Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for mass flow control of a working fluid

US5522231A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
33References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 26, 1995
Grant dateJun 4, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 26, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02B30/70
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A mass flow control apparatus and method for use in combination with a heat transfer system having a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator and working fluid in a fluid circuit. The mass flow is controlled using a quality sensor for the working fluid exiting the evaporator, and a high side pressure sensor. A control circuit is provided that monitors the quality sensor and the high side pressure sensor, and controls operation of the compressor, condenser fan and valve in response thereto. A flow reduction mode is used to reduce high side pressure at the valve inlet without excessive compressor cycling by changing the quality sensor set point when the high side pressure exceeds the condenser fan turn-on pressure but is less than the compressor disengage pressure.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.