Dividing Refrigerant Flow, E.g., Bypass Parallel Units Patents (Class 62/117)
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Patent number: 9924614Abstract: A coolant supply unit includes a plurality of pumps, a casing that includes a coolant inlet port, a plurality of branch ports that respectively convey coolant to the plurality of pumps, a plurality of flow merging ports through which the coolant from the plurality of pumps merges, and a coolant outlet port; and a separating wall that is provided inside the casing and that separates the inside of the casing into a distribution chamber that is in communication with the inlet port and the branch ports, and a flow merging chamber that is in communication with the flow merging ports and the outlet port.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Masumi Suzuki, Michimasa Aoki, Jie Wei
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Patent number: 9828536Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing heating comprising condensing a vapor working fluid comprising (a) E-CF3CH?CHF and (b) at least one tetrafluoroethane of the formula C2H2F4. Also disclosed herein is a heat pump apparatus containing a working fluid comprising (a) E-CF3CH?CHF and (b) at least one tetrafluoroethane of the formula C2H2F4. Also disclosed herein is a method for raising the maximum feasible condenser operating temperature in a heat pump apparatus suitable for use with HFC-134a, comprising charging the heat pump with a working fluid comprising (a) E-CF3CH?CHF and (b) at least one tetrafluoroethane of the formula C2H2F4. Also disclosed herein is a method for replacing HFC-134a refrigerant in a heat pump designed for HFC-134a comprising providing a replacement working fluid comprising (a) E-CF3CH?CHF and (b) at least one tetrafluoroethane of the formula C2H2F4.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: THE CHEMOURS COMPANY FC, LLCInventor: Konstantinos Kontomaris
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Patent number: 9816733Abstract: Embodiments provided herein are directed to systems and methods of re-injecting vaporized flash refrigerant from an economizer into a two-stage compressor. The injection can be through an injection port positioned after the first compression stage. The location of the injection may have a relatively low static refrigerant pressure. The injection port and/or an injection pipe of the economizer may be configured to pre-condition the vaporized flash refrigerant so that a flow velocity and/or direction of the vaporized flash refrigerant flow can be match a flow velocity and/or direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Paul Francis Haley, Rick Todd James
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Patent number: 9797639Abstract: A vapor compression system comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, e.g. in the form of an expansions valve, and an evaporator arranged along a refrigerant path. A method for operating the vapor compression system comprises the steps of: obtaining a superheat value being representative for the superheat of refrigerant entering the compressor; obtaining a subcooling value being representative for the subcooling of refrigerant entering the expansion device; and operating the expansion device on the basis of the obtained superheat value and on the basis of the obtained subcooling value. The subcooling value is taken into account when operating the expansion device, because variations in the subcooling value have significant influence on the refrigerating capacity of the evaporator at a given opening degree of the expansion device, thereby resulting in a more stable operation of the system. The system may further comprise an internal heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventor: Frede Schmidt
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Patent number: 9719699Abstract: An air conditioner (1A) as a refrigeration apparatus includes: a refrigerant circuit (2) including an evaporator (25), a first compressor (21), a vapor cooler (3), a second compressor (22), and a condenser (23) that are connected in this order; a heat release circuit (4) that allows a heat medium to circulate between the condenser (23) and a first heat exchanger (5) that releases heat to the atmosphere; and a heat absorption circuit (6) that allows a heat medium to circulate between the evaporator (25) and a second heat exchanger (7). The vapor cooler (3) is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant vapor compressed by the first compressor (21) and the heat medium flowing in the heat release circuit (4) or the heat medium flowing in the heat absorption circuit (6).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoichiro Tamura, Kou Komori, Bunki Kawano, Hidetoshi Taguchi
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Patent number: 9689589Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit connecting heat-source units in parallel with usage units. First and second heat-source units have first and second compressors, first and second heat-source-side heat exchangers, first and second high-pressure receivers, first and second detecting elements detecting whether the receivers are near flooding, first and second bypass channels returning refrigerant in top parts of the receivers to intake sides of the compressors, and first and second motor-operated valves on the bypass channels, respectively. A controller performs excess refrigerant distribution control in which an opening degree of the first valve is controlled to be greater than an opening degree of the second valve when the second detecting element detects a nearly flooded state, and the opening degree of the second valve is controlled to be greater than the opening degree of the first valve when the first detecting element detects a nearly flooded state.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Junya Minami, Masahiro Oka, Mari Susaki
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Patent number: 9683767Abstract: A cooling system and a control method thereof are provided. The cooling system may include a first compressor, a second compressor disposed downstream of the first compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger the performs heat exchange between refrigerant compressed in the first and/or second compressor and external air, an expansion device that decompresses the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, a cooling evaporator evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device, a bypass tube that guides refrigerant compressed in the first compressor to the outdoor heat exchanger, bypassing the second compressor, and a valve device controlling the flow of refrigerant discharged from the first compressor so as to selectively introduce refrigerant into the second compressor.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jaeheuk Choi, Taehee Kwak, Yoonho Yoo, Doyong Ha
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Patent number: 9677778Abstract: A modular heating and cooling unit comprising an independent set of headers for each of the heating and cooling loads and the source. A bank of these modular units provides a system that is capable of incremental simultaneous heating and cooling and redundancy. Valves in the internal piping of the unit eliminate the need for valves in the headers between units. This substantially reduces the overall footprint of the unit. Because of the parallel flow between the heat exchangers and the heating and cooling load, the modules can be operated in cooling mode and heating mode in any order.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: CLIMACOOL CORP.Inventor: Ross A. Miglio
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Patent number: 9677779Abstract: A modular heating and cooling unit comprising an independent set of headers for each of the heating and cooling loads and the source. A bank of these modular units provides a system that is capable of incremental simultaneous heating and cooling and redundancy. Valves in the internal piping of the unit eliminate the need for valves in the headers between units. This substantially reduces the overall footprint of the unit. Because of the parallel flow between the heat exchangers and the heating and cooling load, the modules can be operated in cooling mode and heating mode in any order.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: CLIMACOOL CORP.Inventor: Ross A. Miglio
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Patent number: 9657978Abstract: A refrigeration system is provided, such as for use with chillers. The system uses a tube-side condenser, such as a microchannel condenser, along with a shell-side evaporator such as a falling film evaporator. A flash tank economizer is disposed between the condenser and the evaporator, and an inlet valve to the flash tank is controlled based upon subcooling of condensate from the condenser. The vapor exiting the flash tank may be fed via an economizer line to a system compressor. Liquid phase refrigerant combined with some gas phase refrigerant exits the flash tank and is directed through an orifice before entering the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: William L. Kopko, Israel Federman, Satheesh Kulankara, Andrew John Graybill
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Patent number: 9651281Abstract: An alternating type heat pump has first to third rows of outdoor unit coils adapted to selectively perform the functions of an evaporator and a condenser in accordance with the outdoor conditions and the load variations, thereby improving the performance of the heat pump, and is capable of allowing the first to third rows of outdoor unit coils to be operated as a condenser in an alternating manner under the conditions where frost on the outdoor unit coils may be formed especially in winter seasons, thereby basically preventing the conditions on which the frost is formed.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Inventor: Chang Duk Jeon
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Patent number: 9643468Abstract: A regenerative air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a condenser, a compressor, an evaporator subsystem, an expansion valve, and a solenoid controlled expansion valve arranged and coupled together in a direct expansion cooling circuit. The evaporator subsystem has a main evaporator and a storage evaporator. The storage evaporator has a phase change material therein surrounding refrigerant passages in the storage evaporator. The storage evaporator in a charge state when the vehicle is decelerating wherein refrigerant flows through the storage evaporator to cool the phase change material to cause it to change phases to store thermal cooling potential. The storage evaporator in a discharge state when the vehicle is stopped and an engine of the vehicle is off to cool cabin cooling air flowing across the storage evaporator by the phase change material absorbing heat from the cabin cooling air flowing across the storage evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: FCA US LLCInventor: Matthew Bartlett
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Patent number: 9617719Abstract: Integrated air conditioning and water-harvesting systems are disclosed. In these systems, one subsystem (air conditioning or water-harvesting) may be a primary subsystem and the other subsystem may be a secondary subsystem. As load on the overall system increases to the point the cooling demands for both subsystems cannot be met simultaneously, the system automatically reduces output of the secondary subsystem. In certain embodiments, an atmospheric water-harvester may be connected into the (potentially pre-existing) chilled-water system that provides cooling throughout a building, either via distributed fan-coil units or a centralized air-handling unit. Additionally, providing cooled-air exhaust from an atmospheric water-harvester to a building's cooling system allows substantial quantities of water to be produced at nominal incremental operating cost over a simple, straightforward air conditioning system.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Water Generating Systems I, LLCInventors: George A Sawyer, Ryan Larson
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Patent number: 9603285Abstract: A coolant supply unit includes a plurality of pumps, a casing that includes a coolant inlet port, a plurality of branch ports that respectively convey coolant to the plurality of pumps, a plurality of flow merging ports through which the coolant from the plurality of pumps merges, and a coolant outlet port; and a separating wall that is provided inside the casing and that separates the inside of the casing into a distribution chamber that is in communication with the inlet port and the branch ports, and a flow merging chamber that is in communication with the flow merging ports and the outlet port.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Masumi Suzuki, Michimasa Aoki, Jie Wei
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Patent number: 9500395Abstract: A refrigeration circuit is disclosed circulating a refrigerant and comprising in the direction of flow of the refrigerant a compressor (2); at least one condenser (14, 16) for rejecting heat to ambient air; an expansion device (8); and an evaporator (10). The refrigeration circuit further comprises a collecting container (12), the output of which being connected to the expansion device (8); a heat rejecting heat exchanger (4) for heat exchange of the refrigerant to a heat pump system, the output of the heat rejecting heat exchanger (4) being connected to the collecting container (12); and means (V1, V2) for connecting the heat rejecting heat exchanger (4) or at least one of the condenser(s) (14, 16) to the output of the compressor (2) depending on the availability of cooling power at the heat rejecting heat exchanger (4).Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Christian Scheumann, Sascha Hellmann
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Patent number: 9494348Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus controls an opening degree of at least one of a second expansion device and a third expansion device to adjust the amount of refrigerant to flow through the injection pipe.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Katsuhiro Ishimura, Koji Yamashita, Hiroyuki Morimoto, Shinichi Wakamoto, Naofumi Takenaka
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Patent number: 9347694Abstract: An appliance employing a coolant system that includes a compressor having a housing, a cooling capacity, and operably connected to typically two evaporators for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment; a shared coolant fluid connection system; a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system; and a switching mechanism operably connected to a first fluid conduit that provides shared coolant fluid to the compressor at a first pressure level and a second fluid conduit that provides shared coolant fluid to the compressor at a second pressure level where the second pressure level is less than the first pressure level wherein the switching mechanism is capable of regulating and switching shared coolant flow to the compressor from the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Guolian Wu, Andrew Litch, Alberto Gomes, Nihat Cur
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Patent number: 9212751Abstract: A flow control valve includes a housing forming internal passages in fluid communication with a port of the valve, and an internal cavity. A flow direction block is disposed in the internal cavity and forms at least one flow passage extending through a portion thereof. The flow direction block is moveable within the internal cavity such that the free ends of the least one flow passage can be selectively aligned with a respective internal passage along an interface as the flow direction block is moved from a first, closed position to a second, open position. A seal is disposed around each interface and includes an internal face, which presses against an outer surface of the flow direction block, and an external face, which presses against the housing. Sealing function is improved, at least in part, by a differential fluid pressure that acts on the seal.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Allan R. McLane, Jermaine Ealy
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Patent number: 9162549Abstract: An evaporation cycle heat exchange system for a vehicle cools vehicle electronic components, a fuel cell stack, an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission, a turbocharger, etc. using an evaporative heat exchanger, thus improving cooling efficiency and reducing the size of components such as a radiator. The evaporation cycle heat exchange system cools coolant circulating through a vehicle cooling system by employing an evaporative heat exchanger in which a working fluid flows by a pressure difference caused by volume expansion and capillary phenomenon. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency of the entire cooling system, reduce the size of components to comply with pedestrian protection regulations, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure the stability of the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Jae Yeon Kim
