Abstract: A refrigerant system detection method for detecting refrigerant systems in an air conditioning system includes a drive step, an operation inhibition step and a recording step. The air conditioning system includes a plurality of indoor units having temperature sensors respectively connected to a plurality of outdoor units. The drive step puts the plurality of outdoor units into a driven state after a start-up time. The operation inhibition step stops or weakens the outdoor units one unit at a time after the drive step. The recording step correlates and records the outdoor units in which operation has been inhibited and the indoor units in which detection values of the temperature sensors have changed as a result of the outdoor units being inhibited. A refrigerant system detection system includes the connected indoor and outdoor units and a management component configured to perform the method. A storage component includes a program to perform the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly chilling or heating a container of liquid is provided. The method may include angularly oscillating the container in the presence of a coolant to impart inertial flow to the liquid contained in the container. Various devices for achieving accelerated cooling of liquids are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit having a first electronic controller which controls a second electronic controller. In accordance with the invention, the first electronic controller transmits control signals to the second electronic controller by the selective switching of one or more mains half cycles of a mains voltage. The present invention furthermore comprises a corresponding method for the operation of a refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compressor (12) for a refrigeration system (10) including a housing (30) and at least one compressor impeller (24, 26) located in the housing (30) capable of compressing a refrigerant flow (14) through the compressor (12). At least one refrigerant pathway (44, 62) is located inboard of an outer surface (48) of the housing (30) and extends from a first compressor impeller (24). Further disclosed is a refrigeration system (10) including a compressor (12) having at least one refrigerant pathway (44, 62) located inboard of an outer surface (48) of the housing (36) and extending from a first compressor impeller (24) of at least one compressor impeller (24, 26). Further disclosed is a method of flowing refrigerant through a compressor (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly cooling beer flowing from a keg to a tap to be dispensed includes an insulated ice chest containing an open topped swirl pot in which is nested a cooling coil having an inlet connected to a keg and an outlet connected to a tap on a hollow upright structure fixed to the outside of an ice chest lid. A pump is connected to a stand pipe within the coil directing a flow of ice water under pressure to generally tangentially directed nozzles within the coil creating a swirl flow of ice water over the coil turns and overflowing back into the ice chest interior space holding ice to create a circulation therein maximizing the rate of cooling of the dispensed beer to minimize foaming when dispensed from the tap. A CO2 tank is also held in the ice chest interior space, connected to the keg via fluid lines and simplified hook ups to the keg are located on the lid mounted hollow structure.

Abstract: A system for distributing a cooling fluid in a room containing at least one heat generating component includes a primary heat exchanger having an inlet for receiving the cooling fluid, a heat exchange section configured to facilitate exchange of heat between airflow in the room and the cooling fluid, and an outlet for exhausting heated cooling fluid from the heat exchange section. The system also includes a secondary heat exchanger having a receiving section connected to the second section of a cooling fluid line for receiving heated cooling fluid, a heat exchange section configured to facilitate exchange of heat between the at least one heat generating component and the heated cooling fluid, and an exhaust section configured to exhaust secondarily heated cooling fluid.

Abstract: A configuration for the deck of a marine vessel, wherein parallel and perpendicular travel paths, for movement of individual OBS unit storage baskets, are formed along a deck utilizing, in part, the storage baskets themselves. A portion of the deck is divided into a grid defined by a series of low-to-the-deck perpendicular and parallel rails and each square in the grid is configured to hold an OBS unit storage basket. Around the perimeter of the grid is an external containment wall which has a greater height than the rails. Storage baskets seated within the grid are configured to selectively form internal containment walls. Opposing internal and external containment walls define travel paths along which a storage basket can be moved utilizing a low, overhead gantry. A basket need only be lifted a minimal height above the deck in order to be moved along a path. The containment walls and the deck itself constraining uncontrolled swinging of baskets, even in onerous weather or sea conditions.

Abstract: A method for generating electricity from solar power to an air handling unit or an electrical system for a tractor/trailer, relying on a photovoltaic panels (1) DC disconnects (2,3); charge controller (4); batteries (5); air handling unit or an electrical system (7); electrical wires, and fuses. The photovoltaic panel(s) will generate electrical power that will provide sufficient power to run the air handling unit or an electrical system.

