A climate-control system includes a variable-capacity compressor unit operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode and a control module configured to (i) switch the variable-capacity compressor unit between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal, a current outdoor air temperature, and an outdoor-air-temperature slope, (ii) select a region based on a first comparison of at least one outdoor-air-temperature value with a predetermined outdoor-air-temperature range and a second comparison of at least one outdoor-relative-humidity value with a predetermined outdoor-relative-humidity range, and (iii) set at least one system operating parameter based on the selected region, the at least one system operating parameter including at least one of a high-capacity runtime of the variable-capacity compressor unit, a low-capacity runtime of the variable-capacity compressor unit, and a fan speed.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/138,551, filed on Apr. 26, 2016, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 9,709,311. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/153,209, filed on Apr. 27, 2015. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
1. A climate-control system comprising a variable-capacity compressor unit and a control module controlling the variable-capacity compressor unit, the variable-capacity compressor unit operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode, the control module configured to switch the variable-capacity compressor unit between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal, outdoor-air-temperature data, and a region in which the climate-control system is installed.
2. The climate-control system of claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to switch the variable-capacity compressor unit between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a time of day.
3. The climate-control system of claim 2, wherein the control module approximates the time of day by determining an outdoor-air-temperature slope.
4. The climate-control system of claim 1, further comprising an indoor blower forcing air over an indoor heat exchanger, the indoor blower having a speed setting determined based on the region in which the climate-control system is installed.
5. The climate-control system of claim 1, wherein the control module sets at least one system operating parameter based on the region in which the climate-control system is installed, the at least one system operating parameter including one or more of a high-capacity runtime of the variable-capacity compressor unit, a low-capacity runtime of the variable-capacity compressor unit, and a fan speed.
6. The climate-control system of claim 1, wherein the control module selects the region based on a comparison of outdoor-air-temperature values and outdoor-relative-humidity values with predetermined ranges of outdoor-air-temperature and outdoor-relative-humidity values.
7. The climate-control system of claim 1, wherein the control module selects the region based on a comparison of user-selected indoor temperature setpoints with predetermined ranges of indoor temperature setpoints.
8. The climate-control system of claim 1, wherein the demand signal is generated by a single-stage thermostat.
9. A climate-control system comprising: a variable-capacity compressor unit operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode; a control module configured to (i) switch the variable-capacity compressor unit between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal, a current outdoor air temperature, and an outdoor-air-temperature slope, and (ii) set at least one system operating parameter based on a region in which the climate-control system is installed, wherein the at least one system operating parameter includes at least one of a runtime of the variable-capacity compressor unit in the first capacity mode, a runtime of the variable-capacity compressor unit in the second capacity mode, and a fan speed.
10. The climate-control system of claim 9, wherein the control module sets the at least one system operating parameter based on a time of day.
11. The climate-control system of claim 10, wherein the control module approximates the time of day by determining the outdoor-air-temperature slope.
12. The climate-control system of claim 9, wherein the control module switches the variable-capacity compressor unit between the first and second capacity modes based on a previous runtime in the second capacity mode during a previous demand period.
13. The climate-control system of claim 9, wherein the control module determines which of first, second, third and fourth ranges the outdoor-air-temperature slope is within.
14. The climate-control system of claim 13, wherein the control module sets a runtime of the variable-capacity compressor unit in the first capacity mode according to one of four columns in a lookup table based on which one of the first, second, third and fourth ranges the outdoor-air-temperature slope is within.
15. The climate-control system of claim 14, wherein the first range includes an outdoor-air-temperature slope of zero, the second range corresponds to a positive outdoor-air-temperature slope, the third range corresponds to a negative outdoor-air-temperature slope, and the fourth range corresponds to an extreme negative outdoor-air-temperature slope.
16. The climate-control system of claim 15, wherein the control module accounts for relative humidity based on the outdoor-air-temperature slope.
17. The climate-control system of claim 16, wherein the control module accounts for a thermal load of a building to be heated or cooled by the climate-control system based on the outdoor-air-temperature slope.
18. The climate-control system of claim 9, wherein outdoor-air-temperature data is obtained from an outdoor-air-temperature sensor.
19. The climate-control system of claim 9, wherein outdoor-air-temperature data is determined based on a heat exchanger coil temperature.
20. The climate-control system of claim 9, wherein the demand signal is generated by a single-stage thermostat.
The present disclosure relates to a climate-control system having a variable-capacity compressor and to methods for controlling the climate-control system.
A climate-control system such as, for example, a heat-pump system, a refrigeration system, or an air conditioning system, may include a fluid circuit having an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device disposed between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, and a compressor circulating a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant or carbon dioxide) between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. Varying a capacity of the compressor can impact the energy-efficiency of the system and the speed with which the system is able to heat or cool a room or space.
In one form, the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit for a climate-control system. The outdoor unit may include a variable-capacity compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a control module. The variable-capacity compressor may be operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode. The outdoor heat exchanger may be in fluid communication with the compressor. The control module may control the compressor and may be configured to switch the compressor between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal and outdoor-air-temperature data.
In some configurations, the control module switches the compressor unit between the first and second capacity modes based on a compressor runtime.
In some configurations, the compressor runtime is a runtime of the compressor unit in the second capacity mode.
In some configurations, the runtime of the compressor unit in the second capacity mode is equal to a previous runtime in the second capacity mode during a previous demand period.
In some configurations, the control module switches the compressor unit between the first and second capacity modes based on an outdoor-air-temperature slope.
In some configurations, the control module determines which of first, second, third and fourth ranges the outdoor-air-temperature slope is within.
In some configurations, the control module sets a runtime of the compressor unit in the first capacity mode according to one of four columns in a lookup table based on which one of the first, second, third and fourth ranges the outdoor-air-temperature slope is within.
In some configurations, the first range is a neutral slope range and includes an outdoor-air-temperature slope of zero, the second range corresponds to a positive outdoor-air-temperature slope, the third range corresponds to a negative outdoor-air-temperature slope, and the fourth range corresponds to an extreme negative outdoor-air-temperature slope.
In some configurations, the outdoor-air-temperature data is obtained from an outdoor-air-temperature sensor.
In some configurations, the outdoor-air-temperature data is determined based on a heat exchanger coil temperature.
In another form, the present disclosure provides a climate-control system (e.g., a heat pump, air conditioning or refrigeration system) that may include a variable-capacity compressor unit and a control module controlling the compressor unit. The compressor unit may be operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode. The control module may be configured to switch the compressor unit between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal, a current outdoor air temperature, and an outdoor-air-temperature slope.
In some configurations, the control module accounts for relative humidity based on the outdoor-air-temperature slope.
In some configurations, the control module accounts for a thermal load of a building to be heated or cooled by the climate-control system based on the outdoor-air-temperature slope.
In some configurations, the climate-control system includes an indoor blower forcing air over an indoor heat exchanger. The indoor blower may have a speed setting determined based on a region in which the climate-control system is installed.
In some configurations, the control module sets system operating parameters based on a region in which the climate control system is installed. The system operating parameters may include one or more of the following: a high-capacity runtime of the compressor unit, a low-capacity runtime of the compressor unit, and a fan (e.g., an indoor blower or an outdoor blower) speed.
In some configurations, the control module selects a region based on a comparison of outdoor-air-temperature values and outdoor-relative-humidity values with predetermined ranges of outdoor-air-temperature and outdoor-relative-humidity values.
In some configurations, the control module selects a region based on a comparison of user-selected indoor temperature setpoints with predetermined ranges of indoor temperature setpoints.
