Economizer for hvac&r systems

Abstract

An economizer (110) for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a housing (156) defining an interior volume (158), wherein the housing includes a working fluid inlet (160), a liquid working fluid outlet (164), and a vapor working fluid outlet (162). The economizer further includes a separator cartridge (168) disposed within the interior volume of the housing, wherein the separator cartridge is configured to receive a working fluid stream via the working fluid inlet and separate the working fluid stream into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid, and a mesh partition (204) disposed within the interior volume, wherein the mesh partition is disposed between the separator cartridge and the vapor working fluid outlet.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may relate to the various aspects of this disclosure described below. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be read in this light, rather than as an endorsement of prior art.

[0002] Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems (such as vapor compression systems or refrigeration systems) utilize a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) that undergoes a phase change between vapor, liquid, and combinations thereof in response to varying temperatures and pressures within components exposed to the HVAC&R system. Refrigeration systems can place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid (e.g., water) and can deliver the conditioning fluid to the refrigeration system's conditioning equipment and / or the regulated environment. In such applications, the conditioning fluid can pass through downstream devices (such as air handlers) to regulate other fluids (such as air in a building).

[0003] In a typical refrigeration system, the regulating fluid is cooled by an evaporator, which absorbs heat from the regulating fluid by evaporating the working fluid. The working fluid is then compressed by a compressor and transferred to a condenser. In the condenser, the working fluid is typically cooled by a flow of water or air and condenses into a liquid. In some conventional designs, an economizer is used in the refrigeration system to improve performance. In systems using flash tank economizers, the condensed working fluid can be directed to the flash tank economizer, where the liquid working fluid is at least partially evaporated. The resulting vapor can be extracted from the flash tank economizer and redirected to the compressor, while the remaining liquid working fluid from the flash tank economizer is directed to the evaporator. Unfortunately, existing flash tank economizers can be large and / or expensive. For example, existing flash tank economizers can significantly increase the physical footprint of the refrigeration system and / or their installation can be complex and costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following provides an overview of some embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover various aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an economizer for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a housing defining an internal volume, wherein the housing includes a working fluid inlet, a liquid working fluid outlet, and a vapor working fluid outlet. The economizer further includes: a separator cylinder disposed within the internal volume of the housing, wherein the separator cylinder is configured to receive a working fluid flow via the working fluid inlet and separate the working fluid flow into vapor working fluid and liquid working fluid; and a mesh partition disposed within the internal volume, wherein the mesh partition is located between the separator cylinder and the vapor working fluid outlet.

[0006] In another embodiment, the economizer for a refrigeration system includes a housing having a working fluid inlet, a liquid working fluid outlet, and a vapor working fluid outlet. The economizer also includes a separator cylinder disposed within the housing, wherein the separator cylinder includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder disposed within the first cylinder, and the separator cylinder is configured to separate the working fluid flow into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid. The economizer further includes a baffle box disposed within the housing, wherein the baffle box extends from the upper portion of the housing and is disposed around the vapor working fluid outlet. The economizer also includes a mesh separator disposed within the housing, wherein the mesh separator is disposed between the separator cylinder and the baffle box.

[0007] In a further embodiment, an economizer for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a housing having an internal volume and a working fluid inlet configured to guide a working fluid flow into the internal volume. The economizer also includes a separator cylinder disposed within the internal volume of the housing, wherein the separator cylinder includes an annular portion configured to receive the working fluid flow, and the separator cylinder is configured to separate the working fluid flow into vapor working fluid and liquid working fluid. The economizer further includes a baffle disposed within the internal volume and extending from the upper portion of the housing, and a mesh separator disposed within the internal volume and extending from the upper portion of the housing, wherein the mesh separator is disposed between the separator cylinder and the baffle. Attached Figure Description

[0008] A better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure will be achieved after reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a building according to an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC&R) system in a commercial environment, based on one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 3 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 2A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system; Figure 4 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system including a flash tank economizer according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 6 This is a side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of a flash tank economizer according to aspects of this disclosure; and Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a flash tank economizer according to aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0009] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but is merely a routine task of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0010] In describing the elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the element. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to exclude the existence of additional embodiments incorporated into the described features.

[0011] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “generally,” “largely,” etc., are intended to convey that the attribute value being described can be within a relatively small range of that attribute value, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, when an attribute value is described as “approximately” equal to (or, for example, “generally similar” to) a given value, this is intended to convey that the attribute value can be within + / -5%, + / -4%, + / -3%, + / -2%, + / -1%, or even closer to the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as “generally parallel” to another feature, “generally perpendicular” to another feature, etc., this is intended to convey that the given feature has the described property, such as being parallel to another feature, perpendicular to another feature, etc., within + / -5%, + / -4%, + / -3%, + / -2%, + / -1%, or even closer to the other feature. Mathematical terms (such as “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and “tangent”) should not be interpreted strictly in a rigorous mathematical sense, but rather should be interpreted as such terms would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, someone skilled in the art would understand that two lines that are generally parallel to each other are largely parallel, but may deviate slightly from being perfectly parallel.

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems (such as refrigeration units or refrigeration systems) having a vapor compression system with a flash tank economizer. The vapor compression system (e.g., a vapor compression loop) can circulate a working fluid (e.g., a heat transfer fluid, refrigerant) through the working fluid loop to cool and / or heat a conditioning fluid (e.g., water). The HVAC&R system can then direct the conditioning fluid to other equipment to condition spaces and / or components served by the HVAC&R system. The vapor compression system may include one or more heat exchangers configured to enable the transfer of thermal energy (e.g., heat) between the working fluid and another fluid (such as the conditioning fluid). For example, the vapor compression system may include: an evaporator configured to place the working fluid and the conditioning fluid in a heat exchange relationship such that heat can be transferred from the conditioning fluid to the working fluid to cool the conditioning fluid (e.g., reduce the temperature of the conditioning fluid); and a condenser configured to place the working fluid and a cooling fluid in a heat exchange relationship such that heat can be transferred from the working fluid to the cooling fluid to cool the working fluid (e.g., reduce the temperature of the working fluid).

[0013] The vapor compression system may also include a flash tank economizer (e.g., flash tank, economizer, intercooler) disposed along the working fluid loop. The flash tank economizer is configured to receive a working fluid flow, such as from a condenser, and to separate the working fluid flow into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid. The flash tank economizer can then direct the vapor working fluid toward the compressor in the working fluid loop and direct the liquid working fluid toward the evaporator. As described further in detail below, the flash tank economizer includes various features configured to enable improved separation of the working fluid into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid. For example, the flash tank economizer includes a separator (e.g., internal separator, separator housing) disposed within the housing (e.g., outer shell) of the flash tank economizer. The separator may include one or more housings configured to generate a generally circumferential motion or flow of the working fluid received by the flash tank economizer, thereby enabling the separation of the working fluid into a liquid working fluid and a vapor working fluid. The flash economizer also includes one or more mesh structures and / or one or more baffles (e.g., relative to the flow of working fluid through the flash economizer) disposed between the separator and the vapor working fluid outlet of the flash economizer. The mesh structures and / or baffles are configured to reduce liquid carryover (e.g., entrained liquid) in the vapor working fluid discharged from the flash economizer. The flash economizer further includes a liquid working fluid outlet (e.g., a liquid discharge pipe) configured to reduce bypass of the vapor working fluid discharged from the flash economizer via the liquid working fluid outlet. These features, as well as additional features of this embodiment, are described in further detail below.

[0014] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC&R) system 10 in a building 12 for a typical commercial environment. The HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 (e.g., a chiller) that supplies a cooling liquid for use in cooling the building 12. The HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 for supplying warm liquid to heat the building 12 and an air distribution system for circulating air through the building 12. The air distribution system may also include an air return duct 18, an air supply duct 20, and / or an air handler 22. In some embodiments, the air handler 22 may include a heat exchanger connected to the boiler 16 and the vapor compression system 14 via a conduit 24. Depending on the operating mode of the HVAC&R system 10, the heat exchanger in the air handler 22 may receive heated liquid from the boiler 16 or cooled liquid from the vapor compression system 14. HVAC&R system 10 is shown as having a separate air processor on each floor of building 12, but in other embodiments, HVAC&R system 10 may include air processor 22 and / or other components that may be shared between floors.

[0015] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is an embodiment of a vapor compression system 14 that can be used in an HVAC&R system 10. The vapor compression system 14 circulates a working fluid (e.g., a heat transfer fluid, refrigerant) through a loop beginning with a compressor 32. This loop may also include a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and a liquid chiller or evaporator 38. The vapor compression system 14 may further include a control panel 40 having an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 42, a microprocessor 44, non-volatile memory 46, and / or an interface board 48.

[0016] Some examples of fluids that can be used as working fluids in vapor compression system 14 are hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based refrigerants (e.g., R-410A, R-407, R-134a, R-1234ze, R1233zd), hydrofluoroolefins (HFO), “natural” refrigerants (such as ammonia (NH3), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO2), R-744), or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, water vapor, or any other suitable refrigerant. In some embodiments, vapor compression system 14 may be configured to effectively utilize a working fluid with a standard boiling point of about 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) at one atmosphere, also referred to as a low-pressure working fluid relative to medium-pressure working fluids (such as R-134a). As used herein, “standard boiling point” can refer to the boiling point temperature measured at one atmosphere.

[0017] In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSD) 52, a motor 50, a compressor 32, a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and / or an evaporator 38. The motor 50 may drive the compressor 32 and may be powered by the variable speed drive (VSD) 52. The VSD 52 accepts AC power with a specific fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an alternating current (AC) power source and supplies power with a variable voltage and frequency to the motor 50. In other embodiments, the motor 50 may be directly powered by an AC or direct current (DC) power source. The motor 50 may include any type of motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly by an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically rectified permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

[0018] Compressor 32 compresses working fluid vapor and delivers it to condenser 34 via a discharge passage. In some embodiments, compressor 32 may be a centrifugal compressor. The working fluid vapor delivered by compressor 32 to condenser 34 can transfer heat to a cooling fluid (e.g., water or air) in condenser 34. Due to heat transfer with the cooling fluid, the working fluid vapor can condense into working fluid liquid in condenser 34. The liquid working fluid from condenser 34 can flow to evaporator 38 via expansion device 36. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the condenser 34 is water-cooled and includes a tube bundle 54 connected to a cooling tower 56 that supplies cooling fluid to the condenser 34.

[0019] The liquid working fluid delivered to evaporator 38 can absorb heat from the regulating fluid, which may or may not be the same cooling fluid used in condenser 34. The liquid working fluid in evaporator 38 can undergo a phase change from liquid working fluid to working fluid vapor. For example... Figure 3 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator 38 may include a tube bundle 58 having a supply line 60S and a return line 60R connected to the cooling load 62. A conditioning fluid (e.g., water, ethylene glycol, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable fluid) enters the evaporator 38 via the return line 60R and exits the evaporator 38 via the supply line 60S. The evaporator 38 can reduce the temperature of the conditioning fluid in the tube bundle 58 through heat transfer with the working fluid. The tube bundle 58 in the evaporator 38 may include multiple tubes and / or multiple tube bundles. In any case, the vapor working fluid exits the evaporator 38 and returns to the compressor 32 via the suction line to complete the cycle.

[0020] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of a vapor compression system 14, in which an intermediate loop 64 is connected between the condenser 34 and the expansion device 36. The intermediate loop 64 may have an inlet line 68 directly fluidly connected to the condenser 34. In other embodiments, the inlet line 68 may be indirectly fluidly connected to the condenser 34. Figure 4 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet line 68 includes a first expansion device 66 positioned upstream of the intermediate container 70. In some embodiments, the intermediate container 70 may be a flash tank (e.g., a flash tank economizer, intercooler, economizer, etc.). Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate container 70 is incorporated as a flash tank economizer, and the first expansion device 66 is configured to reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid received from the condenser 34 (e.g., to expand the liquid working fluid). During the expansion process, a portion of the liquid may evaporate, and thus the intermediate container 70 can be used to separate the vapor from the liquid received from the first expansion device 66.

[0021] Additionally, the intermediate container 70 can provide further expansion of the liquid working fluid due to the pressure drop it experiences upon entering the intermediate container 70 (e.g., due to the rapid increase in volume experienced upon entering the intermediate container 70). The compressor 32 can draw vapor from the intermediate container 70 via its suction line 74. In other embodiments, the vapor in the intermediate container can be drawn into an intermediate stage of the compressor 32 (e.g., a non-suction stage). Due to the expansion in the expansion device 66 and / or the intermediate container 70, the liquid collected in the intermediate container 70 can have a lower enthalpy than the liquid working fluid leaving the condenser 34. The liquid from the intermediate container 70 can then flow in line 72 through the second expansion device 36 to the evaporator 38.

[0022] It should be understood that any features described herein can be combined with vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R system. For example, the techniques of the present invention can be combined with any HVAC&R system having a flash tank economizer (e.g., intermediate container 70). The following discussion describes the techniques of the present invention in combination with an embodiment of HVAC&R system 10 configured as a water-cooled chiller. However, it should be noted that the systems and methods described herein can be combined with other embodiments of HVAC&R system 10, such as air-cooled chillers.

[0023] Considering the foregoing, Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system 100 (e.g., a vapor compression system), such as a water-cooled refrigeration system. The HVAC&R system 100 includes elements similar to those described above. For example, the HVAC&R system 100 includes a working fluid circuit 102 (e.g., a vapor compression circuit) having a compressor system 104, a condenser 106, and an evaporator 108. It should be understood that the HVAC&R system 100 may also include other components similar to those described above, such as a control panel 40, one or more motors 50 configured to drive the compressor of the compressor system 104, one or more VSDs configured to enable variable speed operation of the compressor of the compressor system 104, etc. The HVAC&R system 100 further includes an economizer 110 (e.g., a flash tank, a flash tank economizer, an intermediate container 70) disposed along the working fluid circuit 102. As discussed in further detail below, the economizer 110 is configured to allow for improved separation of the working fluid flow into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid.

[0024] The working fluid circuit 102 allows working fluid to circulate through it, enabling heat transfer between the working fluid and one or more additional fluids, such as conditioning fluid, cooling fluid, another suitable fluid, or any combination thereof. Specifically, the compressor system 104 is configured to circulate the working fluid along the working fluid circuit 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the compressor system 104 includes a first compressor 112 and a second compressor 114 arranged in series with each other along the working fluid circuit 102. For example, the first compressor 112 may be a low-pressure (e.g., low-pressure stage, first stage) compressor, and the second compressor 114 may be a high-pressure (e.g., high-pressure stage, second stage) compressor. Thus, the first compressor 112 can receive a working fluid flow from the evaporator 108 and can pressurize the working fluid to a first pressure (e.g., low pressure, medium pressure). The second compressor 114 can receive a working fluid flow from the first compressor 112 and can pressurize the working fluid to a second pressure greater than the first pressure (e.g., high pressure). However, it should be understood that other embodiments of the HVAC&R system 100 may include a compressor system 104 having another number (e.g., one, three, four, etc.) of compressors and / or compressors in another arrangement.

[0025] Compressor system 104 (e.g., second compressor 114, first compressor 112, and second compressor 114) is configured to direct compressed working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) to condenser 106, which is configured to transfer heat from the working fluid to a cooling fluid (e.g., water). Thus, the working fluid can be condensed into a working fluid liquid in condenser 106. The working fluid can flow from condenser 106 through a first expansion device 116 (e.g., electronic expansion valve [EEV], expansion device 66). In some embodiments, the first expansion device 116 may be a flash tank supply valve configured to control the flow of liquid working fluid to economizer 110. The first expansion device 116 is also configured to reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid received from condenser 106 (e.g., to expand the liquid working fluid). During the expansion process, a portion of the liquid working fluid may evaporate, and therefore, economizer 110 is operable to separate the vapor working fluid from the liquid working fluid received from first expansion device 116. In addition, due to the pressure drop experienced by the liquid working fluid upon entering the economizer 110 (e.g., due to the rapid increase in volume experienced upon entering the economizer 110), the economizer 110 enables further expansion of the liquid working fluid.

[0026] According to the present invention, the economizer 110 is configured to improve the separation of the working fluid into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid. The economizer 110 is also configured to improve the discharge of the vapor and liquid working fluids from the economizer 110. For example, the economizer 110 is configured to discharge the vapor working fluid with reduced liquid entrainment (e.g., reduced liquid carryover) and to discharge the liquid working fluid with reduced vapor bypass (e.g., reduced vapor working fluid containing the discharged liquid working fluid). The features and configuration of the economizer 110 incorporating the present invention are further described in detail below.

[0027] The vapor working fluid within economizer 110 can be directed to flow toward compressor system 104. For example, the vapor working fluid can be directed downstream of the first compressor 112 (e.g., a low-stage compressor) and upstream of the second compressor 114 (e.g., a high-stage compressor) in the direction of working fluid flow through compressor system 104. In other words, the vapor working fluid can be directed to an intermediate stage of compressor system 104. Valves 118 (e.g., economizer valves, interstage valves, solenoid valves, control valves, etc.) can be provided along working fluid circuit 102 to control the flow of vapor working fluid from economizer 110 to compressor system 104 (e.g., the second compressor 114). In some embodiments, when valve 118 is open (e.g., fully open), additional liquid working fluid within economizer 110 can evaporate and provide additional subcooling of the liquid working fluid within economizer 110.

[0028] The liquid working fluid collected in economizer 110 can flow from economizer 110 through second expansion device 120 (e.g., expansion device 36, orifice, etc.) and to evaporator 108. In some embodiments, working fluid circuit 102 may additionally or alternatively include valve 122 (e.g., drain valve, level control valve, butterfly valve) configured to regulate the flow of liquid working fluid from economizer 110 to evaporator 108. For example, valve 122 may be controlled based on the amount of superheated working fluid and / or based on the level of liquid working fluid in economizer 110 (e.g., via control panel 40). The liquid working fluid directed to evaporator 108 may absorb heat from conditioning fluid (e.g., water), which may cause the liquid working fluid to evaporate into vapor working fluid. Thereafter, vapor working fluid can be directed from evaporator 108 to compressor system 104 (e.g., first compressor 112) to complete and restart the vapor compression cycle.

[0029] In addition to the improved operation of the economizer 110 mentioned above and described in further detail below, the present invention also enables improved mounting and encapsulation of the economizer 110 with the working fluid circuit 102. For example, embodiments of the economizer 110 described herein may have a smaller construction (e.g., footprint, size) than conventional economizer or flash tank designs. Therefore, the economizer 110 can be more easily mounted and encapsulated with other components of the working fluid circuit 102. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the economizer 110 (e.g., the housing of the economizer 110) can be mounted to the condenser 106 (e.g., the housing of the condenser 106) (e.g., mounted above and / or on top of the condenser) via one or more structural supports 124 (e.g., mounting members, brackets, supports). For this purpose, the economizer 110 can be arranged in a generally horizontal configuration such that the housing of the economizer 110 extends along the housing of the condenser 106 (e.g., horizontally, longitudinally). The improved mounting and encapsulation of the economizer 110 allows it to be assembled and installed at the manufacturing facility along with other components of the working fluid loop 102, rather than at the final destination of the working fluid loop 102 (e.g., a customer site or location). In this way, this embodiment also enables the reduction of labor and transportation costs associated with the HVAC&R system 100.

[0030] Figure 6 It is compatible with HVAC&R systems 100 (such as...) Figure 5This is a side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the economizer 110 combined with an embodiment of the HVAC&R system 100 or any other suitable HVAC&R system. For ease of discussion, the economizer 110 and its components will be described below with reference to a longitudinal axis 150, a vertical axis 152 oriented relative to the direction of gravity, and a transverse axis 154 (e.g., a radial axis). As described below, the economizer 110 includes features configured such that the working fluid flow can be effectively separated into vapor working fluid and liquid working fluid. The economizer 110 is also configured to reduce entrainment of liquid working fluid in the vapor working fluid discharged from the economizer 110 and to reduce vapor working fluid bypass in the liquid working fluid discharged from the economizer 110.

[0031] Economizer 110 includes a housing 156 defining an internal volume 158 therein. Economizer 110 (e.g., housing 156) also includes: a working fluid inlet 160 configured to direct a working fluid flow into the internal volume 158 (e.g., from condenser 106); a vapor working fluid outlet 162 configured to discharge vapor working fluid from the internal volume 158 (e.g., toward the second compressor 114); and a liquid working fluid outlet 164 configured to discharge liquid working fluid from the internal volume 158 (e.g., toward evaporator 108). Housing 156 further includes a longitudinal axis 166 (e.g., a central axis) that may extend along the longitudinal axis 150 in a mounting configuration or orientation of economizer 110. More specifically, the longitudinal axis 166 of housing 156 may extend generally horizontally in a mounting configuration. For example, housing 156 may be mounted or coupled to condenser 106, which may also include housing extending generally along longitudinal axis 150 (e.g., horizontally).

[0032] Economizer 110 further includes a separator 168 (e.g., an internal separator, a separator housing) configured to receive a working fluid flow and separate the working fluid flow into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid. Specifically, separator 168 includes a first housing 170 (e.g., an outer housing) and a second housing 172 (e.g., an inner housing) disposed within the first housing 170 (e.g., nested within the first housing) to define an annular portion 174 extending between the first housing 170 and the second housing 172. See below for further details. Figure 7Further description suggests that the economizer 110 may include an inlet conduit configured to guide the working fluid flow from the working fluid inlet 160 into the annular portion 174 of the separator 168. As the working fluid flows into the annular portion 174, it may experience a pressure drop, which can cause a portion of the working fluid (e.g., liquid working fluid) to evaporate or “flash” to produce vapor working fluid. Additionally, the separator 168 (e.g., the first cylinder 170) may induce a circular or vortex flow pattern of the working fluid within the annular portion 174. In other words, the working fluid may flow within the annular portion 174 about the central axis 176 of the separator 168. As a result, centrifugal forces acting on the working fluid flow can cause the liquid working fluid within the annular portion 174 to separate from the vapor working fluid. For example, liquid working fluid (e.g., droplets) may impinge on and / or collect on the inner surface 178 of the first cylinder 170.

[0033] Gravity (e.g., along the vertical axis 152) then drives the droplets accumulated on the inner surface 178 to flow downward (e.g., relative to the vertical axis 152) toward the substrate 180 of the separator 168. The substrate 180 may be a perforated plate, a slotted plate, or other porous structure (e.g., having openings or holes). The substrate 180 may also be attached to (e.g., sealed, fixed to) the inner surface 178 of the first cylinder 170, such as by welding, brazing, adhesives, or other suitable techniques. The vapor working fluid, which has been separated from the liquid working fluid, may continue to flow (e.g., eddy) through the annular portion 174 and may eventually exit the annular portion 174 at the top 182 of the separator 168, as indicated by arrow 184.

[0034] As shown, the substrate 180 is offset relative to the second cylinder 172 relative to the vertical axis 152. More specifically, the substrate 180 is disposed within the first cylinder 170 below the second cylinder 172 relative to the vertical axis 152. Therefore, the annular portion 174 formed between the first cylinder 170 and the second cylinder 172 may not extend to the substrate 180, and the flow of the vapor working fluid within the separator 168 can be slowed as the vapor working fluid flows closer to the substrate 180. The reduction in the velocity of the vapor working fluid adjacent to the substrate 180 allows liquid working fluid (e.g., droplets) flowing along the inner surface 178 of the first cylinder 170 to collect on the substrate 180 within the first cylinder 170 and remain substantially separated from the vapor working fluid. Furthermore, since the substrate 180 can be sealed to the inner surface 178 of the first cylinder 170, the substrate 180 can prevent the vapor working fluid from flowing through the base 186 of the separator 168. In some instances, the liquid working fluid collected on the substrate 180 can (e.g., via surface tension) block or clog the perforations 188 (e.g., holes, openings) formed in the substrate 180 to further obstruct the flow of vapor working fluid therethrough. As the liquid working fluid continues to accumulate on the substrate 180, the weight of the liquid working fluid can cause a portion of the liquid working fluid to flow through the perforations 188, allowing the liquid working fluid to be discharged from the base 186 of the separator 168, as indicated by arrow 190.

[0035] Although the substrate 180 may be a perforated plate, the first cylinder 170 and the second cylinder 172 of the separator 168 may be formed of a solid, continuous, and / or non-porous material (e.g., sheet metal, aluminum, steel). Therefore, the first cylinder 170 and the second cylinder 172 prevent the flow of both vapor working fluid and liquid working fluid. Thus, the separator 168 can discharge vapor working fluid via the top 182 (e.g., annular portion) of the separator 168 in the manner described above, and can discharge liquid working fluid via the substrate 180 at the base 186 of the separator 168.

[0036] The separator 168 can be positioned and secured within the internal volume 158 of the housing 156 in any suitable manner. For example, one or more supports, brackets, supports, or other structural members can extend from the inner surface 192 of the housing 156 to contact and support one or more components of the separator 168 (e.g., the first cylinder 170, the second cylinder 172). In some embodiments, the base 186 of the separator 168 (e.g., the first cylinder 170) may abut the inner surface 192 of the housing 156, and the first cylinder 170 may include a recess 194 formed at the base 186 to allow liquid working fluid to flow out of the separator 168 and along the inner surface 192 of the housing 156. Liquid working fluid discharged from the separator 168 may (e.g., relative to the vertical axis 152) flow along the inner surface 192 of the lower portion 196 of the housing 156 toward the liquid working fluid outlet 164, as indicated by arrow 198.

