Air conditioning system with thermal energy storage and load leveling capacity
US5467812A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S62/02
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A vapor compression air conditioning (cooling and heating) system adapted for operation to reduce the consumption of electric power during peak periods of demand for power is characterized by three refrigerant circuits. A refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, outdoor heat exchanger and first indoor heat exchanger for selectively cooling or heating an indoor air space and a second refrigerant circuit comprises the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger and a thermal energy storage unit characterized by a tank having a thermal energy storage medium disposed therein and a heat exchanger coil in communication with the compressor and outdoor heat exchanger for cooling the thermal energy storage medium. A third refrigerant circuit includes the thermal energy storage heat exchanger coil, a refrigerant pump and another indoor heat exchanger in communication with the fluid (e.g., indoor air) to be cooled or heated. Plural isolation valves in the first and second refrigerant circuits, reversing valves in communication with the compressor and pump and a heater in the storage tank provide for operating the system in plural cooling and heating modes to provide cooling and heating with reduced …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.