US20100229579A1 - Method and apparatus for dehumidification - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for dehumidification Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100229579A1 US20100229579A1 US12/785,063 US78506310A US2010229579A1 US 20100229579 A1 US20100229579 A1 US 20100229579A1 US 78506310 A US78506310 A US 78506310A US 2010229579 A1 US2010229579 A1 US 2010229579A1
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- refrigerant
- circuits
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- evaporator
- compressor
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- 238000007791 dehumidification Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 66
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 42
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 244
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 37
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000013529 heat transfer fluid Substances 0.000 description 80
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 44
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 24
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 17
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000003303 reheating Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000009529 body temperature measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009420 retrofitting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005514 two-phase flow Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
- F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
- F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
- F24F3/153—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification with subsequent heating, i.e. with the air, given the required humidity in the central station, passing a heating element to achieve the required temperature
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/04—Refrigeration circuit bypassing means
- F25B2400/0403—Refrigeration circuit bypassing means for the condenser
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/25—Control of valves
- F25B2600/2507—Flow-diverting valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B5/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity
- F25B5/02—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
Definitions
- HVAC heating, ventilation and air conditioner
- Dehumidification of air in HVAC systems typically takes place through the use of the evaporator in cooling mode.
- One drawback to using an evaporator, alone, for dehumidification, is the excess reduction in air temperature that results, which is commonly referred to as overcooling.
- Overcooling occurs when air that is subject to dehumidification is cooled to a temperature that is below the desired temperature of the air. Overcooling is a particular problem when the dehumidification is required in a room that is already relatively cool. Overcooling generally involves air temperatures of approximately 50° F. to 55° F. or lower.
- the '133 patent is directed to a dehumidification method that controls refrigerant flow through circuits within the indoor coil of an air conditioning/heat pump unit.
- the '133 patent system when providing dehumidification, has a liquid header that distributes the refrigerant across several circuits within the indoor coil. At the opposite end of the indoor coil, the outlets of the various circuits of the coil are allowed to flow into a single common vapor header.
- the liquid header at the inlet of the indoor coil contains a solenoid valve that may be closed to prevent refrigerant flow to one or more of the circuits within the coil.
- the '133 patent system operates such that when humidity reaches a certain level, the valve in the liquid header is closed in order to limit the number of available circuits for refrigerant flow.
- the area of the indoor coil that remains in the active circuit and receives refrigerant flow experiences an increase in refrigerant flow through a given heat transfer area.
- the increased flow of refrigerant results in a greater amount of moisture being removed from the air in that portion of the indoor coil.
- the distribution to the parts of the indoor coil is achieved through a single liquid header.
- the operation of the '133 patent system is only concerned with removal of humidity.
- One drawback of the '133 system is that the dehumidified air is not reheated and may be overcooled.
- Another drawback of the '133 system is that the inlet header does not distribute flow across the circuits of the evaporator, leading to uneven phase distribution of refrigerant across the evaporator heat exchanger.
- the present application is directed to an HVAC system including a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator arrangement connected in a closed refrigerant loop.
- the evaporator arrangement includes a plurality of refrigerant circuits.
- the evaporator arrangement also includes at least one distributor configured to distribute and deliver refrigerant to each circuit of the plurality of circuits.
- the plurality of circuits are arranged into a first and second set of circuits.
- the evaporator arrangement also includes an isolation means configured and disposed to isolate the first set of circuits from refrigerant flow from the condenser and to permit flow of refrigerant from the compressor during a dehumidification operation of the HVAC system.
- the evaporator arrangement includes a plurality of refrigerant circuits.
- the evaporator arrangement also includes at least one distribution arrangement configured to distribute and deliver refrigerant to each circuit of the plurality of circuits.
- the plurality of circuits is arranged into a plurality of sets of circuits.
- the evaporator arrangement also includes a valve arrangement configured and disposed to isolate at least one of the sets of circuits from refrigerant flow from the condenser and to permit flow of refrigerant from the compressor during a dehumidification operation of the HVAC system.
- Still another embodiment of the present application includes a method for dehumidification.
- the method comprises providing a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator arrangement connected in a closed refrigerant loop.
- the evaporator arrangement including a plurality of refrigerant circuits.
- the evaporator arrangement also includes at least one distributor configured to distribute and deliver refrigerant to each circuit of the plurality of circuits.
- the plurality of circuits are arranged into a first and second set of circuits.
- the evaporator arrangement also includes a valve configured and disposed to prevent refrigerant flow from the condenser to the first set of circuits upon being in a closed position.
- the method further includes determining an operational mode for the refrigeration cycle.
- the operational mode being a selected from the group consisting of cooling and dehumidification.
- the first set of refrigerant circuits are isolated from flow of refrigerant from the condenser and provided with flow of refrigerant from the compressor when the operational mode is dehumidification. Flow of refrigerant is permitted from the condenser to both the first and second set of refrigerant circuits when the operational mode is cooling. Heat transfer fluid is flowed over the evaporator, the heat transfer fluid being in a heat exchange relationship with the evaporator.
- One advantage of the present application is that it may easily be retrofitted into existing systems.
- Another advantage of the present application is that the system and method distributes refrigerant substantially uniformly across the evaporator to provide substantially uniform refrigerant phase distribution and heat exchange across the evaporator.
- Another advantage of the present application is that the system can reheat air without the need for a separate airflow system.
- Another advantage of the present application is that the system does not require a discrete reheat coil.
- Another advantage of this system is that enhanced dehumidification features are made available without increasing energy usage associated with circulating indoor air.
- FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a refrigeration or HVAC system.
- FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an evaporator and piping arrangement of the present application.
- FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of an evaporator and piping arrangement of the present application.
- FIG. 4 illustrates further embodiment of an evaporator and piping arrangement of the present application.
- FIG. 5 illustrates schematically one embodiment of a refrigeration or HVAC system according to the present application.
- FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a refrigeration or HVAC system of another embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a refrigeration or HVAC system of a further embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a suction header arrangement for an evaporator of the present application.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a control method of the present application.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a control method of another embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a control method of a further embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a control method of a further embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a control method of a further embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a HVAC, refrigeration, or chiller refrigeration system 100 .
- Refrigeration system 100 includes a compressor 130 , a condenser 120 , and an evaporator 110 .
- Refrigerant is circulated through the refrigeration system 100 .
- the compressor 130 compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers it to the condenser 120 through compressor discharge line 135 .
- the compressor 130 is preferably a reciprocating or scroll compressor, however, any other suitable type of compressor can be used, for example, screw compressor, rotary compressor, and centrifugal compressor.
- the refrigerant vapor delivered by the compressor 130 to the condenser 120 enters into a heat exchange relationship with a first heat transfer fluid 150 heating the fluid while undergoing a phase change to a refrigerant liquid as a result of the heat exchange relationship with the fluid 150 .
- the first heat transfer fluid 150 is moved by use of a fan 170 (see FIG. 5 ), which moves the first heat transfer fluid 150 through condenser 120 in a direction perpendicular the cross section of the condenser 120 .
- the second heat transfer fluid 155 is moved by use of a blower 160 (see FIG. 5 ), which moves the second heat transfer fluid 155 through evaporator 110 in a direction perpendicular the cross section of the evaporator 110 .
- any fluid moving means may be used to move fluid through the evaporator and condenser.
- Suitable fluids for use as the first heat transfer fluid 150 include, but are not limited to, air and water.
- the refrigerant vapor delivered to the condenser 120 enters into a heat exchange relationship with air as the first heat transfer fluid 150 .
- the refrigerant leaves the condenser through the evaporator inlet line 140 and is delivered to an evaporator 110 .
- the evaporator 110 includes a heat-exchanger coil.
- the liquid refrigerant in the evaporator 110 enters into a heat exchange relationship with the second heat transfer fluid 155 and undergoes a phase change to a refrigerant vapor as a result of the heat exchange relationship with the second fluid 155 , which lowers the temperature of the second heat transfer fluid 155 .
- Suitable fluids for use as the second heat transfer fluid 155 include, but are not limited to, air and water.
- the refrigerant vapor delivered to the evaporator 110 enters into a heat exchange relationship with air as the second heat transfer fluid 155 .
- the vapor refrigerant in the evaporator 110 exits the evaporator 110 and returns to the compressor 130 through a compressor suction line 145 to complete the cycle.
- condenser 120 any suitable configuration of condenser 120 can be used in the system 100 , provided that the appropriate phase change of the refrigerant in the condenser 120 is obtained.
- the conventional refrigerant system includes many other features that are not shown in FIG. 1 . These features have been purposely omitted to simplify the figure for ease of illustration.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a partitioned evaporator 200 according to one embodiment of the present application.
- the inlet of the partitioned evaporator 200 includes an inlet line 140 from the condenser 120 , a first and second expansion device 260 and 265 , an isolation valve 250 and a first and second distributor 240 and 245 .
- the expansion device may be any suitable refrigerant expanding device, including a thermostatic expansion valve, a thermal-electric expansion valve, or an orifice.
- the first expansion device 260 is positioned between inlet line 140 and the first distributor 240 .
- the second expansion device 265 is positioned between the inlet line 140 and the second distributor 245 .
- the partitioned evaporator 200 includes a plurality of refrigerant circuits 210 .
- the number of circuits 210 may be any number of circuits 210 that provide sufficient heat transfer to maintain operation of the partitioned evaporator within the refrigerant system 100 .
- the partitioned evaporator 200 is preferably partitioned into a first and second portion 220 and 230 . Although FIG. 2 shows the evaporator 200 as only including two portions, any number of portions may be used in the present application.
- the first and second evaporator portion 220 and 230 may be sized in any proportion.
- the first evaporator portion 220 may be 60% of the size of the partitioned evaporator 200 and the second evaporator portion 230 may be 40% of the size of the partitioned evaporator 200 or the first evaporator portion 220 may be 40% of the size of the partitioned evaporator 200 and the second evaporator portion 230 may be 60% of the size of the partitioned evaporator 200 or the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 may each represent 50% of the size of the partitioned evaporator 200 .
- FIG. 2 shows the partitioned evaporator 200 as only including two portions, any number of portions may be used in the present application.
- the flow may be regulated to each of the portions.
- two of the three portions include valve arrangements that allow independent isolation of each of these portions.
- One or both of the two portions with valve arrangements may be isolated, dependent on a signal from a controller and/or sensor.
- the outlet of the partitioned evaporator 200 includes a first and second suction header 270 and 275 , a first and second sensing devices 264 and 269 , and a suction line 145 to the compressor 130 .
- the first suction header 270 receives refrigerant from the circuits 210 in the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the second suction header 275 receives refrigerant from the circuits 210 present in the second evaporator portion 230 .
- the first sensing device 264 is positioned between the first suction header 270 and the suction line 145 .
- the first sensing device 264 senses the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the first suction header 270 and compares the temperature of the refrigerant to the temperature of the refrigerant at the first expansion device 260 through line 262 .
- the flow of refrigerant through the first expansion device 260 is increased as the temperature difference at the first sensing device 264 and the first expansion device 260 increases.
- the flow of refrigerant through the first expansion device 260 is decreased as the temperature difference at the first sensing device 264 and the first expansion device 260 decreases.
- the second expansion device 265 operates in the same manner with respect to the refrigerant discharge from the second suction header 275 , which senses temperature at second sensing device 269 , and communicates the temperature measurement to the second expansion device 265 through line 267 .
- sensing devices 264 and 269 may communicate temperature to a thermostat or other control device, which provides control to the system.
- the partitioned evaporator according to the application may use a first and second expansion device 260 and 265 , such as orifice plates, that do not require sensing devices 264 and 269 .
- the isolation valve 250 allows the first portion 220 of the partitioned evaporator to be isolated from flow of refrigerant.
- the size of the second expansion device 265 (i.e., the amount of flow permitted through the valve) is greater than the size of the first expansion device 260 .
- refrigerant flows from the condenser 120 to the partitioned evaporator 200 through line 140 .
- the flow is split into two refrigerant flow paths prior to entering the partitioned evaporator 200 .
- FIG. 2 shows two paths leading to the distributors 240 and 245 , the refrigerant flow may be split into two or more paths. If the system is in a cooling only mode, isolation valve 250 is open and refrigerant is permitted to flow into both the first and second portions 220 and 230 of the partitioned evaporator 200 .
- the two refrigerant flow paths are further split by a first and second distributor 240 and 245 into a plurality of lines, corresponding to the individual refrigerant circuits 210 .
- the first and second distributors 240 and 245 may include any number of refrigerant lines that distribute the flow to the individual circuits within the partitioned evaporator 200 .
