REFRIGERATION SYSTEM INCLUDING AN AIR-MOVING CHAMBER, AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/679,073, filed Aug. 2, 2024, entitled “Refrigeration System Including An Air-Moving Chamber, And Methods Of Use Thereof,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This relates generally to refrigeration systems, including but not limited to, a refrigeration system including an air-moving chamber for adjusting operational modes of the refrigeration system.

BACKGROUND

Heat pumps can use complicated refrigeration circuits and can occupy a large physical area. Additionally, to provide different operational modes (e.g., heating and cooling) heat pumps can require reversing valves to change the direction of refrigerant within a refrigerant loop. Existing systems can be costly and require considerable installation and development time. As such, there is a need for simpler refrigeration systems that utilize less components to effectively operate.

SUMMARY

The systems and methods described herein are configured to provide the cooling and heating functionality of a refrigerant system without the complications of a reversible refrigerant loop. The disclosed systems and methods are able to switch between cooling, heating, and other modes by changing the direction of the airflow within a refrigeration system (e.g., a heat pump unit or other types of HVAC systems) and without a change to the flow (direction) of refrigerant within the refrigerant loop of the refrigeration system. Additionally, the systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to improve air quality and user comfort without degrading system performance by controlling the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity within the system.

In one aspect, a refrigeration system is disclosed. The refrigeration system includes a refrigerant loop, a second air-mover configured to direct airflow into the compartment, a first air-mover configured to direct airflow outside of the compartment, an air-moving chamber, a first airflow-control door, a second airflow-control door, and a controller for selectively controlling operation of one or more of the compressor, the adjustable door, the first airflow-control door, and/or the second airflow-control door. The refrigerant loop includes a compressor configured to compress a gas refrigerant to a compressed refrigerant, a first heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser) configured to remove heat from the compressed refrigerant and convert the compressed refrigerant to a liquid refrigerant, an expansion device configured to remove pressure from the liquid refrigerant such that a second heat exchanger (e.g., evaporator) can change a state of the liquid refrigerant, and the second heat exchanger configured to absorb heat from a compartment and convert the liquid refrigerant to the gas refrigerant. The air-moving chamber includes an adjustable door, a plurality of inlets, a plurality of outlets. The air-moving chamber fluidically couples the second air-mover and the first air-mover such that actuation of the adjustable door controls a first amount of air directed towards the second air-mover via a first selected inlet of the plurality of inlets and a first selected outlet of the plurality of outlets, and a second amount of air directed towards the first air-mover via a second selected inlet of the plurality of inlets and a second selected outlet of the plurality of outlets.

In another aspect, a method performed at a refrigeration system fluidically coupled with an air-moving chamber is disclosed. The method includes operating the refrigeration system in at least one mode of one or more operational modes. Operating the refrigeration system in a particular mode is performed by adjusting an adjustable door of the air-mover chamber, adjusting a position of a first airflow-control door of the refrigeration system, and/or adjusting a position of a second airflow-control door of the refrigeration system.

In yet another aspect, an air-moving chamber is disclosed. The air-moving chamber includes an adjustable door, a plurality of inlets, a plurality of outlets. The air-moving chamber fluidically coupled with a second air-mover and a first air-mover of a refrigeration system such that actuation of the adjustable door controls (i) a first amount of air directed towards the second air-mover via a first selected inlet of the plurality of inlets and a first selected outlet of the plurality of outlets and (ii) a second amount of air directed towards the first air-mover via a second selected inlet of the plurality of inlets and a second selected outlet of the plurality of outlets.

The features and advantages described in the specification are not necessarily all inclusive and, in particular, certain additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes.

Having summarized the above example aspects, a brief description of the drawings will now be presented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various described embodiments, reference should be made to the Detailed Description below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an air-moving chamber, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an air-moving chamber fluidically coupled with a portion of a refrigeration system, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate different operational modes of a refrigeration system fluidically coupled with an air-moving chamber, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate block diagrams of a refrigeration system fluidically coupled with an air-moving chamber operating in distinct operational modes, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow charts illustrating a method of operating an air-moving chamber fluidically coupled with a refrigeration system, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a controller communicatively coupled with a refrigeration system, in accordance with some embodiments.

In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given system, method, or device. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to implementations, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described implementations. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the implementations.

Many modifications and variations of this disclosure can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific implementations described herein are offered by way of example only, and the disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used herein, a “refrigerant” is a fluid adapted to undergo phase transitions between liquid and gas during operation of a corresponding refrigerant system. For example, the refrigerant has a liquid-to-gas transition point below a target operating temperature of the refrigerant system. In various implementations, the refrigerant may be a class 1, class 2, or class 3 refrigerant.

