Method for controlling an electronic expansion valve based on cooler pinch and discharge superheat
US6318101A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/70
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electronic expansion valve (EXV) used in a refrigeration cycle for a heat pump or chiller is controlled to maintain minimum pinch for ensuring proper flooded cooler exchange performance by monitoring the delta temperature between the cooler fluid and the saturated suction temperature. The discharge superheat is monitored to protect the compressor from liquid slugging. If the discharge superheat is lower than the expected value, the EXV opening is adjusted. A controller monitors certain system variables which are used to determine the optimal position of the EXV to optimize the system performance, the proper discharge superheat value, and the appropriate refrigerant charge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.