US20160312773A1 - Refrigerant Line Muffler - Google Patents
Refrigerant Line Muffler Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160312773A1 US20160312773A1 US15/133,982 US201615133982A US2016312773A1 US 20160312773 A1 US20160312773 A1 US 20160312773A1 US 201615133982 A US201615133982 A US 201615133982A US 2016312773 A1 US2016312773 A1 US 2016312773A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flowpath
- refrigerant
- refrigerant line
- muffler
- line muffler
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
- F04B39/0027—Pulsation and noise damping means
- F04B39/0055—Pulsation and noise damping means with a special shape of fluid passage, e.g. bends, throttles, diameter changes, pipes
- F04B39/0061—Pulsation and noise damping means with a special shape of fluid passage, e.g. bends, throttles, diameter changes, pipes using muffler volumes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
- F04B39/0027—Pulsation and noise damping means
- F04B39/0055—Pulsation and noise damping means with a special shape of fluid passage, e.g. bends, throttles, diameter changes, pipes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
- F04B39/12—Casings; Cylinders; Cylinder heads; Fluid connections
- F04B39/123—Fluid connections
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B31/00—Compressor arrangements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/12—Sound
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/02—Compressor control
- F25B2600/025—Compressor control by controlling speed
- F25B2600/0253—Compressor control by controlling speed with variable speed
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- 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
- Some HVAC systems may comprise a refrigerant line muffler.
- a refrigerant line muffler may be configured to induce destructive interference between entering and reflected waves within the refrigerant line muffler to reduce transmitted pressure pulses caused by a compressor passing the refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit of the HVAC system.
- Another common strategy for reducing pressure pulsations is to pass the fluid through a typically porous media that reduces the amplitude of the pressure wave by absorbing at least some of the wave's energy.
- variable speed compressors which can emit pressure pulses over a much wider frequency range than single speed compressors. Additionally, variable speed compressors can also emit pressure pulses at much lower frequencies than single speed compressors, which are more difficult for reflective and absorptive mufflers to attenuate.
- a refrigerant line muffler comprising: a first flowpath that extends from an inlet to an outlet; a second flowpath disposed between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the second flowpath is configured to cause a phase shift of a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath relative to a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath.
- a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system comprising: a compressor comprising a compressor discharge; and a refrigerant line muffler disposed at the compressor discharge, the refrigerant line muffler comprising: a first flowpath that extends from an inlet to an outlet; a second flowpath disposed between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the second flowpath is configured to cause a phase shift of a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath relative to a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath.
- HVAC heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning
- a method of operating a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system comprising: discharging refrigerant from a compressor into a single flowpath; dividing the flow of refrigerant into a first flowpath and a second flowpath; rejoining the first flowpath and the second flowpath into a single flowpath; and causing destructive interference between pressure pulse waves of refrigerant exiting the first flowpath and the second flowpath.
- HVAC heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an HVAC system having a refrigerant line muffler according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the refrigerant line muffler of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a chart showing the average attenuation of the refrigerant line muffler of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 4 is an oblique view of a dual loop refrigerant line muffler according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 5 is a chart showing the average attenuation of the refrigerant line muffler of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 6 is a refrigerant line muffler according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is an orthogonal side view of a refrigerant line muffler according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 8 is an orthogonal top view of the refrigerant line muffler of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of operating a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
- HVAC heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning
- HVAC heating, ventilation, and/or air-conditioning
- a refrigerant line muffler in a heating, ventilation, and/or air-conditioning (HVAC) system.
- HVAC heating, ventilation, and/or air-conditioning
- systems and methods are disclosed that comprise providing a refrigerant line muffler that is configured to attenuate low frequency pressure pulses specific to using a variable speed compressor in an HVAC system.
- the refrigerant line muffler may be used in an HVAC system, including, but not limited to, a heat pump system. In alternative embodiments, however, the refrigerant line muffler may be used in an air-conditioning system.
- HVAC system 100 generally comprises an indoor unit 102 , an outdoor unit 104 , and a system controller 106 .
- the system controller 106 may generally 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 generally comprises an indoor heat exchanger 108 , an indoor fan 110 , and an indoor metering device 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 centrifugal, 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 indoor metering device 112 is an electronically controlled motor driven electronic expansion valve (EEV).
- the indoor metering device 112 may comprise a thermostatic expansion valve, a capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device.
- the indoor metering device 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 indoor metering device 112 is such that the indoor metering device 112 is not intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through the indoor metering device 112 .
- Outdoor unit 104 generally comprises an outdoor heat exchanger 114 , a compressor 116 , an outdoor fan 118 , an outdoor metering device 120 , and a reversing valve 122 .
- the outdoor unit 104 may also comprise a refrigerant line muffler 200 .
- Outdoor heat exchanger 114 is a microchannel 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 spine fin heat exchanger, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger.
- the compressor 116 generally comprises a compressor discharge 117 where refrigerant may exit the compressor 116 and a compressor inlet 119 where refrigerant may be returned to the compressor 116 after passing through a refrigerant circuit.
- 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, a reciprocating type compressor, a single speed compressor, and/or any other suitable refrigerant compressor and/or refrigerant pump.
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 may generally be installed at and/or near the compressor discharge 117 .
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to attenuate specific frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor, such as compressor 116 , to pump refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit of the HVAC system 100 .
