Of Closed System Sorbent Type Patents (Class 62/141)
  • Patent number: 11874008
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. Aspects include receiving, from a sensor, operational data associated with the HVAC system, receiving, from the sensor, environmental data associated with the HVAC system, analyzing the operational data and the environmental data to determine a potential comfort issue with the HVAC system, receiving a discomfort index associated with the HVAC system, plotting an indicia on the discomfort index based on the operational data and the environmental data, and determining a root cause of the potential comfort issue based at least in part on a coordinate of the indicia on the discomfort index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel J. Dempsey, Xinyu Wu
  • Patent number: 11019857
    Abstract: Refrigerating clothes may include a clothes body and a refrigerating mechanism having a working medium capable of changing between gas and liquid. The refrigerating mechanism includes a radiating surface and a refrigerating surface, between which the working medium circulates. The refrigerating surface is abutted against the clothes, and the radiating surface is arranged at one side far away from the refrigerating surface. The radiating surface absorbs thermal radiation from sunlight and provides energy for the working medium, the working medium absorbs heat on the refrigerating surface to realize cooling, and continuously circulates in the refrigerating mechanism without need for frequent replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: WUYI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Min Wu, Guangwei Chen
  • Patent number: 10900700
    Abstract: A method operates an absorption heat pump system, specifically the flow of hydronic cooling fluid through the condenser during system start-ups, or when the cooling fluid temperature is low. To minimize the time for an absorption heat pump to reach full cooling or heating capacity, it is desirable for the high side pressure to increase as fast as possible, and the low side pressure to decrease as fast as possible. Since the high side pressure is a function of the temperature of the refrigerant exiting the condenser, if the condenser cooling fluid temperature is low, the corresponding high side pressure will be low, which may not permit adequate working fluid flow rates from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Stone Mountain Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Garrabrant, Roger E. Stout
  • Patent number: 10215466
    Abstract: A Step Flow control device and methods therefore provide instructions to control operation of various absorption chiller components based on measured load or temperature information. Operating an absorption chiller according to Step Flow balances the flow of heat energy through the absorption chiller to increase efficiency and prevent crystallization. The control device may be integrated into various components of an absorption chiller or may be remote therefrom. In this manner, Step Flow can be used in new absorption chiller installations or be used to retrofit existing installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Higgins
  • Patent number: 10132532
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a cooling system, in which a cooling agent is prepared in a reservoir of an evaporator device (1) of a single- or multi-stage sorption cooling system, a fluid to be cooled is cooled by having a heat exchanger of the evaporator device (1) effect a cooling heat transfer from the fluid to be cooled to the cooling agent for cooling purposes, and the cooling heat transfer causes the cooling agent to at least partially evaporate on the heat exchanger, and the evaporated cooling agent is relayed to a liquefier device (2), wherein the cooling heat transfer is improved by conveying external thermal energy provided by an external heat source (10) to the cooling agent, specifically in addition to and separately from the cooling heat transfer, and thereby initiating bubble formation that supports cooling heat transfer in the cooling agent in the reservoir, specifically by inducing bubble formation in conjunction with supplying the external thermal energy or intensifying bub
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET BERLIN
    Inventors: Stefan Petersen, Walther Hüls Güido
  • Patent number: 10126071
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heat transfer, comprising a low temperature heat exchanger (3) and a high temperature heat exchanger (5), the heat exchangers (3, 5) being connected to one another by means of a connecting line such that a heat transfer medium flows through the high temperature heat exchanger (5) and through the low temperature heat exchanger (3) in succession, at least one dwell time tank (19) being arranged in the connecting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Jürgen Wortmann, Michael Ladenberger, Katharina Federsel, Stephan Maurer
  • Patent number: 10113809
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to mechanical-chemical energy storage. In particular, the invention relates to a mechanical-chemical energy storage system that stores energy by simultaneously compressing a gas to a higher enthalpy state and recovering the heat of compression by driving a somewhat reversible chemical reaction. The heat energy in the chemical reaction is then recovered while the gas is expanding to a lower enthalpy state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Eos Energy Storage, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Amendola, Tibor Kalnoki-Kis
