Abstract: A water heating system, including both a conventional water heater and an external heat source such as a heat pump, is controlled in accordance with the present invention. The water heater includes a water storage tank, an electrically resistive heating element located in the tank, and a tank-mounted thermostat which closes in response to a demand for water heating to allow electric current flow to the heating element and which opens when the demand for water heating has been satisfied, to interrupt the electric current flow to the heating element. The external heat pump includes a water pump for circulating the water between the storage tank and the heat pump, whereby water is heated by the heat pump and returned to the tank. A current sensor is provided for sensing the flow of electric current to the heating element and a temperature sensor is located external to the water storage tank for sensing the temperature of the water entering the heat pump before the water is heated thereby.

Abstract: A coolant fluid circulation subsystem for engine driven heat pump systems including a coolant fluid loop through the engine and a recouperator, and through a thermostatic control valve operable to convey and to modulate flow from a coolant reservoir during engine operation, with the coolant fluid being selectively switchable, between first or second heat exchangers in heat exchange relation with the indoor and outdoor ambient condition selectively. An auxiliary pump and coolant fluid heater are provided in the subsystem to increase the heat contained in the coolant fluid and to exchange heat to the indoor ambient condition.

Abstract: An air conditioner is selectively operable in a main heating mode, a cooling mode and an auxiliary heating mode. In the main heating and cooling modes, refrigerant is circulated through a main line which includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger. In the auxiliary heating mode, the compressor is not activated, and the refrigerant is circulated through an auxiliary line having opposite ends connected by valves to the main line at opposite sides of the indoor heat exchanger. A pump and heater are disposed in the auxiliary line so that in the auxiliary heating mode, refrigerant is circulated by the pump through the heater and the indoor heat exchanger and back to the pump.

Abstract: In a heat pump system having supplemental heat for application to the supply air during periods of defrost operation, a "cold blow" condition is avoided by turning on a supplemental heater and by sensing the temperature of the supply air and responsively turning on additional heat in stages when necessary to maintain the temperature level of the supply air at a comfortable level.

Abstract: An air conditioning system suitable for use in an electric vehicle. In the system, an air conditioning mechanism for air-conditioning the driver and passenger room of the vehicle is disposed in the vehicle. A sensor is attached to at least one window or disposed in the vicinity of the window. The sensor outputs a signal for making a decision as to whether or not the window is in a clear state. A glass heating device is used to heat each such window. When it is determined based on the output signal of the sensor that a window is unclear, either iced or foggy, a control device is activated to energize the glass heating device and to output a signal for controlling the power used by the air conditioning mechanism. Thus, water or moisture condensed on the surface of each window or ice formed on the surface thereof can be quickly removed. Further, the total amount of energy to be used by the air conditioning system can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of utilizing the high energy values of fossile fuels in central heating boiler systems. The boiler system comprises a processor which includes an air heat pump (5) which functions to cool the system flue gases by condensation. A first fan (10) generates a first circulation (C.sub.1) of boiler room air, via the air heat pump (5), this circulation of air also passing through a heat exchanger (4) where heat exchange takes place with the flue gases. A second air circulation (C.sub.2) is generated with the aid of a flue-gas fan (7) which removes flue gases from the boiler by suction, thereby generating a subpressure in the boiler room so that fresh air will be drawn in from the ambient surroundings, this air passing through the heat exchanger (4). A lower pressure is maintained on that side of the heat exchanger (4) on which the air/flue gas mixture (C.sub.

Abstract: A refrigerant heating type air conditioner operable in a cooling mode and a heating mode includes a first external heat exchanger which works as a condenser in the cooling mode and a second external heat-exchanger which works as an evaporator. Bypass means is disposed between a discharge side of a compressor and the second external heat-exchanger. An expansion valve is connected to an inner heat-exchanger, which works as a condenser in the heating mode, and to both the first and second external heat-exchangers. A control valve is disposed between a suction port side of the second external heat-exchanger for preventing the refrigerant from flowing to the second external heat-exchanger in the cooling mode. Pressure of the refrigerant which is trapped between the control valve and the expansion valve is increased by applying heat, by heating means, to the second external heat-exchanger.

Abstract: A heat pump system in which a vapor compression refrigerant is isolated from the space being conditioned, heat pumped by the refrigeration circuit is stored and a heat transfer fluid circuit is controlled for conditioning the space and for conducting heat from a heat storage medium at times when the refrigeration circuit does not operate in a regular heat pumping mode.

Abstract: A heater core is connected with an engine to receive a hot engine-coolant, which operates as a main heater. An evaporator in a refrigerating cycle operates as an auxiliary heater. A condenser is connected to an outlet of the compressor, and the evaporator is connected to an inlet of the compressor. A bypass conduit is provided, one end of which is connected to the outlet side of the compressor and another end of which is connected to an inlet side of the evaporator. A expansion valve is disposed in the bypass conduit. In heating stage, the compressed hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the bypass conduit. The refrigerant is expanded by the expansion valve and radiates the heat in the evaporator.

Abstract: A condensing gas furnace/heat exchange system is provided which includes two subsystems. A first subsystem includes an outdoor coil, an indoor coil, a reversing valve and a compressor, and the heat exchange medium thereof is a liquid refrigerant, such as freon. This subsystem is operative in heating, heat-augmented heating and cooling modes of operation, and in the heat-augmenting mode of operation, gas burners provide additional BTU's to the system. The other system includes an outdoor coil, an indoor coil and a pump, but excludes a compressor or a reversing valve, and utilizes a heat-exchange medium such as water, ethylene glycol, glycol per se or a nonrefrigerant. The pump merely pumps the glycol through the system which absorbs heat/BTU's from the flames of the burner which are eventually transferred by the indoor coil to heat an associated dwelling or the like.

Abstract: A heat pump system for a residence or other occupied space utilizing a fuel-fired prime mover or heat engine to operate a refrigerant vapor compressor. With both the engine and compressor situated outdoors, heat is transferred between the building interior and the refrigeration circuit with a heat transfer fluid circuit that permits the refrigerant to be isolated outdoors. The heat rejected by the engine is carried into the building by an engine coolant circuit for space heating and water heating. The heat transfer fluid circuit and the engine coolant circuit, ideally, use the same liquid, a simplified pump arrangement, a common reservoir and a multi-channel conduit.

Abstract: A coolant fluid circulation subsystem for engine driven heat pump systems including a coolant fluid loop through the engine and a recuperator, and through a thermostatic control valve operable to convey and to modulate flow from a coolant reservoir during engine operation, with the coolant fluid being selectively switchable, between first or second heat exchangers in heat exchange relation with the indoor and outdoor ambient condition selectively. An auxiliary pump and coolant fluid heater are provided in the subsystem to increase the heat contained in the coolant fluid and to exchange heat to the indoor ambient condition.

Abstract: A multi-purpose engine-driven heat pump system which used solenoid valves, 3-way valves and 4-way valves to control the circulation path of coolant and water to perform various air-conditioning functions as follows: the house-cooling function only, a combination of the house-cooling function and the hot water generating function, the house-heating function only, a combination of the house-heating function and the hot water generating function, a combination of the house-heating function and the ice water generating function, the defumidifying function only, a combination of the dehumidifying function and the hot water generating function, the defrosting function only, and a combination of the ice water generating function and the hot water generating function.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exchanging heat energy between a refrigeration circuit and a hot water system utilizes a solar heated water tank or a conventional water heater. In a wintertime operation, condensed refrigerant receives heat from either the solar heated water tank or the water heater and the additional heat is delivered to living spaces by an indoor condenser and fan assembly. In summertime operation, condensed refrigerant bypasses the hot water storage arrangement so as to function as a normal air conditioning system.

Abstract: A heat storage system for a fuel fired prime mover driven space conditioner. Rejected heat from the prime mover is advantageously stored in a storage type potable hot water heater. Heat is transferred from a coolant fluid for the prime mover by forcibly circulating water from the tank of the potable hot water heater with a pump driven by the hydraulic energy of the coolant fluid. Since the coolant fluid flows when the prime mover is operated, control circuitry for the water circulating pump is avoided.

