Deep cycle heating and cooling apparatus and process

Abstract

The present invention divides the traditional full-loop heat pump compression (heating) and expansion (refrigeration) process into two separate half-loop processes. The two (half-loop) processes occur separately and are separated by physical distance and/or by time. The two processes are connected by either physical storage means and/or by pipeline means such that low pressure refrigerant and high pressure refrigerant are stored between cycles and/or transported between cycles. In operation, a refrigerant is compressed to provide heat to a location, the compressed refrigerant is then stored/transported to where/when a cooling process is needed whereupon the refrigerant is expanded to provide refrigeration, the expanded refrigerant is then stored/transported to where/when a heating process is needed. The result of this invention is a significant reduction in energy required to heat and cool buildings, a reduction in fossil fuel consumption (and concomitant carbon dioxide gas emission pollution), a reduction in thermal pollution (and concomitant global warming), and a reduction in the cost of heating and cooling buildings.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 09/964,146 filed Sep. 25, 2001.

BACKGROUND FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] Modern heating and cooling systems are widely used world wide to heat and cool buildings. Human endeavors are more comfortable and more productive in a temperature controlled environment. Nearly every home in the United States of America for example has either a heating unit such as a furnace or a cooling unit such as an air conditioner. Many homes have both heating and cooling units.

[0003] Heating of buildings particularly during the winter months requires much energy often in the form of fossil fuels. Likewise cooling of buildings, particularly in the summer requires much electricity which often is generated by burring fossil fuels. Because of the need for temperature control and the high energy consumption required, methods of heating and cooling that utilize less energy are desirable and have been widely sought.

[0004] The present invention provides a significant step forward for both heating and cooling. The present invention describes multiple embodiments which each split the traditional heat pump/refrigeration loop into two half loops. In a first embodiment, the first half loop operates a compressor in the winter to create heat by compressing a fluid. The compressed fluid is then stored. The second half of the loop operates in the summer by expanding the stored fluid to cool the building. The expanded fluid (low pressure fluid) is then stored for use in the ensuing winter. Thus one half of the traditional cycle heat pump cycle operates in the winter and the other half of the traditional heat pump cycle operates in the summer. Large fluid storage tanks are required to store high pressure fluid and low pressure fluid. In a second embodiment the first half loop is in cold regions. Low pressure fluids are compressed to form high pressure fluids, thereby releasing heat. The high pressure fluid is then transported to a hot region where the second half loop is performed. The high pressure fluid is expanded in the hot region, thereby absorbing heat, and becoming a low pressure fluid). The low pressure fluid then being transported back to the cold region to be used again. Tanks of the fluid can be transported between the hot region and cold region. Alternately, a pipeline is proposed to connect the hot region and the cold region. Both embodiments, conserve energy, resources, and reduce global warming.

BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR INVENTION

[0005] Prior art heat pumps use fill loop compression cycles. Work is done on a fluid through a compressor which compresses the fluid. Heat from the compression is released into the building. The fluid is then evaporated where it absorbs heat from the cold environment. The fluid is rapidly and continuously cycled in a full loop between the condenser and the evaporator.

[0006] Prior art air conditioners use full loop compression cycles. Work is done on a fluid through a compressor which compresses the fluid. Heat from the compression is released into the warm environment. The fluid is then evaporated where it absorbs heat from the building. The fluid is rapidly and continuously cycled in a full loop between the condenser and the evaporator.

[0007] Note that in both the heat pump and in the air conditioner, work is done (electrical energy is required). Additionally, friction in the compressor is generally wasting heat in both the heat pump and the air conditioner. Moreover, heat is dumped into a warm environment in the summer and heat is drawn from a cold environment in the winter.

[0008] No prior art provides a technique to use the work done to create heat within a building to also absorb heat from a building at a later time and/or in a different location. The present art, stores the energy invested in the heating cycle to later be used in the cooling cycle. It effectively links building heating and building cooling into one deep cycle multi-stage process with enabling apparatus. When considering entropy, it is not possible to create a system which produces net coolness (in example, a “cooling” system actually dumps heat into the environment far in excess of what it removes from a building). The present art eliminates all of this excess heat produced in the prior art cooling systems. Many scientists are concerned about global warming, the present system eliminates the heat generated in prior art cooling systems. Moreover, energy is conserved since the cooling side of the deep cycle loop of the present invention does not require any energy input in contrast with prior art. Additionally, friction heat can be used more efficiently in the present invention compared to prior art.

[0009] Heat Sink Temperature Differential—Efficiency of conventional heat pump systems are completely dependent upon the temperature of the extra-building heat sink they use. Three types of heat sinks including air source, water source, and ground source are well known. Over the course of an annual operating cycle, ground source and water source heat pumps can generally run more efficiently than can air source systems due to greater temperature differentials between the respective heat sink and the heat pump's external heat exchange coil. By contrast, air temperature relied upon by the air source heat pump often changes dramatically during the course of an annual operation season and is often not adequate for efficient operation. For example, in cold operating conditions, the cooling coils may become covered with ice which requires energy to melt. Consequently, inefficient fossil fuel (COP<1) or resistance heat systems (COP=1) are currently used in colder parts of the country. The networked deep cycle heat pump (NDCHP) described herein is more efficient than prior systems and delivers COP>1.

[0010] Excess Work Done—It is assumed (due to the law of conservation of energy) that all electrical energy input to an operational heat pump is converted to heat as it does work. During the building heating process, the work energy from a heat pump system can contribute to heat a building and therefore would not be considered waste. However, during the building cooling process, net heat generated from work is wasted energy. This wasted energy is dumped into our global environment in the form of thermal pollution.

[0011] Potential to Absorb Heat Is Wasted When Included In Heating Process—The notion of efficiently extracting heat from a cold environment is itself counterintuitive. During heating operation, a low pressure fluid is compressed. The fluid, once compressed, has a potential to absorb heat without any work being added. Under current heat pump systems, this fluid is expanded in a cold environment where its potential to absorb heat is wasted. Man made processes can only produce net increases in heat (according to the law of entropy) and never a net increase of cool. Therefore, any process that absorbs heat should always be used to maximum advantage (cooling something) to conserve resources.

[0012] Released Heat Is Wasted And Dumped Into Hot Environment When In Cooling Process—The notion of efficiently dumping heat into a hot environment is itself counterintuitive. Under current heat pump systems, a fluid is compressed in a hot environment where it inefficiently dumps heat into (and technically heats the) outside global environment. Using this potential to release heat in this manner is a waste of the thermal energy. Man made processes can only produce net increases in heat (according to the law of entropy). Any process that produces heat should always be used to maximum advantage (heating something useful) to conserve resources and minimize thermal pollution.

[0013] Environmental Excess Heat Generation and Global Warming—During the annual operating cycle, net heat is produced in both the heating operation and in the cooling operation. Half of this heat is produced unnecessarily. Specifically, heat produce in the cooling process is a waste because the process of bringing a high pressure fluid to low pressure can be done passively without work input if done in deep cycle as described herein. A better process is needed whereby all of the conversion of high pressure fluid to low pressure fluid is used to cool buildings (or other refrigerated space) and likewise all of the conversion of low pressure fluid to high pressure fluid is used to heat buildings (or other heated spaces).

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0014] The invention described herein represents a significant improvement in heating of buildings and in cooling of buildings. In a first deep cycle half loop process, a compressor and condenser operate to compress and extract heat from a fluid. Said heat and friction energy being released into a building to provide heat. The compressed fluid is then stored in a high pressure storage tank or pipe for use at a later time or different location. In a second deep cycle half loop process, the compressed fluid is decompressed or evaporated to absorb heat from a building, thereby cooling a building and creating a low pressure fluid. Said low pressure fluid being stored for later use. Note that no energy need be expended to cool the building in the second half loop. The apparatus can include a high pressure storage means and a low pressure storage means whereby fluid generally will flow either from high pressure to low pressure or vice versa for extended periods of time. When considering entropy, it is not possible to create a system which produces net coolness (in example, a prior art “cooling” system actually dumps heat into the environment far in excess of what it removes from a building). Many scientists are concerned about global warming, the present system eliminates the heat generation common in prior art cooling systems. Moreover, it conserves energy since the cooling side of the full deep cycle loop of the present invention does not require any energy input in contrast with cooling systems of prior art. Additionally, friction heat can be used more efficiently in the present invention compared to prior art.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0015] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are apparent. It is an object of the present invention to provide a heating process and apparatus which can be used in cold climate locations and seasons. Said process and apparatus requires electrical energy input to compress a fluid and extract heat from said fluid compression process. It is an advantage of the present system that said compressed fluid is stored in a high pressure storage tank or pipe for use at a different time or location. It is a further advantage that friction from said compression process also heats the said building. It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for cooling a building. It is an advantage of the present invention to use the above compressed fluid to absorb heat from a building at a subsequent time or at a different location. It is an object of the present invention to conserve energy by creating a building cooling system which requires no energy input to compress fluid but instead uses fluid which was compressed as part of a heating cycle. It is an object of the present invention to eliminate significant heat energy from being dumped into the environment by cooling without a compressor operating solely for that purpose but instead using fluid which was used as part of a heating cycle. It is an advantage of the present system to eliminate and friction heat from the cooling process. It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a means to transport high pressure fluid from cold regions where it released heat. Said high pressure fluid being brought to a lower pressure in a hot region, thereby absorbing heat with no direct energy cost (except that of transport and containment). It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a means to transport low pressure fluid from hot regions where it absorbed heat. Said low pressure fluid being compressed to a higher pressure in a cold region, thereby releasing heat.

[0016] Further objects and advantages will become apparent from the enclosed figures and specifications.

DRAWING FIGURES

[0017] FIG. 1 prior art illustrates a heat pump cycle flowchart.

[0018] FIG. 2 prior art illustrates a refrigeration (cooling) cycle flowchart.

[0019] FIG. 3 prior art shows the full loop used for both cooling and for heating a building.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a deep cycle full loop flowchart of the present invention for first heat and then cooling a building.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows the components of the present invention in the heating mode of the first embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows the components of the present invention in the cooling mode of the first embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a deep cycle heating half loop of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a deep cycle cooling half loop of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a map of regions of North American segmented by annual temperature patterns.

[0026] Figure is a map of regions of North American with two fluid pipelines serving the east coast.

[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a deep cycle full loop flowchart of the present invention for heating a first building and then cooling a second building.

[0028] FIG. 12 shows the components of the present invention in the heating mode of the second embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 13 shows the components of the present invention in the cooling mode of the second embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 14 shows a series of houses each connected to a high pressure fluid pipeline and to a low pressure fluid pipeline.

[0031] FIG. 15 shows the storage tanks of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 in cutaway view.

[0032] FIG. 16a shows a cross section view of two 131 tank of FIG. 15 they are 131a and 151a.

[0033] FIG. 16b shows a cross section view of two 131 tank of FIG. 15 they are 131b and 151b.

[0034] FIG. 16c shows a cross section view of two 131 tank of FIG. 15 they are 131c and 151c.

[0035] FIG. 16d shows a cross section view of two 131 tank of FIG. 15 they are 131d and 151d.

[0036] FIG. 16e shows a cross section view of two 131 tank of FIG. 15 they are 131e and 151e.

[0037] FIG. 16f shows a cross section view of two 131 tank of FIG. 15 they are 131f and 151f.

[0038] FIG. 17 illustrates a passive pressure regulation refrigerant storage and piping means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] FIG. 1 prior art illustrates a heat pump cycle flowchart. A full loop heat pump 33 constantly cycles fluid from a low pressure to a high pressure and back to a low pressure again. The energy released from the compressing of the fluid from low pressure to a high pressure is transferred into a warm house 37. This process requires an energy input 35. The compressed fluid is then expanded in a cold environment 31 to absorb heat. Absorbing heat from a cold environment is not efficient.

[0040] FIG. 2 prior art illustrates a refrigeration (cooling) cycle flowchart. A full loop air conditioner 33a (which can be structurally identical to the 33) constantly cycles fluid from a high pressure to a low pressure and back to a high pressure again. The energy absorbed from the expansion of the fluid from high pressure to a low pressure is withdrawn from a cool house 37a. This process requires an energy input 35a. The expanded fluid is then compressed in a warm environment 31a to release heat. Releasing heat into a warm environment is not efficient and may contribute to global warming.

[0041] FIG. 3 prior art shows the full loop used for both cooling and for heating a building. This describes the elements and cycle of both FIG. 1 and of FIG. 2. An energy input 35b operates a compressor 41, The compressor gives off waste heat caused by friction. Fluid moves from the compressor through a condenser where heat is heat released. Said heat is released into the warm environment when being used to cool, said heat is released into the house when being used to heat. Fluid then flows through an expansion valve 45 which enables the fluid to expand within an evaporator 47 said expansion absorbing heat. When in the heating mode, the heat is absorbed from a cold environment, and when in the cooling mode the heat is absorbed from within the house.

[0042] Note that when operating as a heater, the prior art system requires energy input and when operating as a cooler, the prior art requires energy input. Moreover, heat is inefficiently dumped into a warm environment, and heat is inefficiently absorbed from a cold environment. The prior art, using the full loop cycles for both heating and for cooling, is both an inefficient heater and an inefficient cooler.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a deep cycle full loop flowchart of the present invention for first heating and then cooling a building. At a first time “A” (during the winter), a half loop heat pump 53 operates by drawing a low pressure fluid from a low pressure storage means 65. Time “A” energy 54 is input to compress said low pressure fluid. Said compression causes heat energy to be released into a time “A” warm house 55. Said fluid, once compressed and heat extracted, is stored in a high pressure storage means 57. Note that during time “A”, the fluid is not returned to the low pressure state. A deep cycle system by definition will operate on only half of the prior art refrigeration loop at a time such that in the winter, only the compression side of the loop operates to release heat for warmth. Note that no heat is drawn from the time “A” cold environment.

