Refrigeration system and method utilizing combined economizer and engine coolant heat exchanger
US5598718A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60H2001/00957
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transport refrigeration system for heating and cooling a conditioned space is provided that includes an improved, combined heat exchanger and economizer for increasing the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. The system includes a refrigerant compressor driven by an internal combustion engine that includes suction and discharge ports, and an intermediate pressure port; a refrigeration circuit including a heating coil and evaporator assembly thermally connected to the conditioned space, and a mode valve for selectively routing the refrigerant through either the heating coil or the evaporator assembly via a condenser to heat or cool the conditioned space, respectively. The combined heat exchanger and economizer includes a tube connected to the intermediate suction port of the compressor, a shell for conducting refrigerant to the evaporator assembly depending upon the position of the mode valve, and a jacket for circulating engine coolant. During the heating mode of the system, a volume of refrigerant is maintained in the shell of the combined heat exchanger and economizer to act as a thermal buffer for heat transferred between engine coolant circulating through the jacket, and re…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.