Importance

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Abstract

A heat pump apparatus includes a liquid refrigerant flow control valve connected in fluid communication between a condenser and evaporator. The liquid flow control valve includes a refrigerant outlet tube connected in fluid communication with an expansion orifice and extends in thermal contact with an upper portion of the valve housing for controlling condensing of vapor refrigerant within the housing to thereby stabilize refrigerant flow. A float, movably positioned within the housing, cooperates with the expansion orifice for controlling a flow of refrigerant passing from the housing to the evaporator based upon a level of liquid refrigerant within the housing. When a large amount of vapor refrigerant arrives at the liquid flow control valve as a result of a control oscillation or system disturbance, the float moves downwardly, thereby reducing flow through the expansion orifice, cooling the outlet tube and causing vapor to condense more quickly in the housing. Conversely, when an oscillation or disturbance causes very little vapor to arrive at the liquid flow control valve, the liquid level rises in the housing and causes the float to rise. The expansion orifice releases more refrigerant, thereby increasing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant outlet tube, and providing less cooling to the housing to slow vapor condensation. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

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First Claim