Pumped refrigerant system and related method for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system

Abstract

The pumped refrigerant system may include a condenser, a pump coupled downstream of the condenser, an evaporator assembly coupled downstream of the pump, the condenser coupled downstream of the evaporator assembly, and a refrigerant heating assembly coupled downstream of the pump, the condenser coupled downstream of the refrigerant heating assembly. The refrigerant heating assembly may include a tank and a heating element coupled to the tank and configured to heat the refrigerant within the tank. The input valve may be configured to selectively allow the pump to push the refrigerant into the tank. The output valve may be configured to selectively inject the heated refrigerant from the tank into the pipe upstream of the condenser.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 181,925 filed on April 29, 2021, and is a PCT application of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 730,171 filed on April 26, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 181,925 filed on April 29, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0004] not applicable.

[0005] Reference Appendix

[0006] not applicable. Technical Field

[0007] The present invention relates generally to refrigerant systems and, more particularly, to a cold start system for a pumped refrigerant system. Background Art

[0008] When a pumped refrigerant system is shut down for an extended period, its fluid temperature may become proportional to its surroundings. When used in extremely low temperature environments, a pumped refrigerant system may not have enough heat input to adequately heat the long, large diameter pipes required in some applications. As the refrigerant fluid passes through the cold pipes, some of the fluid condenses, and this condensed fluid may be trapped at low points in the pipes and not reach the condenser. This can drain the fluid reserve, making it impossible to start the pumped refrigerant system, and in some cases may even stop the operation of such a system.

[0009] One approach is to wrap long pipes with heat tracing. However, this technique heats the pipes slowly and therefore requires a long heat-up time. This technique is also inefficient, requires a lot of energy input, and makes the installation of the refrigerant system more complicated.

[0010] There is a need in the art to improve cold starting of refrigerant systems. Summary of the invention

[0011] Applicants have created new and useful apparatus, systems and methods for cold starting of refrigerant systems.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the pumped refrigerant system may include a condenser, a pump downstream of the condenser, an evaporator assembly downstream of the pump, the condenser being downstream of the evaporator assembly, and a refrigerant heating assembly downstream of the pump, the condenser being downstream of the refrigerant heating assembly. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly may include a tank and a heating element coupled to the tank for heating the refrigerant in the tank, which may include being mounted in the tank, mounted on the tank, or otherwise configured to heat the refrigerant in the tank. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly may include an input valve located between the pump and the tank. In at least one embodiment, the input valve may be used to selectively allow the pump to push the refrigerant into the tank. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly may include an output valve located between the tank and the condenser. In at least one embodiment, the output valve may be used to selectively inject heated refrigerant from the tank into a pipe upstream of the condenser.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly can be piped in parallel with the evaporator assembly. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly can receive refrigerant from the pipe between the pump and the evaporator assembly. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly can inject heated refrigerant into the pipe between the evaporator assembly and the condenser.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, a method for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include filling a tank with refrigerant from a pipe between a pump and an evaporator. In at least one embodiment, a method for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include sealing the refrigerant in the tank. In at least one embodiment, a method for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include heating the refrigerant in the tank. In at least one embodiment, a method for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include injecting heated refrigerant into the pipe between the evaporator and the condenser. In at least one embodiment, filling the tank may include opening a tank input valve, closing an expansion valve of the evaporator, and turning on the pump. In at least one embodiment, sealing the refrigerant in the tank may include closing the tank input valve and turning off the pump. In at least one embodiment, injecting heated refrigerant may include opening a tank output valve.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant cycle can start after heating the refrigerant. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant cycle can start before, after and / or simultaneously with injecting the heated refrigerant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one of many embodiments of a refrigerant cold start system according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 is a partial schematic diagram of one of many embodiments of a refrigerant cold start system according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating one of many embodiments of a method for cold starting a refrigerant system according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The drawings described above and the written description of the specific structures and functions below do not limit the scope of the invention that the applicant has invented or the scope of the appended claims. On the contrary, the drawings and written descriptions are provided to teach those skilled in the art to make and use the invention for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, not all features of the commercial embodiments of the present invention are described or shown. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the development of actual commercial embodiments incorporating various aspects of the present invention will require many implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and may not be limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related and other constraints, which may vary with specific implementations, locations and times. Although the developer's efforts may be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts will be routine tasks for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure. It must be understood that the invention disclosed and taught herein is susceptible to many different modifications and alternative forms.

