Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner. A first invention according to the present embodiment is an air conditioner which has a refrigeration capacity of 16 kW to 28 kW, inclusive, and uses a mixed refrigerant R134a as a refrigerant, and in which a refrigerant pipe includes a ductile stainless steel pipe having 1% or less of a delta-ferrite matrix structure with respect to the grain size area thereof.

Abstract: Individual zone temperature control sensors in a multiple zone system are monitored by a controller, and when one zone calls, the calling zone is allocated all of the airflow from the HVAC system except for a predetermined minimum that is allocated to the other zones. If all zones have equal priority, then the airflow continues to be supplied to the first calling zone until a temperature condition is satisfied, at which time the full airflow is allocated to a second calling zone and only the predetermined minimum is supplied to the first and all other calling zones. When two or more zones having different priorities, or set point deviations, are calling at the same time, the zone with the highest priority or whose temperature is furthest from a set point will become the single zone that is open and receives all of the air except for the predetermined minimum.

Abstract: An air conditioner of the disclosure includes a compressor; an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor configured to sense an indoor heat exchanger temperature; an indoor humidity sensor configured to sense indoor humidity; and a controller configured to calculate a dew point temperature using the humidity value detected by the indoor humidity sensor and an indoor set temperature, and control a frequency of the compressor based on the calculated dew point temperature and the indoor heat exchanger temperature.

Abstract: Air conditioner units and methods for operating air conditioner units are provided. A method includes determining a benchmark control signal corresponding to a predetermined speed of a fan of the air conditioner unit. The method further includes activating a heating unit of the air conditioner unit. The heating unit includes a plurality of heater banks. The method also includes activating the fan while the heating unit is active and measuring a control signal to the fan after activating the fan. The method further includes comparing the measured control signal to the benchmark control signal, and disabling one of the plurality of heater banks when the measured control signal is less than the benchmark control signal.

Abstract: A refrigerant leak management system includes a controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a refrigerant pressure within a refrigerant circuit and determine whether the refrigerant pressure is indicative of a refrigerant leak in the refrigerant circuit. In response to determining that the refrigerant pressure is indicative of the refrigerant leak, the controller is configured to activate a fan configured to motivate air proximate the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: An air-conditioning device includes: a suction air temperature sensor provided in an indoor unit; a wireless temperature sensor unit separate from the indoor unit; an abnormal condition determining section determining whether or not the wireless temperature sensor unit is in an abnormal condition; an index setting section setting a temperature index value; and a controller controlling operation of the air-conditioning device based on the set temperature index value. While the abnormal condition determining section determines that the wireless temperature sensor unit is in the abnormal condition, the index setting section determines a measurement value of the suction air temperature sensor to be the temperature index value.

Abstract: An air conditioner defrosting control method and a device thereof. The air conditioner defrosting control method comprises: entering a defrosting mode, and detecting the number of defrosting operations executed in the present defrosting mode; according to the number of defrosting operations and an initially set defrosting time, setting the present set defrosting time recording the present defrosting time; detecting and determining that the present defrosting time reaches the present set defrosting time; updating the number of defrosting operations; and setting the next set defrosting time. By means of the air conditioner defrosting control method and device, the maximum defrosting time can be self-adaptively adjusted without affecting the use of a user, and preventing the accumulation of a frosting layer, and avoiding the risk of pipes bursting.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a zoning system for climate control including a controller configured to operate the zoning system to supply conditioned air to a first zone of a plurality of zones through a first supply air damper to thermally charge the first zone. The controller is also configured to close the first supply air damper of the first zone and open a second supply air damper of a second zone of the plurality of zones after the first zone is thermally charged. The controller is further configured to operate the zoning system to draw the conditioned air from the first zone and supply the conditioned air to the second zone through the second supply air damper.

Abstract: One example embodiment is a smart thermostat hub for controlling temperature. The smart thermostat hub includes a processor, a cellular communications unit and a temperature control unit. The cellular communications unit is in electronic communication with the processor and is configured to receive a remote command over a wide area communications network. The temperature control unit is configured to modify a temperature control setting based at least in part on the remote command.

Abstract: An HVAC controller includes a touch-responsive display and a scheduling grid having one or more rows representing a 24 hour period of a day-of-week. A user selects an operation to be performed such as adding or deleting a scheduled event, such as a period of occupancy or non-occupancy. A visual representation of the available operations and the temporal regions subject to the available operations is presented. A user may then select the desired region on which to perform the operation, the operation is visually represented on the touch-responsive display, and the user indicates whether the operation should be saved or discarded. The operation may be applied to additional remote HVAC devices in a single operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for predicting inefficient HVAC operation, by obtaining first training data for HVACs in a training set of households during a first period of moderate weather; obtaining second training data for HVACs in the training set of households during a subsequent period of harsher weather; generating classification labels of the household locations of the training set according to the second training data; applying the first training data and the classification labels to train a supervised machine learning algorithm, to generate an HVAC classification model predictive of inefficiency during periods of harsher weather conditions; obtaining operational data pertaining to HVACs in an operational set of households during a second period of moderate weather; and applying the HVAC classification model to predict inefficiency of HVACs at individual households in the operational set during a second subsequent period of harsher weather.

Abstract: A building energy management system includes building equipment, a data collector, an analytics service, a timeseries database, and an energy management application. The building equipment monitor and control one or more variables in the building energy management system and provide data samples of the one or more variables. The data collector collects the data samples from the building equipment and generates a data timeseries including a plurality of the data samples. The analytics service performs one or more analytics using the data timeseries and generates a results timeseries including a plurality of result samples indicating results of the analytics. The timeseries database stores the data timeseries and the results timeseries. The energy management application retrieves the data timeseries and the results timeseries from the timeseries database in response to a request for timeseries data associated with the one or more variables.

Abstract: A warmth calculation apparatus capable of indicating warmth during a transition is provided. This warmth calculation apparatus includes: a calculator that, on the basis of a human body heat model simulating a human body, calculates a basic index indicating the warm sensation of parts of the human body under inputted environmental conditions; and a corrector that corrects the basic index utilizing, as a correction element, a heat transfer amount caused by blood flow of the human body heat model.

Abstract: A network of wireless remote climate sensors in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system permits the creation of personalized microclimates within an enclosed space. In addition to collecting temperature and humidity data, the wireless remote climate sensors can detect whether the enclosed space is occupied by a human. Human detection is made possible by optional cameras, microphones, and gas sensors on the wireless remote climate sensors. As the human moves throughout the enclosed space, the HVAC system is able to track the human's movement using the wireless remote climate sensors. The HVAC system may adjust airflow to different portions of the enclosed space based on the human's location. The result is an efficient use of system resources to keep users at their ideal temperature.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a motor configured to drive rotation of a fan, and an HVAC controller configured to control operation of the HVAC system. The HVAC controller is configured to determine an operating mode target value of the HVAC system, calcluate an operating parameter target value of the motor based on the operating mode target value of the HVAC system and a control algorithm of the HVAC controller, and control operation of the motor toward or at the operating parameter target value.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a network of wireless remote climate sensors to develop a complete heat map of an enclosed space. The remote climate sensor is configured to collect temperature and humidity data on a zone of the enclosed space. The HVAC system uses a network of these sensors to obtain data points across the enclosed space. The resulting heat map is used by the HVAC system to determine where to direct air in the enclosed space. By comparing the temperature and humidity at a specific remote climate sensor with the user's desired temperature and humidity, the HVAC system can decide whether to increase or decrease the air flow through a variable damper that is located near the remote climate sensor. By conducting this analysis throughout the enclosed space and making incremental adjustments to the air flow in hot and cold spots in the enclosed space, the disclosed HVAC system provides even comfort to the user along with reduced energy consumption.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system that includes a first control configured to control a supply of power to a plurality of compressors based on an air flow through the HVAC system exceeding a first threshold, and a second control configured to supply power to a subset of compressors of the plurality of compressors based on the air flow through the HVAC system exceeding a second threshold while being below the first threshold.

Abstract: Air conditioner units and methods for operating air conditioner units are provided. A method includes determining a steady state speed of a blower fan of the air conditioner unit. The method further includes receiving a call for heating and activating the blower fan in response to the call for heating. The method further includes measuring a speed of the blower fan after activating the blower fan and comparing the measured speed of the blower fan to the steady state speed of the blower fan. When the measured speed of the blower fan is greater than the steady state speed of the blower fan, the method includes disabling one of a plurality of heater banks of a heating unit of the air conditioner unit.

Abstract: There is provided a heat exchanger system comprising a housing defining a heat exchange compartment in which are extending a plurality of circular flexible pipes including radially extending fins, the fins defining a helical pattern along the length of each of the circular flexible pipes. There is also provided a circular flexible pipe having radially extending fins, the fins defining a helical pattern along the length of the circular flexible pipe. There is further provided a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a circular flexible pipe having radially extending fins, the fins defining a helical pattern along the length of the circular flexible pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing air and an air treatment preparation includes a drying module, an air treatment preparation module, and an air diverter. The drying module has an air dispensing outlet and an air diverter outlet. The air treatment preparation module has an air diverter inlet and an air treatment preparation. The air diverter has a one-way valve. The air diverter connects the air diverter outlet of the drying module to the air diverter inlet of the air treatment preparation module via the one-way valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe covers for air conditioner units comprising a first air permeable panel for covering a horizontal top panel of an air conditioner unit; a second air permeable panel extending downward from the first air permeable panel for covering vertical side panels of the air conditioner unit; and an adjustable fastener provided in a bottom portion of the second air permeable panel for securing the cover to a base of the air conditioner unit.

Abstract: The flameless heater system includes an energy source comprising a diesel engine configured to create volumes of air, a hydraulic system to control engine loading for heat generation and for air moving, and a control system, operatively coupled with the energy source and the hydraulic system to control at least one of a speed of the diesel engine, a loading of the diesel engine, or a fan speed.

Abstract: A solar array is mounted on a surface of a structure, the surface being generally planar. The solar array comprises a solar module and a support that supports the solar module a distance above the surface. The support defines a channel to receive the solar module. A locking mechanism engages the support to secure the solar module to the support, wherein the solar module extends between the support and the locking mechanism and into the channel such that the solar module is allowed to move relative to the support in a first plane generally parallel to the surface when the solar module is secured to the support. The locking mechanism and the support inhibit movement of the solar module in a second plane generally perpendicular to the surface when the solar module is secured to the support.

Abstract: A new method of accumulating thermal energy in the bowels of the Earth to ensure stable, continuous operation of a solar thermal power plant. The solution of underground storage of heat will be useful for: Expansion of the solar thermal energy geography. Extension of the scope of existing geothermal technologies. Combining the mutual interests of energy-generating and oil-and-gas companies on the platform of new opportunities for using advanced technologies of each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-temperature hot air blower capable of gathering energy and generating heat, including a machine housing (1) provided therein with a side wall (12) of a machine inner-side channel; an energy-gathering heat generator (13) is disposed on the side wall (12) of the machine housing inner-side channel and includes a heat generator transmission protective cover (14), a heat generator friction heat-generation body (15) and a heat generator heat-insulation isolation wall (16); the heat generator transmission protective cover (14) and the heat generator heat-insulation isolation wall (16) are respectively arranged on two sides of the heat generator friction heat-generation body (15), and are respectively in fit connection with the side surfaces of the heat generator friction heat-generation body (15); and the energy-gathering heat generator (13) is in fit connection with the side wall (12) of the machine housing inner-side channel via the heat generator heat-insulation isolation wall (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling device (8) comprising: —a housing (22); —a crank (28) rotationally movable relative to the housing (22); —a piston (16); —a coupling component (34) rotationally mounted on the crank (28), the coupling component (34) having a first edge (54) facing the piston (16) and a second edge (56) opposite the first edge (54); —a deformable element (64) integrated in the coupling component (34) and integrated in the piston (16), the deformable element (64) being configured to translationally move the piston (16) relative to the housing while deforming, when the crank (28) is rotated relative to the housing (22), the deformable element (64) being integrated in the second edge (56) of the coupling component (34).

Abstract: The invention relates to refrigeration technology and can be used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, etc. An air turbo-refrigeration unit comprises a compressor disposed on the same shaft as a turbo-expander, an electric motor, a two-cavity heat exchanger, a recuperator, a water trap, and a refrigeration chamber with a cooler and a fan.

Abstract: Control temperatures for a temperature control target are controlled in a plurality of steps. A lower temperature fluid supplied from first supply means (101) and a higher temperature fluid supplied from second supply means (102) are mixed together in a first three-way valve (103) for flow rate control to form a fluid for temperature control, and the fluid for temperature control is fed to the temperature control target. The fluid for temperature control returned from the temperature control target is distributed by a second three-way valve (108) for flow rate control so as to be returned to the first supply means and the second supply means. The lower temperature fluid prevented from being supplied from the first supply means to the first three-way valve for flow rate control is returned to the first supply means by a third three-way valve (112) for flow rate control through a bypass flow passage together with the fluid for temperature control distributed by the second three-way valve for flow rate control.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a flash tank, a first load, a first oil separator, and a first compressor. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The flash tank stores the refrigerant. The first load uses the refrigerant to cool a first space proximate the first load. During a first mode of operation, the first oil separator separates an oil from the refrigerant from the first load and directs the refrigerant to an ejector. The ejector directs the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger and the refrigerant form the first oil separator to the flash tank. The flash tank directs the refrigerant from the first oil separator to the first compressor. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the flash tank. During a second mode of operation, the first oil separator directs the oil separated from the refrigerant to the first compressor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for purging lubricant from a first compressor to a second compressor are provided. A control module receives a lubricant purge command, shuts the second compressor to an OFF-mode while the first compressor remains in the ON-mode, restricts working fluid from an outlet of the second compressor from flowing into the first compressor and allows compressed working fluid discharged from an outlet of the first compressor to flow into the inlet of the second compressor such that lubricant in the second compressor flows into the first compressor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insert for an evaporator coil. The insert is located within the evaporator coil. The insert for the evaporator coil reduces refrigerant charge in the evaporator coil and causes refrigerant flowing through the evaporator coil to change direction. The insert for the evaporator coil includes a solid core and a plurality of support legs.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a flash tank, a subcooler, an expansion valve, a load, and a compressor. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The flash tank stores the refrigerant. The subcooler heat exchanger receives the refrigerant. During a first mode of operation, the load uses the refrigerant to cool a space proximate the load and the compressor compresses the refrigerant. During a second mode of operation, the subcooler heat exchanger directs the refrigerant to the expansion valve, transfers heat from the refrigerant from the flash tank to the refrigerant from the expansion valve and directs the refrigerant from the expansion valve to the compressor. During the second mode of operation, the compressor compresses the refrigerant from the subcooler heat exchanger and directs the compressed refrigerant from the subcooler heat exchanger to the load to defrost the first load.

Abstract: A gas heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprising: an outdoor unit comprising a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an expansion device; an indoor unit comprising an indoor heat exchanger; a refrigerant pipe configured to connect the outdoor unit and the indoor unit so as to allow a refrigerant to circulate through the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; an engine configured to combust mixed fuel in which fuel and air are mixed so as to provide power for driving the compressor; a coolant tank configured to store a coolant for cooling the engine; a coolant pump configured to allow the coolant stored in the coolant tank to forcibly flow; a radiator configured to emit, to an outside, heat which is transferred from the engine to the coolant; and a coolant pipe configured to connect the coolant tank, the coolant pump, and the radiator so as to allow the coolant to circulate therethrough.

Abstract: A lubricant additive for introduction into an AC/R system to improve lubricant miscibility and performance in the AC/R system.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a subcooler heat exchanger, a flash tank, a load, and a compressor. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The subcooler heat exchanger receives the refrigerant. The flash tank stores the refrigerant. During a first mode of operation, the load uses the refrigerant to cool a space proximate the load and the compressor compresses the refrigerant. During a second mode of operation, the subcooler heat exchanger receives the refrigerant from the flash tank, transfers heat from the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger to the refrigerant from the flash tank and directs the refrigerant from the flash tank to the compressor. During the second mode of operation, the compressor compresses the refrigerant from the subcooler heat exchanger and directs the compressed refrigerant to the load to defrost the load.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling climate control is provided. The method includes monitoring a refrigerated section of a vehicle. The refrigerated section includes a first cargo container comprising a first cargo type and first sensors describing the first cargo type. A cooling apparatus of the vehicle is currently maintaining a first specified temperature range within the refrigerated section. Second integrated cargo sensors describing a second cargo type of a second cargo container being placed within the refrigerated section of the vehicle are detected and associated data is analyzed. A second specified temperature range for storing the second cargo type is determined and compared to the first specified temperature range. An associated difference is compared to a temperature range threshold value and a response action associated with the first cargo container and the second cargo container is executed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to create falling snow for use at ski resorts, theme parks and test and training facilities for use with drones, motor vehicles, autonomous vehicles and aircraft components.

Abstract: A method for building an ice structure includes making a plurality of ice logs and attaching the ice logs together to form a support structure. The support structure may be two or more stories high and may be constructed by freezing the ice logs together.

Abstract: In a gas supply device that supplies gas to a target space through a filter unit, the filter unit is composed of a filter box and an air filter housed in the filter box, and the air filter is a filter having a filter substrate made of a membrane filter and a fibrous coating layer covering a surface of the filter substrate through which air is sucked.

Abstract: A portable refrigerator includes a main housing, a refrigerator cover, a cooling mechanism, a rechargeable battery pack and a control unit. The cooling mechanism includes heat exchanging tubes, a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser connected to the evaporator and the compressor. The rechargeable battery pack is detachably attached on a power compartment of the main housing. The control unit is supported in the main housing and electrically connected to the rechargeable battery pack and the cooling mechanism for centrally controlling an operation of the cooling mechanism. A predetermined amount of refrigerant is arranged to controllably pass through the heat exchanging tubes, the condenser, the evaporator and the compressor for extracting heat from the accommodating cavity.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage compartment; an inner door rotatably provided at the main body; and an outer door configured to open and close the storage compartment together with the inner door and rotatably provided at the inner door, wherein the inner door includes a connector seating portion disposed at an upper portion of the inner door and configured to connect a first electric wire extending from the main body to the inner door to a second electric wire extending from the outer door to the inner door. Connections between the electric wires are improved so as not to be influenced by the inner and outer doors such that durability of the electric wires can be improved.

Abstract: A refrigerator door assembly includes a refrigerator door having a recess. An alignment mechanism includes a plate and a door hinge. The plate is fixedly attached to the door hinge and positioned at least partially within the recess of the refrigerator door. The refrigerator door is movably positionable between at least a first position and a second position relative to the plate to permit adjustment of a location of the refrigerator door relative to the door hinge.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an inner liner, an outer wrapper and a trim breaker that extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper to define an insulated structural cabinet. The trim breaker includes a plurality of gas-blocking flakes, wherein each gas-blocking flake includes a longitudinal axis that extends substantially parallel with an elongated surface of the respective gas-blocking flake. The longitudinal axis and the elongated surface of each corresponding gas-blocking flake is oriented to be substantially parallel with a portion of an outer surface of the trim breaker located near the respective gas-blocking flake.

Abstract: A refrigerator shelf assembly includes a frame having a depth and a first support element extending along the depth and defining a first track open in a lateral direction perpendicular to the depth. The support element further defines a first open area along a first side of the track and extending between an adjacent portion of the track and an exterior of the first support element and a cantilever arm having a free end adjacent the first open area. The cantilever arm is resiliently deformable away from a plane defined along the first side of the track. The assembly further includes an insert slidably received within the track and moveable along the depth of the first track through a fixed range of motion, wherein the insert is disposed over an expanse of the first open area.

Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes a cabinet that defines an interior cavity. A temperature sensing network monitors a temperature stratification of the interior cavity. The temperature stratification includes a plurality of temperature levels that correspond to respective locations of the interior cavity. A controller is configured to receive an input related to an item to be stored. The controller is further configured to compare the input with the temperature stratification. The controller is further configured to identify a primary storage location of the item to be stored based upon a comparison of the input and the plurality of temperature levels of the temperature stratification. A visual indicia is disposed within the interior cavity and coupled to the controller. The visual indicia activates to identify the primary storage location of the item to be stored.

Abstract: A cold storage box is provided that allows individual confirmation that stored objects such as medicine, food, and beverages have been managed at an appropriate temperature. The cold storage box 1 includes: a storage part which can house stored objects; a lid part which covers an opening part of the storage part; and a cooling device which cools the storage part, and the cold storage box includes an RF tag provided for each of the stored objects and equipped with a temperature sensor and a control part which communicates with the RF tag at appropriate time intervals via an antenna part provided inside the storage part and stores ID information of the RF tag and temperature information sensed by the temperature sensor of the RF tag.

Abstract: A refrigerator equipped with a door that becomes transparent as necessary to make the interior thereof visible is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment defined therein, a lighting device for illuminating the interior of the storage compartment, a door, which is hingedly coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment, and has an opening and a panel assembly including a front panel disposed on the front surface thereof, a sensor for detecting sound waves, which are generated by a knock input applied to the door and are transmitted through the front panel, and a controller for controlling the lighting device to allow light to be transmitted through the panel assembly, thus making the storage compartment visible from outside the door through the opening when a predetermined knock input is detected.

Abstract: A freezer includes a plurality of evaporators coupled to a payload bay with a multiplicity of coolant tubes in each evaporator, wherein each tube enters and then exits the payload bay, further comprising one or more cryogenic valves coupled to the coolant tubes; a pump to force coolant flowing through the evaporators; sensors coupled to the evaporators of the freezer to monitor vital parameters of the freezer; a processor; a wireless telemetry system to communicate one or more measured characteristics of the freezer in accordance with a service level agreement to a remote computer; and at least one notification component that provides a notification associated with a specific customer responsive to the measured characteristic of the service crossing a pre-defined threshold.

Abstract: A refrigeration device includes: a refrigerator; a heat pipe that includes a condensation unit connected to the refrigerator and adapted to condense a refrigerant, includes an evaporation unit connected to a storage chamber and adapted to evaporate the refrigerant, and includes a piping for circulating the refrigerant between the condensation unit and the evaporation unit; a heat pipe temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the heat pipe; and a control unit that controls driving of the refrigerator based on a result of detection by the heat pipe temperature sensor. The control unit controls the refrigerator so that the temperature of the heat pipe does not fall below a standard boiling temperature of the refrigerant.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the production of liquefied natural gas. At least one of the systems may include a plurality of compression assemblies in fluid communication with a precooler assembly. One compression assembly may be a part of a precooling loop and may include at least one compressor driven by a variable or fixed speed motor. Another compression assembly may be part of a liquefaction loop and may include at least one pair of compressors, each compressor driven by a respective turbine. The liquefaction loop may be fluidly coupled to a main heat exchanger utilized to liquefy at least a portion of a feed gas stream containing natural gas flowing through the main heat exchanger, thereby producing liquefied natural gas.