Processes Patents (Class 62/56)
  • Publication number: 20150089963
    Abstract: In a central air-conditioning system, regional flow balancing valves for controlling flow of water return branch pipes are arranged on the water return branch pipes, and energy balancing valves are arranged on water return pipes of tail-end fan coils respectively. A control method includes: detecting flow in the water return branch pipes, and adjusting the flow in the return branch pipes to be smaller than or equal to a branch pipe set flow value; and detecting the temperature of return water in the water return pipes of the tail-end fan coils, controlling the temperature of the return water in the water return pipes of the tail-end fan coils to be greater than or equal to a tail-end return water set temperature value, detecting the room temperature and adjusting the opening degree of the energy balancing valves in temperature controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Zhongxi Tan
  • Patent number: 8991198
    Abstract: Automated control of a cooling system cooling at least one electronic component is provided. The control includes monitoring over a period of time variation of an operational variable of the cooling system or of the at least one electronic component, and based, at least in part, on variation of the operational variable over the period of time, automatically determining whether to adjust control of the cooling system to limit variation of the operational variable. In one implementation, depending on the variation of the operational variable, and whether control of the cooling system has been previously adjusted, the method may further include automatically determining a probability of fail or an expected residual life of the cooling system, and responsive to the predicted probability of fail exceeding a first acceptable threshold or the expected residual life being below a second acceptable threshold, automatically scheduling for a cooling system repair or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kearney, Rejean P. Levesque, K. Paul Muller, Andrew H. Vogel, Emmanuel Yashchin
  • Publication number: 20150082814
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for controlling an electromotive compressor in a heat pump system for a vehicle. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an unexpected cutoff of a compressor attributable to overload and the generation of noise and vibration attributable to frequent restarts can be prevented by controlling the number of rotations of the compressor within a specific range based on the discharge pressure of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Hak Kyu Kim, Sung Ho Kang, Sang Ki Lee, Young Ho Choi, Jae Min Lee, Jung Jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20150075190
    Abstract: An air conditioning companion stabilizer system for improving the operating cooling efficiency of refrigeration cycle components in air conditioning systems integrates the refrigeration cycle components with two independent, closed loops whose operation is complementary of one another. A temperature stabilizing loop functions in ambient conditions that lower cooling efficiency and is operative to absorb heat from the refrigerant exiting the condenser, thereby lowering the temperature of the refrigerant before it arrives at the expansion valve. A secondary loop, or charging loop operating in ambient conditions that enable optimal cooling efficiency facilitates the operation of the temperature stabilizing loop by priming a rechargeable heat absorbing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Allen John Mahncke
  • Patent number: 8974573
    Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is disclosed. An electrical sensor measures an electrical quantity indicative of power consumption of a component of the refrigerant-cycle system. A processing system selectively identifies a condition indicative of an airflow restriction through the refrigerant-cycle system based on the power consumption of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Publication number: 20150052911
    Abstract: A method for controlling transitions between activating and deactivating a vehicle air conditioner compressor is disclosed. In one example, displacement of the air conditioner compressor is adjusted before the air conditioner is coupled to an energy conversion device. The method may provide smooth transitions between different air conditioner compressor control modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Hugh Hamilton, Brent Jacobsen, Steve Pryor Perry
  • Patent number: 8959934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercooling system and a method for displaying a supercooled state which can accurately display a supercooled state of a stored object in spite of the external influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Won-Young Chung
  • Publication number: 20150040586
    Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: BE Aerospace
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
  • Publication number: 20150033775
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling load requirements relating to a transport refrigeration unit, including receiving one or more power information from a load: a power consumption information or a power requirement information; receiving one or more state information from the load: state of a compressor, state of a condenser, state of a compressor fan, state of an evaporation fan or state of a condenser fan; determining the following based on one or more power information and one or more state information: a) an amount of power to supply, b) a time duration for supplying power, and c) an operational frequency. In one example, one or more auxiliary information are also used for the determination: a fluid leakage measurement, a current measurement, a timer measurement, a counter measurement, a controlled environment temperature, or an environmental temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Yedidia Cohen, Guanghui Wang, Zvi Kurtzman