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Publication number: 20150135746Abstract: Provided is a pumped loop system (10) for cooling a heat-generating components without relying on a maximum heat load, the system including first and second evaporators (14a-14n) in parallel with one another and first and second valves (22a-22n) upstream of the first and second evaporators respectively, wherein the valves (22a-22n) are controllable to vary the flow rate of fluid to the respective evaporator (14a-14n) based on the amount of flow needed to control the respective heat-generating component. By cooling the heat-generating components without relying on the maximum heat load, adequate flow may be provided to an evaporator operating under a high heat low while reduced flow is provided to an evaporator operating under a low head load.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventor: Timothy Douglas Louvar
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Patent number: 8997503Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system includes an HVAC unit that blows air whose temperature is adjusted by a refrigerant evaporator and a second refrigerant condenser. The system includes a heat pump cycle in which a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant circuit changeover section, a first refrigerant condenser, a first expansion valve, and the refrigerant evaporator are sequentially connected. The system includes a second expansion valve and a refrigerant heat exchanger connected in parallel with the first expansion valve and the refrigerant evaporator. The second refrigerant condenser is connected in parallel with the first refrigerant condenser. The system includes a coolant cycle in which a coolant circulating pump, a ventilation-exhaust-heat recovery unit, a motor/battery, an electric heater, and the refrigerant heat exchanger are sequentially connected, and the ventilation-exhaust-heat recovery unit, motor/battery, and electric heater can be selectively used as a heat source.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Masatosi Morisita, Hideki Suetake, Toshihisa Kondo, Akira Katayama
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Patent number: 8978412Abstract: Provided is a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner for vehicles, and more particularly, a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner for vehicles having a first evaporating unit and a second evaporating unit disposed upstream and downstream in a direction in which air blown from a single blower flows to control an amount of the refrigerant supplied to each evaporating unit, thereby making it possible to obtain optimal radiating performance (cooling performance) and cooling efficiency (COP) through the design of the optimal refrigerant flow ratio depending on the cooling load.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Halla Visteon Climate Control CorporationInventors: Yong Nam Ahn, Tae Young Park, Yong Jun Jee, Jae Won Jeong, Eun Gi Min, Hae Jun Lee
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Publication number: 20150047378Abstract: A heat pump circuit including a compressor that compresses a working fluid from a gas in a low pressure, low temperature first state to a high pressure, a high temperature second state. A first subflow of the working fluid is condensed into a gaseous/liquid mixture and assumes a third state by the working fluid delivering heat to a first medium. The first subflow of the working fluid is expanded and returns to a gas in the first state by absorbing heat from a second medium, whereupon the working fluid completes the cycle again. A second subflow of the compressed working fluid is expanded from the second state and the energy contents in the second subflow converted into electrical energy, whereafter the expanded working fluid is returned to the compressor after passage of the evaporator, or after expansion in the energy converter from the second to the first state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventor: Hardy Hollingworth
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Patent number: 8950201Abstract: A heat pump includes a main refrigerant circuit having a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing valve. A biflow expansion valve is configured to receive condensed liquid refrigerant and to expand the refrigerant. A cooling circuit in fluid communication with the main refrigerant line includes an expansion device configured to receive a portion of condensed liquid refrigerant from the main refrigerant circuit and to expand the portion of condensed liquid refrigerant. A heat sink is configured to receive the expanded portion of refrigerant from the expansion device. Power electronics are coupled to the heat sink such that the portion of expanded refrigerant from the expansion device passes through the heat sink and cools the power electronics.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
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Publication number: 20150027151Abstract: A high-efficiency air conditioning system for conditioning a plurality of rooms within an interior of a building, the air conditioning system including: two separate rooms within a building, a single outdoor unit a refrigerant flow pathway that includes a plurality of refrigerant conduits having a common refrigerant flow path portion and at least two divergent flow path portions, a first divergent flow path where the first evaporator and second evaporator are in parallel with one another; at least one throttling device and at least a first indoor air handling unit positioned within and providing cooling to the first room and a second indoor air handling unit positioned within and providing cooling to a second room. The compressor is incapable of simultaneously supplying both the first evaporator and the second evaporator at their full cooling capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: NIHAT O. CUR, TIMOTHY A. KEE, JAMES W. KENDALL, Steven J. Kuehl, JEFFREY A. MILLER, VERNE H. MYERS, GUOLIAN WU, HENG TONG PIT
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Publication number: 20150020534Abstract: A method for recovering and using energy from a fluid exiting an outlet of a compressor in an air conditioning system, the method including: disposing an ejector between a compressor and a condenser of an air conditioning system, the ejector including a first inlet for receiving a working fluid and a second inlet for receiving an ejection fluid; connecting the first inlet of the ejector to an outlet of the compressor; connecting an outlet of the ejector to an inlet of the condenser; and connecting the second inlet of the ejector to an evaporator of the air conditioning system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: Yuren ZHANG
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Patent number: 8931298Abstract: A triple-pipeline type first outdoor unit 2 connected to three inter-unit pipelines 5 made up of a high-pressure gas pipe 7, a low-pressure gas pipe 6, and a fluid pipe 8 and a second outdoor unit 3 connected by two pipelines of a gas pipe 35 and a fluid pipe 36 are provided, in which a fluid pipe 36 of this second outdoor unit 3 is connected to the fluid pipe 8, while a gas pipe 35 of the second outdoor unit is selectively connected to the high-pressure gas pipe 7 or the low-pressure gas pipe 6 using a valve-element kit 50 having a four-way valve 51.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Sekine
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Publication number: 20150007598Abstract: A cooling system and a control method thereof are provided. The cooling system may include a first compressor, a second compressor disposed downstream of the first compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger the performs heat exchange between refrigerant compressed in the first and/or second compressor and external air, an expansion device that decompresses the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, a cooling evaporator evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device, a bypass tube that guides refrigerant compressed in the first compressor to the outdoor heat exchanger, bypassing the second compressor, and a valve device controlling the flow of refrigerant discharged from the first compressor so as to selectively introduce refrigerant into the second compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jaeheuk CHOI, Taehee KWAK, Yoonho YOO, Doyong HA
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Patent number: 8844569Abstract: An electric three-way valve comprises: an input port, a plurality of output ports and a valve core which rotates in a sliding manner in the valve seat by a driving force of a motor unit, wherein the valve core selectively opens or closes the plurality of output ports, the motor unit is attached as a separated constituent to an outside of an upper end surface of a cylindrical casing introducing refrigerant, the valve core is driven by a gear unit which transmits the driving force of the motor unit and is disposed inside the cylindrical casing, the cylindrical casing includes one opening portion and a side wall with an apex portion, a housing which is fixed to a cylindrical wall portion of the apex portion and is equipped with the motor unit is uprightly formed in the other opening portion, and the housing is attached to the cylindrical casing.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Zhejiang Sanhua Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yanwei Lin, Xuming Hui, Dingshuai Feng, Bin Chen
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Publication number: 20140190192Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device for a refrigerating machine that circulates a refrigerant, which valve device is provided with at least one condenser and at least one evaporator. The valve device comprises at least one inlet, at which the refrigerant in the condenser can be fed to the valve device, at least three outlets, through which the refrigerant in the valve device can be discharged into the evaporator, and a valve element, which is rotatably arranged about an axis (A) and can be brought into a plurality of positions (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7). In a first position (S1), the first outlet is connected to the inlet in order to convey refrigerant. In a second position (S2), the second outlet is connected to the inlet in order to convey refrigerant. In a third position (S3), the third outlet is connected to the inlet in order to convey refrigerant.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbHInventor: Stefan Bassmann
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Patent number: 8756947Abstract: A refrigeration system for a transport refrigeration unit and a method of operating the refrigeration system for cooling a temperature controlled cargo space are disclosed. The refrigeration system includes a primary refrigerant circuit including a refrigerant compression device, a motor for driving the compression device; a variable speed drive for varying the speed of operation of the compression device; and a controller operatively associated with the variable speed drive and the compression device. The controller controls the cooling capacity of the refrigeration system by selectively controlling the speed of said compression device in a first continuous run mode of operation and by selectively powering on and powering off said compression device in a first cycling mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Yu H. Chen, Lucy Yi Liu
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Publication number: 20140150475Abstract: A thermal energy system comprising a first thermal system in use having a cooling demand, and a heat sink connection system coupled to the first thermal system, the heat sink connection system being adapted to provide selective connection to a plurality of heat sinks for cooling the first thermal system, the heat sink connection system comprising a first heat exchanger system adapted to be coupled to a first remote heat sink containing a working fluid and a second heat exchanger system adapted to be coupled to ambient air as a second heat sink, a fluid loop interconnecting the first thermal system, the first heat exchanger system and the second heat exchanger system, at least one mechanism for selectively altering the order of the first heat exchanger system and the second heat exchanger system in relation to a fluid flow direction around the fluid loop, and a controller for actuating the at least one mechanism. An alternative embodiment has a heating demand and uses heat sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: GREENFIELD MASTER IPCO LIMITEDInventors: Dmitriy Zaynulin, Graeme Ogilvie, Kevin Stickney, Gregory Davis
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Patent number: 8677779Abstract: An air conditioning system has one expansion valve supplying refrigerant to two evaporators. A vapor quality of a refrigerant has an initial value at a primary inlet of a primary evaporator, and has a resultant value at the primary outlet. The primary evaporator has a bypass inlet at a first location where the vapor quality of the refrigerant is less than about 80% of the resultant value. A secondary evaporator has a secondary inlet receiving a bypass portion of the metered flow of refrigerant split-off at a second location of the primary evaporator between the first location and the expansion valve. The secondary outlet is connected to the bypass inlet. Thus, cooling can be achieved for two different zones using only one expansion valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Steven L. Lambert
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Patent number: 8671706Abstract: A heat pump according to the present invention comprises a plurality of the compression chambers, and compresses refrigerant with multistage, and injects vapor refrigerant into the space between the plurality of the compression chambers by using the first refrigerant injection flow path and the second refrigerant injection flow path. Performance and efficiency of the heat pump can be improved compared with non-injection, as flow rate of the refrigerant circulating the indoor heat exchanger is increased. Thus heating performance can be improved also in the extremely cold environmental condition such as the cold area by increasing the injection flow rate. Also, because the heat pump according to the present invention comprises the first refrigerant injection flow path and the second refrigerant injection flow path, refrigerant is injected twice. Thus, as the injection flow rate of the refrigerant is increased, heating capacity can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Simwon Chin, Eungyul Lee, Younghwan Ko, Sangkyoung Park
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Patent number: 8561418Abstract: A refrigeration system for controlling airflow around an air-cooled heat generating device having a plurality of components includes a refrigerant line split into second refrigerant lines, which are arranged in a parallel configuration with respect to each other. Evaporators are positioned along the second refrigerant lines and in the path of airflow supplied into the components or airflow exhausted from the components. The refrigeration system further includes a variable speed compressor and a controller for controlling the speed of the variable speed compressor. Furthermore, the refrigeration system includes a temperature sensor configured to transmit signals related to a detected temperature to the controller, and the controller is configured to vary the speed of the variable speed compressor based upon the detected temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Cullen E. Bash, Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal, Ratnesh K. Sharma, Chandrakant D. Patel
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Publication number: 20130255292Abstract: A heat pump includes a main refrigerant circuit having a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing valve. A biflow expansion valve is configured to receive condensed liquid refrigerant and to expand the refrigerant. A cooling circuit in fluid communication with the main refrigerant line includes an expansion device configured to receive a portion of condensed liquid refrigerant from the main refrigerant circuit and to expand the portion of condensed liquid refrigerant. A heat sink is configured to receive the expanded portion of refrigerant from the expansion device. Power electronics are coupled to the heat sink such that the portion of expanded refrigerant from the expansion device passes through the heat sink and cools the power electronics.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventor: Roger J. Voorhis
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Publication number: 20130213066Abstract: A refrigerator appliance including a refrigerant circuit between a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor that includes two conduits and pressure reducing devices arranged in parallel between the evaporator and the condenser. The appliance also includes a valve system to direct refrigerant through one, both or none of the conduits and pressure reducing devices, and a heat exchanging member in thermal contact with either one pressure reducing device, or one conduit between the pressure reducing device and the valve system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: ANDREW D. LITCH, GUOLIAN WU
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DUAL CAPILLARY TUBE / HEAT EXCHANGER IN COMBINATION WITH CYCLE PRIMING FOR REDUCING CHARGE MIGRATION
Publication number: 20130213065Abstract: A refrigerator appliance including a multi-capacity compressor and a refrigerant circuit with two conduits and pressure reducing devices arranged in parallel between an evaporator and a condenser. Refrigerant can flow through one, both or none of the conduits and pressure reducing devices. The appliance also has a heat exchanger in contact with either one pressure reducing device, or one conduit between the pressure reducing device and the valve system. The appliance also includes a controller for priming the compressor above a nominal capacity for a predetermined or calculated duration at the beginning of an ON-cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: ALBERTO REGIO GOMES, STEVEN J. KUEHL, ANDREW D. LITCH, GUOLIAN WU -
Patent number: 8505317Abstract: Refrigerating device formed by a main compressor (190), a condenser (140) downstream of and in fluid communication with the main compressor (190), main expansion means (170) downstream of the condenser (140) and an evaporator (180) downstream of and in fluid communication with the main expansion means (170), which also comprises a turbocompressor unit (160) in fluid communication between the evaporator (180) and the main compressor (190) and a heat exchanger (150, 152) having a hot branch (150c) connected upstream, via an inlet line (145), to the condenser (140) and downstream, via an outlet line (149), to the main expansion means (170) and a cold branch (15Of) connected, upstream, to an expansion means (142, 144) mounted on a branch (146) of the line (145) and, downstream, to a turbine portion (162) of the turbocompressor unit (160). The invention also relates to a method for circulating a refrigerating fluid inside the abovementioned device.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Angelantoni Life Science SRIInventor: Maurizio Ascani
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Publication number: 20130111935Abstract: A system (200; 250; 270) has a compressor (22), a heat rejection heat exchanger (30), first (38) and second (202) ejectors, first (64) and second (220) heat absorption heat exchangers, and a separator. The ejectors each have a primary inlet (40, 204) coupled to the heat rejection exchanger to receive refrigerant. A second heat absorption heat exchanger (220) is coupled to the outlet of the second ejector to receive refrigerant. The separator (48) has an inlet (50) coupled to the outlet of the first ejector to receive refrigerant from the first ejector. The separator has a gas outlet (54) coupled to the secondary inlet (206) of the second ejector to deliver refrigerant to the second ejector. The separator has a liquid outlet (52) coupled to the secondary inlet (42) of the first ejector via the first heat absorption heat exchanger to deliver refrigerant to the first ejector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Jiang Zou, Hongsheng Liu, Parmesh Verma Verma, Thomas D. Radcliff, Jinliang Wang
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Publication number: 20130098081Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet; a first compartment; and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by a horizontal mullion. The cabinet also typically includes a coolant system that has: a single compressor for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment operably connected to at least one evaporator; a shared coolant fluid connection system; and a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system used to regulate both the temperature of the first compartment and the second compartment. The compressor can provide the shared coolant at at least two different pressures to at least one evaporator using the shared coolant fluid connection circuit. The ratio of the substantially steady state heat gain for the first compartment to the substantially steady state total heat gain for the overall cabinet is about 0.65:1 or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: NIHAT CUR, STEVEN J. KUEHL, ANDREW D. LITCH, LUIZ ANTONIO D. LOPES, GUOLIAN WU
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HIGHER EFFICIENCY APPLIANCE EMPLOYING THERMAL LOAD SHIFTING IN REFRIGERATORS HAVING VERTICAL MULLION
Publication number: 20130098082Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet; a first compartment; and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by a vertical mullion. The cabinet also typically includes a coolant system that has: a single compressor for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment operably connected to at least one evaporator; a shared coolant fluid connection system; and a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system used to regulate both the temperature of the first compartment and the second compartment. The compressor can provide the shared coolant at at least two different pressures to at least one evaporator using the shared coolant fluid connection circuit. The ratio of the substantially steady state heat gain for the first compartment to the substantially steady state total heat gain for the overall cabinet is about 0.65:1 or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: NIHAT CUR, STEVEN J. KUEHL, ANDREW D. LITCH, LUIZ ANTONIO D. LOPES, GUOLIAN WU -
Patent number: 8418482Abstract: A refrigeration system (20A) comprises an evaporator (27), a two-stage compressor (32) for compressing a refrigerant, a second compressor (34) for compressing the refrigerant, a heat rejecting heat exchanger (24) for cooling the refrigerant, a first economizer circuit (25A), and a second economizer circuit (25B). The first economizer circuit (25A) is configured to inject refrigerant into an interstage port (48) of the two-stage compressor (32). The second economizer circuit (25B) is connected to the second compressor (34).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: James W. Bush, Wayne P. Beagle, Biswajit Mitra
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Publication number: 20130074531Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for a refrigerant-based thermal energy storage and cooling system with integrated multi-mode refrigerant loops. The disclosed embodiments provide a refrigerant-based thermal storage system with increased versatility, reliability, lower cost components, reduced power consumption and ease of installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: Ice Energy, Inc.Inventors: Brian Parsonnet, Robert R. Willis, JR., Dean L. Wiersma
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Patent number: 8365542Abstract: The present invention provides an energy efficient air conditioner that can provide a continuous supply of air at dew point that is several degrees Celsius below zero, without requiring a defrost cycle. The air conditioner in accordance to present invention comprises a plurality of cooling coils with interconnecting refrigerant piping, refrigeration circuit consisting of compressor and condenser coils, control circuit and one or more electric motor driven centrifugal fan. The present invention uses two cooling systems. The first cooling system having single coil cools the air to a temperature just above zero deg. C., say four deg. C. so that the second stage gets a steady supply of cold air. The second stage has two coils, each being half the size of the first stage coil, thus taking half the air from it so that all the air from stage 1 passes through stage 2. In operation, only one coil of the second stage is active arid chills the air going through it to say minus 14 Deg. C.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Inventor: Surendra Himatlal Shah
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Patent number: 8361407Abstract: Overhung axial compressor, chemical reactor and method for compressing a fluid. The overhung axial compressor includes a casing configured to be vertically split along a vertical axis for access to an inside of the casing and a removable cartridge. The removable cartridge is configured to fit inside the casing and to be detachably attached to the casing. The removable cartridge includes a shaft disposed along a horizontal axis, the shaft being configured to rotate about the horizontal axis, a bearing system attached to the removable cartridge and configured to rotationally support a first end of the shaft, and plural blades disposed toward a second end of the shaft such that the second end is overhung inside the casing. The compressor also includes a guide vane mechanism configured to connect to the removable cartridge, the guide vane mechanism being configured to adjust a flow of a fluid to the plural blades.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.Inventors: Joseph Cruickshank, Massimo Camatti, Ronald John DeGroot
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Publication number: 20130014523Abstract: The disclosed operation method of a heat pump-type vehicle air conditioning system involves a step for setting a cold operating mode for raising the output air temperature of the air conditioner by means of a heater or a normal operating mode for raising the heating COP; a step for detecting the temperatures inside and outside the vehicle; and a step which, by selecting either the cold operating mode or the normal operating mode on the basis of the detected temperatures inside and outside of the vehicle, is for bypassing a condenser, controlling the opening of an electronic expansion valve contained in a bypass unit connected in series to a gas/liquid separating liquid coolant storage unit downstream of the aforementioned heater, and adjusting the pressure drop applied to the coolant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenzo Kimura, Daisuke Yamaoka, Hidenori Esaki, Kosuke Masuzawa, Satoshi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8347641Abstract: A system for cooling a medium includes a line having coolant flowing therein, and a sub-cooling unit in fluid communication with the line. The sub-cooling unit receives a portion of the coolant diverted from the line to cool coolant flowing in the line. A method of cooling a medium is further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: John H. Bean, Jonathan M. Lomas
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Publication number: 20120318013Abstract: An vehicular air-conditioner includes a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, an outside condenser, an interior condenser, an evaporator, an expansion valve, a bypass-path bypassing the outside condenser, a cooling path that circulates refrigerant through the outside condenser, a heating path that circulates refrigerant through the bypass-path, and a changeover valve that changes a refrigerant circulation path to one of the cooling and heating paths, a high-pressure detector that detects a high-pressure-side pressure of the refrigeration cycle, and a controller. The controller controls, upon a changeover command to a heating mode during a cooling mode, the changeover valve to change the refrigerant circulation path from the cooling path to the heating path after the high-pressure-side pressure detected by the high-pressure detector becomes equal-to/lower-than a target pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATIONInventors: Masaru Hozumi, Toshihiro Takei
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Patent number: 8322150Abstract: A refrigeration system (20A) comprises an evaporator (27) for evaporating a refrigerant, a two-stage compressor (32) for compressing the refrigerant, a single-stage compressor (34) for compressing the refrigerant, a heat rejecting heat exchanger (24) for cooling the refrigerant, a first economizer circuit (25A), and a second economizer circuit (25B). The first economizer circuit (25A) is configured to inject refrigerant into an interstage port (48) of the two-stage compressor (32). The second economizer circuit (25B) is configured to inject refrigerant into a suction port (52) of the single-stage compressor (34). The single-stage compressor (34) is configured to discharge into the interstage port (48) of the two-stage compressor (32).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Biswajit Mitra, Wayne P. Beagle, James W. Bush