Automatic Control Patents (Class 62/132)
  • Patent number: 8626381
    Abstract: A method of increasing a range of a vehicle by decreasing trapped HVAC energy at an end of a trip. The method may include the steps of: determining a destination list based on locations where the vehicle may be parked in the future, the destination list accessible by a control module in the vehicle; determining HVAC reduction regions around each of the locations on the destination list, the HVAC reduction regions accessible by the control module; operating a HVAC system while the vehicle is moving; tracking the location of the vehicle relative to the locations on the destination list; and the control module automatically reducing the energy usage of the HVAC system when the vehicle enters one of the HVAC reduction regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Tate, Jr., Scott E. Jackson, Roger A. Clark
  • Patent number: 8605393
    Abstract: A compressor monitoring system includes current and voltage monitors, current and voltage averaging modules, a control module, and a switch. The current monitor measures a current drawn by a motor of a compressor. The current averaging module generates first and second average current values based on the current measured by the current monitor. The voltage monitor measures a utility power voltage. The voltage averaging module generates first and second average voltage values based on the voltage measured by the voltage monitor. The control module selectively generates a fault signal when a first ratio is greater than a first predetermined threshold and a second ratio is less than a second predetermined threshold. The first ratio is based on the first and second average current values. The second ratio is based on the first and second average voltage values. The switch deactivates the motor when the fault signal is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nagaraj B. Jayanth, George Ramayya
  • Patent number: 8567204
    Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating the amount of outdoor air that is introduced into a building are shown and described. These systems and methods utilize extremum seeking control logic to vary the flow of outdoor air into the building in response to cooling load determinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: John E. Seem
  • Publication number: 20130255282
    Abstract: Provided, is a fully integrated system to monitor and control carcass weight to minimize weight loss in carcasses during the chilling cycle. This will be accomplished by incorporating a load cell and a radio frequency identification device on the trolley operating on the elevated track system extending through the packing plant, including the carcass chilling rooms. This method and apparatus will provide the needed location and weight data to control a water spray system to maintain a constant carcass weight during the entire chilling cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Rodney W. Heston
  • Publication number: 20130233004
    Abstract: A cooling system particularly suitable for use on board an aircraft includes a cooling circuit allowing circulation of a two-phase refrigerant therethrough. An evaporator in the cooling circuit has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet. A condenser in the cooling circuit has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet. A detection device is configured to output a signal indicative of the state of aggregation of the refrigerant in a connecting portion of the cooling circuit which connects the refrigerant outlet of the evaporator to the refrigerant inlet of the condenser. A control device is configured to control at least one of the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant in the connecting portion of the cooling circuit in dependence on the signal output by the detection device such that the refrigerant in the connecting portion of the cooling circuit is maintained in its gaseous state of aggregation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Markus PIESKER
  • Publication number: 20130219925
    Abstract: Blast chiller apparatus (1) comprising a chilling chamber (3) structured for housing food to be cooled/frozen, a chilling circuit (6) comprising at least a first heat exchanger (8) designed to rapidly cool/freeze the chilling chamber (3); a defrost system (12) designed to defrost said at least first heat exchanger (8); at least an UV source (14) designed to irradiate ultraviolet radiations the inner space of said chilling chamber (3); and a control system configured to control the defrost system (12) to heat the first heat exchanger (8) so as to have the temperature of the chilling chamber (3) within a prefixed optimum temperature range of operating of said UV source (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Electrolux Professional S.p.A.
  • Publication number: 20130199225
    Abstract: An air conditioner for an electric vehicle is provided that can enhance a heating capacity or a coefficient of heating performance in a cold district and that can realize a heating, cooling or dehumidification operation via a single air conditioning cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Deonghyuk LEE, Chisuk KANG, Seongho HONG
  • Patent number: 8504216
    Abstract: A system for reducing the peak power consumption by a refrigeration system is provided. The system comprises a first electromechanical cold control calibrated to a first temperature setpoint, a second electromechanical cold control calibrated to a second temperature setpoint, said first and second cold controls each having a setpoint selector member operatively linked such that adjustment of one results in a corresponding adjustment of the other, a DSM module responsive to demand state signals from an associated utility indicative of at least a peak demand and an off peak demand state, and a DSM switching device responsive to the DSM module and operative to selectively render one or the other of the cold controls effectively operative to control the cooling system depending upon the demand state signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John K. Besore
  • Patent number: 8495885
    Abstract: A system for locking control systems of an appliance includes a lock control that is configured to selectively place at least one of the user-controllable systems in a locked condition while allowing another of the user-controlled systems to remain in an unlocked condition. The system generally includes an appliance operation control, at least one interface and the lock control. The appliance operation control is configured to control user-adjustable controllable systems of the appliance in response to input received by the appliance operation control. The at least one interface is on the appliance and is in communication with the appliance operation control. The at least one interface is configured to receive input via the interface to control at least two of the user-controllable systems of the appliance. When a user-controllable system is in the locked condition, the locked control system is inoperative or unable to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony Cooper, Josh Kopecky, Jerrod Kapler, Ranjan Damodar
  • Publication number: 20130174593
    Abstract: In an air conditioning system, a compressor, a condenser, and an indoor unit that functions as an evaporator during cooling, are provided in a circulation pathway of a refrigerant, in respective order during cooling. An additional heat exchanger is provided in the circulation pathway at a point that during cooling is between the condenser and the indoor unit. The additional heat exchanger is contained within a tank of a cooling device. The cooling device performs cooling of the additional heat exchanger by supplying water into the tank. Quantity of water supplied into the tank is controlled through open/close control of a control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: EN-TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Syuji Hattori, Tatsuhiro Tokuyama
  • Publication number: 20130125571
    Abstract: A countertop rapid cooler is disclosed for rapidly cooling food, drink, and other items using at least convection cooling. the cooler includes: a thermally insulated enclosure with a door and sized to fit on a countertop; a fan; and a convective heat exchanger for cooling air blown by the fan toward an item within the enclosure. The convective heat exchanger is capable of receiving coolant from a neighboring refrigeration unit (such as a refrigerator), and returning the coolant to the neighboring unit after use. In some embodiments, expanded coolant can be delivered from the neighboring unit's expansion valve. In other embodiments, unexpanded coolant can be delivered from the neighboring unit, to be expanded by a separate expansion valve located within the countertop rapid cooler. By not including its own compressor or condenser, the countertop rapid cooler is lighter, and uses less space, than currently available rapid cooling devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Goode
  • Publication number: 20130091883
    Abstract: A controller, a water source heat pump and a computer useable medium are disclosed herein. In one embodiment the controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive operating data and monitoring data from the water source heat pump and transmit control signals to components of thereof and (2) a processor configured to respond to the operating data or the monitoring data by operating at least one motor-operated valve of the water source heat pump via a control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: LENNOX INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventor: LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130083580
    Abstract: The switching power supply device is provided with a high-withstand voltage first transistor, a first electrode of which being connected to a first node; a low-withstand voltage second transistor, a first electrode of which being connected to a second electrode of the first transistor, and a second electrode of which being connected to a second node; and a drive circuit. Each of the first and second transistors has a parasitic diode connected in the forward direction between the second and first electrodes. The drive circuit, in a case where electrical current is to flow from the first node to the second node, turns on the first and second transistors, and, in a case where electrical current is to flow from the second node to the first node, turns on the first transistor, and turns off the second transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji KOMIYA, Shuji Wakaiki, Akihide Shibata, Hiroshi Iwata
  • Publication number: 20130074534
    Abstract: One aspect, as provided herein, is directed to a multi-stage fluid control system for a fluid source heat pump system. This embodiment comprises compressors configured to operate as separate, heat exchange stages, condensers each being fluidly coupled to at least one of the compressors by refrigerant tubing and having intake ends coupled together by a fluid intake manifold. This embodiment further includes output conduits coupled to each of the condensers and that are couplable to a distal location. Further included is a modulating valve control system interposed the output conduits. The modulating valve control system is configured to stage a flow of fluid through the condensers based on a number of operating compressors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Schneider, Eric Perez, Aylan Him, Miguel Montemayor
  • Publication number: 20130067947
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet including a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment door opening or closing the refrigerating compartment, a dispenser disposed at the refrigerating compartment door to dispense water or ice pieces. The refrigerator also includes an ice bank disposed at a back surface of the refrigerating compartment door to supply the ice pieces to the dispenser, an ice maker disposed in the freezing compartment to make the ice pieces, and an ice transfer device disposed in the freezing compartment to transfer the ice pieces supplied from the ice maker into the ice bank. The ice transfer device includes a piston pushing the ice pieces supplied from the ice maker and an ice chute guiding the ice pieces supplied by the piston to the ice bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Juhyun SON, Wookyong LEE, Donghoon LEE, Dongjeong KIM
  • Patent number: 8387404
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a cabinet positioned on an indoor ceiling. The air conditioner also includes a front panel that is coupled to the cabinet and has an air inlet. The air conditioner further includes a suction panel coupled to the front panel and configured to move to open or close the inlet. In addition, the air conditioner includes a sensor unit positioned on the suction panel, configured to detect a position of an indoor person, and configured to move downward with respect to the suction panel in response to an operation instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: In Ho Choi, Jong Chan Park, Han Lim Choi, Dong Whan Choi, Nam Sik Yim
  • Publication number: 20130025309
    Abstract: An energy-saving hot water-heating device includes a coolant circulation coil pipe, a plurality of heating pipes fixed in the coolant circulation coil pipe, communicating pipes connected between the heating pipes, and a running water channel formed between the heating pipes and heat-dissipating pipes. The coolant circulation coil pipe is connected to an air conditioning system. The heating pipes are connected to a water source. Water in the running water channel is heated up by waste heat generated by the coolant circulation coil pipe to produce household or industrial hot water. A system applicable to the energy-saving hot water-heating device includes an automatic circulation water tank, a hot water canister, and a heating boiler, to heat up cool water in the automatic circulation water tank and then store resultant hot water in the hot water canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: SHIH-KUN HUANG
  • Patent number: 8353171
    Abstract: A refrigerating appliance is provided that includes an inner compartment for storing refrigerated or frozen goods, a cold generator, a refrigerating appliance control system for operating the cold generator, a mains connection for supplying the cold generator and the refrigerating appliance control system with an electrical voltage, and an ice-making machine arranged in the inner compartment. The ice-making machine includes its own control system for its own operation, which controls all functions of the ice-making machine independently of the refrigerating appliance control system. A connection is also provided from the ice-making machine and the ice-making machine control system to the mains connection of the refrigerating appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Adolf Feinauer, Klaus Flinner
  • Publication number: 20130008197
    Abstract: A container data center system includes a container, a plurality of servers, at least a regulation device, a first refrigeration device and a second refrigeration device. The container defines a first receiving room and a second receiving room isolated from the first receiving room. The servers are received in the first receiving room. The at least a regulation device is received in second receiving room. The at least regulation device is electrically connected to the servers for regulating the servers. The first refrigeration device is installed outside the container for cooling the first receiving room. The second refrigeration device is installed outside the container for cooling the second receiving room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TAI-WEI LIN
  • Publication number: 20120304676
    Abstract: An ice making assembly for a refrigeration appliance includes an ice maker having a mold body defining a plurality of compartments for forming ice cubes therein, a heating element for heating the ice cubes to create a melted portion to assist in removal of the ice cubes from the compartment, and a harvesting assembly including a plurality of elements attached to a rotatable rod. Each element is movable via rotation of the rod through a respective one of the compartments to remove an ice cube from the compartment. Rotation of the rod stopping for a period of time at a stop position in which a removed ice cube can rest atop the harvesting assembly to refreeze the melted portion. Related refrigeration appliances are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Lorina June White, Alan Joseph Mitchell, Jeffrey Michael Colyer, Joseph Michael Hauser
  • Publication number: 20120297807
    Abstract: A cooling unit and cooling method are provided for a container-type data center. The cooling unit includes a heat rejection unit, for rejecting heat from coolant passing through a coolant loop to air passing across the heat rejection unit, and a refrigeration unit controllable to selectively provide auxiliary cooling to at least a portion of the coolant passing through the coolant loop. The heat rejection unit includes a heat exchange assembly, having a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, and one or more air-moving devices providing airflow across the first and second heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger couples in fluid communication with the coolant loop, and the second heat exchanger is coupled in fluid communication with a refrigeration loop of the refrigeration unit for rejecting heat from refrigerant passing through the refrigeration loop to the airflow passing across the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian A. CANNEY, David P. GRAYBILL, Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Vinod KAMATH, Roger R. SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20120291466
    Abstract: A Modular Chiller System integrated into a single Standalone Rack Assembly having vertically positioned air intakes, heat exchanger, and an air deflector is disclosed. The orientation of the components in the Standalone Rack Assembly allows for maximum heat exchange from a rack of hot food items positioned coextensively to the Chiller System. Hot air from the food rack is received through the air intakes into the heat exchanger where chilled air is recirculated outward through said frame assembly. The Chiller System is portable and can be retrofitted to existing walk-in cooler configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Flavian Iovanel
  • Publication number: 20120291469
    Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is described. The refrigerator includes a single temperature sensor associated with a freezer compartment that is separate from an ice compartment and electrically connected to an electronic control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianwu Li, Jeffrey Martin Wood
  • Patent number: 8302418
    Abstract: An air conditioning system comprising an outdoor and an indoor unit connected through common power supply lines. The outdoor unit including a first communication circuit using one of the plurality of common power supply lines and one signal line independent of the power supply lines. The indoor unit comprising terminals connected to the first communication circuit; a switch configured to set the first and second communication circuits to a connection state or a disconnection state; a detection circuit configured to detect a voltage between the terminals; and a controller configured to control the switch. The switch sets the first and second communication circuits to the disconnection state when the voltage detected by the detection circuit equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold value; otherwise the switch sets the first and second communication circuits to the connection state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20120266617
    Abstract: A refrigerator and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body having a storage chamber defined therein, a refrigeration cycle device for cooling the storage chamber, a thawing box mounted in the storage chamber, the thawing box having a plurality of air jet holes formed therethrough, a thawing heater mounted in the thawing box for heating a stored object in the thawing box, and a blower mounted at the thawing box for introducing cool air from the storage chamber into the thawing box through the air jet holes such that the stored object is cooled by the air and discharging the air out of the thawing box. The thawing box, the thawing heater, and the blower perform not only a thawing function but also a rapid cooling function, thereby manufacturing the refrigerator in a simple structure at low costs and improving spatial utilization of the storage chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Youn Seok Lee, Yeon Woo Cho, Yang Gyu Kim, Deul Re Min
  • Publication number: 20120253543
    Abstract: A method and a system control an operation of a vapor compression system using a set of control inputs. A control value is determined based on an output of the operation of the vapor compression system and a setpoint for the operation of the vapor compression system. The control value is used to select at least a subset of the set of control inputs from a computer-readable medium, wherein the subset of control inputs, along or in combination with a function of the control value, forms the set of control inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Laughman, Daniel Nikolaev Nikovski
  • Publication number: 20120240608
    Abstract: An air-conditioning control apparatus performs detailed determination of the operating conditions of an air-conditioning apparatus, and performs efficient air-conditioning control such that power distribution is changed based on the detailed determination, in order to improve the comfort of occupants under a limitation on air-conditioning, thereby balancing ensuring the range with ensuring the comfort of the occupants. The air-conditioning control apparatus calculates usable power amounts for a cooling unit and a heating unit, and drives the cooling unit and the heating unit based on drive limit values. It allocates power amounts calculated for the condition of the battery and the vehicle drive, that can be allocated to the air-conditioning equipment, to the cooling unit and the heating unit according to an air-conditioning state that is set automatically or manually, thereby enabling necessary heating and cooling to be used to its full extent even during limitations on air-conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Isamu Ito, Hideki Hashigaya, Yuki Futsuhara, Yorisada Kondo
  • Publication number: 20120222434
    Abstract: A controller for a drive motor for a scraper of a frozen product dispenser operates the drive motor to rotate the scraper at selected ones of a plurality of different speeds within a freeze barrel of the dispenser, in accordance with the values of sensed operating parameters of the dispenser. The arrangement provides for rotation of the scraper at speeds appropriate for, but no greater than required for, the then existent operating condition of the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: David B. Gist, Gregory M. Billman, Santhosh Kumar, Kyle Elsom, Nikolay Popov
  • Patent number: 8250872
    Abstract: A refrigerating driving control section controls the driving of the refrigerating apparatus. A control constant storage section stores data in which information indicating the object to be refrigerated by the refrigerating apparatus and control constants that the refrigerating driving control section adopts for the object are associated together. An operation of operation section specifies the object. From the control constant storage section, the refrigerating driving control section reads the control constants corresponding to the object specified by the operation section, and the driving of the refrigerating apparatus is controlled on the basis of the read control constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisaaki Takaoka, Susumu Matsui, Kiichirou Satou, Shuuhei Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120192575
    Abstract: A controller continues to operate an ice making machine in a safe mode when a failure of a component is detected. While in the safe mode due to failure of an ice thickness probe, the freeze cycle freeze time is based on an average freeze time of a predetermined number of the most previous freeze cycles prior to the failure. While in the safe mode due to failure of a water level probe, the water valve on time is based on an average water valve on time of a predetermined number of the most previous freeze cycles prior to the failure. If the failure is uncured after a predetermined time, the controller causes the ice making machine to enter a standby mode or disables the ice making machine from making ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Ramesh B. Tirumala, William Roy York, JR., Lee Gerard Mueller, Raymond R. Haack, Daryl G. Erbs
  • Publication number: 20120174607
    Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit. The refrigeration system can have more than one refrigeration machine providing cooling to the secondary refrigeration loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: NIHAT CUR, STEVEN J. KUEHL, ENRICA MONTICELLI, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, DIEGO BARONE, LORENZO BIANCHI
  • Publication number: 20120174608
    Abstract: A control device controls a swing action of flaps of an air conditioning apparatus. The flaps are swung up and down. The control device includes an operation mode determining section, a swing pattern storage area and a control command generator. The operation mode determining section determines at least an air-cooling operation mode and an air-warming operation mode that are operation modes of the air conditioning apparatus. The swing pattern storage area stores a plurality of swing patterns that include information pertaining to the swing action. The control command generator generates a control command of the air conditioning apparatus on the basis of a swing pattern corresponding to the mode determined by the operation mode determining section from among the plurality of swing patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Gen Kumamoto, Satoshi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20120159972
    Abstract: A method and machine for producing fresh and cool air, dew drinking water, hot air for the dryer, hot water for bathing or other purposes using an energy-saving and environmentally-friendly multipurpose air conditioning as a generator of dew drinking water, hot water and dryer. Mixture of fresh outdoor air and returned air from the rooms passed to the evaporator coils to condense the moisture from the air to produce pure and fresh dew drinking water and cool fresh air, where the air is then flown back into the room. Municipal water or other water then dip the hot discharge line to subcool the refrigerant before entering the condenser thus saving energy and at the same time produce hot water that can be used for bathing or other purposes. Hot air coming from air-cooled condensers can be used as a dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Budhi Haryanto, Arda Rahardja Lukitobudi
  • Patent number: 8209058
    Abstract: According to a controller for a cooling system, when an optimum value of a low-pressure side pressure set value corresponding to an operation environmental condition to be generated is registered in a data base 15, the optimum value of the low-pressure side pressure set value is used. In a case where the optimum value of the low-pressure side pressure set value is not registered in the data base 15, when an optimum value of a low-pressure side pressure set value Ps corresponding to an operation environmental condition adjacent to the operation environmental condition to be generated is registered, the optimum value of the low-pressure side pressure set value Ps is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kawaai, Masaru Koshiba
  • Publication number: 20120144847
    Abstract: An intellectual refrigerator combining with a portable electric device is present. The refrigerator has an image unit, a wireless transmitting unit and a micro control unit (MCU) therein. The image unit is used to monitor status or fetch image in a case of the refrigerator. The MCU electrically connects to the image unit and the wireless transmitting unit. The refrigerator further includes a connecting socket arranged on an outer surface of the case, and the connecting socket includes a first transmitting interface electrically connected to the MCU. When the electric device is plugged in the connecting socket, a connection is established by the MCU of the refrigerator with the electric device physically via the first connecting interface. When the electric device is removed from the connection socket, the connection is automatically turned to establish by the MCU with the electric device wirelessly via the wireless transmitting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Cheng-Tzong LEE, Fu-Cheng PAN
  • Publication number: 20120137713
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods can control conditions such as temperature within a container of a transport refrigeration system. Embodiments can include a controller for controlling the transport refrigeration system to reduce power consumption. Embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods for operating the same can control cycling of a transport refrigeration unit to conserve power where a subsequent cycle time in a power savings mode is based on at least one previous cycle time. In addition, components can be enabled based on monitored conditions to reduce power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Suresh Duraisamy, Kenneth Cresswell
  • Publication number: 20120117993
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner (1A) includes a heat pump circuit (2) including a compressor (11), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), an expansion mechanism (14), a first indoor heat exchanger (15), and a second indoor heat exchanger (16). The flow direction of a refrigerant in the heat pump circuit (2) is switched, by a switching member (12A), between a first direction in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (11) passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (13), the expansion mechanism (14), the first indoor heat exchanger (15), and the second indoor heat exchanger (16) in this order and returns to the compressor (11), and a second direction in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (11) passes through the first indoor heat exchanger (15), the expansion mechanism (14), the outdoor heat exchanger (13), and the second indoor heat exchanger (16) in this order and returns to the compressor (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasufumi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20120116594
    Abstract: A pumping system, method and computer readable medium for temperature management. The system comprises generator means for connection to an energy source, preferably waste heat or solar energy; condenser means; evaporator means; and pressure means comprising at least one supersonic ejector to receive and provide flow paths for input primary and secondary flows, the input primary flow being a gaseous or a liquid flow. The method comprises providing and operatively connecting energy source means, condenser means, evaporator means, generator means and a pressure means comprising at least one supersonic ejector to receive input primary and secondary flows from a flow path; selecting and delivering a supply of temperature management fluid to the flow path; and selectively adjusting the configuration and operational parameters of the ejectors in response to monitored temperature values and operating conditions. The system economically provides improved efficiency for heating, cooling or refrigeration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Zine Aidoun, Mohamed Ouzzane
  • Publication number: 20120111031
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator in which an amount of water supply to an ice maker can be controlled accurately, and a method for controlling the same. The refrigerator includes an ice maker, a dispenser for dispensing water, a flow passage control valve (33) for guiding the water to the ice maker and the dispenser selectively, a flow amount sensor (100), and a controller connected to the flow amount sensor (100) for controlling a water supply amount to the ice maker taking a water supply amount sensed by the flow amount sensor (100) into account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Dong Hoon Lee, Tae Hee Lee, Donghoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20120111032
    Abstract: A hot water supply apparatus for combined use with an air conditioner is provided that may include an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger to heat exchange a first refrigerant with indoor air, and a cascade hot water heater connected to the indoor unit to receive the first refrigerant and to provide a second refrigerant to heat water. The cascade hot water heater may perform a heat exchange between the first refrigerant and a second refrigerant. The cascade hot water heater may include a capacity variable compressor to limit a maximum flowing amount of the second refrigerant and increase a flowing amount of the first refrigerant to flow to the indoor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Hyoungsuk WOO, Jongchul Ha
  • Publication number: 20120111042
    Abstract: In a heat pump apparatus, it is aimed to enhance efficiency of a defrost operation by reducing a loss of heat radiation during the defrost operation and reducing a compressor input during the defrost operation. The heat pump apparatus includes a main refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, and a second heat exchanger are connected sequentially, and also includes a bypass circuit including an on-off valve and providing a connection by bypassing the expansion mechanism. The main refrigerant circuit includes a four-way valve that switches between a heating operation and the defrost operation by switching an order in which the refrigerant circulates through the main refrigerant circuit. The main refrigerant circuit also includes a first temperature detection unit and a second temperature detection unit. Based on values detected by these temperature detection units, a degree of superheat of the first heat exchanger during the defrost operation is computed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Hamada, Fumitake Unezaki, Yoshihiro Takahashi, Kengo Takahashi, Kazuki Okada, Hirokazu Minamisako, Shinichi Uchino
  • Publication number: 20120073313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the refrigerant system in which the refrigerant amount stored in the accumulator may be adjusted by the super cooling adjustment unit according to the indoor conditioning load. Therefore, according to the present invention, the flow refrigerant amount on the refrigerant cycle may be optimally adjusted according to the indoor conditioning load, and there is an advantage that the operation efficiency may be more improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Hojong Jeong, Baikyoung Chung, Jaehwa Jung, Yongcheol Sa, Byungsoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20120073311
    Abstract: A refrigerant system and a method for controlling the same are provided. A refrigerant system includes: an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an operating loop of the refrigerant system and configured to perform a heat exchange between outdoor air and a refrigerant; a compressor disposed in the operating loop and configured to compress the refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger disposed in the operating loop and configured to perform a heat exchange between indoor air and the refrigerant; an expander disposed in the operating loop and configured to expand the refrigerant; a refrigerant storage connected to the operating loop and configured to receive and store the refrigerant from and discharge the refrigerant to the operating loop; and a refrigerant storage controller configured to control a total amount of refrigerant in the operating loop based on an indoor air conditioning load and an amount of the stored refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Hojong JEONG, Baikyoung Chung, Jaehwa Jung, Yongeheol Sa, Byungsoon kim
  • Publication number: 20120060530
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner for inhibiting noise increase and heating performance degradation due to frost attachment onto an outdoor heat exchanger. In an air conditioner (1), a determining part (43) of a control unit (4) determines that the amount of frost attaching onto an outdoor heat exchanger (13) is increased when a difference between an outdoor temperature To and an outdoor heat exchanger temperature Te is increased, and executes a frost attaching condition operation control for reducing the rotation speed of an outdoor fan (23). The operating frequency of the compressor (11) is herein increased in accordance with the reduction amount of the temperature of an indoor heat exchanger (15). The control unit (4) includes change amounts preliminarily set for changing the operating frequency of the compressor (11) in stages. The change amounts correspond to the stages on a one-to-one basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Shimoda, Hidehiko Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20120042662
    Abstract: Provided is an indoor unit for an air conditioner buried in a ceiling and including a heat exchanger with respect to an indoor space defined by a bottom surface, the ceiling, and a plurality of wall surface, including: a front panel where a suction part suctioning air of the indoor space; a discharge hole placed on at least one side of the suction part and discharging heat-exchanged air from the heat exchanger; an opening member provided movably to selectively open the discharge hole; a distance sensing unit sensing at least one of a distance up to the bottom surface from the front panel or the indoor unit and a distance up to the wall surface from the indoor unit; and a controller controlling the opening degree of the opening member based on a sensing result sensed by the distance sensing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Kidong KIM, Hojung Kim, Sungwon Han, Inho Choi, Kyunghwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20120042671
    Abstract: A refrigerator in which a right door that a user more frequently opens has a width less than that of a left door and a dispenser and a display unit are mounted at the center of a front surface of the refrigerator, resulting in enhanced usability. In the refrigerator, furthermore, a door handle is hidden and a drawer type storage container is installed below the dispenser and the display unit to enhance usability of the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Sang Woon Jeon, Sei Ill Jeon, Yun Ho Yang
  • Publication number: 20120036876
    Abstract: A heat pump system includes a heat source unit having a variable-capacity compressor and a heat-source-side heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator for a refrigerant, and a plurality of usage units connected to the heat source unit and having usage-side heat exchangers that function as radiators for the refrigerant. The operating capacity of the compressor is controlled to bring the discharge pressure of the compressor, or a state quantity equivalent to the discharge pressure, to a first target value. The first target value is determined based on an equivalent target value equivalent to a usage temperature required in individual usage units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Honda
  • Publication number: 20120031114
    Abstract: A method for making clear ice comprising: filling a water sump to a predetermined level; contacting a refrigerant to an evaporator; circulating water from the sump over the evaporator to form ice on the evaporator; monitoring the water level in the sump; and monitoring the conductivity of the water in the sump to determine if the conductivity of the water is equal to or greater than a predetermined conductivity valve, (i) if the conductivity is not equal to or greater than the predetermined conductivity valve and if the water level reaches a predetermined lower water level, then complete the ice making cycle and initiate the harvest cycle; or (ii) if the conductivity is equal to or greater than the predetermined conductivity valve and if the water level has not reached a predetermined lower water level, then add additional water to the water sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Lee Gerard Mueller, Daryl G. Erbs
  • Publication number: 20120023980
    Abstract: Disclosed are a refrigerator and a controlling method of the same. A change amount of a refrigerating chamber temperature, or a change amount of a freezing chamber temperature may be calculated per time period, and a load corresponding driving may be executed based on the calculated change amount. This may allow the load corresponding driving to be executed more precisely, reduce power consumption, and enhance stability and efficiency of a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hoyoun LEE, Sung JHEE, Sunam CHAE
  • Publication number: 20120023986
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a heat transfer unit, which transfers heat generated from a machine room within a refrigerator main body to a periphery of a home bar so as to remove dew formed at the periphery of the home bar, and an insulating unit for surrounding an outer circumference of the heat transfer unit. The refrigerator further includes a heating unit installed to be thermally conductive with the heat transfer unit, and a non-conductive cover for covering the heat transfer unit and the heating unit. Consequently, waste heat generated from the machine room, other than a separate power supply unit, can be used to prevent dew formation at the periphery of the home bar, so as to remarkably reduce power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Sunam Chae, Juyeong Heo, Sung Jhee, Chanho Jeon