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 stack 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 heated air passing thereby from the cold-air return to the hot-air duct. The heat pump also includes an evaporator located externally of the building for drawing heat from the atmosphere. The heating system includes a conduit connecting the exhaust stack to the evaporator such that exhaust gases from the gas furnace combustion chamber will be directed pass the evaporator for permitting the recapture of stack heat for heating the building. The heating system includes a solar panel for heating air passed therethrough and a circuit for using the solar warmed air to warm the ambient air at the evaporator.

Abstract: A compression module may comprise a hermetic helical screw rotary compressor having injection and ejection ports in addition to discharge and suction ports or may comprise a multiple cylinder, multiple level, reciprocating compressor. The module incorporates a subcooler coil and is connected to an outside air coil, a thermal energy storage coil, a direct solar energy supply coil, one or more inside coils for the space to be conditioned and a hot water coil through common, discharge manifold, suction manifold, liquid drain manifold and liquid feed manifold, by suitable solenoid operated control valves and check valves. The solenoid operated control valves are selectively operated in response to system operating parameters. Seal pots and positive displacement pumps may operate to force liquid refrigerant condensed at intermediate pressure to flow to the receiver which is pressurized at a pressure corresponding to the condensation temperature of the highest pressure condensing coil in the system.

Abstract: A heating system incorporating a conventional furnace, heat pump and solar energy subsystem is disclosed herein. A control unit coordinates operation of the components. In a solar assist mode, heat stored in the solar energy subsystem is transferred to the outside or evaporator coil of the heat pump to increase the efficiency thereof.

Abstract: A central heating plant having a principal heat source and a make-up heat source which can operate simultaneously. A series of principal heat diffusers are connected in parallel and arranged to be supplied with heat-carrying fluid from either or both of the heat sources, and a series of make-up heat diffusers are connected in parallel and arranged to be supplied from either one or both of the heat sources. The two series of diffusers are arranged to be supplied with heat at the same time, separately, or alternately.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving the utilization of remote heating grids, particularly for space air heating, at least one heat storage device is connected in series with the heaters of a hot water heating circuit, whereby the water conduit from the remote heating grid to the heating circuit can be operated 24 hours a day at its full capacity, so that for any given diameter of the conduit approximately twice the heat quantity previously transmitted can be transmitted with a consequent increase in the rating of the remote heating grid.

Abstract: A system for utilizing solar energy efficiently in air conditioning systems during the heating mode having at the evaporator heat exchange means which extracts the heat from ambient air when the latter is greater than 47.degree. F. and from solar heated fluid when the ambient air is less than 47.degree. F.

Abstract: A dual source heat pump system is disclosed for automatically selecting in either the heating or cooling mode of operation that source which will most efficiently meet the heating or cooling demand required of the system. The heat pump system includes valves located so that the heat exchanger associated with the source not selected can be isolated from the remainder of the system and temporary pumping cycles initiated at the conclusion of a heating or cooling cycle for pumping all the refrigerant into the indoor space exchanger coil. Virtually all the refrigerant charge is thereby maintained in the active portions of the heat pump system while the inactive portion is completely isolated.

Abstract: A water source heat pump system having a plurality of zone air conditioning units, each unit adapted for selectively heating or cooling a zone independent of other units, each air conditioning unit having an air conditioner coil, a heat exchanger of the type having a water contact coil disposed within a housing, a refrigerant compressor, and refrigerant control means operable to selectively cause the air conditioner coil to act as a refrigerant evaporator or condenser and the water contact coil heat exchanger to act as a refrigerant condenser or evaporator, the water contact coil heat exchanger utilizing thermostat control means to control the operation of the air conditioning unit so as to prevent freezing of water in the water contact coil heat exchanger.

Abstract: The heating system comprises at least one vertical heating duct through which is passed an upward stream of vapor and a downflowing stream of condensate, heating units placed in each of the premises to be heated and each comprising a condenser connected to a heating duct by means of a vapor withdrawal pipe and a condensate return pipe, a liquid-vapor separator for collecting the condensate at the lower end of the heating duct, an evaporator for delivering vapor to the central portion of the heating duct, at least one unit of the heat pump type for superheating the vapor of the heating duct.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for effecting heating and cooling at maximum system operating cost efficiency in both modes of operation. In a preferred embodiment, a solar collector is utilized to transfer radiant heat from the sun to a heat storage medium, such as water, which is circulated through a water coil of an indoor heat exchanger. A conventional heat pump has an indoor refrigerant coil supported in the same heat exchanger in thermal contact with the water coil. During heating or cooling, air is passed through the heat exchanger and the heat pump is used to supplement the circulating water when the water is insufficient for heating or cooling purposes.The heat exchanger is formed by interpositioning the water carrying coil and the refrigerant carrying coil in thermal contact with each other through the use of common coil fins for the separate fluid carrying conduits.

Abstract: An air conditioning system utilizing low temperature heating sources of the environment, so as to maximize the heat coefficient of performance (COP.sub.H) by conserving subterranean heat, atmospheric heat, solar heat and auxiliary heat sources in combination with a reversible-cycle water source heat pump, by absorption of heat energy into a liquid (water) and by applying said heat energy to the heat pump evaporator during the Heating Mode of operation to be absorbed by the refrigerant at low temperature, later to be rejected by the heat pump condensor at a higher temperature, thereby increasing the coefficient of performance, the capacity requirement of the heat pump unit being reduced by utilizing heat energy storage (hot and chilled), and by recirculating air therethrough for the accumulation and storage of supplemental heated and chilled water as required; and, discharging any excess heat through louvered solar panels opened for heat exchange and closed for heat absorption.

Abstract: A space heater utilizes a source of waste heat such as hot gas passing through a metal conduit. A portion of the length of the metal conduit is surrounded by a sealed insulated enclosure. Within the enclosure, the metal tube is exposed and has heat exchange fins thereon. A circulating fan in the enclosure blows the air in the enclosure across the cold end of a closed circuit expansion-compression refrigeration system whose hot end is outside the enclosure. A fan blows air across the hot end of the refrigeration system to heat the ambient space.

Abstract: A system for utilizing latent heat stored in a crystallizable liquid heat storage medium subject to super-cooling, wherein the storage medium is continuously circulated past a heat exchanger positioned in the upper portion of an enclosed space containing a body of such storage medium to effect super-cooling thereof, then past a bed of seed crystals in the lower portion of such space to effect partial crystallization thereof, and then back past the heat exchanger.

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 thermal storage system includes a solar collector. A first fluid circulating through the collector is piped to a heat exchanger wherein heat in the first fluid is transferred to a second fluid circulating through a heat pump circuit. The temperature of the second fluid is further elevated by the heat pump and is circulated through a second heat exchanger thereby transferring heat to a third fluid. The third fluid is circulated through a third heat exchanger to elevate the temperature of a fourth fluid stored in a high pressure, high temperature storage tank. The fourth fluid is employed to elevate the temperature of a working fluid that may be used for consumption or heating. Alternate embodiments of the fluid system include an accumulator tank wherein heat from the first fluid is transferred to fluid in the accumulator tank. Heat from the fluid in the accumulator tank is transferred to the second circulating fluid or heat utilization means as required.

Abstract: An apparatus for the utilization of air and solar energy and for the recovery of heat, e.g. in a building, comprises a heat exchanger formed along a wall of the building structure which, on the one side, is heated by lost heat from the building and, on the other side, is heated by solar energy. Air is inducted to flow from the ambient environment through the heat exchanger to be heated by solar and lost-heat energy and then passes to a heat exchanger, preferably forming part of a heat pump, from the thermal energy of which air is recovered and used, e.g. for heating the building.

Abstract: The combined heat pump system and ice making system includes a heat pump system used for normal heating purposes. The heat pump system is augmented with an ice making system wherein ice is formed on the system evaporator. This ice making improves the operational efficiency of the heat pump system during cold or sunless periods. Additionally, the resulting ice is collected and stored for use as ice.

