Abstract: A system and method for controlling bleed air flow into an air cycle machine that includes a bleed air inlet and a conditioned air outlet is provided. The system and method include discharging bleed air from an operating gas turbine engine, sensing exhaust gas temperature (EGT) of the gas turbine engine, sensing conditioned air temperature at the conditioned air outlet, and controlling bleed air flow into the air cycle machine based on the sensed EGT and on the sensed conditioned air temperature.

Abstract: A temperature regulation system for air inside of a vehicle regardless of the on/off state of the vehicle's ignition or engine includes a rechargeable battery for supplying power to an air moving system and a heat exchanger in accordance with demand signals from a thermostat. A motor-generator has a motor mode wherein electrical energy from the battery is converted into rotational kinetic energy and coupled to an AC compressor, and a generator mode wherein rotational kinetic energy from the engine is converted into electrical energy to recharge the battery. A control circuit is electrically connected with the motor-generator and adapted to activate the motor mode when the engine is off and the air temperature inside the vehicle exceeds the desired temperature range, the motor-generator otherwise being in the generator mode. Alternate embodiments includes a motor-compressor that replaces the stock compressor of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicles in which the probability of executing pre-air conditioning is increased so that it may be prevented that the inside of the vehicle cannot be often in a comfortable state before the driver gets into the vehicle. The air conditioner performs air conditioning of a vehicle having a traveling motor and an engine as drive sources and comprises a pre-air conditioning main switch. The crew permits operation of pre-air conditioning by turning the switch on. When the pre-air conditioning main switch is set on, an engine control section performs charge preference control where battery charge takes precedence of engine fuel consumption and performs normal control where engine fuel consumption takes precedence when the pre-air conditioning main switch is set off.

Abstract: An expansion valve for reducing the quantity of material required for the valve body by contriving the arrangement of bolt fitting grooves. In the expansion valve (20), displacement of a valve member driver (36) provided in the valve body (21) is transmitted to a valve member by a valve member drive rod (36f) and the valve opening is altered to control the flow rate of the refrigerant. The valve body (21) consists of a body upper portion (40) and a body lower portion (41) narrower than the body upper portion (40), and bolt fitting grooves (43, 43) opening in the flank of the valve body (21), preferably opening obliquely downward, are formed at the boundary (42) of the body upper portion (40) and the body lower portion (41). With such a layout, the material required at the boundary (42) can be reduced furthermore and the quantity of material required for the valve body (21) can be reduced furthermore, as a result.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: In a storage type air conditioning system having plural storage type air conditioners, each air conditioner includes a storage battery in which external power from an external power source can be stored, an air conditioning unit that is supplied with stored power from the storage battery and perform an air conditioning operation, a residual amount detector for detecting a storage residual amount of the storage battery, and a stored power transmission/reception switching unit for switching transmission/reception of the stored power stored in the storage battery to/from the other storage type air conditioners. Information concerning the storage residual amounts of the storage batteries of the air conditioners are communicated with one another, and the stored power of the storage battery of some air conditioner having surplus stored power is supplied to another air conditioner having short stored power.

Abstract: A system for conditioning air in a structure includes a first conditioning system and a second conditioning system. The first conditioning system is capable of supplying conditioned air to a first space of the structure. The first space is enclosed, at least in part, by one or more external walls. The second conditioning system is capable of supplying conditioned air to a second space of the structure that is located above the first space. The second space is enclosed, at least in part, by a roof that is sealed to prevent a flow of air between the second space and an outside environment. The first space and the second space are separated by a ceiling that permits thermal energy to pass between the first space and the second space.

Abstract: An auxiliary air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle, in particular a truck comprising a tractor provided with a driving cab and possibly a sleeper compartment, and a primary air-conditioning system connected to the main engine and to the battery of the truck. The auxiliary air-conditioning system is totally independent of the primary air-conditioning system of the truck and is formed by an external unit designed to be set on the outside of the driving cab and/or of the sleeper compartment, and by at least one heat-exchange unit, which is hydraulically and electrically connected to the external unit and is designed to be set inside the driving cab and/or inside the sleeper compartment.

Abstract: A heat pump liquid heater (HPLH) system coupled to an array of photovoltaic cells that operate at enhanced efficiency is disclosed. The HPLH system comprises a panel or a box structure coupled to the HPLH. The box structure supports an array of photovoltaic cells and a circulation mechanism. The HPLH generates a coolant as a by-product using ambient air and electric power. The coolant that is circulated around the photovoltaic cells may extract the heat generated by the photovoltaic cells and the temperature of the photovoltaic cells may decrease to a specific level or maintained within an allowable temperature range. The reduction in temperature causes the photovoltaic cells to operate with enhanced efficiency and may generate more electric power. The size of the panel or the number of photovoltaic cells required to generate a required power may be reduced that reduces the cost of the HPLH system.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of electrical energy, and more particularly to distribution of solar electric energy at or near particular power points of solar cells.

Abstract: A portable cooling device including an insulated housing and a water cooler system, whereby water stored in a reservoir, or alternatively water introduced into the system through a specific inlet, is directed through a boustrophedonic series of piping to at least one misting orifice disposed proximal to at least one fan, which fan is directable within a fan housing, whence a chilled mist is directionably propelled from the device. The device has a power system including a photocell, a power inlet, and a battery, configureable to different situations to selectively engage the water cooler system and each fan.

Abstract: A method of operating a transport refrigeration unit that is operable to regulate a temperature of a cargo space. The method includes providing a controller, driving a refrigerant compressor of the transport refrigeration unit with an internal combustion engine to compress a refrigerant defining an engine operating state of the transport refrigeration unit, and driving the refrigerant compressor of the transport refrigeration unit with an electric motor to compress the refrigerant defining a motor operating state of the transport refrigeration unit. The method further includes sensing the temperature of the cargo space, receiving into the controller a signal indicative of the temperature of the cargo space, determining the temperature of the cargo space using the controller, and switching between the engine operating state and the motor operating state in response to a signal generated by the controller based on the temperature of the cargo space.

Abstract: An auxiliary power system that is coupled a truck is described. The auxiliary power system pumps a fluid material housed by a truck hydraulic tank and bypasses the truck engine to affect a pump that offload the fluid material. The auxiliary power system includes a housing, an auxiliary engine, a pump, a suction line, a pressure line, and an offload control module. A method for configuring an auxiliary power system to bypass a truck engine is also described. The method includes controlling a pump that is operatively coupled to an auxiliary engine with an offload control module, in which the pump is powered by the auxiliary engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a mist cooling system that utilizes rain water as a source of mist, and that relies on a solar-powered or naturally-powered water pump to provide the rainwater to the mist generating device. The rainwater may be stored in a storage facility located on an elevated portion of a structure, such as the roof or other location, and may be provided to the mist generating device via the solar-powered pump. Such mist cooling may reduce energy consumption in applications such as the cooling of data centers, surgery rooms, archives or other temperature sensitive facilities that consume large amounts of energy for cooling.

Abstract: A self-contained water generation system is disclosed. The present system allows for the generation of water using only wind power and standard air conditioning components. A wind turbine drives, directly or indirectly, a compressor that compresses refrigerant and provides the refrigerant to a condenser and evaporator. During the evaporation of the refrigerant, water is condensed and collected for use. The components of the water generation system may be configured in a housing and movably mounted atop a column so that the housing can rotate about the column, allowing the wind turbine maximize the use of wind forces.

Abstract: An energy supply system for operating at least one air conditioning system of an aircraft, comprises at least one air line network and at least one electric line network. The air line network is connected to the air conditioning system and at least one bleed air connection for routing bleed air to the air conditioning system. The electric line network is connected to the air conditioning system and at least one electrical energy source for routing electrical energy to the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system has an electrically operable cooling device. By means of the energy supply system according to the invention the energy withdrawn from the power units is better adapted to the energy necessary for operating the air conditioning system and other systems—such as, for example, wing de-icing—and therefore reduces the excess fuel consumption of the aircraft.

Abstract: A closed loop geothermal system has a fluid circulation loop that includes in series: a heat pump, a ground loop heat exchanger, a tank flow center and a circulation pump. The tank flow center includes a tank, a first valve, a second valve and a tank bypass line all mounted in a common housing. The tank may include a refill inlet that opens through a top surface of the housing. A cap may be attached to close the refill inlet. The tank flow center has the regular geothermal operation configuration, a system flush configuration, and a refill configuration. The tank flow center may be elevated above the circulation pump a distance to produce a water column that is greater than a minimum cavitation avoidance head pressure for the circulation pump.

Abstract: A vehicle that includes a frame, a prime mover, an alternator, a cabin, a HVAC system, and a power source. The prime mover is operable in a first mode that is configured for driving the vehicle and a second mode that is configured for standby operation of the vehicle. The cabin includes walls that define a space and that have insulation to insulate the space. The HVAC system is in communication with the cabin to condition the space, and includes a cooling system, a heating system, and a sorption system that dehumidifies air provided to the space. The power source has a battery that is in electrical communication with the alternator and the HVAC system to supply power to the HVAC system from the battery when the prime mover is in the first mode and when the prime mover is in the second mode.

Abstract: A heat pump operation method includes: obtaining, on a per time unit basis, generated power, load power, surplus power, and an impact magnitude; and controlling operation of the heat pump to cause the heat pump to consume an amount of power for generating heat adjusted to follow the surplus power obtained on a per unit time basis. In the controlling, when the impact magnitude is greater than a predetermined first threshold value, the operation of the heat pump is controlled to permit consumption of the power supplied from an energy supplier and approximate a reverse flow of the surplus power to zero, and when the impact magnitude is less than or equal to a predetermined second threshold value, the operation of the heat pump is controlled to permit the reverse flow of the surplus power and approximate the consumption of power supplied from the energy supplier to zero.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising water and at least one ionic liquid, and also to devices capable of executing an absorption cycle using such compositions as a refrigerant pair. This invention also provides a method of cooling using an absorption cycle comprising water as the refrigerant and at least one ionic liquid as the absorbent. The present invention also provides a method of heating using an absorption cycle comprising water as the refrigerant and at least one ionic liquid.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system for operating an air conditioning compressor from alternative sources. The system includes primary and secondary torque supply sources, each in communication with the input shaft of an air conditioning compressor by first and second respective pulley belts.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for vehicle temperature control incorporates a thermostat having contacts, and a circulation contour, including a condenser, an expansion valve essentially connected with the condenser, an evaporator connected sequentially with the expansion valve, a first tee splitter connected to a common line, a second tee splitter connected to the condenser, a main compressor connected with the first tee splitter and with the second tee splitter, a supplemental compressor connected with the first tee splitter and the second tee splitter. The supplemental compressor is operatively controlled by the thermostat and powered by a supplemental battery. In embodiments, the supplemental compressor is electrically connected with the supplemental battery and operatively controlled by a control circuitry including a power relay, an air-condition relay, and the contacts of thermostat. The proposed system reduces pollutions and saves energy.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a dwelling is provided. The system includes a plurality of wireless thermostats disposed throughout multiple zones within the dwelling and operable to control climate conditions in the corresponding zones. The system further includes a primary power source operable to supply power to thermostats for operating in a high-power mode when operatively connected thereto. The thermostats each include a secondary power source operable to supply power to the thermostats for operating in a low-power mode when the corresponding thermostat is not powered by the primary power source. Thermostats operating in the high-powered mode and are operable to receive and repeat signals originating from one or more thermostats operating in the low-power mode.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that provides a method of operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The method operates the air conditioning system at one capacity when the engine is running, and at a second capacity when the engine is not running. The selection of these capacities is based on the power capacity of the source of electric power from which the air conditioning system is operated. When a storage battery is used to power the air conditioning system during engine off conditions, the second capacity is lower than the capacity at which the system is operated when the engine is running.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for auxiliary power units (APU). In one embodiment, the APU is provided with a control system having an automatic start process. The automatic start process enables operation of the APU within a preset range of battery voltage, time, temperature and other parameters. In yet other embodiments, the APU is provided with a control system having a data verification process. The data verification process can be configured to set the operating mode of the APU. In one embodiment, the operating mode of the APU is a “purchase” mode. In other embodiments, the operating mode of the APU is a “lease” mode.

Abstract: An installable HVAC system used for a vehicle is disclosed. The HVAC system includes a housing, a compressor, a motor operatively coupled to the compressor; a condenser in fluid communication with the compressor; and a power management controller configured to run the motor with power from a given power source. The compressor, the motor, the condenser, and the power management controller are located within the housing. The housing is configured to attach to an existing HVAC system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel cell driven HVAC and power system for powering a vehicle during engine-off time. The system includes a power storage and fuel cell conversion unit integrated with a high efficiency reverse cycle heat pump to provide cab comfort and auxiliary power to a vehicle when the engine is off. Hydrogen gas is generated from vehicle wasted energy during coasting, braking and at times of engine peak performance and is safely stored in metal hydride storage containers at low pressure. During engine-off time, a fuel cell draws from the stored hydrogen and works in conjunction with the heat pump to heat and cool and provide electrical power to the vehicle. The system is a green energy solution to anti-idling regulations as it produces no harmful EPA emissions as it provides air conditioning and power to the vehicle during engine-off time.

Abstract: A controller for a vehicle includes an in-passenger-compartment temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the air supplied to an evaporator by actuating a blower fan, an outside air temperature sensor, an evaporator temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the evaporator, and an engine stop duration determiner which determines an engine stop duration on the basis of the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor immediately before an engine stops and the temperatures detected by the outside air temperature sensor and the in-passenger-compartment temperature sensor. An engine control unit continues the operation of the blower fan after a stop condition holds and the engine is stopped, and then restarts the engine and actuates a compressor when the engine stop duration has elapsed.

Abstract: A temperature control system includes a first air conditioner for changing a temperature of a heat medium, a second air conditioner for adjusting a temperature of air in a vehicle interior using the heat medium, a first supply member for supplying the heat medium from the first air conditioner to at least one of a battery stack and the second air conditioner, a second supply member for supplying the heat medium from the battery stack to the second air conditioner, a third supply member for supplying the heat medium from the second air conditioner to the electric equipment, and a fourth supply member for supplying the heat medium from the electric equipment to the first air conditioner.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system, comprising: a compressor (22); a first electric motor (26) that provides a motive force to the compressor; at least one fan (52, 56, 82, 84, 86); a second electric fan motor (54, 56, 88, 90, 92) that provides a motive force to the fan; a solar PV electrical power source (220); an electric energy power source (230); a engine driven generator electrical power source (210); and a power management controller (40) coupled to route power selectively and concurrently from two of the electrical power sources (210, 220, 230) to provide electrical power to the first motor (26) and the second motor (54, 56, 88, 90, 92).

Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle includes: a vehicle body provided with the vehicle interior, a battery which is mounted to the vehicle body and is able to be used for running, an electric heater which executes an air-conditioning operation which uses an electrical power of the battery when air-conditioning vehicle interior, a power generation device which is at least partly removably mounted to the vehicle body and executes another air-conditioning operation other than the air-conditioning operation which uses the electrical power of the battery when air-conditioning the vehicle interior, and an air conditioning change unit which changes the use state of at least one of the electric heater and the power generation device.

Abstract: A refrigerated truck has a power management system for optimally distributing power between one or more energy sources, energy sinks, or energy storage components on the refrigerated truck. One such power consuming component includes a refrigeration unit that cools a refrigerated compartment of the refrigerated truck. Particularly with regard to this refrigeration unit, the power management system is operative to direct power from multiple power sources to the refrigeration unit so as to efficiently use available power. To do so, the power management system dynamically determines the availability of certain power sources and selects a preferred power source based on availability and a defined order of power source preference.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a first power supply, a second power supply, and a power switching control unit configured to switch a power supply from the first power supply to the second power supply near the time when the temperature of a compartment starts decreasing.

