Plural Compressors Or Multiple Effect Compression Patents (Class 62/510)
  • Patent number: 4522035
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovery of waste heat from thermomechanical pulping systems and the like in which waste heat in the form of steam exhausted from the mechanical pulper and latency chest portions of the thermomechanical pulping system are respectively passed through first and second evaporators which increase the enthalpy of the working liquid. The working fluid outputted from the first evaporator passes through a first compressor to significantly increase both pressure and temperature and further increase enthalpy. The working fluid at the outlet of the first compressor then undergoes desuperheating within an intercooling tank. The liquid phase of the working fluid is passed from said tank to the inputs of both evaporators, while the vapor phase merges with the working fluid outputted from the second evaporator and enters a second compressor to undergo further increases in pressure and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: TechMark Corporation
    Inventors: David Dyer, James L. Wise
  • Patent number: 4494383
    Abstract: An air-conditioner for an automobile is disclosed which is provided with a compressor adapted to be directly connected to the engine, the compressor being provided with two coaxial compressing cylinders each having a different displacement, whereby the cylinder having the smaller displacement is adapted to be always operated to carry out the dehumidification, while the cylinder having the larger displacement is adapted to be operated only when it is desired to air-condition the compartment by a change in its operation rate through the actuation of such as a slide valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Nagatomo, Hiroto Kawahira, Toshizo Nishizawa, Mitsuo Yasuda
  • Patent number: 4474026
    Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus comprises two refrigerant circuits connected in a parallel fashion which include a common condenser. An evaporating temperature in an evaporator of one refrigerant circuit is set to a relatively high temperature compared with that of an evaporator of the other refrigerant circuit, so that a two-temperature evaporation type refrigerating apparatus is formed and a compressor of one refrigerant circuit can be intermittently driven for each predetermined time period in a forced manner. In a defrosting mode, the condenser is made to operate as an evaporator, whereby the evaporator included in the other refrigerant circuit is defrosted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taketoshi Mochizuki, Mitsuo Kudo, Akira Arai, Keiji Shono, Masaichi Omori, Genichiro Nishi
  • Patent number: 4467621
    Abstract: A fluid/vacuum chamber (FVC) is disclosed comprising a rigid porous membrane element wherein a vacuum is applied to one side of the porous element and a fluid is passed along the other side of the porous element to remove the heat of vaporization via the pressure differential. This chamber is useful as to reduce energy consumption in a desalination unit, a heat pump, an ice-making system and refrigeration systems. The porous material may be constructed of sintered brass, sintered stainless steel, polymeric plastic, a paper filter element, etc. in order to provide porous openings, of about 5 to about 100 microns. Also disclosed is the use of a fluid/vacuum chamber (FVC) in a heating cycle or cooling cycle. A compressor or vacuum pump normally provides the vacuum suction for the fluid/vacuum chamber (FVC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Inventor: Paul R. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 4437322
    Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly for a refrigeration system is disclosed. The assembly is a single vessel construction having an evaporator, condenser and flash subcooler. A plate inside the shell separates the evaporator from the condenser and the flash subcooler, and a partition inside the vessel separates the condenser from the flash subcooler. Removable orifice means in the partition control flow of refrigerant into the subcooler from the condenser. Removable solid pipe plugs in the shell of the vessel provide access to the orifice means so that, if desired, an individual orifice means may be removed and replaced with another, different sized orifice means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Ertinger
  • Patent number: 4435962
    Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus including a first compressor, a condenser, a first pressure reducer a first evaporator, a second pressure reducer and a second evaporator connected together by lines to form a refrigerating circuit for a refrigerant to flow therethrough, wherein a second compressor is connected at its suction side to the second pressure reducer for receiving gaseous component of refrigerant from the first evaporator and connected at its discharge side to the line between the first compressor and the condenser. An evaporative pressure control valve may be mounted in the line between the first evaporator and the second pressure reducer or the line between the second pressure reducer and the second evaporator. A bypass line mounting an electromagnetic valve may connect the line between the first evaporator and the second pressure reducer to the line between the second pressure reducer and the second evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignees: Shin Meiwa Industry Co., Ltd., Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taketoshi Mochizuki, Kazuya Matsuo, Mituo Kudo, Akira Arai, Junichi Yamada, Keizi Shono, Masaaki Aoki, Masaichi Ohmori, Genichiro Nishi
  • Patent number: 4418548
    Abstract: This invention relates to a refrigeration system having at least two compressors connected in parallel to the refrigeration system suction and discharge lines. Each compressor is adapted to operate singly or in combination in accordance with load requirements. More particularly, this invention relates to a valving arrangement associated with each compressor for preventing refrigerant from condensing in the discharge opening of the idle compressor of such a multiple compressor refrigeration system, and a refrigerant bleed arrangement associated with each compressor which directs refrigerant when present in the discharge of an idled compressor to the system suction line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Trane CAC, Inc.
