Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing physiological thermoregulation, the apparatus including a housing configured to contact a glabrous area of a user, wherein the housing includes a cooling element; and a plurality of sensors configured to generate a biometric datum; at least a processor communicatively connected to the plurality of sensors; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least processor, the memory containing instructions configuring the at least processor to receive the biometric datum from the plurality of sensors; and control the cooling element as a function of the biometric datum.

Abstract: A multi-type air conditioner may include three pipes, including a high-pressure pipe, a low-pressure pipe, and a liquid line which may be connected to a plurality of indoor units, in which some of the indoor units may be operated in a cooling mode and the rest of the indoor units may be operated in a heating mode, such that waste heat from the indoor units operated in the heating mode may be recovered to be used for the indoor units operated in the cooling mode.

Abstract: Fan coil thermostats can provide energy savings by, for example, operating a fan coil system more efficiently. Fan coil systems employing such a fan coil thermostat may be more energy efficient. A fan coil system may include a fan coil that is configured for fluid communication with a source of heated fluid and/or a source of cooled fluid, a valve that controls fluid flow through the fan coil and a fan that blows air across the fan coil. The fan coil thermostat may include a controller that implements a control algorithm that calculates an error percentage value relating to a temperature difference between the current temperature and the temperature set point. The error percentage value may include a proportional term related to the temperature difference and an integral term related to the temperature difference. The controller may regulate the fan speed in accordance with the calculated error percentage.

Abstract: A method for heating and cooling building interiors with a boiler and/or chiller of fluid travelling in a closed loop includes temperature transducers located at the inlet and outlet of the boiler and/or chiller. A Variable Frequency Drive pump and closed loop piping for transporting the fluid is necessarily provided. The temperature transducers at the outlet and inlet of the boiler and/or chiller are electrically connected to a PLC or pump logic control device for receiving information from the transducers and altering the speed and/or frequency of operation of the pump or set of circulating pumps to create an ideal temperature differential of about 20 degrees C. between the outlet and the inlet.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for heating/cooling buildings and other facilities. An elongate pipe filled with water or other fluid medium forms a thermal gradient header having temperature zones that are progressively warmer towards one end and cooler towards the other. Multiple heating/cooling systems are connected to the header so as to draw fluid from zones that are closest in temperature to the optimal intake temperature of each system, and to discharge fluid back to the header at zones that are closest to the temperature to the optimal output temperature of each system, allowing each heating/cooling system to take advantage of the thermal output of other systems. The pipe forming the thermal gradient header may be routed back and forth in the facility to define a series of legs containing the different temperature zones. A boiler or other source may supply makeup heat to the thermal gradient header, and excess heat may be sent from the header to a ground field or other thermal reservoir for later use.

Abstract: A temperature equalization system, including an installation, a heat equalizer disposed in a natural heat carrier and being made of a material of heat conduction to exchange heat with the natural heat carrier, a fluid transmission duct disposed between the heat equalizer and the installation and having a fluid contained therein for heat transmission, a pump connected in series with the fluid transmission duct for pumping the fluid, and a control means controlling an operation of temperature equalization system. The control means controls the pump to pump the fluid through the fluid transmission duct and an interior of the installation.

Abstract: A temperature equalization system, including an installation, a heat equalizer disposed in a natural heat carrier and being made of a material of heat conduction to exchange heat with the natural heat carrier, a fluid transmission duct disposed between the heat equalizer and the installation and having a fluid contained therein for heat transmission, a pump connected in series with the fluid transmission duct for pumping the fluid, and a control means controlling an operation of temperature equalization system. The control means controls the pump to pump the fluid through the fluid transmission duct and an interior of the installation with a periodical change of flowing direction.

Abstract: A secondary pump-type heat source system includes: heat sources connected in parallel; a load system in which the heat source water flows; a primary pump supplying the heat source water to the load system; a secondary pump provided for each heat source and supplies the heat source water subjected to heat exchange in the load system to the heat source; and a heat source controller calculating flow quantity of the heat source water flowing in the heat source side and flow quantity of the heat source water flowing in the load system side by assigning a result from measurement by a water temperature sensor detecting heat source temperature to an operating characteristic of each heat source and controlling operation of the secondary pumps based on the calculation result.

