US20140353391A1 - Electronic Expansion Valve - Google Patents
Electronic Expansion Valve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140353391A1 US20140353391A1 US13/908,788 US201313908788A US2014353391A1 US 20140353391 A1 US20140353391 A1 US 20140353391A1 US 201313908788 A US201313908788 A US 201313908788A US 2014353391 A1 US2014353391 A1 US 2014353391A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sensor
- obturator
- rotor
- displacement axis
- longitudinal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 66
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000005355 Hall effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 55
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000006854 communication Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000011045 prefiltration Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007175 bidirectional communication Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007791 liquid phase 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
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013024 troubleshooting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/30—Expansion means; Dispositions thereof
- F25B41/31—Expansion valves
- F25B41/34—Expansion valves with the valve member being actuated by electric means, e.g. by piezoelectric actuators
- F25B41/35—Expansion valves with the valve member being actuated by electric means, e.g. by piezoelectric actuators by rotary motors, e.g. by stepping motors
-
- F25B41/043—
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
- Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating
Definitions
- HVAC heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning
- EEV electronic expansion valve
- the EEV may generally comprise a stepper motor which receives signals from an electronic controller to control the position of an obturator of an EEV. In some instances, however, the EEV may not be correctly calibrated.
- an electronic expansion valve comprising a longitudinal displacement axis, a rotor comprising a magnet, a first sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a first longitudinal location, and a second sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a second longitudinal location, wherein the first longitudinal location is longitudinally offset from the second longitudinal location along the longitudinal displacement axis is disclosed.
- a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system comprising an electronic expansion valve comprising a longitudinal displacement axis, a rotor comprising a magnet, a first sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a first longitudinal location, and a second sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a second longitudinal location, wherein the first longitudinal location is longitudinally offset from the second longitudinal location along the longitudinal displacement axis, and an electronic expansion valve controller is disclosed.
- a method of operating an electronic expansion valve comprising: providing an electronic expansion valve comprising a longitudinal displacement axis, a rotor comprising a magnet, an obturator, a first sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a first longitudinal location, and a second sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a second longitudinal location, wherein the first longitudinal location is longitudinally offset from the second longitudinal location along the longitudinal displacement axis, sensing the position of the obturator within the electronic expansion valve by the first sensor at the first longitudinal location and the second sensor at the second longitudinal location, outputting a first voltage from the first sensor to an electronic expansion valve controller, and outputting a second voltage from the second sensor to an electronic expansion valve controller is disclosed.
- FIG. 1 is simplified schematic diagram of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of the air circulation paths of the HVAC system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a metering position according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully open position according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully closed position according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully open position according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully open position according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully open position according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully open position according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
- an electronic expansion valve that is capable of more accurate control and monitoring.
- EEV electronic expansion valve
- an EEV that comprises internal Hall Effect sensors to more accurately monitor and control the position of the obturator of an EEV.
- systems and methods are disclosed that comprise providing an EEV that comprises a plurality of Hall Effect sensors that are longitudinally displaced along an axis of movement of the EEV and configured to detect the position and movement of the obturator of an EEV.
- HVAC system 100 comprises an indoor unit 102 , an outdoor unit 104 , and a system controller 106 .
- the system controller 106 may operate to control operation of the indoor unit 102 and/or the outdoor unit 104 .
- the HVAC system 100 is a so-called heat pump system that may be selectively operated to implement one or more substantially closed thermodynamic refrigeration cycles to provide a cooling functionality and/or a heating functionality.
- Indoor unit 102 comprises an indoor heat exchanger 108 , an indoor fan 110 , and an electronic expansion valve (EEV) 112 .
- Indoor heat exchanger 108 is a plate fin heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between refrigerant carried within internal tubing of the indoor heat exchanger 108 and fluids that contact the indoor heat exchanger 108 but that are kept segregated from the refrigerant.
- indoor heat exchanger 108 may comprise a spine fin heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger.
- the indoor fan 110 is a centrifugal blower comprising a blower housing, a blower impeller at least partially disposed within the blower housing, and a blower motor configured to selectively rotate the blower impeller.
- the indoor fan 110 may comprise a mixed-flow fan and/or any other suitable type of fan.
- the indoor fan 110 is configured as a modulating and/or variable speed fan capable of being operated at many speeds over one or more ranges of speeds.
- the indoor fan 110 may be configured as a multiple speed fan capable of being operated at a plurality of operating speeds by selectively electrically powering different ones of multiple electromagnetic windings of a motor of the indoor fan 110 .
- the indoor fan 110 may be a single speed fan.
- the electronic expansion valve (EEV) 112 is an electronically controlled motor driven EEV.
- the HVAC system 100 may comprise a thermostatic expansion valve, a capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device other than an EEV.
- the EEV 112 may comprise and/or be associated with a refrigerant check valve and/or refrigerant bypass for use when a direction of refrigerant flow through the EEV 112 is such that the EEV 112 is not intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through the EEV 112 .
- Outdoor unit 104 comprises an outdoor heat exchanger 114 , a compressor 116 , an outdoor fan 118 , an outdoor metering device 120 , and a reversing valve 122 .
- Outdoor heat exchanger 114 is a spine fin heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between refrigerant carried within internal passages of the outdoor heat exchanger 114 and fluids that contact the outdoor heat exchanger 114 but that are kept segregated from the refrigerant.
- outdoor heat exchanger 114 may comprise a plate fin heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger.
- the compressor 116 is a multiple speed scroll type compressor configured to selectively pump refrigerant at a plurality of mass flow rates.
- the compressor 116 may comprise a modulating compressor capable of operation over one or more speed ranges, the compressor 116 may comprise a reciprocating type compressor, the compressor 116 may be a single speed compressor, and/or the compressor 116 may comprise any other suitable refrigerant compressor and/or refrigerant pump.
- the outdoor fan 118 is an axial fan comprising a fan blade assembly and fan motor configured to selectively rotate the fan blade assembly.
- the outdoor fan 118 may comprise a mixed-flow fan, a centrifugal blower, and/or any other suitable type of fan and/or blower.
- the outdoor fan 118 is configured as a modulating and/or variable speed fan capable of being operated at many speeds over one or more ranges of speeds.
- the outdoor fan 118 may be configured as a multiple speed fan capable of being operated at a plurality of operating speeds by selectively electrically powering different ones of multiple electromagnetic windings of a motor of the outdoor fan 118 .
- the outdoor fan 118 may be a single speed fan.
- the outdoor metering device 120 is a thermostatic expansion valve.
- the outdoor metering device 120 may comprise an electronically controlled motor driven EEV similar to EEV 112 , a capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device.
- the outdoor metering device 120 may comprise and/or be associated with a refrigerant check valve and/or refrigerant bypass for use when a direction of refrigerant flow through the outdoor metering device 120 is such that the outdoor metering device 120 is not intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through the outdoor metering device 120 .
- the reversing valve 122 is a so-called four-way reversing valve.
- the reversing valve 122 may be selectively controlled to alter a flow path of refrigerant in the HVAC system 100 as described in greater detail below.
- the reversing valve 122 may comprise an electrical solenoid or other device configured to selectively move a component of the reversing valve 122 between operational positions.
- the system controller 106 may comprise a touchscreen interface for displaying information and for receiving user inputs.
- the system controller 106 may display information related to the operation of the HVAC system 100 and may receive user inputs related to operation of the HVAC system 100 .
- the system controller 106 may further be operable to display information and receive user inputs tangentially and/or unrelated to operation of the HVAC system 100 .
- the system controller 106 may comprise a temperature sensor and may further be configured to control heating and/or cooling of zones associated with the HVAC system 100 .
- the system controller 106 may be configured as a thermostat for controlling supply of conditioned air to zones associated with the HVAC system.
- the system controller 106 may selectively communicate with an indoor controller 124 of the indoor unit 102 , with an outdoor controller 126 of the outdoor unit 104 , and/or with other components of the HVAC system 100 .
- the system controller 106 may be configured for selective bidirectional communication over a communication bus 128 .
- portions of the communication bus 128 may comprise a three-wire connection suitable for communicating messages between the system controller 106 and one or more of the HVAC system 100 components configured for interfacing with the communication bus 128 .
- the system controller 106 may be configured to selectively communicate with HVAC system 100 components and/or other device 130 via a communication network 132 .
- the communication network 132 may comprise a telephone network and the other device 130 may comprise a telephone.
- the communication network 132 may comprise the Internet and the other device 130 may comprise a so-called smartphone and/or other Internet enabled mobile telecommunication device.
- the indoor controller 124 may be carried by the indoor unit 102 and may be configured to receive information inputs, transmit information outputs, and otherwise communicate with the system controller 106 , the outdoor controller 126 , and/or any other device 130 via the communication bus 128 and/or any other suitable medium of communication.
- the indoor controller 124 may be configured to communicate with an indoor personality module 134 , receive information related to a speed of the indoor fan 110 , transmit a control output to an electric heat relay, transmit information regarding an indoor fan 110 volumetric flow-rate, communicate with and/or otherwise affect control over an air cleaner 136 , and communicate with an indoor EEV controller 138 .
- the indoor controller 124 may be configured to communicate with an indoor fan controller 142 and/or otherwise affect control over operation of the indoor fan 110 .
- the indoor personality module 134 may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of the indoor unit 102 and/or a position of the outdoor metering device 120 .
- the indoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to receive information regarding temperatures and/or pressures of the refrigerant in the indoor unit 102 . More specifically, the indoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to receive information regarding temperatures and pressures of refrigerant entering, exiting, and/or within the indoor heat exchanger 108 . Further, the indoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to communicate with the EEV 112 and/or otherwise affect control over the EEV 112 .
- the outdoor controller 126 may be carried by the outdoor unit 104 and may be configured to receive information inputs, transmit information outputs, and otherwise communicate with the system controller 106 , the indoor controller 124 , and/or any other device 130 via the communication bus 128 and/or any other suitable medium of communication.
- the outdoor controller 126 may be configured to communicate with an outdoor personality module 140 that may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of the outdoor unit 104 .
- the outdoor controller 126 may be configured to receive information related to an ambient temperature associated with the outdoor unit 104 , information related to a temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 114 , and/or information related to refrigerant temperatures and/or pressures of refrigerant entering, exiting, and/or within the outdoor heat exchanger 114 and/or the compressor 116 .
- the outdoor controller 126 may be configured to transmit information related to monitoring, communicating with, and/or otherwise affecting control over the outdoor fan 118 , a compressor sump heater, a solenoid of the reversing valve 122 , a relay associated with adjusting and/or monitoring a refrigerant charge of the HVAC system 100 , a position of the EEV 112 , and/or a position of the outdoor metering device 120 .
- the outdoor controller 126 may further be configured to communicate with a compressor drive controller 144 that is configured to electrically power and/or control the compressor 116 .
- the HVAC system 100 is shown configured for operating in a so-called cooling mode in which heat is absorbed by refrigerant at the indoor heat exchanger 108 and heat is rejected from the refrigerant at the outdoor heat exchanger 114 .
- the compressor 116 may be operated to compress refrigerant and pump the relatively high temperature and high pressure compressed refrigerant from the compressor 116 to the outdoor heat exchanger 114 through the reversing valve 122 and to the outdoor heat exchanger 114 .
- the outdoor fan 118 may be operated to move air into contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 114 , thereby transferring heat from the refrigerant to the air surrounding the outdoor heat exchanger 114 .
- the refrigerant may primarily comprise liquid phase refrigerant and the refrigerant may flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 114 to the EEV 112 through and/or around the outdoor metering device 120 which does not substantially impede flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mode.
- the EEV 112 may meter passage of the refrigerant through the EEV 112 so that the refrigerant downstream of the EEV 112 is at a lower pressure than the refrigerant upstream of the EEV 112 .
- the pressure differential across the EEV 112 allows the refrigerant downstream of the EEV 112 to expand and/or at least partially convert to a two-phase (vapor and gas) mixture.
- the two-phase refrigerant may enter the indoor heat exchanger 108 .
- the indoor fan 110 may be operated to move air into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 108 , thereby transferring heat to the refrigerant from the air surrounding the indoor heat exchanger 108 , and causing evaporation of the liquid portion of the two-phase mixture.
- the refrigerant may thereafter re-enter the compressor 116 after passing through the reversing valve 122 .
- the reversing valve 122 may be controlled to alter the flow path of the refrigerant, the EEV 112 may be disabled and/or bypassed, and the outdoor metering device 120 may be enabled.
- refrigerant may flow from the compressor 116 to the indoor heat exchanger 108 through the reversing valve 122 , the refrigerant may be substantially unaffected by the EEV 112 , the refrigerant may experience a pressure differential across the outdoor metering device 120 , the refrigerant may pass through the outdoor heat exchanger 114 , and the refrigerant may reenter the compressor 116 after passing through the reversing valve 122 .
- operation of the HVAC system 100 in the heating mode reverses the roles of the indoor heat exchanger 108 and the outdoor heat exchanger 114 as compared to their operation in the cooling mode.
- FIG. 2 a simplified schematic diagram of the air circulation paths for a structure 200 conditioned by two HVAC systems 100 is shown.
- the structure 200 is conceptualized as comprising a lower floor 202 and an upper floor 204 .
- the lower floor 202 comprises zones 206 , 208 , and 210 while the upper floor 204 comprises zones 212 , 214 , and 216 .
- the HVAC system 100 associated with the lower floor 202 is configured to circulate and/or condition air of lower zones 206 , 208 , and 210 while the HVAC system 100 associated with the upper floor 204 is configured to circulate and/or condition air of upper zones 212 , 214 , and 216 .
- each HVAC system 100 further comprises a ventilator 146 , a prefilter 148 , a humidifier 150 , and a bypass duct 152 .
- the ventilator 146 may be operated to selectively exhaust circulating air to the environment and/or introduce environmental air into the circulating air.
- the prefilter 148 may generally comprise a filter media selected to catch and/or retain relatively large particulate matter prior to air exiting the prefilter 148 and entering the air cleaner 136 .
- the humidifier 150 may be operated to adjust a humidity of the circulating air.
- the bypass duct 152 may be utilized to regulate air pressures within the ducts that form the circulating air flow paths.
- air flow through the bypass duct 152 may be regulated by a bypass damper 154 while air flow delivered to the zones 206 , 208 , 210 , 212 , 214 , and 216 may be regulated by zone dampers 156 .
- each HVAC system 100 may further comprise a zone thermostat 158 and a zone sensor 160 .