[0020] The use of singular terms, such as but not limited to "one", is not intended to limit the number of items. In addition, the use of relational terms, such as but not limited to, "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "upper", "side" etc. are used in written descriptions, so that it is clear when specifically referring to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention or the appended claims. The terms "including" and "such as" are illustrative, rather than restrictive. The terms "connection", "coupler" and similar terms are widely used in this article, and may include any method or device for fixing, bundling, combining, fastening, attaching, engaging, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein, communicating or otherwise associating with an intermediate element, one or more members, such as mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operably, directly or indirectly, and may further include but not limited to forming a functional component with another functional component in an integrated manner. Connection may occur in any direction, including the direction of rotation. Furthermore, all parts and components of the present disclosure that are capable of being physically inherently implemented include virtual and real features, whether or not such features are explicitly described herein, including but not limited to features such as axes, ends, inner and outer surfaces, interior spaces, tops, bottoms, sides, boundaries, dimensions (e.g., height, length, width, thickness), mass, weight, volume, and density.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one of many embodiments of a refrigerant cold start system according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a partial schematic diagram of one of many embodiments of a refrigerant cold start system according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating one of many embodiments of a method for cold starting a refrigerant system according to the present disclosure. Figure 1-3 .

[0022] Applicants have created new and useful apparatus, systems and methods for cold starting of refrigerant systems.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the pumped refrigerant system may include a condenser, a pump downstream of the condenser, an evaporator assembly downstream of the pump, the condenser being downstream of the evaporator assembly, and a refrigerant heating assembly downstream of the pump, the condenser being downstream of the refrigerant heating assembly. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly may include a tank and a heating element coupled to the tank for heating the refrigerant in the tank, which may include being mounted in the tank, mounted on the tank, or otherwise configured to heat the refrigerant in the tank. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly may include an input valve located between the pump and the tank. In at least one embodiment, the input valve may be used to selectively allow the pump to push the refrigerant into the tank. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly may include an output valve located between the tank and the condenser. In at least one embodiment, the output valve may be used to selectively inject heated refrigerant from the tank into a pipe upstream of the condenser.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly can be piped in parallel with the evaporator assembly. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly can receive refrigerant from the pipe between the pump and the evaporator assembly. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly can inject heated refrigerant into the pipe between the evaporator assembly and the condenser.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, a method for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include filling a tank with refrigerant from a pipe between a pump and an evaporator. In at least one embodiment, a method for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include sealing the refrigerant in the tank. In at least one embodiment, a method for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include heating the refrigerant in the tank. In at least one embodiment, a method for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include injecting heated refrigerant into the pipe between the evaporator and the condenser. In at least one embodiment, filling the tank may include opening a tank input valve, closing an expansion valve of the evaporator, and turning on the pump. In at least one embodiment, sealing the refrigerant in the tank may include closing the tank input valve and turning off the pump. In at least one embodiment, injecting heated refrigerant may include opening a tank output valve.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant cycle can start after heating the refrigerant. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant cycle can start before, after and / or simultaneously with injecting the heated refrigerant.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the pumped refrigerant system 100 may include a refrigerant circuit including a condenser 110, a pump 120 piped downstream of the condenser 110, and an evaporator assembly piped downstream of the pump 120, wherein the condenser 110 is piped downstream of the evaporator assembly, which may complete the refrigerant circuit (e.g., depending on what other components, if any, may be included in any particular physical implementation). In at least one embodiment, the evaporator assembly may include an evaporator 130 and an expansion valve 140. In at least one embodiment, the pumped refrigerant system 100 may include a refrigerant heating assembly 200 piped downstream of the pump 120, and the condenser 110 is piped downstream of the refrigerant heating assembly 200.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 may include a tank 210 and a heating element 220 coupled to or within the tank 210 to heat the refrigerant within the tank 210. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 may include an input valve 230. In at least one embodiment, the input valve 230 may be piped between the pump 120 and the tank 210. In at least one embodiment, the input valve 230 may be piped to a T-joint between the pump 120 and the tank 210.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the input valve 230 can be piped to a T-joint between the pump 120, the evaporator assembly, and the tank 210. In at least one embodiment, the input valve 230 can be a three-way valve between the pump 120, the evaporator assembly, and the tank 210. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 can include an input valve 230 coupled to the piping between the pump 120 and the evaporator assembly, allowing selective communication between the pump 120 and the tank 210. In at least one embodiment, the input valve 230 can be used to selectively allow the pump 120 to push or pump refrigerant into the tank 210.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 may include an output valve 240. In at least one embodiment, the output valve 240 may be piped between the tank 210 and the condenser 110. In at least one embodiment, the output valve 240 may be piped to a T-joint between the tank 210 and the condenser 110. In at least one embodiment, the output valve 240 may be piped to a T-joint between the tank 210, the evaporator assembly, and the condenser 110. In at least one embodiment, the output valve 240 may be a three-way valve between the tank 210, the evaporator assembly, and the condenser 110. In at least one embodiment, the output valve 240 may be used to selectively inject heated refrigerant from the tank 210 into a pipe upstream of the condenser 110. In at least one embodiment, the output valve 240 may be used to selectively inject heated refrigerant from the tank 210 into a pipe downstream of the evaporator assembly.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 can be piped in parallel with the evaporator assembly. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 can receive refrigerant from the pipe between the pump 120 and the evaporator assembly. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 can inject heated refrigerant into the pipe between the evaporator assembly and the condenser 110.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the method 300 for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include filling the tank 210 with refrigerant from a conduit between the pump 120 and the evaporator 130, as shown in step 306. In at least one embodiment, filling the tank 210 may include opening the tank input valve 230, closing the expansion valve 140 of the evaporator 130, and starting the pump 120, as shown in steps 302 and 304.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, the method 300 for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include sealing the refrigerant in tank 210, as shown in step 308. In at least one embodiment, sealing the refrigerant in tank 210 may include shutting off tank input valve 230 and shutting off pump 120.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the method 300 for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include heating the refrigerant in the tank 210, as shown in step 310. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant is heated above its critical temperature and becomes supercritical.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the method 300 for cold starting a pumped refrigerant system may include injecting heated refrigerant into the piping between the evaporator 130 and the condenser 110. In at least one embodiment, injecting the heated refrigerant may include opening the tank outlet valve 240, as shown in step 314. In at least one embodiment, injecting the heated refrigerant may include opening the expansion valve 140. In at least one embodiment, injecting the heated refrigerant may include turning on the pump 120. In at least one embodiment, injecting the refrigerant above its critical temperature or in a supercritical state rapidly heats the refrigerant in the piping between the evaporator 130 and the condenser 110 to or above the saturation temperature of the refrigerant, which may include heating the piping itself to the same temperature or a different temperature.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant cycle can be started after the refrigerant is sufficiently heated, as shown in step 312. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant cycle can be started before, after, and / or simultaneously with the injection of the heated refrigerant. In at least one embodiment, starting the refrigerant cycle can include opening the expansion valve 140. In at least one embodiment, starting the refrigerant cycle can include turning on the pump 120.

[0037] As described above, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 improves the cold start efficiency of the pumped refrigerant system 100. For example, in at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 does not require an additional refrigerant charge. In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 heats the refrigerant and / or the tubing between the evaporator 130 and the condenser 110 faster than a heating element wrapped around the tubing (e.g., tubing tracing). In at least one embodiment, the refrigerant heating assembly 200 heats the refrigerant and / or the tubing between the evaporator 130 and the condenser 110 using less energy than a heating element wrapped around the tubing, such as tubing tracing.

