Heat exchanger assembly with valve

Abstract

Systems and methods for interrupting refrigerant flow within a heat exchanger assembly; one embodiment provides a method comprising: receiving, using a controller, a first signal from a first sensor indicating pressure of refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger; using the controller to set an operating frequency of a valve based on the first signal, the operating frequency including the rate at which the valve is actuated between the first valve position and the second valve position, wherein the first valve position sets a first refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger and the second valve position sets a second refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger; and using the controller to control the operation of a solenoid valve to actuate the valve at the operating frequency.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 140,253, filed January 21, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] The embodiments described herein relate to heat exchangers, and more specifically to evaporators with valve control.

[0004] The evaporator is typically located within the refrigeration circuit, with an expansion valve positioned upstream of it. The construction and operation of the expansion valve affect the performance, efficiency, and capacity of the evaporator and the refrigeration system. The expansion valve controls the amount of liquid and vapor distributed to the evaporator. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment provides a method for interrupting a refrigerant flow through a heat exchanger. The method includes: receiving a first signal from a first sensor using a controller, the first signal indicating the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger. The method includes: setting an operating frequency of a valve based on the first signal using the controller. The valve regulates the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger. The operating frequency includes the rate at which the valve is actuated between a first valve position and a second valve position, wherein the first valve position sets a first refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger, and the second valve position sets a second refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger. The method includes: controlling the operation of a solenoid valve using the controller to actuate the valve at the operating frequency. The refrigerant includes a liquid refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant. Actuating the valve at the operating frequency interrupts the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger such that when the valve moves from the first valve position to the second valve position, the liquid refrigerant is more evenly distributed through the heat exchanger.

[0006] Another embodiment provides a control system for interrupting the refrigerant flow through a heat exchanger. The control system includes: a valve for regulating the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger; a solenoid valve coupled to and actuating the valve; and a first sensor providing a signal indicating the pressure of the refrigerant flow within the heat exchanger. The control system also includes a controller coupled to the solenoid valve and the sensor, the controller including an electronic processor and a memory. The controller is configured to: receive a first signal from the first sensor; set an operating frequency of the valve based on the first signal; and control the operation of the solenoid valve to actuate the valve at the operating frequency. The operating frequency includes the rate at which the valve is actuated between a first valve position and a second valve position, wherein the first valve position sets a first refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger, and the second valve position sets a second refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger. The refrigerant flow includes liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. Actuating the valve at the operating frequency interrupts the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger such that, as the valve moves from the first valve position to the second valve position, the liquid refrigerant is more evenly distributed through the heat exchanger.

[0007] Another embodiment provides a heat exchanger assembly including a heat exchanger core, a valve, a solenoid valve, a first sensor, and a controller. The heat exchanger core includes a refrigerant passage, an inlet manifold, and an outlet manifold. The valve is configured to regulate the refrigerant flow into the heat exchanger core. The solenoid valve actuates the valve between a first valve position and a second valve position, wherein the first valve position sets a first refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger core, and the second valve position sets a second refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger core. The first sensor is configured to provide a signal indicative of the characteristics of the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger core. The controller includes an electronic processor and a memory. The controller is configured to: receive a first signal from the first sensor; set an operating frequency of the valve based on the first signal; and control the operation of the solenoid valve to actuate the valve at the set operating frequency. The operating frequency is the rate at which the valve actuates between the first and second valve positions.

[0008] Other features, aspects, and benefits of the various embodiments will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 It is a general-purpose heat exchanger assembly with an expansion valve configuration according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a distribution valve for a heat exchanger assembly according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 According to one embodiment Figure 2A schematic diagram of the distribution valve.

[0012] Figure 4 According to another embodiment Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the distribution valve.

[0013] Figure 5 According to another embodiment Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the distribution valve.

