Working fluid eliminator for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system

A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including a vapor compression circuit configured to circulate a working fluid therethrough to condition a fluid in thermal communication with the vapor compression circuit. A working fluid eliminator is fluidly coupled to the vapor compression circuit. A valve of the working fluid eliminator is adjustable to enable discharge of the working fluid from the vapor compression circuit and through the working fluid eliminator, wherein the valve is communicatively coupled to and controlled by an event controller.

BACKGROUND

Heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems are utilized in residential, commercial, and industrial environments to control environmental properties, such as temperature, humidity, and/or air quality, for occupants of the respective environments. The HVAC system may regulate the environmental properties through delivery of a conditioned air flow to the environment. For example, the HVAC system may include an HVAC unit (e.g., a heat pump) that is fluidly coupled to various rooms or spaces within the building via an air distribution system, such as a system of ductwork. The HVAC unit includes heat exchangers that cooperate to enable generation of the conditioned air flow (e.g., heated air, cooled air, dehumidified air) and typically includes a fan or blower that is operable to direct the conditioned air flow through the ductwork and into the spaces to be conditioned. In this manner, the HVAC unit facilitates regulation of environmental parameters within the rooms or spaces of the building.

HVAC systems may employ any of various different working fluids (e.g., refrigerants) in a vapor compression cycle to facilitate absorption and expulsion of heat, which allows for temperature control of a conditioned space. The working fluid for a particular HVAC system is generally contained within the system and not directly exposed to the environment during normal operation. As the working fluid circulates through the HVAC system, the working fluid may be repeatedly and alternately compressed (e.g., via a compressor) and expanded (e.g., via an expansion valve) to create state changes in the working fluid. That is, the working fluid may be transitioned between liquid and vapor states to facilitate heat transfer. Indeed, as the state changes occur, heat is absorbed and expelled. Thus, the HVAC system may utilize the vapor compression cycle and positioning of components for expansion and compression such that, for example, heat is absorbed from an indoor environment and expelled to an outdoor environment even though the outdoor environment is at a higher temperature than the indoor environment.

SUMMARY

A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be noted that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

In an embodiment, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, includes a vapor compression circuit configured to circulate a working fluid therethrough to condition a fluid in thermal communication with the vapor compression circuit. A working fluid eliminator is fluidly coupled to the vapor compression circuit. A valve of the working fluid eliminator is adjustable to enable discharge of the working fluid from the vapor compression circuit and through the working fluid eliminator, wherein the valve is communicatively coupled to an event controller.

In an embodiment, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a vapor compression circuit configured to circulate a working fluid therethrough to condition a fluid in thermal communication with the vapor compression circuit. The HVAC system includes a compressor and a heat exchanger of the vapor compression circuit, the heat exchanger positioned downstream of the compressor relative to a flow direction of the working fluid through the vapor compression circuit, and a working fluid eliminator fluidly coupled to the vapor compression circuit downstream of the compressor and upstream of the heat exchanger relative to the flow direction.

In an embodiment, a method of purging working fluid from an HVAC system is provided. The method includes receiving, from an event controller, an electronic input indicative of a request to purge the working fluid from a vapor compression circuit of the HVAC system, the vapor compression circuit comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger downstream of the compressor. Based on the electronic input, the method includes opening a valve of a working fluid eliminator, wherein the valve is positioned in fluid communication with the vapor compression circuit of the HVAC system downstream of the compressor and upstream of the heat exchanger, wherein the working fluid eliminator is a containment working fluid eliminator. Further, based on the electronic input, the method includes closing a blocking valve downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the compressor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system may be used to thermally regulate a space within a building, home, or other suitable structure. For example, the HVAC system may include a vapor compression system that transfers thermal energy between a working fluid, such as a refrigerant, and a fluid to be conditioned, such as air. The vapor compression system includes heat exchangers, such as a condenser and an evaporator, which are fluidly coupled to one another via one or more conduits of a refrigerant loop or circuit. A compressor may be used to circulate the refrigerant through the conduits and other components of the refrigerant circuit (e.g., an expansion device) and, thus, enable the transfer of thermal energy between components of the refrigerant circuit (e.g., between the condenser and the evaporator) and one or more thermal loads (e.g., an environmental air flow, a supply air flow). Additionally or alternatively, the HVAC system may include a heat pump having a first heat exchanger (e.g., a heating and/or cooling coil, the evaporator), a second heat exchanger (e.g., a heating and/or cooling coil, the condenser), and a pump (e.g., the compressor) configured to circulate the working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) between the first and second heat exchangers to enable heat transfer between the thermal loads and an ambient environment (e.g., the atmosphere), for example.