Abstract: An absorption heat pump apparatus is so formed that solution which has absorbed coolant vapor in absorber to increase in temperature, liquid coolant into which coolant vapor heat been condensed in a condenser, and coolant which has decreased in temperature through flash evaporation of coolant vapor in an evaporator are delivered directly to heat exchangers so as to exchange heat with the outdoor air, respectively. This arrangement makes the use of cold water and cooling water as well as equipment therefor and maintenance thereof unnecessary.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat pump comprising a vapor-compression refrigeration system wherein the heat pump evaporator extracts heat from a low temperature heat exchanger in the form of a water-immiscible fluid, and delivers the extracted heat to another location by means of a condenser. The water-immiscible fluid is maintained at a temperature of virtually 0.degree. C. by the injection of many small droplets of water that freeze to form beads of ice as they settle in the fluid. The beads can then be separated and delivered to a combined ice-water reservoir. The heat extracted from the water-immiscible fluid and the injected water droplets is replaced in the ice-water reservoir from natural heat sources, such as a ground loop, a solar panel or an air-water heat exchanger. The heat provided by the ice-water reservoir includes its latent heat of fusion, which acts as a buffer when heat demand exceeds the rate of heat available from natural sources.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a space using waste heat from a biologically heated product, the apparatus including a storage tank for storing a quantity of the milk and a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the product carrying a thermally conductive fluid. The fluid absorbs heat from the milk and cools the milk as it flows through the heat exchanger. A first condenser in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and carries fluid heated by the milk therein. A fan forces air over the first condenser, heating the air and cooling the fluid in the first condenser. The fan forces the heated air into the space to be heated.A method for recovering waste heat from a biologically heated product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat pump system for an occupied space of a building comprising a fuel-fired heat engine and a heat pump compressor driven by the heat engine, the mechanical horsepower output capacity of the engine being substantially equal to the input power requirement of the compressor, an indoor refrigeration circuit heat exchanger in thermal communication with air in the occupied space, and an outdoor refrigeration circuit heat exchanger in thermal communication with the outdoor environment of the building, a refrigerant circuit connecting the refrigeration heat exchangers and the compressor to permit the compressor to pump heat between the heat exchangers when operated by the engine, a heat storage medium for absorbing heat rejected by the engine during its operation, the heat storage medium having a capacity to store a substantial quantity of heat for a period at least substantially as long as a maximum expected time that the engine is inoperative between ordinary cycles of operation, and a pump for selectively tran

Abstract: A condensing furnace which includes an outdoor coil of the type having aluminum fins pressed to copper tubes through which a refrigerant is conducted. Heat is generated, preferably from a flame, and the relatively intense temperature (approximately 2200.degree. F.) is de-intensified before reaching the aluminum fins by generally sinusoidal de-intensifier tubes positioned between the flames and the fins of the coil. Since the de-intensifier tubes reduce the temperature of the flue of gases virtually instantly to approximately 50.degree. F., condensation forms not only upon the de-intensifier tubes but also upon the aluminum fins of the coil which prevents acidic deterioration and corrosion thereof, while at the same time maintaining extremely high Btu absorption.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus carrying out a refrigerant collecting operation for a given operation period before the heating operation is begun if the standby period Et from the halt of the heating operation to the restart of the heating operation greater than the prescribed period Pt, the temperature Ta in a defined space to be heated lower than the predetermined temperature value Ts1, and the external temperature Tex lower than the given temperature value Ts2 are satisfied when the restart of the heating operation is commanded.

Abstract: A heat pump type apparatus with an air heating mode which heats a whole space using an internal heat-exchanger, a floor heating mode which heats the floor around the space using a floor heating panel, and a combined use of both type heating. In the combined use mode, the apparatus compensates the desired preset room temperature by a specified value in response to the results of a comparison of an actual floor temperature and a desired preset floor temperature.

Abstract: In this air-conditioner, combustion test of a refrigerant heater is conducted through a control valve on the basis of a minimum combustion command signal and a maximum combustion command signal set in advance at a plurality of stages to store values of the minimum combustion command signal and the maximum combustion command signal presenting an optimum combustion state from the above-mentioned command signals, whereby in an actual operation, control of the control valve is carried out by using stored values with respect to the minimum combustion command signal and the maximum combustion command signal.

Abstract: An air conditioning system comprising a refrigerant circuit. A thermal storage device is arranged in the refrigerant circuit and can store heat and utilize the stored heat to increase heating capacity at the time of kickoff of heating. A temperature detector detects a temperature at a thermal storage portion of a thermal storage and radiating heat exchanger which is housed in the thermal storage device. A counter counts a thermal storage operation period required for the temperature detected at the thermal storage portion to achieve a predetermined value, outputs a signal indicative of stopping a thermal storage operation when the detected temperature has achieved the predetermined value, counts the lapse of a predetermined thermal storage operation stoppage period after stop of the thermal storage operation, and outputs a signal indicative of starting the thermal storage operation when a predetermined thermal storage operation stoppage time has passed.

Abstract: For use with a heat pump to increase cold weather heating efficiency, a supplemental heat exchanger and associated refrigerant flow lines for generating additional expanded refrigerant and transferring the additional expanded refrigerant to the heat pump compressor during the cold outside conditions, included isn a monitoring system for detecting and actively regulating the refrigerant pressure and temperature at a location in the supplemental heat exchanger and associated refrigerant flow lines just prior to the refrigerant entering the compressor. The monitoring system automatically connects the supplemental heat pump, to enhance the heating cycle capabilities, and disconnects the supplemental heat pump, when the enhanced heating cycle capabilities are no longer required.

Abstract: An integrated heat pump and hot water system provides heating or cooling of a comfort zone, as required, and also provides water heating. As a power management feature, the speed of a variable speed compressor is reduced to a predetermined fraction, e.g. 80%, of its normal operating speed, in response to a demand limit signal provided from the electric power utility during times of peak electrical load. A reference compressor speed is computed based on the current compressor speed, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and zero-load temperature difference. If the system is between operating cycles when the demand limit signal is received, a stored speed is used which corresponds to the compressor speed at a predetermined outdoor-indoor temperature difference. This system produces graceful reduction in comfort cooling during demand limit periods.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle constitutes a closed cycle for circulating a refrigerant therein and includes at least a variable capacity compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger is provided with temperature sensor and an indoor fan. A floor heating panel is connected in parallel with the indoor heat exchanger. The panel is provided with a floor temperature sensor. A flow control valve is arranged in a refrigerant upstream side of the panel at a heating operation. A controller controls the compressor, the fan, and the valve in a first state at the start of a heating operation to simultaneously start air heating by the indoor heat exchanger and floor heating by the panel. The compressor, the fan, and the valve are controlled in a second state when a detection output from the room temperature sensor reaches a preset value, thereby maintaining a room temperature and increasing a floor temperature.

Abstract: A heat pump refrigeration system has a refrigerant condition detector for detecting the mass of refrigerant in the system and initializing a refrigerant mass recovery operation. The heat pump system comprises three flow paths. When a cooling operation is performed, refrigerant flows in a first flow path through a compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, indoor heat exchanger, and the compressor, respectively. During a heating operation, refrigerant flows in a second flow path through the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, a refrigerant heater and the compressor, respectively. The system has a third flow path used during the refrigerant mass recovery operation. A controller causes the heating operation to continue in response to an appropriate signal from the condition detector. When the condition detector indicates an inappropriate refrigerant condition, the controller causes fluid to flow through the third flow path for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle comprising a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, both of which are arranged outside a room to be air-conditioned, to communicate with an indoor heat exchanger and a radiant heat exchanger, both of which are arranged inside the room, and are operated simultaneously in a heating operation mode. A fan delivers air to the indoor heat exchanger. A temperature sensor detects the temperature of the radiant heat exchanger. A controller controls the indoor heat exchanger fan speed so as to control the radiant heat temperature from the radiant heat exchanger in accordance with a temperature detection signal from the sensor.

Abstract: Process for improving the characteristics of absorption and desorption of a gas by a reaction medium consisting of several salts in powder form and a porous solid product, characterized in that it consists in mixing 0 to 60% by mass of the porous product with the powdered salt(s). The porous product consists of a mixture of expanded graphite and a second expanded product of rigid structure and high permeability.

Abstract: In a heat pump heating apparatus of this invention, a compressor included in a refrigerating cycle is operated at a speed corresponding to a blowoff temperature so that the temperature of air blown off into a room through an indoor fan from a condenser becomes close to a set value when a room temperature is less than its set value. The indoor fan is operated depending upon a room temperature, i.e., is operated under the state of a relatively great airflow when the room temperature is far lower than its set value and is operated under the state of a relatively small airflow when the room temperature is closer to its set value.

Abstract: A refrigeration and heating system has been made in which improved efficiencies are obtained by placing helical concentric coils of at least two generators and recuperators on a common axis with a heating unit at the center and allowing the hot combustion gases to circulate in serpentine fashion through separate concentric chambers containing the coils. Further efficiencies are obtained by placing an absorber, condenser and recuperator with a single module and by using tube-in-tube or tube-in-cylinder construction with fluted inner tubes.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for a building and the building's appurtenances utilizes a heat transfer medium that obtains heat from environmental panels. The heat transfer medium flows in a unidirectional mode through the system. The heat transfer medium is passed through heat exchangers where the heat values in the medium are exchanged or transferred to water to raise the temperature of the water which is then subsequently used as hot water for appurtenant building uses. The heat transfer system, independently from the ambient heat obtainable from the environmental panels, can also utilize heat drawn from air conditioning units to both cool the air passing through the air conditioners and to heat the heat transfer medium. This heat is then exchanged or transferred to the various water sources for use in the appurtenant building uses. An electrical control system selectively transfers the available heat values to those appurtenant building uses, giving preference to those uses as determined by the operator.

Abstract: A heat pump for heating water in a condenser where the water is circulated through the condenser by a pump controlled by the condensing temperature of the refrigerant to return water heated to a usable temperature to the upper end of the water tank.

Abstract: A total cooling capability requested from one or a plurality of indoor units is compared with a total heating capability requested from one or the plurality of indoor units to set a cooling or heating operation mode.

Abstract: An air conditioner comprising a heat-pump refrigeration circuit including a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducer, an indoor heat exchanger, connected in this order, a refrigerant heater arranged in the refrigeration circuit, the heating capacity thereof being variable, release control for reducing the heating capacity of the refrigerant heater when a detected temperature Tc exceeds a first set temperature Tsl, mode switch for setting the air conditioner in a hot air blow-off mode in which the indoor fan rotates at a low rate during a heating operation. When the mode switch sets the hot air blow-off mode, the rotation rate of the indoor fan is controlled so that the detected temperature Tc is kept lower than the first set temperature Tsl, thereby preventing release control in the hot air blow-off mode.

Abstract: A heat pump system selectively operable in cooling and heating modes of operation and having a combustion prime mover which produces refrigerant vapor compression and which produces combustion heat in greater amounts than usable energy for motive power, provided with a first heat exchanger that evaporates compressed refrigerant in the system heating mode of operation and with a first radiator means which transfers excess prime mover heat to a working fluid, and with a working fluid distribution means selectively operable to proportionately flow the heated working fluid to the first radiator in convective heat exchange relations to the first heat exchanger means, in the system heating mode of operation, to provide defrost capabilities and especially to improve heat pumping capacity at low ambient temperatures.

Abstract: The "unmodified" roof (32) and "unmodified" attic (34), of a residential or similar building, are used in conjunction with an "attic based" air to liquid forced air heat exchanger (46) to form an active "attic solar energy vehicle". This solar (30) based system is used to heat swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, domestic hot water and in providing space heating/cooling and in cooling overheated swimming pools or other bodies of water--in a cost efficient way. Low operating cost forced air convection principles that make use of the temperature differentials present are applied. The "unmodified" roof (32) functions as a massive solar (30) collector. The "unmodified" attic (34) functions as a heat transfer and storage medium. The forced air to liquid heat exchanger (46) takes hot attic (34) air directly off of the interior of the roof structure (32) and transfers it to water or other liquid.

Abstract: a heat pump system selectively operable in cooling and heating modes of operation and having an internal combustion engine prime mover which produces refrigerant vapor compression, and which produces excess heat for rejection, is provided with a first heat exchanger that evaporates compressed refrigerant in the system heating mode of operation, with a second heat exchanger which uses prime mover rejected heat to heat a working fluid, and with a fluid distribution arrangement which is selectively operable to flow the heated working fluid in heat exchange relation to said first heat exchanger also, in the system heating mode of operation to provide a defrost capabilities and to improve heat pumping heating capacity at low ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A geothermal heat- and water supply plant comprises a geothermal well to remove brine which communicates with a separator which, in turn, communicates in the steam phase with a jet pump and a high pressure stage of an injector, and in the fluid phase--with the cooled side of a heat exchanger which communicates with the jet pump. Water is drawn from the injector outlet to water and heat supply systems, and once used therein, the water is fed to one inlet of the heat pump whose one outlet communicates with the injector high pressure stage. The other outlet of the heat pump communicates with the jet pump outlet, and the other outlet--with the well for pumping the brine.

Abstract: A heating system that reduces the cycling losses of a heat engine driven heat pump by storing rejected heat from the engine and using this rejected heat to meet a heating demand between periods of operation of the engine and heat pump so that over an extended time fewer start/stop cycles of the engine and heat pump are necessary. In a preferred embodiment a conventional storage-type hot water heater is used to store rejected heat, provide potable hot water, supply heat in the event of failure of the heat pump, supplement heat in periods of unusual demand, and provide low level heating requirements when heat pump operation would not be economical.

