Abstract:
A system and method includes a vapor-compression circuit having a working fluid flowing therethrough, a thermoelectric device positioned in a heat-transfer relation with the working fluid, and a power supply providing current to the thermoelectric device to generate a heat flow through the thermoelectric device.
Abstract:
A charge-verification system for a circuit including a condenser having an inlet, an outlet, and a coil circuit tube extending between the inlet and the outlet is provided. The charge-verification system may include a first of coil temperature sensor located on the coil circuit tube a first distance from the inlet and a second of coil temperature sensor located on the coil circuit tube a second distance from the inlet. The charge-verification system may also include a controller receiving a first signal from the first temperature sensor indicative of a first temperature and a second signal from the second temperature sensor indicative of a second temperature. The controller may determine which of the first signal and the second signal is closer to an actual saturated condensing temperature of the condenser.
Abstract:
A diagnostic system for a compressor is provided. The compressor includes a compression mechanism and a motor. The diagnostic system includes processing circuitry and memory and may be operable to differentiate between a low-side fault and a high-side fault by monitoring a rate of current rise drawn by the motor for a first predetermined time period following compressor startup. The diagnostic system may be operable to predict a severity level of a compressor condition based on a fault history stored in the memory.
Abstract:
A system and method for a compressor may include an inverter drive connected to the compressor that receives electric power and modulates a speed of the compressor by modulating a frequency of the electric power. A control module connected to the inverter drive monitors compressor power data and compressor speed data from the inverter drive, and calculates a saturated condenser temperature of a refrigeration system associated with the compressor based on the compressor power data and the compressor speed data.
Abstract:
A refrigeration system for multi-temperature and single-temperature applications combines a refrigeration circuit and a single-phase fluid heat-transfer circuit in heat-conducting contact through a thermoelectric device. A vapor compression cycle provides a first stage of cooling and the thermoelectric device in conjunction with the heat-transfer circuit provides the second stage of cooling. Polarity of the thermoelectric device can be reversed to provide a defrost function for the refrigeration system.