JP2006516045A - Apparatus and method for operating a refrigeration cycle without forming ice on the evaporator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention uses a hot gas bypass system (70, 72, 74) activated by a solenoid (75) controlled by a microprocessor (60) to form ice on the evaporation surface (40) of the device. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for operating a refrigeration cycle without the need.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preventing ice formation on the evaporator of an apparatus operating in a refrigeration cycle.

  The refrigeration cycle has many uses. Of course, one of them is refrigeration, in which the ambient air in a closed room is refrigerated at or below freezing to prevent the decay of foodstuffs such as meat, fresh fruit and fresh products. Another application is building air conditioning. A further use of the refrigeration cycle is the removal of moisture from moist air. Its purpose may be simply air drying, as in home dehumidifiers, industrial grade fruit and vegetable dryers and the like. The purpose may also be for the generation of drinking water for personal home use, camping, public water conservation, earthquakes, floods, fires and other natural disasters, or human disasters such as wars. In an emergency, it may be for the case where the normal water supply is compromised. In any case, the apparatus and method employed are essentially the same and are shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, a compressor 1 receives a refrigerant gas such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide, Freon (registered trademark) and compresses it, that is, increases its pressure. When compressed, the gas temperature rises to a high temperature and pressure. Hot and high pressure gas is received by a condenser 2 consisting of a heat exchanger with a large surface area in contact with the circulating ambient air. The hot high pressure gas gives part of its heat to the circulating air, so that it is still warm but condenses into a liquid that is cooler than the hot gas entering the condenser. The warm high pressure gas goes to the metering device 3, which is a simple hole, capillary, or automatic temperature regulating expansion valve, and the liquid is further expanded and further cooled. The cryogenic liquid proceeds to the evaporator 4. Similar to the condenser, the evaporator 4 has a large surface area through which moisture-containing air can circulate. The evaporator may simply be folded by meandering a length of tube over itself as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the tube may be flattened to provide a larger surface area when folded into a limited space volume. The tube may have wings attached to provide a larger area. The evaporator may also be an internally connected hollow core honeycomb, such as a car radiator. These evaporators and many other evaporator designs are well known in the art. In any case, the cryogenic liquid passing through the evaporator 4 absorbs heat from the air in contact with the outer surface of the evaporator, and when sufficient thermal energy called vaporization heat is absorbed, the absorbed heat is vaporized. Used to convert the gas into a gas at about the same temperature as the cryogenic liquid entering the evaporator. When the device is used as a dehumidifier, the operating parameters of the metering device 3 are such that the temperature of the low-temperature low-pressure liquid circulating in the evaporator 4 is below the dew point of the air in contact with the outer surface of the evaporator. The dew point is the temperature at which water vapor in the air condenses. In this way, the cryogenic liquid circulates in the evaporator and absorbs heat from the surrounding air through the evaporator's surface and vaporizes, so the air containing moisture that contacts the evaporator is cooled below its dew point. The Water vapor in the air condenses on the evaporator and exits the system. The cold gas returns to the compressor and begins another cycle. There may be a receiver between the condenser and the metering device in the system that stores the warm high-pressure refrigerant liquid until required by the metering device.

  If the purpose of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is merely to cool and / or dry the air, the water condensing on the evaporator may simply flow out. If the purpose is to collect drinking water, a reservoir is placed at the bottom of the evaporator. At this time, care must be taken so that the water is obtained in a state where it can be used as drinking water and can be drinked after collection. It produces evaporators, reservoirs, and other parts of equipment that come into contact with moisture-containing air or condensate using non-contaminating materials, or materials that may be contaminated with non-contaminating materials. Achieved by coating or covering with. Examples of such materials include stainless steel, glass, extensive PVC, polymer materials such as Teflon (Teflon), and the like. To ensure that the collected water is drinkable, it is often done by irradiating the water with ultraviolet light, passing ozone through the water, or adding iodine or other chemical disinfectants.

  The above apparatus works fairly well at ambient air temperatures above about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if the air temperature is less than about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, such as in refrigeration units, fruit and vegetable product drying rooms, and meat storage rooms, drinking water is required, such as at night or in winter. Problems arise when the ambient temperature is less than about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That is, when water vapor, which is about 55 degrees Fahrenheit or less, condenses on the evaporator surface of the apparatus of FIG. 1, it evaporates due to the thermodynamic characteristics of commonly used refrigerants and the normal mode of operation of such an apparatus. Since the vessel surface usually has a temperature substantially below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a problem that the condensed water is further cooled. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the condensate freezes and forms ice on the evaporator. At ambient air temperatures below about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, air in contact with water on the evaporator surface cannot provide sufficient additional heat to resist this freezing condition. As a result, ice is formed on the surface of the evaporator and functions like a separation device, and the surface of the evaporator is separated from moisture-containing air and interferes with the operation of the device. The usual solution when this happens is to turn off the compressor by turning off the compressor until the ice melts. As a result, the apparatus of FIG. 1 is extremely inefficient at ambient air temperatures below about 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

  One approach taken to avoid ice formation in the evaporator is to simply start the device at a higher refrigerant temperature. However, this limits the cooling capacity of the device. In addition, when the objective is to remove water from the surrounding air, the air can contain less moisture if it is cold, so the device is started as cold as possible and the air is as close to freezing as possible It is desirable to cool so that. Thus, starting the device at a higher refrigerant temperature is inefficient because it leaves water in the air.

  The approach taken to reduce inefficiencies due to machine downtime is to use multiple devices and, if ice has formed in the vaporizer of one device, alternate use and stop that device. To start another device. However, this approach is a costly solution, not to mention requiring a lot of space.

  What is needed is an apparatus and method for performing a refrigeration cycle without ice formation in the evaporator, particularly at temperatures below about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The present invention provides such an apparatus.

  The present invention includes devices that allow operation of the refrigeration cycle while avoiding ice formation in the evaporator, including but not limited to air conditioners, dehumidifiers, water producers, commercial and consumer Includes a refrigerator and freezer for the elderly. The apparatus comprises a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, a condenser having an inlet and an outlet, the condenser having an inlet operably coupled to the outlet of the compressor, and an inlet and an outlet. Metering means, wherein the metering means inlet is operably coupled to the condenser outlet and an evaporator comprising an inlet, an outlet and an evaporation surface, the evaporator inlet being the outlet of the metering means And an evaporator outlet operatively coupled to the compressor inlet and a hot gas bypass means comprising an inlet, an outlet, an open position and a closed position. The inlet of the means is operably coupled to the outlet of the compressor, the outlet of the hot gas bypass means is operably coupled to the inlet of the evaporator or the inlet of the manifold, the manifold comprising an inlet and a number of outlets, each outlet On the evaporation surface In a refrigeration cycle, a hot gas bypass means operatively coupled to a different one of a number of inlets at a location, which is also operably coupled to the controller itself, a controller that activates the hot gas bypass means, A compressor, a condenser, a metering means, an evaporator, and a refrigerant that circulates back to the compressor are provided. The controller activates the hot gas bypass means in response to the signal. The signal may be from any possible number of devices including, but not limited to, a timer, a temperature sensor or temperature sensing means, or one or more of the devices capable of detecting ice formation. . In embodiments that include a timer, the timer may be built into the controller. In embodiments that include one or more means for detecting the onset of ice formation on the evaporation surface, each means is operably coupled to the evaporation surface, and if there are two or more, each is different on the evaporation surface. Operatively coupled to the location and the controller. The means for detecting ice formation may include optical means for detecting ice formation.

    In one embodiment of the invention, the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface comprises one or more lasers.

    In one embodiment of the invention, the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface comprises one or more detectors.

    In one embodiment of the invention, the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporating surface comprises one or more first temperature sensing means coupled to one or more workload temperature sensing subassemblies of the apparatus.

