Lubrication Patents (Class 62/192)
-
Patent number: 10724772Abstract: An HVAC system includes a refrigerant liquid-gas separator. The liquid-gas separator is thermally coupled to electronics to transfer heat away from the electronics, and assist in vaporizing liquid refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator device includes a refrigeration section configured to couple to a refrigeration loop, and electronics thermally coupled to the refrigeration section. The refrigeration section includes: (a) a refrigerant inlet configured to receive refrigerant from the refrigeration loop; (b) a refrigerant outlet configured to release vapor refrigerant to the refrigeration loop; and (c) a cavity coupled to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, the cavity configured to separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. During use of the HVAC system, heat from the electronics board is transferred to the refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator includes a check valve configured to inhibit flow of refrigerant into the liquid-gas separator device via the refrigerant outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: BERGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
-
Patent number: 10703173Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems and methods for control the climate systems. A climate system includes a plurality of compressors, a first heat exchanger disposed downstream of the compressors and a second heat exchanger disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger. The compressors and heat exchangers are fluidly connected by refrigerant lines to form a refrigerant circuit. The climate system also includes a controller that controls the operation of the compressors to draw back lubricant to the compressors without use of an oil equalization system.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: BERGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
-
Patent number: 10684032Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for verifying or correcting the temperature sensor and compressor pairings within the HVAC system control logic, indicating that a sensor is logically paired with the specific compressor, from amongst a tandem compressor group, to which the sensor is coupled.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventors: Harold Gene Havard, Jr., Rosa Maria Leal, Anuradha Sundararajan
-
Patent number: 10655899Abstract: An oil separator includes a container having an inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical shape; an inlet pipe that penetrates through from an outside of the container to an inside of the container, comprises an inlet port through which the oil-containing refrigerant is introduced to the container; and a refrigerant discharge pipe that is provided coaxially with a central axis of the container in a top of the container, projects from the top of the container toward a bottom of the container, and comprises a discharge port which is disposed below the inlet port and allows oil removed refrigerant to be discharged. The oil-containing refrigerant flowing out of the inlet port of the inlet pipe is not branched by the refrigerant discharge pipe, and forms a single flow flowing in one direction along an outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant discharge pipe and the inner circumferential surface of the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Takamitsu Kurokawa, Hisashi Takeichi, Hiroaki Eguchi
-
Patent number: 10605500Abstract: A heat pump device includes a compressor including a motor, a heat exchanger, an inverter, and an inverter control unit. The inverter control unit generates a drive signal for the inverter. When the compressor is heated, the inverter control unit applies, to the motor, a high-frequency voltage with which the motor cannot be rotationally driven; estimates a magnetic pole position indicating a stop position of a rotor of the motor; determines an amplitude and a phase of a voltage command based on an estimation result of the magnetic pole position and a necessary amount of heat, and generates a drive signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Shota Kamiya, Kazunori Hatakeyama, Kenta Yuasa, Shinya Matsushita, Shinsaku Kusube, Tsutomu Makino
-
Patent number: 10502446Abstract: In an air conditioning device (10) to which an outdoor unit (20) and indoor units (40) are connected, when a flow rate of a gaseous refrigerant in a gas main pipe (72a) is lower than a lower limit flow rate in main pipe, an amount of refrigerating machine oil accumulated in the gas main pipe (72a) is calculated. When gas branch pipes (72b) include a gas branch pipe (72b) having a flow rate lower than a lower limit flow rate in branch pipe even though the flow rate of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas main pipe (72a) is higher than the lower limit flow rate in main pipe, an amount of the machine oil accumulated in the gas branch pipe (72b) is calculated. When the amounts are integrated and the integrated value exceeds a set amount, oil collecting operation is performed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Ryuuta Ohura, Yuusuke Oka, Junya Minami
-
Patent number: 10464395Abstract: A method for controlling an air conditioner compressor includes: driving the air conditioner compressor for a first time at a first revolutions per minute (RPM) smaller than a minimum lubrication demand RPM when a lubrication demand RPM of the air conditioner compressor is smaller than the minimum lubrication demand RPM; and driving the air conditioner compressor for a second time at the minimum lubrication demand RPM when the lubrication demand RPM of the air conditioner compressor is smaller than the minimum lubrication demand RPM after the first time elapse.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Kwon Hyoung Choi, Jin Hyung Lee, Hyun Woo Shin, Wan Je Cho
-
Patent number: 10465965Abstract: A heat pump apparatus includes a compressor compressing a refrigerant, a motor driving the compressor, an inverter device, and an inverter control unit controlling the inverter device. The inverter device includes the same number of bridge circuits as those of phases of the motor, and each of the bridge circuits includes plural pairs of series-connected switching elements. The pairs of switching elements are connected in parallel. The inverter device applies to the motor a high-frequency voltage of a frequency at which the motor does not rotate.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Takashi Yamakawa, Kazunori Hatakeyama, Takuya Shimomugi, Yosuke Shinomoto
-
Patent number: 10429113Abstract: A heat pump apparatus includes a compressor compressing a refrigerant, a motor driving the compressor, an inverter device, and an inverter control unit controlling the inverter device. The inverter device includes the same number of bridge circuits as those of phases of the motor, and each of the bridge circuits includes plural pairs of series-connected switching elements. The pairs of switching elements are connected in parallel. The inverter device applies to the motor a high-frequency voltage of a frequency at which the motor does not rotate.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Takashi Yamakawa, Kazunori Hatakeyama, Takuya Shimomugi, Yosuke Shinomoto
-
Patent number: 10288070Abstract: In a screw compressor (20), a male rotor suction end bearing (96) and discharge end bearing (90 1, 90 2, 90 3) mount the male rotor suction end shaft portion (39) and discharge end shaft portion (40). A female rotor suction end bearing (98) and discharge end bearing (92 1, 92 2) mount the female rotor suction end shaft portion (41) and discharge end shaft portion (42). At least one valve (182; 282; 382 1,382 2,382 3; 82; 582-1,582-2; 682-1,682-2; 782-1,782-2) is along a lubricant flowpath and has an energized condition and a de-energized condition. At least one restriction (184; 84-1,84-2; 84-1, 84-2,84-3; 484 1,484-2,84-3; 84 1,84 2,584; 84-1,84-2,684; 84-1,84-2,784) is along the lubricant flowpath. The at least one valve and the at least one restriction are positioned to create a lubricant pressure difference biasing the rotors away from a discharge end of the case.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Masao Akei, Yifan Qiu
-
Patent number: 10066617Abstract: A system and method for flooded start control of a compressor are provided. An ambient temperature sensor generates ambient temperature data and a compressor temperature sensor generates compressor temperature data.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Hung M. Pham
-
Patent number: 9951981Abstract: Methods and system for managing lubricant within a vapor compression heat pump are presented. In one example, lubricant may be flushed from selected areas of a heat pump to other areas of the heat pump where lubricant is desired. The lubricant may be flushed in full flushing mode or in a partial flushing mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Franco Ragazzi
-
Patent number: 9897360Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a compressor and a controller. The compressor has a casing and a compression element. Compressed refrigerant is sent out of the casing after being discharged into an internal space of the casing. An oil sump formed in the casing collects refrigerator oil. A heater heats the refrigerator oil collected. The controller controls the heater while the refrigeration apparatus is stopped so that a temperature of the refrigerator oil collected in the oil sump reaches a first oil temperature target value. The first oil temperature target value is set in order to keep a refrigerant condensation amount of the refrigerant equal to or less than an allowable condensation amount at which the concentration or viscosity of the refrigerator oil needed to lubricate the compressor can be maintained. The refrigerant condensation amount is caused by in-dome condensation at the start of operation of the refrigeration apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Yoshinori Yura
-
