Cooling Fluid For Heat Rejecter, E.g., Condenser Patents (Class 62/183)
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Publication number: 20030209020Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing make-up water for a chilled water system. A first water tower for cooling water is provided. Condensate water from a condensate water source is extracted. Make-up water for the first water tower is provided using the condensate water. The apparatus comprises a first water tower for generating cooling water; an air compressor to produce compressed air; a condensate water source to extract condensate water from the compressed air; and a water flow control system for providing water from the condensate water source to the first water tower.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventor: Eric Klein
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Cooling fan control method for minimizing the power consumption of a vehicle air conditioning system
Patent number: 6637229Abstract: An improved control method for a vehicle air conditioning system including a refrigerant compressor and a condenser cooling fan adjusts the power consumption of the condenser cooling fan in a manner to minimize the combined power consumption of compressor and the condenser cooling fan while maintaining adequate cooling of the condensed refrigerant. When the air conditioning system is operating at less than full capacity, the combined power consumption of the compressor and the condenser cooling fan is determined for each of a series of operating intervals. The change in the combined power consumption from one operating interval to the next is computed to determine the effect of a prior cooling fan power adjustment, and the power level of the cooling fan is incrementally adjusted in the same direction as the prior adjustment so long as the prior adjustment resulted in at least a specified reduction of the combined power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Oliver Forrest, Lawrence Scherer, Nicholas Joseph Alonge, Jr., Frank A. Krueger, Lindsey Lee Leitzel, Paul J. Bruski -
Patent number: 6637215Abstract: A system and method of supplying temperature-controlled air to an aircraft environmental control system during ground support operations that uses a bypass valve in a bypass line to control the amount of cooling air flowing through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger removes heat from a flow of compressed air supplied to the air conditioning unit and supplies cooled compressed air at a desired temperature. The temperature of the cooled compressed air is controlled by selectively positioning the bypass valve, which regulates cooling air flow through the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventor: Thomas M. Leathers
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Patent number: 6606872Abstract: A chiller system includes at least two refrigerant circuits. In a low ambient temperature condition, only one refrigerant circuit is activated, but its condenser fan is de-energized. To provide some airflow across the condenser of the activated circuit, a condenser fan of the inactive circuit is energized. A small air duct allows the condenser fan of the inactive circuit to draw a low volume of air across the condenser of the active circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: American Standard International Inc.Inventor: Sean A Smith
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Publication number: 20030074908Abstract: A control method and device for controlling the operation of various components of a refrigeration system provides more efficient operation of those components. Energization of the compressor is delayed upon power interruption, and high pressure is relieved through operation of a valve. The compressor runs is energized if the cabin temperature exceeds a specified temperature for a predetermined length of time, is is de-energized if the cabin temperature drops below a specified temperature. The condenser fan is energized based on the temperature of the condenser coil inlet and the ambient temperature. The evaporator fan is energized based on the cabin temperature and the temperature of the evaporator coil outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventor: Philip L. Baker
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Patent number: 6536221Abstract: In combination with a residential air conditioning system and a water fixture with a water recirculation loop, such as a swimming pool, a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger having a tank with water inlet and outlet connections to said water recirculation loop, and a condenser coil with refrigerant inlet and outlets for connection respectively to the compressor and the condenser of the air conditioning system. Whenever the air conditioning system comes on, a control circuit turns on the pump independent of the usual timer and connects the refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger inlet to the compressor of the air conditioning system.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventor: Norbert L. James
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Patent number: 6523361Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor for receiving a refrigerant gas and for compressing the refrigerant gas, and a condenser for condensing a portion of the compressed refrigerant gas into a liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit also includes an expansion valve for reducing a pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant, and an evaporator for evaporating the condensed liquid refrigerant. Moreover, the compressor is driven by an electric motor which controls a rotational speed of the compressor via an inverter, and a temperature of the inverter is decreased by the refrigerant circuit. The system also includes an electric circuit for determining whether a temperature of the inverter is greater than a first predetermined temperature, and an electric circuit for controlling a rotational speed of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Sanden CorporationInventor: Akiyoshi Higashiyama
