Abstract:
A compressor has an inlet, an outlet, and at least an intermediate first port therebetween. A condenser is coupled to the compressor to receive refrigerant. First and second evaporators are coupled to the condenser to receive refrigerant. Conduits define a return flowpath from the first evaporator to the compressor inlet and a second return flowpath from the second evaporator to the intermediate port. A bypass conduit extends between a first location between the first evaporator and the compressor inlet and a second location between the second evaporator and the first port.
Abstract:
Refrigerant system schematics are provided with enhanced humidity and temperature control of the air supplied to an environment to be conditioned. In particular, an economizer cycle is incorporated to be utilized in a combination with a reheat coil. Proposed system configurations enhance system performance characteristics, offer more steps of unloading, especially in the reheat mode of operation, and operate at improved reliability. Additionally, due to the enhanced performance of the economizer cycle, the reheat coil size can be reduced.
Abstract:
A control algorithm is developed which takes corrective action in the event that system conditions indicate there may be an inadequate flow of lubricant in the system. In particular, if a discharge pressure is below a predetermined amount or if the suction modulation valve is throttled, there is a possibility of inadequate lubricant flow. The system control then turns off the condenser fan, and if that first step is not sufficient, may also turn on an evaporator heater and then control a suction modulation valve. A fail safe control loop also takes effect if the condition sensor appears to have failed.
Abstract:
An air conditioning or refrigeration system includes an expansion device that has a plurality of operating positions. When the expansion device is in a fully open position, the expansion device provides an indication to a system controller regarding that position. The controller responsively determines if the fully open position of the expansion device is caused by an undesirably low amount of refrigerant charge in the system. In one example, the controller rules out other possible reasons for the expansion device being in the fully open position. In one example, the controller automatically shuts down appropriate portions of the system to avoid any component damage that may result from having too low refrigerant amount in the system.
Abstract:
An air conditioning, heating or refrigeration system includes a controller that automatically determines if refrigerant amount is above or below the desired amount within the system. In one example, a sensor measures the temperature difference between sub-cooled liquid and saturated condensing temperature and provides information to the controller. The controller determines a variance between the measured and an expected value. If that variance exceeds a selected threshold, the controller automatically determines that the amount of refrigerant in the system is outside of an acceptable range.
Abstract:
A refrigerant cycle includes economized tandem compressors. The refrigerant cycle is also provided with a common economizer circuit for all tandem compressors. Common manifolds communicate discharge, suction and economizer return flows within the refrigerant cycle to each of the tandem compressors. Also, an optional unloader function is provided for each of the compressors. Various arrangements allow enhanced operation control, improved system reliability and reduced equipment life-cycle cost.
Abstract:
Multiple refrigerant circuits are operated in parallel, and each has an economizer cycle. One of the two circuits may have a greater capacity than the other. By controlling the two circuits to run in economized, conventional, bypassed, or economizer bypassed operation, the control is able to match demanded capacity. Moreover, by exercising similar technique, the control can provide better humidity control, can limit or maintain head pressure, and can avoid power consumption peaks.
Abstract:
Refrigerant is circulated through a vapor compression system including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Cold condensate forms on the evaporator surfaces as the refrigerant accepts heat from an air stream. The cold condensate drips down from the evaporator coil and collects in a condensate pan. In one example, the cold condensate is directed into a condensate heat exchanger to subcool the refrigerant exiting the condenser. In another example, the refrigerant exiting the condenser flows through a refrigerant line located in the condensate pan. In another example, the cold condensate is sprayed on the refrigerant line exiting the condenser or on the subcooling portion of the condenser. By utilizing the condensate for further subcooling of the refrigerant, system capacity and efficiency are enhanced. Various control techniques and condensate flow methods are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An air conditioning system includes a supplemental storage container that allows for transferring refrigerant into or out of an air conditioning or refrigeration system based upon different operating conditions. In one example, a controller controls the operation of valves that selectively couple the storage container to the high pressure side or the low pressure side of the system. Depending on operating conditions, when it is desirable to increase an amount of refrigerant in the system, refrigerant is transferred from the storage container to the low pressure side of the air conditioning or refrigeration system. Under conditions where the amount of refrigerant in the system is above a desired amount, refrigerant can be transferred from the high side of air conditioning system to the storage container to bring the pressure within the system closer to the desired level.
Abstract:
A screw compressor includes a housing and a screw rotor disposed in the housing and rotatable relative to the housing for compressing a refrigerant, the housing and the screw rotor having a rest condition, and an operating condition wherein at least one of the housing and the rotor deflect from the rest condition, and structure for at least one of reducing deflection from the rest condition and evenly distributing deflection from the rest condition when the rotor is in the operating condition, whereby clearance between the housing and the rotor is optimized in the operating condition.