Invention Reference Number
The quality and quantity of refrigerant charge in any vapor compression-based heating and cooling system is vital to its energy efficiency, thermal capacity, and reliability. But it also imposes significant risk as improper charging of the vapor compression system at the factory or in the field results in significant performance issues, resulting in both energy and thermal penalties. This technology is a hand-held composition detection system based on chemical titration and chromatic transformation that results in instant readings that can lead to corrective actions in real time.
Description
Charge verification is an elaborate process and involves off-site analysis, typically days-to-weeks. A quick and accurate analysis as an extra quality control tool at the factory or in the field provides operational simplicity. This technology is a low-cost, easy-to-use refrigerant composition detection system capable of accurately measuring the concentration of gases in synthetic low-global warming potential, high glide refrigerant mixtures utilized in HVACR equipment, such as R407F, R454A, R454B, R454C, R455A, R457A, R445A and others. This device consists of two sub-components, a sample collection part in the front end and a sample detection part in the backend. The device allows the user to connect with existing charge/discharge ports of any HVACR equipment and quickly evaluate the error in refrigerant charge composition without waiting weeks. Multiple chromatic devices can be connected in a common manifold where simultaneous measurement can occur. This configuration helps in careful analysis of mixtures containing more than two gases.
Benefits
- Easy, quick and accurate analysis
- Instant verification of the refrigerant charge
- Operational simplicity
- Reduces direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions
- Enables optimal usage of low global warming potential refrigerants
Applications and Industries
- Commercial/residential/industrial refrigeration, heating, and air-conditioning equipment
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
