Sorbent Type Patents (Class 62/476)
  • Patent number: 5456086
    Abstract: A generator absorber heat exchanger (GAX) heat pump, such as may be used for heating and cooling an inhabited space, having a valving arrangement for converting from a GAX cycle operation to a liquid heat exchanger (LHE) cycle operation when the ambient temperature drops below a predetermined ambient temperature, and for returning to GAX cycle operation when the ambient temperature increases above a predetermined ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: William T. Hanna
  • Patent number: 5447042
    Abstract: The capacity control range of an interior unit of a multiple type absorption air conditioning system is enlarged, and turning on and off of cooling/heating and switch over between the cooling and heating can be readily and safely performed. The capacity control range is increased by reserving a liquid refrigerant in an absorption cool/warm water unit. An interior unit is connected to the absorption cool/warm water unit by a communication device. The operation of the cool/warm water unit caused by turning on and off the system and switch over between cooling and heating are automatically controlled by an operation control device. Consequently, the operation is simplified, and safety is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomihisa Ohuchi, Akira Nishiguchi, Seiichiro Sakaguchi, Daisuke Hisajima, Michihiko Aizawa, Takashi Nakao, Yasuo Koseki, Kyoji Kohno
  • Patent number: 5435154
    Abstract: A high temperature regenerator of an absorption type hot and cold water generator and an absorption type hot and cold water generator capable of preventing corrosion from occurring by preventing local overheating at the heat transfer surface of the high temperature regenerator and capable of being miniaturized. The high temperature regenerator includes an outer case, an inner case, a plurality of solution pipes, a burner, a solution flow-in pipe, and a gas/liquid separation plate. The inner case is inside the outer case, and a solution is kept between the cases, with the inner case being submerged within this solution. The burner is mounted on the side of the outer case in such a way that heat can be supplied through the inner case, with the inside of the inner case serving as a combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Nishiguchi, Tomihisa Ohuchi, Shigeo Sugimoto, Michihiko Aizawa, Takao Naruse, Yasuo Uraki
  • Patent number: 5421173
    Abstract: An absorption heating and cooling apparatus includes a generator for separating a dilute solution into a high temperature gaseous refrigerant and a refrigerant-absorbing liquid. The gaseous refrigerant is conducted to an absorber either directly (heating cycle) or indirectly by way of a condenser (cooling cycle). In a heating cycle, the hot gaseous refrigerant fed to the absorber heats a heat exchange fluid (e.g., for heating a room), whereupon the gaseous refrigerant condenses to a liquid. In the cooling cycle, the gaseous refrigerant is condensed into a cold liquid refrigerant in the condenser and is sent to the absorber wherein it cools the heat exchange liquid. In both the heating and cooling cycles, refrigerant-absorbing liquid conducted from the generator to the absorber is mixed with the liquid refrigerant therein following the heat-exchange step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Gap Lee, Sung-Ho Gil, Suk-Hyun Eun
  • Patent number: 5419156
    Abstract: A regenerative sorption compressor assembly for use in a sorption compressor/refrigerator system. The regenerative sorption compressor assembly of the present invention comprises a series of sorption compressor elements connected to a flowing loop of heat transport fluid. The compressor elements are heated and cooled by the heat transport fluid. At some point in the loop the fluid path is broken and the fluid is diverted to a heat source. At another point in the loop the fluid path is broken and the fluid is diverted to a heat sink. The points at which the heating and cooling flows are diverted are switched from compressor element to element in the direction of fluid flow at such a rate that the thermal capacity rate of the fluid in the heat transport loop relative to the moving switch point is equal and opposite to the thermal capacity rate of the compressor assembly relative to the switch point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Aerojet-General Corporation
    Inventor: Philip H. Sywulka
  • Patent number: 5419145
    Abstract: The rate of water vapor sorption of an absorption cycle cooling and/or heating system using an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution as the working fluid is increased by adding at least 2 parts per million of a primary, secondary or tertiary aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic amine to the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Travis Chandler, Uwe Rockenfeller
  • Patent number: 5392639
    Abstract: Refrigerant type is identified and determined by storing in electronic memory indicia representative of saturation pressure/temperature characteristics of a plurality of differing refrigerant types. A liquid refrigerant sample of unknown type is obtained and vaporized under controlled conditions of temperature and pressure. Refrigerant vapor temperature is measured at two different vapor pressures during the vaporization process, and such temperatures and pressures are then compared with the indicia prestored in memory. Two temperature readings at differing vapor pressures are sufficient to distinguish refrigerant type based upon the prestored saturation/temperature indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Manz
  • Patent number: 5390509
    Abstract: The basic apparatus of the invention is a triple effect absorption cycle apparatus, comprising first, second and third generators each containing an aqueous absorption fluid and operating at successively higher temperatures; first, second and third condensers operating at successively higher temperatures, and operatively communicating with the generators; first heat exchange means cooperating between the third and second generators, and between the second condenser and first generator, for directing energy therebetween; one, two or three absorbers and one, two or three fluid loops for directing aqueous absorption fluid between absorbers and second heat exchange means for exchanging energy between aqueous absorption fluid flows in said loops; and one, two or three evaporators operatively communicating with the absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Uwe Rockenfeller, Paul Sarkisian
  • Patent number: 5383341
    Abstract: An absorption system for heating, refrigerating and conditioning air for use in vehicles is disclosed. The refrigerant-absorbent mixture, presenting a coefficient of performance of around 0.9, is heated by the waste heat of exhaust gases from the vehicle which has a fuel-driven internal combustion engine. The absorption system is based on the principle of evaporation at relatively low pressure and temperature followed by absorption of refrigerant vapor by the absorbent and then evaporation of the refrigerant from the absorbent when heated by an external heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Uri Rapoport
    Inventors: Avigdor Zur, Itzhak Shechtman
  • Patent number: 5381674
    Abstract: A compact generator for an absorption refrigerating machine that uses combustion gas as a heat source, which enables stable heating. The generator 1 has a dilute solution inlet 3, a solution outlet 4, and a vapor outlet 5. A multiplicity of heat transfer fins 6 are provided on the outer periphery of a drum shell 2 of the generator. A circulation guide 7 is provided along the inner periphery of the drum shell. Openings are respectively provided in the bottom and top of the circulation guide 7. The solution outlet 4 has an overflow weir 10. The vapor outlet 5 has a downwardly facing opening 11 inside the can of the generator. The dilute solution inlet 3 is provided with a mixing chamber 20 which is separated from the solution in the drum shell of the generator and where the solution in the drum shell and dilute solution from the dilute solution inlet mix with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Omori, Noriyuki Nishiyama, Naoyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 5377494
    Abstract: A heat exchanging apparatus includes a composite structure of a ferrosoferric oxide and a molybdenum oxide at the internal surface of a heat exchange cycle tube located in a generator. A process of suppressing corrosion of this heat exchanging apparatus includes the step of preparing an ammonia solution including dissolved oxygen of a concentration of approximately 3-8 ppm. Approximately 1 wt %-5 wt % molybdate is added into the ammonia solution. This ammonia solution is sealed within the heat exchange cycle tube to be heated to at least a predetermined temperature in the generator of the heat exchanging apparatus. Thus, a composite structure of a ferrosoferric oxide and molybdenum oxide is formed on the internal surface of the generator. This composite structure allows the suppression of corrosion in the internal surface of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Takagi, Kazuaki Minato, Masafumi Satomura
  • Patent number: 5373709
    Abstract: An absorption type refrigerator including a generator having an improved heat-exchange efficiency and which is compact and economical. The generator is constructed using a heat-exchanger made up of a bellows-fin formed by consecutively bending a thin plate into a wave-like form and seal plates attached to ends of the bellows-fin for sealingly separating chambers disposed on opposite sides of the bellows-fin. In constructing the generator using the heat-exchanger, the bellows-fin is transversely arranged so that a lower chamber is used as a combustion chamber and an exhaust path for a burner whereas a diluted solution is introduced into an upper chamber and discharged therefrom for circulation after generating vapor refrigerant and being converted into concentration solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Tongu, Kazumitsu Onoda
  • Patent number: 5367884
    Abstract: Numerous embodiments and related methods for generator-absorber heat exchange (GAX) are disclosed, particularly for absorption heat pump systems. Such embodiments and related methods use the working solution of the absorption system for the heat transfer medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Phillips Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Phillips, Thomas S. Zawacki, Joseph Marsala
  • Patent number: 5359864
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus has a cooling vessel, containing a liquid as a thermal medium which absorbs latent heat by evaporation, and an absorber which absorbs the vapor of the liquid. The cooling vessel further contains one or more units of encapsulated gel refrigerant submerged in the liquid, which impede temperature increase of the liquid when an operation of the cooling apparatus is temporarily suspended. An alternative cooling vessel has one or more upwardly extending members partially submerged in the liquid and covered with liquid soaking material, so that the liquid soaks up in the material by capillary action and accelerates its evaporation. Another alternative cooling vessel has plural liquid tanks, one arranged on another, so that the total area for the evaporation of the liquid is multiplied. An additional alternative cooling vessel has a plurality of rotatable fins, partially submerged in the liquid, for accelerating the evaporation of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Sanden Corp.
    Inventor: Yasuo Yamada
  • Patent number: 5355693
    Abstract: A refrigerator is located in a central island or wall of a vehicle. An air duct extends downwardly from the refrigerator through a floor of the vehicle. A fan is installed in the duct to aid air circulation. The fan is controlled by a temperature switch located on a condenser of the refrigerator. Air for cooling the condenser and an absorber are drawn up the duct from outside the vehicle and exhausted outside the vehicle through an upper duct and vent in a roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: The Dometic Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick N. McConnell, Bruce L. Boxum
  • Patent number: 5355696
    Abstract: The specification discloses pollution control equipment for pollution generating industrial processes. A containment structure confines pollutants within the structure from which they are removed by cleaning equipment. An absorption refrigeration system removes heat from containment structure for co-generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Aubrey C. Briggs
  • Patent number: 5353866
    Abstract: Louver segments of a heat transfer fin each have a longitudinal central portion disposed at the center of the louver segment in a direction crossing the flow of a fluid and longitudinal end portions each disposed on either side of the longitudinal central portion and sectioned into parts. Each louver segment has a configuration such that an area of the longitudinal central portion projected in the direction of the flow of the fluid is larger than an area of each of the longitudinal end portions projected in the direction of the flow of the fluid, with respect to the same width of the passage of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironobu Ueda, Toshio Hatada, Yoshifumi Kunugi, Tomihisa Oouchi, Sigeo Sugimoto, Tamio Shimizu, Kyoji Kohno
  • Patent number: 5351504
    Abstract: A reversible heat pump providing a generator of refrigerant fluid in a vapor state produced by a rectifying column having perforated plates, with a hydrostatic head on the plate assured by the surface tension of the liquid, a reboiler of the generator heated indirectly, a storage tank of the condensed refrigerant fluid which contributes to controlling the cycle pressure for optimizing the efficiency under partial load conditions, expansion valve for the condensed refrigerant which changes the flow section as a function of the pressure and controls the flow rate of the refrigerant for draining any impurity, electro valve reducing the load loss of the expansion valve during summer, a plate absorber with swirl grid providing a microdrop flow between poor solution and refrigerant, and a multi-way valve which allows the heat pump to be coupled with a split-exchanger by deviating the flows of the operating fluids according to the requirements so as to cause the split-exchanger to perform the function of a cold sour
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Ente Per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente (ENEA)
    Inventors: Paolo Giacometti, Carlo Mustacchi, Vincenzo Cena
  • Patent number: 5345786
    Abstract: An absorption heat pump and a cogeneration system are provided to have high efficiency of utilizing exhaust heat. An absorption heat pump having an evaporator, an absorber, a high-temperature regenerator, a low-temperature regenerator and a condenser is combined with a fuel cell such that the pump includes a cycle in which vapor exhaust heat from the fuel cell is used as a heat source for the evaporator and the high-temperature regenerator, and another cycle in which warm-water exhaust heat from the fuel cell is used as a heat source for the low-temperature regenerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yoda, Kenzi Machizawa, Koji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5342578
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion in ammonia-water absorption machines that includes adding to an ammonia-water solution soluble silicon compounds. Examples of these silicon compounds include sodium silicate (Na.sub.2 SiO.sub.3), potassium silicate (K.sub.2 SiO.sub.3), lithium silicate (Li.sub.2 SiO.sub.3), silicic acid (H.sub.2 SiO.sub.5), and tetramethoxysilane (CH.sub.3 O).sub.4 Si. Sodium silicate is revealed as the preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Arun K. Agrawal, Barry Hindin
  • Patent number: 5339654
    Abstract: A refrigeration and heating system has been made in which improved efficiencies are obtained by placing helical concentric coils of at least two generators (80 and 81) and recuperators (86 and 95) on a common axis (232) with a heating unit (84) at the center and allowing the hot combustion gases (245) to circulate in serpentine fashion through separate concentric chambers containing the coils. Further efficiencies are obtained by placing an absorber (97), condenser (100) and recuperator (107) in a single module (270) and by using tube-in-tube or tube-in-cylinder construction with fluted inner tubes. A general purpose, divided-flow, tube-in-cylinder, heat-transfer device (400) is used to reduce the pressure drop in the circulating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Columbia Gas System Service Corporation
    Inventors: F. Bert Cook, Stephen E. Petty, Howard C. Meacham, Jr., Richard N. Christensen, Kevin R. McGahey
  • Patent number: 5335515
    Abstract: The basic apparatus of the invention is a triple effect absorption cycle apparatus, comprising first, second and third generators each containing an aqueous absorption fluid and operating at successively higher temperatures; first, second and third condensers operating at successively higher temperatures, and operatively communicating with the generators; first heat exchange means cooperating between the third condenser and second generator, and between the second condenser and first generator, for directing energy therebetween; one, two or three absorbers and one, two or three fluid loops for directing aqueous absorption fluid between absorbers and second heat exchange means for exchanging energy between aqueous absorption fluid flows in said loops; and one, two or three evaporators operatively communicating with the absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Uwe Rockenfeller, Paul Sarkisian
  • Patent number: 5333471
    Abstract: A dual-adsorber cooling system for an automobile has a pair of adsorbers, a cooling vessel, a pair of absorbate outgoing passages extending from the cooling vessel to each of the adsorbers individually, a common adsorbate return passage, a condenser, and a condensation passage. A bypass passage enables the two adsorbers to directly communicate each other to exchange heat. The adsorbers are opposingly disposed with an intervening plenum therebetween. The engine exhaust gas is introduced to the central plenum, and the external air is guided to the central plenum through the adsorbing adsorber so that a blend of the exhaust gas and the air is directed to the desorbing adsorber in the plenum, whereby the adsorbing adsorber is cooled and the desorbing adsorber is heated up. The amount of the external air taken can be controlled according to the amount of the exhaust gas. A process switchover controller can adjust the process cycle period according to the temperature of the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Sanden Corp.
