Method and apparatus for controlling the load placed on a compressor
US7159409B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B40/00
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of operating a vapor compression system, the vapor compression system defining a closed fluid circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated and having operably disposed therein, in serial order, a compressor, a high pressure heat exchanger, an expansion device and a low pressure heat exchanger. The method includes applying a variable thermal load on a first one of the heat exchangers, monitoring the thermal load placed on the first heat exchanger and controlling the operation of the system to limit the thermal load placed on the first heat exchanger when the thermal load exceeds a predetermined value. A heat exchange subsystem employed to limit the thermal load may include reducing the flow of a heat exchange medium over the heat exchanger or to recirculate the heat exchange medium in a manner which reduces the thermal load on the heat exchanger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.