[0044] At a second time “B” (during the summer), a half loop air conditioner 61 operates by drawing the high pressure fluid from the high pressure storage means 57. No energy input is required to expand said high pressure fluid. Said expansion causes heat energy to be absorbed from a time “B” cool house 63. Said fluid, once expanded and heat absorbed, is stored in the low pressure storage means 65. Note that during time “B”, the fluid is not returned to the high pressure state. A deep cycle system by definition will operate on only half of the prior art refrigeration loop at a time such that in the summer, only the expansion side of the loop operates to absorb heat for cooling. Note that no heat is released into the time “B” warm environment. Moreover no energy need be input during the time “B” cooling process. Further, no friction heat loss is incurred in this cooling process. I should be noted that 55 and 63 are the same house at different times of the year.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows the components of the present invention in the heating mode of the first embodiment. When operating in the heating mode, a large low pressure storage tank 71 contains a fluid. Said fluid is drawn through a compressor/condenser 73 where it releases heat energy into the house. Said fluid having passed through a low pressure valve 72. Note that any friction energy is also released into the house since the 73 is in the house. High pressure fluid then flows through a high pressure valve 75 and into a large high pressure storage tank 77. Note that in the heating cycle, the fluid only flows in one direction, from low pressure to high pressure. The system will operate in this manner all winter. If the storage tanks are not adequate to store enough fluid to last the whole winter, they will be periodically changed with new tanks. Specifically, a new 71 tank will come filled with low pressure fluid and a new tank 77 will come empty (tanks are prepared according to FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0046] FIG. 6 shows the components of the present invention in the cooling mode of the first embodiment. When operating in the cooling mode, a large high pressure storage tank 77a contains a fluid. Said fluid is pushed by its own pressure through an evaporator 79 where it absorbs heat energy from the house. Said fluid having passed through a pressure valve 75a. Note that no friction heat energy is released since no work need be done. Low pressure fluid then flows through a second pressure valve 72a and into a large low pressure storage tank 71a. Note that in the cooling cycle, the fluid only flows in one direction, from high pressure to low pressure. The system will operate in this manner all summer. If the storage tanks are not adequate to store enough fluid to last the whole summer, they will be periodically changed with new tanks. Specifically, a new 77a tank will come filled with high pressure fluid and a new tank 71a will come empty (tanks are prepared according to FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0047] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a deep cycle heating half loop of the present invention describing the process of FIG. 5. A low pressure storage tank 71a contains a fluid which is drawn through a fluid compressor 81 and then pushed through a condenser. Heat is released in the compression/condenser cycle. Energy must be input into the compressor as input energy 54a. After passing through the condenser, high pressure fluid is stored in the high pressure storage tank 77b. This is a half loop deep cycle system since when in the heating mode, it flows in only one direction.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a deep cycle cooling half loop of the present invention it describes the stem of FIG. 6. High pressure fluid is stored in high pressure storage tank 77c. IT flows through an evaporator 79a where it absorbs heat. Note that no energy input is required for this cooling process and no friction heat is generated. The fluid is then stored in a low pressure storage tank 71c. This is a half loop deep cycle system since when in the cooling mode, it flows in only one direction.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a map of regions of North American segmented by annual temperature patterns. North America can be divided into three regions. A cold region I 91 where heating is required much of the time and cooling is generally not required. A moderate region II 93 where heating is required in the winter and cooling is required in the summer. A hot region III where heating is generally not required and where cooling is required much of the time.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a map of regions of North American with two fluid pipelines serving the east coast. A low pressure pipeline 97 contains a fluid under low pressure and stretches across three zones of North America. A high pressure pipeline 99 contains a fluid under high pressure and stretches across three zones of North America. Pressures in these pipelines are respectively kept within a normal operating pressure range according to passive techniques described in FIGS. 15 and 16 and other active techniques which are well know in the prior art. This dual pipeline technique enables users of building heating in region I to generate heat using the afore described half loop deep cycle technique while users of building cooling in region III absorb heat using the afore described half loop deep cycle technique. This system integrates a vast number of heaters and coolers to create a totally new utility that significantly reduces energy consumption and global warming.

[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates a deep cycle full loop flowchart of the present invention for heating a first building in Region I of FIG. 10 and then cooling a second building in region II of FIG. 10 (wherein both buildings are connect to 97, and 99). At a first location “A” (in a cold region), a half loop heat pump 53a operates by drawing a low pressure fluid from a low pressure storage means 65a. Location “A” energy 54a is input to compress said low pressure fluid. Said compression causes heat energy to be released into a location “A” warm house 55a. Said fluid, once compressed and heat extracted, is stored in a high pressure storage means 57a. Note that at location “A”, the fluid is not returned to the low pressure state. A deep cycle system by definition will operate on only half of the prior art refrigeration loop at a time such that in the cold region, only the compression side of the loop operates to release heat for warmth. Note that no heat is drawn from the location “A” cold environment.

[0052] At a second location “B” (in a warm region), a half loop air conditioner 61a operates by drawing the high pressure fluid from the high pressure storage means 57a. No energy input is required to expand said high pressure fluid. Said expansion causes heat energy to be absorbed from a location “B” cool house 63a. Said fluid, once expanded and heat absorbed, is stored in the low pressure storage means 65a. Note that at location “B”, the fluid is not returned to the high pressure state. A deep cycle system by definition will operate on only half of the prior art refrigeration loop at a time such that in the warm region, only the expansion side of the loop operates to absorb heat for cooling. Note that no heat is released into the location “B” warm environment. Moreover no energy need be input during the location “B” cooling process. Further, no friction heat loss is incurred in this cooling process. It should be noted that 55a and 63a are in different regions as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0053] FIG. 12 shows the components of the present invention in the heating mode of the second embodiment. When operating in the heating mode, a low pressure storage pipe 101 contains a fluid and is connected to the house. Said pipe is connected to 97 of FIG. 10. Said fluid is drawn through a compressor/condenser 73a where it releases heat energy into the house. Said fluid having passed through a low pressure valve 72b. Note that any friction energy is also released into the house since the 73a is in the house. High pressure fluid then flows through a high pressure valve 75b and into a large high pressure storage pipe 103. Said pipe is connected to 99 of FIG. 10. Note that in the heating cycle, the fluid only flows in one direction, from low pressure to high pressure. The system will operate in this manner all winter

[0054] FIG. 13 shows the components of the present invention in the cooling mode of the second embodiment. When operating in the cooling mode, a high pressure storage pipe 103a contains a fluid. Said pipe is connected to 99 of FIG. 10. Said fluid is pushed by its own pressure through an evaporator 79a where it absorbs heat energy from the house. Said fluid having passed through a pressure valve 75c. Note that no friction heat energy is released since no work need be done. Low pressure fluid then flows through a second pressure valve 72c and into a low pressure storage pipe 101a. Note that in the cooling cycle, the fluid only flows in one direction, from high pressure to low pressure. The system will operate in this manner all summer. Said pipe is connected to 97 of FIG. 10.

[0055] FIG. 14 shows a series of houses each connected to a high pressure fluid pipeline and to a low pressure fluid pipeline. Note that high pressure spur 117 is a spur off of 99 of FIG. 10 and low pressure spur 119 is a spur off of 97 of FIG. 10. A first house 111 is connected to the 117 via a first connecting pipe 113 and the 119 via a second connecting pipe 115. The 113 connects to 103 and 103a of FIG. 12 and 13 respectively while the 115 connects to the 101 and 101a of FIGS. 12 and 13 respectively. A second house 121 is similarly connected to 117 and 119 as are a series of houses throughout regions I, II, and III of FIG. 10.

[0056] FIG. 15 shows the storage tanks of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 in cutaway view. A cutaway storage tank 131 is a solid metal sealed container. A floating piston 137 sealably forms two chambers within the 131. A first chamber 133 contains a fluid which is used as a refrigerant. A second chamber 139 is used to contain a second gas which is further described in FIG. 16. The 137 floats back an forth within the tank such that the 133 and 139 are variable in volume. A refrigerant port enables refrigerant to be drawn from or pushed into the 133 as needed. An air vent 141 is used only on the low pressure tanks. It enables air to flow into and out of the 139 such that a relatively constant pressure is maintained in the 133 as the volume of 133 changes.

[0057] FIG. 16a shows a cross section view of a low pressure and a high pressure tank similar to 131 tanks of FIG. 15 they are 131a and 151a. A compressor draws fluid from a low pressure “a” low tank 131a to compress it, produce heat and store it in a high pressure “a” high tank 151a. This creates a negative pressure differential in 131a such that the floating piston moves to the left and causes air to enter a sealed compartment of the tank. Further, a pressure differential is created within the 151a which causes Hr to push against the 151a floating piston and thereby compresses a compressible inert gas Hi. As this process continues through the winter, The Lr (low pressure refrigerant volume is reduced and its volume displaced with air La, also the High pressure refrigerant Hr increases causing the Hi inert gas to further compress. Thus a desired pressure range is maintained in both 131a and 151a while the volume of gas moves from the former to the later. FIG. 16b shows the process further along. FIG. 16c shows the process complete. When the summer comes, FIG. 16d describes the cooling process. The pressure within the Hr enables its controlled release from the high pressure “d” high tank 151d into the low pressure “d” tank 131d. Hi increases volume in the former while La is expelled from the later. Thus pressure in both the 151a and the 131a are maintained within a desirable range while relative refrigerant volume change in both 151d and 131d. Note that no energy input is required for the summer cooling operation. Compressible gasses such as Hi can also be used to passively regulate the pressure in the pipeline system of FIG. 10.

[0058] FIG. 17 illustrates a passive pressure regulation refrigerant storage and piping means. A high pressure piston 161 sealably rides inside of a high pressure pipe cylinder 165. It is exposed on one side to the high pressure pipeline and is connected on a second side by a push rod 163. A low pressure piston 167 sealably rides within a low pressure cylinder 169. It is exposed on one side to the low pressure within a low pressure pipline and is connected on a second side to the 163. A divider wall 171 is a part of a six cylinder joint 173 which enables the high pressure end of a passive pressure regulation cylinder to plug into the high pressure side of the joint while enabling a the low pressure end of a second passive pressure regulation cylinder (not shown) to plug into the low pressure side of the 173. The 173 also sealably providing connecting means for two low pressure pipes and two high pressure pipes. A joint identical to 173 accepting the opposite ends of 169, the high pressure pipeline and the low pressure pipeline. In a storage embodiment, the 173 is altered such that the three cylinder openings are sealed.

[0059] Operation of the Invention

[0060] FIG. 1 prior art illustrates a heat pump cycle flowchart. A full loop heat pump 33 constantly cycles fluid from a low pressure to a high pressure and back to a low pressure again. The energy released from the compressing of the fluid from low pressure to a high pressure is transferred into a warm house 37. This process requires an energy input 35. The compressed fluid is then expanded in a cold environment 31 to absorb heat. Absorbing heat from a cold environment is not efficient.

[0061] FIG. 2 prior art illustrates a refrigeration (cooling) cycle flowchart. A full loop air conditioner 33a (which can be structurally identical to the 33) constantly cycles fluid from a high pressure to a low pressure and back to a high pressure again. The energy absorbed from the expansion of the fluid from high pressure to a low pressure is withdrawn from a cool house 37a. This process requires an energy input 35a. The expanded fluid is then compressed in a warm environment 31a to release heat. Releasing heat into a warm environment is not efficient and may contribute to global warming.

[0062] FIG. 3 prior art shows the full loop used for both cooling and for heating a building. This describes the elements and cycle of both FIG. 1 and of FIG. 2. An energy input 35b operates a compressor 41, The compressor gives off waste heat caused by friction. Fluid moves from the compressor through a condenser where heat is heat released. Said heat is released into the warm environment when being used to cool, said heat is released into the house when being used to heat.

[0063] Fluid then flows through an expansion valve 45 which enables the fluid to expand within an evaporator 47 said expansion absorbing heat. When in the heating mode, the heat is absorbed from a cold environment, and when in the cooling mode the heat is absorbed from within the house.

[0064] Note that when operating as a heater, the prior art system requires energy input and when operating as a cooler, the prior art requires energy input. Moreover, heat is inefficiently dumped into a warm environment, and heat is inefficiently absorbed from a cold environment. The prior art, using the full loop cycles for both heating and for cooling, is both an inefficient heater and an inefficient cooler.

[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates a deep cycle full loop flowchart of the present invention for first heating and then cooling a building. At a first time “A” (during the winter), a half loop heat pump 53 operates by drawing a low pressure fluid from a low pressure storage means 65. Time “A” energy 54 is input to compress said low pressure fluid. Said compression causes heat energy to be released into a time “A” warm house 55. Said fluid, once compressed and heat extracted, is stored in a high pressure storage means 57. Note that during time “A”, the fluid is not returned to the low pressure state. A deep cycle system by definition will operate on only half of the prior art refrigeration loop at a time such that in the winter, only the compression side of the loop operates to release heat for warmth. Note that no heat is drawn from the time “A” cold environment.