Various different working fluids may be utilized in vapor compression cycles of HVAC systems. For example, some HVAC systems may work more efficiently with a particular type of refrigerant. There are numerous types of working fluid available and more are being developed. Indeed recent concerns about the impact of HVAC operations on global warming have spawned interest in creating and utilizing additional working fluids, particularly working fluids with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP). In view of this, it is presently recognized that HVAC systems will be employing working fluids that have properties unlike those of more traditional working fluids. Depending on the nature of working fluids that are eventually employed (e.g., to limit GWP), it is now recognized that it may be desirable to limit exposure to such working fluids (and even existing working fluids). For example, in a damage event (e.g., a fire, earthquake, tornado, hurricane), it will be useful to be able to mitigate the potential for inadvertent release of the working fluid due to a breach in the HVAC system. Accordingly, present embodiments are directed to systems and methods for eliminating working fluid from within the HVAC system to avoid any undesired reactions with surroundings in the event of a breach in the HVAC system and associated release of the working fluid. Specifically, for example, present embodiments include a working fluid eliminator (WFE) incorporated with the vapor compression system of an HVAC system. The WFE may include a venting WFE or a containment WFE (e.g., a combusting WFE, a diluting WFE, and/or a deactivating WFE). In some embodiments, different types of WFEs may be utilized together to efficiently and/or thoroughly eliminate working fluid in response to a damage event or likely damage event. Indeed, a WFE (or multiple WFEs) may be activated by what may be referred to as an event controller or event system (e.g., a firefighter system, fire alarm control panel) that allows for manual activation by authorized personnel (e.g., a firefighter with an appropriate access key or a manager with appropriate credentials in a control system).

A venting WFE may include a vent positioned downstream of a compressor and upstream of a condenser of the vapor compression system. The vent may couple to a conduit that vents to atmosphere above a roofline of a building or structure being conditioned by the associated HVAC system. By positioning the vent downstream of the compressor and upstream of the evaporator, the working fluid can be vented as a vapor or gas with a high pressure differential relative to the atmosphere, which encourages rapid evacuation and a high percentage of working fluid elimination. The venting WFE may include a valve (e.g., releaser, a control valve, relief valve, or portal control that is configured for actuation or operation by the event controller) coupled with or integrated with the vent to allow for managing when working fluid is eliminated from within the HVAC system. Further, valves (e.g., check valves or solenoids) may be positioned along the vapor compression circuit (e.g., located just upstream of the compressor) and operable to facilitate movement of the working fluid out of the system while avoiding back flow through the compressor. A venting WFE may operate to vent directly (e.g., via conduit) to atmosphere when access to the atmosphere is readily available or feasible given practical constraints (e.g., costs). An HVAC system located in a basement or subbasement may not practically allow for atmospheric venting via a venting WFE because of difficulties associated with installing a vent line that can expel into the atmosphere (e.g., outside of a building or structure serviced by the HVAC system).

A containment WFE may be used in any of various circumstances to facilitate elimination of working fluid in advance of or during a damage event. However, a containment WFE may be particularly beneficial when venting to atmosphere is not practical. For example, when certain HVAC components are disposed in a relatively inaccessible location, such as a basement, it may be difficult to vent to atmosphere because conduit would have to be run through the ground and potentially a concrete slab. Inaccessibility such as this may often occur when a retrofit HVAC system is in place in an older building, for example. A containment WFE may be useful in these situations because it provides an alternative manner of eliminating (e.g., diluting, combusting, deactivating) the working fluid without directly venting it.