Implementations of the present disclosure are described in the context of a refrigeration system, such as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including an air-moving chamber is able direct respective amount of air and/or types of air to different portions of the refrigeration system in order to cause the refrigeration system to switch between operational modes. In some embodiments, a refrigeration system can include a heat pump and/or other system configured to provide at least heating and/or cooling. The disclosed refrigeration systems are configured to thermally treat and/or condition compartments or enclosed spaces, such as vehicle (e.g., vehicles, trucks, aircraft, etc.) cabins, rooms, buildings, etc. Additionally, the disclosed refrigeration system can be configured to thermally treat electronics, such as batteries, processors, computers, etc.

The refrigeration systems disclosed herein are able to operate in different operational modes (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.) without changing a flow direction of a refrigerant within the refrigerant loop. By maintaining a single refrigerant flow direction, the disclosed refrigeration systems can forgo the use of additional components (e.g., reversing valves) and/or complicated refrigerant loops. Further, the disclosed refrigeration systems are further configured to improve efficiency and user comfort by controlling the humidity and the concentration of CO2 in a treated compartment or enclosed space.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an air-moving chamber, in accordance with some embodiments. The air-moving chamber 120 includes an adjustable door 125 within the chamber portion 130 that is configured to be actuated between one or more positions, as described below. The adjustable door 125 divides the chamber portion 130 into one or more regions and directs air received via a plurality of inlets (e.g., a first inlet 140 and a second inlet 145) to a plurality of outlets (e.g., a first outlet 150 and a second outlet 155). In particular, the adjustable door 125 directs respective amounts of air to a first air-mover 160 (e.g., a fan, a blower, and/or other air moving device) and a second air-mover 170 (e.g., a fan, a blower, and/or other air moving device), each of which is fluidically coupled with the air-moving chamber 120. In some embodiments, each region is fluidically isolated from at least one other region.

FIG. 1A shows the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120 at a first position. While the adjustable door 125 is at the first position, the adjustable door 125 divides the chamber portion 130 into a first region 132 and a second region 134. The first and second regions 132 and 134 are fluidically isolated from each other. Additionally, while the adjustable door 125 is at the first position, the air-moving chamber 120 fluidically couples the first inlet 140 and the first outlet 150 of the air-moving chamber 120 with the second air-mover 170 and fluidically couples the second inlet 145 and the second outlet 155 of the air-moving chamber 120 with the first air-mover 160. In this way, the adjustable door 125 directs respective amounts of air to the first air-mover 160 and the second air-mover 170 depending on the operational mode of an air-conditioning or HVAC system as discussed below in reference to FIGS. 3A-4D.

FIG. 1B shows the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120 at a second position. While the adjustable door 125 is at the second position, the adjustable door 125 divides the chamber portion 130 into a third region 136 and a fourth region 138. The third and fourth regions 136 and 138 are fluidically isolated from each other. Additionally, while the adjustable door 125 is at the second position, the air-moving chamber 120 fluidically couples the second inlet 145 and the first outlet 150 of the air-moving chamber 120 with the second air-mover 170 and fluidically couples the first inlet 140 and the second outlet 155 of the air-moving chamber 120 with the first air-mover 160. As described above, this allows the air-moving chamber 120 to direct air to the first air-mover 160 and the second air-mover 170 as needed for a particular operational mode of an air-conditioning or HVAC system (e.g., refrigeration system 400; FIGS. 4A-4D).

FIG. 2 illustrates an air-moving chamber fluidically coupled with a portion of a refrigeration system, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, the air-moving chamber 120 is fluidically coupled with at least a second air-mover 170 and a first air-mover 160 included in the refrigeration system 400 (FIGS. 4A-4D). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the air-moving chamber 120, the second air-mover 170, and the first air-mover 160 are coupled in between a first heat exchanger 210 (e.g., a condenser) and a second heat exchanger 220 (e.g., an evaporator) of the refrigeration system. The refrigeration system further includes a first airflow-control door 230, a second airflow-control door 240, and a controller 250 that are used, in conjunction with the air-moving chamber 120, for adjusting operation of the refrigeration system as discussed below in reference to FIGS. 3A-3C.

The air-moving chamber 120 has small form factor and is configured to occupy a small space (e.g., between the two heart exchangers). Additionally, the air-moving chamber 120 is configured to decrease the number of components and decrease the complexity of the air-conditioning or HVAC system. For example, the air-moving chamber 120 can be used to adjust an operating mode of the refrigeration system without the use of a reversing valve and/or complicated routing of refrigerant lines of the refrigeration system.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first airflow-control door 230 and the second airflow-control door 240 can be adjusted to direct air into the refrigeration system. In some embodiments, the first airflow-control door 230 and the second airflow-control door 240 are adjusted to control a type of air entering the refrigeration system. For example, the first airflow-control door 230 and the second airflow-control door 240 can be adjusted to control an amount of outside air (e.g., OSA) and/or return air (e.g., Cab) entering the refrigeration system.

