Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a refrigeration circuit and a coolant circuit separate from the refrigeration circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a gas cooler/condenser, a receiver, and an evaporator. The coolant circuit includes a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from a refrigerant circulating within the refrigeration circuit into a coolant circulating within the coolant circuit, a heat sink configured to remove heat from the coolant circulating within the coolant circuit, and a magnetocaloric conditioning unit configured to transfer heat from the coolant within a first fluid conduit of the coolant circuit into the coolant within a second fluid conduit of the coolant circuit. The first fluid conduit connects an outlet of the heat exchanger to an inlet of the heat sink, whereas the second fluid conduit connects an outlet of the heat sink to an inlet of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for a vehicle includes a refrigerant circulation loop for circulating a refrigerant, a compressor, a condenser, a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, a first chiller and a second chiller. The first expansion valve and the first chiller form a group and the second expansion valve and the second chiller form another group. The two groups are arranged in parallel; a first coolant circulation loop comprising a first cooler, and circulating coolant which exchanges heat with the refrigerant via the first chiller; a second coolant circulation loop includes a second cooler, and circulating coolant which exchanges heat with the refrigerant via the second chiller. The first expansion valve and the second expansion valve are controlled so that the refrigerant passing through the first chiller during a cooling mode has a higher pressure, temperature, and rate of discharge than the refrigerant passing through the second chiller.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling system includes a first circuit, a second circuit, a circuit heat exchanger, and a thermoelectric subsystem. The first circuit is configured to circulate a first refrigerant. The second circuit is configured to circulate a second refrigerant. The circuit heat exchanger includes a circuit heat exchanger first passage and a circuit heat exchanger second passage. The circuit heat exchanger first passage is coupled to the first circuit and configured to receive the first refrigerant from the first circuit and provide the first refrigerant to the first circuit. The circuit heat exchanger second passage is coupled to the second circuit and configured to receive the second refrigerant from the second circuit and provide the second refrigerant to the second circuit. The thermoelectric subsystem includes a thermoelectric subsystem first heat exchanger and a first thermoelectric cell. The thermoelectric subsystem first heat exchanger has a thermoelectric subsystem first heat exchanger passage.

Abstract: A cooling system using carbon dioxide as a coolant comprises a cooling chamber for storing products to be cooled during transport and a cooling unit for cooling the atmosphere in the cooling chamber. The cooling chamber and the cooling unit are mounted on or integrated in a cooling vehicle like a truck, a railway wagon or a ship. The cooling unit comprises a carbon dioxide storage compartment and at least one cooling channel through which air is led from and to the cooling chamber. The carbon dioxide storage compartment and the cooling channel are separated from each other by a thermal well-conducting but gas-tight plate serving as a heat exchanger between the carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide storage compartment and the air in the cooling channel.

Abstract: A cold plate for cooling an electronic component is disclosed. The cold plate includes a base portion having a fluid channel with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid channel being configured to internally circulate a cooling fluid for carrying heat dissipated by the electrical component; and a cover coupled to the base portion such that the fluid channel is enclosed internally in the cold plate. The cover has a vapor outlet formed on a top side of the cover, the vapor outlet allowing generated vapor to exit from within the cold plate. Also disclosed is a method for cooling the electronic component via the cold plate. The method includes allowing some fluid of the circulating cooling fluid to seep from the fluid channel into an internal chamber, and allowing vapor to be expelled through the vapor outlet.

Abstract: A core part includes plural plates stacked with a gap therebetween so as to form plural refrigerant passages and plural cooling water passages. The refrigerant passages are communicated with each other in a stacking direction of the plates by a refrigerant inlet tank section and a refrigerant outlet tank section distanced from each other. A refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet communicate with the refrigerant inlet tank section and the refrigerant outlet tank section, respectively, and are provided at one end of the core part in the stacking direction. The refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant inlet tank section are communicated with each other by a refrigerant inlet passage. A distance between a center of the refrigerant outlet tank section and a center of the refrigerant outlet is shorter than a distance between a center of the refrigerant inlet tank section and a center of the refrigerant inlet.

Abstract: A heat pump system for a vehicle, capable of heating up or cooling a battery module by use of a single chiller in which a refrigerant and a coolant exchange heat, simplifying the system, includes: first and second cooling apparatuses; and a battery module, wherein a main heat exchanger provided in an air conditioning apparatus is connected to each of the first and second coolant lines to enable the coolants circulating in the first and second cooling apparatuses to pass therethrough, and a refrigerant passing through the main heat exchanger is selectively condensed or evaporated depending on a vehicle mode through mutual heat exchange with the coolant supplied from one of the first coolant line and the second coolant line, or the coolants supplied through the first and second coolant lines, respectively.

Abstract: A cryoablation tool has a primary fluid circuit for cryogenically cooling or heating tissue surrounding the distal portion of the cryoablation tool. The primary fluid circuit has a primary-primary heat exchanger facilitating recuperative heat exchange between a high pressure stream of a primary fluid and a low pressure stream of the primary fluid. The cryoablation tool has a secondary fluid circuit having a secondary-secondary heat exchanger for permitting recuperative heat exchange between a high pressure stream of a secondary fluid and a low pressure stream of the secondary fluid. The secondary fluid circuit also has a primary-secondary heat exchanger permitting heat exchange between the high pressure stream of the primary fluid and the low pressure stream of the secondary fluid.

Abstract: Thermal management systems for cooling high-power, low-duty-cycle thermal loads by rejecting heat from the thermal loads to the ambient environment are provided. The thermal management systems include a two-phase pump loop in fluid communication with a vapor compression system loop, evaporators disposed in parallel between the two-phase pump loop and the vapor compression system loop, and a thermal energy storage loop including a cold-temperature tank and a warm-temperature tank thermally coupled to the two-phase pump loop and the vapor-compression system loop. Methods of transferring heat from one or more thermal loads to an ambient environment are also provided.

Abstract: A heat transport system includes: a refrigerant circuit that seals therein a fluid including HFC-32 and/or HFO refrigerant as a refrigerant and that includes a refrigerant booster that boosts the refrigerant, an outdoor air heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air, a medium heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and a heat transfer medium, and a refrigerant flow path switch that switches between a refrigerant radiation state and a refrigerant evaporation state; and a medium circuit that seals carbon dioxide therein as the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: An air handling unit (AHU) system is provided and includes an AHU. The AHU includes an enclosure formed to define an inlet and at least one outlet downstream from the inlet, an air supply system to drive an air flow through the enclosure from the inlet to the outlet and a misting system operably coupled to the AHU. The misting system is configured to spray high pressure, cold water mist that includes mist droplets into a portion of the enclosure upstream from the at least one outlet whereupon heat transfer occurs directly between the mist droplets and air prior to the air reaching the outlet.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a floating cold thermal energy storage vessel comprises an ice battery. The ice battery comprises a storage tank configured to store thermal energy in the form of ice and chilled liquid, and a chiller coupled to a refrigerant loop. The refrigerant loop is coupled to the storage tank and operable to transfer thermal energy between the chiller and storage tank to form ice. The ice battery further comprises a heat exchanger coupled to the refrigerant loop, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The heat exchanger is configured to cool heated liquid received from the liquid inlet and supply cooled liquid to the liquid outlet using the thermal energy stored in the storage tank via the refrigerant loop. According to some embodiments, a regasification and cold thermal energy storage system comprises an ice battery and a liquefied gas regasification system.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled cradle and method of cooling same are provided. The temperature-controlled cradle may include a base having an outer housing and a cooling unit disposed within the outer housing, and a bassinet coupled to the base. The cooling unit may include a cooling plate having a first side configured to chill an interior portion of the bassinet, at least one thermoelectric cooling module coupled to a second side of the cooling plate, and a heat dissipation device configured to dissipate heat from the at least one thermoelectric cooling module.

Abstract: A device for regasifying liquefied natural gas (LNG) and co-generating cool freshwater and cool dry air, which device comprises at least one hermetic outer recipient containing an intermediate fluid in liquid phase and gaseous phase, the fluid having high latent heat and high capillary properties, traversed by at least one intermediate fluid evaporation tube inside the tube flows moist air whose moisture condenses, at least partly, in a capillary condensation regime on its inner face and on its outer face the liquid phase of the intermediate fluid evaporates, at least partially, in a capillary evaporation regime, and traversed by at least one LNG evaporation tube on which outer face the gaseous phase of the intermediate fluid condenses at least partially, under a capillary condensation regime, and inside the tube, the LNG is heated and changes phase and the regasified natural gas (NG) is heated to a temperature greater than 5° C.

Abstract: An insulated cooler with a submersible internal circulating pump is provided. The insulated cooler includes a base, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom, and an open upper end defining an interior volume. The insulated cooler further includes a lid that is removably secured over the open upper end, wherein the lid includes multiple recessed cup holders with sidewalls that extend downwardly into the interior volume of the insulated cooler. The insulated cooler includes a submersible internal circulating pump operably connected to a system of copper tubing that winds around the sidewall of the recessed cup holders. When activated, the submersible internal circulating pump transports melted ice water through the tubing, which cools the sidewall of the recessed cup holders. In this way, the insulated cooler can cool objects within the interior volume and can cool beverages that are supported within the exterior cup holders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system (100) maintaining chilled temperature in a cold storage (102) comprising: a plurality of coolant layers 104 uniformly placed on the roof of said storage (102); each coolant layer comprising multiple coolant plates (106) stacked in rows and columns; a compressor (110) generating airflow and circulating airflow in a circular pattern from top to bottom in said (storage 102); thereby maintaining temperatures in the range ?25° C. to +25° C.

Abstract: Combustion engines, and more particularly, integrating a supercritical fluid passageway into a cylinder head and/or cylinder block of an engine, and preferably, a combustion engine. Both a combustion engine system and a method of cooling a cylinder head in an internal combustion engine, utilizing supercritical fluid, are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for conditioning air, by means of a main circuit, the main circuit being a vapor compression circuit, wherein a first refrigerant circulates, and a secondary circuit with no compressor, wherein a non-flammable second refrigerant including a hydrofluoroolefin and/or a hydrochlorofluoroolefin circulates, the main circuit and the secondary circuit being coupled to one another; the process including a heat exchange between the surroundings and the first refrigerant, a heat exchange between the first and second refrigerants, and a heat exchange between the second refrigerant and the air to be conditioned. Also, an air conditioning plant for implementing the process.

Abstract: A transportation refrigeration unit (TRU) system is provided and includes a damper assembly configured to direct air flows through first or second pathways and an evaporator disposed in the first pathway, a coil element surrounded by phase change material (PCM) and disposed in the second pathway and a routing assembly configured to direct refrigerant through the evaporator or the coil element. With the PCM pre-cooled, the damper and routing assemblies are controllable to respectively direct the air flows through the first pathway and the refrigerant through the evaporator when first conditions are met and to respectively direct the air flows through the second pathway when second conditions are met.

Abstract: A container enclosing a volume. The container having a container floor facing the volume, a release valve, and a container roof positioned opposite the container floor. The container roof having a container roof inlet that penetrates the container roof. A trough is coupled to the container roof inlet. The trough has at least one beverage mount for holding the beverage, a trough outlet, and a water pump coupled to the trough for transferring a fluid through the trough and the trough outlet.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a nonaqueous coolant composition that is excellent in insulation property and heat resistance and has improved heat transfer characteristics. The embodiment is a coolant composition that includes at least one ether compound having 6 or more carbon atoms as a nonaqueous base and is substantially free of water.

