System and method for determining pump operation

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses systems and methods for confirming pump operation. A method may include fluidly coupling a pump between at least two heat exchangers; confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially opened; starting the compressor, and starting a first preselected time period; starting the pump; stopping the compressor upon the end of the first preselected time period; at least partially closing the expansion valve, starting a second preselected time period; monitoring a pressure difference between a first point downstream of the pump and a second point upstream of the pump; if the pressure difference does not exceed the first threshold before the end of the second preselected time period, indicating that the pump is installed incorrectly; stopping the pump; or any combination thereof. An expansion valve may be fluidly coupled between the pump and one of the heat exchangers. The compressor may be fluidly coupled between the two heat exchangers.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 683,694, filed August 15, 2024, and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 19 / 299,094, filed August 13, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to pumps used in cooling systems, and more specifically to control systems for such pumps. Background Technology

[0004] Cooling systems, such as those used in data centers, typically consist of four main components: an expansion valve, an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor. Some systems also include pumps that provide an economizer operating mode. Economizer operating mode reduces energy consumption by utilizing lower ambient temperatures to cool the refrigerant carrying the heat load in the space, thereby minimizing the need for compressor operation. In this economizer mode, when the outside temperature is sufficiently low, the pump, rather than the compressor, moves the refrigerant or other cooling fluid through the system, effectively utilizing the cooler ambient air to maintain optimal cooling.

[0005] When installing such pumps, whether replacing a faulty pump or installing a new one, a common defect is that the new pump is plumbed backwards and / or improperly wired, causing it to pump and / or rotate in the wrong direction. Improperly connected or wired pumps are inefficient and / or may damage other components of the cooling system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The applicant has developed novel and useful devices, systems, and methods for verifying the operation and / or correct installation of pumps in a cooling system. Embodiments of this disclosure can advantageously improve efficiency, prevent system failures, reduce downtime, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system according to this disclosure can achieve these objectives without requiring additional hardware compared to the hardware present in existing cooling systems.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the method according to this disclosure may include: fluidly connecting a pump between at least two heat exchangers; confirming that an expansion valve is at least partially open; starting a compressor to begin a first preselected time period; starting the pump; stopping the compressor once the first preselected time period ends; at least partially closing the expansion valve to begin a second preselected time period; monitoring the pressure difference between a first point downstream of the pump and a second point upstream of the pump; indicating that the pump is incorrectly installed if the pressure difference does not exceed a first threshold before the end of the second preselected time period; stopping the pump; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valve may be fluidly connected between the pump and at least one of the aforementioned heat exchangers. In at least one embodiment, the compressor may be fluidly connected between the aforementioned at least two heat exchangers.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open may include at least partially opening the expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open may include confirming that the expansion valve is at least half-open. In at least one embodiment, closing the expansion valve may include closing the expansion valve to at most half-open, at most one-third open, at most one-quarter open, or less. In at least one embodiment, stopping the pump may include stopping the pump once the differential pressure exceeds a first threshold, once a second preselected time period ends, or any combination thereof.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the method according to this disclosure may include: fluidly connecting a pump between at least two heat exchangers; confirming that an expansion valve is at least partially open; starting a compressor to begin a first preselected time period; stopping the compressor once the first preselected time period ends; at least partially closing the expansion valve; starting the pump to begin a second preselected time period; monitoring the pressure difference across the pump; indicating incorrect pump installation if the pressure difference does not exceed a first threshold before the end of the second preselected time period; increasing the pressure difference beyond a set point once the pressure difference exceeds the first threshold to begin a third preselected time period; indicating pump failure if the pump does not stop before the end of the third preselected time period; stopping the pump once the third preselected time period ends; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valve may be fluidly connected between the pump and at least one of the aforementioned heat exchangers. In at least one embodiment, the compressor may be fluidly connected between the aforementioned at least two heat exchangers.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the first pre-selected time period and the second pre-selected time period may overlap. In at least one embodiment, the second pre-selected time period may begin before the end of the first pre-selected time period. In at least one embodiment, the pump may be started before the compressor stops. In at least one embodiment, the pump and the compressor may run simultaneously for a period of time, which may be pre-selected.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open may include at least partially opening the expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open may include opening the expansion valve to at least half-open. In at least one embodiment, closing the expansion valve may include closing the expansion valve to at most half-open, at most one-third open, at most one-quarter open, or less.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, increasing the differential pressure may include: increasing the differential pressure beyond a set point once the differential pressure exceeds a first threshold and / or the second pre-selected time period ends. In at least one embodiment, increasing the differential pressure may include further closing the expansion valve and / or increasing the pump speed.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system according to this disclosure may include: a pump connected in piping between two heat exchangers; an expansion valve fluidly connected between the pump and at least one of the heat exchangers; a compressor connected in piping between the heat exchangers; a controller; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the controller may perform and / or cause to perform any one or more method steps shown and / or described herein. In at least one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium according to this disclosure may have instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform and / or cause to perform any one or more method steps shown and / or described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of a cooling system according to the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating one of the many embodiments of the method according to this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the correct clockwise rotation of a pump used with a cooling system according to this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the correct counterclockwise rotation of the pump used with the cooling system according to this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a simplified schematic diagram of another embodiment of the cooling system according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the method according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The accompanying drawings described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not intended to limit the scope of the applicant's invention or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, these drawings and written descriptions are provided to teach any person skilled in the art how to make and use the patent-seeking invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that not all features of a commercial implementation of the invention are described or shown for clarity and understanding purposes. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the development of a practical commercial implementation incorporating various aspects of the invention will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goals for the commercial implementation. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, but are not limited to, compliance with system-related, commercially relevant, governmental-related constraints, and other constraints that may vary depending on the specific implementation, location, and timeframe. While the developer's efforts may be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts will be routine 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 and various modifications and alternatives.

