Reversible, I.e., Heat Pump Patents (Class 62/238.7)
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Patent number: 8533975Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement having a working fluid, an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion device, cooperatively interconnected and containing the working fluid. The apparatus also includes a drum to receive clothes, a duct and fan arrangement configured to pass air over the evaporator, condenser and through the drum, a sensor located to sense parameters, a working fluid accumulator, and a controller coupled to the sensor, accumulator and/or compressor. The controller is operative to control collection of refrigerant during a run cycle when pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value, control retention of the collected refrigerant when the run cycle is completed, until a subsequent run cycle, control discharge of the retained refrigerant to an evaporator or condenser when the subsequent run cycle is started, and control use of discharged refrigerant to elevate the refrigeration cycle by modifying a start condition of the refrigeration cycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David G. Beers, Brent Alden Junge, Nicholas Okruch, Jr.
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Patent number: 8534067Abstract: Disclosed is an energy retriever system and methods for absorbing energy and using that energy elsewhere or converting it to other useful forms of energy or work. The energy retriever system consists of a series of components interconnected by a plurality of conduits containing a fluid. Working as a self-contained thermodynamic system, the energy retriever system allows the fluid to circulate through all of these elements. Heat added to the energy capture subsystem heats the fluid. The fluid becomes more pressurized and moves into the expansion cycle subsystem. The energy extraction subsystem transforms the thermal energy of the fluid into work, kinetic energy or thermal energy. The reservoir subsystem compresses the fluid and reintroduces it into the energy capture subsystem. One-way valves are used throughout the system to keep the flow of the fluid in one direction and separate sections of the system that contain different pressures.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Harlequin Motor Works, Inc.Inventor: Paul W. Corley
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Publication number: 20130213069Abstract: A heat pump system including a water reservoir tank, positioned proximate to a building, having a remote heat source associated therewith and ducting for drawing the heat source to the tank. The tank has an evaporator and a fan positioned to draw heat from the heat source and transfer the heat to the evaporator and a compressor for transferring the heat to the tank. A smart controller designed to optimize the efficiency of the heat pump water heaters may be used. The controller uses various inputs including ambient conditions and water consumption data to make an intelligent decision on when to run the system, based on a set of user preferences.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: Planet Intellectual Property Enterpriese Pty Ltd.Inventors: Stuart Elliott, Ben Stewart Steele, Rohan Smith
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Publication number: 20130199231Abstract: Obtained is a heat medium relay unit capable of having improved serviceability and an air-conditioning apparatus equipped with the heat medium relay unit. Heat medium flow control devices are each disposed below a corresponding one of the first heat medium flow switching devices. The heat medium flow control devices are similarly disposed in a zigzag manner along with the zigzag arrangement of the first heat medium flow switching devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2010Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroyuki Morimoto, Koji Yamashita, Yuji Motomura
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Publication number: 20130192287Abstract: An outdoor heat exchanger in cooling operation includes: a first header pipe into which a refrigerant compressed by a compressor flows; a first heat exchanging unit connected with the first header pipe and allowing a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air; a bypass pipe through which the refrigerant exchanging heat in the first heat exchanging unit flows; a first distribution pipe connected with the bypass pipe; a distribution pipe check valve that is disposed in the first distribution pipe and preventing the refrigerant exchanging heat in the first heat exchanging unit from passing through the first distribution pipe; a second header pipe into which the refrigerant passing through the bypass pipe flows; a second heat exchanging unit connected with the second header pipe and allowing a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air; and a second distribution pipe through which the refrigerant exchanging heat in the second heat exchanging unit passes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: LG Electronics Inc.
