Abstract: A system and method of regenerating a pre-purification vessel is provided that is particularly suitable for pre-purification of a feed air stream in cryogenic air separation unit that uses an oxygen-enriched purge gas stream for regeneration of the pre-purification unit. The disclosed pre-purification systems and methods are configured to remove substantially all of the water, carbon dioxide and other impurities from a feed air stream, optionally including hydrogen and carbon monoxide impurities. The method of regenerating a pre-purification vessel preferably involves regenerating the pre-purification vessel with an oxygen-enriched purge gas after depressurization of the vessel and thereafter partially repressurizing the pre-purification vessel with an auxiliary purge gas thereby diluting the oxygen concentration of the gases contained in the pre-purification vessel and optionally depressurizing the partially repressurized vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed by the present disclosure is a refrigerant leak detection method and device for an air conditioner. The method includes: acquiring current operating parameters of an air conditioner and environment information of a surrounding environment of the air conditioner; inputting the current operating parameters and the environment information into a trained neural network model to obtain an amount of remaining refrigerant outputted by the neural network model; and determining, according to the amount of the remaining refrigerant, whether there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner. The present disclosure improves accuracy of detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner by means of an artificial neural network algorithm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixture comprising the compound trans-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene and at least one additional compound selected from the group consisting of HFOs, HFCs, HFEs, CFCs, CO2, olefins, organic acids, alcohols, hydrocarbons, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, and others such as methyl formate, formic acid, trans-1,2 dichloroethylene, carbon dioxide, cis-HFO-1234ze+HFO-1225yez; mixtures of these plus water; mixtures of these plus CO2; mixtures of these trans 1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE); mixtures of these plus methyl formate; mixtures with cis-HFO-1234ze+CO2; mixtures with cis-HFO-1234ze+HFO-1225yez+CO2; and mixtures with cis-HFO-1234ze+HFC-245fa. Also disclosed are methods of using and products of using the above compositions as blowing agents, solvents, heat transfer compositions, aerosol propellant compositions, fire extinguishing and suppressant compositions.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a cabinet in which a storeroom is formed and including a duct opening; a cooling module detachably coupled to the cabinet and including an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, a module body having a space in which the evaporator is accommodated, and a duct module detachably coupled to the module body to guide cold air produced from the evaporator to the storeroom, wherein the duct opening, the duct module and the storeroom are arranged so that, when the duct module is detached from the module body, the duct module is passable through the duct opening to be removed through the storeroom.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pressure switch assembly having a quick connect capillary tube are disclosed. One embodiment, among others, has an elongated cylindrical capillary tube for attachment to a refrigeration line so that refrigeration fluid pressure in the refrigeration line can be sensed. A quick connect coupling is connected to the shutoff valve. A shutoff valve is designed to open and close fluid communication between the capillary tube and the quick connect coupling when the quick connect coupling is coupled and decoupled, respectively. A switch body is connected to the quick connect coupling and has first and second electrical connections. The switch body has an internal on/off switch designed to electrically connect and electrically disconnect the first and second electrical connections based upon a predetermined set point of pressure associated with refrigeration fluid that is in communication with the switch body.

