US 11,933,528 B2
Methods and systems for determining phase state or subcooling state
Neeraj S Shidore, Novi, MI (US); Min Sun, Troy, MI (US); Ryan D Hopper, Ferndale, MI (US); and Cameron Paul Smith, Milford, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Nov. 30, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/456,999.
Prior Publication US 2023/0168014 A1, Jun. 1, 2023
Int. Cl. F25B 49/02 (2006.01); G01N 9/26 (2006.01)
CPC F25B 49/02 (2013.01) [G01N 9/26 (2013.01); F25B 2700/191 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for operating a refrigeration cycle, the method comprising:
flowing a refrigerant through a metering device, wherein the metering device is an expansion valve having an inlet and an outlet;
calculating a pressure differential of the refrigerant across the metering device by measuring an inlet pressure of the refrigerant at the inlet and measuring an outlet pressure of the refrigerant at the outlet;
determining that the refrigerant is not a saturated liquid based on the pressure differential by estimating a density correction factor; and
in response to determining that the refrigerant is not a saturated liquid, cooling the refrigerant upstream of the metering device.