Temperature control apparatus and method of determining malfunction
US6708507B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2700/21173
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method of monitoring operation of a temperature control apparatus. The apparatus includes a controller, a refrigeration circuit extending between a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, and a drive unit operably connected to the compressor. The drive unit has a fuel supply, a plurality of cylinders, a fuel line extending between the fuel supply and the plurality of cylinders, and a sensor positioned between the fuel supply and the cylinders to record fuel flow. The method includes directing air across the evaporator, recording a fuel flow rate with the sensor, calculating an actual output power of the drive unit using the fuel flow rate, calculating an expected output power of the drive unit, and comparing the actual output power of the drive unit and the expected output power of the drive unit to predict malfunctions of the apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.