Abstract: A vehicle heat pump system includes a compressor, a first valve coupled to an outlet of the compressor, a cooling circuit between the first valve and the inlet of the compressor, a heating circuit between the first valve and the inlet of the compressor and a controller. The heating circuit includes a heating circuit evaporator and a second valve between the heating circuit evaporator and the inlet of the compressor. The controller is configured to operate the first valve to switch between a cooling mode and a heating mode, cycle the second valve opened and closed in the heating mode, such that when closed, the compressor draws refrigerant out of the cooling circuit and refrigerant pressure builds up within the heating circuit, and maintain the second valve open upon the controller determining that sufficient refrigerant has been drawn out of the cooling circuit during the cycling of the second valve.

Abstract: An air-conditioner and the refrigerant charging method of the air-conditioner are disclosed. When a refrigerant amount determining mode is requested to be performed, whether or not the refrigerant amount in the air-conditioner is proper is automatically determined and a shortage amount of refrigerant can be charged. Thus, a user can easily check whether or not the refrigerant charged in the air-conditioner is sufficient or insufficient, and if the refrigerant is not sufficient, the user can automatically charge the refrigerant without having to entirely remove the refrigerant from the air-conditioner, thus increasing the user convenience and reducing time and costs.

Abstract: To a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner as a refrigerating apparatus, a plurality of outdoor units are connected. In an operation state where the first outdoor unit is operated with the second outdoor unit stopped, the air conditioner performs refrigerant collection operation for collecting and retaining surplus refrigerant to and in a second outdoor heat exchanger of the second outdoor unit. During the refrigerant collection operation, a second outdoor expansion valve is closed fully, and a second outdoor fan is operated. Part of refrigerant discharged from a first compressor flows into the second outdoor heat exchanger during the refrigerant collection operation. The refrigerant flowing in the second outdoor heat exchanger dissipates heat to outdoor air to be condensed. Since the second outdoor expansion valve is closed fully, the condensed refrigerant is retained in the second outdoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: A convertible refrigerant recovery, recycle, and recharge unit, comprising a control valve array, a vacuum pump, an oil separator, an oil-less compressor, and one or more storage tanks. The vacuum pump and the oil separator are in flow communication with the control valve array, the oil-less compressor is in flow communication with the oil separator, and the storage tanks are in flow communication with said oil-less compressor. The control valve array receives refrigerant from a refrigerant containing device wherein the oil-less compressor draws the refrigerant into said the storage tanks. The unit is compatible with a plurality of refrigerant types without cross-contamination of the refrigerant due to the oil-less compressor and conversion cycle whereby the vacuum pump is activated to remove residual refrigerant from the unit. A refrigerant identifier sensor is in flow communication with the system and can detect contaminants and selectively open and close the storage tanks.

Abstract: A method of detecting loss of refrigerant within a cooling system of the type having a condenser, a refrigerant receiver in fluid communication with the condenser, a sensor configured to detect a level of refrigerant within the receiver, an evaporator in fluid communication with the receiver, and a pump or compressor in fluid communication with the evaporator and the condenser, includes establishing a baseline measurement of refrigerant mass contained in the receiver with the sensor during certain power loads applied to the cooling system, monitoring a mass of refrigerant in the receiver with the sensor at a certain power load applied to the cooling system, and identifying whether the monitored mass of refrigerant is less than the baseline measurement of refrigerant mass over a predetermined period of time. Systems for detecting loss of refrigerant are further disclosed.

Abstract: Vapor compression systems are supplemented with a charge control loop that includes a discharge control valve, a transfer pump, and a mass storage vessel configured to add or remove refrigerant to or from the refrigeration loop during operation to optimize efficiency according to variations in thermal load. Methods for operating the vapor control systems include adjusting the refrigerant charge in the refrigeration loop by activating the discharge control valve to remove refrigerant or by activating the transfer pump to add refrigerant, thereby maintaining optimal pressure and temperature conditions in the refrigeration loop over large variations in environmental temperatures. Refrigerant removed from the refrigeration loop through the discharge control valve may be held in the mass storage vessel until subsequently being added back into the refrigeration loop by the transfer pump.

