Abstract: A method for controlling a heat pump is provided. A working mode of the heat pump is determined. Based on a determination that the working mode of the heat pump is a heating mode, an ambient temperature of the heat pump is determined. Based on a determination that the ambient temperature of the heat pump is higher than a first predetermined temperature, a first compressor of the heat pump is operated. Based on a determination that the ambient temperature of the heat pump is lower than the first predetermined temperature, both the first compressor and a second compressor of the heat pump are enabled to operate, in response to a two-stage thermostat. The first compressor and the second compressor are coupled in parallel. The method allows the heat pump to be suitable for a cold climate.

Abstract: A dryer includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducers in electrical communication with a high frequency piezoelectric oscillation generator. The piezoelectric oscillation generator controls the duty cycle and resonant frequency source signal that drive the plurality of piezoelectric transducers non-continuously. The piezoelectric transducers dry the wet articles without heating air passing through the articles.

Abstract: A magnetocaloric cooling system comprising a solid body or bodies, such as a cylinder or cube, having a plurality of channels extending between a first end and a second end of the cylinder or cube and a magnet at least partially surrounding the cylinder or cube. A metallic mass, such as a rod or plate, is positioned within each channel and slides within a respective channel between two sliding extremities so that in each sliding extremity, a portion of each metallic mass extends beyond an end of the solid body. A motor is used for reciprocating the metallic masses between the sliding extremities and a heat exchange mechanism directs heating or cooling where desired.

Abstract: A method for controlling a heat pump is provided. A working mode of the heat pump is determined. Based on a determination that the working mode of the heat pump is a heating mode, an ambient temperature of the heat pump is determined. Based on a determination that the ambient temperature of the heat pump is higher than a first predetermined temperature, a first compressor of the heat pump is operated. Based on a determination that the ambient temperature of the heat pump is lower than the first predetermined temperature, both the first compressor and a second compressor of the heat pump are enabled to operate, in response to a two-stage thermostat. The first compressor and the second compressor are coupled in parallel. The method allows the heat pump to be suitable for a cold climate.

Abstract: A dryer includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducers in electrical communication with a high frequency piezoelectric oscillation generator. The piezoelectric oscillation generator controls the duty cycle and resonant frequency source signal that drive the plurality of piezoelectric transducers non-continuously. The piezoelectric transducers dry the wet articles without heating air passing through the articles.

Abstract: A magnetocaloric cooling system comprising a solid body or bodies, such as a cylinder or cube, having a plurality of channels extending between a first end and a second end of the cylinder or cube and a magnet at least partially surrounding the cylinder or cube. A metallic mass, such as a rod or plate, is positioned within each channel and slides within a respective channel between two sliding extremities so that in each sliding extremity, a portion of each metallic mass extends beyond an end of the solid body. A motor is used for reciprocating the metallic masses between the sliding extremities and a heat exchange mechanism directs heating or cooling where desired.

Abstract: An absorption heat pump system that can include a first assembly, a second assembly, and a thermal coupler is disclosed herein. The first assembly can include a condenser and an evaporator. The second assembly can include an absorber, a desorber, and a heat exchanger. The thermal coupler can include a first gas inlet, a second fluid inlet, and a mixed fluid outlet. The system can be configured with a first gas outlet of the desorber in fluid communication with the first gas inlet of the thermal coupler, and the mixed fluid outlet of the thermal coupler in fluid communication with a mixed fluid inlet of the evaporator. The system can also include a coolant absorber inlet and outlet on the absorber and a coolant condenser inlet and outlet on the condenser, with the coolant absorber outlet in fluid communication with the coolant condenser inlet.