US20050229612A1 - Compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof - Google Patents

Compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050229612A1
US20050229612A1 US10/827,018 US82701804A US2005229612A1 US 20050229612 A1 US20050229612 A1 US 20050229612A1 US 82701804 A US82701804 A US 82701804A US 2005229612 A1 US2005229612 A1 US 2005229612A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
subcooling
refrigerant
amount
cooling system
temperature
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/827,018
Inventor
Peter Hrejsa
Mark Olsen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lennox Manufacturing Inc
Original Assignee
Lennox Manufacturing Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lennox Manufacturing Inc filed Critical Lennox Manufacturing Inc
Priority to US10/827,018 priority Critical patent/US20050229612A1/en
Assigned to LENNOX MANUFACTURING INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE reassignment LENNOX MANUFACTURING INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HREJSA, PETER BRYAN, OLSEN, MARK WILLIAM
Publication of US20050229612A1 publication Critical patent/US20050229612A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B49/00Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/005Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of safety devices
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B45/00Arrangements for charging or discharging refrigerant
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2500/00Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/19Calculation of parameters
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00Control issues
    • F25B2600/07Remote controls
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2116Temperatures of a condenser
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2116Temperatures of a condenser
    • F25B2700/21163Temperatures of a condenser of the refrigerant at the outlet of the condenser

