An HVAC system includes a unit cooler, which includes a first evaporator coil, a second evaporator coil, and a blower. The HVAC system further includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a first valve, a second valve, and a controller. The controller actuates the blower to direct air to flow over the first evaporator coil and the second evaporator coil, receives measurements from the first sensor and the second sensor, initiates a defrost cycle for the first evaporator coil by transmitting instructions to close the first valve to prevent the flow of refrigerant into the first evaporator coil, transmits instructions to open the first valve when the defrost cycle for the first evaporator coil has terminated, and initiates a defrost cycle for the second evaporator coil by transmitting instructions to close the second valve to prevent the flow of refrigerant into the second evaporator coil.
A cooling system partially floods the low temperature low side heat exchangers (e.g., freezers) in the system. An accumulator is positioned between the low temperature low side heat exchangers and the low temperature compressor. The accumulator collects the refrigerant (both liquid and vapor) from the flooded low temperature low side heat exchangers. Refrigerant discharged by the low temperature compressor is fed through the accumulator so that heat can be transferred to the refrigerant collected in the accumulator. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged by the low temperature compressor drops before that refrigerant reaches the medium temperature compressor.
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insert for an evaporator coil. The insert is a curved wire located within the evaporator coil. The insert for the evaporator coil reduces refrigerant charge in the evaporator coil and causes refrigerant flowing through the evaporator coil to change direction.
An adiabatic cooling system includes a condenser coil and one or more adiabatic pads positioned such that intake air for the adiabatic cooling system passes through the pads prior to contacting the condenser coil. The adiabatic cooling system includes a vibration device attached to each adiabatic pad. A controller is communicatively coupled to the vibration device for each of the adiabatic pads. The controller determines that cleaning of the adiabatic pads is needed. In response to detecting cleaning is needed, the controller causes the vibration device attached to each adiabatic pad to vibrate.
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system can operate in any number and combination of three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
A refrigeration system includes a high-pressure side with a gas cooler configured, while the refrigeration system is powered by a main power supply and is operating to provide refrigeration, to cool refrigerant on the high-pressure side. The refrigeration system includes a low-pressure side with one or more evaporators. The refrigeration system includes an auxiliary compressor coupled to a backup power supply. An input of the auxiliary compressor is coupled to fluid conduit of the low-pressure side, and an output of the auxiliary compressor is coupled to fluid conduit of the high-pressure side. A controller is communicatively coupled to the auxiliary compressor. After determining that the main power supply is unavailable, the controller causes the auxiliary compressor to turn on to move refrigerant from the low-pressure side to the high-pressure side.
A refrigeration system includes a dedicated defrost-mode compressor that delivers high pressure, high temperature refrigerant to one or more evaporators to defrost the evaporators.
An adiabatic cooling system includes a condenser coil and at least one mist chamber positioned around the condenser coil such that at least a portion of intake air for the adiabatic cooling system passes through the mist chamber prior to contacting the condenser coil. The at least one mist chamber includes a first cooling pad with a first intake-side face and a first output-side face and a second cooling pad with a first intake-side face and a first output-side face. The second-intake side face of the second cooling pad faces the first output-side face of the first cooling pad and is separated from the first-output side face of the first cooling pad by a gap. The gap includes a mist of water.
F25B 19/04 - Machines, plants or systems, using evaporation of a refrigerant but without recovery of the vapour using fluid jet, e.g. of steam using liquid jet, e.g. of water
A refrigeration system comprises a gas cooler, a flash tank, a work recovery device located downstream from the gas cooler, one or more evaporators unit located downstream from a second outlet of the work recovery device, and a controller communicatively coupled to the work recovery device.
A refrigeration system includes evaporators, one or more medium temperature compressors, and a three-way valve positioned downstream from the one or more medium temperature compressors. The three-way valve receives the compressed refrigerant from the medium temperature compressors and directs flow of the received compressed refrigerant to (i) a gas cooler and/or (ii) one or more of the evaporators based on an operation mode of the evaporators. A controller determines that operation of a first evaporator in a defrost mode is indicated and causes the first evaporator to operate in the defrost mode by adjusting the three-way valve to direct a portion of the received compressed refrigerant to the first evaporator.
A refrigeration system includes at least one low-temperature evaporator, at least one medium-temperature evaporator, one or more low-temperature compressors, and one or more medium-temperature compressors. A controllable valve positioned downstream from the one or more low-temperature compressors directs flow of refrigerant from the low-temperature compressor(s) to one or both of (i) the medium-temperature compressor(s) and (ii) one or more evaporators based on an operation mode of evaporators. A controller is communicatively coupled to the controllable valve. A controller determines that operation of a first evaporator in a defrost mode is indicated and causes the first evaporator to operate in the defrost mode by adjusting the controllable valve to direct a portion of the received compressed refrigerant to the first evaporator.
A refrigeration system includes a controllable valve positioned downstream from one or more low-temperature compressors. The controllable valve receives compressed refrigerant from the low-temperature compressors and directs flow of the refrigerant to one or both of (i) medium-temperature compressors downstream from the controllable valve and (ii) one or more evaporators based on an operation mode of the evaporators. A pressure-regulating valve is disposed in refrigerant conduit coupling a first flash tank to a second flash tank. After determining to operate a first evaporator in a defrost mode, a controller adjusts the controllable valve to direct a portion of refrigerant to the first evaporator and adjusts the pressure-regulating valve to increase a pressure of the first flash tank relative to that of the second flash tank.
A refrigeration system includes pressure-regulating valve positioned between two flash tanks and a heat exchanger is positioned downstream from a medium temperature compressor. After determining that operation of an evaporator in a defrost mode is indicated, the system causes the evaporator to operate in the defrost mode by adjusting the pressure-regulating valve to increase a pressure of a first flash tank relative to a pressure of a second flash tank, allowing flow of refrigerant from the first flash tank to the heat exchanger, and allowing refrigerant heated by the heat exchanger to flow to the first evaporator.
