Abstract: A climate-control system may include a first working fluid circuit, a second working fluid circuit and a storage tank. The first working fluid circuit includes a first compressor and a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first compressor. The second working fluid circuit includes a second compressor and a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the second compressor. The storage tank contains a phase-change material. The first working fluid circuit and the second working fluid circuit are thermally coupled with the phase-change material contained in the storage tank.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance, as provided herein, may include a cabinet, a door, a dispensing assembly, a heating element, and a controller. The controller may be configured to initiate a dispensing operation. The dispensing operation may include providing a first time, TIME-1, by which a fluid is to be ready at a first temperature, TEMP-1, within the cabinet; ascertaining a first time period, ?t1, required to heat the fluid to at least the first temperature, TEMP-1; initiating detection of a container within a dispenser recess prior to the first time, TIME-1; and directing a heating element prior to the first time, TIME-1, based on initiating detection of the container.

Abstract: A solar power system has a photovoltaic module that supplies electrical current derived from sunlight to a heater system of a hot water tank. The heater system uses the electrical energy from the photovoltaic module, and optionally also from a local power grid, to heat water up to a selected maximum stored hot water temperature. Control circuitry senses when the level of electrical power is below a threshold solar-power level, and in response sets the stored hot water temperature for the heater system to a first lower temperature value. The control circuitry also senses when the level of electrical power is above the threshold solar-power level, an in response sets the stored hot water temperature for the heater system to a second elevated temperature value higher than the lower temperature, making advantageous use of solar power when available. A mixing unit adds cold water to set the dispensed water temperature.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle includes a first line including a coolant pump and a fuel cell stack, a second line including a coolant heater and a phase change material (PCM) and connected to the first line to form a first loop in which the coolant pump, the stack, the coolant heater, and the PCM are arranged, a third line including a radiator and connected to the first line to form a second loop in which the coolant pump, the stack, and the radiator are arranged, and an opening and closing valve opening and closing each of the first line, the second line, and the third line to allow the coolant to circulate in at least one of the first loop and the second loop, wherein the PCM is configured to be heat-exchanged with the coolant heater and the coolant.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage (TES) component includes a shell having first and second ports, and at least a first set of thermally conductive sealed containers that contain a TES media for storing thermal energy. A first set of sealed tubes containing a first TES media are in a first section of the shell, and a second set of sealed tubes containing a different TES media are in a second section of the shell. Electric heating elements are immersed in at least some of the tubes, and may extend only from one end of the tube. In some embodiments more than one heating element is immersed in the TES media and positioned to enhance convective flow. In some embodiments electric heating elements are disposed externally on the sealed tubes. Some tubes are tapered or frustoconical, with heating elements provided in a larger-diameter portion of the tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat storage system with a plurality of storage tanks, in which a latent heat storage medium is disposed, and with a conduit system with supply conduits for supplying heat into the storage tanks and with discharge conduits for removing heat from the storage tanks, wherein the conduit system includes one or more valves by means of which at least one supply conduit to at least one of the storage tanks and/or at least one discharge conduit from at least one of the storage tanks can be shut off or be varied in its flow rate, and with a control unit which is connected with the one or more valves and is configured such that it actuates the same.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment, and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet. A vented exhaust conduit is provided at least partially within an interior of the door and defines a pathway in fluid communication with an environment exterior of the cabinet. A water heater includes a heating element located at least partially within the vented exhaust conduit and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator, wherein heat generated by said heating element can escape through the pathway of the vented exhaust to said environment exterior of the cabinet. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for altering the temperature of a liquid, comprising: a pipe having a first end for receiving a liquid and a second end for discharging the liquid; and a thermal element for altering the temperature of the liquid, wherein the thermal element is located in the pipe such that the volume available for the liquid within the pipe is in the range 0 to 20% of the pipe volume.

Abstract: A heating system for hot water and conditioned air uses electromagnetic energy created by one or more magnetrons operated by high voltage transformers. The heating system includes oil cooled transformers and magnetrons. Using radiators in the form of heat exchangers, heat recovered from the transformers and magnetrons is dissipated directly into the path of the return air and the air handler blower. The magnetron heating system includes a coiled conduit sized to allow complete heating of the fluid flowing therethrough. The conduit has a conical shape to allow upper magnetrons to heat the outside of the conduit and lower magnetrons to heat the inside of the conduit.

Abstract: A blower intensified gas flame kettle including a kettle disposed in an upper housing and a gas burner disposed in a lower housing and having gas burner jets at least partially inserted into the upper housing. Burning gases emanating from the gas burner jets are directed toward the kettle and contained by the upper housing. The temperature and velocity of the burning gases are enhanced by action of a blower which blows air which mixes with flammable gas in the gas burner prior to burning. Higher temperatures and improved, radiant, conductive and convection heating of the kettle are achieved. A mechanized stirrer enhances heating of contents of the kettle by stirring the contents of the kettle.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet via a hollow hinge to selectively open and close at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment. A water heater is mounted on an exterior surface of the cabinet about the hollow hinge and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel, and a hot water conduit is guided through the hollow hinge and extending from the water heater to the hot water dispenser to supply the hot water from the heater to the dispenser. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment, and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet. A vented exhaust conduit is provided at least partially within an interior of the door and defines a pathway in fluid communication with an environment exterior of the cabinet. A water heater includes a heating element located at least partially within the vented exhaust conduit and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator, wherein heat generated by said heating element can escape through the pathway of the vented exhaust to said environment exterior of the cabinet. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.

Abstract: A reversible, submersible, encapsulated PTC heater is disclosed having: a disc-shaped sealable housing; a central disc comprised of a sheet mineral disposed within the sealable housing; cavities disposed within the central disc; PTC heating elements disposed within the cavities; an upper electrode disc disposed upon a top side of the central disc and PTC heater elements; a lower electrode disc disposed upon a bottom side of the central disc and PTC heater elements; an upper polyimide film disc disposed upon a top side of the upper electrode disc; and a lower polyimide film disc disposed upon a bottom side of the lower electrode disc. The electrode discs are configured to make an intimate contact with the PTC heating elements and for connectivity to an electrical power source. The PTC heater is configured to electrically heat a medium to a predetermined temperature and to maintain the temperature of the medium.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, systems and methods for encapsulated heaters are provided. A submersible, encapsulated heating system, a submersible, encapsulated heating system with a built-in thermostat, an encapsulated heat exchanger with flow-through heating, and a liquid, floating, encapsulated heating system are disclosed. The heater includes at least one heating element within the housing. The heating element is a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistance heating element. The heater includes a pair of thin, flexible foil electrode strips disposed upon opposing sides of heating element, configured for flexibility to make an intimate contact with surface areas on each heating element. Within the housing, the heating element and the pair of thin, flexible foil electrode strips are encapsulated with an inert polymer to make the heater submersible. The encapsulated heater is configured to electrically heat a medium to a predetermined temperature and to maintain the temperature of the medium.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for thermoelectric energy storage. A thermoelectric energy storage system having at least one hot storage unit is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, each hot storage unit includes a hot tank and a cold tank connected via a heat exchanger and containing a thermal storage medium. The thermoelectric energy storage system also includes a working fluid circuit for circulating working fluid through each heat exchanger for heat transfer with the thermal storage medium. Improved roundtrip efficiency is achieved by minimizing the temperature difference between the working fluid and the thermal storage medium in each heat exchanger during heat transfer. Exemplary embodiments realize this improved roundtrip efficiency through modification of thermal storage media parameters.

Abstract: A thermal storage unit having at least one conduit around which a cast is made is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional piping or tubing to create conduits that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass by proving multiple passes for the fluid through the cast. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the conduit.

