Controls for multiple-phase ejector refrigeration systems

Claim 2

A refrigeration system comprising an evaporator; a vapor compressor adapted to compress a refrigerant; a condenser receiving refrigerant vapor from said compressor, said condenser operating to liquefy said refrigerant vapor; a multiple-phase ejector comprising means defining a liquid chamber having a liquid inlet, means defining a vapor chamber having a vapor inlet, means defining a mixing chamber receiving liquid and vapor from said liquid and vapor chambers and having an outlet discharging a two-phase vapor-liquid stream, and a nozzle between and connecting said liquid chamber to said mixing chamber; means connecting said condenser and said ejector and supplying high pressure liquid from said condenser to said liquid inlet and chamber and thereby to said nozzle; a vapor-liquid separator receiving the two-phase refrigerant stream and adapted to separate said phases; means for transferring the liquid phase from said separator to said evaporator; means for connecting said evaporator to said vapor inlet; means connecting said separator to said compressor to deliver refrigerant vapor to the suction side of said compressor; and means for controlling the flow of liquid between said nozzle and said condenser-ejector connecting means, said controlling means including means responsive to flow condition of the refrigerant in said system.

Claim 3

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 1 in which said controlling means includes a variable double orifice valve providing for the flow of condensed liquid from said condenser to said nozzle while substantially preventing vapor flowing from said condenser to said nozzle.

Claim 4

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 2 in which said valve comprises a casing having first and second compartments respectively communicating with said condenser and said liquid inlet and having a third compartment; and a valve member separating said third compartment from said first and second compartments and providing therewith said double orifice, said valve being movable in response to varying pressures and velocities of the liquid-vapor mixture from said condenser to said multiple-phase ejector.

Claim 5

A refrigeration system comprising an evaporator; a vapor compressor adapted to compress a refrigerant; a condenser receiving refrigerant vapor from said compressor, said condenser operating to liquefy said refrigerant vapor; a multiple-phase ejector comprising means defining a liquid chamber having a liquid inlet, means defining a vapor chamber having a vapor inlet, means defining a mixing chamber receiving liquid and vapor from said liquid and vapor chambers and having an outlet discharging a two-phase vapor-liquid stream, and a nozzle between and connecting said liquid chamber to said mixing chamber; means connecting said condenser and said ejector and supplying high pressure liquid from said condenser to said liquid inlet and chamber and thereby to said nozzle; a vapor-liquid separator receiving the two-phase refrigerant stream and adapted to separate said phases; means for transferring the liquid phase from said separator to said evaporator; means for connecting said evaporator to said vapor inlet; means connecting said separator to said compressor to deliver refrigerant vapor to the suction side of said compressor; and means for controlling the flow of liquid between said nozzle and said condenser-ejector connecting means, said means for controlling the flow of liquid including a valve and means for operating said valve, said last-named means including meAns responsive to the varying temperature of the vapor flowing in said separator-compressor connecting means.

Claim 6

A refrigeration system comprising an evaporator; a vapor compressor adapted to compress a refrigerant; a condenser receiving refrigerant vapor from said compressor, said condenser operating to liquefy said refrigerant vapor; a multiple-phase ejector comprising means defining a liquid chamber having a liquid inlet, means defining a vapor chamber having a vapor inlet, means defining a mixing chamber receiving liquid and vapor from said liquid and vapor chambers and having an outlet discharging a two-phase vapor-liquid stream, and a nozzle between and connecting said liquid chamber to said mixing chamber; means connecting said condenser and said ejector and supplying high pressure liquid from said condenser to said liquid inlet and chamber and thereby to said nozzle; a vapor-liquid separator receiving the two-phase refrigerant stream and adapted to separate said phases; means for transferring the liquid phase from said separator to said evaporator; means for connecting said evaporator to said vapor inlet; means connecting said separator to said compressor to deliver refrigerant vapor to the suction side of said compressor; and means for controlling the flow of liquid between said nozzle and said condenser-ejector connecting means, said means for controlling the flow of liquid including a valve and means for operating said valve, said last-named means including meAns responsive to the varying temperature of the vapor flowing in said separator-compressor connecting means.

Claim 7

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 4 in which said valve-operating means includes means responsive to varying temperatures of the vapor flowing in said separator-compressor connecting means.

Claim 8

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 5 in which said condenser and ejector-connecting means comprises a first conduit, and said separator and compressor-connecting means comprises a second conduit in heat exchange relationship with said first conduit.

Claim 9

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 4 in which said valve has a movable member within said nozzle and is operative to vary the quantity of refrigerant liquid flowing through said nozzle.

Claim 10

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 7 including means for moving said valve member, and means responsive to variations in temperature of the vapor delivered to the suction side of said compressor.

Claim 11

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 8 in which said condenser and ejector-connecting means comprises a first conduit, and said separator and compressor-connecting means comprises a second conduit in heat exchange relationship with said first conduit.

Claim 12

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 7 including means for moving said valve member and comprising a casing, a flexible diaphragm in said casing and defining a compartment, said diaphragm being connected to said valve member, a thermal-sensing member responsive to variations in the temperature of the refrigerant vapor in said separator-compressor connecting means, and in fluid communication with said compartment, to effect movement of said diaphragm and thereby move said valve member.

Claim 13

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 10 in which said valve member is moved toward one end of its valve-closing and opening positions by said diaphragm, and said moving means also includes spring means connected to said valve member and operative to move said valve member toward the other of its valve-closing and opening positions.

Claim 14

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 10 in which said casing is provided with a venting compartment spaced from said compartment by said diaphragm and connected to, and in communication with the vapor in, said separator-compressor connecting means.

Claim 15

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 10 in which said casing is provided with a venting compartment spaced from said compartment by said diaphragm and connected to, and in communication with the vapor in, said separator-compressor connecting means, said moving means including lever means in said venting compartment and connected to said diaphragm and said valve member.

Claim 16

A refrigeration system as defined in claim 10 in which said valve member is moved toward one end of its valve-closing and opening positions by said diaphragm, and said moving means also includes spring means connected to said valve member and operative to move said valve member toward the other of its valve-closing and opening positions, and in which said casing is provided with a venting compartment spaced from said compartment by said diaphragm and connected to, and in communication with the vapor in, said separator-compressor connecting means, said moving means including lever means in said venting compartment and connected to said diaphragm, said spring means, and said valve means.