Methods and apparatus for operating a refrigeration unit
US5596878A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2400/13
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigeration unit of the type having an economizer cycle driven by a prime mover cooled by a liquid coolant. Electrical control configures refrigerant flow paths of the unit to provide heating and cooling cycles, as required to control the temperature of a conditioned space to a predetermined set point temperature. Heat from the liquid coolant is used to enhance the heating cycle. A heating cycle is initiated immediately, when required, when the temperature of the liquid coolant is above a predetermined temperature. A heating cycle is delayed by a special refrigeration cycle which increases the load on the prime mover, when the temperature of the liquid coolant is not above the predetermined temperature. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the special refrigeration cycle provides simultaneous heating and cooling cycles, which include evaporating liquid refrigerant in an evaporator associated with the conditioned space, as in a cooling cycle, while condensing hot gas refrigerant from the compressor in a condenser associated with the conditioned space, as in a heating cycle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.