Abstract: An air conditioning method includes the steps of: dehumidifying an air stream to be provided to a building space by exposing the air stream to a liquid desiccant in a conditioner; diverting a portion of the air stream dehumidified in the conditioner to an air treatment unit acting as an evaporative chiller to that causes the portion of the dehumidified air stream to absorb water from a water source and thereby cool a heat transfer fluid, and providing the heat transfer fluid cooled in the air treatment unit to the conditioner to cool the air stream to be provided to the building space; and regenerating the liquid desiccant used in the conditioner.

Abstract: A supercritical carbon dioxide power generation system is provided. The supercritical carbon dioxide power generation system may include a regenerator, a turbine, a heat recoverer, a condenser, a compressor an expansion valve, a flash tank, a heat exchanger, and an ejector, and may utilize waste heat of the supercritical carbon dioxide power generation system.

Abstract: The integrated solar absorption heat pump system includes an absorption heat pump assembly (AHPA) having a generator, a condenser in fluid communication with the generator, an evaporator/absorber in fluid communication with the condenser and the generator, and a heat exchanger in communicating relation with the evaporator/absorber; a solar collector in fluid communication with the generator of the AHPA; a photovoltaic thermal collector in communicating relation with the evaporator/absorber of the AHPA; a plurality of pumps configured for pumping a fluid throughout the system to provide the desired heating or cooling; a power storage source, e.g., a solar battery, in communicating relation with the photovoltaic thermal collector; and a coil unit in communicating relation to the evaporator/absorber for receiving an air-stream. The absorption heat pump assembly can include an absorber and a solution heat exchanger.

Abstract: A water heater defines a vertical direction and includes a tank for holding water. The water heater further includes a shroud positioned over the tank along the vertical direction. The shroud defines a chamber over the tank, and includes a partition wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber portions. The water heater includes an evaporator disposed within the first chamber portion, and a compressor disposed within the second chamber portion. The partition wall is positioned between the evaporator and compressor within the chamber of the shroud. Further, the shroud defines a vent extending through the shroud to the chamber of the shroud. In one embodiment, the vent is contiguous with the first chamber portion.

Abstract: A system for providing cooling to a building includes a cooling tower for transferring waste heat from the building to the atmosphere and a liquid desiccant system for dehumidifying an air stream entering the cooling tower to increase cooling efficiency of the cooling tower. The liquid desiccant system includes a conditioner and a regenerator. The conditioner utilizes a liquid desiccant for dehumidifying the air stream entering the cooling tower. The regenerator is connected to the conditioner for receiving dilute liquid desiccant from the conditioner, concentrating the dilute liquid desiccant using waste heat from the building, and returning concentrated liquid desiccant to the conditioner.

Abstract: Methods and devices for continuously producing liquid air. One embodiment includes bringing a first container confining an unpressurized first volume coupled to outer air in contact with a first cryogenic medium, and maintaining a temperature of the first cryogenic medium substantially higher than the boiling temperature of the first cryogenic medium for affecting continuous production of liquid air.

Abstract: A heat transfer device having a working fluid capable of circulating around a fluid flow path, the circulation around the fluid flow path bringing the working fluid in and out of thermal contact with a heat source, the heat transfer device comprising: a fluid containing portion internally defining a working fluid flow path; a heat source at least partially in thermal contact with the fluid containing portion; a gas substance generator at least partially within the fluid containing portion, and arranged to generate bubbles of vapor capable of driving the working fluid along a portion of the working fluid flow path in thermal contact with the heat source; wherein, in use, the driven working fluid absorbs heat from the heat source and transports the heat away from the heat source; and the driven working fluid returns to the gas substance generator to be recycled about the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A heat transfer component of a smart watch captures at least a portion of heat emitted by one or more electronic components located within an enclosure of the smart watch. The heat transfer component transfers at least a portion of the captured heat to a wrist band outside the enclosure of the smart watch. The wrist band allows for dissipation of at least a portion of the transferred heat through at least one surface of the wrist band.

