Heat pump with freeze-up prevention
US4308042A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 1980 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B10/70
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
What is disclosed is a heat pump apparatus for conditioning a fluid characterized by a fluid handler and path for circulating the fluid in heat exchange relationship with a refrigerant fluid; at least two refrigerant heat exchangers, one for effecting heat exchange with the fluid and a second for effecting heat exchange between refrigerant and a heat exchange fluid and the ambient air; a compressor for efficiently compressing the refrigerant; at least one throttling valve for throttling liquid refrigerant; a refrigerant circuit; refrigerant; a source of heat exchange fluid; heat exchange fluid circulating device and heat exchange fluid circuit for circulating the heat exchange fluid in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant; and valves or switches for selecting the heat exchangers and direction of flow of the refrigerant therethrough for selecting a particular mode of operation. The heat exchange fluid prevents freeze up of the second heat exchanger by keeping the temperature above the dew point; and, optionally, provides heat for efficient operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.