Abstract: A method of analyzing and controlling a refrigeration system (1) including at least one compressor (4), at least one condenser (5) and at least two refrigeration entities (2), each having at least one evaporator (9), includes preventing or reducing evaporator synchronization. Based on information received from the evaporator valve control units by a central control unit (9), it is determined whether or not two or more evaporators (9) are running in a synchronized manner and the refrigeration system (1) is controlled in order to desynchronize the evaporators (9) when two or more evaporators (9) are running in a synchronized manner.

Abstract: A superheat sensor (1) for sensing superheat of a fluid flowing in a flow channel (3) is disclosed. The sensor (1) comprises a flexible wall defining an interface between an inner cavity (5) having a charge fluid (6) arranged therein and the flow channel (3). The flexible wall is arranged in the flow channel (3) in thermal contact with the fluid flowing therein, and the flexible wall is adapted to conduct heat between the flow channel (3) and the inner cavity (5). Thereby the temperature of the charge fluid (6) adapts to the temperature of the fluid flowing in the flow channel (3), and the pressure in the inner cavity (5) is determined by this temperature. A first wall part (7, 14) and a second wall part (9, 16) are arranged at a variable distance from each other, said distance being defined by a differential pressure between the pressure of the charge fluid (6) and the pressure of the fluid flowing in the flow channel (3), i.e.

Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigerant distribution in a vapour compression system, such as a refrigeration system, e.g. an air condition system, comprising at least two evaporators. The refrigerant distribution determines the distribution of the available amount of refrigerant among the evaporators. While monitoring a superheat, SH, at a common outlet for the evaporators, the distribution of refrigerant is modified in such a manner that a mass flow of refrigerant to a first evaporator is altered in a controlled manner. The impact on the monitored SH is then observed, and this is used for deriving information relating to the behaviour of the first evaporator, in the form of a control parameter. This is repeated for each evaporator, and the refrigerant distribution is adjusted on the basis of the control parameters. The impact may be in the form of a significant change in SH.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for controlling floor heating or climate regulating systems with long time constants. According to the invention, a flow of a fluid is provided through the floor or through a similar medium with large thermal inertia. An induced heat is determined by adding up a plurality of differences between an inlet temperature of the fluid when it enters the medium and an outlet temperature of the fluid when it leaves the medium. The temperatures are sampled with a fixed sampling time and within a fixed period of time, and a corresponding change in temperature of the medium over the fixed period of time is determined. In the future, the temperature of that medium is controlled by use of a ratio between the induced heat and the change in temperature.

Abstract: An expansion valve (16) for a vapour compression system (1) and a vapour compression system (1) are disclosed. The expansion valve (16) comprises a first valve member (17), a second valve member (20) and a third valve member (21), said valve members (17, 20, 21) being arranged in such a manner that relative movements at least between the first valve member (17) and the second valve member (20), and between the first valve member (17) and the third valve member (21) are possible. The expansion valve (16) is switchable between a first state in which an opening degree of the expansion valve (16) is determined by the relative position of the first valve member (17) and the second valve member (20), and a second state in which an opening degree of the expansion valve (16) is determined by the relative position of the first valve member (17) and the third valve member (21).

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for controlling floor heating or climate regulating systems with long time constants. According to the invention, a flow of a fluid is provided through the floor or through a similar medium with large thermal inertia. An induced heat is determined by adding up a plurality of differences between an inlet temperature of the fluid when it enters the medium and an outlet temperature of the fluid when it leaves the medium. The temperatures are sampled with a fixed sampling time and within a fixed period of time, and a corresponding change in temperature of the medium over the fixed period of time is determined. In the future, the temperature of that medium is controlled by use of a ratio between the induced heat and the change in temperature.

Abstract: A valve assembly (1) comprising an inlet opening, a distributor and an outlet part comprising at least two outlet openings. The distributor comprises an inlet part (5) fluidly connected to the inlet opening, and is arranged to distribute fluid medium received from the inlet opening to at least two parallel flow paths, preferably of a heat exchanger (3). The valve assembly (1) further comprises a first valve part and a second valve part arranged movable relative to each other in such a manner that the mutual position of the valve parts determines the fluid flow from the inlet opening to each of the outlet openings of the outlet part. Finally, the valve assembly (1) comprises a header (2) forming an integral part of the valve assembly (1).

Abstract: An expansion valve (4) for a vapour compression system (1), and a vapour compression system comprising such an expansion valve (4) are disclosed. The expansion valve (4) comprises a first valve member (7) and a second valve member (8). The first valve member (7) and the second valve member (8) are arranged movably relative to each other, and the relative position of the first valve member (7) and the second valve member (8) determines an opening degree of the expansion valve (4). The first valve member (7) and/or the second valve member (8) is/are automatically movable in response to changes in a differential pressure across the expansion valve (4), the opening degree of the expansion valve (4) thereby being automatically altered in response to changes in the differential pressure across the expansion valve (4). It is ensured that the opening degree of the expansion valve is automatically adjusted to the actual operating conditions, thereby optimising the efficiency of the vapour compression system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a supply of refrigerant to an evaporator (5) of a vapour compression system (1), such as a refrigeration system, an air condition system or a heat pump, is disclosed. The vapour compression system (1) comprises an evaporator (5), a compressor (2), a condenser (3) and an expansion device (4) arranged in a refrigerant circuit. The method comprises the steps of: Actuating a component, such as an expansion valve (4), a fan or a compressor (2), of the vapour compression system (1) in such a manner that a dry zone in the evaporator (5) is changed; measuring a temperature signal representing a temperature of refrigerant leaving the evaporator (5); analysing the measured temperature signal, e.g.

Abstract: An expansion device unit (4) for a vapour compression system (1), and a vapour compression system (1) are disclosed. The expansion device unit (4) comprises an inlet opening (17) arranged to receive fluid medium, at least two outlet openings (18) arranged to deliver fluid medium, a main expanding section (6) adapted to expand fluid medium received via the inlet opening (17) before delivering the fluid medium to the outlet openings (18), and a distribution section (7) arranged to split the fluid flow received via the inlet opening (17) into at least two fluid flows to be delivered via the outlet openings (18). The main expanding section (6) and/or the distribution section (7) is/are arranged to cause pressures in fluid delivered via at least two of the outlet openings (18) to be distinct. The main expanding section (6) is operated on the basis of one or more parameters measured in the fluid flow delivered by one of the outlet openings (18).

Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigeration system with a variable compressor capacity, and at least two refrigeration entities, e.g. display cases, includes controlling suction pressure by either permitting or preventing the flow of refrigerant into the evaporators of one or more refrigeration entities. The method also includes controlling compressor capacity based on a signal derived from one or more properties of the one or more refrigeration entities, said signal reflecting a possible difference between the current compressor capacity and a current refrigeration demand of the refrigeration system. The method reduces wear on compressors by avoiding switching them ON or OFF to the largest extent possible, and also prevents problems relating to conflicting control strategies due to control parameters, e.g. suction pressure, being determined based on two or more controllable parts, e.g. compressors and flow of refrigerant into refrigeration entities.

Abstract: A method for determining wire connections in a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. The vapour compression system comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device (2) and an evaporator (3) being fluidly interconnected in a refrigerant path, and two or more sensor devices (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) arranged for measuring variables which are relevant for the operation of the vapour compression system (1). The method comprises the steps of changing an operational setting, e.g. an opening degree of the expansion device (2) for the vapour compression system (1), monitoring variable values, such as temperatures, being measured by at least two sensor devices (7, 8, 9, 10, 11), e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for controlling floor heating or climate regulating systems with long time constants. According to the invention, a flow of a fluid is provided through the floor or through a similar medium with large thermal inertia. An induced heat is determined by adding up a plurality of differences between an inlet temperature of the fluid when it enters the medium and an outlet temperature of the fluid when it leaves the medium. The temperatures are sampled with a fixed sampling time and within a fixed period of time, and a corresponding change in temperature of the medium over the fixed period of time is determined. In the future, the temperature of that medium is controlled by use of a ratio between the induced heat and the change in temperature.