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Publication number: 20130192286Abstract: Disclosed are self-cleaning waste water nitration devices suitable for generating thermal water for use in heat pump systems. Also disclosed are methods for continuously generating filtered thermal water from waste water. Further disclosures pertain to systems for automatically generating heating capacity or cooling capacity from a waste water source. Methods for producing and transporting filtered thermal water from a waste water source to a heat pump are also disclosed in which the filtered thermal water can be used for heating, cooling, or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: NOVATHERMAL ENERGY, LLCInventors: Anmin Wang, Wei Wang, Andy Fei
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Patent number: 8484988Abstract: A heating/cooling system includes a closed circuit refrigeration system including an evaporator. Water circulating through a closed water circuit exchanges heat with refrigerant in the evaporator, cooling the water for a cooling application. The water can also be heated by a boiler, and the heated water is used to heat a space. A water pump flows the water through the water circuit. When a current sensing relay detects a power failure, a boiler control algorithm is initiated to “trick” a motor of the compressor into believing the heating/cooling system is operating in a heating mode. Therefore, a compressor failure alarm is not generated. The water pump is powered by a battery pack during the power failure. Water continues to flow through the water circuit, preventing the water from freezing.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Arthur F. Friday, Jr., Thomas C. Pietrowicz
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Publication number: 20130152611Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a vehicle, comprising a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant can flow and which is configured as a heat pump circuit and as a cooling system circuit, and associated with these, a compressor, at least one external heat exchanger, at least one internal heat exchanger that is associated with an internal heating condenser, whereby a device is provided for generating an air stream that can be thermally coupled to the internal heat exchanger and to the internal heating condenser, as well as a metering device that can meter the flow of at least a partial stream of the thermally coupled air stream through the internal heating condenser is provided, wherein in the heat pump mode of operation, the refrigerant can be or is conveyed from the high-pressure side of the compressor into the internal heating condenser, can be or is conveyed from the internal heating condenser via a first expansion valve to the internal heat exchanger, can be or is conveyed from the internal heat exType: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Matthias Fürll, Stefan Schmitt, Horst Achim Schrõter, Stefan Brück, Gregor Homann
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Publication number: 20130145788Abstract: A device for preparing hot water by recovering heat from waste water includes a heat pump which has a compressor and an evaporator. The evaporator supplies thermal energy to a hot water reservoir which is disposed above the compressor. At least one heat pipe thermally connects the hot water reservoir to the compressor of the heat pump and is constructed to dissipate waste heat produced during operation of the compressor to the hot water reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbHInventors: Stefan Holzer, Evgeni Rehfuss, Andreas Renner, Markus Spielmannleitner, Gerhard Wetzl
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Publication number: 20130139528Abstract: A refrigerant cycle (16) for cooling as a prototype is provided with: an internal condenser (8) connected to a discharge circuit of an electric compressor (9) and disposed on a downstream of an internal evaporator (7) of an HVAC unit (2); a first heating circuit (18) connected to a receiver (11) through a switching unit (17) arranged on an inlet side of the external condenser (8); and a second heating circuit (23) connected between an outlet side of the receiver (11) and a suction side of the electric compressor (9) and provided with a second expansion valve (20) and an external evaporator (21). A heat pump cycle (24) for heating is formed by a second heating circuit (23) including the electric compressor (9), the internal condenser (8), the switching unit (17), the first heating circuit (18), the receiver (11), the second expansion valve (20), and the external evaporator (21).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Akira Katayama, Nobuya Nakagawa, Toshihisa Kondou, Masatoshi Morishita
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Patent number: 8438864Abstract: A method for increasing efficiency of a transcritical heat pump water heater system is provided, as well as the corresponding system. The refrigerant, such as CO2, is compressed to a supercritical point and passed through a gas cooler that is wrapped at least partially around a water storage tank, wherein the refrigerant transfers heat to water stored in the tank. The hot water is discharged from the storage tank proximate to a top of the tank, and cold water is introduced into the tank proximate to a bottom of the tank. The supercritical refrigerant is directed to flow through the gas cooler from a top point to a lowermost point in a flow direction such that the refrigerant exits the gas cooler proximate to the bottom of the tank at a location of the coldest water within the storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Joseph Roetker, Jonathan Charles Crosby
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Publication number: 20130112237Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity, heat, or a combination of electricity and heat are disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: COGENRA SOLAR, INC.Inventors: GILAD ALMOGY, Ratson Morad, Michael Jeffrey Starkey, Andrew Burke Campbell
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Publication number: 20130098577Abstract: A climate control system (26) for a cabin (22) of an electric vehicle (10) has at least one liquid-to-air heat exchanger (38) in heat exchange relation with air in the cabin and a set of control valves for selectively placing the climate control system in a cabin heating mode of operation in which hot liquid circulates through a hot liquid flow loop (42) and in a cabin cooling mode of operation in which cold liquid circulates through a cold liquid flow loop (44). An electric compressor motor (30M) is operated by electricity from a battery bank (16) for operating a refrigerant compressor (30C) to circulate refrigerant in a refrigerant loop that comprises a refrigerant-to-liquid hot side heat exchanger (32) that provides the hot liquid and a refrigerant-to-liquid cold side heat exchanger (36) that provides the cold liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2010Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: Gerald L. Larson
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Publication number: 20130091883Abstract: A controller, a water source heat pump and a computer useable medium are disclosed herein. In one embodiment the controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive operating data and monitoring data from the water source heat pump and transmit control signals to components of thereof and (2) a processor configured to respond to the operating data or the monitoring data by operating at least one motor-operated valve of the water source heat pump via a control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: LENNOX INDUSTRIES INC.Inventor: LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC.
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Publication number: 20130091884Abstract: A thermodynamic system for powering a reciprocating device includes a refrigerant passing in a closed loop between a refrigerant compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The system includes a heat source for heating the refrigerant, and an engine for receiving the heated refrigerant. The engine includes a housing, a shaft axially movable within the housing, a piston attached to the shaft, a shifter for reversing piston direction, and porting for passing the refrigerant into and out of the engine housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Robert A. Hunt, Ivo M. Dabelic
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Patent number: 8408019Abstract: This invention relates to an air conditioning device which regulates the temperature of an airflow exhausted from the space in a cooling/heating air conditioning object (such as inside of a room or vehicle) to the external through an external heat exchanger disposed externally for heat exchanging so as to allow the exhausted airflow to even the temperature of the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger by means of the temperature differentiation of the two fluids, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the air conditioning device while reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning device.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Publication number: 20130074540Abstract: A device which is used for preparing hot water, in particular for domestic applications, by recovering heat from waste water, preferably waste water from a sink and/or a dishwasher or washing machine includes a heat pump having an evaporator and a condenser, and a waste water container which collects the waste water. The waste water container is placed in thermal contact with the evaporator and constructed as a cylindrical hollow body with a waste water inlet and a waste water outlet. A hot water reservoir is in thermal contact with the condenser. Accommodated in the hollow body of the waste water container is an agitating apparatus, and a valve is provided at the waste water outlet to cut a flow of waste water through the waste water outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBHInventors: Stefan Holzer, Evgeni Rehfuss, Andreas Renner, Markus Spielmannleitner, Gerhard Wetzl
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Publication number: 20130061623Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle through which a refrigerant that transits in a supercritical state is allowed to flow, and a flow dividing device that divides the flow of a high-pressure liquid refrigerant in a subcritical state into two or more parts. The flow dividing device is configured such that the device is oriented substantially in the horizontal direction or substantially upward in the vertical direction relative to the direction of flow of the refrigerant in a liquid state. With such a configuration, the flow of refrigerating machine oil is equally divided, thus offering high energy saving while keeping heat-medium conveyance power at a low level without reducing the heat exchanging performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2010Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Koji Yamashita, Hiroyuki Morimoto, Takeshi Hatomura