In another form, the present disclosure provides a climate-control system comprising a variable-capacity compressor unit and a control module controlling the compressor unit. The compressor unit may be operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode. The control module may be configured to switch the compressor unit between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal, outdoor-air-temperature data, and a time of day.
In some configurations, the control module approximates the time of day by determining an outdoor-air-temperature slope.
In another form, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling a compressor operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode. The method may include receiving a demand signal from a thermostat; obtaining an outdoor-air-temperature value; setting a first-capacity-runtime of the compressor in the first capacity mode based on the outdoor-air-temperature value; comparing a total runtime of the compressor to the first-capacity-runtime; and switching the compressor from the first capacity mode to the second capacity mode in response to the comparison of the total runtime and the first-capacity-runtime.
In some configurations, the first-capacity-runtime is set based on a previous second-capacity-runtime of the compressor in the second capacity mode.
In some configurations, the method includes determining an outdoor-air-temperature slope.
In some configurations, the method includes determining which of first, second, third and fourth ranges the outdoor-air-temperature slope is within.
In some configurations, the first-capacity-runtime is set according to one of four columns in a lookup table based on which one of the first, second, third and fourth ranges the outdoor-air-temperature slope is within.
In some configurations, determining an outdoor-air-temperature slope accounts for relative humidity based.
In some configurations, determining an outdoor-air-temperature slope accounts for a thermal load of a building to be heated or cooled.
In another form, the present disclosure provides a climate-control system that includes a variable-capacity compressor unit operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode and a control module. The control module is configured to (i) switch the variable-capacity compressor unit between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal, a current outdoor air temperature, and an outdoor-air-temperature slope, (ii) select a region based on a first comparison of at least one outdoor-air-temperature value with a predetermined outdoor-air-temperature range and a second comparison of at least one outdoor-relative-humidity value with a predetermined outdoor-relative-humidity range, and (iii) set at least one system operating parameter based on the selected region, the at least one system operating parameter including at least one of a high-capacity runtime of the variable-capacity compressor unit, a low-capacity runtime of the variable-capacity compressor unit, and a fan speed.
FIG. 10 is a table providing data for a fourth climate type at various times of a day.
With reference to FIG. 1, a climate-control system 10 is provided that may include a variable-capacity compressor (or a variable-capacity group of compressors) 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 14, an outdoor blower 15, a first expansion device 16, a second expansion device 17, an indoor heat exchanger 18, and an indoor blower 19. In the particular configuration shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 is a heat-pump system having a reversing valve 20 operable to control a direction of working fluid flow through the system 10 to switch the system 10 between a heating mode and a cooling mode. In some configurations, the system 10 may be an air-conditioning system or a refrigeration system, for example, and may be operable in only the cooling mode.
As will be described in more detail below, a controller or control module 22 may control operation of the compressor 12 and may switch the compressor 12 between a low-capacity mode and a high-capacity mode based on data received from an outdoor-air-temperature sensor 24, a signal received from a thermostat 26, a comparison between a runtime T of the compressor 12 and a predetermined low-capacity runtime T1, and/or a comparison between a previous high-capacity runtime T2 with a predetermined value. The control module 22 may minimize or reduce employment of high-capacity-mode operation to minimize or reduce energy usage while maintaining an acceptable level of comfort within a space to be heated or cooled.
The compressor 12 can be or include a scroll compressor, a reciprocating compressor, or a rotary vane compressor, for example, and/or any other type of compressor. The compressor 12 may be any type of variable-capacity compressor that is operable in at least a low-capacity mode and a high-capacity mode. For example, the compressor 12 may be or include a multi-stage compressor, a group of independently operable compressors, a multi-speed or variable-speed compressor (having a variable-speed or multi-speed motor), a compressor having modulated suction (e.g., blocked suction), a compressor having fluid-injection (e.g., an economizer circuit), a pulse-width-modulated scroll compressor configured for scroll separation (e.g., a digital scroll compressor), a compressor having variable-volume-ratio valves configured to leak intermediate-pressure working fluid, or a compressor having two or more of the above capacity modulation means. It will be appreciated that the compressor 12 could include any other additional or alternative structure for varying its capacity and/or the operating capacity of the system 10.
It will be appreciated that the low-capacity and/or high-capacity modes may be continuous, steady-state operating modes, or compressor 12 may be modulated (e.g., pulse-width-modulated) during operation in the low-capacity mode and/or during operation in the high-capacity mode. Exemplary variable-capacity compressors are disclosed in assignee's commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,616,014, 6,679,072, 8,585,382, 6,213,731, 8,485,789, 8,459,053, and 5,385,453, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The compressor 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 14, the outdoor blower 15, the first expansion device 16 and the reversing valve 20 may be disposed in an outdoor unit 28. The second expansion device 17, the indoor heat exchanger 18 and the indoor blower 19 may be disposed within an indoor unit 30 (e.g., an air handler or furnace) disposed within a home or other building 32. A first check valve 34 may be disposed between outdoor heat exchanger 14 and the first expansion device 16 and may restrict or prevent fluid flow through the first expansion device 16 in the cooling mode and may allow fluid flow through the first expansion device 16 in the heating mode. A second check valve 36 may be disposed between the second expansion device 17 and the indoor heat exchanger 18 and may restrict or prevent fluid flow through the second expansion device 17 in the heating mode and may allow fluid flow through the second expansion device 17 in the cooling mode.
The outdoor-air-temperature sensor 24 is disposed outside of the building 32 and within or outside of the outdoor unit 28 and is configured to measure an outdoor ambient air temperature and communicate the outdoor ambient air temperature value to the control module 22 intermittently, continuously or on-demand. In some configurations, the outside-air-temperature sensor 24 could be a thermometer or other sensor associated with a weather monitoring and/or weather reporting system or entity. In such configurations, the control module 22 may obtain the outdoor-air temperature (measured by the sensor 24) from the weather monitoring and/or weather reporting system or entity via, for example, an internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.RTM., Zigbee.RTM., power-line carrier communication (PLCC), or cellular connection or any other wired or wireless communication protocol.
For example, the control module 22 may communicate with the weather monitoring and/or weather reporting system or entity over the internet via a Wi-Fi connection to a Wi-Fi router located in or associated with the building 32. The thermostat 26 is disposed inside of the building 32 and outside of the indoor unit 30 and is configured to measure an air temperature within a room or space to be cooled or heated by the system 10. The thermostat 26 can be a single-stage thermostat, for example, that generates only one type of demand signal in response to a temperature within the room or spaced rising above (in the cooling mode) or falling below (in the heating mode) a setpoint temperature. The control module 22 could be disposed in any suitable location, such as inside of or adjacent to the outdoor unit 28 or inside of or adjacent to the indoor unit 30, for example.