The first airflow-control door 230 and the second airflow-control door 240 are adjusted via instructions provided by the controller 250. Similarly, the controller 250 is further configured to provide one or more instructions for adjusting a position of the adjustable door 125. For example, the controller 250 can adjust the adjustable door 125 between a first position and a second decision as described above in reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate different operational modes of a refrigeration system fluidically coupled with an air-moving chamber, in accordance with some embodiments. The refrigeration system in FIGS. 3A-3C is analogous to the refrigeration system shown in FIG. 2. For example, in FIGS. 3A-3C, the air-moving chamber 120 is fluidically coupled with at least a second air-mover 170 and a first air-mover 160 included in the refrigeration system; the air-moving chamber 120, the second air-mover 170, and the first air-mover 160 are coupled in between a first heat exchanger 210 and a second heat exchanger 220 of the refrigeration system; and the refrigeration system further includes a first airflow-control door 230, a second airflow-control door 240, and a controller 250. The controller 250 is configured operate the refrigeration system in one or more operational modes based on adjustments to an adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120, the first airflow-control door 230, and the second airflow-control door 240.

FIG. 3A shows the refrigeration system operating in a cooling mode. The controller 250, when operating the refrigeration system operating in the cooling mode, adjusts a position of the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120, as well as the respective positions of the first airflow-control door 230 and the second airflow-control door 240. In particular, controller 250 provides one or more instructions for adjusting the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120 such that a second inlet 145 of the plurality of inlets and a first outlet 150 of the plurality of outlets direct the first amount of air towards the second air-mover 170, and the first inlet 140 of the plurality of inlets and the second outlet 155 of the plurality of outlets direct the second amount of air towards the first air-mover 160 (e.g., positioning the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120 at a second position as shown in FIG. 1B). Additionally, controller 250 provides one or more instructions for adjusting the first airflow-control door 230 such that an amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the first inlet 140 of the plurality of inlets is outside air and adjusting the second airflow-control door 240 such that an amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the second inlet 145 of the plurality of inlets is return air.

FIG. 3B shows the refrigeration system operating in a heating mode. The controller 250, when operating the refrigeration system operating in the heating mode, adjusts the position of the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120, as well as the respective positions of the first airflow-control door 230 and the second airflow-control door 240. In particular, controller 250 provides one or more instructions for adjusting the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120 such that the first inlet 140 of the plurality of inlets and the first outlet 150 of the plurality of outlets direct the first amount of air towards the second air-mover 170, and the second inlet 145 of the plurality of inlets and the second outlet 155 of the plurality of outlets direct the second amount of air towards the first air-mover 160 (e.g., positioning the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120 at a first position as shown in FIG. 1A). Additionally, controller 250 provides one or more instructions for adjusting the first airflow-control door 230 such that an amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the first inlet 140 of the plurality of inlets is return air and adjusting the second airflow-control door 240 such that an amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the second inlet 145 of the plurality of inlets is outside air.

FIG. 3C shows the refrigeration system operating in a defrost mode. The controller 250, when operating the refrigeration system operating in the defrost mode, adjusts the position of the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120, as well as the respective positions of the first airflow-control door 230 and the second airflow-control door 240. In particular, controller 250 provides one or more instructions for adjusting the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120 such that the first inlet 140 of the plurality of inlets and the first outlet 150 of the plurality of outlets direct the first amount of air towards the second air-mover 170, and the second inlet 145 of the plurality of inlets and the second outlet 155 of the plurality of outlets direct the second amount of air towards the first air-mover 160 (e.g., positioning the adjustable door 125 of the air-moving chamber 120 at the first position as shown in FIG. 1A). Additionally, controller 250 provides one or more instructions for adjusting the first airflow-control door 230 such that an amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the first inlet 140 of the plurality of inlets is return air and adjusting the second airflow-control door 240 such that an amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the second inlet 145 of the plurality of inlets is also return air.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate block diagrams of a refrigeration system fluidically coupled with an air-moving chamber operating in distinct operational modes, in accordance with some embodiments. The refrigeration system 400 can be an air conditioning system, an HVAC system, and/or other similar cooling and/or heating systems. The refrigeration system 400 includes a refrigerant loop and the air-moving chamber 120 coupled between at least two components of the refrigerant loop. For example, the refrigerant loop includes a compressor 410, a first heat exchanger 210 (e.g., a condenser to absorb or remove heat), a metering device 430 (e.g., an expansion device), a second heat exchanger 220 (e.g., an evaporator to absorb heat from air in a compartment); and the air-moving chamber 120 is coupled between at least the first heat exchanger 210 and the second heat exchanger 220. The refrigeration system 400 includes a first airflow-control door 230 and a second airflow-control door 240 for controlling an amount of outside air and/or return air entering the refrigeration system 400, as well as a first air-mover 160 and/or a second air-mover 170 for facilitating airflow through and/or inside and/or outside a compartment thermally coupled with the refrigeration system 400.

The compressor 410, the first heat exchanger 210, the metering device 430, and the second heat exchanger 220 are fluidically coupled via a plurality of refrigerant lines 415a-415d. For example, a first refrigerant line 415a fluidically couples the compressor 410 and the first heat exchanger 210; a second refrigerant line 415b fluidically couples the first heat exchanger 210 and the metering device 430; a third refrigerant line 415c fluidically couples the metering device 430 and the second heat exchanger 220; and a fourth refrigerant line 415d fluidically couples the second heat exchanger 220 and the compressor 410. In some embodiments, the refrigerant loop further includes an accumulator 190 fluidically coupled between the compressor 410 and the second heat exchanger 220.

The air-moving chamber 120 includes an adjustable door 125, a plurality of inlets (e.g., a first inlet 140 and a second inlet 145), a plurality of outlets (e.g., a first outlet 150 and a second outlet 155), and/or other components described above in reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The air-moving chamber 120 is configured to direct respective amounts of air to the first air-mover 160 and the second air-mover 170 based on the operational mode of the refrigeration system 400 as discussed below.

The refrigeration system 400 further includes a controller 450 and one or more sensors 453 for monitoring and/or controlling operation of the refrigeration system 400. The more sensors 453 (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, thermometers, thermostats, CO2 sensor, humidity sensors, etc.) are configured to sense data from the refrigerant loop (e.g., at the compressor 410, the first heat exchanger 210, the metering device 430, the second heat exchanger 220, and/or between the components), the air-moving chamber 120, and or a compartment or enclosed space conditioned or thermally treated by the refrigeration system 400. The one or more sensors are configured to sense operation data of the refrigeration system 400. The operation data can include refrigerant temperature, refrigerant pressure, charge levels, second air-mover speed, first air-mover speed, compressor speeds, current or power usage, and/or other data that is used to adjust operation of the components within the refrigeration system 400. Additionally, the operation data can include compartment or enclosed space data, such as a room temperature, a humidity level, CO2 levels, etc.

The controller 450 is configured to control operation of the different communicatively coupled components of the refrigeration system 400. In some embodiments, the controller 450 adjusts operation of one or more components based on the operational data obtained by the sensors 453 and/or operational information provided by one or more communicatively coupled components (e.g., compressor on, first air-mover on, ventilation door position, etc.). For example, the controller 450 can use the operational data to adjust a speed of the compressor 410, the first air-mover 160, and/or the second air-mover 170. Additionally, the controller 450 can be configured to identify one or more errors in the refrigeration system 400 based on the operational data and/or operational information. For example, the controller 450 can calculate a compression ratio of the compressor 410 to determine whether a blockage is present and/or a location of the blockage (e.g., based on various factors such an abnormal sub-cooling level, abnormal super-cooling, etc.). As described in detail below, the controller 450 is configured to adjust an operational mode of the refrigeration system 400 by adjusting the positions of the first airflow-control door 230, the second airflow-control door 240, and/or the adjustable door 125. Specifically, the controller 450 changes the positions of the first airflow-control door 230, the second airflow-control door 240, and/or the adjustable door 125 to change a direction of the airflow within the refrigeration system 400 and, in turn, cause an operational mode of the refrigeration system 400 to change.

By changing an operational mode of the refrigeration system 400 through adjustments to the first airflow-control door 230, the second airflow-control door 240, and/or the adjustable door 125, the refrigeration system 400 does not need to change a directional flow of the refrigerant. This allows the refrigeration system 400 to treat and/or condition a thermally coupled compartment effectively and efficiently without requiring additional components (e.g., reverse valve) and/or a complicated refrigeration loop. In this way, the refrigeration system 400 reduces costs by reducing the number of required components and complication in a system. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the example configuration of the refrigeration system shown in FIGS. 4A-4D is non-exhaustive and different refrigeration systems can be used in conjunction with the air-moving chamber 120.

FIG. 4A shows the refrigeration system 400 in a default position 402.

Specifically, the first airflow-control door 230, the second airflow-control door 240, and the adjustable door 125 are positioned in neutral positions. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 400 operates in the default position 402 when the refrigeration system is inactive or not in use. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 400 is configured to receive one or more instructions from a user to operate in a specific operational mode. For example, the user can provide instructions to cause the refrigeration system 400 to activate (e.g., turn on), deactivate (e.g., turn off), operate in a cooling mode 404 (FIG. 4B), operate in a heating mode 406 (FIG. 4C), operate in a defrost mode 408 (FIG. 4D), or other modes. The user can provide instructions to the controller 450 via a user interface (e.g., a thermostat, car interface, etc.) communicatively coupled with the controller 450 and/or an electronic device (e.g., a mobile device (phone, tablet, etc.), a key fob, etc.) communicatively coupled with the controller 450.

Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, the refrigeration system 400 is configured to operate in a specific mode based on one or more trigger conditions. The trigger conditions can include predetermined temperatures (e.g., high temperature, low temperature, user defined temperature, etc.), predetermined events (e.g., vehicle turned on, user is a predetermined distance from a vehicle, etc.), predetermined time intervals (e.g., active for a certain amount of time, active for set intervals, etc.), and/or any other conditions. For example, in accordance with a determination that the user is within a predetermined distance (e.g., 5 meters) of a vehicle associated with the refrigeration system 400, the refrigeration system 400 can be operated in a particular mode (e.g., such that the compartment is at a comfortable temperature for the user when they enter the vehicle).

