Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for an exhaust gas treatment system. In one example, a system includes an exhaust gas treatment device and a wire wrapped around an exterior circumference of the exhaust gas treatment device. Continuity of the wire is monitored such that degradation of the wire due to degradation of the exhaust gas treatment device is indicated.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention an exhaust gas after treatment system for an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust gas conduit configured to transport exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to exhaust treatment devices of the exhaust gas treatment system. A controller in signal communication with the exhaust gas aftertreatment system is configured to monitor the temperature of a selective catalytic reduction device, wherein the controller is operable to move a valve assembly to an open position when the selective catalytic reduction device is at or above an operating temperature and to move the valve assembly to a closed position when the selective catalytic reduction device is below the operating temperature for entrainment of NOx constituents from the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A secondary air injection system to aid in the warm-up of a catalyst employed as part of an emissions control system of a vehicle to obtain efficient reduction in engine emissions. A compressor utilized to compress or boost air for increased engine performance is additionally used as a secondary air injection source, eliminating the need for external air pumps. The compressor is configured to transmit boosted air to the engine of the vehicle or to the catalyst to aid in the warm-up of the catalyst. A valve having an open configuration and a closed configuration controls the passage of the boosted air to the engine or to the catalyst. The valve may be controlled by a controller based upon airflow, temperature, pressure, or time. A control map relating engine speed to airflow may be used for obtaining airflow values for controlling the configuration of the valve.

Abstract: A method for controlling the effective heat transfer from a storage unit (1). During gas release from storage material (3) in the storage unit the storage material is heated by a heater (2). During re-saturation of the storage material (3) with gas the heater is off. Controlling of the effective heat transfer from the storage unit (1) is performed, during gas release, by ceasing convection of a convection gas and, during re-saturation, by performing or enabling convection of a convection gas to cool the storage unit (1).

Abstract: A method for cooling a dosing unit (250) pertaining to an SCR system for exhaust cleaning, wherein after cessation of exhaust flow, cooling a reducing agent dosing unit (250) by a reducing agent supplied to it. Also running a feed device to supply the coolant reducing agent at reduced power, compared with ordinary operation. A computer programme product containing programme code (P) for a computer (200; 210) implements a method of the invention. Also an SCR system and a motor vehicle which is equipped with the SCR system are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling operation of exhaust of an engine including a particulate filter are described. One example method includes generating compressed air during engine operation, and storing the compressed air. The method further includes, during or after engine shutdown, pushing the compressed air through the particulate filter using a pressure of the compressed air.

Abstract: A reductant supply device having a reductant injection valve with an injection tip that is fixed to an exhaust pipe on the exhaust gas upstream side of a reduction catalyst, the device directly injecting and supplying an urea aqueous solution which is pressure-fed to the reductant injection valve in a state of a liquid fluid, by controlling opening and closing of the reductant injection valve. The device includes a cooling water circulation passage; a flow rate control valve; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature at the tip of the reductant injection valve; and a controller for controlling the flow rate control valve based on the temperature at the tip such that the temperature at the tip of the reductant injection valve is maintained at a temperature between equal to or higher than a boiling point of the urea aqueous solution and equal to or lower than 130° C.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a technique which serves to suppress unburnt HC from being discharged to a downstream side, when fuel is injected from a fuel supply valve for removing clogging thereof. The present invention is provided with a fuel supply valve that supplies fuel to an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, and an ignition unit that ignites the fuel supplied from the fuel supply valve, wherein in cases where there is a possibility that clogging may occur in an injection hole of the fuel supply valve, fuel for removal of clogging is injected from the fuel supply valve. An amount of the fuel to be injected from the fuel supply valve for removing clogging thereof is an amount of fuel which is able to be combusted by being ignited by means of the ignition unit.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device includes an exhaust gas treatment component for conducting a flow in a flow direction from an inflow side to an outflow side. A metering device for metering reducing agent into the exhaust gas treatment device is disposed downstream of the outflow side in the flow direction. The metering device has a metering direction which runs at least partially counter to the flow direction. The outflow side of the exhaust-gas treatment component is spanned at least partially by a porous layer and there is a spacing between the metering device and the exhaust-gas treatment component selected in such a way that injected reducing agent reaches the porous layer. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided.

Abstract: An engine and drive train system suitable for personal or commercial transportation vehicles. The system converts the expansive energy of compressed air or gas into mechanical energy to produce motion or force. The engine of the present invention further uses the intrinsic kinetic energy of the vehicle in motion to generate and store compressed air or gas for in-situ or later use. The engine may also be used for braking by the introduction of high pressure air or gas at maximum displacement.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system in a vehicle includes a prime mover, a starting device connected to the prime mover, and a transmission having a transmission input shaft connected to the starting device. A pump/motor is functionally interconnected between the starting device and the transmission. A first accumulator is in fluid communication with the motor/pump for storing a hydraulic fluid under pressure and a second accumulator is in fluid communication with the pump/motor for storing hydraulic fluid discharged from the first accumulator. Discharge of the first accumulator drives the pump/motor to provide a drive torque to the transmission input shaft and to provide a drive torque to the prime mover for starting the prime mover.

Abstract: An engine control device detects the state of work of a working vehicle such as a construction machine or the like, and controls the power output capacity of an engine automatically. A determination is made as to whether excavation or uphill traveling is being performed, based upon the detection signals from a hydraulic oil pressure detector for a hydraulic cylinder of an arm, detectors for arm and bucket operation commands, a shift operation detector for a transmission, a pitch angle detector for the vehicle body, a traveling acceleration detector, and an accelerator opening degree detector. When the result of this determination is that excavation or uphill traveling is being performed, the engine is controlled to operate at a high power capacity, while at other times it is controlled to operate at a low power output capacity.

Abstract: A device for actuating a flap, in particular a wastegate flap in an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, includes a control rod, which can be moved by an actuator substantially in an axial direction and is guided in a fist gate via a first pin at the side thereof facing away from the actuator. A carriage is articulated on the first pin and is guided in the first gate via a second pin on the side facing away from the first pin, wherein a pivot lever is articulated on the second pin and, on the side facing away from the second pin, the pivot lever is rotatably mounted in a machine housing, preferably a turbine housing, and the flap is arranged on the pivot lever on the side facing away from the second pin. By way of the articulated design, a non-linear adjustment of the flap is possible.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including an emission control system, the emission control system comprising a catalyst downstream of a turbine of a boosting device and a reductant injector upstream of the turbine. In one example, the method comprises injecting reductant into exhaust upstream of the turbine, mixing the injected reductant with exhaust gas via the turbine, and delivering the mixed reductant to the catalyst.

Abstract: A fuel injection control device of a diesel engine is provided. The device includes an engine body to be supplied with fuel mainly containing diesel fuel, a fuel injection valve for injecting the fuel into a cylinder of the engine body, a fuel injection control module for controlling the fuel injection by the fuel injection valve, and a catalyst for purifying HC provided in an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas is discharged from the cylinder. When the catalyst is in a deactivated state or the engine body is in a cold state, the fuel injection control module controls the fuel injection valve to perform a main injection for generating in the cylinder a main combustion mainly including a diffusion combustion, and a pre-injection for injecting the fuel before the main injection to generate a pre-combustion in the cylinder before the main combustion.

Abstract: An arrangement of a catalytic converter in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine which can be operated with fuel containing manganese is provided, wherein the catalytic converter is arranged in the exhaust tract in an exhaust gas flow path from the internal combustion engine. A sacrificial disk, which is permeable to exhaust gas, is arranged in the exhaust tract upstream of the catalytic converter in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. When the exhaust gas back pressure becomes too high for normal internal combustion engine operation owing to manganese deposits, the relatively inexpensive sacrificial disk can be replaced other than exchanging and/or cleaning the relatively expensive catalytic converter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients.

Abstract: An engine system is provided. The system comprises an engine, first and second compressors supplying air to the engine, a first compressor recirculation valve adjustable to two restriction levels, and a second compressor recirculation valve adjustable to three or more restriction levels. In this way, the first and second compressor recirculation valves may be controlled to avoid compressor surge while providing a sufficient amount of boost to meet power demands.

Abstract: A thermo-electric engine with a working fluid operative in a closed Rankine cycle to enable a harvesting energy from an external source of thermodynamic energy, such as an internal combustion engine or solar energy. The thermo-electric engine can have an evaporator; a turbine fluidically coupled to the evaporator; a heat exchanger comprising a condenser for receiving working fluid from the turbine; a hot liquid input for coupling to a source of heated liquid coolant from an internal combustion engine to the evaporator; a liquid return for returning liquid coolant to the internal combustion engine; a cooling liquid input to the condenser for receiving cooling liquid from a radiator; and a cooling liquid return for returning the cooling liquid to the radiator. Alternatively, a solar energy collector can power a turbine fluidically coupled to the solar energy collector for receiving working fluid.

Abstract: Power-generation plant equipment of the present invention is provided with a steam-flow-volume adjusting valve that is provided in a superheated-steam pipe on the upstream side of a steam turbine. During startup of the steam turbine, a controller of the power-generation plant equipment increases a degree of opening of the steam-flow-volume adjusting valve from a closed position, thus increasing the frequencies of the steam turbine and an exhaust-heat-recovery generator; and, after the frequency of the exhaust-heat-recovery generator reaches the frequency of a grid, the controller connects an exhaust-heat-recovery-side breaker to supply power to the grid, and also sets the degree of opening of the steam-flow-volume adjusting valve to a substantially fully-open position, thus, operating the steam turbine depending on the frequency of the grid.

Abstract: A system and process for generation of electrical power is provided. Electrical power is generated by a system including two integrated power cycles, a first power cycle utilizing water/steam as a working fluid and the second power cycle utilizing a fluid selected from the group consisting of molecular nitrogen, argon, a chemical compound having a boiling point of at most 65° C. at 0.101 MPa and a latent heat of vaporization of at least 350 kJ/kg, and a chemical compound having a boiling point of at most 65° C. at 0.101 MPa and a specific heat capacity as a liquid of at least 1.9 kJ/kg-° K as a working fluid. The working fluid of the second power cycle is expanded through a two-phase expander to produce power in the second power cycle, where the expanded working fluid of the second cycle has a vapor quality of at most 0.5.

Abstract: A variety of energy storage and retrieval systems are described. Generally “hot” and “cold thermal reservoirs are provided. The “hot” reservoir holds both liquid and saturated vapor phase working fluid. The “cold” reservoir holds working fluid at a lower temperature than the hot reservoir. A heat engine/heat pump unit: (a) extracts energy from vapor passing from the hot reservoir to the cold reservoir via expansion of the vapor in a manner that generates mechanical energy to facilitate retrieval of energy; and (b) compresses vapor passing from the cold reservoir to the hot reservoir to facilitate the storage of energy. In some embodiments, the heat engine/heat pump takes the form of a reversible positive displacement heat engine that can act as both an expander and a compressor. To facilitate the storage and retrieval of electrical energy, an electric motor/generator unit may be mechanically coupled to the heat engine/heat pump unit.

Abstract: A system and process for generation of electrical power is provided. Electrical power is generated by a system including two integrated power cycles, a first power cycle utilizing water/steam as a working fluid and the second power cycle utilizing a fluid selected from the group consisting of molecular nitrogen, argon, a chemical compound having a boiling point of at most 65° C. at 0.101 MPa and a latent heat of vaporization of at least 350 kJ/kg, and a chemical compound having a boiling point of at most 65° C. at 0.101 MPa and a specific heat capacity as a liquid of at least 1.9 kJ/kg-° K as a working fluid. The working fluid of the second power cycle is expanded through a two-phase expander to produce power in the second power cycle, where the expanded working fluid of the second cycle has a vapor quality of at most 0.5.

