Abstract: Disclosed are fuel cell coupled refrigeration systems and to the use of fuel cells to provide thermal energy to a refrigeration system. More particularly, a heat exchanger couples, directly or indirectly, to a fuel cell and a heat driven refrigeration system to transfer at least a portion of thermal energy generated by the fuel cell to the refrigeration system, thereby driving a refrigeration cycle of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an integrated energy management system for managing thermal and electrical energy in a fuel cell coupled refrigeration system. In one example, a refrigeration cycle is driven by heat provided alternatively by a fuel cell and an electric heating device. In another example, a refrigeration cycle is driven by heat provided by a fuel cell to reduce consumption of electrical grid supplied power.

Abstract: A system (1) and a method for cooling freshly baked bread under sub-pressure, which system includes: a sub-pressure chamber (2) which is adapted for receiving freshly baked bread for the cooling thereof; a sub-pressure source (3), such as a vacuum pump, which is connected to the sub-pressure chamber (2) for exhausting fluid from the sub-pressure chamber (2) and creating a sub-pressure inside it; a condenser (4) for cooling steam exhausted from the sub-pressure chamber and separate condensed water (19) from it. The system also includes a heating tank (5) with a first heat exchanger (6) in which the heat generated by the condenser (4) is used for heating water.

Abstract: A Refrigerating system (2) comprises a refrigerating circuit (4) having, in flowing direction, a compressor (8), a gas cooler (10), a first expansion device (12), an intermediate pressure container (14), a second expansion device (16), an evaporator (18) and refrigerant conduits (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) circulating a refrigerant therethrough. The first expansion device (12) expands the refrigerant to an intermediate pressure level. A first refrigerant conduit (22) of the refrigerant conduits (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) connects the compressor (8) and the gas cooler (10), and a second refrigerant conduit (24) of the refrigerant conduits (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) connects the gas cooler (10) and the first expansion device (12), the first refrigerant conduit (22), the gas cooler (10), and the second refrigerant conduit (24) forming a transcritical portion of the refrigerating circuit (4).

Abstract: Described in this application for patent is a novel method and apparatus for providing cooling to an aircraft galley. The aircraft galley is cooled by means of a central aircraft cooling line, including a phase change cooling system and a ram air heat exchanger.

Abstract: An outdoor unit includes a bypass circuit that makes a part of refrigerant that is discharged from a compressor be bypassed to a connecting part at the time of defrosting operation. A control device of the outdoor unit performs control of opening an electromagnetic valve in the bypass circuit based on an water temperature TW (in) in an water inlet and an water temperature TW (out) in an water outlet of an water heat exchanger at the time of the defrosting operation. Further, a control device controls a valve travel of the valve of the third expansion valve in the bypass circuit based on a refrigerant temperature TR (in) in a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant temperature TR (out) in a refrigerant outlet of the water heat exchanger in a case of the electromagnetic valve being in an open state at the time of the defrosting operation.

Abstract: A heat pump type hot water supply device is provided with a heat source side heat pump unit having a heat radiating heat exchanger that condenses refrigerant to radiate heat from the refrigerant. The hot water supply device is provided with a water tank that stores water, a water supply pipe that supplies water to the water tank from the outside, a water circulation pipe that is extended in a bypassing manner and circulates the water in the water tank from a bottom section to an upper section, a heat absorbing heat exchanger that is arranged on the water circulation pipe and connected to the heat radiating heat exchanger of the heat source side heat pump unit so as to absorb heat, and a hot water supply unit that comprises a hot water supply pipe that supplies warm water in the upper section of the water tank to the outside.

Abstract: This invention describes a low temperature, self-sustainable desalination process operated under natural vacuum conditions created and maintained by barometric pressure head.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit having: a first air passageway and a second air passageway adjacent to the first air passageway. Dampered air inlets are provided at one end of the first and second air passageways to selectively provide indoor air or outdoor air to each passageway. There is an indoor air outlet in the first air passageway and an outdoor air outlet in the second air passageway, both outlets at the other end of the passageways. There is a first blower in the first passageway and a second blower in the second passageway for moving air through each passageway. The unit has a refrigerant system with an evaporator in the first passageway, a compressor, a condenser in the second passageway, and a refrigerant line joining the evaporator, the compressor, and the condenser, in series, in a closed loop. The unit can be used in an air conditioning mode, a dehumidifying mode and a purge/ventilating mode. The unit is particularly suited for use in an indoor swimming pool.

Abstract: A heat pump system for a vehicle includes a water cooled condenser that uses a coolant as a heat exchange media and uses waste heat generated from a motor and an electronic device to improve heating performance, efficiency, and dehumidifying performance. A control method is also described.

Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide an integrated gasification combined cycle system. The integrated gasification combined cycle system may include a gas turbine engine, one or more power plant components, one or more carbon dioxide compressors, and a vapor absorption chiller. The vapor absorption chiller is driven by a waste heat source flow from the carbon dioxide compressors to produce a chilling medium flow to cool the power plant components.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cascade refrigeration system which circulates a refrigerant comprising a fluoroolefin therethrough. The cascade refrigeration system includes a low temperature refrigeration loop and a medium temperature refrigeration loop. The fluoroolefin circulates through either loop, or both. In a particular embodiment, the fluoroolefin circulates through the medium temperature loop. In a particular embodiment, where the cascade refrigeration system includes a first and a second cascade heat exchanger, and a secondary heat transfer loop which extends between the first and second cascade heat exchangers, either the first and/or second refrigerant may be, but need not necessarily be, a fluoroolefin.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit. The refrigeration system can have more than one refrigeration machine providing cooling to the secondary refrigeration loop.

Abstract: A hot water storage type hot water supply system includes a storage battery unit, a heat pump cycle, a water storage tank, a water circulation path, first and second paths, first and second temperature sensors, and a controller. The heat pump cycle circulates a first refrigerant. The first and second paths circulate a second refrigerant. The first and second sensors sense temperatures of the storage battery unit and water stored in the tank, respectively. The controller controls the second refrigerant to flow in the first or the second path when the temperature of the storage battery unit sensed by the first sensor is higher or lower than a first or a second predetermined temperature, respectively. The controller controls to close the first and second paths when the temperature of the storage battery unit sensed by the first sensor is not lower than the second predetermined temperature and not higher than the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A system for overall control of heat for a passenger compartment and for electrical units in a motor vehicle that is completely or partially propelled by an electric engine powered by a battery, including a heat-control fluid circuit coupled to a heating device and/or to a cooling device enabling the fluid to store calories or frigories when the system is plugged into an electrical network outside of the vehicle. The fluid circuit is capable of releasing calories and/or frigories to the air of the passenger compartment, in an alternating manner, either through a heat exchanger between the circuit and the air of the passenger compartment, or using a climate circuit forming a heat pump and/or an air-conditioning system.

Abstract: A thermo-electro-acoustic refrigerator comprises a sealed body having a regenerator, hot and cold heat exchangers, an acoustic source, and an acoustic energy converter. A first drive signal drives the acoustic source to produce an acoustic pressure wave in the region of the regenerator. The converter converts a portion of the acoustic pressure into a second drive signal which is fed back to and further drives the acoustic source. The pressure wave produces a thermal gradient between the cold and hot heat exchangers, permitting heat extraction (cooling) within at least one of the heat exchangers. The resonant frequency of the refrigerator can be controlled electronically, and is not limited by the physical structure of the refrigerator body and its elements.

Abstract: A method and a device for heat recovery on a vapour compression refrigeration system allowing to produce hot water, includes at least a first piping closed refrigerating circuit in which a refrigerant fluid circulates, a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion valve, a condenser and/or a heat recovery unit including a water inlet and a water outlet respectively connected to a second piping circuit comprising a circulating pump. At least one physical unit of the refrigerant fluid and/or water of the second piping circuit is determined. When the physical unit is lower than a predetermined threshold, condensing temperature is increased, and when said physical unit is greater than said predetermined threshold, condensing temperature is decreased to a minimum value.

Abstract: A self sustaining energy system for a building is provided part of which is typically driven by geothermal energy. The energy system typically uses a ground source heat pump for heating and cooling the building airspace and an organic Rankine cycle drive for producing electricity. A solar powered heating system may also serve as a heat source for providing domestic hot water and supplemental airspace heating.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning system and method of superheating working fluid is provided. The solar air conditioning system superheats the working fluid using radiant energy from the sun, and then delivers the working fluid as a superheated and higher-pressured gas to a condenser within the solar air conditioning system. The solar air conditioning system includes a solar collector within which the working fluid is superheated.

Abstract: A hot water supply apparatus for combined use with an air conditioner is provided that may include an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger to heat exchange a first refrigerant with indoor air, and a cascade hot water heater connected to the indoor unit to receive the first refrigerant and to provide a second refrigerant to heat water. The cascade hot water heater may perform a heat exchange between the first refrigerant and a second refrigerant. The cascade hot water heater may include a capacity variable compressor to limit a maximum flowing amount of the second refrigerant and increase a flowing amount of the first refrigerant to flow to the indoor unit.

