US5415008A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Refrigerant flow rate control based on suction line temperature
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1994-03-03
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Granted: 1995-05-16
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Expires: 2014-03-03
Abstract
Abstract Pulse width modulation is used to control the flow rate through a solenoid expansion valve in a refrigeration system. A device for sensing suction line temperature is provided, and a controller is included for controlling the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated solenoid valve. The controller receives input from the suction line temperature sensing device as a basis for controlling the duty cycle. The suction line temperature sensing device may be a temperature sensor disposed on the suction line at the midpoint of the heat exchanger between the suction line and the liquid line. Alternatively, the suction line temperature sensing device may include a first temperature sensor disposed on the liquid line at one end of the heat exchanger and a second temperature sensor disposed on the liquid line at another end of the heat exchanger.
Inventors
- 👤 Warren F. Bessler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 10:26
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B41/00; F25B41/30; F25B41/31; F25B41/34; F25B41/345; F25B41/347; F25B2700/00; F25B2700/21; F25B2700/2103; F25B2700/2115; F25B2700/21151; F25B40/00; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B30/00; Y02B30/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A refrigerator system for cooling at least one compartment, said refrigerator system comprising: an evaporator disposed in said compartment and having an inlet and an outlet; a compressor connected to said outlet of said evaporator by a suction line; a pulse width modulated solenoid valve connected to said inlet of said evaporator; a condenser connected to said pulse width modulated solenoid valve by a liquid line, said liquid line and said suction line being in thermal contact to form a heat exchanger therebetween; a first temperature sensor disposed on said liquid line at one end of said heat exchanger; a second temperature sensor disposed on said liquid line at another end of said heat exchanger; and a controller for controlling the duty cycle of said pulse width modulated solenoid valve, said controller having inputs connected to said first temperature sensor and said second temperature sensor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
A refrigerator system for cooling at least one compartment, said refrigerator system comprising: an evaporator disposed in said compartment and having an inlet and an outlet; a compressor connected to said outlet of said evaporator by a suction line; a pulse width modulated solenoid valve connected to said inlet of said evaporator; a condenser connected to said pulse width modulated solenoid valve by a liquid line, said liquid line and said suction line being in thermal contact to form a heat exchanger therebetween; a first temperature sensor disposed on said liquid line at one end of said heat exchanger; a second temperature sensor disposed on said liquid line at another end of said heat exchanger; and a controller for controlling the duty cycle of said pulse width modulated solenoid valve, said controller having inputs connected to said first temperature sensor and said second temperature sensor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
131 words
A refrigerator system comprising: an evaporator having an inlet and an outlet; a compressor connected to said outlet of said evaporator by a suction line; a pulse width modulated solenoid valve connected to said inlet of said evaporator; a condenser connected to said pulse width modulated solenoid valve by a liquid line, said liquid line and said suction line being in thermal contact to form a heat exchanger therebetween; a first temperature sensor disposed on said liquid line at one end of said heat exchanger; a second temperature sensor disposed on said liquid line at another end of said heat exchanger; and a controller for controlling the duty cycle of said pulse width modulated solenoid valve, said controller having inputs connected to said first temperature sensor and said second temperature sensor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
131 words
A refrigerator system comprising: an evaporator having an inlet and an outlet; a compressor connected to said outlet of said evaporator by a suction line; a pulse width modulated solenoid valve connected to said inlet of said evaporator; a condenser connected to said pulse width modulated solenoid valve by a liquid line, said liquid line and said suction line being in thermal contact to form a heat exchanger therebetween; a first temperature sensor disposed on said liquid line at one end of said heat exchanger; a second temperature sensor disposed on said liquid line at another end of said heat exchanger; and a controller for controlling the duty cycle of said pulse width modulated solenoid valve, said controller having inputs connected to said first temperature sensor and said second temperature sensor.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of controlling refrigerant flow rate in a refrigeration system having a liquid line, a suction line and a pulse width modulated solenoid valve, said liquid line and said suction line being in thermal contact to form a heat exchanger therebetween, said method comprising the steps of: sensing the temperature at one end of said heat exchanger; sensing the temperature at another end of said heat exchanger; and adjusting the duty cycle of said pulse width modulated solenoid valve based on the two temperatures.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of controlling refrigerant flow rate in a refrigeration system having a liquid line, a suction line and a pulse width modulated solenoid valve, said liquid line and said suction line being in thermal contact to form a heat exchanger therebetween, said method comprising the steps of: sensing the temperature at one end of said heat exchanger; sensing the temperature at another end of said heat exchanger; and adjusting the duty cycle of said pulse width modulated solenoid valve based on the two temperatures.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-05-15 | 1998-11-14 | 1999-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-05-15 | 2002-11-14 | 2003-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-05-15 | 2006-11-14 | 2007-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |