By External Cooled Liquid Or Holdover Patents (Class 62/201)
  • Patent number: 5355691
    Abstract: A controller for controlling the capacity of a centrifugal chiller compressor. The compressor is driven by an electric motor and has variable inlet guide vanes that control the flow of refrigerant to the compressor. The controller establishes a dimensionless plot of possible points of compressor operation relating the pressure coefficient and the capacity coefficient of the compressor. The current operating point of the centrifugal compressor is located on the plot and a dynamic surge boundary control curve is positioned proximate a region of actual surge. Control is exercised responsive to the variations of the region of actual surge and the surge boundary control curve for controlling compressor capacity by varying the opening of the inlet guide vanes and varying the speed of the compressor to move the operating point of the compressor proximate the surge boundary control curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Sullivan, Craig M. Goshaw, Paul C. Rentmeester
  • Patent number: 5323618
    Abstract: A heat storage type air conditioning system capable of performing refrigerant receiving and discharging control and oil quantity control, which, in operating the general cooling circuit and the cold radiating circuit simultaneously or separately, is free from difficulties that the compressor is damaged or the cooling capacity is lowered when the quantities of refrigerant in those circuits are excessively increased or decreased, and is able to continue the operations with the quantity of refrigerant and the quantity of ice machine oil adjusted to suitable values. In the heat storage type air conditioning system, evaporators are provided in a general cooling circuit driven by a compressor and in a cold radiating circuit driven by a refrigerant gas pump, respectively, so that those circuits operate independently of each other. Furthermore, bypass circuits are provided to allow refrigerant to flow between liquid pipes and between gas pipes in those circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Yoshida, Hideaki Tagashira, Masami Imanishi, Hiroaki Hama, Moriya Miyamoto, Hiroshi Nakata, Osamu Morimoto
  • Patent number: 5318106
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a primary loop with a secondary loop for circulating processing fluids therebetween comprising in combination a first connection for the feed line of the primary loop and a second connection for the return line of the primary loop; a third connection for the feed line of the secondary loop and a fourth connection for the return line of the secondary loop; a crossover line coupling the four connections; first valve means for controlling the flow through the primary loop; first sensor means responsive to the flow across the crossover line to control the first valve means; second valve means in the path of flow through the crossover line; second sensor means responsive to the temperature of the process fluid in the secondary loop to control the second valve means; a common controller for the first and second sensor means adapted to control the first and second valve means as a function of the sensed temperature and flow; and a common controller for the first and second sensor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventors: Donald K. Dorini, Gene D. Krist, Gerald F. Mannion, James R. Mannion
  • Patent number: 5309727
    Abstract: System and process are disclosed for reacting to conditions that may arise in a plurality of discrete chiller units all individually controlled by dedicated control units. The system and process react to temperature conditions of the coolant when it enters and when it leaves the chiller units. The system normally supervises the manner in which the chillers are allowed to individually increase or decrease chilling capacity. The system furthermore overrides this supervisory control of the individual chiller units when the coolant entering the chiller units drops below a threshold value. The chilling capacity of all running chiller units is decreased when this latter condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Duff, Keith G. Michaelsen
  • Patent number: 5307642
    Abstract: A thermal energy storage system includes a unique control arrangement to enable it to operate in three steady state operational modes, namely, ice making, direct cooling and shift cooling, as well as two transitory modes, namely hypermigration and pump out. The hypermigration mode enable the thermal energy storage system to switch into the shift cooling mode by desirably positioning the refrigerant charge in the ice module heat exchanger. The pump out mode is needed to move the refrigerant charge into the condensing unit in preparation for the direct cooling mode of operation from either the shift cooling mode or the ice making mode. The thermal energy storage permits the refrigerant charge to be in the proper location when each change in mode operation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Dean
  • Patent number: 5295362
    Abstract: Loss of oil due to oil feedback is prevented in a screw compressor in a refrigeration application due to low capacity operation. The apparent suction temperature is compared to the temperature of the water exiting the evaporator to determine the apparent superheat and the loading is increased upon the apparent superheat reaching a predetermined level. Upon sensing a predetermined difference, an electronic slide valve block is initiated to prevent further unloading and loading may be initiated in a fixed amount, incrementally or on a pulsed basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: David N. Shaw, Edward A. Huenniger
  • Patent number: 5289868
    Abstract: An unit-type air conditioning system is provided to enable low-load operation of an absorption chiller heater, to thereby improve the load responsiveness, and to use such a chiller heater as an outdoor unit. A plurality of burners are provided in a high temperature generator of the absorption chiller heater, thereby enabling the low-load operation. A refrigerant return valve is provided so as to speed up the stop operation. Flow rates of pumps are controlled in accordance with detected values of temperatures in the chiller heater and a load change, thus improving the load responsiveness. Further, in the air conditioning system with this chiller heater serving as an outdoor unit, required operation prediction is performed on the basis of outer signals from load units and the like, and prediction control according to its result is conducted, further improving the load responsiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Koseki, Ryuichi Kaji, Hiroaki Yoda, Takashi Nakao, Tomihisa Ohuchi, Akira Nishiguchi, Daisuke Hisajima, Katsuya Ebara
  • Patent number: 5277038
    Abstract: A thermal storage system for cooling and/or heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle has a heat exchanger arranged for fluid communication with a vehicle engine. The thermal storage system also has thermal energy storage means for storing thermal cooling and/or heating and being in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger on the vehicle. The thermal storage system further has fluid control means for controlling the flow of fluid from the heat exchanger selectively between the thermal storage means and the vehicle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Instatherm Company
    Inventor: Peter Carr
  • Patent number: 5249432
    Abstract: A refrigerant discharged from a compressor is flowed to air heat exchangers, an expansion valve, and a water heat exchanger unit, and the refrigerant passing through the water heat exchanger unit is taken in by the compressor, thus executing a heating operation mode. The expansion valve has a heat-sensitive portion for sensing a temperature of the refrigerant taken in by the compressor. The opening degree of the expansion valve is changed in accordance with a difference between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing therein and a temperature sensed by the heat-sensitive portion. A bypass is provided for supplying part of the refrigerant passing through the air heat exchangers to the suction side of the compressor. The bypass is caused to communicate when a temperature of water supplied to the water heat exchanger unit is increased. By this communication, the low-temperature refrigerant then flows to the suction side of the compressor to cool the heat-sensitive portion of the expansion valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yasunori Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5247811
    Abstract: The present invention includes a heat storage tank (1) with a built-in suction chamber (2), a first heat source unit (R-1) and a first pump (P-1) for pumping up water from the high-temperature side (3) of said heat storage tank (1) and supplying the chilled water into said suction chamber (2), a low-temperature heat exchanger (5) for exchanging heat between water and an antifreeze solution, a second pump (P-2) for pumping up water from said suction chamber (2) and supplying the water chilled by the antifreeze solution in said low-temperature heat exchanger (5) to the low-temperature side (4) of said heat storage tank (1) and a second heat source unit (R-2) and a third pump (P-3) for cooling the antifreeze solution in an antifreeze solution tank (6) and feeding it to said low-temperature heat exchanger (5), and is designed to variably control the flow rates of said first and second pumps (P-1 and P-2) in dependence upon their suction temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Shimizu Construction Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshimi Seya, Seishiro Igarashi, Masaya Tachibana
  • Patent number: 5245835
    Abstract: An interior thermal conditioning method and apparatus with improved zone control is disclosed. The thermal conditioning apparatus, such as a heat pump assembly, generates a desired thermal condition which is conveyed by a thermal distribution medium to a number of zones within a multiple zone building. Each zone includes a heat exchange device for receiving the thermal distribution medium. Each zone also includes a thermostat which is used to set a desired temperature range and to indicate the prevailing temperature. When the prevailing temperature is inconsistent with the desired temperature range, a conditioning request is generated. Rather than immediately responding to the conditioning request, the heat pump controller assesses the temperature of the thermal distribution medium to determine whether it is within a target range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry M. Cohen, Andrew Popelka
  • Patent number: 5222370
