U.S. patent application number 11/270879 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-10 for refrigeration system including thermoelectric heat recovery and actuation.
Invention is credited to Masao Akei, Jean-Luc M. Caillat, Kirill M. Ignatiev, Nagaraj Jayanth, Hung M. Pham.
Application Number | 20070101737 11/270879 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38002384 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070101737 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Akei; Masao ; et
al. |
May 10, 2007 |
Refrigeration system including thermoelectric heat recovery and
actuation
Abstract
A vapor-compression circuit may be used to meet the
temperature/load demands for conditioning one or more spaces.
Excess heat generated in the vapor-compression circuit may be
utilized to generate an electric current that may power other
components of the vapor-compression circuit. A thermoelectric
device may be placed in heat-transferring contact with the excess
heat and generate the electrical current. The electric current
generated may be used to power another thermoelectric device to
provide further cooling or heating of a fluid in heat-transferring
relation therewith to supplement the vapor-compression circuit and
the conditioning of the space.
Inventors: |
Akei; Masao; (Miamisburg,
OH) ; Ignatiev; Kirill M.; (Sidney, OH) ;
Jayanth; Nagaraj; (Sidney, OH) ; Pham; Hung M.;
(Dayton, OH) ; Caillat; Jean-Luc M.; (Dayton,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
38002384 |
Appl. No.: |
11/270879 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/238.6 ;
136/204 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 30/274 20180101;
F25B 27/02 20130101; Y02A 40/963 20180101; F25B 1/00 20130101; F25B
6/02 20130101; H01L 35/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/238.6 ;
136/204 |
International
Class: |
F25B 27/00 20060101
F25B027/00; H01L 35/28 20060101 H01L035/28 |
Claims
1. A system including a vapor-compression circuit including a
source of waste heat and a thermoelectric device positioned in
heat-transferring relation to said source of waste heat and that
generates an electric current from said source of waste heat.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said vapor compression circuit
includes a compressor that compresses a working fluid.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said compressor includes a member
separating high-pressure working fluid from low-pressure working
fluid and said thermoelectric device is disposed in
heat-transferring relation between said high-pressure working fluid
and said low-pressure working fluid.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein said member is a scroll member
and said thermoelectric device is positioned adjacent said scroll
member.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said scroll member is one of an
orbiting scroll member and a nonorbiting scroll member and said
thermoelectric device is positioned adjacent said orbiting scroll
member.
6. The system of claim 3, wherein said member is a partition and
said thermoelectric device is positioned adjacent said
partition.
7. The system of claim 3, wherein said member is a compression
member and said thermoelectric device is positioned adjacent said
compression member.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein said compressor includes a motor
and said source of waste heat includes said motor.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein said compressor uses a lubricant,
said motor includes a rotor, and said thermoelectric device is
disposed in heat-transferring relation between said rotor and at
least one of said lubricant and said working fluid within said
compressor.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein said compressor uses a
lubricant, said motor includes a stator, and said thermoelectric
device is disposed in heat-transferring relation between said
stator and at least one of said lubricant and said working fluid
within said compressor.
11. The system of claim 2, wherein said vapor compression circuit
further includes an evaporator that evaporates said working fluid
and a condenser that condenses said working fluid.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising another
thermoelectric device that is powered by said electric current and
transfers heat from said working fluid to an ambient
environment.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein said another thermoelectric
device subcools said working fluid downstream of said condenser in
said vapor-compression circuit.
14. The system of claim 2, wherein said compressor includes a shell
and said thermoelectric device is disposed adjacent said shell.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein said compressor includes a
discharge chamber containing working fluid at discharge pressure
and separated from an ambient environment by said shell and said
thermoelectric device is disposed in heat-transferring relation to
said working fluid and said ambient environment.
16. The system of claim 2, wherein said thermoelectric device is in
heat-transferring relation to a component of said compressor.
17. The system of claim 2, wherein said compressor includes a shell
and a sump including lubricant and said thermoelectric device is
disposed in heat-transferring relation to said lubricant and said
ambient environment.
18. The system of claim 2, wherein said compressor includes a
discharge passage for compressed working fluid and wherein said
thermoelectric device is disposed in heat-transferring relation to
said compressed working fluid and an ambient environment.
19. The system of claim 2, wherein said compressor discharges
compressed working fluid through a muffler external to said
compressor, and said thermoelectric device is disposed in
heat-transferring relation to said compressed working fluid within
said muffler and an ambient environment.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein said electric current generated
by said thermoelectric device is operable to power a load.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein said load is another
thermoelectric device.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein said another thermoelectric
device transfers heat from said working fluid to an ambient
environment.
23. The system of claim 20, wherein said vapor-compression circuit
includes a compressor that compresses a working fluid and said load
is internal to said compressor.
24. The system of claim 1, further comprising a load and wherein
said electric current generated by said thermoelectric device is
operable to power said load.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein said load is another
thermoelectric device.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein said another thermoelectric
device transfers heat from a working fluid in said
vapor-compression circuit to an ambient environment.
27. The system of claim 24, wherein said load is a system power
supply and said thermoelectric device at least supplements said
power supply.
28. A refrigeration system including the system of claim 1.
29. An air conditioning system including the system of claim 1.
30. A refrigerator including the system of claim 1.
31-79. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Refrigeration systems incorporating a vapor-compression
cycle may be utilized to condition the environment of open or
closed compartments or spaces. The vapor-compression cycle utilizes
a compressor to compress a phase-changing working fluid (e.g., a
refrigerant), which is then condensed, expanded and evaporated.
Compressing the working fluid generates heat, which, in cooling
applications, is waste heat that is discharged to ambient from the
compressor and condenser. Because the waste heat is not used or
recovered, the lost energy of the waste heat represents an
inefficiency of most refrigeration systems.
