Method and apparatus for using magnetic fields for enhancing heat pump and refrigeration equipment performance
First Claim
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1. A vapor compression apparatus for use with a working fluid, comprising:
- A. a compressor operable to increase the pressure and temperature of the working fluid;
B. a condenser operable to absorb heat from the working fluid;
C. an expansion valve operable to decrease the pressure of the working fluid;
D. an evaporator operable to transfer heat to the working fluid; and
E. a magnetic element, operable to generate a magnetic field through the working fluid, wherein the magnetic field has sufficient magnitude to disrupt intermolecular forces in the working fluid.
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Abstract
A vapor compression apparatus and a method for operating a vapor compression system are provided. A working fluid is conveyed through a vapor compression system having a fluid line. A magnetic field generator is connected to the fluid line to direct a magnetic field through the working fluid. The magnetic field is operable to disrupt intermolecular forces and weaken intermolecular attraction to enhance expansion of the working fluid to the vapor phase, increasing the capacity, performance and efficiency of the system components, and reducing system cycling, mechanical wear and energy consumption.
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Citations
55 Claims
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1. A vapor compression apparatus for use with a working fluid, comprising:
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A. a compressor operable to increase the pressure and temperature of the working fluid;
B. a condenser operable to absorb heat from the working fluid;
C. an expansion valve operable to decrease the pressure of the working fluid;
D. an evaporator operable to transfer heat to the working fluid; and
E. a magnetic element, operable to generate a magnetic field through the working fluid, wherein the magnetic field has sufficient magnitude to disrupt intermolecular forces in the working fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for enhancing the performance of a working fluid in a vapor compression system, said method comprising the steps of:
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A. compressing the working fluid to elevate the pressure and temperature of the working fluid;
B. discharging the working fluid to a condenser to release heat from the working fluid and convert the fluid to a liquid phase;
C. discharging the working fluid from the condenser to an expansion device to convert the working fluid to a vapor phase;
D. applying a magnetic field to the working fluid; and
E. discharging the working fluid from the expansion device and transferring heat to the working fluid. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A vapor compression apparatus for use with a working fluid, comprising:
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A. a compressor operable to increase the pressure and temperature of the working fluid;
B. a condenser operable to absorb heat from the working fluid;
C. an expansion valve operable to decrease the pressure of the working fluid;
D. an evaporator operable to transfer heat to the working fluid; and
E. a magnetic element, operable to generate a magnetic field through the working fluid; and
F. a fluid line between the condenser and the expansion valve, wherein the magnetic element is disposed proximate the fluid line to apply a magnetic field through the fluid line between the condenser and before the expansion valve. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A vapor compression apparatus for use with a working fluid, comprising:
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A. a compressor operable to increase the pressure and temperature of the working fluid;
B. a condenser operable to absorb heat from the working fluid;
C. an expansion valve operable to decrease the pressure of the working fluid;
D. an evaporator operable to transfer heat to the working fluid; and
E. a magnetic element, operable to generate a magnetic field through the working fluid; and
F. a fluid line through which the working fluid operates wherein the magnetic element is connected to the fluid line. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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Specification