Abstract: An energy accumulator system for accumulating heat from a heat source for subsequent supply to a heat demand, comprises an energy accumulator having a storage material in a heat-exchange relation with the heat source so as to store heat produced by the heat source. A controller is connected to the energy accumulator to obtain temperature data with respect to the storage material, and to the heat source so as to selectively actuate the heat source. An energy level calculator is associated with the controller to determine a storage capacity in the energy accumulator as a function of temperature data of the storage material. An operation identifier determines when to store energy in the energy accumulator as a function of the storage capacity and of condition data pertaining to the heat source. The controller actuates the energy accumulator and the heat source to store heat in the energy accumulator.

Abstract: A multiple-power-selection heat storage device includes a power selection device, a heating device, and a storage tank. The power selection device includes a distribution selector and an uninterrupted power supply device. The distribution selector is arranged inside the uninterrupted power supply device and controls selection of power input of the power selection device among multiple power sources. The heating device is connected to the power selection device and includes a control unit and a heater controlled by the control unit. The storage tank is coupled to the heater of the heating device and the storage tank includes a container and a liquid contained in the container for purposes of heating. As such, the device of the present invention, as a whole, can be of multiple choices of power supply in supplying of warm air with a saving of energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water heating apparatus having a heat exchanger that has a maximized heat transfer area between a hot water supply tube and a heater so that clean hot water is continuously fed without a time delay. To achieve these objects, a water heating apparatus comprises: a case defining a body; a hot water supply tube having an heat exchanger installed in the case; a heat storage liquid material received in the case; and a heater installed in the case, for heating the heat storage liquid material.

Abstract: A heat storage apparatus comprises a heat storage material accommodation cell for accommodating therein a heat storage material having an electricity conductive characteristic and configured to be electrically heated, and a fluid passageway for allowing a heat exchanging fluid to flow therethrough, the fluid passageway being adjacent to the heat storage material accommodation cell via a bulkhead. The heat storage material accommodation cell and the fluid passageway are put in a spiral configuration together with the bulkhead in a heat storage main body of the heat storage apparatus. Heat held in the heat storage material is transferred to the heat exchanging fluid so as to be taken out of the heat storage apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water heating apparatus having a heat exchanger that has a maximized heat transfer area between a hot water supply tube and a heater so that clean hot water is continuously fed without a time delay. To achieve these objects, a water heating apparatus comprises: a case defining a body; a hot water supply tube having an heat exchanger installed in the case; a heat storage liquid material received in the case; and a heater installed in the case, for heating the heat storage liquid material.

Abstract: A heat storage apparatus comprises a heat storage material accommodation cell for accommodating therein a heat storage material having an electricity conductive characteristic and configured to be electrically heated, and a fluid passageway for allowing a heat exchanging fluid to flow therethrough, the fluid passageway being adjacent to the heat storage material accommodation cell via a bulkhead. The heat storage material accommodation cell and the fluid passageway are put in a spiral configuration together with the bulkhead in a heat storage main body of the heat storage apparatus. Heat held in the heat storage material is transferred to the heat exchanging fluid so as to be taken out of the heat storage apparatus.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of quickly heating a gas-solvent solution from a relatively low temperature T1 to a relatively high temperature T2, such that the gas-solvent solution has a much higher dissolved gas concentration at temperature T2 than could be achieved if the gas-solvent solution had originally been formed at the temperature T2. Various apparatuses are also provided for carrying out the heating method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a phase change material having a freezing/melting temperature from about 30° C. to about 90° C. The water heater include a source of water, a heating element for heating the water, a heat exchange unit which contains the material, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit, which tubes are in heat transfer relation to the phase change material so that heat stored in the material can be transferred to the water. The phase change material is preferably heated from the top down to accommodate the changes in volume during thermocycling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a material having a thermal energy capacity of at least about 25 cal/g and having a freezing/melting temperature from about 20° C. to about 100° C. The water heater include a source of water, a heating element for heating the water, a heat exchange unit which contains the material, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit, which tubes are in heat transfer relation to the material so that heat stored in the material can be transferred to the water.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a phase change material including a container holding the phase change material, a tube surrounding the container to define an annular space therebetween, and preferably divider walls within that annular space to create a circuitous path for heat exchange fluid to be routed in multiple passes along the length of the container when passing from the top of the annular space to the bottom of the annular space. When the heat exchanger is operated in a melt cycle, multiple heat energy transfer elements positioned within the lower portion of the container and extending through the phase change material are heatable to a sufficiently high temperature to initiate melting of the phase change material. The heat energy transfer elements are preferably electrical resistance heated rods or coils, or tubes through which is routed high temperature fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a phase change material having a freezing/melting temperature from about 30° C. to about 90° C. The water heater include a source of water, a heating element for heating the water, a heat exchange unit which contains the material, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit, which tubes are in heat transfer relation to the phase change material so that heat stored in the material can be transferred to the water. The phase change material is preferably heated from the top down to accommodate the changes in volume during thermocycling.

Abstract: In a heat storage air conditioning apparatus, a power demand time-sequence data collecting unit collects time-sequence data on demand for power; a power demand curve estimating unit estimates a power demand curve obtained as a result of analysis of the power demand time-sequence data collected by the power demand time-sequence data collecting unit; a thermal energy load demand estimating unit estimates thermal energy load demand from the power demand curve estimated by the power demand curve estimating unit; an operation unit of a thermal-energy source feeds cooling/heating energy; a heat accumulating unit stores the cooling/heating energy supplied from the operation unit therein; a cold/hot air discharging unit discharges the thermal energy stored in the heat accumulating unit; a cooling/heating energy quantity recognizing unit recognizes the quantity of cooling or heating energy dissipated from the cold/hot air discharging unit; and a converting unit converts the quantity of cooling/heating energy into the

Abstract: A water heater which comprises a phase change material having a thermal energy capacity of at least about 25 cal/g and having a freezing/melting temperature from about 15.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C.; a source of water, a heating element for heating the water; a heat exchange unit which contains phase change material; and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit with the phase change material located between and around the heat exchange tubes which are in heat transfer relation to the phase change material and in fluid connection with the source of water so that the water heated by the heating element flows through the tubes, heats the phase change material and thereafter the heat stored in the phase change material can be transferred to water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: An off-peak electric heat storage and discharge device includes variably sized thermal media material contained in a rock box. A calrod-type heating element is located in and in direct thermal contact with the thermal media material. Air flow can move from a fan upwardly through a duct, through slots formed in the duct into the rock box, and through the thermal media material. Air flow can also move from the fan through a bypass duct. Heated air and cold air can be mixed in proper proportions by a rotatable damper movable between a position closing off all cold, bypass air and a position closing off all heated air. The damper falling to shut off the flow of heated air in the event of an actuator failure. All electric controls and the fan are contained in a vertical control chamber designed to convectively convey heat during static conditions. The thermostat for the device is located at the lowest point possible in the vertical control chamber and below a point which could be affected by convective air flow.

Abstract: A hot fluid dispenser comprises a first reservoir (1) for the fluid (usually water); at least one heating source (7, 8) operatively associated with the first reservoir 91); and at least a second reservoir (9) defining an interface with the first reservoir (1) and containing a melting material having a high latent heat of fusion. A plurality of heat pipes (10) is provided through said interface, in order to accelerate and homogenize the heat transfer between the two reservoirs.

Abstract: Hot water heaters are provided which contain improved temperature control devices and multiple resistance wire heating elements. The temperature control devices selectively deactivate at least one of the resistance wires to conserve electricity and preserve a steady-state hot beverage or hot water service temperature.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and exchanger device includes, a plurality of horizontal, superimposed, spaced plates defining a plurality of clear, horizontal, continuous, uniformly spaced flow passageways between them; and introduction means selectively operable for driving a thermal energy exchanger fluid horizontally through the flow passageways to introduce thermal energy to the plates in one mode and extract thermal energy from the plates in a second mode; the plates being vertically spaced and horizontally oriented for minimizing convection and heat exchange in a third, storage mode when the thermal energy exchanger fluid resides in the flow passageways undriven by the introduction means.

