US20220228597A1 - Vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an hvac-r system, adapter for a vacuum pump, and a method of performing a vacuum test on an hvac-r system - Google Patents
Vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an hvac-r system, adapter for a vacuum pump, and a method of performing a vacuum test on an hvac-r system Download PDFInfo
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- US20220228597A1 US20220228597A1 US17/614,782 US202017614782A US2022228597A1 US 20220228597 A1 US20220228597 A1 US 20220228597A1 US 202017614782 A US202017614782 A US 202017614782A US 2022228597 A1 US2022228597 A1 US 2022228597A1
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- hvac
- pump
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- vacuum pump
- pressure
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- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 title claims description 85
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 27
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 83
- 238000010295 mobile communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 41
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 40
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 3
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002274 desiccant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001052 transient effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/40—Fluid line arrangements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
- F04D27/001—Testing thereof; Determination or simulation of flow characteristics; Stall or surge detection, e.g. condition monitoring
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D15/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems
- F04D15/0088—Testing machines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/20—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
- F25B41/24—Arrangement of shut-off valves for disconnecting a part of the refrigerant cycle, e.g. an outdoor part
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
- F25B2345/002—Collecting refrigerant from a cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
- F25B2345/003—Control issues for charging or collecting refrigerant to or from a cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
- F25B2345/005—Service stations therefor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
- F25B2345/006—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor characterised by charging or discharging valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/27—Problems to be solved characterised by the stop of the refrigeration cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/25—Control of valves
- F25B2600/2513—Expansion valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/25—Control of valves
- F25B2600/2519—On-off valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/19—Pressures
Definitions
- This invention relates to a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system, for example an air conditioning system.
- This invention also relates to an adapter for a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system.
- This invention also relates to a method of performing a vacuum test on an HVAC-R system.
- HVAC-R heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration
- a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system, the vacuum pump comprising:
- a pump having a pump intake for connection to the HVAC-R system
- a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system
- a communications unit configured to connect to a mobile communications network
- control unit configured to:
- the pressure sensor is arranged to detect a vacuum pressure at the pump intake. In other examples, the pressure sensor is configured for connection to the HVAC-R system at a different location to the connection between the pump and the HVAC-R system.
- the vacuum pump further comprises an electrically actuatable valve arranged to control connection of the pressure sensor to one or more of the pump intake and the HVAC-R system at a different location to the connection between the pump and the HVAC-R system, and wherein the control unit is configured to control operation of the electrically actuatable valve.
- the electrically actuatable valve is biased to a closed position.
- the control unit may be configured to monitor the detected pressure.
- the control unit may be configured to control operation of the pump to perform a vacuum test.
- the control unit may comprise a memory for storing vacuum test instructions, and the control unit may be configured to retrieve the vacuum test instructions from the memory to perform the vacuum test.
- the communications unit may be configured to receive the vacuum test instructions from the remote device, and the control unit may be configured to control operation of the pump in accordance with the vacuum test instructions received by the communications unit.
- the vacuum pump may further comprise an electric motor arranged to drive the pump, and a power sensor arranged to detect a power usage of the electric motor.
- the control unit may be arranged to receive power data from the power sensor, and the control unit may be configured to monitor power usage of the electric motor.
- the vacuum pump may further comprise an electrically actuatable valve arranged to control a connection between the pump and the HVAC-R system.
- the control unit may be configured to control operation of the electrically actuatable valve.
- the electrically actuatable valve is preferably biased to a closed position.
- the pump intake is preferably configured for connection to a service port of the HVAC-R system, for example a high pressure service port or a low pressure service port.
- the pump intake may be configured for connection to both the high pressure service port and the low pressure service port of the HVAC-R system.
- an adapter for a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system comprising:
- a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system during use
- a communications unit configured to connect to a mobile communications network
- control unit configured to:
- the adapter preferably further comprises an electrically actuatable valve disposed to control the connection between the adapter and the HVAC-R system.
- the control unit is preferably configured to operate the electrically actuatable valve.
- the communications unit of the vacuum pump and/or the communications unit of the adapter may is preferably configured to connect to the mobile communications network using one or more of GSM, LTE, UMTS, WiMax, LTE-A, 5G mobile communications network, and/or a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) radio technology, for example a Narrowband IoT network.
- GSM Global System for Mobile communications
- the method may further comprise monitoring the detected pressure.
- the method may further comprise detecting a power usage of an electric motor of the vacuum pump.
- the method may comprise controlling the vacuum pump to perform a vacuum test on the HVAC-R system.
- the method of performing a vacuum test may comprise:
- the method may further comprise isolating the vacuum pump from the HVAC-R system once the detected vacuum pressure reaches a threshold.
- the method may further comprise monitoring the detected fluid pressure after stopping operation of the vacuum pump.
- the method may further comprise communicating data of the vacuum test with the remote device via the mobile communications network, for example a status of the vacuum test or a result of the vacuum test.
- any data processing can be performed by a device having one or more processors and a memory including instructions to cause the one or more processors to perform the data processing, such as to process the scan data to generate the control data.
- the memory is typically a non-transient computer-readable storage medium.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an HVAC-R system
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a further example vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a further example vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a further example vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a further example vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a system diagram of the vacuum pump, including the control unit.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an adapter for a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 is a system diagram of the adapter for a vacuum pump of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a method diagram of a vacuum test performed by the vacuum pump of any of FIGS. 2 to 7 , or the adapter for a vacuum pump of FIGS. 8 and 9 .
- an HVAC-R system 1 includes a compressor 2 , a condenser 3 , an expansion valve 4 , and an evaporator 5 .
- Pipes 6 connect each of these components in a loop such that refrigerant fluid can flow through each in turn, driven by the compressor 2 .
- the condenser 3 includes a coil of pipes 7 wound to create a large surface area for heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and air surrounding the condenser 3 .
- the evaporator 5 is similar, having a coil of pipes 8 that create a large surface area for heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the air surrounding the evaporator 5 .
- the evaporator 5 is disposed within the conditioned area, e.g. within a house or refrigerated room, and the condenser 3 is disposed outside of the conditioned area, e.g. outside of the house or refrigerated room.
- the compressor 2 may be any compressor of an HVAC-R system, for example one of a reciprocating compressor, a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, a screw compressor or a centrifugal compressor.
- the compressor 2 has an intake 9 and an outlet 10 , and drives refrigerant through the HVAC-R system 1 as described hereinafter.
- the compressor intake 9 receives refrigerant fluid as a low pressure gas, and compresses the low pressure gas into a high pressure gas. Compressing the gas to increase the pressure will also increase the temperature of the refrigerant. Therefore, at the compressor outlet 10 the refrigerant fluid is a high pressure, high temperature gas.
- the condenser 3 After outlet from the compressor 2 , the high pressure, high temperature gas enters the condenser 3 , which is a heat exchanger located in an area with a lower temperature than the refrigerant entering the condenser 3 .
- the condenser 3 In air conditioning or refrigeration examples, the condenser 3 is located externally of the conditioned area, for example outside of a building or outside of a refrigerated area.
- the refrigerant fluid exits the condenser 3 as a high pressure liquid having a lower temperature than upstream of the condenser 3 .
- the refrigerant fluid is warm, but not as hot as upstream of the condenser 3 because some heat has been lost in the condenser 3 , and the refrigerant fluid has condensed into a liquid.
- a receiver drier 11 is positioned downstream of the condenser 3 .
- the high pressure liquid passes through the receiver drier 11 .
- the receiver drier 11 contains extra refrigerant fluid for the HVAC-R system 1 , to account for changes due to small leaks or temperature fluctuations.
- the receiver drier 11 may also include a drying agent and a filter to remove contaminants from the refrigerant fluid.
- the high pressure liquid next passes through the expansion valve 4 .
- the expansion valve 4 typically includes a metered orifice through which the refrigerant fluid must pass.
- the metered orifice limits the rate at which the refrigerant fluid flows. As a result of this, a large pressure drop is created across the metered orifice. Therefore, as the refrigerant fluid passes through the metered orifice the high pressure liquid quickly loses pressure. The loss of pressure also cools the refrigerant fluid. Therefore, after the expansion valve 4 the refrigerant fluid is at a cold temperature and at a lower pressure, and is starting to evaporate into a gas.
- the cold refrigerant fluid enters the evaporator 5 .
- the evaporator 5 is typically disposed in an area to be cooled or refrigerated, for example inside a building or a refrigeration unit.
- the low temperature refrigerant fluid is heated by absorbing heat from the surroundings of the evaporator 5 .
- the refrigerant fluid On exit from the evaporator 5 the refrigerant fluid has been evaporated and is a low pressure gas, which is still cool but at a higher temperature than immediately upstream of the evaporator 5 because it has absorbed heat from the surroundings of the evaporator 5 .
- This low pressure gas is fed back to the compressor intake 9 .
- the refrigerant fluid transfers heat from the evaporator 5 to the condenser 3 , and therefore from one area to another, to cool the area where the evaporator 5 is located and/or to heat the area where the condenser 3 is located.
- the boiling point of the refrigerant fluid is not the same as water or air.
- the boiling point of Ammonia (R717) a typical refrigerant, is ⁇ 33.3 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the high and low temperatures referred to in the description are relative, and the refrigerant fluid can be used in the described manner to efficiently transfer heat from the evaporator 5 to the condenser 3 .
- the HVAC-R system 1 may further include a thermal expansion valve 12 for controlling the metered orifice of the expansion valve 4 .
- the thermal expansion valve 12 is arranged to expand and contract according to the temperature of the refrigerant fluid downstream of the evaporator 5 . In this way, the thermal expansion valve 12 expands or contracts according to the temperature of the surroundings of the evaporator 5 , which directly determines the temperature of the refrigerant downstream of the evaporator 5 .
- the expanded/contracted state of the thermal expansion valve 12 controls the size of the metered orifice in the expansion valve 4 , so that the flow of refrigerant (and the cooling provided to the surroundings of the evaporator 5 ) is proportionate to the temperature of the surroundings of the evaporator 5 .
- a smaller metered orifice in the expansion valve 4 will create a lower temperature refrigerant and provide more cooling to the area surrounding the evaporator 5 .
- a warmer refrigerant downstream of the evaporator 5 indicated by relatively high thermal expansion of the thermal expansion valve 12 , indicates that more cooling is required. Therefore, the thermal expansion valve 12 is configured to reduce the size of the metered orifice in response to thermal expansion, and is configured to increase the size of the metered orifice in response to thermal contraction.
- a fan may be provided to create a flow of air over the coiled pipes 7 , 8 of the evaporator 5 and/or the condenser 3 .
- the HVAC-R system has a high pressure side and a low pressure side.
- a low pressure service port 13 is provided between the evaporator 5 and the compressor intake 9 , where the refrigerant fluid is at low pressure.
- a high pressure service port 14 is provided between the condenser 3 (or drier 11 ) and the expansion valve 4 , where the refrigerant fluid is at high pressure.
- the low pressure and high pressure service ports 13 , 14 are provided for removing and adding refrigerant to the HVAC-R system 1 during maintenance or commissioning, as explained further hereinafter.
- HVAC-R systems may include additional or alternative components or arrangements for different applications.
- the apparatus described hereinafter, for maintenance or commissioning of HVAC-R systems can be used on any HVAC-R system that includes a high pressure side and a low pressure side, and includes at least one service port (high pressure side and/or low pressure side) for removal or addition of refrigerant fluid to the HVAC-R system.
- a typical HVAC-R system 1 will include a high pressure service port 14 and a low pressure service port 13 .
- a vacuum test To perform a vacuum test, a vacuum pump is used to extract gas (e.g. air) and residual fluids (e.g. moisture) from the HVAC-R system after maintenance, and/or to test the seals. It is performed after installation or maintenance where parts have been changed or the system opened, and ensures that the system is empty before recharging with refrigerant.
- gas e.g. air
- residual fluids e.g. moisture
- FIGS. 2 to 6 illustrate the vacuum pump 15 attached to the HVAC-R system 1 for a vacuum test.
- the vacuum pump 15 includes a pump 17 for drawing fluid through a pump intake 22 that is attachable to the HVAC-R system 1 via one or both of the high pressure service port 14 and the low pressure service port 13 , as described further hereinafter.
- the pump intake 22 has a connector.
- the pump 17 may be oil-less or oil lubricated.
- the pump 17 may comprise a positive displacement vacuum pump, or a reciprocating piston vacuum pump, or a diaphragm pump, or a rotary vane pump, or a rotary screw pump.
- the pump 17 comprises an oil-sealed rotary vane vacuum pump, which are particularly suited to HVAC-R applications.
- the vacuum pump 15 also has a control unit 18 that controls operation of the pump 17 .
- the vacuum pump 15 also includes a communications unit 19 configured to communicate with a remote device 20 over a mobile communications network.
- the control unit 18 is in data communication with the communications unit 19 .
- the communications unit 19 includes a receiver for receiving data, for example instructions, from the remote device 20 .
- the communications unit 19 may comprise a transceiver for receiving data, for example instructions, from the remote device 20 , and for transmitting data to the remote device 20 .
- the communications unit may further comprise an additional transmitter and/or receiver, for example a Bluetooth transmitter and/or receiver.
- the remote device 20 may be a mobile phone or a tablet computer, or any device that can connect to a mobile communications network.
- the communications unit 19 comprises a transceiver configured to communicate on a mobile communications network, for example a GSM, LTE, UMTS, WiMax, LTE-A, and/or 5G mobile communications network, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) radio technology, for example a Narrowband IoT network.
- the communications unit 19 may be configured to communicate with a remote device 20 via the communications unit 19 using the mobile communications network.
- the communications unit 19 communicates data to the remote device 20 , for example using SMS format.
- communicating with the remote device 20 over a mobile communications network removes the need for the remote device 20 to be proximate to the vacuum pump 15 .
- Bluetooth connectivity is limited in range, whereas using a mobile communications network allows the operator to be further removed from the vacuum pump 15 , which may be advantageous during long vacuum tests or when the operator needs to investigate parts of the HVAC-R system that are removed from the position of the vacuum pump 15 .
- the vacuum pump 15 also includes a sensor 21 that is arranged to detect a pressure.
- the sensor is a pressure sensor 21 arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system 21 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the pressure sensor 21 may be a vacuum pressure sensor.
- the control unit 18 is configured to receive pressure data from the pressure sensor 21 .
- the control unit 18 may be configured to operate the pump 17 in accordance with data received from the pressure sensor 21 , as described further hereinafter.
- the pressure sensor 21 may be provided separately to the vacuum pump 15 .
- the pressure sensor 21 is in data communication with the control unit 18 via a wire or via a wireless connection to provide pressure data to the control unit 18 .
- the communications unit 19 may further comprise a Bluetooth receiver for receiving pressure data from a separate pressure sensor 21 that includes a Bluetooth transmitter. In this way, the pressure sensor 21 may be located away from the vacuum pump 15 , which may be easier if the high pressure service port 14 and the low pressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system are not disposed close to one another.
- the vacuum pump 15 also includes a shut-off valve 26 between the pump 17 and the HVAC-R system 1 , as shown.
- the shut-off valve 26 is preferably located to isolate the pump 17 from the HVAC-R system 1 , while permitting the sensor 21 to detect pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 , as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 .
- the shut-off valve 26 is preferably electrically actuatable and can be actuated by the control unit 18 to open and close the fluid connection between the pump 17 and the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the shut-off valve 26 is biased to a closed position, so that in the event of power loss the connection to the HVAC-R system 1 is closed.
- Hoses and pipes are used to fluidly connect the pump intake 22 and pressure sensor 21 to the HVAC-R system 1 .
- Hoses may include connectors, for example fittings, that include a threaded connector for attachment to the pump intake 22 , the high pressure service port 14 , and the low pressure service port 13 , as appropriate.
- the vacuum pump 15 may include an alarm.
- the control unit 18 may be configured to operate the alarm if the detected pressure changes suddenly, for example a loss of vacuum seal.
- the alarm may alternatively me operated in response to peaks in power consumption by the pump 17 .
- the alarm may be an audible or visual alarm.
- the control unit 18 may additionally send a communication to the remote device 20 via the communications unit 19 .
- the vacuum pump 15 includes a housing 16 in which the components of the vacuum pump 15 are disposed.
- the pump intake 22 is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 via the low pressure service port 13 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the pressure sensor 21 is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 via the high pressure service port 14 .
- control unit 18 operates the pump 17 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system, and the pressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the pressure sensor 21 is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 such that it is positioned at a furthest point of the system from the pump 17 . Therefore, the pressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the vacuum pressure at a location remote from the pump 17 , and therefore detects the lowest vacuum value in the HVAC-R system 1 (the highest vacuum level being at the pump intake 22 ).
- the control unit 18 receives pressure data from the pressure sensor 21 , the pressure data being indicative of the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the control unit 18 is configured to communicate with the remote device 20 via the communications unit 19 .
- the control unit 18 may be configured to send an SMS communication to the remote device 20 via a connection to a mobile communications network provided by the communications unit 19 .
- the pump intake 22 is connected to the high pressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1
- the pressure sensor 21 is connected to the low pressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1 .
- This operates in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 2 , but fluid is drawn from the HVAC-R system 1 via the high pressure service port 14 instead of via the low pressure service port 13 .
- the pump intake 22 is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 via the low pressure service port 13 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the pressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect a vacuum pressure at the pump intake 22 , i.e. at the low pressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the pressure sensor 21 is connected to the pump intake 22 via a branch connection 24 .
- the shut-off valve 26 is located between the pump 17 and the branch connection 24 such that when the shut-off valve 26 is closed the pressure sensor 21 can still detect a vacuum pressure via the low pressure service port 13 .
- control unit 18 operates the pump 17 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 , and the pressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the vacuum being pulled on the HVAC-R system 1 by the pump 17 .
- the control unit 18 receives pressure data from the pressure sensor 21 , the pressure data being indicative of the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the control unit 18 is configured to communicate with the remote device 20 via the communications unit 19 .
- the control unit 18 may be configured to send an SMS communication to the remote device 20 via a connection to a mobile communications network provided by the communications unit 19 .
- the pump intake 22 is connected to the high pressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1 .
- This operates in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 3 , but fluid is drawn from the HVAC-R system 1 via the high pressure service port 14 instead of the low pressure service port 13 .
- the pump intake 22 is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 via the low pressure service port 13 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 .
- a first pressure sensor 21 a is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 via a connection between a second intake 23 and the high pressure service port 14 .
- the second intake 23 has a connector.
- a second pressure sensor 21 b is arranged to detect the pressure at the pump intake 22 , i.e. at the low pressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the second vacuum sensor 21 b is connected via a branch connection 24 .
- the shut-off valve 26 is located between the pump 17 and the branch connection 24 such that when the shut-off valve 26 is closed the first and second pressure sensors 21 a , 21 b can still detect a vacuum pressure via the low pressure service port 13 and the high pressure service port 14 .
- the vacuum pressures detected by the first and second pressure sensors 21 a , 21 b will differ during operation of the pump 17 due to the pressure drop across the HVAC-R system, between the high and low pressure service ports 14 , 13 .
- control unit 18 operates the pump 17 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 via the low pressure service port 13 , the first pressure sensor 21 a is arranged to detect the pressure at the high pressure service port, and the second pressure sensor 21 b is arranged to detect the pressure at the pump intake 22 and low pressure service port 13 .
- the control unit 18 receives pressure data from the first pressure sensor 21 a and from the second pressure sensor 21 b , the pressure data being indicative of the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the control unit 18 is configured to communicate with the remote device 20 via the communications unit 19 .
- the control unit 18 may be configured to send an SMS communication to the remote device 20 via a connection to a mobile communications network provided by the communications unit 19 .
- the pump intake 22 is connected to the high pressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1
- the first pressure sensor 21 a is connected to the low pressure service port 13
- the second pressure sensor 21 b is arranged to detect the pressure at the pump intake 22 , i.e. at the high pressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1 .
- This operates in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 4 , but fluid is drawn from the HVAC-R system 1 via the high pressure service port 14 instead of via the low pressure service port 13 .
- the pump 17 is connected to both of the high pressure service port 14 and the low pressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the pump 17 has a first intake 22 for connection to the low pressure service port 13 and a second intake 23 for connection to the high pressure service port 14 .
- the pressure sensor 21 is also connected to both the first and second intakes 22 , 23 , and is therefore arranged to detect the pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 and at the pump 17 .
- control unit 18 operates the pump 17 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 via the low pressure service port 13 and via the high pressure service port 14 .
- the pressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the pressure applied by the pump 17 to the high pressure service port 14 and the low pressure service port 13 via connection 25 .
- the control unit 18 receives pressure data from the pressure sensor 21 , the pressure data being indicative of the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the control unit 18 is configured to communicate with the remote device 20 via the communications unit 19 .
- the control unit 18 may be configured to send an SMS communication to the remote device 20 via a connection to a mobile communications network provided by the communications unit 19 .
- the pump 17 is connected to the high pressure service port 14 and the low pressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the pump 17 has a first intake 22 for connection to the low pressure service port 13 and a second intake 23 for connection to the high pressure service port 14 .
- the pressure sensor 21 is also connected to both the first and second intakes 22 , 23 , and valves 35 a and 35 b are arranged to alter the connections between the pressure sensor 21 and one or the other of the pump intake 22 and second pump intake 23 . Therefore, the valves 35 a , 35 b can be configured such that the pressure sensor 21 can detect the pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 via the high pressure service port 14 or via the low pressure service port 13 .
- control unit 18 operates the pump 17 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 via the low pressure service port 13 .
- the valves 35 a , 35 b are preferably electrically actuatable valves and the operation of the valves 35 a , 35 b is preferably controlled by the control unit 18 .
- the second valve 35 b is open and the first valve 35 a is closed.
- the pressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the pressure applied by the pump 17 to the low pressure service port 13 via the pump intake 22 .
- the first valve 35 a is open and the second valve 35 b is closed.
- the pressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the pressure at the high pressure service port 14 via the pump intake 23 .
- this is the furthest point in the HVAC-R system 1 from the vacuum pump 17 .
- the control unit 18 receives pressure data from the pressure sensor 21 , the pressure data being indicative of the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the control unit 18 is configured to communicate with the remote device 20 via the communications unit 19 .
- the control unit 18 may be configured to send an SMS communication to the remote device 20 via a connection to a mobile communications network provided by the communications unit 19 .
- FIG. 7 is a system diagram for the vacuum pump 15 .
- the control unit 18 includes a controller 27 , an input device 28 and a memory 29 .
- the controller 27 may be configured to access the memory 29 to retrieve data stored therein.
- the memory 29 may store instruction data for operating the pump 17 , for example instruction data for a vacuum test.
- the input device 28 may comprise one or more buttons or switches, or a graphical user interface, such as a touchscreen, for a user to provide information and/or commands to the control unit 18 .
- a user can provide an instruction to the control unit 18 via the input device 28 , for example a required vacuum level for a vacuum test, or the user may select a vacuum test from a displayed list of vacuum tests.
- the control unit 18 may operate the pump 17 to perform the vacuum test, as described further hereinafter.
- the control unit 18 in particular the controller 27 , is in communication with the communications unit 19 for communicating with the remote device 20 .
- the control unit 18 is also connected to the pressure sensor 21 for receiving pressure data, and to the shut-off valve 26 and pump 17 for controlling operation of each.
- the control unit 18 may also be in communication with one or more electrically actuatable valves 35 a , 35 b , such as those in the example of FIG. 6 , to control operation of the electrically actuatable valves 35 a , 35 b.
- the vacuum pump 25 further comprises a power sensor 30 arranged to detect the power being drawn by the pump 17 .
- the pump 17 comprises an electric motor for driving the pump 17
- the vacuum pump 15 may include a power sensor 30 , for example a current sensor, arranged to detect the power being drawn by the electric motor of the pump 17 .
- the control unit 18 may be configured to receive power data detected by the power sensor 30 .
- the power drawn by the electric motor of the pump 17 will initially be higher, as the pump 17 performs work to draw fluid from the HVAC-R system 1 , and the power drawn by the electric motor of the pump 17 will decrease as the vacuum level increases as there is less work being performed by the pump 17 . Therefore, by measuring and monitoring the power being drawn by the electric motor of the pump 17 the control unit 18 can determine relative vacuum levels.
- the control unit 18 is configured to operate the pump 17 .
- the control unit 18 receives pressure data from the pressure sensor 21 , and operates the pump 17 to perform a vacuum test.
- the control unit 18 may be configured to operate the pump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by the pressure sensor 21 reaches a threshold value.
- the control unit 18 may be configured to operate the pump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by the pressure sensor 21 passes a threshold value for a pre-determined period of time.
- the control unit 18 may be configured to operate the pump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by the pressure sensor 21 reaches a threshold value, the control unit 18 may then be configured to close the shut-off valve 26 , stop operation of the pump 17 , and monitor the vacuum pressure detected by the pressure sensor 21 for a pre-determined period of time.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an adapter 36 for use with a vacuum pump 37 .
- the vacuum pump 37 has a pump 17 , a first intake 22 , and a second intake 23 .
- the adapter 36 has a connector 38 .
- the vacuum pump 37 is connected to the low pressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1 via the first intake 22
- the adapter 36 in particular the connector 38 , is connected to the high pressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the connector 38 of the adapter 36 can be connected to the second intake 23 of the vacuum pump 37 .
- the adapter 36 may be connectable to the first intake 22 of the vacuum pump 37 along with the connection to the HVAC-R system 1 , for example via a T junction connector.
- the adapter 36 can be connected to the HVAC-R system 1 or to vacuum pump 37 via a hose, or in other examples the connector 38 may screw directly onto the high pressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1 or to the second intake 23 of the vacuum pump.
- the adapter 36 is connected to detect the vacuum pressure generated by the vacuum pump 37 , either at the pump itself 17 , or via the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the adapter 36 includes a pressure sensor 21 connected to the connector 38 .
- the adapter 36 also includes a valve 39 disposed between the connector 38 and the pressure sensor 21 .
- the adapter 36 further includes a control unit 18 and a communications unit 19 analogous to the control unit 18 and communications unit 19 of the examples of FIGS. 2 to 7 .
- the valve 39 is preferably an electrically actuatable valve and is operated by the control unit 18 .
- the valve 39 is preferably biased to a closed position.
- the communications unit 19 is configured to communicate with a remote device 20 over a mobile communications network.
- the control unit 18 is in data communication with the communications unit 19 .
- the communications unit 19 includes a receiver for receiving data, for example instructions, from the remote device 20 .
- the communications unit 19 may comprise a transceiver for receiving data, for example instructions, from the remote device 20 , and for transmitting data to the remote device 20 .
- the communications unit may further comprise an additional transmitter and/or receiver, for example a Bluetooth transmitter and/or receiver.
- the remote device 20 may be a mobile phone or a tablet computer, or any device that can connect to a mobile communications network.
- the communications unit 19 comprises a transceiver configured to communicate on a mobile communications network, for example a GSM, LTE, UMTS, WiMax, LTE-A, and/or 5G mobile communications network, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) radio technology, for example a Narrowband IoT network.
- the communications unit 19 may be configured to communicate with a remote device 20 via the communications unit 19 using the mobile communications network.
- the communications unit 19 communicates data to the remote device 20 , for example using SMS format.
- the pressure sensor 21 may be a vacuum pressure sensor.
- the control unit 18 is configured to receive pressure data from the pressure sensor 21 .
- the adapter 36 preferably comprises a housing 40 in which the pressure sensor 21 , valve 39 , control unit 18 and communications unit 19 are located, and the connector 38 is preferably arranged on the housing 40 .
- the adapter 36 is arranged such that the pressure sensor 21 can detect the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 generated by the vacuum pump 37 .
- the control unit 18 can communicate, via the communications unit 19 , with the remote device 20 to provide pressure information to the remote device 20 .
- control unit 18 may be connected, for example via a Bluetooth connection provided by the communications unit 19 , to the vacuum pump 37 to control operation of the vacuum pump 37 .
- the pump 17 and/or any electrically actuatable valves of the vacuum pump 37 may be connected, for example via a Bluetooth connection provided by the communications unit 19 , to the vacuum pump 37 to control operation of the vacuum pump 37 .
- the pump 17 and/or any electrically actuatable valves of the vacuum pump 37 may be connected, for example via a Bluetooth connection provided by the communications unit 19 , to the vacuum pump 37 to control operation of the vacuum pump 37 .
- the pump 17 and/or any electrically actuatable valves of the vacuum pump 37 may be connected, for example via a Bluetooth connection provided by the communications unit 19 , to the vacuum pump 37 to control operation of the vacuum pump 37 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates a system diagram of the adapter 36 of FIG. 8 .
- the control unit 18 includes a controller 27 , an input device 28 and a memory 29 .
- the controller 27 may be configured to access the memory 29 to retrieve data stored therein.
- the memory 29 may store instruction data for a vacuum test.
- the input device 28 may comprise one or more buttons or switches, or a graphical user interface, such as a touchscreen, for a user to provide information and/or commands to the control unit 18 .
- a user can provide an instruction to the control unit 18 via the input device 28 , for example a required vacuum level for a vacuum test, or the user may select a vacuum test from a displayed list of vacuum tests.
- the control unit 18 in particular the controller 27 , is in communication with the communications unit 19 for communicating with the remote device 20 .
- the control unit 18 is also connected to the pressure sensor 21 for receiving pressure data, and to the valve 39 for controlling operation of the valve 39 .
- the communications unit 19 provides a connection to the vacuum pump 37 for controlling operation of the pump 17 .
- the control unit 18 may be configured to operate the pump 17 .
- the control unit 18 receives pressure data from the pressure sensor 21 , and operates the pump 17 to perform a vacuum test.
- the control unit 18 may be configured to operate the pump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by the pressure sensor 21 reaches a threshold value.
- the control unit 18 may be configured to operate the pump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by the pressure sensor 21 passes a threshold value for a pre-determined period of time.
- the control unit 18 may be configured to operate the pump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by the pressure sensor 21 reaches a threshold value, the control unit 18 may then be configured to close the shut-off valve 26 , stop operation of the pump 17 , and monitor the vacuum pressure detected by the pressure sensor 21 for a pre-determined period of time.
- control unit 18 of the adapter 36 can monitor the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 using the pressure sensor 21 , and can communicate this to the remote device 20 .
- the adapter 36 described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 can be used together with a vacuum pump 37 , for example a standard vacuum pump 37 , to provide further control and remote data communication for performing a vacuum test, as described below.
- a vacuum pump 37 for example a standard vacuum pump 37
- the adapter 36 allows an operator to receive information remotely through the communications unit 19 , and optionally also allows the operator to send remote instructions to the adapter and/or vacuum pump 37 .
- the vacuum pump 15 of FIGS. 2 to 7 in particular the control unit 18 , may be configured to operate the vacuum pump 17 in various ways to perform a vacuum test.
- the adapter 36 in particular the control unit 18 , together with the vacuum pump 37 , as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 , may be configured to perform a vacuum test.
- a preferred example vacuum test 31 is described with reference to FIG. 10 .
- a first stage of the example vacuum test 31 comprises a connection test 32 .
- the connection to the service port 13 , 14 of the HVAC-R system 1 i.e. the hose
- the pump 17 is operated to generate a negative pressure against the connections within the vacuum pump 15 , 37 , and between the vacuum pump 15 , 37 and the HVAC-R system.
- the connection test 32 thereby ensures that the vacuum pump 15 , 37 and associated hoses are properly connected and leak free. If the test fails the control unit 18 signals to the technician, for example using the alarm and/or the communications unit 19 .
- the technician checks the hoses and valves and tightens connections if required.
- the connection test 32 will be quite fast, as it is only testing the equipment and not the HVAC-R system 1 . Therefore, usually the technician is present for the connection test 32 .
- connection test 32 an intermediate vacuum test 33 is conducted.
- the connection(s) between the vacuum pump 15 and the high pressure and/or low pressure service port 13 , 14 of the HVAC-R system 1 is opened.
- the control unit 18 is configured to open the shut-off valve 26 and operate the pump 17 to generate a vacuum in the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the pressure sensor 21 or pressure sensors 21 a , 21 b detects the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system.
- the control unit 18 operates the pump 17 until the detected pressure reaches a predetermined threshold value. Once the threshold is passed, the pump 17 is deactivated and the shut-off valve 26 is closed, sealing the HVAC-R system 1 from the pump 17 .
- the control unit 18 then monitors the pressure data from the pressure sensor 21 to determine if the HVAC-R system 1 is holding the vacuum that has been applied.
- the control unit 18 may monitor the pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 for a pre-determined period of time.
- the intermediate vacuum test 33 is passed if the HVAC-R system 1 holds the applied vacuum for the pre-determined period of time.
- the predetermined vacuum threshold and the predetermined period of time are large enough to identify if there large leaks in the HVAC-R system 1 , for example a disconnected or burst pipe. If the intermediate vacuum test 33 fails, the control unit 18 sends a communication to the technician via the communication unit 19 and/or the alarm. The engineer should investigate the HVAC-R system 1 to identify the leak. If the intermediate vacuum test 33 is passed, a full vacuum test 34 is performed.
- the connection(s) between the vacuum pump 15 and the high pressure and/or low pressure service port 13 , 14 of the HVAC-R system 1 is opened.
- the control unit 18 operates the pump 17 until the detected pressure reaches a predetermined threshold.
- the predetermined threshold is higher than during the intermediate vacuum test 33 .
- the pump 17 is deactivated and the shut-off valve 26 is closed, sealing the HVAC-R system 1 from the pump 17 .
- the control unit 18 then monitors the pressure data received from the pressure sensor 21 to determine if the HVAC-R system 1 is holding the vacuum that has been applied.
- the control unit 18 may monitor the pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 for a pre-determined period of time.
- the intermediate vacuum test 33 is passed if the HVAC-R system 1 holds the applied vacuum for the pre-determined period of time.
- the full vacuum test 33 is passed if the HVAC-R system 1 holds the applied vacuum for the pre-determined period of time.
- the predetermined pressure threshold and period of time are typically larger and longer, respectively, during the full vacuum test 34 than during the intermediate vacuum test 33 .
- the intermediate and full vacuum tests 33 , 34 described above may take a long time, dependent on the size of the HVAC-R system 1 , the equipment and configuration of the HVAC-R system 1 , and the gauge (diameter) of pipes and hoses in the HVAC-R system 1 . These factors influence the pressure drop across the HVAC-R system, and in some large commercial applications the intermediate and full vacuum tests 33 , 34 may take up to 12 hours or longer.
- providing the vacuum pump 15 with a communications unit 19 that is configured to communicate with a remote device 20 over a mobile communications network means that the technician does not need to be present for the duration of the vacuum test 31 as they can receive updates and alarms from anywhere with mobile communications network.
- vacuum tests may comprise different sub-tests to those described with reference to the example of FIG. 10 .
- a vacuum test may only comprise the full vacuum test 34 described above.
- control unit 18 may be configured to send updates to the technician via a connection to the mobile communications network provided by the communications unit 19 .
- the control unit 18 may be configured to send regular updates, for example hourly updates.
- the control unit 18 may be configured to send updates to the technician via the communications unit 19 when certain milestones have been passed (e.g. intermediate vacuum test 33 passed).
- the control unit 18 may be configured to send the update as an SMS communication to the remote device 20 .
- the control unit 18 may be configured to respond to a communication received by the communications unit 19 over the mobile communications network.
- the communications unit 19 may receive a request for an update, and the control unit 18 can be configured to respond with status information of the vacuum test, for example a current detected pressure and time.
- the communications unit 19 may receive an instruction, for example an instruction to perform a vacuum test or to increase the vacuum, and the control unit 18 can be configured to operate the pump 17 in response to such an instruction.
- the connectors of the vacuum pump 15 and/or the adapter 36 are threaded connectors for connection with an HVAC-R hose.
- the connector of the pump intake 22 , the connector of the second intake 23 , and the connector 38 of the adapter 36 preferably comprise a threaded connector for connecting to an HVAC-R hose.
- the threaded connectors are configured for attachment to standard refrigerant hoses as used in HVAC-R maintenance.
- the threaded connectors may have a threaded connection with size: 1 ⁇ 8 inch (3.175 mm), or 3 ⁇ 8 inch (9.525 mm), or 1 ⁇ 2 inch (12.7 mm), or 7 ⁇ 8 inch (22.225 mm).
- the threaded connectors are 1 ⁇ 4 inch (6.35 mm) SAE connectors.
- the connectors comprise a male threaded connector.
- a vacuum pump 15 for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system 1 .
- the vacuum pump 15 has a pump 17 having a pump intake 22 for connection to the HVAC-R system 1 , in particular one or more of a high pressure service port 14 and a low pressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the vacuum pump 15 also includes a communications unit 19 that is configured to connect to a mobile communications network.
- the vacuum pump 15 also includes a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the vacuum pump 15 also includes a control unit 18 configured to communicate with the pressure sensor 21 , control operation of the pump 17 , and communicate with a remote device via the mobile communications network.
- the remote device 20 may be a mobile phone or a tablet computer, or any device that can connect to a mobile communications network. Therefore, the vacuum pump 15 can remotely communicate updates to the remote device 20 over a mobile communications network, and can optionally also receive instructions or requests from the remote device 20 over a mobile communications network.
- an adapter 36 for a vacuum pump 37 for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system 1 includes a connector 38 for connecting to the HVAC-R system 1 .
- the connector 38 is for connecting to the HVAC-R system 1 via the vacuum pump 37 .
- the adapter 36 further includes a pressure sensor 21 arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 during use.
- the adapter 37 further includes a communications unit 19 configured to connect to a mobile communications network, and a control unit 18 configured to communicate with the pressure sensor 21 and with a remote device 20 via the mobile communications unit 19 .
- a method of performing a vacuum test that includes using a vacuum pump to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 and communicating with a remote device 20 via a mobile communications network, for example to send updates to the remote device 20 , or to receive instructions from the remote device 20 .
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Abstract
The present application provides a vacuum pump (15) for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system (1). The vacuum pump (15) has a pump (17) having a pump intake (22) for connection to the HVAC-R system (1), in particular one or more of a high pressure service port (14) and a low pressure service port (13) of the HVAC-R system (1). The vacuum pump (15) also includes a communications unit (19) that is configured to connect to a mobile communications network. The vacuum pump (15) also includes a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system (1). The vacuum pump (15) also includes a control unit (18) configured to receive pressure data from the pressure sensor (21), control operation of the pump (17), and communicate with a remote device via the communication unit (19) and the mobile communications network. In examples, the remote device (20) may be a mobile phone or a tablet computer, or any device that can connect to a mobile communications network. Therefore, the vacuum pump (15) can remotely communicate updates to the remote device (20) over a mobile communications network, and can optionally also receive instructions or requests from the remote device (20) over a mobile communications network.
Description
- This invention relates to a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system, for example an air conditioning system. This invention also relates to an adapter for a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system. This invention also relates to a method of performing a vacuum test on an HVAC-R system.
- Currently, during maintenance/commissioning of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC-R) system a technician will perform a vacuum test on the HVAC-R system. This involves connecting a vacuum pump to the HVAC-R system and using the vacuum pump to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system. The vacuum pump is used to remove all fluids from the HVAC-R system, including air, remnant refrigeration fluids, and moisture.
- It is known to provide analogue or digital vacuum gauges to monitor the vacuum level in the HVAC-R system. When performing a vacuum test, the detected vacuum level must reach a threshold level for a pre-determined period of time to demonstrate that the HVAC-R system is sealed, and that sufficient fluid has been removed from the HVAC-R system. Once the vacuum test is complete, the system can be charged (filled) with refrigerant fluid for operation.
- It is also known to provide digital vacuum gauges with Bluetooth connectivity to allow communication with an Application on a mobile device.
- In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system, the vacuum pump comprising:
- a pump having a pump intake for connection to the HVAC-R system,
- a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system,
- a communications unit configured to connect to a mobile communications network, and
- a control unit configured to:
-
- receive pressure data from the pressure sensor;
- control operation of the pump, and
- communicate with a remote device via the communications unit and the mobile communications network.
- In some examples, the pressure sensor is arranged to detect a vacuum pressure at the pump intake. In other examples, the pressure sensor is configured for connection to the HVAC-R system at a different location to the connection between the pump and the HVAC-R system.
- In preferred examples, the vacuum pump further comprises an electrically actuatable valve arranged to control connection of the pressure sensor to one or more of the pump intake and the HVAC-R system at a different location to the connection between the pump and the HVAC-R system, and wherein the control unit is configured to control operation of the electrically actuatable valve. Preferably, the electrically actuatable valve is biased to a closed position.
- The control unit may be configured to monitor the detected pressure. The control unit may be configured to control operation of the pump to perform a vacuum test. In some examples, the control unit may comprise a memory for storing vacuum test instructions, and the control unit may be configured to retrieve the vacuum test instructions from the memory to perform the vacuum test. In other examples, the communications unit may be configured to receive the vacuum test instructions from the remote device, and the control unit may be configured to control operation of the pump in accordance with the vacuum test instructions received by the communications unit.
- The vacuum pump may further comprise an electric motor arranged to drive the pump, and a power sensor arranged to detect a power usage of the electric motor. In this example, the control unit may be arranged to receive power data from the power sensor, and the control unit may be configured to monitor power usage of the electric motor.
- The vacuum pump may further comprise an electrically actuatable valve arranged to control a connection between the pump and the HVAC-R system. The control unit may be configured to control operation of the electrically actuatable valve. The electrically actuatable valve is preferably biased to a closed position.
- The pump intake is preferably configured for connection to a service port of the HVAC-R system, for example a high pressure service port or a low pressure service port. In some examples, the pump intake may be configured for connection to both the high pressure service port and the low pressure service port of the HVAC-R system.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure there is also provided an adapter for a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system, the adapter comprising:
- a connector for connecting to the HVAC-R system;
- a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system during use;
- a communications unit configured to connect to a mobile communications network;
- and
- a control unit configured to:
-
- receive pressure data from the pressure sensor; and
- communicate with a remote device via the communications unit and the mobile communications network.
- The adapter preferably further comprises an electrically actuatable valve disposed to control the connection between the adapter and the HVAC-R system. The control unit is preferably configured to operate the electrically actuatable valve.
- The communications unit of the vacuum pump and/or the communications unit of the adapter may is preferably configured to connect to the mobile communications network using one or more of GSM, LTE, UMTS, WiMax, LTE-A, 5G mobile communications network, and/or a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) radio technology, for example a Narrowband IoT network.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure there is also provided a method of performing a vacuum test on an HVAC-R system, the method comprising:
- connecting a pump intake of a vacuum pump to the HVAC-R system,
- operating the vacuum pump to evacuate fluid from the HVAC-R system,
- detecting a pressure in the HVAC-R system by a pressure sensor, and
- communicating with a remote device via a mobile communications network.
- The method may further comprise monitoring the detected pressure. The method may further comprise detecting a power usage of an electric motor of the vacuum pump. Preferably, the method may comprise controlling the vacuum pump to perform a vacuum test on the HVAC-R system.
- In examples, the method of performing a vacuum test may comprise:
- operating the vacuum pump to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system,
- monitoring the detected pressure in the HVAC-R system, and
- stopping operation of the vacuum pump once the detected vacuum pressure reaches a threshold.
- The method may further comprise isolating the vacuum pump from the HVAC-R system once the detected vacuum pressure reaches a threshold.
- The method may further comprise monitoring the detected fluid pressure after stopping operation of the vacuum pump.
- The method may further comprise communicating data of the vacuum test with the remote device via the mobile communications network, for example a status of the vacuum test or a result of the vacuum test.
- It will be understood that any data processing, can be performed by a device having one or more processors and a memory including instructions to cause the one or more processors to perform the data processing, such as to process the scan data to generate the control data. The memory is typically a non-transient computer-readable storage medium.
- Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an HVAC-R system; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a further example vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a further example vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a further example vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a further example vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a system diagram of the vacuum pump, including the control unit. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an adapter for a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of the HVAC-R system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a system diagram of the adapter for a vacuum pump ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a method diagram of a vacuum test performed by the vacuum pump of any ofFIGS. 2 to 7 , or the adapter for a vacuum pump ofFIGS. 8 and 9 . - As shown in
FIG. 1 , an HVAC-R system 1 includes a compressor 2, acondenser 3, anexpansion valve 4, and anevaporator 5.Pipes 6 connect each of these components in a loop such that refrigerant fluid can flow through each in turn, driven by the compressor 2. - The
condenser 3 includes a coil ofpipes 7 wound to create a large surface area for heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and air surrounding thecondenser 3. Theevaporator 5 is similar, having a coil ofpipes 8 that create a large surface area for heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the air surrounding theevaporator 5. In a refrigerant or air conditioning system, theevaporator 5 is disposed within the conditioned area, e.g. within a house or refrigerated room, and thecondenser 3 is disposed outside of the conditioned area, e.g. outside of the house or refrigerated room. - The compressor 2 may be any compressor of an HVAC-R system, for example one of a reciprocating compressor, a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, a screw compressor or a centrifugal compressor. The compressor 2 has an
intake 9 and anoutlet 10, and drives refrigerant through the HVAC-R system 1 as described hereinafter. - During operation, the
compressor intake 9 receives refrigerant fluid as a low pressure gas, and compresses the low pressure gas into a high pressure gas. Compressing the gas to increase the pressure will also increase the temperature of the refrigerant. Therefore, at thecompressor outlet 10 the refrigerant fluid is a high pressure, high temperature gas. - After outlet from the compressor 2, the high pressure, high temperature gas enters the
condenser 3, which is a heat exchanger located in an area with a lower temperature than the refrigerant entering thecondenser 3. In air conditioning or refrigeration examples, thecondenser 3 is located externally of the conditioned area, for example outside of a building or outside of a refrigerated area. As the refrigerant flows through thecondenser 3, heat is lost from the high pressure, high temperature gas within thecondenser 3 to a surrounding area, and the refrigerant fluid exits thecondenser 3 as a high pressure liquid having a lower temperature than upstream of thecondenser 3. At this stage, the refrigerant fluid is warm, but not as hot as upstream of thecondenser 3 because some heat has been lost in thecondenser 3, and the refrigerant fluid has condensed into a liquid. - Optionally, a receiver drier 11 is positioned downstream of the
condenser 3. The high pressure liquid passes through the receiver drier 11. The receiver drier 11 contains extra refrigerant fluid for the HVAC-R system 1, to account for changes due to small leaks or temperature fluctuations. The receiver drier 11 may also include a drying agent and a filter to remove contaminants from the refrigerant fluid. - The high pressure liquid next passes through the
expansion valve 4. Theexpansion valve 4 typically includes a metered orifice through which the refrigerant fluid must pass. The metered orifice limits the rate at which the refrigerant fluid flows. As a result of this, a large pressure drop is created across the metered orifice. Therefore, as the refrigerant fluid passes through the metered orifice the high pressure liquid quickly loses pressure. The loss of pressure also cools the refrigerant fluid. Therefore, after theexpansion valve 4 the refrigerant fluid is at a cold temperature and at a lower pressure, and is starting to evaporate into a gas. - Immediately after the
expansion valve 4 the cold refrigerant fluid enters theevaporator 5. In air conditioning or refrigeration examples, theevaporator 5 is typically disposed in an area to be cooled or refrigerated, for example inside a building or a refrigeration unit. Within theevaporator 5 the low temperature refrigerant fluid is heated by absorbing heat from the surroundings of theevaporator 5. On exit from theevaporator 5 the refrigerant fluid has been evaporated and is a low pressure gas, which is still cool but at a higher temperature than immediately upstream of theevaporator 5 because it has absorbed heat from the surroundings of theevaporator 5. - This low pressure gas is fed back to the
compressor intake 9. In this way, the refrigerant fluid transfers heat from theevaporator 5 to thecondenser 3, and therefore from one area to another, to cool the area where theevaporator 5 is located and/or to heat the area where thecondenser 3 is located. - It will be appreciated that the boiling point of the refrigerant fluid is not the same as water or air. For example, the boiling point of Ammonia (R717), a typical refrigerant, is −33.3 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the high and low temperatures referred to in the description are relative, and the refrigerant fluid can be used in the described manner to efficiently transfer heat from the
evaporator 5 to thecondenser 3. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , in examples in which the HVAC-R system 1 is used to cool the area surrounding theevaporator 5, the HVAC-R system 1 may further include athermal expansion valve 12 for controlling the metered orifice of theexpansion valve 4. Thethermal expansion valve 12 is arranged to expand and contract according to the temperature of the refrigerant fluid downstream of theevaporator 5. In this way, thethermal expansion valve 12 expands or contracts according to the temperature of the surroundings of theevaporator 5, which directly determines the temperature of the refrigerant downstream of theevaporator 5. The expanded/contracted state of thethermal expansion valve 12 controls the size of the metered orifice in theexpansion valve 4, so that the flow of refrigerant (and the cooling provided to the surroundings of the evaporator 5) is proportionate to the temperature of the surroundings of theevaporator 5. A smaller metered orifice in theexpansion valve 4 will create a lower temperature refrigerant and provide more cooling to the area surrounding theevaporator 5. In this example, a warmer refrigerant downstream of theevaporator 5, indicated by relatively high thermal expansion of thethermal expansion valve 12, indicates that more cooling is required. Therefore, thethermal expansion valve 12 is configured to reduce the size of the metered orifice in response to thermal expansion, and is configured to increase the size of the metered orifice in response to thermal contraction. - To improve heat exchange at the
evaporator 5 and/or at thecondenser 3, a fan may be provided to create a flow of air over thecoiled pipes evaporator 5 and/or thecondenser 3. - As explained above, the pressure of the refrigerant fluid is higher between the
compressor outlet 10 and theexpansion valve 4, and lower between theexpansion valve 4 and thecompressor intake 9. Therefore, the HVAC-R system has a high pressure side and a low pressure side. - Also shown in
FIG. 1 , a lowpressure service port 13 is provided between theevaporator 5 and thecompressor intake 9, where the refrigerant fluid is at low pressure. Similarly, a highpressure service port 14 is provided between the condenser 3 (or drier 11) and theexpansion valve 4, where the refrigerant fluid is at high pressure. The low pressure and highpressure service ports R system 1 during maintenance or commissioning, as explained further hereinafter. - It will be appreciated that various HVAC-R systems may include additional or alternative components or arrangements for different applications. The apparatus described hereinafter, for maintenance or commissioning of HVAC-R systems, can be used on any HVAC-R system that includes a high pressure side and a low pressure side, and includes at least one service port (high pressure side and/or low pressure side) for removal or addition of refrigerant fluid to the HVAC-R system. As described above, a typical HVAC-
R system 1 will include a highpressure service port 14 and a lowpressure service port 13. - During maintenance and commissioning of an HVAC-
R system 1 various procedures may be carried out, including a vacuum test. To perform a vacuum test, a vacuum pump is used to extract gas (e.g. air) and residual fluids (e.g. moisture) from the HVAC-R system after maintenance, and/or to test the seals. It is performed after installation or maintenance where parts have been changed or the system opened, and ensures that the system is empty before recharging with refrigerant. -
FIGS. 2 to 6 illustrate thevacuum pump 15 attached to the HVAC-R system 1 for a vacuum test. Thevacuum pump 15 includes apump 17 for drawing fluid through apump intake 22 that is attachable to the HVAC-R system 1 via one or both of the highpressure service port 14 and the lowpressure service port 13, as described further hereinafter. Thepump intake 22 has a connector. - In different examples, the
pump 17 may be oil-less or oil lubricated. Thepump 17 may comprise a positive displacement vacuum pump, or a reciprocating piston vacuum pump, or a diaphragm pump, or a rotary vane pump, or a rotary screw pump. Preferably, thepump 17 comprises an oil-sealed rotary vane vacuum pump, which are particularly suited to HVAC-R applications. - The
vacuum pump 15 also has acontrol unit 18 that controls operation of thepump 17. Thevacuum pump 15 also includes acommunications unit 19 configured to communicate with aremote device 20 over a mobile communications network. Thecontrol unit 18 is in data communication with thecommunications unit 19. In preferred examples, thecommunications unit 19 includes a receiver for receiving data, for example instructions, from theremote device 20. Thecommunications unit 19 may comprise a transceiver for receiving data, for example instructions, from theremote device 20, and for transmitting data to theremote device 20. In some examples, the communications unit may further comprise an additional transmitter and/or receiver, for example a Bluetooth transmitter and/or receiver. In examples, theremote device 20 may be a mobile phone or a tablet computer, or any device that can connect to a mobile communications network. - In preferred examples, the
