Low pressure refrigeration system

Abstract

A refrigeration system includes a vessel. The vessel is configured for a near zero vacuum pressure such as by having reinforced the sidewalls. An opening is formed on the vessel which is small relative to the volume of the vessel. A membrane fits over the opening. The membrane is configured to be gas permeable while retaining liquid molecules that are in a gas phase. A valve is mounted over the opening. A vacuum pump is connected to the valve. The vacuum pump is connected to a power source. A controller controls the operation of a vacuum pump. The controller has a memory for retaining data for optimizing vacuum pump operation.

1 . A refrigeration system comprising:
 a. a vessel, wherein the vessel is configured for a near zero vacuum pressure;   b. an opening formed on the vessel;   c. a membrane fitting over the opening, wherein the membrane is configured to be gas permeable while retaining liquid molecules that are in a gas phase;   d. a valve mounted over the opening;   e. a vacuum pump connected to the valve, wherein the vacuum pump is connected to a power source; and   f. a controller for controlling the operation of a vacuum pump.   
     
     
         2 . The refrigeration system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a. a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor senses the temperature of the vessel;   b. a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure of the vessel; and   c. an electrical sensor, wherein the electrical sensor senses the electricity used by the vacuum pump.   
     
     
         3 . The refrigeration system of  claim 2 , wherein the pressure sensor is mounted to the vessel valve or the valve. 
     
     
         4 . The refrigeration system of  claim 3 , wherein the vessel is formed as a modular pod in the shape of a cylinder. 
     
     
         5 . The refrigeration system of  claim 4 , further including a pod cylinder sleeve attachment with pod cylinder heat fins, wherein the pod cylinder attachment has a cylindrical interface. 
     
     
         6 . The refrigeration system of  claim 1 , wherein the vessel is formed as a modular pod in the shape of a cylinder. 
     
     
         7 . The refrigeration system of  claim 6 , further including a pod cylinder sleeve attachment with pod cylinder heat fins, wherein the pod cylinder attachment has a cylindrical interface. 
     
     
         8 . A refrigeration system comprising:
 a. a vessel, wherein the vessel is configured for a near zero vacuum pressure;   b. an opening formed on the vessel;   c. a membrane fitting over the opening, wherein the membrane is configured to be gas permeable while retaining liquid molecules that are in a gas phase;   d. a valve mounted over the opening;   e. a vacuum pump connected to the valve, wherein the vacuum pump is connected to a power source;   f. a controller for controlling the operation of a vacuum pump, wherein the controller further has a memory for retaining data for optimizing vacuum pump operation;   g. a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor senses the temperature of the vessel;   h. a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure of the vessel; and   i. an electrical sensor, wherein the electrical sensor senses the electricity used by the vacuum pump.   
     
     
         9 . The refrigeration system of  claim 8 , wherein the vessel is formed as a modular pod in the shape of a cylinder. 
     
     
         10 . The refrigeration system of  claim 9 , further including a pod cylinder sleeve attachment with pod cylinder heat fins, wherein the pod cylinder attachment has a cylindrical interface. 
     
     
         11 . A refrigeration system comprising:
 a. a vessel, wherein the vessel is configured for a near zero vacuum pressure;   b. an opening formed on the vessel, wherein the opening exposes a small surface area of a solid held within the vessel to sublimation, wherein the small surface area is less than 10% of the total surface area of the vessel;   c. a membrane fitting over the opening, wherein the membrane is configured to be gas permeable while retaining liquid molecules that are in a gas phase;   d. a valve mounted over the opening;   e. a vacuum pump connected to the valve, wherein the vacuum pump is connected to a power source.   
     
     
         12 . The refrigeration system of  claim 11 , wherein the vessel is formed as a modular pod in the shape of a cylinder. 
     
     
         13 . The refrigeration system of  claim 12 , further including a pod cylinder sleeve attachment with pod cylinder heat fins, wherein the pod cylinder attachment has a cylindrical interface. 
     
     
         14 . The refrigeration system of  claim 11 , further including a thermal isolation mounted to the opening. 
     
     
         15 . The refrigeration system of  claim 14 , wherein the thermal isolation is formed as an insulated gasket is mounted over the opening. 
     
     
         16 . The refrigeration system of  claim 11 , wherein the vessel has vessel side wall insulation.