[0038] Without departing from the spirit of the applicant's disclosure, other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be designed. For example, the device, system, and method may be used for many different types and sizes of refrigerant cycles in many different industries. In addition, various methods and embodiments of the device, system, and method may be combined with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussions of singular elements may include plural elements, and vice versa. Unless otherwise specified, the order of steps may appear in various orders. The various steps described herein may be combined with other steps, inserted into the steps, and / or divided into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally, and these elements may be embodied as separate components, or may be combined into components having multiple functions.

[0039] The present invention has been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments, and not every embodiment of the invention has been described. Obvious modifications and alterations to the described embodiments may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention conceived by the applicant, but, in accordance with patent law, the applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that fall within the scope of equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pumped refrigerant system, comprising: Condenser; a pump connected downstream of the condenser; an evaporator assembly coupled downstream of the pump, a condenser coupled downstream of the evaporator assembly; as well as A refrigerant heating assembly is connected downstream of the pump, and a condenser is connected downstream of the refrigerant heating assembly; Wherein, the refrigerant heating component is connected downstream of the pump and upstream of the condenser, and is connected in parallel with the evaporator; wherein the refrigerant heating assembly comprises a tank and a heating element, the heating element being within the tank and configured to heat the refrigerant within the tank; wherein the refrigerant can flow from the pump to the evaporator, the condenser and back to the pump in sequence; and Therein, the refrigerant can flow from the pump to the refrigerant heating component, the condenser and back to the pump in sequence.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly also includes an input valve located between the pump and the tank, wherein the input valve is configured to selectively allow the pump to push refrigerant into the tank.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly also includes an output valve located between the tank and the condenser, wherein the output valve is configured to selectively inject heated refrigerant from the tank into the conduit upstream of the condenser.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly is configured to receive refrigerant from a conduit between the pump and the evaporator assembly.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly is configured to inject heated refrigerant into a pipe between the evaporator assembly and the condenser.

6. A pumped refrigerant system comprising: Condenser; a pump connected downstream of the condenser; an evaporator assembly coupled downstream of the pump, a condenser coupled downstream of the evaporator assembly; as well as A refrigerant heating assembly is connected downstream of the pump, upstream of the condenser, and in parallel with the evaporator; wherein the refrigerant heating assembly comprises a tank and a heating element, the heating element being coupled within the tank and configured to heat the refrigerant sealed within the tank; wherein the refrigerant can flow from the pump to the evaporator, the condenser and back to the pump in sequence; and Therein, the refrigerant can flow from the pump to the refrigerant heating component, the condenser and back to the pump in sequence.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly also includes an input valve located between the pump and the tank, wherein the input valve is configured to selectively allow the pump to push the refrigerant into the tank and selectively seal the refrigerant within the tank.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly also includes an output valve located between the tank and the condenser, wherein the output valve is configured to selectively inject heated refrigerant from the tank into the conduit upstream of the condenser and selectively seal the refrigerant within the tank.

9. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly is configured to receive refrigerant from a conduit between the pump and the evaporator assembly.

10. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly is configured to inject heated refrigerant into a pipe between the evaporator assembly and the condenser.

11. A pumped refrigerant system comprising: Condenser; a pump connected downstream of the condenser; an evaporator assembly coupled downstream of the pump, a condenser coupled downstream of the evaporator assembly; as well as A refrigerant heating assembly is connected downstream of the pump, upstream of the condenser, and in parallel with the evaporator; wherein the refrigerant heating assembly comprises a tank and a heating element, the heating element being coupled to the tank; and Wherein, the heating element is configured to heat the refrigerant in the box.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly also includes an input valve located between the pump and the tank, wherein the input valve is configured to selectively allow the pump to push refrigerant into the tank.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly also includes an output valve located between the tank and the condenser, wherein the output valve is configured to selectively inject heated refrigerant from the tank into the conduit upstream of the condenser.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly is configured to receive refrigerant from a conduit between the pump and the evaporator assembly.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The refrigerant heating assembly is configured to inject heated refrigerant into a pipe between the evaporator assembly and the condenser.

16. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The heating element is mounted in the tank, on the tank, or both.

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