Abstract: According to one form of the invention, an auxiliary system is provided for supplying air conditioning to the cabin of a truck. The system includes an air conditioning compressor having a jackshaft mounted on a hub of the compressor. The system further includes an electric motor connected to the jackshaft by a belt for the motor, wherein the electric motor has a drive shaft and a pulley rigidly secured thereon, i.e., with no clutch and with no provision for slippage of the pulley relative to the drive shaft. The jackshaft has a pulley thereon for the electric motor drive. An end of the jackshaft that is not proximate to the compressor is rotatably held by a bearing and a bearing bracket in order to increase capability of the jackshaft to withstand side loading.

Abstract: An enclosure or shelter having an HVAC/R system is configured with a photovoltaic power source and a rechargeable DC power source for power back-up to maintain substantially uninterrupted power in the case of a main power failure. The system includes one or more variable frequency drives (VFD) controlled by a VFD controller and configured to provide three-phase power to one or more three-phase AC motors and single-phase power to one or more single-phase AC motors. The system also includes a power source controller configured to select power sources based on availability of one or more power sources and other logic.

Abstract: A hybrid ECU executes a program including the steps of: setting a fan driving level F for a cooling fan, as based on a high voltage battery's temperature TB, SOC and input and output currents, and a vehicular cabin's internal temperature and background noise; detecting from a signal transmitted from a voltage sensor the voltage of an auxiliary battery serving as a power supply for the cooling fan; and setting a duty command value for the cooling fan from fan driving level F and the auxiliary battery's voltage so that the duty command value is smaller as a voltage of the auxiliary battery is higher.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a solar powered heat exchange system preferably used to drive a water collection device, which condenses water vapor in atmospheric air to water. The device comprises means for drawing the atmospheric air into the device; means for condensing the moisture vapor in the atmospheric air into water; and means for collecting the water.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously producing electricity, water at a first temperature, water at a second temperature greater than the first temperature, and water at a third temperature greater than the second temperature. The system can also optionally simultaneously provide a refrigerating fluid at a first evaporation temperature, and the refrigerating fluid at a second evaporation temperature.

Abstract: Refrigerators, with particular, but not exclusive, application to the storage and transport of vaccines are disclosed. A refrigerator has a payload container (20) within which items can be placed for temperature-controlled storage. The payload container (20) is submerged in a reservoir (21) that contains water. The reservoir has a cooling region containing the payload container and a headspace containing water that is, in use, higher than the payload container. Cooling means, that might include a refrigeration unit (30) having cooling elements (32) or a cold thermal mass can cool waterwithin the headspace. Where there is a refrigeration unit, a power supply, typically solar powered, can act as a source of power for the refrigeration unit. Embodiments may include a freezer compartment close to the cooling elements (32). Alternatively, the cooling region may comprise a pipe manifold within the payload container.

Abstract: A heat pump including a boiler is disclosed. The heat pump may include a quick-hot-water-supply tank and the boiler, which may be operated selectively based on a temperature of external air or an electric power rate per unit heat quantity.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power connector configured to mate with an electrical power grid receptacle and receive a grid power therefrom and a heating and cooling system electrically connected to the power connector to receive grid power therefrom and configured to modify a temperature the vehicle cabin. The vehicle also includes a temperature control loop configured to selectively activate and control the heating and cooling system and a controller configured to receive a first input signal comprising a desired vehicle activation time and a second input signal comprising a starting vehicle cabin temperature and a desired vehicle cabin temperature. The controller determines a temperature control loop activation time based on the first and second input signals that is prior to the desired vehicle activation time and transmits an activation signal to the temperature control loop at the temperature control loop activation time to activate the heating and cooling system.

Abstract: An air conditioner which may controlled to adapt to changes in power rates, and an associated method, are provided. The method may include receiving electric power information, determining whether a current power rate included in the received information is higher than a preset reference value, and supplying electric power from a supplementary electric power source to at least one appliance in a network to which the air conditioner is connected if the current power rate is higher than the preset reference value.

Abstract: A vehicle that includes a frame, a prime mover, an alternator, a cabin, a HVAC system, and a power source. The prime mover is operable in a first mode that is configured for driving the vehicle and a second mode that is configured for standby operation of the vehicle. The cabin includes walls that define a space and that have insulation to insulate the space. The HVAC system is in communication with the cabin to condition the space, and includes a cooling system, a heating system, and a sorption system that dehumidifies air provided to the space. The power source has a battery that is in electrical communication with the alternator and the HVAC system to supply power to the HVAC system from the battery when the prime mover is in the first mode and when the prime mover is in the second mode.

Abstract: A wind turbine generator capable of preventing a salt damage and reducing noise as well as easily starting in a cold region is provided. The wind turbine generator includes a nacelle (3) for accommodating a generator set, an internal heat exchanging unit (13, 15, 16) accommodated in the nacelle (3) to exchange heat between the generator set and a refrigerant, an external heat exchanging unit (17) disposed outside the nacelle (3) to exchange heat between an outside air and the refrigerant, a compressor (18) disposed in the nacelle (3) to compress the refrigerant and circulate the refrigerant between the internal heat exchanging unit (13, 15, 16) and the external heat exchanging unit (17), and an expansion unit (19) to expand the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (18).

Abstract: A vehicle that includes a frame, a prime mover, an alternator, a cabin, a HVAC system, and a power source. The prime mover is operable in a first mode that is configured for driving the vehicle and a second mode that is configured for standby operation of the vehicle. The cabin includes walls that define a space and that have insulation to insulate the space. The HVAC system is in communication with the cabin to condition the space, and includes a cooling system, a heating system, and a sorption system that dehumidifies air provided to the space. The power source has a battery that is in electrical communication with the alternator and the HVAC system to supply power to the HVAC system from the battery when the prime mover is in the first mode and when the prime mover is in the second mode.

Abstract: An air conditioner using photovoltaic energy is provided. The air conditioner may include a photovoltaic cell for converting photovoltaic energy into Direct Current (DC) power, an indoor unit for exchanging heat, and an outdoor unit for exchanging heat. Photovoltaic power generated by the photovoltaic cell may be supplied to the indoor unit and used as at least one of standby power in a standby mode, consumption power in an automatic photovoltaic mode, or auxiliary power in a cooling mode.

Abstract: An improved CHP system combining a VCCHP system with an SOFC system for application as a combined CHP system wherein the compressor motor of a heat pump is powered by a portion of the electricity generated by the SOFC, and wherein the thermal output of the heat pump is increased by abstraction of heat from the SOFC exhaust. This integration allows for complementary operation of each type of system, with the benefits of improved overall fuel efficiency for the improved CHP system. The heat pump is further provided with a plurality of flow-reversing valves and an additional heat exchanger, allowing the heat pump system to be reversed and thus to operate as an air conditioning system.

Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicles in which the probability of executing pre-air conditioning is increased so that it may be prevented that the inside of the vehicle cannot be often in a comfortable state before the driver gets into the vehicle. The air conditioner performs air conditioning of a vehicle having a traveling motor and an engine as drive sources and comprises a pre-air conditioning main switch. The crew permits operation of pre-air conditioning by turning the switch on. When the pre-air conditioning main switch is set on, an engine control section performs charge preference control where battery charge takes precedence of engine fuel consumption and performs normal control where engine fuel consumption takes precedence when the pre-air conditioning main switch is set off.

Abstract: A refrigerated vehicle (2; 4; 6; 8) having at least one refrigerated compartment (10) comprises a refrigeration unit and at least one electrical power supply (60, 64). The refrigeration unit has a first module (14) mounted on the exterior of a refrigerated compartment (10), and which comprises: a compressor (28) having motor hermetically disposed therein, the motor being electrically connected to the at least one electrical power supply (64); a condenser heat exchanger (30); and at least one condenser fan assembly (42). The refrigeration unit also comprises a second module (16) mounted on the interior of a refrigerated compartment (10), and which comprises: an evaporator heat exchanger (50); and at least one evaporator fan assembly (52).

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system for operating an air conditioning compressor from alternative sources. The system includes primary and secondary torque supply sources, each in communication with the input shaft of an air conditioning compressor by first and second respective pulley belts.