Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system. The thermal management system also includes a fourth heat exchanger. The fourth heat exchanger is disposed in the coolant system. The fourth heat exchanger can absorb heat from the air and release heat to the air, which is beneficial to improve the performance of the thermal management system.

Abstract: An air source heat pump system includes at least one heat pump sub-system and at least one water tank. Each heat pump sub-system includes a refrigerant circulation path and a water supply circulation path. The refrigeration circulation path includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first throttling device, and an evaporator that are sequentially connected to one another. The water supply circulation path includes a first supply pipe, a second supply pipe, a return pipe, and a waterway control valve. The first supply pipe and the second supply pipe are each communicated with an end of the first heat exchanger through the waterway control valve, and the return pipe is communicated with another end of the first heat exchanger. The return pipe is communicated with a water inlet of a corresponding water tank, and the second supply pipe is communicated with a water outlet of the corresponding water tank.

Abstract: A thermal management heat pump system and method for a vehicle, including: a cabin thermal management loop including a refrigerant loop; an energy storage system thermal management loop including a coolant loop; a power electronics thermal management loop including the coolant loop; a heat exchanger selectively coupling the refrigerant loop and the coolant loop responsive to one or more of a sensed and a commanded operating state of the vehicle; and a multi-port valve assembly selectively coupling the energy storage system thermal management loop and the power electronics thermal management loop responsive to the one or more of the sensed and the commanded operating state of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a domestic hot water (DHW) preheater operable to supply domestic hot water to a structure and/or to preheat a cold return of a space heating system.

Abstract: A heating system for a vehicle includes a reaction space (16) containing a first reactant (22) and a reactant storage space (20) containing or/and receiving a second reactant (24), wherein the first reactant and the second reactant form such a reaction system. A reaction of the first reactant with the second reactant produces a reaction product that releases heat. The second reactant can be separated from the first reactant by introducing heat into the reaction product. A reactant-releasing device (26) releases second reactant from the reactant storage space into the reaction space (16). A first heat removal device (58) removes heat from the first reactant or/and reaction product contained in the reaction space (16). A heating unit (52) heats the first reactant or/and heats the reaction product contained in the reaction space. A reactant-recirculating device (36) recirculates second reactant from the reaction space into the reactant storage space.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigeration cycle circuit that has a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator that are connected through a pipe, the refrigeration cycle circuit being configured to allow refrigerant to circulate in the refrigeration cycle circuit, and a controller configured to determine whether the refrigerant leaks or whether the expansion device malfunctions on the basis of a degree of subcooling at an outlet of the condenser and a degree of superheat at an outlet of the evaporator or a degree of superheat at a suction port of the compressor.

Abstract: Modular heating and cooling systems may include one or more modules connected to a fluid input and fluid output. Conventional modular heating and cooling systems typically use a single fluid in the cooling, heating and source fluid loops due to the mixing of fluids in the system. According to an aspect there is provided a modular heating system comprising at least one heating and cooling apparatus. The apparatus comprises a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger. The apparatus further comprises a refrigerant line system coupled to the first (e.g. cooling), second (e.g. heating) and third (e.g. source) heat exchangers and configurable for selectively directing refrigerant fluid through the heat exchanger to provide multiple modes of operation. The heating, cooling and source fluid loops may be separate and independent such that the fluids do not mix.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a heat exchange apparatus and method comprising, in an electronic device, a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the device wherein the heat exchanger comprises a flow duct for receiving a fluid, and at least a portion of the flow duct is arranged for thermal communication with the device. Preferred embodiments include a pressure reducing unit comprising a pump associated with the flow duct and a Venturi tube configured for reducing the pressure of the fluid in the portion of the flow duct arranged in thermal communication with the device and less than the pressure external to the duct. An embodiment includes a fluid reservoir, and a second heat exchanger for removing heat from the fluid reservoir wherein the second heat exchanger comprises an evaporator in a refrigerant system through which refrigerant is passed in a closed loop via an expansion valve from a gas cooler and back into a compressor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for hyperloop vapor cycle environmental control systems (ECS) and related methods. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for hyperloop vapor cycle environmental control systems and methods, with the hyperloop vapor cycle environmental control systems and methods configured without a compressor needed to pump a refrigerant through the system and configured without a condenser heat exchanger needed to condense gas refrigerant to a liquid to reject the heat of compression of a compressor to the ambient atmosphere. Since there is no need for a compressor, the example hyperloop ECS of the present disclosure requires only a small fraction of the electrical power of a standard vapor cycle air conditioning system. Power is needed substantially only for the ECS controller and some various valves.

Abstract: A relay unit includes: a heat medium heat exchanger; a casing; a first refrigerant pipe connection port connected to one of two refrigerant pipes through which refrigerant circulates between the heat medium heat exchanger and the heat source side unit; a second refrigerant pipe connection port connected to an other of the refrigerant pipes; a first heat medium pipe connection port connected to one of two heat medium pipes through which a heat medium circulates between the heat medium heat exchanger and the load side unit; and a second heat medium pipe connection port connected to an other of the heat medium pipes. The first refrigerant pipe connection port, the second refrigerant pipe connection port, the first heat medium pipe connection port, and the second heat medium pipe connection port are provided on a top surface of the casing and face in a direction opposite to a direction of gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a flash tank, a load, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The flash tank stores the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger and to discharge a flash gas. The load uses the refrigerant from the cool a space proximate the load. The compressor compresses the refrigerant from the load. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the refrigerant from the compressor to the flash gas before the refrigerant from the compressor reaches the high side heat exchanger. The heat exchanger directs the flash gas to the compressor after heat from the refrigerant from the compressor is transferred to the flash gas and directs the refrigerant from the compressor to the high side heat exchanger after heat from the refrigerant from the compressor is transferred to the flash gas.

Abstract: A vehicle having a heating and cooling system includes a refrigerant loop for conveying refrigerant, a coolant loop for conveying coolant, a chiller configured to convey the refrigerant and the coolant, and a vessel coupled to the chiller and having a phase change material disposed in the vessel. The phase change material is configured to freeze via heat transfer from the phase change material to the refrigerant and melt via heat transfer from the coolant to the phase change material.

Abstract: A heat pump includes a compressor, a metering device, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first fan, a second fan, and a refrigerant circuit between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A thermal storage device coupled to the refrigerant circuit is configured to store thermal energy when the refrigerant fluid is above a threshold temperature and discharge thermal energy when the refrigerant fluid is below the threshold temperature. The heat pump is operated in a heating mode in which heat is transferred from the refrigerant fluid at the first heat exchanger and the temperature of the refrigerant fluid at the thermal storage device is above the threshold temperature, and a defrost mode in which heat is transferred to the refrigerant fluid at the first heat exchanger and the temperature of the refrigerant fluid at the thermal storage device is below the threshold temperature.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a liquid cooling apparatus includes a first cooling loop to provide cooling liquid to a heat load, wherein the first cooling loop comprises a first condenser unit, a first liquid supply line, and a first vapor return line and a second cooling loop to provide cooling liquid to the heat load, wherein the second cooling loop comprises a second condenser unit, a second liquid supply line, and a second vapor return line, wherein the first vapor return line and the second vapor return line are coupled by an interconnection loop. The liquid cooling apparatus further includes a first pressure sensor coupled to the first vapor return line, a second pressure sensor coupled to the second vapor return line, and at least one main cooling source controlled based on the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor.

Abstract: A heat pump system provides at least six modes of heating, cooling, and/or domestic water heating operation, where domestic water heating may occur concurrently with heating or cooling a space in a structure. The heat pump system comprises a desuperheater positioned downstream of the compressor and operable as a desuperheater, a condenser or an evaporator, a source heat exchanger operable as either a condenser or an evaporator, a load heat exchanger operable as either a condenser or an evaporator, a reversing valve positioned downstream of the desuperheater heat exchanger and configured to alternately direct refrigerant flow from the desuperheater heat exchanger to one of the load heat exchanger and the source heat exchanger and to alternately return refrigerant flow from the other of the load heat exchanger and the source heat exchanger to the compressor, and an expansion valve positioned between the load heat exchanger and the source heat exchanger.

Abstract: An air conditioning system can be toggled between a heating mode, in which heat is withdrawn from a source (e.g., a geothermal source) and deposited into a conditioned space (e.g., a building), and a cooling mode, in which heat is withdrawn from the conditioned space and deposited into the source. The air conditioning system uses a combination of efficiency-enhancing technologies, including injection of superheated vapor into the system's compressor from an economizer circuit, adjustable compressor speed, the use of one or coaxial heat exchangers and the use of electronic expansion valves that are continuously adjustable from a fully closed to various open positions. A controller may be used to control the system for optimal performance in both the heating and cooling modes, such as by disabling the economizer circuit and vapor injection when the system is in the cooling mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal conditioning circuit (1) for a hybrid or electric motor vehicle, in which a refrigerant can circulate, said circuit (1) comprising a compressor (3), a condenser (5), an evaporator-condenser (7), an evaporator (9) and a heat exchanger (11) thermally coupled to an electric member, e.g. a vehicle electric battery, characterized in that the circuit is configured to operate at least in the following three modes in which the refrigerant can circulate in a cascade and successively:—via the condenser (5), the evaporator-condenser (7) and the evaporator (9) in a first mode;—via the condenser (5), the evaporator (9) and the evaporator-condenser (7) in a second mode; and—in another mode, i.e.

