US 6,672,381 B2 · Multi-load thermal regulating system with multiple serial evaporators

Abstract

A system and method for reducing temperature variation among components in a multi-component system. In this respect, component temperatures are controlled to remain relatively constant (approximately within 5° C.) with respect to other components, while allowing for multiple fluctuating heat loads between components. A refrigeration system possessing a variable capacity (speed) compressor and a thermostatic expansion valve is utilized to control the flow of refrigerant through the refrigeration system. The temperatures of the components are reduced by metering the mass flow rate of the refrigerant cooling the components to compensate for the heat load applied to the refrigeration system. The temperature variation among the components is reduced by supplemental heaters independently providing heat to each respective component. In this regard, any relatively inactive, and therefore relatively cooler, component with respect to other components, may be heated by that component's respective supplemental heater, such that the temperature of the relatively inactive component is not reduced below the specified temperature range.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A multi-load thermal regulating system for maintaining individual temperatures of a plurality of heat generating components within a predetermined temperature range, said thermal regulating system comprising:

a plurality of evaporators, each of said evaporators being thermally attachable to a respective heat generating component, said plurality of evaporators being connected to each other in a serial arrangement;
a plurality of supplemental heaters, each of said supplemental heaters operable to supply supplemental heat to respective ones of said heat generating components;
a refrigerant line for conducting refrigerant through said plurality of evaporators;
a variable capacity compressor connected to said refrigerant line and operable to control the mass flow rate of said refrigerant through said refrigerant line;
a thermostatic expansion valve connected to said refrigerant line and configured to be manipulated by a superheat sensor, wherein said thermostatic expansion valve is operable to control the superheat of said refrigerant between said thermostatic expansion valve and said superheat sensor;
and
a proportional, integral, derivative controller configured to transmit signals to said variable capacity compressor to vary the mass flow rate of said refrigerant in response to a plurality of sensed temperature measurements measured by a plurality of component temperature sensors.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-load thermal regulating system with multiple serial evaporators

Life of this patent

Multi-load thermal regulating system with multiple serial evaporators

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9