[0014] Figure 6A According to one embodiment Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6B According to one embodiment Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6C According to one embodiment Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 According to one embodiment Figure 1 A block diagram of the control system for the heat exchanger assembly.

[0018] Figure 8 According to one embodiment, by Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating the method of execution of the control system.

[0019] Figure 9A According to one embodiment Figure 1 A side view of the expansion valve construction.

[0020] Figure 9B According to one embodiment Figure 1 Another side view of the expansion valve construction.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a pressure-enthalpy diagram of a valve actuation cycle according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Before explaining any embodiment of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. Other embodiments of the invention are also possible, and it can be practiced or performed in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The terms "comprising," "including," or "having," and variations thereof, as used herein, are intended to cover the items listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "support," and "coupling," and variations thereof, are used in a broad sense to cover direct and indirect installation, connection, support, and coupling. Moreover, "connection" and "coupling" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0023] Figure 1 The heat exchanger assembly includes a heat exchanger core 10 having plates 12 stacked to form alternating coolant channels 11 and refrigerant channels 13. The coolant channels 11 and refrigerant channels 13 are in thermal contact with each other. Plates 12 extend from a bottom plate to a top plate 16. The core 10 includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. A connecting block 20 extends from the top plate 16 of the core 10 and is sealed to the core 10 by brazing, fusion welding, or other joining methods. The connecting block 20 includes an inlet 22 and an outlet. A connecting block inlet channel 26 extends from the inlet 22 to an inlet manifold 15 of the core 10.

[0024] Valve assembly 30 is disposed on or within connecting block 20. Valve assembly 30 includes a drive mechanism 70, which may be a solenoid valve or a motor, such as a stepper motor or a servo motor. Drive mechanism 70 actuates valve 72 to open and close valve 72, thereby regulating the flow of refrigerant 90 into core 10. Valve assembly 30 has a valve assembly refrigerant passage 38, which is aligned at at least one end with connecting block inlet passage 26 to provide refrigerant flow to core 10.

[0025] In some embodiments, valve 72 is actuated in a pulsating manner to reset (e.g., interrupt) the refrigerant flow and prevent the two phases of the refrigerant (i.e., the gas and liquid phases of refrigerant 90) within the heat exchanger assembly from becoming unbalanced. This alleviates dry-out of the refrigerant channels 13 within the core 10. In an balanced state, the refrigerant channel 13 with more liquid refrigerant will have a smaller pressure drop and is the path of least resistance for the flow of more liquid refrigerant. This reduces liquid flow in other refrigerant channels 11 (i.e., increases dryness). Pulsating or cyclicating valve 72 prevents this and allows the liquid refrigerant to be distributed more evenly across all refrigerant channels 11. Additionally, by distributing the liquid refrigerant more evenly across all refrigerant channels 11, pulsating or cyclicating valve 72 improves evaporator performance.

[0026] Figure 2 Another embodiment is provided, in which a dispensing valve assembly 40 is located downstream of a valve assembly 30. The dispensing valve assembly 40 includes a first valve 42 that moves independently of the included second valve 46. The first valve 42 has a first valve arm 44 with an internal passage. A second valve arm 50 is located within the internal passage of the first valve arm 44 and is translated by the second valve 46. Both the first valve 42 and the second valve 46 are actuated by a second drive mechanism (not shown). The dispensing valve assembly 40 includes springs 18 and 52 to allow independent travel between the first valve 42 and the second valve 46. The first and second valves can be seated on a first valve seat 54 and a second valve seat 56. Figure 3 The refrigerant flow through the distribution valve assembly 40 is schematically shown. Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant 90 flows into the distribution valve assembly 40 at both ends. The first valve 42 and the second valve 46 can be actuated to distribute the refrigerant 90 in a predominantly liquid state into the refrigerant passage 11, recirculating it to prevent liquid and vapor imbalance within the heat exchanger.