[0037] Steam working fluid discharged from the separator 168 (e.g., annular portion 174) at the top 182 of the separator 168 can flow toward the steam working fluid outlet 162, as indicated by arrow 200. For example, the steam working fluid can flow along the inner surface 192 of the housing 156 at the upper portion 202 (e.g., upper section, upper half) (e.g., relative to the vertical axis 152). To reduce entrainment of liquid working fluid within the steam working fluid directed toward the steam working fluid outlet 162, the economizer 110 includes a separator 204 (e.g., mesh separator, barrier, divider, plate) disposed within the internal volume 158 between the separator 168 and the steam working fluid outlet 162 (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axes 150 and / or 166). In the illustrated embodiment, the separator 204 is coupled to and extends from the inner surface 192 of the housing 156 at the upper portion 202 of the housing 156. For example, the separator 204 may extend substantially along the vertical axis 152 from the inner surface 192. The separator 204 may be formed of any suitable porous structure, such as a woven mesh, a mesh layer, a wire mesh, a polymer mesh, a perforated plate, any other suitable porous structure or combination thereof, configured to allow vapor (e.g., gas) to flow through it and also to capture liquid working fluid entrained in the vapor working fluid.

[0038] Furthermore, the separator 204 can have any suitable size or dimension. As shown, the separator 204 can extend a vertical dimension 206 (e.g., longitudinal dimension along the vertical axis 152) from the inner surface 192 at the upper portion 202 (e.g., top, uppermost portion) of the housing 156. In some embodiments, the vertical dimension 206 can be approximately two-thirds of the height 208 of the housing 156 (e.g., vertical height along the vertical axis 152). Therefore, the separator 204 can be offset by a distance 210 (e.g., vertical distance) relative to the inner surface 192 at the lower portion 196 of the housing 156 to define a gap 212 (e.g., vertical gap) extending between the lower portion 196 of the housing 156 and the separator 204. The gap 212 can reduce, avoid, and / or significantly mitigate pressure drop or loss in the liquid working fluid flowing along the inner surface 192 at the lower portion 196 of the housing 156 toward the liquid working fluid outlet 164.

[0039] In any case, the separator 204 is configured to capture liquid working fluid (e.g., droplets) that may be entrained within the vapor working fluid discharged from the separator 168. For example, droplets entrained within the vapor working fluid may impact and / or be collected on fibers, strands, filaments, or other structures of the separator 204. Thus, droplets captured by the separator 204 can be separated from the vapor working fluid and can be directed downward relative to the vertical axis 152 (e.g., by gravity) toward the lower portion 196 of the housing 156, as indicated by arrow 214. Thereafter, droplets may collect at the lower portion 196 of the housing 156 on the inner surface 192 of the housing 156 and can flow together with the liquid working fluid discharged from the separator 168 toward the liquid working fluid outlet 164.

[0040] Separator 204 (e.g., a mesh separator) allows the vapor working fluid to flow toward the vapor working fluid outlet 162, as indicated by arrow 216. Separator 204 includes a depth 218 (e.g., extending along longitudinal axes 150 and / or 166). Depth 218 can be any suitable size and can be selected to enable the capture, as needed, of liquid working fluid (e.g., droplets) that may be entrained in the vapor working fluid being guided through it. For example, in some embodiments, depth 218 can be approximately 1 to 5 inches, 2 to 4 inches, 3 inches, or any other suitable size. In this way, separator 204 enables the reduction of liquid working fluid entrainment (e.g., liquid carryover) within the vapor working fluid guided to the vapor working fluid outlet 162.

[0041] To further reduce entrainment of liquid working fluid within the steam working fluid directed to the steam working fluid outlet 162, the economizer 110 includes a baffle box 220 (e.g., steam working fluid discharge section, compartment, shell, chamber, frame) disposed within the internal volume 158 of the housing 156. The baffle box 220 may include one or more baffles, plates, mesh structures, and / or other suitable elements configured to reduce entrainment of liquid working fluid within the steam working fluid directed to the steam working fluid outlet 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle box 220 is coupled to and extends from the inner surface 192 of the housing 156 at the upper portion 202 of the housing 156. Additionally, the baffle box 220 substantially surrounds the flow path extending into the steam working fluid outlet 162. That is, the baffle box 220 includes components that substantially surround the discharge port 222 formed in the housing 156 of the steam working fluid outlet 162.

[0042] For example, baffle box 220 may include a baffle 224 extending (e.g., vertically) from the inner surface 192 of housing 156 at the upper portion 202 of housing 156. Baffle 224 is disposed between the steam working fluid outlet 162 and the separator 204 relative to longitudinal axes 150 and / or 166. Baffle 224 and separator 204 may each extend along vertical axis 152 and transverse axis 154, and thus baffle 224 may generally face separator 204. Baffle 224 may be a generally solid, continuous, and / or non-porous sheet or plate that blocks the flow of steam and liquid. Therefore, after the steam working fluid flows through separator 204, the steam working fluid may impinge on baffle 224. When the steam working fluid impinges on baffle 224, liquid working fluid (e.g., droplets) still entrained within the steam working fluid may form and / or collect on baffle 224. Droplets formed on baffle 224 may flow (e.g., by gravity) toward the base edge 226 of baffle 224, while the vapor working fluid may be redirected (e.g., below the base edge 226 relative to the vertical axis 152) to flow around baffle 224. In some embodiments, baffle 224 may have a vertical dimension extending from the inner surface 192 at the upper portion 202 to the base edge 226, which is approximately equal to half the height 208 of the housing 156. Further, in some embodiments, baffle 224 may have a generally semi-circular geometry.

[0043] To reduce the re-entrainment of droplets within the vapor working fluid flowing past the base edge 226 and below the baffle 224, the baffle 224 includes a lip 228 extending from and along the base edge 226 to form a channel 230 (e.g., a discharge channel) extending along the base edge 226 of the baffle 224. Specifically, the lip 228 and the channel 230 are formed on the side of the baffle 224 opposite the vapor working fluid outlet 162. Droplets accumulating on the baffle 224 can (e.g., relative to the vertical axis 152) flow downwards and into the channel 230, as indicated by arrow 232. The liquid working fluid captured by the lip 228 can be guided (e.g., along the transverse axis 154) to flow within the channel 230 to contact the inner surface 192 of the housing 156 at a transverse portion of the housing 156, as discussed further below. Then, the liquid working fluid can flow along the inner surface 192 toward the lower portion 196 of the housing 156 to be directed toward the liquid working fluid outlet 164.

[0044] In addition to the baffle 224 disposed on the first side 234 of the baffle box 220, the baffle box 220 may also include additional elements or components disposed on other sides 236 (e.g., lateral sides, vertical sides) of the baffle box 220. For example, the baffle box 220 may include one or more porous structures, such as mesh structures, perforated plates, perforated baffles, or other porous structures, configured to trap liquid working fluid that may be entrained in steam working fluid directed toward the steam working fluid outlet 162. Porous structures can be used to trap liquid working fluid entrained within the steam working fluid in a manner similar to those described above. Reference is made below. Figure 7 The elements of the baffle box 220 are further described. In some embodiments, the baffle box 220 may define an open base 238 that is substantially unobstructed, allowing the vapor working fluid to flow vertically upward relative to the vertical axis 152 into the baffle box 220 and toward the vapor working fluid outlet 162 formed in the upper portion 202 of the housing 156. In this way, the economizer 110 is configured to significantly reduce the entrainment of liquid working fluid within the vapor working fluid discharged from the economizer 110, as indicated by arrow 240. Since the vapor working fluid discharged from the economizer 110 can be directed to the compressor system 104 (e.g., a second compressor 114), the compressor system 104 may not accept liquid working fluid, which generally improves the operation of both the compressor system 104 and the HVAC&R system 100.

[0045] As described above, the economizer 110 includes a liquid working fluid outlet 164 configured to receive and discharge liquid working fluid separated from the vapor working fluid within the economizer 110. As shown, the liquid working fluid outlet 164 may be formed in the lower portion 196 of the housing 156. In some embodiments, the liquid working fluid outlet 164 may be substantially aligned along a vertical axis 152 with the vapor working fluid outlet 162. The liquid working fluid outlet 164 is configured to receive liquid working fluid separated from the vapor working fluid via a separator 168, a partition 204, and a baffle box 220.

[0046] The liquid working fluid outlet 164 also includes features that enable improved reduction of vapor working fluid bypass (e.g., discharge of vapor working fluid via the liquid working fluid outlet 164) and (e.g., improved control of the liquid working fluid level within the economizer 110 by improving control of valve 122) (e.g., a more stable level). For example, the liquid working fluid outlet 164 (e.g., economizer 110) includes a first conduit 242 (e.g., an outer conduit) and a second conduit 244 (e.g., an inner conduit) extending within the first conduit 242. The first conduit 242 is disposed outside the housing 156 and secured (e.g., fastened, attached) to the outer surface 246 of the housing 156. The first conduit 242 may include an end portion 248 and may define an internal cavity 250 fluidly coupled to an internal volume 158 in which liquid working fluid may accumulate. The second conduit 244 extends through the end portion 248 of the first conduit 242, through the internal cavity 250 of the first conduit 242, and into the internal volume 158 of the housing 156. In other words, the distal end 251 of the second conduit 244 may be disposed within the internal volume 158 of the housing 156 and may be offset relative to the internal cavity 250 defined by the first conduit 242. The second conduit 244 also includes a plurality of orifices 252 formed therethrough (e.g., formed in the side portion of the second conduit 244) to allow the liquid working fluid to flow more regulated and / or controlled from the internal volume 158 and / or the internal cavity 250 into the second conduit 244. In this way, bypassing of the vapor working fluid through the liquid working fluid outlet 164 can be reduced. The liquid working fluid may be discharged from the economizer 110 through a passage 254 defined by the second conduit 244, from which it may be directed to the evaporator 108.

[0047] As will be understood, according to the present invention, the economizer 110 may include additional features. For example, the housing 156 of the economizer 110 may include one or more viewing mirrors 256 configured to allow observation of the operation within the housing 156 (e.g., working fluid level, working fluid flow rate). In some embodiments, the housing 156 may include end caps 258 coupled to the body 260 of the housing 156, and the end caps 258 may have a generally curved or elliptical geometry. The curved or elliptical geometry of the end caps 258 may enable a reduction in manufacturing costs associated with the economizer 110 and / or provide an increase in the size of the internal volume 158, which may allow for improved separation of the working fluid flow into vapor and liquid working fluids.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, housing 156 includes a first end cap 262 disposed at a first longitudinal end 264 of economizer 110 and a second end cap 266 disposed at a second longitudinal end 268 opposite to the first longitudinal end 264. As shown, working fluid inlet 160 and separator 168 are positioned closer to the first longitudinal end 264 than the second longitudinal end 268, while baffle box 220, steam working fluid outlet 162, and liquid working fluid outlet 164 are positioned closer to the second longitudinal end 268 than the first longitudinal end 264. Thus, working fluid inlet 160 and separator 168 are disposed in a first portion or section (e.g., first half, first side) of economizer 110, while baffle box 220, steam working fluid outlet 162, and liquid working fluid outlet 164 are disposed in a second portion or section (e.g., second half, second side) of economizer 110, such as relative to the vertical centerline 270 of economizer 110.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the economizer 110. The illustrated embodiment includes features similar to those described above. Figure 6 The description includes similar elements and element numbers. For example, the economizer 110 includes a separator 168 having a first cylinder 170 and a second cylinder 172, a partition 204, and a baffle box 220 having a baffle 224, a lip 228, and a channel 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the separator 168 includes a reinforcement 288 (e.g., plate, panel, bracket, support, strut) extending within the second cylinder 172 to increase the stiffness and strength of the second cylinder 172 and / or to maintain the desired configuration or orientation of the second cylinder 172 within the internal volume 158.

[0050] As previously described, the lip 228 is configured to capture liquid working fluid accumulated on the baffle 224 within the channel 230 and guide the liquid working fluid toward the lip 228 and / or the lateral edge 292 of the channel 230, as indicated by arrow 290. In some embodiments, the lip 228 and / or the baffle 224 may be disposed adjacent to and / or at least partially abut the inner surface 192 of the housing 156 in a lateral portion (e.g., a side portion) of the housing 156 disposed along the lateral axis 154 and opposite to each other relative to the internal volume 158. In this way, the liquid working fluid captured within the channel 230 can be guided to the inner surface 192 of the housing 156 to flow downward (e.g., along the vertical axis 152) toward the lower portion 196 of the housing 156, thereby flowing toward the liquid working fluid outlet 164.

[0051] In some embodiments, the separator 204 may have an upper edge 294 (e.g., a curved edge, upper geometry, relative to the vertical axis 152) configured to contact the inner surface 192 of the housing 156, such as at the upper portion 202 of the housing 156. For example, the upper edge 294 may include a curved geometry corresponding to (e.g., matching) the geometry (e.g., radius of curvature) of the inner surface 192 of the housing 156. Thus, the upper edge 294 may contact the inner surface 192 of the housing 156, such as along a large portion and / or entirely. In this way, the separator 204 may be configured to block bypasses of vapor working fluid and liquid working fluid around the separator 204 (e.g., above, relative to the vertical axis 152). Similarly, baffle 224 may include an upper edge 296 (e.g., a curved edge, upper geometry, relative to the vertical axis 152) configured to contact the inner surface 192 of housing 156, such as at the upper portion 202 of housing 156. The upper edge 296 of baffle 224 may also include a curved geometry corresponding to (e.g., matching) the geometry (e.g., radius of curvature) of the inner surface 192 of housing 156, such that the upper edge 296 may contact (e.g., abut) the inner surface 192 of housing 156 along most and / or entirely.

[0052] As mentioned above, separator 168 is configured to receive working fluid flow from working fluid inlet 160 of economizer 110. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, economizer 110 may include inlet conduit 300 configured to guide working fluid flow from working fluid inlet 160 to an annular portion 174 extending between first cylinder 170 and second cylinder 172. Specifically, working fluid inlet 160 may be formed in a transverse portion of housing 156, and inlet conduit 300 may extend along transverse axis 154 from working fluid inlet 160 and through first cylinder 170 to fluidly connect working fluid inlet 160 to annular portion 174. Because inlet conduit 300 is configured to guide working fluid flow along transverse axis 154 into annular portion 174, inlet conduit 300 may further facilitate the generation of vortices or annular flows of working fluid within annular portion 174, enabling separation of liquid working fluid from vapor working fluid.

[0053] The illustrated embodiments also include additional structures or elements for the baffle box 220 embodiment that define a steam working fluid outlet section 302 within the internal volume 158 of the housing 156. In addition to a baffle 224 (e.g., a solid plate, a non-perforated plate) defining a first side 234 of the baffle box 220, the baffle box 220 includes a first mesh structure 304 (e.g., a plate, side, sheet, layer) and a second mesh structure 308 (e.g., a plate, side, sheet, layer). The first mesh structure (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 150) extends from the baffle 224 to define a second side 306 of the baffle box 220, and the second mesh structure (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 150) extends from the baffle 224 to define a third side 310 of the baffle box 220 opposite to the second side 306. Thus, the first mesh structure 304 and the second mesh structure 308 are disposed opposite each other relative to the steam working fluid outlet 162. Each of the first mesh structure 304 and the second mesh structure 308 may also extend along the longitudinal axis 150 and the vertical axis 154, as shown. In some embodiments, the first mesh structure 304 and the second mesh structure 308 (e.g., at the upper portion 202 of the housing 156) are each coupled to the inner surface 192 of the housing 156 to block the bypass flow of steam working fluid and / or liquid working fluid through the first mesh structure 304 and the second mesh structure 308 toward the steam working fluid outlet 162.

[0054] The first mesh structure 304 and the second mesh structure 308 can be any suitable porous structure configured to allow vapor working fluid to flow through and to trap and / or block liquid working fluid (e.g., droplets) from flowing through. For example, the first mesh structure 304 and the second mesh structure 308 may include woven mesh, wire mesh, one or more layers of mesh, perforated plate, another suitable porous structure, or any combination thereof.

[0055] The baffle box 220 further includes a fourth side 312 defined by an additional baffle 314. In some embodiments, the additional baffle 314 may be a solid, continuous, and / or non-perforated baffle. In such embodiments, liquid working fluid entrained within the vapor working fluid may impinge on the additional baffle 314, collect on the additional baffle 314, and (e.g., by gravity) be guided in a downward direction (e.g., along the vertical axis 152) to fall toward the lower portion 196 of the housing 156, thereby being guided toward the liquid working fluid outlet 164. In other embodiments, the additional baffle 314 may be a mesh structure comprising, for example, a woven mesh, a wire mesh, one or more layers of mesh, a perforated plate, another suitable porous structure, or any combination thereof. In such embodiments, the mesh structure of the additional baffle 314 may be configured to capture liquid working fluid entrained within the vapor working fluid and allow the vapor working fluid to flow through it. In any embodiment, the additional baffle 314 may extend along the vertical axis 152 and the transverse axis 154, and the additional baffle 314 may be coupled to the first mesh structure 304 and the second mesh structure 308. The additional baffle 314 may also include an upper edge 316 (e.g., a curved edge, upper geometry relative to the vertical axis 152) configured to contact the inner surface 192 of the housing 156, such as at the upper portion 202 of the housing 156. For example, the upper edge 316 may include a curved geometry corresponding to (e.g., matching) the geometry (e.g., radius of curvature) of the inner surface 192 of the housing 156. Thus, the upper edge 316 may contact the inner surface 192 of the housing 156, such as along a large portion and / or entirely. In this way, the additional baffle 314 may be configured to block bypasses of vapor working fluid and liquid working fluid around the additional baffle 314 (e.g., above or above the vertical axis 152).

[0056] Baffle 224, first mesh structure 304, second mesh structure 308, and additional baffle 314 may be interconnected to substantially define a steam working fluid flow path 318 that extends through the steam working fluid outlet section 302 to the steam working fluid outlet 162 of the economizer 110. In this way, baffle 224, first mesh structure 304, second mesh structure 308, and additional baffle 314 may substantially surround and / or enclose the discharge port 222 of the steam working fluid outlet 162, and may cooperate to further block and / or reduce (e.g., liquid-carried, entrained within the steam working fluid) the flow of liquid working fluid toward the steam working fluid outlet 162. Steam working fluid may enter the steam working fluid flow path 318 by flowing through the first mesh structure 304 and / or the second mesh structure 308. Alternatively or additionally, the steam working fluid may enter the steam working fluid flow path 318 by flowing (e.g., relative to the vertical axis 152) below one or more of the baffle 224, the first mesh structure 304, the second mesh structure 308, and the additional baffle 314, and then flow along the working fluid flow path 318 (upward toward the steam working fluid outlet 162, for example, along the vertical axis 152), wherein the entrained liquid working fluid is significantly reduced.

