Refrigerant containment vessel with thermal inertia and method of use
US7478538B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 20, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2500/27
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vapor compression system including a closed fluid circuit having operably coupled thereto, in serial order, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, a second heat exchanger and a fluid vessel. The refrigerant is compressed in the compressor and circulated through the fluid circuit. Thermal energy is removed from the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger. The pressure of the refrigerant is reduced in the expansion device, and thermal energy is added to the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger. Upon ceasing operation of the system, refrigerant present in the vessel defines a lower temperature than the refrigerant present in the second heat exchanger. A thermal energy storage medium is operably coupled to the vessel and provides the vessel with thermal inertia wherein the temperature of the refrigerant in the vessel remains cooler than the temperature of the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.