Abstract:
A microprocessor provides a diagnostic capability, and includes tables of acceptable values of parameters, such as air discharge temperature, suction pressure, etc., for different automobile makes and air conditioner types; provision is made for adjusting the acceptable ranges of such values due to one or more ambient factors, of which ambient relative humidity may be one. The microprocessor, after determining whether the air conditioning system has a cycling or a non-cyling clutch and providing a valid set of actual system values based on whether the clutch is cycling or non-cycling, compares actual values to acceptable value ranges of the air conditioner operating values, and displays possible causes of air conditioner malfunction on a video screen. Self-testing of both the microprocessor and associated electrical elements, and of mechanical elements such as conduits, valves and a scale is performed. the operator may command the microprocessor to display, in smaller print, a relatively large volume of detailed instrucitonal material dealing with specific checking procedures or repair. An air conditioner charging station withdraws refrigerant from an air conditioner, reclaims it by removing certain materials, and returns the reclaimed refrigerant to the same air conditioner from which it was withdrawn, and also provides new, make-up refrigerant to the air conditoner, in the amount necessary to make a full charge.
Abstract:
A monitoring system for detecting contamination of a liquid entrained in a circulating fluid, including a housing having an inlet for receiving the fluid, a reservoir for containing extracted liquid, and an outlet portion disposed in predetermined relationship with the reservoir for venting the fluid from the housing. There is also a separator, which may be formed as part of the housing, for extracting liquid from the fluid and directing the extracted liquid to the reservoir. A probe, disposed in the reservoir, measures an electrical parameter representative of the electrical resistance of the liquid to detect a change in resistivity indicative of contamination of the liquid.
Abstract:
A regenerative refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigeration cycle circuit which is constructed by connecting a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger. A regenerative unit for accumulating heat is arranged between the discharge side of the compressor and the four-way valve, and first and second heat exchangers are arranged in the regenerative unit together with a regenerative material. In a regenerating operation mode of the refrigeration cycle circuit, part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the first heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor heat exchanger, while the remaining part of the refrigerant flows through the second heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor is condensed in both the first and second heat exchangers, thereby heating the regenerative material.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a compact compressor refrigerating machine, particularly a turbo-refrigerating machine which uses a turbocompressor, having a motor, a set-up gear, a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing means, and an evaporator. A vapor-liquid separator having a first opening on the bottom wall thereof and second and third openings on the side wall thereof is installed on the evaporator in such a manner that the vapor-liquid separator communicates with the evaporator through the first opening. The compressor is connected to the side wall of the vapor-liquid separator so as to communicate the second opening with the suction passage of the compressor and the third opening with the discharge passage of the compressor, respectively. A separation element is disposed in the vapor-liquid separator so as to cross the flow of the refrigerant vapor which flows from the first opening toward the second opening.
Abstract:
Liquid is extracted from a vapor compression refrigerant flow circuit utilizing a compressor suction line accumulator having a sump portion and boss formed thereon for receiving a device for extracting liquid from the sump of the accumulator. The device includes a curved tube and shutoff valve connected thereto and wherein the tube has a compression sleeve type tube connector and nut assembly secured thereto at a predetermined point on the tube so that the fluid inlet end of the tube may be inserted into the interior of the vessel containing the sump and oriented such that any liquid in the sump is assured of being forced out through the tube and the shutoff valve during steady state operation of the system. Contaminants in the form of excess compressor lubricant or tracer liquids may be extracted from the system during steady state operation and the system may be pumped down to isolate the refrigerant fluid on the condenser or high pressure side during insertion of and removal of the liquid extraction device with respect to a vessel on the low pressure side of the refrigerant flow circuit.
Abstract:
The single circuit refrigeration plant includes a housing which provides three concentrically located contiguous compartments including a first one interposed between the pressure side of the compressor and the condenser, a second one interposed between the first and the third, the third compartment being interposed between the second compartment and the evaporator. The first compartment is axially centrally located; it is directly ringed by the third compartment and is also ringed by the second compartment. In use, as the compressed gas stream enters the first compartment the pressurized oil therein separates therefrom and the resultingly de-oiled compressed gas stream flows to and through the condenser, through the fluid collector, to and through the evaporator to the third compartment in which it separates into a further liquid component which is combined with the degassed oil in the second compartment, and the remaining gas stream is returned to the suction side of the compressor, meanwhile: the oil degassed and collected in the second compartment is cooled at least in part by indirect heat transfer by contact with the third compartment and is returned to the compressor.
Abstract:
Liquid mixed refrigerant is flashed in a vapor-liquid separator from which a portion of the liquid is pumped to an evaporator. The liquid refrigerant boils and partially vaporizes in the evaporator, thereby cooling a process stream. Partially vaporized refrigerant is returned to the separator for separation of vapor from liquid. Separator vapor is countercurrently contacted with a further portion of the separator liquid in a packed section in the upper part of the separator to assure that exiting vapor passing to recompression is saturated with the heavier refrigerant component(s).
Abstract:
A refrigeration purge system comprising a purge drum coupled to receive purge gas from a primary refrigeration system. The purge gas includes a primary refrigerant component and a noncondensable component. The purge system also includes a secondary refrigeration system which uses a secondary refrigerant. The secondary refrigerant and the purge gas are passed in heat exchange relationship in the purge drum to condense the primary refrigerant component of the purge gas. The condensed primary refrigerant is then returned to the primary refrigeration system, and the noncondensable component is expelled from the purge drum.
Abstract:
A two-stage refrigeration system has a gas-liquid intercooler which subcools liquid refrigerant passing from the feed tank to the evaporators. The feed tank is maintained at the desired pressure adequate for supplying the evaporators and receives return liquid from a separating system which is pressurized from the receiver. In a modification the system may be operated as a single stage or as a compound system.
Abstract:
An alcohol reclaiming apparatus for use in an absorption refrigeration system having a separator operatively connected to the system condenser for removing alcohol from liquid refrigerant prior to passing the refrigerant from the condenser section to the evaporator section of the system. The separated alcohol is delivered directly into the system absorber, thereby bypassing the evaporator, to promote continuous circulation of alcohol through the system whereby the performance of the system is maintained at a relatively high level.