Apparatus for maximizing air conditioning and/or refrigeration system efficiency
US5435148A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S62/17
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A compression-type refrigeration system is disclosed, in which "flash gas" formation is eliminated without artificially maintaining condenser temperature and pressure levels. Condenser temperatures and pressures are allowed to fluctuate with ambient operating conditions, resulting in reduced compressor load and increased refrigeration capacity. After condensation, liquified refrigerant in the conduit between the receiver and the expansion valve is pressurized without adding heat, by means of a combination of (a) a positive-displacement pump, in parallel with the conduit, (b) a bypass conduit pressure regulating controller, and (c) a check valve in the conduit, to a pressure sufficient to suppress flash gas in the conduit. A variable speed liquid injection pump is provided to inject liquid refrigerant from downstream of the positive-displacement pump to upstream of the condenser, at a controlled rate sufficient to desuperheat the refrigerant upstream of the condenser.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.