Abstract: A sealed, pressurized thermal storage system (20) which uses ice as the static thermal storage medium. The system is applicable to diverse cooling and storage requirements such as air conditioning and other relatively large scale cooling loads. The heart of the system is one or more ice-storage chilled water heat exchangers (21, 40) which form a closed pressurized water circulation system (21) with the loads (22) for circulating chilled water thereto. A refrigeration piping system (55, 57) circulates refrigerant through the water heat exchanger(s) (21, 40) for cooling the sealed water system and for making and storing ice along the refrigerant piping (55) within the water heat exchanger (40). An overflow/return circuit (27) compensates for pressure variations within the sealed water system, e.g., to accommodate volume changes in the stored ice.

Abstract: To provide a cooling arrangement utilizing liquid coolant, and capable of operating at or near the freeze point of the liquid coolant so as not to freeze solid, a steady state heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger includes a liquid impingement plate having a liquid carrying channel therein, a liquid supply tube for spraying liquid into the liquid carrying channel, and a liquid containment plate disposed in spaced relation to the liquid carrying channel which, together with the liquid impingement plate, defines a liquid flow chamber therebetween. Additionally, the heat exchanger includes a liquid inlet in communication with the liquid supply tube and a liquid outlet in communication with the liquid flow chamber, and utilizes a central thermal bus in heat exchange relation to the liquid impingement plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing an ice cooled fan screen. The invention is composed of a support frame into the top of which is designed a chamber suitable for holding ice. The chamber has a floor which slopes towards one side of the screen so that melting ice water will collect there. Connected to the floor at the lower end of the chamber is a hollow copper tube which receives the ice water and directs it through a series of "S" turns downward to the base of the support frame. The end of the copper tube has a positive shut off valve so that the ice water may be retained within the tube as long as desired. The base of the support is further designed to provide for a melted ice chamber. Located within this chamber is a removable refreezing tray which is connected to the positive shut off valve by a draining means. As described, the ice cooled fan screen is suitable for placement in front of any common fan to provide for a unique, inexpensive means to substantially cool living, working and playing areas.

Abstract: A method comprising feeding a liquefied refrigerant gas into direct contact with aqueous liquid in an enclosed vessel to chill or cool the liquid and/or produce ice crystals and vaporize the refrigerant by heat exchange with the aqueous liquid; feeding a mixture of cold aqueous liquid and/or ice and refrigerant from the vessel to an enclosed storage tank to provide cold aqueous liquid and/or ice therein; removing refrigerant vapor from the storage tank; converting the refrigerant vapor to liquid refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle and feeding the liquid refrigerant back to the enclosed vessel; and withdrawing aqueous liquid from the storage tank and feeding it to the enclosed vessel; with all said refrigerant and aqueous liquid streams and volumes being in a single closed system such that refrigerant and aqueous liquid are not lost except by inadvertent leaks and consumption of such materials is avoided because they are not withdrawn from the system.

Abstract: An artificial iceberg is constructed in an area near the ocean, which has a plentiful supply of fresh water and a climate in which the temperature remains below freezing for extended periods of time. An air pocket is created by fixing a sheet of plastic to a suitable base. Fresh water is then sprayed in layers atop the air pocket until the desired thickness is obtained. Said artificial iceberg will also have tow ropes and Horizontal Drift Eliminators (H.D.E.) implanted during manufacture to facilitate transportation on large bodies of water.

Abstract: This invention is a process for formation of a gas hydrate to be used as a cool storage medium using a refrigerant in water. Mixing of the immiscible refrigerant and water is effected by addition of a surfactant and agitation. The difficult problem of subcooling during the process is overcome by using the surfactant and agitation and performance of the process significantly improves and approaches ideal.

Abstract: A low temperature air conditioning system provides primary air through smaller than normal ductwork and at a lower than normal temperature (such as 40.degree. F.) at peak load conditions. The primary air is mixed in branch ducts with return air taken from the conditioned space. Low pressure fans pull the return air into mixing boxes equipped with dampers which maintain the downstream temperature in the branch ducts at a normal supply air temperature (such as 55.degree. F.). Variable air volume terminal units discharge the air into the conditioned space. The small fans require only low horsepower and allow a smaller than normal central fan to be used. The cooling coil is cooled by a variable suction temperature refrigeration system which may be operated at night in conjunction with an ice storage system to minimize the demand for mechanical refrigeration during peak daytime hours. This arrangement permits the refrigeration machine to be smaller than normal and to consume less power during peak daytime hours.

Abstract: An ice bank control system for a beverage dispenser for preventing the unnecessary erosion of the ice bank when the dispenser is idle or inactive, and for thus increasing the draw capacity of the dispenser. The control system includes a pair of ice bank sensors for sensing first and second locations of the surface of the ice bank, the second sensor being spaced further from the cooling coils than is the first sensor. Each sensor generates an electrical signal which, through appropriate electrical control circuitry, controls the on/off mode of the electrical motor that drives the water agitator and also the electrical motor that operates the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the provision of cooling through the utilization of aerosol sprays is disclosed. The hot water output of a load device is stored until low ambient temperatures exist, whereupon the hot water is atomized and exposed to the ambient air to be cooled thereby. A spray cooling system can also be combined with an artificial ice making system to provide even lower load device input temperatures. Specialized insulating devices can be used in connection with the artificially made ice to decrease the heat transfer between the ice and the ambient air during warm weather.

Abstract: A dual temperature refrigeration system which includes a first and second evaporator coil which chills water and freezes water within a tank for producing carbonated water. A restrictor tube is connected between the first evaporator coil and the second evaporator coil for reducing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second evaporator coil. When the demand occurs for chilled water, a switch provided in a by-pass conduit extending around the second evaporator coil is opened, permitting the refrigerant to by-pass the second coil which is used for producing an ice bank in the carbonator.

Abstract: Latent heat is stored in a liquid storage material having a variable phase-dependent density from which material heat is subsequently removed by heat transfer with an immiscible liquid interfaced with the storage material, such that storage material at the interface is solidified resulting in the separation thereof from the interface by buoyancy forces.

Abstract: A slush ice maker includes a fluid chiller having water circulation tubes in which water flowing therethrough is deeply cooled to about 32.degree. F., a water conduit system coupled with the chiller and including a high pressure pump for pumping water through the tubes at a pressure of about 2 to 4 atmospheres and at a velocity in excess of 9 ft. per second to effect the formation of ice crystals in the water so as to define the slush ice. The ice and water mixture is discharged into an ice accumulation tank maintained at atmospheric pressure so that the formation of ice crystals are enhanced when the pressure of the slush ice is reduced to atmospheric at the tank.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel cold source for a Rankine cycle system which employs the use of cold seasonal temperatures to form an ice bed and which allows insulation of said ice bed from warm seasonal temperatures, the cold source comprising a container having an insulated side wall and an insulated bottom; a ventilated top wall mounted above said side wall, said top wall permitting a flow of external air to said container; means associated with said top wall for controlling the flow of external air to said reservoir; an insulated cover mounted on said top wall, a grate extending across said reservoir above said bottom defining a space for containment of a body of water; and means associated with said reservoir for spraying water into said reservoir. The invention also provides a novel turbine, condenser and evaporator assembly, and a magnetically-actuated fluid pump which may also be used for Rankine Cycle Systems.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus which produces ice and pure water obtained by thawing the ice, and having a refrigeration compartment for foods and beverages which is cooled indirectly by the low temperature of the ice and pure water. Ice produced by an ice-making unit is allowed to fall on the refrigeration compartment which is partially surrounded by a storage tank for collecting pure water obtained when the fallen ice is thawed by heat exchange with the refrigeration compartment. Foods cooled indirectly by the ice and cold pure water are prevented from drying and excessive cooling.

Abstract: A local delivery truck 10 is provided with a thermal storage system for cooling the truck for a delivery run after the system has been charged during periods of off-peak power demand. This is done by chilling, with a refrigerant evaporator 32, a first high density fluid 24 such as methyl chloroform and circulating the chilled methyl chloroform from the lower part 22 of the storage container 20 to the surface of a second, lower density fluid 28. the latter is an anti-freeze solution such as water-methyl alcohol, and occupies the upper part 26 of the storage container. The chilling and circulating continues until the anti-freeze solution contains the desired amount of ice and slush which has formed at ever lowering temperatures.

Abstract: While many materials and additives which will melt and freeze at various temperature levels for storing and releasing large amounts of heat thereby per unit volume have been disclosed, the packaging of these materials with suitable non-corrodible long-lasting heat exchange structures has been cumbersome and expensive. The present invention provides an inexpensive, high performance, non-corrodible thermal storage method and system adapted for use with heat storage materials of various compositions and adapted for use over a wide range of temperatures, including a heat exchanger which provides for phase change to occur approximately simultaneously throughout the volume of the entire storage mass and provides for the sites at which the phase change is occurring to be approximately uniformly distributed throughout the volume of the heat storage material. Problems of thermal expansion, stratification and sub-cooling are eliminated.