In some embodiments, the controller 450 is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors coupled with the refrigeration system 400, determine an operational mode based on the received sensor data, and cause the refrigeration system 400 to operate in a determined mode by adjusting the adjustable door 125, the first airflow-control door 230, and the second airflow-control door 240. For example, in accordance with a determination that a temperature within a compartment is below a predetermined temperature, the refrigeration system 400 can operate in a heating mode 406 to increase the temperature within the compartment. In some embodiments, the sensor data can be temperature data, carbon dioxide data, humidity data, air pollution, and/or any other data that effects user comfort and/or operation of the refrigeration system 400.

Turning to FIG. 4B, the refrigeration system 400 is operating in the cooling mode 404. When operating the in the cooling mode 404, the controller 450 provides one or more instructions for adjusting the respective positions of the first airflow-control door 230, the second airflow-control door 240, and/or the adjustable door 125. Specifically, the first airflow-control door 230 is adjusted to a first position (e.g., which prevents and/or restricts an amount of return air entering the refrigeration system 400), the second airflow-control door 240 is adjusted to a second position (e.g., which prevents and/or restricts an amount of outside air entering the refrigeration system 400), and the adjustable door 125 adjusted to a second position (e.g., such that the second inlet 145 and the first outlet 150 direct a respective amount of air towards the second air-mover 170, and the first inlet 140 and the second outlet 155 direct another respective amount of air towards the first air-mover 160 as described above in reference to FIG. 1B).

As shown by the cooling mode 404, outside air enters a first inlet 460 of the refrigeration system 400 while a second inlet 465 of the refrigeration system 400 is closed off by the first airflow-control door 230. The outside air travels through the first inlet 460 and the first heat exchanger 210 of the refrigeration system 400 and into the first inlet 140 of the air-moving chamber 120. The outside air further travels through the second outlet 155 of the air-moving chamber 120 and is pushed out by the first air-mover 160. Additionally, return air enters a fourth inlet 475 of the refrigeration system 400 while a third inlet 470 of the refrigeration system 400 is closed off by the second airflow-control door 240. The return air travels through the fourth inlet 475 and the second heat exchanger 220 of the refrigeration system 400 and into the second inlet 145 of the air-moving chamber 120. The return air further travels through the first outlet 150 of the air-moving chamber 120 and is pushed out by the second air-mover 170. This allows for the compartment to be cooled by the return air that travels through the second heat exchanger 220.

In FIG. 4C, the refrigeration system 400 is operating in the heating mode 406. When operating the in the heating mode 406, the controller 450 provides one or more instructions for adjusting the respective positions of the first airflow-control door 230, the second airflow-control door 240, and/or the adjustable door 125. Specifically, the first airflow-control door 230 is adjusted to a second position (e.g., which prevents and/or restricts an amount of outside air entering the refrigeration system 400), the second airflow-control door 240 is adjusted to a first position (e.g., which prevents and/or restricts an amount of return air entering the refrigeration system 400), and the adjustable door 125 adjusted to a first position (e.g., such that the first inlet 140 and the first outlet 150 direct a respective amount of air towards the second air-mover 170, and the second inlet 145 and the second outlet 155 direct another respective amount of air towards the first air-mover 160 as described above in reference to FIG. 1A).

As shown by the heating mode 406, return air enters the second inlet 465 of the refrigeration system 400 while the first inlet 460 of the refrigeration system 400 is closed off by the first airflow-control door 230. The return air travels through the second inlet 465 and the first heat exchanger 210 of the refrigeration system 400 and into the first inlet 140 of the air-moving chamber 120. The return air further travels through the first outlet 150 of the air-moving chamber 120 and is pushed out by the second air-mover 170. Additionally, outside air enters the third inlet 470 of the refrigeration system 400 while the fourth inlet 475 of the refrigeration system 400 is closed off by the second airflow-control door 240. The outside air travels through the third inlet 470 and the second heat exchanger 220 of the refrigeration system 400 and into the second inlet 145 of the air-moving chamber 120. The outside air further travels through the second outlet 155 of the air-moving chamber 120 and is pushed out by the first air-mover 160. This allows for the compartment to be heated by the return air that travels through the first heat exchanger 210.

With reference to FIG. 4D, the refrigeration system 400 is operating in the defrost mode 408. When operating the in the defrost mode 408, the controller 450 provides one or more instructions for adjusting the respective positions of the first airflow-control door 230, the second airflow-control door 240, and/or the adjustable door 125. Specifically, the first airflow-control door 230 is adjusted to the second position (e.g., which prevents and/or restricts an amount of outside air entering the refrigeration system 400), the second airflow-control door 240 is adjusted to the second position (e.g., which also prevents and/or restricts an amount of outside air entering the refrigeration system 400), and the adjustable door 125 adjusted to the first position (e.g., such that the first inlet 140 and the first outlet 150 direct a respective amount of air towards the second air-mover 170, and the second inlet 145 and the second outlet 155 direct another respective amount of air towards the first air-mover 160).

