Method of determining refrigerant charge level in a space temperature conditioning system
US6571566B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2700/21163
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, a method of determining refrigerant charge level in a space temperature conditioning system includes the steps of establishing a relationship between at least one selected system operating parameter and refrigerant charge level, independent of ambient temperature conditions; measuring the selected parameter(s) while the system is in operation; and using the established relationship and the measured parameter(s) to determine the refrigerant charge level. In one embodiment of the invention, both condenser subcooling and evaporator superheat parameters are measured and the predetermined relationship between charge level and each of these parameters is used to determine the actual refrigerant charge level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.