Refrigerant Side Economizer

Abstract

This invention provides a Refrigerant Side Economizer cycle and a fuel-heat based heating cycle for air conditioners, heat pumps, and chillers. The built-in refrigerant side economizer cycle can be substituted for an air-side economizer cycle or a water-side economizer cycle. It can provide an economizer cycle for split system air conditioners, chillers, coolers, and heat pumps. Also, it makes possible an economizer mode for variable refrigerant flow units. With this invention, the units can distribute heating from a fuel-heat source without compressor operation. During refrigerant side economizer mode, the refrigerant pump in the units maintains circulation without compressor operation, with a fraction of energy consumption. To allow for longer distance between split-system units, the refrigerant pump if needed can operate during compressor operation.

1 . In an air conditioner, cooler, chiller, or heat pump refrigerant circuit, installed with the pump described below, the condenser is connected on the liquid piping circuit's loop where the suction line of refrigerant bypasses the compressor, so that the pump can maintain circulation without compressor operation, or if used with compressor operation, it will boost refrigerant flow at parallel operation. 
     
     
         2 . The unit or system in  claim 1  can be installed in such a way that the pump suction and discharge connections can be directed to either the evaporator or the condenser. In systems where there are refrigerant coils or refrigerant heat exchangers, separate pumps can be installed. 
     
     
         3 . In the units or systems of  claim 1  or  2  the receiver or pneumatic storage tank can be installed in the liquid piping circuit between the pump and the condenser.