Abstract: The present combined multi-modal apparatus involves: (a) apparatus for cooling, by means of a refrigerant circulating within coils disposed in a tank a negative heat energy storage material during a first time period; (b) associated apparatus for utilizing that stored negative heat energy during a second time period; and (c) most particularly, a tank by-pass structure for directly connecting a condensing unit and an evaporating unit during a third time period, such as for example when supplemental cooling is required. Specifically, the tank by-pass structure avoids circulation during the third time period of the refrigerant within the conduits or coils disposed within the negative heat energy storage material contained within the tank.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of air outlets, refrigeration apparatus operable to make ice by pumping heat from water to a heat sink and to store the ice, a coil for dehumidifying outside air or a mixture of outside air and return air, means for causing air to be dehumidified to flow in heat transfer relationship with the coil, means for circulating dehumidified air to the air outlets, means operable to control the moisture content and temperature of the dehumidified air, means operable to control the rates at which dehumidified air is delivered by the air outlets to the spaces they serve to ones not less than the predetermined minimum rate, and means for controlling the temperature of the air delivered to the air outlets to maintain the temperature of the spaces within control limits. Each of the air outlets is operable to deliver air to a space to be conditioned.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for electronically controlling the size of an ice bank, particularly as used in beverage dispensing equipment. A single pair of probes provide for both establishing a reference conductivity value of the water so that the present invention is adaptable to a wide variance in water qualities. In addition, the single pair of sensors also provide for sensing the physical size of the ice bank.

Abstract: An improved cooling medium for use in a thermal energy storage system is disclosed. The cooling medium comprises water, 1-fluoro-1,1-dichloroethane (HCFC-141b), as the guest molecule and a surfactant selected from the group consisting of DRSC.RTM., EMPHOS PS-21A.RTM., MAPHOS L13.RTM., or MAZEEN C-Z.RTM., POE(2) COCOAMINE. It has been found that any of the above surfactants, and preferably DRSC.RTM. and EMPHOS PS-21A.RTM. encourage clathrate formation at surfactant concentrations far below 300 ppm. Clathrate formation, and the overall efficiency of the thermal energy storage system is increased when the cooling medium of the present invention is used.

Abstract: An open top tank is provided in which slush ice may be rapidly formed by a method forcibly projecting the formed slush ice from the tank or by a method retaining the slush ice within the tank for removal therefrom by other means. In addition, the tank may be used to cool liquid therein such as proplylene glycol down to -20.degree. F.-30.degree. F. degrees such that food stuffs may be dipped into the chilled propylene glycol for quick freezing of the food. The tank is portable and needs only a supply of liquid CO.sub.2 under pressure and propylene glycol (or water if slush ice is to be formed).

Abstract: This dislcosure is directed to a device and method for forming ice around a beverage container such as a bottle of liquor. An upper piece preferably shaped like the beverage container and hollow is connected to a lower base piece after inverting the hollow upper piece and after inserting both the beverage container and water surrounding the beverage container within the upper hollow piece. Freezing of the combined upper and lower pieces after reversing the pieces to an upright position with the upper piece on top causes ice to form around the beverage container. Removal of the hollow upper container leaves and ice clad beverage container which keeps the beverage i.e. liquor very cold for use.

Abstract: A thermal storage apparatus comprises a series of stacked heat exchange modules. Each module extends horizontally and comprises channels separated by corrugations. Each channel has underneath it a heat exchange fluid pipe through which a primary or secondary coolant circulates. An inlet pipe delivers the phase change medium, for example water, to the lower most module from which it circulates to the top of the apparatus. The modules are stacked by the wall of a module engaging a groove of the next module above it.

Abstract: Gas hydrate thermal energy storage system and process useful for heating, air conditioning and process cooling, in which a liquid phase and a vapor phase of a 3-component mixture of a refrigerant, heat transfer oil and water, are maintained in an enclosed vessel, emulsified by a mixer and cooled (charged) by one of two internal heat exchangers, stored in its cooled state in the vessel, and later discharged via the other internal heat exchanger.