Patent number: 9790815Abstract: In a thermodynamic cycle with at least one first heat exchanger for creating a first heated or partially evaporated working medium flow by heating or partially evaporating a liquid working medium flow by heat transmission from an expanded working medium flow; a second heat exchanger for creating a second at least partially evaporated working medium flow; a separator for separating a liquid from a vaporous phase of the second flow; and an expansion device for creating an expanded vaporous phase, pressure pulsations are prevented during the start-up of the cycle in that the vaporous phase separated by the separator is conducted past the expansion device and the first heat exchanger. The liquid phase separated by the separator is cooled in the first heat exchanger by heat transfer to the liquid flow. After the first heat exchanger, the cooled, separated, liquid phase and the separated vaporous phase are brought together.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Kalina Power LimitedInventors: Jörg Lengert, Martina Lengert, Roland Lutz
-
Patent number: 9618218Abstract: Provided is an air conditioner which comprises multiple outdoor units, the air conditioner being configured so that, with the use of a low cost configuration, required refrigeration machine oil is supplied to all the outdoor units through refrigerant piping and so that the air conditioner has increased reliability. An air conditioner is provided with multiple indoor units and with four outdoor units which are connected to the multiple indoor units through refrigerant piping. A line of first refrigerant piping leading from the multiple indoor units is branched into two lines of second refrigerant piping, each of the two lines of second refrigerant piping is branched into two lines of third refrigerant piping, and the four lines of third refrigerant piping are respectively connected to the four outdoor units.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Technology (Hong Kong) LimitedInventors: Koji Naito, Yasutaka Yoshida, Kazumoto Urata, Hiroyuki Kawaguchi, Yuki Furuta, Kazuhiko Tani
-
Patent number: 9494356Abstract: A climate control system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor and the first heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and including an inlet and an outlet. A conduit may be fluidly coupled to the third heat exchanger and the compressor and may selectively supply fluid to the compressor. A valve may control a volume of fluid supplied to the compressor via the conduit. A controller may control the valve based on a temperature difference between the outlet of the third heat exchanger and the inlet of the third heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chao Jiang, Ying Wang
-
Patent number: 9347697Abstract: Provided is an air conditioner. The air conditioner including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion device includes a supercooling device for supercooling a refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger, an injection passage through which the refrigerant passing through the supercooling device is introduced into an injection inflow part of the compressor, a bypass passage extending from the injection passage to a suction part of the compressor to bypass the refrigerant, and a passage opening/closing part disposed in at least one of the injection passage and the bypass passage to selectively block a flow of the refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Byeongsu Kim, Yonghee Jang
-
Patent number: 9139066Abstract: A refrigerant system is provided with a pulse width modulation suction valve and a second valve on a line that bypasses the pulse width modulation suction valve. This second valve has a variable opening. In this manner, the pressure within the compressor shell is maintained at the lowest possible level regardless of the system operating conditions, when the pulse width modulation suction valve is cycled to a closed position. Further, the second valve can continue providing capacity control, should the pulse width modulation suction valve fail.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
-
Patent number: 8991199Abstract: A heat pump system includes: a heat-source-side refrigerant circuit having a heat-source-side compressor, a first usage-side heat exchanger operable as a radiator of heat-source-side refrigerant, and a heat-source-side heat exchanger operable as an evaporator of heat-source-side refrigerant; and a usage-side refrigerant circuit having a usage-side compressor arranged to compress usage-side refrigerant with a pressure of the usage-side refrigerant corresponding to a saturated gas temperature of 65° C. that is 2.8 MPa or less at gauge pressure, a refrigerant-water heat exchanger operable as a radiator of usage-side refrigerant to heat an aqueous medium, and a first usage-side heat exchanger operable as an evaporator of usage-side refrigerant by the radiation of heat-source-side refrigerant. The weight of usage-side refrigerant enclosed in the usage-side refrigerant circuit is one to three times the weight of refrigeration machine oil enclosed to lubricate the usage-side compressor.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignees: Daikin Industries, Ltd., Daikin Europe N.V.Inventor: Masahiro Honda
-
Patent number: 8966915Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor air temperature sensor detecting an outdoor temperature; a compressor temperature sensor detecting a temperature of an outer wall of a compressor; a liquid-level and concentration detection sensor detecting a liquid surface level in the compressor and a concentration of a lubricant oil in a liquid in the compressor; an electric heater heating the compressor; and a controller that carries out preheating to the compressor by driving the electric heater when a detection value of the outdoor air temperature sensor is higher than or equal to a detection value of the compressor temperature sensor and, further, when the liquid surface level detected by the liquid-level and concentration detection sensor is higher than or equal to a predetermined level and the concentration of the lubricant oil in the liquid is lower than a preset minimum required concentration.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Katsuya Takeuchi, Hirokuni Shiba
-
Patent number: 8950081Abstract: Methods of removing moisture from a compressor using a sorbent technology are provided. A dehydration device incorporating the sorbent technology is disposed in a system that contains a hygroscopic fluid. By passing the hygroscopic fluid over the sorbent technology, moisture is removed from the hygroscopic fluid. The systems include sealed devices and integral components for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and refrigeration devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Matthew J. Heidecker
-
Patent number: 8931289Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. Cameron, Richard Gordan Christensen, Magalage Neville Perera
-
Publication number: 20140360210Abstract: A refrigeration chiller employs a centrifugal compressor the impellers of which are mounted on a shaft which is itself mounted for rotation using rolling element bearings lubricated only by the refrigerant which constitutes the working fluid of the chiller system. Apparatus is taught for providing liquid refrigerant to (1.) the bearings immediately upon chiller start-up, during chiller operation and during a coastdown period subsequent to shutdown of the chiller and (2.) the drive motor of the chiller's compressor for motor cooling purposes. By use of a variable speed-driven motor to drive the compressor, optimized part load chiller performance is achieved in a chiller which does not require or employ an oil-based lubrication system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: William E. Lapp, Todd W. Smith, Arthur L. Butterworth, Paul J. Sikorsky
-
Patent number: 8904812Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle through which a refrigerant that transits in a supercritical state is allowed to flow, and a flow dividing device that divides the flow of a high-pressure liquid refrigerant in a subcritical state into two or more parts. The flow dividing device is configured such that the device is oriented substantially in the horizontal direction or substantially upward in the vertical direction relative to the direction of flow of the refrigerant in a liquid state. With such a configuration, the flow of refrigerating machine oil is equally divided, thus offering high energy saving while keeping heat-medium conveyance power at a low level without reducing the heat exchanging performance.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Koji Yamashita, Hiroyuki Morimoto, Takeshi Hatomura
-
Patent number: 8820103Abstract: An air conditioner includes a plurality of compressors, an intake passageway, a bypass unit, and an expansion valve. The intake passageway distributes a fluid to each of the compressors. The bypass unit includes a plurality of bypass pipes connected respectively to the compressors and a common bypass pipe to discharge the fluids from the compressors to the intake passageway. The expansion valve is provided to the bypass unit to control a flow of fluid from the common bypass pipe to the intake unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hojong Jeong, Sedong Chang, Baikyoung Chung, Jiyoung Jang
-
Publication number: 20140230476Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a radiator, an evaporator, a compressor, a heater and a control device. The radiator causes a refrigerant to radiate heat. The evaporator causes the refrigerant to evaporate. The compressor compresses the refrigerant circulating between the radiator and the evaporator. The heater heats lubricating oil in the compressor. The control device controls the heater so that an oil temperature of the lubricating oil in the compressor reaches an oil temperature target value obtained by adding a predetermined temperature to saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Yoshinori Yura, Shinichi Kasahara, Kousuke Kibo
-
Patent number: 8806876Abstract: An air conditioner (10) composed of a refrigerating apparatus includes a controller (90). A heating control section (91) of the controller (90) feeds electric current in an open phase state to an electric motor (62) of a compressor (30) to heat the compressor (30) in operation stop of the air conditioner (10). The heating control section (91) monitors the detection value of an outdoor air temperature sensor (72) during the operation stop of the air conditioner (10) and keeps on stopping feeding the electric current to the electric motor (62) during the time when the detection value decreases.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Shimoda, Hidehiko Kinoshita
-
Publication number: 20130283833Abstract: A refrigeration system (2) comprises a condenser/gas cooler (4), an intermediate expansion device (6) and a refrigerant collecting container (8); a normal refrigeration branch (10) connecting the refrigerant collecting container (8) to the condenser/gas cooler (4) said normal refrigeration branch (12) comprising a first expansion device (12), a first evaporator (14) and a compressor unit (16) of the normal refrigeration branch (10); a freezing branch (18) connecting the refrigerant collecting container (8) to the condenser/gas cooler (4), said freezing branch (18) comprising a second expansion device (20), a second evaporator (22), and a first compressor unit (24) and a second compressor unit (26) of said freezing branch (18), the first and second compressor units (24, 26) of the freezing branch (18) being connected in series.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2011Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Hans-Joachim Huff, Tobias Sienel
-
Patent number: 8434323Abstract: A cooling system for a motor powering a compressor in a vapor compression system includes a housing enclosing the motor and a cavity located within the housing. A fluid circuit circulates a cooling fluid in the motor, and includes a first connection in the housing to receive cooling fluid and a second connection in the housing to remove cooling fluid. The fluid circuit includes a passageway for cooling fluid positioned in an internal chamber formed in a motor shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Andrew M Welch, Steven J Estes, John C Hansen, Steven T Sommer, Gregory K Beaverson
-
Patent number: 8402778Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the solubility of oils in refrigerant compositions within a system using a refrigerant compressed with a mechanical device by adding polyolester directly to the refrigerant followed by charging a mixture of the polyolester and refrigerant into the system (air conditioner, refrigerator, etc.). The present invention also relates to a method of optimizing mineral oil return in a system using a refrigerant compressed with a mechanical device and a method of cleansing heat exchange tubes of a system using a refrigerant compressed with a mechanical device by adding polyolesters directly to a refrigerant composition followed by charging a mixture of the polyolester and refrigerant into the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: National Refrigerants, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Yost, James P. Lavelle, Umar M. Khokhar
-
Patent number: 8402780Abstract: A heating/cooling system design enabling one to maintain a superheat level of more than 1 degree F. and up to 10 degrees F., incorporating a specially designed accumulator, optional special oil return means, a specially designed receiver, and, when utilized in a DX geothermal system application, a preferable sub-surface liquid refrigerant transport line insulation design, as well as a design enabling the utilization of at least two compressors to increase heat transfer temperature differentials together with special oil separators.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Earth to Air Systems, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
-
Patent number: 8361407Abstract: Overhung axial compressor, chemical reactor and method for compressing a fluid. The overhung axial compressor includes a casing configured to be vertically split along a vertical axis for access to an inside of the casing and a removable cartridge. The removable cartridge is configured to fit inside the casing and to be detachably attached to the casing. The removable cartridge includes a shaft disposed along a horizontal axis, the shaft being configured to rotate about the horizontal axis, a bearing system attached to the removable cartridge and configured to rotationally support a first end of the shaft, and plural blades disposed toward a second end of the shaft such that the second end is overhung inside the casing. The compressor also includes a guide vane mechanism configured to connect to the removable cartridge, the guide vane mechanism being configured to adjust a flow of a fluid to the plural blades.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.Inventors: Joseph Cruickshank, Massimo Camatti, Ronald John DeGroot
-