communications unit 19 comprises a transceiver configured to communicate on a mobile communications network, for example a GSM, LTE, UMTS, WiMax, LTE-A, and/or 5G mobile communications network, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) radio technology, for example a Narrowband IoT network. Thecommunications unit 19 may be configured to communicate with aremote device 20 via thecommunications unit 19 using the mobile communications network. Thecommunications unit 19 communicates data to theremote device 20, for example using SMS format. - Advantageously, communicating with the
remote device 20 over a mobile communications network removes the need for theremote device 20 to be proximate to thevacuum pump 15. For example, Bluetooth connectivity is limited in range, whereas using a mobile communications network allows the operator to be further removed from thevacuum pump 15, which may be advantageous during long vacuum tests or when the operator needs to investigate parts of the HVAC-R system that are removed from the position of thevacuum pump 15. - In preferred examples, the
vacuum pump 15 also includes asensor 21 that is arranged to detect a pressure. In a preferred example, the sensor is apressure sensor 21 arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system 21, as shown inFIG. 2 . Thepressure sensor 21 may be a vacuum pressure sensor. Thecontrol unit 18 is configured to receive pressure data from thepressure sensor 21. Thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to operate thepump 17 in accordance with data received from thepressure sensor 21, as described further hereinafter. - In alternative examples, the
pressure sensor 21 may be provided separately to thevacuum pump 15. In this example, thepressure sensor 21 is in data communication with thecontrol unit 18 via a wire or via a wireless connection to provide pressure data to thecontrol unit 18. For example, thecommunications unit 19 may further comprise a Bluetooth receiver for receiving pressure data from aseparate pressure sensor 21 that includes a Bluetooth transmitter. In this way, thepressure sensor 21 may be located away from thevacuum pump 15, which may be easier if the highpressure service port 14 and the lowpressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system are not disposed close to one another. - In preferred examples, the
vacuum pump 15 also includes a shut-offvalve 26 between thepump 17 and the HVAC-R system 1, as shown. The shut-offvalve 26 is preferably located to isolate thepump 17 from the HVAC-R system 1, while permitting thesensor 21 to detect pressure in the HVAC-R system 1, as shown inFIGS. 2 to 5 . The shut-offvalve 26 is preferably electrically actuatable and can be actuated by thecontrol unit 18 to open and close the fluid connection between thepump 17 and the HVAC-R system 1. In preferred examples, the shut-offvalve 26 is biased to a closed position, so that in the event of power loss the connection to the HVAC-R system 1 is closed. - Hoses and pipes are used to fluidly connect the
pump intake 22 andpressure sensor 21 to the HVAC-R system 1. Hoses may include connectors, for example fittings, that include a threaded connector for attachment to thepump intake 22, the highpressure service port 14, and the lowpressure service port 13, as appropriate. - In further examples, the
vacuum pump 15 may include an alarm. Thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to operate the alarm if the detected pressure changes suddenly, for example a loss of vacuum seal. The alarm may alternatively me operated in response to peaks in power consumption by thepump 17. The alarm may be an audible or visual alarm. When operating the alarm, thecontrol unit 18 may additionally send a communication to theremote device 20 via thecommunications unit 19. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 to 6 , thevacuum pump 15 includes ahousing 16 in which the components of thevacuum pump 15 are disposed. - In the example illustrated in
FIG. 2 , to perform a vacuum test using thevacuum pump 15, thepump intake 22 is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 via the lowpressure service port 13 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1. Thepressure sensor 21 is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 via the highpressure service port 14. - During use, the
control unit 18 operates thepump 17 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system, and thepressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1. - Advantageously, in the arrangement illustrated in
FIG. 2 , thepressure sensor 21 is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 such that it is positioned at a furthest point of the system from thepump 17. Therefore, thepressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the vacuum pressure at a location remote from thepump 17, and therefore detects the lowest vacuum value in the HVAC-R system 1 (the highest vacuum level being at the pump intake 22). - The
control unit 18 receives pressure data from thepressure sensor 21, the pressure data being indicative of the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1. Thecontrol unit 18 is configured to communicate with theremote device 20 via thecommunications unit 19. For example, thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to send an SMS communication to theremote device 20 via a connection to a mobile communications network provided by thecommunications unit 19. - In an alternative example similar to that shown in
FIG. 2 , thepump intake 22 is connected to the highpressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1, and thepressure sensor 21 is connected to the lowpressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1. This operates in the same manner as described with reference toFIG. 2 , but fluid is drawn from the HVAC-R system 1 via the highpressure service port 14 instead of via the lowpressure service port 13. - In the example illustrated in
FIG. 3 , thepump intake 22 is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 via the lowpressure service port 13 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1. Thepressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect a vacuum pressure at thepump intake 22, i.e. at the lowpressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1. As shown, thepressure sensor 21 is connected to thepump intake 22 via abranch connection 24. In this example, the shut-offvalve 26 is located between thepump 17 and thebranch connection 24 such that when the shut-offvalve 26 is closed thepressure sensor 21 can still detect a vacuum pressure via the lowpressure service port 13. - During use, the
control unit 18 operates thepump 17 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1, and thepressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the vacuum being pulled on the HVAC-R system 1 by thepump 17. - The
control unit 18 receives pressure data from thepressure sensor 21, the pressure data being indicative of the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1. Thecontrol unit 18 is configured to communicate with theremote device 20 via thecommunications unit 19. For example, thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to send an SMS communication to theremote device 20 via a connection to a mobile communications network provided by thecommunications unit 19. - In an alternative example similar to that shown in
FIG. 3 , thepump intake 22 is connected to the highpressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1. This operates in the same manner as described with reference toFIG. 3 , but fluid is drawn from the HVAC-R system 1 via the highpressure service port 14 instead of the lowpressure service port 13. - In the example illustrated in
FIG. 4 , thepump intake 22 is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 via the lowpressure service port 13 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1. In this example, afirst pressure sensor 21 a is connected to the HVAC-R system 1 via a connection between asecond intake 23 and the highpressure service port 14. Thesecond intake 23 has a connector. Asecond pressure sensor 21 b is arranged to detect the pressure at thepump intake 22, i.e. at the lowpressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1. As shown, thesecond vacuum sensor 21 b is connected via abranch connection 24. The shut-offvalve 26 is located between thepump 17 and thebranch connection 24 such that when the shut-offvalve 26 is closed the first andsecond pressure sensors pressure service port 13 and the highpressure service port 14. The vacuum pressures detected by the first andsecond pressure sensors pump 17 due to the pressure drop across the HVAC-R system, between the high and lowpressure service ports - During use, the
control unit 18 operates thepump 17 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 via the lowpressure service port 13, thefirst pressure sensor 21 a is arranged to detect the pressure at the high pressure service port, and thesecond pressure sensor 21 b is arranged to detect the pressure at thepump intake 22 and lowpressure service port 13. - The
control unit 18 receives pressure data from thefirst pressure sensor 21 a and from thesecond pressure sensor 21 b, the pressure data being indicative of the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1. Thecontrol unit 18 is configured to communicate with theremote device 20 via thecommunications unit 19. For example, thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to send an SMS communication to theremote device 20 via a connection to a mobile communications network provided by thecommunications unit 19. - In an alternative example similar to that shown in
FIG. 4 , thepump intake 22 is connected to the highpressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1, thefirst pressure sensor 21 a is connected to the lowpressure service port 13, and thesecond pressure sensor 21 b is arranged to detect the pressure at thepump intake 22, i.e. at the highpressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1. This operates in the same manner as described with reference toFIG. 4 , but fluid is drawn from the HVAC-R system 1 via the highpressure service port 14 instead of via the lowpressure service port 13. - In the example illustrated in
FIG. 5 , thepump 17 is connected to both of the highpressure service port 14 and the lowpressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1. In particular, thepump 17 has afirst intake 22 for connection to the lowpressure service port 13 and asecond intake 23 for connection to the highpressure service port 14. Thepressure sensor 21 is also connected to both the first andsecond intakes R system 1 and at thepump 17. - During use, the
control unit 18 operates thepump 17 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 via the lowpressure service port 13 and via the highpressure service port 14. Thepressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the pressure applied by thepump 17 to the highpressure service port 14 and the lowpressure service port 13 viaconnection 25. - The
control unit 18 receives pressure data from thepressure sensor 21, the pressure data being indicative of the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1. Thecontrol unit 18 is configured to communicate with theremote device 20 via thecommunications unit 19. For example, thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to send an SMS communication to theremote device 20 via a connection to a mobile communications network provided by thecommunications unit 19. - In the example illustrated in
FIG. 6 , thepump 17 is connected to the highpressure service port 14 and the lowpressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1. In particular, thepump 17 has afirst intake 22 for connection to the lowpressure service port 13 and asecond intake 23 for connection to the highpressure service port 14. Thepressure sensor 21 is also connected to both the first andsecond intakes valves pressure sensor 21 and one or the other of thepump intake 22 andsecond pump intake 23. Therefore, thevalves pressure sensor 21 can detect the pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 via the highpressure service port 14 or via the lowpressure service port 13. - During use, the
control unit 18 operates thepump 17 to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system 1 via the lowpressure service port 13. - The
valves valves control unit 18. - In a first configuration, the
second valve 35 b is open and thefirst valve 35 a is closed. In this configuration, thepressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the pressure applied by thepump 17 to the lowpressure service port 13 via thepump intake 22. In an alternative configuration, thefirst valve 35 a is open and thesecond valve 35 b is closed. In this configuration, thepressure sensor 21 is arranged to detect the pressure at the highpressure service port 14 via thepump intake 23. Advantageously, this is the furthest point in the HVAC-R system 1 from thevacuum pump 17. - The
control unit 18 receives pressure data from thepressure sensor 21, the pressure data being indicative of the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1. Thecontrol unit 18 is configured to communicate with theremote device 20 via thecommunications unit 19. For example, thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to send an SMS communication to theremote device 20 via a connection to a mobile communications network provided by thecommunications unit 19. -
FIG. 7 is a system diagram for thevacuum pump 15. As shown, thecontrol unit 18 includes acontroller 27, aninput device 28 and amemory 29. Thecontroller 27 may be configured to access thememory 29 to retrieve data stored therein. For example, thememory 29 may store instruction data for operating thepump 17, for example instruction data for a vacuum test. Theinput device 28 may comprise one or more buttons or switches, or a graphical user interface, such as a touchscreen, for a user to provide information and/or commands to thecontrol unit 18. In one example, a user can provide an instruction to thecontrol unit 18 via theinput device 28, for example a required vacuum level for a vacuum test, or the user may select a vacuum test from a displayed list of vacuum tests. In response, thecontrol unit 18 may operate thepump 17 to perform the vacuum test, as described further hereinafter. - The
control unit 18, in particular thecontroller 27, is in communication with thecommunications unit 19 for communicating with theremote device 20. Thecontrol unit 18 is also connected to thepressure sensor 21 for receiving pressure data, and to the shut-offvalve 26 and pump 17 for controlling operation of each. As illustrated, thecontrol unit 18 may also be in communication with one or more electricallyactuatable valves FIG. 6 , to control operation of theelectrically actuatable valves - In some examples, the
vacuum pump 25 further comprises apower sensor 30 arranged to detect the power being drawn by thepump 17. In particular, thepump 17 comprises an electric motor for driving thepump 17, and thevacuum pump 15 may include apower sensor 30, for example a current sensor, arranged to detect the power being drawn by the electric motor of thepump 17. Thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to receive power data detected by thepower sensor 30. When performing a vacuum test, the power drawn by the electric motor of thepump 17 will initially be higher, as thepump 17 performs work to draw fluid from the HVAC-R system 1, and the power drawn by the electric motor of thepump 17 will decrease as the vacuum level increases as there is less work being performed by thepump 17. Therefore, by measuring and monitoring the power being drawn by the electric motor of thepump 17 thecontrol unit 18 can determine relative vacuum levels. - The
control unit 18 is configured to operate thepump 17. In particular, thecontrol unit 18 receives pressure data from thepressure sensor 21, and operates thepump 17 to perform a vacuum test. - The
control unit 18 may be configured to operate thepump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by thepressure sensor 21 reaches a threshold value. Thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to operate thepump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by thepressure sensor 21 passes a threshold value for a pre-determined period of time. In some examples, as described further hereinafter, thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to operate thepump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by thepressure sensor 21 reaches a threshold value, thecontrol unit 18 may then be configured to close the shut-offvalve 26, stop operation of thepump 17, and monitor the vacuum pressure detected by thepressure sensor 21 for a pre-determined period of time. -
FIG. 8 illustrates anadapter 36 for use with avacuum pump 37. In this example, thevacuum pump 37 has apump 17, afirst intake 22, and asecond intake 23. Theadapter 36 has aconnector 38. As illustrated inFIG. 8 , thevacuum pump 37 is connected to the lowpressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1 via thefirst intake 22, and theadapter 36, in particular theconnector 38, is connected to the highpressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1. - In alternative examples of use of the
adapter 36, theconnector 38 of theadapter 36 can be connected to thesecond intake 23 of thevacuum pump 37. In yet another example, theadapter 36 may be connectable to thefirst intake 22 of thevacuum pump 37 along with the connection to the HVAC-R system 1, for example via a T junction connector. In examples, theadapter 36 can be connected to the HVAC-R system 1 or tovacuum pump 37 via a hose, or in other examples theconnector 38 may screw directly onto the highpressure service port 14 of the HVAC-R system 1 or to thesecond intake 23 of the vacuum pump. - In each example, the
adapter 36 is connected to detect the vacuum pressure generated by thevacuum pump 37, either at the pump itself 17, or via the HVAC-R system 1. - As illustrated, the
adapter 36 includes apressure sensor 21 connected to theconnector 38. Theadapter 36 also includes avalve 39 disposed between theconnector 38 and thepressure sensor 21. Theadapter 36 further includes acontrol unit 18 and acommunications unit 19 analogous to thecontrol unit 18 andcommunications unit 19 of the examples ofFIGS. 2 to 7 . Thevalve 39 is preferably an electrically actuatable valve and is operated by thecontrol unit 18. Thevalve 39 is preferably biased to a closed position. - The
communications unit 19 is configured to communicate with aremote device 20 over a mobile communications network. Thecontrol unit 18 is in data communication with thecommunications unit 19. In preferred examples, thecommunications unit 19 includes a receiver for receiving data, for example instructions, from theremote device 20. Thecommunications unit 19 may comprise a transceiver for receiving data, for example instructions, from theremote device 20, and for transmitting data to theremote device 20. In some examples, the communications unit may further comprise an additional transmitter and/or receiver, for example a Bluetooth transmitter and/or receiver. In examples, theremote device 20 may be a mobile phone or a tablet computer, or any device that can connect to a mobile communications network. - In preferred examples, the
communications unit 19 comprises a transceiver configured to communicate on a mobile communications network, for example a GSM, LTE, UMTS, WiMax, LTE-A, and/or 5G mobile communications network, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) radio technology, for example a Narrowband IoT network. Thecommunications unit 19 may be configured to communicate with aremote device 20 via thecommunications unit 19 using the mobile communications network. Thecommunications unit 19 communicates data to theremote device 20, for example using SMS format. - The
pressure sensor 21 may be a vacuum pressure sensor. Thecontrol unit 18 is configured to receive pressure data from thepressure sensor 21. - The
adapter 36 preferably comprises ahousing 40 in which thepressure sensor 21,valve 39,control unit 18 andcommunications unit 19 are located, and theconnector 38 is preferably arranged on thehousing 40. - In this example, the
adapter 36 is arranged such that thepressure sensor 21 can detect the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 generated by thevacuum pump 37. Thecontrol unit 18 can communicate, via thecommunications unit 19, with theremote device 20 to provide pressure information to theremote device 20. - In further examples, the
control unit 18 may be connected, for example via a Bluetooth connection provided by thecommunications unit 19, to thevacuum pump 37 to control operation of thevacuum pump 37. In particular thepump 17 and/or any electrically actuatable valves of thevacuum pump 37. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a system diagram of theadapter 36 ofFIG. 8 . As shown, and similarly to the system diagram ofFIG. 7 , thecontrol unit 18 includes acontroller 27, aninput device 28 and amemory 29. Thecontroller 27 may be configured to access thememory 29 to retrieve data stored therein. For example, thememory 29 may store instruction data for a vacuum test. Theinput device 28 may comprise one or more buttons or switches, or a graphical user interface, such as a touchscreen, for a user to provide information and/or commands to thecontrol unit 18. In one example, a user can provide an instruction to thecontrol unit 18 via theinput device 28, for example a required vacuum level for a vacuum test, or the user may select a vacuum test from a displayed list of vacuum tests. - The
control unit 18, in particular thecontroller 27, is in communication with thecommunications unit 19 for communicating with theremote device 20. Thecontrol unit 18 is also connected to thepressure sensor 21 for receiving pressure data, and to thevalve 39 for controlling operation of thevalve 39. - As illustrated, in some examples the
communications unit 19 provides a connection to thevacuum pump 37 for controlling operation of thepump 17. In these examples, thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to operate thepump 17. In particular, thecontrol unit 18 receives pressure data from thepressure sensor 21, and operates thepump 17 to perform a vacuum test. - The
control unit 18 may be configured to operate thepump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by thepressure sensor 21 reaches a threshold value. Thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to operate thepump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by thepressure sensor 21 passes a threshold value for a pre-determined period of time. In some examples, as described further hereinafter, thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to operate thepump 17 until the vacuum pressure detected by thepressure sensor 21 reaches a threshold value, thecontrol unit 18 may then be configured to close the shut-offvalve 26, stop operation of thepump 17, and monitor the vacuum pressure detected by thepressure sensor 21 for a pre-determined period of time. - In examples in which the
control unit 18 of theadapter 36 does not operate thepump 17, thecontrol unit 18 can monitor the vacuum pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 using thepressure sensor 21, and can communicate this to theremote device 20. - The
adapter 36 described with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9 can be used together with avacuum pump 37, for example astandard vacuum pump 37, to provide further control and remote data communication for performing a vacuum test, as described below. In particular, theadapter 36 allows an operator to receive information remotely through thecommunications unit 19, and optionally also allows the operator to send remote instructions to the adapter and/orvacuum pump 37. - In various examples, the
vacuum pump 15 ofFIGS. 2 to 7 , in particular thecontrol unit 18, may be configured to operate thevacuum pump 17 in various ways to perform a vacuum test. Similarly, theadapter 36, in particular thecontrol unit 18, together with thevacuum pump 37, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9 , may be configured to perform a vacuum test. A preferredexample vacuum test 31 is described with reference toFIG. 10 . - A first stage of the
example vacuum test 31 comprises aconnection test 32. During theconnection test 32, the connection to theservice port pump 17 is operated to generate a negative pressure against the connections within thevacuum pump vacuum pump connection test 32 thereby ensures that thevacuum pump control unit 18 signals to the technician, for example using the alarm and/or thecommunications unit 19. The technician then checks the hoses and valves and tightens connections if required. Theconnection test 32 will be quite fast, as it is only testing the equipment and not the HVAC-R system 1. Therefore, usually the technician is present for theconnection test 32. - After the
connection test 32, anintermediate vacuum test 33 is conducted. The connection(s) between thevacuum pump 15 and the high pressure and/or lowpressure service port R system 1 is opened. Thecontrol unit 18 is configured to open the shut-offvalve 26 and operate thepump 17 to generate a vacuum in the HVAC-R system 1. Thepressure sensor 21 orpressure sensors - The
control unit 18 operates thepump 17 until the detected pressure reaches a predetermined threshold value. Once the threshold is passed, thepump 17 is deactivated and the shut-offvalve 26 is closed, sealing the HVAC-R system 1 from thepump 17. Thecontrol unit 18 then monitors the pressure data from thepressure sensor 21 to determine if the HVAC-R system 1 is holding the vacuum that has been applied. Thecontrol unit 18 may monitor the pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 for a pre-determined period of time. Theintermediate vacuum test 33 is passed if the HVAC-R system 1 holds the applied vacuum for the pre-determined period of time. During theintermediate vacuum test 33, the predetermined vacuum threshold and the predetermined period of time are large enough to identify if there large leaks in the HVAC-R system 1, for example a disconnected or burst pipe. If theintermediate vacuum test 33 fails, thecontrol unit 18 sends a communication to the technician via thecommunication unit 19 and/or the alarm. The engineer should investigate the HVAC-R system 1 to identify the leak. If theintermediate vacuum test 33 is passed, afull vacuum test 34 is performed. - During the
full vacuum test 34 the connection(s) between thevacuum pump 15 and the high pressure and/or lowpressure service port R system 1 is opened. Thecontrol unit 18 operates thepump 17 until the detected pressure reaches a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is higher than during theintermediate vacuum test 33. Once the threshold is passed, thepump 17 is deactivated and the shut-offvalve 26 is closed, sealing the HVAC-R system 1 from thepump 17. Thecontrol unit 18 then monitors the pressure data received from thepressure sensor 21 to determine if the HVAC-R system 1 is holding the vacuum that has been applied. Thecontrol unit 18 may monitor the pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 for a pre-determined period of time. Theintermediate vacuum test 33 is passed if the HVAC-R system 1 holds the applied vacuum for the pre-determined period of time. - The
full vacuum test 33 is passed if the HVAC-R system 1 holds the applied vacuum for the pre-determined period of time. The predetermined pressure threshold and period of time are typically larger and longer, respectively, during thefull vacuum test 34 than during theintermediate vacuum test 33. - The intermediate and full vacuum tests 33, 34 described above may take a long time, dependent on the size of the HVAC-
R system 1, the equipment and configuration of the HVAC-R system 1, and the gauge (diameter) of pipes and hoses in the HVAC-R system 1. These factors influence the pressure drop across the HVAC-R system, and in some large commercial applications the intermediate and full vacuum tests 33, 34 may take up to 12 hours or longer. Advantageously, providing thevacuum pump 15 with acommunications unit 19 that is configured to communicate with aremote device 20 over a mobile communications network means that the technician does not need to be present for the duration of thevacuum test 31 as they can receive updates and alarms from anywhere with mobile communications network. - It will be appreciated that different vacuum tests may comprise different sub-tests to those described with reference to the example of
FIG. 10 . For example, a vacuum test may only comprise thefull vacuum test 34 described above. - During any stage of a vacuum test the
control unit 18 may be configured to send updates to the technician via a connection to the mobile communications network provided by thecommunications unit 19. For example, thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to send regular updates, for example hourly updates. Alternatively or additionally, thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to send updates to the technician via thecommunications unit 19 when certain milestones have been passed (e.g.intermediate vacuum test 33 passed). Thecontrol unit 18 may be configured to send the update as an SMS communication to theremote device 20. - The
control unit 18 may be configured to respond to a communication received by thecommunications unit 19 over the mobile communications network. For example, thecommunications unit 19 may receive a request for an update, and thecontrol unit 18 can be configured to respond with status information of the vacuum test, for example a current detected pressure and time. In other examples, thecommunications unit 19 may receive an instruction, for example an instruction to perform a vacuum test or to increase the vacuum, and thecontrol unit 18 can be configured to operate thepump 17 in response to such an instruction. - In preferred examples, the connectors of the
vacuum pump 15 and/or theadapter 36, as described herein, are threaded connectors for connection with an HVAC-R hose. In particular, the connector of thepump intake 22, the connector of thesecond intake 23, and theconnector 38 of theadapter 36 preferably comprise a threaded connector for connecting to an HVAC-R hose. Preferably, the threaded connectors are configured for attachment to standard refrigerant hoses as used in HVAC-R maintenance. For example, the threaded connectors may have a threaded connection with size: ⅛ inch (3.175 mm), or ⅜ inch (9.525 mm), or ½ inch (12.7 mm), or ⅞ inch (22.225 mm). In preferred examples, the threaded connectors are ¼ inch (6.35 mm) SAE connectors. Preferably, the connectors comprise a male threaded connector. - In summary, there is provided a
vacuum pump 15 for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system 1. Thevacuum pump 15 has apump 17 having apump intake 22 for connection to the HVAC-R system 1, in particular one or more of a highpressure service port 14 and a lowpressure service port 13 of the HVAC-R system 1. Thevacuum pump 15 also includes acommunications unit 19 that is configured to connect to a mobile communications network. Thevacuum pump 15 also includes a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system 1. Thevacuum pump 15 also includes acontrol unit 18 configured to communicate with thepressure sensor 21, control operation of thepump 17, and communicate with a remote device via the mobile communications network. In examples, theremote device 20 may be a mobile phone or a tablet computer, or any device that can connect to a mobile communications network. Therefore, thevacuum pump 15 can remotely communicate updates to theremote device 20 over a mobile communications network, and can optionally also receive instructions or requests from theremote device 20 over a mobile communications network. - There is also provided an
adapter 36 for avacuum pump 37 for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system 1. Theadapter 36 includes aconnector 38 for connecting to the HVAC-R system 1. Optionally, theconnector 38 is for connecting to the HVAC-R system 1 via thevacuum pump 37. Theadapter 36 further includes apressure sensor 21 arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system 1 during use. Theadapter 37 further includes acommunications unit 19 configured to connect to a mobile communications network, and acontrol unit 18 configured to communicate with thepressure sensor 21 and with aremote device 20 via themobile communications unit 19. - There is also provided a method of performing a vacuum test that includes using a vacuum pump to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-
R system 1 and communicating with aremote device 20 via a mobile communications network, for example to send updates to theremote device 20, or to receive instructions from theremote device 20. - Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
- Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
Claims (23)
1. A vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system, the vacuum pump comprising:
a pump having a pump intake for connection to the HVAC-R system,
a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system,
a communications unit configured to connect to a mobile communications network, and
a control unit configured to:
receive pressure data from the pressure sensor;
control operation of the pump, and
communicate with a remote device via the communications unit and the mobile communications network.
2. The vacuum pump of claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensor is arranged to detect a vacuum pressure at the pump intake.
3. The vacuum pump of claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensor is configured for connection to the HVAC-R system at a different location to the connection between the pump and the HVAC-R system.
4. The vacuum pump of claim 1 , further comprising an electrically actuatable valve arranged to control connection of the pressure sensor to one or more of the pump intake and the HVAC-R system at a different location to the connection between the pump and the HVAC-R system, and wherein the control unit is configured to control operation of the electrically actuatable valve.
5. (canceled)
6. The vacuum pump of claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to control operation of the pump to perform a vacuum test.
7. The vacuum pump of claim 6 , wherein the control unit comprises a memory for storing vacuum test instructions, and wherein the control unit is configured to retrieve the vacuum test instructions from the memory to perform the vacuum test.
8. The vacuum pump of claim 6 , wherein the communications unit is configured to receive the vacuum test instructions from the remote device, and wherein the control unit is configured to control operation of the pump in accordance with the vacuum test instructions received by the communications unit.
9. The vacuum pump of claim 1 , further comprising an electric motor arranged to drive the pump, and a power sensor arranged to detect a power usage of the electric motor, wherein the control unit is arranged to receive power data from the power sensor, and wherein the control unit is configured to monitor power usage of the electric motor.
10. The vacuum pump of claim 1 , further comprising an electrically actuatable valve arranged to control a connection between the pump and the HVAC-R system, and wherein the control unit is configured to control operation of the electrically actuatable valve.
11. (canceled)
12. The vacuum pump of claim 1 , wherein the pump intake is configured for connection to a service port of the HVAC-R system, for example a high pressure service port or a low pressure service port.
13. An adapter for a vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system, the adapter comprising:
a connector for connecting to the HVAC-R system;
a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure in the HVAC-R system during use;
a communications unit configured to connect to a mobile communications network; and
a control unit configured to:
receive pressure data from the pressure sensor; and
communicate with a remote device via the communications unit and the mobile communications network.
14. The adapter of claim 13 , further comprising an electrically actuatable valve disposed to control the connection between the adapter and the HVAC-R system, the control unit being configured to operate the electrically actuatable valve.
15. The vacuum pump of claim 1 or the adapter of claim 13 , wherein the communications unit is configured to connect to the mobile communications network using one or more of GSM, LTE, UMTS, WiMax, LTE-A, 5G mobile communications network, and/or a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) radio technology, for example a Narrowband IoT network.
16. A method of performing a vacuum test on an HVAC-R system, the method comprising:
connecting a pump intake of a vacuum pump to the HVAC-R system,
operating the vacuum pump to evacuate fluid from the HVAC-R system,
detecting a pressure in the HVAC-R system by a pressure sensor, and
communicating with a remote device via a mobile communications network.
17. (canceled)
18. The method of claim 16 , further comprising detecting a power usage of an electric motor of the vacuum pump.
19. The method of claim 16 , further comprising controlling the vacuum pump to perform a vacuum test on the HVAC-R system.
20. The method of claim 16 , wherein performing a vacuum test comprises:
operating the vacuum pump to draw a vacuum on the HVAC-R system,
monitoring the detected pressure in the HVAC-R system, and
stopping operation of the vacuum pump once the detected vacuum pressure reaches a threshold.
21. The method of claim 20 , further comprising isolating the vacuum pump from the HVAC-R system once the detected vacuum pressure reaches a threshold.
23. The method of claim 20 , further comprising monitoring the detected fluid pressure after stopping operation of the vacuum pump.
24. The method of claim 19 , further comprising communicating data of the vacuum test with the remote device via the mobile communications network, for example a status of the vacuum test or a result of the vacuum test.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1907682.7 | 2019-05-30 | ||
GB1907682.7A GB2584431B (en) | 2019-05-30 | 2019-05-30 | Vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an HVAC-R system, adapter for a vacuum pump, and a method of performing a vacuum test on an HVAC-R |
PCT/GB2020/051223 WO2020240158A1 (en) | 2019-05-30 | 2020-05-20 | Vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an hvac-r system, adapter for a vacuum pump, and a method of performing a vacuum test on an hvac-r system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20220228597A1 true US20220228597A1 (en) | 2022-07-21 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/614,782 Pending US20220228597A1 (en) | 2019-05-30 | 2020-05-20 | Vacuum pump for use during maintenance or commissioning of an hvac-r system, adapter for a vacuum pump, and a method of performing a vacuum test on an hvac-r system |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US20220228597A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3977025A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2020285515A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2584431B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020240158A1 (en) |
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US11933530B2 (en) * | 2021-01-22 | 2024-03-19 | Raytheon Company | Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration protection system |
DE102022208373B3 (en) | 2022-08-11 | 2023-08-31 | Dometic Sweden Ab | VACUUM PUMP SERVICE ADAPTER, SERVICE UNIT FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAINTAINING A VACUUM PUMP OF A SERVICE UNIT |
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- 2020-05-20 WO PCT/GB2020/051223 patent/WO2020240158A1/en unknown
- 2020-05-20 AU AU2020285515A patent/AU2020285515A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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GB2584431A (en) | 2020-12-09 |
GB2584431B (en) | 2021-10-13 |
AU2020285515A1 (en) | 2021-12-16 |
WO2020240158A1 (en) | 2020-12-03 |
GB201907682D0 (en) | 2019-07-17 |
EP3977025A1 (en) | 2022-04-06 |
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