[0021] The use of singular terms such as, but not limited to, “a” is not intended as a limitation on the number of items. Furthermore, the use of relational terms such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “below,” “above,” “side,” etc., in the written description is for clarity when specifically referring to the accompanying drawings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. The terms “comprising” and “e.g.” are illustrative and not restrictive. The terms “coupled,” “connected,” “linked,” “coupler,” and similar terms are used extensively herein and may include any method or apparatus for securing, joining, bonding, fastening, attaching, engaging, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein, connecting one or more components, or otherwise (e.g., mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operatively, directly, or indirectly through an intermediate element) one or more components together, and may also include, but is not limited to, integrally forming one functional component with another functional component. Coupling can occur in any direction, including coupling in a rotational direction. Furthermore, all parts and components of this disclosure that can be physically and inherently implemented include both hypothetical and real characteristics, regardless of whether such characteristics are explicitly described herein. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, characteristics such as axis, ends, inner and outer surfaces, internal space, top, bottom, sides, boundaries, dimensions (e.g., height, length, width, thickness), mass, weight, volume, and density.

[0022] Any process flowcharts discussed herein illustrate the operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each box in the flowchart may represent a module, code segment, or code portion, which may include one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function. It should also be noted that in some implementations, the functions indicated in the boxes may not appear in the order depicted in the figures. For example, boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously. It will also be noted that each box illustrated in the flowchart may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs a particular function or action.

[0023] The applicant has developed novel and useful devices, systems, and methods for verifying the operation and / or correct installation of pumps in a cooling system. Embodiments of this disclosure can advantageously improve efficiency, prevent system failures, reduce downtime, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system according to this disclosure can achieve these objectives without requiring additional hardware compared to the hardware present in existing cooling systems.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of a cooling system according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating one of the many embodiments of the method according to this disclosure. Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the correct clockwise rotation of a pump used with a cooling system according to this disclosure. Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the correct counterclockwise rotation of the pump used with the cooling system according to this disclosure. Figure 5 This is a simplified schematic diagram of another embodiment of the cooling system according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the method according to this disclosure. Described in conjunction with each other. Figures 1 to 6 .