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Publication number: 20030014986Abstract: This invention increases efficiency of a refrigeration system by maximizing the cooling of the condenser and reducing unnecessary work done by the compressor. In air cooled systems it will also increase the stability of the fans by reducing fan cycling. The fan controller will utilize an algorithm that will consider the following inputs: oil pressure, compressor suction pressure, expansion valve position, compressor loading, last compressor loading change, and current fan stage. The algorithm uses fuzzy logic to characterize the inputs and generates an output that controls the system cooling fans.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2001Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventors: Curtis C. Crane, John F. Judge
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Patent number: 6474086Abstract: An air conditioner having functions of fire preventing, smoke exhausting and water spraying includes a sensor for sensing smoke or temperature so as to control operation of a wind-releasing gate, a smoke-exhausting gate, a water-spraying nozzle, and an alarm. When the sensor senses dense smoke or high temperature, smoke is quickly sucked through a wind inlet in an air conditioning box, the smoke-exhausting gate and out of a smoke outlet. At the same time, the water-spraying nozzle is started to spray water and the alarm to give out warning sound, elevating public safety.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: Wen-Jie Liu
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Patent number: 6460211Abstract: This invention concerns a ozone injector system for injecting ozone into a dry cleaning machine after a solvent cycle has completed while recirculating solvent residual gas that has gravitated outside the dry cleaning machine. The invention comprises an ozone generator, an ozone injection assembly and a controller. The ozone generator is slideably positioned next to the dry cleaning machine while the ozone injection assembly is flexably connected to the ozone generator. The ozone injector assembly comprises a solenoid solvent valve and a solenoid ozone valve which are connected to each other by fixtures and communicate with each other via the controller to inject ozone after the solvent flow. The ozone generator further recirculates heavier than air solvent gas which gravitates outside the dry cleaning machine upon opening after the ozone cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventor: Robert J. Chapman
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Patent number: 6446448Abstract: A cooling tower for automatically adjusting flow rates of cooling water and cooling air with variations of a load comprises a plurality of thermometers; a hygrometer; at least one controllers; a cooling water pump; and at least one cooling towers connected in parallel. The desired data, such as optimum allowance operating range, heat transferring property of cooling towers, outer gas bulb temperature, approach and relations therebetween are calculated numerically and then are built in the controller. As the cooling tower is operated, by the measuring of the thermometer, messages are transferred to the controller, the practical data and predetermined data are compared in the controller so as to acquire an optimum cooling water flow and cooling air flow. Then, the controllers are used to control the cooling fan in the cooling pump and cooling towers. Thus, an optimum flow rate is acquired. Therefore, the power is saved. The flow rate of the present invention is changed with the load of the ice water mainframe.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventors: Chi-Yi Wang, Wen-Cheng Huang
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Patent number: 6438979Abstract: A liquid injection type scroll compressor is used to a refrigerating apparatus using hydrocarbon fluoride refrigerant which does not contain chlorine (HFC-125/HFC-143a/HFC-134a) as an operating fluid and an amount of an injected liquid is controlled according to a discharge temperature of the compressor. Further, ester oil and/or ether oil is used as refrigerator oil and a dryer is disposed in a refrigerating cycle. With this arrangement, a refrigerating cycle operation can be stably realized in a wide range without almost changing the arrangement of a conventional refrigerating apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Fujita, Yoshikazu Amo
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Publication number: 20020108384Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor for receiving a refrigerant gas and for compressing the refrigerant gas, and a condenser for condensing a portion of the compressed refrigerant gas into a liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit also includes an expansion valve for reducing a pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant, and an evaporator for evaporating the condensed liquid refrigerant. Moreover, the compressor is driven by an electric motor which controls a rotational speed of the compressor via an inverter, and a temperature of the inverter is decreased by the refrigerant circuit. The system also includes an electric circuit for determining whether a temperature of the inverter is greater than a first predetermined temperature, and an electric circuit for controlling a rotational speed of the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Akiyoshi Higashiyama
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Patent number: 6430949Abstract: In a heat-pump water heater, an ECU sets a target temperature difference between water flowing into a water heat exchanger and refrigerant flowing out from the water heat exchanger, and controls a valve opening degree of an expansion valve so that the target temperature difference is obtained. When a refrigerant temperature discharged from a compressor is higher than a predetermined value, the target temperature difference is increased until the refrigerant temperature discharged from the compressor becomes lower than the predetermined value. Further, when water-heating capacity is decreased due to the increase of the target temperature difference, a rotation speed of the compressor is increased.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignees: Denso Corporation, Tokyo Electric Power Company, Central Research Institute of Electric Power IndustryInventors: Shinya Noro, Hisayoshi Sakakibara, Jyouji Kuroki, Tomoaki Kobayakawa, Kazutoshi Kusakari, Michiyuki Saikawa
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Patent number: 6427474Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly wherein a tank connects a return orifice to a delivery conduit via pumps. The tank is further connected to a surge tank. The tank is mounted in a steam proof chamber heat-insulated inside but having an air gap separation around the tank. Components are mounted sealed through the chamber. A filter subdivides the tank into a lower return chamber and a higher starting chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: TEFAInventors: Philippe Le Boucher, Marc d'Alençon
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Patent number: 6418738Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an air conditioner used in an electric vehicle which can exert a sufficient cooling performance without enlarging the size of a motor for driving a compressor or supplying an excessive amount of driving current to the motor. The air conditioner of the invention is provided with a condenser fan for cooling a condenser and a motor for driving the condenser fan. A driving current Ap of a motor for driving a compressor is detected and compared with respect to reference currents A1 and A2 to select a driving current Vd0 (low voltage), Vd1 (moderate voltage) or Vd2 (high voltage) for controlling the rotation speed of the condenser motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Yutaka Yamashita
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Patent number: 6381980Abstract: A sprinkler system for a condenser unit of an air conditioning system comprises a flue with a temperature responsive valve assembly releasably mounted therein. The flue is mounted atop the protective grill for the system fan so as to channel a portion of the fan's cooling air flow for the condenser therethrough. A bellows senses temperature changes within the flue and upon a selectable rise in temperature expands so as to urge the valve stem of a two-way poppet valve to a valve opening position. The open valve, connected to a water source, delivers water to an elongated fluid outlet line which is fastened along the grill surrounding the condenser unit. The elongated line comprises a plurality of segments connected by intermediate spray heads. The spray heads circumscribe the condenser with a cooling spray so as to reduce the temperature of the same.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Robert D. Pringle
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Publication number: 20020033024Abstract: A system for providing liquid refrigerant subcooling, subsequent to that subcooling accomplished by the primary condenser of an ice machine, by means of utilizing cold harvest and/or melt water discharge from said ice machine. The subcooler is connected in fluid communication with the output of a pump that pumps stored ice machine discharge water to directly flow through the subcooler from a bottom portion to a top portion in a counter-flow direction and then to discharge such that the subcooler utilizes the pumped and flowing cold discharge water from the ice machine for providing maximum available subcooling to the liquid refrigerant of said ice machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
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Patent number: 6354096Abstract: Fan horsepower requirements and the size of power train heat exchangers may be reduced in a vehicular cooling system that includes an inlet (14) for the receipt of ambient air and first and second heat exchangers (28), (40) in proximity to the inlet (14) to receive ambient air therefrom and which are respectively adapted to receive first and second heat exchanger fluids by the ambient air. The first and second heat exchangers (28), (40) are in side by side, substantially non superimposed relation to define first and second air flow paths (52, 54) extending in fluid flow parallel to a respective one of the heat exchangers (28), (40) from the inlet (14) to points (50), (52), (54) of discharge. A fan (44) flows air from the inlet (14) through the flow paths (52, 54) and a shutter (56) is located in one of the flow paths (54) and is movable between first and second positions respectively restricting air flow and allowing relatively unrestricted air flow.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Inventors: Nicholas R. Siler, Frank Nelson Jarrett
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Publication number: 20020026801Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an air conditioner used in an electric vehicle which can exert a sufficient cooling performance without enlarging the size of a motor for driving a compressor or supplying an excessive amount of driving current to the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Yutaka Yamashita
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Patent number: 6349552Abstract: A temperature control device for a constant temperature chiller unit or a vending machine is provided. Thermal medium fluid such as water in the chiller unit is accurately controlled under starting mode, heating mode and cooling mode. Thermal medium fluid such as air in the vending machine is conveniently controlled in winter mode and summer mode. In the device, a heat exchanger is interposed within a compression circuit, and a bypass circuit is disposed at the downstream side of a pump so that through the bypass circuit thermal medium fluid receives heat from the heat exchanger. Thus, the temperature of thermal medium fluid supplied to an external secondary heat load is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyoshi Shimoda, Yasushi Sakamoto, Hideo Ryu, Motoharu Sugiyama, Ikuo Watanabe, Kazunori Takikawa
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Publication number: 20010054293Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling evaporator and condenser fans in a refrigeration system. The apparatus is a refrigeration system including a refrigerant circuit defined by a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator. The apparatus includes an evaporator fan and a condenser fan. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the fans. The controller includes a variable frequency drive unit. For the method of the invention, the speed of the fans is controlled by the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventors: Alan Gustafson, Dermott Crombie, Mark Freese
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Patent number: 6318098Abstract: A ventilation system for an absorption refrigerator having a condenser and an absorber and located in a slide-out room of a recreational vehicle. The ventilation system includes a generally vertical air passage in which the condenser and the absorber are located, a lower vent for the intake of ambient air into the air passage, an upper vent for exhausting heated air from the air passage, and an air assist system for forcing air flow through the air passage only when the temperature of the ambient air is too high for an efficient natural draft. Both the lower and upper vents are in the side wall of the slide-out room.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Dometic CorporationInventor: Bruce Boxum
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Patent number: 6298682Abstract: An orifice member for the condenser fan of an air conditioning unit. The air conditioning unit has a basepan, which supports a condenser coil and a condenser fan disposed forwardly of the condenser coil. The fan has a slinger ring formed at the outer periphery thereof. The slinger ring and the basepan are configured such that condensate water from the air conditioning unit will collect in the basepan underlying the bottom of the fan so that the slinger ring will be immersed in the collected water, pick up the water and direct it towards the condenser coil. The orifice member is provided with a fan orifice therein located forwardly of the fan so that the fan draws air through the orifice opening and directs it through the condenser coil. A diverter and a deflector cooperate to prevent water picked up by the slinger from being directed radially outwardly and through openings in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Paulo Augusto Lisboa Ramos, Gilberto Fagundes de Souza
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Patent number: 6257007Abstract: A variable capacity compression type cooling system improves operating efficiency by modulating speed of the condenser pump motor and/or a cooling tower fan motor, in response to the loading level on the cooling apparatus. In contrast to known control strategies that rely on refrigerant gas pressure or temperature changes, the present system controls the heat rejection components in direct response to the current loading level on the cooling system. Cooling system loading is indicated, e.g,. by the current power ratio (percent of maximum) being utilized by the air conditioning compressor. The new strategy sets operation of the heat rejection components at a power setting that is a fixed ratio of the cooling system current power ratio (subject to limits). For a cooling tower, the control is applied to both the cooling tower fan(s) and the condenser pump(s). For small systems, a single variable-speed drive can be used for both the refrigerant compression device and the heat rejection component(s).Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Thomas Hartman
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Patent number: 6205803Abstract: A thermal control method and apparatus flows refrigerant of a vapor compression system through a plate of an avionics pod so as to provide a compact and efficient cooling technique for aircraft performing a variety of missions. The plate can serve as an evaporator in a heat pump loop or a heat exchanger in a pumped coolant loop. As a result, the same components can be used for convection cooling and compressor-assisted cooling. At lower temperatures, the pump is operational whereas under less favorable conditions the compressor is operable. A bypass can be provided to provide thermal control where ambient temperature is excessively low. A water boiler can also be utilized when, for short periods, the ambient temperature is higher than the desired temperature for the electronics package.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Mainstream Engineering CorporationInventor: Robert Peter Scaringe
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Patent number: 6131402Abstract: An apparatus and method for a heat pump operating in the heating mode controls the condenser air flow rate and the condenser exiting air temperature depending in a first embodiment on the evaporator ambient temperature, and in a second embodiment, the evaporator air temperature and alternatively the condenser air flow rate or the condenser exiting air temperature, to alleviate a cold blow condition. The apparatus and method operate by sensing the evaporator ambient temperature with a sensor positioned proximate to the evaporator, and when that temperature is below a threshold value indicating a cold blow situation, determining by circuit means a modified condenser air flow rate to achieve at the same time a slower air flow and a higher air temperature, so that the cold blow condition is terminated or at least alleviated.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Eugene L. Mills, Jr., Rajendra K. Shah
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Patent number: 6122922Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently using various components as a system for cooling air. The apparatus uses the combination of an evaporative cooler with a water reservoir and a refrigerated air system with a water-cooled condenser. A pump or series of pumps are used to supply water to the evaporative cooler and to the water-cooled condenser from the water reservoir. A mechanism for controlling the hardness of supplied water may also be included. After the reservoir water has been supplied to the other components in the system, it is returned to the water reservoir. During cooler weather, the output air from the evaporative cooler is supplied to a series of ducts and is used to cool the interior of a structure such as a home.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Inventor: Leo B. Conner
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Patent number: 6105376Abstract: A mechanical control apparatus is provided for controlling the spray or misting of water into the immediate vicinity of the condenser coils in the compressor unit of an air conditioner, and comprises a hinged, vaned paddle member; and a water valve mechanically connected to and operable by the paddle member. The paddle member is mounted so that blown air flow from an air fan in the compressor unit will impinge on the paddle member, will and cause it to pivot upwardly about a hinge. The paddle member has a mechanical valve operating member, and is connected to a source of pressurized water, so that when the valve is open, water will pass through it to at least one nozzle mounted on the compressor unit to be sprayed or misted into the immediate vicinity of the condenser coils. The mechanical linkage between the paddle member and the valve is such that when the paddle member is pivoted upwardly, the valve will be opened; and when the paddle member is in its horizontal orientation, the valve will be closed.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventors: Peter B. Stewart, Brian Abramson
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Patent number: 6101823Abstract: An evaporative condensing apparatus used in an air conditioner to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner and improves its EER value. The evaporative condensing apparatus is based on the rule that the condensing temperature is directly proportional to the condensing pressure during the exchange of a cooling agent between liquid state and gas state.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Nutec Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Peng-Chu Chiu, Tsui-Ling Hsuen, Chih-Hsien Huang
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Patent number: 6098414Abstract: A ventilation system for an absorption refrigerator having a condenser and an absorber and located in a slide-out room of a recreational vehicle. The ventilation system includes a generally vertical air passage in which the condenser and the absorber are located, a lower vent for the intake of ambient air into the air passage, an upper vent for exhausting heated air from the air passage, and an air assist system for forcing air flow through the air passage only when the temperature of the ambient air is too high for an efficient natural draft. Both the lower and upper vents are in the side wall of the slide-out room.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.Inventor: Bruce Boxum
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Patent number: 6047555Abstract: A heat exchanging system includes a condenser including a heat exchanging chamber containing a heat exchanging medium therein and having an inlet end for entrance of the heat exchanging medium, and an outlet end for discharge of the heat exchanging medium; a control device; a water mist generating device having a spray pipe for spraying water into the heat exchanging chamber in a mist manner, a supply pipe for supplying water into the spray pipe, and a water valve for controlling the water supply of the supply pipe; a variable speed fan motor operated by the control device; and a sensing device having a first sensor mounted in the heat exchanging chamber, a second sensor mounted to the water mist generating device, and a third sensor mounted to the variable speed fan motor.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Yiue Feng Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kuo-Liang Weng
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Patent number: 5970724Abstract: A cooling water tower has a water container, a fan motor, a controller, an air outlet, a first sensor, a second sensor, a pump, and an air conditioning device. The air conditioning device has an air cooling condenser, a freezing agent control device, a compressor, and an evaporator. The air outlet is disposed on a top portion of the water container. The first sensor is disposed on the air outlet. The second sensor is disposed on the bottom of the water container. The fan motor is disposed on the top portion of the water container. The controller is disposed on the fan motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Yiue Feng Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kuo-Liang Weng
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Patent number: 5966965Abstract: A ventilation system for an absorption refrigerator having a condenser and an absorber and located in a recreational vehicle. The ventilation system includes a generally vertical air passage in which the condenser and the absorber are located, a lower vent for the intake of ambient air into the air passage, an upper vent for exhausting heated air from the air passage, and an air assist system for forcing air flow through the air passage only when the temperature of the ambient air is too high for an efficient natural draft. The air assist system includes a blower positioned to promote airflow within the air passage over the condenser and the absorber, a temperature activated thermal switch positioned to sense ambient temperature and adapted to energize the blower only when the ambient temperature is above a predetermined value, and a power switch connected in series to the thermal switch to activate and deactivate the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.Inventor: Bruce Boxum
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Patent number: 5918474Abstract: A refrigeration appliance and control system for efficiently operating the evaporator and condenser fan motors of the refrigeration appliance to reduce the total energy consumed by the appliance are disclosed. The control system operates to turn the evaporator fan motor on only after the evaporator has cooled to its operating temperature to avoid premature and inefficient use of the evaporator fan motor. The control system also permits the evaporator fan motor to continue running after the compressor is turned off to utilize the residual cooling capacity of the evaporator. In an embodiment, a secondary control system also operates to turn a condenser fan motor on only after the condenser reaches its operating temperature and operates to turn the condenser fan motor off only after the compressor is turned off and the condenser cools to a shutoff temperature below its operating temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Jatin C. Khanpara, Ernest C. Pickles
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Patent number: 5768902Abstract: A refrigeration cycle comprises a compressor, an indoor heat exchange, an outdoor heat exchanger, a liquid receiver; and a pressure reducer connected in series to form a closed loop. The liquid receiver and the pressure reducer connected in series are connected between the indoor heat exchanger and said outdoor heat exchanger. A non-azeotropic mixture refrigerant comprising at least two kinds of refrigerant of different boiling temperatures mixed together is charged in and circulated through the refrigeration cycle. The mixing ratio of the azeotropic mixture refrigerant circulated thorough the refrigeration cycle is controlled substantially constant.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masayuki Nonaka, Hiroaki Matsushima, Kazuhiro Endoh, Kensaku Oguni, Kazumoto Urata, Kyuhei Ishibane, Takeshi Endoh
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Patent number: 5735134Abstract: A vapor compression system with set point optimization generates a set of thermodynamic operating parameters such that the system operates with optimum energy efficiency. Based on environmental conditions such as indoor and outdoor temperature as well as thermal load, the set of parameters for steady-state set point is generated. The system also monitors actual system properties in real-time and provides them as feedback to the set point computation module. Based on these actual real-time measurements, a new steady-state set point can be generated to enable the system to continue operating at maximum coefficient of performance upon change in environmental or thermal load requirements.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Sheng Liu, Xiang-Dong He
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Patent number: 5724826Abstract: An outside air conditioner unit includes a heat exchanger for conducting refrigerant, and a fan for circulating outside air across the heat exchanger. The fan is disposed coaxially within a hollow cylinder which can be adjusted axially relative to the fan by a motor to vary the intensity of the air flow. The fan motor is connected to a controller which actuates the motor in response to a difference between outside air temperature and a reference temperature to reduce the air flow intensity when the heat exchanger is in an overload condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Geun Phil Han
