초록 ▼

Apparatus for controlling a heating or cooling system of the type that includes an evaporator and a thermostatic expansion valve having a thermostatic bulb. The control apparatus comprises a thermoelectric heat pump device responsive to an electrical control signal for controlling transfer of therma

Apparatus for controlling a heating or cooling system of the type that includes an evaporator and a thermostatic expansion valve having a thermostatic bulb. The control apparatus comprises a thermoelectric heat pump device responsive to an electrical control signal for controlling transfer of thermal energy to and from the thermostatic bulb, at least one temperature sensing device associated with the heating or cooling system, and an electronic control circuit. The control circuit is responsive to the sensed temperature to provide the electrical control signal to the thermoelectric device for maintaining a desired operating condition of the evaporator. The thermoelectric device acts as a gate or heat pump for controlling flow of thermal energy to and from the thermostatic bulb with a relatively small amount of electrical energy input. Preferably, the thermoelectric heat pump device is positioned between the thermostatic bulb and the suction line of the evaporator so as to control transfer of thermal energy between the suction line and the thermostatic bulb. Preferably, the control apparatus senses the temperature difference between the suction line and the inlet line of the evaporator and maintains the temperature difference within prescribed limits.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for controlling a heating or cooling system of the type including an evaporator having an inlet line and a suction line, and a thermostatic expansion valve for controlling flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, said thermostatic expansion valve including a valve in said inlet line and a

Apparatus for controlling a heating or cooling system of the type including an evaporator having an inlet line and a suction line, and a thermostatic expansion valve for controlling flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, said thermostatic expansion valve including a valve in said inlet line and a thermostatic bulb coupled to said valve, said apparatus comprising: a thermoelectric heat pump device responsive to an electrical control signal for controlling transfer of thermal energy to and from said thermostatic bulb, said thermoelectric device being positioned between said thermostatic bulb and said suction line, and being in thermal contact with said thermostatic bulb and said suction line; means for sensing at least one temperature associated with said heating or cooling system; and electronic control means responsive to the sensed temperature for providing said electrical control signal to said thermoelectric device for maintaining a desired operating condition of said evaporator.