Abstract:
A redundant cooling method and system are provided. The method comprises: providing a plurality of variable refrigerant flow air cooling units, wherein the number of air cooling units is at least one more than required to meet a selected maximum cooling load when operating the air cooling units at up to a maximum cooling capacity; coupling the plurality of variable refrigerant flow air cooling units in thermal communication with the air in a conditioned space; determining a select optimum operating condition for each of the plurality of variable refrigerant flow air cooling units which will result in about a lowest overall energy consumption for the redundant cooling system, while maintaining an average temperature of the air in the conditioned space at a required setpoint; and operating said plurality of air cooling units in about the select optimum operating conditions for each of the air cooling units.
Abstract:
A Method of controlling an air cooled heat exchanger comprises the steps of providing an air cooled heat exchanger having a plurality of fans (2) each fan having a maximum fan speed (S max ) and an individual enable/disable switch (S1 -S5); running at least one fan (2); determining a deviation (12) by comparing an actual temperature or pressure value (8) at the air cooled heat exchanger with a reference temperature or pressure value (10); calculating a fan speed control value (14) from the deviation; if the fan speed control value (14) reaches an upper fan speed limit value (S UL ), lowering the fan speed control value (14) and enabling an additional fan; and running the enabled fan(s) based on the fan speed control value (14).
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 conditioned air delivery system is provided for parked aircraft. The system can accommodate elevated thermal loads while maintaining operation, albeit with reduced flow rates or slightly elevated temperatures. When temperature set points are not reached or cannot be maintained, a second compressor of a refrigeration unit is operated in parallel with a first compressor. When refrigerant pressure becomes excessive, a second fan is operated that is associated with a condenser of the system. Still higher pressures, indicative of higher thermal loads, can cause the system to shut down operation of one of the compressors, reducing the overall cooling capacity of the system, while maintaining the supply of refrigerated air to the aircraft. The airflow may be reduced to maintain an air temperature at or near the desired temperature. Coordination of several parallel and redundant refrigeration units may be provided with a single blower and coordinated control.
Abstract:
A heating/cooling system includes a closed circuit refrigeration system including an evaporator. Water circulating through a closed water circuit exchanges heat with refrigerant in the evaporator, cooling the water for a cooling application. The water can also be heated by a boiler, and the heated water is used to heat a space. A water pump flows the water through the water circuit. When a current sensing relay detects a power failure, a boiler control algorithm is initiated to "trick" a motor of the compressor into believing the heating/cooling system is operating in a heating mode. Therefore, a compressor failure alarm is not generated. The water pump is powered by a battery pack during the power failure. Water continues to flow through the water circuit, preventing the water from freezing.
Abstract:
A direct current (DC) powered variable capacity air conditioning system is provided. The system includes a plurality of temperature sensors for monitoring the temperature of various components, locations and air flows within the system. The system additionally includes an integrated controller board that substantially simultaneously controls a variable speed DC compressor motor, a variable speed condenser air mover and a variable speed evaporator air mover in response to inputs from the sensors. By substantially simultaneously controlling the variable speed DC compressor motor, the variable speed condenser air mover and the variable speed evaporator air mover, the system substantially simultaneously controls at least one of a temperature and a volume of an evaporator output air flow. Thus, the system provides a continuum of evaporator output air flow temperatures and capacities for maintaining an approximately constant temperature within an enclosed environment.
Abstract:
A suction modulation valve is throttled when conditions in a refrigerant system indicate that an undesirable amount of liquid refrigerant might otherwise be delivered to the compressor. As an example, the throttling would occur at start-up, among other conditions. Throttling the suction modulation valve reduces the amount of refrigerant reaching the compressor and thus ensures that any liquid refrigerant would be likely “boiled off” before raising any problems in the compressor. Other control steps can also be performed to alleviate flooded compressor operation with liquid refrigerant. Such steps , for example, can consist of: actuating heaters, discharge valve throttling, by-passing refrigerant from intermediate compression point back to suction, controlling the speed of the condenser fan can be performed independently or in combination including the suction modulation valve throttling.
Abstract:
There is provided a refrigerant system (100) including a plurality of components (120, 125, 140, 145) for regulating operational parameters of the refrigerant system (100), at least one transducer (135) connected to the refrigerant system (100) for monitoring the operational parameters of the refrigerant system (100), and a controller (150). The controller (150) is remotely connected to the at least one transducer (135) and to at least one component (120, 125, 140, 145) of the plurality of components (120, 125, 140, 145) for at least periodically receiving parameter information from the at least one transducer (135) to monitor the operational parameters and determine, based on variations in at least one parameter of the operational parameters, whether a condition exists in the refrigerant system (100) that requires corrective action. The corrective action may include moving the refrigerant system (100) to a lighter mode of operation by unloading or even shutting down some of the refrigerant system components (120, 125, 140, 145). There is also provided a method for monitoring the refrigerant system (100).
Abstract:
A refrigerant system is provided with a variable speed drive for at least one of its fluid-moving devices, wherein the variable speed drive is provided by an automated mechanical drive. In the disclosed embodiment, one of the pulleys for driving the fluid-moving device has a variable diameter to vary the speed at which the fluid-moving device is driven. The pulley may include two plates that are biased in one direction by a spring or permanent magnet force, and in an opposed direction by a hydraulic or electro-magnetic force. A control adjusts the amount of hydraulic or electro-magnetic force delivered to the plates to achieve a desired speed for the fluid-moving device.