    Inventor: George N. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 4411141
    Abstract: A parallel operation compressor type refrigerating apparatus is disclosed which has first and second compressors connected in parallel with each other by a pipe, each having the inside of its crankcase separated into a motor chamber and a compressing element chamber by a partition provided with a pressure equalizing opening and a lubricant equalizing nonreturn valve allowing lubricant passage only from the motor chamber side to the compressing element chamber side, and which comprises a means provided at the end of a suction pipe of a refrigeration cycle system to separate the refrigerant gas circulating within the suction pipe into a lubricant and a gas, a first branch pipe to supply a portion of said gas to the first compressor, a second branch pipe to supply the rest of the gas and the lubricant to the second compressor, a pressure and lubricant equalizing pipe connecting together the lubricant sinks of the two compressors, and a nonreturn valve provided in the pressure and lubricant equalizing pipe to blo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Hara
  • Patent number: 4389858
    Abstract: This heat-activated refrigeration system couples a heat pump to a rotary fluid motor and starting means. The heat pump cycle maintains the system in thermal equilibrium by replacing energy leaving a regenerative refrigerant cycle. A shaft from the rotary fluid motor drives the compressor. The compressor discharge line branches so that one line couples to the rotary fluid motor to drive it, while the other line delivers refrigerant to a heat pump. Return flow from the fluid motor and return flow from the heat pump converge at the compressor suction line. The system can function as a heat engine with a power take-off shaft, or it can function as an ambient heat-activated refrigeration system, depending upon the size of its system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Inventor: Henry E. Jepsen
  • Patent number: 4383802
    Abstract: Parallel connected compressors are provided with an oil management scheme in which an oil equalization port on one compressor is connected via an oil return solenoid operated valve within a small diameter line to an injection port of a second compressor, and vice versa. When the oil level in one compressor drops to a level sensed by an oil float switch, the oil float switch changes state, the oil return solenoid operated valve is opened, feeding its injection port and energizing a one minute on delay timer. Failure of the oil float switch to reset itself causes the compressor to go off on oil failure, and the oil return solenoid operated valve is closed. If the oil float switch resets itself at any time during the first minute, upon resetting, an off delay timer is energized to keep the oil return solenoid operated valve open for an additional minute, and the compressor continues to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1983
    Assignee: Dunham-Bush, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastian J. Gianni, Donald D. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 4369633
    Abstract: A multiple stage compression system, as used in refrigeration apparatus, includes an injection assembly for flash gas resulting from expansion of high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The vapor fraction of the expanded mixture of vapor and liquid is injected by the injection assembly into a compression chamber therefor, and the repressurized vapor fraction mixed with the output of a high pressure compression stage to provide the high-pressure refrigerant. The assembly is removably attached to the compressor, and includes valved passages for the flash gas to and from the compression chamber therefor. The flash gas compression chamber is integrally formed within a piston of the high pressure compression stage for the refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Inventor: David A. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4362030
    Abstract: A refrigeration circuit comprising serially arranged low and high stage compressors, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The circuit also includes by-pass means connecting a low pressure line with the high stage compressor for conducting refrigerant vapor therebetween to by-pass the low stage compressor, and a quench line connected to the by-pass means for conducting liquid refrigerant thereto. A check-quench valve is located at the intersection of the by-pass means and the quench line. The check-quench valve has a quench position blocking the by-pass means and opening the quench line, and a by-pass position opening the by-pass means and closing the quench line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Patent number: 4347714
    Abstract: An air conditioning system of the air cycle heat pump type for selectively heating and cooling a residence or similar space environment. In one embodiment, a combustor and associated Brayton cycle turbine provide the primary drive to a compressor constituting the heat pump. In a second embodiment, the Brayton turbine is replaced by an electric motor coupled to drive the compressor shaft. An auxiliary turbine is also coupled to the drive shaft to provide auxiliary drive derived from the operation of a portion of the system at sub-atmospheric pressure. In this portion, during the cooling mode, water is evaporated into the system to further assist in cooling by removing the latent heat of vaporization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: The Garrett Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Kinsell, James C. Noe
  • Patent number: 4332137
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for defrosting a dual refrigeration circuit refrigeration system. During defrost one of the refrigeration circuits is operated to supply heat energy to the frosted heat exchanger of the other circuit and the fan circulating heat transfer media through a heat exchanger of each circuit is reversed such that heat transfer fluid is heated by one refrigeration circuit and then used to defrost a heat exchanger of the other circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Richmond S. Hayes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4326388
    Abstract: The heat pump/engine operates in an open cycle between a cold air reservoir and a hot air reservoir to pump heat or to obtain energy by exchanging air at atmospheric pressure between the two reservoirs at different temperatures.The heat pump/engine employs a positive displacement compressor, heat exchanger and a positive displacement expander to transfer the air flows. A means is also provided for adjusting the stroke volume of the expander during expansion in the heat pump version. Also, a snowmaker preheater can be used with the heat pump to decrease power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Inventor: Richard McFee
  • Patent number: 4324105
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating a series compression refrigeration system are disclosed. A by-pass for circuiting refrigerant around one compressor when the compressor is not operating is provided. Additionally, a quench conduit conducts liquid refrigerant from a common line to provide a liquid refrigerant quench of the gaseous refrigerant between compressors. A control device is provided for regulating the flow of liquid refrigerant through the quench conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Peter L. Cann
  • Patent number: 4324106
    Abstract: An improvement in a recirculating refrigeration system which includes an "economizer" compressor. The economizer compressor is in a flash gas handling sub-system which receives flash gas from the primary system at a substantially higher input pressure than the primary compressor. As a result the load on the primary system compressor is reduced. The overall effect is a more efficient system, using less power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: H. A. Phillips & Co.
    Inventors: Robert R. Ross, Daniel R. Bansch
  • Patent number: 4323109
    Abstract: Two or more open cycle vapor compression heat pumps of interdependently different capacities are placed in parallel arrangement intermediate a heat sink and a heat source for the transfer of sensible heat therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Heinz Jaster
  • Patent number: 4318278
    Abstract: A high capacity ice making machine comprising a plurality of ice producing mechanisms, each of which is provided with a plurality of ice forming molds or cups having a rotatable water spray bar located therebelow for communicating make-up water from a water sump toward the molds during a freezing cycle. The ice producing mechanisms are arranged in two tandem pairs and communicate ice produced during the freezing cycle into a common ice storage bin located therebelow. The refrigeration systems associated with each of the ice producing mechanisms employ a common refrigerant condenser which is mounted by means of a hinge arrangement whereby to permit movement of the condenser between a normally closed position and an open position to provide access to the interior of the ice making machine for purposes of inspection, maintenance and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: King-Seeley Thermos Co.
    Inventors: John T. Olson, Robert K. Westergaard
  • Patent number: 4306420
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating a series compression refrigeration system are disclosed. A by-pass for circuiting refrigerant around one compressor when the compressor is not operating is provided. Additionally, a quench conduit conducts liquid refrigerant from a common line to provide a liquid refrigerant quench of the gaseous refrigerant between compressors. A control device is provided for regulating the flow of liquid refrigerant through the quench conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Peter L. Cann
  • Patent number: 4303427
    Abstract: A cooling arrangement to be used in liquefying natural gas and in similar applications and having an incorporated cascade circuit with a fractional condensation of a cooling medium and with separation of the phases of the cooling medium, has such a lay-out and is so operated that the warming-up of the expanded cooling medium in a countercurrent evaporative heat exchange and the warming-up of the expanded cooling medium in a countercurrent supercooling heat exchange are in parallel to one another. The separated gaseous phase of the cooling medium is cooled in the countercurrent evaporative heat exchange to be at least partially condensed. The countercurrent supercooling heat exchange and the countercurrent evaporative heat exchange are thermally segregated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1981
    Inventor: Heinrich Krieger
  • Patent number: 4285205
    Abstract: Disclosed is a commercial refrigeration system of a type having at least one compressor, a suction header and a liquid header at a central location or machinery center, a condenser and a plurality of remotely located evaporators, wherein a suction-to-liquid heat exchanger is embodied in the suction header of the system and all of the relatively cool gaseous refrigerant returning to the central location from the remotely located evaporators is maintained in heat exchange contact with substantially all of the primary stream of relatively warm liquid refrigerant produced by the operation of the compressor and condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Inventors: Leonard I. Martin, Robert H. Harms
  • Patent number: 4281969
    Abstract: A cell for pumping a fluid is provided, wherein the fluid is alternately heated and cooled by a transfer medium, and comprises a fluid-type chamber which communicates with a source of fluid via a one-way valve and with a sink for the fluid via another one-way valve, which valves allow flow only in the direction from the source into the sink. Heated thermal medium and chilled thermal medium are alternately admitted from respective sources to a heated transfer jacket about the chamber so that at least some of the fluid in the chamber is alternately cooled to reduce pressure to draw fluid from the fluid source via the one-way valve, and is heated to increase pressure to discharge pumped fluid to the sink via the other one-way valve. Where the pumped fluid is a gas, the cell pumps, or more specifically compresses, the gas and pumps it toward the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Inventor: Ernest L. Doub, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4277955
    Abstract: A hermetic refrigerant compressor assembly comprising an outer housing with at least two separate compressors within said outer housing, each compressor including a compression mechanism driven by an electric motor. If desired, the compressors may each be of different capacity so as to selectively vary the capacity of the system, dependent upon which compressor is operating. The individual compressors may each be two stage compressors, whereby four stages of capacity is easily provided for. The compressor assembly having two separate compressors within an outer housing is relatively low cost as compared to a single large sized hermetic compressor and is very versatile in operation.The control means for controlling the operation of the separate compressors include means within the outer casing for preventing flow of discharge gas from the compression mechanism on one compressor to the compression mechanism of the second compressor when said second compressor is inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Lennox Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Sidney A. Parker
  • Patent number: 4268291
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating a series compression refrigeration system are disclosed. A by-pass for circuiting refrigerant around one compressor when the compressor is not operating is provided. Additionally, a quench conduit conducts liquid refrigerant from a common line to provide a liquid refrigerant quench of the gaseous refrigerant between compressors. A control device is provided for regulating the flow of liquid refrigerant through the quench conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Peter L. Cann
  • Patent number: 4262488
    Abstract: A system for controlling the discharge temperature of a high pressure stage of a multi-stage centrifugal compression refrigeration unit includes flow control means for maintaining a continuous flow of refrigerant through the high pressure stage regardless of changes in the heating load thereon. When the heating load on the high pressure stage decreases below a predetermined level the pressure at the suction side of the high pressure stage is substantially reduced to decrease the weight flow of refrigerant through the high pressure stage. Simultaneously, the pressure differential across the high pressure stage is substantially equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Conine
  • Patent number: 4250721
    Abstract: A heat pump including a circuit for a fluid refrigerant, comprising a compressor V, a condenser 11, an expansion valve 13, an evaporator 14, and an injector pump 15 having a mixing chamber and diffuser in which the driving fluid for the pump is mixed with the refrigerant from the evaporator before returning to the compressor. This pressurized driving fluid is tapped off from the refrigerant circuit down the stream of the condenser and is passed through a heat exchanger 23 where it is fully evaporated. The heat input to this heat exchanger being obtained from the main refrigerant flow between the condenser and expansion valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Assignee: Audi NSU Auto Union Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gottlieb Wilmers, Klaus Wissler
  • Patent number: 4251247
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling a gaseous mixture wherein a fractional condensation of said mixture is carried out under a high pressure by using at least a first stage and a last stage of fractional condensation, the penultimate and the last condensed fractions are expanded down to a low pressure forming a main refrigerating stream, and at least the first condensed fraction of the cycle mixture is expanded down to an intermediate pressure between said high pressure and said low pressure forming an auxiliary refrigerating stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Assignee: Compagnie Francaise d'Etudes et de Construction Technip
    Inventors: Joseph J. Gauberthier, Henri Paradowski
  • Patent number: 4248054
    Abstract: An improved load balancing control circuit for at least three electric motor-driven centrifugal refrigerant compressors comprises a current transformer secondary 90', 91', 92' and a respective load resistor 93', 95', 97' in series to form the legs of a circuit in which the legs are connected in a delta, each leg having a shorting switch 110', 111', 112' connected across it, and a balancing resistance network including balancing resistors 94', 96', 98' are connected in a wye circuit with the delta circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Watson, Watson L. Courtney
  • Patent number: 4211093
    Abstract: A vapor cycle cooling system having a rotary vane device which provides two stages of compression of the working fluid. The output of an evaporator is supplied to the input of the first compressor stage with the output of the second compressor stage being supplied to a condenser. In one embodiment the output of the condenser is subjected to two stages of expansion with the output of the first expansion stage being supplied to a receiver. The vapor resulting from the first expansion is separated from the saturated liquid in the receiver and is added to the flow between the first and second compressor stages. In a second embodiment the output of an expansion valve in one flow path is used to cool the input of an expansion valve in a second flow path between the condenser and the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Midolo
  • Patent number: 4207749
    Abstract: A refrigeration system which has a heat exchanger wherein refrigerant is evaporated to absorb heat from a fluid to be cooled, said heat exchanger receiving refrigerant from a vapor condensing economizer. The vapor condensing economizer receives liquid refrigerant from a condenser and has an orifice or a series of nozzles to maintain a pressure drop between the condenser and economizer so that a portion of the liquid refrigerant flashes to a vapor in the economizer to absorb heat from the remaining liquid refrigerant in the economizer. Condensing coils containing a cool heat exchange medium are positioned in the economizer to reduce the temperature and pressure in the economizer and to condense the refrigerant vapors back to a liquid for use in the refrigeration cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Lavigne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4205537
    Abstract: A variable capacity multiple compressor refrigeration system having a hermetic shell containing a first compressor intended to be always running when the system is operating and a second compressor that may be cycled on and off when the system is operating. The separate compressors are mounted to provide a unitary structure resiliently isolated from the common shell. The compressors are arranged in the shell so that their lower bearing portions are always below the level of oil in the sump area of the shell. Both compressors are arranged in the system through common compressor shell inlet and discharge openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Charles A. Dubberley
  • Patent number: 4201065
    Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system comprising a condenser including a plurality of generally parallel heat exchange fins and a plurality of refrigerant circuits running through the condenser generally transverse to the heat exchange fin, wherein groups of the refrigerant circuits cover in overlapping fashion the area of the condenser transverse to the direction of the flow of an external heat exchange medium moving thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Charles K. Griffin
  • Patent number: 4194368
    Abstract: A conventional split system air conditioner is combined with a compression cycle or heat pump system for supplying heat to a domestic water heater. The units are combined in such a way that significant energy savings can be achieved by circulating air in series through the outdoor evaporator coil of the hot water heating system and then through the condensing coil of the heat pump, or vice-versa. This has the advantage of increasing the coefficient of performance for both systems. The direction of air flow will be selected on the basis of achieving the greatest improvement in energy savings and can be provided with automatic reversal of the air flow direction, depending on the ambient air quality and/or the operating state of either unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay O. Bahel, Richard R. Kuehner, Richard H. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 4193270
    Abstract: A closed cycle, multiple compressor, multiple evaporator, refrigeration system of the type particularly adapted to supermarket applications having a common condenser, a multiplicity of refrigerated fixtures with associated evaporators for cooling, all operating at the same temperature and pressure, all discharging into a common compressor suction header and a series of parallel compressors pumping from the common suction header to the condenser, together with a second set of refrigerated fixtures having evaporators operating at a lower pressure than that of the first multiplicity of evaporators, discharging into a second, lower pressure, suction header, from where its effluent refrigerant is pumped by a second compressor system back to the common condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1980
    Inventor: Jack D. Scott
  • Patent number: 4191027
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling brine comprising a plurality of refrigerating units connected to a slow-current tank for brine in such a manner said refirgerating units are associated with successive portions of brine in said slow-current tank from the downstream side to the upstream side of said tank, one by one. The number of said refrigerating units taking part in the cooling work is increased and decreased in accordance with the temperature of said brine in said slow-current tank. The connection of said refrigerating units is selectively switched from series to parallel and vice versa with one another, with respect to the brine flow in said slow-current tank. Said means for switching the connection of said refrigerating units from series to parallel and vice versa are constituted by fluid element type shunting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisah Maekawa Seisakusho
    Inventor: Wahei Inoue
  • Patent number: 4187899
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for exchanging heat between a plurality of circuits carrying fluids at different temperatures ranging from T.sub.o to T.sub.N includes at least one adjustable heat-carrying circuit for balancing the overall thermodynamic equilibrium of the heat exchanges. Each stage of a plurality of stages operates over one of the temperature intervals T.sub.o to T.sub.1, T.sub.1 to T.sub.2, . . . , T.sub.N-1 to T.sub.N, and includes at least one cell filled with a transfer fluid as both a liquid and a vapor. The vapor is transferred between cells of adjacent stages by compressors and by turbines. The liquid is transferred between cells of adjacent stages by pumps and by conduits having calibrated orifices. The adjustable heat-carrying circuit may either supply or remove heat and may extend through either a single cell or a plurality of adjacent cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1980
    Assignee: CEM-Compagnie Electro-Mecanique
    Inventor: Jacques Sterlini
  • Patent number: 4184341