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to compression conditioning systems, and especially to a vapor compression conditioning system, such as a heat pump or air conditioner, that does not require breaching the system to evaluate operation of the system, such as for evaluating state of charge of refrigerant in the system.
  • a vapor compression conditioning system such as a heat pump or air conditioner
  • Proper charge of refrigerant is a crucial requirement for maintaining efficient operation of a compression cooling system.
  • Servicemen visit cooling systems on-site in order to check refrigerant level and to refill or recharge systems that are found to have a low refrigerant charge.
  • Typical measurements performed by a service representative in checking a system involve hauling heavy, unwieldy pressure gauges to the condenser unit of the system (usually located outside the cooled premises, such as on a roof or in a yard). The pressure gauges are hooked up to the refrigerant line of the cooling system so that pressure in the refrigerant fluid line may be measured.
  • results of such testing could be employed to make decisions regarding whether to recharge the system.
  • the actual recharging could be initiated in response to a command entered from a location remote from the system or from a control or calculating device co-located with the system.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,523 to Scaringe for “Simplified Subcooling or Superheated Indicator and Method for Air Conditioning and Other Refrigeration Systems”, issued Oct. 30, 2001 discloses an indicator that can be attached to a pipe at an appropriate location in a cooling system.
  • the indicator uses temperature-indicating crystals or a thermometer to show the superheat or subcooling of the system without requiring saturation curves or tables.
  • the indicator can be scaled between a selected maximum and minimum pressure and laid out so that the corresponding saturation temperature for respective pressure intervals is indicated by the temperature-indicating crystals or thermometer.
  • Scaringe proposes measuring evaporator exit air temperature or condenser inlet air temperature to approximate saturation temperature in the evaporator or the condenser. In any event, Scaringe requires arranging temperature indicating devices to represent a scale of the saturation temperatures of pressures within a predetermined maximum and minimum pressure.
  • a method for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system includes the steps of: (a) in no particular order: (1) measuring a first temperature of the refrigerant in a saturated state; and (2) measuring a second temperature of the refrigerant in a liquid state; and (b) calculating a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature to determine the extant amount of subcooling to which the refrigerant is subjected.
  • a compression cooling system includes: (a) a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser fluidly coupled by a fluid carrying line containing a refrigerant; (b) a first temperature measuring device connected with the system for measuring a first temperature of the refrigerant in a saturated state; and (c) a second temperature measuring device connected with the system for measuring a second temperature of the refrigerant in a liquid state.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a compression cooling system configured according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the method of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a compression cooling system configured according to the present invention.
  • a cooling system 10 includes a compressor 12 , an evaporator 14 and a condenser 16 .
  • a fluid line 18 fluidly couples evaporator 14 with compressor 12 .
  • a fluid line 20 fluidly couples compressor 12 with condenser 16 .
  • a fluid line 22 fluidly couples condenser 16 with an expansion valve 24 .
  • a fluid line 26 fluidly couples expansion valve 24 with evaporator 14 .
  • fluidly couples it is meant that fluid flows substantially freely within fluid lines 18 , 20 , 22 , 26 to transport refrigerant (not shown separately in FIG.
  • a blower fan 28 draws air across evaporator 14 generally in the direction indicated by arrow 30 .
  • a blower fan 32 draws air across condenser 16 generally in the direction indicated by arrow 34 .
  • a building wall 40 bounds a building interior space 42 that is cooled by cooling system 10 .
  • evaporator 14 and blower fan 28 are situated within building interior space 42 .
  • Expansion valve 24 may also be situated within building interior space 42 , if desired.
  • a control unit 44 is configured to include a calculating device (not shown in detail in FIG. 1 ) and is coupled to a thermostat 46 located in building interior space 42 .
  • Other monitoring capabilities may also be carried out by control unit 44 , such as monitoring temperature or air flow near blower fan 32 , as indicated by a monitoring line 48 .
  • Refrigerant is provided to compressor 12 at a compressor intake 50 .
  • Compressed refrigerant is output or exhausted by compressor 12 at a compressor exhaust 52 .
  • Compressed refrigerant proceeds from compressor exhaust 52 to condenser intake 54 .
  • Refrigerant condenses within condenser 16 to a saturated condition within condenser 16 and is further subcooled below saturation condition of the refrigerant.
  • Refrigerant is exhausted from condenser 196 at a condenser exhaust 56 in a liquid state and traverses fluid line 22 to expansion valve 24 .
  • Refrigerant leaves expansion valve 24 via fluid line 26 and enters evaporator 14 .
  • Blower fan 28 draws cold air from about an evaporator coil 15 in evaporator 14 to provide cool air to building interior space 42 .
  • Refrigerant is exhausted from evaporator 14 via fluid line 18 to return to compressor intake 50 .
  • Condenser 16 When cooling system 10 is properly charged with refrigerant, refrigerant arriving at condenser intake 54 is 100% in a vapor state.
  • Condenser 16 includes a condenser coil 17 that presents a plurality of fluid line loops for refrigerant to traverse en route to condenser exhaust 56 . As refrigerant traverses condenser coil 17 from condenser intake 54 to condenser exhaust 56 , refrigerant condenses and becomes saturated.
  • refrigerant may condense from 100% vapor (at condenser intake 54 ) and desuperheat to begin condensing somewhere in the region of locus 55 in condenser coil 17 .
  • the term “superheat” refers to warming of a refrigerant to a temperature above saturation temperature T SATURATION . To desuperheat is to cool to a temperature less than or equal to saturation temperature T SATURATION .
  • the amount of charge in cooling system 10 may vary the locus at which condensation occurs in condenser coil 17 toward condenser intake 54 or toward condenser exhaust 56 .
  • Refrigerant leaving condenser 16 at condenser exhaust 56 is 100% in a liquid state, and is at a temperature lower than temperature of saturated refrigerant in the interior coils of condenser coil 17 . That is, at a locus in condenser coil 17 proximal to condenser exhaust 56 (e.g., locus 57 ), refrigerant traversing condenser coil 17 begins subcooling (i.e., cooling to a temperature below the temperature of saturated refrigerant in the interior of condenser coil 17 ).
  • the amount of charge in cooling system 10 may vary the locus at which subcooling begins toward condenser intake 54 or toward condenser exhaust 56 .
  • the point to note here is that there is an interior portion of condenser coil 17 in which refrigerant is always saturated.
  • a saturation-assured portion 58 of condenser coil 17 is established between loci 55 , 57 .
  • Temperature sensing device 60 in saturation-assured portion 58 assures that temperatures measured by temperature sensing device 60 are indicating saturated temperature (T SATURATED ) of refrigerant within cooling system 10 .
  • the present invention contemplates using subcooling as the primary indicator by which a one may evaluate operation of a compression cooling system, without requiring any complex conversion, calculation or consulting of references to determine another parameter for use in evaluating the operation of the cooling system.
  • one may read temperature from temperature sensing devices 60 , 62 and use expression [1] to simply and straightforwardly ascertain the extant level of subcooling effected by cooling system 10 .
  • refrigerant may be introduced into a fluid line 18 , 20 , 22 , 26 while observing variance of saturation temperature T SATURATION and liquid temperature T LIQUID .
  • Expression [1] may be employed to straightforwardly dynamically monitor and control adding refrigerant to achieve a desired level of subcooling that has been established as indicating a properly operating cooling system.
  • Coupling temperature sensing devices 60 , 62 to control unit 44 provides a capability for automatically effecting checks of subcooling.
  • Control unit 44 may include a calculating device and a memory storage (not shown in detail in FIG. 1 ) for treating indications received from temperature sensing devices 60 , 62 using expression [1], ascertaining whether the extant level of subcooling thereby determined is at least equal with a predetermined acceptable level of subcooling stored in memory in control unit 44 . If the extant level of subcooling indicates a need for adding refrigerant, a control signal may be automatically sent from control unit 44 to a valve control unit 70 .
  • Valve control unit 70 responds to signals from control unit 44 to open valve 74 so that refrigerant may flow from a refrigerant reserve or reservoir 75 to fluid line 20 (other fluid lines 18 , 22 , 24 may be used for refrigerant addition if desired).
  • Control unit 44 may be co-located with cooling system 10 .
  • control system 44 may be remotely co-located from cooling system 10 (not shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • control unit 44 may be co-located with cooling system 10 but may be communication with a remote station (not shown in FIG. 1 ) and respond to commands from the remote station.
  • Communication among control unit 44 , valve control unit 70 and a remote location (if provided) may be carried out via a wired connection or via wireless connection (as indicated at connection locus 72 ).
  • Evaluation of operation of cooling system 10 may be carried out from the remote location. Refrigerant may be added on command from the remote location if desired.
  • cooling system 10 may be configured to permit return of refrigerant to reservoir 75 when control unit 44 determines that subcooling has cooled the refrigerant to too cool a temperature.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the method of the present invention.
  • a method 100 for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system begins at a START locus 102 .
  • Method 100 continues with the step of, in no particular order, (1) measuring a first temperature of the refrigerant in a saturated state, as indicated by a block 104 ; and (2) measuring a second temperature of the refrigerant in a liquid state, as indicated by a block 106 .
  • Method 100 continues with the step of calculating a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature to determine the extant amount of subcooling to which the refrigerant is subjected, as indicated by a block 108 .
  • Method 100 may continue with the step of posing a query whether the extant amount of subcooling is less than a predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling, as indicated by a query block 110 . If the extant amount of subcooling is less than the predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling, method 100 continues via YES response line 112 and refrigerant is added to the cooling system, as indicated by a block 114 . Method 100 thereafter returns to a locus 115 from which method 100 proceeds to carry out method steps indicated by blocks 104 , 106 , 108 , 110 .
  • method 100 continues via NO response line 116 and method 100 terminates at an END locus 118 .

