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US6976366B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Building system performance analysis
Assignee: Copeland Cold Chain LP
•
Filing: 2003-10-29
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Granted: 2005-12-20
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Expires: 2023-10-29
Abstract
Abstract A method for improving system performance in a building environment according to the invention includes installing a temperature monitoring system for a refrigeration system, and performing a temperature audit on the refrigeration system. Temperature and pressure sensors are calibrated, and operating parameters of the refrigeration system are obtained. Pressure drop and efficiency tests are performed on at least one component of the refrigeration system, and operating pressures of at least one component are adjusted. System stability is tracked. In one embodiment, the building environment further includes an HVAC system and the method includes adjusting the HVAC system according to desired presets. In another embodiment, the building environment includes a lighting system and the method includes adjusting internal lighting levels of the lighting system to desired set points.
Inventors
- 👤 Neal Starling
- 👤 Paul Wickberg
- 👤 Thomas J. Mathews
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:04
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B49/00; F25B49/02; F25B2500/00; F25B2500/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 92
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for improving system performance, comprising: (A) installing a temperature monitoring system for a refrigeration system; (B) performing a temperature audit on at least one refrigeration case of the refrigeration system; (C) calibrating at least one temperature sensor and at least one pressure sensor of the refrigeration system; (D) obtaining operating parameters of the refrigeration system; (E) testing at least one of multiple components of the refrigeration system by performing at least one of a pressure drop test and an efficiency test on the at least one component of said multiple components; and (F) adjusting at least one of operating pressure and operating temperature of the at least one component of said multiple components.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for improving system performance, comprising: (A) installing a temperature monitoring system for a refrigeration system; (B) performing a temperature audit on at least one refrigeration case of the refrigeration system; (C) calibrating at least one temperature sensor and at least one pressure sensor of the refrigeration system; (D) obtaining operating parameters of the refrigeration system; (E) testing at least one of multiple components of the refrigeration system by performing at least one of a pressure drop test and an efficiency test on the at least one component of said multiple components; and (F) adjusting at least one of operating pressure and operating temperature of the at least one component of said multiple components.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising troubleshooting the refrigeration system to obtain desired temperature readings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting an HVAC system according to desired setpoints.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting internal lighting levels of a lighting system to desired setpoints.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said installing a temperature monitoring system includes installing a suction return gas temperature monitor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 5 , wherein said installing a suction return gas temperature monitor includes attaching temperature sensors to assigned suction lines.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said performing a temperature audit includes performing a product temperature audit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 7 , wherein said performing a temperature audit further includes measuring the discharge air temperature of the at least one refrigeration case.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said obtaining operating parameters of the refrigeration system includes measuring an oil level in the reservoir and plurality of compressors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said obtaining operating parameters of the refrigeration system includes testing an oil sample from a compressor for contaminants.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said obtaining parameters includes measuring an oil level in a receiver with a heat reclaim valve in a first position and a hot gas defrost valve in a second position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein the first position is on and the second position is off.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein the first position is off and the second position is on.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein the first position is on and the second position is on.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein the first position is off and the second position is off.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said obtaining operating parameters of the refrigeration system includes verifying the holdback valve setting.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein said verifying the holdback valve setting further includes lowering the pressure in the condenser.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said obtaining operating parameters of the refrigeration system includes verifying a receiver pressurization valve setting.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein said verifying the receiver pressurization valve setting includes simultaneously measuring pressures upstream and downstream of the receiver.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the refrigeration system includes a liquid line filter, and said pressure drop test includes measuring a pressure drop across the liquid line filter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said pressure drop test includes measuring high side to liquid pressure drops with a heat reclaim and a gas defrost valves in a first and second position.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 21 , wherein said measuring high side to liquid pressure drops includes measuring the pressure drop from the discharge header to a location downstream of the condenser and upstream of the holdback valve.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 21 , wherein the first position is on and the second position is off.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 21 , wherein the first position is off and the second position is on.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 21 , wherein the first position is on and the second position is on.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 21 , wherein the first position is off and the second position is off.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method claim 26 , further including conducting pressure measurements when the pressure drop exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein the predetermined value is about 6 psig to about 10 psig.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein the refrigeration system includes an oil separator, and said conducting additional pressure measurements includes measuring a pressure drop across the oil separator.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein said measuring a pressure drop across the oil separator further contacting a supervisor when the pressure drop exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the predetermined value is about 10 psig.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said conducting additional pressure measurements further includes measuring a pressure drop across the heat reclaim valve when the heat reclaim valve is in a predetermined position.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 32 , wherein the predetermined position is on.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 32 , wherein the predetermined position is off.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 32 , wherein said measuring a pressure drop across the heat reclaim valve further includes contacting a supervisor when the pressure drop exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 35 , wherein the predetermined value is about 10 psig.