Employing Diverse Materials Or Particular Material In Refrigeration Circuit Patents (Class 62/114)
  • Patent number: 6698214
    Abstract: This invention relates to a refrigeration method and processes that employ a nontoxic and environmentally benign, oil-free refrigerant in a novel vapor-compression thermodynamic cycle that includes a means for enhancing cooling capacity and efficiency. A means of controlling of the process conditions and flow of the refrigerant are provided. The refrigerant in the invention in used in a transcritical cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Thar Technologies, INC
    Inventor: Lalit Chordia
  • Patent number: 6688118
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of cyclopentane, and a compound selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, or fluorinated sulfur compounds. Specifically these compounds may be selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethane, hexafluoropropane, pentafluoropropane, tetrafluoropropane, trifluoropropane, difluoropropane, octafluorobutane, hexafluorobutane, pentafluorobutane, nonafluorobutane, difluorobutane, trifluoro-2-methoxyethane and bis(pentafluoroethyl)sulfide. The compositions, which may be azeotropic or azeotrope-like, may be used as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, refrigerants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents or displacement drying agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Barbara Haviland Minor
  • Patent number: 6681581
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose methods for producing pre-conditioned solutes that exhibit no temperature spike during super-cooling in a cryogenic process. In addition, the solutes demonstrate utile capabilities and characteristics such as more efficient heat absorption rates and eutectic material properties which make the preconditioned solutes an efficient heat exchange medium. The methods involve super-cooling a solute to induce a long-duration phase change capability. The pre-conditioned solute may be thawed and will retain long-duration phase change capabilities for subsequent freezing cycles if the freezing protocols disclosed herein are followed. Material to be frozen may be directly immersed into pre-conditioned, super-cooled solutes for freezing. The solute may be propylene glycol, glycerol, or other suitable solutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Supachill Technologies Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Allan J. Cassell, Brian Wood
  • Publication number: 20040011062
    Abstract: A multi-type refrigerator is capable of achieving a high coefficient of performance (COP) while using R32 as refrigerant and that takes account of energy saving and global warming. Refrigerating cycles are executed by circulation of R32 as refrigerant through a refrigerant circuit including one outdoor unit having a compressor, a condenser, and expansion means and a plurality of indoor units having evaporators. A filling quantity of R32 for the refrigerant circuit is set in a range from 120 to 300 g/kW (refrigerating capacity). The filling quantity of R32 for the refrigerant circuit is set in a range from 84 to 300 g/L (internal volume of the condenser).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Shigeharu Taira
  • Publication number: 20040011063
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a compressor characterized in that a nonpolar solvent is used as a working fluid and an insulation part of a rotating section is formed from a low dielectric constant plastic film having a specific dielectric constant of 1.2 to 3.0. This compressor has been reduced in leakage current and improved in safety and reliability, and therefore can realize energy savings for devices such as a refrigerant system device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC NDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Suzuki, Fumitoshi Nishiwaki
  • Patent number: 6679320
    Abstract: Refrigerant fluid such as CO2, compressed to the supercritical pressure by a compressor, is delivered selectively through a three-way valve, either into a branch of the circuit containing a cooler, an expansion device and an evaporator for cooling the cabin of a vehicle, or into a branch containing another expansion device and a heat exchanger for the purpose of heating the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventor: Karl Stefan
  • Publication number: 20040003622
    Abstract: A refrigerating cycle system of a vapor compression system has a constitution wherein a first compressor, a first radiator, an expansion mechanism, a heat absorber, and a second compressor connected sequentially and circularly. A CO2 refrigerant is circulated in the sequence of the first compressor→the first radiator→the expansion mechanism→the heat absorber→the second compressor→the first compressor. The rotating drive shaft of the second compressor is connected to the rotating output shaft of the expansion mechanism with a common shaft. Thereby, since the drive force of the second compressor is obtained from the power generated by the refrigerant expanding action of the expansion mechanism, the power of the first compressor consumed for elevating the pressure of the refrigerant to a predetermined pressure can be minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Masami Negishi
  • Patent number: 6672084
    Abstract: An energy-saving refrigeration system circulates a mixture of R-134a, R-32 and R-125 whose composition is controlled using a vapor separator. A vortex generator is a preferred means to separate the mixture. For high thermal load operation, R-32 stays in the circulating line with increased cooling capacity, and R-134a and R-125 are stored in a storage tank. Conversely, for low thermal load operation, R-134a and R-125 stay in the circulating line with increased EER, and R-32 is stored in a storage tank. Multiple storage tanks can be used to control the composition of each refrigerant independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Vai Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Young I. Cho, Cheolho Bai
  • Patent number: 6666036
    Abstract: Moisture in a refrigeration circuit is absorbed by means of a polyvinyl ether oil that has hygroscopicity and serves as a refrigerating machine oil. Therefore, even if a compressor comes to have an elevated temperature attributed to the employment of a refrigerant made of a single substance of R32, the insulating film of the built-in motor of the compressor is hard to hydrolyze. Moreover, by setting a saturated moisture amount of polyvinyl ether at a temperature of 30° C. and a relative humidity of 80% to 5000 ppm or more, a tensile strength retention rate of the motor insulating film made of PET or PEN, which can easily be processed, can be set to 50% or more, by which the deterioration of the insulating film can be prevented. Therefore, the performance of the refrigerating apparatus can be stabilized for a long term by avoiding the breakdown of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Matsuura
  • Patent number: 6655160
    Abstract: Refrigerant compositions are disclosed which comprise: (a) pentafluoroethane, octafluoropropane, trifluoromethoxydifluoromethane or hexafluoro-cyclopropane, or a mixture of two or more thereof, in an amount of at least 35% based on the weight of the composition, (b) 1,1,1,2- or 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, trifluoromethoxypentafluoroethane, 1,1,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane or a mixture of two or more thereof, in an amount of at least 30% by weight based on the weight of the composition and (c) n-butane or isobutane, in an amount from 1% to less than 2.3% by weight based on the weight of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Rhodia Limited
    Inventor: Neil Andre Roberts
  • Patent number: 6637236
    Abstract: A refrigerating device circulating R32 in a refrigerant circuit as a refrigerant to perform a refrigerating cycle, the refrigerating device comprising a compressor in the refrigerant circuit, a first heat exchanger serving as a condenser, an expansion means and a second heat exchanger serving as an evaporator, wherein a ratio m of an internal volume (Vout) of the first heat exchanger to an internal volume (Vin) of the second heat exchanger is set to be in a range of 0.7≦m≦1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeharu Taira
  • Patent number: 6629419
    Abstract: A refrigerant composition comprising a hydrofluorocarbon component including 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC 134a), the composition further comprising an additive selected from a saturated hydrocarbon or mixture thereof boiling in the range −5 to +70° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Refringerant Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard L. Powell, John Edward Poole, John Derek Capper, James Victor Thomas
  • Patent number: 6619066
    Abstract: A heat pump system for cooling (refrigeration) or heating is provided by employing a combination of natural media such as ammonia and CO2. The heat pump system (1) combines an ammonia cycle (2) and a CO2 cycle (3), and the CO2 medium in the CO2 cycle (3) is circulated, by natural circulation due to a difference of fluid heads of the CO2 medium in the cycle without the necessity of incorporating a compressor, and by partial heating or cooling of the cycle. The structural elements of the ammonia cycle (2) are located away from the devices for the desired refrigeration and heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Kaneo
  • Publication number: 20030167791
    Abstract: This invention relates to a refrigeration method and processes that employ a nontoxic and environmentally benign, oil-free refrigerant in a novel vapor-compression thermodynamic cycle that includes a means for enhancing cooling capacity and efficiency. A means of controlling of the process conditions and flow of the refrigerant are provided. The refrigerant in the invention in used in a transcritical cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Lalit Chordia
  • Publication number: 20030167780
    Abstract: A refrigerant circuit (10) is formed by connecting, in the order given, a compressor (11), a four-way selector valve (12), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), an expansion valve (14), and an indoor heat exchanger (15) by a gas side pipe (31) and a liquid side pipe (32). The refrigerant circuit (10) is charged with a single refrigerant of R32 or with an R32/R125 mixed refrigerant whose R32 content is not less than 75% by weight. As a refrigeration oil, a synthetic oil is used, and such a refrigeration oil has an addition of an extreme pressure additive. When cooling rated capacity is not more than 5 kW, the liquid side pipe (32) is formed by use of a pipe whose inside diameter is less than 4.75 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Nobuo Domyo
  • Patent number: 6610250
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for low temperature processing and high temperature sterilization comprising a halogenated heat-transfer fluid. The apparatus comprises an expansion device which may optionally comprise a membrane. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Phillip E. Tuma
  • Patent number: 6606868