  One aspect of the present invention is any of the above apparatus further comprising one or more second temperature sensing means coupled to the evaporation surface, where there are two or more, each different on the evaporation surface. Operatively coupled to the location and the controller.

    One aspect of the present invention is the above apparatus wherein the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface comprises one or more third temperature sensing means coupled to the evaporation surface, if there are two or more , Each coupled to a different location on the evaporation surface.

  In any one of the above devices, the metering means includes an automatic temperature adjusting expansion valve.

    In another aspect of the invention, in an apparatus comprising third temperature sensing means, the temperature self-regulating expansion valve further comprises a temperature sensing assembly.

In one embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensing assembly comprises
A double-walled container comprising an inner member and an outer member;
A first space disposed between the inner member and the outer member;
A second internal space surrounded by inner members;
An inlet disposed near, in and through the first end of the outer material, the inlet operably coupled to the outlet of the evaporator;
An outlet disposed near, within, and through the second end opposite the first end of the outer material, the outlet operably coupled to the inlet of the compressor;
A baffle disposed in the first space and extending from the vicinity of the first end of the outer member to the vicinity of the second end of the outer member;
A temperature sensing valve disposed in the interior space and operably coupled to the automatic temperature regulating expansion valve;
It is also disposed in the interior space and comprises an inner member and a thermal compound that contacts the temperature sensing valve.

    In one embodiment of the present invention, in any of the above devices, the hot gas bypass means comprises a valve.

    In one embodiment of the invention, the valve comprises a solenoid.

    In one embodiment of the present invention, in any of the above devices, each temperature sensing means independently comprises a thermocouple or a thermistor.

    In one embodiment of the present invention, in any of the above devices, the controller comprises a microprocessor.

One aspect of the present invention is a method for performing a refrigeration cycle without forming ice on the evaporation surface, comprising:
Providing a compressor having an inlet and an outlet;
Providing a condenser having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the condenser inlet is operably coupled to the compressor outlet;
Metering means comprising an inlet and an outlet, the metering means inlet providing a metering means operably coupled to the condenser outlet;
An evaporator comprising an inlet, an outlet and an evaporation surface, the evaporator inlet being operably coupled to the outlet of the metering means and the evaporator outlet having an evaporator operably coupled to the compressor inlet. Providing a process;
A hot gas bypass means comprising an inlet, an outlet, an open position and a closed position, wherein the hot gas bypass means inlet is operably coupled to the compressor outlet, the hot gas bypass means outlet being an evaporator inlet or Operatively coupled to the inlet of the manifold, the manifold having an inlet and multiple outlets, each outlet being operably coupled to a different one of the multiple inlets at different locations on the evaporation surface itself Providing a hot gas bypass means operably coupled to the controller;
One or more means for detecting ice formation on the evaporating surface, each means being operably coupled to the evaporating surface, each having a different location and controller on the evaporating surface when there are two or more means Providing one or more means coupled to:
Providing one or more temperature sensing means coupled to the evaporation surface and operatively coupled to the controller;
Providing a controller operatively coupled to each means for detecting ice formation on the evaporating surface, each temperature sensing means, and the hot gas bypass means;
Providing refrigerant that circulates back from the compressor to the condenser, metering means, evaporator, and compressor in a refrigeration cycle;
When the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface detects such ice formation, a signal is sent to the controller, the controller sends an open signal to the hot gas bypass means, and the hot gas bypass means A method of maintaining an open state until receiving a signal from the temperature sensing means higher than the value, at which time the controller sends a close signal to the hot gas bypass means.

    In one embodiment of the invention, in the above method, the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface comprises one or more lasers.

    In another aspect of the invention, in the above method, the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface comprises one or more frost detectors.

    In yet another aspect of the invention, in the above method, the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface comprises one or more first temperatures coupled to one or more workload temperature sensing subassemblies of the apparatus. Sensing means are provided.

  In one embodiment of the invention, in the above method, each temperature sensing means comprises a thermocouple or a thermistor.

    In one embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, the metering means comprises an automatic temperature regulating expansion valve.

    In one embodiment of the invention, in the above method, the hot gas bypass means comprises a valve.

    In one embodiment of the invention, in the above method, the valve comprises a solenoid.

    In one embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, the controller comprises a microprocessor.

One aspect of the present invention is a method for performing a refrigeration cycle without forming ice on the evaporation surface, comprising:
Providing a compressor having an inlet and an outlet;
Providing a condenser having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the condenser inlet is operably coupled to the compressor outlet;
Metering means comprising an inlet and an outlet, the metering means inlet providing a metering means operably coupled to the condenser outlet;
An evaporator comprising an inlet, an outlet and an evaporation surface, the evaporator inlet being operably coupled to the outlet of the metering means and the evaporator outlet having an evaporator operably coupled to the compressor inlet. Providing a process;
A hot gas bypass means comprising an inlet, an outlet, an open position and a closed position, wherein the hot gas bypass means inlet is operably coupled to the compressor outlet, the hot gas bypass means outlet being an evaporator inlet or Operatively coupled to the inlet of the manifold, the manifold having an inlet and multiple outlets, each outlet being operably coupled to a different one of the multiple inlets at different locations on the evaporation surface itself Providing a hot gas bypass means operably coupled to the controller;
Providing one or more temperature sensing means coupled to the evaporation surface, each of which when there are two or more, one or more temperature sensing means coupled to different locations on the evaporation surface;
Providing each temperature sensing means and a controller operably coupled to the controller;
Each temperature sensing means measures the temperature at that location on the evaporation surface and sends a signal corresponding to that temperature to the controller, and when the signal is at or below a preselected first set point temperature, the controller provides an open signal. To the hot gas bypass means, and the hot gas bypass means remains open until the controller receives a signal from the temperature sensing means above the preselected second set point temperature, at which point the controller How to send a close signal to.

    In one embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, the metering means comprises an automatic temperature regulating expansion valve.

  In the above method, the automatic temperature regulating expansion valve further comprises a temperature sensing assembly.

In another aspect of the invention, the temperature sensing assembly comprises
A double-walled container comprising an inner member and an outer member;
A first space disposed between the inner member and the outer member;
A second internal space surrounded by inner members;
An inlet disposed near, in and through the first end of the outer material, the inlet operably coupled to the outlet of the evaporator;
An outlet disposed near, within, and through the second end opposite the first end of the outer material, the outlet operably coupled to the inlet of the compressor;
A baffle disposed in the first space and extending from the vicinity of the first end of the outer member to the vicinity of the second end of the outer member;
A temperature sensing valve disposed in the interior space and operably coupled to the automatic temperature regulating expansion valve;
It is also disposed in the interior space and comprises an inner member and a thermal compound that contacts the temperature sensing valve.

  In one embodiment of the invention, in the above method, the hot gas bypass means comprises a valve. In one embodiment of the invention, in the above method, the valve comprises a solenoid. In one embodiment of the present invention, in the method, each temperature sensing means independently comprises a thermocouple or thermistor, and in one embodiment of the invention, in the method, the controller may comprise a microprocessor. .

  In one aspect of the invention, the method further includes providing a signal source in communication with the controller. The signal source may include one or more timers, temperature sensing means, and / or ice detection means. In some embodiments, the method includes at least two signal sources. In embodiments having only one signal source, the signal source may be used to alternately start and stop the hot gas bypass means. For example, in an embodiment including a timer, the timer may be used to alternately signal the controller to activate and deactivate the hot gas bypass means. In the method of the present invention including more than one signal source, each signal source may be entrusted to start the controller. For example, one method of the present invention may include the steps of causing the controller to receive signals from one or more timers, temperature sensing means, and ice detection means and causing the controller to activate a hot gas bypass. Further, a procedure may be included in which the controller receives signals from one or more timer means, temperature sensing means, and / or ice detection means, and the controller stops the hot gas bypass. In some embodiments, one signal source is left to the controller only to activate the hot gas bypass means and the other signal source is left to the controller only to stop the hot gas bypass means. In other embodiments of the invention, the signal source may be used for either purpose.

  The figures are provided only for the understanding of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

Definitions As used herein, a timer or timer means means any known device or method for timing an event, such as, but not limited to, a timing circuit in a microprocessor used as a controller. And a timing circuit incorporated in the controller.

  As used herein, “refrigerant” or “refrigerant gas” means a fluid having a boiling point lower than that of water in its liquid form. Examples of the refrigerant include, but are not limited to, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, Freon (registered trademark), and the like.

  As used herein, “compressor” means any device capable of pressurizing fluids including liquids and gases. In the present invention, the compressor can in particular pressurize the gas. Many such devices are known in the art, any of which are within the scope of the present invention.

  As used herein, a “condenser” can receive compressed or pressurized gas from a compressor and draws thermal energy from the compressed gas while substantially maintaining the pressure created by the compressor. Any device capable of opening and converting gas to liquid is meant. Such devices are also well known in the art, any of which are included within the scope of the present invention.

  As used herein, both “measuring means” or “metering devices” are capable of receiving a liquid at a first pressure at its inlet and discharging a second, or reduced pressure, liquid at its outlet. Means any possible device. Such devices include, but are not limited to, simple holes, holes including levitation pistons, fluid throttle valves, capillaries, automatic temperature controlled expansion valves (TXV). These and other such devices are well known in the art and are all encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

  As used herein, both an “evaporator” or “evaporator assembly” have a large outer area, referred to herein as an “evaporation surface”, over which air containing water vapor circulates to evaporate. When the temperature of the liquid in the chamber is less than the dew point of the air flowing above it, water vapor in the air will condense on the outer surface of the evaporator and flow down from there due to gravity, and at the same time the gas in the evaporator will vaporize into gas Means any device.

  As used herein, a “hot gas bypass”, “hot gas bypass means”, or “hot gas bypass device” all controls hot fluid from a first location to a second location where cold fluid is present. Means a device that can be sent and where the two fluids mix at the second point, while bypassing other devices located in different paths that also connect the first and second locations. “Fluid” means gas or liquid. With respect to a hot gas bypass, an “open signal” means a signal that, when received by the hot gas bypass, opens the hot gas bypass and causes the hot fluid to flow and mix with the cold fluid. Conversely, a “closed signal” means a signal that, when received by a hot gas bypass, closes the hot gas bypass, thereby stopping the hot gas flow from mixing with the cold liquid.

  “Send in control” means that the device sends as much hot fluid to the cryogenic fluid as is necessary to maintain the selected temperature of the fluid as a result of the mixing of the hot and cold fluids, and It can be opened and closed to mix with.

  As used herein, “refrigeration cycle” means a well-known thermodynamic cycle, gas compression into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, warm high-pressure gas with release of thermal energy to the outside. Condensing to warm, high pressure gas metered through a device that allows expansion to supply a cryogenic low pressure liquid, vaporizing the cryogenic low pressure liquid into a cryogenic low pressure gas with external heat energy absorption, and cycling Consists of recompression of the low-temperature low-pressure gas to start again. In a sense, the refrigeration cycle is also considered a cooling means. However, if the air in contact with the outside of the evaporator contains water vapor and the temperature of the cryogenic liquid in the evaporator is below the dew point of the air, the water will condense outside the evaporator and consequently remove the water vapor from the air become. Thus, the refrigeration cycle can be considered as a water removal means together with the cooling means. With respect to the terms “high temperature”, “warm”, “low temperature”, when referring to the refrigerant liquid / gas used in the apparatus herein, these terms are used in a strictly comparative sense, and “high temperature” means “ It should be recognized that “warm” is a higher temperature and “warm” is a higher temperature than “cold”. For the understanding or operation of the apparatus and method of the present invention, describing using absolute temperature or absolute temperature range refers to the terms refrigerant used, pressurized level of refrigerant in the compressor, liquid Depending on the amount of heat to be removed from the hot high pressure gas in the condenser to obtain each of these terms, since each of these terms can be easily determined by those skilled in the art using standard thermodynamic principles It is not necessary except when explicitly indicating.

  As used herein, “temperature sensing means” means a device that can measure temperature at a particular location, including but not limited to a thermometer, thermocouple, thermistor, and the like.

  As used herein, “controller” means a device capable of causing an event based on a received signal. For example, upon receipt of an appropriate signal from one or more timers, temperature sensing means, or ice detection means, the controller opens or closes the hot gas bypass, thereby enabling or disabling mixing of hot gas and cold liquid. Can do. The controller may include a combination of mechanical, electrical, or optical components. In the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller includes a microprocessor. In some embodiments, the controller incorporates a signal source. For example, the controller may be a microprocessor with a built-in timer.

  "Automatic temperature controlled expansion valves" or "TXV" are well known in refrigeration technology equipment and are common in refrigeration systems that cause the expansion of warm high pressure liquids from the condensers of such systems, resulting in low temperature low pressure liquids Means a device used for

  As used herein, “temperature sensitive gas valve” is well known in refrigeration technology equipment and refers to a device that controls the amount of warm high pressure liquid that is expanded in the TXV at a certain time.

  As used herein, “temperature sensing assembly” refers to a temperature sensing gas valve that combines a double walled container and a thermal compound, as described elsewhere.

  “Thermal compound” means a thermally conductive material that can quickly and accurately convey the temperature detected in one region of a volume of material to another region of the volume of material.

  As used herein, “double wall container” means a container having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a space therebetween. An example of a double walled container includes, but is not limited to, the general Thermos®. In fact, based on the disclosure herein, Thermos®, modified in a manner apparent to those skilled in the art, comprises the “double-walled container” of the present invention.

  As used herein, a space “enclosed” with a member is simply a container, such as, but not limited to, a can, a cup, a Thermos®, or a bottle. The volume is uniquely determined and limited by the inner surface of the can, cup, Thermos®, or bottle.

  As used herein, “baffle” means a partial obstruction installed in the fluid flow path in the conduit, and the fluid is effective through the area where the baffle is installed in order for the fluid to continue to flow. The fluid must successfully pass through the partial obstruction so that the flow path length is longer than in the absence of baffles, thereby extending the time that fluid is present in that portion of the conduit.

  As used herein, “hot gas bypass valve” means any type of valve that can be installed in a conduit so as to permit or inhibit fluid flow through the conduit by opening and closing. Examples of hot gas bypass valves include, but are not limited to, needle valves, stopcock valves, internal piston solenoid valves, and zero differential solenoid valves.

  "Solenoid" means a well-known control device that uses electromagnetic force to move the plunger, which causes other devices or other parts of the device, including the solenoid, to start, stop, open and close, etc. .

Ozone is a triatomic state of oxygen and is O ₃ .

  “Ozone generator” means a device that generates ozone from oxygen. Common types of ozone generators are corona discharge generators, cylindrical dielectric generators, electrostatic generators, and Siemens type generators. Any of these ozone generators can be used with the apparatus of the present invention. However, in the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electrostatic ozone generator is used.

  “Frit glass” is not limited to this, but is melted together at a temperature that forms relatively strong glass such as disks, solid glass tubes, mats, etc., and the gas in a bubble size that depends on the size of the pores. By glass beads or fiber is meant to be sufficiently porous to disperse therethrough. As used herein, a “frit glass disperser” is a device installed in a water collection reservoir at the bottom of the evaporator, connected to an ozone generator, through which ozone from the generator flows and is small It becomes bubbles and is dispersed in the water in the collection reservoir.

  A “thermocouple” is a device composed of two different types of metals, and the two metals are joined so that the potential difference generated between their contacts is a measurement of the temperature difference between the contacts.