Abstract: A pumping system, method and computer readable medium for temperature management. The system comprises generator means for connection to an energy source, preferably waste heat or solar energy; condenser means; evaporator means; and pressure means comprising at least one supersonic ejector to receive and provide flow paths for input primary and secondary flows, the input primary flow being a gaseous or a liquid flow. The method comprises providing and operatively connecting energy source means, condenser means, evaporator means, generator means and a pressure means comprising at least one supersonic ejector to receive input primary and secondary flows from a flow path; selecting and delivering a supply of temperature management fluid to the flow path; and selectively adjusting the configuration and operational parameters of the ejectors in response to monitored temperature values and operating conditions. The system economically provides improved efficiency for heating, cooling or refrigeration.

Abstract: A superconducting cable line includes a heat insulation pipe for a fluid for transporting liquid hydrogen, a superconducting cable housed in the heat insulation pipe for a fluid, and heat exchange means for performing a heat exchange between liquid hydrogen and a refrigerant of the cable. The superconducting cable includes a cable core inside a heat insulation pipe for a cable and is housed in the heat insulation pipe for a fluid to form a low temperature environment around the cable and a double heat insulation structure including the heat insulation pipe. Therefore, since heat intrusion into the superconducting cable is reduced and the refrigerant is cooled with liquid hydrogen, the line can reduce energy for cooling the refrigerant.

Abstract: Hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant compositions enable the use of existing compressor technologies in heat pump water heaters in a reliable (low discharge temperatures and pressures) and efficient (high capacity and efficiency) manner. The refrigerant comprises blends of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), difluoromethane (HFC-32), tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze).

Abstract: Heat pumps for climates where demand for cooling and heating are unequal and methods of adapting and distributing heat pumps for such climates. Heat pumps include a compressor, compressor motor, variable-speed drive, and controller. In a number of embodiments, non-volatile memory stores sets of constant speeds for cooling and heating, and a person can select, via an input device, different sets of speeds for cooling and heating to provide the different cooling and heating capacities. The controller then operates the unit at the selected speeds, selecting from within the set based on demand for cooling or heating. In some embodiments, different sets of speeds may have the same minimum speed but different maximum speeds. Identical heat pumps can be configured to have different capacity ratings and different advertized efficiencies for different climates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention permit the transfer of heat energy from one process fluid to another in an industrial process without the need for an energy field or centralized energy storage. Preferred embodiments include one or more heat transfer modules that draw heat from one process fluid into circulating refrigerant in an evaporator heat exchanger and supply that heat to a different process fluid in a condenser heat exchanger. In some embodiments, adjustments are made to one or more parameters of one or more process fluids to ensure the desired heat transfer is accomplished with the heat transfer module's compressor operating near optimum efficiency.

Abstract: This invention describes a low temperature, self-sustainable desalination process operated under natural vacuum conditions created and maintained by barometric pressure head.

Abstract: A process for heat integration in engineering processes in which, in a heat carrier circuit (10), a heat carrier medium takes up heat from a first process stream (14) in a first heat exchanger (12) and releases it to a refrigeration system (30), in addition in a refrigerant circuit (20) a refrigerant is cooled in the refrigeration system (30) and the refrigerant takes up heat from a second process stream (24) in a second heat exchanger (22) or a second process stream (24) is cooled in the refrigeration system (30), wherein the first process stream (14) is a vapor stream from a thermal separation apparatus, and the temperature of the heat carrier medium is increased by heat supply between egress from the first heat exchanger (12) and ingress into the refrigeration system (30).

Abstract: An installation for the production of cold and/or heat has a driving and a receiving machine. The driving machine has means for circulating a working fluid GM, an evaporator EM, at least one transfer cylinder CTM that contains a transfer liquid LT in a lower part and the working fluid GM liquid and/or vapor form above the transfer liquid, a condenser CM, at least one device BSM for separating the liquid and vapor phases of the working fluid GM, and a device for compressing the working fluid GM to the liquid state.

Abstract: An air conditioning method is provided. The method comprises when a refrigerant circuit is in operation and a temperature of an evaporator of the refrigerant circuit is lower than a temperature of a heat exchanger of a heating circuit, transferring heat from the heat exchanger to air passing through the heat exchanger, and when the refrigerant circuit is not in operation and the temperature of the evaporator is higher than the temperature of the heat exchanger, transferring heat from the air passing through the heat exchanger to the heat exchanger. In this way, the heat exchanger functions to augment the cooling capabilities of the evaporator.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: It is aimed to provide a heat pump type hot-water supply outdoor apparatus that can control a temperature of a compressor shell, according to a water temperature of a water circuit and a temperature of the compressor.

Abstract: An air conditioner controls supply of refrigerant so that the refrigerant is first supplied to one or more indoor units in operation from an outdoor unit, and is then supplied to a hot water generator, thereby sufficiently supplying refrigerant to the indoor units in heating operation even when the hot water generator is operated.

Abstract: An electric machine system includes: an electric motor; and an absorption cooling system driven by heat generated by the electric motor and configured to cool a primary cooling fluid that removes the heat from the electric motor to a temperature below an ambient temperature of an ultimate heat sink. A method for operating the electric machine system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid can be cooled using the atmospheric thermal lapse rate. The heat transfer fluid can be ascended to a predetermined altitude above ground level where a temperature of the atmosphere is less than a temperature at the ground level. The heat transfer fluid can be cooled to a predetermined temperature by heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the atmosphere. The heat transfer fluid can then be descended to ground level while inhibiting heat transfer with the atmosphere tending to warm the cooled fluid.

Abstract: A refrigerant vapor compression system includes a hot gas bypass line establishing refrigerant vapor flow communication between the compression device and the refrigerant heat absorption heat exchanger, and bypassing the refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger and the primary expansion device. A refrigerant vapor flow control device is interdisposed in the hot gas bypass line. The flow control device has at least a first open position in which refrigerant vapor flow may pass through the hot gas bypass line and a closed position in which refrigerant vapor flow may not pass through the hot gas bypass line.

Abstract: A water extraction system having a cooling system adapted to cool air to below the dew point, the cooling system including an absorption chiller (1.002) including a heat source (1.004), the system includes an air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger (1.016), and a water collector (1.022) arranged to collect water from the air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger. The air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger (1.016) is adapted to cool the air below the dew point. The chiller can include a heat input in the form of exhaust gasses from a gas turbine. The gas turbine can also drive an electrical generator. The air outlet from the water generator can be used in an air conditioning system. The system can include one or more chillers powered by, for example, turbine exhaust. Additional heat source, such as natural gas can be provided to bring the chillers to the operating temperature. A controller controls the change-over between heat sources.

Abstract: A refrigeration device containing CO2 a refrigerant to be circulated, including a compressor, a heat-rejecting heat exchanger, an expansion, and an evaporator which are connected to one another. The refrigeration device includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a higher temperature relative to the first portion when the refrigeration device is in operation. A heat-reclaim heat exchanger is provided at a given location in the second portion, provided to transfer heat to a fluid for further use as a source of heated fluid.

Abstract: A two-stage cascade refrigeration system is provided having a first refrigeration stage and a second refrigeration stage. The first refrigeration stage defines a first fluid circuit for circulating a first refrigerant, and has a first compressor, a condenser, and a first expansion device that is in fluid communication with the first fluid circuit. The second refrigeration stage defines a second fluid circuit for circulating a second refrigerant, with the second refrigeration stage having a second compressor, a second expansion device, and an evaporator that is in fluid communication with the second fluid circuit. A heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid circuits to exchange heat between the first and second refrigerants. At least one of the first or second compressors is a variable speed compressor.

Abstract: A dual mode, thermal management system for use in a vehicle is provided. At a minimum, the system includes a first coolant loop in thermal communication with a battery system, a second coolant loop in thermal communication with at least one drive train component (e.g., electric motor, power electronics, inverter), and a dual mode valve system that provides means for selecting between a first mode where the two coolant loops operate in parallel, and a second mode where the two coolant loops operate in series.

Abstract: A heat-source system includes centrifugal-chillers, cooling-water pumps, cooling towers, cooling-tower fans, chilled-water pumps, and a control unit for controlling them. A plurality of the cooling towers are provided so as to have a cooling-tower capacity corresponding to the total capacity of the rated capacities of the respective centrifugal-chillers, the cooling towers being commonly connected to the plurality of centrifugal-chillers. The control unit preliminarily prepares an optimum cooling-tower capacity relationship representing the cooling-tower capacity with which the heat-source system efficiency, taking into consideration the centrifugal-chillers, the cooling-water pump, the cooling towers, the cooling-tower fan, and the chilled-water pump, is higher, in relation to the outside-air wet-bulb temperature and the centrifugal-chiller partial load factor.

Abstract: A pool heating system is disclosed. The pool heating system includes, in some embodiments, an immersed condenser coil. In some embodiments, the immersed condenser coil is immersed in pool of water receiving hot refrigerant gas at high pressure from an outdoor unit, transferring heat to water in the pool, condensing the gas and transmitting condensed refrigerant to the outdoor unit. The system also includes an outdoor unit. In some embodiments, the outdoor unit includes a compressor, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a fan.

Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing improved efficiency in heating/cooling. The method can include operating an HVAC system that includes first and second heat pump compressors working together with corresponding heat pump expansion valves and heat pump heat exchangers. The method can include collecting HVAC fluid information concerning actual conditions of an HVAC fluid flowing in the HVAC system via sensors positioned in various places throughout the HVAC system. The method can include transmitting an update that includes HVAC fluid information. The method can include receiving control instructions at a heat pump controller. The method can include implementing the control instructions with the heat pump controller. Steps of the method can be repeated periodically during operation of the HVAC system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention permit the transfer of heat energy from one process fluid to another in an industrial process without the need for an energy field or centralized energy storage. Preferred embodiments include one or more heat transfer modules that draw heat from one process fluid into circulating refrigerant in an evaporator heat exchanger and supply that heat to a different process fluid in a condenser heat exchanger. In some embodiments, adjustments are made to one or more parameters of one or more process fluids to ensure the desired heat transfer is accomplished with the heat transfer module's compressor operating near optimum efficiency.

Abstract: The present application provides a sorption system for generating power and chilling that includes at least one absorber to absorb a working fluid in a liquid sorbent, a pump in fluid communication with the absorber to yield a feed of pressurized liquid sorbent and absorbed working fluid, a heat source to heat the feed of pressurized liquid sorbent and absorbed working fluid to yield a feed of working fluid at a supercritical state, a generator in fluid communication with the feed of working fluid at a supercritical state to yield power and a feed of working fluid in an at least partially condensed state, and an evaporator in fluid communication with the feed of working fluid in the at least partially condensed state to yield chilling and uncondensed working fluid. Additional systems and method for the generating power and chilling are provided.

Abstract: The absorption chiller-heater apparatus of present invention utilizes a portion of direct heat, used to heat water, for providing the refrigeration effect. The external heat input required for providing refrigeration is minimal; hence, the efficiency of the apparatus is increased by 30-40% over the conventional systems. Further, as the quantum of the external heat source required for a new cycle is reduced, the size of the high temperature generator required, is smaller, which results in lower capital costs. The apparatus provides chilled water which can be used for various industrial purposes. The absorption chiller-heater reduces CO2 emissions and utilizes a single arrangement to produce both heating and refrigeration effect. Thus, additional electrical and heat input or separate components are not required.

Abstract: An efficient heat pump is disclosed, the heat content of the refrigerant flowing out of an existing condenser is reduced by sub-cooling using an additional condenser. The heat reduced during the sub-cooling phase is added to the evaporator to superheat the refrigerant during evaporation phase. Removing heat from condensation phase (which is otherwise wasted) of the refrigeration cycle and adding that heat to the evaporation phase (which requires additional heat) may enhance the efficiency of the heat pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for heating and/or air conditioning the passenger compartment of an automobile using a reversible cooling loop containing a refrigerant including 2,3,3,30-tetrafluoropropane and at least one compound chosen from among propane, propylene and ethylene. Said method is particularly suitable when the outside temperature is lower than ?20° C. The method is also suitable for hybrid automobiles, which are designed to operate in alternation between a heat engine and an electric engine, as well as for electric vehicles. The present invention also relates to a composition including 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropane and at least one compound chosen from among propylene and ethylene, suitable for being used for refrigeration, air conditioning and heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition including 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, difluoromethane and at least one compound chosen among propane, propylene and ethylene, suitable for being used for refrigeration, air-conditioning and heating. The present invention also relates to a method for heating and/or air conditioning the passenger compartment of an automobile using a reversible cooling loop containing a refrigerant including said composition. Said method is particularly suitable when the outside temperature is lower than ?20° C. The method is also suitable for hybrid automobiles, which are designed to operate in alternation between a heat engine and an electric engine, as well as for electric vehicles.

Abstract: An integrated air-separating and water-heating apparatus intended for a boiler is presented.