Abstract:
In a multi-circuit heat pump system least one of the circuits has a reheat function. Various reheat concepts may be independently utilized for each circuit to reheat and dehumidify air. Moreover, the ability to bypass refrigerant around the outdoor heat exchanger may also be provided. Communication means between the circuits may be present to re-optimize the refrigerant charge and to provide better control over system operational parameters. The above mentioned control functions and design features assure system flexibility in satisfying a wide spectrum of market requirements and potential applications by operation in a variety of cooling, heating and dehumidification regimes and a combination of thereof.
Abstract:
A refrigerant heat pump system is operable in both heating and cooling modes. A reheat circuit is integrated into the system schematic to provide improved control over temperature and humidity and to cover a wide spectrum of sensible and latent capacity demands. In the heating mode, the reheat coil is utilized to act as a portion of the enlarged indoor heat exchanger (a condenser in this case), in order to enhance system efficiency without the capacity loss. In some cases, where the designer can choose between the efficiency and capacity augmentation, selective operation of the reheat coil may offer an additional step of capacity modulation, in the heating mode. System reliability is improved through a reduction of start/stop cycles. Although various reheat coil arrangements in relation to the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers are offered and reheat concepts are considered, the benefits of the invention are independent from and transparent to such system design features.
Abstract:
A refrigerant system is operable in either a heating mode or cooling mode. The system is also provided with an economizer cycle that will function in either heating mode or cooling mode. A pair of economizer heat exchangers are positioned adjacent to an air conditioning economizer expansion device, and a heat pump economizer expansion device, respectively. A control for the system will control the opening either the air conditioning economizer expansion device or the heat pump economizer expansion device, dependent on whether economized operation is desired, and whether the system is in cooling or heating mode. Thus, a pair of heat exchangers are utilized, with one being selected for economizer operation dependent on whether the system is in cooling or heating mode.
Abstract:
An air conditioning or refrigeration system includes an attached refrigerant receptacle associated with the system. During shipment or storage, the pressure within the system may exceed a selected threshold for the low pressure side. Under such circumstances, a pressure relief device automatically allows refrigerant to flow from the system into the attached receptacle, which brings the pressure within the system back to an acceptable level for the low pressure side. Various optional shutoff devices are disclosed that can be incorporated into the design to simplify receptacle removal or recycling.
Abstract:
A heat pump is provided with a single expansion device a pair of four-way reversing valves. One of the reversing valves routes the refrigerant from the compressor to either an outdoor heat exchanger or indoor heat exchanger, as well as routes the refrigerant back to the compressor. The second four-way reversing valve receives refrigerant from one of the heat exchangers and properly routes it through a common expansion device in a single direction. The two four-way reversing valves are controlled dependent on whether the heat pump is operating in a cooling or heating mode. A single expansion device sensor is positioned on a suction line, which receives refrigerant on its way back to the compressor from the first four-way reversing valve. The present invention thus eliminates the prior art requirement of additional components, enhances control and reduces system cost.
Abstract:
A refrigerant system incorporates at least two compressors that act in tandem to provide variable control over the refrigerant system performance. The tandem compressors can be of conventional or economized type and are configured for maximum performance utilization. Further, a reheat circuit can be incorporated into the refrigerant system at several different locations. The reheat cycle provides additional control over sensible and latent capacity of the refrigerant system, and is particularly advantageous when utilized in combination with the tandem compressors. As a result, multiple steps of unloading can be implemented in all operation regimes, the external load demands are satisfied with much greater precision, eliminating undesirable variations in temperature and humidity, system efficiency and reliability are augmented and equipment life-cycle cost is reduced.
Abstract:
A heat pump design with an economizer flash tank provides an efficient way to operate the system in both heating and cooling modes. Various expansion device types can be employed with this design. The invention enhances system performance in both cooling and heating modes of operation, through utilization of the flash tank economizer cycle, in simplistic and cost effective manner, while sustaining expansion device and entire system functionality through an appropriate refrigerant rerouting around the compressor and the flash tank.
Abstract:
A refrigerant cycle is provided with an economizer circuit. The amount of refrigerant passing through the economizer circuit can be gradually modulated by an expansion device whose position can be easily adjusted from fully open to fully closed or disengaged. In the past, economizer circuits have either been fully engaged or fully disengaged. Modulation of economizer flow allows for variable capacity operation. This improves unit operating efficiency, minimizes unit cycling and prevents compressor overloading at extreme of operating conditions. It also allows for head pressure and discharge temperature control.
Abstract:
A refrigerant cycle is provided with tandem compressors. Only some of the multiple compressors are provided with an economized cycle, and an optional unloader valve for selectively returning flow from an economizer injection port back to suction. The present invention thus provides the economized operation capabilities and benefits for a refrigerant cycle having tandem compressors, without the complexity of providing separate economizer arrangement for each of the compressors.
Abstract:
Several control algorithms reduce the likelihood of insufficient oil return to the compressor. One algorithm is useful in a multi-circuit refrigerant system. A control reduces the cooling capacity of one of the circuits if the number of compressor start/stop cycles becomes excessive. By reducing the capacity, the control will reduce the number of compressor start/stop cycles for a circuit. In this manner, the oil continues to circulate through the circuit, and is more efficiently returned to the compressor. Another problem area associated with a poor oil return back to the compressor is when there is low mass flow rate of refrigerant circulating through the system. Various ways of increasing the refrigerant mass flow rate are disclosed to ensure proper oil return to the compressor. Also, if oil return problems are likely due to an undesirably high oil viscosity at the vapor portion of the evaporator or suction line, then steps are taken to reduce oil viscosity. Overall, the present invention discloses three distinct algorithms that may be utilized, either separately or in combination, to ensure better flow of oil back to the compressor. The invention enhances system and compressor reliability and performance as well as prevents the compressor damage.