Abstract: An improved multimode heat-pump type heating system designed to heat a plurality of rooms efficiently under a variety of ambient temperature conditions. When in its first mode the heat pump system employs an operating fluid, such as ammonia, and an absorbing liquid, such as water. The ammonia is initially evaporated in a cold heat source so as to absorb or extract heat therefrom. It is then absorbed by the absorbing liquid and both transported to a boiler where the two are again separated. The absorbing liquid returns to the absorbing area while the operating fluid flows to a condenser and condensed after which it is returned directly to the evaporator. A plurality of heat exchangers are used to transfer heat from the operating fluid, the absorbing liquid or the system to a room heating fluid. In the second mode, the evaporator and absorbing portions of the system are bypassed and only the operating fluid circulates from the condenser to the boiler past heat exchangers in order to heat the operating fluid.

Abstract: A solar collector-heat pump heating system which comprises metallic plates which are directly exposed to the ambient atmosphere and which are in direct heat exchange relation with tubes. A compressor receives a heated low-boiling working fluid, e.g., R-22, from the tubes as a vapor, compresses it and delivers it to a condenser. The fluid then passes through a throttling valve where it partially vaporizes, then to the tubes, where vaporization continues, utilizing heat absorbed by the plates from solar radiation, the ambient air, rain, and long-wave infrared radiation. Heat is extracted from the condenser and used for space heating. Preferably, heat storage means, e.g., a tank of water or a body of low-melting salt, are provided. Preferably, the heat-absorbing plates are long and narrow. In one embodiment they are spaced from a diffuse reflective backing and are laterally spaced from each other. In another embodiment they form a siding for a building.

Abstract: A heat pump assembly comprises a refrigeration circuit including an evaporator, a compressor and a capacitor, and an internal combustion engine for driving the compressor and being coupled therewith by a detachable coupling. A heating circuit is disposed in communication with the capacitor and includes a space heat exchanger for the heating of space by heat absorbed from the capacitor, and further includes the engine, a heat exchanger in a communication with an exhaust pipe extending from the engine, and a retarder driven by the engine for the torque loading of same. Space is thus further heated by the engine and the emissions therefrom, and the retarder comprises an electric braking arrangement by which energy to be dissipated is converted into heat by eddy currents produced in a solid conductor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reversible, solar assisted heating system comprising an unglazed solar heat exchange panel, a storage tank, and a water source heat pump. In the heating mode, heat is collected from the air and sun through one or more unglazed panels, transferred to a storage tank and then to a heat pump. In the cooling mode, heat is transferred by the heat pump to the storage tank and then to the same panel or panels where the heat is rejected to the air.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a warning device and method for a heating system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a warning device for a heat pump system which warning device generates a warning signal for indicating an abnormal condition in the heat pump system. The abnormal condition may be either activation of an auxiliary heater or malfunction or failure of a compressor for the heat pump system. The device comprises three temperature sensing thermistors. A first thermistor is attached to a line delivering working fluid from the compressor. The second thermistor is arranged inside a hot air duct delivering heated air from the system downstream from the auxiliary heater to a space to be heated. The third thermistor measures the ambient air temperature within the space to be heated. Temperatures sensed by the three thermistors are compared in a control circuit.

Abstract: An indoor space environment heating and cooling system in which a massive thermal storage unit is interposed between a geothermal heat energy storage capacity--the earth--and a heat pump heating and/or cooling apparatus for controlling and maintaining the environment in an indoor living space. A fluid circulation apparatus is provided to circulate a working fluid from the massive thermal storage unit directly to a heat exchanger in the indoor space environment conditioning apparatus, to provide cooling when the temperature of the thermal storage unit is less than the temperature in the living space.

Abstract: There is provided a hot water production apparatus comprising a container for water and a heat pump including a motor-compressor unit disposed in a sealed casing containing the heating fluid. The heat generated in the motor-compressor unit is transferred to the water by way of a heat pipe insulated over its portion extending between the water container and the sealed casing. The heat pipe is charged with an inert gas and an operating medium which in the range of 20.degree. to 100.degree. C. has a vapor pressure such that, at a temperature within this range, the front between the inert gas and the operating medium is situated in the portion of the heat pipe present in the water container.

