Refrigeration/air-conditioning apparatus powered by an engine exhaust gas driven turbine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus which utilizes a vapor compression refrigeration system having a refrigerant circulating therethrough that comprises a compressor powered by an engine exhaust gas driven turbine. A mini centrifugal compressor may advantageously be used with such an apparatus, thus allowing the use of low GWP refrigerants. The present invention further relates to methods for powering a compressor, such as a mini-centrifugal compressor, in a refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus, and methods for controlling compressor surge, impeller speed and cooling capacity.

1 . A refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus comprising a vapor compression refrigeration system having a refrigerant circulating therethrough, where the vapor compression refrigeration system includes a compressor driven by an engine exhaust gas driven turbine.  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , said apparatus being a mobile refrigeration apparatus or mobile air-conditioning apparatus.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , said apparatus being a stationary refrigeration apparatus or stationary air-conditioning apparatus.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compressor is a centrifugal compressor.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vapor compression refrigeration system includes a condenser having an inlet connected via a pipeline to the compressor.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the vapor compression refrigeration system further includes an expansion device having an inlet connected via a pipeline to the condenser.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the vapor compression refrigeration system further includes an evaporator having an inlet connected via a pipeline to the expansion device and an outlet connected to the compressor.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compressor and the turbine include a common rotating shaft extending therebetween for driving both the compressor and the turbine.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compressor includes a rotating shaft, and the turbine includes a rotating shaft, and the compressor rotating shaft is coupled to the turbine rotating shaft of said engine exhaust gas driven turbine by a rotary magnetic coupling.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the compressor is a mini centrifugal compressor.  
   
   
       11 . A method for controlling the compressor surge within a refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus comprising a vapor compression refrigeration system including a compressor coupled to an engine exhaust gas driven turbine, the method comprising maintaining minimum flow of refrigerant through the compressor by controlling recycle of the refrigerant from the discharge to the suction of the compressor.  
   
   
       12 . A method for providing power to a compressor within a refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus, said apparatus including a vapor compression refrigeration system, said method comprising coupling the compressor to an engine exhaust gas driven turbine to power the compressor.  
   
   
       13 . A method for controlling impeller speed in a compressor within a refrigeration or air-conditioning system, said apparatus including a vapor compression refrigeration system, wherein the compressor is powered by an engine exhaust gas driven turbine, said method comprising varying the amount of exhaust gas allowed to enter the turbine.  
   
   
       14 . A method for controlling the cooling capacity for a refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a vapor compression refrigeration system including a compressor powered by an engine exhaust gas driven turbine, said method comprising varying the amount of exhaust gas allowed to enter the turbine.  
   
   
       15 . A method for controlling impeller speed in a compressor within a refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus, said apparatus including a vapor compression refrigeration system, wherein the compressor is powered by an engine exhaust gas driven turbine, said method comprising varying the engine idle speed during apparatus operation.  
   
   
       16 . A method for controlling the cooling capacity for a refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a compressor powered by an engine exhaust gas turbine and connected to a vapor compression refrigeration system, said method comprising varying the engine idle speed during apparatus operation.  
   
   
       17 . The method of any of claims  11 - 16 , wherein the compressor is a mini-centrifugal compressor.  
   
   
       18 . A process for producing cooling comprising compressing a refrigerant in a mini-centrifugal compressor powered by an engine exhaust gas driven turbine; condensing said refrigerant; and 
 thereafter evaporating said refrigerant in the vicinity of a body to be cooled.    
   
   
       19 . The process of  claim 18 , further including recycling the refrigerant back to the compressor after the evaporating step.  
   
   
       20 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein said body to be cooled is an automobile passenger compartment or a stationary structure.