Subcooler level control for a turbine expansion refrigeration cycle
US5515694A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 1995 |
| Grant date | May 14, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05B2210/13
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A single-fluid two-phase turbine expander is employed in a compression-expansion refrigeration system. The turbine has nozzles of fixed, predetermined orifice and is designed for optimal operation in steady-state normal conditions. A main float valve governs the refrigerant flow to the turbine expander. In order to accommodate off-design conditions, a bypass conduit carries liquid refrigerant around the turbine expander directly to the evaporator. In this case a bypass float valve opens the bypass conduit when the liquid level in the condenser sump reaches a predetermined high level. Alternatively, a float switch and a bypass solenoid can be employed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.