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including multiple parallel compressors for maintaining evaporator suction pressures within preselected ranges, said compressors being sequentially and cyclically operative through control switch means responsive to preselected upper and lower refrigerant suction pressures, a fluidic time delay system for operating the pressure responsive switch means comprising restrictor means interposed between the common suction header for the compressors and the pressure responsive switch means therefor to restrict refrigerant fluid flow to the pressure switches upon increases in suction header pressure, and unidirectional flow means for providing unrestricted reduction of the pressure acting on the switch means upon relative decreases in suction header pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: Pet Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald E. Friedman
  • Patent number: 4180986
    Abstract: A positive displacement compressor, such as a helical screw rotary compressor without capacity control element, is coupled in a refrigeration loop main line between the evaporator and an oil separator and upstream of the condensor. To unload the screw compressor at low evaporator load, any refrigerant discharging from the compressor is bypassed by a line connecting the suction and discharge sides of the screw compressor, and main line connection from the evaporator to the screw compressor is shut off such that the driven, unloaded screw compressor pulls oil from the separator through a restrictor and oil injection port and some refrigerant vapor which passes to the evaporator side through the screw compressor bypass line. As the evaporator pressure increases, the evaporator is connected through a restrictor within the main line to the screw compressor suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Assignee: Dunham-Bush, Inc.
    Inventor: David N. Shaw
  • Patent number: 4179248
    Abstract: A pair of helical screw rotary hermetic compressor units are connected in parallel across common suction and discharge manifolds. The discharge manifolds open to each unit casing well above the level of accumulated oil within the bottom of the hermetic casings acting as oil sumps. Oil bleed lines are provided for the casings which open to the casing interior at oil bleed ports at the normal level of accumulated oil. The bleed lines are of small diameter and open directly to the discharge manifold at points downstream of the connection between the discharge manifold and the hermetic casing. Excessive accumulation of oil within one of the hermetic compressor casings causes the oil to bleed through its bleed line under a small pressure differential to the discharge manifold for redistribution to the remaining compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1979
    Assignee: Dunham-Bush, Inc.
    Inventor: David N. Shaw
  • Patent number: 4157649
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a multiple compressor heat pump system such that when the system is in the heating mode of operation the compressors are cycled individually depending upon the ambient temperature level and are individually co-ordinately operated in a defrost mode. The electrical control means disclosed provides for a second compressor being energized when the outdoor heat exchanger of a first compressor is being defrosted and the first and second contact means located within the individual defrost circuits for the first and second outdoor heat exchangers such that when the first outdoor heat exchanger is being defrosted the second outdoor heat exchanger may not commence a defrost cycle and when the second compressor is being operated in a defrost cycle a first compressor may not commence a defrost cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1979
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Rudy C. Bussjager, James J. Del Toro
  • Patent number: 4151724
    Abstract: A two-stage refrigeration system has a gas-liquid intercooler which subcools liquid refrigerant passing from the feed tank to the evaporators. The feed tank is maintained at the desired pressure adequate for supplying the evaporators and receives return liquid from a separating system which is pressurized from the receiver. In a modification the system may be operated as a single stage or as a compound system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1979
    Assignee: Frick Company
    Inventor: Milton W. Garland
  • Patent number: 4149585
    Abstract: The present invention, which relates to a method and equipment for transferring heat between fluids, involves the combination of a multi-stage compressor with a series of heat-exchangers. The vapor of a condensable fluid is transmitted from one exchanger to the next by passing the same through a compressor stage, the condensate returning by direct passage with flash effect. A fluid to be cooled gives up its heat within the exchangers to the condensable fluid which is progressively vaporized.The equipment may be completed by a symmetrical part in which the condensable fluid gives up its heat of condensation to a third fluid.The invention is applicable to the use of low-level temperature heats, e.g., of geothermal origin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Assignee: CEM-Compagnie Electro-Mecanique
    Inventor: Jacques Sterlini
  • Patent number: 4148436
    Abstract: A multi-cylinder reciprocating compressor is automatically staged at low ambient temperature to improve refrigerant volume flow while facilitating subcooler operation and return of vaporized refrigerant from the subcooler to the inlet of the second stage cylinders of the compressor in the two stage mode. A solar evaporator substitutes for the outdoor coil when the solar heated storage tank temperature exceeds that of ambient. During staging mode, the wrist pins of the low side cylinders and the high side cylinder undergo proper load reversals, since intermediate suction pressure is applied to the wrist pin of the high side cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1979
    Assignee: Dunham-Bush, Inc.
    Inventor: David N. Shaw
  • Patent number: 4144723
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a closed cycle gas turbine system employs a precooler for cooling the gas prior to compression. A closed loop coolant circuit for the precooler includes a primary heat exchanger. A secondary heat exchanger is provided which may be employed during periods of peak demand on the turbine system to provide additional cooling for the coolant in the closed loop coolant circuit for the precooler. The secondary heat exchanger may also be employed to transfer heat in the reverse direction during periods of time in which the primary heat exchanger is operating at high effectiveness to provide storage of a fluid at low temperature to enhance operation in the initially described mode. In another embodiment, a similar coolant circuit operates in conjunction with a condenser for a steam power electrical generating facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: General Atomic Company
    Inventors: David C. Morse, Daniel L. Vrable
  • Patent number: 4144717
    Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system which has a compressor, a condenser, a flash economizer and an evaporator to form a primary refrigerant loop and a second compressor and an economizer-condenser which partially form a secondary refrigerant loop. Gaseous refrigerant from the flash economizer is recompressed in the second compressor and thereafter recondensed by the economizer-condenser. The recondensed refrigerant is then flashed in the flash economizer further cooling the liquid refrigerant therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Carl M. Anderson, Louis H. Leonard
  • Patent number: 4142381
    Abstract: A subcooler for use in a refrigeration system wherein liquid refrigerant is flashed such that part of the refrigerant changes state from a liquid to a gas absorbing heat from the remaining liquid refrigerant. An economizer condenser is provided in the subcooler such that the flashed refrigerant gas may be recondensed within the subcooler. Liquid refrigerant enters the subcooler through the casing and is flashed through an orifice into a distribution box. The distribution box has perforated end plates such that the flashed gaseous refrigerant is distributed throughout the subcooler to evenly contact the economizer condenser mounted therein. Liquid refrigerant is collected in the bottom of the subcooler and therefrom conducted to the next component of the refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Lavigne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4141708
    Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system which has a compressor, a condenser, a low temperature flash economizer, a high temperature flash economizer and a chiller connected to form a primary refrigerant loop and a second compressor and economizer condenser connected to partially form a secondary refrigerant loop. Gaseous refrigerant from the high temperature flash economizer is condensed by the economizer condenser and then flashed in the low temperature flash economizer. The gaseous refrigerant from the low temperature flash economizer is recompressed by the second compressor and thereafter recondensed by the economizer condenser. The recondensed refrigerant is then circulated to the low temperature flash economizer together with the remaining liquid refrigerant from the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Lavigne, Jr., Louis H. Leonard
  • Patent number: 4137058
    Abstract: An indirect evaporating film heat exchanger having walls defining separated wet and dry sides provide energy-efficient cooling to a gas compression system. In a particular embodiment the heat exchanger supplies a cool dry air stream and a cool moist air stream, respectively, to the power turbine's compressor inlet and intercooler of the gas compression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1979
    Inventors: Leslie A. Schlom, Michael B. Dubey, Andrew J. Becwar
  • Patent number: RE30630
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a closed cycle gas turbine system employs a precooler for cooling the gas prior to compression. A closed loop coolant circuit for the precooler includes a primary heat exchanger. A secondary heat exchanger is provided which may be employed during periods of peak demand on the turbine system to provide additional cooling for the coolant in the closed loop coolant circuit for the precooler. The secondary heat exchanger may also be employed to transfer heat in the reverse direction during periods of time in which the primary heat exchanger is operating at high effectiveness to provide storage of a fluid at low temperature to enhance operation in the initially described mode. In another embodiment, a similar coolant circuit operates in conjunction with a condenser for a steam power electrical generating facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: General Atomic Company
    Inventors: David C. Morse, Daniel L. Vrable