Patent ID: 8716879
Filing Date: 2014-05-06
Classification: F25B,H02K

Abstract:
1. An energy recovery apparatus for use in a refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser, the evaporator being configured to evaporate a cold refrigerant from a liquid-vapor state to a vapor state, the compressor being configured to receive refrigerant discharged from the evaporator and compress the refrigerant to an elevated, sub-critical pressure, the condenser being configured to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor and condense the refrigerant to one of a saturated-liquid state, a liquid state cooler than the saturated-liquid state, and a liquid-vapor state near the saturated-liquid state, the energy recovery apparatus comprising: an intake port adapted to be in fluid communication with the condenser; a discharge port adapted to be in fluid communication with the evaporator; a nozzle adapted and configured to expand refrigerant discharged from the condenser and increase velocity of the refrigerant as it passes through the nozzle; a turbine positioned and configured to be driven by refrigerant discharged from the nozzle, the discharge port of the energy recovery apparatus being downstream of the turbine; a generator coupled to the turbine and driven by the turbine, the generator being configured to produce electricity as a result of the turbine being driven by refrigerant discharged from the nozzle; and a housing encompassing the turbine and the generator.