Abstract: A flow control valve has a body defining a cavity therein, a first and second outlets, a first and second inlets, and a modulating body disposed at least in part in the cavity. The modulating body is pivotable in: a) a first range of angular positions, in which the modulating body fluidly connects the first outlet to the first inlet and blocks the second opening and the fourth opening; b) a second range of angular positions, in which the modulating body fluidly connects the second outlet to the second inlet and blocks the first and the third opening; c) a third range of angular positions, in which modulating body fluidly connects the first outlet and the second outlet to the second inlet and blocks the third opening; and d) a fourth position, in which the modulating body blocks the third opening and the fourth opening.

Abstract: A flow control valve comprises three orifices. Each of the three orifices is connectable to a fluid conduit, respectively. Each of two orifices of the three orifices is modulatable between a closed mode in which that orifice is substantially closed, and an open mode in which that orifice is open. Each of the two orifices is also modulatable between the closed mode and the open mode while the other one of the two orifices is in the closed mode. Depending on the application, the orifices may be used as inlets or outlets and in different combinations of inlets and outlets. A hydronic system that includes the flow control valve is also described.

Abstract: A heat transfer system comprises a first fluid storage tank fluidly connectable to a first fluid circuit for heat exchange between the first fluid circuit and a first fluid in the fluid storage tank, a first heat exchanger positioned for heat exchange with the first fluid, and a second heat exchanger fluidly connected to the first heat exchanger via a refrigerant circuit for heat exchange with the first heat exchanger. The refrigerant circuit includes a refrigerant compressor module and an expansion valve for circulating a refrigerant therethrough for heat exchange between the first and second heat exchangers. A hydronic system is also described.

Abstract: A flow control valve comprises three orifices. Each of the three orifices is connectable to a fluid conduit, respectively. Each of two orifices of the three orifices is modulatable between a closed mode in which that orifice is substantially closed, and an open mode in which that orifice is open. Each of the two orifices is also modulatable between the closed mode and the open mode while the other one of the two orifices is in the closed mode. Depending on the application, the orifices may be used as inlets or outlets and in different combinations of inlets and outlets. A hydronic system that includes the flow control valve is also described.

Abstract: A heat transfer system comprises a first fluid storage tank fluidly connectable to a first fluid circuit for heat exchange between the first fluid circuit and a first fluid in the fluid storage tank, a first heat exchanger positioned for heat exchange with the first fluid, and a second heat exchanger fluidly connected to the first heat exchanger via a refrigerant circuit for heat exchange with the first heat exchanger. The refrigerant circuit includes a refrigerant compressor module and an expansion valve for circulating a refrigerant therethrough for heat exchange between the first and second heat exchangers. A hydronic system is also described.

Abstract: A preheat tank to which a heat exchanger is operatively coupled receives water from a distribution subsystem. A water distribution subsystem and tempered fluid distribution subsystem provide domestic water and tempered fluid, respectively, to a plurality of spaces. Air handlers transfer heat between the tempered fluid and the spaces for heating and cooling. A controller coupled to the tempered fluid subsystem, the heat exchanger and a refrigerator has: (i) a first mode, wherein the fluid is routed through the heat exchanger, to pass heat to the preheat tank; and (ii) a second mode, wherein the fluid is routed through an evaporator of the refrigerator, to pass heat to the refrigerant. A storage tank is coupled to the preheat tank to receive water therefrom and is coupled to the condenser of the refrigerator such that heat rejected by the condenser is passed to the contents of the storage tank.

Abstract: A preheat tank to which a heat exchanger is operatively coupled receives water from a distribution subsystem. A water distribution subsystem and tempered fluid distribution subsystem provide domestic water and tempered fluid, respectively, to a plurality of spaces. Air handlers transfer heat between the tempered fluid and the spaces for heating and cooling. A controller coupled to the tempered fluid subsystem, the heat exchanger and a refrigerator has: (i) a first mode, wherein the fluid is routed through the heat exchanger, to pass heat to the preheat tank; and (ii) a second mode, wherein the fluid is routed through an evaporator of the refrigerator, to pass heat to the refrigerant. A storage tank is coupled to the preheat tank to receive water therefrom and is coupled to the condenser of the refrigerator such that heat rejected by the condenser is passed to the contents of the storage tank.