- Refrigerant passing through an expansion device is typically present as a two-phase fluid. Distributors provide substantially even distribution of two-phase flow.
- the first and second distributors 240 and 245 provide refrigerant to the circuits 210 of the partitioned evaporator 200 .
- the distributors 240 and 245 distribute the refrigerant prior to entering the circuits 210 of the evaporator, providing uniform phase distribution across the circuits 210 of the partitioned evaporator 200 to provide substantially uniform heat transfer.
- the refrigerant flows into the circuits 210 of first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 .
- the circuits 210 permit heat transfer from the refrigerant to a second heat transfer fluid 155 to cool the second heat transfer fluid 155 .
- the refrigerant then travels from the first and second headers 270 and 275 past the first and second sensing devices 264 and 269 .
- the first and second sensing devices 264 and 269 sense the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the partitioned evaporator 200 and communicates the temperature to the first and second expansion devices 260 and 265 in order to determine refrigerant flow. After traveling past the first and second sensing devices 264 and 269 , the refrigerant is delivered to compressor 130 through line 145 .
- isolation valve 250 is closed and refrigerant flow to the first evaporator portion 220 is prevented.
- the refrigerant flow in the second evaporator portion 230 occurs substantially as described above in cooling mode. However, the flow of refrigerant to the first evaporator portion 220 is prevented. Since flow to the first evaporator portion 220 is prevented, the flow to the second evaporator portion is increased. Due to the reduction of evaporator surface area, overall heat transfer into the evaporator coil is decreased. This reduction in evaporator surface area results in a drop on overall system pressures.
- the refrigerant present in the evaporator will boil at a lower temperature than it did previously resulting in greater dehumidification over that portion of the evaporator coil. Therefore, when the second heat transfer fluid 155 is passed through the second evaporator portion 230 the second heat transfer fluid 155 is cooled and dehumidified, and the second heat transfer fluid 155 passing through the first evaporator portion remains substantially unchanged in temperature and humidity from inlet to outlet.
- the second heat transfer fluid 155 passed through the second evaporator portion 230 is generally overcooled and the second heat transfer fluid 155 passed through the first evaporator portion 220 is warmer.
- the warmer second heat transfer fluid 155 that passes though the first evaporator portion 220 mixes with the second heat transfer fluid 155 passing through the second evaporator portion 230 and produces an outlet heat transfer fluid, preferably air, that is dehumidified and not overcooled.
- the flow of the second heat transfer fluid 155 is substantially perpendicular to the cross-section of the evaporator. The direction of the flow is such that the heat transfer fluid 155 flows simultaneously through first evaporator portion 220 and second evaporator portion 230 .
- a single means for moving the second heat transfer fluid 155 such as an air blower 160 , can be used to simultaneously move air through first evaporator portion 220 and second evaporator portion 230 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a partitioned evaporator 200 according to another embodiment of the present application.
- the inlet of the partitioned evaporator 200 includes substantially the same arrangement of components as FIG. 2 , including an inlet line 140 from the condenser 120 , expansion devices 260 and 265 , check valve 255 and first and second distributors 240 and 245 .
- FIG. 3 shows check valve 255 as a separate device, the check valve may be integrated into the expansion device.
- the check valve 255 is any suitable device capable of blocking flow in one direction, while permitting flow in the opposite direction.
- the partitioned evaporator 200 includes substantially the same arrangement of refrigerant circuits 210 as FIG. 2 .
- the third includes the first and second suction headers 270 and 275 , first and second sensing devices 264 and 269 , a suction line 145 to the compressor 130 and a suction line 310 to a three-way valve 610 (see FIG. 6 ).
- the first suction header 270 receives refrigerant from the circuits 210 present in the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the second suction header 275 receives refrigerant from the circuits 210 present in the second evaporator portion 220 .
- the first sensing device 264 is positioned on discharge line 310 .
- the first sensing device 264 senses the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the first suction header 270 and compares the temperature of the refrigerant to the temperature of the refrigerant at the first expansion device 260 through line 262 .
- the flow of refrigerant through the first expansion device 260 is increased as the temperature difference at the first sensing device 264 and the first expansion device 260 increases.
- the flow of refrigerant through the first expansion device 260 is decreased as the temperature difference at the first sensing device 264 and the first expansion device 260 decreases.
- the second expansion device 265 operates in the same manner with respect to the refrigerant discharge from the second header 275 and communicates the temperature measurement to the second expansion 265 through line 267 .
- the use of independent expansion devices 260 and 265 allows independent control of the flow through each of the portions of the evaporator.
- FIG. 3 like in the system shown in FIG. 2 , refrigerant flows from the condenser 120 into the partitioned evaporator 200 through line 140 , through the valve arrangement, including the first and second expansion devices 260 and 265 , and into the first and second distributors 240 and 245 .
- the circuits 210 permit heat transfer to the refrigerant from the second heat transfer fluid 155 that flows through the circuits perpendicular to the cross-section shown in FIG. 3 . Due to the heat transfer with the second heat transfer fluid 155 , the refrigerant entering the first and second headers 270 and 275 generally has a higher temperature than the temperature of the refrigerant entering the partitioned evaporator.
- the refrigerant flow through line 310 from the first header 270 travels past the first sensing device 264 and travels to a three-way valve 610 , discussed in greater detail below.
- the three-way valve 610 diverts flow from line 310 to suction line 145 and any flow of compressor discharge gas thru three-way valve 610 is prevented.
- the refrigerant flow through line 145 from the second header 275 travels past the second sensing device 269 to compressor 130 .
- the sensing devices 264 and 269 sense the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the partitioned the respective flow sections of the evaporator 200 and communicate with the first and second expansion devices 260 and 265 in order to determine refrigerant flow for each flow section. After traveling past the first and second sensing devices 264 and 269 , the refrigerant is delivered to the compressor 130 as discussed in detail below with regard to FIG. 6 .
- the hot refrigerant gas is at least partially condensed to a liquid in the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the refrigerant which is at least partially condensed to a liquid, substantially bypasses expansion device 260 by traveling through check valve 255 .
- the flow through check valve 255 combines with the inlet flow 140 and enters the second evaporator portion 230 through the second distributor 245 .
- the junction point where the two refrigerant streams meet may be a “tee” junction or may be a liquid receiver. Due to the overall reduction of heat exchanger area available to the evaporating refrigerant, overall system pressure decreases resulting in lower evaporation temperatures in the lower portion of the coil. Dehumidification over this portion of the coil is increased.
- hot gas refrigerant entering the first evaporator portion 220 of the partitioned evaporator 200 provides an increase in the temperature of the first evaporator portion 220 due to the condensing of the hot gas and the heat transfer from the hot gas. Therefore, the second heat transfer fluid 155 passing through the second evaporator portion 230 is cooled and dehumidified, while the second heat transfer fluid 155 passing through the first evaporator portion 220 receives heat exchanged from the hot gas refrigerant from the compressor discharge.
- This second heat transfer fluid 155 simultaneously is circulated through first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 by fluid moving means, such as an air blower 160 , when the second heat transfer fluid 155 is air.
- the warmer second heat transfer fluid 155 that passes though the first evaporator portion 220 mixes with the second heat transfer fluid 155 passing through the second evaporator portion 230 and produces an outlet heat transfer fluid, preferably air, that is dehumidified and not overcooled.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a partitioned evaporator 200 according to a further embodiment of the present application.
- the inlet of the partitioned evaporator 200 includes an inlet line 140 from the condenser 120 , a bypass line 410 from the discharge of the compressor 130 (see FIG. 7 ), first and second expansion devices 260 and 265 , isolation valve 250 , and first and second distributors 240 and 245 .
- the first expansion device 260 and the isolation valve 250 are positioned between inlet line 140 and the first distributor 240 .
- Bypass line 410 connects to the line between the first expansion device 260 and the first distributor 240 .
- Bypass line 410 is from the discharge of the compressor 130 and includes a bypass valve 440 .
- a means of restricting flow through bypass line 410 is also present and may take the form of a flow restriction orifice 430 or flow may be restricted by adjusting the diameter and/or length of bypass line 410 .
- the isolation valve 250 is positioned between inlet line 140 and the first expansion device 260 .
- the second expansion device 265 is positioned between the inlet line 140 and the second distributor 245 .
- the partitioned evaporator 200 includes substantially the same arrangement of refrigerant circuits 210 as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the outlet of the partitioned evaporator 200 includes first and second suction headers 270 and 275 , first and second sensing devices 264 and 269 , and suction line 145 to the compressor 130 .
- the first suction header 270 receives refrigerant from the circuits 210 present in the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the second suction header 275 receives refrigerant from the circuits 210 present in the second evaporator portion 220 .
- the first sensing device 264 is positioned between the first suction header 270 and the suction line 145 .
- the first sensing device 264 senses the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the first suction header 270 and compares the temperature of the refrigerant to the temperature of the refrigerant at the first expansion device 260 through line 262 .
- the flow of refrigerant through the first expansion device 260 is increased as the temperature difference at the first sensing device 264 and the first expansion device increases.
- the flow of refrigerant through the first expansion device 260 is decreased as the temperature difference at the first sensing device 264 and the first expansion device 260 decreases.
- the second expansion device 265 operates in the same manner with respect to the refrigerant discharge from the second header 275 and communicates the temperature measurement to the second expansion device 265 through line 267 .
- the variation of the flow through manual adjustment or through signals from a controller may be optimized to provide maximum cooling and dehumidification, while maintaining a desirable temperature for the second heat transfer fluid.
- Isolation valve 250 allows the first portion 220 of the partitioned evaporator 200 to be isolated from flow of refrigerant from the condenser 120 .
- the size of the second expansion device 265 is greater than the size of the first expansion device 260 .
- FIG. 4 like in the system shown in FIG. 2 , refrigerant flows from the condenser 120 into the circuits 210 of the partitioned evaporator 200 through line 140 , through the valve arrangement, including the first and second expansion devices 260 and 265 , and the isolation valve 250 , and into the first and second distributors 240 and 245 .
- substantially no flow of refrigerant takes place into or out of the bypass line 410 .
- circuits 210 and the outlet of the partitioned evaporator 200 including the first and second headers 270 and 275 , the first and second sensing devices 264 and 269 and suction line 145 to the compressor is substantially similar to the operation described above with respect to FIG. 2 .
- isolation valve 250 is closed and refrigerant flow to the first expansion device 260 is prevented.
- a portion of the refrigerant flow from the discharge of compressor 130 flows through bypass line 410 into the first distributor 240 and into the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the hot gas refrigerant entering the first evaporator portion 220 of the partitioned evaporator 200 provides an increase in the temperature of the first evaporator portion 220 . Due to the overall reduction of heat exchanger area available to the evaporating refrigerant, evaporator pressure decreases resulting in lower evaporation temperatures in the lower portion of the coil. Dehumidification over this portion of the coil is increased.
- the second heat transfer fluid 155 passing through the second evaporator portion 230 is cooled and dehumidified, while the second heat transfer fluid 155 passing through the first evaporator portion 220 receives heat exchanged from the hot gas refrigerant from the compressor discharge.
- This second heat transfer fluid 155 simultaneously is circulated through first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 by fluid moving means, such as an air blower 160 , when the second heat transfer fluid 155 is air.
- the warmer second heat transfer fluid 155 that passes though the first evaporator portion 220 mixes with the second heat transfer fluid 155 passing through the second evaporator portion 230 and produces an outlet heat transfer fluid, preferably air, that is dehumidified and not overcooled.
- FIG. 5 shows a refrigeration system 100 incorporating a partitioned evaporator 200 according to the present application.
- FIG. 5 shows the refrigeration system, including compressor suction line 145 , blower 160 , compressor 130 , compressor discharge line 135 , condenser 120 , a fan 170 , evaporator inlet line 140 , and first heat exchange fluid 150 , substantially as described above in the description of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 also shows the partitioned evaporator 200 including first and second expansion devices 260 and 265 , isolation valve 250 , first and second distributors 240 and 245 , first and second suction headers 270 and 275 , arranged as discussed above in the description of FIG. 2 .
- Heat transfer fluid flow 510 preferably air, flows into the partitioned evaporator 200 substantially evenly across the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 .
- Blower 160 moves heat transfer fluid flow 510 .
- FIG. 5 depicts a blower, any suitable fluid moving means can be used for moving the fluid across the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 .
- the heat transfer fluid enters into a heat exchange relationship with the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 and exits the partitioned evaporator as outlet flow 515 .
- the refrigerant is circulated from the condenser 120 to the partitioned evaporator 200 , through the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 and to the compressor 130 through line 145 .
- the inlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled by both the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 , providing outlet flow 515 of heat transfer fluid that has been cooled.
- isolation valve 250 is closed, preventing flow of refrigerant into the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the inlet flow 510 is cooled and dehumidified by the second evaporator portion 230 and is substantially untreated by the isolated first evaporator portion 220 .
- the outlet flow 515 is a mixture of the cooled, dehumidified air that flowed through the second evaporator portion 230 and the substantially untreated air that flowed though the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the resultant outlet flow 515 is dehumidified air that is not overcooled.
- FIG. 6 shows a refrigeration system 100 incorporating a partitioned evaporator 200 according to the present application.
- FIG. 6 shows the refrigeration system including compressor suction line 145 , blower 160 , compressor 130 , compressor discharge line 135 , condenser 120 , fan 170 , evaporator inlet line 140 , and first heat exchange fluid 150 , substantially as described above in the description of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 includes a three-way valve 610 that connects to lines 310 , 315 and 320 . In cooling mode, three-way valve 610 provides a refrigerant flow path from line 310 to line 320 . There is substantially no flow in line 315 during cooling mode operation.
- three-way valve 610 provides a refrigerant flow path from line 315 to line 310 . There is substantially no refrigerant flow in line 320 during reheat mode operation.
- FIG. 6 also shows the partitioned evaporator 200 including first and second expansion devices 260 and 265 , check valve 255 , first and second distributors 240 and 245 , first and second suction headers 270 and 275 , arranged as discussed above in the description of FIG. 3 .
- Heat transfer fluid flow 510 preferably air, flows into the partitioned evaporator 200 substantially evenly across the first and second portions 220 and 230 .
- a blower 160 moves heat transfer fluid flow 510 .
- any suitable fluid moving means can be used for moving the fluid across the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 .
- the heat transfer fluid enters into a heat exchange relationship with the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 and exits the partitioned evaporator as outlet flow 515 .
- the refrigerant is circulated from the condenser 120 to the partitioned evaporator 200 , through the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 and to the compressor through line 145 .
- the inlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled by both the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 , providing outlet flow 515 of heat transfer fluid that has been cooled.
- a restrictor valve may be place in compressor discharge line 135 in order to control the flow of refrigerant traveling to the condenser 120 .
- the addition of a restrictor valve would allow control of the amount of refrigerant traveling to first evaporator portion 220 .
- the restrictor valve would also allow modulation of the amount of refrigerant in order to provide increased control over the reheating capability of the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of the compressor 130 enters the circuits 210 of the first evaporator portion 220 and at least partially condenses to a liquid.
- the condensing refrigerant heats the first evaporator portion 220 and gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid flow 510 to produce a higher temperature heat transfer fluid outlet flow 515 .
- the refrigerant, which is at least partially condensed travels through the check valve 255 and combines with the inlet flow into the second evaporator portion 230 .
- the inlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled and dehumidified by the second evaporator portion 230 and is heated by heat exchange with the hot gas from the discharge of the compressor 130 in the isolated first evaporator portion 220 , as the refrigerant gas is condensed.
- the outlet flow 515 is a mixture of the cooled, dehumidified air that flowed through the second evaporator portion 230 and the heated air that flowed though the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the thoroughly mixed resultant outlet flow 515 is dehumidified air that is not overcooled.
- first evaporator portion 220 and second evaporator portion 230 of partitioned evaporator 200 operate as evaporators. However, in dehumidification mode, first evaporator portion 220 operates as a condenser, while second evaporator portion 230 operates as an evaporator.
- FIG. 7 shows a refrigeration system 100 incorporating a partitioned evaporator 200 according to the present application.
- FIG. 7 shows the refrigeration system 100 including suction line 145 , blower 160 , compressor 130 , compressor discharge line 135 , condenser 120 , fan 170 , evaporator inlet line 140 , and first heat exchange fluid 150 , substantially as described above in the description of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 includes one or both of a bypass shutoff valve 440 , and a flow restriction valve 430 on bypass line 410 .
- Bypass line 410 connects the discharge line 135 of the compressor to the inlet of the first evaporator portion 220 between the first expansion device 260 and the first distributor 240 .
- FIG. 7 shows the refrigeration system 100 including suction line 145 , blower 160 , compressor 130 , compressor discharge line 135 , condenser 120 , fan 170 , evaporator inlet line 140 , and first heat exchange fluid 150 , substantially as described above in
- FIG. 7 also shows the partitioned evaporator 200 including first and expansion devices 260 and 265 , isolation valve 250 , first and second distributors 240 and 245 , and first and second suction headers 270 and 275 , arranged as discussed above in the description of FIG. 4 .
- Heat transfer fluid flow 510 preferably air, flows into the partitioned evaporator 200 substantially evenly across the first and second portions 220 and 230 .
- the heat transfer fluid 510 enters into a heat exchange relationship with the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 and exits the partitioned evaporator as outlet flow 515 .
- the refrigerant is circulated from the condenser 120 to the partitioned evaporator 200 , through the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 and to the compressor 130 through line 145 .
- the bypass shutoff valve 440 and the flow restriction valve 430 are set to prevent flow of refrigerant through the bypass line 410 .
- the inlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled by both the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 , providing outlet flow 515 of heat transfer fluid that has been cooled.
- isolation valve 250 is closed, preventing flow of condensed refrigerant into the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the bypass shutoff valve 440 is opened and the flow restriction valve 430 is set to allow flow of refrigerant from the compressor 130 .
- FIG. 7 is shown with both a bypass shutoff valve 440 and a flow restriction valve 430 , either the bypass shutoff valve 440 or flow restriction valve 430 may be removed from the bypass line 410 , so long as the flow of the refrigerant may be stopped during cooling mode and permitted during dehumidification mode. Hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of the compressor 130 is then allowed to flow from the compressor discharge line 135 through the bypass line 410 into the first distributor 240 and the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of the compressor 130 heats the first evaporator portion 220 , but preferably does not condense, and combines with the outlet flow from the second evaporator portion 230 into the evaporator suction line 145 .
- the inlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled and dehumidified by the second evaporator portion 230 and is heated by heat exchange with the hot gas from the discharge of the compressor in the isolated first evaporator portion 220 .
- the outlet flow 515 is a mixture of the cooled, dehumidified air that flowed through the second evaporator portion 230 and the heated air that flowed though the first evaporator portion 220 .
- valve 440 is opened when transitioning from cooling mode to dehumidification/reheat mode.
- any liquid refrigerant present in first evaporator portion 220 is pushed toward the suction header 270 by the hot gas from the compressor passing through bypass line 410 .
- the movement of the refrigerant allows the system to come to steady state dehumidification/reheat more quickly by not requiring the liquid refrigerant to evaporate in place.
- valve 440 is operated to bypass a portion of the hot refrigerant gas from the compressor 130 around the condenser 120 during conditions of low ambient temperatures.
- bypass line 410 can serve two functions simultaneously.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary suction header arrangement for partitioned evaporator 200 according to a further embodiment of the present application.
- the arrangement is suitable for use in the partitioned evaporator 200 of any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 , 4 , 5 and 7 .
- the arrangement shown includes a first and second expansion device 260 and 265 , a first and second evaporator portion 220 and 230 , refrigerant circuits 210 , first and second sensing devices 264 and 269 , first and second suction headers 270 and 275 , suction line 145 , second heat transfer fluid 155 , as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 2 , 4 , 5 and 7 .
- the refrigerant circuits 210 are preferably arranged such that four refrigerant circuits 210 are present in the first evaporator portion 220 and three refrigerant circuits 210 are present in the second refrigerant portion 230 .
- FIG. 8 has been shown with a four isolatable refrigerant circuits 210 to three refrigerant circuits 210 that remain open to flow in each of the operational modes, any ratio may be used that provides sufficient heat transfer surface area to provide dehumidified air that is not overcooled.
- first suction header 270 includes a first vertical header tube 810 extending vertically to a horizontal outlet tube 830 .
- the first vertical header tube 810 provides a space where liquid refrigerant, if any, from the first evaporator portion 220 falls to the bottom of first vertical header tube 810 .
- Vaporous refrigerant escapes through horizontal outlet tube 830 .
- the arrangement of the horizontal outlet tube 830 is such that the first sensing device 264 operates without interference form the refrigerant passing through the second evaporator portion 230 and without interference from liquid refrigerant passing through the first evaporator portion 220 .
- second suction header 275 includes a second vertical header tube 820 and a second horizontal outlet tube 840 that operate in substantially the same manner with respect to the second evaporator portion 230 .
- FIG. 9 shows a control method according to one embodiment of the present application.
- the method includes a mode determination step 910 where the operational mode of the system is determined or selected.
- the operational mode can be provided by the controller and/or user, where the mode can either be cooling only or require dehumidification. Examples of control systems for determination of the operational mode are described in further detail below in the discussion of FIGS. 12 and 13 .
- the method then includes a decisional step 920 wherein it is determined whether dehumidification mode is required or not. If the determination in step 920 is “NO” (i.e., no dehumidification mode is required), then the method proceeds to opening step 930 wherein the valve to the first evaporator portion 220 is opened or remains open.
- the opening of the first evaporator portion 220 to the flow of refrigerant permits both the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 to provide cooling to the heat transfer fluid 510 . If the decisional step 920 is a “YES” (i.e., dehumidification mode is required), then the valve to the first evaporator portion 220 is closed or remains closed. The closing of the first evaporator portion 220 to the flow of refrigerant allows the first evaporator portion 220 to equilibrate at a temperature substantially equal to the temperature of the heat transfer fluid entering the partitioned evaporator 200 . After either the opening step 930 or the closing step 840 , the method returns to the determination step 810 and the method repeats.
- FIG. 9 shows that the decisional step provides a “YES” or “NO” in step 920
- the method is not limited to an open or closed isolation valve 250 .
- a flow restricting valve may also be used. The use of a flow restricting valve allows the amount of flow into the first evaporator portion 220 to be varied.
- the flow restricting valve may be used in an operational mode that is open to full flow, partially restricted flow or closed to flow, depending on the signal from a controller.
- a controller using inputs, such as refrigerant temperature, heat transfer fluid temperatures, and humidity readings, provides a signal to the restricting valve to determine the amount of refrigerant flow permitted through the isolation valve 250 .
- FIG. 10 shows another control method according to the present application.
- the method includes a mode determination step 1010 where the operational mode of the system is determined.
- the operational mode can be provided by the controller and/or user, where the mode can either be cooling only or require dehumidification mode. Examples of control systems for determination of the operational mode are described in further detail below in the discussion of FIGS. 12 and 13 .
- the method then includes a decisional step 1020 wherein it is determined whether dehumidification mode is required or not. If the determination in step 1020 is “NO” (i.e., no dehumidification mode is required), then the method proceeds to step 1030 wherein the valve to the first evaporator portion 220 is opened or remains open.
- three-way valve 610 is set in a flow directing step 1040 to provide refrigerant flow from the discharge line 310 of the partitioned evaporator 200 to the intake of the compressor 130 .
- the opening of the first evaporator portion 220 and the setting of the three-way valve 610 allow the flow of refrigerant to both the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 to provide cooling to the heat transfer fluid 510 . If the decisional step 1020 is “YES” (i.e., dehumidification mode is required), then the valve to the first evaporator portion 220 is closed or remains closed.
- three-way valve 610 is set in a flow directing step 1060 to provide refrigerant flow from the discharge of the compressor to the cooling mode suction line 310 of the partitioned evaporator 200 .
- the hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of the compressor 130 flows into the first evaporator portion 220 and provides heat to the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the directing of hot gas refrigerant to the first evaporator portion 220 allows the first evaporator portion 220 to exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid 510 entering the partitioned evaporator 200 .
- the inlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled and dehumidified by the second evaporator portion 230 and is heated by heat exchange with the hot gas from the discharge of the compressor 130 in the isolated first evaporator portion 220 .
- the outlet flow 515 is a mixture of the cooled, dehumidified air that flowed through the second evaporator portion 230 and the heated air that flowed though the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the resultant outlet flow 515 is dehumidified air that is not overcooled.
- FIG. 10 shows that the decisional step provides a “YES” or “NO” in step 1020
- the method is not limited to an open or closed isolation valve 250 .
- a flow restriction valve may also be used.
- the use of a flow restriction valve allows the amount of flow into the first evaporator portion 220 to be varied.
- the flow restriction valve may be used in an operational mode that is open to full flow, partially restricted flow or closed to flow, depending on the signal from a controller.
- the flow into the first evaporator portion 220 from the discharge of the compressor 130 in dehumidification mode may be varied through use of the three-way valve 610 , depending on the signal from a controller.
