Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel vapor compression refrigeration system, and the methods of making and using the vapor compression refrigeration system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel vapor compression refrigeration system, and the methods of making and using the vapor compression refrigeration system.

Abstract: A heat engine system configured to extract thermal energy from a heat source, convert a first portion of the thermal energy to work using an expansion device, and reject a second portion of the thermal energy to a heat sink. The system utilizes a second fluid to inhibit a temperature drop of the first fluid within the expansion device.

Abstract: A heat engine system configured to extract thermal energy from a heat source, convert a first portion of the thermal energy to work using an expansion device, and reject a second portion of the thermal energy to a heat sink. The system utilizes a second fluid to inhibit a temperature drop of the first fluid within the expansion device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining a charge level of a refrigerant in a vapor-compression cycle system. The method and apparatus monitor the system while the system is operated to ascertain that the system is operating at approximately steady-state. The superheat and the subcooling of the system are then determined at the suction line and at the liquid line, respectively, and the refrigerant charge level is calculated based on the determined subcooling, the determined superheat, and rated operating conditions of the system, including rated refrigerant charge level, rated liquid line subcooling, and rated suction line superheat.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system that can approximate the Ericsson or Brayton cycles and operated in reverse or forward modes to implement a cooler or engine, respectively. The thermodynamic system includes a device for compressing a first fluid stream containing a first gas-liquid mixture having a sufficient liquid content so that compression of the gas within the first gas-liquid mixture by the compressing device is nearly isothermal, and a device for expanding a second fluid stream containing a second gas-liquid mixture having a sufficient liquid content so that expansion of the gas within the second gas-liquid mixture by the expanding device is nearly isothermal. A heat sink is in thermal communication with at least the liquid of the first gas-liquid mixture for transferring heat therefrom, and a heat source is in thermal communication with at least the liquid of the second gas-liquid mixture for transferring heat thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining a charge level of a refrigerant in a vapor-compression cycle system. The method and apparatus monitor the system while the system is operated to ascertain that the system is operating at approximately steady-state. The superheat and the subcooling of the system are then determined at the suction line and at the liquid line, respectively, and the refrigerant charge level is calculated based on the determined subcooling, the determined superheat, and rated operating conditions of the system, including rated refrigerant charge level, rated liquid line subcooling, and rated suction line superheat.

Abstract: An thermal storage system controller implements a near optimal control strategy for minimizing energy and demand costs. A system performance variable is determined and evaluated under a given set of environmental conditions for selecting one of a plurality of control strategies.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved cooling system and method for cooling the air in an enclosed space. The cooling system includes a cooling tower having a plurality of fans arranged to cool a first fluid and a chiller including a condenser thermally coupled to the first fluid, a compressor, and an evaporator. The chiller further includes first conduit means for carrying a refrigerant. A chilled fluid loop including second conduit means circulates a second fluid through the evaporator for cooling the second fluid and is arranged to flow air over the second conduit means and into the enclosed space for cooling the air in the enclosed space. Fan control means controls the speed of the cooling tower fans to minimize the total power consumption of the fan motors and the compressor.