Abstract: A vented cold tank is provided and partially filled with a eutectic solution. CO.sub.2 snow forming structure is provided within the interior of the tank above the level of eutectic solution therein and liquid CO.sub.2 injection structure is provided in an lower portion of tank below the level of eutectic solution and arranged to create circulation of the eutectic solution within the tank including generally opposite upper and lower horizontal components of movement and generally opposite vertical components of movement of the solution within the tank. The CO.sub.2 injection structure also is operative to educt a portion of the circulating solution from a lower portion of the interior of the tank adjacent the bottom thereof, mix CO.sub.2 snow with the educted portion of solution, and downwardly direct the mixed CO.sub.

Abstract: A chill water system combining a storage vessel 10, a multiplicity of ice encapsulating units 11 contained in the vessel and a chiller system 60. The storage vessel contains a volume or glycol and water solution having a freezing point of about twenty six degrees F. The ice encapsulating units 11 comprise sealed containers filled with a deionized water. The containers have imperfect geometric shape and deformable wall structures to permit an increasee in enclosed volume as said water therein freezes. Chiller system 60 is operatively associated with the vessel and cools the glycol and water solution to about twenty six degrees to freeze the water in the containers 11. A topping tank 90 and an inventory tank 93 receive liquid from the storage vessel 10 as the ice encapsulating units 11 freeze and expand in volume.

Abstract: An ice thermal storage apparatus that uses ice as a thermal storage material, wherein without using a brine that is a heat transfer medium for chilling water to form ice, a thermal storage material in the form of an aqueous solution to which an additive is added so that supercooling can be secured stably is supercooled to the freezing point or below directly by a refrigerating apparatus, the supercooled aqueous solution is made into ice in the form of sherbet by a desupercooling apparatus over a thermal storage tank, and the remaining thermal storage material having the freezing temperature that has not been made into ice is sent again into the refrigerating apparatus to form a cycle so that ice can be formed in the thermal storage tank continuously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal storage tank for the long term storage of a thermal storage medium whose energy is available on demand for satsifying cooling or heating loads. The tank may be earth excavated and include side walls of a ligthweight, high strength concrete that retains its thermal insulating characteristics even when exposed to groundwater. A unique inverted frustrum shape for the tank offers numerous advantages. In association with a cold storage tank, a novel submerged, single point ice introduction system provides a much improved formation of the ice mass in the tank. Also provided for the cold storage tank is a novel floating top that provides a ballast effect to keep the ice mass submerged.

Abstract: A coolant recooler (1) partially filled with a cooling fluid is cooled, in a first process step, to such a low temperature that the thus-produced and stored amount of cold is sufficient for cooling, in a subsequent process step, the coolant of a heat-producing, water-cooled apparatus (4) to be connected, during its operating period. The coolant recooler (1) is movable and connectible, for cooling purposes, to the coolant circuit of the apparatus (4). During the cooling operation, no active refrigerating machine (3) is in operation. After termination of the cooling operation, the coolant recooler (1) is uncoupled from the apparatus (4), transported away, and subsequently its cooling fluid is recooled. The amount of cold still available in each particular case is indicated by a display.

Abstract: A thermally insulated ice-cap prevention barrier in an ice bank, extending across the container thereof above a brine-conducting tube bundle immersed in a phase-change material, to prevent freezing of the phase-change material in an expansion space above the barrier and below a cover on the container.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus is disclosed which is adapted for use in motor vehicles to provide immediate cooling, or for use in buildings to provide local area cooling or a reduction in peak energy demand. The apparatus comprises a reservoir which is composed of a plurality of separate containers, each containing water and a gas capable of forming a gas hydrate with the water at a transition temperature above 32.degree. F. Also, at least one movable member is positioned in each container, which serves to facilitate the formation of the gas hydrate at or below the transition temperature. In one specific embodiment, the reservoir is positioned in the circulating air duct in a motor vehicle, so as to permit immediate cooling air flow upon the entry of an occupant. In another embodiment, the reservoir is part of an air conditioning unit which is able to provide cooling in local areas of a building, and to transfer the cooling power load to off-peak hours.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus having a cold accumulating cycle including a first compressor, a first condensor, a first decompressing mechanism and a heat accumulator and a refrigerating cycle including a second compressor, a second condensor, a second decompressing mechanism and an evaporator, wherein the heat accumulating cycle and the refrigerating cycle are provided independently of each other and in that a cooling device using the evaporator as cooling means serves for cooling by utilizing heat accumulated in the heat accumulator thereby constituting a cold transfer circuit.