An adiabatic cooling system includes a condenser coil and at least one mist chamber positioned around the condenser coil such that at least a portion of intake air for the adiabatic cooling system passes through the mist chamber prior to contacting the condenser coil. The at least one mist chamber includes a first cooling pad with a first intake-side face and a first output-side face and a second cooling pad with a first intake-side face and a first output-side face. The second-intake side face of the second cooling pad faces the first output-side face of the first cooling pad and is separated from the first-output side face of the first cooling pad by a gap. At least one nozzle is configured, when the adiabatic system is operating in a wet mode, to provide a mist of water into the gap.
F25B 19/04 - Machines, plants or systems, using evaporation of a refrigerant but without recovery of the vapour using fluid jet, e.g. of steam using liquid jet, e.g. of water
An adiabatic cooling system includes a condenser coil and at least one mist chamber positioned around the condenser coil such that at least a portion of intake air for the adiabatic cooling system passes through the mist chamber prior to contacting the condenser coil. The at least one mist chamber includes a first cooling pad with a first intake-side face and a first output-side face and a second cooling pad with a first intake-side face and a first output-side face. The second-intake side face of the second cooling pad faces the first output-side face of the first cooling pad and is separated from the first-output side face of the first cooling pad by a gap. At least one nozzle is configured, when the adiabatic system is operating in a wet mode, to provide a mist of water into the gap.
F28C 1/14 - Direct-contact trickle coolers, e.g. cooling towers comprising also a non-direct contact heat exchange
F28C 3/08 - Other direct-contact heat-exchange apparatus the heat-exchange media being a liquid and a gas or vapour with change of state, e.g. absorption, evaporation, condensation
In one instance, a cooling unit for use as an aspect of a cooling system includes a cabinet having a plurality of panels and having an interior, a front face with a fan aperture formed in the front face, and a bottom panel. The cooling unit further includes a drain pan below the bottom panel. The cooling unit also includes a plurality of guide-rail slide and track assemblies coupled between at least a portion of the cabinet and the drain pan for providing controlled movement of the drain pan between an operational position and a maintenance position. Other cooling units are disclosed with drain pans that may be lowered by a single technician.
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system operates any number and combination of three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system operates in three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
F25B 5/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
F25B 43/00 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
A method by a controller of a cooling system includes calculating a difference between a first temperature of ambient air and a second temperature of pre-cooled air. The pre-cooled air is ambient air that has been cooled by water from a water distribution system before it enters one or more condenser coils. The method further includes determining that the difference between the first and second temperatures is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature difference, and in response, determining that the first temperature is greater than or equal to a minimum temperature. The method further includes, if the first temperature is greater than or equal to the minimum temperature, instructing the water distribution system to distribute the water to pre-cool the ambient air for a predetermined length of time and to disable the distribution of the water after the predetermined amount of time has elapsed.
F24F 5/00 - Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by group or
F28B 1/02 - Condensers in which the steam or vapour is separated from the cooling medium by walls, e.g. surface condenser using water or other liquid as the cooling medium
F28B 1/06 - Condensers in which the steam or vapour is separated from the cooling medium by walls, e.g. surface condenser using air or other gas as the cooling medium
F24F 11/87 - Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling absorption or discharge of heat in outdoor units
F24F 11/83 - Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers
F24F 6/12 - Air-humidification by forming water dispersions in the air
A refrigeration system includes a dedicated defrost-mode compressor that delivers high pressure, high temperature refrigerant to one or more evaporators to defrost the evaporators.
A refrigeration system includes an expansion valve downstream of one or more medium temperature compressors. The expansion valve is configured to decrease pressure of a portion of refrigerant output by the one or more medium temperature compressors. When defrost operation of an evaporator is indicated, the refrigerant with decreased pressure from the expansion valve is provided to the evaporator for at least a period of time sufficient to defrost the evaporator.
A refrigeration system includes a dedicated defrost-mode compressor that delivers high pressure, high temperature refrigerant to one or more evaporators to defrost the evaporators.
A refrigeration system includes an expansion valve downstream of one or more medium temperature compressors. The expansion valve is configured to decrease pressure of a portion of refrigerant output by the one or more medium temperature compressors. When defrost operation of an evaporator is indicated, the refrigerant with decreased pressure from the expansion valve is provided to the evaporator for at least a period of time sufficient to defrost the evaporator.
An adiabatic cooling system includes a condenser coil and one or more adiabatic pads positioned such that intake air for the adiabatic cooling system passes through the pads prior to contacting the condenser coil. The adiabatic cooling system includes a vibration device attached to each adiabatic pad. A controller is communicatively coupled to the vibration device for each of the adiabatic pads. The controller determines that cleaning of the adiabatic pads is needed. In response to detecting cleaning is needed, the controller causes the vibration device attached to each adiabatic pad to vibrate, thereby causing debris in the one or more adiabatic pads to become loosened and/or removed from the adiabatic pads.
An adiabatic cooling system includes a condenser coil and one or more adiabatic pads positioned such that intake air for the adiabatic cooling system passes through the pads prior to contacting the condenser coil. The adiabatic cooling system includes a vibration device attached to each adiabatic pad. A controller is communicatively coupled to the vibration device for each of the adiabatic pads. The controller determines that cleaning of the adiabatic pads is needed. In response to detecting cleaning is needed, the controller causes the vibration device attached to each adiabatic pad to vibrate, thereby causing debris in the one or more adiabatic pads to become loosened and/or removed from the adiabatic pads.
A system includes a flash tank and a thermal storage tank. The flash tank is configured to store refrigerant and discharge a flash gas. The thermal storage tank is fluidically coupled to the flash tank and configured, when a power outage is determined to be occurring, to receive at least a portion of the flash gas from the flash tank, and remove heat from the flash gas. When a power outage is determined not to be occurring, the thermal storage tank directs refrigerant to a compressor.
F25B 5/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
F25B 41/39 - Dispositions with two or more expansion means arranged in series, i.e. multi-stage expansion, on a refrigerant line leading to the same evaporator
29.
Thermal storage of carbon dioxide system for power outage
A system includes a high side heat exchanger, a flash tank, a first load, a second load, and a thermal storage tank. The high side heat exchanger is configured to remove heat from a refrigerant. The flash tank is configured to store the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger and discharge a flash gas. The first load is configured to use the refrigerant from the flash tank to remove heat from a first space proximate to the first load. The second load is configured to use the refrigerant from the flash tank to remove heat from a second space proximate to the second load. The thermal storage tank is configured, when a power outage is determined to be occurring, to receive at least a portion of the flash gas from the flash tank, and remove heat from the flash gas.
F25B 5/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
F25B 41/39 - Dispositions with two or more expansion means arranged in series, i.e. multi-stage expansion, on a refrigerant line leading to the same evaporator
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system operates any number and combination of three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system operates in three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
F25B 5/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
F25B 43/00 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
32.
Cooling system with flexible evaporating temperature
A cooling system implements various processes to improve efficiency in high ambient temperatures. First, the system can flood one or more low side heat exchangers in the system. Second, the system can direct a portion of vapor refrigerant from a low side heat exchanger to a flash tank rather than to a compressor. Third, the system can transfer heat from refrigerant at a compressor suction to refrigerant at the discharge of a high side heat exchanger.
A cooling system includes an evaporator coil and a compressor fluidly coupled to the evaporator coil. A circulation fan is arranged to direct air through the evaporator coil and through a discharge air duct into a conditioned space. At least one sensor is disposed in at least one of the discharge air duct, the conditioned space, and the evaporator coil. An HVAC controller is electrically coupled to the at least one sensor and electrically coupled to the compressor. The HVAC controller is configured to receive a measurement of an HVAC parameter from the at least one sensor, determine if the HVAC parameter indicates frost formation on the evaporator coil, and, responsive to a determination that the HVAC parameter indicates frost formation on the evaporator coil, raise a saturated suction temperature of the evaporator coil.
A cooling system uses P-traps to address the oil return issues that result from a vertical separation between a compressor and a heat exchanger. Generally, the vertical piping that carries the refrigerant from the compressor to the heat exchanger includes P-traps installed at various heights to capture oil in the refrigerant and to prevent that oil from flowing back to the compressor. T-connections are coupled to the P-traps to allow the oil to drain out of the P-traps. The oil may then be collected and returned to the compressor.
An HVAC system includes a unit cooler, which includes a first evaporator coil, a second evaporator coil, and a blower. The HVAC system further includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a first valve, a second valve, and a controller. The controller actuates the blower to direct air to flow over the first evaporator coil and the second evaporator coil, receives measurements from the first sensor and the second sensor, initiates a defrost cycle for the first evaporator coil by transmitting instructions to close the first valve to prevent the flow of refrigerant into the first evaporator coil, transmits instructions to open the first valve when the defrost cycle for the first evaporator coil has terminated, and initiates a defrost cycle for the second evaporator coil by transmitting instructions to close the second valve to prevent the flow of refrigerant into the second evaporator coil.
An HVAC system includes a unit cooler, which includes a first evaporator coil, a second evaporator coil, and a blower. The HVAC system further includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a first valve, a second valve, and a controller. The controller actuates the blower to direct air to flow over the first evaporator coil and the second evaporator coil, receives measurements from the first sensor and the second sensor, initiates a defrost cycle for the first evaporator coil by transmitting instructions to close the first valve to prevent the flow of refrigerant into the first evaporator coil, transmits instructions to open the first valve when the defrost cycle for the first evaporator coil has terminated, and initiates a defrost cycle for the second evaporator coil by transmitting instructions to close the second valve to prevent the flow of refrigerant into the second evaporator coil.
An adiabatic cooling system includes a condenser coil, a plurality of adiabatic pads, a plurality of frames, and a pad pivoting system. Each frame is configured to hold a respective one of the plurality of adiabatic pads and to pivot about a respective one of a plurality of pivot points. The pad pivoting system is configured to rotate each one of the plurality of frames about the respective pivot point of the frame from an open position to a closed position, and to rotate each one of the plurality of frames about the respective pivot point of the frame from the closed position to the open position. When the plurality of frames are in the open position, intake air for the adiabatic cooling system is unimpeded by the plurality of adiabatic pads as the intake air enters the adiabatic cooling system and contacts the condenser coil.
F28B 9/00 - Auxiliary systems, arrangements, or devices
F28C 1/14 - Direct-contact trickle coolers, e.g. cooling towers comprising also a non-direct contact heat exchange
F28F 25/08 - Splashing boards or grids, e.g. for converting liquid sprays into liquid films; Elements or beds for increasing the area of the contact surface
F28F 27/00 - Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus
An adiabatic cooling system includes a condenser coil, a plurality of adiabatic pads, a plurality of frames, and a pad pivoting system. Each frame is configured to hold a respective one of the plurality of adiabatic pads and to pivot about a respective one of a plurality of pivot points. The pad pivoting system is configured to rotate each one of the plurality of frames about the respective pivot point of the frame from an open position to a closed position, and to rotate each one of the plurality of frames about the respective pivot point of the frame from the closed position to the open position. When the plurality of frames are in the open position, intake air for the adiabatic cooling system is unimpeded by the plurality of adiabatic pads as the intake air enters the adiabatic cooling system and contacts the condenser coil.
Apparatus and equipment for cooling, in particular, compressor-based industrial refrigeration systems consisting of refrigerators and cooling apparatus for liquid and gaseous media, cabinet coolers in the nature of refrigerating cabinets, heat recovery systems being heat recovery ventilators, cooling water coolers, oil coolers for cooling quenching oils, immersion style process chillers that provide temperature controlled fluid for industrial production processes, and transcritical CO2 racks.
(1) Apparatus and equipment for cooling, in particular, compressor-based industrial refrigeration systems consisting of refrigerators and cooling apparatus for liquid and gaseous media, cabinet coolers in the nature of refrigerating cabinets, heat recovery systems being heat recovery ventilators, cooling water coolers, oil coolers for cooling quenching oils, immersion style process chillers that provide temperature controlled fluid for industrial production processes, and transcritical CO2 racks.
An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a flash tank, a load, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The flash tank stores the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger and to discharge a flash gas. The load uses the refrigerant from the cool a space proximate the load. The compressor compresses the refrigerant from the load. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the refrigerant from the compressor to the flash gas before the refrigerant from the compressor reaches the high side heat exchanger. The heat exchanger directs the flash gas to the compressor after heat from the refrigerant from the compressor is transferred to the flash gas and directs the refrigerant from the compressor to the high side heat exchanger after heat from the refrigerant from the compressor is transferred to the flash gas.
F25B 41/20 - Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
F25B 7/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with cascade operation, i.e. with two or more circuits, the heat from the condenser of one circuit being absorbed by the evaporator of the next circuit
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
A system includes a flash tank, a first load, a second load, a first compressor, a second compressor, a first valve, and a second valve. The flash tank stores a refrigerant. The first and second loads use the refrigerant to cool first and second spaces. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first load during a first mode of operation and a flash gas from the flash tank during a second mode of operation. The second compressor compresses a mixture of the refrigerant from the first and second loads during the first mode of operation. The first valve directs the flash gas from the flash tank to the first compressor during the second mode of operation. The second valve directs the compressed flash gas from the first compressor to the first load during the second mode of operation to defrost the first load.
F25B 41/20 - Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
F25B 7/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with cascade operation, i.e. with two or more circuits, the heat from the condenser of one circuit being absorbed by the evaporator of the next circuit
An apparatus includes a first expander, a first load, a first work recovery compressor, a valve, and a first compressor. The first expander expands a refrigerant. The first load uses the refrigerant to cool a space proximate the first load. The work recovery compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first load and is driven by the first expander. The valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant from the work recovery compressor. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the valve.
A cooling system implements various processes to improve efficiency in high ambient temperatures. First, the system can flood one or more low side heat exchangers in the system. Second, the system can direct a portion of vapor refrigerant from a low side heat exchanger to a flash tank rather than to a compressor. Third, the system can transfer heat from refrigerant at a compressor suction to refrigerant at the discharge of a high side heat exchanger.
A cooling system implements various processes to improve efficiency in high ambient temperatures. First, the system can flood one or more low side heat exchangers in the system. Second, the system can direct a portion of vapor refrigerant from a low side heat exchanger to a flash tank rather than to a compressor. Third, the system can transfer heat from refrigerant at a compressor suction to refrigerant at the discharge of a high side heat exchanger.
In one instance, a cooling unit for use as an aspect of a cooling system includes a cabinet having a plurality of panels and having an interior, a front face with a fan aperture formed in the front face, and a bottom panel. The cooling unit further includes a drain pan below the bottom panel. The cooling unit also includes a plurality of guide-rail slide and track assemblies coupled between at least a portion of the cabinet and the drain pan for providing controlled movement of the drain pan between an operational position and a maintenance position. Other cooling units are disclosed with drain pans that may be lowered by a single technician.
A cooling system is designed to generally allow for one or more compressors to be bypassed when ambient temperatures are low. The system includes a bypass line and valve that opens when ambient temperatures are low and/or when the pressure of the refrigerant in the system is low. In this manner, the refrigerant can flow through the bypass line instead of through one or more compressors. These compressors may then be shut off. To supply any needed pressure to cycle the refrigerant, the system may include a pump that turns on when the bypass line is open. When ambient temperatures are extremely low, thermosiphon may be used to cycle the refrigerant.
A cooling system uses P-traps to address the oil return issues that result from a vertical separation between the compressor and the high side heat exchanger. Generally, the vertical piping that carries the refrigerant from the compressor to the high side heat exchanger includes P-traps installed at various heights to capture oil in the refrigerant and to prevent that oil from flowing back to the compressor. As oil collects in the P-traps, the refrigerant begins to push the oil upwards until the oil reaches the high side heat exchanger. Multiple piping of different sizes may be used depending on a discharge pressure of the compressor. When the discharge pressure is higher, a larger piping may be used direct the oil and refrigerant to the high side heat exchanger.
In one instance, a cooling unit for cooling a refrigerated room includes a fan base and a fan guard that both twist and rotate to change pitch thereby allowing the cooling unit air to be directed in many directions as desired. The fan base has a flange portion and a conduit portion. The conduit portion of the fan base mates with an opening in a conduit member of the fan guard. The opening in the fan guard is sized and configured to form an interference fit with at least a portion of a conduit portion of the fan base while allowing rotation of the fan guard relative to the fan base about the longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal end of the fan-guard conduit member is at least partially angled to allow the rotation about a lateral axis in order to pitch the direction of the grill front wall.
F25D 17/06 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating gas, e.g. by natural convection by forced circulation
F04D 29/56 - Fluid-guiding means, e.g. diffusers adjustable
F04D 29/64 - Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling of axial pumps
F24F 13/065 - Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser formed as cylindrical or spherical bodies which are rotatable
A method by a controller of a cooling system includes calculating a difference between a first temperature of ambient air and a second temperature of pre-cooled air. The pre-cooled air is ambient air that has been cooled by water from a water distribution system before it enters one or more condenser coils. The method further includes determining that the difference between the first and second temperatures is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature difference, and in response, determining that the first temperature is greater than or equal to a minimum temperature. The method further includes, if the first temperature is greater than or equal to the minimum temperature, instructing the water distribution system to distribute the water to pre-cool the ambient air for a predetermined length of time and to disable the distribution of the water after the predetermined amount of time has elapsed.
F24F 5/00 - Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by group or
F28B 1/02 - Condensers in which the steam or vapour is separated from the cooling medium by walls, e.g. surface condenser using water or other liquid as the cooling medium
F28B 1/06 - Condensers in which the steam or vapour is separated from the cooling medium by walls, e.g. surface condenser using air or other gas as the cooling medium
F24F 11/87 - Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling absorption or discharge of heat in outdoor units
F24F 11/83 - Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers
F24F 6/12 - Air-humidification by forming water dispersions in the air
51.
Cooling system with supplemental oil extraction from refrigerant
An apparatus includes a conduit coupled to a suction header that is configured to receive a refrigerant and an oil separator that is configured to separate an oil from the refrigerant received from a compressor. During a first mode of operation, the conduit is configured to remove excess oil from the refrigerant that has collected at the suction header. During a second mode of operation, the oil separator is configured to direct to the conduit the oil separated from the refrigerant received from the compressor. The conduit is configured to direct to an oil reservoir the oil from the oil separator and the excess oil removed from the refrigerant.
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a heat exchanger, a flash tank, a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, a load, a first compressor, and a second compressor. During a first mode of operation, the second expansion valve directs refrigerant from the flash tank to the load. The refrigerant from the load bypasses the first compressor. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger to the refrigerant from the load. The second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the heat exchanger. During a second mode of operation, the first expansion valve directs refrigerant from the flash tank to the load. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the load and the second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first compressor before the refrigerant from the first compressor reaches the high side heat exchanger.
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system operates in three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
F25B 41/20 - Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
F25B 43/00 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system operates in three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system operates in three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
F25B 5/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
F25B 43/00 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system operates in three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
F25B 41/20 - Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system operates in three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
F25B 41/20 - Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
A cooling system drains oil from low side heat exchangers to vessels and then uses compressed refrigerant to push the oil in the vessels back towards a compressor. Generally, the cooling system operates in three different modes of operation: a normal mode, an oil drain mode, and an oil return mode. During the normal mode, a primary refrigerant is cycled to cool one or more secondary refrigerants. As the primary refrigerant is cycled, oil from a compressor may mix with the primary refrigerant and become stuck in a low side heat exchanger. During the oil drain mode, the oil in the low side heat exchanger is allowed to drain into a vessel. During the oil return mode, compressed refrigerant is directed to the vessel to push the oil in the vessel back towards a compressor.
F25B 41/20 - Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
Apparatus and equipment for cooling, in particular, compressor-based industrial refrigeration systems consisting of cooling units for liquid and gaseous media, cabinet coolers in the nature of refrigerating cabinets, heat recovery systems being heat recovery ventilators, cooling water coolers, industrial cooling units for cooling quenching oils, immersion style process chillers that provide temperature controlled fluid for industrial production processes, and transcritical CO2 racks
A cooling system uses P-traps to address the oil return issues that result from a vertical separation between the compressor and the high side heat exchanger. Generally, the vertical piping that carries the refrigerant from the compressor to the high side heat exchanger includes P-traps installed at various heights to capture oil in the refrigerant and to prevent that oil from flowing back to the compressor. T- connections are coupled to the P-traps to allow the oil to drain out of the P- traps. The oil may then be collected and returned to the compressor.
F25B 9/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
A cooling system uses P-traps to address the oil return issues that result from a vertical separation between the compressor and the high side heat exchanger. Generally, the vertical piping that carries the refrigerant from the compressor to the high side heat exchanger includes P-traps installed at various heights to capture oil in the refrigerant and to prevent that oil from flowing back to the compressor. As oil collects in the P-traps, the refrigerant begins to push the oil upwards until the oil reaches the high side heat exchanger. Multiple piping of different sizes may be used depending on a discharge pressure of the compressor. When the discharge pressure is higher, a larger piping may be used direct the oil and refrigerant to the high side heat exchanger.
F25B 9/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
A cooling system uses P-traps to address the oil return issues that result from a vertical separation between the compressor and the high side heat exchanger. Generally, the vertical piping that carries the refrigerant from the compressor to the high side heat exchanger includes P-traps installed at various heights to capture oil in the refrigerant and to prevent that oil from flowing back to the compressor. T-connections are coupled to the P-traps to allow the oil to drain out of the P-traps. The oil may then be collected and returned to the compressor.
A cooling system uses P-traps to address the oil return issues that result from a vertical separation between the compressor and the high side heat exchanger. Generally, the vertical piping that carries the refrigerant from the compressor to the high side heat exchanger includes P-traps installed at various heights to capture oil in the refrigerant and to prevent that oil from flowing back to the compressor. As oil collects in the P-traps, the refrigerant begins to push the oil upwards until the oil reaches the high side heat exchanger. Multiple piping of different sizes may be used depending on a discharge pressure of the compressor. When the discharge pressure is higher, a larger piping may be used direct the oil and refrigerant to the high side heat exchanger.
An apparatus includes a flash tank that stores a refrigerant, a first load that uses the refrigerant to cool a first space, second and third loads, first and second compressors, and a high side heat exchanger configured to remove heat from the refrigerant. During a first mode of operation: the second load uses the refrigerant to cool a second space, the third load uses the refrigerant to cool a third space, the second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the second and third loads, and the first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first load and the second compressor. During a second mode of operation, the second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the second load and directs the compressed refrigerant to the third load to defrost the third load.
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insert for an evaporator coil. The insert is a curved wire located within the evaporator coil. The insert for the evaporator coil reduces refrigerant charge in the evaporator coil and causes refrigerant flowing through the evaporator coil to change direction.
F28F 1/10 - Tubular elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
F28F 1/40 - Tubular elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only inside the tubular element
F28F 1/42 - Tubular elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being both outside and inside the tubular element
67.
COOLING SYSTEM WITH FLOODED LOW SIDE HEAT EXCHANGERS
ABSTRACT A cooling system partially floods the low temperature low side heat exchangers (e.g., freezers) in the system. An accumulator is positioned between the low temperature low side heat exchangers and the low temperature compressor. The accumulator collects the refrigerant (both liquid and vapor) from the flooded low temperature low side heat exchangers. Refrigerant discharged by the low temperature compressor is fed through the accumulator so that heat can be transferred to the refrigerant collected in the accumulator. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged by the low temperature compressor drops before that refrigerant reaches the medium temperature compressor. Date Recue/Date Received 2021-01-14
An unconventional oil separator includes a vertical design. Generally, a refrigerant enters the vertical oil separator and spins downwards. The oil separator includes plates within the oil separator that either maintain the spin of the refrigerant or reverse the spin of the refrigerant, which causes oil in the refrigerant to separate from the refrigerant. A vertical outlet allows refrigerant that spins towards the bottom of the oil separator to travel back towards the top and out of the oil separator. Separated oil is collected at the bottom of the oil separator.