[0057] As described in detail above, this embodiment relates to an economizer configured to receive a working fluid flow, such as from a condenser in a working fluid circuit, and to separate the working fluid flow into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid. The economizer can then direct the vapor working fluid toward a compressor in the working fluid circuit and direct the liquid working fluid toward an evaporator in the working fluid circuit. The economizer includes various features configured to enable improved separation of the working fluid into vapor and liquid working fluids. For example, the economizer includes a separator disposed within the economizer's housing. The separator may include one or more cylinders configured to generate a generally circumferential motion or flow of the working fluid received by the economizer, enabling separation of the working fluid into liquid and vapor working fluids. The economizer also includes one or more mesh structures, such as the separators discussed above; and one or more baffles, such as the baffles discussed above disposed between the separator and the economizer's vapor working fluid outlet. The mesh structures and / or baffles are configured to reduce liquid carryover (e.g., entrained liquid) in the vapor working fluid discharged from the economizer. The economizer further includes a liquid working fluid outlet configured to reduce the bypass of steam working fluid discharged from the economizer via the liquid working fluid outlet.

[0058] Although only certain features and embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described, many modifications and variations (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, variations in parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), installation arrangements, material use, color, orientation, etc.) will occur to those skilled in the art without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be altered or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Therefore, it should be noted that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations falling within the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0059] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual implementations (i.e., those features irrelevant to the best mode of implementing this disclosure, or those features irrelevant to implementing the claimed embodiments) may be described. It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made in the development of any such actual implementation. Such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but these are routine tasks of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, without requiring excessive experimentation.

[0060] The technical references presented and claimed herein apply to tangible objects and specific examples of practical nature that arguably improve the technical field of the invention and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements expressed as "means for [performing] [function]..." or "steps for [performing] [function]...", such elements are contemplated under 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements specified in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted under 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. An economizer for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems, said economizer comprising: A housing defining an internal volume, wherein the housing includes a working fluid inlet, a liquid working fluid outlet, and a vapor working fluid outlet; A separator cylinder disposed within the internal volume of the housing, wherein the separator cylinder is configured to receive a working fluid flow via the working fluid inlet and separate the working fluid flow into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid; as well as A mesh separator is disposed within the internal volume, wherein the mesh separator is disposed between the separator cylinder and the steam working fluid outlet.

2. The economizer of claim 1, wherein the separator body comprises a first body, a second body nested within the first body, and an annular portion extending between the first body and the second body, wherein the working fluid inlet is configured to guide the working fluid flow into the annular portion.

3. The economizer according to claim 2, wherein the separator cylinder includes a perforated plate disposed within the first cylinder, the perforated plate being sealed to the first cylinder, and the perforated plate being disposed below the second cylinder relative to the vertical axis.

4. The economizer of claim 1, wherein the mesh separator extends from the upper portion of the housing, and the steam working fluid outlet is formed in the upper portion of the housing.

5. The economizer of claim 4, wherein the mesh separator is offset relative to the lower portion of the housing, and the liquid working fluid outlet is formed in the lower portion of the housing.

6. The economizer of claim 1, comprising a baffle box disposed within the internal volume, wherein the baffle box extends from the upper portion of the housing and is disposed around the steam working fluid outlet.

7. The economizer according to claim 6, wherein the baffle box includes a baffle disposed between the steam working fluid outlet and the mesh separator.

8. The economizer of claim 7, wherein the baffle includes a lip extending along a base edge of the baffle and defining a channel along the base edge of the baffle.

9. The economizer of claim 8, wherein the passage is defined on the side of the baffle opposite to the steam working fluid outlet.

10. The economizer according to claim 1, wherein the liquid working fluid outlet comprises a first conduit and a second conduit disposed within the first conduit.

11. The economizer of claim 10, wherein the first conduit is attached to the outer surface of the housing, and the second conduit extends into the internal volume of the housing.

12. An economizer for a refrigeration system, comprising: The housing includes a working fluid inlet, a liquid working fluid outlet, and a vapor working fluid outlet; A separator cylinder is disposed within the housing, wherein the separator cylinder includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder disposed within the first cylinder, and the separator cylinder is configured to separate a working fluid flow into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid. A baffle box is disposed within the housing, wherein the baffle box extends from the upper portion of the housing and is disposed around the steam working fluid outlet; as well as A mesh separator is disposed within the housing, wherein the mesh separator is disposed between the separator cylinder and the baffle box.

13. The economizer of claim 12, wherein the baffle box includes a baffle defining a first side portion of the baffle box, and the baffle is disposed between the steam working fluid outlet and the mesh separator.

14. The economizer of claim 13, wherein the baffle box comprises: A first mesh structure extends from the baffle and defines a second side of the baffle box; as well as A second mesh structure extends from the baffle and defines a third side of the baffle box opposite the second side.

15. The economizer of claim 13, wherein the baffle includes a lip extending along a base edge of the baffle, and the lip defines a channel extending along the base edge of the baffle.

16. The economizer of claim 12, wherein the mesh separator extends from the upper portion of the housing and is offset relative to the lower portion of the housing.

17. The economizer of claim 12, wherein the liquid working fluid outlet comprises a first conduit attached to the outer surface of the housing and a second conduit disposed within the first conduit and extending into the internal volume of the housing.

18. An economizer for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, said economizer comprising: A housing comprising an internal volume and a working fluid inlet configured to direct a flow of working fluid into the internal volume; A separator cylinder disposed within the internal volume of the housing, wherein the separator cylinder includes an annular portion configured to receive the working fluid flow, and the separator cylinder is configured to separate the working fluid flow into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid. A baffle is disposed within the internal volume and extends from the upper portion of the housing; as well as A mesh separator is disposed within the internal volume and extends from the upper portion of the housing, wherein the mesh separator is disposed between the separator cylinder and the baffle.

19. The economizer of claim 18, wherein the housing comprises: A liquid working fluid outlet, configured to discharge the liquid working fluid from the internal volume; as well as A steam working fluid outlet is configured to discharge the steam working fluid from the internal volume. The liquid working fluid outlet and the vapor working fluid outlet are disposed on the side of the baffle opposite to the mesh separator, relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

20. The economizer according to claim 19, wherein the longitudinal axis of the housing extends substantially horizontally in the mounting orientation of the economizer.

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