Abstract: A muffler for attenuating the sound of the hot refrigerant gas discharged from a hermetic refrigeration compressor and for transferring heat from the hot discharged refrigerant gas to a water tube arranged in heat exchange relationship with the muffler. The water tube is adapted to be connected to a water heater tank in a manner that recirculates water from the tank through the water tube in a closed circuit.

Abstract: An underground duct is connected to other ductwork and controls associated with a building for automatically selectively passing outdoor air through the underground duct to the normally outdoor coils of a heat pump, recirculating air through the underground duct to the heat pump outdoor coils and back through the underground duct, and passing outdoor air directly to the heat pump outdoor coils and also passing outdoor air through the underground duct to recondition it, in order to achieve optimum heat pump efficiency for selectively heating and cooling the building. Alternatively, air from the underground duct or from outdoors is selectively passed directly into the building for optimum cooling thereof while a dehumidifier is used to remove latent heat from the air; and other heat sources may be used with direct recirculation of air through the building and addition of a portion of tempered air from the underground duct for slightly pressurizing the building interior with heated air.

Abstract: A heat pump system uses a non-reversing refrigeration circuit having a water-cooled condenser and a counterflow chiller fed by a thermostatic expansion valve to permit operation at close to zero superheat. To protect the compressor in the refrigeration circuit from possible flood-back at this low superheat, a combination suction-liquid heat exchanger-suction accumulator is employed. A hold-back valve serves to maintain constant compressor suction pressure regardless of evaporator pressure fluctuations caused by changing chiller fluid temperatures. The system is designed to operate in four distinct modes: (1) water source heat pump heating; (2) direct solar heating; (3) air source heat pump heating; and (4) heat pump cooling. To switch the refrigeration circuit to heat pump mode from the cooling mode or vice versa, four three-way valves and three fluid pumps are selectively operated. The fluid circuit of the system consists of two separate coils in an air-handling unit.

Abstract: A thermally-integrated system combining a heat exchange unit including a tank containing unpressurized water with a compressor-type refrigerator in a manner whereby energy for heating cold water conducted through the unit in a pressurized cold water line is extracted from the refrigerator. In the system, an external line carrying the hot refrigerant and acting as an auxiliary condenser is extended from the compressor of the refrigerator to the main condenser thereof, the external line passing through the water tank of the heat exchange unit in heat exchange relationship with the water line both in the upper and lower region of the tank whereby heat is transferred to the cold water.

Abstract: An uninsulated tank-type solar collector for a reverse-refrigeration-cycle heating system is mounted in ambient air and contains a mass of water and/or ice having a refrigerant expansion coil immersed therein. At least one of the walls of the tank contacts ambient air on one surface, and the mass of water and/or ice on the other surface. Thus, the mass of water and/or ice exchanges or transfers heat from the ambient air by conduction to the expansion coil. During transition from water to ice, the freezing water liberates large amounts of energy as "heat of fusion" which is absorbed by the expansion coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating system comprising a compressor for supplying a heated medium, preferably a heated gas, for example Freon gas, to two pipe coils each adapted to heat one fluid by means of the medium, the fluid flowing through the pipe coils and from the pipe coils to the compressor. One fluid is stored within a tank through which one of the pipe coils extends. The other fluid is supplied by a regulator to a heat exchanger wrapped around the tank and second pipe coil. The compressor and regulator as well as flow of medium to the two pipe coils are controlled as a function of the temperatures of the two fluids.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a heat pump apparatus for conditioning a fluid characterized by a fluid handler and path for circulating the fluid in heat exchange relationship with a refrigerant fluid; at least two refrigerant heat exchangers, one for effecting heat exchange with the fluid and a second for effecting heat exchange between refrigerant and a heat exchange fluid and the ambient air; a compressor for efficiently compressing the refrigerant; at least one throttling valve for throttling liquid refrigerant; a refrigerant circuit; refrigerant; a source of heat exchange fluid; heat exchange fluid circulating device and heat exchange fluid circuit for circulating the heat exchange fluid in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant; and valves or switches for selecting the heat exchangers and direction of flow of the refrigerant therethrough for selecting a particular mode of operation.

