Active refrigerant charge compensation for refrigeration and air conditioning systems
US9506678B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2600/2523
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variable refrigerant charge refrigeration/air conditioner system is described that allows the refrigerant charge for the system to be altered based on operating or environmental factors. The system includes a main refrigerant loop holding a volume of refrigerant corresponding to a first level of refrigerant charge, a compressor in the main refrigerant loop, a condenser in the main refrigerant loop, and an evaporator in the main refrigerant loop. A branch refrigerant loop allows the alteration of the refrigerant charge using a control valve in the branch refrigerant loop and a receiver in the branch refrigerant loop. The receiver acts to hold a volume of refrigerant when the control valve is open, thereby removing the volume of refrigerant from the main refrigerant loop. A return path from the receiver to the main refrigerant loop allows refrigerant to flow back into the main loop from the receiver.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.