Economizer circuit enhancement
US6374631B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2400/13
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An optimized position for an economizer shut-off valve, or other method of increasing the volume in an economizer line is disclosed In one embodiment, the economizer shut-off valve is positioned directly downstream of the economizer heat exchanger. In a second embodiment, the valve is positioned upstream of the economizer expansion valve and the economizer heat exchanger. In a third embodiment, the economizer expansion valve is also provided with an appropriate control such that it can be utilized as the shut-off valve. In the fourth embodiment, additional volume is added to the economizer line. With each of these embodiments, the volume of the economizer line between the compressor and the economizer shut-off valve is relatively large compared to the prior art. Benefits with regard to temperature control, efficiency and capacity increase are achieved by this invention. Moreover, a less expensive shut-off valve can be utilized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.