Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling a condensate lift pump (9), comprising a means for detecting at least two condensate levels in a container (20), and a means for activating and for stopping said pump (9) according to said levels, in which said detection means comprises a capacitive detector (101) comprising at least three electrodes (GE, RE, EOFF, EON, EA): a ground electrode (GE); a first level detection electrode (EOFF); and a second level detection electrode (EON), and a processing means (102) comprising a means for measuring the capacitance (C2, C3) between the electrodes. According to the invention, the lengths of said first level detection electrode (EOFF) and second level detection electrode (EON) are defined so as to come into contact with said condensates, when the condensates respectively reach said first level and said second level in said container (20); these electrodes are produced on distinct supports not having a submergible physical continuity between them.

Abstract: A drain pan system for activating a pump when detecting a predetermined water level in a drain pan is provided. The drain pan system includes the drain pan, the pump, a water sensor, first and second inputs, a control section and a switching device. The water sensor is coupled to the drain pan for detecting a level of water in the drain pan, the water sensor generating a drain pan water level detection signal in response to detection of the level of the water in the drain pan equal to or greater than a predetermined water level. The pump is coupled to the drain pan and, when activated, pumps the water from the drain pan. The first input couples a source line to a first power potential. The second input couples a neutral line to a second power potential, the second power potential being a neutral potential. The control section is coupled to the water sensor for receiving the drain pan water level detection signal therefrom.

Abstract: An illumination device for a refrigerator and a method of controlling the same are provided. The illumination device includes a lamp assembly that irradiates light to an inside of a storage chamber of the refrigerator, a base plate mounted on a side within the storage chamber, wherein the lamp assembly is provided on a side of the base plate, a watertight cover formed to enclose the lamp assembly blocking direct penetration of water into the lamp assembly, and at least one fastening device formed on a side of the base plate. The at least one fastening device surrounds an outer surface and an inner surface of entire lower edge of the watertight cover along a side of the watertight cover forming a recess-prominence engagement with the watertight cover. Lamps provided in the lamp assembly are individually controlled through a manipulation panel mounted on the main body.

Abstract: A dehumidifier with multistage draining has a container that collects and stores condensed water from a dehumidifying assembly, a float mounted in the container, a float actuator connected to the float and a drain motor connected to the float actuator and an attachment actuator having a switch. When an external pipe is connected to the attachment connector to switch on the switch and the condensed water in the container gradually raises the float to switch on the float actuator, the drain motor is switched on to pump the condensed water out of the container. The dehumidifier automatically drains condensed water in the container according to the quantity of the condensed water, does not have to be cleared frequently and is convenient.

Abstract: An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.

Abstract: The turbine outlet heated diffuser may include a cavity positioned immediately downstream of an air cycle machine turbine. The turbine outlet heated diffuser may be designed to prevent or reduce ice formation at the turbine outlet by heating the diffuser wall. The cavity may receive a heated flow from an air cycle machine compressor discharge and provide a cavity outlet flow to a turbine inlet plenum. The design of the heated diffuser is such to minimize the cycle performance impact that results from the addition of an air cycle machine icing protection feature.

Abstract: Frost in a freezer and/or traffic between the freezer and an anteroom is controlled. The frost is controlled by estimating a condition of the anteroom that promotes the frost in the freezer and by opening a door in the doorway in response to the estimated condition in order to supply cold air from the freezer to the anteroom. The traffic between the freezer and the anteroom is controlled by detecting the traffic approaching the doorway and by opening the door in the doorway in response to the detected traffic.

Abstract: The invention provides machines and methods for extracting water from atmospheric air. Also provided are bladed core heat exchangers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for providing purified water, the system including a water vapor condenser, a separate water purifier, and piping coupling the condenser to the water purifier, the water purifier being distanced from the condenser sufficiently to provide noise insulation. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water purifier is sufficiently distanced from the condenser to permit placing the condenser in a location having higher humidity than the location of the water purifier.

