Abstract: A method is provided for mitigating two-phase refrigerant maldistribution in heat exchange channels of a parallel flow evaporator. An inlet manifold of the evaporator includes a first stage, at least one intermediate stage, and a final stage. Each stage includes an expansion chamber, a contraction chamber, and at least one heat exchange channel interconnecting the stage to an outlet manifold of the evaporator. The method includes throttling the two-phase refrigerant in the expansion chamber of each stage, flowing a portion of the throttled refrigerant through the at least one heat exchange channel to the outlet manifold, mixing and jetting the two-phase refrigerant in each contraction chamber to increase the velocity of the refrigerant, and passing the refrigerant out an exit of the outlet manifold.

Abstract: An air conditioning system having a cooling mode and a free-cooling mode is provided. The system includes a refrigeration circuit, two pressure sensors, a controller, and a pump-protection sequence resident on the controller. The refrigeration circuit includes a compressor and a pump. The first pressure sensor is at an inlet of the pump, while the second pressure sensor is at an outlet of the pump. The controller selectively operates in the cooling mode by circulating and compressing a refrigerant through the refrigeration circuit via the compressor or operates in the free-cooling mode by circulating the refrigerant through the refrigeration circuit via the pump: The pump-protection sequence turns the pump to an off state based at least upon a differential pressure determined by the controller from pressures detected by the first and second pressure sensors.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle system has a condenser, a refrigerant circulating pump connected to the condenser, a heat collecting device connected to the refrigerant circulating pump, and an expansion turbine connected to the heat collecting device and the condenser. The refrigerant circulating pump includes an expansion tank or pressure vessel, a refrigerant supply conduit connected to the lower part of the expansion tank and to the condenser, and a refrigerant discharge conduit connected to the upper part of the expansion tank. An open/close valve is installed in the refrigerant supply conduit. A pressure regulating valve installed in the refrigerant discharge pipe opens when a pressure reaches a specified value or higher. A temperature regulating device can heat the refrigerant in the expansion tank to produce a refrigerant vapor of saturated temperature or higher, which vapor can be introduced into the heat collecting device.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle and a method of operation is disclosed. The air conditioning system includes a primary refrigerant loop and a secondary liquid loop. The primary refrigerant loop includes a compressor configured to be selectively driven by the engine, a condenser, an expansion device and a refrigerant-to-liquid heat exchanger. The secondary liquid loop includes the refrigerant-to-liquid heat exchanger, a thermal storage reservoir within which the refrigerant-to-liquid heat exchanger is mounted, a pump configured to pump a liquid through the refrigerant-to-liquid heat exchanger, a liquid-to-air heat exchanger configured to mount in a HVAC module and receive the liquid from the refrigerant-to-liquid heat exchanger, and a liquid flow valve configured to selectively direct the liquid directly to the pump or through the thermal storage reservoir to the pump.

Abstract: A food cooling assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a reservoir adapted to retain a fluid. The receptacle includes an opening extending therethrough. The assembly also includes a chiller including a pump having a suction end and a discharge end and a supply conduit having a first supply end releasably couplable to the opening and a second supply end coupled to the suction end of the pump. A cooling conduit having a first cooling end is coupled to the discharge end of the pump and a second cooling end releasably couplable to the opening. A heat transfer device is in physical contact with the cooling conduit between the first cooling end and the second cooling end, such that heat is transferred between the heat transfer device and the cooling conduit. A method of cooling food using water from a reservoir to cool the food is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat pump system includes a compressor, a reversing valve, an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger in a circuit, and a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. In the air cooling with water heating mode, the air heating with water heating mode and the water heating only mode, water from a water reservoir is passed through refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. A refrigerant reservoir may be provided for use in refrigerant charge control. A refrigerant line (71) couples reservoir to the refrigerant circuit intermediate the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers for directing liquid refrigerant into the reservoir and a refrigerant line (73) couples the refrigerant circuit upstream of the suction inlet to the compressor for returning refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit. A controller controls flow into and from the refrigerant reservoir through selective opening and closing of control valve (72) in line (71) and control valve (74) in line (73).

Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigeration system including a first refrigerant circuit including a first heat exchanger for transferring heat from refrigerant, a second refrigerant circuit including a second heat exchanger for transferring heat to refrigerant, and a third refrigerant circuit. The third refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser connected to the first refrigerant circuit such that heat exchange can occur between the refrigerants of the first and refrigerant circuits, an expansion device, and an evaporator connected to the second refrigerant circuit such that heat exchange can occur between the refrigerant of the second and third refrigerant circuits. The refrigerant can travel along the third refrigerant circuit in a common direction during operation in both heating and cooling modes. Refrigerant can be prevented from moving between first, second, and third refrigerant circuits during operation in heating and cooling modes.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided, and includes a wafer having first and second opposed metallized major faces and a transistor bonded to the first metallized face of the wafer. The transistor includes a first surface, and the first surface defines a first area. The device further includes a first metal layer bonded to the first surface of the transistor. The first metal layer has a first surface that defines a second area larger than the first area of the transistor. The device further includes a ceramic layer bonded to the first surface of the first metal layer.

Abstract: An extremely thin profile filter is sized and configured to be installed between tubing couplers of an automotive air conditioning system in regions of an engine compartment that are cramped or otherwise will not accommodate a longer in-line filter. The filter includes a thin flat filter housing formed from first and second thin shells joined together at opposed inside faces. Each shell is formed with a shallow well on its inside face and the wells align to define an interior camber within the filter housing. The outside opposing faces of the filter housing are configured to mate with corresponding sections of a tubing coupler so that the filter is installed by being sandwiched between the sections of the tubing coupler.

Abstract: A system is provided for cooling an energy storage system of a hybrid electric vehicle. The energy storage system includes at least one energy storage device, including a maximum temperature storage device with a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature storage device with a minimum temperature. The system includes a cooling fluid duct in flow communication with an inlet and the at least one energy storage device, and a blower positioned within the cooling fluid duct to draw cooling fluid into the inlet and through the cooling fluid duct. The system further includes a controller coupled with the at least one energy storage device to increase the temperature of the at least one energy storage device having a temperature below the maximum temperature reduced by at least a predetermined threshold. The cooling fluid duct and blower are coupled to form a common cooling system for the at least one energy storage system.

Abstract: A system is provided for cooling an energy storage system of a hybrid electric vehicle. The energy storage system includes at least one energy storage device. The system includes at least one inner casing configured to encapsulate at least one inner core of at least one respective energy storage device of the energy storage system. Additionally, the system includes at least one outer layer configured to surround the at least one inner casing. The system further includes an inner space positioned between the at least one inner casing and the at least one outer layer, where the inner space is configured to receive cooling fluid through at least one inlet in the outer layer.

