Abstract: An accumulator with an internal heat exchanger for use in an air conditioning or refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator is disclosed. In operation, the accumulator is placed in the system so high pressure, high temperature refrigerant flowing from the condenser and low pressure, low temperature refrigerant flowing from the evaporator simultaneously enter and flow through the heat exchanger disposed in the accumulator whereby the low pressure, low temperature refrigerant absorbs heat and thereby cools the high pressure, high temperature refrigerant. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a tube having at least one high temperature channel and one low temperature channel extending through the interior of the tube. In a second embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a single spirally wound coaxial tube having an outer tube and an inner tube positioned within the outer tube.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one electronic expansion valve coupled to an economizer in a refrigeration system in order to dynamically control the refrigeration system operating conditions and in order to accommodate more than one set of operating conditions. The system can also be used to control the capacity of the system. More specifically, the method can include determining the required capacity of the system and adjusting the flow of refrigerant through the electronic expansion valve to adjust the actual capacity of the system toward the required capacity of the system. In another aspect of the invention, the system is operated to maintain the power of the system below a threshold value (e.g., below a max rated horsepower).

Abstract: A multiple circuit plate heat exchanger exchanges heat between a heat transfer fluid and refrigerant. The first portion of the heat transfer fluid flow enters a first refrigerant circuit and exchanges heat with refrigerant in the first circuit. The second portion of the heat transfer fluid flow then enters a second refrigerant circuit and exchanges heat with refrigerant in the second circuit. By employing a single heat transfer fluid pass, the average leaving temperature difference from each circuit can be reduced, reducing entropy generation and making the system more thermodynamically efficient.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a compressor for increasing a temperature and a pressure of a refrigerant vapor, a condenser fluidly coupled to the compressor for condensing the refrigerant vapor, an expansion device for decreasing the temperature and pressure of a refrigerant liquid, and an evaporator fluidly coupled to the expansion device for evaporating the refrigerant liquid by transferring thermal energy between the refrigerant liquid and a second fluid. The refrigeration system also comprises a heat exchanger having a first flow path fluidly coupled to the compressor and the evaporator and a second flow path fluidly coupled to the condenser and the expansion valve. The heat exchanger is adapted to superheat the refrigerant vapor in the first flow path and subcool the refrigerant liquid in the second flow path by transferring thermal energy between the refrigerant in the first and second flow paths.

Abstract: A hot water supply system wherein a flow of a refrigerant on a high-pressure side of a supercritical heat pump cycle and a flow of hot water are oppositely directed, and wherein water heated by the refrigerant on the high-pressure side is stored in heat insulating tanks of a vacuous and double structure. Water is heated with heat absorbed from the atmosphere and by the supercritical heat pump cycle having a high heat exchange efficiency &eegr;, to reduce the power required to heat the water. Therefore, hot water can be generated even in the daytime during peak power rates. Accordingly, because it is unnecessary to store hot water for daytime use in insulated tanks, system space requirements are reduced.

Abstract: A multiple circuit plate heat exchanger exchanges heat between a heat transfer fluid and refrigerant. The first portion of the heat transfer fluid flow enters a first refrigerant circuit and exchanges heat with refrigerant in the first circuit. The second portion of the heat transfer fluid flow then enters a second refrigerant circuit and exchanges heat with refrigerant in the second circuit. By employing a single heat transfer fluid pass, the average leaving temperature difference from each circuit can be reduced, reducing entropy generation and making the system more thermodynamically efficient.

Abstract: A pressure accumulator device for vapor compressed air conditioning or refrigeration equipment, comprises: an accumulator with its one end connected to refrigerant pipe at high pressure side as compressor, and with the other end connected to an inlet pipe of a condenser; a flow-rate control unit provided at the outlet of said accumulator, or in the condenser tube of said condenser characterized in that high pressure is maintained for refrigerant at high pressure side.

