Patent ID: 9506678
Filing Date: 2016-11-29
CPC Classification: F25B

Claim Text:
1. A variable refrigerant charge refrigeration/air conditioner system comprising: a main refrigerant loop holding a volume of refrigerant corresponding to a first level of refrigerant charge; a compressor in the main refrigerant loop; a condenser in the main refrigerant loop, the condenser operable to remove heat from the refrigerant; an evaporator in the main refrigerant loop, the evaporator receiving refrigerant from the condenser and operable to cause the refrigerant to absorb heat; a branch refrigerant loop in fluid communication with the main refrigerant loop; a control valve in the branch refrigerant loop; a receiver in the branch refrigerant loop, the receiver operable to hold a volume of refrigerant drawn from the main refrigerant loop when the control valve is open; and a return path from the receiver to the main refrigerant loop; wherein the first level of refrigerant charge is reduced to a second level of refrigerant charge by storing the volume of refrigerant in the receiver when the control valve is open.