Abstract: A thermal storage heat pump system transfers heat to a passenger compartment of a vehicle from at least one of a thermal storage device and ambient air. Heat from the thermal storage device is absorbed by a first coolant flowing through it, and is transferred to a refrigerant via a first heat exchanger. The heat is then transferred from the refrigerant to a second coolant via a second heat exchanger, and then from the second coolant to air flowing into the passenger compartment via a heater core. Heat from ambient air is absorbed by the refrigerant via a third heat exchanger. The heat source is determined by at least one of the thermal storage device temperature, ambient air temperature, and ambient air humidity. At start-up of the vehicle, heat transfer to the refrigerant and to the second coolant is controlled based on low-side and high-side pressure measurements of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A device for air conditioning a casing housing a first conduit taking a first air flow rate from outside, a second conduit taking a second air flow rate from the premise to be conditioned and in fluidic communication with the first conduit for mixing the respective flow rates, an adsorption unit operatively connected with the first conduit upstream of the second conduit for dehumidifying the first air flow rate, the first and second conduits having a common delivery section delivering a third air flow rate to the premise to be conditioned, a heating system delivering a fourth air flow rate to the adsorption unit at a higher temperature than outside for the regeneration thereof. The adsorption unit includes first and second portions adapted to be selectively and alternately crossed by the first and the fourth air flow rates. An air conditioning method using the above device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for providing cooling to a building includes a cooling tower for transferring waste heat from the building to the atmosphere and a liquid desiccant system for dehumidifying an air stream entering the cooling tower to increase cooling efficiency of the cooling tower. The liquid desiccant system includes a conditioner and a regenerator. The conditioner utilizes a liquid desiccant for dehumidifying the air stream entering the cooling tower. The regenerator is connected to the conditioner for receiving dilute liquid desiccant from the conditioner, concentrating the dilute liquid desiccant using waste heat from the building, and returning concentrated liquid desiccant to the conditioner.

Abstract: An exchanger for absorption or desorption of a refrigerant employs an ultra thin film (UTF) of a refrigerant solution constrained to a channel by a permeable membrane. The UTF has a thickness of about 250 ?m or less. The permeable membrane can be a nanostructured membrane, such as a membrane of nanofibers. The exchangers can be employed in an absorption refrigeration system (ARS) that use waste heat or solar heaters permitting the ARS to be less than one tenth the volume and mass of a conventional ARS.

Abstract: The intermittent absorption refrigeration system includes a primary circuit having a generator/absorber, a dephlegmator, a condenser, an evaporator, and solar collectors to provide heat to the generator. The system also includes an ejector-based secondary circuit having a generator/absorber, an ejector, a condenser, a refrigerant storage unit, and solar collectors. Both circuits are aqua-ammonia systems, using ammonia as the refrigerant and water as the absorber liquid. The ejector permits evaporation during the daytime and storage of liquid ammonia refrigerant that is used for cooling in the heat exchanger of the primary circuit condenser and in the primary circuit absorber, thus permitting the primary circuit evaporator to operate at lower temperatures for low temperature freezing applications in the daytime, even at high ambient temperature.

Abstract: A control device (1) for a hydraulic elevator drive (11) with a first and second control valve (21, 22) for controlling the volume flow of a working fluid wherein the flow is detected (610) and compared (52) with a reference value (51) and a pilot (3) with a first and second pilot valve (31, 32) to control the first and second control valve in which the pilot has an actuator (4) and a coupler (33) that can activate and decouple each pilot valve. A hydraulic drive system (16) for an elevator having the control device and a method for retrofitting such a drive system. The control device is simple in design and operation and provides for cost advantages and an increased reliability. The hydraulic drive system with the control device permits an overall improvement in the starting quality of an elevator by automatic compensation of drive-side and output-side interference variables and load-induced fluctuations in the working fluid pressure.

Abstract: A desiccant air conditioning system for treating an air stream entering a building space includes a conditioner, an air treatment unit, and a regenerator. The air treatment unit acts as an evaporative chiller in a warm weather operation mode to cool heat transfer fluid used in the conditioner. The evaporative chiller receives at least a portion of a dehumidified air stream exiting the conditioner and heat transfer fluid from the conditioner, and causes the portion of the dehumidified air stream to absorb water from a water source and thereby cool the heat transfer fluid. The regenerator receives liquid desiccant from the conditioner and absorbs water from the liquid desiccant.

Abstract: A liquid desiccant regeneration system and method of liquid desiccant regeneration are described. The liquid desiccant regeneration system includes a liquid desiccant regenerator having an engine producing a heated exit stream, and at least one dehydrating tube comprising a first water vapor permeable wall. A low concentration liquid desiccant stream feeds into the liquid desiccant regenerator, while a high concentration liquid desiccant stream exiting the liquid desiccant regenerator. A carrier stream and the low concentration liquid desiccant are in contact with opposite sides of the first water vapor permeable wall, and the low concentration liquid desiccant stream is heated by heat from the heated exit stream to drive water from the low concentration liquid desiccant stream through the first water vapor permeable wall to the carrier stream to form a humidified carrier stream.

Abstract: A desiccant air conditioning system for cooling an air stream entering a building space includes a conditioner and a regenerator. The conditioner includes structures arranged in a substantially vertical orientation that are spaced apart from each other with an air stream gap between each pair of adjacent structures. Each structure has a surface facing an air stream gap across which a liquid desiccant can flow. The air stream flows through the air stream gaps between the structures such that the liquid desiccant dehumidifies the air stream. Each structure further includes a separate desiccant collector at a lower end of the surface for collecting liquid desiccant that has flowed across the surface of the structure. The desiccant collectors are spaced apart from each other to permit airflow therebetween. A photovoltaic-thermal module heats a heat transfer fluid used to heat the liquid desiccant in the regenerator.

Abstract: A temperature control system, including a closed refrigerant circuit having an evaporator unit for absorbing heat via the refrigerant, thereby evaporating it, a compressor unit with a mechanical compressor for increasing the pressure of the refrigerant and a thermal collector for using an external heat source to increase the temperature of refrigerant within the circuit, and a condenser unit for rejecting heat from the refrigerant, liquefying it.

Abstract: A solar powered intermittent absorption refrigeration system utilizes helical coil heat exchangers for generation, absorption, dephlegmation, condensation and heat recovery. The thermo-siphon effect is used to supply and reject heat from the system, to recover and utilize heat from a waste energy unit, to reject heat of absorption, and to pressurize and depressurize the system. The system produces ice blocks during the nighttime without any requirement of electrical energy for the operation of the system.

Abstract: A thermogenerator including several thermocouples that are electrically connected together. The thermocouples are arranged between one hot side of the thermogenerator receiving a thermal flow and a cold side that is arranged at a distance from the hot side. The thermoelectric generator that at least temporarily uses the fed thermal energy efficiently. The thermoelectric generator can be designed as a module including a collector for a thermal solar system and the thermal carrier medium flowing through the collector is guided, at least temporarily, to a thermoelectric generator by a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system and method for conditioning the temperature of at least one fluid stream that is passed through a fuel cell stack is provided. The system comprises a system module, at least one inlet and a conditioning device. The system module is operable to humidify the fluid stream to a reach a predetermined humidity level that corresponds to a predetermined temperature. The one inlet of the fuel cell stack receives the fluid stream at a first temperature that is different from the predetermined temperature. The fuel cell stack includes at least one outlet operable to present coolant having a temperature that is different from the first temperature of the fluid stream. The conditioning device is operable to receive the fluid stream and the coolant and present the fluid stream to the coolant to change the first temperature of the fluid stream to be equal to the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A sunlight heat utilized steam absorption chiller is provided with a generator which uses steam generated by sunlight heat as a heat source, an absorber, an evaporator, and a condenser, and has a heat exchanger for allowing heat exchange between a dilute solution flowing from the absorber to the generator and a strong solution flowing from the generator to the absorber. The chiller is provided with a burning heat source for generating steam, and either the steam generated by the burning heat source or the steam generated using sunlight heat can be used as the heat source for the generator. The chiller is provided with a steam drain heat recovery unit for allowing heat exchange between at least part of the dilute solution flowing from the absorber to the generator and a steam drain discharged from the generator so as to allow heat recovery from the steam drain.

Abstract: A system configured to thermally regulate exhaust portions of a power plant system (e.g. steam turbine) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: a condenser adapted to connect to and thermally regulate exhaust portions of a steam turbine; and a cooling system operably connected to the condenser and adapted to supply a cooling fluid to the condenser, the cooling system including a solar absorption chiller adapted to adjust a temperature of the cooling fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides cooling apparatus comprising: a solar heat collection means (2); two or more absorption refrigeration modules (1), each module being arranged to receive heat from the heat collection means and to re-circulate refrigerant through an evaporator (16); and means for putting a fluid to be cooled into thermal contact with each of the evaporators.

Abstract: A non electric, temperature controlled system for passing or bypassing a solar water heating apparatus includes a temperature controlled water distribution valve directing water to flow from a main supply of water toward a user depending on the setting and configuration of the temperature controlled water distribution valve within the system.