  • Patent number: 9863673
    Abstract: A heat pump including an evaporator and an adsorber is provided. The adsorber is regenerated by applying heat from a chemical thermal storage reactor, a heat accumulator or an external heat source, at a temperature higher than or equal to a temperature to regenerate the adsorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventors: Yasuki Hirota, Takashi Shimazu, Takafumi Yamauchi, Tomohisa Wakasugi, Ryuichi Iwata
  • Patent number: 9702597
    Abstract: A solar powered absorption cooling system employing refrigerant-absorbent solutions such as water and lithium bromide and hybrid storage capabilities, and a method of employing the system in refrigeration and air conditioning units. The system includes a first temperature control valve and second temperature control valve that together regulate the flow of solar heating fluid into the generator and substantially reduce absorbent crystal formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Maged A. I. El-Shaarawi, Ali Abdulaziz Al-Ugla
  • Patent number: 9593562
    Abstract: A fuel cell for use in downhole applications stores steam created by the chemical reaction in a desiccant like Zeolite. The fuel cell also uses ambient hydrostatic pressure to increase cell voltage and power-density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Thomas Kruspe, Joachim F. Oppelt
  • Patent number: 9470114
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of this invention provides a single-effect absorption chiller including an absorber operatively connected to a solution heat exchanger and a generator, and a condenser in fluid communication with the absorber, wherein the absorber is sized and configured to receive a feed of water from a source of water and to transfer heat to the feed of water and then to convey the feed of water to the condenser without further heat conditioning of the feed of water prior to its entry into the condenser, and wherein the condenser is sized and configured to receive the feed of water from the absorber and to transfer heat to the feed of water, thereby cooling the condenser without resorting to an external heat exchanger such as a conventional cooling tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: University of New Orleans Research and Technology Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Ting Wang
  • Patent number: 9353978
    Abstract: An adsorber includes: two or more adsorbents with different coolant vapor-pressure conditions and different coolant temperature conditions corresponding to a lower limit value for a coolant adsorption amount and an upper limit value for the coolant adsorption amount; a container that contains at least one of the adsorbents and in which a coolant is sealable; and a channel pipe that extends through the container, is thermally in contact with the two or more adsorbents, and functions as a channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Noriyasu Aso, Toshio Manabe
  • Patent number: 9303909
    Abstract: A refrigeration, air conditioning or other cooling system is disclosed. The refrigeration system includes a refrigerant storage tank fluidly connected to a refrigerant expansion device which is fluidly connected to a refrigerant evaporator for absorbing ambient heat, a refrigerant vapor compressor fluidly connected to the refrigerant evaporator and a refrigerant condenser fluidly connected to the refrigerant compressor and the refrigerant storage tank. A liquid refrigerant pump and eductor are included in the system along with a refrigerant receiving tank and associated controls that maintain the appropriate Net Positive Suction Head at the inlet to the pump along with proper flow and pressure control in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Kolarich
  • Patent number: 9250002
    Abstract: A system for controlling an absorption chiller includes feedback control loops determining adjustments to system cooling and heating capacities and a controller for simultaneously adjusting positions of an energy input valve, a hot water valve, and a chilled water valve. The controller adjusts valves based on desired adjustments to system cooling and heating capacities and performance maps characterizing relationships between cooling capacity and heating capacities and valve positions. A method for controlling an absorption chiller includes the step of obtaining a performance map characterizing heat energy input to cooling and heating loops as functions of valve positions. To obtain the map, the hot water valve is held in a substantially constant position while the chilled water valve is modulated. Similarly, the hot water valve is modulated while the chilled water valve is held in a substantially constant position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jiachuan Wang, Chaohong Cai, Ahmad M. Mahmoud, Junqiang Fan, Richard L. Martin, John F. Boardman, Timothy C. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9188380
