US 12,241,669 B2
System and method for detecting refrigerant leakage and charging a climate-control system with refrigerant
David A. Alfano, Sidney, OH (US); Winfield S. Morter, Sidney, OH (US); and Brian R. Butler, Sidney, OH (US)
Assigned to Copeland LP, Sidney, OH (US)
Filed by Copeland LP, Sidney, OH (US)
Filed on Feb. 10, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/108,139.
Application 18/108,139 is a continuation of application No. 16/992,872, filed on Aug. 13, 2020, granted, now 11,604,019.
Prior Publication US 2023/0184473 A1, Jun. 15, 2023
Int. Cl. F25B 45/00 (2006.01); F25B 49/02 (2006.01); F24F 7/007 (2006.01)
CPC F25B 45/00 (2013.01) [F25B 49/02 (2013.01); F24F 7/007 (2013.01); F25B 2313/0293 (2013.01); F25B 2345/003 (2013.01); F25B 2345/007 (2013.01); F25B 2500/222 (2013.01); F25B 2600/112 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for charging a climate-control system with refrigerant, the method comprising:
measuring, via a sensor, a refrigerant concentration of refrigerant leaked from a refrigeration circuit of the climate-control system;
receiving, via a user device, the measured refrigerant concentration of refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration circuit;
connecting the user device to a solenoid that controls refrigerant flow from a refrigerant container to an outdoor unit of the climate-control system;
transmitting, via the user device, a control signal in response to the measured refrigerant concentration of refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration circuit exceeding a threshold, wherein the control signal causes the solenoid to move to a closed position to prevent refrigerant flow from the refrigerant container to the outdoor unit; and
transmitting, via the user device, another control signal to a thermostat to actuate a blower in response to the measured refrigerant concentration exceeding the threshold,
wherein the blower is disposed in an indoor air handler unit of the climate-control system and is configured to force air across a coil of a heat exchanger disposed within the indoor air handler unit.