Abstract: An integrated three-chamber absorption refrigeration and heat pump system with improved defrost capabilities having a solution pair including a material of unusable fluid stability at higher temperatures when manipulated in an apparatus and system to take advantage of its properties. Disclosed materials of a solution pair for operation as part of the system of this invention are ammonia as the refrigerant and sodium thiocyanate as the absorbent. A heat transfer sub-system is provided, for conveying a working fluid between the components, having multiple switchable valve means, including first, second, and third valve members selectively switchable to convey the working fluid from the cooling mode to the heating mode and vice versa, as well as to the defrost mode.

Abstract: An operating system for a dual fuel heating system having first and second heat pump stages, first and second gas furnace stages, an executive controller for tracking time increments and call control strategies at appropriate levels, a demand control for calculating the amount of time each heat pump can be on during a predetermined time window, a data storage apparatus, a thermostat, a first predicting module for predicting non-heat pump electrical load based on a moving average, a second predicting module for predicting heat load based on a moving average, and a limiting module for setting demand limits for off-peak, mid-peak and peak periods. The executive controller is operated to initiate operation of the foregoing routines to determine, based on historical building profile information including non-heat pump electric power information the availability of heat pump power with no increase in demand charges during any given incremental interval.

Abstract: A heat pump for heating water in a condenser where the water is circulated through the conductor by a pump controlled by the condensing pressure of the refrigerant to return water heated to a usable temperature to the upper end of the water tank.

Abstract: This invention discloses an extremely simple chemical heat pump system, utilizing the chemical reaction heat of a perfectly reversible chemical disassociation reaction system, wherein one gaseous compound is involved in said reversible reaction. The present system can realize a large coefficient of performance over a very attractive temperature range and level for general use, by absence of any phase transition. Reaction kinetics of said system is excellent since only one reversible non-flammable gaseous compound is involved in said chemical heat pump system. Said system can be provided with a computer controlled system for changing the restriction value of the expansion valve. The said system is superior to most conventional compression system by replacing the use of ozone (layer) attacking C.F.C's (chlorofluorocarbons) over the entire temperature range.

Abstract: An automobile air-conditioner of the type having a heat pump includes an exhaust gas heat exchanger for heating an engine cooling water by means of engine exhaust gas for rapidly increasing the temperature of air passing through a heater core when the heating operation is started, and a bypass passage bypassing a part of the engine cooling water and disposed in contact with a heat exchanger of the heat pump so as to achieve heat exchange operation between a refrigerant and the engine cooling water.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus for producing warm or sanitary water, comprising in combination a heat pump having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator connected in series to convey a refrigerating fluid, an electric or fuel-powered (gas- or gas oil-powered) boiler accommodating the condenser of the heat pump, and at least one greenhouse effect heat source. A chamber for receiving the evaporator of the heat pump is provided downstream of the boiler and is in communication both with the boiler to receive therefrom the flue gases and with the greenhouse effect heat source to receive therefrom warm air which, together with the exhaust fumes, gives off heat to the evaporator.

Abstract: A detachable heat bonnet for mounting over and around a conventional heat pump which confines and electrically heats air confined in spaced areas between the enclosure means and the exterior surfaces of the heat pump. This supplementary heat supplied by a small, high capacity electrical heater, prevents the actuating of the auxiliary heat strips of the heat pump, when the coolness of the inside air calls for the heating cycle.

Abstract: A control device for a heat pump system having a hot-water supply facility is disclosed which comprises an input device for inputting the cost of electricity for operating a heat pump and for inputting the cost of fuel for operating a boiler. A first sensor detects the temperature of the ambient air. A second sensor detects the moisture of the ambient air. A third sensor detects the temperature of the hot-water supply. An operation circuit selects an operation mode on the basis of the output signals received from the sensors. A comparison circuit selects the cheaper energy form based on cost data inputted from the input device in the heating air mode and in the hot-water supply mode. A control circuit selectively operates the heat pump or the boiler based on the result of the comparison performed by the comparison circuit.

Abstract: An integrated three-chamber absorption refrigeration and heat pump system with improved defrost capabilities having a solution pair including a material of .[.unusable.]. .Iadd.unusual .Iaddend.fluid stability at higher temperatures when manipulated in an apparatus and system to take advantage of its properties. Disclosed materials of a solution pair for operation as part of the system of this invention are ammonia as the refrigerant and sodium thiocyanate as the absorbent. A heat transfer sub-system is provided, for conveying a working fluid between the components, having multiple switchable valve means, including first, second, and third valve members selectively switchable to convey the working fluid from the cooling mode to the heating mode and vice versa, as well as to the defrost mode.