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 four refrigerant circuits. A first circuit includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. A second circuit comprises the compressor, the first heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger. A third circuit comprises the third heat exchanger, a refrigerant pump and a thermal energy storage unit characterized by a tank having a thermal energy storage medium disposed therein. A fourth circuit includes the thermal energy storage unit, the refrigerant pump and a fourth heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is an outdoor heat exchanger. The second and fourth heat exchangers are indoor heat exchangers in heat transfer relationship with the fluid (e.g., indoor supply air) to be cooled or heated.

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.

Abstract: The ancillary heat pump apparatus of the present invention for producing domestic hot water generally includes a domestic hot water heat pump having refrigerant and water circuits which are operatively disposed at the proximal ends thereof into close array at the heat exchanger of tile domestic hot water heat pump. The refrigerant circuit of the domestic hot water heat pump hereof has a heat exchanger coil disposed at the distal end thereof, and the water circuit is connected at the distal end thereof to a hot water heater. In the apparatus of the present invention, the distal refrigerant circuit heat exchanger coil is disposed into operative heat exchanging position, directly or indirectly, with a return fluid stream of a heat source. In combination therewith is a multimodal dehumidification apparatus providing a valve for defining flow through a selected portion of dehumidification coils.

Abstract: The ancillary heat pump apparatus of the present invention for producing domestic hot water generally includes a domestic hot water heat pump having refrigerant and water circuits which are operatively disposed at the proximal ends thereof into close array at the heat exchanger of the domestic hot water heat pump. The refrigerant circuit of the domestic hot water heat pump hereof has a heat exchanger coil disposed at the distal end thereof, and the water circuit is connected at the distal end thereof to a hot water heater. In the apparatus of the present invention, the distal refrigerant circuit heat exchanger coil is disposed into operative heat exchanging position, directly or indirectly, with a return fluid stream of a heat source. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the heat source may be selected from the group consisting of (a) a space conditioning air stream heat pump, (b) a heating and air conditioning system, and (c) a hydronic distribution HVAC system.

Abstract: A variable air volume system for processing an enclosure is shown and described. The system includes an improved damper assembly, having independently operated damper elements, and an air mover control responsive to the damper assembly.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an air processing system for an enclosed area having a plenum. The system includes an air processing means in communication with the plenum and responsive to a temperature sensing means, air-passing light fixtures for lighting the enclosed area, return air means through which the air processing means receives return air via two separate paths, one being in heat exchange relationship with the light fixtures, damper means for controlling the passage of air through the return air means, power exhaust means and ventilation means for exhausting air from the plenum and enclosure to achieve volume balance. The damper means is constructed and arranged so as to maximize the use of heat from the light fixtures whenever heating is required in the enclosed area and to discharge heat from the light fixtures to the atmosphere whenever cooling is required to reduce the cooling requirement.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an air processing system for an enclosed area that includes a plenum, an air processing unit communicating with the plenum and responsive to a temperature sensing means, air-passing light fixtures for lighting the enclosed area, duct means through which the air processing unit receives return air via two separate paths, one being in heat exchange relationship with the light fixtures, damper means for controlling the passage of air through the duct means, and exhaust means for exhausting air from the plenum to the atmosphere. The damper means are constructed and arranged so as to maximize the use of heat from the light fixtures whenever heat is required in the enclosed area and to discharge such heat from the light fixtures to the atmosphere in order to reduce the cooling requirement when cooling is required in the enclosed area.