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 according to this disclosure may include: one or more expansion valves 110; one or more evaporators 120; one or more condensers 130; one or more compressors 140; one or more pumps 150; one or more controllers 160; one or more sensors 170; interconnecting plumbing; one or more cooling fluids (e.g., refrigerants); or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valves 110 and / or evaporators 120 may be at least partially located within a building 180 (e.g., a data center). In at least one embodiment, the condensers 130 may be located outside the building 180 and / or exposed to one or more ambient conditions. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valves 110 may be electronic expansion valves (EEVs) or include EEVs.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, controller 160 may cause compressor 140 to compress refrigerant received from evaporator 120, cause condenser 130 to cool the compressed refrigerant received from compressor 140, cause expansion valve 110 and evaporator 120 to transfer heat (e.g., heat in a data center) to refrigerant received from condenser 130, and cause pump 150 to stop, idle, free-rotate, bypass, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, when the external ambient temperature or other temperature of building 180 is low, controller 160 may control pump 150 to circulate the received refrigerant between evaporator 120 and condenser 130 to dissipate heat in building 180, and cause expansion valve 110 and compressor 140 to open, stop, idle, free-rotate, bypass, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, controller 160 may use various sensors 170 to control system 100, such as one or more pressure sensors, one or more differential pressure sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more flow sensors, one or more other sensors, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the controller 160 may use the sensor 170 to confirm that the operation and / or installation of the pump 150 is correct.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, method 200 according to this disclosure may include: confirming or otherwise ensuring that cooling fluid is circulating through pump 150 as described in step 210; confirming that the pressure differential across pump 150 is sufficient or correct as described in step 220; confirming that the operation and / or control of pump 150 is correct as described in step 230; restoring normal operation as described in step 240; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, method 300 according to this disclosure may include: operating compressor 140 as described in step 310; stopping compressor 140 and operating pump 150 as described in step 320; closing expansion valve 110 as described in step 330; detecting the pressure differential across pump 150 as described in step 340; indicating incorrect pump installation as described in step 350 if the pressure differential is insufficient; indicating correct pump installation as described in step 360 if the pressure differential is sufficient; or any combination thereof. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the indicating step and / or any indication may be performed in any desired or desired manner. For example, one or more alarms or other indicators, such as signals, sound indicators, visual indicators, mechanical indicators, other indicators, or any combination thereof, may be output or activated electrically, electronically, wirelessly, or otherwise.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, ensuring that cooling fluid, such as refrigerant, is circulating through pump 150, as described in step 210, may include operating compressor 140, as described in step 310. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the pressure differential across pump 150 is sufficient or correct, as described in step 220, may include operating pump 150, as described in step 320; closing expansion valve 110, as described in step 330; detecting the pressure differential across pump 150, as described in step 340; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the operation and / or control of pump 150 is correct, as described in step 230, may include increasing the pressure differential across pump 150; indicating incorrect pump control if pump 150 does not stop; indicating correct pump control if pump does stop; or any combination thereof.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 may verify, for example, after new installation, replacement, maintenance, other events, or periodically, that the refrigerant or other cooling fluid is correctly circulating through the pump 150. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 may ensure that the refrigerant is correctly circulating through the pump 150 by opening the expansion valve 110, operating the compressor 140, operating the pump 150, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 may partially open, fully open, or open the expansion valve 110 to any position between the two. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 may open the expansion valve 110 to at least half-open. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 may operate the compressor 140 and pump 150 simultaneously or sequentially and / or at the same or different time periods. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 may use sensor 170 to verify that the refrigerant is correctly circulating through the pump 150.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 can verify that the pump 150 is installed correctly by confirming that the pressure difference across the pump 150 is sufficient or correct. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 can verify that the pressure difference across the pump 150 is correct by closing the expansion valve 110, stopping the compressor 140, running the pump 150, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 can partially close, fully close, or close the expansion valve 110 to any position between the two. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 can close the expansion valve 110 to at most half-open, one-third open, one-quarter open, or less. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 can run the pump 150 for a predetermined period of time and / or until the sensor 170 indicates that the pressure difference across the pump 150 is sufficient or correct. In at least one embodiment, if insufficient pressure differential across pump 150 is sensed within or after a predetermined time period, cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 may indicate that the pump is not installed correctly.

[0031] For example, even when pump 150 is not operating, a pressure differential can still be expected across pump 150 as refrigerant flows through it. In at least one embodiment, controller 160 can take note of this baseline pressure differential. In at least one embodiment, when pump 150 is correctly installed and wired to allow it to operate and rotate normally, a significant pressure differential can be expected across pump 150, for example, 10 pounds per square inch (PSI) or 10 PSI above the baseline pressure differential. If pump 150 rotates in reverse, as may happen with incorrect wiring, the pressure differential across pump 150 can be expected to increase very little. If the piping of pump 150 is incorrectly connected, a negative pressure differential can be expected across pump 150.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 can confirm the correct operation of pump 150 by further increasing the pressure differential across pump 150. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 can further increase the pressure differential across pump 150 by further closing expansion valve 110 and / or increasing the speed of pump 150. In at least one embodiment, if pump 150 and / or its protection devices are operating normally, pump 150 can stop when faced with a pressure differential across pump 150 exceeding a set point. In at least one embodiment, if pump 150 does not stop when faced with a pressure differential across pump 150 exceeding a set point, the cooling system 100 and / or controller 160 can indicate a pump malfunction. In at least one embodiment, incorrect pump installation and / or other pump malfunctions can be monitored and / or indicated by controller 160 and / or a remote monitoring system. In at least one embodiment, incorrect pump installation and / or other pump malfunctions can be indicated in an audible and / or visual manner.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, the method according to this disclosure may include: fluidly connecting pump 150 between at least two heat exchangers 120, 130; confirming that expansion valve 110 is at least partially open; starting compressor 140 to begin a first preselected time period; starting pump 150; stopping compressor 140 once the first preselected time period ends; at least partially closing expansion valve 110 to begin a second preselected time period; monitoring the pressure difference between a first point downstream of pump 150 and a second point upstream of pump 150; indicating incorrect pump installation if the pressure difference does not exceed a first threshold before the end of the second preselected time period; stopping pump 150; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, expansion valve 110 may be fluidly connected between pump 150 and at least one of the aforementioned heat exchangers 120. In at least one embodiment, compressor 140 may be fluidly connected between two heat exchangers 120, 130.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, confirming that expansion valve 110 is at least partially open may include at least partially opening expansion valve 110. In at least one embodiment, confirming that expansion valve 110 is at least partially open may include confirming that expansion valve 100 is at least half-open. In at least one embodiment, closing expansion valve 110 may include closing expansion valve 110 to at most half-open, at most one-third open, at most one-quarter open, or less. In at least one embodiment, stopping pump 150 may include stopping pump 150 once the differential pressure exceeds a first threshold, once a second preselected time period ends, or any combination thereof.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the method according to this disclosure may include: fluidly connecting pump 150 between at least two heat exchangers 120, 130; confirming that expansion valve 110 is at least partially open; starting compressor 140 to begin a first preselected time period; stopping compressor 140 once the first preselected time period ends; at least partially closing expansion valve 110; starting pump 150 to begin a second preselected time period; monitoring the pressure difference across pump 150; indicating incorrect pump installation if the pressure difference does not exceed a first threshold before the end of the second preselected time period; increasing the pressure difference beyond a set point once the pressure difference exceeds the first threshold to begin a third preselected time period; indicating pump failure if pump 150 does not stop before the end of the third preselected time period; stopping pump 150 once the third preselected time period ends; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, expansion valve 110 may be fluidly connected between pump 150 and at least one of the heat exchangers 120. In at least one embodiment, compressor 140 may be fluidly connected between at least two heat exchangers 120, 130.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the first pre-selected time period and the second pre-selected time period may overlap. In at least one embodiment, the second pre-selected time period may begin before the end of the first pre-selected time period. In at least one embodiment, the pump 150 may be started before the compressor 140 stops. In at least one embodiment, the pump 150 and the compressor 140 may operate simultaneously for a period of time, which may be pre-selected.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve 110 is at least partially open may include at least partially opening the expansion valve 110. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve 110 is at least partially open may include opening the expansion valve 110 to at least half-open. In at least one embodiment, closing the expansion valve 110 may include closing the expansion valve 110 to at most half-open, at most one-third open, at most one-quarter open, or less.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, increasing the differential pressure may include increasing the differential pressure beyond a set point once the differential pressure exceeds a first threshold and / or the second pre-selected time period ends. In at least one embodiment, increasing the differential pressure may include further closing the expansion valve 110 and / or increasing the speed of the pump 150.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 according to this disclosure may include: a pump 150 connected in piping between two heat exchangers 120, 130; an expansion valve 110 fluidly connected between the pump 150 and at least one of the heat exchangers 120, 130; a compressor 140 connected in piping between the heat exchangers 120 and 130; a controller 160; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the controller 160 may perform and / or cause to perform any one or more method steps shown and / or described herein. In at least one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium according to this disclosure may have instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform and / or cause to perform any one or more method steps shown and / or described herein.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the method according to this disclosure may include: controlling the pressure differential across the pump to regulate the pump speed. In at least one embodiment, the method according to this disclosure may include: setting the pump pressure differential to a value or range, such as less than 12 pounds per square inch (PSI), and initiating a pump test. In at least one embodiment, the compressor may be started or run to place refrigerant (or charge) around the pump. In at least one embodiment, one or more steps may be completed or performed over one or more time periods. In at least one embodiment, the pump may be started after the compressor has run for a period of time, such as 60 to 61 seconds, and the compressor may be shut off after a period of time, such as 65 to 66 seconds. In at least one embodiment, the compressor may be shut off before the EEV is turned off. In at least one embodiment, the EEV may be partially turned off after a period of time, such as turning off the EEV to 25% after a period of time, such as 70 to 71 seconds. In at least one embodiment, the pump pressure differential may be increased, for example, to between 12 PSI and 20 PSI, and the pump may continue to run. In at least one embodiment, the pump differential pressure can be increased, for example, to greater than 20 PSI after a period of approximately 90 seconds, to stop the pump and conclude that the pump test has passed. In at least one embodiment, if the pump differential pressure is less than 20 PSI after a period of approximately, for example, 90 seconds, the pump can continue to operate. In at least one embodiment, if the pump differential pressure is less than 20 PSI after another period of time, for example, after a period of approximately 120 seconds, the pump can be stopped and the pump test can be concluded to have failed. The foregoing values ​​are illustrative examples of one of many embodiments of this disclosure, and other values ​​may be used as needed or desired, depending on the implementation of this disclosure.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, the method according to this disclosure may include: fluidly connecting a pump between at least two heat exchangers; confirming that an expansion valve is at least partially open; starting a compressor to begin a first preselected time period; starting the pump; stopping the compressor once the first preselected time period ends; at least partially closing the expansion valve to begin a second preselected time period; monitoring the pressure difference between a first point downstream of the pump and a second point upstream of the pump; indicating that the pump is incorrectly installed if the pressure difference does not exceed a first threshold before the end of the second preselected time period; stopping the pump; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valve may be fluidly connected between the pump and at least one of the aforementioned heat exchangers. In at least one embodiment, the compressor may be fluidly connected between two heat exchangers.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open may include at least partially opening the expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open may include confirming that the expansion valve is at least half-open. In at least one embodiment, closing the expansion valve may include closing the expansion valve to at most half-open, at most one-third open, at most one-quarter open, or less. In at least one embodiment, stopping the pump may include stopping the pump once the differential pressure exceeds a first threshold, once a second preselected time period ends, or any combination thereof.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the method according to this disclosure may include: fluidly connecting a pump between at least two heat exchangers; confirming that an expansion valve is at least partially open; starting a compressor to begin a first preselected time period; stopping the compressor once the first preselected time period ends; at least partially closing the expansion valve; starting the pump to begin a second preselected time period; monitoring the pressure difference across the pump; indicating incorrect pump installation if the pressure difference does not exceed a first threshold before the end of the second preselected time period; increasing the pressure difference beyond a set point once the pressure difference exceeds the first threshold to begin a third preselected time period; indicating pump failure if the pump does not stop before the end of the third preselected time period; stopping the pump once the third preselected time period ends; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valve may be fluidly connected between the pump and at least one of the aforementioned heat exchangers. In at least one embodiment, the compressor may be fluidly connected between at least two heat exchangers.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the first pre-selected time period and the second pre-selected time period may overlap. In at least one embodiment, the second pre-selected time period may begin before the end of the first pre-selected time period. In at least one embodiment, the pump may be started before the compressor stops. In at least one embodiment, the pump and the compressor may run simultaneously for a period of time, which may be pre-selected.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open may include at least partially opening the expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open may include opening the expansion valve to at least half-open. In at least one embodiment, closing the expansion valve may include closing the expansion valve to at most half-open, at most one-third open, at most one-quarter open, or less.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, increasing the differential pressure may include: increasing the differential pressure beyond a set point once the differential pressure exceeds a first threshold and / or the second pre-selected time period ends. In at least one embodiment, increasing the differential pressure may include further closing the expansion valve and / or increasing the pump speed.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system according to this disclosure may include: a pump connected in piping between two heat exchangers; an expansion valve fluidly connected between the pump and at least one of the heat exchangers; a compressor connected in piping between the heat exchangers; a controller; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the controller may perform and / or cause to perform any one or more method steps shown and / or described herein. In at least one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium according to this disclosure may have instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform and / or cause to perform any one or more method steps shown and / or described herein.

[0048] Without departing from the spirit of the applicant's disclosure, other and additional implementations utilizing one or more aspects of this disclosure are conceivable. For example, the described apparatus, systems, and methods can be implemented for many different types and scales in many different industries. Furthermore, various methods and implementations of the described apparatus, systems, and methods can be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and implementations. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements, and vice versa. The order of steps can occur in various sequences unless otherwise specifically limited. The individual steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interspersed with stated steps, and / or broken down into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been functionally described and can be implemented as individual components or combined into components having multiple functions.

[0049] The invention has been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments, without describing every embodiment of the invention. Obvious modifications and variations to the described embodiments will be available to those skilled in the art who will benefit from this disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or constrain the scope or applicability of the invention as conceived by the applicant, but rather, in accordance with patent law, the applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that fall within the scope or range of equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for confirming the operation of a pump in a cooling system, the method comprising: The pump is fluidly connected between at least two heat exchangers; Confirm that the expansion valve fluidly connected between the pump and at least one of the at least two heat exchangers is at least partially open; Start a compressor fluidly connected between the at least two heat exchangers, wherein starting the compressor includes initiating a first pre-selected time period; Start the pump; Once the first pre-selected time period ends, the compressor is stopped; The expansion valve is at least partially closed, wherein closing the expansion valve includes initiating a second pre-selected time period; Monitor the pressure difference between a first point downstream of the pump and a second point upstream of the pump; If the differential pressure does not exceed the first threshold before the end of the second pre-selected time period, it indicates that the pump is incorrectly installed; and Stop the pump.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open includes: at least partially opening the expansion valve.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open includes confirming that the expansion valve is at least half open.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Closing the expansion valve includes closing the expansion valve to at most half-open.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Closing the expansion valve includes closing the expansion valve to a maximum of one-third of its open position.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Closing the expansion valve includes closing the expansion valve to a maximum of one-quarter open.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Stopping the pump includes stopping the pump once the pressure difference exceeds the first threshold.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Stopping the pump includes stopping the pump once the second preselected time period ends.

9. A method for confirming the operation of a pump in a cooling system, the method comprising: The pump is fluidly connected between at least two heat exchangers; Confirm that the expansion valve fluidly connected between the pump and at least one of the at least two heat exchangers is at least partially open; Start a compressor fluidly connected between the at least two heat exchangers, wherein starting the compressor includes initiating a first pre-selected time period; Once the first pre-selected time period ends, the compressor is stopped; The expansion valve is at least partially closed; Start the pump, wherein starting the pump includes initiating a second pre-selected time period; Monitor the pressure difference across the pump; If the differential pressure does not exceed the first threshold before the end of the second preselected time period, it indicates that the pump is not installed correctly. Once the pressure difference exceeds the first threshold, the pressure difference is increased beyond a set point, wherein increasing the pressure difference includes initiating a third pre-selected time period; and If the pump does not stop before the end of the third pre-selected time period, a pump malfunction is indicated.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The second pre-selected time period begins before the end of the first pre-selected time period, so that the first pre-selected time period and the second pre-selected time period overlap.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The pump is started before the compressor stops, so that the pump and the compressor run simultaneously for at least a fourth time period.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open includes: at least partially opening the expansion valve.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open includes opening the expansion valve to at least half-open.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Closing the expansion valve includes closing the expansion valve to at most half-open.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Closing the expansion valve includes closing the expansion valve to a maximum of one-third of its open position.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Closing the expansion valve includes closing the expansion valve to a maximum of one-quarter open.

17. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Increasing the pressure difference includes: once the pressure difference exceeds the first threshold, increasing the pressure difference to exceed the set point.

18. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Increasing the pressure differential includes further closing the expansion valve.

19. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Increasing the pressure differential includes increasing the speed of the pump.

20. The method of claim 9, further comprising: The pump is stopped once the third pre-selected time period ends.

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