With Means To Enhance Separations In Generator Patents (Class 62/497)
  • Patent number: 12018851
    Abstract: For controlling opening (B2) of a valve in an HVAC system to regulate the fluid flow through a thermal energy exchanger and adjust power transfer of the thermal energy exchanger, a control system sets (S6) a control signal for the valve to different setpoints and records (S1) a plurality of data points. Each data point includes for a certain setpoint operating data values related to the power transfer effectuated by the thermal energy exchanger with the control signal set to the certain setpoint. The control system determines (S2) a fitting curve for the data points and determines (S3) a transformation which transforms the fitting curve into a transformed curve having a given target shape. The control system controls (B2) the opening of the valve by transforming (S5) the setpoint to a transformed setpoint, using the transformation, and setting (S6) the control signal for the valve to the transformed setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: BELIMO HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Forest Reider
  • Patent number: 11543327
    Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to a system and method for testing units-under-test (UUT) with a thermal shock. The thermal shock testing system can include a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the chamber being configured to provide a thermal shock to a unit-under-test (UUT), a pump configured to fluidly connect to the inlet of the chamber and direct a temperature controlled liquid through a channel embedded in the chamber, and a boiler and a chiller fluidly connected to the pump, the temperature of the liquid being controlled by at least one valve configured to alternatively direct hot or cold fluid to the inlet of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Fen Chen, David Fain, Geoffrey Maines, Wen-chieh Tang
  • Patent number: 11231214
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system includes a heat transfer fluid circulation loop configured to circulate a refrigerant therethrough, a purge gas outlet in operable communication with the heat transfer fluid circulation loop and at least one gas permeable membrane having a first side in operable communication with the purge gas outlet and a second side. The membrane includes a plurality of pores of a size to allow passage of contaminants through the membrane, while restricting passage of the refrigerant through the membrane, and further restricting passage of a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor through the membrane. A purge unit is in operable communication with the second side of the permeable membrane configured to receive a purge gas from the permeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vishnu M. Sishtla, Zissis A. Dardas
  • Patent number: 8978407
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorption plate for a vehicle air-conditioner, through which a flow of absorbent fluid (110) passes, said fluid flowing along at least one exchange surface (130), the exothermic absorption of a coolant occurring through said at least one exchange surface (130) by increasing the concentration of the coolant in the absorbent fluid (110), the plate comprising, along said at least one exchange surface (130), a means (150) for rendering the temperature of the flow of absorbent fluid uniform, characterized in that the means (150) for rendering the temperature uniform is a separate turbulence means for said at least one exchange surface (130), and increases the turbulence of the flow of absorbent fluid (110) along said at least one exchange surface (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Vincent Herbert, Remi Goulet
  • Patent number: 8316659
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal energy management device for a vehicle, namely a vehicle equipped with an electric generator associating and fuel cell and hydrogen reformer, comprising at least one primary circuit circulating a first heat-conducting fluid, such circuit enabling calories to be collected from a thermal source and transported to at least one thermal exchanger wherein said device comprises at least one thermal exchanger constituted by a sorption exchanger, enabling the thermal energy management of vehicles, and namely, armored vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nexter Systems
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Bouysset, Martial Cozic, Dominique Hoslin
  • Patent number: 7874178
    Abstract: An ignition containment system is provided for absorption refrigeration systems. The system encloses the burner area to contain an inadvertent ignition of gases that may have escaped from the refrigerant tubing or elsewhere. By containing a potential fire or vapor leak, the system can substantially mitigate the spread of a fire to other nearby combustible materials, further damage to the appliance, and fire or smoke damage to property or materials beyond the appliance. The ignition containment system can also include an electrical detection device that can indicate an abnormal rise in temperature, a presence of foreign material, or the presence of ignitable gases in the contained or encapsulated ignition chamber. Detection of any one of the above can trigger a termination of the ignition source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Dometic, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick N. McConnell, Kenneth Anderson, Carl H. Lindhagen
  • Publication number: 20100326126
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration machine with a working medium, containing a nonvolatile sorption medium and a volatile refrigerant, and an absorber in which a vapor phase containing refrigerant and a liquid phase containing sorption medium are separated from one another by a semipermeable membrane which is permeable to the refrigerant and impermeable to the sorption medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Seiler, Bernd Glockler
  • Patent number: 7827821
    Abstract: To provide a highly efficient and compact absorption refrigerating machine with water heated from 60 to 70 degrees Celsius as the heat source. In an absorption refrigerating machine including a regenerator G, condenser C, an absorber A, an evaporator E, an auxiliary regenerator GX and an auxiliary absorber AX, the concentrated solution from G is heated and further concentrated in GX, while the diluted solution from A is cooled in AX, the refrigerant vapor from GX is absorbed. A low temperature heat exchanger XL is provided for heat exchange between the concentrated solution supplied from GX to A, and the diluted solution sent from AX to G, and a high temperature heat exchanger XH is provided for heating the diluted solution leaving from XL and sent to G with the concentrated solution supplied from G to GX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Inoue, Kiichi Irie, Yukihiro Fukusumi
  • Publication number: 20090255290
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating fluids are disclosed. We have discovered that, surprisingly, providing an open pore structure between a wick and an open flow channel resulted in superior separation performance. A novel and compact integrated device components for conducting separations are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Paul H. Humble, Dustin D. Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20080196444
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system using a two or more substance solution to achieve refrigeration that eliminates the need for a pump. The vapor pressure in a generator column is balanced by a pressure head of liquid solvent-solute solution. Re-dissolved solute is returned to the generator by causing some of the vapor to pass through a perforated tube or the like into the solvent where it is absorbed. At least some of the vapor is cooled to liquid solute and then expanded through an expansion valve into an evaporator to create a refrigerator. Hot vapor from the generator column can be passed through a jet to create a low pressure in the evaporator. No pump is necessary since the liquid is returned to the heating area of the generator by gravity. Closed loop control of the heating can optionally be achieved by using a pressure sensor in the rising generator column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Roland Lawes
  • Patent number: 7398656
    Abstract: To provide a highly efficient and compact absorption refrigerating machine with water heated from 60 to 70 degrees Celsius as the heat source. In an absorption refrigerating machine including a regenerator G, condenser C, an absorber A, an evaporator E, an auxiliary regenerator GX and an auxiliary absorber AX, the concentrated solution from G is heated and further concentrated in GX, while the diluted solution from A is cooled in AX, the refrigerant vapor from GX is absorbed. A low temperature heat exchanger XL is provided for heat exchange between the concentrated solution supplied from GX to A, and the diluted solution sent from AX to G, and a high temperature heat exchanger XH is provided for heating the diluted solution leaving from XL and sent to G with the concentrated solution supplied from G to GX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Inoue, Kiichi Irie, Yukihiro Fukusumi
  • Publication number: 20080060366
    Abstract: The present teachings provide control systems and methods for monitoring the performance of an absorption refrigerator. The system includes a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of a generator of a cooling arrangement. The circuit may communicate with the sensor and turn off a heat source of the cooling unit if a sensed temperature condition of the generator exceeds a predetermined temperature condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: David Leistner, Wayne A. Schneider, Carl Onken, Santosh Nerur
  • Patent number: 7275393
    Abstract: Turbulators are disclosed for use in a high-stage generator for an exhaust-fired absorption chiller/heater. The turbulators are designed to minimize pressure drop across the turbulator, and thus minimize the efficiency loss to the exhaust source. One turbulator design has a number of flanges extending at a non-normal angle to a central web. Further, some of the flanges have cutout portions. The overall turbulator design is intended to minimize wake downstream of the turbulator blades, which could otherwise cause undesirable pressure drop. A second turbulator design incorporates flanges that extend at a normal angle relative to the central web, but wherein the flanges have a non-rectangular cross-sectional shape. Again, the goal of the turbulator designs here is to minimize wake, and potential pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: UTC Power, LLC