- a zone thermostat 158 may communicate with the system controller 106 and may allow a user to control a temperature, humidity, and/or other environmental setting for the zone in which the zone thermostat 158 is located. Further, the zone thermostat 158 may communicate with the system controller 106 to provide temperature, humidity, and/or other environmental feedback regarding the zone in which the zone thermostat 158 is located. In some embodiments, a zone sensor 160 may communicate with the system controller 106 to provide temperature, humidity, and/or other environmental feedback regarding the zone in which the zone sensor 160 is located.
- HVAC systems 100 are shown as a so-called split system comprising an indoor unit 102 located separately from the outdoor unit 104
- alternative embodiments of an HVAC system 100 may comprise a so-called package system in which one or more of the components of the indoor unit 102 and one or more of the components of the outdoor unit 104 are carried together in a common housing or package.
- the HVAC system 100 is shown as a so-called ducted system where the indoor unit 102 is located remote from the conditioned zones, thereby requiring air ducts to route the circulating air.
- an HVAC system 100 may be configured as a non-ducted system in which the indoor unit 102 and/or multiple indoor units 102 associated with an outdoor unit 104 is located substantially in the space and/or zone to be conditioned by the respective indoor units 102 , thereby not requiring air ducts to route the air conditioned by the indoor units 102 .
- the system controllers 106 may be configured for bidirectional communication with each other and may further be configured so that a user may, using any of the system controllers 106 , monitor and/or control any of the HVAC system 100 components regardless of which zones the components may be associated.
- each system controller 106 , each zone thermostat 158 , and each zone sensor 160 may comprise a humidity sensor.
- structure 200 is equipped with a plurality of humidity sensors in a plurality of different locations. In some embodiments, a user may effectively select which of the plurality of humidity sensors is used to control operation of one or more of the HVAC systems 100 .
- FIGS. 3-5 cutaway views of an electronic expansion valve (EEV) 112 configured in a metering position, configured in a fully open position, and configured in a fully closed position are shown, respectively, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
- the EEV 112 generally comprises a valve body 302 , a side port 304 , and an inline port 306 .
- the EEV 112 further comprises an upper valve portion 310 that extends from the valve body 302 along an axis 320 that is coincident with the inline port 306 .
- the valve body 302 , the side port 304 , the inline port 306 , and the upper valve portion 310 define a valve cavity 338 through which refrigerant may flow.
- the EEV 112 also comprises a selectively movable obturator 316 connected to an obturator shaft 318 and that is substantially axially aligned with axis 320 .
- the obturator shaft 318 may generally be connected to a rotor 314 that has a cylindrically-shaped exterior surface.
- the obturator shaft 318 may generally affix to the rotor 314 by a push nut 324 .
- the rotor 314 comprises a rotor magnet 326 which may be generally affixed to the exterior surface of the rotor 314 .
- the rotor 314 and rotor magnet 326 are encapsulated by a rotor cover 328 that is configured such that an open end of the rotor cover 328 mates to the valve body 302 , thereby forming a rotor cavity that provides clearance for a longitudinal movement of the rotor 314 along axis 320 .
- the EEV 112 also comprises an electronically controlled motor 330 .
- the motor 330 comprises a stepper motor.
- the motor 330 radially surrounds the rotor cover 328 and is configured to selectively change a position of the rotor 314 .
- Electrical command pulses applied to the motor 330 may cause angular rotation of the rotor magnet 326 .
- the rotor 314 is configured with rotor threads 322 on the inner surface of the rotor 314 and the rotor threads 322 interlock with valve body threads 312 located on the outer surface of the upper valve portion 310 .
- the interlocking rotor threads 322 and valve body threads 312 are configured to allow the rotor 314 to rotate about the upper valve portion 310 , such that the rotor 314 moves longitudinally along the axis 320 , thereby driving the obturator 316 similarly along the axis 320 .
- the obturator 316 is generally configured to restrict refrigerant flow through the valve cavity 338 based on the longitudinal position of the obturator 316 .
- the obturator 316 may be configured in a conical or frustoconical shape to interface with a complimentary valve seat 308 , such that when the obturator 316 is positioned within the valve seat 308 , refrigerant flow through the valve cavity 338 from the side port 304 to the inline port 306 is restricted. While in some embodiments the obturator 316 may comprise a conical or frustoconical shape, in alternative embodiments an obturator 316 or a complimentary valve seat 308 may comprise any other suitable shape for restricting or preventing flow of refrigerant through the valve cavity 338 . When the obturator 316 is driven into the valve seat 308 at a fully closed position as shown in FIG. 5 , flow of refrigerant through the valve cavity 338 may be prevented.
- the EEV 112 also comprises a first sensor 332 and a second sensor 334 .
- the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 are generally longitudinally offset relative to each other along axis 320 .
- the longitudinal offset distance between the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may generally relate to a longitudinal travel distance of the rotor 314 along axis 320 between the fully open position (shown in FIG. 4 ) to the fully closed position (shown in FIG. 5 ).
- the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may be aligned angularly about axis 320 .
- the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may be offset angularly relative to each other about axis 320 while still maintaining a longitudinal displacement along axis 320 .
- the EEV 112 may comprise plurality of sensors disposed longitudinally along axis 320 with various offset distances relative to each other.
- an EEV 112 may comprise a plurality of sensors disposed longitudinally along axis 320 and offset angularly relative to each other at various intervals about axis 320 .
- an EEV 112 may comprise a plurality of sensors disposed laterally at various distances from the axis 320 .
- the sensors are enclosed within the rotor cover 328 and located in the rotor cavity 336 .
- the first sensor 332 and second sensor 334 may comprise Hall Effect sensors. In alternative embodiments, the first sensor 332 and second sensor 334 may comprise electro-optical sensors. In yet other embodiments, the first sensor 332 and second sensor 334 may comprise electronic proximity (inductive) sensors. Generally, the first sensor 332 and second sensor 334 may be electrically coupled to the indoor EEV controller 138 . In other embodiments, the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may be electrically coupled to the indoor controller 124 . The first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may generally be configured to communicate with the indoor EEV controller 138 and/or the indoor controller 124 . In some embodiments, the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may be configured to transmit information about the EEV 112 to the indoor EEV controller 138 and/or the indoor controller 124 .
- the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may be configured to detect the proximity of the rotor magnet 326 .
- the rotor 314 may generally be positioned in a metering position as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the obturator 316 partially restricts flow of refrigerant through the valve cavity 338 .
- the longitudinal position of the obturator 316 may be adjusted during operation to allow more or less refrigerant flow through the EEV 112 .
- the EEV 112 may selectively move the obturator 316 to an alternate metering position relatively more open, thereby retracting the obturator along axis 320 and away from the valve seat 308 .
- the EEV 112 may selectively move the obturator 316 to an alternate metering position relatively more closed, thereby moving the obturator along axis 320 and toward the valve seat 308 .
- the rotor 314 moves in a longitudinal direction along axis 320 and approaches the first sensor 332 . This movement causes the rotor magnet 326 to also move closer to the first sensor 332 .
- the first sensor 332 is configured to detect the proximity of the rotor magnet 326 such that a higher magnetic field is detected by the first sensor 332 as the rotor magnet 326 approaches the first sensor 332 .
- the first sensor 332 is generally configured to detect a highest amplitude of magnetic field when the obturator 316 is at the fully open position as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the rotor magnet 326 increases its distance from the second sensor 334 , such that the second sensor 334 detects a decreasing magnetic field from the rotor magnet 326 .
- the second sensor 334 is generally configured to detect a lowest magnetic field when the obturator 316 is in the fully open position as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may generally transmit information about the position of the rotor 314 , the rotor magnet 326 , and/or the obturator 316 to the EEV controller 138 .
- the rotor 314 moves in a longitudinal direction along axis 320 and moves closer to the second sensor 334 . This movement causes the rotor magnet 326 to also move closer to the second sensor 334 .
- the second sensor 334 is also configured to detect the proximity of the rotor magnet 326 such that an increasing magnetic field is detected by the second sensor 334 as the rotor magnet 326 moves closer to the second sensor 334 .
- the second sensor 334 is generally configured to detect the highest amplitude of magnetic field at the fully closed position as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the rotor magnet 326 increases its distance from the first sensor 332 , such that the first sensor 332 detects a decreasing magnetic field from the rotor magnet 326 .
- the first sensor 332 is generally configured to detect the lowest amplitude of magnetic field at the fully closed position as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may generally transmit information about the position of the rotor 314 , the rotor magnet 326 , and/or the obturator 316 to the EEV controller 138 .
- the information transmitted by the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may generally be used to determine the relative operating position of the obturator 316 along the axis 320 . In general, this may be accomplished by comparing relative values of information sent to the indoor EEV controller 138 by the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 . For example, when a maximum output voltage of either sensor 332 , 334 is determined to be 5 volts when the rotor magnet 326 is adjacent to either the first sensor 332 or the second sensor 334 , the first sensor 332 may output a signal of 5 volts when the rotor magnet 326 is adjacent to the first sensor 332 at the fully open position as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the rotor magnet 326 may be longitudinally aligned to the second sensor 334 , thereby causing the second sensor 334 to output a signal of 5 volts.
- the output of the sensor that is not longitudinally aligned with the rotor magnet 326 may be configured to be 0 volts.
- a sensor 332 , 334 that is not longitudinally aligned with the rotor magnet 326 may output a nominal voltage of about 1 volt, so that when the obturator 316 is in the fully open position as shown in FIG. 4 , the output of the first sensor 332 may be 5 volts, while the output of the second sensor 334 may be 1 volt.
- the output of the second sensor 334 may be 5 volts, while the output of the first sensor 332 may be 1 volt.
- the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may output voltages that are relative to the location of the obturator 316 .
- output values for the first sensor 332 and second sensor 334 may both register 3 volts when the EEV 112 is operating at capacity half open position. Additionally, the same EEV 112 operating at 3 ⁇ 4 open position may produce an output voltage of 4 volts for the first sensor 332 and 2 volts for the second sensor 334 , still assuming a linear relationship.
- the EEV controller 138 and/or indoor controller 124 may comprise a table of values for determining the instantaneous operating position the obturator 316 .
- the table comprises predetermined relationships between the position of the obturator 316 and the corresponding output voltages of the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 .
- the specific output voltages of sensors 332 and 334 may be based on characteristics of the EEV 112 , including, but not limited to, the longitudinal travel distance of the rotor 314 along the axis 320 , the longitudinal offset distance of the first sensor 332 relative to the second sensor 334 along the axis 320 , a size and/or strength of the rotor magnet 326 , and/or the dimensions of the rotor cavity 336 as determined by the configuration of the rotor cover 328 .
- the information sent by the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may be used to determine a longitudinal and/or angular direction of movement of the obturator 316 as measured along the axis 320 .
- the first sensor 332 may continuously detect an increasing magnetic field strength attributable to the changing position of the rotor magnet 326 .
- the first sensor 332 will output increasing voltage values as the rotor 314 moves closer to the first sensor and opens the EEV 112 .
- the second sensor 334 may continuously experience a decreasing magnetic field strength exhibited by the rotor magnet 326 .
- the second sensor 334 may continuously output a decreasing voltage as the rotor 314 travels away from the second sensor 334 .
- These ever-changing voltage outputs from the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may generally be used to determine at least one of a longitudinal and/or angular movement of the obturator 316 .
- knowing the position and direction of movement of the rotor 314 in an EEV 112 may be useful in verifying correct function of the motor 330 of an EEV 112 .
- position information rendered by the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may be used to calibrate the obturator of the EEV 112 .
- an EEV 112 must reset itself to calibrate, which requires fully opening or fully closing the EEV 112 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , respectively.
- Position feedback of the EEV 112 as determined by the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may thus eliminate the requirement for an EEV 112 to fully open or fully close to calibrate itself, thus allowing calibration of an EEV 112 at any position.
- position information may be used to control the position of an obturator 316 rather than relying on the function of a motor 330 of an EEV 112 to control the position.
- feedback from the first sensor 332 and second sensor 334 may be sent to the indoor EEV controller 138 .
- the EEV controller 138 may then adjust the position of the obturator 316 accordingly.
- position information supplied by the first sensor 332 and second sensor 334 may also be useful in monitoring steady state operation of the HVAC system 100 .
- a change in the output voltage of the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may also be used to determine linear speed of the obturator 316 as measured along the axis 320 .
- the position of the obturator 316 may be associated with particular voltage outputs of the first sensor 332 and second sensor 334 .
- the direction of movement of the obturator 316 may also be calculated from the output voltages rendered by the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 . Accordingly, the changes in the output voltages from the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may be determined over a particular time increment to determine the instantaneous speed of the obturator 316 traveling in a linear direction along the axis 320 .
- determining the speed of the obturator 316 travel along the axis 320 may increase controllability of the EEV 112 . In other embodiments, it may be useful in monitoring the function of the motor 330 of the EEV 112 .
- an EEV 112 is generally subject to the accumulation of dirt and/or corrosion when subjected to operating conditions.
- a slow moving obturator 316 could alter performance of the HVAC system 112 and further cause a delay in the HVAC system 100 realizing the effects of adjustment of the EEV 112 .
- Knowledge of a dirty, corroded EEV 112 could warrant replacement and/or cleaning to restore system peak performance.
- determining the linear speed of an obturator 316 along axis 320 may serve as a troubleshooting function.
- rotational speed (RPM) and angular displacement may also be determined based on the outputs provided by the first sensor 332 and second sensor 334 . This is accomplished by utilizing an algorithm to translate linear speed into rotational speed based on a given thread pitch of the valve body threads 312 and the rotor threads 322 . Furthermore, if a distance traveled by the obturator 316 is known along the axis 320 , the angular displacement may also be determined based on the given thread pitch of the valve body threads 312 and the rotor threads 322 .
- the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may be aligned longitudinally. However, in other embodiments, the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may be offset angularly with respect to axis 320 based on the configuration of the EEV 112 . In some embodiments, determining the angular speed and/or angular displacement through the first sensor 332 and the second sensor 334 may increase the controllability of the obturator 316 .
- determining angular speed and/or angular displacement may be useful to verify the correct obturator 316 location control of an EEV 112 .
- angular speed and/or angular displacement may be used to calibrate an EEV 112 .
- rotational speed and/or angular displacement may also be used to control the obturator 316 rather than relying on the motor 330 alone.
- EEV 112 may add functionality and accuracy to the operation of the HVAC system 100 .
