초록 ▼

A flash tank employing valves for use in transcritical cycles of a vapor compression system to increase the efficiency and/or capacity of the system. Carbon dioxide is preferably used as the refrigerant. The high pressure of the system (gas cooler pressure) is regulated by controlling the amount of

A flash tank employing valves for use in transcritical cycles of a vapor compression system to increase the efficiency and/or capacity of the system. Carbon dioxide is preferably used as the refrigerant. The high pressure of the system (gas cooler pressure) is regulated by controlling the amount of charge in the flash tank by actuating valves positioned on the expansion devices located at the entry and exit of the flash tank. If the pressure in the gas cooler is too high or too low, the valves can be adjusted to either store charge in or release charge from the flash tank. By regulating the amount of charge in the flash tank, the high pressure of the system can be controlled to achieve optimal efficiency and/or capacity.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus for regulating a high pressure of a refrigerant circulating in a transcritical vapor compression system comprising:a flash tank positioned between a first expansion valve and a second expansion valve for storing an amount of charge, a path leading from said flash tank to an inner com

1. An apparatus for regulating a high pressure of a refrigerant circulating in a transcritical vapor compression system comprising:a flash tank positioned between a first expansion valve and a second expansion valve for storing an amount of charge, a path leading from said flash tank to an inner compression stage between a first compression device and a second compression device; said first expansion valve regulating flow of said charge into said flash tank and regulating an amount of charge in said flash tank, said first expansion valve actuated by a controller monitoring said high pressure; and a second expansion valve regulating flow of said charge out of said flash tank and regulating an amount of charge in said flash tank, said second expansion valve actuated by said controller monitoring said high pressure.