Abstract: Variable speed drives are utilized in refrigerant systems to operate motors of the system components at varying speeds, typically for the purposes of capacity adjustment, efficiency enhancement, reliability improvement or power consumption limitation. However, variable speed controls are expensive. The present invention offers flexibility to utilize a variable speed drive to provide variable speed functionality between compressor and fans (or other rotating components having electric motors) within a refrigerant system depending on operational and environmental conditions and external load demands. The switching device switches the variable speed drive between component motors as indicated by a control for the refrigerant system.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a compressor for driving a refrigerant along a flow path in at least a first mode of system operation; a first heat exchanger along the flow path downstream of the compressor in the first mode; a second heat exchanger along the flow path upstream of the compressor in the first mode; and an expansion device in the flow path downstream of the first heat exchanger and upstream of the second heat exchanger in the first mode, wherein the second heat exchanger includes a combined header and accumulator for collecting liquid and vapor refrigerant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat-transfer concentrates for solar installations, containing a) from 92 to 99% by weight of at least one polyglycol of the formula R—O—(CH2—CH2—O)n—H, in which n is an integer of from 3 to 500 and R is H, a C1- to C4-alkyl group or an aromatic radical having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, b) from 1 to 8% by weight of at least one corrosion inhibitor, with the proviso that its content of ethylene glycol and 1,2-propylene glycol is less than 0.2% by weight.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for regulating temperature in a system comprises receiving, at a building management system, information concerning a degree of opening of a plurality of control valves. Each of the plurality of control valves is associated with at least one terminal that is in communication with a supply header line of a system, and is operable to open or close according to its own logic based on the demand of the associated terminal or terminals. A determination is made, based on the degree of opening of the plurality of control valves, as to whether changes need to be made to the operating parameters of production equipment of the system. The changes to the production equipment operation of the system are operable to change at least one parameter of a fluid being supplied to the supply header line of the system. An initiation of changes is made if it is determined that the change needs to be made.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a controlling method thereof capable of effectively conditioning air in an operator cab of a vehicle even if a windshield or door of the operator cab is opened. An air conditioner for conditioning air in an operator cab of a vehicle comprises: a first blowout port for blowing out the conditioned air to a front of the operator; a second blowout port for blowing out the conditioned air; an open/close sensor for detecting whether the operator cab is opened or closed; and an air volume ratio adjustment unit for setting a ratio of the volume of the conditioned air, which is blown out from the first blowout port when the open/close sensor detects that the operator cab is opened to be higher than the ratio when the operator cab is closed.

Abstract: The thermal storage apparatus contains a heat transfer fluid (102) and a thermal storage medium (101), being immiscible and of differing densities. The thermal storage apparatus comprises a vessel (100) for containing a layer of heat transfer fluid (102) in contact with a layer of thermal storage medium (101), and a charging loop (120) including an inlet nozzle (200) having a mouth The charging loop (120) is arranged to supply cool heat transfer fluid (102) into the vessel (100) directed at least partially into the layer of thermal storage medium (101) and the inlet nozzle (200) is shaped such that heat transfer fluid (102) flowing therethrough operatively draws thermal storage medium (101) into the mouth thereof. The thermal storage apparatus described provides good mixing of cooled heat transfer fluid (102) with thermal storage medium (101), minimal blockages in the charging loop (120) and allows good separation of the heat transfer fluid (102) and thermal storage medium (101).

Abstract: A thermal energy transfer unit is provided for conventional Freon air conditioning. One or several thermal energy transfer units are operatively interconnected to one or several conventional air condition systems and share a common energy storage tank. Each thermal energy transfer unit converts energy from the compressor and condensing coil of the conventional air conditioner and stores it in the common energy storage tank when electricity is in low demand. Each thermal energy transfer unit retrieves stored energy from the common storage tank and provides air conditioning without the use of the compressor when electricity is in high demand. Each thermal energy transfer unit can be disabled to allow the air conditioning unit to perform as if they and the energy storage tank were not connected. One or all of the units can be disabled without affecting the performance or purpose of the others.

Abstract: A method of operating an organic rankine cycle system wherein a liquid refrigerant is circulated to an evaporator where heat is introduced to the refrigerant to convert it to vapor. The vapor is then passed through a turbine, with the resulting cooled vapor then passing through a condenser for condensing the vapor to a liquid. The refrigerant is one of CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2, (CF3)2 CFC(O)CF(CF3)2, CF3(CF2)2C(O)CF(CF3)2, CF3(CF2)3C(O)CF(CG3)2, CF3(CF2)5C(O)CF3, CF3CF2C(O)CF2CF2CF3, CF3C(O)CF(CF3)2.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip cooling system having a body that forms an enclosed spray chamber, and having a thermal-transmittance wall configured to conformingly adjoin to a chip, a substrate or printed circuit board carrying one or more chips, or another such heated device. Inkjet-type sprayers are configured to spray cooling fluid on the thermal-transmittance wall to cool the chip. A controller transmits a control signal to the sprayer to cause the sprayer to spray at a rate leading to the cooling fluid being vaporized by the semiconductor device without the device either drying or becoming covered by a pool. The cooling system uses cooling fluid surface tension forces to draw liquid cooling fluid up a porous member from the spray chamber back to the sprayers, to be sprayed again. The cooling system uses gravity and/or pressure within the spray chamber to direct vaporized cooling fluid upward from the spray chamber to a condenser. The condenser is configured to cool and condense the vapor.

Abstract: A cooling system for providing cryogenic cooling fluid to an apparatus comprises a re-circulation device, a passive cold storage device having a porous matrix of material which directly contacts the cryogenic cooling fluid as the cryogenic cooling fluid passes through the passive cold storage device, a first portion of a fluid communication feed line fluidly connecting the re-circulation device to the passive cold storage device, a second portion of a fluid communication feed line fluidly connecting the passive cold storage device to the apparatus for communicating cryogenic cooling fluid to the apparatus, and a fluid communication return line fluidly connecting the apparatus to the re-circulation device. The passive cold storage device may comprise a regenerative heat exchanger including a porous matrix of metal wire mesh, metal spheres or ceramic spheres.

Abstract: A sealed spray cooling system for reducing coolant loss within thermal management systems. The sealed spray cooling system includes a spray housing defining a spray chamber having at least one atomizer and a seal member attached to the spray housing about the spray chamber for sealing against a semiconductor forming a sealed spray area. Alternatively, the spray unit is comprised of a first member, a second member having at least one atomizer, the second member pivotally attached to the first member forming an interior cavity between thereof, and a seal member attached to the second member for sealing against a semiconductor within the first member thereby forming a sealed spray area. A vacuum manifold is preferably fluidly connected to the spray cavity thereby reducing the pressure within the spray cavity.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for separation of LNG allow both maximum enriching of the methane product in methane at any initial LNG composition, and to production the methane product in fully liquid state for the customer.

Abstract: A coolant recovery system for reducing coolant loss within thermal management systems. The coolant recovery system includes a thermal management unit having a spray chamber and a coolant recovery chamber, a first cooling coil within the coolant recovery chamber, and a chilled water supply fluidly connected to the first cooling coil. The coolant is sprayed upon the electronic device within the spray chamber and then is collected into the coolant recovery chamber for thermal conditioning. A removable chamber may be removably positioned within the spray chamber. In an alternative embodiment, a central unit may be connected to a plurality of thermal management units.

Abstract: A controlled method for an energy-saving and energy-releasing air conditioning discloses the energy-saving and energy-releasing actions performed by the two adjoined heat exchangers of the storage means. The feature of this design is to meet refrigerating and heat-produced requirements by using the controlled method of the present invention. Automatically adjusting the refrigerant flow rates of the first and the second circular refrigerant loops can place it into the optimum operational condition while central air conditioner is either under high loading or under low loading condition.

Abstract: A reversible cooling loop for a notebook computer is described. Specifically, at low power levels, a two-phase fluid cooling loop is implemented to conserve the battery life. At high power levels, a refrigeration loop is implemented.

Abstract: A semiconductor cooling device includes a cold plate for cooling a semiconductor element, a condenser, and an inverter-controlled refrigerant pump, all of which are fluid connected in series with each other to define a refrigerating cycle. The semiconductor cooling device also includes a fan for cooling the condenser, a temperature detector disposed in proximity to the semiconductor element, and a controller for controlling the refrigerant pump and the fan. The controller controls the number of revolutions of the refrigerant pump and that of the fan depending on a value measured by the temperature detector.

Abstract: A miniature pump includes a miniature pump portion including a suction passage through which a liquid flows in, and a discharge passage through which the liquid flows out, and a bubble trap portion for blocking an entry of air bubbles into the miniature pump portion. Since the bubble trap portion prevents the entry of air bubbles into the miniature pump portion, a deterioration of pump characteristics owing to the entry of air bubbles can be suppressed, making it possible to obtain a miniature pump that achieves both a large discharge flow rate and stable discharge flow rate characteristics.

Abstract: In a cooling device including a pump, a heat absorber, a heat radiator, a flow channel that allows communication between interiors thereof and forms a closed-loop circulating cycle therebetween, and a liquid refrigerant that circulates in the flow channel, a volume of a gas generated in the liquid refrigerant owing to temperature change within an operating temperature range of the liquid refrigerant is smaller than a volume of a sphere that is inscribed in a cross-section of the flow channel. In this way, even when the solubility changes due to rapid heating or cooling of the liquid refrigerant, no gas is generated in the liquid refrigerant. Thus, it is possible to provide a cooling device that maintains an excellent cooling effect even after a long time use.

Abstract: In a cooling device including a pump, a heat absorber, a heat radiator, a flow channel that allows communication between interiors thereof and forms a closed-loop circulating cycle therebetween, and a liquid refrigerant that circulates in the flow channel, a volume of a gas generated in the liquid refrigerant owing to temperature change within an operating temperature range of the liquid refrigerant is smaller than a volume of a sphere that is inscribed in a cross-section of the flow channel. In this way, even when the solubility changes due to rapid heating or cooling of the liquid refrigerant, no gas is generated in the liquid refrigerant. Thus, it is possible to provide a cooling device that maintains an excellent cooling effect even after a long time use.

Abstract: An inlet port filter plate for attachment between a compressor inlet port and a suction hose assembly. The inlet port filter plate includes a main body and mounting surfaces for attachment between the compressor and the suction hose assembly or between the compressor and the compressor hose block. The main body defines a passage that allows for refrigerant flow through a filter which is positioned in the passage. The filter is adapted to stop debris in the refrigerant flow.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an external loop nonfreezing heat exchanger for cooling a heat transfer fluid with cryogenic fluid. The cryogenic fluid is first pre-vaporized with the spent cryogenic fluid. The heat transfer fluid is then cooled by the vaporized cryogenic fluid instead of the cryogenic fluid feed directly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a refrigeration method and processes that employ a nontoxic and environmentally benign, oil-free refrigerant in a novel vapor-compression thermodynamic cycle that includes a means for enhancing cooling capacity and efficiency. A means of controlling of the process conditions and flow of the refrigerant are provided. The refrigerant in the invention in used in a transcritical cycle.

Abstract: A chiller tank system for containment of chilled liquids comprises a first tank and a second tank position within the first tank. The first tank is spaced apart from the second tank so that insulation material can be positioned between them The second tank defines a chamber for receiving the liquid to be chilled. A straight-lined, chiller barrel is positioned vertically within the chamber, the chiller barrel defining a bore connected to a flexible, dual hose. The straight-lined chiller barrel extends downward into the tank thereby evenly chilling the liquid to avoid thermal stratification that causes vaporization by creating warm spots within the liquid. A refrigeration unit supplies inert refrigerant to the tank.

Abstract: A device that includes two heat exchangers, one attached to the ambient or to the hot parts of the refrigeration unit including a reservoir filled with high sensible heat liquid and the other attached to the evaporator of the unit, a closed loop circuit between the two heat exchangers and a pump that can circulate the liquid during defrost cycle, providing a controllable, intensive heat transfer from the warmed liquid to the evaporator coil in order to melt the frost deposits.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus comprising a refrigeration cycle comprising at least a compressor, a condenser, a dryer, an expansion mechanism and an evaporator, a refrigerant composed mainly of a fluorocarbon type refrigerant containing no chlorine and having a critical temperature of 40° C. or higher, and a refrigerating machine oil comprising as base oil an ester oil of one or more fatty acids which contains at least two ester linkages in the molecule and has a viscosity at 40° C. of 2 to 70 cSt and a viscosity at 100° C. of 1 to 9 cSt.

Abstract: A spray cooling system for semiconductor devices. An ink-jet type spray device sprays droplets of a cooling fluid onto the semiconductor devices. The devices vaporize the liquid, which gets passed through a roil bond panel, or other heat exchanger, and is pumped into a spring loaded reservoir that feeds the spray device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting the recovery of grease and oils from an aqueous waste stream is disclosed. This is accomplished by a combination of steps which include removing coarse food solids from the waste stream, allowing the oils to separate from the water in a separation zone, removing the oil layer to a storage zone, removing the water layer to a heat recovery zone and transferring heat values from the recovery zone to the separation zone with vapor compression refrigeration. The invention saves energy by recycling the heat of the kitchen waste stream to the separation zone. The recovered oil is useful as a marketable product that can be converted into many useful products. When a fines filter is used in the process, the discharged water can be used for non-agricultural uses such as lawn watering or can be used in water closets and urinals.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus comprising a refrigeration cycle comprising at least a compressor, a condenser, a dryer, an expansion mechanism and an evaporator, a refrigerant composed mainly of a fluorocarbon type refrigerant containing no chlorine and having a critical temperature of 40.degree. C. or higher, and a refrigerating machine oil comprising as base oil an ester oil of one or more fatty acids which contains at least two ester linkages ##STR1## in the molecule and has a viscosity at 40.degree. C. of 2 to 70 cSt and a viscosity at 100.degree. C. of 1 to 9 cSt.

Abstract: A vapor compression system having a compressor, condenser, receiver, evaporator, two liquid refrigerant tanks, a phase separator and a liquid refrigerant heat exchanger. The liquid refrigerant is pumped alternatively from one of the tanks through the heat exchanger using controlled valving such that there is no phase change and gaseous refrigerant is withdrawn by the compressor from the top of the phase separator.

Abstract: The heat transfer system of the present invention transfers heat from above to below by means of phase change of an operating fluid without applying power from outside, and it facilitates to keep balance between evaporation quantity of the operating fluid by an evaporator and return quantity of the operating fluid from a condenser to the evaporator by a heat driving pump, and to improve heat transfer efficiency, heat transfer distance and heat transfer quantity. For this purpose, the condenser 2 is provided at a position lower than the evaporator 1, and the heat driving pump 3 is installed along a flow passage to send the operating fluid 9 from the condenser 2 to the evaporator 1. In the heat driving pump 3, air bubbles generated by heating of the high temperature fluid are condensed by cooling with the low temperature fluid, and by pressure change generated, the operating fluid 9 is sent back from the condenser 2 to the evaporator 9.

Abstract: A cooling system is disclosed which utilizes the molecular structural changes of photochromic compounds when they are exposed to various wavelengths of irradiation. Further, a design is disclosed which uses solar irradiation to activate the molecular structural changes. An alternate system of irradiation is disclosed which could be utilized in geographic areas of low incidence of sunlight or during inclement or occluded times in any area. An integrated panel is disclosed for installation on the external face of buildings in order to negate the need for ducting internal to the building. This will significantly increase the efficiency of cooling due to the removal of cooling loss in ducting and the proximity of the cooling system to the cooled space.

Abstract: Method for storing a coolant fluid comprising two phases of one and the same substance in melting equilibrium, according to which an enclosure for storing said fluid is used in which the coolant fluid stored settles into a lower liquid layer and an upper solid layer, the coolant fluid to be stored is introduced into the enclosure at the level of the lower layer, and the coolant fluid to be removed from storage is extracted from the enclosure at the level of the upper layer, wherein, in combination, on the one hand, a gaseous headspace is set up between the upper layer and the upper wall of the enclosure and, on the other hand, the coolant fluid to be removed from storage is extracted, from a withdrawal zone located at the level of the interface between the upper layer and the gaseous headspace, through a vertical flow by generating a vortex.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for minimizing the increase of entropy of an adiabatic enthalpizer by means of a thermal sweep insulation system which surrounds at least a portion of the adiabatic enthalpizer and through which the working fluid for the adiabatic enthalpizer passes whereby the fluid both causes the thermal sweep insulation system to operate and the fluid is pre-enthalpized. Examples of adiabatic enthalpizers include but are not limited to compressors, expanders, devices to heat and expand a gas, Roots blowers, ammonia absorption chambers, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a narrow thermocline in a thermal energy liquid storage tank in a cooling system for a commercial building in which the tank provides cooling liquid, e.g., water, during a peak electricity demand period to allow the building system to reduce its electric demand during such period. The tank incorporates a water distribution system including a generally centrally positioned, vertically oriented pipe extending from a bottom of the tank to about a top of the tank. A flange is positioned about mid-way of the pipe for separating an upper section of the pipe from a lower section. A water return line is coupled to the pipe above the flange and a water extraction line is connected to the pipe below the flange. A plurality of circumferentially spaced cool water conduits are connected to the pipe generally adjacent the bottom of the tank and a plurality of circumferentially spaced warm water conduits are connected to the pipe generally adjacent the top of the tank.

Abstract: A machine, such as a heat pump, and having an all liquid heat exchange fl, operates over a more nearly ideal thermodynamic cycle by adjustment of the proportionality of the volumetric capacities of a compressor and an expander to approximate the proportionality of the densities of the liquid heat exchange fluid at the chosen working pressures. Preferred forms of a unit including both the compressor and the expander on a common shaft employs difference in axial lengths of rotary pumps of the gear or vane type to achieve the adjustment of volumetric capacity. Adjustment of the heat pump system for differing heat sink conditions preferably employs variable compression ratio pumps.

Abstract: A system for cooling employee and customer-occupied area of a commercial establishment of a type having an internal refrigerated inventory storage compartment includes a water reservoir located within the refrigerated compartment. Included is an assembly for continually supplying a portion of water from the reservoir to an input of a heat exchanger external of the refrigerated compartment. Further included is an assembly for, after circulation of water through the heat exchanger, return of the water to the water reservoir within the refrigerated compartment. The system also includes an assembly for inputting air external of the refrigerated compartment through the heat exchanger to transfer the air's thermal values to the circulated water. Further provided are a fan and ductwork sub-system for distributing resulting cooled air outputted from the heat exchanger to the employee and customer-occupied areas of the establishment.

Abstract: A method and air conditioning unit for storing energy and for utilizing stored energy is provided. The air conditioning unit includes a storage tank containing a phase change material, such as water. A plurality of coils are disposed in the storage tank and carry refrigerant. At least one indoor heat exchanger is connected to the coils. An electrical operated refrigerant pump is connected to the coils and is used to pump liquid refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger when required. A conventional condensing unit is connected to the indoor heat exchanger to provide cooling during normal hours. During peak energy periods, cooling is supplied from ice storage using the refrigerant pump. During low demand or off peak periods the condensing unit operates to freeze ice thereby storing energy in the storage tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering latent heat from a heat transfer medium comprising a mixture of water and alcohol, which is circulated through a heat collector and a heat exchanger for heat exchange with the evaporator in a refrigerating circuit. The heat transfer medium is sucked from the heat exchanger to provide an underpressure for atomization of the heat transfer medium with following generation of bubbles in the heat transfer medium, ice crystals then being precipitated and the ratio of water and alcohol thus being changed, the heat transfer medium with ice crystals entrained therein then being supplied to the heat collector under overpressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling an aqueous liquid at ground level, by a refrigeration system which rejects heat, to produce an aqueous ice slurry of ice crystals in the aqueous liquid; and (A) feeding some of the aqueous ice slurry from ground level to a heat exchanger in a mine chamber substantially below ground level to cool air or water in the mine chamber by heat exchange with the slurry thereby producing warm aqueous liquid from the slurry; withdrawing the warm aqueous liquid from the mine chamber, returning it to ground level and then cooling the aqueous liquid by the refrigeration system to again convert it to an aqueous ice slurry; and recycling the slurry to the mine chamber; and (B) feeding some of the aqueous ice slurry produced at ground level to an ice washer and washing the ice; melting the washed ice to produce potable water at ground level; and feeding the potable water to hydraulic powered machinery in the mine chamber and using the hydrostatic energy of the water to power the machinery.