A containment WFE may include a vent that expels vented working fluid into a vessel to combust the working fluid, dilute the working fluid, and/or deactivate the working fluid. For example, a combusting WFE may, upon actuation of a valve (e.g., a control valve, relief valve, actuation port), vent the working fluid directly into contact with a flame of a burner positioned within a containment vessel. In the present disclosure, the valve may broadly include traditional valves or other release control mechanisms. The burner may be ignited in coordination with initiating release of the working fluid to the combusting WFE. The containment vessel may have an integral accumulator or couple with a separate accumulator vessel to collect liquid or solid combustion products. Gaseous combustion products may be vented (e.g., after filtering via a fine filter, liquid bath, wire mesh, or the like) to atmosphere, a surrounding area, a separate area (e.g., between walls of a structure), or a combination thereof (e.g., various dispersed indoor locations). As another example, a diluting or deactivating WFE may vent the working fluid into a containment vessel along with a deactivating or diluting fluid, such as water (e.g., to dilute the working fluid) and/or a chemical that reacts with the working fluid to make reactive aspects of the working fluid inert. The fluid used for diluting and/or deactivating the working fluid may be stored in a vessel proximate the containment vessel, piped in (e.g., via the water supply system of an associate building) or otherwise supplied (e.g., from condensate collections of the HVAC system) for the designated purpose. Any off-gassing or other gaseous product or result of this dilution/deactivation in the containment vessel may be vented (e.g., after filtering) to a surrounding area (e.g., atmosphere, room, unoccupied space). Any of the various different containment WFE functionalities may be combined in accordance with present embodiments. For example, a containment WFE may initially combust the refrigerant and then dilute the combustion products. This may occur within the same containment vessel or separate containment vessels (e.g., containment vessels in fluid communication in a series arrangement).

It should be noted that the containment WFE may receive venting from a vent positioned downstream of the compressor and upstream of the condenser to facilitate a desired combustion or other interaction. However, it may also be employed with vents from different parts of the system depending on desired results. For example, a large vapor compression system may benefit from using a venting WFE that expels high pressure working fluid (e.g., from downstream of the compressor and upstream of the condenser) to atmosphere in conjunction with a containment WFE on a low pressure side (e.g., downstream of the condenser and upstream of the evaporator) to efficiently expel a high percentage of the working fluid. Further, in some embodiments, it may be beneficial to expel the working fluid in a particular state (e.g., at a lower pressure than immediately downstream of the compressor) into the containment vessel.

Present embodiments may efficiently eliminate (e.g., expel, destroy, deactivate) working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) from an HVAC system by using existing pressure differential within the HVAC system (e.g., without employing any additional pumps or compressors). Further, by employing an event system or event controller (e.g., a firefighter system) for control purposes, present embodiments may avoid undesired venting that will result in replacement costs for eliminated working fluid. Indeed, the event system will require action by an authorized person to initiate operation of a WFE. However, in some embodiments, automation controllers (e.g., a programmable logic controller or distributed control system) may be employed to initiate and monitor operation of a WFE. For example, a fire detection system (or the like) may be a trigger for initiation of operation of a WFE. In other embodiments, the fire detection system (or the like) may prompt an authorized person (e.g., via an alert provided to a primary control system) to initiate operation of the WFE. This may be a prompt that precedes a delayed automatic initiation.

