Refrigerant leak detection system
AssigneeCarrier Corporation
InventorMichael Stockbridge
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A leak detection system includes a sensor assembly (30) having a sensor housing (32), a leak sensor (60), and a 36 collection housing (34). The sensor housing (32) defines a first fluid inlet (40). The leak sensor (60) is disposed within the sensor housing (32). The leak sensor (60) is arranged to provide a signal indicative of a presence of the first fluid within an interior space of the transport refrigeration unit. The collection housing (34) is spaced apart from the sensor housing (32) and defines a second fluid inlet (80).
Claims16
A transport refrigeration unit, comprising:
- an evaporator arranged to receive a first fluid flow;
- an evaporator fan spaced apart from the evaporator, the evaporator fan being arranged to move a second fluid past the evaporator;
- and
- a leak detection system, comprising:
- a sensor assembly having:
- a sensor housing defining a first fluid inlet,
- a leak sensor disposed within the sensor housing, the leak sensor arranged to provide a signal indicative of a presence of the first fluid within an interior space of the transport refrigeration unit, and
- a collection housing, spaced apart from the sensor housing, the collection housing defining a second fluid inlet.
A leak detection system provided with a transportation refrigeration unit, comprising:
- a sensor assembly, comprising:
- a sensor housing defining a first fluid inlet,
- a leak sensor connected to the sensor housing, the leak sensor arranged to provide a signal indicative of a presence of a refrigerant, and
- a first valve connected to the leak sensor and disposed opposite the first fluid inlet.
A method of detecting a refrigerant leak within a transport refrigeration unit, comprising:
- receiving a fluid flow within at least one of a sensor housing and a collection housing that is spaced apart from the sensor housing and fluidly connected to the sensor housing;
- directing the fluid flow towards a leak sensor disposed within the sensor housing;
- and
- outputting for display an indicator, responsive to a concentration of a refrigerant present within the fluid flow being greater than a threshold concentration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.