Abstract: A water heater construction and the method of operation thereof including a water tank containing water to be heated; a heat pump having condenser heat exchanger externally of the water tank; circulation means for circulating water from the lower end of the water tank through the condenser heat exchanger to heat the water and then back into the upper end of the water tank; and control means for controlling the circulation of the water by the circulation means so that the water returning to the water tank from the condenser heat exchanger has been heated to at least a predetermined return water temperature by the condenser heat exchanger sufficient for immediate use.

Abstract: A container construction and combination in which a container for confining water is provided with a metal heat exchanger disposed vertically within the container. The heat exchanger is comprised of inner and outer tube structures joined together in heat exchange relationship by fins extending between the tube structures, the fins having cross sections sized to conduct all the heat of a refrigerant in the inner tube structure to water located adjacent the outer tube structure. In addition, the outer tube structure has outwardly directed fins extending in a vertical direction within the container. The heat exchanger has upper and lower ends within the container, and means are provided for connecting the upper end of the heat exchanger to a source of heated refrigerant through an upper opening in the wall of the container, the refrigerant being vaporized when heated, and condensed when cooled in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Two or more open cycle vapor compression heat pumps of interdependently different capacities are placed in parallel arrangement intermediate a heat sink and a heat source for the transfer of sensible heat therebetween.

Abstract: A heat collection system is disclosed which is capable of collecting heat from an animal husbandry enclosure (10), such as a dairy barn, and transferring the heat into a home (12). Animal husbandry enclosures, such as dairy barns, tend to have excess heat, even in winter, the excess heat normally being wasted. The heat is collected by a pair of evaporators (14, 16) located in the dairy barn (10), with the evaporators being oversized to limit the amount of cooling taking place in the barn. Fluid from the evaporators is compressed by compressors (24, 26) after which it passes through a condenser (30) from which heat may be extracted into the home (12). Pressure regulating valves (20, 34) are provided to insure that the compressors (24, 26) are not overloaded and to insure that a maximum heating effect is achieved. A thermostatically controlled fan (40) is provided to drive air across the condenser (30) so that heat is introduced into the home.

Abstract: The heat discharge of a refrigeration system, otherwise lost, is salvaged to pre-heat water, but in a manner which safeguards against possible contamination of the water by the refrigerant. To this end, the "closed" refrigeration system is duplicated by an equally "closed" water circulation system, and coils of each are disposed in heat exchange relation to enable the pre-heating of the water by the heat discharge of the refrigerant. Most significant, however, contamination would require that the refrigerant leak out of its coil through a defect therein and further pass into the water coil through a defect therein, a most unlikely occurrence.

Abstract: A method of heating with an absorption heat pump in which absorber pressure is produced independently of evaporation pressure by a compressor, and/or the lean mixture returning to the absorber is cooled in a main heat exchanger to temperatures lower than is possible in the heat exchanger located between the absorber and the desorber, and the desorber is operated adiabatically. A jet apparatus may be used as a compressor unit. The cooling agent cycle may be shut off in case of inadequate evaporator pressure dependent on the outside temperature, and the mixture cycle may be used as a heat carrier. The heat exchanger may be bypassed during heat carrier operation and the heat may be delivered exclusively via the main heat exchanger. If the desorber operates on oil, gas or solid fuel, fuel gases may be cooled in a unit behind the desorber by a medium to be heated. The flue gas is used for evaporating liquid cooling agent and the vaporous cooling agent is used for driving the compressor.

Abstract: Bivalent heating system having a directly fired heat pump with an absorber and a burner-heated generator disposed in a refrigerant circulation loop, the refrigerant loop being coupled through heat exchanging means to a heating medium loop for space heating and including control means activatable when a predetermined ambient temperature is reached for increasing fuel supply to the burner of the heat pump and for switching circulation in the refrigerant loop from heat pump operation to pure heat exchanger operation.

Abstract: A solar boosted heat pump for providing heating or cooling including a heat conducting plate which has an uninsulated rear surface and is exposed to the atmosphere and operates as a direct solar and ambient heat absorber when in its cooling mode. A refrigerant fluid carrying tube is provided in heat transfer relationship with the conducting plate which forms a part of a closed refrigerant flow system having a compressor and a heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with a heat transfer medium. The plate also includes a sensor for varying the speed and/or the displacement of the compressor dependent on the light incident onto or energy on the plate.

Abstract: A heat pump for use in heating residential, commercial or industrial buildings, industrial and agricultural processes and heating of water to moderate temperatures such as may be required in swimming pools or as a water pre-heater for any other use. The system includes a fuel consuming refrigerant boiler for producing a refrigerant in vaporized form at relatively high pressure, the output of the boiler being connected to a superheater and then to the primary jet of an ejector-type compressor. An evaporator unit exposed to ambient temperatures has its output line connected to an inlet of the ejector such that as the high pressure gaseous refrigerant flows through the nozzle of the ejector, a low pressure is created and the refrigerant from the evaporator is also caused to flow through the ejector compressor to a condenser where the refrigerant is allowed to give up its heat.

Abstract: The heat collector system comprises a heat collector connected to a heat p. The heat collector has an inlet conduit and contains a heat transmitting fluid and is effective to take radiation heat from the environment. The heat collector has a structural configuration effective to additionally absorb convection heat as a convector which causes a good heat transmission between the ambient air and the heat transmitting fluid. A rated and controlled cooling device is connected to the heat conduit of the heat collector. The cooling device is effective to supply fluid to the heat collector at a temperature below the temperature of the ambient air. Further features of the invention include a regulating device effective to regulate the difference in temperature between the temperature of the ambient air and the cooling temperature.

Abstract: A heating system for a building utilizing a heat pump having a condenser which is driven by an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine drives an additional aggregate, such as a brake, for the purpose of generating additional heat which is added to the main heat carrier in the heating network in the building. The circulating system for the additional heat generating aggregate is self-contained and separate from the heating network of the building.

Abstract: A heating system for a building having solar panels for collecting solar heat including sunlight concentrating lenses and a heat storage chamber for storing excess solar heat is disclosed. A heat pump is provided to supplement the solar heat when the temperature in the heat storage chamber is below a comfortable level. During heat pump operation, solar warmed air is pumped from the heat storage chamber to a chamber surrounding a heat pump evaporator to raise the evaporator ambient temperature and provide more efficient heat pump operation.

Abstract: A vapor compression cycle device with variable thermal capacity is provided with a means and a method for controlling device capacity modulation and evaporator superheat. Multi-component working fluid liquid flow from each of a pair of accumulators in a closed circuit device is regulated either in response to sensed thermal demand or in response to sensed working fluid vapor superheat.

Abstract: A central heating and/or hot-water production installation of the type using at least one source of conventional energy of the liquid or gaseous fuel kind and at least one heat pump thermodynamic heat source particularly of the compression heat cycle kind.In this installation the evaporator(s) of the heat pump(s) are situated in a duct for discharging the combustion gases from the boiler and, in conjunction with this duct, there are provided one or more outside air intakes having flow-adjustment means, upstream of said evaporator(s).Principal applications: heating industrial, agricultural or living premises, etc. and production of sanitary or industrial hot water.

Abstract: A vapor compression cycle device includes a multi-component working fluid, a compressor, a condensing heat exchanger, a high-pressure accumulator and an evaporating heat exchanger assembly comprising a plurality of evaporator stages and a low pressure accumulator to enable the modulation of the capacity of the device to transfer heat. Means are provided to enable a rapid switching from device operation at high capacity to a lower capacity including the locating of the low pressure accumulator before a last stage of the evaporating heat exchanger in the working fluid flow path. The disclosed arrangement also includes means for avoiding the depletion of lubricating oil at the compressor during normal operation, as well as means for controlling the superheating of the working fluid.

Abstract: A solar heat utilized air-conditioning system comprising: a solar heat collecting unit for producing warm water by heating a circulating heating medium water by solar heat obtained by collector plates disposed in parallel with each other; an absorption type refrigerating machine for producing cold water by provoking a refrigerating cycle, using the warm water produced by said solar heat collecting unit as the heat source for a generator; a main heat exchanger which indirectly heat-exchanges an intake fresh-air for a circulating cold or warm water in an air-conditioning unit disposed on the way of a fresh-air intake path to a space to be air-conditioned, thereby to produce cooling or heating air; an air-cooling and heating apparatus capable of selectively supplying the circulating cold or warm water to said main heat exchanger; and an auxiliary heat exchanger capable of selectively flowing either warm water produced by said solar heat collecting unit or cold water produced by said absorption type refrigerating

Abstract: A cooling and heating system utilizing solar heat comprises a heat collector for heating a circulating heat medium with solar heat, an absorption refrigerator operable with the heat medium heated by the heat collector and serving as a generating heat source to provide a chilled medium, and an air-conditioning unit for circulating the chilled medium or the heated medium alternatively therethrough to cool or heat the space to be air-conditioned. The system further comprises a bypass line provided with an auxiliary refrigerator of the dual-effect type and connected to an intermediate portion of a line extending from the absorption refrigerator to the air-conditioning unit for supplying chilled medium or the heated medium to the unit. Change-over means is provided for passing the chilled medium or the heated medium through the bypass line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling continuously and discretely the speed of a heat pump compressor as a function of load conditions to run at least up to 150% of its rate-speed when operated in the heating mode to provide initial supplemental heating prior to turning on of electric heaters. The speed of the indoor condenser fan is maintained at its full rated-speed. The operation of the apparatus is controlled by a microprocessor with a program to provide improved performance and minimize energy consumption.

Abstract: An air cycle heat pump uses a regenerative heat exchanger to provide warm air to heat a load, while at the same time providing fresh air to the load. The stale air returned from the load is utilized as the refrigerant air in an electrically driven regenerative air cycle heat pump, and no additional heat exchangers are required, thereby significantly reducing the electric power needed for heating the load. A turbine-driven compressor is used to raise the stale load air in pressure and temperature and, after giving up some of its heat to the fresh ambient air used to heat the load, the compressed refrigerant air performs useful work in the expansion turbine before being returned to ambient.

Abstract: A heat transfer and storage system for heating and cooling an enclosure, and including a heat pump having an indoor coil and an outdoor coil and a heat storage facility. The system can be operated to exchange heat between a refrigerant fluid from the heat pump and a heat transfer fluid from the heat storage facility, between the refrigerant fluid and ambient air, and between the heat transfer fluid and ambient air. In a preferred embodiment an integrated three medium heat exchanger is utilized in association with the outdoor coil of the heat pump and a water coil operatively connected to a water tank; and the three medium heat exchanger can effect heat exchange between the refrigerant and the water, between the refrigerant and outdoor air, and between the water and outdoor air.

Abstract: A building heating system includes a plenum for distributing heated air and returning cool air to the heater. In accordance with this invention, additional heat pump means are provided comprising condenser or heat rejecter means positioned in the cold air plenum, heat absorber means which are preferably positioned in the attic of the building underneath the roof and/or in heat exchange relation with warmed gases from a chimney, and conduit and compressor means for providing heat transfer flow communication therebetween.

Abstract: A temperature conditioning system employing an ejector-type compressor and a refrigerant selected for operation at the limited operating temperatures of a heat energy collection and storage apparatus. Improved performance may be achieved by employing a two-tank storage system having a control circuit for supplying heat transfer medium from the hotter of the tanks for return to the cooler.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of controlling a combination system utilizing a solar heating system and a heat pump in combination to provide either heated or cooled air to an enclosure. A conventional split system heat pump is mounted such that the indoor coil is located in the same area as the indoor coil of the solar system and optional electric resistance heaters. Heating may be provided from either the solar system by circulating hot water through the indoor solar coil, the heat pump or electric resistance heat, or a combination thereof. Cooling is provided by the heat pump and defrost for the heat pump may involve supplying heat from either the electric resistance heat or the storage tank of the solar system to the indoor coil of the heat pump. In addition, means may be provided for offpeak cooling of stored water.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder reciprocating compressor is automatically staged at low ambient temperature to improve refrigerant volume flow while facilitating subcooler operation and return of vaporized refrigerant from the subcooler to the inlet of the second stage cylinders of the compressor in the two stage mode. A solar evaporator substitutes for the outdoor coil when the solar heated storage tank temperature exceeds that of ambient. During staging mode, the wrist pins of the low side cylinders and the high side cylinder undergo proper load reversals, since intermediate suction pressure is applied to the wrist pin of the high side cylinders.

Abstract: A solar-assisted multiple source and multiple sink heat pump system for use in residential homes includes a solar/air coil mounted in the attic of the residential home and selectively open to the attic interior with the attic roof bearing a solar window with selective shield permitting the attic solar space to constitute a passive solar collector. The solar/air coil is positioned within duct work which selectively opens to the attic interior or the outside air to permit thermal energy pick up from the attic solar space or outside air or wasting of heat thereto. The inside air coil is also mounted in a separate duct work within the attic shielded from the attic interior but selectively open thereto and to and from the building interior beneath the attic for adding heat to the building interior or removing the same. One or more thermal storage tanks may constitute heat and cold sinks.

Abstract: A heating system for a building having a conventional gas furnace which includes a combustion chamber for heating air passing from a cold-air return to a hot-air duct is disclosed. The gas furnace includes an exhaust shack for exhausting hot gases from the combustion chamber externally of the building. The heating system includes a heat pump comprising a housing having a condenser for heating air passing thereby from the cold-air return to the hot-air duct. The gas furnace and heat pump are served by a single blower. The heat pump also includes an evaporator located externally of the building for drawing heat from the atmosphere. A timer is included to turn the furnace on when the heat pump has operated for a predetermined time in response to a demand for heat from a dwelling thermostat.

Abstract: A plant for space heating and service-water heating, is comprised of a combination boiler and a heat pump. The boiler has a first water chamber adapted to be heated by a furnace and/or a heating insert, a second water chamber which communicates with the first chamber and which contains a heat-exchange surface for heating service water, and a third water chamber containing a heat-exchange surface (36, 36a, 38) for preheating cold service water. A circuit is connected to the third water chamber in the lowest water temperature zone, by means of which, when the heat pump is in operation, water can be fed to the condenser section of the heat pump and, after the water has heated up, be returned to the second water chamber. The third water chamber communicates at least with the second water chamber.

Abstract: A system for heating and ventilating objects and spaces surrounded by an outer covering, such as rooms in buildings. The system includes a heat pumping device for converting low-temperature energy to high-temperature energy useful for heating purposes. The condenser as well as the evaporator of the heat pumping device are divided into several series-connected sections operating at progressively or step-wise decreasing condenser temperatures and progressively increasing evaporator temperatures. The outer covering of the space or object to be heated contains an air inlet system and an air outlet system, each of said systems having several series-connected sections located at different distances from the outer surfaces of the covering, thus being subjected to different temperatures related to the temperature gradient through the outer covering.

Abstract: The heat collector system comprises a heat collector connected to a heat p. The heat collector has an inlet conduit and contains a heat transmitting fluid and is effective to take radiation heat from the environment. The heat collector has a structural configuration effective to additionally absorb convection heat as a convector which causes a good heat transmission between the ambient air and the heat transmitting fluid. A rated and controlled cooling device is connected to the heat conduit of the heat collector. The cooling device is effective to supply fluid to the heat collector at a temperature below the temperature of the ambient air. Further features of the invention include a regulating device effective to regulate the difference in temperature between the temperature of the ambient air and the cooling temperature.

Abstract: An interface circuit for adding a solar heat system to a building having a building heating and cooling system and having a building thermostat system, the interface circuit being especially wired to be compatibly interposed between the building thermostat system and the building heating and cooling system without rewiring the latter and being also connected to the solar heat system, the interface circuit thereby adding the solar system as a heat source, and the interface circuit automatically substituting the solar source for the building heating system when heat is called for at a level within the capability of the solar system to supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling chimney-gases in such plants, where water, heated in a heating boiler, is supplied to heat consumers; e.g. radiators. According to the invention, a condensor-heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the heat consumers, a chimney gas cooler is situated in the chimney gas channel from the heating boiler, whereby said condensor-heat exchanger and said chimney gas cooler are parts of a closed cooling system, containing e.g. freon gas, together with a refrigerating compressor and a throttle.

Abstract: Two evaporators are alternately fed with freon with subsequent timed reversal of the air flow thereover so as to eliminate trouble resulting from coil-icing and to further increase the heat recovery of building heating systems. A faucet pipe having opposite apertures is rotatably mounted around the evaporators to reverse the air flow thereover.

Abstract: An installation for storing and transmitting heat of a fluid heated by solar radiation, said installation being provided with a fluid tank and contained in said tank heat exchanging means for heat exchange between the heated fluid supplied through a pipe and the fluid in the tank. The heat exchanging means comprise at least two, preferably three, heat exchangers disposed in associated zones at ascending levels in the tank, corresponding to ascending temperature ranges of the fluid in the tank, and in each of said zones, for transmission of heat therefrom, spaced apart above the respective heat exchanger at least one further transmission heat exchanger for heat exchange between the fluid and water of the temperature associated with the respective temperature range.

Abstract: A combined heating and cooling system includes a solar collector and evaporator for absorbing heat from solar radiation and/or the ambient air and for using the absorbed heat to evaporate a binary-phase, liquid-vapor working fluid. In the heating mode, whenever the temperature of the working fluid inside the evaporator of the solar collector is sufficiently higher than that of the medium to be heated, the working fluid follows a cycle similar to the Rankine cycle in which the heat engine is eliminated. Whenever the temperature of the working fluid inside the evaporator is no longer high enough for heat to be transferred unassisted to the medium to be heated, the working fluid is made to follow a heat-pump cycle. Finally, whenever the temperature of the working fluid in the evaporator falls below the temperature of the surrounding air, the evaporator is exposed to the ambient air and the system runs as an air-source heat pump.

Abstract: A compression module in the form of a four cylinder reciprocating piston compressor, having two cylinders for each of two cylinder heads, is interconnected by conduits and manifolds which in turn incorporate solenoid operated control valves and check valves to provide five pressure levels for the compressor cylinders to remove automatically intermediate pressure refrigerant and to return intermediate pressure refrigerant, to achieve single or multiple cylinder compressor staging, and effect unloading of one head by cutting off low pressure suction return to that compressor head.

Abstract: Space heating is disclosed which uses solar radiation as a thermal energy source to passively heat spaces within a structure which are substantially remote from direct solar radiation. A device according to the invention includes a radiation target, a closed and sealed circuit path for a fluid, such as a liquid, which is employed to communicate thermal energy from a radiation source to a thermal dissipation sink and a thermal dissipator, all incorporated as elements of a wall module which is adapted to be placed centrally within a structure which may not have a south-facing outer wall. A clerestory generally above the wall module provides a window for solar radiation to the radiation target. The fluid is conveyed by a thermal siphon effect, that is, by fluid convection, in a closed and sealed circuit. A vertical differential is provided within the closed circuit, and a thermal differential between segments of the circuit develops sufficient power to effect fluid circulation.