Abstract: A temperature equalization system, including an installation, a heat equalizer disposed in a natural heat carrier and being made of a material of heat conduction, a relay heat equalizer, a first fluid transmission duct disposed between the relay heat equalizer and the installation and having a first fluid contained therein for heat transmission, a second fluid transmission duct disposed between the heat equalizer and the relay heat equalizer and having a second fluid contained therein for heat transmission, a pump and a relay pump respectively connected in series with the first and second fluid transmission ducts for pumping the first and second fluid, and a control means controlling the pump to pump the first fluid through the relay heat equalizer, the fluid transmission duct and an interior of the installation, and to pump the second fluid through the relay heat equalizer, the second fluid transmission duct and the heat equalizer.

Abstract: A zone-control unit for use in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the zone-control unit includes a heat exchanger, an inlet piping assembly coupled with the heat exchanger for supplying fluid to the heat exchanger, an outlet piping assembly coupled with the heat exchanger for receiving fluid from the heat exchanger, a bracket that maintains the inlet piping assembly and the outlet piping assembly in positional relationship, and an ancillary component coupled with the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of rooftop HVAC units having a centralized refrigeration unit is described along with a method for retrofitting existing independent HVAC units into the described system. The resulting multi-unit system offers increased efficiency and reliability over independently operating HVAC units.

Abstract: To provide an air-conditioning apparatus that can prevent the formation of frost on indoor-side heat exchangers functioning as an evaporator even when the outside air temperature is low, and can use unmodified normal indoor units even when a portion of the indoor units is used in a place that has a large sensible heat load. An air-conditioning apparatus capable of simultaneous heating and cooling operation includes a heat source unit, a plurality of indoor units, and a relay unit that connects the heat source unit to the indoor units. A flow control unit that controls a flow amount of a refrigerant that flows through the indoor units that are in cooling operation is provided to a piping on the downstream side of a merging section of a piping through which flows the refrigerant that flows out from the indoor units that are in cooling operation.

Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting several parallel connected heat exchangers supplied with a coolant medium. The aim of the invention is to simplify the adjustment. For this purpose, the method consists in a) determining a specific value of heat requirement for each heat exchanger in a predetermined time period; b) comparing the specific values of all heat exchangers therebetween and c) in modifying the adjustment of the heat exchanger having the lowest specific value of heat requirement in such a way that the heat requirement thereof is increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic switching two pipe hydronic system for conditioning a space. In one embodiment the two pipe hydronic system enables automatic switching from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation or vice versa in a reduced span of time. The present invention saves fuel, energy and water, when there are lower load conditions that affect boilers, chillers, and cooling towers. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for simultaneously heating and cooling a first portion and a second portion of a space by utilizing a plurality of boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, condenser pumps and closed loop pumps by using a plurality of sensors indicating the temperatures inside and outside the space and a controlling module controlling the operation of the system. The present invention can be easily achieved by making minor configurational modifications to existing systems thereby increases system versatility.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a container includes a refrigeration circuit having a primary fluid circulating therein and a secondary fluid circuit in communication with a first compartment of the container and a second compartment of the container. The secondary fluid circuit has a secondary fluid separate from the primary fluid circulating therein. The secondary fluid circuit includes a first heat exchange module in communication with an interior load space of the first compartment and a second heat exchange module in communication with an interior load space of the second compartment. Each of the first and second heat exchange modules includes a pump, a heater, a heat exchanger, and a three-way valve. A heat exchange interface between the refrigeration circuit and the secondary fluid circuit is operable to transfer heat from the secondary fluid to the primary fluid.

Abstract: A cooling and/or heating device (10, 60) for use in the cooling and/or heating of one or more units (8a to 8c) includes a conduit network containing flow and return conduits (14, 16; 68, 70), with several circuits (12a to 12c; 32 to 38, 74 to 78) connected to the flow and return conduits (14, 16; 68, 70). Valves (28, 88, 96) are located in each circuit and used to regulate or control the volumetric flow through the circuits (12a to 12c; 32 to 38; 74 to 78). A heat transfer medium or coolant circulates through the conduit network, with at least one consuming device disposed in each circuit. Sensors (38) are provided in each circuit (12a-12c; 32-38; 74-78), the sensors (38) sending signals to a control unit and forming part of a control circuit. The control unit adjusts the valves (28, 88, 96) of each circuit as a function of the signals transmitted from the sensors (38) so as to hydraulically balance the individual circuits.

Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a generation unit equipped with a generator and an internal combustion engine, there is installed with a hot water unit including a first flow channel connecting a water supply source with a thermal load, a heat exchanger exchanging heat between water flowing the first flow channel and engine coolant, a first electromagnetic solenoid regulating flow rate of the water heated by the heat exchanger, a second flow channel connected to the first flow channel, a boiler heating water flowing through the second flow channel, and a second electromagnetic solenoid regulating flow rate of the water to be heated by the boiler. The temperatures of the engine coolant and water at the first and second flow channel joint are detected and operation of the first and second valves is controlled based on the detected temperatures, rendering hot water tank unnecessary, thereby achieving the compact structure.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hydronic system is provided. The hydronic system includes a plurality of fluid heat exchange units for feeding a load, and a bypass valve for bypassing the load. The method includes operating at least a first and a second fluid heat exchange unit in the hydronic system to heat or cool a fluid. An output fluid flow of each of the operating fluid heat exchange units is monitored. The monitored output fluid flow of each fluid heat exchange unit is compared to a predetermined fluid flow setpoint. The output fluid flow of each of the operating fluid heat exchange units is adjusted towards the predetermined fluid flow setpoint if the monitored output flow is different from the predetermined fluid flow setpoint by at least a predetermined margin. A combined output fluid flow of the operating fluid heat exchange units is also monitored. The bypass valve is at least partially opened if the combined output fluid flow is below a predetermined minimum combined output fluid flow.

Abstract: A thermal reservoir for a two-pipe hydronic air-conditioning system is disclosed. Said thermal reservoir includes a well-insulated tank for alternatively storing hot and cold water. Said thermal reservoir contains plurality of valves for directing hot water stored therein into the two-pipe hydronic air-conditioning system, thereby causing cold water within the two-pipe hydronic air-conditioning system to be displaced therefrom and into well insulated storage tank. Said process is fully reversible in that cold water displaced from the two-pipe hydronic air-condition system into said thermal reservoir may be subsequently directed from the thermal reservoir and restored to the two-pipe hydronic air-conditioning system and hot water therefrom directed back into storage. Accordingly a two-pipe hydronic air-conditioning system may be switched between heating and cooling modes with rapidity and without waste of the energy content of said hot water and said cold water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlling method of the discharge of coolant medium, and more particularly to a controlling method of the discharge of coolant medium in the heat exchange wind box. By mainly controlling the discharge of coolant medium in the heat exchange wind box, it is able to directly control the volume of discharged coolant medium that supplies the circulation need of the heat exchange tube according to the variations of the target volumes of environmental heat energy in the freezing and air-conditioning area. Therefore, it increases the operation efficiency of the freezing and air-conditioning equipment and achieves the heat balance stability of the freezing and air-conditioning area. Furthermore, by saving the circulated volume of the coolant medium, it achieves the energy saving objective.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for rooms includes a cooling module associated to a heating system, a plurality of fan-convectors acting both as heating and cooling terminals, a single hydraulic circuit leading a fluid to said fan-convectors, said cooling module having a first inlet tube and a first outlet tube, said heating system having a second inlet tube and a second outlet tube, said single hydraulic circuit comprising an intake tube and a return tube. The cooling module comprises a three-way switching valve whose central outlet is connected to said intake tube, an inlet is connected to said second outlet tube, and an inlet is connected to said first outlet tube, with said return tube being connected to said second inlet tube and to said first inlet tube, so that said three-way switching valve connects said plurality of fan-convectors both during cooling and heating operating mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlling method of the discharge of coolant medium, and more particularly to a controlling method of the discharge of coolant medium in the heat exchange wind box. By mainly controlling the discharge of coolant medium in the heat exchange wind box, it is able to directly control the volume of discharged coolant medium that supplies the circulation need of the heat exchange tube according to the variations of the target volumes of environmental heat energy in the freezing and air-conditioning area. Therefore, it increases the operation efficiency of the freezing and air-conditioning equipment and achieves the heat balance stability of the freezing and air-conditioning area. Furthermore, by saving the circulated volume of the coolant medium, it achieves the energy saving objective.

