Abstract: An energy efficient heat pump system capable of operating in extreme low and high temperature environments. The heat pump system includes an evaporator, a heater operatively associated with the evaporator, compressor and condenser. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat pump system may further include a plasma pulse-spark system to facilitate removal of scale deposits. The heater heats an environmental medium prior to the environmental medium exchanging energy with a refrigerant located in an evaporator coil of the evaporator in order to maintain a predetermined minimum temperature differential between the environmental medium when it contacts the evaporator coil and the refrigerant when located in the evaporator coil. The system allows efficient operation at low temperatures.

Abstract: The concepts relate to reducing energy loss associated with hot water systems. One example can monitor hot water use in a system. Upon completion of the hot water use, the example can recover some of the hot water from hot water lines into a water heater that heated the hot water. The method can also deliver the recovered hot water to the water heater in a manner that affects operation of a heating element of the water heater.

Abstract: The present invention provides a one-way closed pipeline internal circulation apparatus, including a first water pump and a manifold conversion three-way joint, where an external interface of a secondary pipe of the manifold conversion three-way joint is connected to a water outlet port of the first water pump. When the apparatus is used with a conventional gas water heater, hot water will instantly flow out when a water tap is turned on, and through mixing and transition of a hot water mixing container, other gas water heaters installed have a characteristic of steady and uninterrupted flow of hot water, which not only improves comfort of a user, but also achieves the purpose of saving water resources.

Abstract: A conditioning plant comprises a general inlet, a general outlet, a circuit which sets the general inlet in fluid communication with the general outlet, a plurality of users arranged on the circuit, and a balancing system. The balancing system comprises a sensor for detecting at least a real value depending on a difference of intensity between upstream and downstream of the users, of at least a physical parameter of the fluid; the balancing system further comprises a flow regulating organ, and a control device connected to the sensor, acting on the flow regulating organ and configured for enabling memorisation of at least a reference value of a same physical parameter of the fluid, comparing the reference value with the real value, commanding the regulating organ to regulate the fluid internally of the circuit such as to maintain the real value substantially aligned with the reference value.

Abstract: An electric dust collecting device and an air conditioner having the same are disclosed. The electric dust collecting device includes a first filter unit including a plurality of discharge electrode plates which are spaced apart from each other and have spaces defined therebetween, a high voltage generator electrically connected to all of the plurality of discharge electrode plates, and a second filter unit disposed downstream of the first filter unit in an air flow direction and connected to a ground to cause corona discharge between the discharge electrode plates and the second filter unit, whereby particles electrically charged by corona discharge are collected at the second filter unit. The first filter unit has a simplified structure, and cleaning effect is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air purifier able to maintain the normal state of drive of a disk-shaped humidification filter by controlling the state of rotation of the humidification filter. The air purifier can maintain the normal state of drive of the humidification filter by using a stepping motor and the control unit in order to vary the state of rotation of the humidification filter and thereby remove extraneous material when the humidification filter is rotating abnormally due to extraneous material.

Abstract: The invention is a thermostatically controlled vent installed in the existing outflow ventilation ducts of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning system. When the central heating/cooling unit is operating, temperature variation is achieved by an electronic control which opens and closes air flow fins on the vent based on the settings of an individual thermostat for each room in a building that has the device installed. The individual thermostat of each vent in the system is connected to the primary building thermostat and therefore has the ability to signal the need to turn on/off the heating/cooling unit as appropriate. In addition, the invention can purify the air flow by means of an ultraviolet sterilization lamp. It is possible to remotely set the temperature settings via an internet enabled software app.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus including a body placed on a wall surface of a room that is an air-conditioned space, the indoor unit including a temperature sensor disposed at a position projecting from the body, and including a temperature detector that detects a temperature based on heat radiation from a target and a motor that causes the temperature detector to rotate, the position being a place where the temperature sensor is capable of detecting a temperature in all the horizontal directions by rotating the temperature detector.

Abstract: A first ventilation apparatus of ventilation apparatuses which form a ventilation system includes: a first information transmission part (18a); a first information reception part (19a); and a first control part (17a). The first control part (17a) includes: a first total ventilation air volume determination part (20a); a first-ventilation-apparatus first air volume decision part (21a); and a first air volume detection part (22a).

Abstract: A system for controlling an atmospheric condition. The system includes: a pre-atmospheric conditioner configured to: collect ambient air and generate test air comprising the atmospheric condition for a first test computing device by modifying the ambient air. The system also includes an intake conduit, external to the first test computing device, configured to channel the test air to the first test computing device.

Abstract: A remaining memory capacity of a memory is acquired in a predetermined cycle, and remaining memory capacity MR is stored in a remaining capacity database in association with an acquisition date. After that, it is determined whether or not a memory leak is present based on the remaining memory capacity and the acquisition date stored in the remaining capacity database. When it is determined that the memory leak possibly occurs, a usage limit period being a length of time to a point when a forced restart according to a usage limit threshold is performed is computed based on the remaining memory capacity and a memory decreasing rate. A restart schedule (and an all-stop period) is set within the usage limit period. On a date of the restart schedule, a management apparatus for managing an air-conditioning apparatus is restarted.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) and/or Economizer system that is capable of drawing outside air into an HVAC air stream. In some instances, the DCV and/or Economizer system may be configured to help perform one or more system checks to help verify that the system is functioning properly. In some instances, the DCV and/or Economizer system may provide some level of manual control over certain hardware (e.g. dampers) to help commission the system. The DCV and/or Economizer system may store one or more settings and or parameters used during the commissioning process (either in the factory or in the field), so that these settings and/or parameters may be later accessed to verify that the DCV and/or Economizer system was commissioned and commissioned properly.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an outdoor unit, indoor units, a controller that controls the outdoor unit, and an equipment controller. The equipment controller stores a set lower limit value that is set to maintain a pressure difference between the high pressure and the low pressure in the outdoor unit at a predetermined value or greater. The lower limit value is set to be smaller as a minimum cooling capacity increases. The minimum cooling capacity is the minimum value of a cooling capacity of an indoor unit arrangement formed by the indoor units. When starting a cooling operation, the equipment controller determines whether or not to perform pressure difference control for limiting decreases in the pressure difference of the outdoor unit based on whether or not the temperature of water flowing into the outdoor unit is less than the set lower limit value.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for air conditioning of an IT environment which comprises hardware IT devices, computers, memories, telecommunication devices and peripheral devices, wherein a refrigeration supply system of the IT environment has a free cooler, refrigerators and an air circulation system which is operated by means of fans and contains heat exchangers for drawing off the heat generated by the hardware, wherein the method includes the following steps: determining a basic desired value for the feed air temperature of the IT environment on the basis of the existing hardware-configuration, measuring at least one parameter of the hardware which represents a disturbance variable which has a direct or indirect effect on the feed air temperature, and storing the measured value of the parameter, ascertaining a desired value for the feed air temperature from the measured parameter value of the hardware, and raising the target value for the feed air temperature until a critical parameter value is measured,

Abstract: The present invention provides a large-scale water heater with a telescoping tower having a tower with a storage area proximal to the bottom of the tower; a portion of the tower that telescopes vertically that is pre-filled with a packing media; a nozzle designed to distribute a fluid that is located above the packing media; a firing chamber with a proximal end in fluid communication with the tower; and a burner in fluid communication with the distal end of the firing chamber for combusting fuels.

Abstract: A portable forced air heating unit provided with a filter cover. The filter cover reduces the dust and particulates that may enter the air intake filter of an air compressor or unit. The filter cover deflects particulates carried by the forced air. The filter cover may extend from the air compressor.

Abstract: Systems, tools, and methods are presented that enable a plurality of turbulators to enhance heat transfer within a heat exchanger of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The plurality of turbulators each include a ribbon member having a variable pattern formed over a length. In one instance, the variable pattern of the ribbon member includes a plurality of bends defining intervals of alternating pitch. The intervals progressively increase in dimension as the ribbon member is traversed over the length. In another embodiment, the intervals contain apertures whose area increases as the length is traversed. Other systems, tools and methods are presented.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for improving in-line water heaters. Certain embodiments find particular use on board aircraft, other air travel vehicles (such as helicopters or aerospace vehicles), or any other vehicles that experience varying temperatures. The in-line water heaters described are self-regulating and use a temperature dependent resistance element to detect water temperature instead of a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A resilient black flexible polymer mat is submerged on the bottom of a small pool or pond to promote the passive solar heating of the water. The upper surface is non-reflective, textured and provided with projecting elements to increase the surface area for enhancing the amount of solar radiation absorbed to heat the mat; the bottom surface has a plurality of spaced-apart projecting frictional supporting members to assist in retaining the mat in position on the bottom of the pool or pond; spaced-apart passages extending between the upper and bottom surfaces permit the movement of water.

Abstract: A flat plate heating solar panel comprised of polymer materials that can withstand relatively high temperatures. The polymer materials utilized in the panel have similar thermal expansion characteristics so that different components can by connected to each other without excessive stresses and damage during temperature changes, and with major components capable of being fabricated by molding processes, including extrusion and injection molding. An expansion joint or slot is provided in the enclosure frame to allow relative movement between the header connector and the frame in order to minimize stresses when large temperature differences exist between the absorber/header and the frame, and the slot design also provides a vent to relieve excessive air pressures inside the panel at high temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar unit assembly adapted for reflecting light onto a receiver, comprising a plurality of solar collector units, a primary support element, a plurality of secondary support elements, and two side support elements. The invention furthermore relates to a method of providing such a solar unit assembly.

Abstract: The present invention offers improved absorber plates for solar energy collectors, improved cover glazings for solar energy collectors, improved concentrating solar energy collectors, and solar energy collection methods that use one or more of the improved solar energy collectors for useful residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The improved absorber plate solar energy collectors utilize a porous metal to improve solar radiant absorption collection and utilization, the improved concentrating solar energy collectors are Fresnel lens faced ducts of various geometries that enable efficient axial length solar energy collection, and the improved cover glazings utilize transparent front and back faces with other improvements to enable increased solar radiant energy collection per unit front face cover area of solar collector.

Abstract: A sun-tracking solar drive can include hardware and/or be operated in accordance with a method in which angular deviations are compensated for operation including during forward tracking and backtracking. For example, the effects of thermal expansion and mechanical slop associated with certain components can be calculated and used for calculation of target angles that can provide for increased power output and improved shading avoidance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar tracker and to a method for operating same, capable of controlling the azimuth and elevation in accordance with the changing portion of the sun in the celestial sphere by the diurnal motion and annual motion so as to enable solar energy collection apparatuses to track the travel of the sun for a long period of time. The solar tracker according to the present invention is provided with two rotating shafts which are responsible for the right ascension and declination, respectively, wherein the movements of the rotating shafts are not independent from each other. One rotating shaft moves in dependence on the other rotating shaft, wherein the dependent relationship is mechanically constrained according to the correlation between the diurnal motion and annual motion of the sun.

Abstract: A tracking device for solar modules includes a post for purposes of the indirect and/or direct arrangement of a cradle unit, which can be rotated via a rotary joint about an axis of rotation, wherein the cradle unit comprises two force introduction regions, opposed with respect to the rotary joint, for purposes of rotating the cradle unit, wherein a force introduction takes place by a substantially circular segment-shaped guide element, and wherein a radius of the substantially circular segment-shaped guide element corresponds to a distance between the respective force introduction region and the rotary joint.

Abstract: A novel solar panel mounting system including a strap and one or more supports, having top flanges, attached to each other. The strap is attached between a first point and a second point on a surface. The mounting system is designed to support a solar panel on this surface. The top flange of the support may be parallel to or at an angle to the surface. The strap may be singular or comprised of two straps one above the other. The strap may be attached to the top flange or the bottom or both. The supports may have any cross sectional shape. The strap may be attached to the support at its end or at a distance from the end; or normal to the support or at an angle to it. The length of the support is greater than the width of the strap.

Abstract: A support member for a man-made structure, such as a roadway, building, runway, bridge, includes a poured filler and at least two hollow rebars embedded within the filler displacing a volume of filler equal to the volume of the embedded rebars, a first hollow rebar being a inward flow geothermal above ground loop segment, and a second hollow rebar being an outward flow geothermal above ground loop segment, the two hollow rebars being connected to each other by a hollow connector to establish a geothermal above ground loop, the rebars having structural design support sufficient to support load in excess of displaced filler.

Abstract: A support member for a man-made structure includes a poured filler and at least two hollow rebars embedded within the filler displacing a volume of filler equal to the volume of the embedded rebars, a first hollow rebar being a downward flow geothermal underground loop segment, and a second hollow rebar being an upward flow geothermal underground loop segment, the two hollow rebars being connected to each other by a hollow connector to establish a geothermal underground loop, the rebars having structural design support sufficient to support load in excess of displaced filler.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices relating to a mechanism which can be used in gas cooling devices, pneumatic motors, turbines and other pressurized gas devices. A rotatable rotor is provided along with a number of hollow conduits that radially radiate from an exit port at the center of the rotor. The pressurized gas is injected into the mechanism at the inlet port(s). The gas enters the conduits and travels from the inlet port(s) to the exit port(s). In doing so, the gas causes the rotor to rotate about its central axis while the gas cools. This results in a colder gas at the exit port(s) than at the inlet port(s) due to an enhanced extraction of work, while maintaining a very low flow rate at the cold outlet.

Abstract: An adsorption heat pump system comprises an evaporator that evaporates an adsorbate; a first adsorption device that adsorbs the adsorbate of the evaporator and generates cooling in the evaporator; and a second adsorption device that adsorbs the adsorbate that was adsorbed by the first adsorption device and generates cooling in the first adsorption device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler (TEC) circuit is provided that includes a power supply, a TEC, and an H-bridge. The H-bridge, which is coupled to the power supply and ground, controls a direction of current through the TEC. The H-bridge comprises at least two low-resistance switches in integrated circuit (IC) form. The IC switches are each controlled by a digital control signal referenced to ground and each have an ON resistance of about 25 m? or less.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) a falling film evaporator in flow communication with a condenser. The falling film evaporator includes a separator to separate vapor from liquid refrigerant and a plurality of evaporator tubes through which a volume of thermal energy transfer medium is flowed. A distribution system is operably connected to the separator to distribute a flow of liquid refrigerant over the plurality of evaporator tubes. A primary feed conduit delivers a flow of refrigerant to the separator, and at least one secondary feed conduit is in flow communication with the primary feed conduit. At least one auxiliary valve is located at the secondary feed conduit to regulate flow into the separator from the primary feed conduit. At least one sensor senses a level of a refrigerant pool in the evaporator. The sensor is operably connected to the at least one auxiliary valve to control operation thereof.

Abstract: A combined evaporator and condenser (1100) is manufactured from a number of stacked heat exchanger plates (980) provided with a pressed pattern of ridges and grooves for keeping the plates on a distance from one another for creating interplate flow channels (1180, 1200).

Abstract: An evaporator system that includes: a first evaporator coil at a first evaporator temperature and pressure; a second evaporator coil at a second evaporator temperature and pressure that is less than the first evaporator temperature and pressure where the first evaporator and second evaporator are configured to be thermally disjointed; and a plurality of thermally conductive spaced apart evaporator fins having a plurality of spaced apart thermal break portions positioned between the first evaporator coil and the second evaporator coil that thermally disjoin the first evaporator and the second evaporator.

Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration cycle system includes a compressor and an electronic expansion valve connected between first and second refrigerant ports of a compressor. An expansion valve controller is configured to control a flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve in response to a superheat temperature of the refrigerant. The controller is configured to execute a first control algorithm until a local maximum of the superheat temperature occurs, and then to execute a second control algorithm.

Abstract: A linear compressor and a refrigerator including a linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor may include a shell including a suction inlet, a cylinder provided in the shell to define a compression space for a refrigerant, a piston reciprocated in an axial direction within the cylinder, a discharge valve provided at one side of the cylinder to selectively discharge the refrigerant compressed in the compression space, at least one nozzle disposed in the cylinder to introduce at least a portion of the refrigerant discharged through the discharge valve into the cylinder, and at least one filter provided in the shell. The at least one filter may be disposed in a refrigerant passage defined from the suction inlet to the at least one nozzle via the discharge valve. Foreign substances or oil contained in the refrigerant introduced into the at least one nozzle may be filtered while passing through the at least one filter.

Abstract: A variable refrigerant charge refrigeration/air conditioner system is described that allows the refrigerant charge for the system to be altered based on operating or environmental factors. The system includes a main refrigerant loop holding a volume of refrigerant corresponding to a first level of refrigerant charge, a compressor in the main refrigerant loop, a condenser in the main refrigerant loop, and an evaporator in the main refrigerant loop. A branch refrigerant loop allows the alteration of the refrigerant charge using a control valve in the branch refrigerant loop and a receiver in the branch refrigerant loop. The receiver acts to hold a volume of refrigerant when the control valve is open, thereby removing the volume of refrigerant from the main refrigerant loop. A return path from the receiver to the main refrigerant loop allows refrigerant to flow back into the main loop from the receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting a refrigeration system containing an HCFC refrigerant and a compatible lubricant, with an HFC refrigerant, comprising providing a transport container containing a mixture of a miscible lubricant and the HFC refrigerant, removing the HCFC refrigerant from the refrigeration system while maintaining at least a portion of a lubricant immiscible with the HFC refrigerant, and charging the refrigeration system with the mixture. The polyol ester lubricant may be present in a range exceeding about 5-15% by weight, e.g., 8%.

Abstract: A system for controlling an atmospheric condition. The system includes: an exhaust conduit, external to a first test computing device, configured to channel exhaust from the first test computing device. Further, the system includes a primary atmospheric conditioner, external to the first test computing device, configured to generate test air comprising the atmospheric condition for the first test computing device by modifying the exhaust. Further still, the system also includes an intake conduit, external to the first test computing device, configured to channel the test air to the first test computing device.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a cooling tower, a refrigeration device, a cooling fan provided in the cooling tower, a cooling water pump which circulates cooling water between the cooling tower and the refrigeration device, a temperature sensor which detects the cooling water temperature at an inlet or outlet of the cooling tower, and an inverter apparatus which variably controls the speed of the cooling tower. The output frequency of the inverter apparatus is gradually reduced after the output frequency reaches an upper limit frequency, a condition at which a temperature detection value of the cooling water does not rise despite the reduction in the output frequency is stored, and the inverter apparatus is operated thereafter on the basis of the stored condition.

Abstract: Unique apparatuses, methods, and systems of opposing, limiting, and/or preventing undesired or un-commanded compressor rotation are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment is an HVACR system comprising a variable frequency drive configured to drive an electric motor to rotate a screw compressor or scroll compressor. A controller is configured to monitor various aspects of the system and to control the drive. When a condition indicative of potential undesired or un-commanded compressor rotation is identified, the controller commands the variable frequency drive to control the motor to limit and preferably prevent compressor rotation. One technique comprises shorting switches of the drive to a DC bus rail to allow back EMF induced current in the motor windings to be dissipated through winding resistance thus providing a damping force. Another technique comprises controlling the inverter to insert a DC current into the motor to cause the motor to align to and hold a particular position.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator fluidly coupled to form a vapor-compression circuit, and an electric motor configured to drive the compressor. An inverter having a plurality of switching elements is configured to provide an output voltage to the electric motor through operation of the switching elements. A waste heat recovery circuit is configured to transfer waste heat from the inverter to a load. A controller is configured provide switching commands to the switching elements of the inverter. The controller is further configured to sense a condition of the system, determine a heat production requirement based at least in part upon the system condition, and to vary the number of switching commands per unit time based at least in part upon the heat production requirement.

Abstract: The assembly of the present disclosure includes a one-piece, molded or formed water distribution tube and an evaporator component or top. The tube connects to the evaporator component without the use of any additional fasteners such as metal screws. A protrusion or tab formed in the tube effects the connection to the evaporator component. Water is introduced to the tuba via an inlet, where the water flow is evened out partially with a divider within the tube. The water exits through drainage holes in the tube, and passes over an evaporator to be frozen into ice.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains generally to shave ice confection machines and processes, and more particularly to a block ice shaving apparatus, system and method whereby an improved blade and blade assembly produce more consistent output with increase machine life.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage compartment, a door provided at the main body, a refrigerating portion which refrigerates the storage compartment using a compressor, a condenser, a depressurizer and an evaporator which are connected with a refrigerant pipe, and a heat transfer portion having a first flow passage portion which is disposed adjacent to the refrigerant pipe of the refrigerating portion and receives heat from the refrigerant pipe, and a second flow passage portion which is disposed at a front surface of the main body with which the door comes in contact and to which heat of the first flow passage portion is transferred. As a first cycle for refrigerating the storage compartment and a second cycle for providing heat to the front surface of the main body are provided separately preventing a decrease in refrigerating capability and an increase in power consumption.

Abstract: A defrost system is disclosed that includes a cooling device disposed in a freezer, a heat exchanger pipe leading into a casing, a drain receiver unit; a refrigerating device for cooling and liquefying CO2 refrigerant; a refrigerant circuit for permitting the CO2 refrigerant to circulate to the heat exchanger pipe; a defrost circuit branched from the heat exchanger pipe forming a CO2 circulation path with the heat exchanger pipe; an on-off valve so that the CO2 circulation path becomes a closed circuit; a pressure adjusting unit for adjusting the pressure of the CO2 refrigerant; and a first heat exchanger unit for heating the CO2 refrigerant circulating with brine, disposed below the cooling device to which the defrost circuit and a first brine circuit in which brine, a first heating medium, circulates, are led, in which the CO2 refrigerant naturally circulates in the closed circuit when defrosting by a thermosiphon effect.

Abstract: A refrigerator provided with a rotating bar configured to seal a gap between one pair of doors, capable of preventing the door from being incompletely closed due to an erroneous operation of the rotating bar, the rotating bar capable of sealing a gap formed between the rotating bar and a body as well as a gap formed between one pair of doors, the rotating bar being elastically supported by an elastic member so as to move by receiving an external force from a guide part provided on the body, the rotating bar including a sealing member protruding from the rotating bar so as to seal a gap between the rotating bar and the body.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that may include a main body having a storage compartment in which food or other items may be stored, a main door configured to open or close the storage compartment, the main door having a storage chamber separate from the storage compartment, a sub door configured to open or close an opening of the storage chamber, a tray configured to be introduced into or withdrawn from the storage chamber, a guide configured to guide movement of the tray by being compressed when the tray is introduced into the storage chamber and released from compression when the tray is withdrawn from the storage chamber, and a basket placed on the tray, the basket having a storage space therein. The guide may cause variation in a moving speed of the tray when the tray is introduced into or withdrawn from the storage chamber.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification heat flux measurement systems for refrigerator vacuum insulation panels and methods of operation thereof are provided. One example refrigerator includes a plurality of vacuum installation panels respectively positioned within a plurality of walls of the refrigerator. The plurality of walls of the refrigerator define an interior refrigerated space. Each of the plurality of vacuum installation panels includes a conductive barrier layer forming a jacket around such vacuum installation panel. The refrigerator includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) temperature sensors respectively positioned adjacent to the plurality of vacuum installation panels. The refrigerator includes an RFID receiver. Each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors transmits information concerning a local temperature to the RFID receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum insulation body with a vacuum-tight envelope, wherein through the region surrounded by the envelope at least one lead-through extends, which surrounds a free space, and/or wherein at least one port extends from the envelope. According to the invention, the lead-through and/or the port likewise is formed vacuum-tight and vacuum-tightly connected with the envelope.