Turning now to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system for environmental management that employs one or more HVAC units in accordance with the present disclosure. As used herein, an HVAC system includes any number of components configured to enable regulation of parameters related to climate characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, air flow, pressure, air quality, and so forth. For example, an “HVAC system” as used herein is defined as conventionally understood and as further described herein. Components or parts of an “HVAC system” may include, but are not limited to, all, some of, or individual parts such as a heat exchanger, a heater, an air flow control device, such as a fan, a sensor configured to detect a climate characteristic or operating parameter, a filter, a control device configured to regulate operation of an HVAC system component, a component configured to enable regulation of climate characteristics, or a combination thereof. An “HVAC system” is a system configured to provide such functions as heating, cooling, ventilation, dehumidification, pressurization, refrigeration, filtration, or any combination thereof. The embodiments described herein may be utilized in a variety of applications to control climate characteristics, such as residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, or other applications where climate control is desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, a building10is air conditioned by an HVAC system11that includes an HVAC unit12. The building10may be a commercial structure or a residential structure. As shown, the HVAC unit12is disposed on the roof of the building10; however, the HVAC unit12may be located in other equipment rooms or areas adjacent the building10. The HVAC unit12may be a single package unit containing other equipment, such as a blower, integrated air handler, a heat pump, and/or an auxiliary heating unit.

The HVAC unit12is located on a rooftop of the building10in the illustrated embodiment. However, in other embodiments, the HVAC unit12may be disposed in different locations (e.g., in a basement or utility room). In order to mitigate the potential for working fluid, such as the refrigerant from the one or more refrigerant circuits referenced above, to escape the HVAC unit12via a breach during a damage event, present embodiments include a WFE17. In the illustrated embodiment, the WFE17is positioned above a roofline of the building10. This encourages elimination of the working fluid at a location that is distant from the building10such that any impact to the building10caused by such an elimination (e.g., a venting operation) is reduced. However, as noted above, some HVAC systems may be designed or positioned such that this type of arrangement is not practical. For example, an HVAC system may include relevant components in a basement18of the building10, which may benefit from the WFE17containing aspects of the refrigerant rather than venting directly to atmosphere. Thus, depending on circumstances, the WFE17may be a venting WFE or a containment WFE, in accordance with present embodiments.

A control device20, one type of which may be a thermostat, may be used to designate the temperature of the conditioned air. The control device20also may be used to control the flow of air through the ductwork14. For example, the control device20may be used to regulate operation of one or more components of the HVAC unit12or other components, such as dampers and fans, within the building10that may control flow of air through and/or from the ductwork14. In some embodiments, other devices may be included in the system, such as pressure and/or temperature transducers or switches that sense the temperatures and pressures of the supply air, return air, and so forth. Moreover, the control device20may include computer systems that are integrated with or separate from other building control or monitoring systems, and even systems that are remote from the building10. For example, the control device20may be a component of a control system22, which may include or cooperate with an event controller23(e.g., a firefighter control panel). The control system22may be remote or onsite and may control all aspects (e.g., the event controller23) of the HVAC unit12, including standard operations and elimination of working fluid via the WFE17. The event controller23may be a standalone controller or integral with the control system22and may allow authorized personnel (e.g., a firefighter or manager) to activate the WFE17. As with the control system22, the event controller23may be onsite or remote. However, the event controller23may benefit from being onsite to allow for physical access by an authorized individual (e.g., a firefighter) that does not have immediate access to a control terminal (e.g., a station in a control room) for the control system22or event controller23. For example, the event controller23may include an onsite panel that is physically accessible via a key or a physical actuator that blocks physical access without authorization (e.g., a physical key or a biometric verification). However, the event controller23may also or separately include a control component (e.g., a computer or computer portal) that allows control via an authorized login or the like. Regardless of whether remote or local, the event controller23blocks unauthorized access but allows access to authorized individuals (e.g., fire department personnel).

The WFE17extends outward from the cabinet24, which mitigates the potential for accumulation of vented working fluid, combustion products or improperly leaked substances from the WFE17within the cabinet24. However, in some embodiments the WFE17(e.g., a containment WFE) may be disposed within the cabinet24or extend even further away from the cabinet24. Further, the WFE17is fluidly coupled to the refrigerant circuit of the HVAC unit12downstream of the compressors42(which may be representative of one or more such compressors in other embodiments). More specifically, the WFE17may be in fluid communication with the refrigerant circuit of the HVAC unit12(e.g., via a control valve, such as a solenoid valve) between the compressors42and the heat exchanger28(downstream of the compressors42and upstream of the heat exchanger28). In an embodiment that employs a heat pump, the WFE17may be in fluid communication with the refrigerant circuit of the HVAC unit12between the compressors42and one or both of the heat exchangers28,30such that the access point for the WFE17can be downstream of the compressors42and upstream of the immediately following (relative to refrigerant flow) heat exchanger28,30in either mode of operation (e.g., cooling or heating). By connecting the WFE17to the refrigerant circuit in this way, the WFE17is able to operate to vent high pressure refrigerant from the HVAC unit12when actuated. With respect to implementation with a heat pump, controls (e.g., the event controller23) of the HVAC unit12may detect a mode of operation of the heat pump and activate the corresponding valve to release the refrigerant that is downstream of the compressors42and upstream of the respective heat exchanger28,30. In some embodiments, a vent valve for the WFE17may be positioned essentially immediately downstream of the compressors42(e.g., before a reversing valve) such that there is only one access point even for a heat pump implementation.

The HVAC unit12may receive power through a terminal block46. For example, a high voltage power source may be connected to the terminal block46to power the equipment. The operation of the HVAC unit12may be governed or regulated by a control board48. The control board48may include control circuitry connected to a thermostat, sensors, and alarms. One or more of these components may be referred to herein separately or collectively as the control device20. The control circuitry may be configured to control operation of the equipment, provide alarms, and monitor safety switches. Wiring49may connect the control board48and the terminal block46to the equipment of the HVAC unit12. In some embodiments, the control board48may be in communication with or may include the event controller23.

As with the embodiment described inFIG.2, the residential heating and cooling system50includes the WFE17, which may be in fluid communication with the refrigerant conduits54via one or more valves (e.g., releasers, valves or rupture points) downstream of a compressor of the system and upstream of the relevant heat exchanger60,62depending on mode of operation. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.3, the event controller23, which controls operation of the WFE17, is illustrated as part of a panel71(e.g., a fire control panel, firefighter panel, fire alarm panel) disposed on an exterior of the residence52. This may facilitate ready access to someone like a firefighter that wishes to make an authorized activation of the WFE17from a position outside of the residence52. The panel71may include a locked door that prevents access to the event controller23(e.g., a button or switch that activates operation of the WFE17to eliminate refrigerant) within a housing of the panel71without an appropriate physical entry mechanism (e.g., a key).

The vapor compression system72also includes one or more WFEs17, each of which may be representative of multiple WFEs17coordinating together. For example a WFE17is illustrated as fluidly coupled to a refrigerant line102extending between the compressor74(which may represent a bank of compressors) and the condenser76(which may represent multiple heat exchangers). By positioning the WFE17along the refrigerant line102, an elimination event (elimination of refrigerant via the WFE17) will benefit from a high differential pressure between the refrigerant (working fluid) and atmosphere or other lower pressure system (e.g., a containment vessel), which facilitates rapid and thorough release of the refrigerant (e.g., as a vapor). The WFE17in fluid communication with refrigerant line102may be a venting WFE that directly expels refrigerant (e.g., to atmosphere) but may also be a containment WFE (e.g., when the positioning of the WFE17is inside a structure) or a combination of operational types. Other WFEs17are illustrated along refrigerant line104(extending between the condenser76and the expansion valve78), refrigerant line106(extending between the expansion valve78and the evaporator80), and the refrigerant line108(extending between the evaporator80and the compressor74). The WFEs17illustrated on refrigerant lines104,106, and108may be containment WFEs or venting WFEs, depending on surrounding circumstances, and associated functionality as discussed above. Each of the illustrated WFEs17may function separately or together in any combination. It should be noted that while multiple WFEs17are shown for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that each illustrated WFE17inFIG.4may be employed alone without any of the others operating or even being present. Further, each illustrated WFE17may coordinate with any other WFE17in any possible combination.

