Refrigerant charge level detection
US8466798B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B49/005
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system includes a first sensor that provides an output indicative of a sensed temperature of a liquid refrigerant line that is within or extending from an outlet of a condenser coil of an air conditioner or heat pump unit. The system includes a second sensor that provides an output indicative of a sensed pressure in the liquid refrigerant line. A controller is configured to determine at least one target pressure value from the output indicative of the sensed temperature of the liquid refrigerant line. The controller is configured to determine if the level of refrigerant charge is at, above or below an acceptable level based on a comparison of the output indicative of sensed pressure to the at least one target pressure value. The system includes a display that displays an indication of whether the level of refrigerant charge is at, above or below an acceptable level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.