  “Dew point” is the temperature at which air must be cooled with a constant pressure and moisture content of air in order to reach saturation. The saturated state is a state where the maximum possible water vapor amount is retained without condensing water vapor into a liquid at a certain temperature and pressure. At temperatures below the dew point, water vapor in the air condenses as a liquid.

  “Microprocessor” means an integrated circuit that includes the operations, logic, and control circuitry necessary to interpret and execute instructions from a computer program.

  As used herein, the term “about” means ± 5% of a given value.

Description FIG. 1, which shows an overview of a prior art standard refrigeration cycle apparatus, was described in the background art.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus that operates in a refrigeration cycle while avoiding the formation of ice on the evaporation surface. The device operates without forming ice at virtually any temperature, but is particularly useful at low ambient temperatures, ie, temperatures below about 55 degrees Fahrenheit and temperatures below or below freezing (less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Ice formation is of particular concern and the device here is very useful at lower ambient temperatures. “Ambient air temperature” means the temperature of the atmosphere outside and inside the environment in which the device is installed.

  The presently preferred embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for avoiding ice formation on the evaporator at any temperature up to about 55 ° F. ambient air temperature.

  In order to achieve the above, the apparatus of the present invention allows the compressor output, ie hot high pressure gas, to be mixed with the metering means output, ie cold low pressure liquid, in a controlled manner at a location near the output of the metering means. It has a hot gas bypass that makes it possible. Examples of useful metering means include a simple hole, a hole with a buoyant piston, a capillary tube, or an automatic temperature controlled expansion valve (TXV). The hot gas bypass communicates with the controller. The controller also communicates with a signal source such as one or more timers, ice detectors, or temperature sensors. In embodiments using temperature sensors, some sensors are located near the evaporator inlet or at various locations on the evaporation surface. The temperature sensor, when installed near the inlet of the evaporator, measures the temperature of the low pressure liquid entering the evaporator, or, if the sensor is installed on one of the surfaces, measures the temperature of the evaporation surface, A signal corresponding to the temperature is provided to the controller. In this embodiment, the controller has a low temperature set point and a high temperature set point. When the temperature sensor sends a temperature signal at or below the low temperature set point, the controller opens the hot gas bypass and mixes the hot gas from the compressor outlet with the cold liquid entering the evaporator. Allow and warm it. Warm liquids require less heat energy to evaporate and therefore do not absorb large amounts of heat from the air flowing over or evaporating on the evaporation surface. Thus, the water on the evaporation surface is not cooled to freezing point and no ice is formed. When the temperature sensor sends a high temperature set point or higher signal to the controller, the controller causes the hot gas bypass to close. In this way, the hot gas bypass can control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the evaporator with an accuracy of a fractional degree of 1 degree Fahrenheit, and therefore the surface of the evaporator and the water condensing on that surface can also be Can be controlled with the same accuracy. The temperature of the water on the evaporation surface is kept slightly above the freezing point where there is no ice formation, extracting as much water as possible from the ambient air in contact with the evaporation surface and forming ice in the evaporator. The maximum efficiency is obtained in two ways by avoiding the device from going to sleep.

  The hot gas bypass of the present invention may comprise a unit having a single inlet and a single outlet, in which case the outlet is usually operably coupled to the outlet of the metering means (or the evaporator inlet, i.e. In practice, this is the outlet of the metering means, as can be seen from FIG. 1 because the outlet of the metering means is connected to the inlet of the evaporator). However, it is within the scope of the present invention that the hot gas bypass comprises a manifold having one inlet coupled to the compressor outlet and multiple outlets coupled to the inlet at various points on the evaporation surface. Is included. Such a configuration is generally and most advantageously used in conjunction with a plurality of ice formation sensors that are similarly installed at various points on the evaporation surface. The inlet from the hot gas bypass manifold can be installed upstream from the sensor at any desired distance, ie, opposite the direction of refrigerant flow in the system. When the sensor senses local formation of ice, it sends a signal to the controller, which sends a signal to the manifold, which, without limitation, opens a valve that is actuated by a solenoid upstream of the sensor. In this way, accurate local control of the temperature of the evaporation surface is possible. This latter apparatus and procedure is particularly useful when very large evaporation surfaces are used.

  The above apparatus of the present invention achieves the objectives of the present invention, i.e. the apparatus operates in a refrigeration cycle while avoiding evaporator ice formation at virtually any temperature, but under extreme conditions, i.e. This is particularly effective when the ambient air temperature is less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit and even less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also particularly useful in continuous operation over a very long period. However, at temperatures above about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the device of the present invention may comprise a thermal expansion valve (TXV) controlled by a temperature sensing valve assembly as metering means. TXV also controls the temperature of the liquid entering the evaporator, by controlling the amount of liquid that reaches the evaporator at any given time, injecting hot gas into the liquid stream entering the evaporator. Not by. Thus, under less extreme conditions, i.e. at temperatures above about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, TXV reduces some of the work load on the hot gas bypass by adding a small degree of control of the liquid temperature entering the evaporator. can do. TXV is well known in the art, as is the temperature sensing valve that controls it. However, the temperature sensing assembly described herein that provides the highest degree of TXV control accuracy of the device of the present invention, i.e., enables operation of the device without ice formation on the evaporation surface, is novel.

  The temperature sensing assembly comprises a heat well in which a standard temperature sensing valve is installed, which quickly transmits small changes in the temperature of the gas exiting the evaporator outlet to the temperature sensing valve. Therefore, the temperature sensing valve can accurately control the operation of TXV. To accomplish this, the thermal well has an annular space in which a baffle is installed, and the liquid medium passes through that space before entering the evaporator. The baffle increases the residence time of the liquid medium in the annular space and ensures that temperature changes in the liquid medium are transmitted to the heat well. The space between the temperature sensing valve and the thermal well wall is filled with a good thermal conductivity material that efficiently and quickly transmits changes in the refrigerant liquid temperature from the thermal well wall to the temperature sensing valve.

  The apparatus of the present invention may be provided with one or more frost sensors at various points on the outer surface of the evaporator, as an additional icing preventer during extreme temperatures or periods of prolonged continuous operation. The frost detector can detect the initial formation of ice on the surface and is well known in the art and can be used with the apparatus of the present invention without modification. However, it operates in a conventional manner like a conventional frost detector and does not simply turn off the compressor when frost is detected. In the present invention, the frost detector communicates with the controller. When the controller receives a signal from the frost sensor that ice is forming in the vicinity of the sensor, the controller sends a signal to open the hot gas bypass. The hot gas bypass is programmed to remain open for a predetermined short period of time when a small amount of hot gas is injected into the liquid entering the evaporator. This injection of hot gas continues until the frost sensor stops sending frost signals. Or, once an open signal is sent to the hot gas bypass, the frost detector stops sending signals to the controller and the hot gas bypass remains open until it indicates that ice is no longer detected. At that time, the controller sends a close signal to the hot gas bypass.

  Another device for detecting ice formation may be one or more lasers. The laser monitors the surface of the evaporator and alerts the controller when substantially monomolecular thickness levels of ice begin to form on the evaporator. This is achieved by measuring, but not limited to, the ligament thickness by using a laser to detect minute changes in the distance between the laser and the evaporation surface. It can also be accomplished by detecting changes in the wavelength of the light emitted by the laser as it passes through the ice formation layer. Other methods of using lasers will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein, and such approaches are also included within the scope of the present invention.

  Another device that prevents ice formation on the evaporator is particularly useful when the apparatus described herein is used to maintain a room or room air temperature below the freezing point of water, i.e. below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. A means of coexisting or, if desired, is to employ a temperature sensor that detects the surface temperature of the device's workload temperature sensing subassembly. “Subassembly” means, but is not limited to, any part separated from equipment such as a condenser, evaporator, compressor, metering means. “Workload temperature sensing” refers to the temperature of the surface of the subassembly, usually the outer surface, as the amount of work that the subassembly must perform to maintain the room or room temperature at the selected subfreezing temperature. It means to sense that is going up. The sensor is mounted on the surface of the subassembly and continuously detects its temperature and transmits it to the controller during initial operation of the device. The controller recognizes that temperature as the “normal operating temperature” of the assembly because that temperature was formed during the initial operation of the device and there was no time for ice to form during that time. The normal operating temperature is not completely stable during normal operation, so the controller can also be programmed to establish a temperature range based on the transmitted temperature, in which case the range is referred to as the “normal operating temperature range”. Become. During operation of the device, the sensor detects the temperature of the surface of the subassembly and sends it to the controller. When the controller receives a temperature signal that is outside, usually above, the normal operating temperature range, the controller opens the hot gas bypass for a short time so that the hot gas mixes with the cold liquid entering the evaporator. Warm up and thaw any ice that was about to form on the evaporation surface. Alternatively, the controller causes the hot gas bypass to open and remains open until the controller receives a signal in the normal operating temperature range, at which time the controller sends a close signal to the hot gas bypass. An example of, but not limited to, the workload temperature sensing subassembly of the device herein is a compressor. Since the compressor does more work to maintain the room or the desired temperature of the room, the compressor case becomes a little warmer. This increase in case temperature is detected by a sensor and transmitted to the controller, which interprets the signal as an indication that the device is doing more work because ice has formed on the evaporation surface. Therefore, the controller sends an open signal to the hot gas bypass to release the hot gas from the hot gas bypass. Another subassembly that can be used to detect early ice formation is a fan motor that circulates air over the evaporation surface. As ice begins to form on the evaporating surface, the air that passes over the surface and contacts the surface will come into contact with the 32 ° F. ice rather than the surface at the sub-freezing temperature. To that end, the fan must be on for a longer time and more work must be done to bring the air temperature to the desired lower temperature, resulting in an increase in the fan motor temperature. When the controller receives a temperature value above the normal operating temperature of the motor from a sensor mounted on the surface of the motor, the controller again causes the hot gas bypass to open. Other subassemblies that are sensitive to workload temperature will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any of these can be used to control ice formation on the evaporation surface in the manner described above, and all such subassemblies are included within the scope of the present invention.

  The apparatus of the present invention may comprise a plurality of evaporators. The evaporator is connected in parallel away from the manifold, which is connected to the outlet of the metering means, the outlet of the condenser or the outlet of the compressor. In each of these cases, the additional elements required for the device are connected to the manifold. That is, for example, if the manifold is connected to the outlet of the compressor, the condenser and metering means will be included between the manifold and each evaporator. Each evaporator can be connected to its own hot gas bypass, its own temperature sensor and controller, and optionally to its own TXV and temperature sensing assembly. Alternatively, multiple evaporators may be connected to the manifold, which may be connected to a single hot gas bypass / temperature sensor / controller / TXV / temperature sensing assembly.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus includes a compressor 10 that compresses refrigerant gas and heats it during the process, and sends the compressed high-temperature refrigerant gas to the condenser 20. The condenser 20 receives the hot refrigerant gas and condenses it into a warm liquid refrigerant, during which condensing heat is sent to the air passing over and in contact with the surface of the condenser 20, for example in the direction of arrow 15. The capillary tube 30 receives the hot liquid refrigerant and expands it into a liquid with reduced temperature and pressure. At this point, some of the reduced temperature liquid may already have been converted to gas so that the fluid at the outlet of the capillary 30 is actually a mixture of liquid and gas. However, for the purpose of a refrigeration cycle through which liquid / gas passes, what is important is the liquid. Next, the low-temperature liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator 40 and passes through it to exchange heat energy with the inner surface of the evaporator 40, and the outer surface contacts the external circulating air. That is, the low-temperature refrigerant liquid absorbs heat from the air circulating through the surface of the evaporator 40. As a result of absorbing heat, the low-temperature refrigerant liquid is vaporized into a low-temperature refrigerant gas. The temperature of the low-temperature refrigerant gas is substantially the same as the temperature of the liquid from which it is generated, and the absorbed energy becomes heat of vaporization. The cold gas proceeds to the compressor 10 and a new cycle begins. The circulation of the refrigerant from the compressor 10 back to the condenser 20, the capillary 30, the evaporator 40, and the compressor 10 is called a refrigeration cycle. However, the refrigeration cycle is considered a moisture removal cycle when the air circulating over the evaporator 40 contains water vapor and the temperature of the air is lowered below the dew point and moisture condenses on the outer surface of the evaporator. In one embodiment of the invention, the cryogenic refrigerant liquid flowing through the evaporator 40 is actually maintained at a temperature that is less than the dew point of the external ambient air in contact with the evaporation surface, so if the air contains water vapor, Water vapor condenses on the surface. Moisture flows out of the evaporation surface by gravity and is discarded if air drying is for the intended use of the device, or collected in a container if drinking water production is the intended purpose of the device.

  In order for the apparatus of FIG. 2 to operate without forming ice on the evaporation surface, the apparatus includes a hot gas bypass assembly. That is, the thermocouple 50 connected to the outer surface of the path at or near the inlet 42 of the evaporator 40 derives the temperature of the cryogenic liquid entering the evaporator 40 from the path temperature, and outputs a signal corresponding to that temperature. Send to microprocessor 60. The microprocessor 60 is programmed with first and second set point temperatures. The first set point temperature is a low temperature set point temperature and the second set point temperature is a high temperature set point temperature. The set point temperature is calculated as the temperature that maintains the liquid entering the evaporator 40 at the desired temperature, and in the presently preferred embodiment, is a temperature between 32.5 degrees Fahrenheit and 33 degrees Fahrenheit. The actual value of the set point temperature is based on the thermodynamic properties of the material used to manufacture the path and varies according to the sensitivity of the thermocouple. For example, but not limited thereto, if the path is made of copper, a good heat conductor, the set point temperature is set near the desired liquid temperature. On the other hand, when the path is made of steel having a thermal conductivity lower than that of copper, the temperature must be set in consideration of the delay time of the temperature change on the outer surface of the path with respect to the temperature of the liquid in the path. The determination of appropriate high and low temperature set points is substantially empirical, but will be successfully determined within the capabilities of those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein.

  When the microprocessor 60 receives a temperature signal from the thermocouple 50 that is at or below the cold set point temperature, the microprocessor 60 sends a signal to the solenoid 75 to activate it. When the solenoid 75 is activated, the hot gas bypass valve 70 is opened. When the hot gas bypass valve 70 is opened, hot gas from the outlet side 72 of the compressor 10 is sent to the inlet side 42 of the evaporator 40 where it mixes with the cold liquid which may contain some cold gas. Warm the liquid. If the temperature signal received by the microprocessor 60 is at or above the second high temperature set point, the microprocessor stops sending the signal to the solenoid 75, thereby stopping the solenoid 75 and the hot gas bypass valve 70. Close. In this way, the temperature of the liquid entering the evaporator 40 is accurately controlled.

