Valve and subcooler for storing refrigerant
US8191376B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/62
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reversible HVAC heating/cooling refrigerant system includes a novel valve system that allows an outdoor heat exchanger to function as a subcooler during a cooling or defrost mode and function as a receiver tank for storing excess liquid refrigerant during a heating mode. In the heating mode, a cooling expansion valve is kept slightly open to flood the subcooler with liquid refrigerant while a heating expansion valve is regulated to maintain a desired level of superheat at the suction side of the refrigerant system's compressor. The novel valve system also serves as a pressure relief valve to protect the subcooler from excess pressure caused by thermal expansion of liquid refrigerant trapped within the subcooler.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.