Abstract: A storage compartment assembly is located within the interior of a compartment of a refrigerator such as a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator. The storage compartment assembly includes a storage container the temperature of which can be controlled independently of the temperature in the fresh food compartment. At least one of the sides of the storage container can be spaced away from a respective interior side of the refrigerator compartment and a housing located in the space between the side of the storage container and the interior side of the refrigerator compartment. The housing can contain components that are configured to function in the operation of the refrigerator, including the storage compartment assembly. The refrigerator can comprise a bottom-mount refrigerator and the fresh food compartment can be provided with double-doors for closing and opening the interior of the fresh food compartment.

Abstract: A method for controlling an air conditioning system in a vehicle to reduce the humidity entering into the interior of the vehicle is disclosed. One aspect of the disclosure is that a measure for the amount of water collected at the fresh air intake port is determined as a function of a sensor signal. Thereafter, the determined measure for the amount of water collected at the fresh air intake port may be used to control the air conditioning system in such a manner that the amount of air that is drawn in through the fresh air intake port is reduced.

Abstract: An installation for storing and/or transporting energy comprises a charging station, a discharging station and a reactor part (1). The reactor part is designed to be part of a chemical heat pump and contains an active substance. It is also arranged to be capable of being connected to the charging station for charging, i.e. transfer of the active substance to a charged state, and to the discharging station for discharging, i.e. transfer of the active substance to a discharged state. In the reactor part a matrix for the active substance can in one embodiment be provided, so that the active substance both in its solid and its liquid state is held or carried or bonded by the matrix. The matrix is advantageously an inert material such as aluminium oxide and has pores, which are permeable for the volatile liquid and in which the active substance is located. In particular, a material can be used that has a surface or surfaces, at which the active substance can be bonded in the liquid state thereof.

Abstract: A PAG lubricant basefluid for use with a fluoroalkene refrigerant, the basefluid containing a PAG having the formula: RX(RaO)x(RbO)yRc, where R is selected from alkyl groups having from 1-10 carbon atoms, acyl groups having from 1-10 carbon atoms, aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having from 2-6 valencies, and substituents containing a heterocyclic ring in which the heteroatom(s) are oxygen; X is O or S; Ra is a C2 alkylene group; Rb is a C3 alkylene group; Rc is the same as R or is an H; x and y are each independently 0 or an integer?100; and the sum of x+y is an integer in the range of from about 5-100. Refrigeration and lubricant compositions containing the PAG lubricant basefluid and a method of operating a motor-integrated compressor of a refrigeration or air conditioning system with substantially no electrical leakage current are also provided.

Abstract: Method for converting thermal energy at a low temperature into thermal energy at a relatively high temperature by means of mechanical energy, and vice versa, with a working medium which runs through a closed thermodynamic circulation process, wherein the circulation process has the following working steps:—reversible adiabatic compression of the working medium, —isobaric conduction away of heat from the working medium,—reversible adiabatic relaxing of the working medium,—isobaric supply of heat to the working medium, and wherein the increase or decrease in pressure of the working medium is produced during the compression or relaxing, increasing or decreasing the centrifugal force acting on the working medium, with the result that the flow energy of the working medium is essentially retained during the compression or relaxing process.

Abstract: A beverage-dispensing assembly having a cooling system includes a dispensing tower having an outer wall defining an inside first channel between a first end and a second end of the tower, wherein a second channel and a third channel are provided in the first channel. The second channel is configured to accommodate a dispensing line, and the third channel is in fluid communication with the second channel at the second end of the tower.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device to efficiently regulate flow of refrigerant while maintaining a sealed chamber in systems providing stored thermal energy for use during peak electrical demand. A mixed-phase regulator replaces the thermostatic expansion valve used in conventional air-conditioning systems that, along with capillary tubes and orifices, regulates the refrigerant fed from the compressor to the heat load.

Abstract: A self-chilling container, including an outer wall and an inner wall defining at least one adsorption chamber in a space provided between the outer wall and the inner wall, the adsorption chamber adapted to contain adsorbent material in heat transfer contact with at least the inner wall; the inner wall further defining at least one cooling chamber adjacent to the adsorption chamber, the cooling chamber being in heat transfer contact with the inner wall; at least one inlet disposed at the outer wall for introduction of a gas subliming solid material into the adsorption chamber for adsorption of sublimed gas onto the adsorbent material; and a valve in communication with the adsorption chamber for controlled release of the gas from the adsorption chamber.

Abstract: A linear compressor including a piston housing, a compressor piston movable in a reciprocating manner along an axis within the piston housing, a drive mechanism for driving the reciprocating movement, a linkage for connecting the compressor piston to the drive mechanism, and a helical spring operable within the linkage.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance, in particular at least one of a refrigerator, freezer and an air conditioning unit, includes a cooling chamber; a linear compressor having a piston housing; a compressor piston disposed within the piston housing and configured for reciprocatory motion along an axis within the piston housing; and buffer means for storing kinetic energy associated with the motion of the compressor piston, wherein the buffer means is configured to store the kinetic energy of the compressor piston in an interim manner by compression of a gaseous fluid during reciprocatory motion of the compressor piston.

Abstract: A method is provided for cooling a powder in a tunnel with a vibrating support with at least two independently controllable cryogenic liquid inflows into the tunnel. It includes the following steps. A thermal mass of powder entering the tunnel is determined. The arrival of the powder at the tunnel inlet is detected. The thermal mass measurement previously obtained is synchronized with the detection of the arrival of the powder at the tunnel inlet, according to a known or predefined response time of the means for controlling the said cryogenic liquid inflows into the tunnel. The synchronization data is transmitted to a data acquisition and processing unit, which is able to retroact, if necessary, on the basis of this data, on all or part of the parameters governing the operation of the tunnel. The method is especially applicable to the cooling or deep-freezing treatments of food products or chemicals.

Abstract: A hinge assembly and a refrigerator using the assembly are disclosed. The assembly rotatably mounts an access door for a compartment of the refrigerator to part of refrigerator that defines the compartment. The hinge assembly has a body coupled to the part and a hinge manifold supported by the body and slidably received in the access door. The manifold has a first supply conduit for supplying a working medium to an icemaker disposed in the access door and a first return conduit for returning the working medium from the icemaker. The hinge assembly can be manufactured as a separate module to be assembled with the refrigerator or retrofit into an existing refrigerator.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cooling apparatus comprising a cooling chamber, primary distribution tube, cooling fan, and transfer fan; the cooling chamber is mounted on the side of a tractor; the cooling fan is installed in the rear end of the cooling chamber; the cooling chamber comprises a plurality of longitudinal apertures through which ambient air travels and a plurality of baffle chambers through which exhaust gas travels; the exhaust gas never mixes with the ambient air in the cooling chamber; the exhaust gas travels through the exit port of the cooling chamber into a primary distribution tube that carries the exhaust gas to a transfer fan; the transfer fan blows the exhaust gas into a plurality of secondary distribution tubes that transport the exhaust gas to a plurality of manifolds; and the exhaust gas travels from the manifolds through a plurality of tertiary distribution tubes and into the ground.

Abstract: A fluid chiller system supplying cold fluid to a therapeutic wrap, in which a minimum level of fluid flow is provided through the heat exchange coils to insure that the fluid in the coils does not freeze. A fluid flow meter or pressure sensor connected inline with the inlet port of the chiller unit measures a level of fluid flow. A controller is connected to the flow meter or pressure sensor and a bypass valve, wherein based on a signal from the flow meter or pressure sensor, the controller adjusts the bypass valve to provide a predetermined level of fluid flow into the inlet port of the chiller unit, in order to prevent the heat exchange coils from freezing, if the flow through the wrap is blocked.

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.

Abstract: A kinetic energy heat pump and method for separating fluids into hot and cold fractions, wherein the kinetic energy heat pump comprises a blower, a nozzle, a tube having a radial bend, a diffuser having a separating baffle and at least two outputs. To use, gas is accelerated through the nozzle. The gas then travels around a radial bend, wherein centrifugal force compresses gas toward the outside of the radial bend, thereby forming hot gas molecules, and expands gas molecules near the inside wall of the radial bend to form cold gas molecules. The hot and cold gas molecules then travel through the diffuser. The separating baffle selectively directs the amount of hot and cold gas molecules that travel through hot and cold output channels of the diffuser.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for cooling the electronic components that regulate power and commutation of a refrigerant compressor motor in an air conditioning system. The electronic components are juxtaposed upon a heat sink provided with a refrigerant passageway. The heat sink is fluidly disposed in the refrigeration line between the evaporator assembly and compressor such that refrigerant returning from the evaporator assembly to the compressor of the air conditioning system travels directly to the heat sink and through the refrigerant passageway before reaching the compressor.

Abstract: A beverage cooling system comprising a beverage cooling apparatus and a coolant composition comprising a corrosion inhibitor, a freeze point depressant, and water; the apparatus comprising:—a housing comprising a reservoir;—means for freezing the coolant composition;—beverage inlet means;—a beverage cooling coil; and—beverage outlet means.

Abstract: A heat pump HVAC system with an integrated pressure reducer which reduces the head pressure of the system when operating in the cooling mode and thus reduces compressor workload. The heat pump HVAC system includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an exterior coil positioned outside of a building, an interior coil positioned within the building, and a reversing valve for changing the flow direction of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. A heat exchanger is provided between the outlet of the exterior coil and the thermal expansion valve. The heat exchanger cools the refrigerant flowing between the outlet of the exterior coil and thermal expansion valve using refrigerant exiting the interior coil.

Abstract: A chilled probe for quickly and conveniently cooling a liquid is positioned to permit a user to insert the probe into the liquid to be cooled. Feedback, in the form of an indication of a representative liquid temperature, is also provided to increase the value of the method and apparatus. Individual sleeves are conveniently provided on a roll to keep the chilled probe from coming into direct contact with the liquid, thereby avoiding contamination between liquid samples being cooled.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a liquid crystal display device includes a cooling chamber; a stage in the cooling chamber, a liquid crystal cell placed on the stage; a plurality of cooling coils generating a cooled air; first and second fans blowing the cooled air on opposing plane surfaces of the liquid crystal cell; and a chiller supplying a refrigerant to the plurality of cooling coils.

Abstract: This invention resides in a workstation system comprising at least one work area and at least one partition adjacent the work area. The partition having a plurality of demountable screens, at least one of the screens having a cavity fluidly connected to at least one aperture in the partition. A conduit having one end fluidly connected to the cavity and an opposite end fluidly connected to an air duct to communicate air from the air duct to the aperture.

Abstract: A refrigerator and method of supplying coolant material are provided, the refrigerator including an interior and a main cooling loop, at least a portion of the interior includes a freezer section and at least a portion of the main cooling loop includes an evaporator. The refrigerator includes at least one detachable module having at least one connector, the detachable module configured to removably attach to a surface of the refrigerator, and a secondary cooling loop having at least one connector that corresponds to the at least one detachable module's at least one connector, wherein at least a portion of the secondary cooling loop is in thermal communication with at least one of the main cooling loop, the evaporator, and the freezer section, and wherein the secondary cooling loop is configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one detachable module through the corresponding at least one connectors.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a natural refrigeration cycle rate of an air conditioner includes monitoring a time between at least two sequential refrigeration “off” events or at least two sequential refrigeration “on” events, and determining whether the time is below or above a predetermined time. If the time is below the predetermined time, the method further includes increasing a refrigeration “on” temperature threshold. If, however, the time is above the predetermined time, the method further includes decreasing the refrigeration “on” temperature threshold.

Abstract: A flow restriction or metering device for a refrigerant system includes a crimped or otherwise formed tubular insert that is installed within a standard flare fitting. The flare fitting can be similar to those used for coupling two refrigerant lines, or the fitting can be part of a service valve, such as those used for charging, discharging, or servicing refrigerant systems. The insert provides a fixed orifice having a predetermined flow coefficient. The insert is removably clamped within the fitting and extends into a refrigerant line that connects to the fitting.

Abstract: A dry ice vaporizing device includes: a container having a vapor permeable surface and a closeable entrance configured to be locked closed, an external implement configured to unlock the closeable entrance, and dry ice located inside the container. The vapor permeable surface includes a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm. The container is configured, when the closeable entrance is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.

Abstract: Heating, ventilating, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and associated outdoor horizontal discharge units are provided. The units include a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of manifolds. The heat exchanger also includes a plurality of multichannel tubes in fluid communication with the manifolds. Each multichannel tube includes a plurality of parallel flow paths through which an internal fluid flows. Each flow path extends lengthwise through its respective multichannel tube. The heat exchanger further includes a plurality of fins disposed between the multichannel tubes for transferring heat between the external air and the internal fluid flowing through the flow paths. The units also include a fan configured to blow air horizontally through the heat exchanger such that the air discharges the unit horizontally through at least one side of the unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.

Abstract: A cryopump is provided with: a refrigerator that generates a cold state by a heat cycle in which an operating gas inhaled inside is expanded and discharged; a heat shield thermally connected to the refrigerator so as to be cooled to a target temperature; and a control unit that determines a command value for a heat cycle frequency such that a temperature of the heat shield follows the target temperature, and provides the command value to the refrigerator. The control unit estimates whether the refrigerator outputs a refrigerating capacity corresponding to the command value for the frequency based on a flow rate of the operating gas.

Abstract: A method for cooling an object includes coupling a cooling device to the object, wherein the cooling device includes at least one thermoacoustic engine and a plurality of gas diodes, generating acoustic power with the thermoacoustic engine, channeling acoustic oscillations of a fluid through the gas diodes, and transferring the heat produced by the object to the fluid to facilitate moving the heat away from the object.

Abstract: A life-saving child car seat/carrier safety system that protects a child from injury or death due to passenger compartment temperature extremes is described herein. Each year, children and infants die tragically as a result of overheating in automobile passenger compartments when they are mistakenly left unattended by their caregivers. The present invention provides a system and method for child safety comprising an automatically closing child car seat compartment that detects dangerous temperatures; notifies caregivers via an auto-dialing cell phone; alerts passersby via emergency lighting, audible alarms, vocal alerts, and electronic messaging; contacts emergency services with GPS location information; provides breathable air; and provides temperature regulation as needed to cool or warm a child.

Abstract: A cascade refrigeration system, which comprises a top cycle that circulates a first refrigerant, a low cycle that circulates a second refrigerant, and a heat exchanger through which the two cycles interface. The system further comprises a second heat exchanger through which the second refrigerant is superheated by the first refrigerant, while the first refrigerant is simultaneously subcooled by the second refrigerant. The system further comprises a control system that can regulate the amount of superheating of the second refrigerant.

Abstract: In an air conditioning unit for a car, which air conditioning unit has a refrigerant circuit with a primary consumer branch having a compressor, condenser, and an evaporator, which air conditioning unit also has at least one auxiliary consumer branch that is connected parallel to the primary consumer branch and has a cold accumulator and its own evaporator, a stop valve is arranged in front of each evaporator. After operational phases charging the cold accumulator, the stop valve of the primary consumer branch is regularly opened for only a predetermined opening time that depends on particular operating parameters. The substantial operating parameters are the air inlet temperature and the air mass flow at the evaporator of the primary consumer branch. The method thus makes possible the alternating charging operation of the cold accumulator parallel to the cooling mode at low air temperatures at the evaporator of the primary consumer branch.

Abstract: An apparatus for draining condensate accumulated by an air handling unit element, the element presenting a footprint area, includes: a substantially unitary plurality of surfaces oriented between a first level and a second level and bounded by a peripheral wall. The first level is generally higher than the second level in an installed orientation. A first surface is situated substantially at the first level and is generally horizontal and presents a generally planar expanse generally coextensive with the footprint area in the installed orientation. A second surface generally extends from the second level at a first end of the apparatus to the first level at two loci separated by the first surface at a second end of the apparatus opposite the first end to orient the first surface in a generally nested relationship with respect to the second surface. At least one third surface joins the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: An HVAC system for a vehicle having a battery pack, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The HVAC system may comprise a refrigerant loop having a first leg and a second leg, and a refrigerant compressor in the refrigerant loop. In the first leg, an evaporator provides cooling to a passenger cabin of the vehicle, an evaporator shut-off valve selectively blocks the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator, and an evaporator thermal expansion valve is upstream from the evaporator. In the second leg, a battery heat exchanger receives the refrigerant, a battery thermal expansion valve is located upstream from the battery heat exchanger, and a battery cooling shut-off valve selectively blocks the flow of refrigerant through the battery heat exchanger. The shut-off valves and compressor are controlled to control the cooling of the passenger cabin and the battery pack.

Abstract: An HV_ECU executes a program, which includes a step of receiving route information; a step of acquiring a duty command value of a battery cooling blower; a step of calculating a cooling airflow; steps for acquiring a battery temperature and an intake temperature; a step of calculating a value TB?TC; a step of calculating a cooling performance; a step of estimating a battery temperature; and a step of performing fail safe processing when in an abnormal state.

Abstract: A refrigerant system utilizes environmentally friendly natural refrigerant such as carbon dioxide. A pressure relief mechanism such as pressure relief valve is incorporated into the refrigerant system design to allow for at least some amount of refrigerant to be released to atmosphere to provide safe operation or comply with agency regulations if pressure within the refrigerant system exceeds a certain limit. This release can occur during refrigerant system storage, transportation or operation. A detection device such as an electrical circuit is included into the refrigerant system design to provide an indication that pressure relief valve has opened, such that the determination can be made by a refrigerant system control or an operator whether the refrigerant system needs to be recharged and whether it can continue its normal operation, narrow its operational envelope or shut down until the refrigerant charge can be restored.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for the operation of a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit having two compartments or more than two compartments which each have at least one opening which is closable by a closure element and through which the compartments can be charged with cold air, with at least one temperature sensor being provided for the indirect or direct detection of the respective actual temperature value, wherein a temperature value (closing value) is defined for a plurality of the compartments or for all of the compartments, wherein the compartment with the lowest difference between the actual temperature value and the closing value (temperature difference) is determined, and wherein the closure element of this compartment is closed until its temperature difference is the same as or larger than the temperature difference of a compartment having a larger temperature difference, preferably having the next larger temperature difference.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas safety device of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system for vehicles. The gas safety device includes a gas sensor installed at an air inlet connecting an engine room and the inside of a vehicle; and refrigerant cutoff valves installed at lines of an evaporator at the sides of refrigerant inlet or outlet for restricting the flow of a refrigerant by means of the operation of a control unit according to a sensing signal value of the gas sensor. In the gas safety device, when gas is leaked in the engine room after a starting switch of the vehicle is turned on, the gas sensor installed at the air inlet connecting the engine room and the inside of the vehicle senses the gas leakage, and outputs a corresponding signal value to the control unit.

Abstract: A vending machine system includes a control module for controlling a cooling system. The cooling system, which includes an evaporator, may omit a heating element for defrosting the evaporator. In operation, the control module cycles an evaporator fan in conjunction with a compressor based on a required set temperature to help keep products within a specified range. In an embodiment, the evaporator fan is turned on and off at substantially the same time as the compressor is turned on and off. In another embodiment, there is a predetermined delay after the compressor is turned on and off before the evaporator is respectively turned on and off. Other variations are contemplated.

Abstract: A refrigerant system control software upgrades are remotely downloaded over information carrying media. The software upgrades can be timed to occur when the Internet traffic is low. Once the upgrade has been received, a verification test may be performed for the refrigerant system components affected by the software upgrade. The test is monitored, and the results are sent back to the remote location such that the remote location can ensure the software upgrade was successful.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator including a liquid, cool air supplied to supercool the liquid, and a preventing means for preventing the liquid from existing as a solid phase, and a method of operating the refrigerator. The preventing means is at least one of an energy generator for supplying energy to the liquid supplied with the cool air to maintain the liquid in the supercooled state, a restricting member for interrupting the motion of the liquid, and a heater for converting the liquid converted into a solid phase into the liquid.