[0027] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly is shown, which includes an air-liquid heat exchanger core 110. The core 110 includes an inlet manifold 112 and an outlet manifold 114. A refrigerant flow line 116 extends between the inlet manifold 112 and the outlet manifold 114. As described above, Figure 1 The valve assembly 30 is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold 112 and is located upstream of the inlet manifold 112. In some embodiments, Figure 2 and Figure 3In an alternative embodiment, the distribution valve assembly 40 is also included in the core 110. In embodiments including the distribution valve assembly 40, a refrigerant connection (not shown) is included between the valve assembly 30 and opposite sides of the inlet manifold 112 to provide refrigerant flow 90 to opposite sides of the inlet manifold 112. The distribution valve assembly 40 is actuated as described above. The flow of refrigerant 90 moves from the inlet manifold 112, through pipe 116, to the outlet manifold 114 to transfer heat between the air and the flow of refrigerant 90 within pipe 116. The refrigerant flow then exits the core 110 at the outlet port of the outlet manifold 114.

[0028] Figure 5 and Figures 6A to 6C Another embodiment is shown, in which the heat exchanger assembly includes a core 210 formed by a stack of plates 212. The core 210 includes a refrigerant inlet manifold 218 and a refrigerant outlet manifold 220. The core 210 also includes a coolant inlet manifold 214 and a coolant outlet manifold 216. The stacked plates 212 provide refrigerant passages 230 that alternate with coolant passages 232 to transfer heat between adjacent refrigerant and coolant passages. This embodiment also includes a valve assembly 30 disposed upstream of the inlet manifold 218. The valve assembly 30 is controlled to circulate to reset the refrigerant, thereby preventing liquid and vapor equilibration within the core. Thus, the liquid flow is reset at the inlet of the inlet manifold 218. In some embodiments, the core 210 includes only a single inlet manifold 218. Such embodiments may include a distribution valve assembly 40, which, as... Figure 5 As shown and operated as described above. Refrigerant lines (not shown) are provided from valve assembly 30 to opposite sides of distribution valve assembly 40, which is contained within a valve housing or passage. Distribution valve assembly 40 selectively directs refrigerant flow to one of the inlet manifolds 218.

[0029] Figure 7 Provided for Figure 1 A control system 700 for a heat exchanger assembly. The control system 700 includes a controller 705, a compressor sensor 720, a temperature sensor 725, a pressure sensor 730, and a drive mechanism 70. In some embodiments, the control system 700 may include only a single sensor from the compressor sensor 720, temperature sensor 725, and pressure sensor 730, or in other cases, any combination thereof. For example, in some preferred embodiments, temperature sensor 725 and pressure sensor 730 are included in the control system 700. The controller 705 includes an electronic processor 710 (e.g., a programmable microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic controller, or other suitable device) and a memory 715.

[0030] Memory 715 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and data storage area may include combinations of different types of memory, such as read-only memory ("ROM"), random access memory ("RAM") (e.g., dynamic RAM ["DRAM"], synchronous DRAM ["SDRAM"], etc.), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), flash memory, hard disk, SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory devices. In one example, electronic processor 710 is connected to memory 715 and executes software instructions that can be stored in the RAM of memory 715 (e.g., during execution), the ROM of memory 715 (e.g., typically permanently), or another non-transitory computer-readable medium. Software included in the implementation of drive mechanism 70 may be stored in memory 715. For example, this software includes firmware, one or more application programs, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. Electronic processor 710 is configured to retrieve from memory 715, and in particular to execute instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein.

[0031] Compressor sensor 720 is configured to provide a signal to controller 705 indicating the rotational speed (e.g., rate of motion per minute [RPM]) of a compressor (not shown) that drives refrigerant through Figure 1 The compressor speed affects the total pressure of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger assembly, which in turn affects the ratio of liquid to gaseous refrigerant in the system. Thus, although the volume of the heat exchanger assembly remains constant, the compressor speed can indicate the total refrigerant capacity of the heat exchanger assembly.

[0032] Temperature sensor 725 is configured to provide a signal to controller 705 indicating the temperature of refrigerant 90. Temperature sensor 725 can detect the temperature of refrigerant 90 at, for example, in inlet manifold 112, outlet manifold 114, refrigerant inlet manifold 218, refrigerant outlet manifold 220, or another location with a flow of refrigerant 90. Pressure sensor 730 is configured to provide a signal to controller 705 indicating the pressure of refrigerant 90. Pressure sensor 730 can detect the pressure of refrigerant 90 at, for example, in inlet manifold 112, outlet manifold 114, refrigerant inlet manifold 218, refrigerant outlet manifold 220, or another location.

[0033] As previously described, valve 72 can be actuated in a pulsating manner to reset (e.g., interrupt) the refrigerant flow and prevent the two-phase equilibrium of the refrigerant within the heat exchanger assembly. Figure 8A method 800 for resetting the refrigerant flow, executed by controller 705, is provided. At block 805, controller 705 receives a temperature signal from temperature sensor 725. Controller 705 can determine the temperature of refrigerant 90 based on this temperature signal. At block 810, controller 705 receives a pressure signal from pressure sensor 730. Controller 705 can determine the pressure of refrigerant 90 based on this pressure signal. At block 815, controller 705 receives a speed signal from compressor sensor 720. Controller 705 can determine the compressor speed based on this speed signal.

[0034] At block 820, controller 705 sets the operating frequency based on at least one of a temperature signal, a pressure signal, and a speed signal. For example, memory 715 may store a control curve that controller 705 uses to set the operating frequency. The temperature of refrigerant 90, the pressure of refrigerant 90, and the speed of compressor can be used as inputs to the control curve. The operating frequency can be set to a value between approximately 0 Hz and 500 Hz. In some embodiments, the operating frequency is set to a value between approximately 80 Hz and 250 Hz. When the operating frequency is set to 0 Hz, controller 705 can be configured to reset valve 72 (and thereby reset the flow of refrigerant 90) after a predetermined time period has elapsed. For example, controller 705 resets valve 72 at intervals of every 5 minutes, every 10 minutes, etc.

[0035] At block 825, controller 705 controls the opening and closing (i.e., actuation of valve 72) of valve 72 according to the operating frequency. For example, controller 705 may provide a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal with a set operating frequency to drive mechanism 70 (e.g., a solenoid valve or a motor). Valve 72 then opens and closes at a frequency equal to the operating frequency. In some embodiments, opening and closing valve 72 includes moving valve 72 from a minimum movement position (e.g., a first valve position) to a maximum movement position (e.g., a second valve position). For example, valve 72 may move from a 0% probability actuation position (which allows no refrigerant flow or minimum refrigerant flow through valve 72) to a 100% probability actuation position (allowing maximum refrigerant flow through valve 72). In other embodiments, opening and closing valve 72 includes moving valve 72 from a percentage probability, such as from a 20% probability actuation to a 99% probability actuation. The flow rate through valve 72 is related to the percentage probability movement of the valve. This correlation may be linear, exponential, or other correlations. The flow rate of refrigerant 90 may differ between the first valve position and the second valve position. For example, when the first valve is in the closed position, the flow rate of refrigerant 90 is significantly lower compared to when the first valve is in the fully open position.

[0036] At block 830, controller 705 continues to monitor and / or receive at least one new temperature, pressure, and speed signal from temperature sensor 725, pressure sensor 730, and compressor sensor 720, respectively. At block 835, controller 705 adjusts the operating frequency based on the new temperature, pressure, and speed signals. For example, the new temperature, pressure, and speed signals are compared with a control curve stored in memory 715. Controller 705 then returns to block 825 to control the opening and closing of valve 72 according to the adjusted operating frequency. In this way, controller 705 adjusts the operating frequency as the condition of refrigerant 90 changes throughout the operation of the heat exchanger assembly.