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
A cooling system partially floods the low temperature low side heat exchangers (e.g., freezers) in the system. An accumulator is positioned between the low temperature low side heat exchangers and the low temperature compressor. The accumulator collects the refrigerant (both liquid and vapor) from the flooded low temperature low side heat exchangers. Refrigerant discharged by the low temperature compressor is fed through the accumulator so that heat can be transferred to the refrigerant collected in the accumulator. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged by the low temperature compressor drops before that refrigerant reaches the medium temperature compressor.
F25B 41/20 - Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
F25B 13/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
F25B 1/10 - Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle with multi-stage compression
F25D 11/02 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures
F25B 43/00 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
F25B 5/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An unconventional oil separator includes a vertical design. Generally, a refrigerant enters the vertical oil separator and spins downwards. The oil separator includes plates within the oil separator that either maintain the spin of the refrigerant or reverse the spin of the refrigerant, which causes oil in the refrigerant to separate from the refrigerant. A vertical outlet allows refrigerant that spins towards the bottom of the oil separator to travel back towards the top and out of the oil separator. Separated oil is collected at the bottom of the oil separator. Date Recue/Date Received 2021-01-08
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
A cooling system is designed to operate in two different modes. Generally, in the first mode, when parallel compression is needed, certain valves are controlled to direct gaseous refrigerant from a tank to a compressor in the system and to direct refrigerant from low side heat exchangers towards other compressors. In this manner, a compressor in the system is transitioned to be generally a parallel compressor. In the second mode, when parallel compression is not needed, the valves are controlled to return the refrigerant flow back to normal.
F25B 1/10 - Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle with multi-stage compression
F25B 5/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
F25B 41/20 - Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
F25B 7/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with cascade operation, i.e. with two or more circuits, the heat from the condenser of one circuit being absorbed by the evaporator of the next circuit
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
72.
COOLING SYSTEM WITH PARALLEL COMPRESSION USING MEDIUM TEMPERATURE COMPRESSORS
ABSTRACT A cooling system is designed to operate in two different modes. Generally, in the first mode, when parallel compression is needed, certain valves are controlled to direct gaseous refrigerant from a tank to a compressor in the system and to direct refrigerant from low side heat exchangers towards other compressors. In this manner, a compressor in the system is transitioned to be generally a parallel compressor. In the second mode, when parallel compression is not needed, the valves are controlled to return the refrigerant flow back to normal. Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-30
In a refrigeration unit for use in cooling a space, such as a walk-in cold space, or other system, an easy access fan motor assembly is provided. A motor mount holds the motor with a plurality of legs that couple to a front panel using stud inserts. In some instances the legs are curved and looked like spider legs. A fan guard member covers the fan and is also attached to the stud inserts. By removing fasteners on the stud inserts, the guard member may be removed and the fan motor assembly may be removed from a position exterior to the refrigeration unit for repair or serving. Other systems and methods are disclosed.
F25D 17/06 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating gas, e.g. by natural convection by forced circulation
F04D 29/26 - Rotors specially adapted for elastic fluids
F04D 25/06 - Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
F04D 25/12 - Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation the unit being adapted for mounting in apertures
ABSTRACT A cooling system is provided that partially floods one of its freezers (e.g., the ice cream freezer) such that the refrigerant discharged by the freezer includes a liquid component. In this manner, the freezers in the system can operate at the same saturated suction temperature. A heat exchanger can be used to transfer heat to the liquid component of the discharge to evaporate the liquid component. Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-10
A cooling system is designed to generally allow for one or more compressors to be bypassed when ambient temperatures are low. The system includes a bypass line and valve that opens when ambient temperatures are low and/or when the pressure of the refrigerant in the system is low. In this manner, the refrigerant can flow through the bypass line instead of through one or more compressors. These compressors may then be shut off. To supply any needed pressure to cycle the refrigerant, the system may include a pump that turns on when the bypass line is open. When ambient temperatures are extremely low, thermosiphon may be used to cycle the refrigerant.
ABSTRACT A cooling system is designed to generally allow for one or more compressors to be bypassed when ambient temperatures are low. The system includes a bypass line and valve that opens when ambient temperatures are low and/or when the pressure of the refrigerant in the system is low. In this manner, the refrigerant can flow through the bypass line instead of through one or more compressors. These compressors may then be shut off. To supply any needed pressure to cycle the refrigerant, the system may include a pump that turns on when the bypass line is open. When ambient temperatures are extremely low, thermosiphon may be used to cycle the refrigerant. Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-10
A cooling system is provided that partially floods one of its freezers (e.g., the ice cream freezer) such that the refrigerant discharged by the freezer includes a liquid component. In this manner, the freezers in the system can operate at the same saturated suction temperature. A heat exchanger can be used to transfer heat to the liquid component of the discharge to evaporate the liquid component.
F25D 11/02 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures
F25B 5/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity
F25B 9/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
F25D 11/04 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators specially adapted for storing deep-frozen articles
In a refrigeration system, a tube-and-fin heat exchanger has spaced fins that extend to an outer periphery of the heat exchanger and has smaller embedded fins in between or in a spaced relationship with each of the other fins. The embedded fins do not extend all the way to the outer periphery of the fins along the airside directions but have a shorter outer periphery such that there is an offset distance. Because of the offset distance, there is space that continues to provide room for fluid movement without fouling of the face of the heat exchanger and that provides an expected appearance while still having the benefit of additional fins elements further inside of the heat exchanger. Other exchangers and condensers are included.
F28F 1/32 - Tubular elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending transversely the means having portions engaging further tubular elements
An apparatus includes a load, a compressor, a first pipe coupled to the load, a second pipe coupled to the compressor, a third pipe coupled to the first pipe and the second pipe, a fourth pipe coupled to the first pipe and the second pipe, and a check valve coupled to the fourth pipe. During a first mode of operation: the load uses a refrigerant to cool a space proximate the load, the first, second, and third pipes direct refrigerant from the load to the compressor, the compressor compresses refrigerant from the load, and the check valve prevents refrigerant from the load from flowing to the compressor through the fourth pipe. During a second mode of operation the first, second, and fourth pipes direct a first portion of the refrigerant from the compressor to the load to defrost the load.
An apparatus includes a flash tank that stores a refrigerant, a first load that uses the refrigerant to cool a first space, second and third loads, first and second compressors, and a valve. During a first mode of operation: the second load uses the refrigerant to cool a second space, the third load uses the refrigerant to cool a third space, the second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the second and third loads, and the first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first load and the second compressor. During a second mode of operation: the second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the second load and directs the compressed refrigerant to the third load to defrost the third load and the valve prevents the refrigerant at the third load from flowing to the flash tank until a pressure of the refrigerant at the third load exceeds a threshold.
An apparatus includes a flash tank that stores a refrigerant, a first load that uses the refrigerant to cool a first space, second and third loads, first and second compressors, and a valve. During a first mode of operation: the second load uses the refrigerant to cool a second space, the third load uses the refrigerant to cool a third space, the second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the second and third loads, and the first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first load and the second compressor. During a second mode of operation: the second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the second load and directs the compressed refrigerant to the third load to defrost the third load and the valve prevents the refrigerant at the third load from flowing to the flash tank until a pressure of the refrigerant at the third load exceeds a threshold.
A system includes a high side heat exchanger, a flash tank, a first load, a second load, and a thermal storage tank. The high side heat exchanger is configured to remove heat from a refrigerant. The flash tank is configured to store the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger and discharge a flash gas. The first load is configured to use the refrigerant from the flash tank to remove heat from a first space proximate to the first load. The second load is configured to use the refrigerant from the flash tank to remove heat from a second space proximate to the second load. The thermal storage tank is configured, when a power outage is determined to be occurring, to receive the flash gas from the flash tank, and remove heat from the flash gas.
F25B 5/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
F25B 41/39 - Dispositions with two or more expansion means arranged in series, i.e. multi-stage expansion, on a refrigerant line leading to the same evaporator
A cooling system includes a second receiver that receives refrigerant from a low side heat exchanger. A pipe connects the second receiver to a first receiver. A vapor portion of the refrigerant in the first receiver can flow through the pipe to the second receiver. A compressor is used to create a pressure differential in the second receiver relative to the first receiver such that the pressure in the first receiver is greater than the pressure in the second receiver. This pressure differential effectively acts as a pump that pushes the liquid refrigerant in the first receiver towards the low side heat exchanger.
An integrated system floods an air conditioning low side heat exchanger such that the air conditioning low side heat exchanger does not evaporate all the liquid refrigerant entering the air conditioning low side heat exchanger. As a result, both liquid and vapor refrigerant leave the air conditioning low side heat exchanger. The system includes an additional receiver that stores the refrigerant leaving the air conditioning low side heat exchanger. To prevent the liquid refrigerant in the receiver from overflowing, the liquid refrigerant in the receiver is used in a refrigeration system when the level of liquid refrigerant in the receiver exceeds a threshold (e.g., as detected by a sensor in the receiver).
F25B 43/00 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
F25B 41/20 - Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
F25B 41/385 - Dispositions with two or more expansion means arranged in parallel on a refrigerant line leading to the same evaporator
F25B 7/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with cascade operation, i.e. with two or more circuits, the heat from the condenser of one circuit being absorbed by the evaporator of the next circuit
F25B 25/00 - Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups
F25B 41/39 - Dispositions with two or more expansion means arranged in series, i.e. multi-stage expansion, on a refrigerant line leading to the same evaporator
85.
INTEGRATED COOLING SYSTEM WITH FLOODED AIR CONDITIONING HEAT EXCHANGER
An integrated system floods an air conditioning low side heat exchanger such that the air conditioning low side heat exchanger does not evaporate all the liquid refrigerant entering the air conditioning low side heat exchanger. As a result, both liquid and vapor refrigerant leave the air conditioning low side heat exchanger. The system includes an additional receiver that stores the refrigerant leaving the air conditioning low side heat exchanger. To prevent the liquid refrigerant in the receiver from overflowing, the liquid refrigerant in the receiver is used in a refrigeration system when the level of liquid refrigerant in the receiver exceeds a threshold (e.g., as detected by a sensor in the receiver).
A cooling system includes a second receiver that receives refrigerant from a low side heat exchanger. A pipe connects the second receiver to a first receiver. A vapor portion of the refrigerant in the first receiver can flow through the pipe to the second receiver. A compressor is used to create a pressure differential in the second receiver relative to the first receiver such that the pressure in the first receiver is greater than the pressure in the second receiver. This pressure differential effectively acts as a pump that pushes the liquid refrigerant in the first receiver towards the low side heat exchanger.
A cooling system includes an evaporator coil and a compressor fluidly coupled to the evaporator coil. A circulation fan is arranged to direct air through the evaporator coil and through a discharge air duct into a conditioned space. At least one sensor is disposed in at least one of the discharge air duct, the conditioned space, and the evaporator coil. An HVAC controller is electrically coupled to the at least one sensor and electrically coupled to the compressor. The HVAC controller is configured to receive a measurement of an HVAC parameter from the at least one sensor, determine if the HVAC parameter indicates frost formation on the evaporator coil, and, responsive to a determination that the HVAC parameter indicates frost formation on the evaporator coil, raise a saturated suction temperature of the evaporator coil.
An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a load, a compressor, a belt, a first bin, a second bin, and a controller. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The load uses the refrigerant to cool an enclosed space. The compressor compresses the refrigerant. The first and second bins are coupled to the belt and positioned within the enclosed space. The controller receives a first message, determines that the first bin should be selected, and cycles the belt to move the first bin to a retrieval location within the enclosed space. The controller also receives a second message, determines that the second bin should be selected, and cycles the belt to move the second bin to the retrieval location.
An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a flash tank, a load, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The flash tank stores the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger and to discharge a flash gas. The load uses the refrigerant from the cool a space proximate the load. The compressor compresses the refrigerant from the load. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the refrigerant from the compressor to the flash gas before the refrigerant from the compressor reaches the high side heat exchanger. The heat exchanger directs the flash gas to the compressor after heat from the refrigerant from the compressor is transferred to the flash gas and directs the refrigerant from the compressor to the high side heat exchanger after heat from the refrigerant from the compressor is transferred to the flash gas.
F25B 7/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with cascade operation, i.e. with two or more circuits, the heat from the condenser of one circuit being absorbed by the evaporator of the next circuit
F25B 41/20 - Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a heat exchanger, a flash tank, a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, a load, a first compressor, and a second compressor. During a first mode of operation, the second expansion valve directs refrigerant from the flash tank to the load. The refrigerant from the load bypasses the first compressor. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger to the refrigerant from the load. The second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the heat exchanger. During a second mode of operation, the first expansion valve directs refrigerant from the flash tank to the load. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the load and the second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first compressor before the refrigerant from the first compressor reaches the high side heat exchanger.
An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a heat exchanger, a flash tank, a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, a load, a first compressor, and a second compressor. During a first mode of operation, the second expansion valve directs refrigerant from the flash tank to the load. The refrigerant from the load bypasses the first compressor. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger to the refrigerant from the load. The second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the heat exchanger. During a second mode of operation, the first expansion valve directs refrigerant from the flash tank to the load. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the load and the second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first compressor before the refrigerant from the first compressor reaches the high side heat exchanger.
An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a flash tank, a load, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The flash tank stores the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger and to discharge a flash gas. The load uses the refrigerant from the cool a space proximate the load. The compressor compresses the refrigerant from the load. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the refrigerant from the compressor to the flash gas before the refrigerant from the compressor reaches the high side heat exchanger. The heat exchanger directs the flash gas to the compressor after heat from the refrigerant from the compressor is transferred to the flash gas and directs the refrigerant from the compressor to the high side heat exchanger after heat from the refrigerant from the compressor is transferred to the flash gas.
According to certain embodiments, a method comprises determining a liquid outlet temperature setpoint for refrigerant discharged from a liquid outlet of a subcooler. The liquid outlet corresponds to a hot-side path of the subcooler that receives refrigerant directly from a tank, cools the refrigerant by an exchange of heat with a cold-side path of the subcooler that receives the refrigerant from the tank via an inlet expansion valve, and discharges the refrigerant to an evaporator via an outlet expansion valve. The method further comprises determining a superheat setpoint for the refrigerant discharged to a compressor via a vapor outlet of the cold-side path. The superheat setpoint is determined based on the liquid outlet temperature setpoint. The method further comprises adjusting a temperature of the refrigerant discharged to the compressor based on the superheat setpoint.
F25D 17/02 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
According to certain embodiments, a method comprises determining a liquid outlet temperature setpoint for refrigerant discharged from a liquid outlet of a subcooler. The liquid outlet corresponds to a hot-side path of the subcooler that receives refrigerant directly from a tank, cools the refrigerant by an exchange of heat with a cold-side path of the subcooler that receives the refrigerant from the tank via an inlet expansion valve, and discharges the refrigerant to an evaporator via an outlet expansion valve. The method further comprises determining a superheat setpoint for the refrigerant discharged to a compressor via a vapor outlet of the cold-side path. The superheat setpoint is determined based on the liquid outlet temperature setpoint. The method further comprises adjusting a temperature of the refrigerant discharged to the compressor based on the superheat setpoint.
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
F24F 11/62 - Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
An apparatus includes a suction header, a drain leg, an oil separator, and an oil reservoir. The suction header is configured to receive a refrigerant and the drain leg is coupled to the suction header. The oil separator is configured to separate an oil from the refrigerant from a compressor. During a first mode of operation, the drain leg is configured to collect an oil from the refrigerant from a compressor at the suction header. During a second mode of operation, the oil separator is configured to direct the oil separated from the refrigerant from the compressor through the drain leg and to the oil reservoir.
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
An apparatus includes a suction header, a drain leg, an oil separator, and an oil reservoir. The suction header is configured to receive a refrigerant and the drain leg is coupled to the suction header. The oil separator is configured to separate an oil from the refrigerant from a compressor. During a first mode of operation, the drain leg is configured to collect an oil from the refrigerant from a compressor at the suction header. During a second mode of operation, the oil separator is configured to direct the oil separated from the refrigerant from the compressor through the drain leg and to the oil reservoir.
F25B 43/02 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
An apparatus includes a first expander, a flash tank, a first load, a first work recovery compressor, a valve, and a first compressor. The first expander expands a refrigerant. The flash tank stores a refrigerant from the expander. The first load uses the refrigerant from the flash tank to cool a space proximate the first load. The work recovery compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first load and is driven by the first expander. The valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant from the work recovery compressor below a threshold. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the valve.
An apparatus includes a first expander, a flash tank, a first load, a first work recovery compressor, a valve, and a first compressor. The first expander expands a refrigerant. The flash tank stores a refrigerant from the expander. The first load uses the refrigerant from the flash tank to cool a space proximate the first load. The work recovery compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first load and is driven by the first expander. The valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant from the work recovery compressor below a threshold. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the valve.
(1) Indoor air cooling apparatus for refrigeration applications, for use in cooling applications; outdoor air cooling apparatus for condensing compressed vapor refrigerant for refrigeration applications.
An apparatus includes an ejector, a first load, a second load, a third load, a first compressor, a second compressor, and an accumulator. The ejector directs a refrigerant to a flash tank that stores the refrigerant. The loads use the refrigerant from the flash tank to cool spaces. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first load. During a defrost cycle, the first compressor directs the refrigerant to the third load to defrost the third load, the accumulator separates the refrigerant that defrosted the third load into a second liquid portion and a second vapor portion, the ejector directs the second liquid portion to the flash tank, and the second compressor compresses the second vapor portion.
