured to hold one or more cylindrical cans of a retail product. The thermoelectrically cooled sleeve includes an outer cylindrical body, an inner cylindrical body, a thermoelectric element located between the outer cylindrical body and the inner cylindrical body, and at least one pair of electrical leads attachable to the thermoelectrically cooled sleeve, and upon application of a source of electrical power to the pair of electrical leads heat moves through the thermoelectric element from the inner cylindrical body to the outer cylindrical body of the thermoelectrically cooled sleeve.

Abstract: An evaporator having a phase change material clam shell housing is provided. The evaporator includes an upper manifold, a plurality of refrigerant tubes extending from the manifold, and a louvered clam shell housing defining a chamber for storing a phase change material. The louvered clam shell housing is disposed between and in thermal communication with the upper portion of two adjacent refrigerant tubes. The louvered clam shell housing is formed of two clam shell plates, each having louvers defined by slats folded into the phase change chamber. The folded slats define louver openings in the clam shell housing enabling the phase change material to make direct contact with the adjacent refrigerant tubes, thereby improving thermal communication between the refrigerant flowing in the tubes and the phase change material in the clam shell housing.

Abstract: A system and method for recycling non-reusable refrigerant transport containers. At least one intact refrigerant transport container is received into a sealed chamber. The refrigerant transport container is punctured to release residual refrigerant, which is removed and compressed. The container is shredded and/or compacted. A refrigerant transport container deposit program is provided, comprising: encoding a deposit container prior to use; receiving the encoded spent container and releasing the imposed deposit; automatically removing residual refrigerant from the spent container; and recycling materials from the refrigerant transport container. A database storing a record relating to the encoded refrigerant transport containers may be employed for tracking.

Abstract: An electronic expansion valve includes a valve body, a valve seat, and a stepping motor. A valve portion is formed at a forward end of the valve body. The valve seat forms a variable throttle portion between the valve portion and the valve seat by allowing the valve body to move in an axial direction. The stepping motor moves the valve portion in accordance with a pulse number. At least one part of a side surface of the valve portion is shaped so that an opening degree ratio becomes constant.