Unitary heat pump air conditioner having a compressed vapor diversion loop

US9879891B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Mahle International GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Carrie M. Kowsky · Lockport, US
• Prasad S. Kadle · Williamsville, US
• Frederick V. Oddi · Orchard Park, US
• Lindsey Lee Leitzel · Lockport, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 11, 2014
• Grant date: Jan 30, 2018
• Expiry date: Aug 30, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25B2400/0411
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed is a unitary heat pump air conditioner (HPAC) system having a refrigerant diversion loop configured to supply sufficient heat to defrost an external heat exchanger while not materially affecting the supply of heat to the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The HPAC system includes a refrigerant loop configured to pump heat from a cold coolant loop that scavenges heat from the external heat exchanger to a hot coolant loop that supplies heat to the passenger compartment. The refrigerant loop includes a condenser in thermal communication with the hot coolant loop, evaporator in thermal communication with the cold coolant loop, and a compressor to cycle the refrigerant through the refrigerant loop. The refrigerant loop further includes means to selectively divert at least a portion of the hot compressed refrigerant exiting the compressor directly to the evaporator to heat the cold coolant loop sufficient to defrost the external heat exchanger.