Abstract: The vehicle includes a thawing compartment configured to thaw a commodity housed therein, an acquisition device configured to obtain information including a thawing time limit set based on a request from a user, and a controller configured to control the thawing operation of the thawing compartment. The controller controls the thawing compartment so as to complete the thawing operation of the commodity housed therein by the thawing time limit.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus causes refrigerant to circulate through a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a heat storage body, a first expansion valve, and a second expansion valve. The refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a bypass path and a first on-off valve provided in the bypass path. The bypass path branches off from a first portion that connects the indoor heat exchanger and the first expansion valve in a first refrigerant pipe, and leads to a fourth refrigerant pipe that connects a suction port of the compressor and a four-way valve. The first on-off valve is opened in a defrosting operation.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus enables a user to recognize both a leakage of refrigerant and an abnormal condition when a refrigerant leakage condition and the abnormal condition have occurred. When a condition in which a leakage of refrigerant is detected and a condition in which an abnormality is detected have occurred together, the refrigerant leakage condition and the abnormal condition are displayed together on a display part. Consequently, when the condition in which the leakage of refrigerant is detected and the condition in which the abnormality is detected have occurred, the user is allowed to recognize the leakage of refrigerant and the abnormal condition at once.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for opening refrigerant sources while servicing a refrigeration system are provided by this disclosure. A system may include a fluid source, a device capable of coupling to the fluid source, and a fluid receiving system. The device may include a valve disposed in the body of the apparatus. A portion of the valve being engageable with a refrigerant supply composed of either a self-sealing valve or a penetrable seal.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow path switch arranged between an outdoor device and each of multiple indoor devices controls a refrigerant flow and is provided with a housing; a refrigerant flow path switching circuit having multiple refrigerant flow path switching circuits, wherein each refrigerant flow path switching circuit includes a high/low pressure gas pipe, a low pressure gas pipe, a high/low pressure electric valve provided at the high/low pressure gas pipe, and a low pressure electric valve provided at the low pressure gas pipe. A liquid pipe assembly is arranged in the housing and has multiple liquid pipes connected to the multiple indoor devices. A first divider plate is provided between adjacent ones of the refrigerant flow path switching circuits and divides an internal space of the housing such that a space divided by the first divider plate is in a substantially cubic shape, which is filled with a foaming agent.

Abstract: As a shut-off valve inspection process for checking operation of a liquid side shut-off valve and a gas side shut-off valve, an air conditioning system operates a compressor in a cooling cycle state, performs opening and closing operation of the liquid side shut-off valve and the gas side shut-off valve, and determines whether the liquid side shut-off valve and the gas side shut-off valve properly operate on the basis of a temperature value detected by a temperature sensor provided in an indoor unit.

Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a refrigerant circuit sequentially connecting a compressor, a condenser, a reservoir, and a subcooling coil via refrigerant pipes in series, an injection circuit configured to inject part of refrigerant flowing from the condenser to an intermediate pressure part of the compressor, and an injection expansion valve configured to reduce a pressure of refrigerant branched on a downstream side of the subcooling coil. The refrigeration device includes a temperature measurement unit, a pressure measurement unit, and a controller configured to identify a type of refrigerant on the basis of a measured value of the temperature measurement unit and a measured value of the pressure measurement unit, and control at least one of an operating frequency of the compressor, a rotation frequency of a condenser fan, and an opening degree of the injection expansion valve.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system may include a refrigerant loop to circulate refrigerant, a first valve, a second valve, a sensor to measure parameters of the refrigerant, a refrigerant tank fluidly coupled to the refrigerant loop via the valves, and control circuitry communicatively coupled to the sensor, the first valve, and the second valve. The control circuitry may determine environmental conditions and detect whether an undercharge or overcharge condition is present in the refrigerant loop based at least in part on the environmental conditions and the measured parameters. The control circuitry may also instruct the first valve to open when the undercharge condition is detected to facilitate flowing refrigerant from the refrigerant tank into the refrigerant loop and instruct the second valve to open when the overcharge condition is detected to facilitate flowing refrigerant from the refrigerant loop into the refrigerant tank.

Abstract: An engineless transport refrigeration unit includes a compressor constructed and arranged to compress a refrigerant, and a compressor motor configured to drive the compressor and operate at a voltage range of two hundred (200) to six hundred (600) volts. A battery of the engineless transport refrigeration unit provides the power to the compressor motor.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus has a compressor, a cooling-heating switching mechanism, a condenser, a refrigerant expansion mechanism, and an evaporator. During operation of the compressor, the refrigerant expansion mechanism opens the refrigerant circuit, a first three-way valve connects an outlet of the compressor to the condenser, and a second three-way valve connects an inlet of the compressor to the evaporator. During stop of the compressor, the refrigerant expansion mechanism closes the refrigerant circuit, the first three-way valve connects the outlet of the compressor to the evaporator, and the second three-way valve connects the inlet of the compressor to the evaporator.

Abstract: A composition including a lubricant based on polyol esters (POEs) or PVE and a refrigerant F including from 1 to 99% by weight of trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (trans-HFO-1234ze) and from 1 to 99% by weight of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Also, the use of the composition including a lubricant and refrigerant in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps.