Abstract: A method of operating a filling system, which is configured for transferring a refrigerant to a refrigeration system and comprises a receiver for collecting a refrigerant-air-mixture, comprises the steps of determining the saturation pressure of the refrigerant at the actual environmental conditions; determining the air pressure of the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver; and stopping the operation of the filling system and/or issuing an alarm if the air pressure of the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver exceeds the saturation pressure of the refrigerant by more than a predetermined margin or if the change of the air pressure within the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver over time exceeds a predetermined margin.

Abstract: In a method for servicing an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, surrounding areas in which there is a risk of leakage of inflammable coolant is ventilated such that air in the surrounding areas is suctioned out and discharged from the surrounding areas.

Abstract: A heat pump system includes a refrigerant circuit and a controller. In a heating operation, the usage-side expansion valve is controlled so that a degree of subcooling of outlet refrigerant of the usage-side heat exchanger is equal to a predetermined target degree of subcooling. In a refrigerant recovery control, the heat-source-side expansion valve is controlled so that a degree of superheat of outlet refrigerant of the heat-source-side heat exchanger is equal to a predetermined target degree of superheat, the predetermined target degree of superheat is changed so that the outlet refrigerant of the heat-source-side heat exchanger is wet when the usage-side expansion valve is opened greater than a predetermined opening degree at a start of refrigerant recovery, and change in the predetermined target degree of superheat is cancelled when the usage-side expansion valve is closed smaller than a predetermined opening degree at an end of refrigerant recovery.

Abstract: A method of filling refrigerant into a refrigeration system by means of a filling system comprising a tank includes the step of pressurizing the tank by means of a conditioning process to a predetermined differential pressure above the saturation pressure of the actual ambient temperature before the refrigerant is filled into the refrigeration system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described with respect to refrigerant recovery techniques. In one example, a system for recovering a refrigerant from an appliance includes a valve module, a separator, a degasser, and a system controller. The valve modules include a valve and a valve controller configured to control the valve and transmit data. The separator separates the refrigerant from an oil and is in fluid communication with the valve. The degasser further separates the refrigerant from the oil and is in fluid communication with the separator. The system controller is configured to receive data from the valve controller.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a compressor, first and second heat exchangers connected with high pressure piping, low pressure piping connecting the second heat exchanger to a compressor suction port, a pressure reducing mechanism arranged to reduce pressure in the high pressure piping, a bypass passageway, a vessel connected to the bypass passageway, and first and second opening/closing mechanisms. The first heat exchanger is connected to a compressor discharge port. The bypass passageway is arranged to divert refrigerant from the high pressure piping to the low pressure piping without passing through the second heat exchanger. The first opening/closing mechanism is arranged to open/close a first portion of the bypass passageway that connects the high pressure piping to the vessel. The second opening/closing mechanism is arranged to open/close a second portion of the bypass passageway that connects an upper part of the vessel to the low pressure piping.

Abstract: A refrigerant charging system and method for charging a refrigeration system with a vapor-phase refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, an input line, a sensor and a pressure regulator. The input line connects the refrigerant source to the refrigeration system. One or more valves are disposed between the refrigerant source and refrigeration system to regulate the pressure of the refrigerant being introduced into the refrigeration system, and the sensor measures the pressure of the refrigerant entering the refrigeration system. A pressure regulator can also be used to regulate the flow of refrigerant. Once the pressure of the refrigerant reaches a predetermined pressure, the refrigeration system is fully charged, and the transfer of refrigerant to the refrigeration system is stopped. The system and method are used to charge the refrigeration system of, e.g., an automotive vehicle, and the refrigeration is carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method of treating a contaminated refrigeration fluid including the steps of transferring, separating, returning, moving and removing. The transferring step includes the transferring of a portion of the contaminated refrigeration fluid from a refrigeration system to a first tank. The separating step includes the separating of refrigerant from the portion of the contaminated refrigeration fluid resulting in the refrigerant and a refrigerant depleted portion. The returning step includes the returning of the refrigerant to the refrigeration system. The moving step includes the moving of the refrigerant depleted portion to a second tank. The removing step includes the removing of oil from the refrigerant depleted portion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that makes it possible to reduce the amount of refrigerant used and shorten the amount of time over which the new air conditioner must be run in a refrigerant pipe washing mode when an air conditioner that used a mineral-oil-based refrigerant oil is updated to or replaced with an air conditioner using an HFC refrigerant as the working refrigerant and the existing refrigerant piping is reused as is. Thus, the existing refrigerant piping of the air conditioner that used a mineral-oil-based refrigerant oil is reused in the air conditioner that uses an HFC refrigerant as the working refrigerant, the by washing the refrigerant piping using a cleaning agent comprising an HFC refrigerant containing at least 40 wt % of R32 to remove residual refrigerant oil in the refrigerant piping.