Abstract: A method for operating a valve comprising a first valve part (1) having at least one opening (2, 5) formed therein and a second valve part (3) having at least one opening (4, 6) formed therein is disclosed. The first (1) and second (3) valve parts are adapted to perform relative movements, the relative position of the opening(s) (2, 5) of the first valve part (1) and the opening(s) (4, 6) of the second valve part (3) defining an opening degree of the valve by means of an overlapping area of an opening (2, 5) of the first valve part (1) and an opening (4, 6) of the second valve part (3).

Abstract: A valve comprising an inlet opening adapted to receive fluid medium and at least two outlet openings, each being fluidly connected to a flow path being arranged fluidly in parallel, is disclosed. The valve comprises a first valve part (1) and a second valve part (3). The first valve part (1) has at least two flow passages (2) formed therein, each flow passage (2) being fluidly connected to one of the outlet openings. The second valve part (3) has at least one primary flow passage (4) and at least one secondary flow passage (5, 6, 7) formed therein, the primary flow passage(s) (4) and the secondary flow passage(s) (5, 6, 7) being fluidly connected to the inlet opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling the climate of an environment, e.g. a house, which exchanges thermal energy with an ambient space. Energy is supplied to the environment e.g. by radiators, floor heating, electrical heating fans etc. According to the method, a numerically expressed comfort criteria, and a numerically expressed weight of importance of compliance with the comfort criterion are defined. Subsequently, a supply of a specific amount of energy is considered, and with respect to that amount, a numerical expression of a degree of compliance with the comfort criterion, and a numerical expression of costs related to the supply of that amount of energy are provided.

Abstract: An expansion valve (1) comprising an inlet opening adapted to receive fluid medium in a liquid state and at least two outlet openings (8), each being adapted to deliver fluid medium in an at least partly gaseous state, is disclosed, e.g. for use in a refrigeration system. The expansion valve (1) further comprises a first valve part (2) having at least two valve seats (3) formed therein, each of the valve seats (3) being fluidly connected to one of the outlet openings (8), a second valve part (4), the first valve part (2) and the second valve part (4) being arranged movably relative to each other, and at least two valve elements (5), each valve element (5) being arranged in such a manner that the valve seats (3) and the valve elements (5) pair-wise form at least two valves. Biasing means, e.g.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting an abnormality of a heat exchanger exchanging heat between a first fluid flow flowing in a conduit and a second fluid flow flowing along a flow path, said conduit and said flow path each having an inlet and an outlet, whereby the method comprises the steps of establishing at least one parameter representative of the temperature conditions of the heat exchanger, establishing a second fluid inlet temperature, establishing a parameter indicative of expected heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the second fluid, processing the heat exchanger temperature, the second fluid temperature and the parameter indicative of expected heat exchange for establishing an estimated second fluid outlet temperature, and employing the estimated second fluid outlet temperature for evaluating the heat exchange between the first and second fluids by comparing the estimated second fluid outlet temperature, or a parameter derived therefrom, with a reference value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system to reduce losses of energy due to ripples, especially at the power grid, the ripples being short term power shortages or excess power. The method is based on the idea of shutting off energy consuming devices during a period of power shortage, if their operation is not necessary, and optionally to turn on such energy consuming devices during periods of excess power, if energy may be stored in them, especially when energy may be stored as some physical parameter or variable, being a part of the operation of the energy consuming devices, such as the temperature of a freezer.

Abstract: A method of analysing a refrigeration system (1) comprising at least one compressor (4), at least one condenser (5) and at least two refrigeration entities (2), each comprising at least one evaporator (9). Based on information relating to the gas production by the evaporators (9) it is determined whether or not two or more evaporators (9) are running in a synchronized manner, i.e. are switching between an active and an inactive state at least substantially simultaneously. In case two or more evaporators (9) are running in a synchronized manner, the refrigeration system (1) may be controlled in order to desynchronize the evaporators (9). This may, e.g., be done by changing a cut-in temperature and/or a cut-out temperature for one of the corresponding refrigeration entities (2). Synchronization causes undesired variations in the suction pressure, and preventing synchronization therefore results in a more appropriate control of the refrigeration system (1). Reduces wear on the compressors (4).