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Patent number: 8393172Abstract: An heat pump drying machine has a normal dry mode (e.g., compression ratio is equal to or greater than 3) for operating a compressor at a predetermined dry operation frequency and an energy saving dry mode (e.g., compression ratio is equal to or greater than 2.3 and is less than 3) for operating the compressor at an energy saving operation frequency that is lower than the dry operation frequency. A control device is provided to control an operation frequency of the compressor 5so that the two dry operation modes are switched to each other. The control device can execute the control for increasing the operation frequency of the compressor to the dry operation frequency during the operation of the energy saving dry mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keiji Sato, Haruhisa Yamasaki, Eiji Fukuda, Yoshiaki Noguchi, Tetsuya Masuda, Hiroyuki Kuribara, Satoshi Imai, Toshikazu Ishihara
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Publication number: 20130047654Abstract: According to a heat pump hot water apparatus of the invention, the hot water tank 7 is disposed on one side of the casing 50, the antifreeze liquid circulating means 41 and the heat pump circuit are disposed on the other side of the casing 50, and the water/refrigerant heat exchanger 2 is disposed at a location higher than the compressor 1. According to this configuration, the heat pump circuit and the hot water tank circuit are accommodated in one casing 50, stability and noise-reduction effect can be realized when the heat pump hot water apparatus is installed, and the casing 50 can be made smaller in size by enhancing layout balance of functional parts in the casing 50.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Toshikatsu Fukunaga, Shigeo Aoyama, Yasuhiko Isayama
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Patent number: 8381541Abstract: This invention relates to a cooling/heating air conditioning device for regulating temperature, which pumps an airflow exhausted from a space in an air conditioning object such as inside of a room or vehicle to the external through the external heat exchanger disposed at the external of the air conditioning object such as outside of the room or vehicle so as to equalize the temperature of the fluid flowing through the internal of the external heat exchanger by means of the temperature difference between the internal and external of the air conditioning object for achieving an energy saving effect.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Publication number: 20130042635Abstract: A method for heating water delivered and stored in a water heater storage tank includes activating at least one of dual fuel heater types in response to various modes of operation. The water heater is preferably a dual fuel or hybrid heat pump gas water heater that includes a heat pump as the first type of heater for heating the water, and a gas burner as the second type of heater that transfer heat to the water. One or more sensors monitor water temperature and communicate with a controller to activate one of, or both of, the first and second types of heaters. If there is an electrical power outage, the hybrid heat pump gas water heater is still able to heat the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Jonathan D. Nelson, Michael Thomas Beyerle, Susan Elizabeth Gregory, Michelle Gross
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Publication number: 20130025311Abstract: A fluid conditioning system includes a refrigeration circuit and a heat pump circuit. The refrigeration circuit includes a heat exchanger and an evaporator. The heat pump circuit includes a condenser, a chiller serially connected to the evaporator, and a first expansion member in fluid communication with the chiller, wherein the heat pump circuit is configured to utilize heat from ambient air and a cooling agent circuit for heating a passenger compartment of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Marc Graaf, Tobias Haas
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Publication number: 20130025312Abstract: A heat pump air conditioning system for a vehicle, wherein the system can efficiently use electric power and a discharge temperature can be set to an optimal level. During dehumidifying-heating operation in which air for air conditioning passes through a fourth heater exchanger after passing through a third heat exchanger, a first blower and a second blower are cooperatively operated by adjusting, according to the voltage supplied to the first blower, the voltage supplied to the second blower. When the discharge temperature of the air for air conditioning flowing from a first heat exchanger is higher than a first predetermined temperature and the rotational speed of a refrigerant compressor is minimum, the cooperative operation between the first blower and the second blower is stopped and the electric power to the second blower is adjusted to lower the discharge temperature to a level lower than a second predetermined temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kengo Hayashi
