Diagnosing a loss of refrigerant charge in a refrigerant system
US7343750B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2700/2106
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigerant system has a controller associated with it that determines an equilibrium pressure when the system is inactive. The controller determines if the equilibrium pressure differs from an expected equilibrium pressure corresponding to a current ambient temperature and the selected refrigerant type. When the difference exceeds a selected threshold, the controller determines that the amount of refrigerant within the circuit is below a desired level. In one example, the controller provides an indication of a low charge amount. The disclosed technique allows early detection of refrigerant charge loss and differentiation between loss-of-charge and other failure modes. Consequently, system performance is enhanced, component damage is prevented, service interruptions and maintenance are reduced, exhaustive troubleshooting is avoided and potential exposure to refrigerant substances is minimized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.