[0002] In heating applications, such as in a heat pump system, heat
stored in the compressed working fluid is extracted through the
condenser to heat a space or compartment. Because efficiency of the
heat pump system decreases with ambient temperature, heating may be
supplemented at low ambient temperatures by a radiant electrical
heat source. Radiant electrical heat sources, however, are
typically inefficient and, thus, lower the overall efficiency of
the heating application.
[0003] In some cooling applications, an air flow may be chilled to
a very low temperature to reduce the humidity. The low temperature
required to remove humidity, however, may be too low for the
conditioned space or compartment within a space or compartment to
be. In these cases, the dehumidified chilled air may be reheated by
electric radiant heat or hot-gas bypass heat to an appropriate
temperature while maintaining the low humidity level. Use of
radiant electrical heat and a hot gas bypass heat to reheat
over-chilled air represents inefficiencies in this type of cooling
application.
SUMMARY
[0004] A vapor-compression cycle or circuit may be used to meet the
temperature or load demands for conditioning one or more spaces or
compartments. Waste heat generated by components of the
vapor-compression circuit may be used to generate an electric
current that may power other components of the vapor-compression
circuit. A thermoelectric device may be placed in heat-transferring
relation with the generated waste heat and produce the electrical
current, which may be used to generate an electric current to power
another device or another thermoelectric device. The other devices
may include sensors, switches, controllers, fans, valves,
actuators, pumps, compressors, etc. The other thermoelectric device
may provide cooling or heating of a fluid in heat-transferring
relation therewith to supplement the vapor-compression circuit and
facilitate the conditioning of the space or compartment. The
utilization of the generated waste heat as an energy source for
powering other components or loads may improve the efficiency of
the system.
[0005] The present teachings disclose a method of operating a
refrigeration system including transferring heat generated in the
system through a thermoelectric device, generating an electric
current with the heat flowing through the thermoelectric device,
and powering a load with the generated electric current. The load
may be another device or another thermoelectric device.
[0006] A refrigeration system may be operated by supplying power to
a thermoelectric device in a heat-transferring relation with a
working fluid flowing through a vapor-compression circuit
downstream of a condenser. A first heat flow may be generated with
the thermoelectric device. The first heat flow may be transferred
to a first fluid medium. A second heat flow may be transferred from
the first fluid medium to a second fluid medium.
[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present teachings will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not
intended to limit the scope of the teachings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present teachings will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0009] FIGS. 1-3 are schematic diagrams of the use of
thermoelectric devices according to the present teachings;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a thermoelectric device
according to the present teachings;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a compressor with
thermoelectric devices according to the present teachings;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a top portion of another
compressor with a thermoelectric device according to the present
teachings;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a bank of compressors and a
thermoelectric device according to the present teachings;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system
according to the present teachings;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system
according to the present teachings;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system
according to the present teachings;
[0017] FIGS. 11-13 are schematic diagrams of heat pump systems
according to the present teachings; and
[0018] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system
according to the present teachings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is in no way intended to limit the teachings, their application, or
uses. In describing the various teachings herein, reference indicia
are used. Like reference indicia are used for like elements. For
example, if an element is identified as 10 in one of the teachings,
a like element in subsequent teachings may be identified as 110,
210, etc., or as 10', 10', 10''', etc. As used herein, the term
"heat-transferring relation" refers to a relationship that allows
heat to be transferred from one medium to another medium and
includes convection, conduction and radiant heat transfer.
[0020] Thermoelectric elements or devices are solid-state devices
that convert electrical energy into a temperature gradient, known
as the "Peltier effect," or convert thermal energy from a
temperature gradient into electrical energy, known as the "Seebeck
effect." With no moving parts, thermoelectric devices are rugged,
reliable and quiet.
[0021] In use, power is applied from a battery or other DC source
to the thermoelectric device, which will have a relatively lower
temperature on one side, a relatively higher temperature on the
other side, and a temperature gradient therebetween. The lower and
higher relative temperature sides are referred herein as a "cold
side" and "hot side," respectively. Further, the terms "cold side"
and "hot side" may refer to specific sides, surfaces or areas of
the thermoelectric devices.
[0022] In one application, the hot and cold sides of the
thermoelectric device may be placed in heat-transferring relation
with two mediums. When power is applied to the thermoelectric
device, the resulting temperature gradient will promote heat flow
between the two mediums through the thermoelectric device. In
another application, one side of the thermoelectric device may be
placed in heat-transferring relation with a relatively higher
temperature medium providing a heat source and the other side
placed in heat-transferring relation with a relatively lower
temperature medium providing a heat sink, whereby the resulting hot
and cold sides generate electric current. As used herein, the term
"heat transfer medium" may be a solid, a liquid or a gas through
which heat may be transferred to/from. Thermoelectric devices can
be acquired from various suppliers. For example, Kryotherm USA of
Carson City, Nev. is a source for thermoelectric devices.
[0023] One or more thermoelectric devices may generate electric
current from waste heat generated in a vapor-compression circuit
using the "Seebeck effect." The electric current generated may be
used to power other electrical devices or other thermoelectric
devices, which may generate a temperature gradient using the
"Peltier effect" to transfer heat therethrough. A power supply may
be used to supply a current flow to a thermoelectric device to
provide a desired temperature gradient thereacross through the
"Peltier effect" and transfer heat therethrough to a desired
medium.
[0024] In FIG. 1, a first thermoelectric device 20a uses waste or
excess heat Q.sub.waste to generate an electric current I that is
used to form a temperature gradient across a second thermoelectric
device 20b to produce recovered heat Q.sub.recovered. Hot side 22a
of thermoelectric device 20a is in heat-transferring relation to a
source of waste heat Q.sub.waste. Cold side 24a of thermoelectric
device 20a is in heat-transferring relation to a heat sink that
Q.sub.waste can be expelled thereto.
[0025] The temperature gradient formed across first thermoelectric
device 20a generates an electric current I that is supplied to a
second thermoelectric device 20b. The electric current flowing
therethrough generates a temperature gradient across second
thermoelectric device 20b resulting in a hot side 22b and a cold
side 24b. The temperature gradient causes a recovered heat
Q.sub.recovered to flow through thermoelectric device 20b. Hot side
22b of second thermoelectric device 20b is in heat-transferring
relation with a medium into which recovered heat Q.sub.recovered is
conducted, while cold side 24b of second thermoelectric device 20b
is in heat-transferring relation to a heat source. Thus, in FIG. 1
a first thermoelectric device 20a is exposed to waste heat
Q.sub.waste to cause a second thermoelectric device 20b to generate
recovered heat Q.sub.recovered.
[0026] The electric current generated by a thermoelectric device 20
may also be used to activate or drive an electrical device or meet
an electrical load (hereinafter referred to as load 26 and/or "L")
as shown in FIG. 2. Again, waste heat Q.sub.waste is utilized to
generate a temperature differential between hot and cold sides 22,
24 and generate electric current 1. Thus, in FIG. 2, thermoelectric
device 20 is placed in heat-transferring relation to a source of
waste heat Q.sub.waste and a heat sink to generate electric current
I that is used to power load 26. Load 26 is utilized generically
herein to refer to any type of device requiring an electric
current. Such devices, by way of non-limiting example, include
compressors, pumps, fans, valves, solenoids, actuators, sensors,
controllers and other components of a refrigeration system. The
sensors may include, such as by way of non-limiting example,
pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors,
accelerometers, RPM sensors, position sensors, resistance sensors,
and the like and may be represented by "S" in the drawings. The
various valves, solenoids and actuators may be represented by "V"
in the drawings.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, a power supply 28 is connected to a
thermoelectric device 20 to generate a desired heat Q.sub.desire.
Power supply 28 may supply a current flow I to thermoelectric
device 20 to cause a temperature gradient to be formed between hot
and cold sides 22, 24. The temperature gradient generates a desired
heat Q.sub.desire. Hot side 22 may be placed in heat-transferring
relation with a medium into which heat Q.sub.desired is conducted.
Power supply 28 may modulate current flow I to maintain a desired
temperature gradient and produce a desired heat Q.sub.desire. Thus,
in FIG. 3, a power supply 28 provides an electric current I within
thermoelectric device 20, which generates a source of desired heat
Q.sub.desire.
[0028] Thermal enhancing devices or thermal conductors 30, 32 may
be placed in heat-transferring relation with sides 22, 24 of one or
more thermoelectric devices 20 to enhance or facilitate heat
transfer through the thermoelectric device 20 and a medium, as
shown in FIG. 4. A thermoelectric device 20 having one or more
thermal conductors 30, 32 is referred to herein as a thermoelectric
module (TEM) 33, which may include multiple thermoelectric devices
20. Thermal conductors 30, 32 may be referred to herein as hot and
cold thermal conductors 30, 32, respectively. It should be
appreciated, that the terms "hot" and "cold" are relative terms and
serve to indicate that that particular thermal conductor is in
heat-transferring relation with the respective hot or cold side of
a thermoelectric device 20.
[0029] Heat transfer may be enhanced by increasing the
heat-conductive surface area that is in contact with the medium
into which the heat is to be conducted. For example, micro-channel
tubing may accomplish the enhancing of the heat flow. The fluid
medium flows through the micro channels therein and the hot or cold
side of the thermoelectric device is placed in heat-transferring
contact with the exterior surface of the tubing. When the medium is
a gas, such as air, the thermal conductor may be in the form of
fins which may accomplish the enhancement of the heat transfer
to/from the medium.
[0030] To enhance heat transfer, the thermal conductor may be
shaped to match a contour of a heat source. For example, when it is
desired to place a thermoelectric device in heat-transferring
relation with a curved surface, the thermal conductor may have one
surface curved so that it is complementary to the surface of the
solid through which the heat is to be conducted while the other
side of the thermal conductor is complementary to the hot or cold
side of the thermoelectric device 20.
[0031] Enhanced heat transfer may be accomplished through
heat-conducting materials, layers or coatings on the thermoelectric
device 20. Thermal conductors 30, 32 may include materials, layers
or coatings having a high thermal conductivity whereby heat
transfer through the thermoelectric device 20 is conducted
efficiently. By way of non-limiting example, materials having a
high thermal conductivity include aluminum, copper and steel.
Moreover, heat-conducting adhesives may also be used as thermal
conductors 30, 32. Regardless of the form, the thermal conductors
30, 32 have a high thermal conductivity.
[0032] In a vapor-compression cycle or circuit, a compressor 34
compresses a relatively cool working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) in
gaseous form to a relatively high temperature, high-pressure gas.
The compressing process generates waste heat Q.sub.waste that is
conducted through the compressor to ambient. Waste heat Q.sub.waste
may be utilized by a thermoelectric device 20 to power another
thermoelectric device 20, and/or a load 26.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, a schematic view of portions of an
exemplary compressor, in this case an orbital scroll compressor 34
by way of a non-limiting example, generally includes a cylindrical
hermetic shell 37 having welded at the upper end thereof a cap 38
and at the lower end thereof a base 58. A refrigerant discharge
passage 39, which may have a discharge valve (not shown) therein,
is attached to cap 38. Other major elements affixed to shell 37
include a transversely extending partition 40 that is welded about
its periphery at the same point that cap 38 is welded to shell 37,
upper and lower bearing assemblies (not shown) and a motor stator
41 press-fitted therein. A driveshaft or crankshaft 42 is rotatably
journalled in the upper and lower bearing assemblies. The lower
portion of shell 37 forms a sump 43 that is filled with lubricating
oil which gets internally distributed throughout compressor 34
during operation.