Abstract: A cooling device comprises a first casing for direct mounting on a heat-generating component and a second casing mounted on the first casing. One casing includes an internal channel connected to a cold inlet and to a hot outlet allowing a heat-transfer fluid to flow in the internal channel. The other casing includes a storage containing a phase change material (PCM) changing from a solid state to a liquid state to transfer thermal energy from the heat-generating unit to the PCM, the PCM changing from the liquid state to the solid state to transfer thermal energy from the PCM to the heat-transfer fluid. The cooling device may be integrated in a cooling circuit of a cooling system including an external cooling unit, or in a closed loop cooling circuit of a cooling arrangement that transfers heat from the closed loop to an open loop.

Abstract: In one or more first regions of a steel component, a primarily austenitic microstructure can be produced from which a mainly martensitic microstructure can be brought about through a quenching process. In one or more second regions of the component, a mainly ferritic-pearlitic microstructure can be brought about. In one or more third regions, a mainly bainitic microstructure can be brought about. The component is first heated to a temperature below the AC3 temperature in a first furnace, and transferred into a treatment station. The component can be cooled during the transfer. In the treatment station, the first and third regions are brought to a temperature above the austenitization temperature. Only the third regions are cooled to a cooling stop temperature ?s. The component is transferred into a second furnace, with a temperature lying below the AC3 temperature. There, the temperatures of the three different regions approximate one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for operations an energy plant obtains thermal energy load allocation data indicating time dependent thermal energy load of the energy plant. The system determines, for a time period, an operating state of the energy plant from a plurality of predefined operating states based on the thermal energy load allocation data. The system determines operating parameters of the energy plant according to the determined operating state. The system operates the energy plant according to the determined operating parameters.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of chiller systems including thermoelectric modules, and corresponding control methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a compressor chiller system generally includes a refrigerant loop having a refrigerant fluid, a compressor connected in the refrigerant loop to compress the refrigerant fluid, and a condenser connected in the refrigerant loop to receive the compressed refrigerant fluid from the compressor and to condense the compressed refrigerant fluid. The system also includes a heat transfer component connected in the refrigerant loop to receive the condensed refrigerant fluid from the condenser, and a coolant loop having a coolant fluid. The heat transfer component is connected in the coolant loop to transfer heat from the coolant fluid to the condensed refrigerant fluid. The system further includes a thermoelectric module connected in the coolant loop. The thermoelectric module is adapted to transfer heat into and/or out of the coolant fluid.

Abstract: The use of a composite material for heat management in the electrical and/or electronic area, in particular in a car. A grid-like structure filled with a phase change material (PCM), and to a composite material that includes a grid-like structure filled with PCM. The filled grid-like structure being present on a cover layer or between two cover layers.

Abstract: A device for controlling the temperature of a medium, comprising: a first circuit in which a first heating medium circulates without phase transitions; a second circuit in which a second gaseous heating medium circulates without phase transitions; a first heat converter arranged in the first circuit and in which the first medium exchanges heat with a surrounding medium: a second heat converter arranged in the first circuit and in which the first medium exchanges heat with the medium to be temperature-controlled; a first delivery means arranged in the first circuit for moving the first medium; a compressor arranged in the second circuit for compressing the second medium; a third heat converter arranged behind the compressor when seen in the flow direction so as to contact the second circuit and which exchanges heat with the first medium; and means for cooling or expanding the first medium.

Abstract: A vehicle fan shroud de-icing assembly includes a vehicle radiator, a fan shroud installed to the radiator, a fan and a heat providing member. The fan is installed to the fan shroud adjacent to the radiator and is configured to selectively move air between heat transferring fins of the radiator. The heat providing member is attached to one of the radiator and the fan shroud. The heat providing member is positioned and configured to provide heat to the fan shroud and/or radiator in order to melt ice, show and shush retained within the fan shroud or on surfaces of the radiator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a level of superheat during a pump mode of operation of a refrigeration system, wherein the refrigeration system can operate in either the pump mode or a compressor mode, and has an electronically controlled expansion valve (EEV). A controller obtains a stored, predetermined pump differential pressure range able to be produced by a pump of the system. The controller also obtains a stored, predetermined superheat range, and detects a superheat level. When the detected superheat level is outside of the superheat temperature range, the controller commands adjusting at least one of the EEV and a speed of the pump based on whether the detected superheat level is above or below the superheat range, and whether a current pump differential pressure is above or below the predetermined pump differential pressure range.

Abstract: There are provided an ice thermal storage tank having excellent cold water generation efficiency and having a considerably reduced size, and a water cooler having the same. The ice thermal storage tank includes: a tank body accommodating an ice storage liquid cooled according to an ice thermal storage scheme; a cold water generation unit heat-exchanging introduced water with the cooled ice storage liquid to generate cold water; and a circulation unit extracting the ice storage liquid accommodated in the tank body to circulate it within the tank body. The water cooler includes: the thermal storage tank cooling water supplied from the outside; and a water dispensing unit dispensing cooled water from the ice thermal storage tank. Since an ice storage liquid is circulated without using a stirrer, the size of an ice thermal storage tank can be remarkably reduced, and thus, a water cooler is reduced in size.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system including a primary circuit and a secondary circuit is provided. The primary circuit includes a flow of refrigerant, an evaporator and a chiller configured to exchange heat between a coolant and the refrigerant. The secondary circuit includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the chiller to receive the coolant. The heat exchanger includes a phase change material in heat exchange relationship with the coolant, such that the coolant exchanges heat with the phase change material to store thermal energy in the phase change material. The air-conditioning system is implemented in a machine in which during an idle-off state, the stored energy in the heat exchanger is discharged to provide an air-conditioning effect.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a condenser, a compressor, a first transportation system passing refrigerant between the compressor and the condenser, a first evaporator, a second evaporator, a second transportation system passing the refrigerant between the condenser and a holding vessel, with the holding vessel including refrigerant in gas and liquid form, a third transportation system passing the refrigerant between the holding vessel and a pump, a fourth transportation system passing the refrigerant between the pump and the first evaporator, a fifth transportation system passing the refrigerant between the pump and the second evaporator, and a heat exchanger wherein the refrigerant in the second transportation system exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the fifth transportation system to heat the refrigerant in the fifth transportation system before the refrigerant passes to the second evaporator.

Abstract: An energy storage module (10) including a plurality of energy storage assemblies (12) electrically connected to one another, the module including an external casing (40) in which are arranged the storage assemblies (12) and at least one heat exchanger (24). The energy storage assemblies (12) are arranged side by side on at least two distinct levels (N1, N2). The heat exchangers (24) are positioned between two adjacent levels. The exchangers (24) are fixed to the casing (40) of the module at least at a securing wall (28) that is distinct from the contact faces (26A, 26B). The securing walls and the casing are configured so that the module has a space between the corresponding securing walls (28; 44) of the exchanger and of the casing.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a utility cart. In some embodiments, the utility cart includes an insulated cold storage compartment; a dry storage compartment, the dry storage compartment configured to retract-ably extend horizontally; a base and front and rear wheels connected to the base.

Abstract: A chemical supply system comprises: a first container and a second container for storing a chemical solution; a first pump, located on a first pipe connecting the first and second containers, for directing the solution stored in the first container to the second container; and a first filter, located in the first pipe, for filtering the solution flowing through the first pipe from the first container toward the second container. The system further includes: a second pipe for connecting the first container and the second container; and a second pump, located on the second pipe, for directing the solution stored in the second container to the first container.

Abstract: An integrated thermal energy and rainwater storage system for reducing peak electrical demand by air conditioning systems. Such a system includes a water conveyance system for collecting and conveying water to a storage tank for storing rainwater, where the rainwater functions as a lower temperature thermal reservoir while it is being held and awaiting use. The system further includes a residential air conditioning system with an air-cooled condenser unit along with an additional water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger connected to the storage tank on one side, and on the other side connected into the refrigerant lines with reconfigurable flow paths and actuated valves to control the discharging and recharging of the thermal energy storage. The lower temperature and better heat transfer capabilities of the rainwater improve operating efficiency and reduce power consumption of the compressor when used instead of the air-cooled condenser during the hottest hours of the day.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a utility cart. In some embodiments, the utility cart includes an insulated cold storage compartment; a dry storage compartment, the dry storage compartment configured to retract-ably extend horizontally; a base and front and rear wheels connected to the base.

Abstract: An evaporator configured to transfer heat between air flowing through the evaporator and refrigerant within the evaporator, and transfer heat between the refrigerant within the evaporator and phase change material (PCM) within the evaporator. The evaporator includes a first plate, a second plate, and a first tube. The second plate is coupled to the first plate to form an assembly that defines a cavity to contain PCM. The assembly also defines a first opening that cooperates with corresponding first openings in other assemblies to define a first manifold to convey refrigerant. The first manifold is defined when the assembly is arranged with the other assemblies to form a stack. The first tube is in fluidic communication with the first manifold. The assembly cooperates with an adjacent assembly of the other assemblies when the stack is formed to define a first slot configured to receive the first tube.

Abstract: An intravenous heat exchange catheter and/or an external cooling pad/bladder can be used to maintain hypothermia in, e.g., a cardiac arrest patient, but to accelerate the cooling process the patient first can be infused with cold saline before the opportunity arises to connect the catheter or pad to the patient.

Abstract: An evaporator having a phase change material clam shell housing is provided. The evaporator includes an upper manifold, a plurality of refrigerant tubes extending from the manifold, and a louvered clam shell housing defining a chamber for storing a phase change material. The louvered clam shell housing is disposed between and in thermal communication with the upper portion of two adjacent refrigerant tubes. The louvered clam shell housing is formed of two clam shell plates, each having louvers defined by slats folded into the phase change chamber. The folded slats define louver openings in the clam shell housing enabling the phase change material to make direct contact with the adjacent refrigerant tubes, thereby improving thermal communication between the refrigerant flowing in the tubes and the phase change material in the clam shell housing.

Abstract: Provided is a heat exchanger, which includes a plurality of flat tubes in which refrigerant flows, a fin including tube couplers in which the flat tubes are inserted, wherein the refrigerant exchanges heat with a fluid through the fin, and a header coupled to at least one side portion of the flat tubes and distributing the refrigerant to the flat tubes. The fin includes a first fin coupled to a part of the flat tubes, the part of the flat tubes constituting a first row, and a second fin provided on a side portion of the first fin and coupled to another part of the flat tubes, the another part of the flat tubes constituting a second row.

Abstract: A coolant-conditioning unit is provided which includes a facility coolant path, having a facility coolant flow control valve, and a system coolant path accommodating a system coolant, and having a bypass line with a system coolant bypass valve. A heat exchanger is coupled to the facility and system coolant paths to facilitate transfer of heat from the system coolant to facility coolant in the facility coolant path, and the bypass line is disposed in the system coolant path in parallel with the heat exchanger. A controller automatically controls a regulation position of the coolant bypass valve and a regulation position of the facility coolant flow control valve based on a temperature of the system coolant, and automatically adjusts the regulation position of the system coolant bypass valve to facilitate maintaining the facility coolant flow control valve at or above a specified, partially open, minimum regulation position.

Abstract: A fuel cell system mounted in a vehicle includes a fuel cell stack, a coolant supply mechanism, and a fuel gas supply mechanism. The coolant supply mechanism includes a coolant supply pipe and a coolant discharge pipe, provided on a front side in a traveling direction of the vehicle, relative to the fuel cell stack. The fuel gas supply mechanism includes a fuel gas supply pipe, provided on a rear side in the traveling direction, relative to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: Multiple cooling-storage containers are arranged in respective spaces formed between neighboring refrigerant tubes. The cooling-storage container is made of a pair of outer envelope portions, each forming a side wall. Multiple convex portions and concave portions are formed in the side walls so that air passages are formed between refrigerant tubes and the concave portions. A sectional area of the air passage formed in a lower portion of the cooling-storage container below a predetermined height is made larger than that of the air passage formed in an upper portion of the cooling-storage container above the predetermined height.

Abstract: The present invention is a scalable and portable human remains cold storage system having a chiller unit for providing a chilled fluid to a remains chilling bag. A flow divider manifold fluidly communicates with the chiller unit for dispersing the chilled fluid to the remains chilling bag and then channeling warmed fluid back to the chiller unit for re-chilling through a series of supply lines. The fluid flows through a continuous cycle to maintain a desired temperature within the remains chilling bag.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus uses R32 as a refrigerant, and includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, an evaporator and an accumulator. The accumulator is disposed in the suction flow path supplying refrigerant to the compressor. The accumulator has a casing that forms an inside space to separate the refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant and accumulating surplus refrigerant, an inlet pipe feeding the refrigerant that has evaporated in the evaporator into the inside space, and an outlet pipe channeling the separated gas refrigerant to the compressor. A distal end opening in the inlet pipe of the accumulator is located in a height position separated by a dimension from a bottom of the inside space. The dimension is 0 to 0.3 times a height dimension of the inside space.

Abstract: A cylindrical hole is formed between peripheral belt portions of two container constituent plates of a thermal storage material container of an evaporator with a cool storage function. A cylindrical portion of a thermal storage material charging member having a thermal storage material charging passage is disposed in the cylindrical hole and brazed to the two container constituent plates. That portion of the thermal storage material charging member which protrudes from the cylindrical hole includes a crushed portion and a cylindrical uncrushed portion. The crushed portion seals the thermal storage material passage. The cylindrical portion of the thermal storage material charging member is smaller in outside diameter than the uncrushed portion, and the cylindrical portion and the uncrushed portion have the same inside diameter. The cylindrical portion has an inward protrusion protruding into a thermal storage material containing space, and the inward protrusion has a radially expanding engagement portion.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit performs a cool storage operation in which a thermal storage medium is circulated such that a refrigerant having been condensed in an air heat exchanger and passed through an auxiliary heat exchanger is evaporated in the thermal storage heat exchanger. In a thermal storage circuit during the cool storage operation of the refrigerant circuit, the thermal storage medium is circulated such that the thermal storage medium having flowed out from an outlet of a thermal storage tank sequentially passes through the auxiliary heat exchanger, a retention portion, and the thermal storage heat exchanger and flows into an inlet of the thermal storage tank. The retention portion retains crystals contained in the thermal storage medium.

Abstract: A device for reducing temperature variation in a plenum includes at least one pipe and a plurality of sumps containing a fluid operable to vary between a liquid state and a gaseous state depending upon a temperature of the fluid. The plurality of sumps are positioned at various locations within the plenum and the at least one pipe is in fluid communication with the plurality of sumps. In addition, the fluid, in the gaseous state, is caused to move through the at least one pipe and condense, thereby reducing the temperature at the location of the sump where the fluid was vaporized and thereby reducing temperature variation in the plenum.

Abstract: A method for generating a thermal flow from a thermal module comprising at least two magnetocaloric elements connected, two-by-two, through which a heat transfer fluid flows and is exposed to a magnetic field. The circulation exposes alternating elements of the magnetocaloric elements to an opposite variation in the magnetic field, and causes the transfer fluid to circulate simultaneously and in opposite directions in such a manner that the fluid flowing out of one of the magnetocaloric elements, at the end of a heating phase, is circulated, during the following phase, in the following magnetocaloric elements exposed to heating, while the fluid flowing out of one of the magnetocaloric elements, at the end of a cooling phase, is circulated in the following element exposed to cooling, and conversely. The heat transfer fluid is stored an intermediate receiving area. This invention also relates to a thermal generator implementing the method.