System performance correction by modifying refrigerant composition in a refrigerant system

Abstract

An adequate operation and performance of a refrigerant system includes the steps of adding a refrigerant that is different from the original refrigerant, into the refrigerant system should any operational problems be observed during operation of the refrigerant system. As an example, should the refrigerant system be cycling frequently, a lower pressure refrigerant may be added or replace, partially or fully, the refrigerant the system being initially charged with. By making this change, the present invention can, for example, lower the provided system capacity, and hence reduce the amount of cycling. Additionally, conditioned space comfort and system reliability would be improved. Further, changes over time, such as the degradation of the heat exchanger performance, and their negative effect on system operation can be alleviated by such a refrigerant substitution.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to modifying the system performance of a refrigeration system by changing the composition of the refrigerant in the refrigeration system. Background technique [0002] Refrigeration systems are used to change the temperature and / or humidity of the secondary fluid. Common examples are air conditioning or heat pump systems, which are used to condition the air delivered to an indoor environment. Another example is cooling systems that deliver cooling water or glycol solutions for cooling purposes. [0003] It is known that a typical vapor compression refrigeration system comprises a compressor to compress a refrigerant, a condenser downstream of the compressor, an expansion device downstream of the condenser, and an evaporator downstream of the expansion device. Refrigerant circulates between these four basic components, as well as some other optional components and branches. [0004] One control feature that refrigeration...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this only provides limited changes or improvements in the operating characteristics of the unit (typically, the allowable charge of refrigerant will not affect the capacity of the unit by more than 5% by slightly altering the amount of subcooling leaving the condenser coil)

Additionally, changes in refrigerant charge can cause problems with component failure or cause it to operate outside of its specified operating conditions

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