[0037] In some embodiments, controller 705 may use only a single signal from the temperature, pressure, or speed signals to set the operating frequency of valve 72. For example, a control curve stored in memory 715 may provide the operating frequency for a given temperature, a given pressure, or a given speed of the compressor. In other embodiments, controller 705 may use any combination of two of the temperature, pressure, and speed signals to set the operating frequency of valve 72. In other embodiments, controller 705 does not use sensor signals to set the operating frequency of valve 72, but instead sets and / or adjusts the operating frequency of valve 72 based on values ​​stored in memory 715.

[0038] In some cases, precisely controlling valve 72 to 100% of its actuation range (e.g., the closed position) can be difficult. Slamming valve 72 further to the closed position may be detrimental to the system. Additionally, some systems may not be able to precisely actuate valve 72 to a given position. Therefore, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, valve 72 includes an internal passage 900. Figure 9A The valve 72 is shown in the open position. When valve 72 is open, the internal passage 900 is in the closed position. Figure 9B Valve 72 in the closed position is shown. When valve 72 is closed, internal passage 900 is in the open position, allowing a metered flow of refrigerant 90 through valve 72. The metered flow rate depends on the size (e.g., diameter) of internal passage 900. The metered flow rate is used to prevent valve 72 from "suddenly" closing completely, thereby extending the system's lifespan. Furthermore, valve 72 can still be operated to actuate the valve between extreme valve positions even when the system cannot be precisely actuated, without requiring precise actuation. However, internal passage 900 is used to allow refrigerant flow through valve positions between 100% (fully open) and metered flow ("closed"), resulting in valve 72 being actuated between 100% flow and metered flow without requiring precise control of valve 72.

[0039] Figure 10A pressure-enthalpy (“Ph”) graph 1000 is provided at a given temperature. The pressure-enthalpy graph 1000 illustrates how the actuation of valve 72 affects the pressure and enthalpy cycle of refrigerant 90. The three indicator lines on graph 1000 represent three different operating positions of valve 72. The “Target Condition” represents the fixed position where the valve would be without vibration. The lines for “Valve Maximum” and “Valve Minimum” indicate two positions between which the vibrating valve described herein cycles. The line for “Valve Maximum” on the Ph graph yields the minimum pressure drop through valve 72, and the line for “Valve Minimum” on the Ph graph yields the maximum pressure drop through valve 72. Through vibration, although valve 72 is not held in the fixed position, valve 72 still achieves the “Target Condition”.

[0040] Therefore, various embodiments particularly provide a heat exchanger assembly with valve control. Various features, advantages, and embodiments are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for interrupting a refrigerant flow through a heat exchanger, the method comprising: The controller receives a first signal from a first sensor, the first signal indicating the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger; The controller receives a second signal from a second sensor, the second signal indicating the temperature of the refrigerant. The controller uses the first signal and the second signal to set the operating frequency of a valve, wherein the valve regulates the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger, and wherein the operating frequency includes the rate at which the valve is actuated between a first valve position and a second valve position, wherein the first valve position sets a first refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger, and the second valve position sets a second refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger; and The controller is used to control the operation of the solenoid valve, so as to actuate the valve at the operating frequency. The refrigerant includes liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant, and Specifically, at the operating frequency, the valve is actuated to interrupt the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger, so that when the valve moves from the first valve position to the second valve position, the liquid refrigerant is more evenly distributed through the heat exchanger.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The controller receives a third signal from a third sensor, the third signal indicating the rotational speed of the compressor, the compressor being configured to allow refrigerant to flow through the heat exchanger; as well as The controller is used to set the operating frequency based on the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The operating frequency has a value between 0 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the first refrigerant flow rate is the maximum flow rate through the heat exchanger, and the second refrigerant flow rate is zero.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The operating frequency has a value between 80 Hz and 250 Hz.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Using the controller and after setting the operating frequency, additional signals are received from the first sensor; The controller is used to adjust the operating frequency based on the additional signal to set the adjusted operating frequency; as well as The controller is used to control the operation of the solenoid valve so as to actuate the valve at the adjusted operating frequency.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Setting the operating frequency includes setting the operating frequency based on a control curve stored in the memory of the controller.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second refrigerant flow rate is greater than zero, and the first refrigerant flow rate is the maximum flow rate through the heat exchanger.

8. A control system for interrupting the flow of refrigerant through a heat exchanger, the control system comprising: A valve for regulating the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger; A solenoid valve, connected to the valve to actuate the valve; A first sensor provides a signal indicating the pressure of the refrigerant flow within the heat exchanger; A second sensor, configured to provide a signal indicating the temperature of the refrigerant; as well as A controller, connected to the solenoid valve and the sensor, including an electronic processor and a memory, is configured to: Receive a first signal from the first sensor; Receive a second signal from the first sensor. The operating frequency of the valve is set based on the first signal and the second signal, wherein the operating frequency includes the rate at which the valve is actuated between a first valve position and a second valve position, wherein the first valve position sets a first refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger, and the second valve position sets a second refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger; and The operation of the solenoid valve is controlled to actuate the valve at the operating frequency. The refrigerant stream includes liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant, and Specifically, at the operating frequency, the valve is actuated to interrupt the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger, so that when the valve moves from the first valve position to the second valve position, the liquid refrigerant is more evenly distributed through the heat exchanger.

9. The control system of claim 8 further comprises a third sensor configured to provide a signal indicating the rotational speed of the compressor, wherein, The controller is further configured to: Receive a third signal from the third sensor; as well as The operating frequency is set based on the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal.

10. The control system according to claim 8, wherein, The operating frequency has a value between 0 Hz and 500 Hz, and wherein the first refrigerant flow rate is the maximum flow rate through the heat exchanger, and the second refrigerant flow rate is zero.

11. The control system according to claim 10, wherein, The operating frequency has a value between 80 Hz and 250 Hz.

12. The control system according to claim 8, wherein, The controller is further configured to: After setting the operating frequency, additional signals are received from the first sensor; The operating frequency is adjusted based on the additional signal to set the adjusted operating frequency; as well as The operation of the solenoid valve is controlled to actuate the valve at the adjusted operating frequency.

13. The control system according to claim 8, wherein, The controller is configured to set the operating frequency based on the control curves stored in the memory.

14. The control system according to claim 8, wherein, The second refrigerant flow rate is greater than zero, and the first refrigerant flow rate is the maximum flow rate through the heat exchanger.

15. A heat exchanger assembly, comprising: A heat exchanger core, the heat exchanger core including a refrigerant passage, an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold; A valve configured to regulate the flow of refrigerant into the core of the heat exchanger; A solenoid valve that actuates the valve between a first valve position and a second valve position, wherein the first valve position sets a first refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger core, and the second valve position sets a second refrigerant flow rate through the heat exchanger core. A pressure sensor configured to provide a pressure signal indicating the pressure of the refrigerant within the refrigerant passage; A temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature signal indicating the temperature of the refrigerant within the refrigerant passage; as well as The controller, comprising an electronic processor and a memory, is configured to: Receive the first signal from the pressure sensor. Receive a second signal from the temperature sensor. The operating frequency of the valve is set based on the first signal and the second signal, wherein the operating frequency is the rate at which the valve is actuated between the first valve position and the second valve position; as well as The operation of the solenoid valve is controlled to actuate the valve at the operating frequency.

16. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 15, wherein, The controller is further configured to: After setting the operating frequency, an additional signal is received from the pressure sensor or the temperature sensor, wherein the operating frequency is a first operating frequency; A second operating frequency is set based on the additional signal, wherein the second operating frequency is different from the first operating frequency; and The operation of the solenoid valve is controlled to actuate the valve at the second operating frequency.

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