Subcritical CO2 refrigeration system using thermal storage
US11441824B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2600/2507
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigeration system includes a primary refrigeration circuit configured to circulate a CO2 primary refrigerant and a secondary refrigeration circuit separate from the primary refrigeration circuit. The primary refrigeration circuit includes a compressor assembly, a condenser assembly, a receiver, and one or more refrigeration loads having an evaporator assembly. The secondary refrigeration circuit includes a thermal storage unit and a heat exchanger. The thermal storage unit contains a phase change material. The secondary refrigeration circuit is in thermal communication with the primary refrigeration circuit through the heat exchanger. The primary refrigerant includes a critical temperature. The primary refrigeration circuit is configured for subcritical operation. The primary refrigeration circuit and the secondary refrigeration circuit are configured such that the phase change material provides cooling to the primary refrigerant during a first operating condition. The phase change material is configured to maintain subcritical operation of the primary refrigeration circuit during the first operating condition when the primary refrigerant is above the critical temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.