Systems and methods for capacity modulation through eutectic plates
First Claim
1. A refrigeration system comprising:
- a compressor;
a first heat exchanger receiving a working fluid discharged from the compressor;
a first working fluid flow path receiving the working fluid from the first heat exchanger, the first working fluid flow path including an evaporator and an evaporator control valve that is movable between a first position allowing fluid flow through the evaporator and a second position restricting fluid flow through the evaporator; and
a second working fluid flow path receiving the working fluid from the first heat exchanger, the second working fluid flow path including a eutectic plate and a plate control valve that is movable between a first position allowing fluid flow through the eutectic plate and a second position restricting fluid flow through the eutectic plate, the first and second working fluid flow paths diverging from each other at a first location downstream of the first heat exchanger; and
a control module in communication with and controlling operation of the compressor, the evaporator control valve, and the plate control valve,wherein the eutectic plate and the evaporator are both in heat transfer relationships with a refrigerated space,wherein the control module moves the evaporator control valve to the second position during operation of the compressor in response to the refrigerated space reaching a predetermined temperature, andwherein the control module maintains operation of the compressor and maintains the plate control valve in the first position after the refrigerated space reaches the predetermined temperature as long as a runtime of the compressor is less than a predetermined time period.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A refrigeration system may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first working fluid flow path, and a second working fluid flow path. The first heat exchanger receives working fluid discharged from the compressor. The first working fluid flow path may receive working fluid from the first heat exchanger and may include an evaporator and an evaporator control valve that is movable between a first position allowing fluid flow through the evaporator and a second position restricting fluid flow through the evaporator. The second working fluid flow path may receive working fluid from the first heat exchanger and may include a eutectic plate and a plate control valve that is movable between a first position allowing fluid flow through the eutectic plate and a second position restricting fluid flow through the eutectic plate.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A refrigeration system comprising:
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a compressor; a first heat exchanger receiving a working fluid discharged from the compressor; a first working fluid flow path receiving the working fluid from the first heat exchanger, the first working fluid flow path including an evaporator and an evaporator control valve that is movable between a first position allowing fluid flow through the evaporator and a second position restricting fluid flow through the evaporator; and a second working fluid flow path receiving the working fluid from the first heat exchanger, the second working fluid flow path including a eutectic plate and a plate control valve that is movable between a first position allowing fluid flow through the eutectic plate and a second position restricting fluid flow through the eutectic plate, the first and second working fluid flow paths diverging from each other at a first location downstream of the first heat exchanger; and a control module in communication with and controlling operation of the compressor, the evaporator control valve, and the plate control valve, wherein the eutectic plate and the evaporator are both in heat transfer relationships with a refrigerated space, wherein the control module moves the evaporator control valve to the second position during operation of the compressor in response to the refrigerated space reaching a predetermined temperature, and wherein the control module maintains operation of the compressor and maintains the plate control valve in the first position after the refrigerated space reaches the predetermined temperature as long as a runtime of the compressor is less than a predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method comprising:
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directing a working fluid from a discharge port of a compressor to a first heat exchanger; directing a first portion of the working fluid from the first heat exchanger through an evaporator; directing a second portion of the working fluid from the first heat exchanger through a eutectic plate; discontinuing a flow of the working fluid through the evaporator in response to a refrigerated space reaching a predetermined temperature; and maintaining operation of the compressor and maintaining a flow of the working fluid through the eutectic plate after the refrigerated space reaches the predetermined temperature and after discontinuation of the flow through the evaporator as long as a runtime of the compressor is less than a predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method comprising:
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directing the working fluid from a discharge port of a compressor to a first heat exchanger; directing a first portion of the working fluid from the first heat exchanger through a first evaporator corresponding to a first cargo compartment of a vehicle having a first setpoint temperature; directing a second portion of the working fluid from the first heat exchanger through a second evaporator corresponding to a second cargo compartment of a vehicle having a second setpoint temperature, the second setpoint temperature is lower than the first setpoint temperature; discontinuing a flow of the working fluid through the first evaporator in response to the first cargo compartment reaching the first setpoint temperature; and maintaining operation of the compressor and maintaining a flow of the working fluid through the second evaporator after the first cargo compartment reaches the first setpoint temperature and after discontinuation of the flow through the first evaporator and while the second cargo compartment is at a temperature lower than the second setpoint temperature, as long as a runtime of the compressor is less than a predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification