Patent · US Active

Method for controlling an expansion device of a vapor compression system during start-up using rates of change of an evaporator inlet and outlet temperature

US9791174B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
5References
20Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateJul 11, 2013
Grant dateOct 17, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 8, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF25B2700/21175
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for controlling a vapor compression system during start-up is disclosed. The rate of change, ΔT1, of the temperature of refrigerant entering the evaporator, and the rate of change, ΔT2, of the temperature of refrigerant leaving the evaporator are compared. Based on the comparing step, a refrigerant filling state of the evaporator is determined. The opening degree of the expansion device is then controlled according to a first control strategy in the case that it is determined that the evaporator is full or almost full, and according to a second control strategy in the case that it is determined that the evaporator is not full. Thereby it is ensured that a maximum filling degree of the evaporator is quickly reached, without risking that liquid refrigerant passes through the evaporator.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.