Abstract: Mechanical refrigeration system includes a compression device. The compression device has a pair of dual-action cylinders connected together by a movable rod thereof. A first cylinder acts as an element for compressing coolant fluid, for which purpose the rod is moved through the second cylinder, fed by a pressurised fluid that allows the flow of coolant fluid in the first cylinder and the flow of pressurised fluid of the second cylinder at the outlet of both devices to be constant, thus configuring a completely autonomous device that does not need electricity or any type of fuel.

Abstract: An electric motor system includes a drive shaft, a first electric motor, a second electric motor, a first inverter, a second inverter and a control unit. The drive shaft is rotatable around an axis. The first electric motor and the second electric motor rotate the drive shaft. The first inverter supplies power in order to generate a torque to the first electric motor. The second inverter supplies power in order to generate a torque to the second electric motor. The control unit controls the first inverter and the second inverter. The controller is configured to be able to change a ratio between an output torque of the first electric motor and an output torque of the second electric motor.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, a heat pump system, and a heat exchange method. The heat exchanger operates in a cooling mode or a heating mode. A heat exchange medium flows through via a first flow path within the heat exchanger in the cooling mode, and flows through via a second flow path within the heat exchanger in the heating mode. A diversion component is disposed within the heat exchanger. The diversion component is configured such that the length of the first flow path is different from the length of the second flow path; moreover, a partial segment of the first flow path and a partial segment of the second flow path overlap with each other, and flow directions of the heat exchange medium therein are identical.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for tracking temperature profile of water in a hot water storage tank. The method performed by a control unit includes monitoring flow of water at one or more inlets and one or more outlets included in the tank to determine current locations of a plurality of water layers within the tank. The plurality of water layers changes corresponding positions within the tank based on water entering within and exiting from the tank. The method includes receiving a series of temperature values measured at a series of time instances from at least one temperature sensor mounted to the tank. The method includes electronically generating a temperature profile of the tank based at least on the current locations of the plurality of water layers and the series of temperature values.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes plural heat transfer tubes disposed with a specified spacing from each other in the up and down direction, and a distributor configured to distribute refrigerant to the heat transfer tubes. The distributor includes a body part, and plural flow-splitting parts, the body part including a first passage in which refrigerant flows upward, the flow-splitting parts communicating with the first passage and with one of the heat transfer tubes. The flow-splitting parts include one or more first flow-splitting parts each communicating with a first heat transfer tube, which is a higher positioned heat transfer tube. The flow-splitting parts include one or more second heat transfer tubes each communicating with a second heat transfer tube positioned below the first heat transfer tube. The refrigerant inlet of the first flow-splitting part communicates with the first passage at a location below the refrigerant inlet of the second flow-splitting part.

Abstract: Controlling heating and cooling in a conditioned space utilizes a fluid circulating in a thermally conductive structure in fluid connection with a hydronic-to-air heat exchanger and a ground heat exchanger. Air is moved past the hydronic-to-air heat exchanger, the air having fresh air supply and stale air exhaust. Sensors located throughout the conditioned space send data to a controller. User input to the controller sets the desired set point temperature and humidity. Based upon the set point temperature and humidity and sensor data, the controller sends signals to various devices to manipulate the flow of the fluid and the air in order to achieve the desired set point temperature and humidity in the conditioned space. The temperature of the fluid is kept less than the dew point at the hydronic-to-air heat exchanger and the temperature of the fluid is kept greater than the dew point at the thermally conductive structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for measuring temperature of a fluid within a vessel, the vessel having a first region and a second region and the fluid having a temperature profile extending between the first region and the second region, the sensor comprising an array of elements, each element having a temperature-dependent parameter, the array being capable of deployment within or adjacent the vessel such that the array extends along the vessel for measuring the temperature profile, the elements of the array being coupled together between an input and an output, the input being coupled or capable of being coupled to a driving source for driving the sensors, and the output being coupled or capable of being coupled to a detector for measuring an aggregate of the temperature-dependent parameter from the array of elements.

Abstract: An energy efficient heat pump for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a vapor compression circuit, a heat exchanger of the vapor compression circuit configured to place a working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with an air flow directed across the heat exchanger, and a conduit system of the vapor compression circuit. The conduit system of the vapor compression circuit is configured to direct the working fluid into the heat exchanger and to receive the working fluid from the heat exchanger, wherein the conduit system is configured to direct the working fluid into the heat exchanger to place the working fluid in a counterflow arrangement with the air flow directed across the heat exchanger in a cooling mode of the heat pump and in a heating mode of the heat pump.

Abstract: The present invention describes a vapour compression apparatus wherein an intermediary located heat battery is capable of releasing charge (i.e. discharging) and/or charging and thereby controlling the temperature of a heat source or heat sink temperature in a vapour compression cycle. More particularly, the present invention describes vapour compression apparatus wherein an intermediary located heat battery comprising Phase change material (PCM) is capable of releasing charge (i.e. discharging) energy and/or charging and thereby controlling the temperature of a heat source and/or heat sink temperature in a vapour compression cycle in a range of refrigeration and/or heating systems including: air conditioning in both domestic and industrial uses; transportation of food/materials in vehicles, trains, air, etc. The present invention also relates to a methodology for selecting phase change materials (PCMs) and/or refrigerants for a vapour compression apparatus.

Abstract: A well completion to convert a hydrocarbon production well into a geothermal well includes flow tubes to transport a working fluid through the well and a heat exchanger at a downhole location coupled to the flow tubes to exchange heat of the formation at the downhole location with the working fluid. A heat exchange fluid surrounds the heat exchanger at the downhole location to be heated by the formation at the downhole location. The heat exchanger heats the working fluid to a state in which the working fluid rises to the surface. At the surface, a power plant uses the heated working fluid to generate work. The working fluid is then cooled and returned to the downhole location to repeat the work generation cycle.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling multiple utility consumption in a building includes: obtaining, by a first server, real-time utility usage data from a plurality of utility devices associated with the building; parsing the utility usage data obtained by the first server to generate individual data streams including utility consumption information; and storing the individual data streams in a database. The method further includes: obtaining, by a second server, at least a subset of the individual data streams from the database based on a client request for the utility consumption information; parsing and aggregating, by the second server, at least the subset of the obtained individual data streams and returning the parsed and aggregated data streams to a requesting client; and displaying the parsed and aggregated data streams, presenting to the client information regarding the multiple utility consumption associated with the building in a prescribed format controlled by the client.

Abstract: Controlling heating and cooling in a conditioned space utilizes a fluid circulating in a thermally conductive structure in fluid connection with a hydronic-to-air heat exchanger and a ground heat exchanger. Air is moved past the hydronic-to-air heat exchanger, the air having fresh air supply and stale air exhaust. Sensors located throughout the conditioned space send data to a controller. User input to the controller sets the desired set point temperature and humidity. Based upon the set point temperature and humidity and sensor data, the controller sends signals to various devices to manipulate the flow of the fluid and the air in order to achieve the desired set point temperature and humidity in the conditioned space. The temperature of the fluid is kept less than the dew point at the hydronic-to-air heat exchanger and the temperature of the fluid is kept greater than the dew point at the thermally conductive structure.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power includes an electrochemical cell including a cathode and an anode separated by an electrolyte, a cathode fluid flow path in operative fluid communication with the cathode including a cathode-side inlet and a cathode-side outlet, and an anode fluid flow path in operative fluid communication with the anode including an anode-side inlet and an anode-side outlet. The system also includes: a reactant source in operative fluid communication with the anode-side inlet; an oxygen generator in operative fluid communication with the cathode-side inlet, including a combustible composition comprising a fuel and a salt that thermally decomposes to release oxygen; and an electrical connection between the electrochemical cell and a power sink.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooling system for an electric power system for a vehicle capable of selectively cooling a power component used while the vehicle travels or is charged.

Abstract: A method of operating a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a rotatable basket and a motor configured to drive the rotatable basket. The method includes sensing an attribute of articles in the basket. The method also includes determining a pause duration for an agitation operation based at least in part on the sensed attribute of the articles in the basket. The method further includes performing the agitation operation for a period of time. The agitation operation includes activating a motor of the washing machine appliance to agitate the articles within the basket for an agitation duration and deactivating the motor of the washing machine appliance for the pause duration. The period of time is equal to the sum of the agitation duration and the pause duration.

Abstract: A subterranean geothermal power generation system is disclosed herein, comprising a closed cavity, a temperature differential mechanical power generation device, an electric power generation device and a heat conduction module. The mechanical power generation device with a heat source end and a cold source end and the electric power generation device are integrated into the cavity. The heat source end is exposed from the cavity for contacting with a heat source in the well; the cold source end and the electric power generation device are located in the cavity. A heat conduction fluid is filled into the cavity, the heat conduction module extends from the cavity to the outside of the well. Accordingly, a temperature difference between the cold source end and the heat source end is created to enable the mechanical power generation device to mechanically drive the electric power generation device to generate electricity.

Abstract: A moisture sensing system for a refrigerant flow of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a moisture sensor including a color change material sample located in a refrigerant flow of the HVAC system. The color change material sample configured to change color as an indication of a moisture level of the refrigerant flow. A color sensor is in optical communication with the moisture sensor and is configured to sense a color of the color change material and communicate the sensed color to an HVAC system controller. A method of operating an HVAC system includes exposing a condensing a color change material sample to a flow of refrigerant and sensing a color of the color change material via a color sensor. The color is indicative of a moisture level of the flow of refrigerant. The sensed color is communicated to an HVAC system controller.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system includes a refrigerant system in which an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units, and one or more ventilators are connected by a refrigerant pipe and in which refrigerant circulates, and a control device configured to control the refrigerant system. The control device includes a target temperature adjustment unit configured to adjust a target evaporating temperature based on a detection value detected by a temperature and humidity detection unit provided to at least one of the indoor unit and the ventilator that satisfies a specific criterion, and an air-conditioning control unit configured to control the refrigerant system such that the evaporating temperature of each of the indoor unit and the ventilator is equal to the target evaporating temperature adjusted by the target evaporating temperature.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes systems and methods for controlling an air conditioning system. The method of controlling the air conditioning system can include receiving air temperature data from an air temperature sensor and determining that the air conditioning system should operate in a reheat mode based on the air temperature being less than a threshold air temperature. The method can include outputting a control signal to a first electronic expansion valve to close and thereby prevent refrigerant to flow through an outdoor condenser coil. The method can also include outputting a control signal to a second electronic expansion valve to open and thereby permit refrigerant to flow through a reheat coil.

Abstract: Provided is an air conditioning apparatus. The air conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor unit which includes a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger and through which a refrigerant is circulated, an indoor unit through which water is circulated, a heat exchanger in which the refrigerant and the water are heat-exchanged with each other, a water tube configured to guide the water circulated through the indoor unit and the heat exchanger, a pump installed in the water tube, and a controller configured to analyze an output signal of the pump so as to calculate a ration of an air layer in the water tube, the controller being configured to control a target supercooling degree or target superheating degree of the heat exchanger according to the calculated ratio of the air layer.

Abstract: A thermal management system of a vehicle electric power system allows a production cost of a system to be reduced by reducing the number of three-way valves when compared to a conventional system and, simultaneously, is capable of implementing cooling and heating performances equivalent to those of the conventional system.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The thermal management system includes a fuel cell stack, a heater configured to use power generated by the fuel cell stack, a radiator configured to cool a coolant, a pump configured to circulate the coolant, and a valve configured to control a temperature of the coolant by adjusting a flow rate of the coolant supplied to the pump from at least one of the fuel cell stack, the heater, or the radiator.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a traction battery and a battery thermal control system. A controller is configured to receive an initial regenerative braking capability and operation the battery thermal control system to precondition the traction battery during a charge event to a temperature that corresponds to the initial regenerative braking capability such that, during a subsequent drive cycle, the regenerative braking capability is at least equal to the initial regenerative braking capability for at least a predetermined duration into the subsequent drive cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle air conditioning device, which is an air conditioning device using an integrated heat pump system, and in which left and right independent air conditionings can be implemented in a simple structure such that the left and right air volumes may be automatically controlled, the ability to mix hot and cold air is improved, and sufficient space can be secured inside a vehicle.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a compressor, a four-way valve, a second flow path switching unit, a first outdoor heat exchanger, a second outdoor heat exchanger, a first indoor heat exchanger and a second flow path switching unit. The second flow path switching unit switches between a third state in which the first port, the second port, the first outdoor heat exchanger, the fourth port, the third port, the second heat exchanger, the fifth port and the sixth port are successively connected in series, and a fourth state in which the sixth port, the fourth port, the first heat exchanger, the second port and the first port are successively connected in series, and the sixth port, the fifth port, the second heat exchanger, the third port and the first port are successively connected in series.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, a heat-source-side expansion device, and a circuit-circuit heat exchanger are connected via a refrigerant pipe and refrigerant circulates, and a heat medium circuit in which a pump, the circuit-circuit heat exchanger, a load-side expansion device, and a load-side heat exchanger are connected via a heat medium pipe and a heat medium circulates. The air-conditioning apparatus includes a radiator that is connected to the heat medium pipe and a control unit that is attached to the radiator. The circuit-circuit heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit. The control unit is cooled via the radiator by the heat medium flowing in the heat medium pipe.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus of a vehicle driving system for driving a vehicle according to the invention activates a heat pump to cool a hybrid system by cooling medium and flows an engine cooling water in an engine water circulation passage through a condenser to cool the cooling medium by the engine cooling water at the condenser when an engine water circulation condition is satisfied. The engine water circulation condition is a condition that a heat pump activation condition is satisfied, and an engine cooling condition is not satisfied. The heat pump activation condition is a condition that a process of cooling the hybrid system by the cooling medium of the heat pump is requested. The engine cooling condition is a condition that a process of cooling an internal combustion engine by the engine cooling water is requested.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooling system for an electric power system for a vehicle capable of selectively cooling a power component used while the vehicle travels or is charged.

Abstract: A refrigerant distributor branches refrigerant flowing in a refrigerant circuit into three, and includes a first bifurcate flow divider including a first pipe portion forming one inflow port, a second pipe portion and a third pipe portion forming two outflow ports communicating with the inflow port of the first pipe portion, and a second bifurcate flow divider including a fourth pipe portion forming one inflow port, and a fifth pipe portion and a sixth pipe portion forming two outflow ports communicating with the inflow port of the fourth pipe portion. The outflow port of the third pipe portion and the inflow port of the fourth pipe portion communicate with each other, and an angle ? formed by a first plane passing through the first bifurcate flow divider and a second plane passing through the second bifurcate flow divider is between 60 and 120 degrees.

Abstract: A stand-alone long-distance closed-loop heat energy capture, conveyance, and delivery system, comprises three closed-loop modules in serial communication. The first module is in communication with a first closed-loop piping infrastructure interconnected with a source of heat energy, and has a LBP liquid circulating therein whereby the LBP liquid is converted into its gas phase when flowing through the source of heat energy thereby capturing a portion of heat energy therefrom, and is converted into its liquid phase when flowing through a first heat exchanger that transfers the captured-heat energy to a second closed-loop piping infrastructure wherein also is circulating a LBP liquid. The second closed-loop module may extend for long distances. The captured-heat energy in the second module is transferred to a third closed-loop piping infrastructure wherein is also circulating a LBP liquid. The captured-heat energy is transferred from the third module to a delivery site.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigeration apparatus capable of reducing the leakage of a refrigerant even when a refrigerant leak occurs in a defrosting operation of a usage-side heat exchanger. When a refrigerant leak situation around a usage-side heat exchanger satisfies a predetermined leak condition in performing a defrosting operation with a connection state of a four-way switching valve brought into a defrosting connection state in which a heat source-side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator for a refrigerant and a usage-side heat exchanger functions as a radiator for the refrigerant, a controller performs density lowering control to lower a refrigerant density in the usage-side heat exchanger while maintaining the four-way switching valve at the defrosting connection state.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal energy storage system suitable for use with systems adapted to transfer heat from at least one heat source to at least one heat sink (heat transfer system), comprising at least one thermal energy storage unit. There is additionally provided a thermal energy storage system for use with a heat pump, or vapour compression refrigeration systems, a method of defrosting evaporators without affecting the energy delivered in the condenser before the defrosting cycle, and system architecture for defrosting evaporators in heat pumps or in vapour compression refrigeration systems.

Abstract: A heat pump, heat pump exchanger component, and method of using a heat exchanger, the heat pump exchanger has long pipes arranged in at least one layer in fluid communication with one another, and spaced a minimum of about two (2) feet apart. Shorter pipes may be disposed between long pipes. A cylindrical HDPE insert is placed between adjacent pipes to permit socket or butt fusing. The long pipes are composed of high thermal conductive materials, such as aluminum, while the short pipes and/or connectors may be composed of flexible lower thermal conductive materials.