Abstract: A heat-driven engine includes a thermally conductive path into the engine, from a heat source and a working medium of a thermostrictive material, having a first temperature of transformation, positioned adjacent to the thermally conductive path. Also, a heat pump of phase change material is positioned adjacent to the working medium and an actuator is controlled to apply stimulus to the heat pump, causing a phase change and an associated release of thermal energy, to drive the working medium above its low-to-high temperature of transformation and controlled to alternatingly remove the stimulus from the heat pump, causing the phase change to reverse, and an associated intake of thermal energy, to drive the working medium below its high-to-low temperature of transformation. Also, heat flow through the thermally conductive path maintains the working medium at a temperature range permitting the heat pump to drive the working medium temperature, in the manner noted.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a process involving the use of at least one, preferentially several non-tethered airships of at least one type, at least carrying one solar energy unit (SEU) and/or one wind energy unit (WEU) for carrying out certain airborne missions of generating a given total amount of final energy (E), whereby preferentially most of which (E1) is used for energy distribution, including airborne energy transmission by means of onboard energy transmission units (ETU), and/or storage by means of onboard, energy storage units (ESO) and supply thereof by connecting to energy devices or grids at platforms (A) or consumers (B), and whereby at least most of the remanding energy amount (E2=E?E1) is used for direct uses by said airships, such as flight assistance systems, or for other uses, such as telecommunications; The present invention also proposes distinctive features of said airships, respective platforms and energy systems associated with, different missions of airborne energy generation and d

Abstract: A piston engine (1) that can be driven using a steam power process and is used in particular for utilizing the waste heat from an internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder bore (5), a cylinder piston (6) which is arranged in the cylinder bore (5) and delimits an operating space (8) in the cylinder bore (5), a rod (21) which is connected to the cylinder piston (6), and a bearing point (37) on which the rod (21) and the cylinder piston (6) connected to the rod (21) are mounted. A peripheral gap (28) is predefined between the cylinder piston (6) and the cylinder bore (5), thus preventing frictional wear between the cylinder piston (6) and the cylinder bore (5), which is particularly advantageous when a water-based working fluid is conducted through the operating space (8) since steam has no lubricity.

Abstract: A piston engine (1) that can be driven using a steam power process and is used in particular for utilizing waste heat from an internal combustion engine comprises at least one cylinder bore (4), a cylinder piston (5) which is arranged in the cylinder bore (4), and a rod (20) which is connected to the cylinder piston (5). The rod (20) is guided out of the cylinder bore (4). The cylinder piston (5) delimits a first operating space (9) and a second operating space (10) in the cylinder bore (4). A crankshaft (22) is disposed in a crankshaft space (21). The rod (20) is connected to a slider crank mechanism (23) which is disposed in the crankshaft space (21), the rod (20) being effectively connected to the crankshaft (22) via the slider crank mechanism (23), thus making it possible to obtain a large expansion volume while keeping the design of the piston engine (1) compact.

Abstract: An offshore energy plant has a wave energy plant configured to convert energy of a circulating orbital flow of wave motion into mechanical energy of a rotor shaft or crankshaft, for example using the wave harrow principle. The energy plant additionally has at least one wind turbine.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a turbojet engine including a fixed part and a sliding lead-through, the fixed part and the sliding lead-through extending along a reference axis, the fixed part including a cavity that has a bottom and a closure cup, the sliding lead-through being provided with a sole plate contained inside the cavity. The injection system has increased resistance to wearing of the injector on which it is mounted. To achieve this it further includes a spring arranged in such a way as to apply to the sole plate a force capable of preventing the vibration-induced micro-movements of the sliding lead-through with respect to the fixed part in the absence of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A system includes a multi-fuel gas turbine configured to operate on both a liquid fuel system and a gas fuel system, wherein the multi-fuel gas turbine comprises a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The system also includes a gas fuel purge system configured to purge a gas fuel circuit of the gas fuel system during liquid fuel operation of the gas turbine, wherein the gas fuel purge system is configured to sequentially purge the gas fuel circuit with air and steam.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a combined cycle power plant having at least one gas turbine, a heat recovery steam generator (HSRG), a steam turbine and a CO2 capture system. The method includes recirculating a first partial flow of flue gases from the HRSG. The method also includes capturing CO2 from a second partial flow of flue gases from the HRSG; and operating a supplementary firing to increase the net power output of the plant and to at least partly compensate the power consumption of the CO2 capture system. A combined cycle power plant is also provided. The plant includes at least one gas turbine, at least one heat recovery steam generator, at least one steam turbine at least one CO2 capture system, and flue gas recirculation. The plant also includes a low excess air supplementary firing.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine, especially a turbojet or turbofan for an aircraft, includes a combustion section and an exhaust section produces an exhaust gas. The emission products can be reduced by using a gas treatment device with a reactor and an injection device. The reactor produces a nitrogeneous substance such as ammonia. This reducing agent is injected in the gas phase in the exhaust section of the gas turbine engine. By selective non catalytic reaction the Nitrogen oxides of the exhaust gas can be reduced. Furthermore the injection device is arranged such that the temperature window of this reduction process is ranging from 850° C. to 1100° C. The reactor for producing gaseous ammonia can either be a thermal reactor or a high pressure plasma device.