Abstract: An energy control and transmission system which monitors temperature in piping systems, electronic systems and the like. Energy in the form of a heated or chilled fluid is delivered to the devices and/or regions of interest to maintain temperature conditions thereat within a safe range of values. Electrical energy employed in the system is confined to the location from which the fluid is pumped, eliminating the presence of electricity in hazardous or dangerous areas. Non-electrical temperature indicators are utilized to permit branching flow of the temperature controlling fluid from a closed loop responsive to detection of a temperature condition outside of the desired range of values. The opening of such a branching path triggers operation of a pressure sensitive switch which activates a pump for delivery of the temperature controlling fluid.

Abstract: A cogeneration system includes a gas engine generator acting as private power generating equipment for generating power to be supplied to private electricity consuming equipment, and a source-side heat exchanger connected to the gas engine generator through an exhaust heat recovery piping to act as a heat source. A heat medium is heated and evaporated through a heat exchange in the source-side heat exchanger. The resulting vapor is allowed to flow upward to be supplied to room heating heat exchangers. The vapor is liquefied through a heat exchange in the room heating heat exchangers. The resulting liquid is allowed to flow downward back to the source-side heat exchanger. This natural circulation of the heat medium is used for the heating purpose. Surplus exhaust heat is released through a generator to control the heat medium supplied to the room heating heat exchangers.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration network including refrigeration system units constructed and arranged for placement in strategic proximity to corresponding product cooling zones within the shopping arena of a food store, each refrigeration unit having a condensing unit rack configured to accommodate the maximum refrigeration loads of its associated zone with an optimum floor space footprint in the shopping arena, and the condensing unit rack including a plurality of multiplexed compressors, condenser and associated high side and low side refrigerant delivery and suction conduits operatively connected to evaporators for cooling the corresponding zone, and the network also including another cooling source remote from said modular refrigeration units and constructed and arranged for circulating a fluid coolant in heat exchange relationship with the condenser to obtain optimum condensing and efficiency of said evaporators in cooling the corresponding zone.

Abstract: An integrated zoning circulator includes a priority controller, integral with the zoning circulator, for determining the priority given to the circulator in an individual zone of a multi-zone hydronic system. The zoning circulator also includes a priority circulator system for a multi-zone hydronic system having a zoning circulator at each zone, a plurality of control boxes each having a thermostat, one control box being associated with each circulator, and, a plurality of priority controllers, one priority controller being associated with each control box. Each priority controller, when activated, functions to assure that when the associated thermostat calls for the circulator to operate, other circulators in non-priority mode are prevented from operating simultaneously.

Abstract: A cogeneration system includes a gas engine generator acting as private power generating equipment for generating power to be supplied to private electricity consuming equipment, and a source-side heat exchanger connected to the gas engine generator through an exhaust heat recovery piping to act as a heat source. A heat medium is heated and evaporated through a heat exchange in the source-side heat exchanger. The resulting vapor is allowed to flow upward to be supplied to room heating heat exchangers. The vapor is liquefied through a heat exchange in the room heating heat exchangers. The resulting liquid is allowed to flow downward back to the source-side heat exchanger. This natural circulation of the heat medium is used for the heating purpose. Surplus exhaust heat is released through a generator to control the heat medium supplied to the room heating heat exchangers.

Abstract: A real time remote sensing pressure control system is provided which uses periodically sampled remote sensors to generate a bias signal that modifies the base setpoint of a proportional-integral controller that controls variable speed pumps. This control scheme saves energy by slowing the rotational speed of the variable-speed secondary pumps during periods of light system demand. The system can be provided with more than one zone of system loads (such as chilled or hot water coils) and a remote pressure sensor (gauge or differential) can be provided at each of those zones. In addition, a local pressure sensor (gauge or differential) is provided at the primary and secondary pumps. The process variable signals detected by the remote pressure sensors is communicated by a building automation system or other type of data highway, which inherently delays the real time nature of those sensed signals and only periodically provides an update of those signals.