    Inventor: Yasuo Yamada
  • Patent number: 5332546
    Abstract: Working fluid for absorption heat pumps operating at very high temperature, particularly 200.degree. to 1000.degree. C., said working fluid being a mixture of at least two constituents, characterized in that the working fluid is constituted by a mixture of at least two chemical elements, whereof the first called the "solvent" is much more volatile than the others called "solutes" at the temperature of the mixture, the nature and proportions of each of the chemical elements in the mixture being chosen in such a way that the Vapour pressure of the mixture is significantly below that of the first, more volatile chemical element throughout the operating cycle of the working fluid in the pump.These chemical elements can in particular be metals such as mercury or sodium, or metalloids such as sulphur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Pierre Le Goff, Bai Q. Liu, Dimitrios Antonakas, Gabriel Marbach
  • Patent number: 5325684
    Abstract: The absorber has four concentric helical conduits in a housing. A dummy tube is arranged in the housing. The weak coolant solution is conducted in four partial flows through four supply lines to the helical conduits. The profiles of the tube of the helical conduits are of flat oval construction. To ensure that the weak solution is uniformly distributed, on the other hand the individual coils of the helical conduits form a gap in which the solution collects, is conducted downward and redistributed. The heat generated in the absorber is dissipated by a liquid in a secondary system which flows inside the helical conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Hans Stierlin
    Inventors: Hans Stierlin, John R. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5325683
    Abstract: An absorption heat pump apparatus using a refrigerant as a heat exchanging medium includes a vapor generator for producing a dilute refrigerant solution and a heat exchanger having an evaporator for producing evaporated refrigerant gas and an absorber for making the evaporated refrigerant gas to be absorbed into the dilute refrigerant solution. A plurality refrigerant paths extending inside the evaporator and absorber for flowing the refrigerant inside for heat exchange operation. Each inlet end of refrigerant paths is connected to an inlet before the evaporator by a plurality of first capillary paths. Each outlet end of refrigerant paths is joined to an outlet. A plurality of second capillary paths are connected to the refrigerant paths before the absorber for supplying the dilute refrigerant solution to the absorber. When passing through the capillary paths, the refrigerant is cooled due to the pressure loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Yamamoto, Shinji Omura, Hisaaki Gyoten, Yasushi Nakagiri
  • Patent number: 5323616
    Abstract: Compressed air, feeding a unit for the separation of gases present in air, releases calories to a refrigerating unit which operates by absorption while cooling a flow of liquid in heat exchange relationship with a gas of the apparatus to cool the latter so as to ensure a reduction of the global energy consumption of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Denis Chretien, Philippe Mazieres
  • Patent number: 5315839
    Abstract: A control system for an absorption heat transfer plant controls the quantity of heat input into the plant's concentrator in response to the plant's evaporator liquid refrigerant temperature. The control system also controls the temperature of the cooling fluid for the plant's absorber and condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Donald V. Nicol, Russell A. Kilbourn, Mark J. Lane
  • Patent number: 5303565
    Abstract: A rotary absorption heat pump assembly. The assembly comprises a generator (2), condenser (3), evaporator (4), absorbent cooler (5), and absorber (1), all operatively associated to function as components of an absorption-type heat pump of high efficiency and superior operating characteristics. The heat pump is characterized by the presence of a tapered cylindrical absorber (1) which receives and processes, in the form of a very thin peripheral film ("d"), a predetermined amount of absorbent solution. The absorber (1) is arranged in abutting end-to-end relationship to the generator (2), with which it communicates. The condenser (3) and evaporator (4) are arranged end-to-end outside of the absorber (1) and absorbent cooler (5), concentrically therewith and radially spaced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Conserve Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Milton F. Pravda
  • Patent number: 5295371
    Abstract: A single-and double-effect absorption refrigerator comprising a drum including both a preliminary low-temperature regenerator having a low-temperature heat source and a condenser, a piping for low-concentration liquid absorbent extending from an absorber to the preliminary low-temperature regenerator through the pump for low-concentration liquid absorbent, a piping for intermediate-concentration liquid absorbent having a pump for intermediate-concentration liquid absorbent and extending from the preliminary low-temperature regenerator to a high-temperature regenerator, and a pipe for liquid absorbent connecting a part of the piping for intermediate-concentration liquid absorbent provided on a drawing side of the pump for intermediate-concentration liquid absorbent to a pipe for high-concentration liquid absorbent extending from a low-temperature regenerator to a low-temperature heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Oonou, Kazuhiro Yoshii
  • Patent number: 5293759
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system uses a solution and a refrigerant contained in the solution as working mediums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Industrial Technology research Institute
    Inventors: Chung-Chiang Lee, Hung-Yao Chao, Peggy Lin, Chi-Chen Chung, Yuh-Yuan Yo
  • 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: 5284029
    Abstract: Triple-effect absorption heat exchange apparatus for transferring heat from a heat load to a heat sink. The apparatus comprises first and second interconnected refrigerant loops. The first loop comprises a first generator, a first condenser, a first evaporator, and a first absorber operatively linked together. The second loop comprises a second generator, a second condenser, a second evaporator, and a second absorber operatively linked together. The first absorber and the first condenser are in direct heat exchange relation with the second generator. This direct heat exchange relation may be established by providing a two-stage generator in which the condenser and absorber of a first loop are in the same vessel as the generator of a second loop. The condenser and absorber of the first loop provide the heat necessary to operate the second-loop generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Edward F. Keuper, William J. Plzak
  • Patent number: 5282369
    Abstract: The capacity control range of an interior unit of a multiple type absorption air conditioning system is increased, and turning on and off of cooling/heating and switch over between the cooling and heating can be readily and safely performed. The capacity control range is increased by reserving a liquid refrigerant in an absorption cool/warm water unit. An interior unit is connected to the absorption cool/warm water unit by a communication device. The operation of the cool/warm water unit caused by turning on and off the system and switch over between cooling and heating are automatically controlled by an operation control device. Consequently, the operation is simplified, and safety is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomihisa Ohuchi, Akira Nishiguchi, Seiichiro Sakaguchi, Daisuke Hisajima, Michihiko Aizawa, Takashi Nakao, Yasuo Koseki, Kyoji Kohno
  • Patent number: 5282507
    Abstract: In a heat exchange system such as an absorption refrigerator, a heat exchange element is disposed in at least one of a heat exchanger, a condenser, an evaporator, an absorber and a low-temperature regenerator. The heat exchange element has a bellows-fin formed into a wave-like shape by consecutively bending a thin plate, and sealing plate sealingly attached onto ends of the bellows-fin, for defining adjacent two chambers alternately in the heat exchanger or the like. The heating fluid and the fluid to be heated are heat-exchanged to each other through the thin plate of the bellows-fin defining respective chambers, so that contact area is increased to thereby extremely improve the heat exchange efficiency. Further, the heat exchange element can be manufactured with ease, to thereby decrease the production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Tongu, Kazumitsu Onoda, Yasumichi Makino, Yoshitaka Matsushima
  • Patent number: 5277035
    Abstract: A refrigerator having multi-compartments and having a heat pipe which transfers heat from a heat source in the refrigeration system to surfaces on the refrigerator which are prone to sweating such as the mullion between compartments. The refrigerator has a gas absorption refrigeration system and the heat pipe is routed from the generator in the system, between the inner and outer shells of the cabinet to the mullion. The heat pipe minimizes condensation of moisture on the external surface of the mullion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: John E. Fristoe, David B. Kueterman
  • Patent number: 5271246
    Abstract: In an absorption chiller-heater, warm water in the heat exchanger tubes of an evaporator is heated by spraying solution on the surface of the heat exchanger tubes of an evaporator, and the temperature of the solution is lowered at the same time. As a result, using a conventional low temperature solution pump, high temperature water of around 80.degree. C. may be produced without raising the temperature of the solution. Accordingly, it is not necessary to use heat resisting materials for the solution pump, and corrosion of the materials of the apparatus is less likely to occur. At the same time, since the temperature of the parts is lowered, thermal stress of the materials decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Kawasaki Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 5271235
    Abstract: A high-efficiency, enhanced, generator-absorber heat exchange (EnGAX) cycle, particularly useful in gas-fired, air-cooled absorption heat pumps, increases the heat output of the absorber in the temperature overlap range with the generator to equal the heat usable by the generator. This is accomplished by establishing a solution pathway from a portion of the absorber in the temperature overlap region to a portion of the generator in order to increase solution flow in the high temperature regions of the absorber and generator. Further improvements in cycle efficiency are obtainable by increasing the operating pressure of the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Phillips Engineering Company
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Phillips, Thomas S. Zawacki
  • Patent number: 5263340
    Abstract: A generator for an absorption refrigerator has heat transfer pipes within a shell main body, an absorbing solution injecting port and absorbing solution exhausting port. An absorbing solution exhausting port is provided which receives the absorbing solution flowing over a dam which is higher than the exhaust port on the absorbing solution injecting port side. A steam box is provided to cooperate with the absorbing solution exhausting port, which box has an opening above the top of the dam. The absorbing solution flowing in the main body injected from the injecting port (3) forms a closed type heat exchanger connected with an open type heat exchanger provided at the steam box into which the absorbing solution vaporizes as it flows over the dam (41) into the exhaust box (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kotohiko Sekoguchi, Masahiro Furukawa
  • Patent number: 5259202
    Abstract: In an absorption air-conditioning system, in order to immediately stop indoor air-conditions by a stop signal of the indoor air-conditioners and improve characteristics for activating the system , such as, by effecting re-activation at a relatively short time interval after stopping the operation of the system, when the last one of the operating indoor air-conditioners is stopped, a stop signal is sent to a control device from a controller for the indoor air-conditioner, and in response to this signal, the control device effects the control of stopping a burner, a cooling medium circulating pump, a cooling water pump and a cold/hot water, pump. A solution circulating pump, however, continues operating and the solution, while kept at a high concentration, is circulated through an absorber, a high-temperature regenerator and a low-temperature regenerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Nishiguchi, Tomihisa Ohuchi, Daisuke Hisajima, Michihiko Aizawa
  • Patent number: 5259205
    Abstract: In a box-shaped main body of a nearly rectangular parallelepiped shaped shell, an absorber, an evaporator, a low temperature regenerator, and a condenser are disposed sequentially in the vertical direction from the bottom, and a refrigerant sump of nearly V or U shape is disposed between the evaporator and absorber. Furthermore, an eliminator is disposed in an oblique direction at the side of the evaporator, and a purging enclosing member is disposed in the absorber, and a flush chamber of double structure is installed between the evaporator and refrigerant sump. This slim low temperature shell, and high temperature regenerator and others are formed into one body forming an element or module, and a plurality of elements are disposed parallel in the lateral direction, or disposed in the lateral direction and stacked up in the vertical direction, thereby forming a large-sized absorption chiller/absorption chiller-heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Kawasaki Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuzo Takahata, Kunihiko Nakajima, Osamu Ooishi, Tomiyasu Okita
  • Patent number: 5255534
    Abstract: An absorption system and process that operates around a crystallization curve of a solution with a crystallization limitation. At least a portion of dilute solution discharged from an absorber is mixed with relatively strong absorbent flowing from a generator. The mixture is controlled so that the cycle steps around the crystallization curve of the solution. One preferred solution is water-lithium bromide. One preferred strong/weak concentration of the water-lithium bromide solution is approximately 66%/62%. A preferred operating concentration bandwith of the water-lithium bromide solution is approximately 4%. A solution heat exchanger independent from the absorber is positioned upstream from the absorber and is used to transfer heat from the mixture of the relatively strong absorbent and the diluted solution to either a heat rejection mechanism or a heat collection mechanism. Two preferred absorber mechanisms include a spray absorber and a rotating disk distribution absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: William A. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5255528
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorption system having a regenerator (17) wherein an absorption process of the absorption of low-pressure ammonia vapor into a weak liquid solution of ammonia-water is carried out in the shell (16) of the regenerator (17) with the heat of absorption being used in a generation process wherein a high-pressure ammonia water solution is boiled in a conduit (14) passing through the regenerator (17). A waste heat recovery conduit (40, 40', 40") is provided for concurrent flow of an ammonia-water solution and ammonia-water vapor, the flow being heated (46) to boil the solution. The heated vapor is then introduced into the absorption process in the shell (16) of the regenerator (17) with the heat (46) used to boil the solution in the waste heat recovery conduit (40) being recuperated in the regenerator as the hot vapor is absorbed into the ammonia-water solution therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Kim Dao
  • Patent number: 5253523
    Abstract: An absorption type chiller is improved as to operation and efficiency by the addition thereto of a pair of liquid-transfer units, one between the concentrated salt solution circuit and the intermediate salt solution circuit and including a magnetic filter and a pump additional to and independent of the system pumps. The purpose of this unit is to filter off iron oxide (rust) that accumulates periodically in the typical system. In addition to this unit, the heat exchanger in the concentrated solution line is vibrated in order to loosen and free the iron oxide particles. A second liquid-transfer unit is connected between the dilute solution line and the refrigerant line and includes an ammonia scavenger canister or its equivalent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Billy J. Bernardin
  • Patent number: 5249436
    Abstract: A simplified, low cost absorption heat pump includes a single pressure vessel having first and second insulated compartments in unrestricted fluid communication with one another and containing, hermetically sealed, a working medium. A heat transfer ar is used to maintain the compartments at differential temperatures, but equal pressures so that the absorption cycle proceeds in a two-stage, batch mode, namely boiling of the working medium in the first compartment and simultaneous condensing in the second compartment during the first stage and evaporating in the second compartment and simultaneous absorbing in the first compartment during the second stage. The heat transfer arrangement then utilizes the heat given off or taken in during the absorption cycle for heating/air conditioning in a conventional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Indugas, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus H. Hemsath
  • Patent number: 5237839
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system with ammonia as refrigerant and a salt solution as absorbent operates with an improved margin of safety to crystallization of the salt solution by incorporating an absorber having a precooler and narrow nozzles. The precooler serves to additionally lower the temperature of the salt solution before it is caused to absorb ammonia exothermically, and the nozzles are for injecting the salt solution into ammonia gas flows, while maintaining the solution on the upstream side at relatively high pressure. The flow characteristics of the gas-liquid mixture through absorber tubes change from churn flow to slug flow and finally to bubble flow. A blower is provided for recycling a portion of the ammonia gas back to the absorber for optimizing absorption efficiency. The precooler and the absorber tubes are cooled evaporatively to reduce operating temperatures and system operating costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Dehne
  • Patent number: 5231849
    Abstract: An ammonia absorption refrigeration system includes a generator vessel (G) in a casing (M) through which engine exhaust gas flows in heat exchange relation with the generator vessel, ammonia/water refrigerant solution being contained in the generator to be vaporized therein by the heat from the exhaust gas, a condenser (C) through which vaporized refrigerant flows from the generator, at least one evaporator (U, V) through which refrigerant flows from the condenser, and at least one absorber (W, Y) through which refrigerant flows from the evaporator (S) to be returned by a refrigerant pump (H, J) to the generator (G).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Joel H. Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 5230225
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system generator assembly is provided with a centrally positioned, generally vertical boiling pot element having a lower portion and an upper portion, with an annular primary combustion chamber surrounding the boiling pot element lower portion exclusive of the boiling pot member bottom surface, and with an optional contiguous secondary combustion chamber surrounding the boiling pot element upper portion. An included fuel/gas air supply and ignitor cooperates with the primary combustion chamber and causes combustion products to swirl over the lower and upper portions of the boiling pot element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Paul E. George, II, James H. Saunders, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE34600
    Abstract: An improvement in an absorption refrigeration and/or heating system including apparatus (157) to convert the pressure energy and/or phase change energy in the solution and/or refrigerant of the absorption system into mechanical energy, with additional apparatus to replace or supplement the externally supplied mechanical energy motive device (152) in the system with the converted mechanical energy. The system includes a first positive displacement pump (98) for conveying the absorbent solution from the absorber to the generator with first positive displacement apparatus (98) driven by a motive device (152) that is activated by the externally supplied energy. A second pump (158) is provided that is driven by the system pressure energy. Each of the pumping apparatus is being independently driven and connected to the other only by fluid connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Columbia Gas Service Corporation
    Inventors: F. Bert Cook, Edward A. Reid, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE34747
    Abstract: An integrated three-chamber absorption refrigeration and heat pump system with improved defrost capabilities having a solution pair including a material of .[.unusable.]. .Iadd.unusual .Iaddend.fluid stability at higher temperatures when manipulated in an apparatus and system to take advantage of its properties. Disclosed materials of a solution pair for operation as part of the system of this invention are ammonia as the refrigerant and sodium thiocyanate as the absorbent. A heat transfer sub-system is provided, for conveying a working fluid between the components, having multiple switchable valve means, including first, second, and third valve members selectively switchable to convey the working fluid from the cooling mode to the heating mode and vice versa, as well as to the defrost mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Columbia Gas Service Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Petty, Bert F. Cook