Abstract: A method for underground exploration using cosmic rays muons, the method comprises: detecting cosmic ray muons by sensing ionizing events that initiate within spaces of one or more gas amplification detectors of a system that is positioned within an underground space; and limiting a flow of gas within the spaces of the one or more gas amplification detectors.

Abstract: In a refrigeration cycle apparatus, a controller is configured to, when a defrost mode is started, control a first pressure reducing device is controlled to adjust a flow rate of refrigerant to bring a degree of superheat of the refrigerant at a suction side of a compressor close to a target value, control a flow path switching device to form a first flow path through which the refrigerant released from the compressor flows to a first heat exchanger; perform a refrigerant release operation of opening one of a second pressure reducing device and a valve and closing the other of the second pressure reducing device and the valve, and perform a refrigerant collection operation of opening the second pressure reducing device and the valve, with the flow path switching device retained to form the first flow path, after the refrigerant release operation.

Abstract: In a case where the total volume of plural indoor heat exchangers is smaller than the volume of an outdoor heat exchanger, a control component performs a heating refrigerant charging operation until a heating refrigerant charging completion condition is met, and thereafter performs a cooling refrigerant charging operation until a refrigerant charging completion condition where a refrigerant circuit is charged with a prescribed quantity of refrigerant is met.

Abstract: When charging a refrigerant circuit with refrigerant, a control component starts a heating refrigerant charging operation that is performed by switching the refrigerant circuit to a heating cycle state and performs the heating refrigerant charging operation until a predetermined heating refrigerant charging completion condition is met. Thereafter, the control component switches to a cooling refrigerant charging operation that is performed by switching the refrigerant circuit to a cooling cycle state and performs the cooling refrigerant charging operation until a refrigerant charging completion condition where the refrigerant circuit is charged with a prescribed quantity of the refrigerant is met.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle device includes a charged-amount determination unit that executes a charged-amount determination to determine whether the refrigeration cycle device is in a refrigerant shortage state or not, a compressor control unit that controls a compressor, and a decompression control unit that controls a throttle opening degree of a decompression device. The charged-amount determination unit determines that the refrigeration cycle device is in the refrigerant shortage state when a heat dissipation capacity of a radiator shows a tendency to decrease in a case where the decompression control unit decreases a throttle opening degree of the decompression device while the compressor control unit operates the compressor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for reducing flammability in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system having R32 refrigerant included in the refrigerant composition. Refrigerant compositions and methods of use are described which can be used for retrofitting, servicing, controlling flammability, improving performance, lubricant solubility and miscibility, and improving the safety of an HVAC system.

Abstract: Provided is an air-conditioning apparatus capable of performing a cooling and heating mixed operation, including: a heat source unit including a compressor; a plurality of indoor units; a relay unit; a first relay unit-side bypass pipe configured to cause a part of refrigerant, which is discharged from the compressor and flows into the relay unit, to flow between a heat source unit-side heat exchanger and an indoor unit-side heat exchanger; a second relay unit-side flow rate control device provided to the first relay unit-side bypass pipe; and a controller configured to control an opening degree of the second relay unit-side flow rate control device so that, in an operation in which the heat source unit-side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, a discharge temperature of a discharge refrigerant discharged from the compressor is equal to or lower than a heat-resistant temperature of the compressor.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a refrigerant charge port provided in an outdoor liquid-side connection valve or an outdoor gas-side connection valve, a liquid-side valve provided between the outdoor liquid-side connection valve and an expansion valve, and a gas-side valve between the indoor gas-side connection valve and a compressor. When an outdoor unit and indoor unit are separated, the liquid-side and gas-side valves are closed, and a refrigerant is charged into an outdoor connection pipe that is closed by the liquid-side valve and the gas-side valve. A control unit is adapted to close the refrigerant charge port, and then open the liquid-side valve and the gas-side valve when a pressure detector detects a predetermined degree of vacuum.

