Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatuses for modifying the air of a localized zone to suit personal comfort. This invention includes the heating or cooling of the air in the localized zone with a novel apparatus and inhibiting the concurrent release of byproduct air at undesirable temperatures while using a heat pump. The apparatus includes a thermal storage mass that provides a reservoir for the undesirable heating or cooling effects for later restoration. This restoration would occur at a predetermined time in predetermined amounts, typically when the localized zone is unoccupied.

Abstract: Efficient apparatus and methods are disclosed for interfacing active thermal stores, or cooling loops, to a secondary water loop for decreasing the temperature of an airflow by providing a continuously regenerating water loop that directs chilled water onto a thermally conductive heat exchanger, said loop further comprising supplying water for the loop by collecting water from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Efficient apparatus and methods are disclosed for interfacing active thermal stores, or cooling loops, to a secondary water loop for decreasing the temperature of an airflow by providing a continuously regenerating water loop that directs chilled water onto a thermally conductive heat exchanger, said loop further comprising supplying water for the loop by collecting water from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A thermal storage system for cooling and/or heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle has a heat exchanger arranged for fluid communication with a vehicle engine. The thermal storage system also has thermal energy storage means for storing thermal cooling and/or heating and being in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger on the vehicle. The thermal storage system further has fluid control means for controlling the flow of fluid from the heat exchanger selectively between the thermal storage means and the vehicle engine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fluid distribution valve including a housing having at least three ports and a flap member for selectively closing the ports. The flap member is mounted by at least two mounting means which provide for pivoting of the flap about two different predetermined axes. At least one of the mounting means can be selectively engaged and disengaged to provide for pivoting of the flap member about a selected one of the two different axes. In a preferred embodiment, the valve of the invention is employed in combination with an air conditioning and cool storage system for a vehicle, such as a truck.

Abstract: The invention provides an evaporatively enhanced cold storage system wherein a warm air stream is cooled and the cooled air stream is thereafter passed into contact with a cold storage unit. Moisture is added to the cooled air stream prior to or during contact of the cooled air stream with the cold storage unit to effect enhanced cooling of the cold storage unit due to evaporation of all or a portion of the added moisture. Preferably at least a portion of the added moisture comprises water condensed during the cooling of the warm air stream.

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.