Method and apparatus to relieve liquid pressure from receiver to condenser when the receiver has filled with liquid due to ambient temperature cycling
US6644066B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S62/17
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed to relieve liquid pressure from a receiver to a condenser in a cooling system that operates under a variety of ambient temperature conditions. To relieve excess pressure in the receiver and to prevent the venting of refrigerant through a relief valve, a pressure-balancing system is connected between the condenser and the receiver of the cooling system. In one embodiment, the pressure-balancing system includes a check valve and a pressure-balancing valve. The pressure-balancing valve bypasses the check valve. The check valve permits the flow of refrigerant in one direction from the condenser to the receiver. The pressure-balancing valve permits the flow of refrigerant in an opposite direction from the receiver to the condenser in order to maintain the pressure in the receiver below a maximum pressure level. The pressure-balancing valve may be installed on a bypass line parallel to the check valve. Alternatively, the check valve and the pressure-balancing valve may be installed in a single body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.