[0066] At a second time “B” (during the summer), a half loop air conditioner 61 operates by drawing the high pressure fluid from the high pressure storage means 57. No energy input is required to expand said high pressure fluid. Said expansion causes heat energy to be absorbed from a time “B” cool house 63. Said fluid, once expanded and heat absorbed, is stored in the low pressure storage means 65. Note that during time “B”, the fluid is not returned to the high pressure state. A deep cycle system by definition will operate on only half of the prior art refrigeration loop at a time such that in the summer, only the expansion side of the loop operates to absorb heat for cooling. Note that no heat is released into the time “B” warm environment. Moreover no energy need be input during the time “B” cooling process. Further, no friction heat loss is incurred in this cooling process. I should be noted that 55 and 63 are the same house at different times of the year.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows the components of the present invention in the heating mode of the first embodiment. When operating in the heating mode, a large low pressure storage tank 71 contains a fluid. Said fluid is drawn through a compressor/condenser 73 where it releases heat energy into the house. Said fluid having passed through a low pressure valve 72. Note that any friction energy is also released into the house since the 73 is in the house. High pressure fluid then flows through a high pressure valve 75 and into a large high pressure storage tank 77. Note that in the heating cycle, the fluid only flows in one direction, from low pressure to high pressure. The system will operate in this manner all winter. If the storage tanks are not adequate to store enough fluid to last the whole winter, they will be periodically changed with new tanks. Specifically, a new 71 tank will come filled with low pressure fluid and a new tank 77 will come empty (tanks are prepared according to FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0068] FIG. 6 shows the components of the present invention in the cooling mode of the first embodiment. When operating in the cooling mode, a large high pressure storage tank 77a contains a fluid. Said fluid is pushed by its own pressure through an evaporator 79 where it absorbs heat energy from the house. Said fluid having passed through a pressure valve 75a. Note that no friction heat energy is released since no work need be done. Low pressure fluid then flows through a second pressure valve 72a and into a large low pressure storage tank 71a. Note that in the cooling cycle, the fluid only flows in one direction, from high pressure to low pressure. The system will operate in this manner all summer. If the storage tanks are not adequate to store enough fluid to last the whole summer, they will be periodically changed with new tanks. Specifically, a new 77a tank will come filled with high pressure fluid and a new tank 71a will come empty (tanks are prepared according to FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0069] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a deep cycle heating half loop of the present invention describing the process of FIG. 5. A low pressure storage tank 71a contains a fluid which is drawn through a fluid compressor 81 and then pushed through a condenser. Heat is released in the compression/condenser cycle. Energy must be input into the compressor as input energy 54a. After passing through the condenser, high pressure fluid is stored in the high pressure storage tank 77b. This is a half loop deep cycle system since when in the heating mode, it flows in only one direction.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a deep cycle cooling half loop of the present invention it describes the stem of FIG. 6. High pressure fluid is stored in high pressure storage tank 77c. IT flows through an evaporator 79a where it absorbs heat. Note that no energy input is required for this cooling process and no friction heat is generated. The fluid is then stored in a low pressure storage tank 71c. This is a half loop deep cycle system since when in the cooling mode, it flows in only one direction.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a map of regions of North American segmented by annual temperature patterns. North America can be divided into three regions. A cold region I 91 where heating is required much of the time and cooling is generally not required. A moderate region II 93 where heating is required in the winter and cooling is required in the summer. A hot region III where heating is generally not required and where cooling is required much of the time.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a map of regions of North American with two fluid pipelines serving the east coast. A low pressure pipeline 97 contains a fluid under low pressure and stretches across three zones of North America. A high pressure pipeline 99 contains a fluid under high pressure and stretches across three zones of North America. Pressures in these pipelines are respectively kept within a normal operating pressure range according to passive techniques described in FIGS. 15 and 16 and other active techniques which are well know in the prior art. This dual pipeline technique enables users of building heating in region I to generate heat using the afore described half loop deep cycle technique while users of building cooling in region III absorb heat using the afore described half loop deep cycle technique. This system integrates a vast number of heaters and coolers to create a totally new utility that significantly reduces energy consumption and global warming.

[0073] FIG. 11 illustrates a deep cycle full loop flowchart of the present invention for heating a first building in Region I of FIG. 10 and then cooling a second building in region II of FIG. 10 (wherein both buildings are connect to 97, and 99). At a first location “A” (in a cold region), a half loop heat pump 53a operates by drawing a low pressure fluid from a low pressure storage means 65a. Location “A” energy 54a is input to compress said low pressure fluid. Said compression causes heat energy to be released into a location “A” warm house 55a. Said fluid, once compressed and heat extracted, is stored in a high pressure storage means 57a. Note that at location “A”, the fluid is not returned to the low pressure state. A deep cycle system by definition will operate on only half of the prior art refrigeration loop at a time such that in the cold region, only the compression side of the loop operates to release heat for warmth. Note that no heat is drawn from the location “A” cold environment.

[0074] At a second location “B” (in a warm region), a half loop air conditioner 61a operates by drawing the high pressure fluid from the high pressure storage means 57a. No energy input is required to expand said high pressure fluid. Said expansion causes heat energy to be absorbed from a location “B” cool house 63a. Said fluid, once expanded and heat absorbed, is stored in the low pressure storage means 65a. Note that at location “B”, the fluid is not returned to the high pressure state. A deep cycle system by definition will operate on only half of the prior art refrigeration loop at a time such that in the warm region, only the expansion side of the loop operates to absorb heat for cooling. Note that no heat is released into the location “B” warm environment. Moreover no energy need be input during the location “B” cooling process. Further, no friction heat loss is incurred in this cooling process. It should be noted that 55a and 63a are in different regions as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0075] FIG. 12 shows the components of the present invention in the heating mode of the second embodiment. When operating in the heating mode, a low pressure storage pipe 101 contains a fluid and is connected to the house. Said pipe is connected to 97 of FIG. 10. Said fluid is drawn through a compressor/condenser 73a where it releases heat energy into the house. Said fluid having passed through a low pressure valve 72b. Note that any friction energy is also released into the house since the 73a is in the house. High pressure fluid then flows through a high pressure valve 75b and into a large high pressure storage pipe 103. Said pipe is connected to 99 of FIG. 10. Note that in the heating cycle, the fluid only flows in one direction, from low pressure to high pressure. The system will operate in this manner all winter

[0076] FIG. 13 shows the components of the present invention in the cooling mode of the second embodiment. When operating in the cooling mode, a high pressure storage pipe 103a contains a fluid. Said pipe is connected to 99 of FIG. 10. Said fluid is pushed by its own pressure through an evaporator 79a where it absorbs heat energy from the house. Said fluid having passed through a pressure valve 75c. Note that no friction heat energy is released since no work need be done. Low pressure fluid then flows through a second pressure valve 72c and into a low pressure storage pipe 101a. Note that in the cooling cycle, the fluid only flows in one direction, from high pressure to low pressure. The system will operate in this manner all summer. Said pipe is connected to 97 of FIG. 10.

[0077] FIG. 14 shows a series of houses each connected to a high pressure fluid pipeline and to a low pressure fluid pipeline. Note that high pressure spur 117 is a spur off of 99 of FIG. 10 and low pressure spur 119 is a spur off of 97 of FIG. 10. A first house 111 is connected to the 117 via a first connecting pipe 113 and the 119 via a second connecting pipe 115. The 113 connects to 103 and 103a of FIG. 12 and 13 respectively while the 115 connects to the 101 and 101a of FIGS. 12 and 13 respectively. A second house 121 is similarly connected to 117 and 119 as are a series of houses throughout regions I, II, and III of FIG. 10.

[0078] FIG. 15 shows the storage tanks of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 in cutaway view. A cutaway storage tank 131 is a solid metal sealed container. A floating piston 137 sealably forms two chambers within the 131. A first chamber 133 contains a fluid which is used as a refrigerant. A second chamber 139 is used to contain a second gas which is further described in FIG. 16. The 137 floats back an forth within the tank such that the 133 and 139 are variable in volume. A refrigerant port enables refrigerant to be drawn from or pushed into the 133 as needed. An air vent 141 is used only on the low pressure tanks. It enables air to flow into and out of the 139 such that a relatively constant pressure is maintained in the 133 as the volume of 133 changes. FIG. 16a shows a cross section view of a low pressure and a high pressure tank similar to 131 tanks of FIG. 15 they are 131a and 151a. A compressor draws fluid from a low pressure “a” low tank 131a to compress it, produce heat and store it in a high pressure “a” high tank 151a. This creates a negative pressure differential in 131a such that the floating piston moves to the left and causes air to enter a sealed compartment of the tank. Further, a pressure differential is created within the 151a which causes Hr to push against the 151a floating piston and thereby compresses a compressible inert gas Hi. As this process continues through the winter, The Lr (low pressure refrigerant volume is reduced and its volume displaced with air La, also the High pressure refrigerant Hr increases causing the Hi inert gas to further compress. Thus a desired pressure range is maintained in both 131a and 151a while the volume of gas moves from the former to the later. FIG. 16b shows the process further along. FIG. 16c shows the process complete. When the summer comes, FIG. 16d describes the cooling process. The pressure within the Hr enables its controlled release from the high pressure “d” high tank 151d into the low pressure “d” tank 131d. Hi increases volume in the former while La is expelled from the later. Thus pressure in both the 151a and the 131a are maintained within a desirable range while relative refrigerant volume change in both 151d and 131d. Note that no energy input is required for the summer cooling operation. Compressible gasses such as Hi can also be used to passively regulate the pressure in the pipeline system of FIG. 10.

[0079] FIG. 17 illustrates a passive pressure regulation refrigerant storage and piping means. The 161, 163 and 167 assembly operate to ensure that the pressure within the high pressure pipe remains constant and that the pressure in the low pressure pipe remains constant. The pressure on the 163 is constant and is expressed as HP×a=Lp×A (high pressure multiplied by a small 161 surface area equals low pressure multiplied by a large 167 surface area). As refrigerant is pumped from the low pressure pipe to the high pressure pipe, the 161, 163, and 167 move to the right, thus maintaining constant pressure in each pipe. As refrigerant is moved from the high pressure pipe to the low pressure pipe, the 161, 163, and 167 move to the left, thus maintaining constant pressure in each pipe. This describes an automatic passive pressure regulation means.

[0080] Operation Of Invention and Contrast to Prior Art

[0081] Preface to analytic model. It should be noted that heat pumps operating at current standards are used throughout this analysis to illustrate both the current non-networked energy consumption and net Btu consumption compared to the NDCHP reduced energy consumption and net Btu consumption. Best of class heat pump technology can be used for both the non-networked and the NDCHP and would produce similar results as a percentage savings, though the actual consumption numbers would be lower. The heat pump technology itself is not the relevant factor in this proposal, the networking of the heat pump technology is the most significant breakthrough that yields dramatic benefits as is illustrated in the below analysis.

[0082] A) Heating efficiency Non-Networked For a sample house in Raleigh, N.C. using a non-networked heat pump.

[0083] HSPF=total annual heating output Btu/total annual energy input watts

[0084] 7.6=Y/5,400,000 Wh

[0085] Y=41,040,000 Btu total annual heating output

[0086] COP=HSPF×0.292

[0087] AVG COP=2.2

[0088] Efficiency range may actually be between COP of 3 when it is 47 degrees F. and COP of 1.2 when it is 17 degrees F. Heating efficiency is a function of outside temperature because heat must be pulled from the cold air.

[0089] Included in Y is heat contributed due to work as follows

[0090] 1 Btu/hr=0.292 watts

[0091] 1/0.292 Btu/hr=1 watt

[0092] 5,400,000/0.292 Btu/hr=5,400,000 watts

[0093] 18,493,150.7 Btu's were contributed doing work in the heat pump operation

[0094] Non-Networked Watts Consumed Heating Raleigh=5,400,000 Wh

[0095] Non-Networked Btu consumed Heating Raleigh=18,493,150 Btu

[0096] B) Meanwhile in Binghamton New York a home is being heated all winter long with a fossil fuel or with resistance heat each of which at best are 100% percent efficient (COP=1). Homes in this region have heretofore not been able to benefit from the significantly greater efficiency of heating with air source heat pumps.

[0097] Heating efficiency At Current Best of Technology—For Sample house in Binghamton N.Y.

[0098] Assuming the usage of resistance heat.

[0099] COP=1 all winter*

[0100] COP=HSPF×0.292

[0101] HSPF=3.42

[0102] HSPF=total annual heating output Btu/total annual energy input watts

[0103] 3.42=102,600,000 Btu/Z Wh

[0104] Z=30,000,000 watts

[0105] Non-Networked Watts Consumed Heating Binghamton=30,000,000 Wh

[0106] Non-Networked Btu consumed heating Binghamton=102,600,000 Btu

[0107] C) Cooling Efficiency Not-Networked—For Sample house in Raleigh, N.C.

[0108] SEER=total annual cooling output Btu/total annual energy input watts

[0109] 12=×/5,400,000 Wh

[0110] X=64,800,000 Btu/total annual cooling output

[0111] COP=SEER×0.292

[0112] COP=3.504

[0113] Heat wasted to environment—additional heat was created in the process due to work performed by the heat pump

[0114] 1 Btu/hr=0.292 watts

[0115] 1/0.292 Btu/hr=1 watt

[0116] 5,400,000/0.292 Btu/hr=5,400,000 watts

[0117] 18,493,150.7 Btu's net heat was dumped into the environment by work done in this “cooling” process.

[0118] This was the work done by the heat pump.

[0119] Non-Networked Watts Consumed Cooling Raleigh=5,400,000 Wh

[0120] Non-Networked Btu Consumed Cooling Raleigh=18,493,150 Btu

[0121] D) Zero cooling is required in Binghamton N.Y.

[0122] Non-Networked Watts Consumed Cooling Binghamton=0 Wh

[0123] Non-Networked Btu Consumed Cooling Raleigh=0 Btu

[0124] TOTALS Not-Networked

[0125] Total Watts Used For Heating and Cooling Raleigh and Binghamton 40,800,000 Wh

[0126] Total Btu Consumed Heating and Cooling Raleigh and Binghamton 139,586,300 Btu

[0127] Operation of the not-networked heat pump system is illustrated by FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

Networked Operational Mode—Using Current Standard Equipment Networked Together

[0128] A Pipeline networking many climate control customers together performs the following functions. It provides a means to transfer compressed fluid (high pressure refrigerant) from cold regions requiring the majority of heating to hot regions requiring the majority of cooling. Likewise it provides a means to transfer low pressure fluid between regions. It provides a means of storing a large volume of refrigerant at a constant low pressure and a means of storing a large volume of refrigerant at a constant high pressure. It enables heat pumps to provide heat efficiently even in the coldest climates where they heretofore have not been practicable. It provides a means to in effect absorb heat efficiently from warm buildings in hot climates and release that heat efficiently to warm buildings in cold climates. The energy savings measured in Wh and Btu are as illustrated below and in FIG. 4, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 11.

[0129] A′)Heating efficiency Using NDCHP As Described Herein—For Sample house in Raleigh, N.C.—Using the same above heat pump retrofitted to connect to a high pressure refrigerant pipeline and a low pressure refrigerant pipeline. Networked operation. It uses a NDCHP to take low pressure refrigerant from the low pressure pipe, compress it, and put it into the high pressure pipe.

[0130] COP=3 all winter*

[0131] COP=HSPF×0.292

[0132] HSPF=10.27

[0133] HSPF=total annual heating output Btu/total annual energy input watts

[0134] 10.27=41,040,000 Btu/Z Wh

[0135] Z=3,994,560 watts

[0136] *COP=3 all winter. Heat pump is always operating at optimal efficiency because the cooling side of the process is not operational (in Raleigh) during the winter and efficiency is therefore not a function of outside temperature. COP of 3 is a conservative assumption based upon performance with a cooling coil at 47 degrees F., actual COP will exceed 3 because no cooling coil is operated during deep cycle heating process.

[0137] Convert 3,994,560 Wh to Btu, subtract that from the 41,040,000 Btu and that is the amount of Btu from refrigerant phase change.

[0138] 1 Btu/hr=0.292 watts

[0139] 1/0.292 Btu/hr=1 watt

[0140] 3,994,560/0.292 Btu/hr=3,994,560 watts

[0141] 13,680,000 Btu's were contributed by work

[0142] 27,360,000 Btu's were contributed by refrigerant phase change, the condensed fluid has been put into the high pressure refrigerant pipeline for subsequent use in a cooling process.

[0143] NDCHP Watts Consumed Heating Raleigh=3,994,560

[0144] NDCHP Btu Consumed Heating Raleigh=13,680,000

[0145] Btu of compressed fluid cooling capacity now stored in high pressure pipeline =27,360,000

[0146] B′) Meanwhile in Binghamton, N.Y. a home connected to the Deep Cycle Pipelines Uses a NDCHP to take low pressure refrigerant from the low pressure pipe, compress it, and put it into the high pressure pipe. The heat pump modified for deep cycle can operate in temperatures even colder than Binghamton at 300% (or greater) efficiency because the cooling side of the process does not occur in Binghamton.

[0147] Heating efficiency Using Deep Cycle As Described Herein—For Sample house in Binghamton, N.Y.—Using the same above heat pump retrofitted to connect to a high pressure refrigerant pipeline and a low pressure refrigerant pipeline. Operating in networked mode.

[0148] COP=3 all winter*

[0149] COP=HSPF×0.292

[0150] HSPF=10.27

[0151] HSPF=total annual heating output Btu/total annual energy input watts

[0152] 10.27=102,600,000 Btu/Z Wh

[0153] Z=9,986,400 watts

[0154] *COP=3 all winter. Always operating at optimal efficiency because the cooling side of the process is not operational during the winter and efficiency is therefore not a function of outside temperature.

[0155] COP of 3 is a conservative assumption based upon performance with a cooling coil at 47 degrees F., actual COP will exceed 3 because no cooling coil is operated during deep cycle heating process.

[0156] Convert 9,986,400 Wh to Btu, subtract that from the 102,600,000 Btu and that is the amount of Btu from refrigerant phase change.

[0157] 1 Btu/hr=0.292 watts

[0158] 1/0.292 Btu/hr=1 watt

[0159] 9,986,400/0.292 Btu/hr=9,986,400 watts

[0160] 34,200,000 Btu's were contributed by work

[0161] 68,400,000 Btu were contributed by refrigerant compression phase change

[0162] NDCHP Watts Consumed Heating Binghamton=9,986,400 Wh

[0163] NDCHP Btu Consumed Heating Binghamton=34,200,000 Btu

[0164] Btu now stored in compressed state in the high pressure pipeline=68,400,000

[0165] Total Btu stored in high pressure pipeline from Rochester and Binghamton=95,760,000

[0166] C′)Cooling Efficiency Using Deep Cycle As Described Herein—For Sample house in Raleigh, N.C.—Using the same above heat pump retrofitted to connect a high pressure refrigerant pipeline and a low pressure refrigerant pipeline. Networked operation.

[0167] All 64,800,000 Btu's are contributed by passively bringing part of the 95,760,000 Btu of cooling capacity stored in the high pressure pipeline to the low pressure state and putting the fluid in the low pressure pipeline. The refrigerant having been brought to the high pressure by the Raleigh user and the Binghamton user. Energy has been used by all of the heat consumers on the pipeline to transform the fluid from low to high pressure. The subsequent transition from high to low pressure requires no work to be done and therefore no energy input.

[0168] 64,800,000 Btu passive annual cooling output used.

[0169] NDCHP Watts Consumed Cooling Raleigh=0 Wh

[0170] NDCHP Btu Consumed Cooling Raleigh=0 Btu

[0171] Btu now stored in compressed state in the high pressure pipeline available for cooling use=30,960,000

[0172] D′) Zero building cooling is required in Binghamton N.Y.

[0173] NDCHP Watts Consumed Cooling Binghamton=0 Wh

[0174] NDCHP Btu Consumed Cooling Binghamton=0 Btu

[0175] Btu now stored in compressed state in the high pressure pipeline=30,960,000

[0176] TOTALS NDCHP

[0177] Total NDCHP Watts Used For Heating and Cooling Raleigh and Binghamton 13,980,960 Wh

[0178] Total NDCHP Btu Consumed Heating and Cooling Raleigh and Binghamton 47,880,000 Btu

[0179] Total Btu now stored in compressed state high pressure pipeline 30,960,000 Btu Free for passive cooling

Total Savings—NDCHP at Current Standards Versus Non-Networked

[0180] 1 TOTAL Watts consumed Not-Networked 40,800,000 Wh TOTAL Watts consumed Using NDCHP 13,980,960 Wh Networked Deep Cycle System 65% savings Percentage Electricity Savings Total Btu Consumed Not-Networked 139,586,300 Btu Total Btu Consumed NDCHP 47,880,000 Btu NDCHP Percentage Btu Savings 65% savings Total Net Btu Dumped Into 139,586,300 Btu environment Not-Networked Total Net Btu Dumped Into 47,880,000 Btu environment NDCHP Reduction in Thermal Pollution 65% reduction

[0181] Amount of Btu passive cooling capacity stored to cool other customers 30,960,000 Btu Stored (or to cool the same customers' refrigeration needs)

[0182] Economic and Environmental Benefits:

[0183] As illustrated above, a NDCHP heat and cooling delivery system will save an estimated 65% of the total energy (Btu and Watts) required to heat and cool buildings when implemented across a range of climates.

[0184] As illustrated above, the NDCHP system reduces thermal pollution of the environment by 65%.

[0185] The NDCHP enables the use of heat pumps in much colder climates than was previously practicable. These heat pumps will replace heating systems that often burn fossil fuels and nearly always operate at much lower efficiencies that do heat pumps. This will significantly reduce America's dependence on foreign heating oil.

[0186] Burning less fossil fuels for heat will significantly reduce our national CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions.

[0187] A large pool of labor will be employed over the next two decades to fully install a pipeline system that will connect nearly all of the climate control customers in the US. This will be a major job creation opportunity. Additional labor will be needed to manufacture, install, and retrofit heat pumps.

[0188] This technology will be utilized in all market segments of the building climate control sector of the economy. Homes will use it to heat, cool, and refrigerate. Commercial buildings will use it to heat, cool, refrigerate, and possibly for some heating and cooling of some industrial processes.

[0189] Existing heat pumps can be retrofitted to operate with NDCHP compliance.

[0190] Assume that 50,000 miles (at $2000/mile=$100 million) of east cost pipeline are needed to begin operation of the NDCHP system. Also assume that initially 1 million heat pumps will be hooked to the network.. Assume that each customer would otherwise spend $650 annually on building climate control ($650 million annually). Further assume that 0.5 million of these customers would need to acquire new heat pumps at $6,000/unit and 0.5 million would retrofit existing heat humps at $500/unit. Total heat pump investment would equal $3,000 million. Savings for 1 million customers over 20 years are estimated as follows: 2 Total Hardware Cost $100 million pipeline installation Operating Over 20 years = $100 million pipeline maintenance $3,000 million heat pump investment Total Energy Savings $8,450 million energy savings ($650 × 20 yrs) × .65 =

[0191] Net Dollar Savings for 1 million customers operating for 20 years=$5,250 million net dollar savings Net Dollar savings per user per annum=$262.5 per year net savings per customer

[0192] It is our goal to achieve 50 million networked customers over a 20 year period. TOTAL DOLLAR SAVINGS PER YEAR FOR 50 million customers=$13.125 billion per year (Note that greater savings are possible because, incremental costs of adding more customers actually decreases.)

[0193] Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

[0194] Thus the reader will see that the deep cycle heating and cooling process and apparatus of the present invention provides a novel, unanticipated, highly functional and reliable means for heating and cooling buildings while reducing energy consumption and wasted heat.

[0195] While my above description describes many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of a preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example other heating and cooling loops are known which can used in conjunction with the art disclosed herein. Carnot refrigeration, vapor-compressor refrigeration, Cascade Refrigeration Systems, and Multistage Compression Refrigeration are known in the prior art. It is anticipated that high pressure and low pressure tanks can transported to different regions instead of using pipelines.

[0196] It is anticipated that process and apparatus disclosed herein can be used in any process that substantially requires heat production and heat absorption. For example, in a home, the clothes dryer, water heater, and stove can use the deep cycle compression half loop to generate heat and add fluid to the high pressure side of the loop. Similarly, high pressure fluid can be expanded or evaporated in the heat absorption deep cycle side of the half loop. In a home environment, the refrigeration can be hooked into the apparatus and process described herein. While the embodiments described herein are drawn to heating and cooling a home, it will be understood that any commercial process requiring heat and/or heat absorption can use the apparatus and process described herein.

[0197] Fluid as used herein can be a gas, a liquid, or any substance that can substantially conform to the shape of its container. Refrigeration and heat pump cycles used herein can operate by compressing a gas to form a liquid (condensation) under pressure and then by lowering the pressure thereby expanding the fluid into a gas (evaporation).

Claims

1. A refrigerant pipeline system for integrating at least two climate control mechanisms together comprising;

a first climate control mechanism which takes refrigerant from a low pressure pipeline, compresses it, and moves it to a high pressure pipeline, said compression process heating a first space, and

a second climate control mechanism which takes refrigerant from said high pressure pipeline, expands it, and moves it to said low pressure pipeline, said expansion process absorbing heat from a second space.

2. The refrigerant pipeline system of claim 1 wherein said first space is located in a first building and said second space is located in a second building.

3. The refrigerant pipeline system of claim 1 wherein said first climate control mechanism operates during times which are independent of the times which said second climate control mechanism operates.

4. The refrigerant pipeline of claim 1 wherein pressure regulation means is provided for maintaining a constant pressure within said high pressure pipeline.

5. The refrigerant pipeline of claim 1 wherein at least some of said refrigerant pipeline is subterranean.

6. A space heating mechanism which comprises a means for compressing refrigerant, and

a means for storing refrigerant,

wherein said means for compressing refrigerant operates independently of any means for expanding refrigerant.

7. The space heating mechanism of claim 6 wherein no means to expand refrigerant is provided.

8. A space cooling mechanism which comprises a means for expanding refrigerant, and a means to store high pressure refrigerant before being expanded to a low pressure, wherein said means to expand refrigerant operates independently of any means for compressing refrigerant.

9. The space cooling mechanism of claim 8 wherein no means to compress refrigerant is provided.

10. A system of refrigerant storage tanks for integrating at least two climate control mechanisms together comprising;

a climate control mechanism which takes refrigerant from a low pressure tank, compresses it, and moves it to a high pressure tank, said compression process operating during a first time, and a second climate control mechanism which takes refrigerant from said high pressure tank, expands it, said expansion process operating during a second time.

11. The system of refrigerant storage tanks of claim 10 wherein said high pressure tank is filled with refrigerant at a first location, and is then physically transported to a second location where the refrigerant is expanded.

12. The system of refrigerant storage tanks of claim 10 wherein a pressure regulation means is provided for maintaining a constant pressure within said high pressure tank.

13. A refrigerant storage tank which comprises a first cavity for storing refrigerant at a first pressure and a second cavity for storing refrigerant at a second pressure.

14. The refrigerant storage tank of claim 13 wherein refrigerant can be moved between said first cavity and said second cavity while pressure in at least one cavity is maintained at a constant.