Abstract: The invention comprises a Thermal Energy Module comprising a tank adapted to hold water or other heat transfer medium (such as water), a water loop for introducing the heat transfer medium and removing the heat transfer medium, and a refrigeration loop comprising a heat exchanger further comprised of an inlet manifold, a heat transfer structure (such as a micro channel or pipe-in-plate panel) and an outlet manifold wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to transfer thermal energy between the heat transfer structure and the heat transfer medium. The Thermal energy Module may be utilized as a component of a heating and cooling system. Such a Thermal Energy Module may be used to store thermal energy during the day and return it during the evening. Additionally, such a Thermal Energy Module may be implemented as an array of such modules and such array of modules may be adapted to fit within the walls of a building or structure.

Abstract: A control system measures the pressure/temperature of the refrigerant within a Thermal Energy Module having a heat exchanger and calculates the thickness of ice within the Thermal Energy Module. A controller calculates an integral starting from the moment when ice accumulation begins: I(t)=?Tr(?)*d? where Tr is the refrigerant saturation temperature changing with time t. The thickness of the ice on one side of the heat exchanger can be calculated using the following formula: X=?(2*I*K*Ui/?i/ci) where Ui is the thermal conductance of ice ?i is the density of the ice Ci is the latent heat of the ice K is a correction coefficient associated with the type of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A control system measures the pressure/temperature of the refrigerant within a Thermal Energy Module having a heat exchanger and calculates the thickness of ice within the Thermal Energy Module. A controller calculates an integral starting from the moment when ice accumulation begins: I(t)=?Tr(?)*d? where Tr is the refrigerant saturation temperature changing with time t. The thickness of the ice on one side of the heat exchanger can be calculated using the following formula: X=?(2*I*K*Ui/?i/ci) where Ui is the thermal conductance of ice ?i is the density of the ice Ci is the latent heat of the ice K is a correction coefficient associated with the type of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for automated parameter measurement includes strategically positioning an identifier tag at a location proximate a first object. The identifier tag stores location-specific information associated with the first object. A sensor in communications with the identifier tag receives the location-specific information from the identifier tag. Additionally, the sensor is used to collect quantitative data associated with a first parameter from the first object. The location-specific information received from the first identifier tag is used to process the quantitative data.