- EEV 400 is substantially similar to EEV 112 .
- EEV 400 comprises a valve body 402 , side port 404 , inline port 406 , valve seat 408 , upper valve portion 410 , valve body threads 412 , rotor 414 , obturator 416 , obturator shaft 418 , axis 420 , rotor threads 422 , push nut 424 , rotor magnet 426 , rotor cover 428 , motor 430 , first sensor 432 , second sensor 434 , rotor cavity 436 , and valve cavity 438 .
- the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 may generally be configured to communicate with the indoor EEV controller 138 and/or the indoor controller 124 .
- the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 are generally disposed longitudinally relative to each other along axis 420 .
- the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 may be aligned longitudinally.
- the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 may be offset angularly about axis 420 based on the configuration of the EEV 112 .
- EEV 400 generally comprises a plurality of triggers 440 .
- the triggers 440 may comprise magnets.
- the triggers 440 may comprise inductors.
- the triggers 440 may comprise an optical catalyst capable of optical detection (i.e. contrasting color).
- the triggers 440 are generally carried by the rotor magnet 426 and displaced longitudinally along the rotor magnet 426 substantially parallel to axis 420 .
- the triggers 440 are generally also configured to surround the rotor 414 and/or rotor magnet 426 radially, such that each trigger 440 at a different longitudinal location as determined along the axis 420 comprises a single element.
- each trigger 440 at a different longitudinal location as determined along the axis 420 may be divided into a plurality of substantially similar-sized adjacent pieces that radially surround the rotor 414 and/or rotor magnet 426 to form a single trigger 440 .
- the placement of the triggers 440 within the rotor magnet 426 or on the outer surface of the rotor magnet 426 may be determined by the configuration of the EEV 400 , including but not limited to, the strength of the rotor magnet 426 , the strength of the triggers 440 , and the proximity of the rotor magnet 426 to the rotor cover 428 .
- the triggers 440 may be located along the inner part of the rotor magnet 426 , substantially adjacent to the rotor 414 as shown in FIG. 6 . In other embodiments, the triggers 440 may be located substantially towards the outer surface of the rotor magnet 426 , such that the outermost surface of the triggers 440 is substantially aligned with the outer surface of the rotor magnet 426 . In yet other embodiments, the triggers 440 may be located at any location within the rotor magnet 426 between the inner surface of the rotor magnet 426 substantially adjacent to the rotor 414 and the outer surface of the rotor magnet 426 .
- the triggers 440 may be placed on the outer surface of the rotor magnet 426 and extend outward from the outer surface of the rotor magnet 426 towards the rotor cover 428 , thus protruding from the rotor magnet 426 .
- the EEV 400 may comprise a plurality of triggers 440 substantially adjacent to each other, such that the trigger 440 configuration forms the rotor magnet 426 .
- the triggers 440 may generally be configured such that trigger 440 ′ comprises a highest magnetic strength, triggers 440 ′ on the top and bottom limits of the configuration comprise a lowest magnetic strength, and triggers 440 ′′ located between trigger 440 ′ and each of triggers 440 ′′′ comprise an intermediate magnetic strength between that of trigger 440 ′ and trigger 440 ′. While only one intermittent strength trigger 440 ′′ is shown in FIG. 6 between highest magnetic strength trigger 440 ′ and each of the lowest magnetic strength triggers 440 ′′′, in some embodiments, the EEV 400 may comprise a plurality of intermediate magnetic strength triggers 440 ′′ located between the highest strength trigger 440 ′ and each of the lowest strength triggers 440 ′′′.
- the EEV 400 comprises a plurality of intermediate strength triggers 440 ′′ between the highest strength trigger 400 ′ and the lowest strength trigger 440 ′′
- the plurality of intermediate strength triggers 440 ′′ may generally be configured in order of decreasing magnetic strength starting with the intermediate strength triggers 440 ′′ located closest to the highest strength trigger 440 ′ and radiating outward towards either of the lowest strength triggers 440 ′′′ along the axis 320 in a configuration of decreasing magnetic strength.
- the first sensor 432 and second sensor 434 are configured to detect the pattern of magnetic fields emitted from the trigger 440 configuration.
- the top of the trigger 440 configuration means the furthest distance along axis 420 relative to the valve seat 408
- the bottom of the trigger 440 configuration means the closest distance along axis 420 relative to the valve seat 408 .
- the first sensor 432 may generally be configured to detect the highest strength trigger 440 ′ when the obturator 416 is in the fully open position as shown in FIG. 6 such that the first sensor 432 outputs the highest known voltage for the trigger 440 configuration.
- the second sensor 434 may generally be configured to detect the lowest strength trigger 440 ′′′ located at the bottom of the trigger 440 configuration when the obturator 416 is in the fully open position as shown in FIG. 6 and thus output the lowest known voltage for the trigger 440 configuration.
- the second sensor 434 may generally be configured to detect the highest strength trigger 440 ′, thus outputting the highest known voltage for the trigger 440 configuration
- the first sensor 432 may generally be configured to detect the lowest strength trigger 440 ′′′ located at the top of the trigger 440 configuration, thus outputting the lowest known voltage for the trigger 440 configuration. From the open position as shown in FIG.
- the rotor 414 will rotate about the axis 420 driving the obturator 416 towards the valve seat 408 .
- the first sensor 432 will begin to detect intermediate strength trigger 440 ′′ located above highest strength trigger 440 ′ thus outputting a lower voltage than when it was detecting the highest strength trigger 440 ′.
- the second sensor 434 will begin to detect trigger 440 ′′ located below highest strength trigger 440 ′, thus outputting a higher voltage than when the second sensor 434 was detecting the lowest strength sensor 440 ′′′ at the bottom of the trigger 440 configuration.
- the first sensor 432 will continue to detect a decreasing strength magnetic field and output a decreasing voltage
- the second sensor 434 will continue to detect an increasing strength magnetic field and output an increasing voltage as the obturator 416 closes.
- the first sensor 432 will detect an increasing strength magnetic field and output an increasing voltage
- the second sensor 434 will detect a decreasing strength magnetic field and output a decreasing voltage as the obturator 416 opens.
- the triggers 440 may comprise a different configuration, where a highest strength trigger 440 ′ is located at the top and bottom of the trigger 440 configuration, and the lowest magnetic strength trigger 440 ′′′ is located in the center of the configuration.
- the intermediate strength triggers 440 ′′ may be arranged between the lowest strength trigger 440 ′′′ and each of the highest strength triggers 440 ′ in an order of increasing magnetic strength starting with the intermediate strength trigger 440 ′′ most adjacent to lowest strength trigger 440 ′′′ and radiating towards each of the highest strength triggers 440 ′ located at the top and bottom of the trigger 440 configuration.
- the first sensor 432 may be configured to detect the lowest magnetic strength trigger 440 ′′′ located in the center of the trigger 440 configuration, and the second sensor 434 may be configured to detect the highest strength trigger 440 ′ located at the bottom of the trigger 440 configuration.
- the first sensor 432 may be configured to detect an increasing strength magnetic field
- the second sensor 434 may be configured to detect a decreasing strength magnetic field, until the EEV 400 reaches the fully closed position, wherein the first sensor 432 would detect the highest strength trigger 440 ′ located at the top of the trigger 440 configuration and the second sensor 434 would detect the lowest strength trigger 440 ′′′ located in the center of the trigger 440 configuration.
- the triggers 440 may comprise a substantially similar magnetic strength. Such triggers 440 may amplify the magnetic field emitted from the rotor to provide enhanced detection by the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 .
- the triggers 440 may comprise a non-linear pattern configured such that the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 may detect exaggerated increases and/or decreases in magnetic field strength as the obturator 416 changes position.
- the configuration from top to bottom could comprise the following trigger 440 configuration: 440 ′′ (Top); 440 ′; 440 ′′′; 440 ′ (Center); 440 ′′′; 440 ′; 440 ′′ (Bottom). Large variances in magnetic field strength detected by the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 may provide a wider range of output voltages from the sensors and thus increase the accuracy of measurement of the EEV 400 position and other functional parameters.
- the EEV 400 may comprise only three triggers 440 having one highest strength trigger 440 ′ and two of either intermediate triggers 440 ′′ or lowest strength triggers 440 ′ arranged substantially similarly to any of the previously described embodiments, wherein the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 are configured substantially similar to previously described embodiments.
- the output voltages from the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 may be used to determine the position of the obturator 416 of the EEV 400 .
- Known output voltages may be associated with each trigger 440 , such that at any given position of the EEV 400 , the output voltages from the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 may be used to determine the position of the triggers 440 and consequently the obturator 416 .
- Such known voltages may be stored in the EEV controller 138 or the indoor controller 124 and used to determine the position of the obturator 416 .
- Utilizing triggers 440 that comprise different magnetic field strengths may also produce a more significant change in the magnetic field detected by the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 as the EEV 400 changes position. Consequently, smaller increments of movement may be able to be detected, thus enabling more accurate detection of the position of the EEV 400 .
- changes in the magnetic field strength emitted by the triggers 440 may also be used to determine the direction of movement.
- the first sensor 432 may be configured to detect the highest strength trigger 440 ′ at the fully open position and the second sensor 434 may be configured to detect the lowest strength trigger 440 ′′′ at the fully open position.
- the first sensor 432 detects a decreasing magnetic field strength and the second sensor 434 detects an increasing magnetic field strength as the EEV 400 closes
- the first sensor 432 will output continuously decreasing voltages
- the second sensor 434 will output continuously increasing voltages.
- each sensor 432 , 434 may then be used to determine the exact position of the obturator 416 , and the change in the voltage outputs of each sensor may be used to determine the direction of movement of the obturator 416 .
- the respective voltage outputs of the first sensor 432 and second sensor 434 in EEV 400 may be used to determine the exact position of the obturator 416 .
- output voltages of the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 may also be used to determine direction, linear speed, angular rotational speed, and angular displacement of the obturator 416 in the same manner disclosed in EEV 112 .
- the triggers 440 comprising different magnetic field strengths may, however, provide more accurate sensing of such parameters due to the higher magnitude changes that are detected by the first sensor 432 and the second sensor 434 for smaller increments of movement of the EEV 400 .
- EEV 400 may also provide the same benefits to enhancing HVAC system 100 operation.
- EEV 500 is substantially similar to EEV 400 .
- EEV 500 comprises a valve body 502 , side port 504 , inline port 506 , valve seat 508 , upper valve portion 510 , valve body threads 512 , rotor 514 , obturator 516 , obturator shaft 518 , axis 520 , rotor threads 522 , push nut 524 , rotor magnet 526 , rotor cover 528 , motor 530 , first sensor 532 , second sensor 534 , rotor cavity 536 , valve cavity 538 , and a plurality of triggers 540 .
- the first sensor 532 and the second sensor 534 may generally be configured to communicate with the indoor EEV controller 138 and/or the indoor controller 124 .
- the first sensor 532 and the second sensor 534 are generally longitudinally offset relative to each other along axis 520 .
- the first sensor 532 and the second sensor 534 may be aligned longitudinally.
- the first sensor 532 and the second sensor 534 may be offset angularly based on the configuration of the EEV 500 .
- EEV 500 generally comprises a rotor extension 542 .
- the rotor extension 542 may generally extend from the top surface of the rotor 514 along axis 520 and comprise a cylindrical shape axially aligned with axis 520 .
- the rotor extension 542 may comprise an elongated portion of the rotor 514 that extends upward along the axis 520 and beyond the top of the rotor magnet 526 .
- the rotor extension 542 may comprise a separate component that is permanently secured to the rotor 514 such that any electronic expansion valve may be configured to accept the rotor extension 542 .
- the rotor extension 542 may require an elongated rotor cover 528 in order to fully encapsulate the rotor 514 and the rotor extension 542 .
- EEV 500 may also comprise a rotor extension cavity 544 .
- the rotor extension cavity 544 may provide clearance for the push nut 524 .
- the obturator shaft 518 may extend into the rotor extension cavity 544 , where the push nut 524 may secure the obturator shaft 518 to the top of the rotor extension 542 .
- the trigger 540 configuration of EEV 500 may be substantially similar to any of the enumerated embodiments of EEV 400 . Additionally, the first sensor 532 and second sensor 534 configuration may also be substantially similar to any of the enumerated embodiments of EEV 400 .
- the difference between EEV 500 and EEV 400 is embodied in that triggers 540 in EEV 500 are carried by the rotor extension 542 as opposed to the triggers 440 in EEV 400 being carried by the rotor magnet 426 .
- the respective voltage outputs of the first sensor 532 and second sensor 534 in EEV 500 may be used to determine the position of the EEV 500 .
- output voltages of the first sensor 532 and the second sensor 532 may also be used to determine direction, linear speed, angular rotational speed, and angular displacement of obturator 516 .
- EEV 500 may also provide substantially similar benefits to enhancing HVAC system 100 operation.
- EEV 600 is substantially similar to EEV 500 .
- EEV 600 comprises a valve body 602 , side port 604 , inline port 606 , valve seat 608 , upper valve portion 610 , valve body threads 612 , rotor 614 , obturator 616 , obturator shaft 618 , axis 620 , rotor threads 622 , push nut 624 , rotor magnet 626 , rotor cover 628 , motor 630 , first sensor 632 , second sensor 634 , rotor cavity 636 , valve cavity 638 , and a plurality of triggers 640 .
- the first sensor 632 and the second sensor 634 may generally be configured to communicate with the indoor EEV controller 138 and/or the indoor controller 124 .
- the first sensor 632 and the second sensor 634 are generally longitudinally offset relative to each other along axis 620 .
- the first sensor 632 and the second sensor 634 may be aligned longitudinally along axis 620 .
- the first sensor 632 and the second sensor 634 may be offset angularly based on the configuration of the EEV 600 .
- EEV 600 may be substantially similar to EEV 500
- EEV 600 does not comprise a rotor extension similar to rotor extension 542 that carries triggers 540 as in EEV 500
- the triggers 640 of EEV 600 may generally be carried by the rotor 614 .
- the triggers 640 are generally displaced longitudinally from the rotor magnet 626 along the axis 620 such that the triggers 640 are located below the rotor magnet 626 .
- the trigger 640 configuration of EEV 600 may be substantially similar to any of the enumerated embodiments of EEV 500 .
- the triggers 640 may be embedded within a portion of the rotor 614 .
- the triggers 640 may be located on the outer surface of the rotor 614 and extend outward from the outer surface of the rotor 614 towards the rotor cover 628 , thus protruding from the rotor 614 .
- the first sensor 632 and second sensor 634 configuration may also be substantially similar to any of the enumerated embodiments of EEV 500 . Therefore, similarly to EEV 500 , the respective voltage outputs of the first sensor 632 and second sensor 634 in EEV 600 may be used to determine the position of the EEV 600 .
- output voltages of the first sensor 632 and the second sensor 634 may also be used to determine direction, linear speed, angular rotational speed, and angular displacement of obturator 616 .
- EEV 600 may also provide substantially similar benefits to enhancing HVAC system 100 operation.
- EEV 700 is substantially similar to EEV 600 .
- EEV 700 comprises a valve body 702 , side port 704 , inline port 706 , valve seat 708 , upper valve portion 710 , valve body threads 712 , rotor 714 , obturator 716 , obturator shaft 718 , axis 720 , rotor threads 722 , push nut 724 , rotor magnet 726 , rotor cover 728 , motor 730 , first sensor 732 , second sensor 734 , rotor cavity 736 , valve cavity 738 , and a plurality of triggers 740 .
- the first sensor 732 and the second sensor 734 may generally be configured to communicate with the indoor EEV controller 138 and/or the indoor controller 124 .
- the first sensor 732 and the second sensor 734 are generally longitudinally offset relative to each other along axis 720 .
- the first sensor 732 and the second sensor 734 may be offset angularly.
- the first sensor 732 and the second sensor 734 may be aligned vertically depending on the configuration off the EEV 700 .
- the triggers 740 in EEV 700 may also be generally carried by the rotor 714 .
- the triggers 740 may be embedded within a portion of the rotor 714 .
- the triggers 740 may be placed on the outer surface of the rotor 714 and extend outward from the outer surface of the rotor 714 towards the rotor cover 728 , thus protruding from the rotor 714 .
- EEV 700 generally comprises a trigger 740 configuration wherein the triggers 740 are dispersed angularly around the rotor 714 and configured in a helical pattern that is coincidental with the thread pitch of the rotor 714 such that when the rotor 714 rotates about axis 720 , adjacent triggers 740 pass a position substantially adjacent to the first sensor 732 and/or the second sensor 734 .
- the triggers 740 may generally be configured such that trigger 740 ′ comprises the highest magnetic strength, trigger 740 ′′′ comprises the lowest magnetic strength, and triggers 740 ′′ located between highest strength trigger 740 ′ and each of the triggers 740 ′′ comprise intermediate magnetic strengths between that of highest strength trigger 740 ′ and lowest strength trigger 740 ′′′.
- the plurality of intermediate strength triggers 740 ′′ may generally be configured in order of decreasing magnetic strength in a helical pattern around the rotor 714 and coincidental with the thread pitch of the rotor 714 starting with the intermediate strength trigger 740 ′′ located closest to the highest strength trigger 740 ′ and continuing in the helical pattern around the rotor 714 up to the lowest strength trigger 740 ′′′.
- the first sensor 732 and second sensor 734 are configured to detect the pattern of magnetic fields emitted from the trigger 740 configuration as the rotor 714 rotates about axis 720 and subsequent triggers 740 pass the first sensor 732 and the second sensor 734 .
- the second sensor 734 may generally be configured to detect the highest strength trigger 740 ′ located at the bottom of the trigger 740 configuration when the obturator 716 is in the fully open position as shown in FIG. 9 and thus output a lowest known voltage for the trigger 740 configuration.
- the first sensor 732 may generally be offset at an angular displacement from the second sensor 734 and configured to detect an intermediate strength trigger 740 ′′ when the EEV 700 is in the fully open position as shown in FIG.
- the first sensor 732 outputs a known voltage for that specific trigger 740 configuration.
- the first sensor 732 may generally be configured to detect the lowest strength trigger 740 ′′′ located at the top of the trigger 740 configuration, thus outputting a lowest known voltage for the trigger 740 configuration
- the second sensor 734 may generally be configured to detect a known intermediate strength trigger 740 ′′, thus outputting a specific known voltage associated with that intermediate trigger 740 ′′ in the trigger 740 configuration. From the open position as shown in FIG. 9 , when the obturator 716 begins to close, the rotor 714 will rotate about the axis 720 driving the obturator 716 towards the valve seat 708 .
- the second sensor 734 will begin to detect subsequent intermediate strength triggers 740 ′′ located above highest strength trigger 740 ′ and in a helical pattern coincidental with the thread pitch of the rotor 714 , thus outputting continuously decreasing voltages.
- the first sensor 734 will also detect subsequent lower strength intermediate strength triggers 740 ′′, thus also outputting continuously decreasing voltages.
- both sensors 732 , 734 will detect an increasing strength magnetic field and output increasing voltages as the obturator 716 opens.
- the triggers 740 may comprise a different configuration, wherein a highest strength trigger 740 ′ is located at the top of the trigger 740 configuration, and the lowest magnetic strength trigger 740 ′′′ is located at the bottom of the configuration, wherein the intermediate strength triggers 740 ′′ are arranged in order of increasing magnetic strength starting at the bottom lowest strength trigger 740 ′′′ and angularly dispersed in a helical pattern coincidental with the thread pitch of the rotor 714 .
- the triggers 740 may comprise a non-linear pattern configured such that the first sensor 732 and the second sensor 734 may detect exaggerated increases and/or decreases in magnetic field strength as the obturator 716 changes position.
- the triggers 740 may comprise any configuration as enumerated in previously disclosed embodiments, such that the respective output voltages from the first sensor 732 and the second sensor 734 may be used to determine the position of the obturator 716 .
- Known output voltages may generally be associated with each trigger 740 , such that at any given position of the EEV 700 , the output voltages from the first sensor 732 and the second sensor 734 may be used to determine the position of the obturator 716 and consequently the EEV 700 .
- output voltages of the first sensor 732 and the second sensor 734 may also be used to determine direction, linear speed, angular rotational speed, and angular displacement of obturator 716 . Accordingly, EEV 700 may also provide substantially similar benefits to enhancing HVAC system 100 operation.
- R R l +k*(R u - ⁇ l ), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . , 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Unless otherwise stated, the term “about” shall mean plus or minus 10 percent of the subsequent value.
- any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specifically disclosed.
- Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim means that the element is required, or alternatively, the element is not required, both alternatives being within the scope of the claim.
- Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.
- Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention.
Abstract
An electronic expansion valve for an HVAC system and method of operating the same is provided, wherein the EEV comprises a longitudinal displacement axis, an obturator, a rotor comprising a magnet, a first sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a first longitudinal location and configured to output a first voltage, and a second sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a second longitudinal location and configured to output a second voltage, wherein the first longitudinal location is longitudinally displaced from the second longitudinal location along the longitudinal displacement axis, and wherein the position, direction of movement, linear speed, angular speed, and angular displacement of an obturator may be determined as a result of the first voltage output from the first sensor and second voltage output from the second sensor.
Description
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- Some heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems may comprise an electronic expansion valve (EEV) that regulates a flow of refrigerant entering a heat exchanger. The EEV may generally comprise a stepper motor which receives signals from an electronic controller to control the position of an obturator of an EEV. In some instances, however, the EEV may not be correctly calibrated.
- In some embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic expansion valve comprising a longitudinal displacement axis, a rotor comprising a magnet, a first sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a first longitudinal location, and a second sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a second longitudinal location, wherein the first longitudinal location is longitudinally offset from the second longitudinal location along the longitudinal displacement axis is disclosed.
- In other embodiments of the disclosure, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system comprising an electronic expansion valve comprising a longitudinal displacement axis, a rotor comprising a magnet, a first sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a first longitudinal location, and a second sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a second longitudinal location, wherein the first longitudinal location is longitudinally offset from the second longitudinal location along the longitudinal displacement axis, and an electronic expansion valve controller is disclosed.
- In yet other embodiments of the disclosure, a method of operating an electronic expansion valve comprising: providing an electronic expansion valve comprising a longitudinal displacement axis, a rotor comprising a magnet, an obturator, a first sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a first longitudinal location, and a second sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a second longitudinal location, wherein the first longitudinal location is longitudinally offset from the second longitudinal location along the longitudinal displacement axis, sensing the position of the obturator within the electronic expansion valve by the first sensor at the first longitudinal location and the second sensor at the second longitudinal location, outputting a first voltage from the first sensor to an electronic expansion valve controller, and outputting a second voltage from the second sensor to an electronic expansion valve controller is disclosed.
- For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description:
-
FIG. 1 is simplified schematic diagram of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of the air circulation paths of the HVAC system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a metering position according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully open position according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully closed position according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully open position according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully open position according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully open position according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and -
FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of an electronic expansion valve at a fully open position according to an embodiment of the disclosure. - In some instances, it may be desirable to provide an electronic expansion valve (EEV) that is capable of more accurate control and monitoring. For example, where an EEV is not correctly calibrated, it may be desirable to utilize an EEV that comprises internal Hall Effect sensors to more accurately monitor and control the position of the obturator of an EEV. In other instances, it may also be desirable to instantaneously determine and verify the position and direction of movement of the obturator of an EEV. In some embodiments of the disclosure, systems and methods are disclosed that comprise providing an EEV that comprises a plurality of Hall Effect sensors that are longitudinally displaced along an axis of movement of the EEV and configured to detect the position and movement of the obturator of an EEV.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a simplified schematic diagram of anHVAC system 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.HVAC system 100 comprises anindoor unit 102, anoutdoor unit 104, and asystem controller 106. In some embodiments, thesystem controller 106 may operate to control operation of theindoor unit 102 and/or theoutdoor unit 104. As shown, theHVAC system 100 is a so-called heat pump system that may be selectively operated to implement one or more substantially closed thermodynamic refrigeration cycles to provide a cooling functionality and/or a heating functionality. -
Indoor unit 102 comprises anindoor heat exchanger 108, anindoor fan 110, and an electronic expansion valve (EEV) 112.Indoor heat exchanger 108 is a plate fin heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between refrigerant carried within internal tubing of theindoor heat exchanger 108 and fluids that contact theindoor heat exchanger 108 but that are kept segregated from the refrigerant. In other embodiments,indoor heat exchanger 108 may comprise a spine fin heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger. - The
indoor fan 110 is a centrifugal blower comprising a blower housing, a blower impeller at least partially disposed within the blower housing, and a blower motor configured to selectively rotate the blower impeller. In other embodiments, theindoor fan 110 may comprise a mixed-flow fan and/or any other suitable type of fan. Theindoor fan 110 is configured as a modulating and/or variable speed fan capable of being operated at many speeds over one or more ranges of speeds. In other embodiments, theindoor fan 110 may be configured as a multiple speed fan capable of being operated at a plurality of operating speeds by selectively electrically powering different ones of multiple electromagnetic windings of a motor of theindoor fan 110. In yet other embodiments, theindoor fan 110 may be a single speed fan. - The electronic expansion valve (EEV) 112 is an electronically controlled motor driven EEV. In alternative embodiments, the
HVAC system 100 may comprise a thermostatic expansion valve, a capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device other than an EEV. TheEEV 112 may comprise and/or be associated with a refrigerant check valve and/or refrigerant bypass for use when a direction of refrigerant flow through theEEV 112 is such that theEEV 112 is not intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through theEEV 112. -
Outdoor unit 104 comprises anoutdoor heat exchanger 114, acompressor 116, anoutdoor fan 118, anoutdoor metering device 120, and areversing valve 122.Outdoor heat exchanger 114 is a spine fin heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between refrigerant carried within internal passages of theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 and fluids that contact theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 but that are kept segregated from the refrigerant. In other embodiments,outdoor heat exchanger 114 may comprise a plate fin heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger. - The
compressor 116 is a multiple speed scroll type compressor configured to selectively pump refrigerant at a plurality of mass flow rates. In alternative embodiments, thecompressor 116 may comprise a modulating compressor capable of operation over one or more speed ranges, thecompressor 116 may comprise a reciprocating type compressor, thecompressor 116 may be a single speed compressor, and/or thecompressor 116 may comprise any other suitable refrigerant compressor and/or refrigerant pump. - The
outdoor fan 118 is an axial fan comprising a fan blade assembly and fan motor configured to selectively rotate the fan blade assembly. In other embodiments, theoutdoor fan 118 may comprise a mixed-flow fan, a centrifugal blower, and/or any other suitable type of fan and/or blower. Theoutdoor fan 118 is configured as a modulating and/or variable speed fan capable of being operated at many speeds over one or more ranges of speeds. In other embodiments, theoutdoor fan 118 may be configured as a multiple speed fan capable of being operated at a plurality of operating speeds by selectively electrically powering different ones of multiple electromagnetic windings of a motor of theoutdoor fan 118. In yet other embodiments, theoutdoor fan 118 may be a single speed fan. - The
outdoor metering device 120 is a thermostatic expansion valve. In alternative embodiments, theoutdoor metering device 120 may comprise an electronically controlled motor driven EEV similar toEEV 112, a capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device. Theoutdoor metering device 120 may comprise and/or be associated with a refrigerant check valve and/or refrigerant bypass for use when a direction of refrigerant flow through theoutdoor metering device 120 is such that theoutdoor metering device 120 is not intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through theoutdoor metering device 120. - The reversing
valve 122 is a so-called four-way reversing valve. The reversingvalve 122 may be selectively controlled to alter a flow path of refrigerant in theHVAC system 100 as described in greater detail below. The reversingvalve 122 may comprise an electrical solenoid or other device configured to selectively move a component of the reversingvalve 122 between operational positions. - The
system controller 106 may comprise a touchscreen interface for displaying information and for receiving user inputs. Thesystem controller 106 may display information related to the operation of theHVAC system 100 and may receive user inputs related to operation of theHVAC system 100. However, thesystem controller 106 may further be operable to display information and receive user inputs tangentially and/or unrelated to operation of theHVAC system 100. In some embodiments, thesystem controller 106 may comprise a temperature sensor and may further be configured to control heating and/or cooling of zones associated with theHVAC system 100. In some embodiments, thesystem controller 106 may be configured as a thermostat for controlling supply of conditioned air to zones associated with the HVAC system. - In some embodiments, the
