Abstract: Disclosed is an efficient, energy storage and cooling system that is refrigerant based. When connected to a condensing unit, the system has the ability to store energy capacity during one time period and provide cooling from the stored energy during a second time period. The system requires minimal energy to operate during either time period, and only a fraction of the energy required to operate the system during the first time period is required to operate the system during the second time period using an optional refrigerant pump.

Abstract: A multi-mode high efficiency air conditioning system for storing energy and for utilizing the stored energy is provided. The air conditioning system includes these four elements which define the entire system: a condensing unit, a dual-mode indoor cooling coil assembly, a refrigerant and air management assembly and an energy storage assembly. These four elements act in concert to perform the functions of the four principal modes of operation which are ice building, ice transfer, stage 1 cooling and stage 2 cooling. The ice building and ice transfer modes typically take place during electrical off-peak periods. The stage 1 and stage 2 cooling modes typically take place during electrical on-peak periods. When connected to an indoor air fan, the air conditioning unit provides cooling at an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 12 or better over a 24 hour period during a 95 degree Fahrenheit day.