Abstract: An outdoor unit is an outdoor unit to which a refrigerant pipe used to circulate refrigerant between an indoor unit and the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit including a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit includes: a rectangular bottom panel disposed below the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the rectangular bottom panel supporting the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger; a peripheral panel disposed on a peripheral portion of the bottom panel and positioned upright on the bottom panel; a fixing panel disposed at a corner portion of the bottom panel to be located at an inner side of the peripheral panel and positioned upright on the bottom panel; and a valve which is fixed to the fixing panel and to which the refrigerant pipe is connected.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for detecting refrigerant leak in a refrigeration system are described herein. One device includes a memory and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to detect fluctuations in a refrigerant level in a refrigerant tank of a refrigeration system, determine whether the detected fluctuations in the refrigerant level are abnormal, and determine whether a refrigerant leak is occurring in the refrigeration system based, at least in part, on whether the detected fluctuations in the refrigerant level are abnormal.

Abstract: An air conditioning service system includes a discharge unit including a discharge vessel, a vacuum pump fluidly connected to the discharge vessel, a scale configured to sense a weight of the discharge unit, a first valve arranged in an input line configured to fluidly connect the discharge vessel to an air conditioning system, and a vent valve arranged in a vent line and configured to fluidly connect the discharge vessel to the atmosphere. A controller operates the vacuum pump to evacuate the discharge vessel, obtains an evacuated weight of the discharge unit, operates the first valve to open to fill the discharge vessel with refrigerant, obtains a filled weight of the discharge unit, operates the vent valve to vent refrigerant from the discharge vessel, obtains a vented weight of the discharge unit, and determines a mass of refrigerant vented based upon the stored evacuated, filled, and vented weights.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising (a) from 1 to 29 weight percent difluoromethane; (b) from 1 to 19 weight percent pentafluoroethane; (c) from 9 to 42 weight percent 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, or a mixture thereof; and (d) from 34 to 68 weight percent 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene or mixture thereof; wherein when the composition contains 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, the composition also contains at least some 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane; wherein the ratio of component (a) to component (b) is at most 1.5:1; and wherein the ratio of component (c) to component (d) is at least 0.04:1. The compositions are useful in methods for producing cooling and heating, methods for producing air conditioning, methods for replacing HCFC-22, R-410A, R-407C, HFC-134a, CFC-12, HCFC-22 and HCFC-124 and in heat transfer systems including heat pumps and air conditioners.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system includes a first oil separator including a chamber configured to receive refrigerant from an air conditioning system, a heat exchanger disposed within the first oil separator, and a compressor fluidly connected to the chamber and the heat exchanger. A first valve is disposed in a first flow line that is fluidly connected between an inlet of the first oil separator and a source of refrigerant and a second valve is disposed in a second flow line that fluidly connects the compressor and the heat exchanger. A controller is configured to open the first valve to enable refrigerant to pass into the chamber of the first oil separator, open the second valve so that a flow loop for refrigerant is formed between the heat exchanger and the compressor, activate the compressor to heat the refrigerant flowing through the flow loop, and subsequently commence a refrigerant recovery operation.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant charge path, a flushing path, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store a refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path is configured to convey the refrigerant to a refrigeration system to recharge the refrigeration system with the refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path includes a first and second service coupler and a first and second service hose. The service hoses are in fluid communication with the respective service couplers. The flushing path is configured to receive a flow of refrigerant for flushing the refrigeration charge path. The flushing path includes a first and second flushing coupler. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery system to provide a flow of the refrigerant from the storage unit, through the refrigerant charge path, and to the flushing path.

Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting a refrigeration system containing an HCFC refrigerant and a compatible lubricant, with an HFC refrigerant, comprising providing a transport container containing a mixture of a miscible lubricant and the HFC refrigerant, removing the HCFC refrigerant from the refrigeration system while maintaining at least a portion of a lubricant immiscible with the HFC refrigerant, and charging the refrigeration system with the mixture. The polyol ester lubricant may be present in a range exceeding about 5-15% by weight, e.g., 8%.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supporting a compression system are provided. The apparatus includes a compressor support coupled to a compressor, and a motor support coupled to a motor, the motor and the compressor being stand-alone units and having a shaft extending therebetween. The apparatus also includes a subframe connector coupled to the compressor support and the motor support and configured to prevent radial and axial misalignment of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering and depurating a cooling fluid having at least one passage duct of cooling fluid that extends entering or exiting the apparatus. Each passage duct has a distal end configured to be connected to a high and/or low pressure connection of high and low pressure lines of a refrigeration circuit and a proximal end connected to a coolant inlet/outlet fitting. The apparatus also includes a coolant recovery and depuration pathway, and a collection container of accumulated cooling fluid that receives depurated cooling fluid from the recovery and depuration pathway.

Abstract: An electric valve is provided in a supply pipe. A flow rate control unit controls the degree of opening of the electric valve such that the flow rate in the supply pipe lies within a predetermined range, on the basis of a pressure difference between pressure of refrigerant supplied to the supply pipe and the pressure of refrigerant on the suction side of a compressor. An outdoor air temperature sensor detects outdoor air temperature; and a low-pressure side pressure sensor detects refrigerant pressure on the suction side of the compressor. The pressure difference is a difference between a saturation pressure corresponding to the outdoor air temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature sensor and refrigerant pressure detected by the low-pressure side pressure sensor.

Abstract: When an operating state indicated by a set of operation data measured during normal operation becomes a state satisfying an operation data obtaining condition, the set of operation data at the time is obtained as a set of operation data for initial learning, and an inner volume of a refrigerant extension piping is calculated based on the obtained set of operation data for initial learning. A total amount of refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit 10 is calculated based on the calculated inner volume of the refrigerant extension piping and the current set of operation data, and the calculated total refrigerant is compared with a reference amount of refrigerant to determine a presence or absence of refrigerant leakage.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit for accurately filling a refrigerant system with a refrigerant is provided which includes a storage vessel for holding refrigerant, sensors to assist in determining the pressure of the refrigerant in the storage vessel, a controller to control the flow of refrigerant from the storage vessel to the refrigerant system to be serviced, and a heating device to heat the refrigerant, which is activated only if heating is required, as determined by data received by the controller.

Abstract: A chemical state monitoring system for a refrigeration system that continuously monitors and detects problems within a refrigeration system. The monitoring system comprises a sampling device for collecting refrigerant in a high pressure liquid line of the refrigeration system, a purge valve in an upper portion of the sampling device; a refrigerant state sensor for sensing a condition indicative of the state of refrigerant in the collection chamber; and a controller operatively connected to the refrigerant state sensor and to the purge valve for controlling said purge valve and detecting fault conditions based on signals from the sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for replacing coolant of an x-ray tube assembly having a closed cooling system include a service port that is operatively connected to a portion of the x-ray tube assembly and a vacuum assisted service kit that is operatively coupled to the service port. Used coolant is drained from the x-ray tube assembly, and thereafter a vacuum is drawn on the x-ray tube assembly via the service kit. Replacement coolant within a vacuum tank of the service kit is degassed under a vacuum. The degassed replacement coolant is provided into the cooling system from the vacuum tank, preferably by pushing under pressure with an inert gas to prevent the introduction of any air into the replacement coolant. The replacement coolant may be pressurized in the cooling system with the inert gas. Thereafter, the service kit may be disconnected from the service port.

Abstract: An air-conditioner and the refrigerant charging method of the air-conditioner are disclosed. When a refrigerant amount determining mode is requested to be performed, whether or not the refrigerant amount in the air-conditioner is proper is automatically determined and a shortage amount of refrigerant can be charged. Thus, a user can easily check whether or not the refrigerant charged in the air-conditioner is sufficient or insufficient, and if the refrigerant is not sufficient, the user can automatically charge the refrigerant without having to entirely remove the refrigerant from the air-conditioner, thus increasing the user convenience and reducing time and costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises E-1,2-difluoroethylene. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to heat transfer and refrigerant compositions and methods that include HFC-32; HFO-1234ze and HFC-125.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises Z-1,2-difluoroethylene (Z-HFO-1132a). The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: A portable and reusable installation platform for easing the installation or maintenance of an air conditioner on a vertical wall includes at least one support base upon which at least part of the air conditioner is positioned during the installation or maintenance thereof. At least one connector extends from the first end of the support base and is configured to releasably engage the wall. At least one support leg extends downwardly from the support base and is configured to abut the wall to support the weight of the air conditioner placed upon the support base.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems which comprise or utilize a multi-component mixture comprising: (a) from about 10% to about 35% by weight of HFC-32; (b) from about 10% to about 35% by weight of HFC-125; (c) from about 20% to about 50% by weight of HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf and combinations of these; (d) from about 15% to about 35% by weight of HFC-134a; and optionally (e) up to about 10% by weight of CF3I and up to about 5% by weight of HFCO-1233ze, with the weight percent being based on the total of the components (a)-(e) in the composition

Abstract: A method for charging and discharging a heat accumulator is provided. A system by which the method can be performed is also provided. By means of the heat accumulator, it is possible to convert overcapacities of wind turbines, for example, into a charging circuit as heat in the accumulator by a compressor. If necessary, electricity can be stored into the network by a turbine and a generator, wherein the heat accumulator is discharged. The charging circuit and the discharging circuit are operated by a Rankine cycle, wherein for example river water is available as a reservoir for heat exchangers in order to cause evaporation of the working medium in the charging circuit and condensation of the working medium in the discharging circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) from about 45 to about 75% by weight 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf); and (ii) from about 25 to about 55% by weight 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a). A heat transfer composition comprising, optionally consisting essentially of, (i) from about 20 to about 90% by weight R-1234yf; (ii) from about 10 to about 60% by weight R-134a; and (iii) from about 1 to about 20% by weight R-32 is also provided.

Abstract: An outdoor unit of air conditioner for ensuring strength against an impact applied to an electrical component box in a front-back, left-right, or top-bottom direction. The electrical component box has an upper partition plate, a front plate, and a box base plate coupled to one another and supported by an arm and a support post. The arm substantially perpendicularly supports the front plate in a front-back direction, and the upper partition plate. Thus, the electrical component box is strong enough to withstand an impact in the front-back and the left-right directions. Further, the support post substantially perpendicularly supports the arm and the box base plate in a top-bottom direction allowing the electrical component box to withstand an impact in the top-bottom direction. Also material of the electrical component box can be reduced.

Abstract: A convertible refrigerant recovery, recycle, and recharge unit, comprising a control valve array, a vacuum pump, an oil separator, an oil-less compressor, and one or more storage tanks. The vacuum pump and the oil separator are in flow communication with the control valve array, the oil-less compressor is in flow communication with the oil separator, and the storage tanks are in flow communication with said oil-less compressor. The control valve array receives refrigerant from a refrigerant containing device wherein the oil-less compressor draws the refrigerant into said the storage tanks. The unit is compatible with a plurality of refrigerant types without cross-contamination of the refrigerant due to the oil-less compressor and conversion cycle whereby the vacuum pump is activated to remove residual refrigerant from the unit. A refrigerant identifier sensor is in flow communication with the system and can detect contaminants and selectively open and close the storage tanks.

Abstract: A branch controller operates with a system for temperature and humidity control. The branch controller includes a fluid control system for controlling a flow of the liquid desiccant in an arrangement of channels forming a first path for exchanging the liquid desiccant between a liquid desiccant conditioning unit and at least a first space conditioning unit and a second path for directing the liquid desiccant received from the first space conditioning unit to a second space conditioning unit. The branch controller includes a processor for comparing operational conditions of the first space conditioning unit and the second space conditioning unit. The processor selects between the first path and the second path based on the comparison and commands the fluid control system to control the flow of the liquid desiccant according to the selected path.

Abstract: Vapor compression systems are supplemented with a charge control loop that includes a discharge control valve, a transfer pump, and a mass storage vessel configured to add or remove refrigerant to or from the refrigeration loop during operation to optimize efficiency according to variations in thermal load. Methods for operating the vapor control systems include adjusting the refrigerant charge in the refrigeration loop by activating the discharge control valve to remove refrigerant or by activating the transfer pump to add refrigerant, thereby maintaining optimal pressure and temperature conditions in the refrigeration loop over large variations in environmental temperatures. Refrigerant removed from the refrigeration loop through the discharge control valve may be held in the mass storage vessel until subsequently being added back into the refrigeration loop by the transfer pump.