In the cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 14 may operate as a condenser or as a gas cooler and may cool discharge-pressure working fluid received from the compressor 12 by transferring heat from the working fluid to air forced over the outdoor heat exchanger 14 by the outdoor blower 15, for example. The outdoor blower 15 could include a fixed-speed, multi-speed or variable-speed fan. In the cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 18 may operate as an evaporator in which the working fluid absorbs heat from air forced over the indoor heat exchanger 18 by the indoor blower 19 to cool a space within the home or building 32. The indoor blower 19 could include a fixed-speed, multi-speed or variable-speed fan. In the heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 14 may operate as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 18 may operate as a condenser or as a gas cooler and may transfer heat from working fluid discharged from the compressor 12 to a space to be heated.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a method and control algorithm 300 will be described that can be executed by the control module 22. The algorithm 300 may control operation of the compressor 12 and switch the compressor 12 between the low-capacity and high-capacity modes. In an initial state 310, the compressor 12 may be off. The thermostat 26 may send a demand signal Y to the control module 22 in response to an air temperature in the space to be heated or cooled by the system 10 dropping below (in the heating mode) or rising above (in the cooling mode) a selected setpoint temperature. In response to receipt of the demand signal Y, the control module 22 may initiate operation of the compressor 12 in the low-capacity mode (state 340) and simultaneously, at state 320, obtain an outdoor air temperature (e.g., from sensor 24 at input 330) and set a low-capacity runtime T1 based on data from table 345 (FIG. 3). Thereafter, the compressor 12 may continue to run in the low-capacity mode until the cooling demand is satisfied (i.e., the temperature in the space to be cooled drops below the selected setpoint temperature as indicated by the thermostat 26 and the thermostat switches the demand signal Y to "off"), until the total runtime T of the compressor 12 since the receipt of the demand signal Y surpasses the low-capacity runtime T1 set at state 320, or until the compressor 12 or system 10 is manually shutdown or a diagnostic or protection algorithm overrides the algorithm 300.
If demand is satisfied before the total runtime T reaches the predetermined low-capacity runtime T1, the control module 22 may shutdown the compressor 12 (state 350). If the compressor 12 has been running for longer than the predetermined low-capacity runtime T1 without satisfying the demand, the control module 22 may switch the compressor 12 from the low-capacity mode to the high-capacity mode (state 360). The compressor 12 may continue to run in the high-capacity mode until the cooling demand is satisfied (or until the compressor 12 or system 10 is manually shutdown or a diagnostic or protection algorithm overrides the algorithm 100). When demand is satisfied, the control module 22 may shutdown the compressor 12 (state 350). When the compressor 12 is shut down after satisfying demand by operating in the high-capacity mode, the control module 22 may record the runtime T2 of the compressor 12 in the high-capacity mode and store the high-capacity runtime T2 in a memory module associated with the control module 22.
As described above, FIG. 3 depicts the table 345 from which the control module 22 determines the low-capacity runtime T1. First, the control module 22 determines from which row of the table 345 to read based on the outdoor ambient temperature (OAT) value received at input 330. That is, the row of the table 345 from which the control module 22 reads is the row having an OAT range that includes the OAT value received at input 330. If the control module 22 has not received a demand signal Y from the thermostat 26 in a relatively long predetermined period of time (e.g., days, weeks or longer), the control module 22 may initially set the low-capacity runtime T1 at a default or baseline value listed in the Baseline T1 column at the corresponding OAT row of table 345.
With the low-capacity runtime T1 set at the baseline value corresponding to the OAT at the time of the initiation of the demand signal Y, the control module 22 may cause the compressor 12 to run in the low-capacity mode (state 340) until demand is met or until the compressor runtime T surpasses the set low-capacity runtime T1. If demand has not been met when the runtime T reaches the set low-capacity runtime T1, the control module 22 may switch the compressor 12 to the high-capacity mode (state 360). The compressor 12 may continue operating in the high-capacity mode until demand is met. Once demand is met, the controller 22 may record in the high-capacity runtime T2, as described above.
Upon receipt of a subsequent demand signal Y, the control module 22 may again determine a low-capacity runtime value T1 from the table 345. This time, the control module 22 may determine if the OAT falls within one of a plurality of override ranges 347. For example, override ranges 347 in the cooling mode may include 85-90.degree. F. and >90.degree. F., and override ranges 347 in the heating mode may include 40-45.degree. F. and <40.degree. F. If the OAT value received at input 330 falls within one of the override ranges 347, the control module 22 may set the low-capacity runtime T1 at an override value determined by referencing the override T1 column at the corresponding OAT row.
The override value for the low-capacity runtime T1 may be determined based on a previous high-capacity runtime T2.sub.n-1. For example, if the previous high-capacity runtime T2.sub.n-1 is greater than a predetermine value (e.g., five minutes), the control module 22 may set the low-capacity runtime T1 to a first value (e.g., a short time period such as five seconds). If the previous high-capacity runtime T2.sub.n-1 is less than the predetermine value (e.g., five minutes), the control module 22 may set the low-capacity runtime T1 to a second value (e.g., a longer time period such as twenty minutes or forty minutes). The control module 22 may then cause the compressor 12 to run in the low-capacity mode (state 340) until demand is met or until the compressor runtime T reaches the low-capacity runtime T1, at which time the control module 22 may switch the compressor to the high-capacity mode (state 360).
If the OAT falls within an OAT range that is not one of the override ranges 347, then the control module 22 will continue to set the low-capacity runtime T1 at the baseline value listed in the baseline T1 column. As described above, the control module 22 may cause the compressor 12 to run in the low-capacity mode until demand is met or until the compressor runtime T reaches the low-capacity runtime T1, at which time the control module 22 may switch the compressor 12 to the high-capacity mode until demand is met.
In another configuration, the algorithm 300 may include determining the low-capacity runtime T1 based on table 445 (FIG. 4) instead of table 345. As described above, the control module 22 may continuously or intermittently receive OAT data from the sensor 24 and may store the OAT data in a memory module. As described above, once the demand signal Y is received, the control module 22 may, at state 320, obtain the current OAT (e.g., from input 330) and set the low-capacity runtime T1 from the table 445.
If the control module 22 has not received a demand signal Y from the thermostat 26 in a relatively long predetermined period of time (e.g., days, weeks or longer), the control module 22 may initially set the low-capacity runtime T1 at a default or baseline value listed in Baseline T1 column 446 at the OAT row of table 445 that corresponds to the current OAT received at input 330. With the low-capacity runtime T1 set at the baseline value, the control module 22 may then cause the compressor 12 to operate in the low-capacity mode (state 340) until demand is met, or until the compressor runtime T reaches the set low-capacity runtime T1, at which time the control module 22 will run the compressor 12 in the high-capacity mode (state 360) until demand is met, in accordance with the algorithm 300 described above. The control module 22 may record the high-capacity runtime T2 for each run cycle of the compressor 12.
Upon receipt of a subsequent demand signal Y, the control module 22 may again determine a low-capacity runtime value T1 from the table 445. This time, the control module 22 may obtain the current OAT and determine a slope of the OAT over a predetermined time period (e.g., over the last twenty minutes, but may be any predetermined period of time that is suitably indicative of system conditions). If the OAT slope is within a neutral slope range (where the slope is greater than -0.3 degrees per 20 minutes and less than 0.3 degrees per 20 minutes, for example), then the control module 22 may set the low-capacity runtime T1 at the baseline value listed in the Baseline T1 column 446 at the OAT row of table 445 that corresponds to the current OAT. If the OAT slope is within a positive slope range (where the slope is greater than 0.3 degrees per 20 minutes, for example), then the control module 22 may set the low-capacity runtime T1 at the value listed in the Positive OAT Slope column 447 at the OAT row of table 445 that corresponds to the current OAT. If the OAT slope is within a first negative slope range (where the slope is less than -0.3 degrees per 20 minutes and greater than -0.6 degrees per 20 minutes, for example), then the control module 22 may set the low-capacity runtime T1 at the value listed in the Negative OAT Slope column 448 at the OAT row of table 445 that corresponds to the current OAT. If the OAT slope is within a second negative slope range (where the slope is less than -0.6 degrees per 20 minutes, for example), then the control module 22 may set the low-capacity runtime T1 at the value listed in the Extreme Negative OAT Slope column 449 at the OAT row of table 445 that corresponds to the current OAT.
While the OAT slope is described above as being determined over a predetermined time period, the OAT slope could also be determined by comparing OAT values at the beginning of a current compressor operating cycle (i.e., when the current demand signal Y is received) and at the end of the previous compressor operating cycle (i.e., when the last demand signal Y switched off). Still other methods for determining the OAT slope could be employed.
As shown in FIG. 4, some or all of the rows of column 447 and column 448 include steps for determining the low-capacity runtime T1 based on the previous high-capacity runtime T2.sub.n-1 (i.e., the high-capacity runtime T2 of the previous run cycle in which the demand signal Y was constantly on or demand for heating or cooling was constantly present). For example, in the row of the Positive OAT Slope column 447 corresponding to an OAT of greater than 90.degree. F.: if the previous high-capacity runtime T2.sub.n-1 was greater than five minutes, then the current low-capacity runtime T1.sub.n should be set to five seconds; and if the previous high-capacity runtime T2.sub.n-1 was less than or equal to five minutes, then the current low-capacity runtime T1.sub.n should be set to thirty minutes. As shown in FIG. 4, the above time and temperature values may vary for the various rows of columns 447 and 448.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the Extreme Negative OAT Slope column 449 may simply include predetermined values for each OAT range that may not be dependent upon a previous high-capacity runtime. In some configurations, the Extreme Negative OAT Slope column 449 may refer the algorithm to the Negative OAT Slope column 448 for colder OAT ranges (e.g., below 45.degree. F.). For example, if the OAT slope is less than -0.6 degrees per 20 minutes and the current OAT is less than 45.degree. F., the control module 22 may set the low-capacity runtime T1 in accordance with the Negative OAT Slope column 448.
After setting the low-capacity runtime T1 in accordance with table 445, the control module 22 may operate the compressor 12 in the low-capacity mode (state 340) until demand is met, or until the compressor runtime T reaches the set low-capacity runtime T1 (at which time the control module 22 will switch the compressor to the high-capacity mode until demand is met), in accordance with the algorithm 300 described above.
OAT slope is generally a good indicator or estimate of the time of day. Therefore, adjusting low-capacity and high-capacity runtimes based on OAT slope effectively adjusts low-capacity and high-capacity runtimes to account for the diurnal temperature profile. That is, during the course of a day, the OAT often changes according to a fairly standard profile. When the OAT is rising in the morning, the total compressor runtime T is typically shorter (during the cooling season) than when the OAT is falling in the evening because the house or building in which the system 10 is installed has accumulated a thermal load throughout the day that is still present in the evening. For the heating mode, the load shifts to early morning, i.e., more high-capacity runtime during positive slope periods or early morning part of day, and less low-capacity runtime during negative slope periods or evenings, since the house or building absorbs heat during the day. Therefore, adjusting the low-capacity and high-capacity runtimes based on OAT slope or time of day accounts for the thermal load on the house or building and increases comfort for the occupants. The real time could be determined by the control module 22 from an internal real-time clock, a thermostat real-time clock, a real-time clock accessed via an internet connection, or any other source.
Furthermore, outdoor ambient relative humidity (OARH) often rises as OAT decreases and falls as OAT increases (as shown in FIG. 5). Therefore, OAT slope also indicates or approximates the slope of OARH. Thus, extreme negative OAT slopes (e.g., OAT slope less than -0.6 degrees per 20 minutes) can indicate an increased demand for dehumidification due to a mid-afternoon rain event, for example. Therefore, determining the OAT slope and adjusting low-capacity and high-capacity runtimes based on the OAT slope allows the algorithm 300 to account for the thermal load of the house or building and thermal load delay due to diurnal profile and allows the algorithm 300 to account for slope of ambient relative humidity without the use of a relative humidity sensor.
FIG. 5 depicts the OAT and OARH profile for a given day at a given location. As shown in FIG. 5, a mid-afternoon rain event can be accompanied by a sharp decrease in OAT and a corresponding sharp increase in OARH. Therefore, even though the OAT has decreased as a result of the rain event, demand for cooling may remain high due to the increased humidity and the possibility of OAT returning to its previous high before sunset. Therefore, such events having an extreme negative OAT slope are accounted for in table 445 (FIG. 4) at the Extreme Negative OAT Slope column 449, which assigns a very short low-capacity runtime T1 regardless of the length of any previous high-capacity runtime.
As described above, the indoor blower 19 (FIG. 1) could be a multi-speed blower that can be set at two or more speeds. Therefore, the system 10 may be operable in at least four different modes. In a first mode, the compressor 12 may operate in the low-capacity mode, and the indoor blower 19 may operate at a low speed. In a second mode, the compressor 12 may operate in the low-capacity mode, and the indoor blower 19 may operate at a high speed. In a third mode, the compressor 12 may operate in the high-capacity mode, and the indoor blower 19 may operate at the low speed. In a fourth mode, the compressor 12 may operate in the high-capacity mode, and the indoor blower 19 may operate at the high speed.
In some configurations, the speed of the indoor blower 19 may be set manually (e.g., by an installation contractor) and thereafter, the speed of the indoor blower 19 may be fixed at that speed. The speed of the indoor blower 19 could be selected based on the climate of the region (specifically, temperatures and humidity levels) in which the system 10 is installed. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in regions with hot and humid climates (e.g., sub-tropical and tropical climates), the indoor blower 19 may be set to the low setting because lower indoor blower speeds are advantageous for faster dehumidification. In regions with very hot and dry climates (e.g., desert climates like the Southwest United States), the indoor blower 19 may be set to the high setting because higher indoor blower speeds are more advantageous for quickly reducing sensible heat. In regions with mixed temperatures and mild humidity, the indoor blower 19 may be set to the low or medium setting. In regions with mixed temperatures and higher humidity, the indoor blower 19 may be set to the low setting.
In the configurations in which the speed of the indoor blower 19 is set at installation and is fixed thereafter, the system 10 (having variable-capacity compressor 12) can be modulated between two modes: either between the first and third modes described above or between the second and fourth modes described above.
In other configurations, the control module 22 may be in communication with the indoor blower 19 and may be configured to modulate the speed of the indoor blower 19. In such configurations, the control module 22 may be configured to switch the system 10 among the first, second, third and fourth modes (i.e., by modulating the compressor 12 between the low-capacity and high-capacity modes and by modulating the indoor blower 19 between high and low speeds). The control module 22 may switch among the first, second, third and fourth modes depending on OAT, OAT slope, time of day (determined by the control module 22 from an internal real-time clock, a thermostat real-time clock, a real-time clock accessed via an internet connection, or any other source), low-capacity and high-capacity runtimes T1, T2, indoor relative humidity, outdoor relative humidity, historical weather data and/or forecasted weather data, for example.
It will be appreciated that the tables 345 and 445 and runtimes T1, T2 could also be adjusted based on the climate of the region in which the system 10 is installed. FIGS. 7-10 provide overviews of the exemplary regions of FIG. 6 including low-capacity/high-capacity (Y1/Y2) compressor runtime settings, OAT slopes, sensible loads and latent loads at various times of the day.
In some configurations, the control module 22 can be manually set to one of a plurality of climate regions. For example, an installation contractor can select the region by actuating a dip switch. As another example, a user could select the region in a setup menu of a thermostat (e.g., a Wi-Fi thermostat).