Abstract: A procedure for igniting a combustion chamber of a turbine engine, the chamber being fed with fuel by injectors and including an igniter mechanism igniting the fuel injected into the chamber. The procedure includes an initial stage during which fuel is injected into the chamber at a constant rate while simultaneously exciting the igniter mechanism, and in event of non-ignition of the chamber at an end of the initial stage, a second stage during which a rate at which fuel is injected is increased rapidly by 20% to 30%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid bio-fuel mixture, and uses thereof in the generation of electrical power, mechanical power and/or heat. The liquid bio-fuel mixture is macroscopically single phase, and comprises a liquid condensate product of biomass fast pyrolysis, a bio-diesel component and an ethanol component.

Abstract: An optical sensor system includes a multi-color pyrometer in optical communication with a component. The pyrometer generates signals at least partially representative of radiation received from the component and from soot particles. The system includes at least one processing unit coupled to the pyrometer. The processing unit is programmed to receive the signals and distinguish portions of radiation received between at least two wavelength bands. The processing unit is also programmed to determine that a first portion of radiation within a first of the wavelength bands is representative of a temperature of soot particles and that a second portion of radiation within a second of the wavelength bands is representative of a temperature of the component. The processing unit is further programmed to filter out signals representative of the first portion of the radiation.

Abstract: Cooled charged particle sources and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a charged particle source is thermally coupled to a solid cryogen, such as solid nitrogen. The thermal coupling can be design to provide good thermal conductivity to maintain the charged particle source at a desirably low temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gas-up and cool down of LNG cargo tanks are described herein. A system includes a supply vessel located at a waterway location, a receiving vessel moored to the supply vessel, and a manifold conduit. The supply vessel is configured to transfer natural gas to the receiving vessel using the manifold conduit for gas-up and cool down of one or more LNG cargo tanks onboard the receiving vessel.

Abstract: A method of quenching a material by injecting a cryogenic fluid into a cooling stream and simultaneously venting gas from the cooling stream, in order to maintain a desired target pressure in a chamber containing the material. In a examplary application of the method, the quenching is a step in the heat-treatment of a metal and the chamber is part of a vacuum furnace. Also disclosed is a method of supplying a cryogenic fluid to a process in which the amount of cryogenic fluid necessary to perform the process is transferred from a storage vessel to a supply vessel via a supply line, after which the supply line is closed. An elevated pressure is maintained by vaporization of a relatively small amount of the cryogenic fluid that is allowed to build in a pressure vessel that is in fluid communication with the supply vessel.

Abstract: Refrigerant charging systems and methods of use are described herein. A refrigerant charging system may include a conduit, a valve releasably connectable to the outlet portion and coupled to a first end of the conduit; and a disconnect coupler fitting connected to a second end of the conduit. The disconnect coupler fitting may include a control structure positioned in a hollow body that, during use, allows refrigerant flow to the refrigerant circuit. The control structure may include one or more openings that allow controlled leakage of fluid from the refrigerant charging assembly when the refrigerant charging assembly is disconnected from at least the refrigerant service unit.

Abstract: A method of defrosting an energy recovery ventilator unit. The method comprises activating a defrost process of an enthalpy-exchange zone of the energy recovery ventilator unit when an air-flow blockage in the enthalpy-exchange zone coincides with a frost threshold in the ambient environment surrounding the energy recovery ventilator unit. The method also comprises terminating the defrost process, including terminating the defrost process when an operating condition in the vicinity of the enthalpy-exchange zone substantially returns to a pre-frosting operating condition.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided and includes a safe purging mode. The safe purging mode allows non-condensable gases to be incrementally purged from a storage tank when the determined ideal vapor pressure is high, such as 40 p.s.i., in order to minimize refrigerant loss during purging. The purging can be done in small increments of time, pressure or mass. The storage tank can include a dip tube that extends into the liquid portion of the refrigerant in order to heat up the refrigerant in the tank with the heated recovered refrigerant.