Abstract: An air conditioning system has a freeze tank with a first coolant tank positioned therein with means for freezing a liquid in said freeze tank around said first coolant tank at a predetermined low temperature and cooling a specially prepared coolant as a liquid in the first coolant tank to the same low temperature; a second coolant tank contains a coolant connected to an evaporator coil in a duct means wherein flow from said second coolant tank through said evaporator coil provides for cooling air through said duct means when desired; heat absorber plates being located in said second coolant tank with means connecting said first coolant tank to said heat absorber plates for flowing the specially prepared coolant therethrough when desired.

Abstract: In an operating method for refrigerating machines which is disclosed, a variation pattern of an air-conditioning load on a prearranged day for refrigerating operation and a variation pattern of ambient temperature on the prearranged day are predicted. A period for refrigerating operation on that day is properly divided into plural time intervals. Priority ranking is allotted to those time intervals on the basis of the ambient temperature predicted. The refrigerating machine is operated in accordance with an operating pattern set on the basis of the priority ranking.

Abstract: A device is providing for cooling a stored material and then for later use of the cold thus stored. The device includes a tank containing a liquid such as water which is frozen by means of a reflux condenser heat pipe.

Abstract: Installation for storing continuously generated cold and for the intermittent release of at least a portion of the stored cold, with a storage container for a mixture of cold water and ice, by a cooling device for delivering ice continuously to the storage container, and with means for removing cold water intermittently from the storage container and for cycling it to an apparatus to be cooled and then for recycling it back to the storage container.

Abstract: Light weight, compact and efficient thermal energy reservoirs are described in which thin layers of a heat storage material, such as an inorganic salt having a high latent heat of fusion, are heated or cooled by an intermittent primary energy source, such as solar or off-peak electric power. The stored energy is utilized during periods when the primary energy source is not available. The heat storage material is contained in flat fluid tight packages, such as a heat sealed polyethylene film bag, which can readily be removed and replaced through removable panels or doors in the insulated reservoir enclosure.

Abstract: A body of still water is confined in heat exchange with one or more ambient heat sources whose temperature is usually above but may drop near 0.degree. C. Heat is withdrawn from the body according to the heat-pump principle. If the temperature of the heat sources drops near zero the withdrawal of heat from the body results in the formation of ice in the body and the latent heat of fusion liberated during the ice formation is also withdrawn, so that the time periods during which the temperature of the ambient sources is near 0.degree. C. can be bridged. When the temperature of the ambient sources rises again their heat is used to re-melt the ice in the body of water.

Abstract: A heat exchange device for the introduction of thermal energy into and removal of thermal energy from liquid-solid phase change material is described in which the phase change material is maintained in a container, which is slowly rotated about a generally horizontal axis at a substantially constant rotational speed. Means are provided for automatically nucleating the phase change material as required for cyclic operation. The invention is of particular utility in the use of incongruently melting hydrates for the storage of thermal energy.

Abstract: A system for utilizing latent heat stored in a crystallizable liquid heat storage medium subject to super-cooling, wherein the storage medium is continuously circulated past a heat exchanger positioned in the upper portion of an enclosed space containing a body of such storage medium to effect super-cooling thereof, then past a bed of seed crystals in the lower portion of such space to effect partial crystallization thereof, and then back past the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A "coldness-storage" unit for use in a refrigeration storage and cooling tank system for nighttime coolant storage while providing for subsequent daytime cooling. The "coldness-storage" unit has a closed tank which includes a plurality of cans containing a liquid material which freezes at a temperature below room temperature. The outer surface of the cans are coated with a wicking surface and the tank includes a condensable liquid such as butane, which vaporizes to fill the unoccupied space in the tank with butane vapor. The ends of the wick covered cans touch the butane so that the butane wets the wicks. A refrigerator/compressoris operated to cool condensation coils in the tank. The butane vapors in the unoccupied space condense on the condensation coils giving off heat to the refrigerator/compressor coils which lowers the vapor pressure within the tank.

Abstract: A beverage cooling bath includes a refrigeration evaporator immersed in water for growing ice thereon, there being a beverage cooling coil disposed elsewhere in such water. In order to turn the refrigeration system off when a sufficient amount of ice has built up on the evaporator, there is provided a control for doing so which includes a motor-driven impeller that directs a flow of water into a tube which divides, the one portion having an outlet through which such water normally flows along a freezing surface on the evaporator, and the other portion being a branch that leads to a sensing control which is responsive to an increase of water level or water pressure therein as a consequence of ice forming to block the other portion leading to the outlet.

Abstract: A temperature stabilized refrigeration evaporator coil for use with a mechanical refrigeration compressor and condenser is disclosed which gathers and retains its own latent heat sink material to temperature stabilize its air heat exchange surfaces. The evaporator is adapted to condense water from the air it is cooling, and to retain an adequate quantity of that water to employ as a liquid-solid phase change, latent heat sink to temperature stabilize the evaporator, air heat exchange surfaces, so that they do not become excessively cold during the on cycle of the compressor, and so that they do not become excessively warm during extended periods of the off cycle of the compressor.

Abstract: A heat-transporting fluid F is passed over a material C having a high latent heat of fusion and in direct contact therewith so that the fluid and the material exchange heat at a temperature close to the melting point of the material. By contacting the hot fluid F with the material C, this material melts and accumulates heat in the form of latent heat of fusion while cooling the fluid F. When the cold fluid is contacted directly with the material C, this material solidifies and releases heat which is transmitted to the fluid F.

Abstract: A heat-transporting fluid F is passed over a material C having a high latent heat of fusion and in direct contact therewith so that the fluid and the material exchange heat at a temperature close to the melting point of the material. By contacting the hot fluid F with the material C, this material melts and accumulates heat in the form of latent heat of fusion while cooling the fluid F. When the cold fluid is contacted directly with the material C, this material solidifies and releases heat which is transmitted to the fluid F.

Abstract: A heat-transporting fluid F is passed over a material C having a high latent heat of fusion and in direct contact therewith so that the fluid and the material exchange heat at a temperature close to the melting point of the material. By contacting the hot fluid F with the material C, this material melts and accumulates heat in the form of latent heat of fusion while cooling the fluid F. When the cold fluid is contacted directly with the material C, this material solidifies and releases heat which is transmitted to the fluid F.

Abstract: To prevent the rupturing, by the expansion of the water upon freezing, of a water-freezing ice-storing reservoir and at the same time release the warmer air after producing the freezing of the water into ice, the interior of the reservoir is surrounded by a duplex wall structure or anti-freeze barrier of highly insulating material, such as the expanded polystyrene plastic known commercially as styrofoam, in the form of slabs spaced inward from the tank wall by compression springs so that the inner body of water within the duplex insulating anti-freeze barrier is frozen by freezing the air entering that body through multiple pipes from the outside atmosphere in winter time while the outer body of water adjacent the tank wall of the reservoir but outside the insulating wall thereof is protected from freezing by the insulating effect of the slabs.

Abstract: Utilization of latent heat stored in a crystalline liquid heat storage medium subject to super-cooling by continuously circulating the storage medium past a heat exchanger positioned in the upper portion of an enclosed space containing a body of such storage medium to effect super-cooling thereof, then past a bed of seed crystals in the lower portion of such space to effect partial crystallization thereof, and then back past the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Heat exchange method and apparatus are disclosed which include the use of o non-mixable media of different temperatures that are brought in direct contact with each other to effect the transfer of heat from the heating medium to the heat storage medium. One of the media is normally a fluid and the other is preferably a substance -- such as a crystalline material -- which is operable between solid and liquid phases, whereby the latent heat produced by the phase transition is utilized in the heat exchanging process. Owing to the non-mixability of the two media, the first medium is bubbled through the second in direct heat exchanging contact when the second medium is in the liquid phase.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for thermally discharging a heat storage accumulator containing a fusible storage substance the density of which is greater in the solid state than in the liquid state where the apparatus has means for creating a fluid vortex of the storage substance and scraper means for scraping crystallized storage substance off a heat sink portion of the accumulator such that crystallized storage substance is removed from the heat sink and transferred to the periphery of the accumulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling snow and a device for carrying out same, in which the snow is drawn from a systematically exploited heap into the inlet in a pneumatic conveying line, to which a spraying line is connected.

Abstract: A space heating and cooling system utilizing an ice making apparatus having a refrigerant compressor and condenser and a plurality of ice making plates defining passages for the movement of refrigerant therethrough. Valves are utilized for selectively directing the refrigerant to the plates. During a given period of operation, the valves direct unexpanded refrigerant to plates having ice formed thereon whereby the heat of the unexpanded refrigerant serves to release ice from the plates. At the same time, expansion valves are utilized for directing expanded refrigerant to plates having ice forming thereon. By successively operating the valves, the plates are all used in sequence for ice forming and are all sequentially subjected to the ice releasing operation. During the period of time when heat is required, heating fluids are moved adjacent the condenser, and the heat picked up by these fluids is then employed for heating the space.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for carbonating liquids, has inlet pipes for admitting a carbonating gas and a liquid into a container and outlet pipes for dispensing the carbonated mixture from the container. Cooling coils are provided in the container for forming an interior and an exterior surrounding ice layer so that the mixture can come into thermal contact with at least the interior ice layer and be cooled thereby. Electrodes are provided for preventing the thickness of at least the interior ice layer from exceeding a predetermined value.