Abstract: A method and charging apparatus for adding refrigerant to refrigerant system are provided. The disclosure includes thermally conditioning the interior of the service hoses of a refrigerant recovery unit used to charge refrigerant. The conditioning may be based on one or more temperature reading(s) and/or based on a function and may be achieved by a heater along the length of the hose, recirculating refrigerant, and/or through a parallel line of heated liquid.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant charge path, a flushing path, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store a refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path is configured to convey the refrigerant to a refrigeration system to recharge the refrigeration system with the refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path includes a first and second service coupler and a first and second service hose. The service hoses are in fluid communication with the respective service couplers. The flushing path is configured to receive a flow of refrigerant for flushing the refrigeration charge path. The flushing path includes a first and second flushing coupler. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery system to provide a flow of the refrigerant from the storage unit, through the refrigerant charge path, and to the flushing path.

Abstract: A refrigerating cycle apparatus is obtained that can determine excess/shortage of a refrigerant amount in a refrigerating circuit at high precision even if a factor such as a heat exchanger whose refrigerant amount is difficult to calculate exists.

Abstract: To ensure precise charging of a coolant into a cooling system (6) via a hose (4), temperature sensors (Ts and Te) and pressure sensors (Ps and Pe) are mounted at the inlet side and/or outlet side of the hose (4). A signal may be applied from these sensors to a computer (11), which is capable of calculating the amount pumped through the hose (4) and thereby controlling it via a valve (5). It is ensured in this manner that the charged amount is determined on the basis of its density and not, as was previously the case, solely on the basis of a weight control.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system and a communication method thereof a wireless network may be established between indoor units and a controller or between outdoor units so as to allow communications therebetween, thereby facilitating device addition or device deletion. Also, one or more outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units may be controlled without a dedicated communication line or with using a less mount of the dedicated communication line, and the outdoor units or indoor units may perform communications using one or more communication technologies, such as wireless communication and pipe communication technologies and wireless communication and dedicated line communication technologies, while performing communications with the controller using the wireless communication technology.

Abstract: A portable recovery unit for automatically filling a background tank of blended refrigerant includes a main tank for holding recovered refrigerant from a vehicle A/C system which has a first chemical composition, and an auxiliary tank for holding an auxiliary supply of fresh refrigerant which has a second refrigerant composition. The auxiliary tank is arranged in fluid communication with the main tank so that fluid can be transferred from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. An electronic controller controls the flow of fluid from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. A refrigerant identifier is coupled to the main tank to sample and analyze the refrigerant in the main tank in order to determine the chemical composition of the refrigerant in the main tank, so the refrigerant in the main tank can be purified to an acceptable level based on that analysis.

Abstract: A component identification system and method, including an identifier associated with a replacement component, a memory to store one or more identifiers for each previously used component corresponding to the replacement component, and a processor to compare the identifier of the replacement component with the one or more stored identifiers of each previously used component. The replacement component is acceptable where the identifier of the replacement component differs from the one or more stored identifiers of each previously used component, and the replacement component is unacceptable where the identifier of the replacement component corresponds to one or more stored identifiers of each previously used component. Prior to accepting the replacement component, one or more predetermined validation operations can be performed on the identifier of the replacement component, with the identifier being formed in a serial number or code type scheme.

Abstract: For refrigeration units, maintenance machines are required that can receive and compress the refrigerant from the refrigeration unit. Furthermore, a vacuum pump is required, which is connected to the emptied lines and pumps out humidity and air. The maintenance machine according to the invention includes a motor that drives a compressor via a freewheel in one rotational direction. The same motor drives a vacuum pump via a second freewheel in the other rotational direction. The maintenance machine, which can perform two different functions, includes only one single motor. The machine is lightweight, so that it can be carried by the maintenance personnel. Furthermore, it is small and can be produced in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A system and method for recycling non-reusable refrigerant transport containers. At least one intact refrigerant transport container is received into a sealed chamber. The refrigerant transport container is punctured to release residual refrigerant, which is removed and compressed. The container is shredded and/or compacted. A refrigerant transport container deposit program is provided, comprising: encoding a deposit container prior to use; receiving the encoded spent container and releasing the imposed deposit; automatically removing residual refrigerant from the spent container; and recycling materials from the refrigerant transport container. A database storing a record relating to the encoded refrigerant transport containers may be employed for tracking.