Abstract: A system for producing potable water from atmosphere includes an enclosure with at least one intake port and exhaust port. The system includes a plurality of panels arranged within the enclosure substantially parallel to each other along a central axis. Each of the panels is made of a material on which water condensate from the atmosphere forms in response to a temperature differential between the material and the atmosphere passed through the enclosure. The system includes a plurality of conduits arranged to pass through the panels. A cooling fluid is passed through the conduits to cool the panels. The amount of water condensate formed on surfaces of the panels in response to cooling is detected. The panels are rotated about the central axis within the enclosure to remove the water condensate from the surfaces of the panels when the detected amount of water condensate exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air dehumidifier for a frequency converter arrangement (2, 3), the air dehumidifier (1) comprising a surface to be cooled, on which humidity condenses when the surface is being cooled and when, at the same time, the inside of the frequency converter cabinet (2; 20) is possibly being heated. In accordance with the invention, the air dehumidifier (1) is positioned inside the frequency converter cabinet (2) and it comprises at least one air/liquid heat exchanger. The invention also relates to a method for dehumidifying air in a frequency converter arrangement by using said air dehumidifier (1).

Abstract: An air conditioner that adjusts the temperature in a target space includes a refrigerant circuit and a controller. The refrigerant circuit is configured by the interconnection of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, indoor expansion valves, and indoor heat exchangers. The controller adjusts the temperature such that predetermined temperature is reached in a target space. In addition, the controller judges the refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant circuit based on at least one value of operation state quantity of constituent equipment or refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit. The controller achieves a state in which the target space temperature satisfies a predetermined temperature condition.

Abstract: A system and method for refrigeration timer control having an energy efficient defrost cycle are provided. The system and method provide a delay time after the refrigeration cycle and prior to the defrost cycle. During this delay period the evaporator fan may run. The fan circulation and the heat from the fan coil provide a pre-warm cycle to the evaporator prior to the defrost cycle. To further enhance energy efficiency, the system and method may also provide a pre-refrigeration cycle after the defrost cycle. During this pre-refrigeration cycle only the compressor is energized. This prevents warm moist air from being circulated until the evaporator coils are cooled.

Abstract: A dehumidifier system and device for maintaining a dry air environment in enclosures by extracting the water to outside the enclosure. The dehumidifier device comprises a condensation unit, typically a thermoelectric clement with a moisture collector, and a sealed pump, such as peristaltic pump, which pumps the condensed humidity out of the sealed enclosure, yet maintains the enclosure seal. The system is provided with a controller which alternately activates the thermoelectric element and the pump, in at least one mode: continuous, periodical, and programmable utilizing a humidity/relative humidity sensor. Optionally, in large-volume enclosures and containers, a fan assembly is connected to the controller so as to provide for rapid circulation of the air and removal of moisture.

Abstract: A refrigerating appliance comprising a storage compartment, a refrigerant circuit which serves to cool the storage compartment and contains a compressor, and comprising a collecting receptacle for condensed water flowing out of the storage compartment. The collecting receptacle can be heated by a heating device that can be independently operated by the operation of the compressor.

Abstract: A conversion unit for an air conditioning system to cause it to act like the cooling unit of a refrigeration system comprises a frost detector, a heater and a control unit which operate together to force the range of operation of the air conditioning unit into the range of operation of a refrigeration unit. The conversion unit is particularly useful for providing low cost cooling systems for farmers in third world countries for keeping their produce fresh and safe, not to mention its use by all farmers around the world and by florists or others in need or desire of an economical refrigeration alternative.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for efficient elimination of door and frame condensation at widely utilized commercial freezer/refrigeration display cases. The apparatus includes a local controller unit connected with an array of case sensors including an internal case temperature sensor, an external case frame temperature sensor and a dew point sensor. The case frame temperature sensor and dew point sensor are housed to thermally isolate sensing elements thereof from effects of frame temperature changes and ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a sensing element, and to limit heat transfer by the housing to the sensing elements thereby improving sensing accuracy and apparatus performance.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method for preventing evaporator core freezing in an air conditioning system, comprising determining the occurrence of an evaporator core freezing condition for a first one of a plurality of evaporators. Determining the occurrence of an evaporator core freezing condition may be done without measuring the air out temperature first evaporator. The method also comprises adjusting an operating parameter of the air conditioning system to eliminate the core freezing condition.

Abstract: A build-up monitoring system in combination with a refrigerated enclosure comprises a refrigerated enclosure having a drain, a drain basin and a refrigeration unit adapted to maintain refrigerating conditions in the refrigerated enclosure. A build-up detector is positioned with respect to the refrigerated enclosure so as to monitor a level of build-up in the drain/drain basin. A condition analyzer receives detection data from the build-up detector, the condition analyzer identifying from the detection data a build-up in the drain/drain basin requiring an intervention. An interface indicates the requirement for the intervention. A method is provided to identify a build-up requiring an intervention in a drain/drain basin of a refrigerated enclosure.

Abstract: A method for removing ice from an outdoor housing for an environmental conditioning unit that includes the housing surrounding a coil and a fan for moving air past the coil includes the steps of: (a) operating the fan at a first speed in a first direction to move air in a first flow past the coil while the conditioning unit is in a heating mode; (b) disengaging the fan when the conditioning unit is in a defrost mode; (c) operating the fan at a second speed in a second direction to move air in a second flow past the coil when an operational parameter attains a first value; and (d) operating the fan in the first direction at the first speed to move air in the first flow when the operational parameter attains a second value.

Abstract: A water-producing device having a condenser coil from a heat pump cycle condensing water thereon. A purification system is provided for purifying the water and a dispensing area is configured to dispense the water.

Abstract: A vapor-compression air conditioning system comprising a blower positioned in a return air flow path from a conditioned space, a reheat heat exchanger positioned in the return air flow path and downstream from the blower, a system reversing valve fluidly coupled to the reheat heat exchanger, and a refrigerant flow sequencer interposed the system reversing valve and the reheat heat exchanger. A method of manufacturing an air conditioning system is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a circulation-type apparatus for generating drinking water using moisture in the atmosphere, comprising a continuous circulation/repeat sterilization system, in which the generated drinking water is continuously circulated along a desired path so that the drinking water is repeatedly sterilized and purified to prevent multiplication of bacteria in a drinking-water tank, a water collection tank, a cold-water tank, and a hot-water tank, and also prevent a phenomenon of dust flocculation in the drinking-water tank, thereby perfectly securing the safety for sanitary and clean water quality.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a machine compartment located at its top end. The refrigerator includes a drain tube and a pump coupled to the drain tube and located at the bottom end of the refrigerator. The pump transfers the accumulated condensation from the drain tube to a pan located at the top end of the refrigerator. The heat and airflow generated by the machine compartment then evaporates the condensation from the pan.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system provided with a refrigeration cycle system is provided. The air-conditioning system includes an evaporator outlet air target temperature setting unit which sets the target temperature of air at an outlet of an evaporator at a predetermined temperature greater than or equal to a minimum temperature which is set for preventing freezing of the evaporator. The target temperature setting unit controls the predetermined temperature to the minimum temperature when the vehicle speed is lower than or equal to a predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: A humidity detecting apparatus includes a humidity sensor for detecting a relative humidity of air on an inner side of a window glass, an air temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the air, a glass temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the window glass, and a glass surface relative humidity calculation unit for calculating a glass surface relative humidity based on output values of the humidity sensor, the air temperature sensor and the glass temperature sensor. A heat conductive member is disposed between the glass temperature sensor and the window glass.

Abstract: An anti-condensation control apparatus for a refrigeration device generally includes a sensor module and a control module. The control module receives an input from the sensor module and compares the input to a set point. The control module generates an output indicative of a difference between the input and the set point and updates the output based on the input from the sensor module. A heater modulator controls a heater based on the output from the control module to maintain a temperature of the outer surface of a refrigerated device such that relative humidity adjacent the sensor module is substantially between 90-95 percent relative humidity, or slightly above dew point.

Abstract: A vehicle climate control system develops a fog index based on relative humidity at or near the inner surface of the windshield, and uses the fog index to variably override the normal control settings. The relative humidity is combined with a pair of humidity thresholds to form a dimensionless fog index, and fog index values within a predetermined range are applied to a variable path function for transitioning between existing control settings and control settings that maximize defogging.

Abstract: A method for controlling a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system having an air vent associated with a window for blowing an air flow of controlled temperature thereon; the HVAC system having a refrigeration unit with a compressor and an evaporator, and blowing means for forcing air over the evaporator to the air vent. The method includes a first step (a) of activating the compressor while deactivating the blowing means during a first period for condensing moisture of the air contained in the HVAC system. The method includes a further step (b) comprising, at the expiry of the first period, activating the blowing means and keeping the compressor active during a second period for sufficiently reducing the dew-point temperature of air blown by the HVAC system, and deactivating the compressor at the expiry of the second period.

Abstract: A measuring device for detecting a humidity and temperature of a surface of a glass pane facing an interior of a vehicle. The measuring device includes at least one humidity sensor and at least one temperature sensor jointly arranged on the surface of the glass pane, an evaluation unit connected downstream of the humidity and temperature sensors, and a signal conversion and linking unit arranged between the humidity and temperature sensors and the evaluation unit. Further, the converting and linking unit generates a rectangular wave-shaped signal having at least two different impulse lengths, each impulse length being a measure of a detected humidity and temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting fresh water through atmospheric water collection and salt water desalination. The apparatus is used for a method of utilizing deep ocean water to extract fresh water from atmospheric water vapor while producing a byproduct of deep ocean water salt. The apparatus and method may include multiple vertical stages that utilize siphons and heat exchangers to move vapor condensing means through a plurality of stages to produce fresh water at every stage.

Abstract: A hot-water supply apparatus is an apparatus which has a primary heat exchanger absorbing sensible heat of combustion exhaust and a secondary heat exchanger absorbing latent heat of the combustion exhaust, and improves a freezing prevention function of the hot-water supply apparatus at a cold period. Further, this apparatus has a temperature detection means (temperature sensors) which detects a freezing prevention temperature, a combustion means (a burner group) which supplies combustion exhaust generated by combustion to the primary and secondary heat exchangers, an air supply means which supplies air to the combustion means, and a control means (a control unit) which makes the combustion means burn and drives the air supply means based on a detected temperature of the temperature detection means.

Abstract: A one-piece liquid-level float switch housing and drain line assembly for use with a collection tray or pan to collect condensate and shut off the source of condensate production when it exceeds a pre-established threshold level. The assembly is configured for rapid connection through a pre-formed drain line opening in the perimeter wall of a condensate collection tray/pan to place the deployable float body within its housing in a level orientation relative to the tray/pan without additional leveling adjustment. The housing has an open bottom and vertically-extending slots providing fluid inlet, debris blocking, and air venting functions for enhanced float body operation. The condensate pan/tray used with the assembly has a nesting configuration that includes a perimeter wall with varying combinations of gussets, curved ribs, angled corner configurations, and support shelves, and a central bottom surface with raised patterns, all of which strengthen the tray/pad during installation and use.

Abstract: A method for affecting a scheduled defrost operation for a refrigeration system includes the steps of: (a) after an extant the scheduled defrost operation commences, evaluating at least one predetermined parameter relating to operation of the refrigeration system; (b) if the at least one predetermined parameter manifests a behavior of at least one first predetermined nature over at least one first time interval, continuing the extant scheduled defrost operation; and (c) if the at least one predetermined parameter manifests a behavior of at least one second predetermined nature over at least one second time interval, discontinuing the extant scheduled defrost operation.

Abstract: A refrigerant cycle device includes an ejector having a nozzle portion for decompressing refrigerant and a refrigerant suction port from which refrigerant is drawn by a high-speed refrigerant stream jetted from the nozzle portion, and a refrigerant branch passage branched from an upstream side of the nozzle portion in a refrigerant flow such that refrigerant flows into the refrigerant suction port through the refrigerant branch passage. Furthermore, a first heat exchanger is disposed to evaporate refrigerant flowing out of the ejector, a second heat exchanger is disposed in the refrigerant branch passage to evaporate refrigerant, and a temperature sensor is located to detect a temperature so as to detect a frost in the second heat exchanger. In addition, a controller performs a frost prevention control for reducing the frost in the second heat exchanger, in accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit and diagnostic method therefor are provided. The refrigeration unit includes: a housing with an insulated cavity for storing food and beverages; a vapor cycle system operative to cool the food and beverages in the insulated cavity; a plurality of sensors in communication with the vapor cycle system and outputting data relative to the vapor cycle system; and a controller that, according to the data from the plurality of sensors, determines an occurrence of an event. Wherein the controller logs the data from the plurality of sensors to a data structure according to a first data-logging mode, and logs the data to the data structure according to a second data-logging mode upon occurrence of the event. In one embodiment the refrigeration unit may be a refrigeration line replaceable unit (LRU) configured for an aircraft galley.

Abstract: An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling freezing in a liquid system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger having a initial zone characterized by a surface area to volume ratio. The apparatus also includes means for initiating freezing of a fluid from the initial zone to facilitate volume expansion during freezing in the direction of a final zone characterized by a final zone surface area to volume ratio. The apparatus can further include a plurality of zones located between the initial zone and the final zone, wherein a zone surface area to volume ratio is calculated for each zone. Preferably, the zone surface area to volume ratio of each zone progressively decreases from the initial zone in the direction of the final zone. Preferably, the final freezing zone has the lowest surface area to volume ratio and has sufficient elasticity to accommodate the volume expansion of all the fluid that has frozen from the initial zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water separator for air-conditioning systems, preferably for aircraft air-conditioning systems, comprising a swirl generator, a housing surrounding it, a separation chamber arranged around the housing for the collection of the water separated at the inner wall of the housing, which opens in a separation sump, and at least one opening provided toward the separation chamber in the housing. In accordance with the invention, the separation chamber is made in multistage form, with the first stage of the separation chamber serving the accumulation of the water drops, the second stage of the separation chamber serving the deposition of the accumulated water drops and the third stage of the separation chamber serving the extraction of the air mass flow.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for reducing energy consumption by heaters on refrigerator doors and frames. A control unit is set so that the heater is on prior to the formation of condensation. The preferred embodiment provides for preset heater stop and start times entered by a system user. The heater may also be turned on when condensation is sensed by a sensor, and the sensor reading may be used to override the preset times. A programmer provides individual identification of each connected control unit and is used to read, measure and adjust one or more control units' settings. A communications host is used to enable remote monitoring and control. In addition, a quick-disconnect power connector provides for easily setting the system to a heater-on state.

Abstract: Disclosed are an air conditioner and a refrigerant control method thereof. An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the invention an outdoor unit including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a four-way valve that switches a flow passage of refrigerant, an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor expansion unit disposed at a refrigerant inlet side of the indoor heat exchanger and allowing the refrigerant to be expanded during the cooling operation, an outdoor expansion unit disposed at a refrigerant inlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger and allowing the refrigerant to be expanded during the heating operation, and a control unit controlling the indoor expansion unit and the outdoor expansion unit such that the refrigerant is expanded in the indoor expansion unit during the cooling operation and the refrigerant is expanded in the outdoor expansion unit during the heating operation.

Abstract: When it is assumed that a vehicle is stopped or parked after its engine was stopped and a predetermined period of time has passed, a cold wind side air mixing door, hot wind side air mixing door, cold wind door and rear cold wind side air mixing door are totally closed and a blower is operated for a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, while a cooler is being dried, drying air containing much offensive smell components, which has passed through the cooler, is discharged outside the vehicle. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide an exclusively used air passage and an opening and closing door for opening and closing the air passage used for composing an air blowing passage to dry the cooler. By utilizing the existing equipment, air used for drying, which has passed through the cooler, containing much offensive smell components can be discharged outside the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for efficient elimination of door and frame condensation at widely utilized commercial freezer/refrigeration display cases. The apparatus includes a local controller unit connected with an array of case sensors including an internal case temperature sensor, an external case frame temperature sensor and a dew point sensor. The case frame temperature sensor and dew point sensor are housed to thermally isolate sensing elements thereof from effects of frame temperature changes and ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a sensing element, and to limit heat transfer by the housing to the sensing elements thereby improving sensing accuracy and apparatus performance.

Abstract: A Drain Trap Alarm for Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning condensate drain system includes a upstream port coupled to the cooling coil drain tray followed with a U-type trap and a downstream port coupled to the external atmosphere. The invention is provided with a liquid level sensor and continuously monitors the liquid level of drain trap. The signal from the liquid level sensor in communication with the microprocessor will notify operating personnel that the condensate drain is malfunctioning and activate the automatic prime valve to restore the dry drain trap condition to normal operation. The microprocessor provides operational test enabling the HVAC operating personnel to quickly test Drain Trap Alarm.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for an air control device that reduces the noise associated with operation of solenoid coils. The invention employs one or two solenoid coils mounted in a frame and attached to a fixed plate. An armature, located inside the solenoid coils, is connected on opposite ends to two movable plates which rest on top of the fixed plate. Energizing a solenoid coil moves the armature, which moves the movable plates relative to the fixed plate. Apertures in the plates are provided to control air flow through the plates. The assembly includes sound dampeners to impede the movable plates from making contact with the frame, thereby reducing the amount of noise associated with operation of the solenoid coils.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that provides supplemental heat from a heat source based upon the operating environment of a refrigeration or freezer. The supplemental heat is automatically controlled to provide heating to a sealing area to prevent condensation from forming.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner having a variable displacement compressor, a control unit calculates a target cooling temperature of air to be cooled by an evaporator, and controls a discharge capacity of the compressor such that a detected air temperature of the evaporator approaches the target cooling temperature. When a deceleration running state of the vehicle is detected, the control unit sets a corrected target cooling temperature lower than the target cooling temperature by a predetermined temperature, and controls the discharge capacity of the compressor such that the detected air temperature approaches the corrected target cooling temperature when the detected air temperature is lower than the corrected target cooling temperature, or controls the discharge capacity of the compressor approximately at the maximum capacity regardless of the corrected target cooling temperature when the detected air temperature is not lower than the corrected target cooling temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heater controller and a heater control method of a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a heater controller and a heater control method of a refrigerator, which control a heater mounted in a refrigerator dispenser. In the present invention, a dispenser of a refrigerator door is provided with a water tank. In order to prevent water in the water tank from being frozen over, the heater is mounted at an outside of the water tank. In addition, by measuring an outer surface temperature of the water tank and then recognizing a water temperature in the water tank based on the outer surface temperature of the water tank, the heater is controlled to be turned on/off based on a range of the water temperature in the water tank. Furthermore, in the present invention, an ambient temperature at a position of the refrigerator is measured, and then, the heater outputs heat energy according to a range of the ambient temperature.

Abstract: Refrigerant is circulated through a vapor compression system including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Cold condensate forms on the evaporator surfaces as the refrigerant accepts heat from an air stream. The cold condensate drips down from the evaporator coil and collects in a condensate pan. In one example, the cold condensate is directed into a condensate heat exchanger to subcool the refrigerant exiting the condenser. In another example, the refrigerant exiting the condenser flows through a refrigerant line located in the condensate pan. In another example, the cold condensate is sprayed on the refrigerant line exiting the condenser or on the subcooling portion of the condenser. By utilizing the condensate for further subcooling of the refrigerant, system capacity and efficiency are enhanced. Various control techniques and condensate flow methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for mounting devices such as a condensate over detection and/or prevention mechanism to a drain pan of an air cooling system includes first and second clamp members that are attachable to each other. The first clamp member includes a first engaging portion that engages a first surface of the drain pan, and the second clamp member includes a second engaging portion that engages a second surface of drain pan. The assembly includes a locking mechanism that locks the first and second clamp members to each other so that the pan is clamped between the first and second clamp members.