system controller 106 may selectively communicate with anindoor controller 124 of theindoor unit 102, with anoutdoor controller 126 of theoutdoor unit 104, and/or with other components of theHVAC system 100. In some embodiments, thesystem controller 106 may be configured for selective bidirectional communication over acommunication bus 128. In some embodiments, portions of thecommunication bus 128 may comprise a three-wire connection suitable for communicating messages between thesystem controller 106 and one or more of theHVAC system 100 components configured for interfacing with thecommunication bus 128. Still further, thesystem controller 106 may be configured to selectively communicate withHVAC system 100 components and/orother device 130 via acommunication network 132. In some embodiments, thecommunication network 132 may comprise a telephone network and theother device 130 may comprise a telephone. In some embodiments, thecommunication network 132 may comprise the Internet and theother device 130 may comprise a so-called smartphone and/or other Internet enabled mobile telecommunication device. - The
indoor controller 124 may be carried by theindoor unit 102 and may be configured to receive information inputs, transmit information outputs, and otherwise communicate with thesystem controller 106, theoutdoor controller 126, and/or anyother device 130 via thecommunication bus 128 and/or any other suitable medium of communication. In some embodiments, theindoor controller 124 may be configured to communicate with anindoor personality module 134, receive information related to a speed of theindoor fan 110, transmit a control output to an electric heat relay, transmit information regarding anindoor fan 110 volumetric flow-rate, communicate with and/or otherwise affect control over anair cleaner 136, and communicate with anindoor EEV controller 138. In some embodiments, theindoor controller 124 may be configured to communicate with anindoor fan controller 142 and/or otherwise affect control over operation of theindoor fan 110. In some embodiments, theindoor personality module 134 may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of theindoor unit 102 and/or a position of theoutdoor metering device 120. - In some embodiments, the
indoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to receive information regarding temperatures and/or pressures of the refrigerant in theindoor unit 102. More specifically, theindoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to receive information regarding temperatures and pressures of refrigerant entering, exiting, and/or within theindoor heat exchanger 108. Further, theindoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to communicate with theEEV 112 and/or otherwise affect control over theEEV 112. - The
outdoor controller 126 may be carried by theoutdoor unit 104 and may be configured to receive information inputs, transmit information outputs, and otherwise communicate with thesystem controller 106, theindoor controller 124, and/or anyother device 130 via thecommunication bus 128 and/or any other suitable medium of communication. In some embodiments, theoutdoor controller 126 may be configured to communicate with anoutdoor personality module 140 that may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of theoutdoor unit 104. In some embodiments, theoutdoor controller 126 may be configured to receive information related to an ambient temperature associated with theoutdoor unit 104, information related to a temperature of theoutdoor heat exchanger 114, and/or information related to refrigerant temperatures and/or pressures of refrigerant entering, exiting, and/or within theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 and/or thecompressor 116. In some embodiments, theoutdoor controller 126 may be configured to transmit information related to monitoring, communicating with, and/or otherwise affecting control over theoutdoor fan 118, a compressor sump heater, a solenoid of the reversingvalve 122, a relay associated with adjusting and/or monitoring a refrigerant charge of theHVAC system 100, a position of theEEV 112, and/or a position of theoutdoor metering device 120. Theoutdoor controller 126 may further be configured to communicate with acompressor drive controller 144 that is configured to electrically power and/or control thecompressor 116. - The
HVAC system 100 is shown configured for operating in a so-called cooling mode in which heat is absorbed by refrigerant at theindoor heat exchanger 108 and heat is rejected from the refrigerant at theoutdoor heat exchanger 114. In some embodiments, thecompressor 116 may be operated to compress refrigerant and pump the relatively high temperature and high pressure compressed refrigerant from thecompressor 116 to theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 through the reversingvalve 122 and to theoutdoor heat exchanger 114. As the refrigerant is passed through theoutdoor heat exchanger 114, theoutdoor fan 118 may be operated to move air into contact with theoutdoor heat exchanger 114, thereby transferring heat from the refrigerant to the air surrounding theoutdoor heat exchanger 114. The refrigerant may primarily comprise liquid phase refrigerant and the refrigerant may flow from theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 to theEEV 112 through and/or around theoutdoor metering device 120 which does not substantially impede flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mode. TheEEV 112 may meter passage of the refrigerant through theEEV 112 so that the refrigerant downstream of theEEV 112 is at a lower pressure than the refrigerant upstream of theEEV 112. The pressure differential across theEEV 112 allows the refrigerant downstream of theEEV 112 to expand and/or at least partially convert to a two-phase (vapor and gas) mixture. The two-phase refrigerant may enter theindoor heat exchanger 108. As the refrigerant is passed through theindoor heat exchanger 108, theindoor fan 110 may be operated to move air into contact with theindoor heat exchanger 108, thereby transferring heat to the refrigerant from the air surrounding theindoor heat exchanger 108, and causing evaporation of the liquid portion of the two-phase mixture. The refrigerant may thereafter re-enter thecompressor 116 after passing through the reversingvalve 122. - To operate the
HVAC system 100 in the so-called heating mode, the reversingvalve 122 may be controlled to alter the flow path of the refrigerant, theEEV 112 may be disabled and/or bypassed, and theoutdoor metering device 120 may be enabled. In the heating mode, refrigerant may flow from thecompressor 116 to theindoor heat exchanger 108 through the reversingvalve 122, the refrigerant may be substantially unaffected by theEEV 112, the refrigerant may experience a pressure differential across theoutdoor metering device 120, the refrigerant may pass through theoutdoor heat exchanger 114, and the refrigerant may reenter thecompressor 116 after passing through the reversingvalve 122. Most generally, operation of theHVAC system 100 in the heating mode reverses the roles of theindoor heat exchanger 108 and theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 as compared to their operation in the cooling mode. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , a simplified schematic diagram of the air circulation paths for astructure 200 conditioned by twoHVAC systems 100 is shown. In this embodiment, thestructure 200 is conceptualized as comprising alower floor 202 and anupper floor 204. Thelower floor 202 compriseszones upper floor 204 compriseszones HVAC system 100 associated with thelower floor 202 is configured to circulate and/or condition air oflower zones HVAC system 100 associated with theupper floor 204 is configured to circulate and/or condition air ofupper zones - In addition to the components of
HVAC system 100 described above, in this embodiment, eachHVAC system 100 further comprises aventilator 146, aprefilter 148, ahumidifier 150, and abypass duct 152. Theventilator 146 may be operated to selectively exhaust circulating air to the environment and/or introduce environmental air into the circulating air. Theprefilter 148 may generally comprise a filter media selected to catch and/or retain relatively large particulate matter prior to air exiting theprefilter 148 and entering theair cleaner 136. Thehumidifier 150 may be operated to adjust a humidity of the circulating air. Thebypass duct 152 may be utilized to regulate air pressures within the ducts that form the circulating air flow paths. In some embodiments, air flow through thebypass duct 152 may be regulated by abypass damper 154 while air flow delivered to thezones zone dampers 156. - Still further, each
HVAC system 100 may further comprise azone thermostat 158 and azone sensor 160. In some embodiments, azone thermostat 158 may communicate with thesystem controller 106 and may allow a user to control a temperature, humidity, and/or other environmental setting for the zone in which thezone thermostat 158 is located. Further, thezone thermostat 158 may communicate with thesystem controller 106 to provide temperature, humidity, and/or other environmental feedback regarding the zone in which thezone thermostat 158 is located. In some embodiments, azone sensor 160 may communicate with thesystem controller 106 to provide temperature, humidity, and/or other environmental feedback regarding the zone in which thezone sensor 160 is located. - While
HVAC systems 100 are shown as a so-called split system comprising anindoor unit 102 located separately from theoutdoor unit 104, alternative embodiments of anHVAC system 100 may comprise a so-called package system in which one or more of the components of theindoor unit 102 and one or more of the components of theoutdoor unit 104 are carried together in a common housing or package. TheHVAC system 100 is shown as a so-called ducted system where theindoor unit 102 is located remote from the conditioned zones, thereby requiring air ducts to route the circulating air. However, in alternative embodiments, anHVAC system 100 may be configured as a non-ducted system in which theindoor unit 102 and/or multipleindoor units 102 associated with anoutdoor unit 104 is located substantially in the space and/or zone to be conditioned by the respectiveindoor units 102, thereby not requiring air ducts to route the air conditioned by theindoor units 102. - Still referring to
FIG. 2 , thesystem controllers 106 may be configured for bidirectional communication with each other and may further be configured so that a user may, using any of thesystem controllers 106, monitor and/or control any of theHVAC system 100 components regardless of which zones the components may be associated. Further, eachsystem controller 106, eachzone thermostat 158, and eachzone sensor 160 may comprise a humidity sensor. As such, it will be appreciated thatstructure 200 is equipped with a plurality of humidity sensors in a plurality of different locations. In some embodiments, a user may effectively select which of the plurality of humidity sensors is used to control operation of one or more of theHVAC systems 100. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3-5 , cutaway views of an electronic expansion valve (EEV) 112 configured in a metering position, configured in a fully open position, and configured in a fully closed position are shown, respectively, according to embodiments of the disclosure. TheEEV 112 generally comprises avalve body 302, aside port 304, and aninline port 306. TheEEV 112 further comprises anupper valve portion 310 that extends from thevalve body 302 along anaxis 320 that is coincident with theinline port 306. Generally, thevalve body 302, theside port 304, theinline port 306, and theupper valve portion 310 define avalve cavity 338 through which refrigerant may flow. TheEEV 112 also comprises a selectivelymovable obturator 316 connected to anobturator shaft 318 and that is substantially axially aligned withaxis 320. Theobturator shaft 318 may generally be connected to arotor 314 that has a cylindrically-shaped exterior surface. Theobturator shaft 318 may generally affix to therotor 314 by apush nut 324. Therotor 314 comprises arotor magnet 326 which may be generally affixed to the exterior surface of therotor 314. Therotor 314 androtor magnet 326 are encapsulated by arotor cover 328 that is configured such that an open end of therotor cover 328 mates to thevalve body 302, thereby forming a rotor cavity that provides clearance for a longitudinal movement of therotor 314 alongaxis 320. - The
EEV 112 also comprises an electronically controlledmotor 330. In some embodiments, themotor 330 comprises a stepper motor. Themotor 330 radially surrounds therotor cover 328 and is configured to selectively change a position of therotor 314. Electrical command pulses applied to themotor 330 may cause angular rotation of therotor magnet 326. Therotor 314 is configured withrotor threads 322 on the inner surface of therotor 314 and therotor threads 322 interlock withvalve body threads 312 located on the outer surface of theupper valve portion 310. The interlockingrotor threads 322 andvalve body threads 312 are configured to allow therotor 314 to rotate about theupper valve portion 310, such that therotor 314 moves longitudinally along theaxis 320, thereby driving theobturator 316 similarly along theaxis 320. When in a metering position, theobturator 316 is generally configured to restrict refrigerant flow through thevalve cavity 338 based on the longitudinal position of theobturator 316. Theobturator 316 may be configured in a conical or frustoconical shape to interface with acomplimentary valve seat 308, such that when theobturator 316 is positioned within thevalve seat 308, refrigerant flow through thevalve cavity 338 from theside port 304 to theinline port 306 is restricted. While in some embodiments theobturator 316 may comprise a conical or frustoconical shape, in alternative embodiments anobturator 316 or acomplimentary valve seat 308 may comprise any other suitable shape for restricting or preventing flow of refrigerant through thevalve cavity 338. When theobturator 316 is driven into thevalve seat 308 at a fully closed position as shown inFIG. 5 , flow of refrigerant through thevalve cavity 338 may be prevented. - The
EEV 112 also comprises afirst sensor 332 and asecond sensor 334. Thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 are generally longitudinally offset relative to each other alongaxis 320. The longitudinal offset distance between thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may generally relate to a longitudinal travel distance of therotor 314 alongaxis 320 between the fully open position (shown inFIG. 4 ) to the fully closed position (shown inFIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may be aligned angularly aboutaxis 320. In other embodiments, thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may be offset angularly relative to each other aboutaxis 320 while still maintaining a longitudinal displacement alongaxis 320. In other embodiments, theEEV 112 may comprise plurality of sensors disposed longitudinally alongaxis 320 with various offset distances relative to each other. In yet other embodiments, anEEV 112 may comprise a plurality of sensors disposed longitudinally alongaxis 320 and offset angularly relative to each other at various intervals aboutaxis 320. In yet other embodiments, anEEV 112 may comprise a plurality of sensors disposed laterally at various distances from theaxis 320. Generally, the sensors are enclosed within therotor cover 328 and located in therotor cavity 336. - In some embodiments, the
first sensor 332 andsecond sensor 334 may comprise Hall Effect sensors. In alternative embodiments, thefirst sensor 332 andsecond sensor 334 may comprise electro-optical sensors. In yet other embodiments, thefirst sensor 332 andsecond sensor 334 may comprise electronic proximity (inductive) sensors. Generally, thefirst sensor 332 andsecond sensor 334 may be electrically coupled to theindoor EEV controller 138. In other embodiments, thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may be electrically coupled to theindoor controller 124. Thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may generally be configured to communicate with theindoor EEV controller 138 and/or theindoor controller 124. In some embodiments, thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may be configured to transmit information about theEEV 112 to theindoor EEV controller 138 and/or theindoor controller 124. - Still referring to
FIGS. 3-5 , thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may be configured to detect the proximity of therotor magnet 326. During operation, therotor 314 may generally be positioned in a metering position as shown inFIG. 3 . In a metering position, theobturator 316 partially restricts flow of refrigerant through thevalve cavity 338. The longitudinal position of theobturator 316 may be adjusted during operation to allow more or less refrigerant flow through theEEV 112. When more refrigerant flow is required by theHVAC system 100, theEEV 112 may selectively move theobturator 316 to an alternate metering position relatively more open, thereby retracting the obturator alongaxis 320 and away from thevalve seat 308. When less refrigerant flow is required by theHVAC system 100, theEEV 112 may selectively move theobturator 316 to an alternate metering position relatively more closed, thereby moving the obturator alongaxis 320 and toward thevalve seat 308. - As the
obturator 316 moves toward a fully open position (shown inFIG. 4 ), therotor 314 moves in a longitudinal direction alongaxis 320 and approaches thefirst sensor 332. This movement causes therotor magnet 326 to also move closer to thefirst sensor 332. Thefirst sensor 332 is configured to detect the proximity of therotor magnet 326 such that a higher magnetic field is detected by thefirst sensor 332 as therotor magnet 326 approaches thefirst sensor 332. Thefirst sensor 332 is generally configured to detect a highest amplitude of magnetic field when theobturator 316 is at the fully open position as shown inFIG. 4 . Contrarily, as therotor magnet 326 approaches thefirst sensor 332, therotor magnet 326 increases its distance from thesecond sensor 334, such that thesecond sensor 334 detects a decreasing magnetic field from therotor magnet 326. Thesecond sensor 334 is generally configured to detect a lowest magnetic field when theobturator 316 is in the fully open position as shown inFIG. 4 . Thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may generally transmit information about the position of therotor 314, therotor magnet 326, and/or theobturator 316 to theEEV controller 138. - As the