    Abstract: A storage compartment cooling apparatus includes a liquid circulation system that circulates a liquid coolant, a heat exchanger that cools an interior of a storage compartment using the liquid coolant, a bypass line through which the liquid coolant selectively bypasses the heat exchanger, one or more valves that controllably increase and decrease the flow of the liquid coolant through the heat exchanger and the bypass line, and a controller that controls the one or more valves. A storage compartment cooling system includes a liquid coolant distribution loop that distributes a chilled liquid coolant to a plurality of the storage compartment cooling apparatuses coupled in series and a recirculation cooling device that includes a chiller that chills the liquid coolant to have a temperature lower than an ambient temperature and a circulation unit that circulates the chilled liquid coolant through the liquid coolant distribution loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Qiao Lu, William Godecker
  • Patent number: 9134056
    Abstract: An air-cooled absorption refrigerating system and method is provided An evaporated refrigerant is mixed with a weak refrigerant stream Portions of the evaporated refrigerant are absorbed into the weak refrigerant stream via air-cooled absorber means to form a reconstituted solution which is pumped into heater means in heat exchange relationship with a hot weak refrigerant. The hot weak refrigerant stream is conducted therefrom Refrigerant is evaporated from the reconstituted solution via generator means in heat exchange relationship with a heat transfer fluid The generator means stream is separated into a hot weak refrigerant stream and a main refrigerant vapor stream The main refrigerant vapor stream is condensed via air-cooled condenser means The pressure of a condensed refrigerant vapor stream is reduced and conducted into evaporator means, where it is evaporated to form an evaporated refrigerant stream and conducted therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Research and Development Authority
    Inventors: Avi Levy, Michael Jelinek, Irene Borde
  • Patent number: 8915451
    Abstract: When a humidity adjustment device starts up, an outside air temperature To and an room air temperature Tr are compared to determine which air temperature is higher. By mutually changing the flow of the outside air and the flow of the room air by means of an air circulation switching device, the air having the higher temperature of the outside air and the room air is circulated to a heat exchanger that operates as an evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Takahashi, Tooru Fujimoto, Gakuto Sakai
  • Patent number: 8820113
    Abstract: To reduce power consumption and more efficiently cool computing devices in a data center, an air supply unit supplies air from outside the data center to an air handling unit, which cools servers within the data center using the supplied air. Using air from outside the data center, rather than recirculating and cooling air from within the data center, reduces the power consumption of the data center. In an embodiment, a chiller and/or an evaporative cooling system are coupled to the air supply unit to allow further cooling of the outside air before it is circulated. Heat generated by the servers within the data center is collected, for example using thermal pathways coupled to server components, and used by the chiller in an absorption or adsorption process to further reduce power consumption of the data center and allow the air handling unit to further cool the outside air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Heydari, Marco Magarelli
  • Patent number: 8655494
    Abstract: A fluid regulator characterization system can characterize the flow of a fluid regulator that results in response to a received control signal. The fluid regulator characterization system can use the characterization to achieve a linear fluid regulator flow gain over a full operating range (e.g., zero percent travel to one hundred percent travel) for the fluid regulator relative to the received control signal. A linear fluid regulator flow gain can improve process control and reduce process variability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry W. Boger
  • Patent number: 8539782
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the power of a sorption refrigeration system, comprising an adsorber unit, a condenser (C), and an evaporator (E) through which a cooling carrier fluid (KT) flows, with alternating application of the adsorber unit by a valve unit (HV_IN, HV_OUT) operated via a controller, having a circuit process of at least one sorption phase and at least one heat recovery phase, wherein a measurement of a current cooling carrier outlet temperature (Takt) is carried out in the return of the evaporator, a calculation of an averaged cooling carrier outlet temperature (Tgem) is carried out during the first and second sorption phases with a comparison to the current cooling carrier outlet temperature (Takt), and a control signal is trigger upon completion of the sorption phase as a function of the difference between the averaged cooling carrier outlet temperature (Tgem) and the current cooling carrier outlet temperature (Tgem). The invention provides a corresponding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: SorTech AG
    Inventors: Thomas Büttner, Walter Mittelbach