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 may also be configured to attenuate specifics frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a single speed and/or a multiple-fixed speed compressor.
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 may generally be configured to split the flow of refrigerant through a first fluid flowpath and a second fluid flowpath, that when rejoined at a downstream end of the refrigerant line muffler 200 , causes destructive interference between pressure pulses through each of the first fluid path and the second fluid path in the refrigerant line muffler 200 . Accordingly, the refrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to reduce noise and/or vibrations emitted by the flowing refrigerant, and thus prevent such noise and/or vibrations from entering the outdoor heat exchanger 114 , the indoor unit 102 , and/or the refrigerant line leading to a structure that is conditioned by the HVAC system 100 . Additionally, in alternative embodiments, the refrigerant line muffler 200 may also be positioned at the suction side of the compressor 116 where pressure pulses caused by periodic low pressure pulses emanating from the compressor may present issues.
- 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 indoor metering device 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 generally 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 not comprise a display and may derive all information from inputs from remote sensors and remote configuration tools.
- 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 100 .
- the system controller 106 may also 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 any 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 smartphone and/or other Internet-enabled mobile telecommunication device.
- the communication network 132 may also comprise a remote server.
- 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 that may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of the indoor unit 102 .
- the indoor controller 124 may be configured to 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 indoor metering device 112 and/or otherwise affect control over the indoor metering device 112 . The indoor EEV controller 138 may also be configured to communicate with the outdoor metering device 120 and/or otherwise affect control over the outdoor metering device 120 .
- 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 indoor metering device 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 through the refrigerant line muffler 200 , 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 leaving the outdoor heat exchanger 114 may primarily comprise liquid phase refrigerant, and the refrigerant may flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 114 to the indoor metering device 112 through and/or around the outdoor metering device 120 which does not substantially impede flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mode.
- the indoor metering device 112 may meter passage of the refrigerant through the indoor metering device 112 so that the refrigerant downstream of the indoor metering device 112 is at a lower pressure than the refrigerant upstream of the indoor metering device 112 .
- the pressure differential across the indoor metering device 112 allows the refrigerant downstream of the indoor metering device 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 vapor-phase 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 indoor metering device 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 indoor metering device 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 re-enter 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.
- Refrigerant line muffler 200 comprises an inlet 202 , an outlet 204 , a first flowpath 206 , and a second flowpath 208 .
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 is configured to attenuate a range of frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor, such as compressor 116 of FIG. 1 , to pump refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit of the HVAC system 100 of FIG. 1 .
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 is designed to minimize transmission of a single wavelength and its integer multiples, it is applicable to a variety of compressor types including single-speed, multiple-fixed-speed, and/or variable speed compressor types.
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 may generally be formed from copper tubing. However, in alternative embodiments, the refrigerant line muffler 200 may be formed from any other material capable of carrying refrigerant through each of the first flowpath 206 and the second flowpath 208 . Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the first flowpath 206 and the second flowpath 208 may comprise substantially similar diameter tubing.
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 may receive refrigerant from the compressor discharge 117 of compressor 116 through the inlet 202 .
- the inlet 202 may branch into the first flowpath 206 and the second flowpath 208 to split the flow of refrigerant through the first flowpath 206 and the second flowpath 208 , respectively.
- Refrigerant may travel through each of the first flowpath 206 and the second flowpath 208 before rejoining into a single flowpath and exiting the refrigerant line muffler 200 through the outlet 204 .
- the first flowpath 206 may generally comprise a shorter length than the second flowpath 208 .
- the first flowpath 206 may generally comprise a substantially straight, linear flowpath.
- the first flowpath 206 may comprise any other shaped flowpath.
- the second flowpath 208 may be coiled into at least one coil disposed between the inlet 202 and the outlet 204 .
- the second flowpath may comprise a plurality of coils having substantially the same diameter and be substantially aligned axially and/or be overlapped.
- the coils may comprise different diameters, be substantially concentric, and/or any other configuration.
- the length of the second flowpath 208 may generally be determined by the wavelength of the pressure pulses that the refrigerant line muffler 200 is configured to attenuate. More specifically, the second flowpath 208 may comprise a length that is longer than the first flowpath 206 by about one-half (1 ⁇ 2) of the wavelength of the pressure pulse sought to be attenuated, such that when the first flowpath 206 and the second flowpath 208 rejoin at the outlet 204 , the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through the second flowpath 208 is phase-shifted about 180 degrees with respect to the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through the first flowpath 206 .
- phase-shifting the wave of the pressure pulse through the second flowpath 208 about 180 degrees, destructive interference between the pressure pulse in the first flowpath 206 and the second flowpath 208 results upon recombining into a single flowpath at the outlet 204 .
- the destructive interference caused by phase-shifting the wave of the pressure pulse in the second flowpath reduces noise and/or vibrations emitted by the flowing refrigerant leaving the refrigerant line muffler 200 .
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to phase-shift the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through the second flowpath 208 by about 180 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the refrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to shift the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through the second flowpath 208 by at least about 178 degrees, by at least about 176 degrees, and/or by at least about 174 degrees.
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to target a specific frequency to attenuate, it will be appreciated that the refrigerant line muffler may attenuate a range of frequencies since at least partial destruction of the pressure wave will occur for all wavelengths except those that are even-integer multiples of the difference between the first and second flowpaths, 206 and 208 , respectively.
