Parker-hannifin Corporation

Alan Matthies

Richard L Kenyon

Sandra L Harper

Roy M Yabuki

Chester D Campbell

Virender Jain

Michael E Nolan

Ashok G Zopey

Roger G Riefler

Jain Virender

A heat transfer system includes a high side pressure sensor in the form of a temperature dependent resistance in heat exchange with the system working fluid to locally heat the fluid in response to a control signal. Control means are provided for applying the control signal to the resistance and detecting a minimum thermal resistance between the thermistor and the working fluid.

Apparatus and method for detecting characteristics of a working fluid

A mass flow control apparatus and method for use in combination with a heat transfer system having a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator and working fluid in a fluid circuit. The mass flow is controlled using a quality sensor for the working fluid exiting the evaporator, and a high side pressure sensor. A control circuit is provided that monitors the quality sensor and the high side pressure sensor, and controls operation of the compressor, condenser fan and valve in response thereto. A flow reduction mode is used to reduce high side pressure at the valve inlet without excessive compressor cycling by changing the quality sensor set point when the high side pressure exceeds the condenser fan turn-on pressure but is less than the compressor disengage pressure.

Apparatus and method for mass flow control of a working fluid

An expansion valve (10) for heat transfer systems such as an air conditioning system, includes a control element (20) for controlling the flow rate of working fluid through the valve. The control element has a stem member (28) and movable member (42) movable on the stem member. Openings (38) to an internal passage (30) in the stem member are regulated by positioning the movable member to achieve regulated flow rate of refrigerant material through the valve. The movable member of the control element is moved by a plunger (24) of a proportional solenoid (22). The proportional solenoid has a magnetic flux circuit including a low permeance isolation tube (62) surrounding the plunger, which enables removal of the coil (76) and frame (78) of the solenoid from the valve. The solenoid further includes a variable permeance flux washer (69) the flux through which varies with plunger position, which is disposed from a gap (82) which provides an area of magnetic saturation. The proportional solenoid produces force/displacement characteristics which enable precise control of the control element and accurate regulation of the refrigerant flow rate through the valve.

Expansion valve control element for air conditioning system

Expansion valve for air conditioning system with proportional solenoid

A mass flow control apparatus and method for use in combination with a heat transfer system having a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator and working fluid in a s fluid circuit. The mass flow is controlled using a quality sensor for the working fluid exiting the evaporator, and a high side pressure sensor. A control circuit is provided that monitors the quality sensor and the high side pressure sensor, and controls operation of the compressor, condenser fan and valve in response thereto. A flow reduction mode is used to reduce high side pressure at the valve inlet without excessive compressor cycling by changing the quality sensor setpoint when the high side pressure exceeds the condenser fan turn-on pressure but is less than the compressor disengage pressure.

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Milwaukee, WI, United States of America

Alan Matthies