  • Patent number: 8505319
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorption air conditioner that comprises a desorber (100), a condenser, an evaporator and an absorber, wherein the absorbing fluid may consist of lithium bromide. The method comprises the following steps: calculating the concentration of the absorbing fluid solution at the outlet of the desorber (100); and comparing the calculated concentration with a predetermined critical value and, if the calculated concentration gets closer to the predetermined critical value, increasing the charge loss in the duct (20) connecting the desorber (100) to the condenser, which interrupts the condensation in the condenser and results in a pressure increase in the desorber that stops the desorption and in a concentration increase, the charge loss being on the other hand reduced for resuming the desorption when the calculated concentration deviates from the predetermined critical value. The invention can be used in automobiles and absorption air-conditioners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Emmanuel Boudard, Philippe Marcais, Julien Berger, Vital Bruzzo
  • Publication number: 20120285178
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for cooling a component of a downhole tool is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first desiccant configured to adsorb a refrigerant gas. A transmitter is configured to transmit electromagnetic energy into the first desiccant to enable desorption of the refrigerant gas from the first desiccant. A condenser condenses the desorbed refrigerant gas into a liquid phase. The condensed refrigerant evaporates from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase to cool the component. A second desiccant can be used, wherein the processor is configured to operate the cooling system in a first mode of operation in which the first desiccant is in thermal communication with the component and the second desiccant is thermally isolated from the component and a second mode of operation in which the second desiccant is in thermal communication with the component and the first desiccant is thermally isolated from the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Erik Pennewitz, Thomas Kruspe, Sebastian Jung
  • Publication number: 20120085111
    Abstract: An adsorption type refrigerator with thermostatic control includes a first vacuum chamber, a second vacuum chamber, a third vacuum chamber, and a passage structure. The first vacuum chamber accommodates a first adsorption bed, a first condenser, and a first evaporator, and the second vacuum chamber accommodates a second adsorption bed, a second condenser, and a second evaporator. The third vacuum chamber contains a third evaporator. The passage structure guides hot water into the first adsorption bed and guides cold water into the second adsorption bed simultaneously, or guides the cold water into the first adsorption bed and guides the hot water into the second adsorption bed simultaneously. According to the ambient temperature or the temperature of ice water produced by the adsorption refrigerator, the cold water is stopped being guided into the first or the second adsorption bed timely, thereby ceasing the refrigeration temporarily and achieving the thermostatic control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Chung-Hsin Electric and Machinery Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Chao-Yu Chen, Yu-Ming Sun, Chi-Bin Wu
  • Patent number: 8042746
    Abstract: When there arises a need to change an air conditioner capability, a vehicular air conditioner capable of easily meeting this need is achieved. Also, even if some of a plurality of air conditioner units break down, a vehicular air conditioner capable of properly air conditioning a vehicular space using other air conditioner units, is achieved. This vehicular air conditioner includes a controller 20 for calculating a total heat supply amount, based on a target temperature and an actual room temperature; at least one heater 5 and/or at least one cooler 6; a controller 20 that sets generated heat amounts of the heater 5 and/or the cooler 6 of each of the air conditioner units 30, based on a calculated total heat supply amount and the number of used air conditioner units 30; and a drive controller that controls operations of the heater 5 and/or the cooler 6, based on the generated heat amounts that have been set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Ise, Masatoshi Urakawa
  • Publication number: 20100192603
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorption air conditioner that comprises a desorber (100), a condenser, an evaporator and an absorber, wherein the absorbing fluid may consist of lithium bromide. The method comprises the following steps: calculating the concentration of the absorbing fluid solution at the outlet of the desorber (100); and comparing the calculated concentration with a predetermined critical value and, if the calculated concentration gets closer to the predetermined critical value, increasing the charge loss in the duct (20) connecting the desorber (100) to the condenser, which interrupts the condensation in the condenser and results in a pressure increase in the desorber that stops the desorption and in a concentration increase, the charge loss being on the other hand reduced for resuming the desorption when the calculated concentration deviates from the predetermined critical value. The invention can be used in automobiles and absorption air-conditioners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventors: Emmanuel Boudard, Philippe Marcais, Julien Berger, Vital Bruzzo
  • Patent number: 7531131
    Abstract: A method using vibration for conditioning, air-conditioning, cooling and decontaminating, disinfecting and sterilizing physical media. The method includes a first vibratory action (13) performed on a regulated incoming current of the physical medium (2) so that the flow of the physical medium (2) is formed and the necessary and adequate conditions for cooling are created; a refrigerating medium (3) and a cold-absorbing medium (6) interact in a heat exchanging system (1); and another vibratory action (10) is performed on a cold-absorbing medium in order that the physical medium is continuously and/or periodically decontaminated and the necessary and adequate conditions for the functioning of the decontamination system in its steady state are created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventors: Danil Doubochinski, Roman Prytkov
  • Publication number: 20080196444
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system using a two or more substance solution to achieve refrigeration that eliminates the need for a pump. The vapor pressure in a generator column is balanced by a pressure head of liquid solvent-solute solution. Re-dissolved solute is returned to the generator by causing some of the vapor to pass through a perforated tube or the like into the solvent where it is absorbed. At least some of the vapor is cooled to liquid solute and then expanded through an expansion valve into an evaporator to create a refrigerator. Hot vapor from the generator column can be passed through a jet to create a low pressure in the evaporator. No pump is necessary since the liquid is returned to the heating area of the generator by gravity. Closed loop control of the heating can optionally be achieved by using a pressure sensor in the rising generator column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Roland Lawes
  • Patent number: 7131282
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for defrosting an absorption refrigerator comprising the steps of determining a defrost start time for defrosting of the low temperature compartment and higher temperature compartment, starting the absorption refrigerating system at the defrost start time independent of other control parameters determining start and stop of the absorption refrigerating system, detecting stop of the absorption refrigerating system, applying heat to the first tube section using the first heater, detecting end of low temperature compartment defrosting, starting the absorption refrigerating system after end of low temperature compartment defrosting, and applying heat to the second tube section using the second heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
    Inventors: Arne Karlsson, Ingemar Hallin, Carl Lindhagen, Fredrik Reithe, Anton Lundqvist
  • Patent number: 7065976
    Abstract: This application discloses a control logic for maintaining a proper solution concentration within an absorption chiller. Further, safeguards are added to a system control to ensure robust operation when operated in a co-generation application with a heat source such as a micro-turbine, a reciprocating engine, etc. In such applications, in proper management of the heat flow into the chiller from such sources can result in crystallization of the absorption solution, which would be undesirable. Inventive control logic works to minimize such occurrences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: UTC Power LLC
    Inventors: Vivek Halwan, Mark E. Marler
  • Patent number: 7062928
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorption refrigerator including a cabinet having outer walls and at least one door encasing a low temperature storage compartment and a higher temperature storage compartment, said compartments being separated by a partition wall, an absorption refrigerating system including an evaporator tube in which a refrigeration medium flows from an upstream end to a downstream end of the evaporator tube, and which evaporator tube comprises a first tube section which is arranged to absorb heat from the low temperature compartment, and at least a second tube section, which is arranged to absorb heat from the higher temperature compartment, a battery arranged to supply power to electronic equipment in said absorption refrigerating system, a control system arranged to control start and stop of said absorption refrigerating system to control the temperature in at least said higher temperature storage compartment to be within a specified temperature range, and a heater arranged in said h
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
    Inventors: Arne Karlsson, Ingemar Hallin, Carl Lindhagen, Fredrik Reithe, Anton Lundqvist
  • Patent number: 6983616
    Abstract: This application discloses a control logic for maintaining a proper solution concentration within an absorption chiller. Further, safeguards are added to a system control to ensure robust operation when operated in a co-generation application with a heat source such as a micro-turbine, a reciprocating engine, etc. In such applications, in proper management of the heat flow into the chiller from such sources can result in crystallization of the absorption solution, which would be undesirable. Inventive control logic works to minimize such occurrences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: UTC Power, LLC
    Inventors: Vivek Halwan, Mark E. Marler
  • Patent number: 6904768
    Abstract: An absorption-type air conditioner system using lithium bromide solution as absorbent is provided, which has a small volume and compact structure. The system includes upper vessel 26, lower vessel 27, cooling heat exchanger 10, self-induced air circulation device 11, outdoor system controller 9 and water heater 8. Upper vessel 26 includes high temperature generator 1, low temperature generator 2 and condenser 3. The lower vessel 27 includes high temperature heat exchanger 4, low temperature heat exchanger 5, evaporator 7 and absorber 6. Upper vessel 26 is connected to lower vessel 27 by refrigerant water outlet pipe 28, LTG dilute solution inlet pipe 29, LTG concentrate solution outlet pipe 30, HTG dilute solution inlet pipe 31, HTG concentrate solution outlet pipe 32, HTG steam outlet pipe 56, heating steam switch valve 55 and HTG steam inlet pipe 57. The system is an ideal central air conditioner system for large houses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Yue Zhang
  • Patent number: 6843064
    Abstract: A method of reducing superheat fluctuation and improving evaporator heat transfer comprises creating turbulent flow in refrigerant supplied to the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Kaveh Khalili, Uwe Rockenfeller
  • Patent number: 6823682
    Abstract: An absorption chiller having a protection system for preventing the chilled water in the evaporator tubes from freezing in the event the water flow through the tubes closes down while the machine is running. A sensor in the evaporator heat exchanger is arranged to detect when the water flow through the heat exchanger tubes closes down and signals the machine controller. The controller, in turn, shuts down the machine and opens a valve in a feed line to the evaporator to deliver a high temperature working fluid from another section of the machine to the evaporator to maintain the temperature in the evaporator above that at which the water in the tubes freezes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Neil D. Jenkins, David M. Martini, Anthony Brancato
  • Patent number: 6792765
    Abstract: A chiller system comprises a chiller, a burner, a first variable frequency driver and pump, a second frequency drive and pump, and a feedback system. The chiller has a chilled water input and a cooling water input and the burner is coupled to the chiller. The first variable frequency drive and pump is coupled to the chilled water input. The second variable frequency drive and pump is coupled to the cooling water input. The feedback system is coupled to the burner, the first variable frequency drive, and the second variable frequency drive. The feedback system capable of measuring a characteristic of the burner that is proportional to the cooling load of the chiller system and transmitting a signal corresponding determined characteristic to the first and second variable frequency drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Frank L. Domnick, Bruce A Elliott
  • Patent number: 6748752
    Abstract: An aqua-ammonia absorption cooling and/or heating system actively controls the flow of weak liquor from the generator to the absorber, using one or more valves operated in response to weak liquor temperature, and/or pressure and/or concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Paul Sarkisian, Lance Kirol, Uwe Rockenfeller
  • Patent number: 6701726
    Abstract: Data points are determined for an absorption chiller system which relate a position of the capacity valve to the heat input into the system. A continuous curve is determined which estimates the relationship between the position of the capacity valve and the heat input for all of the data points and all the points in between. The slope of this curve is the valve gain. The error for the system is defined as the difference between the setpoint and the leaving chilled water temperature. The leaving chilled water temperature of the system is measured to determine the actual error for the system, after which a linearizing gain derived as a function of the inverse of the valve gain is used in the system control algorithm to linearize the overall valve gain, thereby eliminating capacity valve hunting and producing an improved transient response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Kolk, David M. Martini
  • Publication number: 20040035126
    Abstract: A chiller system comprises a chiller, a burner, a first variable frequency driver and pump, a second frequency drive and pump, and a feedback system. The chiller has a chilled water input and a cooling water input and the burner is coupled to the chiller. The first variable frequency drive and pump is coupled to the chilled water input. The second variable frequency drive and pump is coupled to the cooling water input. The feedback system is coupled to the burner, the first variable frequency drive, and the second variable frequency drive. The feedback system capable of measuring a characteristic of the burner that is proportional to the cooling load of the chiller system and transmitting a signal corresponding determined characteristic to the first and second variable frequency drives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Frank L. Domnick, Bruce A. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20040007011
    Abstract: In a cooling system for cooling first and second heat-generating members, the first heat-generating member is cooled by a refrigerator, and cold produced by the refrigerator is stored in a cold storage unit, so that both the first and second heat-generating members can be continuously cooled by only using a single adsorption unit. Therefore, production cost of the cooling system can be reduced. Further, because the second heat-generating member is cooled through the cold storage unit, a temperature change in the adsorption unit immediately after a switching between an adsorbing mode and a desorbing mode can be absorbed in the cold storage unit. Accordingly, the heat-generating members can be stably cooled while the component number of the cooling system can be decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Masaaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6658870
    Abstract: In an absorption chiller system, a control input for the chiller is a heat source controlled by a capacity valve, which is in turn controlled by a PI controller. The controller is controlled by a non-linear control function. During operation, a disturbance in the system is measured. A signal error is defined as a setpoint for the leaving chilled water minus the disturbance. The non-linear control function is represented as C(s)=KP0(1+b|E|)+KI/s, where where KP0 is the gain when said signal error is zero, |E| is the absolute value of the signal error, b is an adjustable constant, and KI is an integral gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6637220
    Abstract: A routine of controlling the dilution cycle of an absorption chiller to determine when to initiate a dilution cycle, continue the cycle and terminate the cycle. The concentration of solution leaving the chiller's low temperature generator is calculated and the crystallization temperature of the solution is then determined. The crystallization temperature is compared to the ambient temperature and the result is used to determine whether to institute a dilution cycle, continue the cycle or terminate the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Darren S. Sheehan
  • Patent number: 6637221
    Abstract: A method of controlling the capacity of an absorption chiller by regulating the heat input to a generator in response to a selected one of two system variables. The first variable involves the measured chilled water temperature leaving the system evaporator and the second involves the calculated solution concentration that is being returned to the absorber. Data relating to each variable is sent to a selector where it is processed so that the data can be used to control the heat input to the generator. The temperature data is used to control the heat input during normal chiller operation, however, the selector changes over control to the concentrate related data when the solution concentration level approaches the solution crystallization limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Neil D. Jenkins, Richard A. Kolk
  • Publication number: 20030192328
    Abstract: A control server includes a device information database storing device characteristic data constituting the air conditioning equipment, a fuel/power rate database storing price and rate data regarding gas, oil, power and the like, a device characteristic and price database, an air conditioning equipment simulator for calculating running costs by using the data stored in the fuel/power rate database, and communication portion for performing communications through a network. The control server, and an air conditioning management controller for managing and controlling the air conditioning equipment provided with the communication portion for performing communications through the network, are connected to the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroshige Kikuchi, Tadakatsu Nakajima, Keiji Sasao
  • Publication number: 20030145610
    Abstract: The invention is based on a method for operating a climate control system for a vehicle, in the case of which a compressor (38), in a cooling mode, circulates a coolant through a gas condensing apparatus (42) and an expansion device (50) to a passenger-compartment heat exchanger (44) and, in a heating mode, circulates the coolant in the reverse direction of flow first through the passenger-compartment heat exchanger (44), the expansion device (50), and then through the gas condensing apparatus (42), in parallel with which a bypass line (56) comprising a switching valve (58) is provided. It is proposed that, in the heating mode, the switching valve (58) in the bypass line (56) is opened and the flow of coolant through the gas condensing apparatus (42) is stopped as soon as a layer of ice that exceeds a limit thickness has formed on the air side of the gas condensing apparatus (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Stephan Leuthner
  • Patent number: 6595022