Abstract: A storage fluid heater for heating a fluid, employs a heat storage unit, a heating element thermally coupled to the heat storage unit, and a heat recovery tube thermally coupled to the heat storage unit. The recovery tube is made from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion so that as the average temperature of the heat storage unit near the heat recovery tube increases, the surface area of gaps between the heat recovery tube and the storage unit increases, causing the contact resistance between the heat storage unit and the heat recovery tube to increase. The temperature of the fluid flowing within the heat recovery tube is thereby limited to a predetermined maximum. A structure that relieves excess pressure when the flow of fluid through the tube is stopped has an expansion tank connected to the fluid inlet of the tube.

Abstract: A compact portable apparatus and method for heating gases for periods ranging from about one tenths of a second to several minutes to temperatures as high as 2700.degree. Celsius in 4 hrs. Graphite or metal oxide spherical pebbles which are placed in an externally thermally insulated cylindrical bed. The pebbles enclose and are heated by electrical resistive elements from which they are physically isolated. High heat storage density is achieved by designing the bed for high pressure loss operation and gas flow is in the downward direction. The bed is pressurized prior to initiating the gas flow with a quick acting valve or burst disc placed at the heater outlet. Typical applications are as a heat source for magnetohydrodynamic channels or wind tunnels. For magnetohydrodynamic applications a pulsed liquid seed metal injection method producing micrometer diameter liquid particles is disclosed.

Abstract: A pebble-bed evaporator and superheater assembly includes a tubular pressure shell with internal baffles, the latter including a plurality of apertures therein for passage of gas therethrough. Contained within the shell are heater elements and pebble elements which store heat and transfer the same to liquified gas which is vaporized and flows through the shell whereby the gas supplied to the shell and is heated to a predetermined elevated temperature above its input temperature. The heated gas output of the shell flows to a mixer unit connected to the shell and the mixed gas flows out of the mixer. Connected to the mixer is a supply of liquified gas to cool the high temperature gas entering the mixer from the shell such that the temperature of the gas exiting the mixer is below the temperature of the heated gas exiting the shell. In this way the temperature of the gas exiting the mixer is controlled to the desired level.

Abstract: A heating and cooling device comprising a box type heat exchange tank containing a heat transfer medium having an thermal accumulation effect therein and a heat exchange pipe arranged in said heat exchange tank. An air discharging member is mounted to an outlet of the heat exchange pipe and provided with a fan for blowing air in the heat exchange pipe into a room. An air suction member connected to said inlet of the heat exchange pipe, to suck outside air and supply it into the heat exchange pipe, A heater is disposed just below said air suction member, to heat an air entering the air suction member in a heating operation of the device. A cooling chamber is also disposed, to cool the heat transfer medium in the heat exchange tank. A water pump may be disposed below the heat exchange tank, so as to pump a relatively cold underground water into the heat exchange tank. The underground water is used as the heat transfer medium for a cooling operation of the device.

Abstract: A thermal storage system (10) provides a means for storing thermal energy acquired from electricity purchased at off-peak demand times and from other fuel sources such as fossil fuels, waste heat, and solar energy. The thermal storage system (10) is also designed to supply a plurality of system outputs (124) at individually selected temperatures. The thermal storage system (10) includes a storage tank (12) for storing and heating fluids. Insulation (44) is provided to prevent energy from being transferred to the environment surrounding the storage tank (12). An external housing (46) is provided to protect the insulation (44) and to further insulate the storage tank (12). Heating elements (76) are included for the heating of the stored fluid. A fluid circulator (22) is provided for circulating the fluid to obtain a substantially constant temperature throughout the storage tank (12).