In some configurations, the control module 22 can learn the region in which the system 10 is installed based on actual outdoor weather conditions (e.g., OAT and OARH). The control module 22 may be programmed with predetermined ranges of OAT and OARH values that correspond to particular climate regions. The control module 22 may obtain on actual OAT and OARH values (e.g., from OAT and OARH sensors on or near the outdoor unit 28, through a Wi-Fi thermostat that acquires and provides weather data, or through an internet-provided weather data) and compare the actual OAT and OARH values to the predetermined ranges of OAT and OARH values to determine the region in which the system 10 is installed. Based on the comparison, the control module 22 can select one of the regions. The control module 22 may continuously or intermittently obtain and compare current OAT and OARH values with the predetermined ranges of values over a period of hours, days, weeks, months or years and may change the region setting based on those comparisons, as appropriate. As described above, the control module 22 can change the low-capacity and high-capacity runtimes, fan speeds and/or other operating parameters based on the region in which the system 10 is installed.
In addition to comparing current OAT and OARH values with the predetermined ranges of values, the control module 22 can also compare indoor temperature setpoints (i.e., thermostat setpoints selected by the user) with predetermined ranges or values to learn the region in which the system 10 is installed. Each region can be associated with a certain predetermined range of indoor temperature setpoints (e.g., users in the Southern United States tend to set their indoor temperature setpoints warmer (e.g., around 78 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months) than users in the Northern United States (e.g., who may set their indoor temperature setpoints to around 72 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months). This difference in indoor temperature setpoints may be due, in part, to acclimatization.
While OAT and OARH values are described above as being measured by an OAT sensor and OARH sensor, respectively, in some configurations, the control module 22 may obtain or determine OAT and/or OARH values directly or indirectly from one or more other measured and/or calculated parameters. For example, data from one or more of the following sensors could be used to determine or estimate OAT values: (i) defrost or outdoor coil temperature sensor (i.e., a sensor measuring a temperature of a coil of the outdoor heat exchanger 14), (ii) condensing pressure sensor, (iii) discharge line temperature or pressure sensor, (iii) suction line temperature or pressure sensor, (iv) compressor inlet temperature or pressure sensor, (v) indoor coil outlet temperature or pressure sensor, (vi) outdoor coil outlet temperature or pressure sensor, and (vii) outdoor coil liquid line temperature sensor.
During operation of the system 10 in a cooling mode or in a heating mode, OAT correlates well to outdoor and indoor coil temperatures. Therefore, OAT can be calculated or estimated based on a measured or calculated outdoor coil temperature or an indoor coil temperature. When the system 10 is operating in the heating mode (i.e., during the heating season), OAT may be greater than outdoor and indoor coil temperatures by known approximate amounts (e.g., about 5-20 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the location of the sensor along the coil and whether the compressor is operating in a low-capacity or high-capacity mode). When the system 10 is operating in the cooling mode (i.e., during the cooling season), OAT may be less than outdoor and indoor coil temperatures by known approximate amounts (e.g., about 5-20 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the location of the sensor along the coil and whether the compressor is operating in a low-capacity or high-capacity mode). The differences between OAT and coil temperatures may be less at or near the beginning of an operating cycle. The correlation between OAT and coil temperatures could be predetermined for a particular system and programmed into the control module 22.
It will be appreciated that coil temperatures can be calculated from quadratic or higher order polynomial functions of suction pressure or discharge pressure (depending on whether the system is operating in the heating or cooling mode).
In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" or the term "controller" may be replaced with the term "circuit." The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.
The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces that are connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or combinations thereof. The functionality of any given module of the present disclosure may be distributed among multiple modules that are connected via interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow load balancing. In a further example, a server (also known as remote, or cloud) module may accomplish some functionality on behalf of a client module.
The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and/or objects. The term shared processor circuit encompasses a single processor circuit that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term group processor circuit encompasses a processor circuit that, in combination with additional processor circuits, executes some or all code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuits encompass multiple processor circuits on discrete dies, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term shared memory circuit encompasses a single memory circuit that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term group memory circuit encompasses a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all code from one or more modules.
The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium, as used herein, does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); the term computer-readable medium may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium are nonvolatile memory circuits (such as a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory circuit, or a mask read-only memory circuit), volatile memory circuits (such as a static random access memory circuit or a dynamic random access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).


Waste Connections, Inc. serves more than two million customers across 29 states. Like a well-oiled machine, they collect, transfer, dispose and recycle waste for residential, commercial and industrial customers daily, a very big job, indeed.
Surprisingly, this massive daily responsibility was simple compared to the mountain of stress the time consuming task of maintaining its accounts receivable duties had been. In fact, before Waste Connections discovered CallFire, its payment collection practices of making individual calls and sending out reminder notices were considered outdated and inefficient.
Before CallFire, Waste Connections would manually dial up to hundreds, if not thousands, of phone numbers at a time. When its employees weren't making calls, they were sending very large quantities of expensive mail that were ironically tossed into the trash and ultimately picked up by Waste Connections.
For just pennies per call, companies like Waste Connections are not only collecting payments at a higher rate, but also at a lower cost. "Bad Debt has reduced 40% since implementing CallFire," says Hawkins.
Collecting payments isn't the only use for CallFire's Voice Broadcast solution. "We also use it to alert customers of delays." Staying connected through courtesy calls to customers strengthens relationships and community trust.
Broadcast call campaigns have proved so successful that the company has expressed interest in other possible CallFire telephony solutions, such as its Cloud Call Center, IVR, Call Tracking and SMS texting tools to stay connected to customers.


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Syrian Rebels Make Demands For Release of U.N. Peacekeepers in Golan Heights
Syrian rebels have issued a list of demands for the release of United Nations peacekeepers stationed on the Golan Heights between Syria and Israel.
Assad Regime Says Conflict With Rebels in Syria Has Reached a Stalemate
Haaretz/ReutersSeptember 19, 2013
Fighting between Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces and the opposition has reached a stalemate, and the regime plans on calling for a ceasefire at an upcoming conference in Geneva, Syria's deputy prime minister has told the U.K.'s Guardian newspaper.
Kerry Postpones Israel Trip To Join Syria Talks
HaaretzJune 10, 2013
The Obama administration could decide this week to approve lethal aid for Syrian rebels and will weigh the merits of a less likely move to send U.S. airpower to enforce a no-fly zone over the nation ripped by two years of civil war, officials said Sunday.
Syrian Rebel Shown on Video Cutting Heart Out of Slain Assad Soldier
ReutersMay 13, 2013
A video of a Syrian rebel commander cutting the heart out of a soldier and biting into is emblematic of a civil war that has rapidly descended into sectarian hatred and revenge killings, Human Rights Watch said on Monday.
Syria Withdraws Troops From Golan Heights as Rebel Groups Move In
Syria's government has withdrawn a significant number of troops from the Golan Heights, raising Western concerns.
Rogue Syria Rebels Kidnap Golan U.N. Peacekeepers
ReutersMarch 6, 2013
Syrian rebels have seized a convoy of U.N. peacekeepers near the Golan Heights and say they will hold them captive until President Bashar al-Assad's forces pull back from a rebel-held village which has seen heavy recent fighting.
Memories of Jews Linger in Rubble of Syria's Ruined Second City
Anna Therese DayNovember 27, 2012
Aleppo was once Syria's second-largest city, storied for its ethnic diversity, including a large Jewish quarter. It's now a pockmarked jumble of cratered ruins.