  Instead of a simple capillary, the metering means may be a TXV as shown in FIG. In that case, the amount of hot liquid refrigerant expanded by TXV 33 is controlled by temperature sensing bubble 35 located in heat well 38 (FIG. 4). In the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat well / temperature sensing valve is located at the outlet from the evaporator. However, the heat well / temperature sensing valve may be located elsewhere, such as at the evaporator inlet. For example, the thermal well 38 may be, but is not limited to, a double wall cylinder having walls 100 and 101 and a space 110 therebetween. The space 110 includes a baffle or a series of separating baffles 120 that penetrate the entire space 110. The thermal well 38 also has an inlet 112 to the space 110 and an outlet 113 from the space 110. The temperature in the heat well 38 is derived from the temperature of the low-temperature refrigerant liquid at the inlet to the evaporator 40. This diverts the cold refrigerant liquid to the inlet 112 before entering the evaporator 40, through the space 110 and thereby flows around the baffle 120, which is sufficient to cool the inner wall to the same temperature as the liquid. This is achieved by coming into contact with the inner wall 101 only for a period of time and then flowing out of the outlet 113 and entering the evaporator 40. Again, the liquid contacts the inner wall 101 for a time sufficient for the temperature of the inner wall 101 to change to reflect the change in temperature of the liquid. Since the temperature sensing valve 35 is surrounded by the thermal compound 130 and the thermal compound 130 conducts heat quickly and efficiently, the temperature change in the inner wall 101 is transmitted to the temperature sensing valve 35 quickly and efficiently. The Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, phase change thermal compounds (PCTC) such as Chromerics T725, MPU 3/7 Aluminum Oxide or Arctic Silver. The temperature sensing valve 35 includes, but is not limited to, a gas such as Type “C” gas, and the pressure experienced by that gas is very sensitive to temperature. In this way, the temperature in the heat well 38 decreases due to the temperature drop of the gas at the inlet to the evaporator 40 and the pressure in the sensing valve 35 decreases. As the pressure decreased, the spring (not shown) in TXV 33 was compressed due to the pressure it was experiencing by the gas in sensing valve 35, but it pushed the diaphragm (not shown) in TXV 33 to Is closed to restrict the flow of refrigerant through the TXV 33. TXV and sensing valves and their operation are well known to those skilled in the art. However, the rapid transfer of small temperature changes from the low-temperature refrigerant liquid to the sensing valve 35 using the thermal well 38 and the thermal compound 130 with baffles installed is part of the present invention.

  The TXV / temperature sensing valve / heat well of the present invention effectively prevents ice formation in the evaporator 40 at ambient air temperatures above about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when the air temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the TXV / temperature sensing valve / heat well system can control the temperature of the liquid on the inlet side of the evaporator to be sufficient to stop ice formation on the evaporation surface. become unable. Thus, at temperatures below about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the hot gas bypass of the present invention will play its role. A thermocouple 50 coupled to the outer surface of the path connecting TXV 33 and evaporator 40 derives the temperature of the cryogenic liquid entering evaporator 40 from the path temperature and sends a signal corresponding to that temperature to microprocessor 60. The microprocessor 60 is programmed with first and second set point temperatures. The first set point temperature is a low temperature set point temperature and the second set point temperature is a high temperature set point temperature. The set point temperature is calculated as a temperature that maintains the liquid entering the evaporator 40 at a desired temperature, as in the case where the metering means is a capillary as described above. Thus, in the presently preferred embodiment, it is desirable to maintain the temperature of the refrigerant liquid entering the evaporator between 32.5 degrees Fahrenheit and 33 degrees Fahrenheit, and the set point temperature is set accordingly. However, when the apparatus of the present invention is used in a refrigerator whose purpose is to cool ambient air to less than 32.5 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature of the refrigerant liquid must be substantially lower and set The spot temperature is set to maintain that lower temperature. Thus, the setpoint temperature values depend on how the device is used, and these temperature determinations are successfully made within the capabilities of those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein.

  When the microprocessor 60 receives a temperature signal from the thermocouple 50 that is at or below the cold set point temperature, the microprocessor 60 sends a signal to the solenoid 75 to activate it. When activated, the solenoid 75 opens the hot gas bypass valve 70. When the hot gas bypass valve 70 opens, the hot gas from the outlet side 72 of the compressor 10 is sent to the outlet side 74 of the TXV 33 where it mixes with the cold liquid that may contain some cold gas. Warm the liquid. If the temperature signal received by the microprocessor 60 is at or above the second high temperature set point, the microprocessor stops sending the signal to the solenoid 75, thereby stopping the solenoid 75 and the hot gas bypass valve 70. Close. In this way, the temperature of the liquid entering the evaporator 40 is accurately controlled.

  The apparatus of the present invention may comprise a hot gas bypass manifold and a plurality of ice formation sensors. This is illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 5, a plurality of ice formation sensors 240 monitor ice formation on the evaporation surface 290. The monitoring point 240 may comprise a sensor coupled directly to the evaporation surface, as in the case of a temperature sensor or frost sensor, or the surface in a remote manner as in the case of a laser beam directed at the surface. May be monitored. In any case, signals from the sensors are collected on bus 210 via connection 250 or sent directly to controller 200. Connection 250 may be, but is not limited to, a solid wire or may comprise a wireless signal connection. For ease of understanding, the connection as a wire is shown in FIG. When controller 200 receives a signal from one or more sensors 240, it sends the signal to hot gas bypass manifold 220. Manifold 220 has an inlet 270 that is connected to the outlet of a compressor (not shown). Thus, manifold 220 contains hot gas from the outlet of the compressor. When the manifold receives a signal from the controller 200, the appropriate path 260 is opened and hot gas can enter the evaporation surface 290 at one or more outlets 230. The opening and closing of the path is controlled by, but not limited to, a valve activated by a solenoid. Other means of controlling the opening and closing of the path will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein, and such means are included within the scope of the present invention. The inlet 230 is located upstream at an arbitrary distance, which is in the direction opposite the refrigerant flow through the system from the ice formation sensor 240 (ie, refrigerant enters the evaporator at 285 and exits at 280). Thus, the hot gas enters the evaporator at 230 and mixes with the refrigerant liquid there, resulting in warming the downstream evaporation surface. Path 260 remains open until controller 200 no longer receives a signal from sensor 240, or if the sensor is a temperature sensor, a selected second set point temperature (the first set point temperature indicates ice formation). The controller 200 is kept open until the controller 200 receives a signal from the sensor indicating that it has reached a low temperature. At such time, the controller 200 sends a signal to the hot gas bypass manifold 220 to close the path 260 so that no further hot gas travels to the inlet 230 to mix with the refrigerant. In this way, very precise control of ice formation on the evaporation surface can be achieved.

  If desired, a receiver (not shown) may be included in the path connecting the condenser 20 and the TXV 30. The receiver acts like a water reservoir and holds warm high-pressure refrigerant liquid until required by the metering device.

  In another example shown in FIG. 6, one embodiment of the present invention is used in a refrigerator. In this embodiment, the microprocessor receives a signal from the timer 300. When microprocessor 60 receives a time signal from timer 300, microprocessor 60 sends a signal to solenoid 75 to activate it. When activated, the solenoid 75 opens the hot gas bypass valve 70. When the hot gas bypass valve 70 opens, the hot gas from the outlet side 72 of the compressor 10 is sent to the outlet side 74 of the TXV 33 where it mixes with the cold liquid that may contain some cold gas. Warm the liquid. When the set end time is reached, the timer 300 sends a signal to the microprocessor, causing the microprocessor to send a signal to the solenoid 75, which stops the solenoid 75 and closes the hot gas bypass valve 70. In this way, the temperature of the liquid entering the evaporator 40 is controlled with considerable accuracy. The period between cycles and the length of each cycle may be preset based on the circumstances under which the device operates at a given time or may be dynamically adjusted.

In other embodiments, the microprocessor 60 receives signals from more than one signal source. For example, FIG. 6 includes a temperature sensor or temperature sensing means 310 and an ice detector or ice detection means 320 in addition to the timers already discussed. In other embodiments, both are not included, but only one sensor (temperature sensor 310 or ice detector 320) is included. The signal that causes the controller 200 to activate the hot gas bypass may be different from the signal that causes the controller 200 to stop the hot gas bypass. The following table shows the possible combinations.

  As is apparent from the table, in embodiments of the invention that include more than one signal source, each signal source may be entrusted to activate the controller. For example, an embodiment of the present invention uses a signal received from the controller to trigger a hot gas bypass to the controller from one or more timer means, temperature sensing means, and ice detection means. You may let them. The controller may also stop the hot gas bypass using signals received by the controller from one or more timers, temperature sensing means, and / or ice detection means. In some embodiments, one signal source is solely responsible for activating the hot bypass means and the other signal source is solely responsible for deactivating the hot gas bypass means. In other embodiments, the signal source may be used for each purpose.

  When the device of the present invention is used for drinking water production, a container is placed under the evaporator and collects water flowing out of it. The container may be manufactured from non-contaminating materials such as, but not limited to, Teflon, PVC, nylon, and other synthetic polymers, stainless steel, glass, or the like. Cover or coat with. The currently preferred material for coating all components that come into contact with water is an enamel material known as FDA Gray. The container may simply be placed under the evaporator or removably attached to the bottom of the evaporator to make it a compact portable unit. In addition, the container is connected to an electrostatic ozone generator, which prevents the growth of microorganisms by passing the bubbles through the collected water as bubbles and keeps the purity of the frit glass gas May be attached. The apparatus of the present invention used for drinking water collection may further include one or more filters such as carbon black and sediment filter limestone to increase the drinking potential of the collected water.

  Thus, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an apparatus and method that prevents ice formation on the evaporation surface of the evaporator during operation of the refrigeration cycle. While the above embodiments and examples have been used to describe the present invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications to the embodiments and examples shown herein are within the scope of the present invention based on what is disclosed herein. Obviously, this can be done without departing from Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims.

It is the schematic which shows the refrigeration cycle apparatus of a prior art. It is the schematic which shows the refrigeration cycle apparatus of this invention which uses a capillary metering means and a hot gas bypass. It is the schematic which shows the refrigeration cycle apparatus of this invention which uses a TXV metering means and a hot gas bypass. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a temperature sensing assembly of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a portion of the apparatus of the present invention, which integrates the two to prevent ice formation on the evaporation surface, multiple ice formation detectors on the evaporation surface, a manifold hot gas bypass system, and It is the schematic which shows a controller. It is the schematic which shows the refrigerating-cycle apparatus of the refrigerator embodiment of this invention which shows the example of several signal sources which communicate with a controller.

Claims (55)

A compressor having an inlet and an outlet;
A condenser having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the condenser inlet is operatively coupled to the compressor outlet;
Metering means comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the metering means inlet is operatively coupled to the condenser outlet;
An evaporator comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an evaporation surface, wherein the evaporator inlet is operably coupled to the metering means outlet, and the evaporator outlet is operative to the compressor inlet An evaporator coupled to the
A hot gas bypass means comprising an inlet, an outlet, an open position, and a closed position, the inlet of the hot gas bypass means being operably coupled to the outlet of the compressor, An outlet is operably coupled to the evaporator inlet or a manifold inlet, the manifold including an inlet and a plurality of outlets, each outlet operating to a different one of the plurality of inlets at different locations on the evaporation surface. A hot gas bypass means operably coupled to the controller; and
One or more means for detecting the onset of ice formation on the evaporating surface, each means being operably coupled to the evaporating surface, each having a different on the evaporating surface if there are more than one; One or more means operably coupled to a location and the controller;
Means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface and a controller operably coupled to the hot gas bypass means;
Refrigerant circulated back from the compressor to the condenser, the metering means, the evaporator, and the compressor in a refrigeration cycle;
The apparatus characterized by comprising.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporating surface comprises one or more lasers.   The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporating surface comprises one or more frost detectors.   The means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface comprises one or more first temperature sensing means coupled to one or more workload temperature sensing subassemblies of the apparatus. Item 2. The apparatus according to Item 1.   One or more second temperature sensing means coupled to the evaporation surface, wherein two or more are each coupled to a different location on the evaporation surface and the controller. Item 5. The apparatus according to any one of Items 1, 2, 3, and 4.   The means for detecting ice formation on the evaporating surface comprises one or more third temperature sensing means coupled to the evaporating surface, where two or more, each at a different location on the evaporating surface. The device of claim 1, wherein the devices are combined.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the metering means comprises an automatic temperature regulating expansion valve.   7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the metering means comprises an automatic temperature regulating expansion valve.   The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the automatic temperature regulating expansion valve comprises a temperature sensing assembly. The temperature sensing assembly includes
A double-walled container comprising an inner member and an outer member;
A first space disposed between the inner member and the outer member;
A second internal space surrounded by the inner member;
An inlet disposed near, in and through the first end of the outer member, the inlet operably coupled to the outlet of the evaporator;
An outlet disposed near, within and through the second end opposite the first end of the outer member, the outlet operably coupled to the inlet of the compressor;
A baffle disposed in the first space and extending from the vicinity of the first end of the outer member to the vicinity of the second end of the outer member;
A temperature sensing valve disposed in the interior space and operably coupled to the automatic temperature regulating expansion valve;
A thermal compound that is similarly disposed in the interior space and in contact with the inner member and the temperature sensing valve;
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, comprising:   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hot gas bypass means comprises a valve.   The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the valve comprises a solenoid.   7. A device according to claim 1, wherein each temperature sensing means independently comprises a thermocouple or a thermistor.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor. A method of performing a refrigeration cycle without forming ice on the evaporation surface,
Providing a compressor comprising an inlet and an outlet;
Providing a condenser comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the condenser inlet is operably coupled to the compressor outlet;
Metering means comprising an inlet and an outlet, the metering means inlet providing a metering means operably coupled to the condenser outlet;
An evaporator comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an evaporation surface, wherein the evaporator inlet is operably coupled to the metering means outlet, and the evaporator outlet is operative to the compressor inlet Providing an evaporator coupled to the
A hot gas bypass means comprising an inlet, an outlet, an open position, and a closed position, the inlet of the hot gas bypass means being operably coupled to the outlet of the compressor, An outlet is operably coupled to the evaporator inlet or a manifold inlet, the manifold including an inlet and a plurality of outlets, each outlet operating to a different one of the plurality of inlets at different locations on the evaporation surface. Providing a hot gas bypass means operatively coupled, wherein the hot gas bypass means is also operatively coupled to a controller;
One or more means for detecting ice formation on the evaporating surface, each such means being operably coupled to the evaporating surface, and if there are more than one means, each Providing one or more means coupled to different locations on the surface and the controller;
Providing one or more temperature sensing means coupled to the evaporation surface and operatively coupled to the controller;
Providing a controller operatively coupled to each means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface, each temperature sensing means, and the hot gas bypass means;
Providing a refrigerant that circulates back from the compressor to the condenser, the metering means, the evaporator, and the compressor in a refrigeration cycle;
Having
When the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporating surface detects such ice formation, a signal is sent to the controller, where the controller sends an open signal to the hot gas bypass means and the hot gas The bypass means maintains an open state until the controller receives a signal from the temperature sensing means exceeding a preset value, and at the time of reception, the controller sends a close signal to the hot gas bypass means. how to.   The method of claim 15, wherein the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporation surface comprises one or more lasers.   The method of claim 15, wherein the means for detecting ice formation on the evaporating surface comprises one or more frost detectors.   The means for detecting ice formation on the evaporating surface comprises one or more first temperature sensing means coupled to one or more workload temperature sensing subassemblies of the apparatus. The method of claim 15.   The method of claim 15, wherein each temperature sensing means comprises a thermocouple or a thermistor.   The method of claim 15, wherein the metering means comprises an automatic temperature regulating expansion valve.   The method of claim 15, wherein the hot gas bypass means comprises a valve.   The method of claim 21, wherein the valve comprises a solenoid.   The method of claim 15, wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor. A method of performing a refrigeration cycle without forming ice on the evaporation surface,
Providing a compressor comprising an inlet and an outlet;
Providing a condenser comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the condenser inlet is operably coupled to the compressor outlet;
Metering means comprising an inlet and an outlet, the metering means inlet providing a metering means operably coupled to the condenser outlet;
An evaporator comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an evaporation surface, wherein the evaporator inlet is operably coupled to the metering means outlet, and the evaporator outlet is operative to the compressor inlet Providing an evaporator coupled to the
A hot gas bypass means comprising an inlet, an outlet, an open position, and a closed position, the inlet of the hot gas bypass means being operably coupled to the outlet of the compressor, An outlet is operably coupled to the evaporator inlet or a manifold inlet, the manifold including an inlet and a plurality of outlets, each outlet operating to a different one of the plurality of inlets at different locations on the evaporation surface. Providing a hot gas bypass means operatively coupled, wherein the hot gas bypass means is operatively coupled to a controller;
Providing one or more temperature sensing means coupled to the evaporation surface, where there are two or more, each of which is coupled to a different location on the evaporation surface; When,
Providing a controller operably coupled to each temperature sensing means and the controller;
Having
Each temperature sensing means measures the temperature at that location of the evaporation surface and sends a signal corresponding to the temperature to the controller, and if the signal is at or below a preselected first set point temperature, the controller An open signal is sent to the hot gas bypass means, and the hot gas bypass means remains open until the controller receives a signal from the temperature sensing means that exceeds a preselected second set point temperature. At the time, the controller sends a close signal to the hot gas bypass means.   The method of claim 24, wherein the metering means comprises an automatic temperature regulating expansion valve.   26. The method of claim 25, wherein the automatic temperature regulating expansion valve further comprises a temperature sensing assembly. The temperature sensing assembly includes
A double-walled container comprising an inner member and an outer member;
A first space disposed between the inner member and the outer member;
A second internal space surrounded by the inner member;
An inlet disposed near, in and through the first end of the outer member, the inlet operably coupled to the outlet of the evaporator;
An outlet disposed near, within and through the second end opposite the first end of the outer member, the outlet operably coupled to the inlet of the compressor;
A baffle disposed in the first space and extending from the vicinity of the first end of the outer member to the vicinity of the second end of the outer member;
A temperature sensing valve disposed in the interior space and operably coupled to the automatic temperature regulating expansion valve;
A thermal compound that is similarly disposed in the interior space and in contact with the inner member and the temperature sensing valve;
27. The method of claim 26, comprising:   The method of claim 24, wherein the hot gas bypass means comprises a valve.   29. The method of claim 28, wherein the valve comprises a solenoid.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein each temperature sensing means independently comprises a thermocouple or thermistor.   The method of claim 24, wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor. A compressor having an inlet and an outlet;
A condenser having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the condenser inlet is operatively coupled to the compressor outlet;
Metering means comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the metering means inlet is operatively coupled to the condenser outlet;
An evaporator comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an evaporation surface, wherein the evaporator inlet is operably coupled to the metering means outlet, and the evaporator outlet is operative to the compressor inlet An evaporator coupled to the
A hot gas bypass system comprising an inlet, an outlet, an open position, and a closed position, wherein the inlet is operatively coupled to an outlet of the compressor, the outlet being an inlet or manifold of the evaporator A hot gas bypass system operably coupled to the inlet;
Refrigerant circulated back from the compressor to the condenser, the metering means, the evaporator, and the compressor in a refrigeration cycle;
A controller operably coupled to the hot gas bypass system;
A timer operably coupled to the controller;
The apparatus characterized by comprising.   The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising one or more ice detection means in operative communication with the controller.   The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising at least one temperature sensing means in operative communication with the controller.   34. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising at least one temperature sensing means in operative communication with the controller.   The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the manifold comprises an inlet and a plurality of outlets, each outlet operably coupled to a different one of the plurality of inlets at different locations on the evaporation surface. A method of performing a refrigeration cycle without forming ice on the evaporation surface,
Providing a compressor comprising an inlet and an outlet;
Providing a condenser comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the condenser inlet is operably coupled to the compressor outlet;
Metering means comprising an inlet and an outlet, the metering means inlet providing a metering means operably coupled to the condenser outlet;
An evaporator comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an evaporation surface, wherein the evaporator inlet is operably coupled to the metering means outlet, and the evaporator outlet is operative to the compressor inlet Providing an evaporator coupled to the
A hot gas bypass system comprising an inlet, an outlet, an open position, and a closed position, wherein the hot gas bypass means inlet is operably coupled to the compressor outlet, the hot gas bypass means Providing an hot gas bypass system with an outlet operably coupled to an inlet of the evaporator or an inlet of the manifold;
Providing a controller capable of activating the hot gas bypass system; and a timer capable of sending a signal to the controller;
Providing a refrigerant that circulates back from the compressor to the condenser, the metering means, the evaporator, and the compressor in a refrigeration cycle;
Providing a timer capable of sending a signal to the controller;
A method comprising the steps of:   The method of claim 37, further comprising causing the timer to send a signal to the controller, causing the controller to alternately start and stop the hot gas bypass system.   38. The method of claim 37, further comprising providing a temperature sensing means.   40. The method of claim 39, further comprising causing the timer to send a signal to the controller and causing the controller to activate the gas bypass system.   41. The method of claim 40, further comprising causing the temperature sensing means to send a signal to the controller, causing the controller to shut down the gas bypass system.   40. The method of claim 39, further comprising causing the temperature sensing means to send a signal to the controller and causing the controller to activate the gas bypass system.   43. The method of claim 42, further comprising causing the timer to send a signal to the controller, causing the controller to stop the gas bypass system.   38. The method of claim 37, further comprising providing an ice detection means.   45. The method of claim 44, further comprising causing the timer to send a signal to the controller and causing the controller to activate the hot gas bypass system.   41. The method of claim 40, further comprising causing the ice detection means to send a signal to the controller, causing the controller to shut down the hot gas bypass system.   45. The method of claim 44, further comprising causing the ice detection means to send a signal to the controller and causing the controller to activate the hot gas bypass system.   43. The method of claim 42, further comprising causing the timer to send a signal to the controller, causing the controller to stop the gas bypass system. A method of performing a refrigeration cycle without forming ice on the evaporation surface,
Providing a compressor comprising an inlet and an outlet;
Providing a condenser comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the condenser inlet is operably coupled to the compressor outlet;
Metering means comprising an inlet and an outlet, the metering means inlet providing a metering means operably coupled to the condenser outlet;
An evaporator comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an evaporation surface, wherein the evaporator inlet is operably coupled to the metering means outlet, and the evaporator outlet is operative to the compressor inlet Providing an evaporator coupled to the
A hot gas bypass comprising an inlet, an outlet, an open position, and a closed position, wherein the hot gas bypass inlet is operably coupled to the compressor outlet, and the hot gas bypass outlet is Operatively coupled to an evaporator inlet or a manifold inlet, the manifold having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, each outlet operatively coupled to a different one of the plurality of inlets at different locations on the evaporation surface Providing an improved hot gas bypass;
Providing a controller operably coupled to the hot gas bypass;
Providing a refrigerant that circulates back from the compressor to the condenser, the metering means, the evaporator, and the compressor in a refrigeration cycle;
Providing a signal source in communication with the controller;
A method comprising the steps of:   50. The method of claim 49, wherein the signal source comprises at least one signal source selected from the group consisting of timer means, temperature sensing means, and ice detection means.   50. The method of claim 49, wherein the signal source comprises at least two signal sources selected from the group consisting of timer means, temperature sensing means, and ice detection means.   51. The method of claim 50, further comprising causing at least one signal source to signal the controller and causing the controller to activate the hot gas bypass.   53. The method of claim 52, further comprising causing at least one signal source to signal the controller and causing the controller to stop the hot gas bypass.   The method further includes the step of causing the controller to receive a signal from at least one signal source selected from the group including timer means, temperature sensing means, and ice detection means, and causing the controller to activate the hot gas bypass. 51. The method of claim 50.   The method further includes causing the controller to receive a signal from at least one signal source selected from the group including timer means, temperature sensing means, and ice detection means, and causing the controller to stop the hot gas bypass. 55. The method of claim 54, wherein:

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