[0034] Crankshaft 42 is rotatably driven by an electric motor
including stator 41, with windings passing therethrough, and a
rotor 44 press-fitted on crankshaft 42. Upper and lower surfaces of
rotor 44 have respective upper and lower counterweights 45, 46
thereon. An Oldham coupling (not shown) couples crankshaft 42 to an
orbiting scroll member 47 having a spiral vane or wrap 48 on the
upper surface thereof. A nonorbiting scroll member 49 is also
provided having a wrap 50 positioned in meshing engagement with
wrap 48 of orbiting scroll member 47. Nonorbiting scroll member 49
has a center-disposed discharge passage 51 that is in fluid
communication with a discharge muffler chamber 52 defined by cap 38
and partition 40. An inlet port 53 on shell 37 allows refrigerant
to flow into a suction side or inlet chamber 54.
[0035] Compressor 34 also includes numerous sensors, diagnostic
modules, printed circuit board assemblies, solenoids, such as
internal and external capacity modulation solenoids, switches, such
as a switch to change resistance of motor 36 to provide a first
resistant for start-up and a second resistance for continuous
operation, and other electrically-actuated devices or loads 26.
These electrical devices may be internal or external to the
compressor and may be stationary or rotating with the rotating
components of the compressor.
[0036] During operation, motor 36 causes rotor 44 to rotate
relative to stator 41, which causes crankshaft 42 to rotate.
Rotation of crankshaft 42 causes orbiting scroll member 47 to orbit
relative to nonorbiting scroll member 49. Working fluid within
suction chamber 54 is pulled into the space between wraps 48, 50
and progresses toward the central portion due to the relative
movement therebetween.
[0037] Pressurized working fluid is discharged from scroll members
47, 49 through discharge passage 51 and flows into discharge
chamber 52. The working fluid within discharge chamber 52 is at a
relatively high temperature and pressure. Compressed
high-temperature, high-pressure working fluid flows from discharge
chamber 52 through discharge passage 39 and onto the other
components of the vapor-compression circuit within which compressor
34 is employed.
[0038] During operation, waste heat Q.sub.waste is generated
throughout compressor 34. This waste heat Q.sub.waste may be
conducted to a thermoelectric device 20. Waste heat Q.sub.waste may
be generated by rotor 44, which gets hot when rotated and is cooled
by the internally distributed lubricant and the working fluid
(suction gas) within suction chamber 54. The heat flow from rotor
44 to the lubricant and/or suction side working fluid represents a
source of waste heat Q.sub.waste that may be conducted to a
thermoelectric device 20.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, a TEM 33a, which may be attached to
rotor 44, includes a thermoelectric device 20a with hot side 22a.
Hot side 22a is in heat-transferring relation to rotor 44 while
cold side 24a is in heat-transferring relation with the lubricant
and working fluid within suction chamber 54. The temperature
differential between the hot and cold sides 22a, 24a causes a heat
Q.sub.a to flow through TEM 33a, which generates an electric
current that is supplied to a load 26a. Attached to moving rotor
44, TEM 33a powers load 26a that is also rotating with rotor 44 or
shaft 42. For example, load 26a may include a resistance switch
that changes the resistance of the rotor so that a higher
resistance is realized for a startup and a lower resistance is
realized during nominal operation, a temperature sensor, an RPM
sensor, and the like. While TEM 33a is shown as being attached to
the upper portion of rotor 44, it should be appreciated that TEM
33a can be attached to other portions of rotor 44, such as a
middle, lower or internal portion, made integral with upper or
lower counterweight 45, 46, or in direct contact with lubricant
within sump 43.
[0040] Partition 40, which separates the relatively hot discharge
gas within discharge chamber 52 from the relatively cooler suction
gas within suction chamber 54, conducts waste heat Q.sub.waste,
which may be used to generate electrical power within a
thermoelectric device 20. By attaching a TEM 33b to partition 40
with hot thermal conductor 30b in heat-transferring relation with
partition 40 and cold thermal conductor 32b in heat-transferring
relation with the suction gas within suction chamber 54, waste heat
Q.sub.b may be transferred from partition 40 through TEM 33b and
into the suction gas within suction chamber 54. Waste heat Q.sub.b
generates an electric current in thermoelectric device 20b of TEM
33b. TEM 33b may be connected to an internal electric load
26b.sub.1 or an external electric load 26b.sub.2. TEM 33b may be
attached in a fixed manner to a stationary component, such as
partition 40, which facilitates the attachment to stationary loads
either internal or external to compressor 34. By positioning
thermoelectric device 20 in heat-transferring relation with a
stationary component conducting waste heat Q.sub.waste, an electric
current to power a load 26 either internal or external to
compressor 34 may be generated.
[0041] Waste heat Q.sub.waste from the relatively hot discharge gas
within discharge chamber 52 is conducted through cap 38 to the
ambient environment within which compressor 34 is located. A TEM
33c may be attached to cap 38 with a hot thermal conductor 30c in
heat-transferring relation with the exterior surface of cap 38 and
the cold thermal conductor 32c in heat-transferring relation with
the ambient environment. As shown in FIG. 5, cold thermal conductor
32c includes fins over which the ambient air flows and hot thermal
conductor 30c includes a contoured surface matched to the exterior
contour of cap 38. Hot thermal conductor 30c has a greater surface
area in contact with cap 38 than in contact with hot side 22c of
thermoelectric device 20c. The temperature differential between the
ambient air and cap 38 causes waste heat Q.sub.c to flow through
TEM 33c and generate an electric current that powers load 26c ,
which may be external (26c.sub.1,) or internal (26c.sub.2) to
compressor 34. Thermoelectric device 20 may be placed in
heat-transferring relation to the relatively hot discharge gas in
discharge chamber 52 (via cap 38) and the relatively cold ambient
environment to provide a temperature gradient that may be used to
generate electric current to power a load.
[0042] Because of the temperature differential between discharge
gas within discharge passage 39 and the ambient environment, a TEM
33d attached to discharge passage 39 with the hot thermal conductor
30d in heat-transferring relation to discharge passage 39 and the
cold thermal conductor 32d in heat-transferring relation to the
ambient environment causes heat Q.sub.d to flow through TEM 33d.
The thermoelectric device 20d of TEM 33d generates electric current
that may be used to power load 26d. Thus, a thermoelectric device
20 may be disposed in heat-transferring relation to the relatively
hot gas within the discharge passage and the ambient environment to
generate an electric current that can be used to power a load.
[0043] During the compressing of the refrigerant between wraps 48,
50 of orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members 47, 49, the
temperature and pressure of the working fluid increases as it
approach central discharge passage 51. As a result, the temperature
differential between the relatively cool suction gas on one side of
orbiting scroll member 47 and the relatively hot discharge gas near
discharge passage 51 generates waste heat Q.sub.e. A TEM 33e may be
attached to orbiting-scroll member 47 adjacent or opposite to
discharge passage 51. Specifically, hot thermal conductor 30e of
TEM 33e is placed in heat-transferring relation to a bottom surface
of orbiting scroll member 47 generally opposite discharge passage
51. Cold thermal conductor 32e of TEM 33e is disposed in
heat-transferring relation to the suction gas and lubricant flowing
within suction chamber 54. As waste heat Q.sub.e flows through TEM
33e, the thermoelectric device 20e of TEM 33e generates electric
current that may be used to power load 26e. Thus, a thermoelectric
device 20 may be disposed in heat-transferring relation to the
discharge gas and suction gas adjacent the orbiting scroll member
to generate electric current that can be used to power a load.
[0044] During operation, stator 41 generates waste heat Q.sub.f
that is transferred to the internally distributed lubricant and/or
suction gas in the suction chamber 54. A TEM 33f may be attached to
stator 41 with the hot thermal conductor 30f in heat-transferring
relation to stator 41 and cold thermal conductor 32f is in
heat-transferring relation to the lubricant and/or suction gas in
suction chamber 54. The temperature differential between stator 41
and the lubricant and/or suction gas within suction chamber 54
causes waste heat Q.sub.f to flow through TEM 33f, wherein
thermoelectric device 20f generates electric current that may be
used to power load 26f. While TEM 33f is shown as being attached to
the upper portion of stator 41, it should be appreciated that TEM
33f can be attached to other portions of stator 41, such as a
middle, lower or internal portion, or in direct contact with
lubricant within sump 43. Thus, a thermoelectric device may be
disposed in heat-transferring relation to the stator and the
lubricant or suction gas to generate electric current that can be
used to power a load.
[0045] The lubricant within sump 43 of compressor 34 is relatively
hot (relative to the ambient environment) and heat waste Q.sub.g is
conducted from the lubricant through shell 37 to the ambient
environment. A TEM 33g may be positioned with cold thermal
conductor 32g in heat-transferring relation to the ambient
environment and hot thermal conductor 30g in heat-transferring
relation to the lubricant within sump 43. This may be accomplished
by integrating TEM 33g within the wall of shell 37. The temperature
differential between the lubricant and ambient causes waste heat
Q.sub.g to flow through thermoelectric device 20g in TEM 33g and
generate electric current that may be used to power load 26g. Thus,
a thermoelectric device 20 disposed in heat-transferring relation
to the relatively hot lubricant and relatively cool ambient
environment may be used to generate electric current to power a
load.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, a partial schemataic view of a top
portion of another exemplary compressor, in this case an orbital
scroll compressor 34' having a direct discharge by way of
non-limiting example is shown. Compressor 34' is similar to
compressor 34 discussed above with reference to FIG. 5. In
compressor 34', however, discharge passage 39' communicates
directly with discharge passage 51' of non-orbiting scroll member
49' such that the compressed working fluid (discharge gas) flows
directly into discharge passage 39' from discharge passage 51'. A
muffler 56' is attached to discharge passage 39'. The relatively
hot compressed working fluid flows through muffler 56'. Waste heat
Q.sub.waste from the relatively hot discharge gas within muffler
56' is conducted through the walls of muffler 56' to the ambient
environment within which compressor 34' is located. A TEM 33' may
be attached to muffler 56' with hot thermal conductor 30' in
heat-transferring relation with the exterior surface of muffler 56'
and cold thermal conductor 32' in heat-transferring relation with
the ambient environment. Cold thermal conductor 32' may include
fins over which the ambient air flows and hot thermal conductor 30'
may include a contoured surface matched to the exterior contour of
muffler 56' to facilitate heat transfer. The temperature
differential between the ambient air and muffler 56' causes waste
heat Q to flow through TEM 33' and generate an electric current
that powers load 26'. Thus, thermoelectric device 20' may be placed
in heat-transferring relation to the relatively hot discharge gas
in muffler 56' (via the exterior surface of muffler 56') and the
relatively cold ambient environment to provide a temperature
gradient that may be used to generate electric current to power a
load.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, a multi-compressor system 60 including
compressors 34.sub.1-34.sub.n are arranged in parallel with the
relatively hot, high-pressure discharge gas from each compressor 34
flowing into a common discharge manifold 61 is shown. The
temperature differential between the discharge gas and ambient
causes waste heat Q to flow from the discharge gas to the ambient
environment through manifold 61. Positioning a TEM 33 adjacent
discharge manifold 61 with a hot thermal conductor 30 in
heat-transferring relation to discharge manifold 61 and cold
thermal conductor 32 in heat-transferring relation to the ambient
air about discharge manifold 61 may generate electric current from
waste heat Q flowing through thermoelectric device 20 within TEM
33. The electric current may be used to power load 26. Thus, in a
multi-compressor system having a common discharge manifold, a
thermoelectric device may be positioned between the relatively hot
discharge gas in the manifold and the ambient environment to
generate an electric current from the waste heat Q to power a load
26.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary refrigeration system 64
includes a compressor 65, a condenser 66, an expansion device 67
and an evaporator 68 all connected together to thereby form a
vapor-compression circuit 69. Condenser 66 transfers a heat Q.sub.3
from the relatively hot working fluid flowing therethrough to an
airflow flowing there across and condenses the working fluid.
Evaporator 68 is operable to extract a heat flow Q.sub.4 from an
airflow flowing there across and transfer it to the relatively cool
and expanded working fluid flowing therethrough.
[0049] Refrigeration system 64 includes various loads 26 that
require electricity to operate. Loads 26 may include electrically
driven fans 70, 71 which push air across condenser 66 and
evaporator 68, respectively, various valves, solenoids or actuators
72 and various sensors 73. Additionally, load 26 may include a
controller 74, which may be used to control or communicate with
valves 72, sensors 73, compressor 65, fans 70, 71 and other
components of refrigeration system 64. The various power
requirements of refrigeration system 64 may be met by a power
distribution member 75 which supplies current to power the various
loads 26 of refrigeration system 64.
[0050] The power demands of the various loads 26 may be provided by
a power supply 76, which may provide both AC current and DC
current, through power-distribution block 75. The electric current
may be supplied by individual connections directly to power supply
76, through one or more power distribution devices, and/or through
controller 74.
[0051] Waste heat Q.sub.waste generated by refrigeration system 64
may be conducted to one or more thermoelectric devices 20 to
generated electric current supplied to load 26. As shown in FIG. 8,
a TEM 33a may capture waste heat Q.sub.1 from compressor 65 and
generate current I supplied to power-distribution block 75.
Additionally, TEM 33b may extract waste heat Q.sub.2 from the
relatively high-temperature working fluid flowing through
vapor-compression circuit 69, particularly compressed working fluid
that has not been condensed, and generate current I supplied to
power-distribution block 75.
[0052] During startup of refrigeration system 64, a TEM 33 will not
produce power to supply load 26. Rather, during startup, power may
be supplied by power supply 76. Once refrigeration system 64
reaches steady state (nominal) operation, waste heat Q.sub.waste
will be generated and TEM 33 may produce electric current.
[0053] As the electric current production by one or more TEM 33
increases, the use of power supply 76 may be reduced. Power demands
of load 26 may be partially or fully met by the electric current
generated by one or more TEM 33, which may also supply current to
power one or more low-power-consuming components while power supply
76 supplies current to meet the power demand of
high-power-consuming components, such as compressor 65.
[0054] An energy-storage device 78 may provide temporary startup
power to one or more components of refrigeration system 64.
Energy-storage devices, such as rechargeable batteries, ultra
capacitors, and the like, may store a sufficient quantity of power
to meet the requirements, particularly at system startup, of some
or all of the components of refrigeration system 64 up until the
time TEM 33 is able to produce sufficient current to power those
components. Excess current generated by TEM 33 may be utilized to
recharge energy-storage device 78 for a subsequent startup
operation. Thus, energy storage device 78 may be part of load
26.
[0055] In refrigeration system 64, thermoelectric devices 20 may
use waste heat Q.sub.waste to generate electric current that can
power various components of refrigeration system 64. The electric
current supplied by thermoelectric devices may be used to
supplement electric current from power supply 76 and/or meet the
demand of the refrigeration system. Additionally, an energy-storage
device 78 may provide the initial startup power requirements of
refrigeration system 64 until one or more thermoelectric devices 20
are able to replace the electrical power supplied by energy-storage
device 78.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 9, a refrigeration system 164 includes
a vapor-compression circuit 169 and TEM 133. TEM 133, which
produces an electric current I to power a load 126, may extract
heat Q.sub.102 from the relatively high-temperature, non-condensed
working fluid flowing through vapor-compression circuit 169 between
compressor 165 and condenser 166, thereby de-superheating the
working fluid flowing into condenser 166.
[0057] Working fluid may exit compressor 165 at, by way of
non-limiting example, 182.degree. F. and arrive at TEM 133 at about
170.degree. F. If the ambient environment is at say 95.degree. F.,
a 75.degree. F. temperature differential across TEM 133 produces
waste heat Q.sub.102 to flow from the working fluid to the ambient
through TEM 133, which reduces the temperature of the working fluid
prior to flowing into condenser 166. Because the heat Q.sub.103
required to be extracted by condenser 166 to meet the needs of
evaporator 168 is reduced, compressor 165 may operate more
efficiently or at a lower capacity or at a lower temperature, such
as by way of non-limiting example 115.degree. F. Thermoelectric
device 20 may power load 126 while de-superheating non-condensed
working fluid thereby meeting part of all of the power demand and
increasing the efficiency of the system. De-superheating the
working fluid enables condenser 166 to operate more efficiently or
be sized smaller than what would be required if no de-superheating
were to occur, further helping thermoelectric device meet system
power requirements.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 10, a refrigeration system 264 includes a
pair of thermoelectric modules 233a, 233b for subcooling the
condensed working fluid exiting condenser 266. First thermoelectric
module 233a extracts waste heat Q.sub.201 from compressor 265 and
generates an electric current I that is supplied to second
thermoelectric module 233b, which is in heat-transferring relation
to vapor-compression circuit 269. The current supplied by first TEM
233a drives the temperature gradient across second TEM 233b to
allow the removal of heat Q.sub.205 from condensed working fluid in
vapor-compression circuit 269. Cold side 224b of thermoelectric
device 220b is in heat-transferring relation to the condensed
working fluid within vapor-compression circuit 269 exiting
condenser 266, where heat Q.sub.205 is extracted from the condensed
working fluid and transferred to the ambient. To enhance the
removal of heat Q.sub.205 from the condensed working fluid to the
ambient environment, the flow of air caused by fan 270 may be
directed over hot thermal conductor 230b of second TEM 233b.
[0059] Second TEM 233b may remove heat Q.sub.205 to sub-cool the
condensed working fluid therein and increase the cooling capacity
of refrigeration system 264. Condenser 266 may reduce the working
fluid temperature to approximately ambient temperature and second
thermoelectric module 233b may further cool the condensed working
fluid to below-ambient temperature by extracting heat Q.sub.205
therefrom. The lower-temperature condensed working fluid provides a
larger cooling capacity for evaporator 268, which can extract a
larger quantity of heat Q.sub.204 from the air flowing across
evaporator 268, thus achieving a greater cooling capacity.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 11, a refrigeration system 364 operated as
a heat pump is shown. In this system, a thermoelectric module 333
is utilized to supplement the heating capacity of refrigeration
system 364. Hot thermal conductor 330 of TEM 333 is in
heat-transferring relation with a portion of the relatively
high-temperature, high-pressure working fluid exiting compressor
365 and flowing through an auxiliary flow path 380. Cold thermal
conductor 332 of TEM 333 is in heat-transferring relation with the
condensed working fluid exiting condenser 366. Power supply 376
selectively supplies electric current to TEM 333 thereby forming a
temperature gradient across TEM 333 which extracts heat Q.sub.306
from the condensed working fluid and transfers the heat Q.sub.306
to the portion of the relatively high-temperature, high-pressure
working fluid flowing through auxiliary flow path 380, further
increasing the temperature of the working fluid.
[0061] This higher-temperature working fluid is directed through an
auxiliary condenser 382 to supplement the heat transfer to the air
flowing over condenser 366. The air flow generated by fan 370 flows
over condenser 366 then auxiliary condenser 382. Auxiliary
condenser 382 transfers heat Q.sub.312 from the higher-temperature
working fluid flowing therethrough to the air flowing thereacross,
thereby increasing the temperature of the air flow and providing
additional heat transfer to the air flow.
[0062] The condensed working fluid exiting auxiliary condenser 382
joins with the condensed working fluid exiting condenser 366 prior
to flowing past TEM 333. The condensed working fluid flows through
expansion device 367 and evaporator 368 wherein heat Q.sub.304 is
extracted from the air flowing thereacross. Accordingly, a
thermoelectric device in refrigeration system 364 transfers heat to
a portion of the relatively high-temperature, high-pressure working
fluid exiting the compressor which is subsequently transferred to
an air flow flowing across an auxiliary condenser, thereby
supplementing the overall heat transferred to the air flow. The
electric current supplied to the thermoelectric device is modulated
to provide varying levels of supplementation of the heat Q.sub.312
transferred to the air flowing over the condenser and the auxiliary
condenser.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 12, a refrigeration system 464 operated as
a heat pump is shown. In refrigeration system 464, a thermoelectric
module 433 selectively transfers heat to a single-phase fluid
flowing through a single-phase, heat-transfer circuit 486 which
supplements the heating capacity of refrigeration system 464.
Heat-transfer circuit 486 includes a pump 487 and a heat exchanger
483 arranged adjacent condenser 466 such that air flow generated by
fan 470 flows across both condenser 466 and heat exchanger 483.
[0064] Cold thermal conductor 432 is in heat-transferring relation
with the condensed working fluid exiting condenser 466 which
extracts heat Q.sub.406 therefrom. Hot thermal conductor 430 is in
heat-transferring relation with the single-phase fluid flowing
through heat-transfer circuit 486 and transfers heat Q.sub.406
thereto. Power supply 476 modulates the current flowing to
thermoelectric device 420 within TEM 433 to generate and maintain a
desired temperature gradient thereacross, thereby resulting in a
desired quantity of heat Q.sub.406 transferred to the single-phase
fluid and increasing the temperature of the single-phase fluid to a
desired temperature. Pump 487 pumps the single-phase fluid through
heat exchanger 483 which transfers heat Q.sub.412 from the
single-phase fluid to the air flowing thereacross, which raises the
temperature of the air flow. A variety of single-phase fluids can
be utilized within heat-transfer circuit 486. By way of
non-limiting example, the single-phase fluid may be a potassium
formate or other types of secondary heat transfer fluids, such as
those available from Environmental Process Systems Limited of
Cambridgeshire, UK and sold under the Tyfo.RTM. brand, and the
like. In refrigeration system 464, a thermoelectric device
transfers heat Q.sub.406 from the condensed working fluid exiting
the condenser to a single-phase fluid flowing through a
heat-transfer circuit which transfers heat Q.sub.412 to the air
flowing across heat exchanger 483.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 13, a refrigeration system 564 operated as
a heat pump is shown. Refrigeration system 564 is similar to
refrigeration system 464 with the addition of a second
single-phase, heat-transfer circuit 588. Second heat-transfer
circuit 588 includes a pump 589 and a subcooler 590. Subcooler 590
is in heat-transferring relation with condensed working fluid
exiting condenser 566 and the single-phase fluid flowing through
heat-transfer circuit 588. Subcooler 590 transfers heat Q.sub.507
from the condensed working fluid flowing therethrough to the
single-phase fluid flowing therethrough, which increases the
temperature of the single-phase fluid.
[0066] Cold thermal conductor 532 of TEM 533 is in
heat-transferring relation with the single-phase fluid flowing
through heat-transfer circuit 588. Hot thermal conductor 530 of TEM
533 is in heat-transferring relation with the single-phase fluid
flowing through heat-transfer circuit 586. Power supply 576
modulates the current flowing to thermoelectric device 520 to
maintain a desired temperature differential thereacross which
transfers heat Q.sub.508 from the single-phase fluid within
heat-transfer circuit 588 to the single-phase fluid in
heat-transfer circuit 586 through thermoelectric device 520. Heat
Q.sub.508 increases the temperature of the single-phase fluid
flowing through heat-transfer circuit 586. Heat Q.sub.512 is
transferred from the single-phase fluid flowing through
heat-transfer circuit 586 to the air flowing across heat exchanger
583, thereby increasing the temperature of the air flow.
Refrigeration system 564 uses two single-phase fluid heat-transfer
circuits 586, 588 in heat-transferring relation to one another
through thermoelectric device 520 to supplement the heating of the
air flow flowing across condenser 566.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 14, a refrigeration system 664 providing a
dehumidification and reheating of the cooling air provided thereby
is shown. Refrigeration system 664 includes vapor-compression
circuit 669 having a working fluid flowing therethrough. Evaporator
668 is operated at a very low temperature and extracts heat
Q.sub.604 from the air flow flowing thereacross which lowers the
humidity and temperature of the air flow. First and second
heat-tranfer circuits 691, 692 in heat-transferring relation
through TEM 633 transfer heat to the air flow to raise the
temperature thereby making the air flow suitable for its intended
application.
[0068] First heat-transfer circuit 691 includes a pump 693 and a
subcooler 694 and has a single-phase fluid flowing therethrough.
Subcooler 694 transfers heat Q.sub.609 from the condensed working
fluid exiting condenser 666 to the single-phase fluid flowing
through first heat-transfer circuit 691 which increases the
temperature of the single-phase fluid. Cold thermal conductor 632
is in heat-transferring relation with the single-phase fluid
flowing through first heat-transfer circuit 691 while hot thermal
conductor 630 is in heat-transferring relation with the
single-phase fluid flowing through second heat transfer circuit
692. Power supply 676 modulates the current flowing to
thermoelectric device 620 in TEM 633 to maintain a desired
temperature gradient thereacross and transfer heat Q.sub.610 from
the single-phase fluid flowing through first heat-transfer circuit
691 to the single-phase fluid flowing through second heat-transfer
circuit 692 through thermoelectric device 620.
[0069] Heat Q.sub.610 increases the temperature of the single-phase
fluid flowing through second heat-transfer circuit 692. A pump 695
pumps the single-phase fluid in second heat-transfer circuit 692
through a reheat coil 696. The air flow induced by fan 671 flows
across both evaporator 668 and reheat coil 696. Reheat coil 696
transfers heat Q.sub.611 from the single-phase fluid flowing
therethrough to the air flow flowing thereacross. Heat Q.sub.611
increases the temperature of the air flow without increasing the
humidity. Refrigeration system 664 utilizes two single-phase heat
transfer circuits 691, 692 in heat-transferring relation
therebetween with a thermoelectric device to reheat an air flow
dehumidified and chilled by the evaporator of the vapor compression
circuit.
[0070] While the present teachings have been described with
reference to the drawings and examples, changes may be made without
deviating from the spirit and scope of the present teachings. It
should be appreciated that the orbiting scroll compressors shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 are by way of a non-limiting example and may not show
all of the components therein. Orbital scroll compressors are shown
and described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,446 entitled
"Horizontral Scroll Compressor"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,867 entitled
"Scroll Compressor Having a Clearance for the Oldham Coupling";
U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,172 entitled "Scroll Compressor with Vapor
Injection"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,683 entitled "Dual Volume-Ratio
Scroll Machine" and U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,092 entitled "Capacity
Modulated Scroll Compressor", all assigned to the assignee of the
present invention and incorporated by reference herein. Other types
of compressors generate waste heat that can be utilized with one or
more thermoelectric devices to generate a current flow that can be
used elsewhere. For example, the compressors can be either
internally or externally-driven compressors and may include rotary
compressors, screw compressors, centrifugal compressors, and the
like. Moreover, while TEM 33g is shown as being integrated in the
wall of shell 37, it should be appreciated that TEMs may be
integrated into other components, if desired, to be in direct
contact with a heat source or heat sink. Furthermore, while the
condensers and evaporators are described as being coil units, it
should be appreciated that other types of evaporators and
condensers may be employed. Additionally, while the present
teachings have been described with reference to specific
temperatures, it should be appreciated that these temperatures are
provided as non-limiting examples of the capabilities of the
refrigeration systems. Accordingly, the temperatures of the various
components within the various refrigeration systems may vary from
those shown.
[0071] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that additional
valves, sensors, control devices and the like can be employed, as
desired, in the refrigeration systems shown. Moreover, thermal
insulation may be utilized to promote a directional heat transfer
so that desired hot and cold sides for the thermoelectric device
are realized. Accordingly, the description is merely exemplary in
nature and variations are not to be regarded as a departure from
the spirit and scope of the teachings.
* * * * *