  • Publication number: 20150027139
    Abstract: A system including a setpoint module, a summer, a control module, and an expansion valve module. The setpoint module is configured to indirectly control sub-cooling of a condenser by adjusting a superheat setpoint based on (i) a return air temperature setpoint or a supply air temperature setpoint, and (ii) an outdoor ambient temperature. The summer is configured to determine an error between the superheat setpoint and a superheat level of a compressor. The control module is configured to generate a control signal based on the error. The expansion valve module is configured to electronically control a state of an expansion valve based on the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Zhiyong LIN, Benedict J. DOLCICH, John F. JUDGE
  • Publication number: 20150027138
    Abstract: A method for determining discharge pressure for a compressor operatively connected to a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator in a serial relationship, includes receiving information indicative of a compressor torque or compressor current; and determining a discharge pressure in response to the receiving of the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Don A. Schuster, Adeyemi A. Adepetu, Rajendra K. Shah
  • Patent number: 8935928
    Abstract: An integrated power and refrigeration system is disclosed that includes a first subsystem configured to provide cooling air using a reverse-Brayton cycle using compressed air and a second subsystem configured to provide power by accepting a first portion of the compressed air from the first subsystem, heating the accepted first portion of the compressed air to form hot compressed air, and using the hot compressed air to drive a turbine that is coupled to a power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Mills
  • Patent number: 8935929
    Abstract: An HVAC evaporator unit and emergency drain pan are suspended from an existing overhead structure. Plural lateral beams are disposed along a horizontal plane, which support a pair of support beams, which support the HVAC evaporator unit. The beams are connected to each other by plural pivot connectors, which thereby defines a grid arrangement that is foldable about the plural pivot connectors. Plural pan support beams are suspended by pairs of pan hangers, which are connected to the ends the plural lateral beams. Plural flexible hangers are connected to ends of the plural lateral beams, for connection to and suspension from the existing overhead support structure. Hanger clamps are used to adjust the plural flexible hangers to facilitate height adjustment and leveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Richard L. Prater
  • Publication number: 20150007588
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of defrosting frozen items, is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid flow system and method, such as a fluid-push/pull system in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which frozen items are located and/or a continuous motion system in which fluid is circulated within a fluid tank of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: JOHN CANTRELL, MARK CHURCHILL, MICHAEL LICATA, DAVID GAST
  • Publication number: 20150000310
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes at least one outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and at least one remote controller to receive operation commands for the plural indoor units. One of the plural indoor units may be selected as a power-supplying indoor unit to supply electric power to the at least one remote controller, based on voltage values of electric power to be supplied from the plural indoor units to the at least one remote controller. The selected indoor unit supplies electric power to the at least one controller. The air conditioner enables a supply of electric power with a sufficiently high voltage to a remote controller by supplying electric power to the remote controller by one indoor unit exhibiting a highest voltage value of electric power to be supplied to the remote controller, as compared to other indoor units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Eun Lee, Su Ho Jo, Kwan Joo Myoung, Awata Hiroshi, Yuoda
  • Publication number: 20140378310
    Abstract: Provided are a superconducting rotating machine which improves the cooling efficiency of a rotor by using schemes of passively or actively circulating a coolant and a cooling method thereof. The superconducting rotating machine includes a rotor supported rotatably about a rotation axis and including: at least one superconductive coil; and a central cavity; and a cooling apparatus disposed at an exterior of the rotor and configured to communicate with the cavity, wherein the cooling apparatus includes: a condenser configured to condense a gas coolant supplied through a gas coolant supplying pipe to generate a condensed coolant; a coolant circulating unit configured to supply the condensed coolant into the cavity, configured to recover a vapor coolant evaporated in the cavity into the condenser and configured to circulate the condensed coolant; and a forced circulating unit configured to actively circulate the condensed coolant into the cavity in response to the rotor being tilted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Woon Sik Kwon
  • Publication number: 20140366563
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a heat exchanger through which a refrigerant flows, and which rejects heat to a fluid, an evaporator, a first circuit having an expansion device, a second circuit having an expansion machine coupled to a compressor, and a set of valves arranged to direct the refrigerant through the first circuit, the second circuit, or both the first and second circuits based on ambient conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicants: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Vaisman, Patrick C. Sweeney, Douglas J. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20140352333
    Abstract: A method for collecting condensate inside an apparatus, including: providing a condensate collection system with bottom and top collection tanks; a condensate discharge pump to displace liquid from the bottom collection tank to the top collection tank; and an overflow system which displaces the liquid contained in the top collection tank that exceeds an overflow level into the bottom collection tank; collecting a condensed liquid in the bottom collection tank; actuating the condensate discharge pump to displace the condensed liquid from the bottom collection tank into the top collection tank; detecting a low load condition of the condensate discharge pump, actuation of the condensate discharge pump being interrupted upon detection of the low load condition; the actuating time (T2) of the condensate discharge pump, with signalling of a full condition of the condensate collection system when this actuating time (T2) is equal or larger than a maximum time (T2lim).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Askoll Holding S.r.I. a socio unico
    Inventor: Elio Marioni
  • Patent number: 8893517
    Abstract: A vehicle air handling system includes an air conditioner having an inlet selectively opening to a source of fresh air or recirculated air from within the passenger compartment. A controller switches the source of inlet air to recirculated air under certain conditions in order to optimize system efficiency and component life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ranganathan Madhavan, Curtis M. Jones, Manfred Koberstein, Kenneth G. Brown, Eric G. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20140338372
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and/or devices are provided for producing a heat pump. In some embodiments, the heat pump may be driven by low temperature heat. The methods, systems, and devices may include tools and techniques for: precipitating a first material, where heat may be released from the precipitated first material; cooling the precipitated first material; dissolving the cooled precipitated first material into a second material to create a dissolved mixture, where heat may be absorbed into the mixture; and/or separating the first material and the second material from the dissolved mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: REbound Technology LLC
    Inventor: Russell Muren
  • Patent number: 8887517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an aircraft cooling system (10), comprising the steps guiding a cooling medium through a cooling circuit (26) which is coupled to a refrigerating machine (12) and to at least one cooling energy consumer (14a-14d) in order to supply cooling medium cooled by the refrigerating machine (12) to the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d), and controlling the operation of the refrigerating machine (12) by a control unit (42), such that coolant medium cooled by the refrigerating machine (12) to a predetermined cooling medium flow temperature is supplied to the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d). The method for operating an aircraft cooling system (10) further comprises detecting a cooling energy requirement of the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d) and transmitting a signal indicative of the cooling energy requirement of the cooling energy consumer (14a-14d) to the control unit (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Truemper
  • Patent number: 8887515
    Abstract: A thermal management system includes a case; an insulation material provided within the case, the insulation material defining an interior volume of the insulation material; a liner arranged in the interior volume, the liner having an inner surface that extends toward a center of the case; an outer container of phase change material provided in the liner, the outer container comprising a plurality of outer panels containing a first phase change material, the plurality of outer panels comprising a bottom outer panel, a top outer panel, and side outer panels; and an inner container of phase change material provided in the outer container, the inner container comprising a plurality of inner panels containing a second phase change material; wherein an outer surface of each of the side outer panels is parallel with the inner surface of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Pelican BioPharma, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher H. Patstone
  • Publication number: 20140331694
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to receiving, by a device comprising a processor, an indication that an air conditioning unit should turn on, commanding, by the device, a valve to open a specified extent based on the received indication, and subsequent to the valve opening to the specified extent, powering-on a piece of equipment that has an impact on refrigerant flow in the air conditioning unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Eric B. Fraser, Arthur F. Friday, Jr., Michael R. Cote, Jing Ou, Mehmood Syed
  • Publication number: 20140331693
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle having at least one electric drive component which is cooled via at least one coolant circuit which is coupled thermally to a refrigerant circuit. In a first operating mode of the motor vehicle, an inlet temperature of a coolant of the at least one coolant circuit is set to a first value by active cooling by means of the refrigerant circuit. In a second operating mode, in particular a sports operating mode of the motor vehicle, the inlet temperature is lowered with respect to the first operating mode. As a result, more pronounced cooling of the components is made possible in the second operating mode, as a result of which the maximum driving power of the motor vehicle is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Florian Bauer, Stefan Ullmann
  • Publication number: 20140331692
    Abstract: A motor driven compressor system includes a motor with an internal cooling loop. The internal cooling loop draws cooling air from outside the motor driven compressor system. At least one compressor is driven by the motor. A heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the at least one compressor and the cooling loop and is arranged in a ram air duct. An on board inert gas generating system (OBIGGS) for a gas turbine engine and a method of cooling the system utilizing such a compressor system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Vanwijak Eowsakul
  • Publication number: 20140326002
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, an expansion device, and an evaporator in fluid communication with one another. An electronic condenser pressure control valve is in fluid communication with an outlet of the condenser and operative to control a condition at the outlet of the condenser. A controller is operatively coupled to the electronic condenser pressure control valve, the controller including logic configured to operate the electronic condenser pressure control valve to dynamically float the discharge pressure at the condenser outlet based on at least one of one or more system conditions or one or more ambient condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Ted W. Sunderland, Dustin B. Searcy, Christian D. Parker, Dave P. Wrocklage, Kevin E. Dorton
  • Publication number: 20140318156
    Abstract: A case for a galley cart defines a cavity with at least two dividers positioned within the cavity, each having a first end edge and an opposing second end edge, with the dividers defining at least two chambers within the cavity. A door is movably attached to the case having a first position in which the cavity is accessible and a second position in which the cavity is substantially sealed. The door incorporates a housing having at least one cooling puck corresponding to at least a first one of the chambers and a second cooling puck corresponding to a second one of the chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Marcus K. Richardson, Tateh Wu, Raymond H. Horstman, James P. Schalla
  • Publication number: 20140311168
    Abstract: An ice transportation system includes an ice storage, a negative pressure system, a positive pressure system, a valve assembly, and an ice delivery control system. The ice storage delivers ice into the negative pressure system. The negative pressure system develops a partial vacuum that facilitates ice delivery from the negative pressure system into the valve assembly. The valve assembly receives the ice and meters the ice to the positive pressure system. The positive pressure system develops a plenum condition that facilitates ice delivery from the positive pressure system into an ice receptacle. The ice delivery control system controls the ice storage, the negative pressure system, the valve assembly, and the positive pressure system in the delivery of ice to the ice receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ICE LINK, LLC
    Inventors: J. Eric Berge, Brandon D. Berge, Mark A. McClure, Glenn S. Seamark
  • Publication number: 20140305143
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for detecting an abnormality in a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator that is capable of detecting whether connection pipes disposed between a refrigerant passage valve and a freezer evaporator and between the refrigerant passage valve and a cold room evaporator are blocked and switched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Won Joo Kwon
  • Publication number: 20140298828
    Abstract: The present invention provides a secondary cooling apparatus and method of providing cooling to one or more features in a refrigerator. In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, the refrigerator includes a cabinet having a door, a first cooling loop in the cabinet, and a second cooling loop cooled by the first cooling loop. The secondary cooling loop is adapted to cool the one or more features in the cabinet or on the door of the refrigerator. In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method for providing cooling in a refrigerator to one or more features in a compartment or on a door of the refrigerator includes providing a first cooling loop within a refrigerator, cooling a secondary cooling loop directly or indirectly with the first cooling loop, and transferring cooling from the secondary cooling loop to the one or more features in the compartment or on the door of the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: STEVEN JOHN KUEHL, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, ANDERSON BORTOLETTO
  • Publication number: 20140298829
    Abstract: A method of operating an air conditioning system includes operating a refrigeration unit to cool a volume of refrigerant and circulating the refrigerant to a heat exchanger. A serviced space is cooled via a thermal energy exchange between the serviced space and the refrigerant at the heat exchanger. Thermal energy generated by operation of the refrigeration unit is stored at a thermal energy storage system. An air conditioning system includes a refrigeration unit and a heat exchanger operably connected to the refrigeration unit. The heat exchanger is configured to transfer thermal energy between a serviced space and the refrigeration unit, thus cooling the serviced space. A volume of thermal energy storage medium is utilized to absorb thermal heat generated by the refrigeration unit for dissipation into the ambient environment at a selected time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory M. Dobbs
  • Patent number: 8850830
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a cooling loop that includes a reservoir. The reservoir has a level sensor that is configured to provide a level signal indicative of a coolant level within the reservoir. A temperature sensor is in communication with the cooling loop and is configured to provide a temperature signal. A controller is in communication with the level sensor and the temperature sensor. The controller has a coolant density data. The controller is configured to correct the level signal based upon the temperature signal and detect a leakage condition of the cooling system. A method of determining a coolant amount within a cooling system includes the steps of determining an amount of coolant having a temperature-variable density, determining a coolant temperature, correcting the coolant amount based upon the coolant temperature, and comparing the corrected coolant amount to a desired coolant amount to detect a coolant leakage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt J. Doughty
  • Publication number: 20140290283
    Abstract: A thermal management system for a natural gas tank includes a container, and a cooling mechanism operatively positioned to selectively cool the container. A method for minimizing a loss of natural gas storage during refueling is also disclosed herein. In an example of the method, a cooling mechanism, which is operatively positioned to selectively cool a container of a natural gas storage tank, is initiated prior to a refueling event. This cools the container to a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jerome P. Ortmann, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Arianna T. Morales, Anne M. Dailly, Mei Cai
  • Publication number: 20140283533
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrical transport refrigeration, including generating a direct current (DC) voltage; storing the DC voltage in a high voltage DC storage; sensing a current requirement from an electrical load (e.g., a refrigeration unit), wherein the current requirement is proportional to a power requirement of the electrical load; transporting the DC voltage from the high voltage DC storage to an inverter, wherein the DC voltage is in an amount consistent with the power requirement; converting the DC voltage to an inverted AC voltage: determining a voltage in a voltage path; and triggering a switch to connect the electrical load to the voltage path it the voltage is the inverted AC voltage. And, the apparatus and method may include connecting a battery to an operating control unit of the refrigeration unit to enable a soft start of a compressor. In one example, the apparatus is a tractor-trailer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Zvi Kurtzman, Si Ryong Yu, Gary Tatum
  • Publication number: 20140260343
    Abstract: Detection of reverse rotation or operation of a refrigerant compressor is provided. In one aspect, a detection technique includes starting the compressor and determining the compressor is rotating in a reverse direction if a dome temperature of the compressor fails to exceed a first predetermined threshold at or before expiration of a first predetermined period of time following starting, the refrigerant pressure at a refrigerant inlet of the compressor remains constant for a second predetermined period of time following starting, and/or the frequency of pressure oscillations of the refrigerant at the refrigerant inlet exceeds a second predetermined threshold. Another technique for determining the compressor is rotating in the reverse direction involves analyzing a waveform associated with motor current, motor torque, or refrigerant pressure. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects shall become apparent from the description and drawings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Walter Rite, Chuan Yan, Bill Brandt
  • Publication number: 20140260341
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a first heat exchanger, an evaporator coupled to a thermal load of an aircraft. first and second cooling circuits coupled to the heat exchanger, the first and second cooling circuits selectable via a set of cooling circuit valves that are arranged to direct a refrigerant through the first circuit, the second circuit, or both the first and second circuits based on air passing through the first heat exchanger at ambient conditions of the aircraft, and a receiver configured to accumulate reserve refrigerant to provide flexibility in system operation as the cooling system operates in sub-critical, trans-critical, and super-critical modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Vaisman, Patrick C. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20140260340
    Abstract: A cooling system for an aircraft includes a first cooling circuit having a first evaporator and a second evaporator, and a second cooling circuit having a third evaporator and a fourth evaporator. One of the first and second cooling circuits includes a first set of valves arranged to direct refrigerant through a first cooling sub-circuit, a second cooling sub-circuit, or both the first and second cooling sub-circuits based on ambient conditions. Two of the evaporators are installed on a first side of the aircraft, and the other two of the four evaporators are installed on a second side of the aircraft opposite the first side, and the first and second cooling circuits reject heat, via a heat exchanger, from their respective cooling circuit to air passing into an engine of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Vaisman, Douglas J. Snyder, Patrick C. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20140260342