Abstract

A method for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system includes the steps of: (a) in no particular order: (1) measuring a first temperature of the refrigerant in a saturated state; and (2) measuring a second temperature of the refrigerant in a liquid state; and (b) calculating a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature to determine the extant amount of subcooling to which the refrigerant is subjected.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is directed to compression conditioning systems, and especially to a vapor compression conditioning system, such as a heat pump or air conditioner, that does not require breaching the system to evaluate operation of the system, such as for evaluating state of charge of refrigerant in the system.
  • Proper charge of refrigerant is a crucial requirement for maintaining efficient operation of a compression cooling system. Servicemen visit cooling systems on-site in order to check refrigerant level and to refill or recharge systems that are found to have a low refrigerant charge. Typical measurements performed by a service representative in checking a system involve hauling heavy, unwieldy pressure gauges to the condenser unit of the system (usually located outside the cooled premises, such as on a roof or in a yard). The pressure gauges are hooked up to the refrigerant line of the cooling system so that pressure in the refrigerant fluid line may be measured. This connection of pressure gauges necessarily involves breaching the cooling system, which involves a risk that the sealed nature of the system may be compromised and refrigerant may be lost to the atmosphere. The serviceman also measures temperature of the refrigerant in its liquid state. Then a table or other reference is consulted by the serviceman using his pressure and temperature measurements to determine the amount of refrigerant needed to configure the cooling system for efficient operation.
  • It would be useful for the serviceman to be able to more straightforwardly check condition of the cooling system without having to breach the system and risk losing refrigerant.
  • If checking of the refrigerant level could be carried out automatically, then results of such testing could be employed to make decisions regarding whether to recharge the system. The actual recharging could be initiated in response to a command entered from a location remote from the system or from a control or calculating device co-located with the system.
  • It would be useful for checking of the condition of the cooling system to be conducted automatically with a capability to replenish refrigerant when a need for replenishment is indicated.
  • It would also be useful for checking of the condition of the cooling system to be conducted from a location remote from the cooling system.
  • Attempts have been made to simplify checking charge of refrigerant in cooling systems. U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,523 to Scaringe for “Simplified Subcooling or Superheated Indicator and Method for Air Conditioning and Other Refrigeration Systems”, issued Oct. 30, 2001 (hereinafter referred to as “Scaringe”), discloses an indicator that can be attached to a pipe at an appropriate location in a cooling system. The indicator uses temperature-indicating crystals or a thermometer to show the superheat or subcooling of the system without requiring saturation curves or tables. The indicator can be scaled between a selected maximum and minimum pressure and laid out so that the corresponding saturation temperature for respective pressure intervals is indicated by the temperature-indicating crystals or thermometer. Scaringe proposes measuring evaporator exit air temperature or condenser inlet air temperature to approximate saturation temperature in the evaporator or the condenser. In any event, Scaringe requires arranging temperature indicating devices to represent a scale of the saturation temperatures of pressures within a predetermined maximum and minimum pressure.
  • U.S. patent application Publication US2003/0182958 by Mei at al. for “Non-Intrusive Refrigerant Charge Indicator”, published Oct. 2, 2003 (hereinafter referred to as “Mei”), discloses measuring temperature at an outside surface of a two-phase refrigerant line section, and using complicated third-order calculations, tables or charts to convert the measured temperature to a refrigerant pressure within the line section.
  • Neither Scaringe nor Mei have much reduced the complexity involved in evaluating operation of a compression cooling system. Nor do either Scaringe or Mei, individually or in any combination, contribute to remote automatic control and recharging of a cooling system.
  • There is a need for a compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof that permits a serviceman to straightforwardly check the condition of the cooling system without having to breach the system and risk losing refrigerant.
  • There is also a need for a compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof that permits checking of condition of the cooling system to be conducted automatically with a capability to replenish refrigerant when a need for replenishment is indicated.
  • There is also a need for a compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof that permits checking of condition of the cooling system to be conducted from a location remote from the cooling system.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • A method for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system includes the steps of: (a) in no particular order: (1) measuring a first temperature of the refrigerant in a saturated state; and (2) measuring a second temperature of the refrigerant in a liquid state; and (b) calculating a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature to determine the extant amount of subcooling to which the refrigerant is subjected.
  • A compression cooling system includes: (a) a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser fluidly coupled by a fluid carrying line containing a refrigerant; (b) a first temperature measuring device connected with the system for measuring a first temperature of the refrigerant in a saturated state; and (c) a second temperature measuring device connected with the system for measuring a second temperature of the refrigerant in a liquid state.
  • It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof that permits a serviceman to straightforwardly check the condition of the cooling system without having to breach the system and risk losing refrigerant.
  • It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof that permits checking of condition of the cooling system to be conducted automatically with a capability to replenish refrigerant when a need for replenishment is indicated.
  • It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof that permits checking of condition of the cooling system to be conducted from a location remote from the cooling system.
  • Further objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following specification and claims when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are labeled using like reference numerals in the various figures, illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a compression cooling system configured according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the method of the present invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a compression cooling system configured according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a cooling system 10 includes a compressor 12, an evaporator 14 and a condenser 16. A fluid line 18 fluidly couples evaporator 14 with compressor 12. A fluid line 20 fluidly couples compressor 12 with condenser 16. A fluid line 22 fluidly couples condenser 16 with an expansion valve 24. A fluid line 26 fluidly couples expansion valve 24 with evaporator 14. By “fluidly couples” it is meant that fluid flows substantially freely within fluid lines 18, 20, 22, 26 to transport refrigerant (not shown separately in FIG. 1) among evaporator 14, condenser 112, condenser 16 and expansion valve 24. A blower fan 28 draws air across evaporator 14 generally in the direction indicated by arrow 30. A blower fan 32 draws air across condenser 16 generally in the direction indicated by arrow 34.
  • A building wall 40 bounds a building interior space 42 that is cooled by cooling system 10. Preferably, evaporator 14 and blower fan 28 are situated within building interior space 42. Expansion valve 24 may also be situated within building interior space 42, if desired.
  • A control unit 44 is configured to include a calculating device (not shown in detail in FIG. 1) and is coupled to a thermostat 46 located in building interior space 42. Other monitoring capabilities may also be carried out by control unit 44, such as monitoring temperature or air flow near blower fan 32, as indicated by a monitoring line 48.