- the three-way valve 610 may also include flow restriction abilities that allow the flow of refrigerant to be varied.
- a controller using inputs, such as refrigerant temperature, heat transfer fluid temperatures, and humidity readings, provides a signal to the restriction valve or the three-way valve 610 to determine the amount of refrigerant flow permitted through the isolation valve 250 or the amount of hot gas refrigerant permitted through the first evaporator portion 220 .
- FIG. 11 shows another control method according to the present application.
- the method includes a mode determination step 1110 where the operational mode of the system is determined. As in the method shown in FIG. 9 , the operational mode can be provided by the controller and/or user, where the mode can either be cooling only or require dehumidification mode.
- the method then includes a decisional step 1120 wherein it is determined whether dehumidification mode is required or not. If the determination in step 1120 is “NO” (i.e., no dehumidification mode required), then the method proceeds to step 1130 wherein the valve to the first evaporator portion 220 is opened or remains open. After or concurrently with step 1130 , a bypass 410 is closed from refrigerant flow in a bypass closing step 1140 .
- the opening of the first evaporator portion 220 and the closing of the bypass 410 allow the flow of refrigerant to both the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 to provide cooling to the heat transfer fluid 510 .
- the decisional step 1120 is a “YES” (i.e., dehumidification mode is required)
- the valve to the first evaporator portion 220 is closed or remains closed.
- the bypass 410 is opened to flow of refrigerant in a bypass opening step 1160 . Hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of the compressor 130 flows through the bypass 410 and into the first evaporator portion 220 and provides heat to the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the closing of the first evaporator portion 220 to the flow of refrigerant and the directing of hot gas refrigerant to the first evaporator portion 220 allows the first evaporator portion 220 to exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid 510 entering the partitioned evaporator 200 .
- the inlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled and dehumidified by the second evaporator portion 230 and is heated by heat exchange with the hot gas from the discharge of the compressor in the isolated first evaporator portion 220 .
- the outlet flow 515 is a mixture of the cooled, dehumidified air that flowed through the second evaporator portion 230 and the heated air that flowed though the first evaporator portion 220 .
- the resultant outlet flow 515 is dehumidified air that is not overcooled.
- FIG. 11 shows that the decisional step 1120 provides a “YES” or “NO” in decisional step 1120
- the method is not limited to an open or closed isolation valve 250 .
- a flow restriction valve may also be used.
- the use of a flow restriction valve allows the amount of flow into the first evaporator portion 220 to be varied.
- the flow restriction valve may be used in an operational mode that is open to full flow, partially restricted flow or closed to flow, depending on the signal from a controller.
- the flow through the bypass line 410 may be varied through use of the bypass shutoff valve 440 and/or flow restriction valve 430 , depending on the signal from a controller.
- a controller uses inputs, such as refrigerant temperature, heat transfer fluid temperatures, and humidity readings, provides a signal to isolation valve 250 , bypass shutoff valve 440 and flow restriction valve 430 to determine the amount of refrigerant flow permitted through the restricting valve in place of isolation valve 250 and the amount of hot gas refrigerant permitted through the first evaporator portion 220 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates a control method according to the present application that determines the operation mode of the partitioned evaporator 200 .
- the determination of the operational mode is made through the use of a controller. This determination may be used in steps 910 , 1010 and 1110 of FIGS. 9 , 10 and 11 , respectively.
- the determination takes place by first sensing temperature and/or humidity in step 1210 .
- the sufficient temperature and/or humidity measurements are made for a controller to determine whether the heat transfer fluid requires cooling or dehumidification.
- the inputs from temperature sensors and humidity sensors are provided to the controller in step 1220 , where the controller uses the sensed temperatures and/or humidity to determine the operational mode.
- the controller determines whether cooling is required and whether dehumidification is required.
- a first decisional step 1230 it is determined whether the controller has determined that cooling is required. If the first decisional step 1230 determines “YES”, cooling is required, the partitioned evaporator 200 in the refrigeration system 100 is set to allow flow into all of the circuits 210 in the partitioned evaporator 200 and cool across both the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 in step 1240 . In addition to cooling, cooling mode also performs dehumidification. However, in a cooling mode, the temperature is only cooled and is not heated to increase the temperature of the second heat transfer fluid 155 once the second heat transfer fluid 155 travels through the evaporator. If the first decisional step 1230 determines “NO”, then a second decisional step 1250 is made.
- the second decisional step 1250 determines whether the controller has determined that dehumidification (i.e., dehumidification without overcooling) is required. If the second decisional step 1250 determines “YES”, dehumidification is required, the operational mode is set to dehumidification in step 1260 , which corresponds to step 910 , 1010 or 1110 in FIGS. 9-11 , and the process continues with determination step 920 , 1020 and 1120 , as shown in FIGS. 9-11 . If the second decisional step 1250 determines “NO”, dehumidification is not required, the operational mode is set to inactive and the system runs neither a cooling nor a dehumidification cycle in step 1270 .
- dehumidification i.e., dehumidification without overcooling
- FIG. 13 shows an alternate control method according to the present application that determines the operation mode of a multiple refrigerant system.
- multiple refrigerant systems 100 are utilized and one or more of the refrigerant systems 100 include a partitioned evaporator 200 according to the application.
- the control method shown in FIG. 13 operates in a similar manner to FIG. 12 in that the controller receives inputs from temperature and/or humidity sensors in step 1310 and determines the operational mode of the system in step 1320 . Likewise, if the first decisional step 1330 determines “NO”, then a second decisional step 1370 is performed.
- the second decisional step 1370 determines whether the controller has determined that dehumidification mode (i.e., dehumidification without overcooling) is required. If the second decisional step 1370 determines “YES”, dehumidification mode is required, the operational mode is set to dehumidification mode in step 1380 . If multiple refrigerant systems 100 are present, the controller independently determines which of the refrigerant systems 100 are active or inactive, based upon the temperature of the air and amount of dehumidification required. When multiple refrigeration systems 100 are present, at least one refrigerant system 100 includes a partitioned evaporator 200 .
- the controller independently determines which partitioned evaporator 200 is subject to isolation of the first evaporator portion 220 , based upon the temperature of the air and amount of dehumidification required. However, if the second decisional step 1370 determines “NO”, dehumidification mode is not required, the operational mode is set to inactive and the system runs neither a cooling nor a dehumidification cycle in step 1390 . If the first decisional step 1330 determines “YES”, cooling is required, a third decisional step 1340 is performed. In the third decisional step 1340 , a determination as to the number of stages are to be activated in order to provide the cooling. Each stage has an evaporator capable of providing cooling to the second heat transfer fluid 155 .
- At least one of the multiple refrigerant circuits includes a partitioned evaporator 200 . If the controller determines that the cooling demand only requires one refrigerant system 100 to be active, one refrigerant system 100 will be used to cool second heat transfer fluid 155 in step 1350 . When the partitioned evaporator 200 is used to operate in cooling mode, the partitioned evaporator 200 is configured to allow flow into all of the circuits 210 in the partition evaporator 200 and cool across both the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 in step 1350 .
- all of the circuits 210 in each of the partitioned evaporator 200 allow flow of refrigerant into both the first and second evaporator portions 220 and 230 and cool the second heat transfer fluid 155 .
- the present application is not limited to the control methods shown in FIGS. 9-13 .
- the partitioned evaporator 200 may be used in one or more refrigerant circuits of multiple refrigerant circuit systems, where the control of the reheating capabilities within the first evaporator portion 220 of the partitioned evaporator 200 may be independently controlled to provide the desired temperature and/or humidity within the conditioned space. Any combination of cooling, reheating, or modulation of combinations of cooling and reheating may be used with the present application.
- partitioned evaporator 200 has been illustrated as containing two evaporator portions 220 and 230 , the partitioned evaporator 200 is not limited to two portions. Any number of portions may be used, so long as one or more of the portions include means to isolate the respective portion from refrigerant flow.
- refrigerant circuits 210 may also be isolated individually within the first and/or second distributor.
- the circuits may be isolated with flow blocking means or flow restriction means.
- a controller is used to determine the number of circuits isolated. The number of circuits isolated relates to the amount of cooling and/or heating of dehumidified air required and may be adjusted by the controller.
- the lack of additional piping also allows retrofitting of the system of the present application into existing systems. Because the system utilizes the same components as existing systems, the system takes up approximately the same volume as existing HVAC systems. Therefore, the method and system of the present application may be used in existing systems whose piping has arranged according to the present application.
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Abstract
An HVAC system including a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in a closed refrigerant loop. The evaporator includes a plurality of refrigerant circuits. The evaporator also includes at least one distributor configured to distribute and deliver refrigerant to each circuit of the plurality of circuits. The plurality of circuits are arranged into a first and second set of circuits. The evaporator also includes a valve configured and disposed to isolate the first set of circuits from refrigerant flow from the condenser and provide flow of refrigerant from the compressor in a dehumidification operation of the HVAC system.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/165,106, filed Jun. 23, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/640,038, filed Dec. 29, 2004, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present application is directed to providing dehumidification in heating, ventilation and air conditioner (HVAC) systems. In particular, the present application is directed to an arrangement for HVAC systems that can dehumidify air.
- Dehumidification of air in HVAC systems typically takes place through the use of the evaporator in cooling mode. One drawback to using an evaporator, alone, for dehumidification, is the excess reduction in air temperature that results, which is commonly referred to as overcooling. Overcooling occurs when air that is subject to dehumidification is cooled to a temperature that is below the desired temperature of the air. Overcooling is a particular problem when the dehumidification is required in a room that is already relatively cool. Overcooling generally involves air temperatures of approximately 50° F. to 55° F. or lower.
- Overcooling has been addressed by utilization of a reheat coil, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,389 (the '389 patent). Air that is overcooled by the evaporator is passed over the reheat coil in order to increase the temperature of the overcooled, dehumidified air to a desired temperature. In the '389 patent, the reheat coil is heated by diverting hot refrigerant gas through the reheat coil when dehumidification is required. Reheat may also be provided by alternate heat sources, such as electric heat or gas heat. The reheat coil system for providing heat to the dehumidified, overcooled air has several drawbacks including the requirement of additional equipment and/or piping and/or additional energy input. The presence of an additional coil in the indoor air stream results in losses that must be overcome by the indoor blower. These losses are present any time the indoor blower is running, regardless of the operational mode of the unit. The result is higher relative energy usage to circulate air with an additional coil present.
- Another dehumidification method known in the art is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,133 (the '133 patent). The '133 patent is directed to a dehumidification method that controls refrigerant flow through circuits within the indoor coil of an air conditioning/heat pump unit. The '133 patent system, when providing dehumidification, has a liquid header that distributes the refrigerant across several circuits within the indoor coil. At the opposite end of the indoor coil, the outlets of the various circuits of the coil are allowed to flow into a single common vapor header. The liquid header at the inlet of the indoor coil contains a solenoid valve that may be closed to prevent refrigerant flow to one or more of the circuits within the coil. The '133 patent system operates such that when humidity reaches a certain level, the valve in the liquid header is closed in order to limit the number of available circuits for refrigerant flow. The area of the indoor coil that remains in the active circuit and receives refrigerant flow, experiences an increase in refrigerant flow through a given heat transfer area. The increased flow of refrigerant results in a greater amount of moisture being removed from the air in that portion of the indoor coil. The distribution to the parts of the indoor coil is achieved through a single liquid header. The operation of the '133 patent system is only concerned with removal of humidity. One drawback of the '133 system is that the dehumidified air is not reheated and may be overcooled. Another drawback of the '133 system is that the inlet header does not distribute flow across the circuits of the evaporator, leading to uneven phase distribution of refrigerant across the evaporator heat exchanger.
- Therefore, what is needed is a method and system for dehumidification that dehumidifies air without overcooling and provides a system that can be retrofitted into existing systems.
- The present application is directed to an HVAC system including a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator arrangement connected in a closed refrigerant loop. The evaporator arrangement includes a plurality of refrigerant circuits. The evaporator arrangement also includes at least one distributor configured to distribute and deliver refrigerant to each circuit of the plurality of circuits. The plurality of circuits are arranged into a first and second set of circuits. The evaporator arrangement also includes an isolation means configured and disposed to isolate the first set of circuits from refrigerant flow from the condenser and to permit flow of refrigerant from the compressor during a dehumidification operation of the HVAC system.
- Another embodiment of the present application includes an HVAC system having a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator arrangement connected in a closed refrigerant loop. The evaporator arrangement includes a plurality of refrigerant circuits. The evaporator arrangement also includes at least one distribution arrangement configured to distribute and deliver refrigerant to each circuit of the plurality of circuits. The plurality of circuits is arranged into a plurality of sets of circuits. The evaporator arrangement also includes a valve arrangement configured and disposed to isolate at least one of the sets of circuits from refrigerant flow from the condenser and to permit flow of refrigerant from the compressor during a dehumidification operation of the HVAC system.
- Still another embodiment of the present application includes a method for dehumidification. The method comprises providing a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator arrangement connected in a closed refrigerant loop. The evaporator arrangement including a plurality of refrigerant circuits. The evaporator arrangement also includes at least one distributor configured to distribute and deliver refrigerant to each circuit of the plurality of circuits. The plurality of circuits are arranged into a first and second set of circuits. The evaporator arrangement also includes a valve configured and disposed to prevent refrigerant flow from the condenser to the first set of circuits upon being in a closed position. The method further includes determining an operational mode for the refrigeration cycle. The operational mode being a selected from the group consisting of cooling and dehumidification. The first set of refrigerant circuits are isolated from flow of refrigerant from the condenser and provided with flow of refrigerant from the compressor when the operational mode is dehumidification. Flow of refrigerant is permitted from the condenser to both the first and second set of refrigerant circuits when the operational mode is cooling. Heat transfer fluid is flowed over the evaporator, the heat transfer fluid being in a heat exchange relationship with the evaporator.
- One advantage of the present application is that it may easily be retrofitted into existing systems.
- Another advantage of the present application is that the system and method distributes refrigerant substantially uniformly across the evaporator to provide substantially uniform refrigerant phase distribution and heat exchange across the evaporator.
- Another advantage of the present application is that the system can reheat air without the need for a separate airflow system.
- Another advantage of the present application is that the system does not require a discrete reheat coil.
- Another advantage of this system is that enhanced dehumidification features are made available without increasing energy usage associated with circulating indoor air.
- Other features and advantages of the present application will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the application.
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FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a refrigeration or HVAC system. -
FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an evaporator and piping arrangement of the present application. -
FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of an evaporator and piping arrangement of the present application. -
FIG. 4 illustrates further embodiment of an evaporator and piping arrangement of the present application. -
FIG. 5 illustrates schematically one embodiment of a refrigeration or HVAC system according to the present application. -
FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a refrigeration or HVAC system of another embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a refrigeration or HVAC system of a further embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a suction header arrangement for an evaporator of the present application. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a control method of the present application. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a control method of another embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a control method of a further embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 12 illustrates a control method of a further embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a control method of a further embodiment of the present application. - Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a HVAC, refrigeration, orchiller refrigeration system 100.Refrigeration system 100 includes acompressor 130, acondenser 120, and anevaporator 110. Refrigerant is circulated through therefrigeration system 100. Thecompressor 130 compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers it to thecondenser 120 throughcompressor discharge line 135. Thecompressor 130 is preferably a reciprocating or scroll compressor, however, any other suitable type of compressor can be used, for example, screw compressor, rotary compressor, and centrifugal compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered by thecompressor 130 to thecondenser 120 enters into a heat exchange relationship with a firstheat transfer fluid 150 heating the fluid while undergoing a phase change to a refrigerant liquid as a result of the heat exchange relationship with thefluid 150. The firstheat transfer fluid 150 is moved by use of a fan 170 (seeFIG. 5 ), which moves the firstheat transfer fluid 150 throughcondenser 120 in a direction perpendicular the cross section of thecondenser 120. The secondheat transfer fluid 155 is moved by use of a blower 160 (seeFIG. 5 ), which moves the secondheat transfer fluid 155 throughevaporator 110 in a direction perpendicular the cross section of theevaporator 110. AlthoughFIG. 5 depicts the use of ablower 160 andfan 170, any fluid moving means may be used to move fluid through the evaporator and condenser. Suitable fluids for use as the firstheat transfer fluid 150 include, but are not limited to, air and water. In an exemplary embodiment, the refrigerant vapor delivered to thecondenser 120 enters into a heat exchange relationship with air as the firstheat transfer fluid 150. The refrigerant leaves the condenser through theevaporator inlet line 140 and is delivered to anevaporator 110. Theevaporator 110 includes a heat-exchanger coil. The liquid refrigerant in theevaporator 110 enters into a heat exchange relationship with the secondheat transfer fluid 155 and undergoes a phase change to a refrigerant vapor as a result of the heat exchange relationship with thesecond fluid 155, which lowers the temperature of the secondheat transfer fluid 155. Suitable fluids for use as the secondheat transfer fluid 155 include, but are not limited to, air and water. In an exemplary embodiment, the refrigerant vapor delivered to theevaporator 110 enters into a heat exchange relationship with air as the secondheat transfer fluid 155. The vapor refrigerant in theevaporator 110 exits theevaporator 110 and returns to thecompressor 130 through acompressor suction line 145 to complete the cycle. It is to be understood that any suitable configuration ofcondenser 120 can be used in thesystem 100, provided that the appropriate phase change of the refrigerant in thecondenser 120 is obtained. The conventional refrigerant system includes many other features that are not shown inFIG. 1 . These features have been purposely omitted to simplify the figure for ease of illustration. -
FIG. 2 illustrates apartitioned evaporator 200 according to one embodiment of the present application. The inlet of the partitionedevaporator 200 includes aninlet line 140 from thecondenser 120, a first andsecond expansion device isolation valve 250 and a first andsecond distributor first expansion device 260 is positioned betweeninlet line 140 and thefirst distributor 240. Thesecond expansion device 265 is positioned between theinlet line 140 and thesecond distributor 245. Thepartitioned evaporator 200 includes a plurality ofrefrigerant circuits 210. The number ofcircuits 210 may be any number ofcircuits 210 that provide sufficient heat transfer to maintain operation of the partitioned evaporator within therefrigerant system 100. Thepartitioned evaporator 200 is preferably partitioned into a first andsecond portion FIG. 2 shows theevaporator 200 as only including two portions, any number of portions may be used in the present application. The first andsecond evaporator portion first evaporator portion 220 may be 60% of the size of the partitionedevaporator 200 and thesecond evaporator portion 230 may be 40% of the size of the partitionedevaporator 200 or thefirst evaporator portion 220 may be 40% of the size of the partitionedevaporator 200 and thesecond evaporator portion 230 may be 60% of the size of the partitionedevaporator 200 or the first and secondevaporator portions evaporator 200. AlthoughFIG. 2 shows thepartitioned evaporator 200 as only including two portions, any number of portions may be used in the present application. Where more than two evaporator portions are present, the flow may be regulated to each of the portions. For example, in the embodiment where the evaporator is split into three portions, two of the three portions include valve arrangements that allow independent isolation of each of these portions. One or both of the two portions with valve arrangements may be isolated, dependent on a signal from a controller and/or sensor. - The outlet of the partitioned
evaporator 200 includes a first andsecond suction header second sensing devices suction line 145 to thecompressor 130. Thefirst suction header 270 receives refrigerant from thecircuits 210 in thefirst evaporator portion 220. Thesecond suction header 275 receives refrigerant from thecircuits 210 present in thesecond evaporator portion 230. Thefirst sensing device 264 is positioned between thefirst suction header 270 and thesuction line 145. Thefirst sensing device 264 senses the temperature of the refrigerant leaving thefirst suction header 270 and compares the temperature of the refrigerant to the temperature of the refrigerant at thefirst expansion device 260 throughline 262. The flow of refrigerant through thefirst expansion device 260 is increased as the temperature difference at thefirst sensing device 264 and thefirst expansion device 260 increases. The flow of refrigerant through thefirst expansion device 260 is decreased as the temperature difference at thefirst sensing device 264 and thefirst expansion device 260 decreases. Thesecond expansion device 265 operates in the same manner with respect to the refrigerant discharge from thesecond suction header 275, which senses temperature atsecond sensing device 269, and communicates the temperature measurement to thesecond expansion device 265 throughline 267. In an alternate embodiment of the application,sensing devices second expansion device sensing devices isolation valve 250 allows thefirst portion 220 of the partitioned evaporator to be isolated from flow of refrigerant. In one embodiment, to accommodate an increased flow of refrigerant to thesecond evaporator portion 230, as discussed in detail below, the size of the second expansion device 265 (i.e., the amount of flow permitted through the valve) is greater than the size of thefirst expansion device 260. - During operation of the
HVAC system 100 in cooling mode, refrigerant flows from thecondenser 120 to the partitionedevaporator 200 throughline 140. The flow is split into two refrigerant flow paths prior to entering thepartitioned evaporator 200. AlthoughFIG. 2 shows two paths leading to thedistributors isolation valve 250 is open and refrigerant is permitted to flow into both the first andsecond portions evaporator 200. The two refrigerant flow paths are further split by a first andsecond distributor refrigerant circuits 210. The first andsecond distributors evaporator 200. Refrigerant passing through an expansion device is typically present as a two-phase fluid. Distributors provide substantially even distribution of two-phase flow. The first andsecond distributors circuits 210 of the partitionedevaporator 200. Thedistributors circuits 210 of the evaporator, providing uniform phase distribution across thecircuits 210 of the partitionedevaporator 200 to provide substantially uniform heat transfer. The refrigerant flows into thecircuits 210 of first and secondevaporator portions circuits 210 permit heat transfer from the refrigerant to a secondheat transfer fluid 155 to cool the secondheat transfer fluid 155. The refrigerant then travels from the first andsecond headers second sensing devices second sensing devices partitioned evaporator 200 and communicates the temperature to the first andsecond expansion devices second sensing devices compressor 130 throughline 145. - If the system shown in
FIG. 2 is in dehumidification mode,isolation valve 250 is closed and refrigerant flow to thefirst evaporator portion 220 is prevented. The refrigerant flow in thesecond evaporator portion 230 occurs substantially as described above in cooling mode. However, the flow of refrigerant to thefirst evaporator portion 220 is prevented. Since flow to thefirst evaporator portion 220 is prevented, the flow to the second evaporator portion is increased. Due to the reduction of evaporator surface area, overall heat transfer into the evaporator coil is decreased. This reduction in evaporator surface area results in a drop on overall system pressures. Accordingly, the refrigerant present in the evaporator will boil at a lower temperature than it did previously resulting in greater dehumidification over that portion of the evaporator coil. Therefore, when the secondheat transfer fluid 155 is passed through thesecond evaporator portion 230 the secondheat transfer fluid 155 is cooled and dehumidified, and the secondheat transfer fluid 155 passing through the first evaporator portion remains substantially unchanged in temperature and humidity from inlet to outlet. The secondheat transfer fluid 155 passed through thesecond evaporator portion 230 is generally overcooled and the secondheat transfer fluid 155 passed through thefirst evaporator portion 220 is warmer. The warmer secondheat transfer fluid 155 that passes though thefirst evaporator portion 220 mixes with the secondheat transfer fluid 155 passing through thesecond evaporator portion 230 and produces an outlet heat transfer fluid, preferably air, that is dehumidified and not overcooled. As shown inFIG. 2 , the flow of the secondheat transfer fluid 155 is substantially perpendicular to the cross-section of the evaporator. The direction of the flow is such that theheat transfer fluid 155 flows simultaneously throughfirst evaporator portion 220 andsecond evaporator portion 230. A single means for moving the secondheat transfer fluid 155, such as anair blower 160, can be used to simultaneously move air throughfirst evaporator portion 220 andsecond evaporator portion 230. -
FIG. 3 illustrates apartitioned evaporator 200 according to another embodiment of the present application. The inlet of the partitionedevaporator 200 includes substantially the same arrangement of components asFIG. 2 , including aninlet line 140 from thecondenser 120,expansion devices check valve 255 and first andsecond distributors FIG. 3 showscheck valve 255 as a separate device, the check valve may be integrated into the expansion device. Thecheck valve 255 is any suitable device capable of blocking flow in one direction, while permitting flow in the opposite direction. Thepartitioned evaporator 200 includes substantially the same arrangement ofrefrigerant circuits 210 asFIG. 2 . The outlet of the partitioned evaporator shown inFIG. 3 includes the first andsecond suction headers second sensing devices suction line 145 to thecompressor 130 and asuction line 310 to a three-way valve 610 (seeFIG. 6 ). Thefirst suction header 270 receives refrigerant from thecircuits 210 present in thefirst evaporator portion 220. Thesecond suction header 275 receives refrigerant from thecircuits 210 present in thesecond evaporator portion 220. Thefirst sensing device 264 is positioned ondischarge line 310. Thefirst sensing device 264 senses the temperature of the refrigerant leaving thefirst suction header 270 and compares the temperature of the refrigerant to the temperature of the refrigerant at thefirst expansion device 260 throughline 262. The flow of refrigerant through thefirst expansion device 260 is increased as the temperature difference at thefirst sensing device 264 and thefirst expansion device 260 increases. The flow of refrigerant through thefirst expansion device 260 is decreased as the temperature difference at thefirst sensing device 264 and thefirst expansion device 260 decreases. Thesecond expansion device 265 operates in the same manner with respect to the refrigerant discharge from thesecond header 275 and communicates the temperature measurement to thesecond expansion 265 throughline 267. The use ofindependent expansion devices - During operation in cooling mode,
FIG. 3 , like in the system shown inFIG. 2 , refrigerant flows from thecondenser 120 into the partitionedevaporator 200 throughline 140, through the valve arrangement, including the first andsecond expansion devices second distributors circuits 210 permit heat transfer to the refrigerant from the secondheat transfer fluid 155 that flows through the circuits perpendicular to the cross-section shown inFIG. 3 . Due to the heat transfer with the secondheat transfer fluid 155, the refrigerant entering the first andsecond headers line 310 from thefirst header 270 travels past thefirst sensing device 264 and travels to a three-way valve 610, discussed in greater detail below. In cooling mode, the three-way valve 610 diverts flow fromline 310 tosuction line 145 and any flow of compressor discharge gas thru three-way valve 610 is prevented. The refrigerant flow throughline 145 from thesecond header 275 travels past thesecond sensing device 269 tocompressor 130. Thesensing devices evaporator 200 and communicate with the first andsecond expansion devices second sensing devices compressor 130 as discussed in detail below with regard toFIG. 6 . - If the system shown in
FIG. 3 is operated in dehumidification mode some refrigerant flow of compressor discharge gas is received by the three-way valve 610 and this flow of hot refrigerant gas is diverted throughline 310, as discussed in greater detail below. Any flow of refrigerant from three-way valve 610 tosuction line 145 is prevented. The flow from the three-way valve 610 travels throughline 310 in the direction of thefirst suction header 270. From thefirst suction header 270, the hot refrigerant gas enters thefirst evaporator portion 220 and travels throughcircuits 210 to thefirst distributor 240. The refrigerant incircuit 210 heats secondheat transfer fluid 155 as the fluid passes overcircuit 210. The hot refrigerant gas is at least partially condensed to a liquid in thefirst evaporator portion 220. The refrigerant, which is at least partially condensed to a liquid, substantially bypassesexpansion device 260 by traveling throughcheck valve 255. The flow throughcheck valve 255 combines with theinlet flow 140 and enters thesecond evaporator portion 230 through thesecond distributor 245. The junction point where the two refrigerant streams meet may be a “tee” junction or may be a liquid receiver. Due to the overall reduction of heat exchanger area available to the evaporating refrigerant, overall system pressure decreases resulting in lower evaporation temperatures in the lower portion of the coil. Dehumidification over this portion of the coil is increased. Simultaneously, hot gas refrigerant entering thefirst evaporator portion 220 of the partitionedevaporator 200 provides an increase in the temperature of thefirst evaporator portion 220 due to the condensing of the hot gas and the heat transfer from the hot gas. Therefore, the secondheat transfer fluid 155 passing through thesecond evaporator portion 230 is cooled and dehumidified, while the secondheat transfer fluid 155 passing through thefirst evaporator portion 220 receives heat exchanged from the hot gas refrigerant from the compressor discharge. This secondheat transfer fluid 155 simultaneously is circulated through first and secondevaporator portions air blower 160, when the secondheat transfer fluid 155 is air. The warmer secondheat transfer fluid 155 that passes though thefirst evaporator portion 220 mixes with the secondheat transfer fluid 155 passing through thesecond evaporator portion 230 and produces an outlet heat transfer fluid, preferably air, that is dehumidified and not overcooled. -
FIG. 4 illustrates apartitioned evaporator 200 according to a further embodiment of the present application. The inlet of the partitionedevaporator 200 includes aninlet line 140 from thecondenser 120, abypass line 410 from the discharge of the compressor 130 (seeFIG. 7 ), first andsecond expansion devices isolation valve 250, and first andsecond distributors first expansion device 260 and theisolation valve 250 are positioned betweeninlet line 140 and thefirst distributor 240.Bypass line 410 connects to the line between thefirst expansion device 260 and thefirst distributor 240.Bypass line 410 is from the discharge of thecompressor 130 and includes abypass valve 440. A means of restricting flow throughbypass line 410 is also present and may take the form of aflow restriction orifice 430 or flow may be restricted by adjusting the diameter and/or length ofbypass line 410. Theisolation valve 250 is positioned betweeninlet line 140 and thefirst expansion device 260. Thesecond expansion device 265 is positioned between theinlet line 140 and thesecond distributor 245. Thepartitioned evaporator 200 includes substantially the same arrangement ofrefrigerant circuits 210 as shown inFIG. 2 . The outlet of the partitionedevaporator 200 includes first andsecond suction headers second sensing devices suction line 145 to thecompressor 130. Thefirst suction header 270 receives refrigerant from thecircuits 210 present in thefirst evaporator portion 220. Thesecond suction header 275 receives refrigerant from thecircuits 210 present in thesecond evaporator portion 220. Thefirst sensing device 264 is positioned between thefirst suction header 270 and thesuction line 145. Thefirst sensing device 264 senses the temperature of the refrigerant leaving thefirst suction header 270 and compares the temperature of the refrigerant to the temperature of the refrigerant at thefirst expansion device 260 throughline 262. The flow of refrigerant through thefirst expansion device 260 is increased as the temperature difference at thefirst sensing device 264 and the first expansion device increases. The flow of refrigerant through thefirst expansion device 260 is decreased as the temperature difference at thefirst sensing device 264 and thefirst expansion device 260 decreases. Thesecond expansion device 265 operates in the same manner with respect to the refrigerant discharge from thesecond header 275 and communicates the temperature measurement to thesecond expansion device 265 throughline 267. The variation of the flow through manual adjustment or through signals from a controller may be optimized to provide maximum cooling and dehumidification, while maintaining a desirable temperature for the second heat transfer fluid.Isolation valve 250 allows thefirst portion 220 of the partitionedevaporator 200 to be isolated from flow of refrigerant from thecondenser 120. In one embodiment, to accommodate the increased flow of refrigerant to thesecond evaporator portion 230, the size of the second expansion device 265 (i.e. the amount of flow permitted through the valve) is greater than the size of thefirst expansion device 260. - During operation in cooling mode,
FIG. 4 , like in the system shown inFIG. 2 , refrigerant flows from thecondenser 120 into thecircuits 210 of the partitionedevaporator 200 throughline 140, through the valve arrangement, including the first andsecond expansion devices isolation valve 250, and into the first andsecond distributors bypass line 410. The operation of thecircuits 210 and the outlet of the partitionedevaporator 200, including the first andsecond headers second sensing devices suction line 145 to the compressor is substantially similar to the operation described above with respect toFIG. 2 . - However, if the system shown in
FIG. 4 is in dehumidification mode,isolation valve 250 is closed and refrigerant flow to thefirst expansion device 260 is prevented. A portion of the refrigerant flow from the discharge ofcompressor 130 flows throughbypass line 410 into thefirst distributor 240 and into thefirst evaporator portion 220. The hot gas refrigerant entering thefirst evaporator portion 220 of the partitionedevaporator 200 provides an increase in the temperature of thefirst evaporator portion 220. Due to the overall reduction of heat exchanger area available to the evaporating refrigerant, evaporator pressure decreases resulting in lower evaporation temperatures in the lower portion of the coil. Dehumidification over this portion of the coil is increased. Therefore, the secondheat transfer fluid 155 passing through thesecond evaporator portion 230 is cooled and dehumidified, while the secondheat transfer fluid 155 passing through thefirst evaporator portion 220 receives heat exchanged from the hot gas refrigerant from the compressor discharge. This secondheat transfer fluid 155 simultaneously is circulated through first and secondevaporator portions air blower 160, when the secondheat transfer fluid 155 is air. The warmer secondheat transfer fluid 155 that passes though thefirst evaporator portion 220 mixes with the secondheat transfer fluid 155 passing through thesecond evaporator portion 230 and produces an outlet heat transfer fluid, preferably air, that is dehumidified and not overcooled. -
FIG. 5 shows arefrigeration system 100 incorporating apartitioned evaporator 200 according to the present application.FIG. 5 shows the refrigeration system, includingcompressor suction line 145,blower 160,compressor 130,compressor discharge line 135,condenser 120, afan 170,evaporator inlet line 140, and firstheat exchange fluid 150, substantially as described above in the description ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 5 also shows thepartitioned evaporator 200 including first andsecond expansion devices isolation valve 250, first andsecond distributors second suction headers FIG. 2 . Heattransfer fluid flow 510, preferably air, flows into the partitionedevaporator 200 substantially evenly across the first and secondevaporator portions Blower 160 moves heattransfer fluid flow 510. Although,FIG. 5 depicts a blower, any suitable fluid moving means can be used for moving the fluid across the first and secondevaporator portions evaporator portions outlet flow 515. During cooling mode, the refrigerant is circulated from thecondenser 120 to the partitionedevaporator 200, through the first and secondevaporator portions compressor 130 throughline 145. Theinlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled by both the first and secondevaporator portions outlet flow 515 of heat transfer fluid that has been cooled. During dehumidification mode,isolation valve 250 is closed, preventing flow of refrigerant into thefirst evaporator portion 220. Theinlet flow 510 is cooled and dehumidified by thesecond evaporator portion 230 and is substantially untreated by the isolated firstevaporator portion 220. Theoutlet flow 515 is a mixture of the cooled, dehumidified air that flowed through thesecond evaporator portion 230 and the substantially untreated air that flowed though thefirst evaporator portion 220. Theresultant outlet flow 515 is dehumidified air that is not overcooled. -
FIG. 6 shows arefrigeration system 100 incorporating apartitioned evaporator 200 according to the present application.FIG. 6 shows the refrigeration system includingcompressor suction line 145,blower 160,compressor 130,compressor discharge line 135,condenser 120,fan 170,evaporator inlet line 140, and firstheat exchange fluid 150, substantially as described above in the description ofFIG. 1 . In addition,FIG. 6 includes a three-way valve 610 that connects tolines way valve 610 provides a refrigerant flow path fromline 310 toline 320. There is substantially no flow inline 315 during cooling mode operation. In reheat mode, three-way valve 610 provides a refrigerant flow path fromline 315 toline 310. There is substantially no refrigerant flow inline 320 during reheat mode operation.FIG. 6 also shows thepartitioned evaporator 200 including first andsecond expansion devices check valve 255, first andsecond distributors second suction headers FIG. 3 . Heattransfer fluid flow 510, preferably air, flows into the partitionedevaporator 200 substantially evenly across the first andsecond portions blower 160 moves heattransfer fluid flow 510. Although,FIG. 6 depicts a blower, any suitable fluid moving means can be used for moving the fluid across the first and secondevaporator portions evaporator portions outlet flow 515. During cooling mode, the refrigerant is circulated from thecondenser 120 to the partitionedevaporator 200, through the first and secondevaporator portions line 145. Theinlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled by both the first and secondevaporator portions outlet flow 515 of heat transfer fluid that has been cooled. During reheat/dehumidification mode, some portion of the hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of the compressor flows into the three-way valve 610, which is opened to allow flow through the three-way inlet line 315 and throughline 310 to thesuction header 270 of thefirst evaporator portion 220. In one embodiment of the application, a restrictor valve may be place incompressor discharge line 135 in order to control the flow of refrigerant traveling to thecondenser 120. In addition to controlling the flow of refrigerant to the condenser, the addition of a restrictor valve would allow control of the amount of refrigerant traveling tofirst evaporator portion 220. The restrictor valve would also allow modulation of the amount of refrigerant in order to provide increased control over the reheating capability of thefirst evaporator portion 220. The hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of thecompressor 130 enters thecircuits 210 of thefirst evaporator portion 220 and at least partially condenses to a liquid. The condensing refrigerant heats thefirst evaporator portion 220 and gives up heat to the heattransfer fluid flow 510 to produce a higher temperature heat transferfluid outlet flow 515. The refrigerant, which is at least partially condensed, travels through thecheck valve 255 and combines with the inlet flow into thesecond evaporator portion 230. Theinlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled and dehumidified by thesecond evaporator portion 230 and is heated by heat exchange with the hot gas from the discharge of thecompressor 130 in the isolated firstevaporator portion 220, as the refrigerant gas is condensed. Theoutlet flow 515 is a mixture of the cooled, dehumidified air that flowed through thesecond evaporator portion 230 and the heated air that flowed though thefirst evaporator portion 220. The thoroughly mixedresultant outlet flow 515 is dehumidified air that is not overcooled. In cooling mode,first evaporator portion 220 andsecond evaporator portion 230 of partitionedevaporator 200, operate as evaporators. However, in dehumidification mode,first evaporator portion 220 operates as a condenser, whilesecond evaporator portion 230 operates as an evaporator. -
FIG. 7 shows arefrigeration system 100 incorporating apartitioned evaporator 200 according to the present application.FIG. 7 shows therefrigeration system 100 includingsuction line 145,blower 160,compressor 130,compressor discharge line 135,condenser 120,fan 170,evaporator inlet line 140, and firstheat exchange fluid 150, substantially as described above in the description ofFIG. 1 . In addition,FIG. 7 includes one or both of abypass shutoff valve 440, and aflow restriction valve 430 onbypass line 410.Bypass line 410 connects thedischarge line 135 of the compressor to the inlet of thefirst evaporator portion 220 between thefirst expansion device 260 and thefirst distributor 240.FIG. 7 also shows thepartitioned evaporator 200 including first andexpansion devices isolation valve 250, first andsecond distributors second suction headers FIG. 4 . Heattransfer fluid flow 510, preferably air, flows into the partitionedevaporator 200 substantially evenly across the first andsecond portions heat transfer fluid 510 enters into a heat exchange relationship with the first and secondevaporator portions outlet flow 515. During cooling mode, the refrigerant is circulated from thecondenser 120 to the partitionedevaporator 200, through the first and secondevaporator portions compressor 130 throughline 145. Thebypass shutoff valve 440 and theflow restriction valve 430 are set to prevent flow of refrigerant through thebypass line 410. Theinlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled by both the first and secondevaporator portions outlet flow 515 of heat transfer fluid that has been cooled. During dehumidification mode,isolation valve 250 is closed, preventing flow of condensed refrigerant into thefirst evaporator portion 220. Thebypass shutoff valve 440 is opened and theflow restriction valve 430 is set to allow flow of refrigerant from thecompressor 130. AlthoughFIG. 7 is shown with both abypass shutoff valve 440 and aflow restriction valve 430, either thebypass shutoff valve 440 or flowrestriction valve 430 may be removed from thebypass line 410, so long as the flow of the refrigerant may be stopped during cooling mode and permitted during dehumidification mode. Hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of thecompressor 130 is then allowed to flow from thecompressor discharge line 135 through thebypass line 410 into thefirst distributor 240 and thefirst evaporator portion 220. The hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of thecompressor 130 heats thefirst evaporator portion 220, but preferably does not condense, and combines with the outlet flow from thesecond evaporator portion 230 into theevaporator suction line 145. Theinlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled and dehumidified by thesecond evaporator portion 230 and is heated by heat exchange with the hot gas from the discharge of the compressor in the isolated firstevaporator portion 220. Theoutlet flow 515 is a mixture of the cooled, dehumidified air that flowed through thesecond evaporator portion 230 and the heated air that flowed though thefirst evaporator portion 220. Theresultant outlet flow 515 is dehumidified air that is not overcooled. In an alternate embodiment,valve 440 is opened when transitioning from cooling mode to dehumidification/reheat mode. In this embodiment, any liquid refrigerant present infirst evaporator portion 220 is pushed toward thesuction header 270 by the hot gas from the compressor passing throughbypass line 410. The movement of the refrigerant allows the system to come to steady state dehumidification/reheat more quickly by not requiring the liquid refrigerant to evaporate in place. In yet another embodiment,valve 440 is operated to bypass a portion of the hot refrigerant gas from thecompressor 130 around thecondenser 120 during conditions of low ambient temperatures. In this mode of operation, hot gas is allowed to flow to each of the first and secondevaporator portions compressor 130 helps prevents thesecond evaporator portion 230 from freezing when thecondenser 120 experiences cool outdoor temperatures. In this embodiment, thebypass line 410 can serve two functions simultaneously. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary suction header arrangement forpartitioned evaporator 200 according to a further embodiment of the present application. The arrangement is suitable for use in the partitionedevaporator 200 of any of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 2 , 4, 5 and 7. In particular, the arrangement shown includes a first andsecond expansion device second evaporator portion refrigerant circuits 210, first andsecond sensing devices second suction headers suction line 145, secondheat transfer fluid 155, as shown and described with respect toFIGS. 2 , 4, 5 and 7. In this embodiment, therefrigerant circuits 210 are preferably arranged such that fourrefrigerant circuits 210 are present in thefirst evaporator portion 220 and threerefrigerant circuits 210 are present in the secondrefrigerant portion 230. AlthoughFIG. 8 has been shown with a four isolatablerefrigerant circuits 210 to threerefrigerant circuits 210 that remain open to flow in each of the operational modes, any ratio may be used that provides sufficient heat transfer surface area to provide dehumidified air that is not overcooled. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8 ,first suction header 270 includes a firstvertical header tube 810 extending vertically to ahorizontal outlet tube 830. The firstvertical header tube 810 provides a space where liquid refrigerant, if any, from thefirst evaporator portion 220 falls to the bottom of firstvertical header tube 810. Vaporous refrigerant escapes throughhorizontal outlet tube 830. The arrangement of thehorizontal outlet tube 830 is such that thefirst sensing device 264 operates without interference form the refrigerant passing through thesecond evaporator portion 230 and without interference from liquid refrigerant passing through thefirst evaporator portion 220. Like the arrangement offirst suction header 270,second suction header 275 includes a secondvertical header tube 820 and a secondhorizontal outlet tube 840 that operate in substantially the same manner with respect to thesecond evaporator portion 230. -
FIG. 9 shows a control method according to one embodiment of the present application. The method includes amode determination step 910 where the operational mode of the system is determined or selected. The operational mode can be provided by the controller and/or user, where the mode can either be cooling only or require dehumidification. Examples of control systems for determination of the operational mode are described in further detail below in the discussion ofFIGS. 12 and 13 . The method then includes adecisional step 920 wherein it is determined whether dehumidification mode is required or not. If the determination instep 920 is “NO” (i.e., no dehumidification mode is required), then the method proceeds to openingstep 930 wherein the valve to thefirst evaporator portion 220 is opened or remains open. The opening of thefirst evaporator portion 220 to the flow of refrigerant permits both the first and secondevaporator portions heat transfer fluid 510. If thedecisional step 920 is a “YES” (i.e., dehumidification mode is required), then the valve to thefirst evaporator portion 220 is closed or remains closed. The closing of thefirst evaporator portion 220 to the flow of refrigerant allows thefirst evaporator portion 220 to equilibrate at a temperature substantially equal to the temperature of the heat transfer fluid entering thepartitioned evaporator 200. After either theopening step 930 or theclosing step 840, the method returns to thedetermination step 810 and the method repeats. - Although
FIG. 9 shows that the decisional step provides a “YES” or “NO” instep 920, the method is not limited to an open orclosed isolation valve 250. A flow restricting valve may also be used. The use of a flow restricting valve allows the amount of flow into thefirst evaporator portion 220 to be varied. For example, the flow restricting valve may be used in an operational mode that is open to full flow, partially restricted flow or closed to flow, depending on the signal from a controller. A controller, using inputs, such as refrigerant temperature, heat transfer fluid temperatures, and humidity readings, provides a signal to the restricting valve to determine the amount of refrigerant flow permitted through theisolation valve 250. -
FIG. 10 shows another control method according to the present application. The method includes amode determination step 1010 where the operational mode of the system is determined. As in the method shown inFIG. 9 , the operational mode can be provided by the controller and/or user, where the mode can either be cooling only or require dehumidification mode. Examples of control systems for determination of the operational mode are described in further detail below in the discussion ofFIGS. 12 and 13 . The method then includes adecisional step 1020 wherein it is determined whether dehumidification mode is required or not. If the determination instep 1020 is “NO” (i.e., no dehumidification mode is required), then the method proceeds to step 1030 wherein the valve to thefirst evaporator portion 220 is opened or remains open. After or concurrently withstep 1030, three-way valve 610 is set in aflow directing step 1040 to provide refrigerant flow from thedischarge line 310 of the partitionedevaporator 200 to the intake of thecompressor 130. The opening of thefirst evaporator portion 220 and the setting of the three-way valve 610 allow the flow of refrigerant to both the first and secondevaporator portions heat transfer fluid 510. If thedecisional step 1020 is “YES” (i.e., dehumidification mode is required), then the valve to thefirst evaporator portion 220 is closed or remains closed. After or concurrently withstep 1050, three-way valve 610 is set in aflow directing step 1060 to provide refrigerant flow from the discharge of the compressor to the coolingmode suction line 310 of the partitionedevaporator 200. The hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of thecompressor 130 flows into thefirst evaporator portion 220 and provides heat to thefirst evaporator portion 220. The directing of hot gas refrigerant to thefirst evaporator portion 220 allows thefirst evaporator portion 220 to exchange heat with theheat transfer fluid 510 entering thepartitioned evaporator 200. Theinlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled and dehumidified by thesecond evaporator portion 230 and is heated by heat exchange with the hot gas from the discharge of thecompressor 130 in the isolated firstevaporator portion 220. Theoutlet flow 515 is a mixture of the cooled, dehumidified air that flowed through thesecond evaporator portion 230 and the heated air that flowed though thefirst evaporator portion 220. Theresultant outlet flow 515 is dehumidified air that is not overcooled. After either the three-way valve 610 directingsteps determination step 1010 and the method repeats. - Although
FIG. 10 shows that the decisional step provides a “YES” or “NO” instep 1020, the method is not limited to an open orclosed isolation valve 250. A flow restriction valve may also be used. The use of a flow restriction valve allows the amount of flow into thefirst evaporator portion 220 to be varied. For example, the flow restriction valve may be used in an operational mode that is open to full flow, partially restricted flow or closed to flow, depending on the signal from a controller. Alternatively, the flow into thefirst evaporator portion 220 from the discharge of thecompressor 130 in dehumidification mode may be varied through use of the three-way valve 610, depending on the signal from a controller. The three-way valve 610 may also include flow restriction abilities that allow the flow of refrigerant to be varied. A controller, using inputs, such as refrigerant temperature, heat transfer fluid temperatures, and humidity readings, provides a signal to the restriction valve or the three-way valve 610 to determine the amount of refrigerant flow permitted through theisolation valve 250 or the amount of hot gas refrigerant permitted through thefirst evaporator portion 220. -
FIG. 11 shows another control method according to the present application. The method includes amode determination step 1110 where the operational mode of the system is determined. As in the method shown inFIG. 9 , the operational mode can be provided by the controller and/or user, where the mode can either be cooling only or require dehumidification mode. The method then includes adecisional step 1120 wherein it is determined whether dehumidification mode is required or not. If the determination instep 1120 is “NO” (i.e., no dehumidification mode required), then the method proceeds to step 1130 wherein the valve to thefirst evaporator portion 220 is opened or remains open. After or concurrently withstep 1130, abypass 410 is closed from refrigerant flow in abypass closing step 1140. The opening of thefirst evaporator portion 220 and the closing of thebypass 410 allow the flow of refrigerant to both the first and secondevaporator portions heat transfer fluid 510. If thedecisional step 1120 is a “YES” (i.e., dehumidification mode is required), then the valve to thefirst evaporator portion 220 is closed or remains closed. After or concurrently withstep 1150, thebypass 410 is opened to flow of refrigerant in abypass opening step 1160. Hot gas refrigerant from the discharge of thecompressor 130 flows through thebypass 410 and into thefirst evaporator portion 220 and provides heat to thefirst evaporator portion 220. The closing of thefirst evaporator portion 220 to the flow of refrigerant and the directing of hot gas refrigerant to thefirst evaporator portion 220 allows thefirst evaporator portion 220 to exchange heat with theheat transfer fluid 510 entering thepartitioned evaporator 200. Theinlet flow 510 of heat transfer fluid is cooled and dehumidified by thesecond evaporator portion 230 and is heated by heat exchange with the hot gas from the discharge of the compressor in the isolated firstevaporator portion 220. Theoutlet flow 515 is a mixture of the cooled, dehumidified air that flowed through thesecond evaporator portion 230 and the heated air that flowed though thefirst evaporator portion 220. Theresultant outlet flow 515 is dehumidified air that is not overcooled. After either thebypass closing step 1140 or thebypass opening step 1160, the method returns to thedetermination step 1110 and the method repeats. - Although
FIG. 11 shows that thedecisional step 1120 provides a “YES” or “NO” indecisional step 1120, the method is not limited to an open orclosed isolation valve 250. A flow restriction valve may also be used. The use of a flow restriction valve allows the amount of flow into thefirst evaporator portion 220 to be varied. For example, the flow restriction valve may be used in an operational mode that is open to full flow, partially restricted flow or closed to flow, depending on the signal from a controller. Additionally, the flow through thebypass line 410 may be varied through use of thebypass shutoff valve 440 and/or flowrestriction valve 430, depending on the signal from a controller. A controller, using inputs, such as refrigerant temperature, heat transfer fluid temperatures, and humidity readings, provides a signal toisolation valve 250,bypass shutoff valve 440 and flowrestriction valve 430 to determine the amount of refrigerant flow permitted through the restricting valve in place ofisolation valve 250 and the amount of hot gas refrigerant permitted through thefirst evaporator portion 220. -
FIG. 12 illustrates a control method according to the present application that determines the operation mode of the partitionedevaporator 200. The determination of the operational mode is made through the use of a controller. This determination may be used insteps FIGS. 9 , 10 and 11, respectively. The determination takes place by first sensing temperature and/or humidity instep 1210. The sufficient temperature and/or humidity measurements are made for a controller to determine whether the heat transfer fluid requires cooling or dehumidification. The inputs from temperature sensors and humidity sensors are provided to the controller instep 1220, where the controller uses the sensed temperatures and/or humidity to determine the operational mode. Instep 1220, the controller determines whether cooling is required and whether dehumidification is required. In a firstdecisional step 1230, it is determined whether the controller has determined that cooling is required. If the firstdecisional step 1230 determines “YES”, cooling is required, thepartitioned evaporator 200 in therefrigeration system 100 is set to allow flow into all of thecircuits 210 in the partitionedevaporator 200 and cool across both the first and secondevaporator portions step 1240. In addition to cooling, cooling mode also performs dehumidification. However, in a cooling mode, the temperature is only cooled and is not heated to increase the temperature of the secondheat transfer fluid 155 once the secondheat transfer fluid 155 travels through the evaporator. If the firstdecisional step 1230 determines “NO”, then a seconddecisional step 1250 is made. The seconddecisional step 1250 determines whether the controller has determined that dehumidification (i.e., dehumidification without overcooling) is required. If the seconddecisional step 1250 determines “YES”, dehumidification is required, the operational mode is set to dehumidification instep 1260, which corresponds to step 910, 1010 or 1110 inFIGS. 9-11 , and the process continues withdetermination step FIGS. 9-11 . If the seconddecisional step 1250 determines “NO”, dehumidification is not required, the operational mode is set to inactive and the system runs neither a cooling nor a dehumidification cycle instep 1270. -
FIG. 13 shows an alternate control method according to the present application that determines the operation mode of a multiple refrigerant system. In the system controlled inFIG. 13 , multiplerefrigerant systems 100 are utilized and one or more of therefrigerant systems 100 include apartitioned evaporator 200 according to the application. The control method shown inFIG. 13 operates in a similar manner toFIG. 12 in that the controller receives inputs from temperature and/or humidity sensors instep 1310 and determines the operational mode of the system instep 1320. Likewise, if the firstdecisional step 1330 determines “NO”, then a seconddecisional step 1370 is performed. The seconddecisional step 1370 determines whether the controller has determined that dehumidification mode (i.e., dehumidification without overcooling) is required. If the seconddecisional step 1370 determines “YES”, dehumidification mode is required, the operational mode is set to dehumidification mode instep 1380. If multiplerefrigerant systems 100 are present, the controller independently determines which of therefrigerant systems 100 are active or inactive, based upon the temperature of the air and amount of dehumidification required. Whenmultiple refrigeration systems 100 are present, at least onerefrigerant system 100 includes a partitionedevaporator 200. The controller independently determines whichpartitioned evaporator 200 is subject to isolation of thefirst evaporator portion 220, based upon the temperature of the air and amount of dehumidification required. However, if the seconddecisional step 1370 determines “NO”, dehumidification mode is not required, the operational mode is set to inactive and the system runs neither a cooling nor a dehumidification cycle instep 1390. If the firstdecisional step 1330 determines “YES”, cooling is required, a thirddecisional step 1340 is performed. In the thirddecisional step 1340, a determination as to the number of stages are to be activated in order to provide the cooling. Each stage has an evaporator capable of providing cooling to the secondheat transfer fluid 155. The greater the number of stages activated, the greater the amount of cooling provided. At least one of the multiple refrigerant circuits includes a partitionedevaporator 200. If the controller determines that the cooling demand only requires onerefrigerant system 100 to be active, onerefrigerant system 100 will be used to cool secondheat transfer fluid 155 instep 1350. When the partitionedevaporator 200 is used to operate in cooling mode, thepartitioned evaporator 200 is configured to allow flow into all of thecircuits 210 in thepartition evaporator 200 and cool across both the first and secondevaporator portions step 1350. If multiple partitionedevaporator 200 is present, all of thecircuits 210 in each of the partitionedevaporator 200 allow flow of refrigerant into both the first and secondevaporator portions heat transfer fluid 155. - The present application is not limited to the control methods shown in
FIGS. 9-13 . Thepartitioned evaporator 200 may be used in one or more refrigerant circuits of multiple refrigerant circuit systems, where the control of the reheating capabilities within thefirst evaporator portion 220 of the partitionedevaporator 200 may be independently controlled to provide the desired temperature and/or humidity within the conditioned space. Any combination of cooling, reheating, or modulation of combinations of cooling and reheating may be used with the present application. - Although the partitioned
evaporator 200 has been illustrated as containing twoevaporator portions partitioned evaporator 200 is not limited to two portions. Any number of portions may be used, so long as one or more of the portions include means to isolate the respective portion from refrigerant flow. - In another embodiment,
refrigerant circuits 210 may also be isolated individually within the first and/or second distributor. The circuits may be isolated with flow blocking means or flow restriction means. In this embodiment, a controller is used to determine the number of circuits isolated. The number of circuits isolated relates to the amount of cooling and/or heating of dehumidified air required and may be adjusted by the controller. - The lack of additional piping also allows retrofitting of the system of the present application into existing systems. Because the system utilizes the same components as existing systems, the system takes up approximately the same volume as existing HVAC systems. Therefore, the method and system of the present application may be used in existing systems whose piping has arranged according to the present application.
- While the application has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the application without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the application not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this application, but that the application will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (24)
1. An HVAC system comprising:
a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in a closed refrigerant loop, the evaporator including a plurality of refrigerant circuits;
the evaporator including at least one distributor configured to distribute and deliver refrigerant to each circuit of the plurality of circuits;
the plurality of circuits being arranged into a first set of circuits and second set of circuits; and
the evaporator including a valve arrangement configured and disposed to isolate the first set of circuits from refrigerant flow from the condenser and to permit flow of refrigerant from the compressor to the first set of circuits in a dehumidification operation of the HVAC system.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a first control valve fluidly connected to the first set of circuits, wherein the first control valve controls flow of refrigerant to the first set of circuits; and
a second control valve fluidly connected to the second set of circuits, wherein the second control valve controls flow of refrigerant to the second set of circuits.
3. The system of claim 2 , further comprising:
a first control valve sensor for sensing temperature communicating with the first control valve, the first control valve controlling flow of refrigerant through the first set of circuits in response to the temperature sensed by the first control valve sensor; and
a second control valve sensor for sensing temperature communicating with the second control valve, the second control valve controlling flow of refrigerant through the second set of circuits in response to the temperature sensed by the first control valve sensor.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the second control valve is capable of permitting a greater amount of refrigerant flow than the first control valve.
5. The system of claim 3 , wherein the first and second control valves are thermostatic expansion valves.
6. The system of claim 2 , further comprising a header for distributing the flow of refrigerant, the header including a plurality of fluid connections to each of the circuits of the first set of circuits and the second set of circuits, wherein each fluid connection includes a control valve that controls flow of refrigerant through the fluid connection to the corresponding circuit.
7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a fluid connection between the compressor and the first set of circuits allowing flow of at least a portion of refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the first set of circuits,
wherein the flow of refrigerant in the fluid connection bypasses the condenser.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the fluid connection connects the discharge of the compressor to the inlet of the first set of circuits.
9. The system of claim 8 , the fluid connection further comprising a device selected from the group consisting of a bypass valve that can selectively prevent flow of refrigerant through the fluid connection, a flow restriction device that controls the amount of flow through the fluid connection and combinations thereof.
10. The system of claim 1 , the valve arrangement further comprising:
a first valve and second valve in a parallel configuration;
the first valve being configurable into a closed position that prevent flow into or out of the first set of refrigerant circuits and configurable into an open position that allows flow into or out of the first set of refrigerant circuits; and
the second valve being capable of preventing flow of refrigerant into the first set of circuits and allowing flow of refrigerant out of the first set of refrigerant circuits.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the fluid connection connects the discharge of the compressor to the outlet of the first set of circuits, wherein flow of refrigerant from the compressor through the first set of circuits flows countercurrent to the flow of refrigerant in the second set of circuits in response to a dehumidification operation.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the fluid connection includes a 3-way valve that selectively connects the outlet of the first set of circuits to either the discharge of the compressor or the inlet of the compressor.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the refrigerant flowing countercurrent to the flow of refrigerant in the second set of circuits condenses from a gas to a liquid and combines with the inlet of the second set of circuits.
14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first set of circuits includes a plurality of portions, each portion having a predetermined number of circuits and a corresponding valve arrangement arranged and disposed to independently isolate each of the portions from flow of refrigerant from the condenser.
15. An HVAC system comprising:
a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in a closed refrigerant loop, the evaporator including a plurality of refrigerant circuits;
the evaporator including at least one distribution arrangement configured to distribute and deliver refrigerant to each circuit of the plurality of circuits;
the plurality of circuits being arranged into a plurality of sets of circuits; and
the evaporator including a valve arrangement configured and disposed to isolate at least one of the sets of circuits from refrigerant flow from the condenser and to permit flow of refrigerant from the compressor to the at least one of the sets of circuits in a dehumidification operation of the HVAC system.
16. The system of claim 15 , further comprising:
a control valve fluidly connected to each of the sets of circuits, wherein the control valve controls flow of refrigerant to the corresponding set of circuits.
17. The system of claim 16 , further comprising:
a control valve sensor for sensing temperature communicating with each of the control valves, each control valve controlling flow of refrigerant through the corresponding set of circuits in response to the temperature sensed by the corresponding control valve sensor.
18. The system of claim 15 , further comprising:
a fluid connection between the compressor and at least one of the sets of circuits allowing flow of at least a portion of refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the corresponding sets of circuits,
wherein the flow of refrigerant in the fluid connection bypasses the condenser.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the fluid connection connects the discharge of the compressor to the inlet of the corresponding sets of circuits.
20. The system of claim 19 , the fluid connection further comprising a device selected from the group consisting of a bypass valve that can selectively prevent flow of refrigerant through the fluid connection, a flow restriction device that controls the amount of flow through the fluid connection and combinations thereof.
21. The system of claim 19 , the valve arrangement further comprising:
a first valve and second valve in a parallel configuration;
the first valve being configurable into a closed position that prevent flow into or out at least one of the plurality of sets of refrigerant circuits and configurable into an open position that allows flow into or out of the corresponding sets of refrigerant circuits; and
the second valve being capable of preventing flow of refrigerant into the first set of circuits and allowing flow of refrigerant out of the corresponding sets of refrigerant circuits.
22. The system of claim 21 , wherein the fluid connection connects a discharge of the compressor to the outlet of the corresponding sets of circuits, wherein flow of refrigerant from the compressor through the corresponding sets of circuits flows countercurrent to the flow of refrigerant in the remaining sets of circuits in response to a dehumidification operation.
23. The system of claim 21 , wherein the fluid connection includes a 3-way valve that selectively connects the outlet of the corresponding sets of circuits to either a discharge of the compressor or an inlet of the compressor.
24. The system of claim 22 , wherein the refrigerant flowing countercurrent to the flow of refrigerant in the second set of circuits condenses from a gas to a liquid and combines with the inlet of the second set of circuits.
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1831610A1 (en) | 2007-09-12 |
US20060137371A1 (en) | 2006-06-29 |
MX2007007795A (en) | 2007-08-23 |
WO2006071858A1 (en) | 2006-07-06 |
US7845185B2 (en) | 2010-12-07 |
BRPI0519461A2 (en) | 2009-01-27 |
CA2591236A1 (en) | 2006-07-06 |
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