Abstract:
A heat pump is provided with an improvement while switching from heating/cooling mode to a defrost mode. Prior to initiation of a defrost mode, an electronic expansion device is moved to an open position such that refrigerant can migrate between the indoor-outdoor heat exchangers. When the operation of the defrost cycle is initiated, there is a lower likelihood and severity of flooded starts, as the refrigerant, under existing pressure differential at system shutdown, will move to the heat exchanger that will be downstream of the compressor in the defrost mode. Thus, no flooded start will occur on the subsequent compressor start-up. After completion of the defrost cycle, the electronic expansion device is again opened prior to return to operation in the conventional heating/cooling mode. In case subsequent starts are in an identical mode of operation, the electronic expansion valve is kept closed during shutdown to minimize cyclic performance losses.
Abstract:
A refrigerant system has a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and delivering it downstream to a condenser. A bypass line is provided around the condenser for selectively allowing at least a portion of refrigerant to bypass the condenser. Valves are provided on a line leading to the condenser and on the bypass line to individually control the flow of refrigerant. An expansion device is located downstream of the condenser, and an evaporator is located downstream of the expansion device. A reheat cycle is incorporated into the system. The reheat cycle includes a valve for selectively delivering at least a portion of refrigerant through a reheat heat exchanger, which is positioned in the path of air downstream of the evaporator. A control is provided for the system to achieve a desired level of dehumidification and temperature control to air being delivered into the environment to be conditioned.
Abstract:
Multi-stage refrigerant systems operate with a lower stage compressor of a first type and a higher stage compressor of a second type. In one embodiment, the lower stage compressor type is selected to have the most beneficial characteristics at lower pressure operation, while the higher pressure stage compressor type is selected to have the most beneficial characteristics at higher pressure operation.
Abstract:
A microchannel heat exchanger has at least two manifolds, with the at least two manifolds communicating with a respective one of a first and second plurality of heat exchange tube banks. The first and second plurality of heat exchange tube banks are intertwined within a single microchannel heat exchanger core.
Abstract:
An evaporator includes a manifold receiving a distributor insert. The distributor insert receives the flow of refrigerant to be delivered into the manifold, and has openings to communicate this refrigerant into a plurality of chambers which are defined between adjacent dividing elements of the distributor insert within the manifold. In this manner, these chambers are each associated with distinct heat transfer tubes and such that these chambers are isolated from each other.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a way of reducing the amount of energy required to partially compress a refrigerant in a compressor operating in a rapidly cycled unloaded mode. A valve on a suction line is closed when the compressor moves to the unloaded condition. In this manner, the amount of energy required to partially compress the refrigerant in the compressor, at the unloaded condition, is dramatically reduced.
Abstract:
A variable speed drive is provided for a compressor in a refrigerant system. When a low load situation has been determined by the refrigerant system controls, the variable speed drive moves the compressor to a lower speed mode of operation. In this case, if a speed is so low that it cannot ensure adequate oil lubrication of the compressor elements, then the motor speed is periodically increased to a level that will ensure proper lubrication. In this manner, a variable speed drive compressor can be operated at an extremely low speed to precisely match load demand on a refrigerant system. The invention can be extended beyond refrigerant system applications and to any oil-lubricated compressors whose lubrication is speed dependant.
Abstract:
A single speed compressor is provided with a switching device and control for turning the compressor drive motor ON and OFF in repeated succession at a selected ON time/OFF time ratio within a selected cycle time interval. The ON/OFF ratio and cycle time interval are selected to maintain desired temperature and/or humidity control within a conditioned space.
Abstract:
A compressor, which is susceptible to protective shutdowns when certain operating conditions are sensed, includes a control feature wherein, when the compressor is restarted after a period of time, it may be caused to operate in an unloaded mode such that a reoccurrence of the shutdowns is less likely.
Abstract:
A fuel-powered engine is provided to drive a mobile air conditioning or refrigeration unit such as a portable chiller, a container refrigeration unit, a portable packaged system, a transport tractor-trailer or truck refrigeration unit, etc. A control rapidly changes the engine speed between the predefined set of discreet engine speeds to precisely adjust the capacity of the refrigerant system. If the engine operates only at a single speed, then the control cycles the engine between this operating speed and a zero speed (the engine is shut off). If the engine can operate at multiple discreet speeds, then the control can cycle the engine between any of these speeds (including a zero speed). When a lower capacity is desirable, the engine operates for a longer time interval at a lower speed, and when a higher capacity is desirable, the engine operates for a longer period of time at a higher speed. The cycle rate is selected to control the comfort (e.g. temperature and/or humidity) of the conditioned environment within the specified tolerance band, while conforming to the reliability requirements.