Abstract: A latent heat storage tank is filled with antifreeze solution such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, calcium chloride and a plurality of bundles of cylindrical latent heat containers in the form of tubes or pipes which float perpendicularly to the antifreeze surface. The antifreeze solution is circulated by a refrigerator provided outside the latent heat storage tank. Each cylindrical latent heat container contains water or other liquid which is cooled to become ice by said antifreeze solution which has been cooled by said refrigerator driven by inexpensive night time electric power.

Abstract: A coolness storage air conditioner appliance in which water is frozen in chambers during protracted charging cycles by refrigeration apparatus of sufficiently low capacity to permit heat discharge into an interior air space and is melted during brief cooling cycles by air circulated through passageways in heat-transfer relation with the ice, the discharged circulated air thereby cooling the interior air space.

Abstract: An ice slurry is produced at the triple point of water in a freezer vessel having vertical freezer tubes on which feed water falls as an outside film and coolant tubes on which cold coolant falls as an outside film, with the liquid coolant and liquid feed distributed to the tubes by a pan over the tubes. The resulting warmer coolant flows to a collecting pan at the vessel bottom and then through an outlet for withdrawing the coolant from the vessel, while the ice slurry is withdrawn through an outlet at the vessel bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing an ice slurry of a aqueous liquid is disclosed. A storage tank contains an ice slurry which is in the form of a layer of ice (i.e., an ice cap) floating on liquid. Liquid is pumped out from the lower part of the storage tank and fed to the top of the storage tank. The liquid which is fed to the top of the ice storage tank is returned to the lower part of the tank substantially without contacting the layer of ice contained therein via a vertically oriented tube. By pumping the liquid out of the lower part of the storage tank and recirculating it, pressure build-up due to the ice cap is controlled. In one embodiment, the liquid to be stored is a fruit juice such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, grape juice, apple juice, or the like.

Abstract: A pumped loop heat transfer system which also stores energy by means of freezing part of the heat transfer liquid. A combination of immiscible liquids is used as the heat transfer fluid in a pumped system with heat exchangers at both the heat sink and the heat source. The liquids have different enough freezing points so that one will solidify in advance of the others, and the liquids are selected for the heat transfer application so that one liquid always remains in the liquid state. The freezing of one component at the heat sink helps to assure the other components will remain liquid, and the remaining liquid prevents expansion related stress and destruction and provides for easy startup of the system, since it begins heat transfer immediately, and its circulation past the frozen component quickly liquifies the solid.

Abstract: A coldness generating apparatus comprising: an absorption type refrigerator having an evaporator for evaporating refrigerant, an absorber in which an absorbent for absorbing the thus-evaporated refrigerant steam is contained, a regenerator for heating and condensing the absorbent which has been diluted by the refrigerant steam, and a condenser for condensing and liquidizing the refrigerant steam which has been evaporated by heating and condensing the absorbent. A regenerating tank regenerates coldness generated by the evaporator, and the refrigerant comprises refrigerant having the solidification temperature lower than the freezing point so that coldness which is lower than the freezing point and which has been generated in the evaporator is regenerated in the form of ice or ice slurry. Since coldness can be regenerated at high density, cooling performance can be improved.

Abstract: A tube type freezing unit of the present invention employs as a low-temperature heat accumulating material an aqueous solution of bromide of a low concentration. A plurality of thin tubes are accommodated in a shell, and a non-freezing liquid or a refrigerant is passed into the shell around the tubes. A sherbet-like slush is generated in a freezing mode by filling the tubes with the aqueous solution of bromide of a low concentration which serves as the low-temperature heat accumulating solution and then by passing a non-freezing liquid having a temperature of about -5.degree. C. or a refrigerant whose vaporization temperature is about -5.degree. C. around the tubes which contain the aqueous solution of bromide in a stationary state. The aqueous solution of bromide does not freeze. So, the sherbet-like slush is generated in the solution. An aqueous solution of bromide of a low concentration has a freezing point of about -1.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling system with supplemental thermal storage. The cooling system comprises a compressor, an evaporative condenser, a thermal storage unit, and an evaporator. During normal outdoor temperatures when building cooling is desired, the compressor output is connected to the evaporative condenser which in turn is connected to the evaporator coil. During periods of time when the building is not occupied, the evaporator coil is removed from the cooling circuit and the working fluid passing through coils in the thermal storage unit acts to freeze liquid surrounding the coils within the thermal storage unit tank. During unusually warm outdoor temperatures, when additional building cooling is required, the compressor output is connected to the evaporative condenser which in turn is connected to the thermal storage unit which output is in turn connected to the evaporative coil.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling the thickness of an ice bank as might typically be found in the beverage dispenser field, wherein the method has the steps of attaching an ice sensor to the cooling coils of the ice bank reservoir, selecting and setting an operatively fixed but user-selectable space between the sensor and the cooling coils, freezing a portion of water to form the ice bank, sensing the formation of ice at the sensor, and controlling the freezing responsive to the sensing of ice. The apparatus is usually flat and manufactured from a single piece of injection molded plastic. Included within a first region are a curved portion for interweaving between adjacent cooling coils, and a strap for wrapping around an additional cooling coil spaced from the adjacent coils. The apparatus bends to form a substantially triangular support for the sensor. The sensor is retained by clips to the second region and extends outside of the triangular area bounded by the three portions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A chill water system combining a storage vessel 10, a multiplicity of ice encapsulating units 11 contained in the vessel and a chiller system 60. The storage vessel contains a volume of glycol and water solution having a freezing point of about twenty six degrees F. The ice encapsulating units 11 comprise sealed containers filled with a deionized water and having a volume of powdered cholesterol therein to serve as an ice nucleating agent to lower the initial ice formation temperature of the unit. The containers have imperfect geometric shape and deformable wall structures to permit an increase in enclosed volume as said water therein freezes. Chiller system 60 is operatively associated with the vessel and cools the glycol and water solution to about twenty six degrees to freeze the water in the containers 11. A topping tank 90 and an inventory tank 93 receive liquid from the storage vessel 10 as the ice encapsulating units 11 freeze and expand in volume.

Abstract: A plurality of generally rectangular PCM (phase-change material) containers for use in a TES (thermal energy storage) system wherein each container is shaped to lock-support at least one pair of superimposed adjacent containers so that each row of containers is offset from each other. In one embodiment each container is cross-sectioned in the general shape of a bow tie or an hour glass so that there is a recessed or depressed portion in the top and the bottom of the container running the full length thereof. Further, the top and bottom surface material of each container is shaped in the form of an undulating wave pattern that extends in the longitudinal direction parallel to the long axes of the aforementioned depressed portions, and the node portions of which are provided with grooves or flow channels which extend in a lateral dimension, normal to the long axes, so as to circumscribe the container.

Abstract: An adsorption cooler operating in accordance with the periodical adsorption principle and consisting of at least one adsorption container filled with zeolite. At least one condenser with a collecting container for the water which desorbs from the zeolite and an insulated cooling container which may be closed by a shut-off member are serially connected with the adsorption container. In the cooling container, the adsorption cooler generates ice in stages which acts as a cold buffer. The system is usable for example in solar cooling systems, vehicle air conditioning units and air conditioning insulation as well as beverage coolers.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus is disclosed which is adapted for use in motor vehicles to provide immediate cooling, or for use in buildings to provide local area cooling or a reduction in peak energy demand. The apparatus comprises a reservoir which is composed of a plurality of separate containers, each containing water and a gas capable of forming a gas hydrate with the water at a transition temperature above 32.degree. F. Also, at least one movable member is positioned in each container, which serves to facilitate the formation of the gas hydrate at or below the transition temperature. In one specific embodiment, the reservoir is positioned in the circulating air duct in a motor vehicle, so as to permit immediate cooling air flow upon the entry of an occupant. In another embodiment, the reservoir is part of an air conditioning unit which is able to provide cooling in local areas of a building, and to transfer the cooling power load to off-peak hours.

Abstract: A system for controlling the HVAC system of a building to reduce overall electrical costs is disclosed. The system develops an energy usage and storage strategy which is a function predicted ambient temperatures, predicted building load requirements and the power company's rate structure.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser of the post mix type having evaporator coils configured in a particular manner to form a slab of ice within a cooling chamber, the formation of which slab of ice is controlled by a thermostat so that a vertically oriented passage is formed in the center of the slab to allow the rotation of an impeller shaft. With the cooling chamber and a passage for connecting with dispenser valves being insulated beneath and beside the compressor and other heat generating components of the cooling unit, the impeller is thus able to operate beneath the ice slab to circulate cooled water around beverage conduits that are layered in a compact configuration, the overall arrangement of the beverage dispenser being compact and resulting in a easily serviceable beverage dispenser having a low profile while also providing a relatively large ice bank and enabling optimum heat exchange between the beverage conduits and the slab of ice without causing freezing of the beverages.

Abstract: An improved refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant vapor is compressed, condensed and then evaporated for cooling purposes by direct contact with a liquid to be cooled, the improvement comprising feeding a refrigerant vapor to an aqueous liquid sealed compressor; feeding compressor sealing aqueous liquid to the compressor; compressing the refrigerant vapor in the compressor and removing a mixture of compressed refrigerant vapor and aqueous liquid from the compressor; separating aqueous liquid from the refrigerant vapor and returning the aqueous liquid to the compressor; condensing the refrigerant vapor to a liquid, directly contacting the liquefied refrigerant with a liquid to be cooled; and, returning the refrigerant vapor to the compressor.

Abstract: A cold drink dispenser and, more particularly a refrigeration system for such a dispenser, is disclosed. The dispenser has a beverage flow path, a first coil or evaporator for prechilling a beverage flowing through the beverage flowpath, and a second or ice bank coil immersed in a liquid bath with the flowpath also immersed in the ice bath. A first modulatable expansion valve (e.g., a pulse modulated solenoid valve) is used to regulate the flow of refrigerant through the first coil and a second modulatable valve is used to regulate the flow of refrigerant through the ice bank coil. A control system (e.g., a microprocessor-based control) monitors certain temperatures and initiates or blocks the flow of refrigerant through one or both of the coils in response to certain pre-established system paramaters so as to insure that the beverage dispensed is below a desired temperature, even under high load operating conditions.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus for a building having an electrical grid operatively connected to receive electricity from a utility is disclosed. The apparatus includes compression refrigeration apparatus with an electric motor connected to drive a compressor, absorption refrigeration apparatus, a cogenerator, an air handler, induction mixing units, a system for circulating air to be conditioned through the air handler and then to said induction mixing units, apparatus for transferring heat from air in the air handler to ice, a heat transfer system connecting the absorption refrigeration apparatus to pump heat to a heat sink from air in the induction mixing units or from air in the air handler, electric circuitry connecting the electric motor of the compression refrigeration apparatus to the building electrical grid for energization, and a heat transfer system for transferring heat generated by the cogenerator into energizing relationship with the absorption refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accumulating and restituting cold, the apparatus comprising a storage vessel containing a heat-exchanging and cold-accumulating liquid mixed with a mass of rigid aggregates of crystals of frozen liquid, the crystals being obtained by freezing the liquid by atomization of a refrigerating fluid contacted directly by the liquid, means to create during the cold accumulation phase a piston composed of a homogeneous, porous and compact mass of rigid aggregates of crystals of the liquid, means to deposit the crystals evenly on top of the piston, and means to resorb the piston from the top.

Abstract: A container includes a closed variable-volume container body, and a central stem secured in the container body. The central stem generally extends along the axis of the container body and has a plurality of branches generally extending radially outwardly from its full length. When the container body is filled with water and cooled, the central stem serves as a core on which ice deposits so that the temperature at which the water begins to solidify is raised.

Abstract: A vented cold tank is provided and partially filled with a eutectic solution. CO.sub.2 snow forming structure is provided within the interior of the tank above the level of the eutectic solution therein and liquid CO.sub.2 injection means is provided in a lower portion of the tank below the level of eutectic solution and arranged to create circulation of the eutectic solution within the tank including generally opposite horizontal and generally opposite vertical component of movement of the solution within the tank. Further, structure is provided for communicating the CO.sub.2 snow forming means and the liquid CO.sub.2 injection means with the same source of liquid CO.sub.2 under pressure.

Abstract: A differential ice sensing system and method for a cold drink beverage dispenser or the like is disclosed. The beverage dispenser has an ice bath cooling tank containing a supply of water. A refrigerated cooling surface is provided within the tank so as to freeze a portion of the water into a body of ice. The beverage dispenser has a beverage flow path which is cooled by the liquid in the ice bath. The differential ice sensing system comprises a first conductivity (or impedance) probe which is disposed in the water of the ice bath at a position where it will sense the conductivity of the ice when the body of ice formed on the refrigerated surface attains a predetermined size. A second conductivity probe is disposed within the liquid so that it is maintained in conductivity sensing relationship with the liquid.

Abstract: An ice builder coil has two or more coil sections, one above the other, supplied with refrigerant from a low pressure receiver, each coil section having an individual vapor return line to the low pressure receiver, the flow through the lower coil section being controlled by an ice thickness sensor associated with the lower coil section.

Abstract: A chiller system for satisfying a cyclical cooling load including a fuel-fired prime mover and compressor set and a cold storage bank. The prime mover compressor set is sized for efficient, substantially continuous operation from cycle to cycle and the cold storage is sized to provide any short term deficiency of cooling rate in the prime mover compressor set. The prime mover compressor set is preferably operated during periods of cooling demand and is modulated in output capacity to extend real time matching of cooling delivery rate and consumption. A condenser reset temperature feature takes advantage of cyclic changes in operation to improve efficiency.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for thermal storage improved to deliver cold liqud refrigerant during a supply cycle by freezing storage liquid envelopes only on tubes defining refrigerant flow paths during an ice production and storage cycle and extending the effective flow paths during the supply cycle through supplementary conduits immersed in free storage liquid which is chilled by the exterior of the frozen envelopes.

Abstract: A system for ice storage provides time offset cooling to a cooling system. A tank defines a storage chamber including inlet and outlet ports through which circulates a heat transfer medium, and a plurality of buoyant panels filled with a storage medium are arranged for receiving, storing, and releasing thermal energy carried by the heat transfer medium. As the phase of the storage medium changes, flow paths past the panels are progressively occluded or widened. In a preferred embodiment, each panel is formed of a thin film material, such as a PVC plastic, with opposing sides of the panel fused together at discrete points to define a quilted bag-like structure having a defined maximum thickness and a generally undulating outer surface which allows passage of the transfer medium between adjacent bags. Granular ballast at the bottom of each bag maintains alignment and prevents thermal creeping. Bouyant spacers at the top define a self-aligning array.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system comprises a closed container, containing a storage medium capable of forming clathrate crystals, an emulsifier pump for intimately mixing the storage medium into a homogeneously suspended mixture and a heat exchanger for forming a cooled solution from the emulsified storage medium. The cooled solution is reinjected into the container under pressure by a plurality of nozzles to mix the storage medium and to form clathrate crystals. The system utilizes the latent and sensible heats of clathrate hydrate storage materials to promote effective heat transfer into and out of the system.

Abstract: An air conditioning system characterized by a multiplicity of conditioned zone and downsized compressors within separately operable mechanical refrigeration air conditioners which can be of varied types including simple refrigeration units or heat pump units and either of which can be air source or water source, and each of which is equipped with a wet economizer air cooling coil, and which also can be equipped with a charging coil, and all of which are connected by control valves into a common support system for the on-peak storage of chilled water and tempered water and with an ice maker supplying ice water, the compressors of the air conditioners and of the ice maker being deactivated during on-peak power periods, and the tempered water of the support system incorporating a fire sprinkler system.

Abstract: The invention provides in one of its aspects a thermal storage heat exchanger. The heat exchanger receives through a first input a slurry of fine ice particles in an aqueous solution having a concentration below its eutectic concentration, the ice particles and solution being stored in said heat exchanger as a porous ice bed and a substantially ice-free liquid bath. The heat exchanger also receives heated aqueous solution through a second input and discharges liquid phase refrigerant through the first output. Distribution means are locatable above said ice bed within the heat exchanger to distribute the heated solution evenly through the porous ice bed.

Abstract: The brine tube of an ice thermal storage tank has a surface enhancement which provides nucleation sites for ice formation, and reduces the need to superchill the water. The tubing enhancement comprises a multiplicity of solid mineral particles distributed evenly over its surface. The particles have jagged, multi-faceted surfaces which adsorb air. When the brine in the tube cools the water to the freezing point, the adsorbed air coalesces into air bubbles that serve as nucleation sites. This permits freezing to initiate a temperature of about 31.5.degree. F.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for making, cooling and dispensing carbonated water or beverage wherein the method has the steps of providing a single supply of condensed refrigerant, discretely routing a first portion of the refrigerant to a precooler and precooling the water only to an intermediate moderate temperature of about 40 degrees F. (5 degrees C.) with the first refrigerant portion, carbonating the water before or after precooling, transferring the precooled and carbonated water to a final cooler of the ice bank type and final cooling the carbonated water and syrup to as close to 32 degrees F. (0 degrees C.) as is possible, and discretely routing a second portion of refrigerant to the ice bank. The discrete flow of refrigerant to the precooler and the discrete flow of refrigerant to the ice bank final cooler are each discretely controlled and portioned and routed, with this method and apparatus having extremely high efficiency and making very cold carbonated water reliably and without freeze ups.

Abstract: A cold storage container has chambers of a solidifiable liquid such as water immersed in a brine. The brine is circulated to heat exchange systems which can cool the brine to below the solidification temperature of the liquid and can extract heat from a space to cool the space. The chambers are preferably formed in sausage-shaped interconnected chambers which are free to move within the container and which occupy about 70% of the container volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for producing an ice slush from an aqueous liquid which passes through at least one conduit (1) having cooled walls, and in which ice particles (13) can form. For the purpose of preventing ice from building-up on the cooled conduit walls, the arrangement includes means (10) for creating at least one helical, rotational path (11, 12) in the liquid such as to cause the liquid to contact the cooled wall surfaces of the conduit. Due to the lower density of the ice particles (13) generated in the liquid, the ice particles are drawn towards the center of the helical liquid flow (11, 12), while the heavier liquid particles move out towards the cooled walls of the conduit, under the influence of the gravitational forces generated.

Abstract: A heat pump system comprising a lower temperature heat exchanger and a higher temperature heat exchanger. The lower temperature heat exchanger is connected to a water supply circuit having a reservoir, the improvement in the system comprising the water flowing through the low temperature heat exchanger capable of being cooled to a quasi-stable supercooled liquid state at temperatures below 0.degree. C. Part of the supercooled liquid water flowing from the lower temperature heat exchanger is transformed to ice upon contact with the water in the reservoir. That phase change can be utilized as the source of energy for the heat pump. The heat pump can be used for heating. The cold water/ice mixture can be used for space cooling. The ice obtained by this process is in the form of small ice crystals and can be utilized for separate applications of the system.