Abstract: A modular heat exchange system having a refrigerant system for cycling a refrigerant through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, a heat source circulation system which circulates a heat exchange fluid between a heat source and the evaporator, a heat sink circulation system which circulates a heat absorption fluid between a heat sink and the condenser, a fluid management system having temperature gauges for respectively reading core temperatures of the heat source and the heat sink, and a thermal energy source from which thermal energy is transferred to the heat exchange fluid when the core temperature of the heat source falls below a threshold temperature while the core temperature of the heat sink is maintained at a constant temperature.

Abstract: An air conditioning system using a solar cell, which uses the electricity effectively by heating the heat devices for designated time and a method for driving the system. The air conditioning system includes a solar cell generating electricity from solar light, a power distribution control part controlling operating voltage of the electricity of the solar cell and distributing to a battery or to the heating element, a control terminal generating a user command signal and an interface part controlling the power distribution control part in response to a command signal from the control terminal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating/cooling system operating on the basis of a novel SPLIT BUFFER TANK; representing an efficiency improvement alternative to HVAC systems functioning with existing commercial buffer tanks. Currently, commercial buffers have the heat source provider (HSP)-return and system-return discharging to a common buffer/vessel. Novel SPLIT BUFFER is provided with a SEPARATION DISK placed inside the tank as mechanical way of separating the hot water inflow from the HSP from the warmer water inflow from system return. The disk moves up and down along the tank driven by demanded water supply and return. Pump-1 circulates hot water from the hot section of the buffer to the secondary system claiming for heat. Pump-2 circulates warmer water from the warmer section of the buffer through the HSP where it is reheated, and subsequently stored in the hot section of the buffer to reinitiate this cycle again.

Abstract: A solar powered compressor and pump is disclosed having a trough-shaped parabolic reflector for heating a conduit of refrigerant as it passes through the system. The compressor/pump combination includes a lens that covers the reflector and insulates and protects the reflector from the elements while increasing the intensity of the sun's energy entering the reflector. The reflector converts the sun's energy into heat that superheats the refrigerant as it passes through the reflector, reducing or eliminating the amount of mechanical work that the system has to do to achieve the needed superheating stage.

Abstract: The apparatus has a cooling arrangement with an expander/compressor system, condenser and evaporator primarily for air conditioning. An external heat source is provided for transfer of heat to the expander housing. For example, this heating medium is an electrical heat source in thermal contact with the outer side of the expander housing. Alternatively, the expander is provided inside an externally heated liquid buffer tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cooling system which is so small in size so that it can be used as a building material. The design based on absorption and adsorption refrigeration cycle has been developed to fulfill this objective. The design has been developed such that the system is completely independent and does not require any other source of energy apart from solar heat. Also an effort is made to design the system so that the cooling capacity is automatically increased or decreased based on available solar heat energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile generator device (1) having at least one alignable solar panel (2a, 2b), wherein the solar panel (2a, 2b) can be moved in a transport position (TP) and at least one operating position (BP). The invention is characterized in that the generator device (1) has a housing shell (3a) with a peripheral area (4), wherein the solar panel (2a) is hinged to the housing shell (3a) so that the solar panel (2a) is in the transport position (TP) within the housing shell (3a) and does not project over the peripheral area (4). Moreover, the invention relates to a cooling system having the mobile generator device (1) according to the invention and a control, and a cooling device, in particular a freezer, having at least one cooling circuit, wherein the cooling circuit has a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser.

Abstract: An air dehumidification system includes a modified packed column air stripper for contacting humid air with a liquid desiccant. The dehumidification system also includes a solar distiller for regenerating the liquid desiccant through evaporation of water. The liquid desiccant may be a salt solution, more specifically, an aqueous solution of calcium chloride. The dehumidification system may also include an evaporative cooler for cooling dehumidified air exiting the air stripper. Condensate from the solar distiller may be directed to the evaporative cooler.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: A solar hot water and recovery system includes a water loop, a refrigerant loop and a solar loop. Cross-heat exchange occurs in a first heat exchanger between the heat transfer mediums of the refrigerant loop and the solar loop to produce a super-heated fluid stream which is returned to the air conditioning or heat pump unit. Cross-heat exchange also takes place in a second heat exchanger between the now-lower temperature heat transfer medium of the solar loop and the water loop to produce a heated water stream. The main objective of the system is to superheat refrigerant and use all excess heat for heating the water. The heat exchangers are preferably housed in the same heat recovery unit and arranged so that the refrigerant heat exchange area is before the water heat exchange area, thereby maximizing solar potential.

Abstract: A chemical heat pump includes a reactor part (1) that contains an active substance and an evaporator/condenser part (3) that contains that portion of volatile liquid that exists in a condensed state and can be absorbed by the active substance. A channel (4) interconnects the reactor part and the evaporator/condenser part. To heat the reactor part, a portion of this wall is arranged as a solar energy collector, which can result in a very compact structure. In at least the reactor part a matrix (13) is provided for the active substance so that the active substance both in its solid state and its liquid state or its solution phase is held or carried by or bonded to the matrix. The matrix is advantageously an inert material such as aluminium oxide and has pores, which are permeable for the volatile liquid and in which the active substance is located. In particular, a material can be used that has a surface or surfaces, at which the active substance can be bonded in its liquid state thereof.

Abstract: A seasonal thermal energy storage system for heat supply and removal, including an energy-storage device, a solar collector, a refrigerating unit, and a water supply device in closed-loop connection to a user terminal. The energy-storage device includes at least a heat source storage pond and a cold source storage pond. The heat source storage pond and the cold source storage pond are connected to water source via first water pumps. The water supply device includes a hot water supply pool connected to the heat source storage pond and a cold water supply pool connected to the cold source storage pond. The solar collector is connected to the heat source storage pond and the hot water supply pool via second water pumps. The refrigerating unit is connected to the hot water supply pool and the cold water supply pool via third water pumps.

Abstract: A ventilation system utilizing fans to bring air into a building and/or exhaust air out of the building powered at least in part by solar panels that can be quickly and easily mounted on the building, such as on roof vents, windows, and the like adjacent to the fans. A sensor may be operatively connected to a controller or logic circuit to measure environmental factors to determine whether to activate the fans. The ventilation system is configured to be a modular device with versatile fasteners for easy installment in windows, attics, or roof tops.

Abstract: A co-fired generator for use in a continuous-cycle absorption heating and cooling system may provide heat to the interior of an annulus chamber from a first heat exchanger, such as a firetube heat exchanger, supplemented by heat to the exterior of the annulus chamber from a second heat exchanger containing fluid heated by an external source. Some embodiments may circulate fluid heated in a solar-heated collector through the second heat exchanger. Other embodiments may route exhaust gas from a combustion engine through the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger may be provided with a plurality of fins to increase the surface area available for thermal transfer between the heated fluid and the annulus chamber.

Abstract: A high-efficiency HVAC system and method of operation, for use in a house or building, having a plurality of components, including flexible, plastic duct tubing forming supply pipes that connect an air handler and a plurality of zones to deliver supply air to the zones and return pipes that connect the air handler and the zones to re-circulate return air; the air handler having a fan assembly powered by a variable blower motor to blow supply air to the zones; a heat pump having a variable compressor powered by a variable compressor motor to direct a working fluid to and from the air handler and a variable fan motor that rotates a fan blade within the heat pump; and a circuit control system for adjusting the variable compressor motor and the variable fan motor in the heat pump and the variable blower motor in the air handler.

Abstract: To reduce power consumption and more efficiently cool computing devices in a data center, an air supply unit supplies air from outside the data center to an air handling unit, which cools servers within the data center using the supplied air. Using air from outside the data center, rather than recirculating and cooling air from within the data center, reduces the power consumption of the data center. In an embodiment, a chiller and/or an evaporative cooling system are coupled to the air supply unit to allow further cooling of the outside air before it is circulated. Heat generated by the servers within the data center is collected, for example using thermal pathways coupled to server components, and used by the chiller in an absorption or adsorption process to further reduce power consumption of the data center and allow the air handling unit to further cool the outside air.

Abstract: A Geothermal Rail Cooling and Heating System is a reversible system process that accelerates heat transfer between the steel rail used in railway track and the adjacent earth. It is comprised of the Rail Heat Exchangers specially shaped to fit tightly inside the rail web, a refrigerant cycling on its physical condensing and evaporative characteristics, a mechanical and power supply system, and an underground tubing loop system for heat dissipation or absorption. When the railroad track undergoes a range of temperature changes that results in rapid rail expansion, it may cause track buckling or sun kink. Upon detection of such occurrence, the system responds with cooling effect to slow down expansion, and simultaneously reduce the risk of track failure. By switching the direction of refrigerant flow utilizing the system built-in reversing valve, the function is alternated for the evaporator and condenser to enable heating instead of cooling.

Abstract: A solar thermal air conditioning unit is provided. The solar thermal air condition unit includes a pressurized water tank with a water entrance port for receiving water. A copper coil tube may be within the pressurized water tank. The copper coiled tube may include a liquid refrigerant inlet and a gas refrigerant outlet. A solar heat converter may be connected to the pressurized water tank and may heat the water within the pressurized water tank, thereby heating the copper coil tube. The liquid refrigerant may be injected into the copper coil tube via the liquid refrigerant inlet and travels through the copper coil and is heated, thereby turning the liquid refrigerant to a gas refrigerant.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: The invention utilizes concentrated solar energy in a novel air conditioning system which includes storage capabilities. The refrigerant circuit “high” pressure side is comprised of multiple solar concentrators placed between two positive rotary valves. The “low” pressure side is compromised of the evaporator coil with expansion valve. The refrigerant is confined between the two rotary valves. As solar energy is absorbed into the refrigerant, the pressure and temperature rise. The two rotary valves are then caused to rotate. With rotation, the refrigerant is moved through the circuit. The circuit also includes a condenser to give up heat and an evaporator/expansion valve in which temperature drops with the expanding gas. In addition, this system places the evaporator in a water tank. The water is made cold by conduction with the evaporator and serves as a storage medium. All energy absorbed is converted to cold and stored and utilized as required.

Abstract: A cooling system may include a desiccant wheel with a first section and a second section. An intake air supply may be connected to the first section, and an exhaust air supply may be connected to the second section. A heat pump may be provided and include a compressor, a first condenser, a second condenser, a third condenser, an expansion device, a control valve, and an evaporator. A high temperature fluid line may be provided and include a solar panel, a fluid tank, and at least one heat exchanger. One of the second condenser and the third condenser may provide heat to the fluid tank of the high temperature fluid line. The first condenser and the at least one heat exchanger may be disposed in the exhaust air supply to heat air which regenerates desiccant material as it passes through the second section. The regenerated desiccant material removes moisture from the intake air passing through the first section.

Abstract: A system for conditioning air in a structure includes a first conditioning system and a second conditioning system. The first conditioning system is capable of supplying conditioned air to a first space of the structure. The first space is enclosed, at least in part, by one or more external walls. The second conditioning system is capable of supplying conditioned air to a second space of the structure that is located above the first space. The second space is enclosed, at least in part, by a roof that is sealed to prevent a flow of air between the second space and an outside environment. The first space and the second space are separated by a ceiling that permits thermal energy to pass between the first space and the second space.

Abstract: A method for chilling a building includes the steps of: heating a working solution contained in a solar panel using solar radiation, separating the heated working solution in vapor and a concentrated working solution, condensing the vapor to liquid refrigerant, evaporating the liquid refrigerant, (i) in a building to be chilled or (ii) outside a building to be chilled, wherein the cooling obtained by evaporation is transferred to a cooling liquid outside the building and transported to the building to be chilled for delivery of the cooling, absorbing in an absorber the vapor in the concentrated working solution, and returning the working solution to the first step.

Abstract: A hybrid heating and/or cooling system may combine different energy sources (e.g., solar and geothermal) into a single system. The hybrid heating and/or cooling system may include one or more heat pumps, a heat exchanger system, a solar and/or waste energy system, and a delivery system for delivering heat (and/or cool air) to a space such as a building. These systems may be interconnected and controlled using various conduits, pumps, valves and controls. The solar energy system may provide heat (e.g., low grade heat) to the working fluid at the input to the source side of the heat pump and/or may provide heat (e.g., high grade heat) to the delivery system for direct solar and/or waste energy heating.

Abstract: A hybrid multi-source system that is used to heat or cool a building. The system utilizes a heat pump or similar HVAC unit. A solar/air heat exchanger is provided. At least one ground heat exchanger is utilized. A plumbing network interconnects the heat pump, the solar/air heat exchanger, and the ground heat exchanger. A heat transfer fluid circulates through the plumbing network. Temperature sensors are used to monitor temperatures of the heat transfer fluid at multiple points in the system. At least one pump circulates the heat transfer fluid through the plumbing network. Valves are disposed within the plumbing network that can selectively isolate the heat pump, the solar/air heat exchanger, and the ground heat exchanger. A systems controller is coupled to the temperature sensors, the valves, and pump. The system operates in multiple modes which allow for higher efficiency and long term underground thermal storage.