    Abstract: A charge-verification system for a circuit including a condenser having an inlet, an outlet, and a coil circuit tube extending between the inlet and the outlet is provided. The charge-verification system may include a first of coil temperature sensor located on the coil circuit tube a first distance from the inlet and a second of coil temperature sensor located on the coil circuit tube a second distance from the inlet. The charge-verification system may also include a controller receiving a first signal from the first temperature sensor indicative of a first temperature and a second signal from the second temperature sensor indicative of a second temperature. The controller may determine which of the first signal and the second signal is closer to an actual saturated condensing temperature of the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hung M. Pham
  • Publication number: 20140250924
    Abstract: A method of controlling a temperature in a room includes the following steps: 1) Sense a volume of sound in the room to obtain a sensed volume; and 2) Control an output of an air conditioning unit to keep a temperature in the room in a first temperature while the sensed volume is higher than a volume value; or control an output of the air conditioning unit to keep a temperature in the room in a second temperature while the sensed volume is lower than the volume value and lasts for a first waiting time. A power consumption of the air conditioning unit to keep the temperature in the second temperature is lower than a power consumption of the air conditioning unit to keep the temperature in the first temperature to reduce the unnecessary power consumption when there is nobody in the room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: CHUNG-CHIN HUANG, CHIN-YING HUANG, HSIN-MING HUANG, HSING-HSIUNG HUANG, KUAN-CHOU LIN, YEN-JEN YEH
  • Publication number: 20140245757
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a cryogenic cooling system is described. A supply gas line (3A) and a return gas line (3B) are provided which are coupled to a compressor (1) and to a mechanical refrigerator (2) via a coupling element (4). The coupling element is in gaseous communication with the supply (2A) and return gas lines and supplies gas to the mechanical refrigerator (2). The pressure of the supplied gas is modulated by the coupling element in a cyclical manner. A pressure sensing apparatus (6) monitors the pressure in at least one of the supply and return gas lines. A control system (5) is used to modulate the frequency of the cyclical gas pressure supplied by the coupling element in accordance with the pressure monitored by the pressure sensing apparatus. An associated method of controlling such a system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Limited
    Inventors: John Garside, Matthias Buehler, Daniels Tortorella, Xing Yuan
  • Publication number: 20140245758
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling appliance and an operating method thereof. The cooling appliance comprises multiple thermally insulated storage chambers (2, 3, 4), a cooling system (5) for cooling these storage chambers (2, 3, 4), and an indication unit (20). According to the proposal of the present invention, the indication unit (20) is set to be capable of displaying information about which of the storage chambers (2, 3, 4) is/are being cooled by the cooling system (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
    Inventors: Tao Gu, Jiangbo Keong Sun, Jun Xia, Kai Xu
  • Publication number: 20140237988
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of this invention provides a single-effect absorption chiller including an absorber operatively connected to a solution heat exchanger and a generator, and a condenser in fluid communication with the absorber, wherein the absorber is sized and configured to receive a feed of water from a source of water and to transfer heat to the feed of water and then to convey the feed of water to the condenser without further heat conditioning of the feed of water prior to its entry into the condenser, and wherein the condenser is sized and configured to receive the feed of water from the absorber and to transfer heat to the feed of water, thereby cooling the condenser without resorting to an external heat exchanger such as a conventional cooling tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: University of New Orleans Research and Technology Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Ting Wang
  • Publication number: 20140243206
    Abstract: A heat sink and method for gaseous cooling of superconducting power devices. Heat sink is formed of a solid material of high thermal conductivity and attached to the area needed to be cooled. Two channels are connected to the heat sink to allow an inlet and an outlet for cryogenic gaseous coolant. Inside the hollow heat sink are fins to increase metal surface in contact with the coolant. The coolant enters through the inlet tube, passes through the finned area inside the heat sink and exits through the outlet tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Danny G. Crook, Lukas Graber, Sastry Pamidi
  • Publication number: 20140230463
    Abstract: A method of controlling a compressor of a thermal storage heat pump system of a vehicle is provided. The system may operate in one of a heating mode and a cooling mode, as determined by at least one system controller based on at least one parameter. The at least one parameter may be ambient air temperature. The compressor has a compressor motor and a motor controller configured to selectively operate the compressor in an unmodified state or a modified state based on the operating mode of the system. The compressor motor is operated in the unmodified state when the system is in the cooling mode, and in the modified state when the system is in the heating mode. Operating the compressor motor in the modified state may include decreasing its coefficient of performance (COP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence P. Ziehr
  • Publication number: 20140230466
    Abstract: A method including: determining a cooling value; and comparing the cooling value to an activation point of a lead compressor. The lead compressor is in a tandem set of scroll compressors of a cooling system. The tandem set of compressors comprises a lag compressor. The method further includes: activating the lead compressor when the cooling value is greater than the activation point; activating the lag compressor subsequent to activating the lead compressor; and determining whether conditions exist including: an alarm associated with the lag compressor being generated, and the lead compressor being deactivated. The method further includes deactivating the lag compressor when at least one of the conditions exists in the cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Roger NOLL, Lou MONNIER, Zhiyong LIN, Daniel J. SCHUTTE, Benedict J. DOLCICH
  • Publication number: 20140230467
    Abstract: A method including determining whether an OFF criterion is satisfied for a lag compressor of a tandem set of scroll compressors. The tandem set of scroll compressors includes a lead compressor. The method further includes: initiating at least one process when the OFF criterion is satisfied; and maintaining the lag compressor in an ON state for a predetermined period subsequent to the OFF criterion being satisfied. The at least one process includes at least one of: operating the lead compressor at a maximum level; overriding a motor overload protection method, wherein the motor overload protection method protects motors of the lead compressor and the lag compressor; and overriding a proportional integral derivative (PID) method to reduce a speed of a condenser fan. The PID method controls the speed of the condenser fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Roger NOLL, Lou MONNIER, Gary A. HELMINK, Zhiyong LIN, Daniel J. SCHUTTE, Benedict J. DOLCICH
  • Publication number: 20140230464
    Abstract: A control system for a refrigeration appliance is provided. The control system uses a linear model that is designed to minimize or remove excess enthalpy from one or more compartments and/or features of the appliance. At least one variable speed compressor is operated at a speed that will remove excess enthalpy within a desired time period while also operating at an optimized speed for energy efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bahman Abbasi, Keith Wesley Wait
  • Publication number: 20140223926
    Abstract: A heat pump device includes an inverter control unit outputting PWM signals to an inverter; a current detection unit detecting a current value flowing in the inverter and outputting the current value after reducing a current value having a first frequency or higher in detected current value; and a drive-signal stop unit that, when the current value output from the current detection unit is equal to or larger than an interruption level, stops output of PWM signals to the inverter. Particularly, the inverter control unit generates a voltage command value such that the voltage command value becomes a value equal to or larger than a lower limit determined according to the first frequency and generates PWM signals based on generated voltage command value and a carrier signal, thereby causing a voltage output time to the motor to be a predetermined time or longer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunori Hatakeyama, Syota Kamiya, Kenta Yuasa, Shinya Matsushita, Shinsaku Kusube, Tsutomu Makino
  • Publication number: 20140223925
    Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and a temperature-regulated section has: a compressor; a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outside air; a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air for air conditioning; an opening-adjusting valve that adjusts a degree of opening of a path of the refrigerant between the first heat exchanger and the temperature-regulated section; an expansion valve that is disposed in a path of the refrigerant between the temperature-regulated section and the second heat exchanger, and that reduces a pressure of the refrigerant; and an ECU that controls a degree of opening of the opening-adjusting valve. The ECU increases the degree of opening of the opening-adjusting valve to thereby heat the temperature-regulated section, and reduces the degree of opening of the opening-adjusting valve to thereby cool the temperature-regulated section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kawakami, Yuki Jojima, Yuichi Ohno, Kazuhide Uchida
  • Publication number: 20140223934
    Abstract: A condenser unit including a compressor for compressing a refrigerant vapor to provide a superheated refrigerant vapor exerting a head pressure, and a condenser for receiving the superheated refrigerant vapor and condensing the superheated refrigerant vapor therein, the condenser being located in an uncontrolled space with air therein at an ambient temperature. The condenser unit also includes a flow control means for controlling flow of the superheated refrigerant vapor from the compressor into the condenser, a rotatable condenser fan for moving air past the condenser to dissipate heat from the condenser, and a controller for controlling the flow control means and the speed of rotation of the condenser fan based on at least one preselected parameter, to maintain the head pressure within a predetermined range thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: National Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Vince Zolli, William J. Mead, Gerald Wallet