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Publication number: 20130019615Abstract: A method for controlling a heat pump system is provided with air conditioning means connected to a controller and including a plurality of valves and expansion valves connected to each other through a refrigerant line and a bypass line, a compressor, an accumulator, an evaporator, an exterior condenser, an interior condenser, and an HVAC module having a PTC heater and a door at a warming mode, a cooling mode, a dehumidification mode, a dehumidification/defrosting mode, or an extremely low temperature dehumidification/defrosting mode according to selection of a driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Yong Hyun Choi, Jae Yeon Kim, Yong Woong Cha, Wan Je Cho, Jungha Park, Jaesan Kim, Man Hee Park
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Patent number: 8347645Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Marz Industries, Inc.Inventor: Edward N. Miller
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Patent number: 8344896Abstract: The invention concerns a process for detecting scale deposit in the liquid supply means of a water pump driven machine comprising at least a water tank, a pump and a heating means, where water is pumped from the water tank and fed to the heating means, and where the pump is energized by a controller by providing the pump with an energizing signal to provide an intended water flow rate F, wherein the actual water flow rate f is measured and the discrepancy ? between the actual water flow rate f and the intended water flow rate F is directly and/or indirectly compared to an operating instruction related to scale deposit.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventor: Matthieu Ozanne
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Publication number: 20120318012Abstract: A heat pump system may include a cooling assembly disposed on a vehicle to circulate electric devices with coolant through a cooling line, wherein the cooling assembly includes a radiator disposed at a front side of the vehicle, uses a water pump to circulate coolant through the cooling line, and cools the supplied coolant through heat exchange with outside air, and a cooling fan that blows wind through the radiator, an air conditioning assembly connected to a refrigerant line connected to the cooling assembly to control heating and cooling, and a heat exchanger connected to the cooling line such that the coolant is circulated therein, selectively uses the waste heat generated from the electric devices according to modes to vary the temperature of the coolant, and is connected to the refrigerant line of the air conditioning assembly such that an inflow refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: YONG HYUN CHOI, JAE YEON KIM, YONG WOONG CHA, WAN JE CHO, JUNGHA PARK, JAESAN KIM, MAN HEE PARK
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Publication number: 20120315562Abstract: A complex power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a fuel cell module having a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger configured to generate a direct current by means of an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, a first cycle configured to receive hot water in a first temperature range from the first heat exchanger to supply to a heat pump, and receive hot water in a second temperature range from the heat pump to supply to the first heat exchanger, and a second cycle configured to receive hot water in a third temperature range from the heat pump to discharge hot water in a fourth temperature range through the second heat exchanger, thereby enhancing a heating performance and increasing a thermal efficiency of the overall system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventor: Soo Young PARK
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Publication number: 20120312043Abstract: A heat pump that uses solar heat as an evaporation heat source of a refrigerant. The heat pump includes a solar heat collector, a compressor to compress a refrigerant, a first heat exchanger to condense the refrigerant compressed by the compressor and to perform heat exchange between the condensed refrigerant and water, a second heat exchanger to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger and heat collected by the solar heat collector, a third heat exchanger to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger and external air, and a first flow channel switching valve to allow the refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger to selectively flow to the second heat exchanger or the third heat exchanger therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Rock Hee KIM, Tae Hun LIM, Chang Soo LIM, Young Chal PARK
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Publication number: 20120312042Abstract: Disclosed are a heat pump boiler and a control method for the same. The heat pump boiler includes an outdoor unit having an outdoor-unit heat-exchanger, a water pipe including a water-feed pipe and a water-return pipe connected to the outdoor unit to feed water to the outdoor unit or to return low-temperature or medium-temperature water produced in the outdoor unit to an external location, heat exchangers connected to the water pipe to produce medium-temperature or high-temperature water, a variable-capacity compressor connected to the heat exchangers, a buffer tank connected to the water pipe, and an externally-wound heat exchanger to collect waste heat radiated from the compressor. A temperature of water stored in the buffer tank is raised using the collected waste heat, and, during a defrosting operation, the water stored in the buffer tank is fed to the outdoor-unit heat-exchanger to defrost an evaporator of the outdoor unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Dong Woon Jeong, Sung Oug CHO, Kil Hong SONG, Rock Hee KIM, Sung Goo KIM
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Patent number: 8327655Abstract: The distributor unit (10) is coupled to a heat pump (12) and to various circuits for collecting (24, 28, 30) and for delivering (38, 40, 52, 56) heat, with the unit serving to provide selective interconnection therebetween in application of various predetermined combinational schemes for fluid distribution by automatically controlling an integrated network of stop valves (200). The schemes define modes of operation such as natural cooling or freeze-proofing, producing hot water and/or air conditioning from a single installation by optimizing transfers of heat between the circuits so that the heat pump is always operating in its thermodynamically optimum zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: HadesInventor: Georges Favier
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Publication number: 20120304677Abstract: The heat pump hydronic heater of the invention includes a heat pump circuit and a hot water tank circuit, the heat pump circuit and the hot water tank circuit are accommodated in one casing 50, and a hermetic expansion tank 37 is connected to a hot water tank 7 and the heat pump hydronic heater can absorb expansion of water in a circulation path when hot water in a hot water tank 7 is circulated through heat a floor or supply hot water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Toshikatsu Fukunaga, Shigeo Aoyama, Yasuhiko Isayama
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Publication number: 20120297808Abstract: A refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a heat source-side heat exchanger, and a usage-side heat exchanger capable of heating an aqueous medium. An aqueous medium circuit includes a circulation pump and the usage-side heat exchanger, and is connected to aqueous medium devices. An auxiliary heat source is provided at an outlet side of the usage-side heat exchanger in the aqueous medium circuit to further heat the aqueous medium. A heating capability computation unit computes a heating capability of the aqueous medium devices based on an operating state quantity of constituent devices or refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. A circulation flow rate computation unit computes a circulation flow rate of the aqueous medium based on an outlet/inlet temperature difference and the heating capability. A prediction unit predicts an outlet temperature of the aqueous medium in the auxiliary heat source based on the circulation flow rate and heat source capability information.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicants: DAIKIN EUROPE N.V., DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Masahiro Honda
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Patent number: 8312734Abstract: An improved air-source heat pump for residential and commercial use, employing two closed refrigerant systems having different refrigerants in cascade relationship to each other to address efficiency and space concerns, with the first closed refrigerant system partitionable into a first sub-system and a second sub-system, with the first sub-system working in conjunction with the second closed refrigerant system in heating mode and the second sub-system working independently in cooling mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Inventor: Donald C. Lewis
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Publication number: 20120260689Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the climate in a greenhouse, comprising a first heat exchanger (7) with a first series of channels (7a) and a second series of channels (7b), greenhouse supply means (1) leading from the greenhouse to the first series of channels, outside supply means (5) leading from outside to the second series of channels, greenhouse discharge means (4) leading from the device to the greenhouse and outside discharge means (6) leading from the device to the outside, wherein the greenhouse discharge means connect to the first series of channels and the outside discharge means connect to the second series of channels. The air is hereby retained in the greenhouse without supply of new air, while the temperature of the air in the greenhouse can be adjusted while maintaining a separation between greenhouse air and outside air.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: LEVEL HOLDING B.V.Inventor: Wessel Bart Veltkamp
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Publication number: 20120255319Abstract: A refrigerant cycle device includes a first refrigerant passage for guiding refrigerant from a refrigerant radiator to an inlet side of an outdoor heat exchanger, a first throttle part capable of varying an opening area of the first refrigerant passage, a second refrigerant passage for guiding the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger to a compressor-suction side, a first opening/closing part for opening/closing the second refrigerant passage, a third refrigerant passage for guiding the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor-suction side via an evaporator, a second throttle part capable of varying an opening area of the third refrigerant passage, a bypass passage for guiding the refrigerant flowing between the refrigerant radiator and the first throttle part to a position between the outdoor heat exchanger and the second throttle part in the third refrigerant passage, and a second opening/closing part for opening/closing the bypass passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Satoshi Itoh, Atsushi Inaba, Mikiharu Kuwahara
