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AssigneeDenso Corporation
InventorsTakahisa Suzuki, Tatsuo Tsunooka, Toshihiro Tahara, Tetsuji Nobuta
Estimating the term…
A vapor compression type refrigeration apparatus is provided, in which refrigerant leakage is detected at an early stage. A temperature difference related to the theoretical heat dissipation of the condenser is compared with the actual temperature difference in heat dissipation (temperature difference between the condensation temperature and the outside-air temperature) of the condenser to determine whether there is a refrigerant leak.
A vapor compression type refrigeration apparatus having a refrigeration circuit, the apparatus comprising:
A vapor compression type refrigeration apparatus having a refrigeration circuit, the apparatus comprising:
A method of detecting a shortage of refrigerant in a refrigeration circuit comprising determining the amount of refrigerant remaining in the refrigeration circuit by comparing an actual parameter related to actual heat dissipation in a condenser and a theoretical parameter related to heat dissipation in the condenser.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
Using compression: characterised by safety arrangements, e.g. compressor anti-seizure means or by signalling devices
Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices: of safety devices
Investigating fluid-tightness of structures: by using thermal means
Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids: detecting refrigerant leaks
Term ended 15 Jun 2022 (estimated)
This invention relates to a vapor compression type refrigeration apparatus that has means for estimating the amount of refrigerant remaining in the cycle. This invention is effective for use in vehicle air-conditioning systems.
In a typical refrigeration apparatus used in a vehicle air-conditioning system, lubricating oil is mixed in the refrigerant, and the lubricating oil is circulated together with the refrigerant for lubrication of the movable and sliding members in the compressor.
However, if refrigerant leaks from a rubber hose, pipe joint or other location, and the amount of refrigerant remaining in the circuit decreases, the amount of refrigerant drawn into the compressor also decreases. Since the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the compressor decreases, serious damage such as seizure may occur in the compressor.
In the accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle air-conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the control process for the vehicle air-conditioning system according to the first embodiment;
In this embodiment, the vapor compression type refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention is used in a vehicle air-conditioning system. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the vehicle air-conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment.
The vehicle air-conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment has a passenger compartment air inlet 3, for taking in air from the passenger compartment, and an outside air inlet 4, for taking in outside air, and both are located in an air duct 2 that forms an air circuit. Also, an inlet switching door 5 that changes the opening ratio between the inlets 3, 4 is located in the duct 2.
A centrifugal blower 6 is installed downstream of the inlet switching door 5, and an evaporator 25 is installed downstream of the blower 6 to cool air that will be sent to the passenger compartment. All the air discharged from the blower 6 passes through the evaporator 25.