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said conducting additional pressure measurements further includes measuring a pressure drop across the gas defrost valve when the gas defrost valve is in a predetermined position.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein the predetermined position is on.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 38 , wherein the predetermined position is off.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein said measuring a pressure drop across the gas defrost valve further includes contacting a supervisor when the pressure drop exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the predetermined value is about 40 psig.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said conducting additional pressure measurements further includes measuring a pressure drop across a liquid line gas defrost differential boost valve when the liquid line gas defrost differential boost valve is in a predetermined position.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 42 , wherein the predetermined position is on.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 42 , wherein the predetermined position is off.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 42 , wherein said measuring a pressure drop across the liquid line gas defrost differential boost valve further includes contacting a supervisor when the pressure drop exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein said predetermined value is about 40 psig.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said conducting additional pressure measurements further includes adjusting the liquid line gas defrost differential boost valve.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 47 , wherein said adjusting the liquid line gas defrost differential boost valve includes forcing the liquid line gas defrost differential boost valve to an on position.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 48 , wherein said adjusting the liquid line gas defrost differential boost valve further includes adjusting the differential to 25 psig.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 48 , wherein said adjusting the liquid line gas defrost differential boost valve includes activating one of the plurality of circuits to a defrost condition.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein said conducting additional pressure measurements further includes measuring a pressure drop across a suction filter.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 51 , wherein said measuring a pressure drop across the suction filter includes replacing a filter drier core when pressure drops above a predetermined guideline.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 52 wherein said predetermine guideline is about 1 psig to about 2 psig.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising preparing the refrigeration system to be controlled by electronic controls.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 54 , wherein said preparing the refrigeration system to be controlled by electronic controls includes adjusting mechanical backup controls outside operating parameters of electronic controls.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 55 , wherein said adjusting mechanical backup controls includes adjusting mechanical low pressure controls to a predetermined level below a rack suction pressure set point.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 56 , wherein the predetermined level is about 5 psig.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 55 , wherein said adjusting mechanical backup controls includes adjusting mechanical high pressure controls to a predetermined level above a rack head pressure set point.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 58 , wherein the predetermined level is about 20 psig.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said efficiency test includes testing compressor efficiency.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 60 , wherein said testing compressor efficiency includes measuring the suction pressure upstream of the compressor and the discharge pressure downstream of the compressor.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 60 , wherein said testing the compressor efficiency includes turning the rack controller on and off to verify that the compressor is being controlled.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said efficiency test includes testing the electrical current of a compressor unloader.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising verifying that an air-cooled condenser surface is free of debris.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising checking an evaporatively-cooled condenser surface for scaling.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising verifying that a condenser fan is operational.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising verifying that a circulating pump is operational.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising checking a condenser for non-condensables.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said adjusting operating pressures of at least one component includes lowering operating condensing pressures.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 69 , wherein said lowering operating condensing pressures includes reducing minimum head pressures.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 70 , wherein said reducing minimum head pressures includes adjusting fan setpoints for a condenser.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 70 , wherein said reducing minimum head pressures includes adjusting a hold back valve.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein said adjusting the holdback valve includes lowering the condensing pressure.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 73 wherein said lowering the condensing pressure includes forcing a condenser fan on.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 73 wherein said lowering the condensing pressure includes sprinkling water on air cooled condensers.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 73 wherein said lowering the condensing pressure includes shutting down a refrigeration circuit.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 73 wherein said lowering the condensing pressure includes shutting down a compressor.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein said adjusting the holdback valve includes reducing discharge pressure a predetermined amount below a desired setpoint.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 78 , wherein the predetermined amount is about 20 psig.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein said adjusting the holdback valve includes turning off an isolation valve.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein said adjusting the holdback valve includes backing out an adjustment stem until the holdback valve dumps.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising troubleshooting the refrigeration cases identified as over-temperature.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said troubleshooting the refrigeration cases includes checking the refrigeration cases for low airflow.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising remotely monitoring the refrigeration system.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 84 , wherein said remotely monitoring includes tracking system stability.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said testing said at least one of multiple components of the refrigeration system further includes testing operating pressure of at least one component.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said testing said at least one of multiple components of the refrigeration system further includes testing operating temperature of at least one component.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said installing a temperature monitoring system includes installing a suction line return gas temperature monitoring system.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising calibrating service gauges prior to said testing multiple components of the refrigeration system.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting an anti-condensate heater to desired setpoints.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising tracking resulting system stability.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-12-19 | 2009-06-20 | 2009-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-12-19 | 2013-06-20 | 2013-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-12-19 | 2017-06-20 | 2017-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |