Processes Patents (Class 62/56)
  • Publication number: 20140216069
    Abstract: A cooling assembly includes a device chamber containing a device chamber cooling medium, a heat exchanger including at least one cooling surface in contact with the device chamber cooling medium, a control unit configured to control the heat exchanger, a humidity sensor configured to detect a humidity level in the device chamber, and a receptacle. The control unit is configured to perform a dehumidification operation as a response to the humidity level exceeding a predetermined threshold value in the device chamber. The dehumidification operation includes lowering a temperature of the at least one cooling surface in order to condensate water from the device chamber cooling medium on the at least one cooling surface. The receptacle is configured to receive water dripping from the at least one cooling surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Timo KOIVULUOMA, Jorma MANNINEN
  • Publication number: 20140216068
    Abstract: A chiller system and a control method thereof includes a plurality of chiller modules in which a refrigeration cycle is performed to supply cold water, a main control device generating an operation signal to simultaneously or successively operate the plurality of chiller modules, a module control device provided in each of the plurality of chiller modules to control an operation of each of the plurality of chiller modules on the basis of the operation signal of the main control device, and a starting device communicably connected to the module control device to selectively apply power into the plurality of chiller modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Horim LEE, Seulki ON, Jinhyuk YU, Yoonjei HWANG, Hanyoung PARK
  • Publication number: 20140216071
    Abstract: A method of interacting with a refrigeration appliance using a portable electronic device, wherein the refrigeration appliance comprises a refrigeration system comprising one or more refrigeration components and a controller adapted to control the one or more refrigeration components and wherein the portable electronic device comprises an application for interacting with the controller of the refrigeration appliance. The method comprising the steps of positioning the portable electronic device in proximity to the refrigeration appliance, establishing a wireless communication connection between the refrigeration appliance and the portable electronic device, and displaying information on the portable electronic device corresponding to the refrigeration appliance to which the portable electronic device is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John Allen BROADBENT
  • Publication number: 20140208775
    Abstract: A vehicular heat pump system utilizing intermediate gas recompression is provided. The heat pump system is for use in a vehicle having a battery and a passenger compartment. The heat pump system may include a heating circuit and a cooling circuit each including a compressor having a first inlet and a second inlet and a vapour-liquid separator configured to separate intermediate pressure refrigerant supplied by a first expansion device into refrigerant in a gaseous state flowing therethrough and refrigerant in a liquid state flowing therethrough. The vapor-liquid separator may be configured to selectively inject refrigerant in a gaseous state into the compressor at the second inlet to increase the mass flow rate of the refrigerant. This allows the heat pump system to operate effectively in cold ambient temperatures. A method of operating a heat pump system utilizing intermediate gas recompression is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Bryan M. Styles, Mark D. Nemesh, Harry E. Eustice, Mukund S. Wankhede
  • Publication number: 20140208776
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system has a first variable refrigerant flow outdoor unit, a first ducted variable speed indoor unit configured to selectively exchange refrigerant with the first variable refrigerant flow outdoor unit, and a second indoor unit configured to selectively exchange refrigerant with the first variable refrigerant flow outdoor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Yi Hu, Mark Eldo Groskreutz, Nicholas Shin
  • Publication number: 20140208784
    Abstract: A refrigeration system is provided that comprises a compressor, condenser, a thermal expansion valve, an isentropic expansion nozzle, and an evaporator. An isentropic expansion nozzle includes an inlet and an outlet with the isentropic expansion nozzle inlet fluidly coupled to a thermal expansion valve outlet. The evaporator includes an inlet and an outlet, wherein the evaporator inlet is fluidly coupled to the isentropic expansion nozzle outlet and the evaporator outlet is fluidly coupled to the compressor inlet. Using the system, a fluid can be modified prior to evaporation. The fluid is passed through the thermal expansion valve to decrease a pressure and decrease a temperature of the fluid. The fluid is then passed through the isentropic expansion nozzle to increase a velocity of the fluid without substantially changing the temperature of the fluid. The fluid is thereafter passed into the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
  • Publication number: 20140202177
    Abstract: A cooling system uses a closed circuit cooling tower in series with a chiller to either lower the chiller operating point or completely cool the chill water without use of the chiller, depending on weather conditions. The process and system expands the entire function of the cooling process with a control system design that examines the power consumed by all the devices of the system, the actual load being introduced into the system, water temperatures, and weather conditions, and makes decisions based on performance criteria through the control device's program algorithms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Warrener Rush
  • Publication number: 20140196475
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for super-cooling a contained fluid by exposing a portion of the contained fluid to a cooling substance while leaving a portion of the contained fluid uncooled. The present invention works by causing both convection and super-cooling. A container includes at least three sections: an insulated upper chamber, referred to as a cooling chamber, which holds a cooling substance or refrigerating apparatus; a second, lower chamber, referred to as the uncooled chamber; and at least one hollow chamber that extends through and is in contact with both cooling and un-cooled chambers. The hollow chamber, referred to as a containment chamber, receives the contained (i.e., bottled or canned or otherwise contained) fluid that is to be partially super-cooled. A horizontal plane divides the cooling chamber and the uncooled chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Buz Box, LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Spivey, Johnny A Melton, Jr., William E. Craver, III
  • Patent number: 8776536
    Abstract: Control process of an expansion valve (EXV) situated in an air conditioning circuit in which circulates and flows a coolant, with the air conditioning circuit comprising at least a compressor (CMP), a condenser (CND) and an evaporator (EVP), characterized in that this control process includes the following steps or stages: when overheating is less than a threshold value, opening of the expansion valve is governed by a static control, and when overheating is higher than the threshold value, opening of the expansion valve is governed by a dynamic control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Jugurtha Benouali, Jin Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 8769968
    Abstract: A refrigerant system and a method for controlling the same are provided. A refrigerant system includes: an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an operating loop of the refrigerant system and configured to perform a heat exchange between outdoor air and a refrigerant; a compressor disposed in the operating loop and configured to compress the refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger disposed in the operating loop and configured to perform a heat exchange between indoor air and the refrigerant; an expander disposed in the operating loop and configured to expand the refrigerant; a refrigerant storage connected to the operating loop and configured to receive and store the refrigerant from and discharge the refrigerant to the operating loop; and a refrigerant storage controller configured to control a total amount of refrigerant in the operating loop based on an indoor air conditioning load and an amount of the stored refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hojong Jeong, Baikyoung Chung, Jaehwa Jung, Yongcheol Sa, Byungsoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20140182313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating electrical appliances, specifically for air conditioner, which aims to limit the maximum temperature of an environment as well as its minimum humidity level, thus providing greater local comfort and better health conditions when compared with those already known in the art. The invention is characterized by the fact that at least one control unit comprises a function for limiting the maximum temperature cooperating with at least one temperature sensor, and said maximum temperature limit function automatically activates the appliance compressor when the temperature sensor detects the maximum adjusted temperature. It is also characterized by the fact that at least one control unit comprises a minimum humidity limit function cooperating with at least one humidity sensor, and said minimum humidity limit function automatically activates the appliance humidifier when the humidity sensor detects the minimum adjusted humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Neomar Giacomini, João Eduardo Santana Borges
  • Publication number: 20140182312
    Abstract: A system and methods associated therewith for providing a load controller for a refrigerant recovery unit are disclosed. The load controller can be controlled to operate when the current drawn by the motor increases due to pressure changes caused by abnormal refrigerant flow or during activation of the motor in order to lower the pressure. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the load controller can lower the pressure by recirculating some of the pressure load through the opening of a compressor bypass loop line. In some embodiments, the current/pressure load may be monitored during the operation of the refrigerant recovery unit and set to act as an emergency shut off and alert system to the user when the system malfunctions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Dylan Lundberg, Mark McMasters
  • Publication number: 20140174109
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a refrigerator. The method comprises the steps of establishing a time interval of a certain duration, a first use of the refrigerator starting a first time interval, starting a subsequent time interval based on the start of the first time interval, and subtracted a time difference. The subsequent time interval subtracted a time difference is being used for starting a cool-down period of the subsequent time interval. The invention also relates to a control unit for the refrigerator and to a refrigerator with such control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Gero C. Langenberg, Hans Erik Fogh
  • Publication number: 20140165612
    Abstract: In various implementations, a request for operation of an air conditioner may be received. The air conditioner may include a cooling mode and/or a dehumidifying mode. In some implementations, a compressor speed for a compressor of the air conditioner may be determined, and which mode(s) of the air conditioner to allow may be determined based at least partially on the determined compressor speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Yi Qu, Pete Hrejsa, Eric Berg
  • Publication number: 20140165613
    Abstract: Methods for operating a sensor of a refrigerator appliance are provided. In the methods, at least one of a detection threshold of the sensor, a power output of a transducer of the sensor, or a gain of an amplifier of the sensor can be adjusted. Through such adjustments, accuracy and precision of measurements taken with the sensor can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Waugh, Jonathan Charles Crosby, Tyler James Doering, Andrew Reinhard Krause, Timothy Dale Worthington
  • Publication number: 20140150472
    Abstract: A refrigerator may include a refrigerator cabinet in at least one enclosure that can be mounted in different locations within the cabinet. The enclosure also can have targeted, independently controlled temperature provided to it. This allows the refrigerator to be highly customizable and reconfigurable according to desire or need. For example, an ice maker ice bin can be mounted in different positions within the cabinet, including door mount, refrigerated food compartment mount or freezer mount. Alternatively, specialized enclosures for such things as can chilling, milk chilling, meat chilling, or even thawing can be placed in multiple locations in the cabinet according to need or desire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: PATRICK J. BOARMAN
  • Publication number: 20140144159
    Abstract: A method of operating a climatic beam air conditioning system includes operably connecting one or more controllers to two or more climatic beams in two or more locations. Inputs are communicated from the two or more locations to the one or more controllers. Each controller of the one or more controllers is operably connected to two or more climatic beams. Independent commands are communicated to each climatic beam of the two or more climatic beams from the one or more controllers to control operation of the two or more climatic beams based on the inputs communicated from the two or more locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Olivier Josserand, Eric Royet
  • Publication number: 20140137573
    Abstract: A system includes a load module, a comparison module and a control module. The load module is configured to determine a current load of a compressor. The comparison module is configured to compare the current load to a previous load of the compressor to generate a comparison signal based on the comparison. The control module is configured to generate (i) a first control signal based on a superheat value of the compressor, and (ii) a second control signal based on the current load and the previous load. The control module is configured to, based on the comparison signal, control a position of an expansion valve according to either the first control signal or the second control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Zhiyong LIN, Daniel J. SCHUTTE, Benedict J. DOLCICH, Roger NOLL
  • Publication number: 20140130524
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an air conditioner and a method for operating the same are provided. The apparatus may include a control apparatus that enables easy access to data for the air conditioner, to determine and control an operation state thereof visually, and for which a mode of reception of the data from the air conditioner may be different corresponding to connection modes and positions of a plurality of component devices of the air conditioner to which the control apparatus is connected, making the data received thus different from one another according to the connection modes. These differences in the data permit various data to be easily displayed, enabling a user to change the connection modes as required, and to provide various information on the air conditioner by producing the data of the air conditioner in a frame on an output different from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Seontaek KIM, Jiun SOHN, Seungjin HAN, Seongjin SHIN
  • Publication number: 20140123685
    Abstract: An air conditioner and a method of controlling an air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses a refrigerant and discharges the compressed refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger in which outdoor air introduced into an outdoor device and the refrigerant are heat-exchanged with each other, at least one indoor heat exchanger in which indoor air introduced into an indoor device and the refrigerant are heat-exchanged with each other, a plurality of valves respectively disposed in an inflow-side tube and a discharge-side tube of the at least one indoor heat exchanger, and a refrigerant leakage detector that directly or indirectly detects leakage of the refrigerant. When leakage of the refrigerant is detected, the plurality of valves may be blocked or closed in stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Jeonghun KIM, Jongtae KIM, Jinyoung JOO, Sanghun LEE
  • Publication number: 20140123695
    Abstract: A power-generating system comprising an energy-converting module that converts non-electrical waste energy generated by one or more components of an HVAC system into electrical energy, and, a control module that directs the electrical energy to one or more electricity-consuming components of the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: LENNOX INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventor: Eric Berg
  • Publication number: 20140116071
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a downhole device is provided that in one embodiment includes a refrigerant having a saturation vapor pressure and stored in a chamber, an outlet configured to allow the refrigerant to discharge from the chamber and vaporize to cool the downhole device, and a force application device configured to apply pressure on the refrigerant in the chamber to maintain the refrigerant in the chamber at or above the saturation vapor pressure of the refrigerant. In another aspect, a method of cooling a device is provided that in one embodiment includes providing a chamber containing a refrigerant therein, the refrigerant having a saturation vapor pressure, discharging the refrigerant from the chamber to cause the refrigerant to evaporate to cause a cooling effect proximate the device to be cooled, and maintaining the refrigerant at or above the saturation vapor pressure of the refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sebastian Jung, Thomas Kruspe
  • Publication number: 20140116070
    Abstract: A system and apparatus is provided for minimizing damage caused by leaks from a packaged terminal air conditioner (“PTAC”) or heat pump (“PTHP”). A shutoff switch can be operatively connected to the front desk circuit of a PTAC/PTHP. The switch is configured such that, when it is exposed to water, the PTAC/PTHP is automatically deactivated to prevent further leakage. The shutoff switch includes a plurality of spaced, non-insulated conductors enclosed between a non-conductive base layer and a water absorbent layer. The water absorbent layer is in contact with the conductors. Electrical connection between the conductors is permitted when the absorbent layer is sufficiently wetted, but there is no electrical connection between the conductors when the water absorbent layer is dry. The switch can be placed on or near the PTAC/PTHP, on the floor or wall beneath the PTAC/PTHP and/or on a wall sleeve that receives the PTAC/PTHP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Hubble
  • Patent number: 8701423
    Abstract: The present inventive disclosure is directed generally to an improved automobile air-conditioning system that can be operated while the automobile's engine is not running. In variations, a typical vapor-compression-cycle air-conditioning system is modified to allow the refrigerant compressor to be driven from either of two power sources: (1) from a traditional engine-mounted pulley system, or (2) from a DC-motor powered by an electrical source independent from the engine. In another variation, the air-conditioning system is driven by one or more thermal-electric-cooling (TEC) modules, wherein the TEC-based system is powered by an auxiliary DC-power source that in some variations is powered by, or at least supplemented by, a solar-energy grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Jerome Daniels
  • Publication number: 20140102117
    Abstract: A method for generating a temperature map of the vehicle evaporator core is provided using an active thermocouple array sensor. The active thermocouple array sensor is attached to the HVAC enclosure and is positioned to read the temperature at multiple locations across the evaporator core. A controller generates a temperature map using data collected from the evaporator core by the active thermocouple array sensor. The temperature map facilitates optimization of the evaporator core temperature by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Edmund Wayne, Kevin Swenskowski
  • Publication number: 20140096549
    Abstract: A vehicular heat pump system may have two inside heat exchangers within an HVAC module, and may operate in mild cooling and mild heating modes. In mild cooling mode, a first isolation valve and a second isolation valve are fully open and closed, respectively, to direct the refrigerant flow to the first inside heat exchanger only. In mild heating mode, the first isolation valve and the second isolation valve are fully closed and fully open, respectively, to direct the refrigerant flow to the second inside heat exchanger only. In both modes, a first metering device is partially open to control the flow and expansion of the refrigerant, and a second metering device is fully closed to prevent the refrigerant from flowing between the inside heat exchangers. This staged operation of the heat pump system may reduce the risk of flash fog as well as reduce discharge air temperature spreads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Mark D. Nemesh
  • Patent number: 8689570
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus is provided that includes an indoor device including a heat exchanger, and a remote controller to input an operation condition of the indoor device. The remote controller includes a sensor that senses a moving state of the remote controller, a controller that determines the operation condition of the indoor device based on a result sensed by the sensor, and a signal transmitting and receiving device that transmits and receives a signal to and from the indoor device. The indoor device includes a blower, a wind direction controller that controls a discharge direction of air discharged from the blower, a signal transmitting and receiving device that transmits and receives a signal to and from the remote controller, and a controller that controls the driving of the blower and the wind direction controller in accordance with the operation condition received from the remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jongseob Yeo, Jiwon Lim, Juhyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8683817
    Abstract: A multiple refrigerant circuit cooling system includes at least a first refrigerant circuit and a second refrigerant circuit. Each of said first and second refrigerant circuits including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator connected in refrigerant flow communication. The condensers of the first and second refrigerant circuits each including condenser coils having exterior surfaces and each condenser including at least one fan for drawing ambient air across the exterior surfaces of its respective condenser coil. The exterior surfaces of the condenser coil of the condenser of the first refrigerant circuit being in fluid communication with the fan of the condenser of the second refrigerant circuit to provide reduced airflow across the exterior surfaces of the condenser coils of the first refrigerant circuit at a low ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Eric B. Fraser
  • Publication number: 20140083117
    Abstract: An exdributor valve of a heat exchanger includes a distributor formed to define an interior and configured to distribute single phase liquid refrigerant from the interior then change to a two-phase refrigerant to cooling channels of the heat exchanger and a flow modulation device. The flow modulation device is operably interposed between the interior of the distributor and the cooling channels and is configured to modulate an area through which the single phase liquid refrigerant is permitted to flow from the interior of the distributor then change to a two-phase refrigerant to equally distribute to each of the cooling channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Rusich
  • Patent number: 8677768
    Abstract: The system includes a first heat exchanger in which the refrigerant is injected directly into the content of the first liquid circuit through at least one nozzle to simultaneously capture latent heat from the content as purified frozen liquid pieces are formed. It also includes a second heat exchanger in which the refrigerant transfers the latent heat captured from the content of the first liquid circuit to a content of the second liquid circuit, thereby raising the content of the second liquid circuit in temperature. The proposed concept provides designers with opportunities to create highly efficient systems and methods where the latent heat extracted for the purification is immediately employed to a useful purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Innovel 2000 Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Lemay
  • Publication number: 20140075967
    Abstract: A climate control system generally includes a conditioning system for controlling air conditions of a space and a drain fitting coupling a condensate drain line to an air circulation unit of the conditioning system. The drain fitting includes multiple sensors configured to detect a water level in the air circulation unit relative to the drain fitting, and to output a signal to a controller indicative of contact with water. The controller is then configured to output a signal to a thermostat of the conditioning system upon determining that the water level is indicative of the drain line being plugged or blocked. The climate control system may also include a remote service provider system that allows remote interaction with the conditioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Arensmeier, Edward B. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140075966
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an air conditioner (1) for treating the air of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The air conditioner (1) exhibits a refrigerant circuit (2) configured for a combined cooling unit and heat-pump mode and for a post-heating mode. In the heat-pump mode with a first and a second heat source, two heat sources differing from each other can be used. A temperature of the first heat source, a temperature of the second heat source, and a regulation characteristic number and a maximum pressure are taken into account in the refrigerant circuit (2) for operating the air conditioner (1) in a heat-pump mode. The invention additionally relates to a method for switching between the two heat-pump modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Engelbert Schmitz, Peter Heyl, Christian Rebinger, Dirk Schroeder, Hans Hammer, Martin Rene Hoetzel
  • Publication number: 20140069121
    Abstract: A system is provided and may include a compressor functioning in a refrigeration circuit. An ambient temperature sensor may produce a signal indicative of an ambient temperature. Processing circuitry may calculate an energy efficiency rating of the refrigeration circuit and may generate a relationship of the calculated energy efficiency rating and ambient temperature. The processing circuitry may compare the calculated energy efficiency rating to a base energy efficiency rating to determine if a fault condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hung M. Pham
  • Publication number: 20140069120
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a parallel-type chiller provided with multiple shell-and-tube-type heat exchangers and multiple compressors, the control apparatus having an estimation section which estimates a terminal temperature difference in an upstream-side space on the basis of a terminal temperature difference between a saturation temperature of a second fluid and a measured exit temperature value, the saturation temperature being estimated on the basis of a pressure value of the second fluid in a downstream-side space, the measured exit temperature value being a temperature of the first fluid measured at an exit of the heat exchanger, and estimates a temperature of the first fluid in the vicinity of an exit of the upstream-side space on the basis of the terminal temperature difference in the upstream-side space and the saturation temperature of the second fluid in the upstream-side space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Takemoto, Kazuki Wajima, Yasushi Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20140069122
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a compressor including a pair of ports in fluid communication with first and second heat exchangers and a reduced temperature refrigerant inlet for receiving reduced temperature refrigerant; and an expansion device coupled between the first and second heat exchangers for reducing a pressure of refrigerant flowing from one of the first and second heat exchangers to the other of the first and second heat exchangers; wherein the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion device and the second heat exchanger are arranged in a loop to operate as a refrigeration or heat pump apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Lloyd Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20140060100
    Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of electrical energy, and more particularly to distribution of solar electric energy at or near particular power points of solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Bryson
  • Publication number: 20140053577
    Abstract: A heat pump including an evaporator and an adsorber is provided. The adsorber is regenerated by applying heat from a chemical thermal storage reactor, a heat accumulator or an external heat source, at a temperature higher than or equal to a temperature to regenerate the adsorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Yasuki HIROTA, Takashi SHIMAZU, Takafumi YAMAUCHI, Tomohisa WAKASUGI, Ryuichi IWATA
  • Publication number: 20140041399
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a refrigeration unit, a method, and a refrigeration system are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller stores instructions for a first refrigeration setting and a second refrigeration setting, tracks a cumulative average temperature in a refrigeration element, and activates either the first refrigeration setting or the second refrigeration setting. The first refrigeration setting has a lower average power consumption and a higher range of temperature variation than the second refrigeration setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Carrier Place
    Inventors: Mason Gan, Yu H. Chen, David V. Soergel
  • Publication number: 20140033746
    Abstract: A system and method for a compressor includes a compressor connected to an evaporator, a suction sensor that outputs a suction temperature signal corresponding to a suction temperature of refrigerant entering the compressor, and a control module connected to the suction sensor. The control module determines a saturated evaporator temperature, calculates a suction superheat temperature based on the saturated evaporator temperature and the suction temperature, and monitors a floodback condition of the compressor by comparing the suction superheat temperature with a predetermined threshold. When the suction superheat temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the control module increases a speed of the compressor or decreases an opening of an expansion valve associated with the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. MCSWEENEY
  • Publication number: 20140026599
    Abstract: A refrigeration system having a refrigeration unit (22) for providing temperature conditioned air to a temperature controlled space, an engine (26) and an electric generation device (24) driven by the engine, is provided with a battery system (28) for supplying electric power. A method of operating the transport refrigeration includes, during a high cooling demand mode, operating the engine (26) to drive the electric generation device (24) for supplying electric power and simultaneously employing the battery system (28) for supplying electric power to jointly power the plurality of power demand loads (50, 42, 46, 48) of the refrigerant unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Giorgio Rusignuolo, Peter R. Bushnell, Nader S. Awwad, Bruce E. Sing, John R. Reason, Benjamin E. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20140026598
    Abstract: A controller for a chiller includes processing electronics configured to detect a plurality of surge events. The processing electronics create a surge map by calculating and plotting a point for each detected surge event in an at least two dimensional coordinate system. The surge map is displayed through the use of an electronic display system. The surge map describes at least three conditions of the chiller when the surge event was detected through the use of axis and non-axis representations. The processing electronics are further configured to control at least one setpoint for the chiller using the calculated surge map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew T. Trawicki, Dennis J. Flood, Robert D. Turney, Michael H. Zamalis
  • Publication number: 20140020410
    Abstract: A metering device may automatically control fluid flow through a valve. A control system may alter the automatic control of a metering device. In some implementations, a predetermined event may occur to alter the automatic control of the metering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Lenox International Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Perez, Shawn Nieman, Colin Clare, Der-Kai Hung
  • Publication number: 20140020411
    Abstract: A control system for a refrigeration unit being powered by a power source and having a compressor, an inverter and an evaporator fan is provided. The control system may include a first switch configured to selectively couple the compressor with one of the power source and the inverter, a second switch configured to selectively couple the evaporator fan with one of the power source and the inverter, and a controller operatively coupled to the first and second switches. The controller may be configured to engage the first and second switches into one of a first state and a second state based on a triggering event. In the first state, the first switch may be configured to couple the compressor with the power source and the second switch may be configured to couple the evaporator fan with the inverter. In the second state, the first switch may be configured to couple the compressor with the inverter and the second switch may be configured to couple the evaporator fan with the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Wenhua Li
  • Publication number: 20140013779
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a plurality of storage compartments, a plurality of cooling units to cool the plurality of storage compartments, a temperature sensing unit to sense temperatures of the plurality of storage compartments, a drive unit to drive the plurality of cooling units, and a controller to control the drive unit to drive the cooling unit that satisfies a predetermined driving condition. If at least one cooling unit among the plurality of cooling units is being driven, the controller delays driving the other cooling unit even if the other cooling unit satisfies the driving condition. The refrigerator minimizes simultaneous driving a plurality of compressors, which may prevent generation of noise and vibration, as well as excessive power consumption, due to driving the plurality of compressors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Ho CHO, Woo Sung Kim
  • Publication number: 20140013780
    Abstract: A climate control system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor and the first heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and including an inlet and an outlet. A conduit may be fluidly coupled to the third heat exchanger and the compressor and may selectively supply fluid to the compressor. A valve may control a volume of fluid supplied to the compressor via the conduit. A controller may control the valve based on a temperature difference between the outlet of the third heat exchanger and the inlet of the third heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chao Jiang, Ying Wang
  • Publication number: 20140007597
    Abstract: A pumped refrigerant cooling system having multiple pumping units for providing working fluid to a load to enable cooling of a space via the load. The pumped refrigerant cooling system operates the pumping units at less than capacity. When a pumping unit is deactivated, the output of the remaining pumping units is increased to maintain fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: LIEBERT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas E. HARVEY, Stephen SILLATO
  • Patent number: 8621877
    Abstract: Kits for constructing a modular merchandizing unit include panels, frame members, joint pieces, and a cooling device. The frame members have a lengthwise shape defining outer and inner panel mounting assemblies and a joint capture region. The mounting assemblies include opposing legs extending from a base web to define a panel engagement region. The joint pieces each include a block core and orthogonally arranged plug assemblies projecting from faces of the core. The plug assemblies mate with the joint capture region. Construction of a unit from the kit includes the frame members retaining selected panels as paired inner and outer panels within corresponding engagement regions. The joint pieces interconnect the frame members and paired panels to form a cabinet. The cooling device is mounted the cabinet. A door assembly can also be mounted to the cabinet. Optionally, foam insulation is dispensed between the paired panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Mark Bedard
  • Publication number: 20140000290
    Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is disclosed. A first temperature sensor measures a first temperature of air at a first location downstream of an evaporator. A second temperature sensor measures a second temperature of air a second location upstream of the evaporator. A processing system determines a temperature drop across the evaporator based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and a humidity of air. The processing system that determines whether airflow through the evaporator is restricted based on the temperature drop across the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Publication number: 20140000291
    Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is disclosed. A condenser unit sensor measures an operating characteristic of a condenser unit, the condenser unit including a condenser and a compressor. An evaporator unit sensor measures an operating characteristic of an evaporator unit, the evaporator unit including an evaporator and a fan. An electrical sensor measures an electrical quantity indicative of power consumption of the refrigerant-cycle system. A processing system calculates an efficiency of the refrigerant-cycle system based on the power consumption of the refrigerant-cycle system, the operating characteristic of the condenser unit, and the operating characteristic of the evaporator unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Publication number: 20140000295
    Abstract: A control system for a crank case heater for an inverter operated compressor of a cooling system includes a contactor operably connected to the crank case heater and an inverter controller compressor and at least one compressor temperature sensor disposed at the compressor to sense a compressor temperature and an compressor internal temperature sensor. A controller is operably connected to the crank case heater and the at least one compressor temperature sensor and configured to close the contactor to energize the crank case heater independently from operation of the compressor when the at least one compressor temperature sensor senses a compressor temperature below a desired threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Don A. Schuster