FIG.5is a schematic diagram of aspects of the vapor compression system72including the WFE17, which may be a venting, combusting, diluting, and/or inactivating WFE, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Specifically, the embodiment illustrated inFIG.5includes a refrigerant circuit110with a hot gas section112downstream of the compressor74and upstream of the condenser76, a liquid section114downstream of the condenser76and upstream of the expansion device78, an expanding section116downstream of the expansion device78and upstream of the evaporator80, and a suction section118downstream of the evaporator80and upstream of the compressor74. These sections112,114,116,118are referred to by names associated with the refrigerant stage passing therethrough. However, this terminology is for reference purposes and it should be understood that certain stages of the refrigerant may vary within the various portions of the refrigerant circuit110. For example, the liquid section114may not always or only contain liquid refrigerant.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the event controller23may be communicatively coupled (directly or indirectly) to the WFE17, the compressor74, and a blocking valve (blocking control valve)122downstream of the WFE17. In the illustrated embodiment, the blocking valve122is positioned in the hot gas section112. However, in other embodiments, the blocking valve122maybe be positioned in the liquid section114, the expanding section116, or even the suction section118. When operating to eliminate working fluid (e.g., the refrigerant), the event controller23may keep the compressor74operating while opening flow to the WFE17(e.g., via a valve of the WFE17) and closing flow through the blocking valve122. However, in other embodiments, a pressure differential between the vapor compression system72and the ambient environment may be sufficient to eliminate the working fluid from the vapor compression system72without operating the compressor74. Further, a check valve124or other directional flow control may operate to limit flow (e.g., backflow) of the working fluid in a direction of the compressor74in the suction section118. In conjunction, these various components and operations may force the working fluid toward the WFE17. Also, these operations and components may push the working fluid to an outside portion (e.g., external to a building being conditioned by the vapor compression system72) of the vapor compression system72, which can be beneficial for accidental or intentional release of the working fluid. The WFE17may include a valve, such as a control valve126(or other portal control mechanism) that may be controlled to be fully open to vent a maximum rate of working fluid to a secondary portion128of the WFE17, which may include a vent guide130, a containment vessel132, or both. When the secondary portion128of the WFE17is the vent guide130, it may be desirable for the valve126to open fully during a working fluid elimination operation. However, when the secondary portion128of the WFE17includes the containment vessel132(e.g., for burning, diluting, and/or deactivating), it may be desirable to throttle the valve126to control ratios (e.g., of refrigerant to air, refrigerant to deactivation fluid, and/or refrigerant to diluent) for ignition, mixing, and so forth.

FIG.6is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a combusting WFE202, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The combusting WFE202is configured to receive working fluid from a vapor compression circuit204(e.g., the refrigerant circuit110) and direct the working fluid into a containment vessel206. An igniter208may be controlled by the event controller23to provide ignition (e.g., via a pilot flame, spark, heat) to initiate combustion of the working fluid as it enters the containment vessel206. That is, the event controller23may be configured to operate the igniter208based on transition of a valve (e.g., control valve126) from a closed position to an open position. In some embodiments, the igniter208, which may include multiple components and feeds, may provide oxygen (via provision of air) to facilitate combustion of the working fluid. In some embodiments, the combusting WFE202is configured such that a Venturi effect pulls air into the containment vessel206to facilitate combustion.

Combustion of the working fluid in the containment vessel206may result in off-gassing and other residue, such as liquid and solid combustion products. Some of these combustion products209may accumulate in a waste collection reservoir210. The waste collection reservoir210may be part of the containment vessel206and/or coupled to the containment vessel206. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the waste collection reservoir210includes a base or recess212of the containment vessel206and a separate collection vessel214. In some embodiments, the separate collection vessel214may be coupled to or include a suction mechanism216(e.g., a pump) that pulls any waste (e.g., the combustion products209) into the separate collection vessel214so that the separate collection vessel214can be filled with the waste, disconnected from the rest of the WFE202and disposed of or recycled. Any gas or vapor that is released or pushed out of the containment vessel206may pass through a filter (e.g., a wire mesh or fine filter)220and to a venting mechanism222. The venting mechanism222may be oriented with an upward facing input port224to discourage solid and liquids from escaping via the venting mechanism222.

FIG.7is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a diluting WFE302(e.g., containment WFE, inactivating WFE) configured to receive working fluid from a vapor compression circuit304(e.g., the refrigerant circuit110) and direct the working fluid into a containment vessel306. A dilutive and/or reactive fluid supply system (fluid supply system)308may be controlled by the event controller23to direct one or more flows of dilutive and/or reactive fluid into the containment vessel306along with the working fluid from the vapor compression circuit304being delivered into the containment vessel306. In some embodiments, entry ports into the containment vessel306may be arranged such that the dilutive and/or reactive fluid (e.g., reactive with the working fluid such that properties of the working fluid change) enters the containment vessel306in a manner that causes added mixing. For example, an entry port310into the containment vessel306from the fluid supply system308is positioned below (with respect to gravity) an entry port312into the containment vessel306from the vapor compression circuit304, in the illustrated embodiment, which may facilitate mixing. However, in other embodiments, properties of the various fluids (including the working fluid) may benefit from different arrangements. For example, the entry ports310,312may be arranged to face each other, face the same direction (as shown), flow into the containment vessel306from a top or bottom, or the like. In one embodiment, the containment vessel306may already include a diluting and/or deactivating fluid (which may be supplied from the fluid supply system308just prior to receiving the working fluid) and the entry port312may be positioned to cause the working fluid to pass through (bubble through) the accumulated diluting and/or deactivating fluid. The fluid supply system308may supply the dilutive and/or deactivating fluid to the containment vessel306via a flow component314(e.g., a pump or control valve). In some embodiments, the flow component314is a pump controlled by the event controller23and/or a control valve (e.g., in a gravity feed arrangement) controlled by the event controller23. The diluting and/or deactivating fluid may include any of various different types of fluid. Depending on the nature of the working fluid being eliminated, different chemicals may be used.

Deactivation of the working fluid in the containment vessel306will include a chemical reaction and may result in off-gassing and other residue, such as liquid and solid reaction byproducts. Some of these byproducts329may accumulate in a waste collection reservoir330. The waste collection reservoir330may be part of the containment vessel306and/or coupled to the containment vessel306. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the waste collection reservoir330includes a base or recess332of the containment vessel306and a separate collection vessel334. In some embodiments, the separate collection vessel may be coupled to or include a suction mechanism (e.g., a pump)336that pulls any waste (e.g., the byproducts329) into the separate collection vessel334so that the separate collection vessel334can be filled with the waste, disconnected from the rest of the WFE302and disposed of or recycled. Any gas or vapor that is released or pushed out of the containment vessel306may pass through a filter (e.g., a wire mesh or fine filter)352and to a venting mechanism354. The venting mechanism354may be oriented with an upward facing input port356to discourage solids and liquids from escaping via the venting mechanism354.

FIG.8is a schematic view of an embodiment of the combusting WFE202in series with a downstream treatment system402, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As noted above, combinations of WFEs17may be employed as single WFEs17and/or multiple WFEs17may coordinate together. In the embodiment illustrated byFIG.8, the combusting WFE202may expel or vent to another WFE17operating as the downstream treatment system402. For example, the downstream treatment system402may be a diluting and/or deactivating WFE, such as the WFE302. This may be beneficial because various stages of elimination may be preferred for certain working fluids (e.g., refrigerants). In still other embodiments, the downstream treatment system402may be a simple scrubber or filter system.

As set forth above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful for manufacture and assembly of a bent, multi-slab heat exchanger assembly that has an enhanced heat transfer capacity and reduced overall exterior length as compared to a linear heat exchanger assembly. The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are examples and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.

While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, such as temperatures and pressures, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, and so forth, without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described, such as those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode, or those unrelated to enablement. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.