    Abstract: A control for a multiple chiller refrigeration system whereby a chiller can be stopped at a predetermined load in order that the remaining building load can be picked up by the remaining running chillers without exceeding set load capacities of the running chillers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Paul W. James
  • Patent number: 5216896
    Abstract: There is disclosed a temperature control system for an absorption refrigerating apparatus comprising an evaporator, an absorber, a condenser, a regenerator, a solution heat exchanger, a solution pump, a cooling medium pump, and piping operatively connecting these parts together. Where absorption refrigerating machines are arranged in two or more stages with respect to the flow of cold water to be circulated at a load side, the machine of each stage has a cold water outlet temperature detector, and a temperature controller for controlling the amount of heat of a machine-driving heated fluid in accordance with the cold water outlet temperature of each stage. A control circuit is so arranged that the temperature controller of the first stage, or the temperature controllers of the intermediate stages except for the temperature controller of the final stage are controlled by a proportional control whereas the temperature controller of the final stage is controlled by a PID control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventors: Suichiro Uchida, Ryohei Minowa
  • Patent number: 5211023
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for heating and cooling with a refrigerant wherein the refrigerant is compressed by a compressor, and circulated to and from the compressor through a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator, in this order. A first fluid is heated with the heat generated in the condenser, and a second fluid is cooled with the cooling effect or cold generated in the evaporator. When heat is low and a temperature of the first fluid is decreased, the flow passages of the refrigerant are changed from entering into the evaporator to entering into a second heat-exchanger wherein the refrigerant is heated, and the heated refrigerant is entered into the compressor and circulated. When the cooling effect or cold is low and a temperature of the second fluid is increased, the flow passages of the refrigerant are changed from entering into the condenser to entering into a first heat exchanger wherein the refrigerant is cooled, and the cooled refrigerant is entered into the evaporator and circulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Union Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Matsuura
  • Patent number: 5201187
    Abstract: A control system for controlling cooling equipment comprising a refrigerant circuit for cooling water by heat exchange, a plurality of cooling modules in a backup relationship with an adjusting apparatus for adjusting the cooling capability of the refrigerant circuit and a controller controlling the adjusting apparatus for adjusting the cooling capability, a control module having a coolant temperature sensor and a controller for calculating a cooling capability control command based on the value detected by the coolant temperature sensor. The controller in one of the cooling modules controls the adjusting apparatus and on the cooling capability control commend transmitted from the controller in the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomio Yoshikawa, Takashi Kato, Tetsuji Yamashita, Kyoshiro Murakami, Shizuo Zushi
  • Patent number: 5197537
    Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for a machine tool includes four temperature sensors for detecting a reference temperature, outlet temperature of heat transfer fluid at an outlet of a heat exchanger, and temperatures of the heat transfer fluid at both inlet and an outlet of a machine tool element having a heat generating source. The four temperature sensors are arranged to constitute a differential temperature detecting means that activates control means to control temperature of the heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger so as to minimize both deviations of heat transfer fluid temperature and steady-state deviations of machine tool body temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Kanto Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Chigira, Koichi Urano
  • Patent number: 5195329
    Abstract: A method and control system for operating a chiller system having a lead compressor and a lag compressor in which the load on the compressors is balanced by limiting the % KW demand on the lag compressor from exceeding the 90 KW of the lead compressor while forcing the lag compressor to supply chilled water at a temperature lower than the lead compressor chilled water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Merrill A. Lewis, Paul W. James
  • Patent number: 5193352
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling, air which apparatus includes an indirect evaporative cooler, a direct-contact ice-water chiller, a reheat coil component, an ice-thermal-storage component and an ice-manufacturing refrigeration chiller to provide alternative air-flow paths and alternative component combinations. The method provides alternative fluid-flow paths through electable combinations of the several components to effect the desired lowering of air temperature, relative humidity and air density in the cooled air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: AMSTED Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn W. Smith, William D. McCloskey, Robert E. Cates
  • Patent number: 5184472
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventors: Pierre Guilbault, Pierre Pilon
  • Patent number: 5168724
    Abstract: A chill water system combining a storage vessel 10, a multiplicity of ice encapsulating units 11 contained in the vessel and a chiller system 60. The vessel contains a volume of glycol and water solution having a freezing point about twenty six degrees F. The ice encapsulating units 11 comprise sealed containers filled with deionized water and having a volume 131 of powdered cholesterol therein to serve as an ice nucleating agent to lower the initial ice formation temperature of the unit. The containers have imperfect geometric deformable wall structures to permit an increase in enclosed volume as said water therein freezes. Chiller system 60 is operatively associated with the vessel and cools the glycol and water solution to about twenty six degrees to freeze the water in the containers 11. A topping tank 90 and an inventory tank 93 receive liquid from the storage vessel 10 as the ice encapsulating units 11 freeze and expand in volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Reaction Thermal Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Gilbertson, Michael R. Meyers, Bruce Kinneberg
  • Patent number: 5159957
    Abstract: The supply and return passages of the apparatus are defined by fittings, each of which defines also a valve passage, which contains a rotary valve for controlling the flow rate in a cooling circuit of the injection molding machine. A valve actuator is detachably mounted on each of said fittings and is operatively connected to said rotary valve. Each of said valve actuators is selectively constituted by a gearmotor housing, which contains a gearmotor for an automatic control of said rotary valve, or by an actuator housing of a manual drive. At least one of said fittings is provided with detachably mounted monitoring means, which comprise a temperature detector and/or a flow-sensing tube and communicate at one end through a tubular port of said fitting with said return passage section thereof and at the other end are provided with a hose coupling for connection to one of said cooling circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Karl Hehl
  • Patent number: 5146764
    Abstract: A method of controlling a centrifugal compressor having a variable width diffuser section, the compressor being part of a chiller having a condenser and an evaporator, the method including the steps of defining the width of the diffuser which results in an optimum noise and performance level at given values of an operational parameter of the compressor, periodically sensing the operational parameter of the compressor, and periodically varying the diffuser width according to the sensed operational parameter to create a diffuser width that results in the optimum noise and performance levels at the sensed value of the operational parameter. The step of defining preferably defines the width based at least on the capacity at which the compressor is operating. The capacity is preferably determined by measuring the flow and temperature difference of the fluid passing through the evaporator. A control system for controlling the chiller system to minimize noise is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce K. Bauman, Charles F. Boal
  • Patent number: 5133193
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system which includes a direct expansion coil, a condenser, a pre-cool coil, and a control system. The control system includes a controller and sensors. The controller receives signals indicative of air flow through the direct expansion coil from the sensors, compares the received signal to a stored air flow rate, and disables the compressor if the stored air flow rate is equal to or greater than the stored value. The controller is also adapted to vary air flow into an occupied space for small changes in the cooling load. In addition, the controller can artificially load the compressor during periods of small cooling load by restricting flow of a cooling agent between the cooling tower and the condenser, or by directing warm water from the condenser through the pre-coil coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Wruck, Gideon Shavit
  • Patent number: 5076068
    Abstract: A cooling device for a plurality of coolant circuits for equipment to be cooled, also those having greatly differing cooling power requirements, whose evaporator is disposed in a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a condenser and an expansion valve. A thermostat switches on the compressor, dependent on the temperature of the coolant in the cooling circuits as measured upstream of the evaporator, if the switching temperature of the coolant is reached and switches off the compressor if the switching temperature is no longer reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: KKW Kulmbacher Klimagerate-Werk GmbH
    Inventor: Noya Mikhail
  • Patent number: 5070704
    Abstract: A heating and/or cooling system incorporates a number of modular refrigeration units each of which includes at least one compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. A variable speed circulating water pump circulates water through each evaporator/condenser, which are connected in parallel across the respective supply line and return line. A master controller activates and deactivates individual compressors in accordance with load demand. Shut-off valves close off the water flow through the respective evaporator and/or condenser of any units deactivated and the resulting changes in the pressure differential in the supply and return lines is sensed by sensor which sends a signal to the pump motor speed controller which changes the output of the pump to restore a predetermined pressure differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Multistack Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Conry
  • Patent number: 5065592
    Abstract: A cold box comprising a freezing room, a cold-heat accumulating agent stored in the freezing room, a commodity storing room divided from the freezing room, an evaporator which forms a freezing cycle together with a compressor, a first air-blowing device for circularly supplying cool air for cooling the cold-heat accumulating agent to the freezing room through the evaporator, a second air-blowing device for circularly supplying cool air for cooling the commodity in the storing room through the cold-heat accumulating agent, and an operation control device for directing the compressor, the first air-blowing device and the second air-blowing device to operate, the operation control device comprising temperature setting device for setting one freezing temperature and one storing temperature, first control device for detecting the temperature of the freezing room and directing the compressor to stop operating when the detected temperature is the set freezing temperature or less, and second control device for detect
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takano, Koichi Sato, Yutaka Shimose
  • Patent number: 5063751
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling drinking water in combination with a conventional refrigeration system of a type including a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. A container having insulated walls and a sealed chamber is provided and has the evaporator therein in the shape of a substantially helically shaped coil. The substantially helically shaped water pipe inserted inside of the helically shaped freon pipe whereby a larger volume of water will be maintained cold by using a helically shaped freon and water pipe than if a straight water pipe were to be used in the cooling chamber. Additionally, because of the small cross section of the water pipe, the cold water will pass out of the cool chamber without mixing in any substantial way with warmer water entering the helical water pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Inventor: William G. Lightner, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5058389
    Abstract: A heating portion is cooled by a fluid, thereby effecting a temperature control. The temperature of the fluid is measured at the time of starting of a system, and the measured fluid temperature is compared with a set temperature. In accordance with the result of the comparison, the timing of starting the operation of LSI chips and the timing of starting the operation of a refrigerator are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromu Yasuda, Takahiro Daikoku, Kenji Takahashi, Shizuo Zushi, Tetsuji Yamashita, Tomio Yoshikawa, Kyoshiro Murakami
  • Patent number: 5052472
    Abstract: An LSI temperature controlling system has closed LSI cooling water circuit, and a refrigeration circuit including a motor-driven refrigerant compressor, a first heat exchanger for exchanging the heat of the LSI cooling water and the refrigerant and a second heat exchanger for exchanging the heats of the refrigerant and another fluid. The motor speed is controlled by an inverter the operation of which is controlled based on the temperature of the LSI cooling water measured by a temperature detector. A heater is used to suppress dew formation on LSI substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Takahashi, Takuji Torii, Takao Senshu, Tetsuji Yamashita, Shizuo Zushi
  • Patent number: 5040379
    Abstract: A temperature controller is provided for controlling a coolant temperature in a liquid coolant system including a liquid circulation circuit, in which coolant for cooling a machine circulates, and a refrigeration circuit for cooling the coolant. The operating capacity of a compressor of the refrigeration circuit is variably adjusted by an inverter, and when the operating condition of the machine is changed, the frequency value for driving the compressor is varied in accordance with the change. Accordingly, it is possible to immediately correspond to the change of a liquid temperature to be generated in the future. In addition, an appropriate control mode can be selected as a control for varying the frequency in combination with a normal feedback control, such that the liquid temperature may converge on a set value or may be co-changed to a room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Fukunaga, Shozo Tsuda
  • Patent number: 5022233
    Abstract: An ice bank control system for a beverage dispenser having a mechanical refrigeration system including an inexpensive solid state sensor, preferably a thermistor, located in the ice water bath adjacent to the evaporator coil and connected to a control circuit including a microprocessor which not only controls the ice bank, but also protects the compressor motor. The resistance of the thermistor is measured and then compared to a reference value previously stored in the microprocessor memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Kirschner, William F. Stembridge, W. Frank Stembridge, III, Douglas A. Deeds
  • Patent number: 5022231
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for saving energy in a chilled water air conditioning system employing secondary pumping for supply chilled water and primary pumping for return chilled water wherein the primary pumping is eliminated comprising directing all of said supply chilled water to the secondary pumps and eliminating any flow of return chilled water through the secondary pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: George Martinez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4984628
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining liquid temperature at a constant level comprises a reaction vessel for containing liquid, a cooling device connected with the reaction vessel for cooling the liquid, a heating device connected with the cooling device for heating the liquid cooled by the cooling device, a circulating device for circulating the liquid through and among the reaction vessel, the cooling device and the heating device, a temperature detecting device for detecting the temperature of the liquid heated by the heating device, a heat exchange rate control device for controlling the heat exchange rate between the cooling device and the liquid, and a control device for controlling the heating device and the heat exchange rate control device based on a control state of the apparatus and on the temperature difference between the detected temperature and a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Uchida, Tetsuaki Abe, Hiroaki Ishizawa
  • Patent number: 4964279
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling system with supplemental thermal storage. The cooling system comprises a compressor, an evaporative condenser, a thermal storage unit, and an evaporator. During normal outdoor temperatures when building cooling is desired, the compressor output is connected to the evaporative condenser which in turn is connected to the evaporator coil. During periods of time when the building is not occupied, the evaporator coil is removed from the cooling circuit and the working fluid passing through coils in the thermal storage unit acts to freeze liquid surrounding the coils within the thermal storage unit tank. During unusually warm outdoor temperatures, when additional building cooling is required, the compressor output is connected to the evaporative condenser which in turn is connected to the thermal storage unit which output is in turn connected to the evaporative coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company
    Inventor: William T. Osborne
  • Patent number: 4939908
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjustably controlling the growth of the solid phase of a substance from around a cooling mechanism, such as the growth of an ice bank around cooling coils, while also minimizing chances of inaccurate control by referencing the apparent resistance of the liquid that is actually in the system rather than a standard value for the same. The invention uses four springs as probes that are positioned relative to one another and are linked with a detachable control circuit in a manner which provides a dead-band in the unit's operation by monitoring the resistance of the liquid at two different distances from the cooling mechanism while the reference resistance is monitored at an even greater distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventors: Leonard G. Ewing, Milton L. Chesnut
  • Patent number: 4928493
    Abstract: A chill water system combining a storage vessel 10, a multiplicity of ice encapsulating units 11 contained in the vessel and a chiller system 60. The storage vessel contains a volume of glycol and water solution having a freezing point of about twenty six degrees F. The ice encapsulating units 11 comprise sealed containers filled with a deionized water and having a volume of powdered cholesterol therein to serve as an ice nucleating agent to lower the initial ice formation temperature of the unit. The containers have imperfect geometric shape and deformable wall structures to permit an increase in enclosed volume as said water therein freezes. Chiller system 60 is operatively associated with the vessel and cools the glycol and water solution to about twenty six degrees to freeze the water in the containers 11. A topping tank 90 and an inventory tank 93 receive liquid from the storage vessel 10 as the ice encapsulating units 11 freeze and expand in volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Reaction Thermal Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Gilbertson, Michael R. Meyers, Bruce Kinneberg
  • Patent number: 4926649
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving energy in the operation of a conventional air conditioning system in a large building employing a condenser, an evaporator, a chilled water circuit, and a refrigerant compressor or heat source in an absorption-type air conditioner wherein the chilled water flow is modulated to match the actual cooling load needed in the building, and when utilized in an air conditioning system having multiple air conditioning units one or more of the air conditioning units is turned off along with associated pumps and valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventor: George Martinez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4922724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marinecraft refrigeration and delivery ice product system having means for the delivery of ice product to remote vertical and horizontal locations in the marinecraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventors: William Grayson, Melvin E. Strahosky
  • Patent number: 4922996
    Abstract: To reduce the heat present in hot hydraulic oil, the oil is passed through a heat exchanger in heat exchange relation with water. The temperature of the water entering the exchanger is at least 28.degree. C. and the quantity of water circulated through the exchanger is such that the difference between the ingoing and outgoing temperatures of the oil at the heat exchanger is not more than 10.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Cyril A. Rees
  • Patent number: 4907417
    Abstract: A cold drink dispenser and, more particularly a refrigeration system for such a dispenser, is disclosed. The dispenser has a beverage flow path, a first coil or evaporator for prechilling a beverage flowing through the beverage flowpath, and a second or ice bank coil immersed in a liquid bath with the flowpath also immersed in the ice bath. A first modulatable expansion valve (e.g., a pulse modulated solenoid valve) is used to regulate the flow of refrigerant through the first coil and a second modulatable valve is used to regulate the flow of refrigerant through the ice bank coil. A control system (e.g., a microprocessor-based control) monitors certain temperatures and initiates or blocks the flow of refrigerant through one or both of the coils in response to certain pre-established system paramaters so as to insure that the beverage dispensed is below a desired temperature, even under high load operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: David P. Forsythe
  • Patent number: 4856578
    Abstract: A heat pump unit capable of producing hot potable water irregardless of the heating or cooling operation of the heat pump. The heat pump for heating or cooling a conditioned space with potable water heating capability. The heat pump unit having a compressor with a service port, an entrance port and a discharge. A three-way valve is provided connected to the discharge and to the service port of the compressor, and reversing valve is connected to the three-way valve and to the compressor entrance port. A refrigerant-air heat exchanger is connected to the reversing valve outlet and an external source-refrigerant heat exchanger is connected to the reversing valve with a refrigerant-potable water heat exchanger connected to the three-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Nepco, Inc.
    Inventor: David I. McCahill
  • Patent number: 4852362
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a plurality of assembled modular units each having a refrigeration circuit separate from the circuit of the other units. Each unit includes a housing which defines at least one compartment containing the evaporator of the refrigeration circuit. The condenser is either located in a second compartment in the housing or in a separate chamber associated therewith. A first heat exchange fluid is conveyed to and from the compartment by header pipes, the header pipes of adjacent units being interconnected to form common manifolds for the system. A second heat exchange fluid is circulated passed the condensers of each unit. Electrical controls are provided on each unit to control and monitor operation of the respective refrigeration circuit the controls being interconnected to enable overall control of each unit of the system in accordance with load demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Multistack, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Conry
  • Patent number: 4850201
    Abstract: A mechanically refrigerated chiller system for a process coolant has a process coolant circuit which includes a coolant reservoir with refrigerant evaporator coils in it. Coolant returns from the process to the reservoir through several and alternate paths. An additional coolant path is provided through a heat exchanger. An extra hot-gas line from the high pressure side of the refrigerant compressor is coupled through the heat exchanger to the refrigerant condenser. When the temperature of the coolant is too low, adjustment is made by adding heat to some of the coolant in the heat exchanger. Coolant temperature is sensed in an area where coolant returns from the process through a direct path and in another area where the coolant is leaving the evaporator through the aforementioned heat exchanger are mixed with a portion of the reservoir coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Advantage Engineering Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip D. Oswalt, Harold R. Short, Steven E. Wash
  • Patent number: 4843831
    Abstract: A cold accumulation type refrigerator having an improved control system for controlling its defrost cycle. The refrigerator includes a main evaporator for producing cold air, a cooling command signal generating device for generating a cooling command signal when a refrigerator compartment is required to be cooled, a clock device for generating a time data, a refrigerating cycle for cooling the main evaporator in accordance with the cooling command signal and the cold-accumulation material in accordance with the time data from the clock device, and a defrost control device for removing frost deposited on the main evaporator. The defrost control device counts cooling operation time of the evaporator in response to the cooling command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Koji Yamada
  • Patent number: 4823556
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the growth of the solid phase of a substance from around a cooling mechanism, such as the growth of an ice pack in a water cooling system, while also minimizing chances of inaccurate control by referencing the apparent resistance of the liquid that is actually in the system rather than a standard value. The method also provides for a dead-band by monitoring the resistance of the liquid at two roughly adjacent locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventor: Milton L. Chesnut
  • Patent number: 4817395
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving energy in the operation of a conventional air conditioning system in a large building employing a condenser, an evaporator, a chilled water circuit, and a refrigerant compressor or heat source in an absorption-type air conditioner wherein the chilled water flow is modulated to match the actual cooling load needed in the building, and when utilized in an air conditioning system having multiple air conditioning units one or more of the air conditioning units is turned off along with associated pumps and valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: George Martinez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4809516
    Abstract: A residential HVAC system includes a heat pump having a compressor arranged to heat a domestic hot water vessel and to heat or cool a storage vessel which is connected to a heat exchanger within the residence. Temperature sensors are provided at critical locations throughout the system and current and voltage sensors are coupled to the power lines feeding the residence. A microprocessor controls the operation of the compressor and other components of the heat pump system in response to measured temperatures, in response to the level of energy supplied to the residence and in response to the existence of on- or off-peak time intervals to operate the compressor and/or resistive heating elements to condition the hot water and storage vessels for subsequent use and to control an interior fan to condition the space. Operation of the compressor is controlled during on-peak intervals as a function of the resident's life style as reflected in power usage and requested comfort level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: UHR Corporation
    Inventor: Richard D. Jones
  • Patent number: 4769998
    Abstract: A mechanically refrigerated chiller system for a process coolant has a process coolant circuit which includes a coolant reservoir with refrigerant evaporator coils in it. Coolant returns from the process to the reservoir through several and alternate paths. An additional coolant path is provided through a heat exchanger. An extra hot-gas line from the high pressure side of the refrigerant compressor is coupled through the heat exchanger to the refrigerant condenser. When the temperature of the coolant is too low, adjustment is made by adding heat to some of the coolant in the heat exchanger. Coolant temperature is sensed in an area where coolant returns from the process through a direct path and in another area where the coolant is leaving the evaporator through the aforementioned heat exchanger are mixed with a portion of the reservoir coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignees: Advantage Electronics, Incorporated, Advantage Engineering, Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip D. Oswalt, Harold R. Short, Steven E. Wash
  • Patent number: 4761967
    Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicle includes a cooler cooled in a cooling circuit which includes a compressor, a heat exchanger located in the vicinity of the cooler, a thermal storage tank connected with the heat exchanger via a heat transfer passage, a pump provided in said heat transfer passage, a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature TO in close proximity to of the cooler, a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature TC of the storage tank, and a third sensor for detecting the temperature TR in the car interior, and a heat transfer type partition wall can be integrally provided between a cooling flowing passage of the cooler and a fluid passage of the heat exchanger. The air conditioner for the vehicle serves to cause said pump to be operated to permit cooling energy to be stored when TC is greater then TO and TR is lower than a set value, and to cause said pump to be operated to permit said cooling energy to be radiated when TR is higher than the set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Diesel Kiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Sumikawa, Yoichiro Furuya, Shinji Sutoh
  • Patent number: 4751823
    Abstract: A control arrangement for a heat recovery system which can be retrofitted onto existing equipment in order to utilize otherwise wasted heat. A heat source such as a conventional refrigeration system used as a source of superheated condensible heat exchange medium for supply to a heat recovery system. A liquid medium system, such as a water system is connected to the heat recovery system for receipt of heat transferred. The heat recovery system includes a plurality of heat exchangers connected in series. A control arrangement responsive to the operating conditions and safety of the heat recovery system and to the systems with which it interfaces with respect to its effect on said interfaced systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Inventor: Walter A. Hans