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Patent number: 8281605Abstract: Embodiments of a heat transfer apparatus, and related methods, involve a curved flow path, a heat source external to and in thermal communication with at least a portion of an inner radial boundary of the curved flow path, and a working fluid, including a heavier component and a lighter component, flowing through the flow path. The flow path causes the working fluid to experience centrifugal force so as to preferentially force the heavier component toward the exterior wall portion and thereby cause the lighter component to preferentially absorb heat from the interior wall portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Machflow Energy, Ing.Inventors: Arthur R. Williams, Charles Agosta
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Patent number: 8276292Abstract: The use of at least one central heat exchanger to extract and dry the heat energy released by laundry machines, in particular their gland steam. The energy thus recovered can be fed back to the laundry machines as hot air or hot water. This represents a significant reduction in the energy requirements of laundry machines as laundry machines discharge a great amount of unused energy into the environment, which, particularly in light of rising energy prices, represents an unnecessary operational cost for a laundry.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Herbert Kannegiesser GmbHInventors: Wilhelm Bringewatt, E{umlaut over (n)}gelbert Heinz
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Patent number: 8273219Abstract: A distillation column is disclosed. The column includes a plurality of rectification zones and corresponding stripping zones. Each rectification zone is linked to a heat pump or a stage of a heat pump. Overhead material from the top rectification zone is compressed and used to heat bottoms liquid from the bottom stripping zone. Similarly, overhead material from a lower rectification zone is compressed and used to heat liquid taken from the uppermost or top stripping zone. Optionally, overhead material from a middle rectification zone is compressed and used to heat liquid from a middle stripping zone. A single multiple stage heat pump compressor may be utilized as opposed to a plurality of heat pumps. Because the heat exchanger from each rectification-stripping zone pair has a lower duty, economical stab-in heat exchangers may be utilized.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventor: Paul A. Sechrist
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Publication number: 20120227431Abstract: A heat pump system including a water-cooled type heat exchanger, which is a heat supply means, mounted on a first bypass line bypassing a second indoor heat exchanger to collect waste heat of vehicle electric devices to thereby enhance a heating efficiency of the heat pump system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventors: Yoonho WANG, Sungho Kang, Jeonghun Seo, Younwoo Lim, Hakkyu Kim
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Publication number: 20120227425Abstract: A closed loop system utilizing a solar refrigerant turbocharger and pump in conjunction with a solar collector to operate a heating and cooling system for a building by utilization of a renewable energy source. The liquid pump within the solar turbocharger is used to boost the refrigerant pressures into the solar collector, the refrigerant absorbs heat inside the solar collector and changes phase from a liquid to a vapor. The vapor is expanded across the turbine causing the turbine to spin. The ability of the refrigerant to change phase or flash from a liquid to a vapor is due to the solar energy that is transferred from evacuated tubes into the solar collector manifold and into the refrigerant. The gas is routed to the solar turbo pump turbine to drive the compressor and liquid pump. The resulting fluid gas leaving the turbine is routed to the condenser for normal operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventor: Wayne Poerio
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Publication number: 20120216558Abstract: A pre-packaged air conditioning system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation and energy recovery, the system comprising: an energy recovery ventilator, condenser, condenser fan, compressor, expansion device, flow reversing valve, evaporator and evaporator fan; an inlet for providing outside air to the evaporator, the inlet for extending beyond a wall of a host structure; and an exhaust duct for exhausting air outside of the host structure, the exhaust duct for extending beyond a wall to the host structure; wherein the energy recovery ventilator, condenser, condenser fan, compressor, evaporator and evaporator fan are housed within a single envelope configured for installation inside the host structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel J. Dempsey, Jun Pyo Lee
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Patent number: 8245948Abstract: A co-generation system is provided that includes a heat exchanger that heats water; a heat transfer path connected with the water heat exchanger that transfers heat; a hot water storage tank connected with the water heat exchanger and the water circulation path; a hot water storage water supply apparatus that supplies water in the hot water storage tank to the water circulation path; a water supply path connected with the water circulation path; a water supply apparatus that supplies water to the water supply path; and a hot water supply heat exchanger bypassing apparatus that bypasses the water supplied to the water circulation path from the hot water storage tank through the hot water supply heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Eun Jun Cho, Sim Bok Ha, Cheol Min Kim, Se Dong Chang
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Publication number: 20120204588Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus in which a heat source unit and a relay unit are connected by two pipings, and in which a hot water supply function can be readily added. The relay unit includes a connection circuit between a first branching unit and a second connecting piping that is capable of connecting a water heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and water.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Naofumi Takenaka, Shinichi Wakamoto, Koji Yamashita, Hiroyuki Morimoto, Yusuke Shimazu
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Publication number: 20120198879Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit having a compressor compressing a refrigerant and a heat source side heat exchanger exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air; a plurality of indoor units having use side heat exchangers exchanging heat between a heat medium that flows therein and air; and a relay unit disposed between the outdoor unit and the indoor units, the relay unit exchanging heat between the refrigerant conveyed from the outdoor unit and the heat medium flowing in the indoor units, in which the relay unit includes a main relay unit that is connected to the outdoor unit with two pipings and a sub relay unit that is connected to the main relay unit with three pipings.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yuji Motomura, Koji Yamashita, Hiroyuki Morimoto, Shinichi Wakamoto, Naofumi Takenaka
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Publication number: 20120198875Abstract: A HVAC-APU system is provided for a battery electric vehicle. The system includes, but is not limited to a refrigerant fluid. A power cycle loop section, a cabin heating cycle loop section, and a cabin refrigeration cycle loop section are in selective fluid communication with each other to advance the refrigerant fluid through the system. A compressor-expander train includes, but is not limited to a reversing compressor-expander and a high-pressure pump that are operably connected by a shaft. The high-pressure pump pressurizes the refrigerant fluid to form a high-pressure refrigerant fluid. An auxiliary fuel cell and combustion unit heats a heat transfer fluid. A heat exchanger transfers heat from the heated transfer fluid to the high-pressure refrigerant fluid to form a heated high-pressure refrigerant fluid. The reversing compressor-expander expands the heated high-pressure refrigerant fluid to rotate the shaft in a first direction to drive the high-pressure pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Edward D. TATE, JR., John R. BUCKNELL
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Publication number: 20120198872Abstract: To provide an air-conditioning apparatus capable of achieving energy saving. An air-conditioning apparatus includes at least a use side heat medium flow control device and a first heat medium flow switching device disposed in an outlet side of the heat medium passage of a use side heat exchanger, and a heat medium backflow prevention device disposed in an inlet side of the heat medium passage of a use side heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2009Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Koji Yamashita, Hiroyuki Morimoto, Yuji Motomura
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Patent number: 8235101Abstract: A parallel flow heat exchanger system (10, 50, 100, 200) for heat pump applications in which single and multiple paths of variable length are established via flow control systems which also allow for refrigerant flow reversal within the parallel flow heat exchanger system (10, 50, 100, 200), while switching between cooling and heating modes of operation. Examples of flow control devices are an expansion device (80) and various check valves (70, 72, 74, 76). The parallel flow heat exchanger system may have converging or diverging flow circuits and may constitute a single-pass or a multi-pass evaporator together with and a multi-pass condenser.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
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Publication number: 20120180511Abstract: The invention provides a system for collection of thermal energy. The system comprises an energy collector, an energy reservoir, an energy collection medium enclosed in a loop allowing fluid flow of the energy collection medium between the energy collector and the energy reservoir in a forward flow from the energy collector and in a backward flow to the energy collector for transferring energy between the energy collector and the energy reservoir, a collector pump adapted to control a flow rate of the energy collection medium, and a reservoir temperature measuring device being adapted to measure a reservoir temperature of the energy reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2010Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: COLIPU A/SInventor: Troels Gottfried Pedersen