Fluid expansion-distribution assembly

Abstract

An expansion-distribution assembly for simultaneously throttling, mixing, and distributing refrigerant fluid upstream of a heat-absorbing component (e.g., an evaporator) of a heat pump system. The expansion-distribution assembly comprises a valve-nozzle adjustment device which moves a pin relative to a nozzle chamber to vary flow-characteristics therethrough. The pin is moved during operation of the heat pump system (based on, for example, pressure and temperature data) to dynamically customize the valve-nozzle for the current load of the system.

1 . A refrigerant expansion-distribution assembly comprising:
 a distributor body including
 a distribution chamber having a plurality of distribution outlets for connecting to respective distribution lines, 
 a nozzle chamber directly communicating with the distribution chamber for supplying high velocity refrigerant to the distribution chamber for distribution, and 
 an inlet chamber on a side of the nozzle chamber opposite the distribution chamber for supplying liquid refrigerant to the nozzle chamber; and 
   a piston movable relative to the nozzle chamber to provide a variable size throttling orifice through which the liquid refrigerant is throttled for simultaneous expansion, mixing, and distribution amongst the distribution outlets.   
     
     
         2 . A refrigerant expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the piston is movable by a drive mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . A refrigerant expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the drive mechanism includes a linear actuator. 
     
     
         4 . A refrigerant expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the drive mechanism is controlled based on system pressure-temperature conditions. 
     
     
         5 . A refrigerant expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the piston comprises a conical nose which tapers towards the nozzle chamber. 
     
     
         6 . A refrigerant expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the piston is movable to a fully retracted position during reverse flow to maximize flow area. 
     
     
         7 . A refrigerant system comprising:
 a refrigerant expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 ,   temperature and pressure sensors for sensing temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in refrigerant flow lines associated with or extending between an evaporator and compressor, and   an actuator for moving the piston for varying the size of the throttling orifice as a function of temperature and pressure sensed by the temperature and pressure sensors to adjust for system load changes.   
     
     
         8 . A refrigerant system as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the temperature and pressure sensing lines sense the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant exiting the evaporator. 
     
     
         9 . A dual-direction heat pump system comprising:
 an evaporator,   a condenser,   a compressor,   a plurality of lines connecting the evaporator, condenser and compressor so that refrigerant fluid can cycle therethrough in forward or reverse directions, and   at least one refrigerant expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the distribution outlets are connected to respective distribution lines leading to respective circuits of the evaporator.   
     
     
         10 . A dual-direction heat pump system as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the drive mechanism is controlled based on system pressure-temperature conditions. 
     
     
         11 . A dual-direction heat pump system as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the piston is movable to a fully retracted position during reverse flow. 
     
     
         12 . An expansion valve comprising:
 a body including
 an inlet, 
 an outlet, 
 a flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, and 
 a valve seat in the flow passage; 
   a check valve body engageable with the valve seat for closing and movable away for opening, the check valve body including a nozzle chamber extending therethrough; and   a piston movable relative to the nozzle chamber to provide a variable size orifice.   
     
     
         13 . An expansion valve as set forth in  claim 12 , further including a spring that biases the check valve body to a closed position, whereat the check valve body seals against the valve seat. 
     
     
         14 . An expansion valve as set forth in  claim 12 , the check valve body including on its radially outer surface axially extending flutes to allow reverse flow to flow around the check valve body.