Heating and refrigeration systems and methods using refrigerant mass flow

Abstract

Methods employing the use of vapor compression heat exchange systems are disclosed that allow for optimal mass flow of refrigerant there through. The systems employed in the present invention do not use conventional refrigerant metering devices, such as capillary tubs and expansion valves, which restrict mass flow, but rather incorporate an openly fixed orifice in-line with the conduits connecting the condenser to the evaporator, thereby maintaining the preferential differential between the high pressure condenser side and low pressure evaporator side of the system during operation. Provision of the fixed orifice allows for optimal refrigerant mass flow as measured by cooler compressor temperatures, cooler compressor discharge temperatures, increased heat of rejection, increased heat of absorption, and improved heating and cooling efficiency.

1 . A method suitable for heating and cooling air and liquids in confined spaces, said method comprising: 
 a) charging a vapor compression heat exchange system with a refrigerant, said refrigerant selected from the group of one or more of R-410A, R-410B, R-134A, R-152A, R-32, R-125 and carbon dioxide; and    b) actuating a motorized compressor of said heat exchange system to move said refrigerant through said system, to thereby cool or heat air or liquid within a confined space; and wherein said heat exchange system comprises: 
 said motorized compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser;  
 a series of conduits in communication with said compressor, said condenser, and said evaporator, wherein said conduits are adapted for carrying said refrigerant through said compressor, said condenser, and said evaporator of said heat exchange system, said series of conduits further including at least one conduit connecting said condenser and evaporator and through which said refrigerant is carried from said condenser to said evaporator, said at least one conduit having an internal diameter; and  
 a coupler fixedly secured to said at least one conduit, thereby defining an evaporator side and a condenser side, said coupler having a single inner channel in communication with said at least one conduit and a fixedly open orifice disposed within, and integral with, said inner channel of said coupler, said orifice having an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of said at least one conduit for creating a pressure differential between said condenser side and said evaporator side of said system during operation.  
   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said vapor compression system is charged with a sufficient amount of said refrigerant in order to achieve a desired condenser pressure.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said refrigerant is R-410A.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said refrigerant is carbon dioxide.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said orifice has a length of less than one inch.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said refrigerant is R-410A.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said internal diameter of said orifice is from about 0.120 inch to about 0.25 inch.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said refrigerant is R-410A.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said refrigerant is R-410A.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said vapor compression system is a heat pump suitable for heating swimming pools and spas.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said vapor compression system is charged with a sufficient amount of said refrigerant in order to achieve a desired condenser pressure.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said refrigerant is R-410A.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said orifice has a length of less than one inch.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said internal diameter of said orifice is from about 0.120 inch to about 0.25 inch.  
   
   
       15 . A method suitable for heating and cooling air and liquids in confined spaces, said method comprising: 
 a) charging a vapor compression heat exchange system with a high pressure refrigerant; and    b) actuating a motorized compressor of said heat exchange system to move said refrigerant through said system, to thereby cool or heat air or liquid within a confined space; and wherein said heat exchange system consisting essentially of: 
 said motorized compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser;  
 a series of conduits in communication with said compressor, said condenser, and said evaporator, wherein said conduits are adapted for carrying said refrigerant through said compressor, said condenser, and said evaporator of said heat exchange system, said series of conduits further including at least one conduit connecting said condenser and evaporator and through which said refrigerant is carried from said condenser to said evaporator, said at least one conduit having an internal diameter; and  
 a coupler fixedly secured to said at least one conduit, thereby defining an evaporator side and a condenser side, said coupler having a single inner channel in communication with said at least one conduit and a fixedly open orifice disposed within, and integral with, said inner channel of said coupler, said orifice having an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of said at least one conduit for creating a pressure differential between said condenser side and said evaporator side of said system during operation.  
   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said refrigerant is selected from the group of one or more of R-410A, R-410B, R-134A, R-152A, R-32, R-125 and carbon dioxide  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said refrigerant is R-410-A  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said orifice has a length of less than one inch.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said vapor compression system is a heat pump suitable for heating swimming pools and spas.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said orifice has a length of less than one inch.