Methods and apparatus for operating a refrigeration system
US5174123A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2400/23
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for eliminating the need for a float valve in a flash tank of a refrigeration system having an economizer cycle, improving stationary refrigeration systems and permitting a flash tank instead of a heat exchanger to be used in a transport refrigeration system having an economizer cycle. The refrigeration system includes a refrigerant compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, with the flash tank being disposed between the condenser and evaporator. A liquid sub-cooling valve is disposed between the condenser and flash tank. The liquid sub-cooling valve opens and closes to maintain a desired degree of sub-cooling, with the liquid sub-cooling valve thus controlling refrigerant flow into the flash tank. Refrigerant flow out of the flash tank to the evaporator is controlled by a suction superheat thermostatic expansion valve. In a preferred embodiment, liquid leaving the flash tank is sub-cooled before entering the expansion valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.