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Patent number: 5701752Abstract: When heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle during cold weather, an air switching outlet is operated to allow the entry of outside air with an interior blower being operated to facilitate the entry of the outside air. A condenser door is operated to close an air passage of the condenser and a bypass passage is opened so that outside air flows to the passenger compartment of the vehicle while bypassing the condenser. Further, only a defogging outlet is opened and the incoming air is blown out from this defogging outlet toward the windshield of the vehicle so that a low humidity air curtain is formed proximate to the inner surface of the windshield. After completing the warm-up of the heat pump cycle, the condenser door is switched such that the air blown in by the blower passes the interior condenser to start the heating of the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nipponsoken, Inc.Inventors: Masaru Tsunokawa, Yukikatsu Ozaki, Sadahisa Onimaru, Takahisa Suzuki
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Patent number: 5669238Abstract: In a heat exchange scheme associated with a gas purification column in an LNG recovery process, in which heat exchange is desired between fluids of such widely different temperatures that thermal shock could result in damage to heat exchanger apparatus, a control scheme compensates for the effect of excessive temperature differential. The desired compensation is achieved by manipulating flow in a heat exchanger bypass conduit for the warm fluid to maintain a desired temperature ratio between the colder fluid entering the heat exchanger and the warmer fluid exiting the exchanger. Additionally, start-up controls for the column include temporarily selecting temperature of a cold stream to automatically control opening of a valve to initiate flow of the warm stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Phillips Petroleum CompanyInventor: Barnard J. Devers
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Patent number: 5666817Abstract: An energy transfer system is provided for a refrigeration appliance. The energy transfer system includes a fluid passage disposed in the housing of the appliance for enabling the transfer of a fluid into, through, and out of the housing. The fluid is contained in a vessel which can be disposed outside of the home or underground so that the fluid is cooled by the outside air or by the ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1996Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Edward R. SchulakInventors: Edward R. Schulak, J. Benjamin Horvay
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Patent number: 5544489Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a cooled liquid, comprising a receptacle defining a compartment and having a wall with a hole defined in it; a thermoelectric device operable for producing a first surface having a relatively cool temperature and a second surface having a relatively elevated temperature, and a heat sink means adjacent to the second surface and operable for removing heat from the second surface to reduce its temperature. A thermally conductive probe is in direct physical contact with the first surface of the thermoelectric device and extends through the hole in the wall. The first surface has substantially complete physical contact with the probe. A connecting arrangement urges and maintains direct physical contact between the probe and the first surface. A sealing arrangement maintains the probe positioned through the hole in the wall while inhibiting any leaking of the liquid through the hole.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Coolworks, Inc.Inventor: Ulf Moren
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Patent number: 5520007Abstract: An energy transfer system for a household refrigeration appliance. The energy transfer system includes a compartment for enclosing a condenser which is associated with the refrigeration appliance, and a set of conduits for enabling the transfer of outside air into, through and out of the compartment. The system also includes a movable barrier for selectively controlling the transfer of air through the compartment. In one form of the present invention, the system also includes a thermostatically actuated fan for forcing outside air into, through and out of the compartment in response to a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: Edward R. Schulak
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Patent number: 5495723Abstract: An improvement for converting an air conditioner or heat pump system into a water supply heater, including a water cooled condenser having a refrigerant throughflow passageway and a water throughflow conduit for bringing a water supply pumped therethrough into heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant. A three-way valve connects the compressor to the water-cooled condenser or to an exterior heat exchanger in the air conditioner, or a reversing valve in the heat pump. Control system including a water pressure switch for actuating the three-way valve, a refrigerant pressure activated water regulator valve mounted on the inflow side of the water throughflow conduit, and a thermostat, route refrigerant via the three-way valve to the water cooled condenser only when a water supply is desired to be heated, thereby preventing the build-up of scale in the condenser water conduits. The control system also switches off the fan of the exterior heat exchanger when the water-cooled condenser is in use.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Inventor: Kenneth MacDonald
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Patent number: 5402651Abstract: An energy transfer system for a household refrigeration appliance. The energy transfer system includes a venting system within the refrigeration appliance, and a set of conduits for enabling the transfer of outside air into, through and out of the venting system. The system moves cooling air around the storage compartment and compressor. In one form of the present invention, the system may also include a thermostatically actuated valve for enabling outside air into, through and out of the compartment in response to a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Inventor: Edward R. Schulak
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Patent number: 5329783Abstract: This invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus and in particular to one including a compressor, an evaporator, a cooling fan, a low pressure pipe, a high pressure pipe, a radiator, a cooling motor, and a condenser. The apparatus is characterized in that the heat exchanging efficiency between the cooling water and the refrigerant is highly enhanced, thereby intensifying the cooling effect and increasing the temperature of the cooling water flowing out of the apparatus to an acceptable degree for residential hot water. Further the radiator may be separated from the apparatus thus making it suitable for use in varied applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1992Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Assignee: Fast Maker Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ten S. Yang
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Patent number: 5311747Abstract: A sprinkler system for a condenser unit of an air conditioning system comprises a flue with a temperature responsive valve assembly releasably mounted therein. The flue is mounted atop the protective grill for the system fan so as to channel a portion of the fan's cooling air flow for the condenser therethrough. A bellows senses temperature changes in this air flow and upon a selectable rise in temperature expands so as to urge the valve stem of a two-way poppet valve to a valve opening position. The open valve, connected to a water source, delivers water to an elongated fluid outlet line which is fastened along the grill surrounding the condenser unit. The elongated line comprises a plurality of segments connected by intermediate spray heads. The spray heads circumscribe the condenser with a cooling spray so as to reduce the temperature of the same.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1992Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Inventors: Robert D. Pringle, John Prikkel, III
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Patent number: 5307644Abstract: An electronic engine fan control device is disclosed. The control device includes means for detecting engine coolant temperature, operation of the vehicle air conditioning load, and vehicle road speed. The control device also includes means for generating first and second temperature signals in response to engine coolant temperature. The control device further includes override signal generating means for generating first and second override signal under certain temperature, or certain load and speed conditions. The control device finally includes means for comparing the first and second temperature signals and the first and second override signals for generating a control signal to operate the vehicle fan. A method for controlling an engine fan is also disclosed including the steps of detecting engine coolant temperature, air conditioning load and road speed and generating corresponding signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1992Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: James M. Cummins, John I. Snoke, Gene R. Burnham
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Patent number: 5291749Abstract: An energy transfer system for a household refrigeration appliance. The energy transfer system includes a compartment for enclosing a condenser which is associated with the refrigeration appliance, and a set of conduits for enabling the transfer of outside air into, through and out of the compartment. The system also includes a movable barrier for selectively controlling the transfer of air through the compartment. In one form of the present invention, the system also includes a thermostatically actuated fan for forcing outside air into, through and out of the compartment in response to a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1992Date of Patent: March 8, 1994Inventor: Edward R. Schulak
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Patent number: 5184472Abstract: A pool heater to be installed on a commercially available residential heat pump in order to add swimming pool heating to the basic functions of the heat pump, i.e. heating and cooling of a dwelling. This "add-on a heat pump" pool heater comprises a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger with a water flow control and associated piping, a water temperature control, a flow detecting device and a specialized control logic which is integrated to the heat pump control. The heat exchanger is connected on the refrigerant side to the outlet of the compressor of the heat pump circuit and to the inlet of the reversing valve. On the water side, the heat exchange is connected on a diversion loop of the pool water filtration system to allow water to be heated by the refrigerant exiting the compressor. The integrated control conserves all the basic modes of the heat pump, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1991Date of Patent: February 9, 1993Inventors: Pierre Guilbault, Pierre Pilon