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 is generally configured for use in an HVAC system comprising a variable speed compressor.
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 is configured to attenuate such low frequencies and/or a very large range of frequencies as compared to conventional mufflers designed for operation in single speed HVAC systems.
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to attenuate frequencies as low as about 40 Hz while providing a substantially low pressure drop across the refrigerant line muffler 200 .
- the use of coils for the second flowpath 208 may also provide a compact size for the refrigerant line muffler 200 .
- Chart 300 shows the average attenuation of the refrigerant line muffler 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
- Chart 300 depicts frequency along the x-axis and the ratio of outlet to inlet pressure wave amplitude along the y-axis.
- the target frequency for this embodiment is about 67 Hz.
- Transmitted wave amplitude ratio ranges from 0, which is total cancellation of the pressure pulse wave, to 1, which is no cancellation of the wave.
- Chart 300 also includes attenuation line 302 which illustrates the attenuated vibration amplitude (attenuated amplitude equals 1-transmitted amplitude) over an operating frequency range of 40 Hz to 93 Hz of a representative variable speed compressor.
- Attenuation line 302 illustrates that the refrigerant line muffler 200 may provide an average wave amplitude attenuation of about 87.5% over the operating frequency range of 40 Hz to 93 Hz, with full attenuation of the pressure pulse wave at about 67 Hz. It will be appreciated that while attenuation line 302 depicts complete attenuation of a single wavelength at about 67 Hz by the refrigerant line muffler 200 , the refrigerant line muffler 200 provides partial attenuation over the full spectrum of frequencies (40 Hz to 93 Hz) for which the refrigerant line muffler 200 was designed.
- refrigerant line muffler 200 provides an average attenuation of about 87.5%
- the refrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to provide an average attenuation of at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 87.5%, at least about 90%, at least about 92.5%, and/or at least about 95%.
- Refrigerant line muffler 400 generally comprises a first muffler 401 and a second muffler 409 disposed downstream with respect to the flow of refrigerant through the refrigerant line muffler 400 .
- Muffler 401 may generally be substantially similar to refrigerant line muffler 200 and comprise an inlet 402 , and outlet 404 , a first flowpath 406 , and a second flowpath 408 and be configured to attenuate a first range of frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor by causing destructive interference in a manner substantially similar to that of refrigerant line muffler 200 .
- first muffler 401 may be refrigerant line muffler 200 .
- second muffler 409 may also be substantially similar to refrigerant line muffler 200 and comprise an inlet 410 , an outlet 412 , a first flowpath 414 , and a second flowpath 416 and be configured to attenuate a second range of frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor by causing destructive interference in a manner substantially similar to that of refrigerant line muffler 200 .
- the first muffler 401 may be configured to attenuate a lower range of frequencies than the second muffler 409 .
- the first muffler 401 may be configured to attenuate a higher range of frequencies than the second muffler 409 . It will be appreciated that the first frequency range attenuated by the first muffler 401 and the second frequency range attenuated by the second muffler 409 may overlap.
- Chart 500 shows the average attenuation of the refrigerant line muffler 400 of FIG. 4 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
- Chart 500 depicts frequency along the x-axis and the ratio of outlet to inlet pressure wave amplitude along the y-axis.
- Chart 500 includes attenuation line 502 which illustrates the attenuated pressure wave amplitude over an operating frequency range of 40 Hz to 93 Hz of a representative variable speed compressor. Accordingly, attenuation line 502 illustrates that the refrigerant line muffler 400 may provide an average amplitude attenuation of about 98.5% over the operating frequency range of 40 Hz to 93 Hz.
- Attenuation line 502 illustrates full attenuation of the pressure pulse wave at about 48 and 83 Hz. Additionally, it will be appreciated that while refrigerant line muffler 400 provides an average attenuation of about 98.5%, the refrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to provide an average attenuation of at least about 95%, at least about 97.5%, at least about 98.5%, and/or at least about 99.5%.
- Refrigerant line muffler 600 may generally be similar to refrigerant line muffler 200 and comprise an inlet 602 , an outlet 604 , a first flowpath 606 , and a second flowpath 608 .
- Refrigerant line muffler 600 may also be configured to attenuate a range of frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor by causing destructive interference in a manner substantially similar to that of refrigerant line muffler 200 .
- refrigerant line muffler 600 comprises a plurality of coils 610 , 612 in the second flowpath 608 that are not overlapped.
- refrigerant may travel through each of the first flowpath 606 and the second flowpath 608 , respectively.
- Refrigerant entering the second flowpath 608 may generally flow through the first coil 610 , enter a substantially straight, linear flowpath 611 that is tangent to each of the first coil 610 and the second coil 612 , and thereafter enter the second coil 612 before rejoining with the first flowpath 606 in the outlet 604 to cause the destructive interference necessary to attenuate noise and/or vibration.
- coils 610 , 612 comprise substantially similar diameters and may be substantially symmetric about a longitudinal axis that extends axially through the first flowpath 606 .
- the first flowpath 606 may comprise about a 2 inch length.
- Each of the coils 610 , 612 may comprise about an 8.125 inch diameter, with a 6 inch length of linear tubing between tangents of the coils 610 , 612 that results in the second flowpath 608 comprising about a 54 inch length.
- the coils 610 , 612 may comprise different diameters while still maintaining the difference between the second and first flowpath lengths equal to 1 ⁇ 2 of the wavelength of maximum attenuation to cause destructive interference to attenuate noise and/or vibration.
- Refrigerant line muffler 700 may generally be substantially similar to refrigerant line muffler 200 and/or refrigerant line muffler 600 and comprises an inlet 702 , an outlet 704 , a first flowpath 706 , and a second flowpath 708 .
- Refrigerant line muffler 700 may also be configured to attenuate a range of frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor by causing destructive interference in a manner substantially similar to that of refrigerant line mufflers 200 , 600 .
- refrigerant line muffler 700 comprises an orthogonal branch 710 and an orthogonal joinder 712 .
- the first flowpath 706 may generally form a straight, linear flowpath that extends from the inlet 702 to the outlet 704 .
- the second flowpath 708 may generally branch orthogonally at the orthogonal branch 710 from the inlet 702 .
- the second flowpath 708 may generally form a plurality of coils that wind radially around the first flowpath 706 and then rejoin orthogonally to the first flowpath 706 at the orthogonal joinder 712 .
- the second flowpath 708 may branch orthogonally from the first flowpath 706 at the orthogonal branch 710 and extend from the orthogonal branch 710 for about 180 degrees at a first diameter and extend for a number of coils at a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter before extending for 180 degrees at the first diameter and rejoining the first flowpath 706 at the orthogonal joinder 712 .
- the first diameter may be about 4 inches
- the second diameter may be about 4.85 inches
- the number of coils may be about 4.85 coils.
- the first and second diameter may comprise any other dimension and the number of coils may be any other number of coils such that the length of the second flowpath 708 causes a phase shift of substantially about one-half (1 ⁇ 2) of the wavelength of the frequency of the pressure pulse sought to be attenuated, such that when the first flowpath 706 and the second flowpath 708 rejoin at the orthogonal joinder 712 , the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through the second flowpath 708 is shifted about 180 degrees with respect to the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through the first flowpath 706 , resulting in destructive interference between the pressure pulse in the first flowpath 706 and the second flowpath 708 upon recombining into a single flowpath at the orthogonal joinder 712 .
- Method 800 may begin at block 802 by discharging refrigerant from a compressor into a single flowpath.
- the method 800 may continue at block 804 by dividing the flow of refrigerant into a first flowpath and a second flowpath.
- the method 800 may continue at block 806 by recombining the first flowpath and the second flowpath into a single flowpath.
- the method 800 may conclude at block 808 by causing destructive interference between pressure pulse waves of refrigerant exiting the first flowpath and the second flowpath.
- causing destructive interference may be accomplished by providing a length of the second flowpath that results in a 180 degree phase shift of the pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath as compared to the pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath.
- R R l +k*(R u ⁇ R 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.
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Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed that include providing a refrigerant line muffler in a heating, ventilation, and/or air-conditioning (HVAC) system that reduces noise and/or vibration over a range of frequencies that result from operating a variable speed compressor. The refrigerant line muffler divides the flow of refrigerant from the compressor discharge into a first flowpath and a second flowpath, the second flowpath configured to cause a phase shift of a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath relative to a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath and cause destructive interference between a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath and the pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath when first flowpath and second flowpath rejoin into single flowpath at outlet.
Description
- The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/151,195 filed on Apr. 22, 2015 by Stephen Stewart Hancock, and entitled “Refrigerant Line Muffler,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- Heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems may generally be used in residential and/or commercial structures to provide heating and/or cooling to climate-controlled areas within these structures. Some HVAC systems may comprise a refrigerant line muffler. A refrigerant line muffler may be configured to induce destructive interference between entering and reflected waves within the refrigerant line muffler to reduce transmitted pressure pulses caused by a compressor passing the refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit of the HVAC system. Another common strategy for reducing pressure pulsations is to pass the fluid through a typically porous media that reduces the amplitude of the pressure wave by absorbing at least some of the wave's energy. However, some HVAC systems use variable speed compressors, which can emit pressure pulses over a much wider frequency range than single speed compressors. Additionally, variable speed compressors can also emit pressure pulses at much lower frequencies than single speed compressors, which are more difficult for reflective and absorptive mufflers to attenuate.
- In some embodiments of the disclosure, a refrigerant line muffler is disclosed as comprising: a first flowpath that extends from an inlet to an outlet; a second flowpath disposed between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the second flowpath is configured to cause a phase shift of a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath relative to a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath.
- In other embodiments of the disclosure, a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system is disclosed as comprising: a compressor comprising a compressor discharge; and a refrigerant line muffler disposed at the compressor discharge, the refrigerant line muffler comprising: a first flowpath that extends from an inlet to an outlet; a second flowpath disposed between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the second flowpath is configured to cause a phase shift of a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath relative to a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath.
- In yet other embodiments of the disclosure, a method of operating a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system is disclosed as comprising: discharging refrigerant from a compressor into a single flowpath; dividing the flow of refrigerant into a first flowpath and a second flowpath; rejoining the first flowpath and the second flowpath into a single flowpath; and causing destructive interference between pressure pulse waves of refrigerant exiting the first flowpath and the second flowpath.
- 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 a schematic diagram of an HVAC system having a refrigerant line muffler according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the refrigerant line muffler ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a chart showing the average attenuation of the refrigerant line muffler ofFIGS. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 4 is an oblique view of a dual loop refrigerant line muffler according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 5 is a chart showing the average attenuation of the refrigerant line muffler ofFIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is a refrigerant line muffler according to another embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 7 is an orthogonal side view of a refrigerant line muffler according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 8 is an orthogonal top view of the refrigerant line muffler ofFIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and -
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of operating a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. - In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a refrigerant line muffler in a heating, ventilation, and/or air-conditioning (HVAC) system. For example, where an HVAC system uses a variable speed compressor to pump refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit, it may be desirable to provide a refrigerant line muffler close to the discharge port of the compressor to attenuate a wide range of frequencies and/or low frequencies of pressure pulses that are specific to variable speed compressors. In some embodiments, systems and methods are disclosed that comprise providing a refrigerant line muffler that is configured to attenuate low frequency pressure pulses specific to using a variable speed compressor in an HVAC system. In some embodiments, the refrigerant line muffler may be used in an HVAC system, including, but not limited to, a heat pump system. In alternative embodiments, however, the refrigerant line muffler may be used in an air-conditioning system.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram of anHVAC system 100 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.HVAC system 100 generally comprises anindoor unit 102, anoutdoor unit 104, and asystem controller 106. Thesystem controller 106 may generally 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 generally comprises anindoor heat exchanger 108, anindoor fan 110, and anindoor metering device 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 centrifugal, 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
indoor metering device 112 is an electronically controlled motor driven electronic expansion valve (EEV). In alternative embodiments, theindoor metering device 112 may comprise a thermostatic expansion valve, a capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device. Theindoor metering device 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 theindoor metering device 112 is such that theindoor metering device 112 is not intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through theindoor metering device 112. -
Outdoor unit 104 generally comprises anoutdoor heat exchanger 114, acompressor 116, anoutdoor fan 118, anoutdoor metering device 120, and areversing valve 122. In some embodiments, theoutdoor unit 104 may also comprise arefrigerant line muffler 200.Outdoor heat exchanger 114 is a microchannel 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 spine fin heat exchanger, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger. - The
compressor 116 generally comprises acompressor discharge 117 where refrigerant may exit thecompressor 116 and acompressor inlet 119 where refrigerant may be returned to thecompressor 116 after passing through a refrigerant circuit. In some embodiments, thecompressor 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, a reciprocating type compressor, a single speed compressor, and/or any other suitable refrigerant compressor and/or refrigerant pump. - The
refrigerant line muffler 200 may generally be installed at and/or near thecompressor discharge 117. Therefrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to attenuate specific frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor, such ascompressor 116, to pump refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit of theHVAC system 100. In other embodiments, therefrigerant line muffler 200 may also be configured to attenuate specifics frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a single speed and/or a multiple-fixed speed compressor. Therefrigerant line muffler 200 may generally be configured to split the flow of refrigerant through a first fluid flowpath and a second fluid flowpath, that when rejoined at a downstream end of therefrigerant line muffler 200, causes destructive interference between pressure pulses through each of the first fluid path and the second fluid path in therefrigerant line muffler 200. Accordingly, therefrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to reduce noise and/or vibrations emitted by the flowing refrigerant, and thus prevent such noise and/or vibrations from entering theoutdoor heat exchanger 114, theindoor unit 102, and/or the refrigerant line leading to a structure that is conditioned by theHVAC system 100. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, therefrigerant line muffler 200 may also be positioned at the suction side of thecompressor 116 where pressure pulses caused by periodic low pressure pulses emanating from the compressor may present issues. - 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 toindoor metering device 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 generally 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 not comprise a display and may derive all information from inputs from remote sensors and remote configuration tools. 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 theHVAC system 100. - In some embodiments, the
system controller 106 may also 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/or anyother 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 smartphone and/or other Internet-enabled mobile telecommunication device. In other embodiments, thecommunication network 132 may also comprise a remote server. - 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 that may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of theindoor unit 102. In some embodiments, theindoor controller 124 may be configured to 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 theindoor metering device 112 and/or otherwise affect control over theindoor metering device 112. Theindoor EEV controller 138 may also be configured to communicate with theoutdoor metering device 120 and/or otherwise affect control over theoutdoor metering device 120. - 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 theindoor metering device 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 through therefrigerant line muffler 200, 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 leaving theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 may primarily comprise liquid phase refrigerant, and the refrigerant may flow from theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 to theindoor metering device 112 through and/or around theoutdoor metering device 120 which does not substantially impede flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mode. Theindoor metering device 112 may meter passage of the refrigerant through theindoor metering device 112 so that the refrigerant downstream of theindoor metering device 112 is at a lower pressure than the refrigerant upstream of theindoor metering device 112. The pressure differential across theindoor metering device 112 allows the refrigerant downstream of theindoor metering device 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 vapor-phase 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, theindoor metering device 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 theindoor metering device 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 re-enter 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 , an oblique view of therefrigerant line muffler 200 ofFIG. 1 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.Refrigerant line muffler 200 comprises aninlet 202, anoutlet 204, afirst flowpath 206, and asecond flowpath 208. Most generally, therefrigerant line muffler 200 is configured to attenuate a range of frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor, such ascompressor 116 ofFIG. 1 , to pump refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit of theHVAC system 100 ofFIG. 1 . However, as therefrigerant line muffler 200 is designed to minimize transmission of a single wavelength and its integer multiples, it is applicable to a variety of compressor types including single-speed, multiple-fixed-speed, and/or variable speed compressor types. Therefrigerant line muffler 200 may generally be formed from copper tubing. However, in alternative embodiments, therefrigerant line muffler 200 may be formed from any other material capable of carrying refrigerant through each of thefirst flowpath 206 and thesecond flowpath 208. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that thefirst flowpath 206 and thesecond flowpath 208 may comprise substantially similar diameter tubing. Therefrigerant line muffler 200 may receive refrigerant from thecompressor discharge 117 ofcompressor 116 through theinlet 202. Theinlet 202 may branch into thefirst flowpath 206 and thesecond flowpath 208 to split the flow of refrigerant through thefirst flowpath 206 and thesecond flowpath 208, respectively. Refrigerant may travel through each of thefirst flowpath 206 and thesecond flowpath 208 before rejoining into a single flowpath and exiting therefrigerant line muffler 200 through theoutlet 204. - The
first flowpath 206 may generally comprise a shorter length than thesecond flowpath 208. Thefirst flowpath 206 may generally comprise a substantially straight, linear flowpath. However, in other embodiments, thefirst flowpath 206 may comprise any other shaped flowpath. To accommodate the substantially longer length, thesecond flowpath 208 may be coiled into at least one coil disposed between theinlet 202 and theoutlet 204. In some embodiments, however, the second flowpath may comprise a plurality of coils having substantially the same diameter and be substantially aligned axially and/or be overlapped. However, in alternative embodiments, the coils may comprise different diameters, be substantially concentric, and/or any other configuration. - The length of the
second flowpath 208 may generally be determined by the wavelength of the pressure pulses that therefrigerant line muffler 200 is configured to attenuate. More specifically, thesecond flowpath 208 may comprise a length that is longer than thefirst flowpath 206 by about one-half (½) of the wavelength of the pressure pulse sought to be attenuated, such that when thefirst flowpath 206 and thesecond flowpath 208 rejoin at theoutlet 204, the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through thesecond flowpath 208 is phase-shifted about 180 degrees with respect to the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through thefirst flowpath 206. By phase-shifting the wave of the pressure pulse through thesecond flowpath 208 about 180 degrees, destructive interference between the pressure pulse in thefirst flowpath 206 and thesecond flowpath 208 results upon recombining into a single flowpath at theoutlet 204. The destructive interference caused by phase-shifting the wave of the pressure pulse in the second flowpath reduces noise and/or vibrations emitted by the flowing refrigerant leaving therefrigerant line muffler 200. - In some embodiments, the
refrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to phase-shift the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through thesecond flowpath 208 by about 180 degrees. However, in other embodiments, therefrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to shift the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through thesecond flowpath 208 by at least about 178 degrees, by at least about 176 degrees, and/or by at least about 174 degrees. Additionally, while therefrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to target a specific frequency to attenuate, it will be appreciated that the refrigerant line muffler may attenuate a range of frequencies since at least partial destruction of the pressure wave will occur for all wavelengths except those that are even-integer multiples of the difference between the first and second flowpaths, 206 and 208, respectively. Therefrigerant line muffler 200 is generally configured for use in an HVAC system comprising a variable speed compressor. Because variable speed compressors generally produce pressure pulses having a larger range of frequencies and/or lower frequencies that are difficult to attenuate as compared to single speed compressors, therefrigerant line muffler 200 is configured to attenuate such low frequencies and/or a very large range of frequencies as compared to conventional mufflers designed for operation in single speed HVAC systems. For example, therefrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to attenuate frequencies as low as about 40 Hz while providing a substantially low pressure drop across therefrigerant line muffler 200. Additionally, the use of coils for thesecond flowpath 208 may also provide a compact size for therefrigerant line muffler 200. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , achart 300 showing the average attenuation of therefrigerant line muffler 200 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.Chart 300 depicts frequency along the x-axis and the ratio of outlet to inlet pressure wave amplitude along the y-axis. The target frequency for this embodiment is about 67 Hz. Transmitted wave amplitude ratio ranges from 0, which is total cancellation of the pressure pulse wave, to 1, which is no cancellation of the wave. Chart 300 also includesattenuation line 302 which illustrates the attenuated vibration amplitude (attenuated amplitude equals 1-transmitted amplitude) over an operating frequency range of 40 Hz to 93 Hz of a representative variable speed compressor. Accordingly,attenuation line 302 illustrates that therefrigerant line muffler 200 may provide an average wave amplitude attenuation of about 87.5% over the operating frequency range of 40 Hz to 93 Hz, with full attenuation of the pressure pulse wave at about 67 Hz. It will be appreciated that whileattenuation line 302 depicts complete attenuation of a single wavelength at about 67 Hz by therefrigerant line muffler 200, therefrigerant line muffler 200 provides partial attenuation over the full spectrum of frequencies (40 Hz to 93 Hz) for which therefrigerant line muffler 200 was designed. Additionally, it will be appreciated that whilerefrigerant line muffler 200 provides an average attenuation of about 87.5%, therefrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to provide an average attenuation of at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 87.5%, at least about 90%, at least about 92.5%, and/or at least about 95%. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , an oblique view of a dual looprefrigerant line muffler 400 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.Refrigerant line muffler 400 generally comprises afirst muffler 401 and asecond muffler 409 disposed downstream with respect to the flow of refrigerant through therefrigerant line muffler 400.Muffler 401 may generally be substantially similar torefrigerant line muffler 200 and comprise aninlet 402, andoutlet 404, afirst flowpath 406, and asecond flowpath 408 and be configured to attenuate a first range of frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor by causing destructive interference in a manner substantially similar to that ofrefrigerant line muffler 200. In some embodiments,first muffler 401 may berefrigerant line muffler 200. Additionally,second muffler 409 may also be substantially similar torefrigerant line muffler 200 and comprise aninlet 410, anoutlet 412, afirst flowpath 414, and asecond flowpath 416 and be configured to attenuate a second range of frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor by causing destructive interference in a manner substantially similar to that ofrefrigerant line muffler 200. In some embodiments, thefirst muffler 401 may be configured to attenuate a lower range of frequencies than thesecond muffler 409. However, in other embodiments, thefirst muffler 401 may be configured to attenuate a higher range of frequencies than thesecond muffler 409. It will be appreciated that the first frequency range attenuated by thefirst muffler 401 and the second frequency range attenuated by thesecond muffler 409 may overlap. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , achart 500 showing the average attenuation of therefrigerant line muffler 400 ofFIG. 4 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.Chart 500 depicts frequency along the x-axis and the ratio of outlet to inlet pressure wave amplitude along the y-axis.Chart 500 includesattenuation line 502 which illustrates the attenuated pressure wave amplitude over an operating frequency range of 40 Hz to 93 Hz of a representative variable speed compressor. Accordingly,attenuation line 502 illustrates that therefrigerant line muffler 400 may provide an average amplitude attenuation of about 98.5% over the operating frequency range of 40 Hz to 93 Hz.Attenuation line 502 illustrates full attenuation of the pressure pulse wave at about 48 and 83 Hz. Additionally, it will be appreciated that whilerefrigerant line muffler 400 provides an average attenuation of about 98.5%, therefrigerant line muffler 200 may be configured to provide an average attenuation of at least about 95%, at least about 97.5%, at least about 98.5%, and/or at least about 99.5%. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , an orthogonal view of arefrigerant line muffler 600 is shown according to another embodiment of the disclosure.Refrigerant line muffler 600 may generally be similar torefrigerant line muffler 200 and comprise aninlet 602, anoutlet 604, afirst flowpath 606, and asecond flowpath 608.Refrigerant line muffler 600 may also be configured to attenuate a range of frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor by causing destructive interference in a manner substantially similar to that ofrefrigerant line muffler 200. However, as opposed torefrigerant line muffler 200,refrigerant line muffler 600 comprises a plurality ofcoils second flowpath 608 that are not overlapped. - After refrigerant is split into the
first flowpath 606 and thesecond flowpath 608, refrigerant may travel through each of thefirst flowpath 606 and thesecond flowpath 608, respectively. Refrigerant entering thesecond flowpath 608 may generally flow through thefirst coil 610, enter a substantially straight,linear flowpath 611 that is tangent to each of thefirst coil 610 and thesecond coil 612, and thereafter enter thesecond coil 612 before rejoining with thefirst flowpath 606 in theoutlet 604 to cause the destructive interference necessary to attenuate noise and/or vibration. In some embodiments, coils 610, 612 comprise substantially similar diameters and may be substantially symmetric about a longitudinal axis that extends axially through thefirst flowpath 606. In an example, thefirst flowpath 606 may comprise about a 2 inch length. Each of thecoils coils second flowpath 608 comprising about a 54 inch length. However, in alternative embodiments, thecoils - Referring now to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , an orthogonal side view and an orthogonal top view of arefrigerant line muffler 700 are shown according to another embodiment of the disclosure.Refrigerant line muffler 700 may generally be substantially similar torefrigerant line muffler 200 and/orrefrigerant line muffler 600 and comprises aninlet 702, anoutlet 704, afirst flowpath 706, and asecond flowpath 708.Refrigerant line muffler 700 may also be configured to attenuate a range of frequencies of pressure pulses associated with utilizing a variable speed compressor by causing destructive interference in a manner substantially similar to that ofrefrigerant line mufflers refrigerant line mufflers refrigerant line muffler 700 comprises anorthogonal branch 710 and anorthogonal joinder 712. - The
first flowpath 706 may generally form a straight, linear flowpath that extends from theinlet 702 to theoutlet 704. Thesecond flowpath 708 may generally branch orthogonally at theorthogonal branch 710 from theinlet 702. Thesecond flowpath 708 may generally form a plurality of coils that wind radially around thefirst flowpath 706 and then rejoin orthogonally to thefirst flowpath 706 at theorthogonal joinder 712. More specifically, thesecond flowpath 708 may branch orthogonally from thefirst flowpath 706 at theorthogonal branch 710 and extend from theorthogonal branch 710 for about 180 degrees at a first diameter and extend for a number of coils at a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter before extending for 180 degrees at the first diameter and rejoining thefirst flowpath 706 at theorthogonal joinder 712. In some embodiments, the first diameter may be about 4 inches, the second diameter may be about 4.85 inches, and the number of coils may be about 4.85 coils. However, in other embodiments, the first and second diameter may comprise any other dimension and the number of coils may be any other number of coils such that the length of thesecond flowpath 708 causes a phase shift of substantially about one-half (½) of the wavelength of the frequency of the pressure pulse sought to be attenuated, such that when thefirst flowpath 706 and thesecond flowpath 708 rejoin at theorthogonal joinder 712, the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through thesecond flowpath 708 is shifted about 180 degrees with respect to the wave of the pressure pulse traveling through thefirst flowpath 706, resulting in destructive interference between the pressure pulse in thefirst flowpath 706 and thesecond flowpath 708 upon recombining into a single flowpath at theorthogonal joinder 712. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , a flowchart of amethod 800 of operating a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.Method 800 may begin atblock 802 by discharging refrigerant from a compressor into a single flowpath. Themethod 800 may continue atblock 804 by dividing the flow of refrigerant into a first flowpath and a second flowpath. Themethod 800 may continue atblock 806 by recombining the first flowpath and the second flowpath into a single flowpath. Themethod 800 may conclude atblock 808 by causing destructive interference between pressure pulse waves of refrigerant exiting the first flowpath and the second flowpath. In some embodiments, causing destructive interference may be accomplished by providing a length of the second flowpath that results in a 180 degree phase shift of the pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath as compared to the pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath. - 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, R1, 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−Rl), 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. A refrigerant line muffler, comprising:
a first flowpath that extends from an inlet to an outlet;
a second flowpath disposed between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the second flowpath is configured to cause a phase shift of a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath relative to a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath.
2. The refrigerant line muffler of claim 1 , wherein the phase shift of the pressure wave results in destructive interference between a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath and the second flowpath when first flowpath and second flowpath rejoin into single flowpath at the outlet.
3. The refrigerant line muffler of claim 1 , wherein the second flowpath comprises a plurality of coils.
4. The refrigerant line muffler of claim 1 , further comprising:
a second refrigerant line muffler connected in fluid communication with the outlet of the refrigerant line muffler.
5. The refrigerant line muffler of claim 4 , wherein the second refrigerant line muffler is configured to attenuate a higher range of frequencies than the refrigerant line muffler.
6. The refrigerant line muffler of claim 1 , wherein the second flowpath comprises a first coil and a second coil joined by a linear flowpath that is tangent to each of the first coil and the second coil.
7. The refrigerant line muffler of claim 1 , wherein the second flowpath branches from the first flowpath orthogonally at the inlet.
8. The refrigerant line muffler of claim 7 , wherein the second flowpath forms a plurality of coils that wind radially around the first flowpath.
9. The refrigerant line muffler of claim 8 , wherein the second flowpath rejoins the first flowpath orthogonally at the outlet.
10. The refrigerant line muffler of claim 8 , wherein the refrigerant line muffler provides an average attenuation of at least about 87.5% over a range of about 40 to about 93 Hz.
11. A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:
a compressor comprising a compressor discharge; and
a refrigerant line muffler disposed at the compressor discharge, the refrigerant line muffler comprising:
a first flowpath that extends from an inlet to an outlet;
a second flowpath disposed between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the second flowpath is configured to cause a phase shift of a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath relative to a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath.
12. The HVAC system of claim 11 , wherein the phase shift of the pressure wave results in destructive interference between a pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath and the second flowpath when first flowpath and second flowpath rejoin into single flowpath at outlet.
13. The HVAC system of claim 11 , further comprising:
a second refrigerant line muffler connected in fluid communication with the outlet of the refrigerant line muffler.
14. The HVAC system of claim 13 , wherein the second refrigerant line muffler is configured to attenuate a higher range of frequencies than the refrigerant line muffler.
15. The HVAC system of claim 11 , wherein the second flowpath comprises a first coil and a second coil joined by a linear flowpath that is tangent to each of the first coil and the second coil.
16. The HVAC system of claim 11 , wherein the second flowpath branches from the first flowpath orthogonally at the inlet, forms a plurality of coils that wind radially around the first flowpath, and rejoins to the first flowpath orthogonally at the outlet.
17. A method of operating a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:
discharging refrigerant from a compressor into a single flowpath;
dividing the flow of refrigerant into a first flowpath and a second flowpath;
rejoining the first flowpath and the second flowpath into a single flowpath; and
causing destructive interference between pressure pulse waves of refrigerant exiting the first flowpath and the second flowpath.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein causing the destructive interference is accomplished by providing a length of the second flowpath that results in a 180 degree phase shift of the pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the second flowpath as compared to the pressure wave of refrigerant flowing through the first flowpath.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the second flowpath comprises a first coil and a second coil joined by a linear flowpath that is tangent to each of the first coil and the second coil.
20. The method of claim 17 , wherein the second flowpath branches from the first flowpath orthogonally at the inlet, forms a plurality of coils that wind radially around the first flowpath, and rejoins to the first flowpath orthogonally at the outlet.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/133,982 US20160312773A1 (en) | 2015-04-22 | 2016-04-20 | Refrigerant Line Muffler |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US201562151195P | 2015-04-22 | 2015-04-22 | |
US15/133,982 US20160312773A1 (en) | 2015-04-22 | 2016-04-20 | Refrigerant Line Muffler |
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US20160312773A1 true US20160312773A1 (en) | 2016-10-27 |
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US15/133,982 Abandoned US20160312773A1 (en) | 2015-04-22 | 2016-04-20 | Refrigerant Line Muffler |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP3848651A1 (en) * | 2020-01-10 | 2021-07-14 | Viessmann Werke GmbH & Co. KG | Thermal device |
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