Smart accumulator with oil circulation ratio sensing
US12173941B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2022 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2700/2113
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
System and methods for oil circulation ratio (OCR) sensing with a suction-line accumulator are provided. The accumulator may include a sensor configured to detect the level of oil. The accumulator may further include a valve which opens when oil is at a high-level and closes when oil is at a low-level. The accumulator may measure a mass flow rate of oil in the vapor compression cycle system based on an amount of time taken to fill a portion of the accumulator. The accumulator may further determine an oil circulation ratio based on the measured time taken to fill the portion of the accumulator. The smart accumulator may output the oil circulation ratio.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.