EEV 112 moves toward a fully closed position (shown inFIG. 5 ), therotor 314 moves in a longitudinal direction alongaxis 320 and moves closer to thesecond sensor 334. This movement causes therotor magnet 326 to also move closer to thesecond sensor 334. Thesecond sensor 334 is also configured to detect the proximity of therotor magnet 326 such that an increasing magnetic field is detected by thesecond sensor 334 as therotor magnet 326 moves closer to thesecond sensor 334. Thesecond sensor 334 is generally configured to detect the highest amplitude of magnetic field at the fully closed position as shown inFIG. 5 . Contrarily, as therotor magnet 326 moves closer to thesecond sensor 334, therotor magnet 326 increases its distance from thefirst sensor 332, such that thefirst sensor 332 detects a decreasing magnetic field from therotor magnet 326. Thefirst sensor 332 is generally configured to detect the lowest amplitude of magnetic field at the fully closed position as shown inFIG. 5 . Thus, as therotor magnet 326 moves closer to thesecond sensor 334, thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may generally transmit information about the position of therotor 314, therotor magnet 326, and/or theobturator 316 to theEEV controller 138. - In some embodiments, the information transmitted by the
first sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may generally be used to determine the relative operating position of theobturator 316 along theaxis 320. In general, this may be accomplished by comparing relative values of information sent to theindoor EEV controller 138 by thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334. For example, when a maximum output voltage of eithersensor rotor magnet 326 is adjacent to either thefirst sensor 332 or thesecond sensor 334, thefirst sensor 332 may output a signal of 5 volts when therotor magnet 326 is adjacent to thefirst sensor 332 at the fully open position as shown inFIG. 4 . Alternatively, when theobturator 316 is in the closed position as shown inFIG. 5 , therotor magnet 326 may be longitudinally aligned to thesecond sensor 334, thereby causing thesecond sensor 334 to output a signal of 5 volts. When theobturator 316 is positioned in either a fully open position as shown inFIG. 4 or a fully closed position as shown inFIG. 5 , the output of the sensor that is not longitudinally aligned with therotor magnet 326 may be configured to be 0 volts. Alternatively, asensor rotor magnet 326 may output a nominal voltage of about 1 volt, so that when theobturator 316 is in the fully open position as shown inFIG. 4 , the output of thefirst sensor 332 may be 5 volts, while the output of thesecond sensor 334 may be 1 volt. Alternatively, when theobturator 316 is in the fully closed position as shown inFIG. 5 , the output of thesecond sensor 334 may be 5 volts, while the output of thefirst sensor 332 may be 1 volt. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , when theobturator 316 is positioned in a metering state, thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may output voltages that are relative to the location of theobturator 316. For example, continuing with the previous example and assuming a linear relationship between the longitudinal alignment of therotor magnet 326 with asensor first sensor 332 andsecond sensor 334 may both register 3 volts when theEEV 112 is operating at capacity half open position. Additionally, thesame EEV 112 operating at ¾ open position may produce an output voltage of 4 volts for thefirst sensor 332 and 2 volts for thesecond sensor 334, still assuming a linear relationship. In some embodiments, theEEV controller 138 and/orindoor controller 124 may comprise a table of values for determining the instantaneous operating position theobturator 316. The table comprises predetermined relationships between the position of theobturator 316 and the corresponding output voltages of thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334. It should be noted that while only one example is provided to illustrate the functionality of thefirst sensor 332 andsecond sensor 334 of theEEV 112, the specific output voltages ofsensors EEV 112, including, but not limited to, the longitudinal travel distance of therotor 314 along theaxis 320, the longitudinal offset distance of thefirst sensor 332 relative to thesecond sensor 334 along theaxis 320, a size and/or strength of therotor magnet 326, and/or the dimensions of therotor cavity 336 as determined by the configuration of therotor cover 328. - In addition to determining the operating position of the
obturator 316, the information sent by thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may be used to determine a longitudinal and/or angular direction of movement of theobturator 316 as measured along theaxis 320. As theobturator 316 travels upward along theaxis 320 and approaches thefirst sensor 332, thefirst sensor 332 may continuously detect an increasing magnetic field strength attributable to the changing position of therotor magnet 326. In turn, thefirst sensor 332 will output increasing voltage values as therotor 314 moves closer to the first sensor and opens theEEV 112. Similarly, as therotor 314 travels upward along theaxis 320 and consequently away from thesecond sensor 334, thesecond sensor 334 may continuously experience a decreasing magnetic field strength exhibited by therotor magnet 326. Thus, thesecond sensor 334 may continuously output a decreasing voltage as therotor 314 travels away from thesecond sensor 334. These ever-changing voltage outputs from thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may generally be used to determine at least one of a longitudinal and/or angular movement of theobturator 316. - In some embodiments, knowing the position and direction of movement of the
rotor 314 in anEEV 112 may be useful in verifying correct function of themotor 330 of anEEV 112. In other embodiments, position information rendered by thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may be used to calibrate the obturator of theEEV 112. Currently, anEEV 112 must reset itself to calibrate, which requires fully opening or fully closing theEEV 112 as shown inFIG. 4 andFIG. 5 , respectively. Position feedback of theEEV 112 as determined by thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may thus eliminate the requirement for anEEV 112 to fully open or fully close to calibrate itself, thus allowing calibration of anEEV 112 at any position. Eliminating the current requirement to reset an EEV may also allow calibration of theEEV 112 as well as faster startup times for an HVAC system. In some embodiments, position information may be used to control the position of anobturator 316 rather than relying on the function of amotor 330 of anEEV 112 to control the position. In this instance, feedback from thefirst sensor 332 andsecond sensor 334 may be sent to theindoor EEV controller 138. Based on a subcooling model or other parameters of theHVAC system 100, theEEV controller 138 may then adjust the position of theobturator 316 accordingly. Furthermore, in some embodiments, position information supplied by thefirst sensor 332 andsecond sensor 334 may also be useful in monitoring steady state operation of theHVAC system 100. - A change in the output voltage of the
first sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may also be used to determine linear speed of theobturator 316 as measured along theaxis 320. As stated, the position of theobturator 316 may be associated with particular voltage outputs of thefirst sensor 332 andsecond sensor 334. As stated, the direction of movement of theobturator 316 may also be calculated from the output voltages rendered by thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334. Accordingly, the changes in the output voltages from thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may be determined over a particular time increment to determine the instantaneous speed of theobturator 316 traveling in a linear direction along theaxis 320. In some embodiments, determining the speed of theobturator 316 travel along theaxis 320 may increase controllability of theEEV 112. In other embodiments, it may be useful in monitoring the function of themotor 330 of theEEV 112. For example, anEEV 112 is generally subject to the accumulation of dirt and/or corrosion when subjected to operating conditions. A slow movingobturator 316 could alter performance of theHVAC system 112 and further cause a delay in theHVAC system 100 realizing the effects of adjustment of theEEV 112. Knowledge of a dirty, corrodedEEV 112 could warrant replacement and/or cleaning to restore system peak performance. Thus, in some embodiments, determining the linear speed of anobturator 316 alongaxis 320 may serve as a troubleshooting function. - In addition to determining the position, direction of movement, and linear speed of the
obturator 316, rotational speed (RPM) and angular displacement may also be determined based on the outputs provided by thefirst sensor 332 andsecond sensor 334. This is accomplished by utilizing an algorithm to translate linear speed into rotational speed based on a given thread pitch of thevalve body threads 312 and therotor threads 322. Furthermore, if a distance traveled by theobturator 316 is known along theaxis 320, the angular displacement may also be determined based on the given thread pitch of thevalve body threads 312 and therotor threads 322. For example, if the thread pitch is 0.050″ and the linear distance traveled by therotor 314 is determined to be 0.025″, then it can be determined that therotor 314 made one half rotation, equal to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may be aligned longitudinally. However, in other embodiments, thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may be offset angularly with respect toaxis 320 based on the configuration of theEEV 112. In some embodiments, determining the angular speed and/or angular displacement through thefirst sensor 332 and thesecond sensor 334 may increase the controllability of theobturator 316. In other embodiments, determining angular speed and/or angular displacement may be useful to verify thecorrect obturator 316 location control of anEEV 112. In yet other embodiments, angular speed and/or angular displacement may be used to calibrate anEEV 112. Furthermore, in other embodiments, rotational speed and/or angular displacement may also be used to control theobturator 316 rather than relying on themotor 330 alone. As such,EEV 112 may add functionality and accuracy to the operation of theHVAC system 100. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , a cutaway view of anEEV 400 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. It should be noted thatEEV 400 is substantially similar toEEV 112.EEV 400 comprises avalve body 402,side port 404,inline port 406,valve seat 408,upper valve portion 410,valve body threads 412,rotor 414,obturator 416,obturator shaft 418,axis 420,rotor threads 422,push nut 424,rotor magnet 426,rotor cover 428,motor 430,first sensor 432,second sensor 434,rotor cavity 436, andvalve cavity 438. Depending on the configuration of theHVAC system 100, thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 may generally be configured to communicate with theindoor EEV controller 138 and/or theindoor controller 124. As withEEV 112, thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 are generally disposed longitudinally relative to each other alongaxis 420. In some embodiments, thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 may be aligned longitudinally. However, in other embodiments, thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 may be offset angularly aboutaxis 420 based on the configuration of theEEV 112. -
EEV 400 generally comprises a plurality oftriggers 440. In some embodiments, thetriggers 440 may comprise magnets. In other embodiments, thetriggers 440 may comprise inductors. In yet other embodiments, thetriggers 440 may comprise an optical catalyst capable of optical detection (i.e. contrasting color). Thetriggers 440 are generally carried by therotor magnet 426 and displaced longitudinally along therotor magnet 426 substantially parallel toaxis 420. Thetriggers 440 are generally also configured to surround therotor 414 and/orrotor magnet 426 radially, such that eachtrigger 440 at a different longitudinal location as determined along theaxis 420 comprises a single element. In other embodiments, however, eachtrigger 440 at a different longitudinal location as determined along theaxis 420 may be divided into a plurality of substantially similar-sized adjacent pieces that radially surround therotor 414 and/orrotor magnet 426 to form asingle trigger 440. The placement of thetriggers 440 within therotor magnet 426 or on the outer surface of therotor magnet 426 may be determined by the configuration of theEEV 400, including but not limited to, the strength of therotor magnet 426, the strength of thetriggers 440, and the proximity of therotor magnet 426 to therotor cover 428. In some embodiments, thetriggers 440 may be located along the inner part of therotor magnet 426, substantially adjacent to therotor 414 as shown inFIG. 6 . In other embodiments, thetriggers 440 may be located substantially towards the outer surface of therotor magnet 426, such that the outermost surface of thetriggers 440 is substantially aligned with the outer surface of therotor magnet 426. In yet other embodiments, thetriggers 440 may be located at any location within therotor magnet 426 between the inner surface of therotor magnet 426 substantially adjacent to therotor 414 and the outer surface of therotor magnet 426. In alternative embodiments, thetriggers 440 may be placed on the outer surface of therotor magnet 426 and extend outward from the outer surface of therotor magnet 426 towards therotor cover 428, thus protruding from therotor magnet 426. In yet other embodiments, theEEV 400 may comprise a plurality oftriggers 440 substantially adjacent to each other, such that thetrigger 440 configuration forms therotor magnet 426. - Still referring to
FIG. 6 , thetriggers 440 may generally be configured such thattrigger 440′ comprises a highest magnetic strength, triggers 440′ on the top and bottom limits of the configuration comprise a lowest magnetic strength, and triggers 440″ located betweentrigger 440′ and each oftriggers 440′″ comprise an intermediate magnetic strength between that oftrigger 440′ and trigger 440′. While only oneintermittent strength trigger 440″ is shown inFIG. 6 between highestmagnetic strength trigger 440′ and each of the lowest magnetic strength triggers 440′″, in some embodiments, theEEV 400 may comprise a plurality of intermediate magnetic strength triggers 440″ located between thehighest strength trigger 440′ and each of the lowest strength triggers 440′″. In embodiments where theEEV 400 comprises a plurality of intermediate strength triggers 440″ between thehighest strength trigger 400′ and thelowest strength trigger 440″, the plurality of intermediate strength triggers 440″ may generally be configured in order of decreasing magnetic strength starting with the intermediate strength triggers 440″ located closest to thehighest strength trigger 440′ and radiating outward towards either of the lowest strength triggers 440′″ along theaxis 320 in a configuration of decreasing magnetic strength. - The
first sensor 432 andsecond sensor 434 are configured to detect the pattern of magnetic fields emitted from thetrigger 440 configuration. For illustration purposes, the top of thetrigger 440 configuration means the furthest distance alongaxis 420 relative to thevalve seat 408, and the bottom of thetrigger 440 configuration means the closest distance alongaxis 420 relative to thevalve seat 408. Thefirst sensor 432 may generally be configured to detect thehighest strength trigger 440′ when theobturator 416 is in the fully open position as shown inFIG. 6 such that thefirst sensor 432 outputs the highest known voltage for thetrigger 440 configuration. Additionally, thesecond sensor 434 may generally be configured to detect thelowest strength trigger 440′″ located at the bottom of thetrigger 440 configuration when theobturator 416 is in the fully open position as shown inFIG. 6 and thus output the lowest known voltage for thetrigger 440 configuration. At the fully closed position, thesecond sensor 434 may generally be configured to detect thehighest strength trigger 440′, thus outputting the highest known voltage for thetrigger 440 configuration, and thefirst sensor 432 may generally be configured to detect thelowest strength trigger 440′″ located at the top of thetrigger 440 configuration, thus outputting the lowest known voltage for thetrigger 440 configuration. From the open position as shown inFIG. 6 , when theEEV 400 begins to close, therotor 414 will rotate about theaxis 420 driving theobturator 416 towards thevalve seat 408. As theEEV 400 moves towards the closed position, thefirst sensor 432 will begin to detectintermediate strength trigger 440″ located abovehighest strength trigger 440′ thus outputting a lower voltage than when it was detecting thehighest strength trigger 440′. Thesecond sensor 434 will begin to detecttrigger 440″ located belowhighest strength trigger 440′, thus outputting a higher voltage than when thesecond sensor 434 was detecting thelowest strength sensor 440′″ at the bottom of thetrigger 440 configuration. Accordingly, thefirst sensor 432 will continue to detect a decreasing strength magnetic field and output a decreasing voltage, and thesecond sensor 434 will continue to detect an increasing strength magnetic field and output an increasing voltage as theobturator 416 closes. Contrarily, thefirst sensor 432 will detect an increasing strength magnetic field and output an increasing voltage, and thesecond sensor 434 will detect a decreasing strength magnetic field and output a decreasing voltage as theobturator 416 opens. - In other embodiments, the
triggers 440 may comprise a different configuration, where ahighest strength trigger 440′ is located at the top and bottom of thetrigger 440 configuration, and the lowestmagnetic strength trigger 440′″ is located in the center of the configuration. In some embodiments where thelowest strength trigger 440′″ is located in the center of thetrigger 440 configuration, and wherein theEEV 400 comprises a plurality of intermediate strength triggers 440″, the intermediate strength triggers 440″ may be arranged between thelowest strength trigger 440′″ and each of the highest strength triggers 440′ in an order of increasing magnetic strength starting with theintermediate strength trigger 440″ most adjacent tolowest strength trigger 440′″ and radiating towards each of the highest strength triggers 440′ located at the top and bottom of thetrigger 440 configuration. - In such embodiments, at the
obturator 316 open position, thefirst sensor 432 may be configured to detect the lowestmagnetic strength trigger 440′″ located in the center of thetrigger 440 configuration, and thesecond sensor 434 may be configured to detect thehighest strength trigger 440′ located at the bottom of thetrigger 440 configuration. Accordingly, as theobturator 416 closes, thefirst sensor 432 may be configured to detect an increasing strength magnetic field, and thesecond sensor 434 may be configured to detect a decreasing strength magnetic field, until theEEV 400 reaches the fully closed position, wherein thefirst sensor 432 would detect thehighest strength trigger 440′ located at the top of thetrigger 440 configuration and thesecond sensor 434 would detect thelowest strength trigger 440′″ located in the center of thetrigger 440 configuration. In yet other embodiments, thetriggers 440 may comprise a substantially similar magnetic strength.Such triggers 440 may amplify the magnetic field emitted from the rotor to provide enhanced detection by thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434. In alternative embodiments, thetriggers 440 may comprise a non-linear pattern configured such that thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 may detect exaggerated increases and/or decreases in magnetic field strength as theobturator 416 changes position. For example, the configuration from top to bottom could comprise thefollowing trigger 440 configuration: 440″ (Top); 440′; 440′″; 440′ (Center); 440′″; 440′; 440″ (Bottom). Large variances in magnetic field strength detected by thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 may provide a wider range of output voltages from the sensors and thus increase the accuracy of measurement of theEEV 400 position and other functional parameters. In yet other embodiments, theEEV 400 may comprise only threetriggers 440 having onehighest strength trigger 440′ and two of eitherintermediate triggers 440″ or lowest strength triggers 440′ arranged substantially similarly to any of the previously described embodiments, wherein thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 are configured substantially similar to previously described embodiments. - As with
EEV 112, the output voltages from thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 may be used to determine the position of theobturator 416 of theEEV 400. Known output voltages may be associated with eachtrigger 440, such that at any given position of theEEV 400, the output voltages from thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 may be used to determine the position of thetriggers 440 and consequently theobturator 416. Such known voltages may be stored in theEEV controller 138 or theindoor controller 124 and used to determine the position of theobturator 416. Utilizingtriggers 440 that comprise different magnetic field strengths may also produce a more significant change in the magnetic field detected by thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 as theEEV 400 changes position. Consequently, smaller increments of movement may be able to be detected, thus enabling more accurate detection of the position of theEEV 400. - Furthermore, changes in the magnetic field strength emitted by the
triggers 440 may also be used to determine the direction of movement. For example, as inFIG. 6 , thefirst sensor 432 may be configured to detect thehighest strength trigger 440′ at the fully open position and thesecond sensor 434 may be configured to detect thelowest strength trigger 440′″ at the fully open position. Thus, as thefirst sensor 432 detects a decreasing magnetic field strength and thesecond sensor 434 detects an increasing magnetic field strength as theEEV 400 closes, thefirst sensor 432 will output continuously decreasing voltages, and thesecond sensor 434 will output continuously increasing voltages. Similarly toEEV 112, the respective voltage outputs of eachsensor obturator 416, and the change in the voltage outputs of each sensor may be used to determine the direction of movement of theobturator 416. BecauseEEV 400 is substantially similar toEEV 112, the respective voltage outputs of thefirst sensor 432 andsecond sensor 434 inEEV 400 may be used to determine the exact position of theobturator 416. Additionally, output voltages of thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 may also be used to determine direction, linear speed, angular rotational speed, and angular displacement of theobturator 416 in the same manner disclosed inEEV 112. Thetriggers 440 comprising different magnetic field strengths may, however, provide more accurate sensing of such parameters due to the higher magnitude changes that are detected by thefirst sensor 432 and thesecond sensor 434 for smaller increments of movement of theEEV 400. Thus,EEV 400 may also provide the same benefits to enhancingHVAC system 100 operation. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , a cutaway view of anEEV 500 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. It should be noted thatEEV 500 is substantially similar toEEV 400.EEV 500 comprises avalve body 502,side port 504,inline port 506,valve seat 508,upper valve portion 510,valve body threads 512,rotor 514,obturator 516,obturator shaft 518,axis 520,rotor threads 522,push nut 524,rotor magnet 526,rotor cover 528,motor 530,first sensor 532,second sensor 534,rotor cavity 536,valve cavity 538, and a plurality oftriggers 540. Depending on the configuration of theHVAC system 100, thefirst sensor 532 and thesecond sensor 534 may generally be configured to communicate with theindoor EEV controller 138 and/or theindoor controller 124. As withEEV 400, thefirst sensor 532 and thesecond sensor 534 are generally longitudinally offset relative to each other alongaxis 520. In some embodiments, thefirst sensor 532 and thesecond sensor 534 may be aligned longitudinally. However, in other embodiments, thefirst sensor 532 and thesecond sensor 534 may be offset angularly based on the configuration of theEEV 500. -
EEV 500 generally comprises arotor extension 542. Therotor extension 542 may generally extend from the top surface of therotor 514 alongaxis 520 and comprise a cylindrical shape axially aligned withaxis 520. In some embodiments, therotor extension 542 may comprise an elongated portion of therotor 514 that extends upward along theaxis 520 and beyond the top of therotor magnet 526. In other embodiments, therotor extension 542 may comprise a separate component that is permanently secured to therotor 514 such that any electronic expansion valve may be configured to accept therotor extension 542. In some instances, therotor extension 542 may require anelongated rotor cover 528 in order to fully encapsulate therotor 514 and therotor extension 542.EEV 500 may also comprise arotor extension cavity 544. In some embodiments, therotor extension cavity 544 may provide clearance for thepush nut 524. In other embodiments, theobturator shaft 518 may extend into therotor extension cavity 544, where thepush nut 524 may secure theobturator shaft 518 to the top of therotor extension 542. - The
trigger 540 configuration ofEEV 500 may be substantially similar to any of the enumerated embodiments ofEEV 400. Additionally, thefirst sensor 532 andsecond sensor 534 configuration may also be substantially similar to any of the enumerated embodiments ofEEV 400. The difference betweenEEV 500 andEEV 400 is embodied in that triggers 540 inEEV 500 are carried by therotor extension 542 as opposed to thetriggers 440 inEEV 400 being carried by therotor magnet 426. However, similarly toEEV 400, the respective voltage outputs of thefirst sensor 532 andsecond sensor 534 inEEV 500 may be used to determine the position of theEEV 500. Additionally, as withEEV 400, output voltages of thefirst sensor 532 and thesecond sensor 532 may also be used to determine direction, linear speed, angular rotational speed, and angular displacement ofobturator 516. Thus,EEV 500 may also provide substantially similar benefits to enhancingHVAC system 100 operation. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , a cutaway view of an EEV 600 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. It should be noted that EEV 600 is substantially similar toEEV 500. EEV 600 comprises avalve body 602,side port 604,inline port 606,valve seat 608,upper valve portion 610,valve body threads 612,rotor 614,obturator 616,obturator shaft 618, axis 620,rotor threads 622,push nut 624,rotor magnet 626,rotor cover 628,motor 630,first sensor 632,second sensor 634,rotor cavity 636,valve cavity 638, and a plurality oftriggers 640. Depending on the configuration of theHVAC system 100, thefirst sensor 632 and thesecond sensor 634 may generally be configured to communicate with theindoor EEV controller 138 and/or theindoor controller 124. As withEEV 500, thefirst sensor 632 and thesecond sensor 634 are generally longitudinally offset relative to each other along axis 620. In some embodiments, thefirst sensor 632 and thesecond sensor 634 may be aligned longitudinally along axis 620. However, in other embodiments, thefirst sensor 632 and thesecond sensor 634 may be offset angularly based on the configuration of the EEV 600. - While EEV 600 may be substantially similar to
EEV 500, EEV 600 does not comprise a rotor extension similar torotor extension 542 that carries triggers 540 as inEEV 500. Instead thetriggers 640 of EEV 600 may generally be carried by therotor 614. Thetriggers 640 are generally displaced longitudinally from therotor magnet 626 along the axis 620 such that thetriggers 640 are located below therotor magnet 626. Thetrigger 640 configuration of EEV 600 may be substantially similar to any of the enumerated embodiments ofEEV 500. Thus, in some embodiments, thetriggers 640 may be embedded within a portion of therotor 614. In other embodiments, thetriggers 640 may be located on the outer surface of therotor 614 and extend outward from the outer surface of therotor 614 towards therotor cover 628, thus protruding from therotor 614. Additionally, thefirst sensor 632 andsecond sensor 634 configuration may also be substantially similar to any of the enumerated embodiments ofEEV 500. Therefore, similarly toEEV 500, the respective voltage outputs of thefirst sensor 632 andsecond sensor 634 in EEV 600 may be used to determine the position of the EEV 600. Additionally, as withEEV 500, output voltages of thefirst sensor 632 and thesecond sensor 634 may also be used to determine direction, linear speed, angular rotational speed, and angular displacement ofobturator 616. Thus, EEV 600 may also provide substantially similar benefits to enhancingHVAC system 100 operation. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , a partial cutaway view of anEEV 700 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. It should be noted thatEEV 700 is substantially similar to EEV 600.EEV 700 comprises avalve body 702,side port 704,inline port 706,valve seat 708,upper valve portion 710, valve body threads 712,rotor 714,obturator 716,obturator shaft 718, axis 720, rotor threads 722,push nut 724,rotor magnet 726,rotor cover 728,motor 730,first sensor 732,second sensor 734,rotor cavity 736,valve cavity 738, and a plurality oftriggers 740. Depending on the configuration of theHVAC system 100, thefirst sensor 732 and thesecond sensor 734 may generally be configured to communicate with theindoor EEV controller 138 and/or theindoor controller 124. As with EEV 600, thefirst sensor 732 and thesecond sensor 734 are generally longitudinally offset relative to each other along axis 720. In some embodiments, thefirst sensor 732 and thesecond sensor 734 may be offset angularly. However, in other embodiments, thefirst sensor 732 and thesecond sensor 734 may be aligned vertically depending on the configuration off theEEV 700. - As in EEV 600, the
triggers 740 inEEV 700 may also be generally carried by therotor 714. Thus, in some embodiments, thetriggers 740 may be embedded within a portion of therotor 714. In other embodiments, thetriggers 740 may be placed on the outer surface of therotor 714 and extend outward from the outer surface of therotor 714 towards therotor cover 728, thus protruding from therotor 714. However,EEV 700 generally comprises atrigger 740 configuration wherein thetriggers 740 are dispersed angularly around therotor 714 and configured in a helical pattern that is coincidental with the thread pitch of therotor 714 such that when therotor 714 rotates about axis 720,adjacent triggers 740 pass a position substantially adjacent to thefirst sensor 732 and/or thesecond sensor 734. Thetriggers 740 may generally be configured such thattrigger 740′ comprises the highest magnetic strength, trigger 740′″ comprises the lowest magnetic strength, and triggers 740″ located betweenhighest strength trigger 740′ and each of thetriggers 740″ comprise intermediate magnetic strengths between that ofhighest strength trigger 740′ andlowest strength trigger 740′″. The plurality of intermediate strength triggers 740″ may generally be configured in order of decreasing magnetic strength in a helical pattern around therotor 714 and coincidental with the thread pitch of therotor 714 starting with theintermediate strength trigger 740″ located closest to thehighest strength trigger 740′ and continuing in the helical pattern around therotor 714 up to thelowest strength trigger 740′″. - The
first sensor 732 andsecond sensor 734 are configured to detect the pattern of magnetic fields emitted from thetrigger 740 configuration as therotor 714 rotates about axis 720 andsubsequent triggers 740 pass thefirst sensor 732 and thesecond sensor 734. Thesecond sensor 734 may generally be configured to detect thehighest strength trigger 740′ located at the bottom of thetrigger 740 configuration when theobturator 716 is in the fully open position as shown inFIG. 9 and thus output a lowest known voltage for thetrigger 740 configuration. Additionally thefirst sensor 732 may generally be offset at an angular displacement from thesecond sensor 734 and configured to detect anintermediate strength trigger 740″ when theEEV 700 is in the fully open position as shown inFIG. 9 such that thefirst sensor 732 outputs a known voltage for thatspecific trigger 740 configuration. At the fully closed position, thefirst sensor 732 may generally be configured to detect thelowest strength trigger 740′″ located at the top of thetrigger 740 configuration, thus outputting a lowest known voltage for thetrigger 740 configuration, and thesecond sensor 734 may generally be configured to detect a knownintermediate strength trigger 740″, thus outputting a specific known voltage associated with thatintermediate trigger 740″ in thetrigger 740 configuration. From the open position as shown inFIG. 9 , when theobturator 716 begins to close, therotor 714 will rotate about the axis 720 driving theobturator 716 towards thevalve seat 708. As theobturator 716 moves towards the closed position, thesecond sensor 734 will begin to detect subsequent intermediate strength triggers 740″ located abovehighest strength trigger 740′ and in a helical pattern coincidental with the thread pitch of therotor 714, thus outputting continuously decreasing voltages. Thefirst sensor 734 will also detect subsequent lower strength intermediate strength triggers 740″, thus also outputting continuously decreasing voltages. Contrarily, bothsensors obturator 716 opens. - In some embodiments, the
triggers 740 may comprise a different configuration, wherein ahighest strength trigger 740′ is located at the top of thetrigger 740 configuration, and the lowestmagnetic strength trigger 740′″ is located at the bottom of the configuration, wherein the intermediate strength triggers 740″ are arranged in order of increasing magnetic strength starting at the bottomlowest strength trigger 740′″ and angularly dispersed in a helical pattern coincidental with the thread pitch of therotor 714. In other embodiments, thetriggers 740 may comprise a non-linear pattern configured such that thefirst sensor 732 and thesecond sensor 734 may detect exaggerated increases and/or decreases in magnetic field strength as theobturator 716 changes position. In yet other embodiments, thetriggers 740 may comprise any configuration as enumerated in previously disclosed embodiments, such that the respective output voltages from thefirst sensor 732 and thesecond sensor 734 may be used to determine the position of theobturator 716. Known output voltages may generally be associated with eachtrigger 740, such that at any given position of theEEV 700, the output voltages from thefirst sensor 732 and thesecond sensor 734 may be used to determine the position of theobturator 716 and consequently theEEV 700. Additionally, as with EEV 600, output voltages of thefirst sensor 732 and thesecond sensor 734 may also be used to determine direction, linear speed, angular rotational speed, and angular displacement ofobturator 716. Accordingly,EEV 700 may also provide substantially similar benefits to enhancingHVAC system 100 operation. - At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations, combinations, and/or modifications of the embodiment(s) and/or features of the embodiment(s) made by a person having ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, Rl, and an upper limit, Ru, is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R=Rl+k*(Ru-−l), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . , 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Unless otherwise stated, the term “about” shall mean plus or minus 10 percent of the subsequent value. Moreover, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specifically disclosed. Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim means that the element is required, or alternatively, the element is not required, both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention.
Claims (20)
1. An electronic expansion valve, comprising:
a longitudinal displacement axis;
a rotor comprising a magnet;
a first sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a first longitudinal location; and
a second sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a second longitudinal location;
wherein the first longitudinal location is longitudinally offset from the second longitudinal location along the longitudinal displacement axis.
2. The electronic expansion valve of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor comprises a Hall Effect sensor.
3. The electronic expansion valve of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is configured to sense the proximity of the rotor magnet at the first longitudinal location and the second sensor is configured to sense the proximity of the rotor magnet at the second longitudinal location.
4. The electronic expansion valve of claim 1 , further comprising an obturator, wherein the first sensor is configured to sense the proximity of the rotor magnet at the first longitudinal location and output a first voltage and the second sensor is configured to sense the proximity of the rotor magnet at the second longitudinal location and output a second voltage, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are used to determine at least one of the following: position of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, direction of movement of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, linear speed of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, angular displacement of the obturator about the longitudinal displacement axis, and rotational speed of the obturator about the longitudinal displacement axis.
5. The electronic expansion valve of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of triggers.
6. The electronic expansion valve of claim 5 , wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to detect the plurality of triggers.
7. The electronic expansion valve of claim 5 , wherein the triggers are carried by the rotor magnet.
8. The electronic expansion valve of claim 5 , wherein the triggers collectively comprise the rotor magnet.
9. The electronic expansion valve of claim 5 , further comprising a rotor extension, wherein the triggers are carried by the rotor extension.
10. The electronic expansion valve of claim 5 , wherein the triggers are carried by the rotor.
11. The electronic expansion valve of claim 5 , wherein the triggers are carried by the rotor and configured in a helical pattern that is coincidental with a thread pitch of the rotor along the longitudinal displacement axis of travel of the rotor.
12. A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:
an electronic expansion valve comprising a longitudinal displacement axis, a rotor comprising a magnet, a first sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a first longitudinal location, and a second sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a second longitudinal location, wherein the first longitudinal location is longitudinally offset from the second longitudinal location along the longitudinal displacement axis; and
an electronic expansion valve controller.
13. The HVAC system of claim 12 , wherein at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor comprise a Hall Effect Sensor.
14. The HVAC system of claim 12 , wherein the first sensor is configured to output a first voltage as a result of the a sensed proximity of the magnet to the first sensor, and the second sensor is configured to output a second voltage as a result of the sensed proximity of the magnet to the second sensor.
15. The HVAC system of claim 12 , further comprising an obturator, wherein the first sensor is configured to output a first voltage as a result of the a sensed proximity of the magnet to the first sensor and the second sensor is configured to output a second voltage as a result of the sensed proximity of the magnet to the second sensor to determine at least one of the following: position of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, direction of movement of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, linear speed of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, angular displacement of the obturator about the longitudinal displacement axis, and rotational speed of the obturator about the longitudinal displacement axis.
16. The HVAC system of claim 14 , wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are received by the electronic expansion valve controller to determine at least one of the following: position of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, direction of movement of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, linear speed of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, angular displacement of the obturator about the longitudinal displacement axis, and rotational speed of the obturator about the longitudinal displacement axis.
17. A method of operating an electronic expansion valve, comprising:
providing an electronic expansion valve comprising a longitudinal displacement axis, a rotor comprising a magnet, an obturator, a first sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a first longitudinal location, and a second sensor disposed along the longitudinal displacement axis at a second longitudinal location, wherein the first longitudinal location is longitudinally offset from the second longitudinal location along the longitudinal displacement axis;
sensing the relative position of the obturator within the electronic expansion valve by the first sensor at the first longitudinal location and the second sensor at the second longitudinal location;
outputting a first voltage from the first sensor to an electronic expansion valve controller; and
outputting a second voltage from the second sensor to an electronic expansion valve controller.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising:
determining, as a function of the first voltage and the second voltage, at least one of a position of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, a direction of movement of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, a linear speed of the obturator along the longitudinal displacement axis, an angular displacement of the obturator about the longitudinal displacement axis, and a rotational speed of the obturator about the longitudinal displacement axis.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor comprises a Hall Effect Sensor.
20. The method of claim 17 , wherein the electronic expansion valve is a component of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning system.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/908,788 US20140353391A1 (en) | 2013-06-03 | 2013-06-03 | Electronic Expansion Valve |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/908,788 US20140353391A1 (en) | 2013-06-03 | 2013-06-03 | Electronic Expansion Valve |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140353391A1 true US20140353391A1 (en) | 2014-12-04 |
Family
ID=51983986
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/908,788 Abandoned US20140353391A1 (en) | 2013-06-03 | 2013-06-03 | Electronic Expansion Valve |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140353391A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150028858A1 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2015-01-29 | Bei Sensors & Systems Company, Inc. | System and Method for Determining Absolute Angular Position of a Rotating Member |
CN107284193A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2017-10-24 | 杭州三花研究院有限公司 | Air-conditioning system, the control system of the air-conditioning system and control method |
US20170328617A1 (en) * | 2014-12-12 | 2017-11-16 | Danfoss A/S | A method for controlling a supply of refrigerant to an evaporator including calculating a reference temperature |
US10072487B2 (en) | 2016-09-22 | 2018-09-11 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Lift apparatus for driving a downhole reciprocating pump |
US10087924B2 (en) * | 2016-11-14 | 2018-10-02 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Gas compressor and system and method for gas compressing |
US10544783B2 (en) | 2016-11-14 | 2020-01-28 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Gas compressor and system and method for gas compressing |
US10871316B2 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-12-22 | Chicony Power Technology Co., Ltd. | Valve, expansion valve, and stepping control method thereof |
US11519403B1 (en) | 2021-09-23 | 2022-12-06 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Compressor for pumping fluid having check valves aligned with fluid ports |
US11555637B2 (en) * | 2017-11-13 | 2023-01-17 | Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. | Electronic expansion valve |
US11585458B2 (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2023-02-21 | Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co., Ltd. | Electronic expansion valve |
US11952995B2 (en) | 2020-02-28 | 2024-04-09 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Multi-phase fluid pump system |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3857277A (en) * | 1972-12-29 | 1974-12-31 | Laval Turbine | Flow indicator |
US4910633A (en) * | 1988-09-07 | 1990-03-20 | Quinn Louis P | Magnetic levitation apparatus and method |
US5236011A (en) * | 1991-06-20 | 1993-08-17 | Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. | Noninvasive valve monitor using constant magnetic and/or DC electromagnetic field |
US5316263A (en) * | 1992-03-12 | 1994-05-31 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | System for controlling electronic expansion valve provided in refrigerating machine |
-
2013
- 2013-06-03 US US13/908,788 patent/US20140353391A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3857277A (en) * | 1972-12-29 | 1974-12-31 | Laval Turbine | Flow indicator |
US4910633A (en) * | 1988-09-07 | 1990-03-20 | Quinn Louis P | Magnetic levitation apparatus and method |
US5236011A (en) * | 1991-06-20 | 1993-08-17 | Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. | Noninvasive valve monitor using constant magnetic and/or DC electromagnetic field |
US5316263A (en) * | 1992-03-12 | 1994-05-31 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | System for controlling electronic expansion valve provided in refrigerating machine |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150028858A1 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2015-01-29 | Bei Sensors & Systems Company, Inc. | System and Method for Determining Absolute Angular Position of a Rotating Member |
US9803997B2 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2017-10-31 | Bei Sensors & Systems Company, Inc. | System and method for determining absolute angular position of a rotating member |
US20170328617A1 (en) * | 2014-12-12 | 2017-11-16 | Danfoss A/S | A method for controlling a supply of refrigerant to an evaporator including calculating a reference temperature |
CN107284193A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2017-10-24 | 杭州三花研究院有限公司 | Air-conditioning system, the control system of the air-conditioning system and control method |
US11231213B2 (en) | 2016-03-31 | 2022-01-25 | Hangzhou Sanhua Research Institute Co., Ltd. | Air conditioning system, control system, and control method for air conditioning system expansion valve |
KR20180123152A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2018-11-14 | 항저우 산후아 리서치 인스티튜트 컴퍼니 리미티드 | Air conditioning system, and control system and control method for air conditioning system |
KR102192470B1 (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2020-12-17 | 항저우 산후아 리서치 인스티튜트 컴퍼니 리미티드 | Air conditioning systems, and control systems and control methods for air conditioning systems |
JP2019510190A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2019-04-11 | 杭州三花研究院有限公司Hangzhou Sanhua Research Institute Co.,Ltd. | Air conditioning system and control system and control method for air conditioning system |
US10072487B2 (en) | 2016-09-22 | 2018-09-11 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Lift apparatus for driving a downhole reciprocating pump |
US10352138B2 (en) | 2016-09-22 | 2019-07-16 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Lift apparatus for driving a downhole reciprocating pump |
US10544783B2 (en) | 2016-11-14 | 2020-01-28 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Gas compressor and system and method for gas compressing |
US10167857B2 (en) | 2016-11-14 | 2019-01-01 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Gas compressor and system and method for gas compressing |
US11162491B2 (en) | 2016-11-14 | 2021-11-02 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Gas compressor and system and method for gas compressing |
US10087924B2 (en) * | 2016-11-14 | 2018-10-02 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Gas compressor and system and method for gas compressing |
US11242847B2 (en) | 2016-11-14 | 2022-02-08 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Gas compressor and system and method for gas compressing |
US11339778B2 (en) | 2016-11-14 | 2022-05-24 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Gas compressor and system and method for gas compressing |
US11585458B2 (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2023-02-21 | Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co., Ltd. | Electronic expansion valve |
US11555637B2 (en) * | 2017-11-13 | 2023-01-17 | Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. | Electronic expansion valve |
US10871316B2 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-12-22 | Chicony Power Technology Co., Ltd. | Valve, expansion valve, and stepping control method thereof |
US11952995B2 (en) | 2020-02-28 | 2024-04-09 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Multi-phase fluid pump system |
US11519403B1 (en) | 2021-09-23 | 2022-12-06 | I-Jack Technologies Incorporated | Compressor for pumping fluid having check valves aligned with fluid ports |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20140353391A1 (en) | Electronic Expansion Valve | |
US10330328B2 (en) | Temperature control system | |
EP3164648B1 (en) | Refrigerant cooling for variable speed drive | |
US9810460B2 (en) | Reversible flow electric expansion valve | |
US10648693B2 (en) | HVAC system with selective flowpath | |
RU2669746C2 (en) | Device and method for controlling supply air flow in air treatment system | |
US20180195778A1 (en) | Hybrid Residential Ground-Coupled Heat Pump | |
US10969123B2 (en) | Control of residential HVAC equipment for dehumidification | |
US20160216717A1 (en) | Method of self-balancing a plurality of mechanical components within a temperature control unit of an hvac system | |
US11255558B1 (en) | Systems and methods for estimating an input power supplied to a fan motor of a climate control system | |
US11187426B2 (en) | Method and device for controlling the flow of fluid in an air-conditioning and/or heating system and system using such a device and/or control method | |
US10718536B2 (en) | Blower housing with two position cutoff | |
US20160102674A1 (en) | Fan Blade | |
US20170321907A1 (en) | Dehumidifier for High Airflow Rate Systems | |
US10662966B2 (en) | Blower housing labyrinth seal | |
US20120279236A1 (en) | Reversible Flow Electronic Expansion Vavle | |
US11543147B1 (en) | Systems and methods for detecting air filter fouling in a climate control system | |
EP2015007A1 (en) | Freezer heat exchanger coolant flow divider control device | |
US20180347578A1 (en) | Momentum Based Blower Interstitial Seal | |
US11280508B1 (en) | Systems and methods for detecting inaccurate airflow delivery in a climate control system | |
US10684054B2 (en) | Tension support system for motorized fan | |
CA2879868C (en) | A method of self-balancing a plurality of mechanical components within a temperature control unit of an hvac system | |
US20160312773A1 (en) | Refrigerant Line Muffler | |
US11493225B1 (en) | Systems and methods for controlling superheat in a climate control system | |
US11280529B2 (en) | Refrigerant volume control |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BURKLIN, THOMAS;MALDONADO, HUMBERTO;CUELLAR, JOHN;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20130603 TO 20130712;REEL/FRAME:030893/0234 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |