Abstract: A cascade heat pump system is configured with variable-speed compressors which allow operation at a high system coefficient of performance for a given thermal load. An electronic control module may be utilized to dynamically vary the speed of the compressors to achieve maximum energy efficiency. Variable-speed fans or blowers may also be used.

Abstract: A cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system may have an evaporator, an evaporator fan, a condenser, and at least one compressor. The compressor may be either a single speed or a variable speed compressor. In addition, the system can use a mechanical or electrical pulsed operation refrigerant flow control valve for controlling refrigerant flow to the evaporator.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system includes one or more variable frequency drives (VFD) controlled by one or more VFD controllers, which are configured to provide three-phase power to one or more three-phase AC motors and single-phase power to one or more single-phase AC motors. The system also includes a power source controller configured to select from a plurality of power sources based on availability of one or more power sources and time so as to maximize the economic efficiency of operating the system.

Abstract: A microgrid controller may control the generation, distribution, storage and use of electrical power on a microgrid. Embodiments of a microgrid controller may include inputs for different types of power (e.g. AC and DC) or power sources (e.g. wind and solar), an input for utility grid power, electrical equipment for conditioning the electrical power received from the multiple sources (e.g. rectifiers and inverters), outputs to multiple types of loads (e.g. three-phase AC and single-phase AC) and control circuitry designed to control the generation, storage, distribution and usage of electrical power on the microgrid. Embodiments of microgrid systems may include multiple types of electrical generation sources (e.g. wind, solar, electromechanical and fuel cell), multiple types of electrical loads (e.g. inductive and resistive), electrical storage units (e.g. batteries) and a microgrid controller.

Abstract: A cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system may have an evaporator, an evaporator fan, a condenser, and at least one compressor. The compressor may be either a single speed or a variable speed compressor. In addition, the system can use a mechanical or electrical pulsed operation refrigerant flow control valve for controlling refrigerant flow to the evaporator.

Abstract: A plunger driven solution pump is described that is configured to have a diaphragm that substantially conforms to the volume of a pump solution chamber when in a fully outwardly deflected state. The solution chamber may have an inlet port and an outlet port form in a concave solution chamber wall. A step, or ridge, may be formed along an outer periphery of the solution chamber wall and adjacent the inlet and outlet ports to prevent the diaphragm from becoming deformed from pressure against the solution chamber wall. This configuration may allow the pump to efficiently self-prime.

Abstract: An enclosure or shelter having an interior chamber for housing electronic components and equipment is provided with an HVAC/R system configured with a rechargeable DC power source for power back-up to maintain substantially uninterrupted power in the case of a main power failure. The system includes one or more variable frequency drives (VFD) controlled by a VFD controller and configured to provide three-phase power to one or more three-phase AC motors and single-phase power to one or more single-phase AC motors. The system also includes a power source controller configured to select and power sources based on availability of one or more power sources and other logic.

Abstract: A co-fired generator for use in a continuous-cycle absorption heating and cooling system may provide heat to the interior of an annulus chamber from a first heat exchanger, such as a firetube heat exchanger, supplemented by heat to the exterior of the annulus chamber from a second heat exchanger containing fluid heated by an external source. Some embodiments may circulate fluid heated in a solar-heated collector through the second heat exchanger. Other embodiments may route exhaust gas from a combustion engine through the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger may be provided with a plurality of fins to increase the surface area available for thermal transfer between the heated fluid and the annulus chamber.

Abstract: One aspect is an HVAC grid controller that may communicate with local HVAC controllers, wherein the local HVAC controllers control the operation of local HVAC components including an integral electrical storage unit. Thus, the HVAC grid may sends appropriate control signals to local HVAC controllers to, for example, draw power from an electrical storage unit to operate local HVAC components. The local HVAC controller may also be additionally programmable by a user to select a period of time in which the HVAC unit is to be powered by a local electrical storage unit. By using an electrical storage unit to power HVAC components, a utility power provider may better manage load on its electrical grid, and a consumer may avoid peak time-of-use electricity charges.

Abstract: A microgrid controller may control the generation, distribution, storage and use of electrical power on a microgrid. Embodiments of a microgrid controller may include inputs for different types of power (e.g. AC and DC) or power sources (e.g. wind and solar), an input for utility grid power, electrical equipment for conditioning the electrical power received from the multiple sources (e.g. rectifiers and inverters), outputs to multiple types of loads (e.g. three-phase AC and single-phase AC) and control circuitry designed to control the generation, storage, distribution and usage of electrical power on the microgrid. Embodiments of microgrid systems may include multiple types of electrical generation sources (e.g. wind, solar, electromechanical and fuel cell), multiple types of electrical loads (e.g. inductive and resistive), electrical storage units (e.g. batteries) and a microgrid controller.

Abstract: A composite configured to release refrigerant therefrom comprises a substrate material comprising polarized fibers of glass, polyamide, phenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite or combinations of two or more thereof having bonded thereon a metal compound comprising a complex compound of a polar gaseous refrigerant and a metal salt and/or a hydrated metal hydroxide and/or a metal hydroxide of a metal comprising alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, or two or more thereof, at a concentration of at least about 0.

Abstract: A ballistic composite having a front impact surface and a back surface. The composite may include a plurality of layers of woven fabric of polarized ballistic fibers and a metal salt, oxide, hydroxide or hydride polar bonded onto the woven fibers. In addition, a substantially water impermeable coating composition can be applied onto the layers of the woven fibers and/or on the exterior of the composite. In addition, the layers of woven fabric adjacent to the front impact surface can differ in composition from the layers of woven fabric adjacent to the back surface. In addition, the weave fabric making up the composite may have a cover factor of between about 0.6 and about 0.98.

Abstract: A system for cooling components comprises a composite of a sponge or sponge-like material with liquid refrigerant absorbed thereon and encased in a containment material configured to rupture or otherwise release evaporating refrigerant when internal composite pressure reaches a threshold ?P from the outside pressure and/or at a pre-selected composite temperature, and thermal conduction means in thermal contact with the composite and one or more components for directing thermal energy to cool the components.

Abstract: An HVAC/R system is configured with a variable frequency drive power supply which provides power to both a three-phase motor and to a single-phase motor. In some embodiments, the three-phase motor is a compressor motor and the single-phase motor is a condenser fan motor.

Abstract: An HVAC/R system is configured with a variable frequency drive power supply which provides power to each of a compressor, a condenser fan, and a blower. In some embodiments, the compressor has a three-phase motor and the condenser fan has a single-phase motor.

Abstract: A thermal energy battery for cooling temperature sensitive components comprises a composite of a sorbent with ammonia, water, alcohol, amine or a fluorocarbon refrigerant absorbed thereon and incorporated on a substrate material. The composite is encased in a containment material configured to rupture or otherwise release refrigerant desorbed by the sorbent composition when internal battery pressure reaches a threshold ?P from the outside pressure, and thermal conduction means in thermal contact with the thermal energy battery and one or more temperature sensitive components for directing thermal energy therebetween to heat the composite and cool the temperature sensitive components.

Abstract: A power supply for an HVAC/R system is configured to provide back-up power functionality for situations when the main source of power fails. The power supply includes a DC power bus which receives power from the main source of power as well as a back up source. When the main source fails the back up source provides power to the DC power bus. Connected to the DC power bus is a variable frequency drive power supply (VFD). The VFD is configured to provide power to the components of the HVAC/R system based on power received from the DC power bus.

Abstract: A cascade heat pump system is configured with variable-speed compressors which allow operation at a high system coefficient of performance for a given thermal load. An electronic control module may be utilized to dynamically vary the speed of the compressors to achieve maximum energy efficiency. Variable-speed fans or blowers may also be used.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system is includes one or more variable frequency drives (VFD) controlled by one or more VFD controller, which are configured to provide three-phase power to one or more three-phase AC motors and single-phase power to one or more single-phase AC motors. The system also includes a power source controller configured to select from a plurality of power sources based on availability of one or more power sources and time so as to maximize the economic efficiency of operating the system.

Abstract: An enclosure or shelter having an interior chamber for housing electronic components and equipment is provided with an HVAC/R system configured with a rechargeable DC power source for power back-up to maintain substantially uninterrupted power in the case of a main power failure. The system includes one or more variable frequency drives (VFD) controlled by a VFD controller and configured to provide three-phase power to one or more three-phase AC motors and single-phase power to one or more single-phase AC motors. The system also includes a power source controller configured to select and power sources based on availability of one or more power sources and other logic.