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. The gas furnace includes an exhaust stack 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 heat pump also includes an evaporator located externally of the building for drawing heat from the atmosphere. The heating system includes a conduit connecting the exhaust stack to the evaporator such that exhaust gases from the gas furnace combustion chamber will be directed past the evaporator for permitting the recapture of lost heat for heating the building.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for heating water with by-product heat from a refrigeration system wherein a heat exchanger within a refrigerant compressor hot gas conduit may selectively heat water within a storage tank. The flow of water through the storage tank and heat exchanger is controlled by a pump operating during operation of the compressor, preferably, only when the heat exchanger is sufficiently heated, and a temperature sensing diverting valve causes pumped water to by-pass the heat exchanger when the water temperature within the tank reaches a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: A system for utilization of waste heat streams, such as from a power plant, for the heating of buildings or for other uses of heat streams under 200.degree. F. employing preferably a multi-stage heat pump selectively operable to raise the temperature of the building heating system (heated fluid) above the temperature of the waste heat stream (heating fluid). The multi-stage heat pump comprises separate stages each including an evaporator, condenser and compressor, and a heat exchanger. The heat pump may be connected either as a counter flow heat pump or a parallel flow heat pump. The control of the system is in at least two different modes dependent upon the demand (load). In the low load mode heat transfer to the building heating system occurs without operation of the heat pump.

Abstract: Solar energy collection panels and energy recovery systems for recovering solar energy to reduce the power consumption in water heaters, air-conditioning systems and the like. The solar panels comprise decorative roofing panels having a second formed panel thereunder so as to define an air flow passage therebetween. The panels absorb solar energy, thereby heating the air within, which is circulated through a recovery system for utilization of the heat. Compression of the air heated by the solar panel may be used to further increase the temperature thereof for more efficient operation of the recovered energy utilization system. Details of a recovered energy utilization means are disclosed.

Abstract: An air conditioning system, particularly well suited for use in a multi-zoned building, includes an air conditioning unit for each zone. These air conditioning units can be either all reversible cycle air cooling and heating units or a mix of reversible cycle units and air cooling only units. Each unit, regardless of whether it is a reversible cycle or cooling only unit, has a refrigerant-water contacted coil and a refrigerant-air contacted coil. The refrigerant-water contacted coil of all the units are interconnected by a closed loop water circulation circuit. At least one of these units has air ducts for passing out-of-doors air across its refrigerant-air contacted coil and into the building zone served by it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use of solar energy. The method and apparatus has the advantage and benefit of providing for use of all collected solar energy, whether or not there is an immediate need in the home for heating. Solar energy is also used for cooling a home or existing building structure via utilization of a heat pump system. The apparatus comprises in combination a direct boil solar collector which boils a refrigerant therein, a Rankine cycle engine for converting heat energy transferred to said refrigerant to kinetic energy, a generator, a heat pump system, and means connected to the Rankine cycle to selectively transfer said kinetic energy from the Rankine engine to the generator or the heat pump. Excess energy not utilized for heating or cooling the home system is returned to a utility power grid for a credit for the home owner and immediate redistribution by the utility to other users.

Abstract: An assembly for dehumidifying air, such as in swimming pool enclosures, comprises a heat pump system including a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser and a thermostatic expansion valve. A brine liquid system forms a closed loop through which brine liquid is circulated, and the brine is maintained at a temperature below the dew point of the air by, for instance, circulating the brine through a pipe system in the earth's crust. A cooling surface is in heat-conducting communication with the evaporator and with the brine liquid. The air to be dehumidified is passed over the cooling surface to be dehumidified, and over the condenser for selective heating. The compressor can be run selectively when heating is desired, or when needed to keep down the temperature of the brine liquid. A heat exchanger connectable in series with the condenser can function to heat the water of the pool.

Abstract: A heat pump for simultaneous heating of hot water for consumption and water for heating radiators comprising besides the heat pump in itself a water reservoir heated by the condenser of the heat pump. The water reservoir is enclosed by a fluid holding cover which forms a part of the heating radiator system. Means are provided for regulating the part of the water of the heating system that passes through the cover and the part of the water that passes through a by-pass branch around said cover. The relation between said two parts may be thermostatically regulated.

Abstract: An air source heat pump system includes in a primary refrigeration circuit a hermetic screw compressor and a helical screw rotary expander selectively clutchable to the permanently coupled helical screw compressor and electric induction drive motor. A solar/reclaim evaporator alternately functions as an expander boiler to feed refrigerant vapor to the compressor injection slide valve or to the feed port of the helical rotary screw expander to cause the expander to drive the compressor under compressor load or to drive the electric induction motor as a generator with the compressor unloaded. The solar/reclaim evaporator and expander boiler may be selectively fluid connected to the injection slide valve or to the suction port of the compressor. The hydronic system heating condenser and water chilling evaporator coil may form basic input and rejection heat exchangers to cascaded building zone heat pumps.

Abstract: The heating system comprises at least one vertical heating duct through which is passed an upward stream of vapor and a downflowing stream of condensate, heating units placed in each of the premises to be heated and each comprising a condenser connected to a heating duct by means of a vapor withdrawal pipe and a condensate return pipe, a liquid-vapor separator for collecting the condensate at the lower end of the heating duct, an evaporator for delivering vapor to the central portion of the heating duct, at least one unit of the heat pump type for superheating the vapor of the heating duct.

Abstract: An all-year heating and cooling system incorporates an absorption refrigeration machine using solar energy as a primary heat source and a compression cycle system for boosting the temperature of the heating medium supplied to the absorption machine generator. During the heating mode, the solar collector, may be replaced by the compression cycle system if insufficient solar energy is available to satisfy the demand for heating.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus of the reversible heat pump type includes a booster heat exchanger for the refrigerant gas. The booster heat exchanger receives refrigerant from or in parallel with the evaporator or outdoor coil during the heating mode of operation and adds additional superheat to the gas by exposing it to convective or radiant ambient heat, or both. A temperature sensitive valve controls flow through the booster heat exchanger to the compressor of the apparatus, to prevent compressor damage due to excessive suction temperature. The booster is automatically shunted out of the refrigerant flow line when the apparatus is operating in the cooling mode, to control the load on the compressor and ensure proper operation during cooling. Substantial increases in operating efficiency are obtained.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an air conditioning system employing a heat pump in combination with facilities for thermal storage, evaporative cooling and solar heat collection, as well as solar heat radiation; the heat pump having an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger in series with the outdoor heat exchanger; the third heat exchanger being disposed to receive heat or cool air so as to augment operation of the heat pump during critical ambient conditions so as to improve the relative efficiency of the heat pump when operating under the aforementioned critical conditions.

Abstract: A mechanically air conditioned shelter includes wind deflectors, as part of the outer walls of the shelter, and a series of blades moving about a generally vertical axis, the wind being funneled into working engagement with the blades. In a preferred embodiment, power from the blades is used to compress a fluid which is reversibly distributed to coils located outside of the shelter, and to another within a liquid storage tank, thereby to either heat or cool the liquid in the storage tank. This liquid is used for heating or cooling of the shelter. A sufficient volume of liquid is maintained in the storage tank to keep the shelter cooled or heated during those periods in which there is little or no wind.

Abstract: Improvements in a heating system which heats a fluid medium by a heat exchanger and delivers it to an indoor coil or coils for space heating. Refrigerant, such as fluorohydrocarbons for refrigerators, is utilized as the heating medium. The heat exchanger is supplied with heat from a heat source, such as hot water from a boiler, at a temperature higher than that of air around the exchanger. The refrigerant in liquid form is heated while being vaporized in the heat exchanger at a pressure greater than the saturation pressure corresponding to the ambient air temperature. The medium thus gasified to a high pressure and temperature is drawn into a circulating pump and then delivered to the indoor coil or coils, where it is condensed to a liquid with heat dissipation. In this way a great heating capacity is attained with the heating medium at a low rate of circulation.

Abstract: An energy source for large heating systems, such as municipal systems, is disclosed which includes a heat pump driven directly by an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gases from the engine are passed through a heat exchanger to provide additional heat input to hot water leaving the condenser of the heat pump. In one embodiment, the exhaust gases also provide heat input to the evaporator of a second heat pump unit also driven directly by the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A thermosiphonic boiler with two mutually communicating water containers, one above the other, said containers housing water volumes being thermically insulated from the surroundings of the boiler and from each other by heat insulation in the boiler walls and in an intermediate wall common to the containers and separating their water volumes. The lower container is incorporated in an energy supply circuit through which water from the lower portion of the container is caused by a pump to flow through a solar radiation trap heating the water passing therethrough, and back to the upper portion of the lower container. The upper container is connected to a circulation circuit through which water from the upper portion of the container is returned by means of a pump to its lower portion after having passed through radiators. In the water volume of the upper container there is provided a hot water supplier with heating means from which supplier hot water can be tapped off.

Abstract: The water for a central heating system is supplied with thermal energy in a boiler equipped with an oil burner and with a thermostatically controlled mixing valve that mixes the water heated in the boiler with water from a return line by-passing the boiler to maintain a desired temperature in the heating fluid. A secondary heat source (heat pump, wood-burning boiler, solar unit) is connected to the by-pass and automatically actuated when it can effectively relieve the oil burning boiler.

Abstract: A combined heating and cooling system for a building is described. The system includes a heating circuit and a cooling circuit. The circuits are coupled to heat energy storage reservoirs. Each reservoir defines an elongate flow path along which water can flow in the form of a column. Using heat from the heating circuit, one or more of the reservoirs can be charged with hot water which is stored in the reservoir(s). The stored hot water is subsequently used to boost the temperature in the heating circuit. Similarly, water cooled by the cooling circuit can be stored in other reservoir(s) for subsequent use in boosting the cooling action of the cooling circuit. A heating system or a cooling system may also be provided.

Abstract: There is provided a heat pump installation for the heating of tap water and for room heating purposes e.g., associated office spaces in large warehouses where a number of refrigerators are operating. The heat pump receives its input heat from the heat liberated by the refrigerators.

Abstract: A thermal storage apparatus comprising two thermal storage vessels, each thermal storage vessel containing a thermal storage medium, one medium being capable of being maintained at a temperature in excess of a pre-selected temperature, and the other medium being capable of being maintained at a temperature below the pre-selected temperature, a refrigeration system being provided for transferring heat from the storage medium at the lower temperature to the storage medium at the higher temperature.

Abstract: A heating arrangement, in which the circulating heat transfer medium for radiators is heated by condensation of a refrigerant in a heat pump, is controlled by relays in the energizing circuits of the several, independently driven pumping units of the compressor in the heat pump in response to the difference between the temperature of the atmosphere outside the heated area and the temperature of the circulating heat transfer medium to reduce the pumping energy consumed in response to the rising temperature of the heat transfer medium, and thereby to improve the efficiency of the heating arrangement.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system is provided which includes a reversible heat pump with three refrigerant coils, one of which is in an air duct for the space to be served, another of which is in heat exchange relation with outdoor air, and a third of which is adapted to exchange heat with a heat exchange fluid which is circulated from a heat storage location, the system including valve means in the refrigerant lines for connecting any of the three coils to operate as either an evaporator or a condenser and for connecting either one of the other two coils to operate as a condenser or evaporator, respectively, so that heat can be exchanged in any combination between air in the duct serving the space to be heated, outside air, and the storage fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating system for heating a building in which freezers or coolers with remotely located compressors are used. The system draws cold air from the building and by forcing it through the compressors causes it to be heated. Means are provided for delivering the heated air to the building. Supplemental heating means are also provided to further heat the air in case of particularly severe weather.

Abstract: A method for transporting heat over long distances in which waste heat from large power plants is utilized. The condenser back-pressure is increased to a level so that the condenser cooling water acquires a temperature in the range of 25.degree.-50.degree. C. The cooling water is subsequently pumped through large pipelines to heat consumer centers where it serves as a heat source for heat pumps. The heat content of the condenser cooling the water is used for raising the temperature of a heating medium to such a degree, that the heat content can be used for heating purposes. After giving off the heat, the condenser cooling water may be used for cooking or drinking purposes, or for the dilution and cooling of waste water.

Abstract: A heating system for a room comprising two heat pumps. A base heat pump is designed so that its evaporator never freezes up or that no frost layer forms during wintertime operation. An auxiliary heat pump is provided and is put into operation during times of extreme cold, whenever the capacity of the base heat pump is not enough to sufficiently heat the room. When the outside heat exchanger of the auxiliary heat pump freezes up, provision is made to reverse the operation of the auxiliary heat pump so the outside heat exchanger becomes the condenser. Thus, the outside heat exchanger is thawed.

Abstract: A combination heat pump and solar heat absorber includes an outside conduit acting as an evaporator and heat absorber in cold weather and as a condenser and heat dissipator in warm weather. The heat absorber is exposed to the sun, and a spray device enables the heat absorber to freeze a sheet of ice and further cool the ice so that ice also absorbes heat from the atmosphere and is then melted by the sun's rays. The melted material is further heated and returned to the inside of the house to the condenser of the heat pump and is heated thereby and used as a heat exchange fluid for home heating.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for heating tap water and radiator water by means of a heat pump, and complementarily also by means of a conventional fuel fired furnace. The condensor unit of the heat pump is divided into two heat exchangers. The first heat exchangers takes care of the superheat, and some of the condensation heat of the coolant vapor of the heat pump, and heats the tap water to a temperature which is higher than the condensation temperature. The second heat exchanger condensor heats the radiator water to a temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature of the coolant vapor.

Abstract: There is provided a heating installation comprising a heat pump and a fuel-fired boiler to which a radiator circuit is connected. A separate hot water heater may be coupled in parallel with the boiler. The hot side of the heat pump is connected to a first shunt pipe in the radiator circuit and is thus coupled in parallel with the boiler. A second shunt pipe is coupled in parallel with the boiler and a third shunt pipe is connected between the hot side of the first shunt pipe and the second shunt pipe. A first threeway shunt valve is connected between the first and third shunt pipes and a second threeway shunt valve is connected between the second shunt pipe and the hot side of the radiator circuit. These two shunt valves may be interlocked.Further the compressor of the heat pump may be arranged to be controlled by the pressure of the refrigerant in the heat pump circuit between the evaporator and the compressor.

Abstract: There is provided a heat pump system comprising two cascade coupled heat pumps. The hot side of the system may be connected in series with an oil-fired boiler in a radiator circuit of conventional water heating installation, wherein a hot water heater is coupled in parallel to the boiler. The low temperature heat pump has two series connected condensors of which one is connected to the evaporator of the high temperature heat pump, while the other is useful for heating radiator water flowing in a shunt pipe parallel with the boiler. A threeway shunt valve controls the mix of water of different temperatures from the boiler and the shunt pipe respectively, so that water of a desired temperature is let into the raiser pipe of the radiator circuit.

Abstract: In a refrigeration system for a substantially enclosed space and including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, conduit means connecting the said compressor, condenser and evaporator to form a cooling circuit, and a hot gas by-pass conduit between the compressor and the evaporator, the improvement which comprises means provided in the system for apportioning flow of gas between the cooling circuit and the by-pass conduit so that, during a temperature controlling phase of refrigeration, the gas flows both to the condenser and to the by-pass conduit and the apportioning of flow can cause either net heating or net cooling of the enclosed space.