Abstract: A method for operating an air-conditioning system for an aircraft including receiving an available power level from a control system of the aircraft, forwarding air from a first compressed air source to an aircraft cabin and forwarding air from a second compressed air source to the aircraft cabin if the available power level exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A method for operating an air-conditioning system for an aircraft includes compressing ambient air with a compressor driven by a shaft in communication with a motor and a turbine. The method includes forwarding the compressed air to an aircraft cabin for circulation and removing circulated compressed air from the aircraft cabin. The method also includes forwarding the circulated compressed air to the turbine, depressurizing the circulated compressed air in the turbine and capturing energy created by depressurizing the circulated compressed air.

Abstract: A hybrid cooling system adapted to provide cooling to a thermal-electric power plant includes an air-cooled condenser (ACC) adapted to provide cooling water to the thermal-electric power plant and a vapor absorption/adsorption refrigerant system (VARS) adapted to provide cooled air to the ACC. The cooled air is used by the ACC to condense steam to produce the cooling water.

Abstract: A heat pump air-conditioning system includes a four-way valve provided with a first opening, a second opening, a third opening and a fourth opening communicated with each other. The first opening, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first expansion device and the second opening are sequentially connected in series. The third opening, a second heat exchanger, a second expansion device, a third heat exchanger and the fourth opening are sequentially connected in series. A first bypass valve is connected in parallel with the first expansion device and is connected between the first heat exchanger and the second opening. A second bypass valve is connected in parallel with the second expansion device and the third heat exchanger and is connected between the third heat exchanger and the fourth opening. A liquid supply system is connected to the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: A modular expandable cooling system including a rack sized for receiving multiple modular cooling units having a ram air inlet connected to a ram air source. The system also includes a modular cooling unit having a housing for receipt in the rack, a ram air inlet and outlet, and a refrigerant inlet and outlet. The system includes a condenser mounted in the housing in fluid communication with the ram air inlet, a compressor mounted in the housing downstream from the condenser, an accumulator in fluid communication with the compressor inlet.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus includes a casing body attached to an opening formed at one end of a box-shaped cooling compartment so as to close the opening, a refrigeration cycle unit including a compressor and a radiator provided on an outer side of the cooling compartment relative to the casing body and an evaporator provided on an inner side of the cooling compartment relative to the casing body, a diagnosis process executer configured to control the refrigeration cycle unit to execute a diagnosis process for diagnosing a performance of the cooling compartment, and a performance determinator configured to determine the performance of the cooling compartment in the diagnosis process.

Abstract: A mobile refrigeration equipment with DC drive, comprising a heat preservation library body with inner refrigeration system which compressor is DC variable frequency compressor supplied power by second DC voltage and power supply system which consists of double power DC generator that output the first DC voltage and second DC voltage and battery charging with the second DC voltage. The battery and double power DC generator constitute two kinds of power for DC variable frequency compressor. The power controller is linked among the battery, double power DC generator and DC variable frequency compressor.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus (10) includes a heat source unit (20), usage units (40, 50, 60), and a controller (80). The heat source unit (20) has a compression mechanism (21), a heat-source-side heat exchanger (23) functioning at least as an evaporator, and a heat-source-side expansion valve (38). The usage units (40, 50, 60) have usage-side heat exchangers (42, 52, 62) functioning at least as condensers, and usage-side expansion valves (41, 51, 61). The controller (80) regulates the opening degree of the heat-source-side expansion valve (38) on the basis of the opening degrees of the usage-side expansion valves (41, 51, 61).

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided and includes a safe purging mode. The safe purging mode allows non-condensable gases to be incrementally purged from a storage tank when the determined ideal vapor pressure is high, such as 40 p.s.i., in order to minimize refrigerant loss during purging. The purging can be done in small increments of time, pressure or mass. The storage tank can include a dip tube that extends into the liquid portion of the refrigerant in order to heat up the refrigerant in the tank with the heated recovered refrigerant.