Method for controlling a flow of refrigerant to an evaporator
US9217591B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/70
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigeration system includes an expansion valve and a compressor, the expansion valve, the evaporator and the compressor being arranged in a refrigerant flow path having refrigerant flowing therein. A method for controlling a flow of refrigerant to an evaporator includes steps of increasing an opening degree of the expansion valve, thereby increasing a flow of refrigerant to the evaporator sufficiently to substantially eliminate a dry zone of the evaporator, decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve, and repeating the steps of increasing and decreasing. This causes the superheat value of refrigerant leaving the evaporator to ‘toggle’ between a zero level and a low, but positive, level. Thereby the refrigeration capacity is utilized more efficiently. Additionally, sufficiently low amount of liquid refrigerant is allowed to pass through the evaporator to prevent damage to the compressor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.