Syria Rebels Defeating Regime Forces, Unable to Prevent Air Strikes on Civilians
SteveSeptember 5, 2012
A rebel commander in Syria's north claimed this week that the force is defeating government soldiers across the country, but it is failing to protect civilians from air strikes. Abu Maher, a commander in the region of Marea said the rebels lack the weapons to fight the regime's air force. He said the violence that has gripped the county for almost two years will not stop until there is a change in Syria's leadership.
Syria Civl War Encourages Kurdish Rebels in Turkey: Kurds Kill 9, Kidnap MP in Automony Fight
SteveAugust 23, 2012
Turkish fears are growing that Kurdish rebels seeking autonomy are being encouraged by the Kurdish minority in war torn Syria who have recently taken control of areas vacated by Bashar al-Assad's troops. Early this week a bomb concealed in a vehicle killed nine people in the Turkish city of Gaziantep near the Syrian border. This attack comes as fighting between Turkish forces and Kurdish rebels has been increasing, including the kidnapping of a Turkish member of Parliament. Kurdistan, the cultural region where Kurds make up the majority of the population spans Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Kurds make up around 20 percent of Turkey's population, mostly living in the South Eastern portion of the country. In Iraq, the Kurds have managed to set up a self-governing region in the North of the country and many Kurds would like to see fully autonomous Kurdistan nation. The latest bombing is part of a long running conflict in Turkey that started in 1984.
Turkey Deploys Military to Syrian Border as Fighting in Aleppo Worsens: Crackdown on Rebels
SteveAugust 9, 2012
The Turkish military is monitoring the Syrian border. Fighting continues in the city of Aleppo. Aleppo lies 40 kilometers from the Turkish border. Thousands of Syrians are fleeing into Turkey. Ferocious crackdown by Assad regime in Aleppo. Rebel forces continue to make inroads.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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New vehicles to be rated on how they make drivers stay alert
by Tom Krisher
In this April 22, 2021 file photo, cars wait at a red light during rush hour at the Las Vegas Strip, in Las Vegas. Two organizations that influence many Americans' automobile buying decisions will begin rating vehicles on how well they track behavior of motorists who use partially automated driver-assist systems. Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety say the ratings will factor into scores for new models starting this year. The new ratings, announced Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 come as the auto industry struggles with how to make sure drivers stay alert as the systems take on more driving functions. Credit: AP Photo/John Locher, File
Two organizations that influence many Americans' automobile buying decisions will begin rating vehicles on how well they track behavior of motorists who use partially automated driver-assist systems.
Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety say the ratings will factor into scores for new models starting this year. Automobile buyers often turn to both groups to judge the safety of vehicles.
The new ratings, announced Thursday, come as the auto industry struggles with how to make sure drivers stay alert as the systems take on more driving functions. Plus, the systems are being offered in more new vehicles.
Both groups say research shows drivers often rely too much on the computerized systems, even though they cannot drive vehicles themselves. At times, the systems have made mistakes and drivers have failed to take action—with deadly consequences. Some automakers have oversold the systems' abilities in advertising, both groups said.
The organizations say they are stepping in with ratings and standards because at present there are none from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. government's auto safety agency. NHTSA said in a statement that it's researching the monitoring systems to establish benchmarks and get driver data for possible future actions.
Both Consumer Reports and IIHS hope that automakers will respond with more robust monitoring systems.
"Keeping drivers focused on the road and the vehicle is critical for the safe use of partially automated driving systems," said David Harkey, president of IIHS, an industry group that has shamed automakers into making safety improvements with its rankings.
Partially automated systems, with trade names such as "Autopilot," "Super Cruise," and "ProPilot Assist," vary in levels of sophistication. Some are a combination of lane-centering technology and advanced cruise control, which will adjust speed to keep a vehicle away from those in front of it. Others can change lanes on their own. Most use cameras and some have radar sensors.
But drivers are able to ignore some of the monitoring systems, especially with Tesla, which led the industry by rolling out its "Autopilot" driver-assist system in 2015. Government officials say no self-driving cars are available for sale and that drivers must be ready to take action at all times.
For example, in 2018, a Tesla operating on Autopilot crashed into a freeway barrier in Mountain View, California, killing the driver. The National Transportation Safety Board found that the driver likely was distracted by a cell phone video game.
NHTSA has opened a formal investigation into Teslas on Autopilot crashing into emergency vehicles parked on roadways. A message was left Thursday seeking comment from Tesla.
Some companies, such as General Motors, Ford, Tesla, BMW and Subaru, have cameras that watch a driver to make sure their eyes are on the road. Others only check for hands on the steering wheel. But since there are no federal standards, some monitoring can be turned off by drivers, while others don't take enough action to make drivers pay attention, both organizations said.
There is no evidence that the driving systems make vehicles safer, and research shows they could be less safe if the systems don't make sure drivers are engaged, Harkey said.
"There are studies that go back probably 80 years that show humans are pretty bad about just watching automation happen," said Jake Fisher, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center. "It's just too easy to get bored and let your attention wander."
Currently, the partially automated systems aren't widely used. Harkey said the systems are a "single digit" percentage of the roughly 280 million vehicles on U.S. roadways. But they're being offered on a growing number of vehicles. Consumer Reports found last fall that they're available on about half of all new models.
At present, no driver monitoring systems meet the standards set by IIHS, Harkey said. To earn a coveted "good" rating, the systems have to have multiple types of alerts reminding a driver to look at the road. They also have to make a driver place hands on the steering wheel if they've looked away. If a driver fails to respond, the systems should slow the vehicles to a crawl or stop, IIHS said.
"We're hoping and we think that the automakers will respond and they'll start to add more robust features into their vehicles that have these systems," Harkey said.
In the past, automakers have re-engineered the front structure of models that didn't pass an IIHS crash test that simulated striking a tree.
Ratings are expected to start this year, but that could be delayed if vehicles aren't available for testing due to the global shortage of semiconductors.
Starting with ratings that come out in February, Consumer Reports will add two points to the overall score it gives vehicles if their systems monitor drivers to encourage safety, Fisher said. This year, only General Motors' "Super Cruse" and Ford's "Blue Cruise" systems will get the extra points, he said.
In the 2024 model year, the magazine and website will deduct two points if systems don't have adequate driver monitoring, rising to four points for 2026 models.
Consumer Reports and IIHS both said the auto industry has been aware of the ratings for about a year.
© 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Citation: New vehicles to be rated on how they make drivers stay alert (2022, January 20) retrieved 31 January 2023 from https://techxplore.com/news/2022-01-vehicles-drivers.html
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Creativity comes in all shapes and stripes, and nowhere is that better illustrated than with RG's shirt collections every season. Here, jacquard stripes blend seamlessly with broken geometric shapes in 100% Egyptian cotton. Flip the cuff to reveal a contrast embroidery.


A casting time diagram established by F. C. Bennett – or H. H. Pokorny who slightly modified the casting time values determined by F. C. Bennett – is considered as particularly reliable. This casting time diagram is shown in Fig. 1.
Many authors determined the optimum casting time as a fraction of the solidification time and indicate a quadratic dependence between the medium casting wall thickness sm and a casting time constant kt according to eq. 1.
In eq. 3, the casting time is indicated in ms and the mean casting wall thickness in mm. Here, the casting time values lie within a close range of 12.5 to 75ms at a mean casting wall thickness of 1 to 6mm. If the casting time is increased further, this can lead to cold shuts and, according to J. Kopf, to a considerably higher risk of rejection.
In a detailed study on the determination of casting times and flow lengths, B. Nogowizin proposes to determine the optimum or maximum casting time based on the condition that the critical volume of the solid phase is formed when the alloy reaches the critical or admissible stagnation temperature T = Tkr. According to his statements, it can be assumed that, due to the high rates of inflow and pressures, movement of the melt within the mold cavity during pressure die casting is possible at the anterior flow front up to a solid-phase volume fraction of approx. 70 to 80% (nkr = 0.7–0.8). These values have also been confirmed by Q. Han et al. who attributed the long flow paths in pressure die casting at a relatively high proportion of solidified phase also to the melt movements and the influence of pressure. Moreover, it is assumed that the non-stationary mold surface temperature will suddenly rise from its initial temperature up to a constant mold surface temperature when heated due to the thermal radiation of the flowing metal front and the extremely short time of contact between the moving volume element and the mold wall. Therefore, the mold surface temperature needs to be determined using a mold temperature rise coefficient based on the comparison of the flowing metal volume element and the mold temperature. As this is a complex calculation and the thermophysical data for the relevant alloy must be known, the results for the alloy AlSi9Cu3(Fe) are shown in a casting time diagram in Fig. 2.
Comparing the calculations carried out by B. Nogowizin to the actual casting times of castings determined by W. Venus and indicated in Table 2 reveals a relatively good correspondence.
Under the same conditions for casting time and casting pressure and a uniform superheating to above the liquidus temperature, aluminum alloys with a low solidification interval or eutectic alloys such as AlSi12(Fe) show the best mold filling properties. This is consistent with experiences gathered in practice where eutectic alloys are primarily used for thin-walled, complex castings having long flow paths.
For castings made of magnesium alloys, A. Schuster provided a casting time diagram (Fig. 3). In a chosen mean casting wall thickness range of 1 to 6mm, a casting time of 15 to 80ms can be derived from this diagram. This casting time interval for magnesium alloys complies with the casting times for aluminum alloys determined according to J. Kopf. This means that castings made of magnesium alloys can be produced using a similarly short casting time as that employed for those made of aluminum alloys. However, due to the lower heat content (thermal capacity) and the associated more rapid solidification, they require higher gate speeds and lower mold filling times in practice. Therefore, the casting times in Fig. 3 only apply at sufficiently high mold temperatures. In addition, when using magnesium alloys with a low aluminum content (M20, S21, AE44, etc.), shorter casting times should generally be aimed at than for alloys with a higher Al content (AZ91, AM 60, AJ62, etc.).
In eq. 4, the casting time is yielded in ms if the mold temperature is inserted in °C and the mean casting wall thickness in mm. This empirical equation has proven to be reliable for zinc alloys. The admissible casting time is shown in Fig. 4 which also includes the casting times recommended according to H. H. Pokorny for comparison.
The casting time values of J. M. Birch and S. E. Booth lie within a very close range of 12– 18 to 35–53ms for a mean casting wall thickness of 1 to 6mm. According to this data, zinc alloy castings should be produced using a shorter casting time than applied to those made of magnesium and aluminum alloys. Neither in eq. 3 or eq. 4 nor in the casting time diagrams, casting time is defined as a quadratic function of the mean casting wall thickness. As the casting wall thickness increases, the casting time does not rise any more than with a quadratic relation. Therefore, thick-walled castings subject to high structural demands can be expected to provide better results if the castings are made using a very short casting time.
F. C. Bennett: Fachgerechtes Konstruieren von Druckgießformen zur Vermeidung von Anlaufschwierigkeiten, Giesserei-Praxis (1968), no. 3, p. 46-51.
H. H. Pokorny: Fachgerechte Druckguss-Anschnitttechnik - Mit 80 % Wahrscheinlichkeit fehlehrfreie Gussstücke vom ersten Schuss an, Giesserei-Praxis (1969), no. 24, p. 421-429.
B. Nogowizin: Wahl der Hauptparameter von Druckgießmaschinen mit einer horizontalen Kaltkammer, Giesserei-Praxis (2000), no. 7, p. 281-286.
J. Kopf: Beitrag zur Theorie und Praxis des Druckgießvorganges, Giesserei (1970), no. 20, p. 633-641.
N. Nogowizin: Gießzeit und Fließlänge der Schmelze im Formhohlraum beim Druckgießen, Druckguss-Praxis (2005), no. 6, p. 213-221.
J. M. Birch, S. E. Booth: Beziehung zwischen Gießparametern und der Oberflächenbeschaffenheit von Zinkdruckguss, Giesserei-Praxis (1991), no. 11/12, p. 196-199.


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Home > Newsroom > Stories > Innovations
Solar Power Enters the Information Age
[February 17, 2020] Reducing the environmental impact of energy-hungry industries has been high on the agenda for many years now. The IT sector is a particularly ravenous one, representing at least 7% of the world's energy usage. Much of this is driven by rising mobile-data usage, the move to cloud computing, and the need for hyperscale data centers.
In their ongoing efforts to reduce their carbon footprints, the world's leading technology companies are accelerating their adoption of renewable energy sources to power their entire operations through renewable energy by the next decade.
Solar powered social media
Data centers require an enormous and reliable supply of energy in order to operate around the clock
Social media giant Facebook is at the forefront of adopting more renewable energy sources. It currently has nine sustainably powered data centers in the United States. The ninth data center, located in Newton County, Georgia, opened in December of 2019 and is 100% solar-powered. Most of its power comes from a solar farm in nearby Early County, made up of more than 350,000 Hanwha Q CELLS' Q.PEAK DUO L-G5.2 solar modules.
What's more, the solar modules were produced a stone's throw away at Hanwha Q CELLS' production plant in Whitfield County, Georgia. The short transport distance meant fewer carbon emissions by fossil-fuel-burning trucks.
Efficiency is key
With the need for high-speed data connectivity increasing at a breakneck pace, solar power is an ideal solution for powering hyperscale data centers all over the world. Advances in photovoltaic technology mean that solar power systems are more efficient, reliable, and able to produce consistent amounts of electricity even in places with fluctuating levels of sunlight. Surplus energy produced during daylight hours can be stored to provide data centers with power overnight.
Further driving solar power's popularity for data-center power solutions is its cost efficiency. The purchase, installation, and maintenance of solar power equipment have become increasingly affordable with each new generation of solar technology. Not only that, the sunlight necessary to produce solar power is freely and consistently available, allowing for more manageable operating costs.
Hanwha Q CELLS is dedicating significant resources to continue developing the world's most efficient and reliable solar energy solutions
Hanwha Q CELLS provides customers with outstanding solar energy products as one of the world's leading solar energy solutions providers. On the cutting edge of solar technology, Hanwha Q CELLS' Q.ANTUM technology—which includes Anti LID/LeTID, Anti PID, and other unique features—helps make solar modules more efficient so they can deliver clean energy and enormous carbon reductions to customers all over the world.
Committing to a renewable energy future
Renewable energy sources like solar power allow for carbon-free electricity production. When used on a large scale by major tech companies, renewable energy results in significant reductions in overall carbon emissions. Facebook is currently transitioning towards relying 100% on renewable energy and expects to shrink its global carbon footprint by an amazing 75% once the transition is complete in 2020.
And Facebook isn't alone in its commitment to renewable energy. It's one of over 100 of the world's leading companies, including Apple and Google, that have joined the RE100. Companies participating in RE100 have transitioned, or are transitioning, toward relying 100% on renewable energy and cutting down their worldwide carbon emissions.
Solar energy is vital in ensuring a greener future
For smaller companies that can't afford to invest in dedicated renewable energy sources, a vast array of alternative options – including joint investments, power purchasing partnerships, and renewable energy brokers – exist to help them better manage their sources of energy.
Hanwha's commitment
Hanwha is dedicated to bringing about a greener and more sustainable future and helping customers worldwide reduce their environmental impact by providing the best solar energy solutions available. Hanwha Q CELLS' solar cells and solar modules set the global standard for productivity, efficiency, and durability and are the ideal products to use in reducing the world's reliance on fossil fuels.
Hanwha Qcells With world-class technology and high quality, Hanwha Qcells captured the biggest market share in major markets including Germany, the UK, South Korea, and Japan.
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There's nothing quite a happy hour event, especially when it's also an opportunity to network! Join the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce for its happy hour networking event at the Bungalow Hotel Bar on Thursday, February 21st.
NETWORKING: Join us on Thursday, February 21st from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Bungalow Hotel lobby bar for Happy Hour Networking!
RSVP by calling 732-222-0400 or email us at info longbranchchamber.org!
Below, you'll also find pictures from the tasting event that the Long Branch Chamber of Commerce recently held, as well as the accompanying video above!


I'm not even afraid to admit that I have what's probably a slightly ridiculous amount of excitement about today's post & what's inside it! Nope. Not even a little bit afraid because today's post is all for fun. That's it! I've been dying to partner with Rhian Awni, an incredibly talented artist whose style and illustrations I fell in love with when I stumbled upon her work last year, and I'm so thrilled to say that today's the day! Using Rhian's playful, vintage-inspired Fall watercolor illustrations, I designed some really fun cell phone wallpapers/backgrounds in a Fall-perfect color palette just for you guys to download and dress your tech with. And I'm hoping you'll love them as much as I do!
Not only have I been dying to collaborate with Rhian in some capacity for so long now, I've also been dying to create something just for you guys that you could have fun with and that would just plain make ya feel good every time you look down at your phone… the 765849 times you do that throughout the day… especially after you read that passive aggressive "Per my previous email" note from your favorite condescending coworker. If you haven't dabbled in putting a custom wallpaper on your phone just yet trust me when I say that it's an instant life upgrade! It's the little things, guys. The little things! If we have to carry these tiny computers around with us everywhere and stare at them all the time, shouldn't we at least have a little fun with it? Yes, yes we should. Get on board!
These particular wallpapers were designed to help you properly dive into the season we all love so much, so naturally pumpkins, caramel apples, Fall leaves, and my personal favorite, pumpkin pie had to be included. Rhian is a genius with color, in my humble opinion and there's just something so playful and perfectly retro about her illustrations and the way she uses color, which makes my heart so happy when I see them. Just try not to smile when you look at her website… I dare you!
And BONUS, if you're as in love with Rhian's adorable illustrations as I am, you'll be happy to know that you can commission her to create custom illustrations for you of all kinds! How amazing is that? Wedding invitations, Save the Dates, branding and logos, family portraits, pet portraits (Hamlet so needs this), book covers, and so much more. If you can dream it, she can illustrate it. She's that good. If you're reading this thinking, "Yes, please!" just email her at Reani.art@gmail.com and she'll make your dreams come true! And if you're not already, make sure you follow her on Instagram to see what she's working on -- the inspiration in her feed is endless!
If you're on your iPhone, to download the one you love just press, hold and save the image! If you're on your desktop, just click the one you love and the file will instantly download. No fuss! And make sure you leave a comment below and tell us which one is your favorite so we can make more of the kind of designs you love next time -- and because we're dying to know if you're a pumpkin, leaf, pumpkin pie, or caramel apple kinda person. We need to know your Fall vibe! Happy wallpapering!


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Home Security news
Security cameras can be hacked using infrared light, claims study
Researchers hack security camera networks with IR LEDs
Cybersecurity experts from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel have demonstrated that security cameras infected with malware can be hacked invisibly and controlled using infrared (IR) light, which then can be used to either infiltrate a network or disclose sensitive information from the cameras' network.
In a paper titled "aIR-Jumper: Covert Air-Gap Exfiltration/Infiltration via Security Cameras & Infrared (IR)", the researchers said that the technique can be used on professional and home security cameras, and even LED doorbells, which can detect infrared light (IR), not visible to the human eye. CCTV cameras are equipped with IR LEDs, used for night vision, and are perfect for the aIR-Jumper technique to exploit.
"In this paper, we show how attackers can use surveillance cameras and infrared light to establish bi-directional covert communication between the internal networks of organizations and remote attackers. We present two scenarios: exfiltration (leaking data out of the network) and infiltration (sending data into the network)," the researchers wrote.
The cyber team led by Dr. Mordechai Guri, head of research and development for BGU's Cyber Security Research Center (CSRC), demonstrated how IR can be used to create a secret communication channel between malware installed on an internal computer network and an attacker located at a distance of hundreds of metres to kilometres away with direct line of sight.
The researchers were able to leak internal data at a bit rate of 20bit/s per camera and were able to deliver commands to the network at bit rate of more than 100bit/s from one camera. The aIR-Jumper method can be used to transfer hidden signals to surveillance cameras, including PIN codes, passwords, and encryption keys, which are modulated, encoded, and then transferred to attackers.
"Security cameras are unique in that they have 'one leg' inside the organization, connected to the internal networks for security purposes, and 'the other leg' outside the organization, aimed specifically at a nearby public space, providing very convenient optical access from various directions and angles," Mordechai Guri said in the release.
The researchers uploaded two videos on YouTube, wherein the first video shows an attacker sending infrared signals to the security camera, while the second one shows the camera (which is already infected with malware) exfiltrating data from the affected network.
"In an infiltration scenario, an attacker standing in a public area (e.g., in the street) uses IR LEDs to transmit hidden signals to the surveillance camera(s)," the paper reads. "Binary data such as command and control (C&C) and beacon messages are encoded on top of the IR signals."
After Artificial Sun, China Builds Its Own 'Artificial Moon' On Earth
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CHEVROLET 2013 CAPTIVA SPORT OWNER'S MANUAL Pdf Download.
View and Download Chevrolet 2013 Captiva Sport owner's manual online. 2013 Chevrolet Captiva Sport. 2013 Captiva Sport Automobile pdf manual download.


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South Hill Neighbours is hosting a lantern-making afternoon on October 19th. You are invited to come and create your own lantern. Supplies will be provided to create one of the following types of lantern: a hand-carved turnip lantern; a wax paper window lantern or a tissue paper globe lantern. There is also a simpler version of the globe lantern for small children. All ages are welcome. We are creating these lanterns in preparation for a lantern procession to All Souls Night one week later. Participants are welcome to bring photos of loved ones they have lost which can be incorporated into the lantern so that it becomes a creative memorial to honour that person. This is a Neighbourhood Small Grant Project funded through the Vancouver Foundation. Email southhill.neighbours@gmail.com to register your attendance. Drop in from 1:30 to 5:30pm at Celebration Hall at Mountain View Cemetery.
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who we've lost and find beautiful ways to mark their passing and the emotions of parting. Candles, Swedish fire logs, bonfires in carved oil barrels, prayer flags and homemade memorials all make this a magical evening.


A good track record of talented professionals at SSIM has become the sourcing ground for various corporate and business establishment to secure the right talent.
There is a full-fledged placement cell headed by the Chairman Placements and assisted by a team of professionals.
The cell undertakes the pre-placement training, soft skill development, Liasoning with Recruiters, Organizing Campus Placements, etc.
The below diagram shows Siva Sivani Institute Of Management industry wise placement divisions sector and percentage of students placed.