System and method to control sensible and latent heat in a storage unit

• US 20080116289A1
• Filed: 11/22/2006
• Published: 05/22/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Store-N-Stuff, LLC
• Original Assignee: Store-N-Stuff, LLC
• Inventors: Lochtefeld, Joseph R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,874,499 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 237/81
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/30 for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/84 using valves
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/00 Control inputs relating to air properties
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/12 of the outside air
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/20 Humidity
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/22 of the outside air
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 3/06 characterised by the arrangements for the supply of heat-exchange fluid for the subsequent treatment of primary air in the room units
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 13/00 Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle defrosting cycles F25B47/02

Abstract

A climate control system for a storage unit. The system includes a reverse cycle chiller; a fluid supply line in fluid communication with an outlet of the fluid side heat exchanger; a fluid return line in fluid communication with an inlet of the fluid side heat exchanger and the fluid supply line; at least one hydronic coil in optional fluid communication with the fluid supply line and the fluid return line, the at least one hydronic coil located in a room to be controlled; a controller in communication with the reverse cycle chiller and the at least one hydronic coil; an ambient temperature sensor in communication with the controller; an ambient humidity sensor in communication with the controller; a room temperature sensor in communication with the controller, the room temperature sensor positioned in the room; and a room humidity sensor in communication with the controller, the room humidity sensor positioned in the room. A method of controlling the climate in a storage unit is also described.

Claims

1. A climate control system for a storage unit comprising:

a reverse cycle chiller comprising;

a variable capacity compressor;

a reversing valve in fluid communication with the variable capacity compressor;

an air side heat exchanger in fluid communication with the reversing valve; and

a fluid side heat exchanger in fluid communication with the reversing valve and the air side heat exchanger;

a fluid supply line in fluid communication with an outlet of the fluid side heat exchanger;

a fluid return line in fluid communication with an inlet of the fluid side heat exchanger and the fluid supply line;

at least one hydronic coil in optional fluid communication with the fluid supply line and the fluid return line, the at least one hydronic coil located in a room to be controlled;

a controller in communication with the reverse cycle chiller and the at least one hydronic coil;

an ambient temperature sensor in communication with the controller;

an ambient humidity sensor in communication with the controller;

a room temperature sensor in communication with the controller, the room temperature sensor positioned in the room;

a room humidity sensor in communication with the controller, the room humidity sensor positioned in the room.

2. The climate control system of claim 1 wherein the variable capacity compressor is selected from a time proportioned scroll compressor;

a tandem compressor with two or more single speed compressors having a single suction and discharge manifold;

a tandem compressor with a single-speed compressor and a variable-capacity compressor;

a variable speed scroll type compressor;

a variable speed piston type compressor;

an infinitely adjustable capacity screw type compressor with a sliding valve;

or combinations thereof.

3. The climate control system of claim 1 wherein the controller is a programmable logic controller.

4. The climate control system of claim 1 wherein the at least one hydronic coil is selected from radiant hydronic coils and hydronic fan coils.

5. The climate control system of claim 1 wherein at least one room temperature sensor is a thermostat.

6. The climate control system of claim 1 wherein at least one room humidity sensor is a humidistat.

7. The climate control system of claim 1 wherein a connection between the at least one hydronic coil and the fluid supply line or between the at least one hydronic coil and the fluid return line comprises a quick connect coupling.

8. The climate control system of claim 7 wherein the connection between the at least one hydronic coil and the fluid supply line further comprises a flood safe shutoff valve.

9. The climate control system of claim 7 wherein the connection between the at least one hydronic coil and the fluid return line further comprises a check valve.

10. The climate control system of claim 1 further comprising a valve in fluid communication with the at least one hydronic coil and the fluid supply line, and the valve in communication with the controller.

11. The climate control system of claim 1 further comprising a controller display in communication with the controller.

12. The climate control system of claim 1 further comprising a heater in communication with the fluid supply line and the controller.

25. The modular chiller of claim 1 wherein the reversing valve is located in the first module.

13. A method of controlling the climate in a storage unit comprising:

providing a climate control system comprising;

a reverse cycle chiller comprising;

a variable capacity compressor;

a reversing valve in fluid communication with the variable capacity compressor;

an air side heat exchanger in fluid communication with the reversing valve; and

a fluid side heat exchanger in fluid communication with the reversing valve and the air side heat exchanger;

a fluid supply line in fluid communication with an outlet of the fluid side heat exchanger;

a fluid return line in fluid communication with an inlet of the fluid side heat exchanger and the fluid supply line;

at least one hydronic coil in optional fluid communication with the fluid supply line and the fluid return line, the at least one hydronic coil located in a room to be controlled;

a controller in communication with the reverse cycle chiller and the at least one hydronic coil;

an ambient temperature sensor in communication with the controller;

an ambient humidity sensor in communication with the controller;

a room temperature sensor in communication with the controller, the room temperature sensor positioned in the room;

a room humidity sensor in communication with the controller, the room humidity sensor positioned in the room;

connecting the at least one hydronic coil to the fluid supply line and the fluid return line;

selecting a desired temperature range and a desired humidity range for the room;

measuring an ambient temperature and an ambient humidity;

determining a reverse cycle chiller mode and a fluid outlet temperature for the fluid side heat exchanger from the measured ambient temperature and ambient humidity;

controlling the reverse cycle chiller to provide the mode and the fluid outlet temperature for the fluid side heat exchanger;

measuring a room temperature and a room humidity;

determining a temperature change for the room and a humidity change for the room from the measured room temperature and room humidity and the desired temperature range and humidity range; and

controlling fluid flow to the at least one hydronic coil until the temperature change and humidity change have been achieved.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one hydronic coil is connected to the fluid supply line or to the fluid return line using a quick connect coupling.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the controller is a programmable logic controller.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein the reverse cycle compressor further comprises a controller display, and further comprising displaying data on the controller display.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein the reverse cycle compressor further comprises a heater in communication with the fluid supply line and the controller, and further comprising controlling the heater to provide the fluid outlet temperature for the fluid side heat exchanger.

18. The method of claim 13 further comprising a valve in fluid communication with the at least one hydronic coil and the fluid supply line, and the valve in communication with the controller, and wherein the valve controls the fluid flow to the at least one hydronic coil.

19. The method of claim 13 further comprising connecting at least one hydronic coil to the fluid supply line and the fluid return line while the reverse cycle chiller is in operation.

20. The method of claim 13 further comprising disconnecting at least one hydronic coil while the reverse cycle chiller is in operation.

21. A modular chiller comprising:

a reversing valve;

a first module comprising;

a compressor in fluid communication with the reversing valve; and

a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the reversing valve; and

a second module comprising;

a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the reversing valve and the first heat exchanger.

22. The modular chiller of claim 21 further comprising a fan in the second module.

23. The modular chiller of claim 21 wherein the compressor is selected from a single capacity compressor, a variable capacity compressor, or combinations thereof.

24. The modular chiller of claim 21 wherein the compressor is selected from a single capacity compressor;

a time proportioned scroll compressor;

a tandem compressor with two or more single speed compressors having a single suction and discharge manifold;

a tandem compressor with a single-speed compressor and a variable-capacity compressor;

a variable speed scroll type compressor;

a variable speed piston type compressor;

an infinitely adjustable capacity screw type compressor with a sliding valve;

or combinations thereof.