    Abstract: A computer system is described having a refrigeration cycle for a logic processor each utilizes first and second refrigeration cycles, each including a respective adsorber/desorber. Each adsorber/desorber is alternatingly cooled and heated. A liquid is adsorbed into the adsorber/desorber when being cooled and desorbed when the adsorber/desorber is heated. When the liquid is desorbed from the adsorber/desorber, and a checkvalve is closed, a pressure of the liquid increases. The adsorber/desorber together with the checkvalve act as a compressor in the respective refrigeration cycle. Heating and cooling is alternated so that one adsorber/desorber always adsorbs liquid while the other adsorber/desorber desorbes liquid. Thermal swings of the logic processor are thereby avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Himanshu Pokharna, Eric Distefano, Joseph D. Walters
  • Patent number: 6584788
    Abstract: An aqua-ammonia absorption heating and/or cooling apparatus uses a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) and a temperature-sensing bulb for controlling refrigerant flow to the evaporator having a bulb charge composition comprising a mixture of propane and butane, or an ammonia-water mixture having over 70% ammonia, by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Paul Sarkisian, Lance Kirol, Uwe Rockenfeller
  • Patent number: 6564562
    Abstract: An absorption apparatus includes a generator with an integrated outlet box comprising a liquid sensing chamber and a solution outlet chamber. The sensing chamber has an opening into the generator, with the opening being sized according to the liquid surface area inside the sensing chamber. The outlet chamber has a larger opening into the generator to provide a more open flow path for solution to exit the generator through the outlet chamber. The more restricted opening in the sensing chamber allows a liquid level sensor therein to sense a relatively calm liquid level that tends to be at an average elevation of a boiling-disrupted liquid level in the generator. With the opening in the sensing chamber being appropriately sized, a variable speed pump, responsive to the liquid level sensor, controls the flow of solution into the generator to maintain a desired solution liquid level in the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventors: Fenfei Wang, Luan K. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6560979
    Abstract: Prevention of the incapability of operation due to crystallization in the absorption solution. When the temperature difference (&Dgr;T) between the temperature of the concentrated absorption solution Tr detected by the temperature sensor (22) and the temperature of crystallization Tc for the concentrated absorption solution at a specified concentration detected by the concentration sensor (21) comes within a prescribed figure, the opening of the heat control valve (20) is decreased by a specified figure, 20% for example. When the concentration of the concentrated absorption solution, which is measured by the concentration sensor (21), exceeds a prescribed figure, 65% for example, the heat supplied to the high temperature regenerator (1) is reduced by decreasing the opening of the heat control valve (20) regardless of the above temperature difference (&Dgr;T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Air Conditioning Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiguma Yamazaki, Eiichi Enomoto, Yasushi Kamata, Masahiro Furukawa
  • Patent number: 6550272
    Abstract: In an absorption chiller/absorption chiller-heater wherein a pressure rise preventing means such as a safety valve, rapture disk or breakable plate is disposed in a high temperature regenerator or in the refrigerant vapor piping from the high temperature regenerator, with the discharge opening of the pressure rise preventing means being open to the atmosphere, in order to prevent the pressure rise in the high temperature regenerator, the discharge opening of safety valve is connected to low pressure units such as the low temperature regenerator through pressure relief piping so that, when the safety valve is activated, the refrigerant vapor and absorption solution of the high pressure side will be discharged to low pressure units such as the low temperature regenerator designed so as to generally maintain a vacuum therein during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kawasaki Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Nakajima, Kenichi Saitou, Hideharu Arai
  • Publication number: 20030070438
    Abstract: A control server includes a device information database storing device characteristic data constituting the air conditioning equipment, a fuel/power rate database storing price and rate data regarding gas, oil, power and the like, a device characteristic and price database, an air conditioning equipment simulator for calculating running costs by using the data stored in the fuel/power rate database, and communication portion for performing communications through a network. The control server, and an air conditioning management controller for managing and controlling the air conditioning equipment provided with the communication portion for performing communications through the network, are connected to the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroshige Kikuchi, Tadakatsu Nakajima, Keiji Sasao