F25B2400/0751

HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS WITH PRESSURE EXCHANGERS
20220397310 · 2022-12-15 ·

A system includes a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid at a first pressure, receive a second fluid at a second pressure, and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The first fluid is to exit the PX at a third pressure and the second fluid is to exit the PX at a fourth pressure. The system further includes a first heat exchanger configured to provide the first fluid to the PX and provide corresponding thermal energy from the first fluid to a third fluid. The system further includes a turbine configured to receive the third fluid output from the first heat exchanger. The turbine is further configured to convert corresponding thermal energy of the third fluid into kinetic energy.

REFRIGERATION AND HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS WITH PRESSURE EXCHANGERS

A fluid handling system includes a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid at a first pressure and a second fluid at a second pressure and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The system further includes a condenser configured to provide corresponding thermal energy from the first fluid to a corresponding environment. The system further includes a receiver to receive the first fluid output by the PX. The receiver forms a chamber to separate the first fluid into a first gas and a first liquid. The system further includes a first booster to increase pressure of a portion of the first gas to form the second fluid at the second pressure and provide the second fluid at the second pressure to the PX.

Method and apparatus for balanced fluid distribution in tandem-compressor systems

A compressor system includes a first compressor and a second compressor. A suction equalization line fluidly couples the first compressor and the second compressor. A first branch suction line is fluidly coupled to the first compressor and a second branch suction line is fluidly coupled to the second compressor. A main suction line is fluidly coupled to the first branch suction line and the second branch suction line. An obstruction device is disposed in at least one of the first branch suction line and the second branch suction line. Responsive to deactivation of at least one of the first compressor and the second compressor, the obstruction device is at least partially closed thereby causing prescribed liquid levels in the first compressor and the second compressor during partial-load operation.

Oil management system for multiple compressors
11435121 · 2022-09-06 · ·

A HVAC system refrigeration circuit is provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a refrigeration circuit configured to balance the oil carryover between multiple compressors using a single refrigeration circuit. Embodiments of the present disclosure allow for the use of one or more inverter compressors and one or more fixed speed compressors. Embodiments of the present disclosure utilize capillary tubes or other flow control methods to balance the oil carryover between multiple compressors.

MULTI-AIR CONDITIONER FOR HEATING, COOLING, AND VENTILATION
20220090816 · 2022-03-24 ·

A multi-air conditioner for cooling and heating is provided to remove latent heat and sensible heat by using a single outdoor unit. The multi-air conditioner includes: at least one indoor unit installed in a room, that comprises an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion valve; an outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit via a refrigerant pipeline, that comprises an outdoor heat exchanger, a plurality of compressors, an outdoor expansion valve, and a four-way valve; and a dedicated outdoor air ventilation unit connected to the indoor unit and the outdoor unit via the refrigerant pipeline, that dehumidifies and ventilates outdoor air and supplies the outdoor air to the room, wherein the outdoor unit provides a refrigerant to both the dedicated outdoor air ventilation unit and the indoor unit by controlling the compressors depending on an operation mode of the dedicated outdoor air ventilation unit and the indoor unit. Accordingly, it is possible to run an air conditioner for cooling and heating and a dedicated outdoor air conditioner simultaneously by using a single outdoor unit. Moreover, the handling of sensible and latent heats can be controlled by a single outdoor unit, thereby minimizing facility costs and enhancing control reliability.

System and method for OCR control in paralleled compressors

A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system includes a first compressor having a first capacity, a second compressor having a second capacity, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator fluidly connected. The first compressor and the second compressor are arranged in parallel. The first compressor includes a first lubricant sump. The second compressor includes a second lubricant sump. The first lubricant sump is fluidly connected to the second lubricant sump via a lubricant transfer conduit. A flow restrictor is disposed in the lubricant transfer conduit. The flow restrictor is configured to reduce a refrigerant flow between the first compressor and the second compressor.

System and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors

A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.

COMPRESSOR SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE COMPRESSOR ELEMENTS
20210222929 · 2021-07-22 ·

Compressor systems for compression of refrigerant fluid are described. The compressor systems include first and second compressor elements each having a housing. An equalization line fluidly connects the first and second housings at suction sides in order to allow for equalization of pressure between the housings as well as flow of lubricant between the housings. An equalization valve on the equalization line is used to open and close the connection between the first and second compressor element housings. The compressor system is arranged for full load operation using both the first and second compressor elements as well as for part load operation in which one of the compressor elements is not utilized. The equalization valve is opened during full load operation and is closed during part load operation to thereby prevent movement of lubricant and/or refrigerant fluid between the first and second compressor element housings during part load operation.

Compressor unit, refrigeration circuit comprising the same and method of operating a compressor unit
10948225 · 2021-03-16 · ·

A compressor unit (2) for use in a refrigeration circuit, comprises at least two compressors (8, 10); and a common variable frequency drive (6), configured to be connected to a three phase grid voltage supply (4); each compressor (8, 10) having an inlet port (12) configured to be in refrigerant communication, via a suction line, with an outlet of an evaporator; an outlet port (14) configured to be in refrigerant communication, via a pressure line, to an inlet of a condenser; a compressor motor (18), particularly an alternating current induction motor, with a three phase supply line (32-1, 32-2); a power modulation means (24) for controlling the power of the compressor (8, 10) according to its load needs; wherein each compressor (8, 10) is switchable, independently from the respective other compressor(s) (8, 10), to be connected, during start-up and acceleration of the respective compressor (8, 10), to the common variable frequency drive (6), and to be connected, during rated-speed operation of the respective compressor (8, 10), to a common three phase grid voltage supply (4).

Hybrid tandem compressor system and method of use
10935274 · 2021-03-02 · ·

A compressor system includes a variable-speed compressor and a fixed-speed compressor. A control unit is operatively coupled to the variable-speed compressor and is operatively coupled to the fixed-speed compressor. A sensor is operatively coupled to the control unit and disposed in an enclosed space. The sensor measures at least one of a temperature and a relative humidity of the enclosed space and determines an HVAC load of the enclosed space. Responsive to a determination of the HVAC load, the control unit directs operation of the variable-speed compressor and the fixed-speed compressor.