    Abstract: A refrigerant composition comprising a hydrofluorocarbon component including 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC 134a), the composition further comprising an additive selected from a saturated hydrocarbon or mixture thereof boiling in the range −5 to +70° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Refrigerant Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard L. Powell, John Edward Poole, John Derek Capper, James Victor Thomas
  • Patent number: 6604368
    Abstract: A refrigerant composition comprising 1,1,1,2-tetafluoroethane (R134a) butane and pentane wherein the weights of butane, pentane and R134a are in the range: Pentane and butane  1-5% R134a 99-95%
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Refrigerant Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard L. Powell, John Edward Poole, John Derek Capper, James Victor Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030140649
    Abstract: To provide a refrigerating cycle apparatus which uses carbon dioxide as a working medium, in which a problem associated with reliability arisen from introduction of water into a refrigeration cycle has been solved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Masaaki Suzuki, Yuji Yoshida, Fumitoshi Nishikawa, Masami Funakura, Noriho Okaza
  • Patent number: 6598421
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a compressor characterized in that a nonpolar solvent is used as a working fluid and an insulation part of a rotating section is formed from a low dielectric constant plastic film having a specific dielectric constant of 1.2 to 3.0. This compressor has been reduced in leakage current and improved in safety and reliability, and therefore can realize energy savings for devices such as a refrigerant system device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Suzuki, Fumitoshi Nishiwaki
  • Patent number: 6591618
    Abstract: A method for providing refrigeration to a refrigeration load which enables the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants with lower power consumption than with conventional refrigerants wherein the low side pressure of the circuit exceeds the critical pressure of the refrigerant fluid and the refrigerant fluid is compressed to a higher supercritical pressure prior to expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Edward Howard, Arun Acharya, Bayram Arman, James Bragdon Wulf
  • Patent number: 6591631
    Abstract: A refrigeration unit for performing a refrigerating cycle by circulating R32 as a refrigerant through a refrigerant circuit composed of a compressor (23), a condenser (22), expansion means (26), and an evaporator (2). An amount of R32 for filling the refrigerant circuit is set to be in a range of 120 g to 450 g per kW of refrigerating capacity, or an amount of R32 for filling the refrigerant circuit is set to be in a range of 400 g to 750 g per liter of unobstructed capacity of the condenser (22). By using R32 as a refrigerant that is small in Global Warming Potential (GWP), an energy-saving refrigeration against global warming with high coefficient of performance (COP) is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Daiken Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeharu Taira
  • Patent number: 6589444
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of drying agents of superabsorbent polymers, molecular sieves and mixtures thereof and binders of polyurethane foam, polyisocyanurate foam and supports comprising cellulose and a method for separating, drying and/or filtering chemical mixtures. The composition and method of the invention have broad applicability. They may be used for example to remove water from chemical mixtures like refrigerants (e.g., in vehicular refrigeration systems), air (e.g., in vehicular braking systems), natural gas and cleaning solvents (e.g., used in semiconductor manufacture and pipeline cleaning).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Hilton Percival Thomas, Roy Philip Robinson, David John Williams, Peter Brian Logsdon
  • Patent number: 6585494
    Abstract: Variable-capacity control is reliably carried out without using a large pressure control valve while maintaining sufficient pressure resistance in a refrigerating cycle in which carbon dioxide is used as its coolant. A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure on the low pressure side of this refrigerating cycle is used. The electromagnetic coil of the pressure control valve is controlled so that the measured pressure approaches the target value. Low pressure is applied equally to both ends in the direction of movement of the valve disc of the pressure control valve, so that the valve disc can be moved by a light load, and hence the size of the electromagnetic coil can be small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Zexel Valeo Climate Control Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6586488
    Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and at least one hydrocarbon selected from the group n-pentane, iso-pentane, cyclopentane, n-hexane and iso-hexane are provided. The compositions of the invention are useful in the preparation of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Robert Shankland
  • Patent number: 6574973
    Abstract: Refrigerant compositions include mixtures of at least three different components, including a fluorinated ether with at least one of a second fluorinated ether, an ether and a fluorinated hydrocarbon. Also, methods for cooling a body include compressing such a refrigerant composition and bringing the body into heat transfer relation to it. The disclosed refrigerant compounds have refrigerant-significant properties similar to those of R-22, and they can be employed in place of or as drop-in substitutes in refrigeration apparatus designed for R-22 application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl D. DesMarteau, Adolph L. Beyerlein, Ismail Kul
  • Patent number: 6576153
    Abstract: This invention relates to hydrofluorocarbons useful in refrigeration and heat pump applications. The invention provides hydrofluorocarbons selected from the group of 1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane, and mixtures thereof that are environmentally suitable replacements for chlorofluorocarbons in refrigeration applications such as multi-stage centrifugal chillers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: H. Michael Hughes, Mark W. Spatz, Rajiv Ratna Singh
  • Patent number: 6568195
    Abstract: To provide a refrigerating unit using ammonia as a refrigerant, which uses a lubricant that is excellent in the compatibility with an ammonia refrigerant as well as in the lubricity and the stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignees: Asahi Denka Kogyo K.K., Japan Energy Corporation, Maekawa Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kaimai, Hitoshi Takahashi, Masato Namiki, Goro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6569347
    Abstract: There are provided a refrigerating machine oil which can easily remove a sludge generated in a refrigerant circuit and is easy to return to a compressor and a refrigerator employing the same. A refrigerating machine oil obtained by mixing an alkylbenzene oil and an ether oil is employed in a refrigerant circuit. A sludge generated on an inner surface of a small-diameter portion of a capillary (4) is exfoliated and removed by the alkylbenzene oil while maintaining lubricating performance of a compressor (1) with the ether oil that is well dissolved in an HFC refrigerant, thereby preventing capillary clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuzaburo Yajima, Koichi Kita, Shigeharu Taira, Youichi Oonuma, Masaki Nomura
  • Publication number: 20030094003
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose methods for producing pre-conditioned solutes that exhibit no temperature spike during super-cooling in a cryogenic process. In addition, the solutes demonstrate utile capabilities and characteristics such as more efficient heat absorption rates and eutectic material properties which make the preconditioned solutes an efficient heat exchange medium. The methods involve super-cooling a solute to induce a long-duration phase change capability. The pre-conditioned solute may be thawed and will retain long-duration phase change capabilities for subsequent freezing cycles if the freezing protocols disclosed herein are followed. Material to be frozen may be directly immersed into pre-conditioned, super-cooled solutes for freezing. The solute may be propylene glycol, glycerol, or other suitable solutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Allan J. Cassell, Brian Wood
  • Patent number: 6565766
    Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein ozone layer-damaging dichlorodifluoromethane is substituted with a mix of less environmentally damaging refrigerants chlorodifluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane in dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. While less environmentally damaging than dichlorodifluoromethane, the substitute refrigerant has a temperature-pressure relationship similar to that of dichlorodifluoromethane, making the substitute refrigerant suitable for use with dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. The substitute refrigerant can be used alone or in combination with dichlorodifluoromethane. In either event, it is mixed with a relatively small percentage of a hydrophobic lubricating oil which is compatible with both the substitute refrigerant and with dichlorodifluoromethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Harrison M. Weber, III
  • Publication number: 20030089124
    Abstract: A refrigerant circuit (10) is formed by connecting, in the order given, a compressor (11), a four-way selector valve (12), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), an expansion valve (14), and an indoor heat exchanger (15) by a gas side pipe (31) and a liquid side pipe (32). The refrigerant circuit (10) is charged with a single refrigerant of R32 or with an R32/R125 mixed refrigerant whose R32 content is not less than 75% by weight. As an insulating material of an electric motor of the compressor (11), a resin material is used, and as an refrigeration oil a synthetic oil is used. When cooling rated capacity is not more than 5 kW, the liquid side pipe (32) is formed by use of a pipe whose inside diameter is less than 4.75 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Nobuo Domyo, Hideki Matsuura
  • Patent number: 6560971
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a hydrate slurry, which involves the preparation of an aqueous solution of a guest compound for forming a clathrate hydrate, cooling the aqueous solution, and contacting the aqueous solution with nuclear particles. A thermal storage method, a thermal storage apparatus, and a thermal storage medium using an aqueous solution of a clathrate hydrate, in a concentration which provides a congruent melting point or lower. A refrigerating apparatus and an air conditioner using the thermal storage apparatus and the thermal storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Takao, Hidemasa Ogoshi, Shigenori Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6557358
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-hydrocarbon design of ultra-low temperature refrigeration systems, which are particularly suited a non-hydrocarbon ultra-low temperature refrigeration system that can safely be transported and applied in the field as needed without the risks associated with hydrocarbon ultra-low temperature refrigeration system are disclosed. An application of the non-hydrocarbon design of ultra-low temperature refrigeration system method and apparatus to freezers and the like is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan Weng, Allan Kelly
  • Publication number: 20030074905
    Abstract: There is provided a car air conditioner with a high COP, low GWP and high reliability. A simple refrigerant R32 is filled in a refrigerant circuit 1 of the car air conditioner. This simple refrigerant R32 has a high COP and low GWP, but is easily polarized and produces contaminants and sludge. However, these contaminants and sludge hardly block a motor-driven expansion valve 6 or the like due to vibration and impact of a car. Therefore, this car air conditioner has high reliability. Furthermore, since the simple refrigerant R32 is a simple substance, recycling after collection is easy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Shigeharu Taira
  • Publication number: 20030070436
    Abstract: An article according to one embodiment of the disclosures herein includes a cooling core body, a cooling member and a super-coolable composition. The cooling core body has a core cavity therein. The cooling member disposed in the core cavity. A super-coolable composition is disposed within the core cavity encapsulating at least a portion of the cooling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Brian Wood, Allan J. Cassell
  • Patent number: 6546740
    Abstract: Refrigerant compositions include mixtures of at least three different components, including a fluorinated sulfur-containing compound with at least one of a fluorinated ether or a fluorinated hydrocarbon. Also, methods for cooling a body include compressing such a refrigerant composition and bringing the body into heat transfer relation to it. The disclosed refrigerant compounds have refrigerant-significant properties similar to those of R-22, and they can be employed as drop-in substitutes in refrigeration apparatus designed for R-22 application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Darryl D. DesMarteau, Adolph L. Beyerlein, Ismail Kul
  • Publication number: 20030062152
    Abstract: In a radiator for a supercritical cycle, a refrigerant outlet is provided at a position higher than that of a refrigerant inlet in a vertical direction such that refrigerant flows from a lower side to an upper side in the radiator. Accordingly, even when temperature of cool air to pass through the lower side of the radiator is high, the temperature of refrigerant flowing in the lower side is so high that a sufficient difference in temperature between cool air and refrigerant can be provided. As a result, a cooling efficiency of refrigerant can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Yasutaka Kuroda, Yoshitaka Tomatsu, Nobuharu Kakehashi, Motohiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6539732
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a compressor for increasing a temperature and a pressure of a refrigerant vapor, a condenser fluidly coupled to the compressor for condensing the refrigerant vapor, an expansion device for decreasing the temperature and pressure of a refrigerant liquid, and an evaporator fluidly coupled to the expansion device for evaporating the refrigerant liquid by transferring thermal energy between the refrigerant liquid and a second fluid. The refrigeration system also comprises a heat exchanger having a first flow path fluidly coupled to the compressor and the evaporator and a second flow path fluidly coupled to the condenser and the expansion valve. The heat exchanger is adapted to superheat the refrigerant vapor in the first flow path and subcool the refrigerant liquid in the second flow path by transferring thermal energy between the refrigerant in the first and second flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: E-Pak Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian E. Guckin
  • Publication number: 20030056525
    Abstract: An energy-saving type refrigerating device capable of preventing global warming, allowing a communication pipe diameter to be reduced and the number of types of the communication pipe diameters to be reduced while a COP of over the COP obtained when R22 is used is provided by using, as a refrigerant, R32 with small global warming potential (GWP), comprising a compressor (23), a first heat exchanger (22), a expansion means (26), and a second heat exchanger (2), wherein R32 is used as a refrigerant, the diameter of a first communication pipe (42) is set to {fraction (2/8)} in. and that of a second communication pipe (41) is set to ⅜ in. in the refrigerating capacity range of 2.2 to 5.6 kW, the diameter of the first communication pipe (42) is set to {fraction (2/8)} in. and that of the second communication pipe (41) is set to {fraction (4/8)} in. in the refrigerating capacity range of 4.5 to 7.1 kW, and the diameter of the first communication pipe (42) is set to {fraction (2/8)} in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Shigeharu Taira
  • Publication number: 20030051489
    Abstract: An energy-saving refrigeration system circulates a mixture of R-134a, R-32 and R-125 whose composition is controlled using a vapor separator. A vortex generator is a preferred means to separate the mixture. For high thermal load operation, R-32 stays in the circulating line with increased cooling capacity, and R-134a and R-125 are stored in a storage tank. Conversely, for low thermal load operation, R-134a and R-125 stay in the circulating line with increased EER, and R-32 is stored in a storage tank. Multiple storage tanks can be used to control the composition of each refrigerant independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Vai Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Young I. Cho, Cheolho Bai
  • Patent number: 6532752
    Abstract: A food freezing system wherein refrigeration is generated by compressing, cooling and then expanding a defined multicomponent refrigerant mixture, which, after providing refrigeration to the food, is warmed against itself to effect the cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bayram Arman, Dante Patrick Bonaquist, Arthur Edward Holmer, Raymond Paul Roberge
  • Publication number: 20030046952
    Abstract: The scroll compressor includes a scroll compression mechanism portion in combination of an orbiting scroll and a fixed scroll, a frame for supporting the compression portion, a rotary shaft fitted in the orbiting scroll, a motor portion coupled to the rotary shaft, and a hermetic chamber incorporating the above-mentioned components. Windings of a stator of a motor in the motor portion are formed of aluminum wires which are coated with fluororesin compound, that is, the aluminum wires are coated with fluororesin and is molded with a resin material. Ammonia group refrigerant is used in the scroll compressor. Further, a refrigerating system using the above-mentioned scroll compressor, is incorporated therein with a circuit for injecting ammonia group refrigerant into a compression room in the compression mechanism portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Shunsuke Yasunori, Kenji Tojo, Mutsunori Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20030047707
    Abstract: A method of improving performance of refrigerant systems such as refrigerators and air conditioners that utilize a refrigerant working fluid. The working fluid consists essentially of a heat transfer fluid and a lubricant that is miscible and is otherwise compatible with the heat transfer fluid at all operating temperatures of the refrigerant system. The method is directed particularly to chlorine-free fluoro-group organic fluids and more particularly to hydrofluorocarbon heat transfer fluids. The preferred lubricants comprise polyol ester basestocks and compounded polyol esters that are highly miscible with such hydrofluorocarbon heat transfer fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Nicholas E. Schnur, Bruce J. Beimesch
  • Patent number: 6526764
    Abstract: Hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants are not soluble in hydrocarbon oil. Retrofitting refrigeration equipment with hydrofluorocarbons generally entails the use of expensive polyol ester (POE) lubricants. The invention provides hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant compositions that are soluble in hydrocarbon oil thus allowing for a simpler and less expensive retrofit option to the refrigerant user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Ratna Singh, David Paul Wilson, Raymond Hilton Percival Thomas, Robert Gerard Richard
  • Patent number: 6516629
    Abstract: In order to magnify capacity control of a refrigeration cycle for an increased efficiency and achievement of compactness, the refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, a four-way valve, a heat exchanger on a side of a heat source, a liquid receiver, a heat exchanger on a side of use, and an electronic expansion valve, all of which are connected other by pipes, and comprises a refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle and being a non-azeotropic refrigerant, a second liquid receiver for taking out a refrigerant vapor from an upper portion of the liquid receiver to condense and store the refrigerant, and a pipe connecting the second liquid receiver to the liquid receiver via a shut-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi Air Conditioning Systems Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Matsumura, Susumu Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20030024255
    Abstract: To provide a refrigerating unit using ammonia as a refrigerant, which uses a lubricant that is excellent in the compatibility with an ammonia refrigerant as well as in the lubricity and the stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Takashi Kaimai, Hitoshi Takahashi, Masato Namiki, Goro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6511610
    Abstract: Composition consisting essentially of 55 to 94% R-125, 2.5 to 35% of R-134a and 3.5 to 25% by weight of DME, and its use as a refrigerant in a heat transfer system designed for R-22 and comprising, as lubricant, a mineral oil or an alkylbenzene oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Atofina
    Inventors: Laurent Caron, GĂ©rard Guilpain
  • Publication number: 20030010042
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-hydrocarbon design of ultra-low temperature refrigeration systems, which are particularly suited a non-hydrocarbon ultra-low temperature refrigeration system that can safely be transported and applied in the field as needed without the risks associated with hydrocarbon ultra-low temperature refrigeration system are disclosed. An application of the non-hydrocarbon design of ultra-low temperature refrigeration system method and apparatus to freezers and the like is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Kendro Laboratory Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan Weng, Allan Kelly
  • Patent number: 6503417
    Abstract: Disclosed are ternary azeotropic, azeotrope-like, and zeotropic compositions of ammonia, pentafluoroethane and difluoromethane. These compositions are useful as refrigerants, and particularly as high capacity and efficiency alternatives to binary mixtures of difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Donald Bernard Bivens, Akimichi Yokozeki