    Inventors: Sunghan Jung, Jifeng Zhang, Timothy C. Wagner, Mark E. Marler, Fabio P. Bertolotti, Michael K. Sahm, Jinsang Ryu
  • Patent number: 7165418
    Abstract: An absorption refrigerator includes a high temperature regenerator for heating a water solution including a halogen compound to generate steam. An oxide film having thickness of 0.02–5.0 ?m, one of the colors blue, purple and gray, or a hydroxyl group is formed on a surface of at least one of the high temperature regenerators and the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Mabuchi, Heihatiro Midorikawa, Tomoko Kikuchi, Takashi Honda, Michihiko Aizawa, Masahiko Ito
  • Patent number: 7117686
    Abstract: Turbulators are disclosed for use in a high-stage generator for an exhaust-fired absorption chiller/heater. The turbulators are designed to minimize pressure drop across the turbulator, and thus minimize the efficiency loss to the exhaust source. One turbulator design has a number of flanges extending at a non-normal angle to a central web. Further, some of the flanges have cutout portions. The overall turbulator design is intended to minimize wake downstream of the turbulator blades, which could otherwise cause undesirable pressure drop. A second turbulator design incorporates flanges that extend at a normal angle relative to the central web, but wherein the flanges have a non-rectangular cross-sectional shape. Again, the goal of the turbulator designs here is to minimize wake, and potential pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: UTC Power, LLC
    Inventors: Sunghan Jung, Jifeng Zhang, Timothy C. Wagner, Mark E. Marler, Fabio P. Bertolotti, Michael K. Sahm, Jinsang Ryu
  • Patent number: 7066241
    Abstract: A binary-fluid heat and mass exchanger has a support structure with a plurality of horizontal vertically spaced groups of tubes mounted thereon. Each group of tubes comprises a pair of horizontal spaced hollow headers. A plurality of small diameter hollow tubes extend between the headers in fluid communication therewith. Fluid conduits connect a header of one group of tubes with a header of an adjacent group of tubes so that all of the groups of tubes will be fluidly connected. An inlet port for fluid is located on a lower group of tubes, and an exit port for fluid is connected to a higher tube group to permit fluid to flow through the tubes in all of the groups. A second inlet port for introducing a solution of fluid downwardly over the tubes is located above the support structure. An outlet port is located at the top of the support structure to convey generated vapor upwardly through the groups and out of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Iowa State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Srinivas Garimella
  • Patent number: 7003979
    Abstract: A structure and method of manufacture for a sorber, wherein a mass of sorbent contained in a sorber enclosure comprises a plurality of sorbent disks stacked in face-to-face relation. The sorbent disks are formed from a solid sorbent material such as zeolite and contain surface features in at least one face of each disk which, when the disks are stacked, form passageways by which sorbate is distributed throughout the mass of sorbent material. In one embodiment, each sorbent disk is annular in shape and has a plurality of radial grooves which extend from the periphery of the disk to the aperture through the center of the disk. The disks are stacked face-to-face and an inner conductor is inserted through the center apertures of the disks. This assembly is then inserted into a conductive housing and is enclosed by a pair of end plugs or caps which are secured to the housing. A port in one of the end caps allows sorbate to enter and exit the sorber enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Davidson
  • Patent number: 6983617
    Abstract: An absorption chiller system has an efficient start-up control that monitors system condition, and in particular the absorption solution temperature. The system limits the amount of heat delivered into the absorption chiller generator, to provide a gradual rise in the absorption solution temperature at start-up. In this manner, undesirable noise vibration and rapid thermal expansion, which may have occurred in the past is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: UTC Power, LLC
    Inventors: Vivek Halwan, Mark E. Marler
  • Patent number: 6923018
    Abstract: An electro-desorption actuator comprises a fixed member, a movable member which is coupled to the fixed member, a pressure chamber which is disposed between the fixed member and the movable member, and a sorption compression system which is in communication with the pressure chamber. The sorption compression system comprises first and second electrical conductors, a sorbent which is positioned between the first and second conductors, a sorbate which is capable of combining with the sorbent in an adsorption reaction to form a sorbate/sorbent compound, and a power supply which is connected to the conductors and which is selectively actuated to generate a current that is conducted through the sorbate/sorbent compound to desorb the sorbate from the sorbent in a desorption reaction. The sorbate is communicated from the sorption compression system to the pressure chamber during the desorption reaction and from the pressure chamber back to the sorption compression system during the adsorption reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Pfister, Charles M. Byrd, Howard L. Davidson, Charles J. Ingalz
  • Patent number: 6904768
    Abstract: An absorption-type air conditioner system using lithium bromide solution as absorbent is provided, which has a small volume and compact structure. The system includes upper vessel 26, lower vessel 27, cooling heat exchanger 10, self-induced air circulation device 11, outdoor system controller 9 and water heater 8. Upper vessel 26 includes high temperature generator 1, low temperature generator 2 and condenser 3. The lower vessel 27 includes high temperature heat exchanger 4, low temperature heat exchanger 5, evaporator 7 and absorber 6. Upper vessel 26 is connected to lower vessel 27 by refrigerant water outlet pipe 28, LTG dilute solution inlet pipe 29, LTG concentrate solution outlet pipe 30, HTG dilute solution inlet pipe 31, HTG concentrate solution outlet pipe 32, HTG steam outlet pipe 56, heating steam switch valve 55 and HTG steam inlet pipe 57. The system is an ideal central air conditioner system for large houses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Yue Zhang
  • Patent number: 6895780
    Abstract: A sorber for an electro-desorption compressor comprises a first plate which includes a first outer surface and a first inner surface generally parallel to the first outer surface, a second plate which includes a second outer surface and a second inner surface generally parallel to the second outer surface, a device for securing the first plate to the second plate to thereby form an enclosure for a sorbent between the first and second inner surfaces, and at least one first support spar which is attached to the first outer surface and which is aligned in a first direction along the first plate. In this manner, the first support spar increases the resistance of the first plate to bending in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Byrd, Dennis M. Pfister
  • Patent number: 6877338
    Abstract: An absorption cooling machine of the type which uses a refrigerant and an absorbent and which includes a high stage generator, absorber, condenser, heat exchangers, and an evaporator and means for connecting the components to one another to form a closed absorption cooling system. The solution side of the high stage generator is fluidically divided into two sections with a partition plate whereby gas exiting one section at relatively high temperature is further cooled in a second section called a flue gas recuperator (FGR) to improve overall burner efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Neelkanth S. Gupte
  • Publication number: 20040261446
    Abstract: An absorption cooling machine of the type which uses a refrigerant and an absorbent and which includes a high stage generator, absorber, condenser, heat exchangers, and an evaporator and means for connecting the components to one another to form a closed absorption cooling system. The solution side of the high stage generator is fluidically divided into two sections with a partition plate whereby gas exiting one section at relatively high temperature is further cooled in a second section called a flue gas recuperator (FGR) to improve overall burner efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Neelkanth S. Gupte
  • Patent number: 6820440
    Abstract: An absorption-type air conditioner core structure is provided, which uses lithium bromide solution as absorbent and has a small volume and compact structure. The air conditioner core structure includes an upper vessel (24) and a lower vessel (21). The upper vessel and lower vessel are connected by a refrigerant water pipe (22), a cooling water pipe (7), a heating steam pipe (5), two concentrate solution pipes (27, 58) and two dilute solution pipes (46, 52). The concentrate solution and dilute solution pipes are disposed within a solution pipe protecting cover (23) which connects to both vessels. Because of its compact structure, small volume, fewer welding seams, high level of vacuum, and having the heat exchange pipes (30, 39, 61, 73) of the condenser 1, low temperature generator 2, evaporator 10 and absorber 11 all made of helical copper pipes, the air conditioner core structure has high heat exchange efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Yue Zhang
  • Patent number: 6817210
    Abstract: The present invention relates an absorptive high temperature desorber for mechanically narrowing the width of the combustion area, and an absorption chiller-heater using the absorptive high temperature desorber. The high temperature desorber comprises a plurality of combustion chambers, a group of liquid ducts arranged in the perpendicular direction in the combustion chambers, and the distribution chambers independently supplying a mixing gas to the plurality of combustion chambers. Therefore, the high temperature desorber can form flame independently and variably in the combustion chamber, and has a mechanically small width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: L G Cable LTD
    Inventors: Ig Saeng Kim, Kyun Seok Kim, Do Hyung Kim, Chun Dong Kim, Chang Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 6813901
    Abstract: An absorption refrigerator includes a high temperature regenerator for heating a water solution including a halogen compound to generate steam. An oxide film having thickness of 0.02-5.0 &mgr;m, one of the colors blue, purple and gray, or a hydroxyl group is formed on a surface of at least one of the high temperature regenerators and the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Mabuchi, Heihatiro Midorikawa, Tomoko Kikuchi, Takashi Honda, Michihiko Aizawa, Masahiko Ito
  • Publication number: 20040187511
    Abstract: There is provided an absorption chiller-heater comprising an exhaust gas flow path in which an exhaust gas flows; an exhaust gas fired regenerator provided on the exhaust gas flow path so as to be heated by the exhaust gas; a cooling medium solution passage supplying a first solution of a cooling medium which is collected by an absorber to the exhaust gas fired regenerator; and an exhaust gas heat collector provided on the cooling medium solution passage for carrying out heat exchange between the first solution and the exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahide Sugiyama, Kazuhide Ishida, Mitsuru Kodama, Mitsuaki Tajima
  • Publication number: 20040159116
    Abstract: There is constructed a constitution including an exhaust gas fired regenerator constituting a heat source by exhaust gas from an external machine generating the exhaust gas, an introducing flow path for guiding the exhaust gas to the exhaust gas fired regenerator, an exhaust flow path for exhausting the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas fired regenerator, a bypass flow path branched from the introducing flow path, flow path switching device including a first damper provided at the introducing flow path and a second damper provided at the bypass flow path for switching flow of the exhaust gas to the introducing flow path and the bypass flow path, a damper provided at the exhaust flow path for cutting off the exhaust gas from flowing in the exhaust flow path and gas delivering device for blowing a gas to a portion of the exhaust flow path between the damper for cutting off the exhaust gas from flowing and the exhaust gas fired regenerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayuki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6701726
    Abstract: Data points are determined for an absorption chiller system which relate a position of the capacity valve to the heat input into the system. A continuous curve is determined which estimates the relationship between the position of the capacity valve and the heat input for all of the data points and all the points in between. The slope of this curve is the valve gain. The error for the system is defined as the difference between the setpoint and the leaving chilled water temperature. The leaving chilled water temperature of the system is measured to determine the actual error for the system, after which a linearizing gain derived as a function of the inverse of the valve gain is used in the system control algorithm to linearize the overall valve gain, thereby eliminating capacity valve hunting and producing an improved transient response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Kolk, David M. Martini
  • Patent number: 6698233
    Abstract: A thermal storage device for maintaining the temperature of an article at a desired temperature for a length of time comprises a compartment within which the article may be positioned, an evaporator which is disposed in heat exchange relation with respect to the compartment, a receiver which is fluidly connected to the evaporator, a sorber which is fluidly connected between the evaporator and the receiver and which includes a sorbent that is capable of adsorbing a refrigerant, a desorbing device for desorbing the refrigerant from the sorbent, and a power connection device for releasably connecting an external power supply to the desorbing device. When the desorbing device is connected to the external power supply, the refrigerant is desorbed from the sorbent and communicated to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Pfister, Kristoffer H. Pfister
  • Patent number: 6694772
    Abstract: An absorption chiller-heater is driven by a high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from an external apparatus such as a gas turbine. The absorption chiller-heater includes an exhaust gas path for introducing a high-temperature exhaust gas serving as a heat source into the high-temperature generator, and then the exhaust heat recovery generator. The high-temperature generator and the exhaust heat recovery generator comprise a vertical heat transfer tube bank for allowing the high-temperature exhaust gas to pass therethrough, a gas-liquid separation chamber is provided above the vertical heat transfer tube bank so as to cover opening portions of the vertical heat transfer tube bank, and a solution supply chamber is provided below the vertical heat transfer tube bank so as to cover opening portions of the vertical heat transfer tube bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Inoue, Tetsuya Endo
  • Patent number: 6662591
    Abstract: A electro-desorption compression system according to the present invention comprises an enclosure which includes first and second spaced-apart electrical conductors, a sorbent which is positioned in the enclosure between the first and second conductors, a sorbate which is capable of combining with the sorbent in an adsorption reaction to form a sorbate/sorbent compound, a power supply which is connected to the first and second conductors and which generates an electrical current that is conducted through the sorbate/sorbent compound to desorb the sorbate from the sorbent in a desorption reaction, a controller which selectively activates the power supply to initiate and terminate each desorption reaction, and a transducer which is connected to the controller and which generates a signal indicative of the end of each desorption reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Pfister, Charles M. Byrd, Howard L. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20030192329
    Abstract: An aqua-ammonia absorption cooling and/or heating system having a variable speed burner which uses active flow control of weak liquor and/or active control of refrigerant flow to the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Sarkisian, Lance Kirol, Uwe Rockenfeller
  • Patent number: 6601405
    Abstract: A direct-fired generator for an absorption chiller includes an inner shell, in which combustion occurs, and an outer shell. The inner shell supports a tube bundle through which a first portion an absorption solution is conveyed. Combustion products makes a single pass across the tube bundle within the inner shell. Such construction minimizes the number of potential leak paths and facilitates leak testing of the generator at an intermediate stage of assembly. A flow distributor apportions solution flow to the tube bundle and to a second solution flow path which bypasses the tube bundle but which is likewise heated by the combustion occurring within the inner shell. The two solution flow paths converge after the solution flowing therethrough has been heated by the combustion occurring in the inner shell. A vapor separator disentrains solution in liquid form from vaporized solution before the vapor exits the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Cosby, II, Jeffrey D. Harms, Gordon C. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6598420
    Abstract: An absorption cooling machine of the type which uses a refrigerant and an absorbent and which includes a high stage generator, absorber, condenser, heat exchangers, and an evaporator and means for connecting the components to one another to form a closed absorption cooling system. The solution side of the high stage generator is fluidically divided into two sections with a partition plate whereby gas exiting one section at relatively high temperature is further cooled in a second section called a flue gas recuperator (FGR) to improve overall burner efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Neelkanth S. Gupte
  • Publication number: 20030074915
    Abstract: A direct-fired generator for an absorption chiller includes an inner shell, in which combustion occurs, and an outer shell. The inner shell supports a tube bundle through which a first portion an absorption solution is conveyed. Combustion products makes a single pass across the tube bundle within the inner shell. Such construction minimizes the number of potential leak paths and facilitates leak testing of the generator at an intermediate stage of assembly. A flow distributor apportions solution flow to the tube bundle and to a second solution flow path which bypasses the tube bundle but which is likewise heated by the combustion occurring within the inner shell. The two solution flow paths converge after the solution flowing therethrough has been heated by the combustion occurring in the inner shell. A vapor separator disentrains solution in liquid form from vaporized solution before the vapor exits the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald M. Cosby, Jeffrey D. Harms, Gordon C. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20030029188
    Abstract: An absorption chiller-heater is driven by a high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from an external apparatus such as a gas turbine. The absorption chiller-heater includes an exhaust gas path for introducing a high-temperature exhaust gas serving as a heat source into the high-temperature generator, and then the exhaust heat recovery generator. The high-temperature generator and the exhaust heat recovery generator comprise a vertical heat transfer tube bank for allowing the high-temperature exhaust gas to pass therethrough, a gas-liquid separation chamber is provided above the vertical heat transfer tube bank so as to cover opening portions of the vertical heat transfer tube bank, and a solution supply chamber is provided below the vertical heat transfer tube bank so as to cover opening portions of the vertical heat transfer tube bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Inoue, Tetsuya Endo
  • Publication number: 20030019238
    Abstract: A electro-desorption compression system according to the present invention comprises an enclosure which includes first and second spaced-apart electrical conductors, a sorbent which is positioned in the enclosure between the first and second conductors, a sorbate which is capable of combining with the sorbent in an adsorption reaction to form a sorbate/sorbent compound, a power supply which is connected to the first and second conductors and which generates an electrical current that is conducted through the sorbate/sorbent compound to desorb the sorbate from the sorbent in a desorption reaction, a controller which selectively activates the power supply to initiate and terminate each desorption reaction, and a transducer which is connected to the controller and which generates a signal indicative of the end of each desorption reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis M. Pfister, Charles M. Byrd, Howard L. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20030010049
    Abstract: An absorption cold or hot water generating machine is driven by a high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from an external apparatus such as a gas turbine. The absorption cold or hot water generating machine includes an exhaust gas path for introducing a high-temperature exhaust gas serving as a heat source into a high-temperature generator, and then an exhaust heat recovery generator. A low-temperature generator comprises a liquid film-type generator in which solution is sprayed on a heat transfer tube bank, and refrigerant vapor generated in the exhaust heat recovery generator is led to a heat transfer tube bank of the low-temperature generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Naoyuki Inoue, Tetsuya Endo
  • Patent number: 6502419
    Abstract: A electro-desorption compression system according to the present invention comprises an enclosure which includes first and second spaced-apart electrical conductors, a sorbent which is positioned in the enclosure between the first and second conductors, a sorbate which is capable of combining with the sorbent in an adsorption reaction to form a sorbate/sorbent compound, a power supply which is connected to the first and second conductors and which generates an electrical current that is conducted through the sorbate/sorbent compound to desorb the sorbate from the sorbent in a desorption reaction, and a pressure chamber which is connected to the enclosure and which receives the sorbate from the enclosure during the desorption reaction and releases the sorbate into the enclosure during the adsorption reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Pfister, Charles M. Byrd, Howard L. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20020194863
    Abstract: An absorption cooling machine of the type which uses a refrigerant and an absorbent and which includes a high stage generator, absorber, condenser, heat exchangers, and an evaporator and means for connecting the components to one another to form a closed absorption cooling system. The solution side of the high stage generator is fluidically divided into two sections with a partition plate whereby gas exiting one section at relatively high temperature is further cooled in a second section called a flue gas recuperator (FGR) to improve overall burner efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Neelkanth S. Gupte
  • Publication number: 20020189279
    Abstract: A thermal storage device for maintaining the temperature of an article at a desired temperature for a length of time comprises a compartment within which the article may be positioned, an evaporator which is disposed in heat exchange relation with respect to the compartment, a receiver which is fluidly connected to the evaporator, a sorber which is fluidly connected between the evaporator and the receiver and which includes a sorbent that is capable of adsorbing a refrigerant, a desorbing device for desorbing the refrigerant from the sorbent, and a power connection device for releasably connecting an external power supply to the desorbing device. When the desorbing device is connected to the external power supply, the refrigerant is desorbed from the sorbent and communicated to the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis M. Pfister, Kristoffer H. Pfister
  • Patent number: 6487875
    Abstract: An aqua-ammonia absorption apparatus comprising an absorber assembly, a generator assembly, a condenser and an evaporator, the generator assembly comprising a boiler section, a solution-heated-desorber section, an adiabatic desorber or GAX desorber section, and a rectifier section, the interior space of at least one of said sections of said generator being substantially filled with structured packing material inert to an aqueous ammonia solution at generator temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Paul Sarkisian, Lance D. Kirol
  • Patent number: 6470702
    Abstract: An absorption water heater/chiller using lithium bromide as an absorbent and water as a refrigerant, and a high temperature regenerator therefor. The high temperature regenerator is provided with a combustion chamber defined by an inner tube (2) on the side of a blowout port of a burner (4B), from which a combustion gas is blown out. A solution is received in a liquid chamber, which extends on upper and lower sides of the combustion chamber and is defined by an outer tube (1). A refrigerant steam outflow passage (8) is formed in an upper portion of the outer tube, and gas discharge passages (13, 14) are formed at an end portion of the combustion chamber opposed to the burner. A plurality of solution tubes (3) providing communication between the liquid chamber portions on the upper and lower sides of the combustion chamber extend through the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Funaba, Norihiro Itou, Tomihisa Oouchi, Satoshi Miyake, Michiyuki Uchimura
  • Publication number: 20020100292
    Abstract: A refrigeration process, employing conventional lithium bromide absorption refrigeration, the energy input of which is derived from conventional ultrasonic humidifier devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald Frederick Carlson
  • Patent number: 6415626
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sorber which is suitable for use in an electromagnetic wave activated sorption system and which is easily adaptable to packaging constraints. One embodiment of the sorber comprises a flexible enclosure having an outer conductor, and inner conductor, a port through which a sorbate can be communicated into and out of said enclosure, and a sorbent in the enclosure which can adsorb the sorbate to form a sorbate/sorbent compound. The enclosure is configured to be coupled to an electromagnetic wave generator so that waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generator propagate through the sorbate/sorbent compound within the enclosure. Another embodiment of the sorber comprises an enclosure which is configured to serve as a structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Pfister, Charles M. Byrd
  • Patent number: 6408644
    Abstract: A heating system for applying heat to a heat input air conditioning system generator. The system teaches a wave converting system for transforming radio waves into heat. The wave converting system is placed in association with a heat input air conditioning generator to transfer heat from the converting system to the air conditioning generator. The wave converting system is impacted by radio waves from a radio wave emitter such as a magnetron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Don Williams
  • Patent number: 6397626
    Abstract: In a regenerator for an absorption refrigerating machine which uses combustion gas as a heat source, the regenerator comprises a plurality of drum shells provided in a body casing of the regenerator, each drum shell has a solution inlet provided in a shell part of the drum shell, a solution outlet having an overflow structure and provided in the shell part at a position lower than the solution inlet, a vapor outlet provided in the shell part at a position higher than the solution inlet, a multiplicity of heat transfer fins provided on an outer periphery of a shell part of the drum shell and a circulation guide provided along an inner periphery of the shell part, the plurality of drum shells may be arranged in a side by side parallel and/or in an up and down series relationship to increase the capacity of the regenerator by proportional design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventor: Naoyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 6357255
    Abstract: A regenerator for use in an ammonia absorption refrigerator comprises a heater for heating an ammonia aqueous solution and a rectifying column for enriching ammonia in an ammonia solution-vapor mixture obtained in and introduced from the heater, wherein the heater comprises a heater body having a heating chamber, a burner of lean pre-mixture combustion type disposed in a lower portion of the heating chamber, and a heat transfer tube bundle provided in a meandering arrangement above the burner within the heating chamber, the heat transfer tube bundle having an inlet and an outlet which are respectively connected to lower portions of the rectifying column via transfer pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignees: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd., Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Onishi, Yukio Hiranaka, Noboru Tsubakihara, Katsuo Iwata, Tetsuro Furukawa, Masaharu Furutera, Mitsunobu Matsuda, Suguru Fujita, Takeshi Yano
  • Publication number: 20020005046
    Abstract: A electro-desorption compression system according to the present invention comprises an enclosure which includes first and second spaced-apart electrical conductors, a sorbent which is positioned in the enclosure between the first and second conductors, a sorbate which is capable of combining with the sorbent in an adsorption reaction to form a sorbate/sorbent compound, a power supply which is connected to the first and second conductors and which generates an electrical current that is conducted through the sorbate/sorbent compound to desorb the sorbate from the sorbent in a desorption reaction, and a pressure chamber which is connected to the enclosure and which receives the sorbate from the enclosure during the desorption reaction and releases the sorbate into the enclosure during the adsorption reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis M. Pfister, Charles M. Byrd, Howard L. Davidson