초록 ▼

An integrated, self-contained microrefrigeration apparatus, in a dimension small enough to fit inside small appliances, such as electronic cases and portable equipment is described. The microrefrigerator employs a working fluid that circulates between evaporator, compressor, condenser and turbine-ex

An integrated, self-contained microrefrigeration apparatus, in a dimension small enough to fit inside small appliances, such as electronic cases and portable equipment is described. The microrefrigerator employs a working fluid that circulates between evaporator, compressor, condenser and turbine-expander components in a closed loop. Two configurations are claimed: one with the compressor and turbine operating on independent shafts, and the other with the turbine and compressor both operating on the motor shaft.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. An apparatus for microrefrigeration employing a vapor compression cycle comprising: (a) a natural and environmentally benign working fluid in a transcritical cycle; (b) a compressor means to compress the working fluid; (c) at least one heat exchanger for transferring heat from the work

We claim: 1. An apparatus for microrefrigeration employing a vapor compression cycle comprising: (a) a natural and environmentally benign working fluid in a transcritical cycle; (b) a compressor means to compress the working fluid; (c) at least one heat exchanger for transferring heat from the working fluid to an external environment; (d) at least one heat exchanger for transferring heat from a target device to the working fluid; (e) a throttling means to expand said working fluid; (f) a closed loop connecting said compressor, said heat exchangers and said throttling means for circulation of the working fluid in a transcritical cycle; (g) said apparatus not exceeding 10 cm3/Watt of microrefrigeration when consuming 100 Watts or less. 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the natural and environmentally benign working fluid is at least one selected from a group consisting of carbon dioxide, water, and natural hydrocarbon. 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the compressor is of reciprocating type. 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the compressor is of centrifugal type. 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the compressor is of low voltage. 6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one heat exchanger is of microchannel type. 7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the microchannel has an ovoid cross-sectional geometry. 8. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the microchannel has a polygonal cross-sectional geometry. 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the throttling means is included between two heat exchangers. 10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the throttling means is a turbine. 11. The apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the turbine is of impulse type. 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the turbine is of reaction type. 13. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the turbine produces useful work. 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the turbine is energetically coupled with the compressor to recover energy. 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 or claim 14, with increased cooling capacity. 16. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 or claim 14, with increased energy efficiency. 17. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the natural and environmentally benign working fluid is oil-free. 18. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, with an addition of one or more intercoolers to transfer useful work from the high pressure side to the low pressure side. 19. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, with an addition of one or more separators to separate gas and liquid. 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, with an addition of an ejector for throttling. 21. The apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein the ejector is included between two heat exchangers. 22. The apparatus as recited in any one of claims 18 through 21, wherein said addition increases the efficiency of the cycle. 23. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the compressor means, throttling means or a combination thereof are regulated by a regulating means. 24. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein sensors monitor and control temperature and temperature-related phenomena. 25. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the apparatus derives power from a target device's public power network. 26. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the apparatus derives power from an independent source. 27. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein insulation avoids external condensation on the apparatus. 28. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein insulation avoids external condensation on the target device. 29. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein one or more of the heat exchangers are external. 30. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the heat exchangers transfer heat from the target device to the working fluid. 31. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the heat exchangers are included in the closed loop. 32. The apparatus as recited in any one of claims 29 through 31, wherein the heat exchangers are inserted into a packaging of components of the target device. 33. The apparatus as recited in any one of claims 29 through 32, wherein the heat exchangers are in contact with components of the target device. 34. The apparatus as recited in any one of claims 29 through 33, wherein the heat exchangers are in direct contact with components of the target device. 35. A method for microrefrigeration of a target device, employing a vapor compression cycle comprising: (a) using a natural and environmentally benign working fluid; (b) compressing the working fluid; (c) transferring heat from the working fluid to an external environment using at least one heat exchanger; (d) expanding the working fluid; (e) transferring heat from another external environment to the working fluid using at least one heat exchanger; (f) connecting components (a) through (e) in a closed loop; (g) circulating said working fluid in said loop through a cycle involving supercritical high pressure and subcritical low pressure conditions; (h) refrigerating said another external environment, and (i) providing a maximum of 10 cm3/Watt of microrefrigeration when consuming 100 Watts or less. 36. The method as recited in claim 35, wherein the natural and environmentally benign working fluid is at least one selected from a group consisting of carbon dioxide, water, and natural hydrocarbon. 37. The method as recited in claim 35, wherein the target device is selected from a group consisting of electrical, electronic, optical or portable devices and devices and components having at least an integrated circuit or embedded control. 38. The method as recited in claim 35, wherein compressing the working fluid is accomplished by a compressor. 39. The method as recited in claim 35, wherein expanding the working fluid is accomplished by a turbine. 40. The method as recited in claim 38, wherein the compressor is of reciprocating type. 41. The method as recited in claim 38, wherein the compressor is of centrifugal type. 42. The method as recited in claim 39, wherein the turbine is of impulse type. 43. The method as recited in claim 39, wherein the turbine is of reaction type. 44. The method as recited in claim 39, wherein the turbine produces useful work. 45. The method as recited in claim 44, wherein the turbine is energetically coupled with the compressor to recover energy. 46. The methods as recited in any one of claims 35 through 45, wherein expanding said working fluid insentropically increases cooling capacity. 47. The methods as recited in any one of claims 35 through 45, wherein expanding isentropically increases efficiency. 48. The method as recited in claim 35, wherein one or more intercoolers are used to transfer useful heat from a high pressure side and to a low pressure side. 49. The method as recited in claim 35, wherein one or more separators are used to separate gas and liquid. 50. The method as recited in claim 35, wherein a combination of intercoolers and separators are used to transfer useful work from the high pressure side to the low pressure side and to separate gas and liquid. 51. The method as recited in claim 35, wherein the oil-free working fluid increases the efficiency of the cycle.