Abstract: A vapor compressed air conditioning or refrigeration equipment includes an accumulator connected between the high pressure side of the compressor and, the inlet of the condenser; a flow-rate control unit is provided at the outlet of the accumulator. Also provided is a dipped type heat exchanger device disposed at the high pressure side of the compressor and connected between the compressor and the condenser via refrigerant pipes and a submersible heat dissipated tube. The dipped type heat exchanger includes a container for storing a heat transfer medium for heat exchange with a waste heat recycled tube combined with the container in heat transfer relationship. The tube is disposed between the low-pressure side of the air conditioning equipment and the compressor, for the purpose of reducing the temperature of the heat transfer medium and thus reducing the temperature of the high temperature superheated refrigerant vapor within the submersible heat dissipated tube.

Abstract: In a refrigerating apparatus using an HFC group refrigerant, the performance is improved by increasing the refrigerating capacity and a stable operation is made possible. In order to achieve this, a cycle system in a refrigerator is structured so as to connect a compressor, a condenser, a liquid receiver and a supercooler in this order. In an air-cooled separation type refrigerator, the liquid receiver is disposed within an air-cooled type condenser unit. Further, in the case where a flush gas is liable to be generated in a liquid pipe, a vapor-liquid separator is disposed within the compressor unit integral with an accumulator and separated therefrom by a partition plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cryogenic refrigerating system for achieving ultra low temperature by sequentially obtaining low temperature through repetition of expansion and evaporation of a mixed-refrigerant in multiple stages. The refrigerating system includes a heat exchanger and a compressor between a final evaporator and a compressor. The heat exchanger causes evaporated refrigerant vapor in a suction tube for the compressor to be heated and to be drawn into the compressor, and causes the refrigerant condensed by a condenser to be supercooled. The refrigerating system includes a plurality of expansion/suction apparatuses connected with one another between the gas/liquid separator and the final evaporator.

Abstract: The economizer flow to the intermediate compression chamber inside a compressor is controlled via a variable restriction. The size of the restriction is selected to optimize unit performance in relation to operating conditions.

Abstract: A vapor compression system includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser interconnected in a closed-loop system. In one embodiment, a multifunctional valve is configured to receive a liquefied heat transfer fluid from the condenser and a hot vapor from the compressor. A saturated vapor line connects the outlet of the multifunctional valve to the inlet of the evaporator and is sized so as to substantially convert the heat transfer fluid exiting the multifunctional valve into a saturated vapor prior to delivery to the evaporator. The multifunctional valve regulates the flow of heat transfer fluid through the valve by monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid returning to the compressor through a suction line coupling the outlet of the evaporator to the inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: A passive desuperheater for a vapor compression refrigeration system is disclosed. The passive desuperheater includes a chamber having two inlets and an outlet, the first inlet for introducing superheated gas into the chamber, the second inlet for introducing cool liquid refrigerant into the chamber and the outlet for outputting the desuperheated gas. The flow of cool liquid refrigerant into the chamber is generated by a gravity drop, resulting in the mixing of the liquid refrigerant with the superheated gas, such that desuperheated gas is output at the outlet. In an alternative embodiment, the hot discharge gas is input through the bottom of a shell and tube condenser and then exposed to the cool liquid refrigerant in the condenser. The desuperheater according to the present invention also can be used to remove oil from the hot discharge gas during desuperheating. Desuperheating can also be obtained by passing the superheated gas through a pipe immersed in the cool liquid refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigerated intercooler for an air conditioning, refrigeration or similar cooling system. The intercooler provides a thermal interface between colder refrigerant gas leaving the air conditioning system's evaporator and the hotter refrigerant liquid leaving the system's condenser. The thermal interface occurs between the gas in the accumulator portion of the intercooler and the liquid in an interior container of the intercooler. In the preferred embodiment, the interior container is coiled tubing, to promote better heat exchange. The system's oil/refrigerant emulsion is metered and returned from the intercooler to the compressor through an oil return line that is external to the accumulator portion of the intercooler.

Abstract: An accumulator for an air-conditioning (refrigeration or heat pump) system is designed to reduce flooding due to greater effective internal volume while at the same time incorporating an internal heat exchanger for better system performance, and providing better evaporation and controlled thermal properties. The accumulator embodies an outer housing that co-axially surrounds an inner liner. The inlet directs the refrigerant into the inner volume formed by the liner, wherein the liquid refrigerant and compressor oil are contained and insulated from the wall of the outer housing. A heat exchanger is arranged in the annular space between the outer housing and the inner liner and circulates a flow of condensate therethrough before delivering it to the expansion device. In this way the condensate is cooled for higher performance and at the same time refrigerant passing out of the accumulator is vaporized more completely.

Abstract: A low pressure suction side refrigerant to liquid refrigerant heat exchanger, located in the refrigeration circuit in such a way that the sensor (and external equalizer tube, if applicable) is located downstream of the low pressure refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger, provides for effectively eliminating both the superheat and flash gas loss regions of the evaporator which in turn increases the mass flow through the evaporator and increases the refrigerating capacity of the evaporator at very little increase in compressor power thereby providing for increased system efficiency for refrigerating or cooling purposes. On the heating side, heat rejection capacity of a heat pump is increased even more dramatically because of the heat reclaim of the flash gas loss heat, which provides for even greater efficiency increases for heating applications.

Abstract: A refrigerated intercooler for an air conditioning, refrigeration or similar cooling system. The intercooler provides a thermal interface between colder refrigerant gas leaving the air conditioning system's evaporator and the hotter refrigerant liquid leaving the system's condenser. The thermal interface occurs between the gas in the accumulator portion of the intercooler and the liquid in an interior container of the intercooler. In the preferred embodiment, the interior container is coiled tubing, to promote better heat exchange. The system's oil/refrigerant emulsion is metered and returned from the intercooler to the compressor through an oil return line that is external to the accumulator portion of the intercooler.

Abstract: High pressure drop and evaporator inefficiency due to the presence of lubricant in a refrigerant are avoided in a refrigeration system including a compressor (10) having an inlet (12) and an outlet (14). A gas cooler/condenser (16) receives compressed, lubricant containing refrigerant from the compressor outlet (14). Also included is an evaporator (48) for evaporating refrigerant and cooling another fluid and returning the refrigerant to the compressor inlet (12). A phase separator (36) is interposed between the gas cooler/condenser (16) and the evaporator (48) for receiving cooled refrigerant from the gas cooler/condenser (16). The phase separator (36) includes a chamber (62) having an inlet (34) connected to the gas cooler/condenser (16), an upper vapor outlet (38) connected to the compressor inlet (12), a liquid refrigerant outlet (40) and a lubricant outlet (78).

Abstract: A closed circuit refrigeration system of successive coalescent/depth filters provides the almost total removal of liquid refrigerants from a refrigeration gas stream. The liquid refrigerant so extracted is then be returned to the suction side through a metering device such as a capillary line to provide intermediate cooling of the oncoming discharge gas. The auto cascade system utilizes short path plate heat exchangers. The properties of coalescent/depth filters place a physical barrier between the differing temperature/pressure regimes on the discharge side of the system. The provision of a start valve in a line connecting the gas discharge path and the return path close to the cryo-coil enables the use of hermetic compressors and eliminates the requirement for supplementary pressure vessels within auto-cascade cryogenic refrigeration systems.

Abstract: A refrigeration system which comprises a compressor, an evaporator to which liquid refrigerant compressed by the compressor is supplied through a flow restrictor, and return means which direct refrigerant expanded in the evaporator back to the compressor. The return means include an accumulator in which liquid refrigerant leaving said evaporator may collect, and heating means either integral with or attached to the accumulator. The heating means are adapted to supply heat energy to the liquid refrigerant collected by said accumulator in order to promote its evaporation, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the refrigeration system. The heating means may be controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature of thermal loads which might be controlled by refrigeration at any temperature within a wide range from −40° C. to +120° C. employs a refrigeration loop with pressure and temperature sensitive shunt paths to provide stabilized refrigerant flow so that a thermal expansion valve can operate stably only with liquid refrigerant inputs. For efficiency, thermal energy is interchanged between refrigerant returning from thermal energy exchange with a thermal load such as a cluster tool used in semiconductor fabrication and counterflow pressurized liquid refrigerant that is to be expanded for heat exchange. If the input in a suction line to the compressor is too high in temperature, a portion of pressurized refrigerant for the thermal expansion valve that is being subcooled prior to feeding to the valve is diverted into counterflow relationship with the subcooling exchange.

Abstract: A refrigeration piping process comprising the steps of installing a smaller liquid tube for supplying liquid to a remotely located evaporator, inside of a larger suction tube to be used for supplying the suction vapor from a remotely located evaporator, connecting the smaller liquid tube for supplying liquid to an evaporator to the liquid supply source at the liquid source, connecting the smaller liquid tube for supplying liquid to an evaporator to the liquid tube which supplies the evaporator and connecting the one end of the larger suction tube to a compressor and the other end of the larger suction tube to the outlet of the remotely located evaporator.

Abstract: In a refrigerating apparatus using an HFC group refrigerant, the. performance is improved by increasing the refrigerating capacity and a stable operation is made possible. In order to achieve this, a cycle system in a refrigerator is structured so as to connect a compressor, a condenser, a liquid receiver and a supercooler in this order. In an air-cooled separation type refrigerator, the liquid receiver is disposed within an air-cooled type condenser unit. Further, in the case where a flush gas is liable to be generated in a liquid pipe, a vapor-liquid separator is disposed within the compressor unit integral with an accumulator and separated therefrom by a partition plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioner with a refrigerant loop containing a compressor, an evaporator, an accumulator positioned on the low-pressure side between the evaporator and the compressor, and an internal heat exchanger with a high-pressure side heat transfer channel and a low-pressure side heat transfer channel. According to the invention, the internal heat exchanger has a multichannel tube wound into a radial spiral or a meander shape. In addition or alternatively, the internal heat exchanger contains a multichannel tube which is positioned in the air current path of a cool air current of a high-pressure side condenser/gas cooler. Utilization, for example as a CO2 air conditioner in motor vehicles.

Abstract: A fluid collector of a cooling device, which collects fluid carried along by the coolant in a reservoir, is arranged upstream of the compressor. The return of the fluid coolant, which can also contain oil, into the section leading to the compressor takes place via an inlet conduit. A control device regulates the reintroduction of the fluid via a regulating valve in such a way, that the vapor conveyed to the compressor does not contain any large fluid particles.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus is provided with a supercooling circuit 8 having a supercooling heat exchanger 15 provided between a condenser 3 and a main expansion mechanism 9 and an injection circuit 10 for injecting a gas refrigerant from the supercooling heat exchanger 15 into an intermediate-pressure portion 1a of a compressor 1. A motorized expansion valve 16 is provided in a supercooling pipe that diverges from the main flow on the upstream P1 side of the supercooling heat exchanger 15 and reaches the supercooling. heat exchanger 15. By completely closing the motorized expansion valve 16, the injection operation of the injection circuit 10 can be turned off. The degree of supercooling of the supercooling circuit 8 and the amount of injection of the injection circuit 10 can be set to desired values by controlling the motorized expansion valve 16 to a specified degree of opening. The supercooling circuit and the injection circuit can be controlled with reduced noises at low cost.

Abstract: A refrigerant system includes two compressors that are independently activated to meet a variable cooling demand of a comfort zone or a process. For high cooling demands, both compressors are operated. However, for lower cooling demands, one compressor is de-activated, while the other continues running. To help prevent refrigerant from condensing in the vicinity of the relatively cool inactive compressor, heat from the discharge line of the running compressor heats the suction or discharge line of the inactive compressor. To transfer heat from one line to the other, the two lines are simply held against each other in a parallel, side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: A vapor compression system includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser interconnected in a closed-loop system. In one embodiment, a multifunctional valve is configured to receive a liquefied heat transfer fluid from the condenser and a hot vapor from the compressor. A saturated vapor line connects the outlet of the multifunctional valve to the inlet of the evaporator and is sized so as to substantially convert the heat transfer fluid exiting the multifunctional valve into a saturated vapor prior to delivery to the evaporator. The multifunctional valve regulates the flow of heat transfer fluid through the valve by monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid returning to the compressor through a suction line coupling the outlet of the evaporator to the inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: An accumulator-dehydrator for use in an air conditioning system. The accumulator-dehydrator has a hollow delivery tube for delivering vaporized refrigerant and entrained oil to the compressor of the air conditioning system. The delivery tube has an expansion chamber and a separator to eliminate noise within the system.

Abstract: A heat exchanger provides simplicity, compactness, and high efficiency through a construction that includes an elongated tube structure comprising three rows of flattened multiport tubing, with a first row of tubing 30 and a third row of tubing 50 sandwiching a second row of tubing 40. The second row of tubing 40 terminates in opposite ends 42,44 on which are received refrigerant fittings 46 and 48 respectively. The first and third rows of tubing 30, 50 each include a run abutting and in heat exchange relation with the tubing 40. Opposing ends 32, 34 of the tubing 30 extend about refrigerant fittings 46 and 48 and are received in refrigerant fittings 36, 38. The tubing 50 includes parts 52 and 54 extending about the refrigerant fittings 46 and 48 and terminating in opposite ends 56, 58. The ends 56, 58 are also in fluid communication with fittings 36, 38.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing cooling capacity in refrigeration systems. The present invention provides a refrigeration system comprising a main, an economizing, and a bypass circuits. The main circuit comprises a compressor, a condenser unit, an expansion device, an evaporator unit, connecting piping and appropriate refrigeration control. The compressor includes an economizer port located in the compression region, and a variable flow valve associated with the economizer port. A body of the valve is a part of a body of the housing and a seat of the valve in a closed position is shaped to be contiguous with internal portion of the housing. The economizer circuit includes a first solenoid valve, an additional expansion device and an economizing heat exchanger. The bypass circuit has a second solenoid valve. A control system activates the valves based on a capacity demand.

Abstract: A vapor compression system includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser interconnected in a closed-loop system. In one embodiment, a multifunctional valve is configured to receive a liquefied heat transfer fluid from the condenser and a hot vapor from the compressor. A saturated vapor line connects the outlet of the multifunctional valve to the inlet of the evaporator and is sized so as to substantially convert the heat transfer fluid exiting the multifunctional valve into a saturated vapor prior to delivery to the evaporator. The multifunctional valve regulates the flow of heat transfer fluid through the valve by monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid returning to the compressor through a suction line coupling the outlet of the evaporator to the inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: A reversible heat pump system includes heat exchangers having significantly different refrigerant handling capacities and a refrigerant holding device for holding excess refrigerant during the heating mode of operation. The refrigerant holding device includes a heat exchanger located therein for subcooling the refrigerant in the refrigerant holding device during the heating mode. The heat exchanger in the refrigerant holding device circulates suction pressure refrigerant through the refrigerant holding device before the suction pressure refrigerant enters the suction inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: An optimized position for an economizer shut-off valve, or other method of increasing the volume in an economizer line is disclosed In one embodiment, the economizer shut-off valve is positioned directly downstream of the economizer heat exchanger. In a second embodiment, the valve is positioned upstream of the economizer expansion valve and the economizer heat exchanger. In a third embodiment, the economizer expansion valve is also provided with an appropriate control such that it can be utilized as the shut-off valve. In the fourth embodiment, additional volume is added to the economizer line. With each of these embodiments, the volume of the economizer line between the compressor and the economizer shut-off valve is relatively large compared to the prior art. Benefits with regard to temperature control, efficiency and capacity increase are achieved by this invention. Moreover, a less expensive shut-off valve can be utilized.

Abstract: A heat pump type heating and air conditioning system is provided. The heat pump comprises a series of heat exchange relationships between an internal refrigeration circuit and at least one external coolant circuit. In a preferred embodiment, a fuel cell coolant circuit and an electronics coolant circuit are in heat exchange relationship with the refrigeration circuit. A method of selectively heating and/or cooling air within a passenger compartment of a fuel cell vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A compound evaporation device comprises a compressor, a heat discharge divider, a main liquid line, a re-condensed tube, a vapor divider, and a primary vapor tube. The compressor is for compressing a gaseous refrigerant therein. The heat discharge divider communicates the compressor and has heat discharge branch tubes thereon surrounded by heat dissipating fins. The main liquid line communicates the heat discharge branch tubes. The re-condensed tube has a series of turns in alternate directions and communicates with the main liquid line. The expansion valve connects with the re-condensed tube. The vapor divider connects with the expansion valve and has vapor branch tubes surrounded by heat guide fins, and the heat guide fins and/or the vapor branch tube at a bottom thereof contact with the re-condensed tube. The primary vapor tube communicates the vapor branch tubes and the compressor to constitute a complete circuit line.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of use for a heat exchanger in an HVAC system having a system refrigerant for heat transfer between a radiator and a heat exchanger, in heat transfer communication through the heat exchanger. Single or multiple heat exchange loops and flow controllers maintain system balance during operation of the system.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an air conditioning system with low compression load. This air conditioning system consists of an expansion unit for adiabatically expanding refrigerant, an indoor unit having a heat exchanger, a compressor for adiabatically compressing the refrigerant, and an outdoor unit having a heat exchanger, and circulates refrigerant through the compressor, outdoor unit, expansion unit, and indoor unit to heat or cool a target area using the phase change of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigeration system which comprises a compressor, an evaporator to which liquid refrigerant compressed by the compressor is supplied through a flow restrictor, and return means which direct refrigerant expanded in the evaporator back to the compressor. The return means include an accumulator in which liquid refrigerant leaving said evaporator may collect, and heating means either integral with or attached to the accumulator. The heating means are adapted to supply heat energy to the liquid refrigerant collected by said accumulator in order to promote its evaporation, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the refrigeration system. The heating. means may be controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system using a capillary as an expansion device has a liquid refrigerant subcooler between a condenser and the capillary which is controlled to vary the refrigerant flow.

Abstract: The present invention is a refrigeration system that uses a nonflammable, nonchlorinated refrigerant mixture to achieve very-low temperatures using a single compressor. The system is characterized by both high efficiency and rapid cool down time.

Abstract: An air-conditioning unit comprises a compressor component for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser component for condensing the refrigerant, and an evaporator component for evaporating the refrigerant. At least two of the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator components is assembled integrally. This prevents with certainty leakage of the refrigerant that circulates through the air-conditioning unit.

Abstract: Small sized air conditioner including a heat discharging part having a small sized compressor and condenser, a heat absorbing part having a small sized evaporator, a drain hose for transferring condensate from the evaporator to the heat discharging part, and a device for disposing of condensate fitted in the heat discharging part for vaporizing the condensate transferred through the drain hose by using a heat generated at the heat discharging part, thereby facilitating easy installation and movement.

Abstract: A double-tube type heat exchanger has a restriction hole (6), formed on an inner tube (3), through which a refrigerant introduced into an outer tube (3) is introduced into the inner tube (3) while the refrigerant expands. Therefore, a part of the refrigerant introduced into the outer tube (3) can be introduced into the inner tube (2) from the restriction hole (6) while the refrigerant expands. That is, the restriction hole (6) formed on the inner tube (2) serves as an expansion mechanism of a bypass flow. Therefore, this double-tube type heat exchanger (1) allows an injection circuit or a super-cooling circuit to be compactly and inexpensively constructed.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprising a compressor for compressing a refrigerant. The compressor uses an oil for lubrication. A condenser receives the compressed refrigerant and condenses at most of the refrigerant to a liquid. A thermo-siphon vessel receives and stores refrigerant from the condenser. An oil cooler receives liquid refrigerant from the thermo-siphon vessel and uses the liquid refrigerant to cool the compressor oil. An air unit receives liquid refrigerant from the thermo-siphon vessel and uses the liquid refrigerant to cool an enclosure. A receiver receives and stores any overflow liquid refrigerant from the thermo-siphon vessel, vapor and liquid refrigerant from the oil cooler, and releases the overflow back to the air unit as needed. A valve before the receiver restricts the flow of refrigerant from the thermo-siphon vessel to maintain the pressure in the thermo-siphon vessel and receiver above a given point.

Abstract: In a refrigerating apparatus using an HFC group refrigerant, the performance is improved by increasing the refrigerating capacity and a stable operation is made possible. In order to achieve this, a cycle system in a refrigerator is structured so as to connect a compressor, a condenser, a liquid receiver and a supercooler in this order. In an air-cooled separation type refrigerator, the liquid receiver is disposed within an air-cooled type condenser unit. Further, in the case where a flush gas is liable to be generated in a liquid pipe, a vapor-liquid separator is disposed within the compressor unit integral with an accumulator and separated therefrom by a partition plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising a compressor, a condenser for condensing a refrigerant from the compressor into a liquid state, an evaporator for evaporating the liquid refrigerant into a gaseous state through a heat exchange with an air within a storage, a capillary tube positioned between the evaporator and the condenser, a connection pipe positioned between the evaporator and the connection pipe; and coupling members positioned between the evaporator and the connection pipe and positioned between the connection pipe and the compressor, for directing the capillary tube to the inside of the connection pipe. With this configuration, a liquid refrigerant in a gaseous refrigerant flowing into the compressor from the evaporator can be effectively removed, without soldering of the capillary tube and the connection pipe.

Abstract: A passive desuperheater for a vapor compression refrigeration system is disclosed. The passive desuperheater includes a chamber having two inlets and an outlet, the first inlet for introducing superheated gas into the chamber, the second inlet for introducing cool liquid refrigerant into the chamber and the outlet for outputting the desuperheated gas. The flow of cool liquid refrigerant into the chamber is generated by a gravity drop, resulting in the mixing of the liquid refrigerant with the superheated gas, such that desuperheated gas is output at the outlet. In an alternative embodiment, the hot discharge gas is input through the bottom of a shell and tube condenser and then exposed to the cool liquid refrigerant in the condenser. The desuperheater according to the present invention also can be used to remove oil from the hot discharge gas during desuperheating. Desuperheating can also be obtained by passing the superheated gas through a pipe immersed in the cool liquid refrigerant.

Abstract: An integrated modular collector—heat exchanger unit for motor vehicle air conditioners and the like has a collector housing in which a collecting space and a heat exchanger unit are disposed. The heat exchanger unit includes two separate heat exchanger ducts which are in a thermal contact. One heat exchanger duct has a helical course and is part of a first flow duct which extends from a housing inlet to a housing outlet in the collector housing. The other heat exchanger duct is part of a second flow duct extending between the collecting space and a housing connection. This other heat exchanger duct also has a helical course, its coils in each case being in a thermal contact with at least one adjoining coil of the first of the first heat exchanger duct.

Abstract: During a heating mode, higher-pressure refrigerant having passed through a condenser within an air-conditioning duct is divided into two portions. One portion is depressurized by a first depressurizing device to an intermediate pressure. Heat exchange is performed in a refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchanger between the other portion of the higher-pressure refrigerant having just passed through the condenser and the intermediate-pressure refrigerant having just passed through the first depressurizing device. During the heating mode, the higher-pressure refrigerant cooled in refrigerant-refrigerant heat exchanger 23 is supercooled by a supercooling device within the air-conditioning duct. Then, the supercooled higher-pressure refrigerant is depressurized by a second depressurizing device to a lower pressure, thereby vaporized in an outdoor heat-exchanger.