Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus is provided having a refrigeration system including means to enable automatic defrosting of the evaporator that is located in the compartment where food products are maintained at a temperature that is below the freezing point of water. The system includes a defrosting evaporator located exteriorly of the freezer compartment and connected in series flow relationship with the freezer evaporator whereby refrigerant first flows through the defrost evaporator and then through the freezer evaporator. The system includes means for applying heat to the defrost evaporator at periodic intervals of time to elevate the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the freezer evaporator to a level above the freezing point of water. In one embodiment, this heat is obtained from an electrical resistance heating element disposed in heat-transferring relationship to the defrost evaporator.

Abstract: A water heating system for residential use is provided having a heat pump solely for producing heat energy to heat water. The system includes an insulated storage tank interconnected in a water system and the tank may be provided with secondary heating means such as electric resistance elements for effecting heating of the water in the event that the heat pump is unable to produce sufficient heat as a consequence of ambient environment temperature conditions or if the heating demands exceed the heat pumps capability. A water circulating conduit is connected with the tank and is coupled with the heat pump by a heat exchanger. Positive circulation of water in the conduit is obtained by a pump interconnected therein. A temperature regulating flow control valve may be included in the circulating conduit to result in the water leaving the circulating conduit and either returning to the tank or entering the water system at the maximum desired temperature.

Abstract: A heating system is provided for residential buildings in which heat is recovered by an auxiliary water heater. The heating system is of a heat pump type which includes a refrigerant fluid compressor and two heat exchanger units disposed in series connected relationship. The two heat exchanger units are those normally associated with respective fan and coil unit located within the interior of the residence and a condenser or evaporator located exteriorally of the building. A control valve is interposed in conduits connecting the two heat exchanger units with the compressor with this valve being selectively operable to control the system for operation in either a heating or a cooling mode. In accordance with this invention, an auxiliary water heater is interposed in heat recovery relationship to the heating system and includes a heat exchanger that is interconnected in the refrigerant fluid conduit.