Abstract: A relief valve is provided and may include a housing having a first inlet port and a second inlet port. An initiator may be disposed within the housing and an engagement member may be slideably disposed within the housing and may be moveable between a retracted position and an extended position under force of the initiator. The engagement member may include a first bore aligned with the first inlet port in the extended position and a second bore aligned with the second inlet port in the extended position.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided that can recover and recharge refrigerant. The unit is further configured with a pair of service hoses and a refrigerant control circuit operable to receive and transport the refrigerant between the hoses and the storage vessel and to process the refrigerant to substantially remove contaminants from the refrigerant. A fluid connector is provided in fluid communication with the hoses to enable the refrigerant to flow between the hoses and to establish a closed loop through the refrigerant control circuit, and a controller is operatively connected to the refrigerant control circuit and configured to control a flow of the refrigerant through the refrigerant control circuit and through the fluid connector.

Abstract: A portable recovery unit for automatically filling a background tank of blended refrigerant includes a main tank for holding recovered refrigerant from a vehicle A/C system which has a first chemical composition, and an auxiliary tank for holding an auxiliary supply of fresh refrigerant which has a second refrigerant composition. The auxiliary tank is arranged in fluid communication with the main tank so that fluid can be transferred from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. An electronic controller controls the flow of fluid from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. A refrigerant identifier is coupled to the main tank to sample and analyze the refrigerant in the main tank in order to determine the chemical composition of the refrigerant in the main tank, so the refrigerant in the main tank can be purified to an acceptable level based on that analysis.

Abstract: A method of charging or recharging an air conditioning wherein an initial amount of refrigerant is introduced, followed by additional introductions of refrigerant during injection pulses. The pulse periods are adjusted dynamically during the charging/recharging process based on feedback obtained after each pulse related to how much refrigerant was transferred during the previous pulse. Also, a system for implementing the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: A convertible refrigerant recovery, recycle, and recharge unit, comprising a control valve array, a vacuum pump, an oil separator, an oil-less compressor, and one or more storage tanks. The vacuum pump and the oil separator are in flow communication with the control valve array, the oil-less compressor is in flow communication with the oil separator, and the storage tanks are in flow communication with said oil-less compressor. The control valve array receives refrigerant from a refrigerant containing device wherein the oil-less compressor draws the refrigerant into said the storage tanks. The unit is compatible with a plurality of refrigerant types without cross-contamination of the refrigerant due to the oil-less compressor and conversion cycle whereby the vacuum pump is activated to remove residual refrigerant from the unit. A refrigerant identifier sensor is in flow communication with the system and can detect contaminants and selectively open and close the storage tanks.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided that is capable of communicating with a vehicle diagnostic tool. The diagnostic tool can retrieve vehicle information, such as vehicle identifying information or vehicle diagnostic information. The refrigerant recovery unit can diagnose the vehicle and provide fixes to the user using the database stored therein or from a remote location. The refrigerant recovery unit includes various hardware and software to communicate with electronic control units in the vehicle.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided that can clear oil from an oil inject path in order to prepare the unit to switch over to a different kind of oil. The refrigerant recovery unit includes an oil inject circuit that receives an oil from the oil bottle into the refrigerant system. The refrigerant recovery circuit is coupled in fluid communication with the oil inject circuit. The refrigerant recovery circuit is operable to receive and transfer a fluid drawn through the oil inject circuit. A controller is operatively connected to the refrigerant recovery circuit and to the oil inject circuit so that as the fluid is drawn through the oil inject circuit a quantity of the oil in the oil inject circuit is removed.

Abstract: Refrigerant processing equipment is provided. The refrigerant processing equipment may include: a vacuum pump; an outlet for draining vacuum pump lubricating oil from the vacuum pump; a fluid container; and a conduit configured to provide a fluid connection between the outlet and the container. A method for draining oil from a vacuum pump from refrigerant processing equipment is provided. The method may include connecting an outlet for oil on the vacuum pump with a container; and providing a valve between the outlet and the container to selectively provide fluid communication between the outlet and an the container.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit, first and second shut-off mechanisms, a communication pipe and a refrigerant detection mechanism. The refrigerant circuit is configured to at least perform a cooling operation. The first shut-off mechanism is downstream of the receiver and upstream of the liquid refrigerant connection pipe when the cooling operation is performed. The second shut-off mechanism is downstream of the heat source-side heat exchanger and upstream of the receiver when the cooling operation is performed. The communication pipe interconnects the refrigerant circuit between the first and second shut-off mechanisms, and the refrigerant circuit on the suction side of the compressor. The refrigerant detection mechanism is upstream of the second shut-off mechanism when the cooling operation is performed.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit that diverts blended refrigerant withdrawn out of a refrigerant system to an external tank outside the refrigerant recovery unit for reclamation includes a recovery circuit coupled on one end to the refrigerant system and coupled on another end to the external tank, a controller in communication with the recovery circuit for controlling a transfer of the refrigerant withdrawn from the refrigerant system to the external tank, and a valve operatively engaged with the controller and the recovery circuit and operable to transfer the refrigerant withdrawn from the refrigerant system to the external tank for recycling or reclamation.

Abstract: In an air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle, having a coolant circuit formed from a compressor for compressing the coolant, a condenser for cooling the compressed coolant, an expansion device for reducing the pressure of the coolant and an evaporator for evaporating the coolant, a control unit is provided which is connected to at least one of the coolant circuit components and which is set up to adapt an operating characteristic of the component to at least two different coolants.

Abstract: A system and method for recycling non-reusable refrigerant transport containers. At least one intact refrigerant transport container is received into a sealed chamber. The refrigerant transport container is punctured to release residual refrigerant, which is removed and compressed. The container is shredded and/or compacted. A refrigerant transport container deposit program is provided, comprising: encoding a deposit container prior to use; receiving the encoded spent container and releasing the imposed deposit; automatically removing residual refrigerant from the spent container; and recycling materials from the refrigerant transport container. A database storing a record relating to the encoded refrigerant transport containers may be employed for tracking.

Abstract: A method of adding refrigerant to an air conditioning system. The method includes measuring a first pressure inside of the air conditioning system and a second pressure inside of a container that holds refrigerant being added to the air conditioning system. The method also includes comparing the difference between the two measured pressures to empirical data in order to determine how long to pulse additional refrigerant into the air conditioning system. In addition, an apparatus configured to add refrigerant to an air conditioning system.

Abstract: A part replacement method replaces a part of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, an expansion device, a heat exchanger related to heat medium, and first and second refrigerant flow closing devices. The first and second refrigerant flow closing devices control a flow of a refrigerant into and out of an outdoor unit accommodating the compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger. The method includes a pump-down step of closing the first refrigerant flow closing device, allowing the refrigerant in a pressure reduction section to flow into the outdoor unit and reducing a pressure in the reduction section until a set pressure or time is reached, a flow closing step of closing the second refrigerant flow closing device, and a part replacement step of removing the part from the refrigerant circuit by heating to replace the part.

Abstract: A system is provided and may include a refrigeration circuit having a condenser, a first sensor producing a signal indicative of a detected condenser temperature of the condenser, and processing circuitry in communication with the first sensor. The processing circuitry may determine a derived condenser temperature independent from information received from the first sensor and may compare the derived condenser temperature to the detected condenser temperature to determine a charge level of the refrigeration circuit.

Abstract: A refrigerant charging method for an air conditioning device in which carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant includes a connecting step and a refrigerant charging step. In the connecting step, a cylinder containing the refrigerant is connected to a space in the air conditioning device intended to be charged by the refrigerant. A heater is interposed between the cylinder and the air conditioning device. In the refrigerant charging step, the refrigerant is moved to the intended charging space from the cylinder, via the heater. In the refrigerant charging step, further, the refrigerant that has exited the cylinder is heated by the heater so that a specific enthalpy of the refrigerant when it enters the intended charging space will be 430 kJ/kg or higher.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit is provided and includes a safe purging mode. The safe purging mode allows non-condensable gases to be incrementally purged from a storage tank when the determined ideal vapor pressure is high, such as 40 p.s.i., in order to minimize refrigerant loss during purging. The purging can be done in small increments of time, pressure or mass. The storage tank can include a dip tube that extends into the liquid portion of the refrigerant in order to heat up the refrigerant in the tank with the heated recovered refrigerant.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology are provided for advantageously increasing heat transfer between the evaporator/oil separator (“accumulator”) and condenser of a refrigerant recovery/recycling system, to increase the efficiency of the system and to simplify the system. Embodiments include a refrigerant recovery/recycling device comprising a compressor having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet; an accumulator fluidly connected to a refrigerant source and to the compressor suction inlet; a recovery tank fluidly connected to the compressor discharge outlet; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the recovery tank to the accumulator, for raising the temperature of the accumulator and lowering the temperature of the recovery tank.

Abstract: An air conditioning system has a controller and a receiver located between an indoor and outdoor units. The receiver serves as an auxiliary reservoir for refrigerant. The controller generates signals to adjust the amount of refrigerant to be stored in this reservoir as a way of adjusting the amount of refrigerant flowing in the system during various modes of operation. By increasing or decreasing the amount of refrigerant in the receiver, the controller may achieve or maintain a desired level of performance and/or efficiency.

Abstract: An air conditioner refrigerant circuit performs a cooling operation in which an outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser of the refrigerant compressed in a compressor and an indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger. Further, an outdoor expansion valve is disposed at a position that is at once downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger and upstream of a liquid refrigerant communication pipe in the refrigerant flow direction in the refrigerant circuit in the cooling operation, and shuts off the refrigerant flow. A refrigerant detection unit is disposed upstream of the outdoor expansion valve and detects the amount or the amount-related value of refrigerant accumulated upstream of the outdoor expansion valve.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a first flow rate regulator for controlling an amount of refrigerant supplied into a receiver, a second flow rate regulator for controlling an amount of refrigerant introduced from the receiver into a gas/liquid separator, a first detection unit for detecting an amount of refrigerant stored in the receiver, and a control unit for controlling an opening degree of the first or second flow rate regulator, based on information of at least one of the amount of refrigerant detected by the first detection unit and an amount of refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner.

Abstract: A system is provided and may include a compressor having a motor and a refrigeration circuit including an evaporator and a condenser fluidly coupled to the compressor. The system may further include a first sensor producing a signal indicative of one of current and power drawn by the motor, a second sensor producing a signal indicative of a saturated condensing temperature, and a third sensor producing a signal indicative of a liquid-line temperature. Processing circuitry may processes the current or power signal to determine a derived condenser temperature and may compare the derived condenser temperature to the saturated condensing temperature received from the second sensor to determine a subcooling associated with a refrigerant charge level of the refrigeration circuit.

Abstract: A method of operating a filling system, which is configured for transferring a refrigerant to a refrigeration system and comprises a receiver for collecting a refrigerant-air-mixture, comprises the steps of determining the saturation pressure of the refrigerant at the actual environmental conditions; determining the air pressure of the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver; and stopping the operation of the filling system and/or issuing an alarm if the air pressure of the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver exceeds the saturation pressure of the refrigerant by more than a predetermined margin or if the change of the air pressure within the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver over time exceeds a predetermined margin.

Abstract: A method of filling refrigerant into a refrigeration system by means of a filling system comprising a tank includes the step of pressurizing the tank by means of a conditioning process to a predetermined differential pressure above the saturation pressure of the actual ambient temperature before the refrigerant is filled into the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A gas extraction device installed in a refrigerator removes uncondensed gases that exist in the refrigerator. The gas extraction device includes a gas extraction tank used to circulate a refrigerant put in an evaporator, a circulation pipe for circulation between the gas extraction tank and the evaporator, a gas extraction pump which feeds the refrigerant in the evaporator to the gas extraction tank, a shutoff valve configured to shut off a flow of the refrigerant from the gas extraction tank to the evaporator, a gas extractor which extracts the uncondensed gas in the refrigerator into the gas extraction tank, and an auxiliary tank which receives an inflow of the refrigerant filling up the gas extraction tank, and overflowing therefrom.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a secondary cooling path for circulating liquid coolant through the refrigerator wherein the liquid coolant is cooled by the freezer compartment and wherein the liquid coolant cools the ice maker and the ice bin as the liquid coolant circulates through the secondary cooling path. A pump is positioned along the secondary cooling path for pumping the liquid coolant through the secondary cooling path. A tube having a first end proximate the pump and an opposite end exposed to atmosphere may control suction pressure associated with the pump. The refrigerator reduces frost build up through configuration of the secondary cooling path or performing ice harvesting operations which melt frost. The secondary cooling path may be used to provide for circulating hot liquid. The secondary cooling path may be used to provide for circulating liquid coolant during a power outage.