Abstract:
A refrigerant system is provided with at least one variable frequency drive. In the past, the variable frequency drives were operable such that the voltage-to-frequency ratio remained constant regardless of operation. The present invention realizes that variations in the voltage-to-frequency ratio may be desirable, and the refrigerant system control drives the motors associated with relevant refrigerant system components to reach an optimum voltage-to-frequency ratios in order to achieve higher efficiency, provide operational safety and prevent nuisance shutdowns.
Abstract:
An HVAC & R system controller is provided with time pricing information for electricity and/or natural gas. This pricing information is utilized to determine the most efficient system configuration and operation schedule to achieve desired conditions in an indoor environment. As an example, if electricity prices are high, then the controller might rely on a natural gas powered furnace, rather than on the higher-electricity consuming heat pump. In another example, thermal storage media can be charged during off-peak hours when cost of electricity is low and release its thermal potential during high demand periods.
Abstract:
A refrigerant system has at least one unloader valve selectively communicating refrigerant between the compressor compression chambers and a point upstream of the evaporator. When the compressor is run in unloaded mode, partially compressed refrigerant is returned to a point upstream of the evaporator. In an unloaded mode, a higher refrigerant mass flow rate passes through the evaporator, as compared to prior art where the by-passed refrigerant was returned downstream of the evaporator. This increases system efficiency by more effectively returning oil which otherwise might be left in the evaporator back to the compressor. Also, the amount of refrigerant superheat entering the compressor in unloaded operation is reduced as compared to the prior art compressor systems, wherein the by-passed refrigerant is returned directly to the compressor suction line. Reduced refrigerant superheat increases system efficiency, improves motor performance and reduces compressor discharge temperature. Also, by moving the unloader line further away from the compressor, the compressor replacement is simplified as there is no connecting unloader line directly in front of the compressor.
Abstract:
A refrigerant system with an economizer cycle incorporates a time dependant vapor injection scheme to reduce losses and enhance performance. The benefits of such an approach are particularly pronounced at low pressure ratios typical of air conditioning applications. The injection of refrigerant occurs during a limited time interval and at a particular point of time into a compression cycle. The vapor injection preferably occurs when the compression chamber are sealed (or about to be sealed off) from a suction port and continues until refrigerant pressure in the compression chambers is equal (or about to be equal) to the pressure at the injection line. This communication time constitutes about 35% of time of one revolution. In one embodiment, such time dependence of refrigerant vapor injection is provided by a specific compressor design. In another embodiment, a fast-acting solenoid valve is placed at the vicinity of the injection port to control the initiation and duration of the injection process. The benefits for an unloading scheme are disclosed as well.
Abstract:
A parallel flow (minichannel or microchannel) evaporator includes channels which are crimped at or adjacent to their entrance location which provides for a refrigerant expansion and pressure drop control resulting in the elimination of refrigerant maldistribution in the evaporator and prevention of potential compressor flooding. Progressive crimping to counter-balance factors effecting refrigerant distribution is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A scroll compressor includes an Oldham coupling which prevents the orbiting scroll member from rotating when driven by a rotating shaft. The Oldham coupling is formed of titanium or titanium alloy, thus increasing the strength of the Oldham coupling while minimizing its weight. Reduced coupling weight minimizes unnecessary scroll compressor vibration.
Abstract:
A heat pump system operates in heating and cooling modes. The heat pump is provided with both a reheat function and economizer circuit. The economizer circuit provides augmented performance to the heat pump, while the reheat coil allows enhanced control over temperature and humidity of the air supplied to the conditioned space. A bypass line around an outdoor heat exchanger is also provided to achieve additional flexibility of control for a sensible heat ratio. Selective operation of the abovementioned components and subsystems allows precise control over system operation parameters and hence satisfaction of a wide spectrum of sensible and latent load demands and improved reliability.
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.
Abstract:
A refrigerant system is provided with an unloader bypass line to selectively unload the compressor and deliver refrigerant from a partially (or fully) compressed location back to a suction port of the compressor. A section of this unloader bypass line is placed in the path of air having passed over an evaporator and towards an environment to be conditioned. This section of the unloader bypass line would contain refrigerant that is at a higher temperature than the refrigerant, which had been delivered into the evaporator by the main circuit. In this manner, this bypass line section will provide the function of reheating the air above the temperature to which it had been cooled in the evaporator to achieve a desired humidity level. Thus, the reheat function is obtained without requiring a dedicated reheat loop, associated components and additional structure. Also, through the refrigerant temperature reduction, compressor reliability and performance are improved. Furthermore, the flow control device may be of an adjustable type (e.g. modulating or pulsating) to achieve variable sensible heat ratios and to cover a wide range of potential applications. Lastly, the bypass line may have extended heat transfer elements allowing heat transfer enhancement between the air and refrigerant.