As shown by the defrost mode 408, return air enters the second inlet 465 of the refrigeration system 400 while the first inlet 460 of the refrigeration system 400 is closed off by the first airflow-control door 230. The return air travels through the second inlet 465 and the first heat exchanger 210 of the refrigeration system 400 and into the first inlet 140 of the air-moving chamber 120. The return air further travels through the first outlet 150 of the air-moving chamber 120 and is pushed out by the second air-mover 170. Additionally, return air enters the fourth inlet 475 of the refrigeration system 400 while the third inlet 470 of the refrigeration system 400 is closed off by the second airflow-control door 240. The return air travels through the fourth inlet 475 and the second heat exchanger 220 of the refrigeration system 400 and into the second inlet 145 of the air-moving chamber 120. The return air further travels through the second outlet 155 of the air-moving chamber 120 and is pushed out by the first air-mover 160.

In some embodiments, by adjusting an amount outside air and/or return air that enters the refrigeration system 400, the refrigeration system 400 is able to control humidity and CO2 levels within a compartment to improve user comfort and maintain the overall efficiency of the refrigeration system 400.

In various embodiments, the refrigeration system 400 includes one or more additional components not shown in FIGS. 1A-4D, such as a user interface, air filters, refrigerant storage, and the like. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 400 includes at least one user interface (e.g., a touch screen). In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 400 includes at least one battery or power source and a battery monitoring module 619 (also sometimes called a battery management module, as shown and described below in reference to FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the battery monitoring module 619 is communicatively coupled at least one sensor (e.g., a current sensor). In some embodiments, the battery monitoring module 619 includes a part of the controller 450. In some embodiments, the controller 450 is electrically coupled to other components of the refrigeration system 400 (described below in reference to FIG. 6) to control operation of these components.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow charts illustrating a method 500 of operating an air-moving chamber fluidically coupled with a refrigeration system, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method 500 is performed by a controller (e.g., controller 250; FIGS. 2, 4A-4D, and 6) of the refrigeration system (e.g., refrigeration system 400; FIGS. 4A-4D). In some implementations, the method 500 is governed by instructions that are stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., the memory 608; FIG. 6) and the instructions are executed by one or more processors of the electronic device (e.g., the processors 602 of controller 250; FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the various operations of the methods described herein are interchangeable and/or optional, and respective operations of the methods are performed by any of the aforementioned devices, systems, or combination of devices and/or systems. For convenience, the method 500 is described below as being performed by a controller of a refrigeration system.

(A1) The refrigeration system includes (510) a refrigerant loop, a second air-mover configured to direct airflow into the compartment, a first air-mover configured to direct airflow outside of the compartment, an air-moving chamber, a first airflow-control door, a second airflow-control door, and a controller for selectively controlling operation of one or more of the compressor, the adjustable door, the first airflow-control door, and/or the second airflow-control door. The refrigerant loop includes a compressor configured to compress a gas refrigerant to a compressed refrigerant, a first heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser) configured to remove heat from the compressed refrigerant and convert the compressed refrigerant to a liquid refrigerant, an expansion device configured to remove pressure from the liquid refrigerant such that a second heat exchanger (e.g., evaporator) can change a state of the liquid refrigerant, and the second heat exchanger configured to absorb heat from a compartment and convert the liquid refrigerant to the gas refrigerant. The air-moving chamber includes an adjustable door, a plurality of inlets, a plurality of outlets. The air-moving chamber fluidically couples the second air-mover and the first air-mover such that actuation of the adjustable door controls a first amount of air directed towards the second air-mover via a first selected inlet of the plurality of inlets and a first selected outlet of the plurality of outlets, and a second amount of air directed towards the first air-mover via a second selected inlet of the plurality of inlets and a second selected outlet of the plurality of outlets. Examples of the refrigeration system and the air-moving chamber are provided above in reference to FIGS. 1A-4D.

The method 500 includes operating (515) the refrigeration system in a first mode, which includes adjusting (520) the adjustable door of the air-mover chamber such that a second inlet of the air-mover chamber and a first outlet of the air-mover chamber direct (522) a first amount of air towards the second air-mover and a first inlet of the air-mover chamber, and a second outlet of the air-mover chamber direct (524) a second amount of air towards the first air-mover. The method 500 further includes adjusting (525) the first airflow-control door such that a third amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the first inlet of the air-mover chamber is outside air, and adjusting (530) the second airflow-control door such that a fourth amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the second inlet of the air-mover chamber is return air. The first mode can be an example of the cooling mode 404 described above in reference to FIG. 4B.

The method 500 can also include operating (535) the refrigeration system in a second mode, which includes adjusting (540) the adjustable door of the air-mover chamber such that the first inlet of the air-mover chamber and the first outlet of the air-mover chamber direct (542) a first amount of air towards the second air-mover, and the second inlet of the air-mover chamber and the second outlet of the air-mover chamber direct (544) a second amount of air towards the first air-mover. The method 500 includes adjusting (545) the first airflow-control door such that a third amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the first inlet of the air-mover chamber is return air, and adjusting (550) the second airflow-control door such that a fourth amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the second inlet of the air-mover chamber is outside air. The second mode can be an example of the heating mode 406 described above in reference to FIG. 4C.

The method 500 further includes operating (555) the refrigeration system in a third mode, which includes adjusting (560) the adjustable door of the air-mover chamber such that the first inlet of the air-mover chamber and the first outlet of the air-mover chamber direct (562) a first amount of air towards the second air-mover, and the second inlet of the air-mover chamber and the second outlet of the air-mover chamber direct (564) a second amount of air towards the first air-mover. The method 500 includes adjusting (565) the first airflow-control door such that a third amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the first inlet of the air-mover chamber is return air, and adjusting (570) the second airflow-control door such that a fourth amount of air entering the refrigeration system and directed towards the second inlet of the air-mover chamber is return air. The second mode can be an example of the heating mode 406 described above in reference to FIG. 4C.

(A2) In some embodiments of A1, the first airflow-control door is coupled adjacent to the first heat exchanger and the second airflow-control door adjacent to the second heat exchanger. Example positions of the first airflow-control door and the second airflow-control door are described above in reference to FIGS. 2-4D.

(A3) In some embodiments of any one of A1-A2, the method 500 includes changing an operational mode of refrigeration mode without the use of a reversing valve. More specifically, the introduction of air through manipulation of the first airflow-control door and/or the second airflow-control door allows for the refrigeration system to switch between cooling and heating without having to reverse a flow of the refrigeration system. For example, as described above in reference to FIGS. 3A-4D, the respective positions of the adjustable door, the first airflow-control door, and/or the second airflow-control door can be adjusted to switch between operational modes of the refrigeration system.

(A4) In some embodiments of any one of A1-A3, the refrigeration system includes one or more sensors and the method 500 includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors coupled with the system, determining an operational mode of a plurality of operational modes based on the received sensor data, and causing the system to operate in a determined mode by adjusting the adjustable door, the first airflow-control door, and/or the second airflow-control door. For example, the operational mode of the refrigeration system can be selected based on the temperature of a compartment being below or above a predetermined temperature. Different trigger conditions are described above in reference to FIGS. 4A-4D.

(A5) In some embodiments of A4, the sensor data includes a measured temperature and the method 500 includes determining whether the measured temperature is within a predetermined threshold (e.g., a desired temperature, a regulated room temperature, etc.), and in accordance with a determination that the measured temperature is greater than the predetermined threshold, causing the system to operate in the first mode of the one or more modes.

(A6) In some embodiments of any one of A4-A5, the sensor data includes a measured temperature, and the method 500 includes determining whether the measured temperature is within a predetermined threshold, and in accordance with a determination that the measured temperature is less than the predetermined threshold, causing the system to operate in the second mode of the one or more modes.

(A7) In some embodiments of any one of A4-A6, the sensor data includes a measured carbon dioxide (CO2) level and the method 500 includes determining whether the measured CO2 level is above a predetermined level (e.g., CO2 levels above 1000 ppm reduce cognitive function) and in accordance with a determination that the measured CO2 level is above the predetermined level, adjusting the first airflow-control door and/or the second airflow-control door to control an amount of outside air in the system. In some embodiments, the CO2 level is based on one or more of a cabin volume and/or a number of occupants (the number of occupants determined by occupant sensors). In some embodiments, the CO2 level is determined based on a pre-determined system mode. In some embodiments, the method 500 is configured to increase the first amount of outdoor air entering the compartment and increase the second amount of outdoor air entering the compartment at predetermined intervals. In some embodiments, the predetermined intervals are based “worst” case scenario (e.g., max number of passengers in a predetermined cabin size).

In some embodiments, the refrigeration system is configured to maintain the CO2 levels within a predetermined CO2 threshold to provide occupants with a more comfortable experience. The predetermined CO2 threshold can be between 400 ppm and 1000 ppm of CO2. The average level of CO2 in outdoor air is approximately 400 ppm and CO2 levels above 1000 ppm have been shown to result in reduced cognitive function. Further, CO2 levels above 2000 ppm can result in further reduced cognitive function, headaches, sleepiness, nausea, and increased heart rate, as well as stagnant, stale, and stuffy air. CO2 levels above 5000 ppm can be toxic and harmful to occupants. As such, it is desirable to maintain the air within a compartment or an enclosed space treated by the Refrigeration system 400 to maintain CO2 levels below the predetermined level (e.g., below 900 ppm of CO2) or within the predetermined CO2 threshold.

In some embodiments, the method 500 includes presenting to the user (e.g., via a user interface or a device communicatively coupled with the refrigeration system) an air quality of a compartment or enclosed space. For example, the user can be presented with a notification indicating that the current air quality is good, moderate, or poor. In some embodiments, a good air quality can be defined as a measured CO2 level below 900 ppm, a moderate air quality can be defined as a measured CO2 level between 900 ppm and 1200 ppm, and a poor air quality can be defined as a measured CO2 level above 1200.

(A8) In some embodiments of any one of A4-A7, the sensor data includes a measured humidity level and the method 500 includes determining whether the measured humidity level is within a predetermined humidity range and in accordance with a determination that the measured humidity level is not within the predetermined humidity range, adjust the first airflow-control door and/or the second airflow-control door to control an amount of outside air in the system.

In some embodiments, the method 500 is configured to control the humidity within a compartment or an enclosed space such that the compartment or the enclosed space remains comfortable. In some embodiments, the predetermined humidity range is between 30% and 55%. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system is configured to maintain a humidity of less than 60% within the compartment or the enclosed space. A comfortable humidity can vary based on the season (e.g., winter, spring, summer, and fall). Additionally, by maintaining the humidity within the predetermined humidity range, the refrigeration system can operate more efficiently. In particular, higher humidity levels require the refrigeration system to work longer to generate cool air.

(B1) In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by one or more controllers communicatively coupled with a refrigeration system, cause the refrigeration system to perform or cause performance of operations corresponding to any of A1-A8.

(C1) In accordance with some embodiments, a refrigeration system including a refrigerant loop, a second air-mover, a first air-mover, an air-moving chamber, a first airflow-control door, a second airflow-control door, and a controller, refrigeration system configured to perform or cause performance of operations corresponding to any of A1-A8

(D1) In accordance with some embodiments, a means for performing or causing performance of the operations corresponding to any of A1-A8.

(E1) In accordance with some embodiments, an air-moving chamber including an adjustable door, a plurality of inlets, a plurality of outlets. The air-moving configured in accordance with and/or configured to perform or cause performance of the operations corresponding to any of A1-A8

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a controller communicatively coupled with a refrigeration system, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the controller 250 is, or includes, control circuitry for operating a refrigeration system (FIGS. 1A-5B). In some embodiments, the controller 250 includes one or more processors 602, one or more communication interfaces 604, memory 608, and one or more communication buses 606 for interconnecting these components (sometimes called a chipset). In accordance with some embodiments, the controller 250 is coupled to one or more sensors 653 (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, current sensors, etc.) and a power source 612 (e.g., a battery or electrically-driven motor). In some embodiments, the memory 608 includes high-speed random-access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random-access solid-state memory devices; and, optionally, includes non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical disk storage devices, one or more flash memory devices, or one or more other non-volatile solid state storage devices. The memory 608, optionally, includes one or more storage devices remotely located from the one or more processors 602. The memory 608, or alternatively the non-volatile memory within the memory 608, includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. In some embodiments, the memory 608, or the non-transitory computer readable storage medium of the memory 608, stores the following programs, modules, and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof:

• • operating logic 614 including procedures for handling various basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks;
  • communication module 616 for communicatively connecting the controller 250 to other computing devices (e.g., vehicular control system or client device) via one or more networks (e.g., the Internet);
  • interface module 617 for presenting information to a user and detecting user input(s) (e.g., in conjunction with communication interface(s) 604);
  • state module 618 for setting and/or adjusting an operating mode or state of the conditioning system (e.g., heating mode, cooling mode, de-icing mode, etc.)
  • battery monitoring module 619 for distributing to and/or monitoring power of one or more components of the refrigeration system; and
  • database 620 storing data for use in governing operation of a refrigeration system (e.g., refrigeration system of FIGS. 1A-5B), including but not limited to:
    • sensor information 622 storing information regarding one or more sensors associated with the conditioning system (e.g., temperature data, pressure data, and/or current data);
    • component settings 624 storing information regarding one or more components of the conditioning system (e.g., operational settings, such as speed and power); and
    • user information 626 storing information regarding user preferences, settings, history, etc.

Each of the above identified elements may be stored in one or more of the previously mentioned memory devices, and corresponds to a set of instructions for performing a function described above. The above identified modules or programs (i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures, or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the memory 608, optionally, stores a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, the memory 608, optionally, stores additional modules and data structures not described above, such as a vehicle module for interfacing between the vehicle and the conditioning system.

Although some of various drawings illustrate a number of logical stages in a particular order, stages that are not order dependent may be reordered and other stages may be combined or broken out. While some reordering or other groupings are specifically mentioned, others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure, so the ordering and groupings presented herein are not an exhaustive list of alternatives.

Having thus described system-block diagrams and then example refrigeration systems, attention will now be directed to certain example embodiments.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first valve could be termed a second valve, and, similarly, a second valve could be termed a first valve, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first valve and the second valve are both valves, but they are not the same valve unless explicitly stated.

The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting” or “in accordance with a determination that,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in accordance with a determination that [a stated condition or event] is detected,” depending on the context.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen in order to best explain the principles underlying the claims and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best use the embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular uses contemplated.