  • Refrigerant is provided to compressor 12 at a compressor intake 50. Compressed refrigerant is output or exhausted by compressor 12 at a compressor exhaust 52. Compressed refrigerant proceeds from compressor exhaust 52 to condenser intake 54. Refrigerant condenses within condenser 16 to a saturated condition within condenser 16 and is further subcooled below saturation condition of the refrigerant. Refrigerant is exhausted from condenser 196 at a condenser exhaust 56 in a liquid state and traverses fluid line 22 to expansion valve 24. Refrigerant leaves expansion valve 24 via fluid line 26 and enters evaporator 14. Blower fan 28 draws cold air from about an evaporator coil 15 in evaporator 14 to provide cool air to building interior space 42. Refrigerant is exhausted from evaporator 14 via fluid line 18 to return to compressor intake 50.
  • When cooling system 10 is properly charged with refrigerant, refrigerant arriving at condenser intake 54 is 100% in a vapor state. Condenser 16 includes a condenser coil 17 that presents a plurality of fluid line loops for refrigerant to traverse en route to condenser exhaust 56. As refrigerant traverses condenser coil 17 from condenser intake 54 to condenser exhaust 56, refrigerant condenses and becomes saturated. Depending upon the amount of refrigerant present (i.e., the refrigerant charge) in cooling system 10, refrigerant may condense from 100% vapor (at condenser intake 54) and desuperheat to begin condensing somewhere in the region of locus 55 in condenser coil 17. The term “superheat” refers to warming of a refrigerant to a temperature above saturation temperature TSATURATION. To desuperheat is to cool to a temperature less than or equal to saturation temperature TSATURATION.
  • The amount of charge in cooling system 10 may vary the locus at which condensation occurs in condenser coil 17 toward condenser intake 54 or toward condenser exhaust 56. Refrigerant leaving condenser 16 at condenser exhaust 56 is 100% in a liquid state, and is at a temperature lower than temperature of saturated refrigerant in the interior coils of condenser coil 17. That is, at a locus in condenser coil 17 proximal to condenser exhaust 56 (e.g., locus 57), refrigerant traversing condenser coil 17 begins subcooling (i.e., cooling to a temperature below the temperature of saturated refrigerant in the interior of condenser coil 17). The amount of charge in cooling system 10 may vary the locus at which subcooling begins toward condenser intake 54 or toward condenser exhaust 56. The point to note here is that there is an interior portion of condenser coil 17 in which refrigerant is always saturated. By way of example and not by way of limitation, a saturation-assured portion 58 of condenser coil 17 is established between loci 55, 57.
  • Installing a temperature sensing device 60 in saturation-assured portion 58 assures that temperatures measured by temperature sensing device 60 are indicating saturated temperature (TSATURATED) of refrigerant within cooling system 10. Installing a temperature sensing device 62 between condenser exhaust 56 and expansion valve 24 assures that temperatures measured by temperature sensing device 62 are indicating liquid temperature (TLIQUID) of refrigerant within cooling system 10. It is preferred that temperature sensing device 62 be placed as close to condenser exhaust 56 as possible.
  • Subcooling is defined in a compression cooling system as the difference between saturated temperature and liquid temperature of refrigerant in the cooling system. That is,
    SUBCOOLING=T SATURATED −T LIQUID   [1]
  • As mentioned earlier herein, a serviceman nowadays measures pressure in fluid lines in a cooling system and consults tables, charts or similar references to determine saturation temperature TSATURATED. In contrast, the present invention contemplates using subcooling as the primary indicator by which a one may evaluate operation of a compression cooling system, without requiring any complex conversion, calculation or consulting of references to determine another parameter for use in evaluating the operation of the cooling system. Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, one may read temperature from temperature sensing devices 60, 62 and use expression [1] to simply and straightforwardly ascertain the extant level of subcooling effected by cooling system 10. If the extant level of subcooling is less than a predetermined acceptable level of subcooling (provided, by way of example and not by way of limitation, by a reference book, posted on a cabinet containing cooling system 10, or stored in control unit 44), then refrigerant may be introduced into a fluid line 18, 20, 22, 26 while observing variance of saturation temperature TSATURATION and liquid temperature TLIQUID. Expression [1] may be employed to straightforwardly dynamically monitor and control adding refrigerant to achieve a desired level of subcooling that has been established as indicating a properly operating cooling system.
  • Coupling temperature sensing devices 60, 62 to control unit 44, for example, provides a capability for automatically effecting checks of subcooling. Control unit 44 may include a calculating device and a memory storage (not shown in detail in FIG. 1) for treating indications received from temperature sensing devices 60, 62 using expression [1], ascertaining whether the extant level of subcooling thereby determined is at least equal with a predetermined acceptable level of subcooling stored in memory in control unit 44. If the extant level of subcooling indicates a need for adding refrigerant, a control signal may be automatically sent from control unit 44 to a valve control unit 70. Communication with valve control unit 70 by control unit 44 may be carried out via a wired connection or via wireless connection, as indicated at connection locus 72. Valve control unit 70 responds to signals from control unit 44 to open valve 74 so that refrigerant may flow from a refrigerant reserve or reservoir 75 to fluid line 20 ( other fluid lines 18, 22, 24 may be used for refrigerant addition if desired).
  • Control unit 44 may be co-located with cooling system 10. Alternatively, control system 44 may be remotely co-located from cooling system 10 (not shown in FIG. 1). In yet another alternate configuration, control unit 44 may be co-located with cooling system 10 but may be communication with a remote station (not shown in FIG. 1) and respond to commands from the remote station. Communication among control unit 44, valve control unit 70 and a remote location (if provided) may be carried out via a wired connection or via wireless connection (as indicated at connection locus 72). Evaluation of operation of cooling system 10 may be carried out from the remote location. Refrigerant may be added on command from the remote location if desired. Alternatively, cooling system 10 may be configured to permit return of refrigerant to reservoir 75 when control unit 44 determines that subcooling has cooled the refrigerant to too cool a temperature.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the method of the present invention. In FIG. 2, a method 100 for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system begins at a START locus 102. Method 100 continues with the step of, in no particular order, (1) measuring a first temperature of the refrigerant in a saturated state, as indicated by a block 104; and (2) measuring a second temperature of the refrigerant in a liquid state, as indicated by a block 106.
  • Method 100 continues with the step of calculating a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature to determine the extant amount of subcooling to which the refrigerant is subjected, as indicated by a block 108.
  • Method 100 may continue with the step of posing a query whether the extant amount of subcooling is less than a predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling, as indicated by a query block 110. If the extant amount of subcooling is less than the predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling, method 100 continues via YES response line 112 and refrigerant is added to the cooling system, as indicated by a block 114. Method 100 thereafter returns to a locus 115 from which method 100 proceeds to carry out method steps indicated by blocks 104, 106, 108, 110.
  • If the extant amount of subcooling is not less than the predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling, method 100 continues via NO response line 116 and method 100 terminates at an END locus 118.
  • It is to be understood that, while the detailed drawings and specific examples given describe preferred embodiments of the invention, they are for the purpose of illustration only, that the apparatus and method of the invention are not limited to the precise details and conditions disclosed and that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined by the following claims:

Claims (18)

1. A method for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system; the method comprising the steps of:
(a) in no particular order:
(1) measuring a first temperature of said refrigerant in a saturated state; and
(2) measuring a second temperature of said refrigerant in a liquid state; and
(b) calculating a difference between said first temperature and said second temperature to determine the extant amount of subcooling to which said refrigerant is subjected.
2. A method for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system as recited in claim 1 wherein the method comprises the further step of:
(c) comparing said extant amount of subcooling with a predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling.
3. A method for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system as recited in claim 2 wherein the method comprises the further step of:
(d) changing amount of refrigerant in said cooling system when said extant amount of subcooling differs from said predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling by greater than a predetermined amount.
4. A method for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system as recited in claim 1 wherein the method comprises the further step of:
(c) adding refrigerant to said cooling system when said extant amount of subcooling is less than a predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling.
5. A method for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system as recited in claim 3 wherein the method comprises the further step of:
(e) repeating steps (a) through (d) until said extant amount of subcooling differs from said predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling by less than said predetermined amount.
6. A method for evaluating operation of a compression cooling system as recited in claim 4 wherein the method comprises the further step of:
(d) repeating steps (a) through (c) until said extant amount of subcooling differs from said predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling by less than a predetermined amount.
7. A method for evaluating refrigerant charge in a compression cooling system; said system including a first system portion in which said refrigerant is substantially always in a saturated state and a second system portion in which said refrigerant is substantially always in a liquid state; the method comprising the steps of:
(a) in no particular order:
(1) measuring a first temperature of said refrigerant in said first system portion; and
(2) measuring a second temperature of said refrigerant in said second system portion;
(b) calculating a difference between said first temperature and said second temperature to determine the extant amount of subcooling effected by said system.
8. A method for evaluating refrigerant charge in a compression cooling system as recited in claim 7 wherein the method comprises the further step of:
(c) comparing said extant amount of subcooling with a predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling.
9. A method for evaluating refrigerant charge in a compression cooling system as recited in claim 8 wherein the method comprises the further step of:
(d) changing amount of refrigerant in said cooling system when said extant amount of subcooling differs from said predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling by greater than a predetermined amount.
10. A method for evaluating refrigerant charge in a compression cooling system as recited in claim 7 wherein the method comprises the further step of:
(c) adding refrigerant to said system when said extant amount of subcooling differs from said predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling by less than a predetermined amount.
11. A method for evaluating refrigerant charge in a compression cooling system as recited in claim 9 wherein the method comprises the further step of:
(e) repeating steps (a) through (d) until said extant amount of subcooling differs from said predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling by less than said predetermined amount.
12. A method for evaluating refrigerant charge in a compression cooling system as recited in claim 10 wherein the method comprises the further step of:
(d) repeating steps (a) through (c) until said extant amount of subcooling differs from said predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling by less than a predetermined amount.
13. A compression cooling system comprising:
(a) a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser fluidly coupled by at least one fluid carrying line containing a refrigerant;
(b) a first temperature measuring device connected with said system for measuring a first temperature of said refrigerant in a saturated state; and
(c) a second temperature measuring device connected with said system for measuring a second temperature of said refrigerant in a liquid state.
14. A compression cooling system as recited in claim 13 wherein the system further comprises:
(d) a calculating device coupled with said first temperature measuring device and said second temperature measuring device; said calculating device calculating a difference between said first temperature and said second temperature to determine an extant amount of subcooling effected by said system.
15. A compression cooling system as recited in claim 14 wherein the system further comprises:
(e) fluid access fittings in said fluid carrying line for effecting fluid communication with the system from without the system; said fluid access fittings being configured to accommodate a user coupling a refrigerant source with said fittings for changing charge of said refrigerant within said system when said extant amount of subcooling differs from a predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling by greater than a predetermined amount.
16. A compression cooling system as recited in claim 15 wherein said predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling is provided to said user by a tool; said tool being external of said system.
17. A compression cooling system as recited in claim 15 wherein said predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling is provided to said user by said calculating device.
18. A compression cooling system as recited in claim 13 wherein the system further comprises:
(e) fluid access fittings in said at least one fluid carrying line for effecting fluid communication with the system from without the system; said fluid access fittings being configured to accommodate a user coupling a refrigerant source with said fittings for changing charge of said refrigerant within said system when said extant amount of subcooling differs from a predetermined acceptable amount of subcooling by greater than a predetermined amount.
US10/827,018 2004-04-19 2004-04-19 Compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof Abandoned US20050229612A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/827,018 US20050229612A1 (en) 2004-04-19 2004-04-19 Compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/827,018 US20050229612A1 (en) 2004-04-19 2004-04-19 Compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050229612A1 true US20050229612A1 (en) 2005-10-20

Family

ID=35094846

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/827,018 Abandoned US20050229612A1 (en) 2004-04-19 2004-04-19 Compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20050229612A1 (en)

Cited By (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050262857A1 (en) * 2004-05-25 2005-12-01 Hrejsa Peter B Apparatus and method for checking conditioning mode of a heat pump system
US20060036349A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2006-02-16 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for load reduction in an electric power system
US20060032245A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2006-02-16 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for monitoring refrigerant-cycle systems
US20060137364A1 (en) * 2004-12-27 2006-06-29 Carrier Corporation Refrigerant charge adequacy gauge
US20060201168A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2006-09-14 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for monitoring a calibrated condenser unit in a refrigerant-cycle system
US20070125102A1 (en) * 2005-12-05 2007-06-07 Carrier Corporation Detection of refrigerant charge adequacy based on multiple temperature measurements
US20080047284A1 (en) * 2006-03-20 2008-02-28 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Flash tank design and control for heat pumps
US20080302112A1 (en) * 2007-06-08 2008-12-11 American Standard International Inc Refrigerant reheat circuit and charge control
US20090126375A1 (en) * 2005-10-25 2009-05-21 Masaki Toyoshima Air conditioner, refrigerant filling method of air conditioner, method for judging refrigerant filling state of air conditioner as well as refrigerant filling and pipe cleaning method of air conditioner
US20100089076A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2010-04-15 Carrier Corproation Refrigerant charge indication
US20100101246A1 (en) * 2006-07-14 2010-04-29 Trane International Inc. System and Method For Controlling Working Fluid Charge In A Vapor Compression Air Conditioning System
US20100293975A1 (en) * 2007-05-30 2010-11-25 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Air conditioner
US8539785B2 (en) 2009-02-18 2013-09-24 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Condensing unit having fluid injection
WO2014143905A1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. System for refrigerant charge verification
US20140290294A1 (en) * 2013-03-27 2014-10-02 Ming-Li Tso Air heating unit of the air-conditioning
US8964338B2 (en) 2012-01-11 2015-02-24 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. System and method for compressor motor protection
US9121407B2 (en) 2004-04-27 2015-09-01 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor diagnostic and protection system and method
US9140728B2 (en) 2007-11-02 2015-09-22 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor sensor module
EP2040016A3 (en) * 2007-09-19 2016-01-06 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Refrigeration monitoring system and method
US9285802B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2016-03-15 Emerson Electric Co. Residential solutions HVAC monitoring and diagnosis
US9310094B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2016-04-12 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Portable method and apparatus for monitoring refrigerant-cycle systems
US9310439B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2016-04-12 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor having a control and diagnostic module
CN105698460A (en) * 2014-11-28 2016-06-22 青岛海尔智能技术研发有限公司 Refrigerator and cooling capacity compensation method applied to refrigerator
US9551504B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-01-24 Emerson Electric Co. HVAC system remote monitoring and diagnosis
US9638436B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-05-02 Emerson Electric Co. HVAC system remote monitoring and diagnosis
US9765979B2 (en) 2013-04-05 2017-09-19 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Heat-pump system with refrigerant charge diagnostics
US9823632B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2017-11-21 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor data module
US9885507B2 (en) 2006-07-19 2018-02-06 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Protection and diagnostic module for a refrigeration system

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4484452A (en) * 1983-06-23 1984-11-27 The Trane Company Heat pump refrigerant charge control system
US6308523B1 (en) * 2000-03-20 2001-10-30 Mainstream Engineering Corporation Simplified subcooling or superheated indicator and method for air conditioning and other refrigeration systems
US6571566B1 (en) * 2002-04-02 2003-06-03 Lennox Manufacturing Inc. Method of determining refrigerant charge level in a space temperature conditioning system
US20030182950A1 (en) * 2002-03-26 2003-10-02 Mei Viung C. Non-intrusive refrigerant charge indicator

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4484452A (en) * 1983-06-23 1984-11-27 The Trane Company Heat pump refrigerant charge control system
US6308523B1 (en) * 2000-03-20 2001-10-30 Mainstream Engineering Corporation Simplified subcooling or superheated indicator and method for air conditioning and other refrigeration systems
US20030182950A1 (en) * 2002-03-26 2003-10-02 Mei Viung C. Non-intrusive refrigerant charge indicator
US6571566B1 (en) * 2002-04-02 2003-06-03 Lennox Manufacturing Inc. Method of determining refrigerant charge level in a space temperature conditioning system

Cited By (83)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10335906B2 (en) 2004-04-27 2019-07-02 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor diagnostic and protection system and method
US9669498B2 (en) 2004-04-27 2017-06-06 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor diagnostic and protection system and method
US9121407B2 (en) 2004-04-27 2015-09-01 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor diagnostic and protection system and method
US20050262857A1 (en) * 2004-05-25 2005-12-01 Hrejsa Peter B Apparatus and method for checking conditioning mode of a heat pump system
US9017461B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2015-04-28 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring a refrigeration-cycle system
US20060036349A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2006-02-16 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for load reduction in an electric power system
US20060196196A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2006-09-07 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for airflow monitoring refrigerant-cycle systems
US20060196197A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2006-09-07 Lawrence Kates Intelligent thermostat system for load monitoring a refrigerant-cycle apparatus
US20060201168A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2006-09-14 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for monitoring a calibrated condenser unit in a refrigerant-cycle system
US7201006B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2007-04-10 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for monitoring air-exchange evaporation in a refrigerant-cycle system
US9086704B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2015-07-21 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring a refrigeration-cycle system
US7244294B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2007-07-17 Lawrence Kates Air filter monitoring system
US7275377B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2007-10-02 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for monitoring refrigerant-cycle systems
US20080016888A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2008-01-24 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for monitoring refrigerant-cycle systems
US7331187B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2008-02-19 Lawrence Kates Intelligent thermostat system for monitoring a refrigerant-cycle apparatus
US9023136B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2015-05-05 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring a refrigeration-cycle system
US20060032248A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2006-02-16 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for monitoring air-exchange evaporation in a refrigerant-cycle system
US7343751B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2008-03-18 Lawrence Kates Intelligent thermostat system for load monitoring a refrigerant-cycle apparatus
US8974573B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2015-03-10 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring a refrigeration-cycle system
US7424343B2 (en) * 2004-08-11 2008-09-09 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for load reduction in an electric power system
US20080216495A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2008-09-11 Lawrence Kates Intelligent thermostat system for load monitoring a refrigerant-cycle apparatus
US20080223051A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2008-09-18 Lawrence Kates Intelligent thermostat system for monitoring a refrigerant-cycle apparatus
US10558229B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2020-02-11 Emerson Climate Technologies Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring refrigeration-cycle systems
US7469546B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2008-12-30 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for monitoring a calibrated condenser unit in a refrigerant-cycle system
US20060032379A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2006-02-16 Lawrence Kates Air filter monitoring system
US9081394B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2015-07-14 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring a refrigeration-cycle system
US9046900B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2015-06-02 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring refrigeration-cycle systems
US9304521B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2016-04-05 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Air filter monitoring system
US20060032245A1 (en) * 2004-08-11 2006-02-16 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for monitoring refrigerant-cycle systems
US9021819B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2015-05-05 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring a refrigeration-cycle system
US9690307B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2017-06-27 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring refrigeration-cycle systems
US8034170B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2011-10-11 Lawrence Kates Air filter monitoring system
US20060137364A1 (en) * 2004-12-27 2006-06-29 Carrier Corporation Refrigerant charge adequacy gauge
US7712319B2 (en) * 2004-12-27 2010-05-11 Carrier Corporation Refrigerant charge adequacy gauge
US9103574B2 (en) 2005-10-25 2015-08-11 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air conditioner, refrigerant filling method of air conditioner, method for judging refrigerant filling state of air conditioner as well as refrigerant filling and pipe cleaning method of air conditioner
US8087258B2 (en) * 2005-10-25 2012-01-03 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air conditioner, refrigerant filling method of air conditioner, method for judging refrigerant filling state of air conditioner as well as refrigerant filling and pipe cleaning method of air conditioner
US20090126375A1 (en) * 2005-10-25 2009-05-21 Masaki Toyoshima Air conditioner, refrigerant filling method of air conditioner, method for judging refrigerant filling state of air conditioner as well as refrigerant filling and pipe cleaning method of air conditioner
US20070125102A1 (en) * 2005-12-05 2007-06-07 Carrier Corporation Detection of refrigerant charge adequacy based on multiple temperature measurements
US7386985B2 (en) * 2005-12-05 2008-06-17 Carrier Corporation Detection of refrigerant charge adequacy based on multiple temperature measurements
US7827809B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2010-11-09 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Flash tank design and control for heat pumps
US20080047292A1 (en) * 2006-03-20 2008-02-28 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Flash tank design and control for heat pumps
US20080047284A1 (en) * 2006-03-20 2008-02-28 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Flash tank design and control for heat pumps
US8020402B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2011-09-20 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Flash tank design and control for heat pumps
US8505331B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2013-08-13 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Flash tank design and control for heat pumps
US20100101246A1 (en) * 2006-07-14 2010-04-29 Trane International Inc. System and Method For Controlling Working Fluid Charge In A Vapor Compression Air Conditioning System
US9885507B2 (en) 2006-07-19 2018-02-06 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Protection and diagnostic module for a refrigeration system
US9823632B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2017-11-21 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor data module
US9568226B2 (en) * 2006-12-20 2017-02-14 Carrier Corporation Refrigerant charge indication
US20100089076A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2010-04-15 Carrier Corproation Refrigerant charge indication
US20100293975A1 (en) * 2007-05-30 2010-11-25 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Air conditioner
US8899056B2 (en) * 2007-05-30 2014-12-02 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Air conditioner
US20080302112A1 (en) * 2007-06-08 2008-12-11 American Standard International Inc Refrigerant reheat circuit and charge control
US7980087B2 (en) * 2007-06-08 2011-07-19 Trane International Inc. Refrigerant reheat circuit and charge control with target subcooling
US10352602B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2019-07-16 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Portable method and apparatus for monitoring refrigerant-cycle systems
US9310094B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2016-04-12 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Portable method and apparatus for monitoring refrigerant-cycle systems
EP2040016A3 (en) * 2007-09-19 2016-01-06 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Refrigeration monitoring system and method
US9140728B2 (en) 2007-11-02 2015-09-22 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor sensor module
US10458404B2 (en) 2007-11-02 2019-10-29 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor sensor module
US9194894B2 (en) 2007-11-02 2015-11-24 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor sensor module
US9494356B2 (en) 2009-02-18 2016-11-15 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Condensing unit having fluid injection
US8539785B2 (en) 2009-02-18 2013-09-24 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Condensing unit having fluid injection
US10234854B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2019-03-19 Emerson Electric Co. Remote HVAC monitoring and diagnosis
US9285802B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2016-03-15 Emerson Electric Co. Residential solutions HVAC monitoring and diagnosis
US9703287B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2017-07-11 Emerson Electric Co. Remote HVAC monitoring and diagnosis
US10884403B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2021-01-05 Emerson Electric Co. Remote HVAC monitoring and diagnosis
US9876346B2 (en) 2012-01-11 2018-01-23 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. System and method for compressor motor protection
US9590413B2 (en) 2012-01-11 2017-03-07 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. System and method for compressor motor protection
US8964338B2 (en) 2012-01-11 2015-02-24 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. System and method for compressor motor protection
US9762168B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2017-09-12 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor having a control and diagnostic module
US9310439B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2016-04-12 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor having a control and diagnostic module
EP2972013A4 (en) * 2013-03-15 2016-11-30 Emerson Climate Technologies System for refrigerant charge verification
US9803902B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-10-31 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. System for refrigerant charge verification using two condenser coil temperatures
US10775084B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-09-15 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. System for refrigerant charge verification
US9638436B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-05-02 Emerson Electric Co. HVAC system remote monitoring and diagnosis
US10274945B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-04-30 Emerson Electric Co. HVAC system remote monitoring and diagnosis
WO2014143905A1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. System for refrigerant charge verification
US10488090B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-11-26 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. System for refrigerant charge verification
US9551504B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-01-24 Emerson Electric Co. HVAC system remote monitoring and diagnosis
US20140290294A1 (en) * 2013-03-27 2014-10-02 Ming-Li Tso Air heating unit of the air-conditioning
US10060636B2 (en) 2013-04-05 2018-08-28 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Heat pump system with refrigerant charge diagnostics
US10443863B2 (en) 2013-04-05 2019-10-15 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Method of monitoring charge condition of heat pump system
US9765979B2 (en) 2013-04-05 2017-09-19 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Heat-pump system with refrigerant charge diagnostics
CN105698460A (en) * 2014-11-28 2016-06-22 青岛海尔智能技术研发有限公司 Refrigerator and cooling capacity compensation method applied to refrigerator

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20050229612A1 (en) Compression cooling system and method for evaluating operation thereof
US6868678B2 (en) Non-intrusive refrigerant charge indicator
EP1970651B1 (en) Refrigerating/air conditioning system having refrigerant leakage detecting function, refrigerator/air conditioner and method for detecting leakage of refrigerant
US10775084B2 (en) System for refrigerant charge verification
US7079967B2 (en) Apparatus and method for detecting faults and providing diagnostics in vapor compression cycle equipment
US9417000B1 (en) Cost-effective remote monitoring, diagnostic and system health prediction system and method for vapor compression and heat pump units based on compressor discharge line temperature sampling
CN102378884B (en) Refrigeration cycle device
US9568226B2 (en) Refrigerant charge indication
JP5558555B2 (en) Refrigeration air conditioner
EP2103889B1 (en) Method for charging refrigerant into an air-conditioner
TWI302978B (en) System and method for detecting decreased performance in a refrigeration system
JP5183609B2 (en) Refrigeration air conditioner
US6701725B2 (en) Estimating operating parameters of vapor compression cycle equipment
CN102149990B (en) Leakage diagnosing device, leakage diagnosing method, and refrigerating device
US20060041335A9 (en) Apparatus and method for servicing vapor compression cycle equipment
KR20090085888A (en) Method for calculating the mass of a refrigerant in air conditioning apparatus
CN101091093A (en) Hvac monitor and superheat calculator system
JP2008510122A (en) Method and apparatus for monitoring refrigerant cycle system
CN107110539A (en) The abnormality determination method of the control device of air-conditioning system, air-conditioning system and air-conditioning system
US6308523B1 (en) Simplified subcooling or superheated indicator and method for air conditioning and other refrigeration systems
CN109983286A (en) Method for carrying out failure mitigation in vapor compression system
JP5213990B2 (en) Refrigeration air conditioner
JP5473957B2 (en) Refrigerant leak detection device and refrigeration air conditioner
JPH08121917A (en) Refrigerant quantity determining device
JPH1183250A (en) Amount of refrigerant judging method of air conditioner

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: LENNOX MANUFACTURING INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE, TE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HREJSA, PETER BRYAN;OLSEN, MARK WILLIAM;REEL/FRAME:015237/0520

Effective date: 20040415

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION