U.S. patent application number 12/899882 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-16 for water circulation apparatus associated with refrigerant system.
Invention is credited to Seung Hyun Jung, Sung Su LEE.
Application Number | 20110138839 12/899882 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43920694 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110138839 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Sung Su ; et
al. |
June 16, 2011 |
WATER CIRCULATION APPARATUS ASSOCIATED WITH REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
Abstract
A water circulation apparatus performs a variety of heat
exchange operations for various refrigerants. The apparatus may be
applied for a first refrigerant system having a first compressor
and first heat-exchanger and a second refrigerant system having a
second compressor. An intermediate heat-exchanger performs
heat-exchange operations between first and second refrigerants
flowing in respective ones of the systems. A water circulator is
then used to circulate water which is heat-exchanged with the
second refrigerant while the water is circulated. The apparatus
performs these functions for operating modes which include a
heating mode and a cooling mode. Defrosting operations are also
performed for one or more of the heat exchangers.
Inventors: |
LEE; Sung Su; (Changwon
City, KR) ; Jung; Seung Hyun; (Changwon City,
KR) |
Family ID: |
43920694 |
Appl. No.: |
12/899882 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/324.5 ;
62/333; 62/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 30/70 20130101;
F25D 21/12 20130101; F25B 2400/06 20130101; Y02B 30/745 20130101;
F25B 29/003 20130101; F25B 2600/13 20130101; F25B 2339/047
20130101; F25B 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/324.5 ;
62/333; 62/498 |
International
Class: |
F25B 13/00 20060101
F25B013/00; F25D 17/02 20060101 F25D017/02; F25B 1/00 20060101
F25B001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 11, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0123571 |
Claims
1. A water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant
system, comprising: a first refrigerant system which includes a
first compressor and a first heat-exchanger in which air is
heat-exchanged with a first refrigerant, the first refrigerant
system performing a refrigerant cycle in which the first
refrigerant flows; a second refrigerant system which includes a
second compressor, the second refrigerant system performing a
refrigerant cycle in which a second refrigerant flows; an
intermediate heat-exchanger to perform a heat-exchange operation
between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant during
flow of the first and second refrigerants and a water circulator to
circulate water which is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant
while the water is circulated, wherein: the water circulator
includes a water pipe through which the water flows, a branch pipe
branched from the water pipe to pass through the intermediate
heat-exchanger, and a valve disposed in the branch pipe to regulate
a flow of the water, when a defrosting condition for defrosting the
first heat-exchanger is satisfied during heating mode operations of
the first refrigerant system and the second refrigerant system, the
first refrigerant system is operated in a cooling mode and a
heat-exchange operation is performed between water in the branch
pipe and one or more refrigerants flowing into the intermediate
heat-exchanger.
2. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the valve
is opened during the heating mode operations of the first and
second refrigerant systems and the valve is closed when the
defrosting condition is satisfied.
3. The water circulation apparatus of claim 2, wherein operation of
the second refrigerant system is stopped when the defrosting
condition is satisfied.
4. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the valve
is closed during the heating mode operations of the first and
second refrigerant systems, and the valve is opened when the
defrosting condition is satisfied.
5. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve is
maintained in an opened state regardless of an operation mode of
the second refrigerant system.
6. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the
defrosting condition is satisfied: the second refrigerant system is
operated in a defrosting mode, and an operation frequency of the
second compressor during the defrosting mode operation of the
second refrigerant system is less than that of the second
compressor during the heating mode operation of the second
refrigerant system.
7. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the water
circulator includes an inverter pump regulating a flow amount of
water pumped into the water pipe, and when the defrosting condition
is satisfied, the inverter pump is operated to reduce the flow
amount of the water pipe than that of the water pipe in the heating
mode.
8. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the water
circulator includes a water collection tank in which the water
passing through the second heat-exchanger is stored, and the water
pipe includes an inlet pipe of the second heat-exchanger and an
outlet pipe of the second heat-exchanger, the outlet pipe of the
second heat-exchanger is connected to the water collection
tank.
9. The water circulation apparatus of claim 8, wherein the branch
pipe is branched from the inlet pipe and joint at the outlet
pipe.
10. The water circulation apparatus of claim 8, wherein the branch
pipe is branched from the inlet pipe, passes through the
intermediate heat-exchanger, and is connected to the water
collection tank.
11. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein: a bypass
pipe bypassing the first refrigerant or the second refrigerant into
the intermediate heat-exchanger is disposed at an outlet-side of
the first compressor or the second compressor, and a bypass valve
regulating a flow amount of the refrigerant is in the bypass pipe,
when the defrosting condition for defrosting the first
heat-exchanger is satisfied, the bypass valve is opened.
12. The water circulation of claim 11, wherein the bypass pipe
comprises: a first bypass pipe to allow the refrigerant discharged
from the first compressor to be bypassed toward the intermediate
heat-exchanger, and a second bypass pipe to allow the refrigerant
discharged from the second compressor to be bypassed toward the
intermediate heat-exchanger, and wherein the bypass valve
comprises: a first bypass valve and a second bypass valve disposed
in respective ones of the first and second bypass pipes, and
wherein, when the defrosting condition is satisfied, the number of
opened bypass valves is varied based on an outdoor temperature.
13. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
refrigerant includes R410a refrigerant and the second refrigerant
includes R134a refrigerant.
14. A water circulation apparatus for a refrigerant system,
comprising: a first refrigerant system which includes a first
compressor and a first heat-exchanger in which air is
heat-exchanged with a first refrigerant, the first refrigerant
system performing a refrigerant cycle in which the first
refrigerant flows; a second refrigerant system which includes a
second compressor, the second refrigerant system performing a
refrigerant cycle in which a second refrigerant flows; an
intermediate heat-exchanger to perform a heat-exchange operation
between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant while the
first and second refrigerants flow, the intermediate heat-exchanger
including a first refrigerant passage and a second refrigerant
passage; and a water circulator to circulate water that is
heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the water is
circulated, wherein: at least one bypass pipe to allow at least one
of the first refrigerant or the second refrigerant to bypass into
the intermediate heat-exchanger, the at least one bypass pipe
disposed at an outlet-side of at least one of the first or second
compressor, and at least one bypass valve to regulate a flow amount
of refrigerant in the at least one bypass pipe, when a defrosting
condition for defrosting the first heat-exchanger is satisfied
during heating mode operations of the first and second refrigerant
systems, the first refrigerant system is operated in a cooling mode
and the bypass valve is opened.
15. The water circulation apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at
least one bypass pipe comprises: a first bypass pipe to allow the
refrigerant discharged from the first compressor to be bypassed
toward an inlet-side of the first refrigerant passage, and a second
bypass pipe to allow the refrigerant discharged from the second
compressor to be bypassed toward an inlet-side of the second
refrigerant passage, the at least one bypass valve comprises: a
first bypass valve and a second bypass valve disposed in the bypass
pipes respectively, wherein a number of opened bypass valves is
varied according to an outdoor temperature when the defrosting
condition is satisfied.
16. The water circulation apparatus of claim 15, wherein: when an
outdoor temperature is greater than a first reference temperature,
the first bypass valve is opened, when the outdoor temperature is
between a second reference temperature less than the first
reference temperature and the first reference temperature, the
second bypass valve is opened, and when the outdoor temperature is
less than the second reference temperature, the first and second
bypass valves are opened.
17. The water circulation apparatus of claim 14, wherein when the
defrosting condition is satisfied: the second refrigerant system is
operated in a defrosting mode, and an operation frequency of the
second compressor during the defrosting mode operation of the
second refrigerant system is less than that of the second
compressor during the heating mode operation of the second
refrigerant system.
18. The water circulation apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the water
circulator includes an inverter pump regulating a flow amount of
water pumped into the water pipe, and when the defrosting condition
is satisfied, the inverter pump is operated to reduce the flow
amount of the water pipe than that of the water pipe in the heating
mode.
19. The water circulation apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first
refrigerant includes R410a refrigerant and the second refrigerant
includes R134a refrigerant.
20. The water circulation apparatus of claim 14, wherein: when each
of the refrigerant systems is operated in the heating mode, the
intermediate heat-exchanger serves as a condenser with respect to
the first refrigerant system and an evaporator with respect to the
second refrigerant system, and when the first refrigerant system is
operated in the defrosting mode, the intermediate heat-exchanger
serves as an evaporator with respect to the respective refrigerant
systems.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 USC
.sctn.119 and 35 USC 365 to Korean Patent Application No.
10-2009-0123571, filed on Dec. 11, 2009, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] One or more embodiments herein relate to cooling and/or
heating systems.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Refrigerant systems perform heat-exchanging operations for
various types of household and commercial applications. Many
related-art systems have proven to be inefficient and ineffective,
especially when it comes to defrosting the heat exchangers and the
ability to provide heat or heated water when, for example,
temperatures are very low in the surrounding environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a water circulation
apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing steps in a first embodiment of
a defrosting method using a water circulation apparatus associated
with a refrigerant system.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing steps included in a second
embodiment of a defrosting method for a water circulation apparatus
associated with a refrigerant system.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing steps included in a third
embodiment of a defrosting method for a water circulation apparatus
associated with a refrigerant system.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing steps included in a fourth
embodiment of a defrosting method for a water circulation apparatus
associated with a refrigerant system.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of a water
circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing steps included in another
embodiment of a defrosting method for a water circulation apparatus
associated with a refrigerant system.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a diagram of another embodiment of a water
circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a water circulation apparatus
which includes a first refrigerant system 1, a second refrigerant
system 2, a hot water supply part 4, and a cooling/heating part 5.
The first refrigerant system controls a first refrigerant cycle for
circulating a first refrigerant. The second refrigerant system
controls a second refrigerant cycle for circulating a second
refrigerant, and performs an operation in which the first
refrigerant is heat-exchanged with a second refrigerant and then a
heat-exchange operation is performed between the second refrigerant
and water. The hot water supply part is connected to the second
refrigerant system to supply hot water, and the cooling/heating
part is connected to the second refrigerant system to heat and
cool, for example, an indoor room.
[0015] The first refrigerant system 1 includes a first compressor
11 for compressing the first refrigerant, a first four-way valve 12
for regulating a flow direction of the first refrigerant discharged
from the first compressor, an intermediate heat-exchanger 25 in
which the first refrigerant is heat-exchanged with the second
refrigerant, a first expansion part 14 for expanding the first
refrigerant, and a first heat-exchanger 13 in which the first
refrigerant is heat-exchanged with outdoor air. The first
compressor, the first four-way valve, the intermediate
heat-exchanger, first expansion part, and first heat-exchanger are
connected to each other through a first refrigerant pipe 15.
[0016] In this embodiment, because the intermediate heat-exchanger
performs a heat-exchange operation between the first and second
refrigerants, the intermediate heat-exchanger may be referred to as
a refrigerant-refrigerant heat-exchanger. Also, while FIG. 1 shows
that the intermediate heat-exchanger lies outside of system 1, in
other embodiments the intermediate heat-exchanger may be included
within the box corresponding to the first refrigerant system.
[0017] The second refrigerant system 2 includes a second compressor
21 for compressing the second refrigerant, a second four-way valve
22 regulating a flow direction of the second refrigerant discharged
from the second compressor, a second heat-exchanger 23 for
performing a heat-exchange operation between the second refrigerant
and water, a second expansion part 24 for expanding the second
refrigerant, and the intermediate heat-exchanger 25 previously
mentioned for performing the heat-exchange operation between the
first refrigerant and the second refrigerant.
[0018] The second compressor 21, second four-way valve 22, second
heat-exchanger 23, second expansion part 24, and intermediate
heat-exchanger 25 are connected to each other through a second
refrigerant pipe 26. In this embodiment, since the second
heat-exchanger 23 performs a heat-exchange operation between the
second refrigerant and water, the second heat-exchanger may be
referred to as a water-refrigerant heat-exchanger.
[0019] The intermediate heat-exchanger 25 includes a first passage
251 through which the first refrigerant flows and a second passage
252 through which the second refrigerant flows. The first passage
and second passage may be defined by or included as part of the
first refrigerant pipe 15 and the second refrigerant pipe 26,
respectively.
[0020] Alternatively, separate first and second passages 251 and
252 may be defined in the intermediate heat-exchanger 25. In such
an arrangement, the first refrigerant pipe 15 may be connected to
the first passage 251 and the second refrigerant pipe 26 may be
connected to the second passage 252.
[0021] The second heat-exchanger 23 includes a refrigerant passage
231 through which the second refrigerant flows and a water passage
232 through which water flows. The refrigerant passage and water
passage may be defined by or included as part of the second
refrigerant pipe 26 and a first water pipe 30 respectively. Also,
in accordance with one or more embodiments, a plate heat-exchanger
may be used as or included in intermediate heat-exchanger 25 and
the second heat-exchanger 23, but variations are possible.
[0022] The intermediate heat-exchanger 25 may be disposed within a
first case (not shown) including the first refrigerant system 1 or
a second case (not shown) including the second refrigerant system
2. Also, the first and second refrigerant systems may be disposed
within a single case.
[0023] In one embodiment, for example, R410a may be used as the
first refrigerant and R134a may be used as the second refrigerant.
That is, the first refrigerant of the first refrigerant system is
different from the second refrigerant of the second refrigerant
system.
[0024] When the first refrigerant system is operated in heating
mode, the first refrigerant compressed by first compressor 11 flows
into intermediate heat-exchanger 25 by the flow regulation of first
four-way valve 12. The first refrigerant flowing into the
intermediate heat-exchanger is heat-exchanged with the second
refrigerant, and then flows into first expansion part 14. The first
refrigerant is expanded by the first expansion part and evaporated
while it flows into first heat-exchanger 13.
[0025] The evaporated first refrigerant is then introduced into
first compressor 11. That is, when the first refrigerant system is
operated in heating mode, the second refrigerant compressed by
second compressor 21 flows into second heat-exchanger 23 by flow
regulation performed by second four-way valve 22.
[0026] The second refrigerant flowing into second heat-exchanger 23
is heat-exchanged with water and then flows into second expansion
part 24. Then, the second refrigerant is expanded by second
expansion part 24 and evaporated by being heat-exchanged with the
first refrigerant while it flows into the intermediate
heat-exchanger 25. The evaporated second refrigerant is introduced
into second compressor 21. That is, when the second refrigerant
system operates in heating mode, intermediate heat-exchanger 25
serves as an evaporator with respect to the second refrigerant
system.
[0027] In FIG. 1, a solid arrow line indicates a flow of
refrigerant when the refrigerant systems operate in heating mode,
and a dotted arrow line indicates a flow of refrigerant when the
refrigerant systems operate in cooling mode.
[0028] In summary, when refrigerant systems 1 and 2 operate in
heating mode, the intermediate heat exchanger 25 serves as a
condenser with respect to the first refrigerant system 1 and an
evaporator with respect to the second refrigerant system 2. Thus,
if the first refrigerant system operates in cooling mode and the
second refrigerant system operates in heating mode, the
intermediate heat-exchanger may serve as the evaporator with
respect to each of the refrigerant systems 1 and 2.
[0029] In FIG. 1, the first and second refrigerants are shown as
having the same flow direction in intermediate heat-exchanger 25
when the refrigerant systems are operating in heating mode.
However, in other embodiments, the first and second refrigerants
may flow in opposite directions by changing the connection
positions of the refrigerant pipes.
[0030] The second refrigerant system 2 may also include a water
flow device which includes first water pipe 30, a flow switch 32
disposed in the first water flow pipe to detect water flow, an
expansion tank 33 branched at a predetermined position spaced from
the flow switch in an water flow direction, a water collection tank
34 in which a portion of the first water pipe is inserted and which
includes an auxiliary heater 35 therein, and a water pump 36
disposed at a predetermined position of a second water pipe 61
disposed at an outlet-side of the water collection tank.
[0031] The first water pipe 30 includes an inlet pipe at an
inlet-side of second heat-exchanger 23, an outlet pipe 302 disposed
at an outlet-side of the second heat-exchanger 23, and a branch
pipe branched from the inlet pipe 301 and joint at the outlet pipe
302. The outlet pipe 302 is connected to the water collection tank
34. A water pump 310 for pumping the water is disposed on the inlet
pipe 301. In this embodiment, an inverter pump that can regulate an
amount of the pumped water may be used as water pumps 36 and
310.
[0032] The intermediate heat-exchanger 25 further includes a water
passage 253 in which the water branched from inlet pipe 301 flows.
That is, the intermediate heat-exchanger includes first refrigerant
passage 251, second refrigerant passage 252, and water passage 253.
The first refrigerant of the first refrigerant passage 251 is
heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant of second refrigerant
passage 252, and water of the water passage 253 is heat-exchanged
with the first refrigerant of the first refrigerant passage
251.
[0033] On the other hand, water of water passage 253 may be
heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant of second refrigerant
passage 252, or water of the water passage 253 may be respectively
heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant and the second
refrigerant. However, to heat the water of water passage 253, the
water passage may be disposed such that the water and the first
refrigerant may be sufficiently heat-exchanged.
[0034] At this time, a passage extending from inlet pipe 301 to
outlet pipe 302 via second heat-exchanger 23 may be referred to as
a main passage. Also, a passage branched from the inlet pipe and
extending to the outlet pipe via intermediate heat-exchanger 25 may
be referred to as a sub passage. Although branch pipe 303 is
connected to outlet pipe 302 in this embodiment, the branch pipe
may be directly connected to water collection tank 34 without being
connected to outlet pipe 302.
[0035] Valves 304 and 305 for regulating a flow amount of the water
are disposed on inlet- and outlet-side pipes of heat-exchanger 25
of the branch pipe 303, respectively.
[0036] When the second refrigerant system is operated in heating
mode, heat QH with a high temperature is transmitted from the
second refrigerant discharged from second compressor 21 and into
water flowing along water passage 232. When heat is transmitted
into water passage 232, water flowing in water passage 232
increases in temperature.
[0037] As the water is heated while it passes through the second
heat-exchanger 23, it expands to a volume greater than a reasonable
volume. The expansion tank 33, therefore, is provided to perform a
buffer function. A diaphragm (not shown) may be disposed within the
expansion tank to move corresponding to variations in volume of the
water of the outlet pipe 302, and a nitrogen gas may be filled into
the expansion tank 33.
[0038] The water collection tank 34 stores water supplied from the
outlet pipe, and auxiliary heater 35 may be operated when the water
has a temperature less than a required temperature is disposed
within the water collection tank 34.
[0039] An air vent 343 is used to exhaust heated air within the
water collection tank 34 and may be disposed in water collection
tank 34. Also, a pressure gauge 341 and a valve 342 for regulating
a pressure within the water collection tank may be disposed in the
water collection tank. For example, when the pressure within water
collection tank 35 as detected by pressure gauge 341 is excessively
high, valve 342 may be opened to decrease the pressure within the
water collection tank.
[0040] The water pump 36 pumps water from the water collection tank
into second water pipe 61. The water pumped into the second water
pipe may be supplied to the hot water supply part 4 or the
cooling/heating part 5. The hot water supply part 4 heats and
supplies water required, for example, for wash up of a user (e.g.,
a bath or shower) or dish-washing purposes.
[0041] More specifically, a three-way valve 71 for regulating a
flow direction of water of second water pipe 61 may be disposed in
the second water pipe. The water pumped by pump 36 flows into hot
water supply part and/or cooling/heating part by three-way valve
71.
[0042] As a result, hot water supply pipe 62 extending to hot water
supply part 4 and cooling/heating pipe 63 extending to
cooling/heating part 5 are connected to an outlet-side of the
three-way valve. The water pumped by water pump 36 flows into the
hot water supply pipe 62 and/or the cooling/heating pipe 63 under
the control of three-way valve 71.
[0043] The hot water supply part 4 includes a hot water supply tank
41 for storing water supplied from the outside and for heating the
stored water and an auxiliary heater 42 disposed within the hot
water supply tank. Also, an auxiliary heat source supplying heat to
the hot water supply tank 41 may be further disposed according to
an installation configuration. A thermal storage tank using solar
heat may be used as an auxiliary heater. The hot water supply tank
41 includes a water inflow part 411 through which water is
introduced and a water discharge part 412 through which heated
water is discharged.
[0044] More specifically, a portion of hot water supply pipe 62
extending from three-way valve 71 is inserted into hot water supply
tank 41 to heat the water stored in the hot water supply tank. That
is, heat is transmitted from the hot water flowing into the hot
water supply pipe 62 to the water stored in hot water supply tank
41. In some cases, auxiliary heater 42 and the auxiliary heat
source may be operated to additionally supply heat to the water
stored in hot water supply tank 41.
[0045] For example, when a large amount of hot water is required
for the user's bath, since water should be heated in a short period
of time, auxiliary heater 42 or the auxiliary heat source may be
operated. A temperature sensor 414 may be disposed at one side of
the hot water supply tank for detecting water temperature in this
regard.
[0046] As necessary, hot water discharge device such as a shower 45
or an electric device such as a humidifier may be connected to the
water discharge part 412. When the thermal storage tank 43 using
the solar heat is used as the auxiliary heat source, a thermal
storage pipe 47 extending from the thermal storage tank may be
inserted into the hot water supply tank 41. An auxiliary pump 44
for controlling a flow velocity within a thermal storage pipe close
loop may be disposed on the thermal storage pipe 47. Also, a
solenoid valve VA for controlling a flow direction of the water
within the thermal storage pipe 47 may be disposed on the thermal
storage pipe. A temperature sensor 471 for measuring a water
temperature may be disposed at a side of the thermal storage
pipe.
[0047] A structure of the auxiliary heat source such as a thermal
storage part using the solar heat is not limited to the
aforementioned embodiment. For example, the auxiliary heat source
may have various configurations and be disposed at various
positions.
[0048] The cooling/heating part 5 includes a floor cooling/heating
unit 51 in which a portion of cooling/heating pipe 63 is buried in
an indoor floor, and an air cooling/heating unit 52 which is
branched from any position of the cooling/heating pipe and which is
connected to the floor cooling/heating unit 51 in parallel.
[0049] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, floor cooling/heating
unit 51 may be located under the floor in an indoor room, for
example, in a meander line-type configuration. The air
cooling/heating unit 52 may include a fan coil unit or a radiator.
A portion of the air cooling/heating pipe 54 branched from
cooling/heating pipe 63 may be provided in the air cooling/heating
unit as a heat-exchanging unit. Flow switching valves 55 and 56
which, for example, may be incorporated in a three-way valve, may
be disposed at a position at which the air cooling/heating pipe 54
is branched. Thus, water flowing along the cooling/heating pipe 63
may be divided into the floor cooling/heating unit 51 and the air
cooling/heating unit 52 or flow in one direction.
[0050] The hot water supply pipe 62 passing through hot water
supply tank 41 and the cooling/heating pipe 63 passing through the
cooling/heating part 5 are connected to the inlet pipe 301. A check
valve V for preventing water within any one of the hot water supply
pipe 62 and the cooling/heating pipe 63 from reversely flowing may
be disposed in either or each of the hot water supply pipe and the
cooling/heating pipe.
[0051] Because the water flow device disposed in second refrigerant
system 2, hot water supply part 4, and cooling/heating part 5 form
a water circulation cycle, the above-described components may be
referred to as a water circulation unit.
[0052] The operation mode of the respective refrigerant systems in
the foregoing embodiment may include a cooling mode, a heating
mode, and a defrosting mode. The hot water supply part may control
a hot water supply mode and the cooling/heating part may control
the cooling mode and the heating mode. Because the hot water supply
mode of the hot water supply part and the heating mode of the
cooling/heating part are a focus in this embodiment, operations
with respect to the above-described two modes will be
described.
[0053] In the hot water supply mode or the heating mode of the
cooling/heating part, the respective refrigerant systems are
operated in the heating mode. As described above, when the
respective refrigerant systems 1 and 2 are operated in the heating
mode, the intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves as a condenser with
respect to the first refrigerant system 1 and an evaporator with
respect to the second refrigerant system 2.
[0054] Thus, the second refrigerant flowing into the intermediate
heat-exchanger 25 receives heat from the first refrigerant and then
the second refrigerant increases in temperature. When the second
refrigerant increases in temperature, the second refrigerant
introduced into the second compressor 21 increases in temperature.
When the second refrigerant introduced into the second compressor
increases in temperature, the second refrigerant discharged from
the second compressor increases in temperature. As a result, the
refrigerant flowing into second heat-exchanger 23 increases in
temperature.
[0055] As a result, heat greater than that of the second
refrigerant flowing into the second heat-exchanger is transmitted
to water flowing into the second heat-exchanger to thereby
significantly increase a temperature increment of the water.
[0056] At this time, according to characteristics of the respective
refrigerants, a condensing temperature of the second refrigerant
(or an outlet-side temperature of second compressor 2) is higher
than that (or outlet-side temperature of the first compressor) of
the first refrigerant.
[0057] In case of an existing system, because water is
heat-exchanged with a refrigerant of a single refrigerant system,
it may be easily seen that the temperature increment of the water
according to this system is higher than that according to the
existing system.
[0058] The temperature increase of the water heat-exchanged in the
second heat-exchanger 23 represents that the temperature of the
water stored in the water collection tank 34 increases than the
water temperature of the existing system. Thus, water having a
relatively higher temperature may be obtained, and the indoor room
may be heated using the water having the relatively higher
temperature.
[0059] Thus, according to one embodiment, water having relatively
higher temperature may be obtained. Also, the cooling/heating
system may be stably operated to obtain water having high
temperature even when the temperature of an associated indoor room
is very low.
[0060] When the hot water supply mode is selected, water flows into
the hot water supply pipe 62 by three-way valve 71. Thus, the water
flows along the closed loop in which second heat-exchanger 23,
water collection tank 34, water pump 36, three-way valve 71, and
hot water supply pipe 62 are connected to each other. In such a
circulation process, the water introduced through water inflow part
411 of hot water supply tank 41 is heated and then discharged
through water discharge part 412, thereby supplying the water to
the user.
[0061] When the heating mode of cooling/heating part 5 is selected,
water flows into cooling/heating pipe 63 by three-way valve 71.
Thus, the water flows in a closed loop that includes second
heat-exchanger 23, water collection tank 34, water tank 36,
three-way valve 71, and cooling/heating pipe 63. The water flowing
along cooling/heating pipe 63 flows into air cooling/heating unit
52 or floor cooling/heating unit 51.
[0062] The hot water supply mode and the heating mode of the
cooling/heating part may be selected at the same time. In this
case, the water flows into hot water supply pipe 62 and
cooling/heating pipe 63 by three-way valve 71.
[0063] As described above, when the respective refrigerant systems
are operated in the heating mode, the first heat-exchanger 13 of
first refrigerant system 1 serves as an evaporator. Thus, when the
first refrigerant system is continuously operated in the heating
mode, frost may be generated on the first heat-exchanger.
Therefore, a defrosting process is required.
[0064] FIG. 2 shows operations included in one embodiment of a
defrosting method performed for a water circulation apparatus
associated with a refrigerant system, such as shown, for example,
in FIG. 1.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, water circulation apparatus S is
operated in a mode set by a user in operation S1. Since the
defrosting operation of the first heat-exchanger 13 is a focus of
this embodiment, a case in which the respective refrigerant systems
1 and 2 are operated in the heating mode will be described.
[0066] When the respective refrigerant systems 1 and 2 are operated
in the heating mode, branch valves 304 and 305 of branch pipe 303
are opened. Thus, one portion of water flowing into inlet pipe 301
flows into second heat-exchanger 23 and another portion of the
water flows into branch pipe 303.
[0067] The water flowing from the inlet pipe to second
heat-exchanger 25 is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant,
and the water branched by branch pipe 303 is heat-exchanged with
the first refrigerant in intermediate heat-exchanger 25. At this
time, it may be easily seen that a temperature of the water
heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant is greater than that of
the water heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant.
[0068] In operation S2, it is determined whether a defrosting
operation condition is satisfied during the preset mode of water
circulation apparatus S. Whether the defrosting condition is
satisfied may be determined, for example, by comparing a
temperature of a pipe outlet-side of first heat-exchanger 13 to an
indoor room temperature. In other embodiments, satisfaction of the
defrosting condition may be determined using other techniques.
[0069] According to the determination result in operation S2, when
the defrosting condition is satisfied, first refrigerant system 1
is operated in defrosting mode in operation S3, and second
refrigerant system 2 is maintained in a present operation mode
(e.g., heating mode). In this embodiment, when the first
refrigerant system is operated in defrosting mode regardless of the
operation mode of the second refrigerant system, the water
circulation apparatus is operated in the defrosting mode.
[0070] In this embodiment, a state in which the first refrigerant
system is operated in defrosting mode represents a state in which
the first refrigerant system is operated in the cooling mode.
[0071] When the first refrigerant system is operated in defrosting
mode, intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves as an evaporator with
respect to refrigerant systems 1 and 2, and the first
heat-exchanger serves as a condenser for the refrigerant systems.
Thus, during defrosting mode of the first refrigerant system, a
defrosting operation of first heat-exchanger 13 is performed based
on high temperature refrigerant flowing into the first
heat-exchanger.
[0072] At this time, because intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves
as the evaporator with respect to the refrigerant systems, low
temperature refrigerants are heat-exchanged with each other to
reduce vapor pressures of the respective refrigerant systems. Thus,
cycle performances of the refrigerant systems may deteriorate and
their respective compressors may be damaged.
[0073] To prevent the vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems
from being reduced, during the defrosting mode of the first
refrigerant system the branch valves 304 and 305 are closed in
operation S4. Thus, water does not flow into branch pipe 303 and
the first refrigerant is heat-exchanged with the hot water within
the branch pipe. Since the first refrigerant heat-exchanged with
the hot water is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant, each
of the refrigerants may increase in temperature to minimize the
reduction of the vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems.
[0074] In operation S5, it is determined whether the defrosting
operation is finished during the defrosting mode of the first
refrigerant system.
[0075] In operation S6, when the defrosting operation is finished,
the closed branch valves 304 and 305 are opened.
[0076] In operation S7, the first refrigerant system is operated in
the previous mode. As a result, the first refrigerant system is
operated in the heating mode.
[0077] According to this embodiment, during the defrosting mode of
the first refrigerant system, because the second refrigerant system
is operated in the heating mode, the hot water may be obtained and
the indoor room may be heated using the hot water. Also, because
the hot water is heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant flowing
into intermediate heat-exchanger 25 to increase a temperature of
the first refrigerant, the reduction of the vapor pressures of the
respective refrigerant systems may be minimized. Thus, the
performance deterioration of the respective refrigerant systems may
be minimized.
[0078] FIG. 3 shows operations in a second embodiment of a
defrosting method. The second embodiment is similar to the first
embodiment except for operation of a branch valve. Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 3, a water circulation apparatus according to the
second embodiment is operated in a mode set by a selection of a
user in operation S11. Since a defrosting operation of first
heat-exchanger 13 is a focus in this embodiment, a case in which
refrigerant systems operate in a heating mode will be
described.
[0079] When refrigerant systems 1 and 2 operate in heating mode,
branch valves 304 and 305 of a branch pipe 303 are closed. Thus,
all water flowing into an inlet pipe 301 flows into a second
heat-exchanger 23 to heat-exchange with a second refrigerant. When
the second refrigerant system 2 operate in heating mode, water
flowing into inlet pipe 301 and water flowing into outlet pipe 303
continuously increase in temperature.
[0080] In operation S12, it is determined whether a defrosting
condition is satisfied when water circulation apparatus S is
operated in the set mode. According to the determination result in
operation S12, when the defrosting operation condition is
satisfied, first refrigerant system 1 is operated in defrosting
mode, and the second refrigerant system is maintained in the
present operation mode (the heating mode).
[0081] When the first refrigerant system operates in the defrosting
mode, intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves as an evaporator with
respect to the refrigerant systems, and the first heat-exchanger
serves as a condenser with respect to the refrigerant systems.
Thus, when the first refrigerant system operates in defrosting
mode, the defrosting operation of first heat-exchange 13 is
performed based on a high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the
first heat-exchanger.
[0082] When the first refrigerant system operates in the defrosting
mode, the branch valves 304 and 305 are opened in operation S14.
When the branch valves 304 and 305 are opened, a portion of the
water of inlet pipe 301 flows into intermediate heat-exchanger 25,
and thus a heat-exchange operation is performed between the hot
water and the first refrigerant. Then, the first refrigerant
heat-exchanged with the hot water is heat-exchanged with the second
refrigerant to increase the temperatures of the respective
refrigerants. As a result, the reduction of vapor pressures of the
refrigerant systems may be minimized.
[0083] In operation S15, it is determined whether the defrosting
operation is finished during the defrosting mode of the first
refrigerant system. When the defrosting operation is finished,
branch valves 304 and 305 are closed in operation S16. And, in
operation S17, the first refrigerant system is operated in the
previous mode. In this embodiment, the first refrigerant system
will be operated in the heating mode.
[0084] The following embodiment in addition to the previously
described two embodiments may be further performed.
[0085] In case where the first refrigerant system is operated in
the defrosting mode during the heating mode operation of each of
the refrigerant systems, if branch valves 304 and 305 were in the
closed state, the branch valves are opened. When the defrosting
operation is finished, the branch valves may be closed. On the
other hand, when the branch valves are in the opened state, the
branch valves may be maintained in the opened state during the
defrosting mode operation of the first refrigerant system.
[0086] FIG. 4 shows operations included in a third embodiment of a
defrosting operation method of a water circulation apparatus. The
third embodiment is similar to the previously described embodiments
except that a second refrigerant system is also operated in a
defrosting mode when the first refrigerant system is operated in
the defrosting mode.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, water circulation apparatus S is
operated in a mode set by a selection of a user in operation S21.
Since a defrosting operation of first heat-exchanger 13 is a focus
in this embodiment, a case in which refrigerant systems 1 and 2 are
operated in a heating mode will be described.
[0088] In operation S22, it is determined whether a defrosting
operation condition is satisfied when water circulation apparatus S
is operated in the set mode. Based on the determination result in
operation S22, when the defrosting operation condition is
satisfied, the first and second refrigerant systems are operated in
the defrosting mode in operation S23. In this embodiment, the
defrosting mode operation of the first refrigerant system
represents a cooling mode operation of the first refrigerant
system.
[0089] Also, the defrosting mode operation of the second
refrigerant system represents the following two cases. First,
operation of the second refrigerant system is stopped. Second, the
second refrigerant system is fundamentally operated in the heating
mode, and also second compressor 21 is operated at a frequency
(e.g., a minimum frequency) lower than an operation frequency
thereof in the previous mode (the heating mode).
[0090] In the first case, when the second refrigerant system is
operated in heating mode, if branch valves 304 and 305 were in an
opened state, the branch valves are closed. When the branch valves
are closed, hot water within a branch pipe is heat-exchanged with a
first refrigerant as described in the first embodiment.
[0091] In the second case, when the second refrigerant system is
operated in heating mode, the branch valves may be in a closed or
opened state. The opening or closing of the branch valves when the
refrigerant systems are operated in the defrosting mode may be
adjusted by the methods described in the previous embodiments.
According to the two cases, it may be easily seen that the
reduction of the vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems is
minimized.
[0092] In operation S24, it is determined whether the defrosting
operation is finished during the defrosting operation of each of
the refrigerant systems. When the defrosting operation is finished,
the refrigerant systems are operated in the previous mode in
Operation S25. In this embodiment, the refrigerant systems will be
operated in the heating mode.
[0093] FIG. 5 shows operations included in a fourth embodiment of a
water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.
The fourth embodiment is similar to the first and second
embodiments except that an amount of water flowing into a second
water pipe decreases when the first refrigerant system is operated
in a defrosting mode.
[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, water circulation apparatus S is
operated in a mode set by a selection of a user in operation S31.
Because a defrosting operation of first heat-exchanger 13 is a
focus in this embodiment, a case in which the refrigerant systems
are operated in a heating mode will be described.
[0095] In operation S32, it is determined whether a defrosting
operation condition is satisfied when the water circulation
apparatus S is operated in the set mode. Based on the determination
result in operation S32, when the defrosting operation condition is
satisfied, the first refrigerant system is operated in the
defrosting mode and the second refrigerant system is maintained in
the present operation mode (the heating mode) S33.
[0096] When the first refrigerant system is operated in the
defrosting mode, intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves as an
evaporator with respect to the refrigerant systems. When the
intermediate heat-exchanger serves as the evaporator for the
refrigerant systems, vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems are
reduced as previously described. As a result, a condensing
temperature of a second refrigerant is reduced in second
heat-exchanger 23. When the condensing temperature of the second
refrigerant is reduced, water stored in a water collection tank 34
decreases in temperature.
[0097] When the water stored in the water collection tank decreases
in temperature, water flowing into cooling/heating pipe 63 of
cooling/heating part 5 may decrease in temperature to lower a
temperature of an indoor room. Thus, when the first refrigerant
system is operated in the frosting mode in this embodiment,
operation of water pump 36 is changed such that an amount of water
pumped into second water pipe 61 is reduced when compared that the
first refrigerant system is operated in heating mode as in S34. In
this case, because an amount of water flowing into cooling/heating
pipe 63 of cooling/heating part 5 may be reduced to minimize the
temperature reduction of the indoor room.
[0098] In operation S35, it is determined whether the defrosting
operation is finished during the defrosting mode operation of the
first refrigerant system. When the defrosting operation is
finished, water pump 36 is operated in the previous state. Thus,
the amount of the water flowing into second water pipe 61 is
recovered to the previous state in operation S36. And, in operation
S37, the first refrigerant system is operated in the previous
mode.
[0099] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a water circulation
apparatus associated with a refrigerant system. This embodiment is
equal to the first embodiment except for a structure of an
intermediate heat-exchanger and except for a bypass pipe which is
disposed in respective ones of the refrigerant pipes.
[0100] In this embodiment, an intermediate heat-exchanger 27
includes a first refrigerant passage 271 through which a first
refrigerant flows and a second refrigerant passage 272 through
which a second refrigerant flows.
[0101] When the first refrigerant system is operated in a cooling
mode, a first bypass pipe 16 for bypassing the first refrigerant
discharged from first compressor 11 and having a high temperature
is connected to outlet-side pipe 151 of the first compressor and
inlet-side pipe 152 of first refrigerant passage 271 of
intermediate heat-exchanger 27. The first bypass pipe 16 includes
first bypass valve 17 for regulating a flow amount of the first
refrigerant.
[0102] When the second refrigerant system is operated in heating
mode, a second bypass pipe 28 for bypassing the second refrigerant
discharged from second compressor 21 and having a high temperature
is connected to outlet-side pipe 261 of the second compressor and
inlet-side pipe 262 of second refrigerant passage 272 of
intermediate heat-exchanger 27.
[0103] The second bypass pipe 28 includes a second bypass valve 29
for regulating a flow amount of the second refrigerant. The
respective bypass valves 17 and 29 may be opened when the first
refrigerant system is operated in a defrosting mode.
[0104] In FIG. 6, a solid arrow line represents a flow of
refrigerant that occurs when each of the refrigerant systems is
operated in heating mode, and a dotted arrow line represents a flow
of refrigerant that occurs when each of the refrigerant systems is
operated in cooling mode. Also, a chain line represents a flow of
refrigerant that occurs when each of the refrigerant systems is
operated in defrosting mode.
[0105] FIG. 7 shows operations included in another embodiment of a
defrosting operation method for a water circulation apparatus.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, water circulation apparatus S is
operated in a mode set by a selection of a user in operation S41.
Because a defrosting operation of first heat-exchanger 13 is a
focus in this embodiment, a case in which the refrigerant systems
are operated in a heating mode will be described.
[0106] In operation S42, it is determined whether a defrosting
operation condition is satisfied when the water circulation
apparatus S is operated in the set mode. Based on the determination
result in operation S42, when the defrosting operation condition is
satisfied, the first refrigerant system is operated in the
defrosting mode and the second refrigerant system is maintained in
the present operation mode (the heating mode) in operation S43.
[0107] When the first refrigerant system is operated in defrosting
mode, intermediate heat-exchanger 27 serves as an evaporator with
respect to the refrigerant systems and first heat-exchanger 13
serves as a condenser with respect to the refrigerant systems.
Thus, when the first refrigerant system is operated in defrosting
mode, the defrosting operation of first heat-exchange 13 is
performed by a high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the first
heat-exchanger.
[0108] At this time, because intermediate heat-exchanger 27 serves
as the evaporator with respect to the refrigerant systems, vapor
pressures of the refrigerant systems may be reduced to deteriorate
cycle performance of the refrigerant systems or damage to
respective ones of the compressors may occur. To prevent vapor
pressure of the intermediate heat-exchanger from being reduced,
when the refrigerant systems are operated in defrosting mode, one
of the bypass valves 17 and 29 is opened according to an indoor
temperature.
[0109] In operation S44, it is determined whether an indoor
temperature detected by an indoor temperature sensor (not shown)
exceeds a first reference temperature. For example, the first
reference temperature may be about 5.degree. C.
[0110] When the indoor temperature exceeds the first reference
temperature, first bypass valve 17 is operated to allow the first
refrigerant having a high temperature to flow into the first bypass
pipe 16 in operation S45.
[0111] On the other hand, when the indoor temperature does not
exceed the first reference temperature, it is determined whether
the next detected indoor temperature is between a second reference
temperature lower than the first reference temperature and the
first reference temperature in operation S46. For example, the
second reference temperature may be about -5.degree. C.
[0112] When the detected indoor temperature is between the second
and first reference temperatures, second bypass valve 29 is
operated to allow the second reference having a high temperature to
flow into second bypass pipe 28 in operation S47.
[0113] On the other hand, when the detected indoor temperature is
less than the second reference temperature, first and second bypass
valves 17 and 29 are operated to allow the first refrigerant having
the high temperature to flow into first bypass pipe 16 and the
second refrigerant having the high temperature to flow into second
bypass pipe 28 in operation S48.
[0114] When the high temperature refrigerant is bypassed into one
or more of bypass pipes 16 and 28, because the first and/or second
refrigerant increases in temperature, the vapor pressures of the
refrigerant systems may be prevented from being reduced.
[0115] In operation S49, it is determined whether the defrosting
operation is finished during the defrosting operation mode of the
first refrigerant system. When the defrosting operation is
finished, the opened bypass valve is closed in operation S50. And,
in operation S51, the first refrigerant system is operated in the
previous mode. In this embodiment, the first refrigerant system
will be operated in the heating mode.
[0116] As described in the third and fourth embodiments, during the
defrosting mode of the first refrigerant system according to this
embodiment, the second refrigerant system may be operated in
defrosting mode or an amount of water flowing into the
cooling/heating pipe 63 may be reduced.
[0117] In the case where operation of the second refrigerant system
is stopped, when the defrosting operation condition is satisfied,
first bypass valve 17 is always operated to allow the first
refrigerant to flow into first bypass pipe 16.
[0118] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a water circulation
apparatus for a refrigerant system. The water circulation apparatus
S may include bypass pipes 16 and 28 and bypass valves 17 and
29.
[0119] According to this embodiment, because heat is transmitted to
a first refrigerant and/or a the second refrigerant by hot water of
branch pipe 303 and high temperature refrigerant of a bypass pipe,
the reduction of the vapor pressures of the respective refrigerant
systems may be further minimized.
[0120] The embodiments described herein provide a water circulation
apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.
[0121] In one embodiment, a water circulation apparatus associated
with a refrigerant system includes: a first refrigerant system
including a first compressor and a first heat-exchanger in which
air is heat-exchanged with a first refrigerant, the first
refrigerant system performing a refrigerant cycle in which the
first refrigerant flows; a second refrigerant system including a
second compressor, the second refrigerant system performing a
refrigerant cycle in which a second refrigerant flows; an
intermediate heat-exchanger in which the first refrigerant is
heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the first and
second refrigerant flow; and a water circulation unit in which
water is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the water
is circulated, the water circulation unit performing a water
circulation cycle, wherein the water circulation unit includes a
water pipe through which the water flows, a branch pipe branched
from the water pipe to pass through the intermediate
heat-exchanger, and a valve disposed in the branch pipe to regulate
a flow of the water, wherein, when a defrosting operation condition
for defrosting the first heat-exchanger is satisfied during heating
mode operations of the first refrigerant system and the second
refrigerant system, the first refrigerant system is operated in a
cooling mode, and water within the branch pipe is heat-exchanged
with one or more refrigerants flowing into the intermediate
heat-exchanger.
[0122] In another embodiment, a water circulation apparatus
associated with a refrigerant system includes: a first refrigerant
system including a first compressor and a first heat-exchanger in
which air is heat-exchanged with a first refrigerant, the first
refrigerant system performing a refrigerant cycle in which the
first refrigerant flows; a second refrigerant system including a
second compressor, the second refrigerant system performing a
refrigerant cycle in which a second refrigerant flows; an
intermediate heat-exchanger in which the first refrigerant is
heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the first and
second refrigerant flow, the intermediate heat-exchanger including
a first refrigerant passage and a second refrigerant passage; and a
water circulation unit in which water is heat-exchanged with the
second refrigerant while the water is circulated, the water
circulation unit performing a water circulation cycle, wherein a
bypass pipe bypassing the first refrigerant and the second
refrigerant into the intermediate heat-exchanger is disposed at an
outlet-side of the first compressor or the second compressor, and a
bypass valve regulating a flow amount of the refrigerant is
disposed in the bypass pipe, wherein, when a defrosting operation
condition for defrosting the first heat-exchanger is satisfied
during heating mode operations of the first refrigerant system and
the second refrigerant system, the first refrigerant system is
operated in a cooling mode and the bypass valve is opened.
[0123] According to the aforementioned embodiments, because the
second refrigerant heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant of the
first refrigerant system is heat-exchanged with water, high
temperature water may be obtained. Also, when the indoor
temperature is very low, the refrigerant systems may be stably
operated and high temperature water may be obtained.
[0124] Also, because the second refrigerant system is operated in
heating mode during defrosting mode operation of the first
refrigerant system, the high temperature water may be obtained and
the indoor room may be heated using the high temperature water.
[0125] Also, when the first refrigerant system is operated in
defrosting mode, because the first or second refrigerant absorbs
heat from the hot water or the high temperature refrigerant
discharged from the compressor, the refrigerants may increase in
temperature to minimize the reduction of the vapor pressures of the
respective refrigerant systems.
[0126] Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it
is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the
art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other ones of the embodiments.
[0127] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *