Refrigerant based heat exchange system
OwnerEric Bargerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention comprises an improved refrigerant based heat exchange system useful in air conditioning and refrigeration applications. Improved heat transfer capability is achieved by using a dual heat exchanger with two different heat-transfer mediums, air and water, in one condenser unit and by advancing the water transfer medium ahead of the air transfer medium. Bypass controls are provided for bypassing a selected heat exchange section of the system depending upon existing environmental conditions. The system is optionally housed in a decorative facade which provides an exposed surface adorned with esthetically pleasing artwork.
Claims16
A refrigerant based heat exchange system, the system comprising:
- a condensing heat exchanger;
- an evaporating heat exchanger connected in a refrigerant circuit;
- a compressor for circulating refrigerant between the condensing heat exchanger and the evaporating heat exchanger in the refrigeration circuit;
- wherein the condensing heat exchanger includes both a water cooled subsection and an air cooled subsection for redundancy;
- and
- by pass means for selectivley directing the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit through either or both of the water cooled subsection and the air cooled subsection of the condensing heat exchanger.
The refrigerant based heat exchange system, wherein both the water cooled subsection and the air cooled subsection of the condensing heat exchanger include heat exchange surface areas, and wherein air flow from a source of forced air is used to provide a cooling effect over at least the air cooled heat exchange surface area, and wherein the source of forced air is arranged so that the air flow contacts the heat exchange surface area of the air cooled subsection prior to contacting the heat exchange surface area of the water cooled subsection of the condensing heat exchanger.
A refrigerant based heat exchange system, the system comprising:
- a condensing heat exchanger;
- an evaporating heat exchanger connected in a refrigerant circuit;
- a compressor for circulating refrigerant between the condensing heat exchanger and the evaporating heat exchanger in the refrigeration circuit;
- wherein the condensing heat exchanger includes both a water cooled subsection and an air cooled subsection for redundancy;
- bypass means for selectively directing the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit through either or both of the water cooled subsection and the air cooled subsection of the condensing heat exchanger;
- and
- wherein at least the water cooled subsection is housed within an artistic facade which is selected from the group consisting of water falls and decorative fountains.
In an air conditioning apparatus wherein a compressible refrigerant is circulated between a condensing heat exchanger and an evaporating heat exchanger in a refrigerant circuit by a compressor, the method of improving the efficiency of the apparatus comprising the steps of:
- providing both a water cooled subsection and an air cooled subsection in a redundant arrangement as a part of the condensing heat exchanger;
- and
- providing a by pass means for selectively directing the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit through either or both of the water cooled subsection and the air cooled subsection of the condensing heat exchanger.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.