Publication number: 20130000339Abstract: In an air-conditioning apparatus that uses a refrigerant, which operates in a transcritical cycle, and refrigerating machine oil, which has low miscibility with the refrigerant, in a refrigerant circuit for a refrigeration cycle connected to a compressor, a radiator, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator, the air-conditioning apparatus includes a flow regulating mechanism provided in the refrigerant circuit, and flow control means that controls the flow regulating mechanism. If a refrigerant flow velocity at an outlet side of the radiator is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the refrigerant flow velocity at the outlet side of the radiator is increased by the flow control means so that oil-return operation that returns the refrigerating machine oil discharged from the compressor to the compressor is performed for at least a predetermined time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Yusuke Shimazu, Keisuke Takayama, Takeshi Hatomura
-
Publication number: 20120192581Abstract: In an air conditioner provided with an oil-return-operation control portion that performs an oil-return operation, when oil-return conditions are satisfied, by controlling the rotational speed of a compressor, the degree of opening of an expansion valve, etc., with a predetermined refrigerant cycle and provided with high-outdoor-air-temperature oil-return operation means for performing a forced oil-return operation via the oil-return-operation control portion when an outdoor temperature increases and a state in which a detection value of an outdoor air temperature sensor is higher than a set value continues for a predetermined period of time, the oil-return operation is prohibited for a certain period of time after performing the forced oil-return operation via the high-outdoor-air-temperature oil-return operation means.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Tsukasa Kasagi, Seiji Hiramatsu, Tetsuo Tsuji
-
Publication number: 20120160020Abstract: A heat transfer device, including an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor fluidly coupled to the evaporator and the condenser. A refrigerant/oil mixture is routed to the compressor, the evaporator, and the condenser. An apparatus for moisture detection in the refrigerant/oil mixture includes the apparatus being in fluid communication with the mixture. The apparatus includes a refractive index determining device, a dielectric constant determining device, and a controller. The refractive index determining device produces a first signal representative of a refractive index of the mixture. The dielectric constant determining device produces a second signal representative of a dielectric constant of the mixture. The controller receives the first signal and the second signal. The controller determines a moisture content of the mixture dependent upon the first signal and the second signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventor: Roger Burger
-
Publication number: 20120117996Abstract: A cascade refrigeration system includes an upper portion having at least one modular chiller unit that provides cooling to at least one of a low temperature subsystem having a plurality of low temperature loads, and a medium temperature subsystem having a plurality of medium temperature loads. The modular chiller unit includes a refrigerant circuit having at least a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. An ammonia refrigerant mixed with a soluble oil circulates within the refrigerant circuit. A control device may be programmed to modulate the position of the expansion device so that a superheat temperature of the ammonia refrigerant near an outlet of the evaporator fluctuates within a substantially predetermined superheat temperature range to positively return soluble oil from the evaporator to the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: David K. Hinde, John D. Bittner, Shitong Zha, Joseph R. Poland
-
Patent number: 8122735Abstract: A refrigerant circuit (11) of an air conditioner (10) includes a compressor (20) and an expander (30). In the compressor (20), refrigerator oil is supplied from an oil reservoir (27) to a compression mechanism (21). In the expander (30), the refrigerator oil is supplied from an oil reservoir (37) to an expansion mechanism (31). The inner pressures of the compressor casing (24) and the expander casing (34) are the high pressure and the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle, respectively. An oil adjusting valve (52) is provided in an oil pipe (42) connecting the compressor casing (24) and the expander casing (34). The oil amount adjusting valve (52) is operated on the basis of an output signal of an oil level sensor (51). When the oil amount adjusting valve (52) is opened, the refrigerator oil flows from the oil reservoir (27) in the compressor casing (24) toward the oil reservoir (37) in the expander casing (34) through the oil pipe (42).Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Katsumi Sakitani, Tetsuya Okamoto, Masakazu Okamoto, Eiji Kumakura
-
Patent number: 8109116Abstract: A refrigeration air conditioner includes a first equalizer pipe connecting a bottom portion of a first hermetic vessel, which contains a main compression mechanism and lubricating oil, to a bottom portion of a second hermetic vessel, which contains an expansion mechanism, a sub-compression mechanism, and lubricating oil. A second equalizer pipe connects a side of the second hermetic vessel at a position higher than a minimum oil level to a suction side of the main compression mechanism. The space within the second hermetic vessel is isolated from the expansion mechanism and the sub-compression mechanism, and the pressure within the second hermetic vessel is not dependent upon the pressure within the expansion mechanism and the pressure within the sub-compression mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Shin Sekiya, Masayuki Kakuda, Toshihide Koda, Masahiro Sugihara
-
Publication number: 20110100035Abstract: A refrigerant system has a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and delivering it downstream to a condenser. A bypass line is provided around the condenser for selectively allowing at least a portion of refrigerant to bypass the condenser. Valves are provided on a line leading to the condenser and on the bypass line to individually control the flow of refrigerant. An expansion device is located downstream of the condenser, and an evaporator is located downstream of the expansion device. A reheat cycle is incorporated into the system. The reheat cycle includes a valve for selectively delivering at least a portion of refrigerant through a reheat heat exchanger, which is positioned in the path of air downstream of the evaporator. A control is provided for the system to achieve a desired level of dehumidification and temperature control to air being delivered into the environment to be conditioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson, Michael L. Balistreri
-
Publication number: 20110083452Abstract: Auxiliary refrigeration system used to refrigerate a wind turbine's gearbox (10) when the main refrigeration system (20) is inoperative due to low outside temperatures. The auxiliary equipment (30) is installed inside the nacelle and comprises a pressure limiting valve (31), an exchanger and a motor fan (M), all of them connected to a control cabinet that activates or deactivates the auxiliary refrigeration equipment (30) based on the exterior temperature Text, the temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet of the main circuit Tsc, and the gearbox temperature Tm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: Carlos BRITO GARCIA, Ricardo ALCALDE AYALA
-
Patent number: 7918096Abstract: In a refrigerant circuit (11), a compressor (20) and an expander (30) are provided separately. An expander casing (34) is connected to a delivery pipe (26) of the compressor (20) and high pressure refrigerant passes through the inside of the expander casing (34). Therefore, the compressor casing (24) and the expander casing (34) are equalized in their internal pressure. An oil distribution pipe (41) for connection of an oil sump (27) of the compressor (20) and an oil sump (37) of the expander (30) is provided with an oil regulating valve (52). The oil regulating valve (52) is controlled in response to a signal outputted from an oil level sensor (51). When the oil regulating valve (52) is opened, the oil sump (27) within the compressor casing (24) and the oil sump (37) within the expander casing (34) fluidly communicate with each other whereby refrigeration oil travels through the oil distribution pipe (41).Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Katsumi Sakitani, Tetsuya Okamoto, Masakazu Okamoto, Eiji Kumakura
-
Publication number: 20100089082Abstract: When during a heating operation the value calculated by an oil amount calculation section (51) is equal to or above a predetermined value, a frequency control section (52) of a controller (50) increases the operating frequency of a compressor (21) in order to recover refrigerating machine oil in a refrigerant circuit (R).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Satoshi Kawano, Shinya Matsuoka
-
Patent number: 7677051Abstract: A system has a compressor having a compression path between a suction port located to receive a working fluid and a discharge port located to discharge the working fluid. The system has means for controlling a flow of at least one of additional working fluid and lubricant responsive to changes in at least one pressure parameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Steven E. von Borstel
-
Patent number: 7658081Abstract: The compressor has a differential pressure type flow rate detector that obtains the pressure in an upstream passage and the pressure in a downstream passage to detect a refrigerant flow rate within a refrigerant passage. The detector has an accommodation chamber, and a partition body slidably accommodated within the accommodation chamber. The partition body comparts the accommodation chamber into a high pressure chamber to which the pressure in the upstream passage is introduced, and a low pressure chamber to which the pressure in the downstream passage is introduced. The compressor has an oil separator having an oil introduction passage connected to the oil separating chamber and a high pressure introduction passage introducing the pressure in the upstream passage to the high pressure chamber. The oil introduction passage introduces the oil separated from the refrigerant by the oil separator to a pressure zone other than a discharge pressure zone.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Akinobu Kanai, Hiroyuki Nakaima, Yoshinori Inoue, Atsuhiro Suzuki
-
Patent number: 7624583Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a refrigerant circuit (10) in which a compressor (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (24) and an indoor heat exchanger (33) are connected to operate on a refrigeration cycle, and an oil recovery container (40) connected to the suction side of the compressor (21), and carries out a recovery operation for circulating refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit (10) to recover oil into the recovery container (40). The refrigeration system further comprises: a compressor control section (50) for stepwise increasing the operating capacity of the compressor (21) in an initial stage of the recovery operation so that the refrigerant temperature in the low pressure side of the refrigerant circuit (10) reaches or exceeds a predetermined value; and a fan control section (70) for continuously driving an indoor fan (33a) at least during a time period when the compressor (21) is driven.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Yoshimi, Manabu Yoshimi
-
Patent number: 7584624Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for preventing liquid refrigerant accumulation in an accumulator of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The method includes the steps of: determining a state of a compressor; if the compressor is in standby mode or off state, turning on a four-way valve; determining whether the state of the compressor in standby mode or off state continues longer than a predetermined amount of time; and if the state of the compressor continues longer than the predetermined amount of time, closing an expansion valve. Particularly, high-pressure refrigerant flows in the closed expansion valve while low-pressure refrigerant flows in a check valve through the four-way valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Il Nahm Hwang, Young Min Park, Yoon Been Lee, Dong Jun Yang, Seok Ho Yoon, Jong Han Park, Sung Oh Choi, Sung Chun Kim
-
Patent number: 7578139Abstract: A controller reduces a rotational speed of a Rankine cycle from a predetermined normal rotational speed during an operation of a compressor in a predetermined state when the controller determines that a predicted refrigerant flow quantity, which is predicted by assuming that the compressor is operated in a sole operation of the Rankine cycle at the predetermined normal rotational speed of the Rankine cycle, exceeds a predetermined flow quantity. The predetermined state is a state that satisfies a predetermined condition, which relates to the sole operation of the Rankine cycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Nippon Soken, Inc.Inventors: Michio Nishikawa, Atsushi Inaba, Hironori Asa, Hiroshi Kishita
-
Publication number: 20090165480Abstract: In a refrigerant circuit (11), a compressor (20) and an expander (30) are provided separately. An expander casing (34) is connected to a delivery pipe (26) of the compressor (20) and high pressure refrigerant passes through the inside of the expander casing (34). Therefore, the compressor casing (24) and the expander casing (34) are equalized in their internal pressure. An oil distribution pipe (41) for connection of an oil sump (27) of the compressor (20) and an oil sump (37) of the expander (30) is provided with an oil regulating valve (52). The oil regulating valve (52) is controlled in response to a signal outputted from an oil level sensor (51). When the oil regulating valve (52) is opened, the oil sump (27) within the compressor casing (24) and the oil sump (37) within the expander casing (34) fluidly communicate with each other whereby refrigeration oil travels through the oil distribution pipe (41).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Katsumi Sakitani, Tetsuya Oakamoto, Masakazu Okamoto, Eiji Kumakura
-
Patent number: 7533536Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing an efficiency of a refrigeration system, comprising means for measuring a refrigeration efficiency of an operating refrigeration system; means for altering a process variable of the refrigeration system during efficiency measurement; and a processor for calculating a process variable level which achieves an optimum efficiency. The process variables may include refrigerant charge and refrigerant oil concentration in evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Hudson Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Zugibe, Douglas Schmidt
-
Patent number: 7467521Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling an air conditioner, in which operation time periods of an outdoor unit is integrated, to determined a time point when an oil recovery operation is performed, and performing the oil recovery operation only when a summed rates, or a number of indoor units accessed with communication is higher than a value preset at a control unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Se Dong Chang, Yoon Been Lee, Jae Heuk Choi