Refrigerant System Oil Accumulation Removal
First Claim
1. A method of removing oil accumulation from refrigerant lines of a vehicle HVAC system having multiple refrigerant loops each having an evaporator, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) monitoring a flow rate through at least one of the refrigerant loops;
(b) determining if the flow rate through any of the at least one refrigerant loops being monitored is below a predetermined flow rate for greater than a predetermined time limit;
(c) monitoring for an indication of imminent vehicle operation; and
(d) if the indication of imminent vehicle operation is detected and the flow rate through any of the at least one refrigerant loops being monitored is below the predetermined flow rate for greater than the predetermined time limit, opening a valve to allow for maximum flow through the at least one refrigerant loop.
12 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for removing oil accumulation from refrigerant lines of a vehicle HVAC system having multiple refrigerant loops each having an evaporator is disclosed. The method for operating the system may comprise the steps of: monitoring a flow rate through at least one of the refrigerant loops; determining if the flow rate through any of the at least one refrigerant loops being monitored is below a predetermined flow rate for greater than a predetermined time limit; monitoring for an indication of imminent vehicle operation; and if the indication of imminent vehicle operation is detected and the flow rate through any of the at least one refrigerant loops being monitored is below the predetermined flow rate for greater than the predetermined time limit, opening a valve to allow for maximum flow through the at least one refrigerant loop.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of removing oil accumulation from refrigerant lines of a vehicle HVAC system having multiple refrigerant loops each having an evaporator, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) monitoring a flow rate through at least one of the refrigerant loops; (b) determining if the flow rate through any of the at least one refrigerant loops being monitored is below a predetermined flow rate for greater than a predetermined time limit; (c) monitoring for an indication of imminent vehicle operation; and (d) if the indication of imminent vehicle operation is detected and the flow rate through any of the at least one refrigerant loops being monitored is below the predetermined flow rate for greater than the predetermined time limit, opening a valve to allow for maximum flow through the at least one refrigerant loop. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A vehicle comprising:
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a HVAC system including a first refrigerant loop and a second refrigerant loop, the first refrigerant loop including a first evaporator, a first refrigerant expansion device, and a first bypass valve, the second refrigerant loop including a second evaporator and a second refrigerant expansion device; and a controller configured to detect an indication of imminent vehicle operation and open the first bypass valve when the indication of imminent vehicle operation is detected. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification