Xdx, Inc.

Xdx Global, LLC

Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.

Xdx Technology, LLC

David A Wightman

Michael Micak

Surged vapor compression heat transfer systems, devices, and methods are disclosed having refrigerant phase separators that generate at least one surge of vapor phase refrigerant into the inlet of an evaporator after the initial cool-down of an on cycle of the compressor. This surge of vapor phase refrigerant, having a higher temperature than the liquid phase refrigerant, increases the temperature of the evaporator inlet, thus reducing frost build up in relation to conventional refrigeration systems lacking a surged input of vapor phase refrigerant to the evaporator.

Surged vapor compression heat transfer systems with reduced defrost phase separator

Surged heat pump systems, devices, and methods are disclosed having refrigerant phase separators that generate at least one surge of vapor phase refrigerant into the inlet of an evaporator during an on cycle of the compressor. This surge of vapor phase refrigerant, having a higher temperature than the liquid phase refrigerant, increases the temperature of the evaporator inlet, thus reducing frost build up in relation to conventional refrigeration systems lacking a surged input of vapor phase refrigerant to the evaporator. The temperature of the vapor phase refrigerant is raised in relation to the liquid phase with heat from the liquid by the phase separation, not by the introduction of energy from another source. The surged heat pump systems may operate in highest heat transfer efficiency mode and/or in one or more higher temperature modes.

Surged heat pump systems and methods of defrosting an evaporator

Surged heat pump systems and methods

Surged vapor compression heat transfer systems with reduced defrost requirements

Surged heat pump systems

A vapor compression system including an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser interconnected in a closed-loop system and a method of operating such a system. The method includes the conversion of expanded liquid heat transfer fluid from a liquid form to a high quality liquid vapor mixture before delivery to the evaporator. In one embodiment, the heat transfer surface of the evaporator coil is smaller than that required to obtain an equivalent evaporator capacity when the expanded liquid heat transfer fluid is not converted from a liquid form to a high quality liquid vapor mixture

Vapor compression system and method for controlling conditions in ambient surroundings

A refrigeration system is employed to cool a refrigerated compartment in a kitchen or restaurant. An electronic refrigeration controller controls various aspects of the refrigerated compartment, including temperature. When a push button is pressed, a 'sleep-mode' is activated to safely shut the refrigeration system down and turn the evaporator fan off. An employee can then stock or remove inventory from the refrigerated compartment without cool air blowing on the employee. After a predetermined amount of time, the sleep-mode ends and cool air blows into the refrigerated compartment.

Refrigerated compartment with controller to place refrigeration system in sleep-mode

A vapor compression system () including an evaporator (), a compressor (), and a condenser () interconnected in a closed-loop system. In one embodiment, a multifunctional valve () is configured to receive a liquefied heat transfer fluid from the condenser () and a hot vapor from the compressor (). A saturated vapor line () connects the outlet of the evaporator () and is sized so as to substantially convert the heat transfer fluid exiting the multifunctional valve () into a saturated vapor prior to delivery to the evaporator (). The multifunctional valve () regulates the flow of heat transfer fluid by monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid returning to the compressor () through a suction line () coupling the evaporator () outlet to the compressor () inlet. In one preferred embodiment, a bifurcated liquid line connects the condenser () outlet to the first inlet of an multifunctional valve and the inlet of a metering unit.

Flow-regulating members are described that include a primary channel and a plurality of secondary channels. The primary channel defines a primary channel orifice in the flow-regulating member and the plurality of secondary channels define a plurality of secondary channel orifices in the flow-regulating member. The plurality of secondary channel orifices are located along a common periphery of the flow-regulating member, such that an axis passing through the primary channel orifice intersects a plane containing the common periphery at a unique point. At least two of the plurality of secondary channel orifices have different cross-sectional areas. At least one of the plurality of secondary channels intersects the primary channel. Expansion devices containing these flow-regulating members are also described, as are vapor compression systems containing expansion devices, and methods of operating vapor compression systems.

Vapor compression systems, expansion devices, flow-regulating members, and vehicles, and methods for using vapor compression systems

A vapor compression system having a line for flowing heat transfer fluid, a compressor and a condenser both connected with the line. The vapor compression system also has an expansion device connected with the line for expanding the heat transfer fluid. The expansion device has a housing defining a housing orifice and at least one ball within the housing. The ball forms at least two channels, wherein each channel defines a channel orifice. The effective cross-sectional area of the one channel orifice is greater than the effective cross-sectional area of the other channel orifice. Moreover, the ball is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the housing orifice is effectively made larger in the first position than in the second position. The vapor compression system also has an evaporator connected with the line for transferring heat from ambient surroundings to the heat transfer fluid.

Expansion device for vapor compression system

A vapor compression refrigeration and freezer system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion devise and an evaporator which includes an evaporator coil having an inlet and an outlet which coil is in heat exchange relation with an air medium along substantially the entire coil length. The inlet to the evaporator coil is in flow communication with an outlet of the expansion devise via an evaporator feedline. The expansion device can include a multifunctional valve that cooperates with the evaporator feedline to supply the evaporator coil inlet with a mixture of refrigerant vapor and liquid at a linear velocity and with relative amounts of vapor and liquid which are sufficient to provide efficient heat transfer along substantially the entire length of the coil, substantially reducing the build-up of frost on the evaporator coil and enabling the system to be operated without requiring a defrosting cycle over a substantially increased number of operating cycles compared to conventional refrigeration and freezer systems operating at the same cooling load and evaporating temperature conditions.

Vapor compression system and method

A vapor compression system includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser interconnected in a closed-loop system. In one embodiment, a multifunctional valve is configured to receive a liquefied heat transfer fluid from the condenser and a hot vapor from the compressor. A saturated vapor line connects the outlet of the multifunctional valve to the inlet of the evaporator and is sized so as to substantially convert the heat transfer fluid exiting the multifunctional valve into a saturated vapor prior to delivery to the evaporator. The multifunctional valve regulates the flow of heat transfer fluid through the valve by monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid returning to the compressor through a suction line coupling the outlet of the evaporator to the inlet of the compressor. Separate gated passageways within the multifunctional valve permit the refrigeration system to be operated in defrost mode by flowing hot vapor through the saturated vapor line and the evaporator in a forward-flow process thereby reducing the amount of time necessary to defrost the system and improving the overall system performance.

A vapor compression system including a line for flowing heat transfer fluid, a compressor connected with the line for increasing the pressure and temperature of the heat transfer fluid, a condenser connected with the line for liquefying the heat transfer fluid, and an expansion device connected with the line for expanding the heat transfer fluid. The expansion device includes a housing defining a first orifice, and at least one blade connected with the housing, wherein the blade is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first orifice is larger in the first position than in the second position. The vapor compression system also includes an evaporator connected with the line for transferring heat from ambient surroundings to the heat transfer fluid.

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Arlington Heights, IL, United States of America

David A Wightman