U.S. patent application number 16/509373 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-16 for systems and methods implementing air conditioning systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Axiom Exergy Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Axiom Exergy Inc.. Invention is credited to Anthony Diamond, Marc Khalaf, John Lerch, Karthik Nithyanandam, Amrit Robbins, Nikhil Saralkar.
Application Number | 20200018503 16/509373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69139049 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200018503 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Diamond; Anthony ; et
al. |
January 16, 2020 |
Systems and Methods Implementing Air Conditioning Systems
Abstract
Systems and methods for implementing air conditioning and water
store systems that are configured such that a direct expansion of a
heat transfer material allows for both hot and cold thermal storage
are provided. In such systems, an included cold thermal energy
storage unit can be cooled to a temperature lower than the
temperature desired for a target space while the target space is
simultaneously cooled to the desired temperature, such that the
temperature desired for the target space can subsequently be
established and/or maintained by the cold thermal energy storage
unit irrespective of whether the cold thermal energy storage unit
is being principally relied on to cool the target space or whether
an included powered condensing unit is being relied on to cool the
target space. In conjunction with this, hot thermal units and water
in a water store can be heated. In short, the system allows for the
capture of normally ejected heat in the water store.
Inventors: |
Diamond; Anthony; (Richmond,
CA) ; Nithyanandam; Karthik; (Richmond, CA) ;
Khalaf; Marc; (Richmond, CA) ; Lerch; John;
(Richmond, CA) ; Saralkar; Nikhil; (Richmond,
CA) ; Robbins; Amrit; (Richmond, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Axiom Exergy Inc. |
Richmond |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Axiom Exergy Inc.
Richmond
CA
|
Family ID: |
69139049 |
Appl. No.: |
16/509373 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62696712 |
Jul 11, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24D 3/02 20130101; F24F
11/30 20180101; F24F 11/83 20180101; F24F 11/86 20180101; F24D
2200/08 20130101; F24F 11/875 20180101; F24F 2005/0025 20130101;
F24D 19/1009 20130101; F24D 3/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20060101
F24F011/30; F24F 11/86 20060101 F24F011/86; F24F 11/875 20060101
F24F011/875; F24F 11/83 20060101 F24F011/83; F24D 3/02 20060101
F24D003/02; F24D 3/10 20060101 F24D003/10; F24D 19/10 20060101
F24D019/10 |
Claims
1. An air conditioning system comprising: a condensing unit; a
liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble; a cold thermal energy
storage unit connected to the liquid pressurizer and distributor
ensemble by at least one liquid connection; a target space; a
suction gas pressurizer and distributor ensemble; a discharge gas
distributor; and a hot water storage unit having a storage tank, a
volume of water disposed therein; and a thermal energy transfer
unit operatively connected to piping containing a supplied working
fluid such that the supplied working fluid may be exposed to the
thermal energy within the hot water storage unit by way of the
thermal energy transfer unit, and wherein: the condensing unit, the
liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble, the cold thermal
energy storage unit, the target space, the suction gas pressurizer
and distributer ensemble, the discharge gas distributor, and the
hot water storage unit are operatively connected by piping such
that vapor compression cycles can be simultaneously implemented
that result in the air conditioning of the target space and a
thermal energy transfer in the cold thermal energy storage unit
and/or the hot water storage unit.
2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the suction gas
pressurizer and distributor ensemble comprises: at least one of: a
pressure regulator and a compressor; and a flow control apparatus
operable to controllably direct vapor phase working fluid to
adjoined structures.
3. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the cold thermal
energy storage unit comprises a phase change material encased in
thermal insulation.
4. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the liquid
pressurizer and distributor ensemble comprises a pump that is
operable to alter the pressure of received liquid phase working
fluid, and a flow control apparatus operable to controllably direct
received liquid phase working fluid to adjoined structures.
5. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the condensing
unit is operable to output heated vapor phase working fluid.
6. The air conditioning system of claim 5, wherein the condensing
unit comprises an integrated heating source and is thereby operable
to output heated vapor phase working fluid.
7. The air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising a
second liquid connection between the cold thermal energy storage
unit and the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble.
8. The air conditioning system of claim 7, wherein the cold thermal
storage unit is operable to subcool the supplied working fluid as
it is removed from the hot water storage unit thereby capturing and
storing an excess of heat from the supplied working fluid.
9. The air conditioning system of claim 7 wherein the cold thermal
storage unit is operable to receive a liquid phase working fluid
from the condensing unit through the liquid pressurizer distributor
ensemble such that the liquid phase working fluid is subcooled and
distributed to the target space thereby performing a cooling of the
target space while simultaneously the working fluid leaves the
target space as a gas phase and is redistributed to the condensing
unit by way of the suction gas pressurizer distributor
ensemble.
10. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the discharge
gas distributor circulates the supplied heated vapor phase working
fluid to the target space thereby providing heating services to the
target space.
11. The air conditioning system of claim 10, wherein the condensing
unit is configured to output heated vapor phase working fluid such
that when the heated vapor phase working fluid is directed by
piping to the target space and/or the hot water storage unit, it
condenses into a liquid phase working fluid.
12. The air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising a
second liquid connection between the liquid pressurizer and
distributor ensemble and the condensing unit.
13. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the hot water
storage unit further comprises an immersion heater connected to the
hot water storage unit and operable to heat the water disposed
therein.
14. The air conditioning system of claim 1 wherein the thermal
energy transfer unit is a heat exchanger coil disposed within the
storage tank.
15. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the hot water
storage unit is operable to act as a heat source; wherein: the hot
water storage unit and the target space are operatively connected
by piping; and the hot water storage unit is configured to receive
liquid phase working fluid, and heat it so that it outputs vapor
phase working fluid that thereafter be directed to the target space
to heat it.
16. The air conditioning system of claim 15, wherein the air
conditioning system is configured such that the vapor phase working
fluid that is output by the hot water storage unit and thereafter
directed to the target space, transmits heat to the target space
and thereby condenses.
17. The air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising a
hot thermal energy storage unit operatively connected to the liquid
pressurizer distributor ensemble and the discharge gas distributor
ensemble by piping.
18. The air conditioning system of claim 17, wherein the hot
thermal energy storage unit further comprises a thermal storage
medium encased with an insulating material.
19. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the condensing
unit comprises a compressor and a condenser/evaporator in series,
and wherein the condensing unit is operable to direct a received
liquid phase working fluid through an expansion valve to the
condenser/evaporator to output a vapor phase working fluid and
direct the vapor phase working fluid into a compressor to compress
the vapor phase working fluid such that the compressor can output a
high temperature high pressure discharge gas.
20. The air conditioning system of claim 19, wherein the condensing
unit further comprises a liquid suction line heat exchanger
operatively connected to the compressor and the
condenser/evaporator by piping.
21. The air conditioning system of claim 20, wherein the suction
line heat exchanger is operative to simultaneously transfer heat
between a liquid line and a suction line.
22. The air conditioning system of claim 17, further comprising
more than one gas discharge connection.
23. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the system is
configured such that when the vapor compression cycles are
simultaneously implemented that result in the air conditioning of
the target space and a thermal energy transfer in the cold thermal
storage unit and hot water storage unit, the cold thermal energy
storage unit expands and evaporates the supplied working fluid and
receives cooling services while the hot water storage unit
simultaneously condenses the supplied heated vapor phase working
fluid and receives heating services.
24. An air conditioning system comprising: a condensing unit; a
liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble; a cold thermal energy
storage unit connected to the liquid pressurizer and distributor
ensemble by at least two liquid connections; a target space; and a
suction gas pressurizer and distributor ensemble; wherein: the
condensing unit, the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble,
the cold thermal energy storage unit, the target space, and the
suction gas pressurizer and distributer ensemble are operatively
connected by piping such that vapor compression cycles can be
simultaneously implemented that result in the air conditioning of
the target space and a thermal energy transfer in the cold thermal
energy storage unit; and the air conditioning system is configured
such that when the vapor compression cycles are simultaneously
implemented that result in the air conditioning of the target space
and a thermal energy transfer in the cold energy storage unit, the
target space receives heating services by a supplied vapor phase
working fluid from the condensing unit and supplies a portion of a
condensed liquid phase working fluid to the cold thermal energy
storage unit whereby the cold thermal energy storage unit subcools
the condensed liquid phase working fluid by capturing and storing
excess heat from the condensed liquid phase working fluid.
25. An air conditioning system comprising: a condensing unit; a
liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble; a cold thermal energy
storage unit connected to the liquid pressurizer and distributor
ensemble by at least one liquid connection; a first and second
target space; a suction gas pressurizer and distributor ensemble;
and a discharge gas distributor; wherein: the condensing unit, the
liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble, the cold thermal
energy storage unit, the first and second target spaces, the
suction gas pressurizer and distributer ensemble, and the discharge
gas distributor are operatively connected by piping such that vapor
compression cycles can be simultaneously implemented that result in
the air conditioning of the target space and a thermal energy
transfer in the cold thermal energy storage unit; and the air
conditioning system is configured such that the suction gas
pressurizer and distributor ensemble enables the cooling of the
first and second target spaces to different temperatures.
26. The air conditioning system of claim 25, further comprising at
least one hot thermal energy storage unit, wherein the condensing
unit, the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble, the cold
thermal energy storage unit, the first and second target spaces,
the suction gas pressurizer and distributer ensemble, the discharge
gas distributor, and the hot thermal energy storage unit are
operatively connected by piping such that vapor compression cycles
can be simultaneously implemented that result in the air
conditioning of the target space and a thermal energy transfer in
the hot or cold thermal energy storage unit.
Description
CROSS REFERENCED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/696,712 filed on Jul. 11, 2018. The enclosure of
which is included herein by reference in its entirety
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to air conditioning
and water heating systems that implement thermal energy storage
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Air conditioning is a convenience that is ubiquitous in
modern society. Within the context of the instant application, `air
conditioning` can be understood to refer to the controlling of the
properties of air--especially temperature--within a defined space,
and is inclusive of both the heating and cooling of air (although
note that `air conditioning` is sometimes colloquially interpreted
not to refer to heating--i.e. heating is sometimes colloquially
understood to be separate from air conditioning). Air conditioning
can be implemented using any of a variety of devices, and is
typically used, for instance, to help create comfortable indoor
environments. Importantly, one critical application for air
conditioning is refrigeration, which is generally used to
preserve/elongate the shelf life of foods. Typical air conditioning
systems--including refrigerators--employ a `vapor-compression`
cycle to cool a targeted space. In a `vapor-compression` cycle, a
working fluid (e.g. a refrigerant) is circulated proximate the
targeted space that is to be cooled, and is made to undergo
iterative phase changes to continually remove heat from the
targeted space and eject it outside of the targeted space.
[0004] Vapor-compression cycles are typically implemented via a
compressor, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a condenser, all
operatively connected via piping that facilitates the circulation
of a working fluid. Typically, the working fluid--in its liquid
phase--is made to pass through the expansion valve and thereby
experiences a pressure drop, and a corresponding temperature drop.
The working fluid--typically then in a saturated fluid
phase--subsequently passes through the evaporator, which is the
target of the cooling efforts. This saturated fluid absorbs heat
from the evaporator, and consequently is made to substantially
evaporate into a vapor phase. The substantially vapor phase working
fluid then passes through a compressor where it is compressed to a
higher pressure, and relatedly a higher temperature. Thereafter,
the high pressure, high temperature vapor phase working fluid
passes through a condenser, where it releases heat outside of the
evaporator and thereby condenses into a liquid phase working fluid,
which can be re-circulated. Accordingly, it is enumerated how
vapor-compression cycles are generally implemented to remove heat
from a targeted space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the
invention implement air conditioning systems that are operable to
establish/maintain a desired temperature for a target space and
simultaneously establish/maintain a desired temperature for an
included hot/cold thermal energy storage unit, such that the
hot/cold thermal energy storage unit can subsequently be used to
establish/maintain a desired temperature for the target space
without having to principally rely on the operation of a powered
condensing unit. In one embodiment, an air conditioning system
includes: a condensing unit, a liquid pressurizer and distributor
ensemble, a cold thermal energy storage unit connected to the
liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble by at least one liquid
connection, a target space, a suction gas pressurizer and
distributor ensemble, a discharge gas distributor, and a hot water
storage unit. The hot water storage unit has a storage tank that
holds a volume of water. Additionally, the hot water storage unit
has a thermal energy transfer unit that is operatively connected to
piping containing a supplied working fluid such that the supplied
working fluid may be exposed to the thermal energy within the hot
water storage unit by way of the thermal energy transfer unit. The
condensing unit, the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble,
the cold thermal energy storage unit, the target space, the suction
gas pressurizer and distributer ensemble, the discharge gas
distributor, and the hot water storage unit are operatively
connected by piping such that vapor compression cycles can be
simultaneously implemented that result in the air conditioning of
the target space and a thermal energy transfer in the cold thermal
energy storage unit and/or the hot water energy storage unit.
[0006] In still other embodiments, the suction gas pressurizer and
distributor ensemble has a pressure regulator or a compressor, and
a flow control apparatus operable to controllably direct vapor
phase working fluid to adjoined structures.
[0007] In yet other embodiments, the cold thermal energy storage
unit comprises a phase change material encased in thermal
insulation.
[0008] In still yet other embodiments, the liquid pressurizer and
distributor ensemble has a pump that is operable to alter the
pressure of received liquid phase working fluid, and a flow control
apparatus operable to controllably direct received liquid phase
working fluid to adjoined structures.
[0009] In other embodiments, the condensing unit is operable to
output heated vapor phase working fluid.
[0010] In still other embodiments, the condensing unit comprises an
integrated heating source and is thereby operable to output heated
vapor phase working fluid.
[0011] In yet other embodiments, the air conditioning system
further comprising a second liquid connection between the cold
thermal energy storage unit and the liquid pressurizer and
distributor ensemble.
[0012] In other embodiments, the cold thermal storage unit is
operable to subcool the supplied working fluid as it is removed
from the hot water storage unit thereby capturing and storing an
excess of heat from the supplied working fluid.
[0013] In still yet other embodiments, the cold thermal energy
storage unit is operable to receive a liquid phase working fluid
from the condensing unit through the liquid pressurizer distributor
ensemble such that the liquid phase working fluid is subcooled and
distributed to the target space thereby performing a cooling of the
target space while simultaneously the working fluid leaves the
target space as a gas phase and is redistributed to the condensing
unit by way of the suction gas pressurizer distributor
ensemble.
[0014] In other embodiments, the discharge gas distributor
circulates the supplied heated vapor phase working fluid to the
target space thereby providing heating services to the target
space.
[0015] In still other embodiments, the condensing unit is
configured to output heated vapor phase working fluid such that
when the heated vapor phase working fluid is directed by piping to
the target space and/or the hot water storage unit, it condenses
into a liquid phase working fluid.
[0016] In yet other embodiments, the air conditioning system has a
second liquid connection between the liquid pressurizer and
distributor ensemble and the condensing unit.
[0017] In still yet other embodiments, the water storage unit
further comprises an immersion heater connected to the water
storage unit and operable to heat the water disposed therein.
[0018] In other embodiments, the thermal energy transfer unit is a
heat exchanger coil disposed within the storage tank.
[0019] In still other embodiments, the hot water storage unit is
operable to act as a heat source; wherein: the hot water storage
unit and the target space are operatively connected by piping; and
the hot water storage unit is configured to receive liquid phase
working fluid, and heat it so that it outputs vapor phase working
fluid that thereafter can be directed to the target space to
provide heating services.
[0020] In yet other embodiments, the air conditioning system is
configured such that the vapor phase working fluid that is output
by the hot water storage unit and thereafter directed to the target
space, transmits heat to the target space and thereby
condenses.
[0021] In still yet other embodiments, the air conditioning system
has a hot thermal energy storage unit operatively connected to the
liquid pressurizer distributor ensemble and the discharge gas
distributor ensemble by piping.
[0022] In other embodiments, the hot thermal energy storage unit
has a thermal storage medium encased with an insulating
material.
[0023] In still other embodiments, the condensing unit has a
compressor and a condenser/evaporator in series, and the condensing
unit is operable to direct a received liquid phase working fluid
through an expansion valve to the condenser/evaporator to output a
vapor phase working fluid and direct the vapor phase working fluid
into a compressor to compress the vapor phase working fluid such
that the compressor can output a high temperature high pressure
discharge gas.
[0024] In yet other embodiments, the condensing unit has a liquid
suction line heat exchanger operatively connected to the compressor
and the condenser/evaporator by piping.
[0025] In still yet other embodiments, the suction line heat
exchanger is operative to simultaneously transfer heat between a
liquid line and a suction line.
[0026] In other embodiments, the air conditioning system has more
than one gas discharge connection.
[0027] In still other embodiments, the system is configured such
that when the vapor compression cycles are simultaneously
implemented that result in the air conditioning of the target space
and a thermal energy transfer in the cold thermal storage unit and
hot water storage unit, the cold thermal energy storage unit
expands and evaporates the supplied working fluid and receives
cooling services while the hot water storage unit simultaneously
condenses the supplied heated vapor phase working fluid and
receives heating services.
[0028] Other embodiments of an air conditioning system include a
condensing unit, a liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble, a
cold thermal energy storage unit connected to the liquid
pressurizer and distributor ensemble by at least two liquid
connections, a target space, and a suction gas pressurizer and
distributor ensemble. The condensing unit, the liquid pressurizer
and distributor ensemble, the cold thermal energy storage unit, the
target space, and the suction gas pressurizer and distributer
ensemble are operatively connected by piping such that vapor
compression cycles can be simultaneously implemented that result in
the air conditioning of the target space and a thermal energy
transfer in the cold thermal energy storage unit. Additionally, the
air conditioning system is configured such that when the vapor
compression cycles are simultaneously implemented that result in
the air conditioning of the target space and a thermal energy
transfer in the cold energy storage unit, the target space receives
heating services by a supplied vapor phase working fluid from the
condensing unit and supplies a portion of a condensed liquid phase
working fluid to the cold thermal energy storage whereby the cold
thermal energy storage subcools the condensed liquid phase working
fluid by capturing and storing excess heat from the condensed
liquid phase working fluid.
[0029] Other embodiments of an air conditioning system also include
a condensing unit, a liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble, a
cold thermal energy storage unit connected to the liquid
pressurizer and distributor ensemble by at least one liquid
connection, a first and second target space, a suction gas
pressurizer and distributor ensemble, and a discharge gas
distributor. The condensing unit, the liquid pressurizer and
distributor ensemble, the cold thermal energy storage unit, the
first and second target spaces, the suction gas pressurizer and
distributer ensemble, and the discharge gas distributor are
operatively connected by piping such that vapor compression cycles
can be simultaneously implemented that result in the air
conditioning of the target space and a thermal energy transfer in
the cold thermal energy storage unit. Additionally, the air
conditioning system is configured such that the suction gas
pressurizer and distributor ensemble enables the cooling of the
first and second target spaces to different temperatures.
[0030] In still other embodiments, the air conditioning system has
a first hot thermal storage unit, the condensing unit, the liquid
pressurizer and distributor ensemble, the cold thermal energy
storage unit, the first and second target spaces, the suction gas
pressurizer and distributer ensemble, the discharge gas
distributor, and the hot thermal energy storage unit are
operatively connected by piping such that vapor compression cycles
can be simultaneously implemented that result in the air
conditioning of the target space and a thermal energy transfer in
the hot or cold thermal energy storage unit.
[0031] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in
the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to
those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or
may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A
further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present
disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions
of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] These and other features and advantages of the present
apparatus and methods will be better understood by reference to the
following detailed description when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying data and figures, which are presented as exemplary
embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a
complete recitation of the scope of the inventive method,
wherein:
[0033] FIGS. 1A-1K illustrate air conditioning and water store
system having a heat thermal store having a single discharge gas
connection, and plots showing exemplary operation, in accordance
with certain embodiments of the invention.
[0034] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate air conditioning and water store
systems having a heat thermal store having multiple discharge gas
connections, and data plots showing exemplary operation, in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.
[0035] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an air conditioning system without a
water store in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention.
[0036] FIGS. 4A-4J illustrate an air conditioning system with a
cold thermal store and plots illustrating exemplary operational
modes, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0037] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an air conditioning system with a
cold thermal store and a water store in accordance with embodiments
of the invention.
[0038] FIGS. 6A-6I illustrate embodiments and operational modes of
a condensing unit in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0039] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate embodiments of water stores
incorporating heat exchangers in accordance with embodiments of the
invention
[0040] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate embodiments of a cold thermal store
in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0041] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate ejector configurations for air
conditioning systems and water stores in accordance with certain
embodiments of the invention.
[0042] FIGS. 9C-9E provide data plots showing exemplary operation
of ejector systems in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention.
[0043] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate embodiments and operational
modes of an air conditioning system incorporating an ejector in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods for
implementing air conditioning and water store systems that are
configured such that a direct expansion of a heat transfer material
allows for both hot and cold thermal storage. In embodiments of
such systems, an included cold thermal energy storage unit can be
cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature desired for a
target space while the target space is simultaneously cooled to the
desired temperature, such that the temperature desired for the
target space can subsequently be established and/or maintained by
the cold thermal energy storage unit irrespective of whether the
cold thermal energy storage unit is being principally relied on to
cool the target space or whether an included powered condensing
unit is being relied on to cool the target space. In conjunction
with this, hot thermal units and water in a water store can be
heated. In short, the system allows for the capture of normally
ejected heat in the water store.
[0045] In a number of embodiments, an air conditioning system is
configured to heat/cool the included hot/cold thermal energy
storage unit to a temperature desired for the target space such
that--when the hot/cold thermal energy storage unit is principally
relied on to establish/maintain the desired temperature for the
target space--the associated working fluid can be iteratively
circulated through the target space and the hot/cold thermal energy
storage units such that: (1) as the working fluid passes through
the target space it substantially evaporates and absorbs or
distributes heat within the target space so that the desired
temperature for the target space can be established/maintained, and
(2) when the substantially evaporated working fluid passes through
the hot/cold thermal energy storage units, the temperature of the
hot/cold thermal energy storage unit is low enough to cause the
condensation of the substantially vapor phase working fluid, e.g.
so that it can be reintroduced to the target space and continue to
redistribute heat. In this way, the target space can be held at a
precise desired temperature irrespective of whether the air
conditioning system is principally relying on the hot/cold thermal
energy storage unit to provide cooling or whether the air
conditioning system is relying on a powered condensing unit (e.g.
continually powered by a connection to a power grid) or heat pump
to provide heating/cooling.
[0046] As can be appreciated, the removal or addition of heat from
or to a targeted space (e.g. as happens in air conditioning
systems) and the need to heat water for household purposes can be a
substantially energy intensive operation. Moreover, given the
reliance by modern society on the creation of comfortable living
environments and water of a desirable temperature, it can further
be appreciated how such systems can impose a substantial burden on
power generation facilities. To mitigate these potential burdens on
power infrastructure, many electricity providers impose a
time-of-use (TOU) pricing schedule--e.g. charging more for
providing electricity during the day where the demand for
electricity/cooling is typically greater--so as to address load
balancing/intermittency problems on the grid. Consequently, to take
advantage of the tiered pricing, many electricity consumers have
focused on developing/implementing energy storage technologies
enabling them to purchase energy at a lower rate (e.g. during
middle of the night), and store it for use during the day (when the
cost of electricity is higher). As can be appreciated, this energy
storage behind-the-meter can provide a substantial economic benefit
for such TOU customers. Note that this economic benefit is
accentuated when the consumer has a very small load factor defined
as the average load divided by maximum load in a given time
period.
[0047] Thermal energy storage (TES) refers to accruing thermal
energy, and storing it for later use, and is often implemented in
the context of air conditioning systems. For example, in some
instances, flake and slushy ice is regularly generated to maintain
the temperature of products during transport or display; such
methods surround the products such as poultry and fish directly
with a phase change material (PCM) such as ice or brine. In U.S.
Pat. No. 4,280,335, a method for utilizing an ice bank PCM to
provide cooling load for cooled display cases and the `heating
ventilating, and air conditioning` ("HVAC") system of a supermarket
is enumerated. In this method, coolant in the form of liquid water
is produced from the ice bank and is pumped to display cases and
the HVAC system to offset energy consumption. The disclosure of
U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,335 is incorporated by reference herein. Other
notable prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,339, which presents
an apparatus that couples to an existing refrigeration system to
cool a PCM. This PCM TES is then utilized to offset electricity
demand by subcooling the liquid refrigerant of a second auxiliary
refrigeration circuit in order to increase its cooling capacity and
improve the refrigeration system's efficiency during discharge
mode. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,339 is incorporated by
reference herein.
[0048] Although previous methods for storing thermal energy within
the context of air conditioning systems have been effective to some
extent, the current state of the art can benefit from more robust
and effective methods for storing and using stored thermal energy.
For example, many prior art air conditioning systems that rely on
the implementation of a vapor-compression cycle and incorporate
thermal energy storage mechanisms are not configured such that the
associated thermal energy storage unit can be principally relied on
to provide cooling to the same extent as when the air conditioning
system utilizes a powered condenser/compressor (e.g. powered by the
grid). Rather, many such systems utilize an included thermal energy
storage unit as a supplemental mechanism to facilitate cooling;
e.g. in many such systems, separate compressor and condenser units
are still relied on to effectuate the vapor-compression cycle.
Alternatively, in a number of such systems, the included thermal
energy storage unit can be principally relied on to provide for
cooling, but not to the same extent as when the air conditioning
system utilizes condenser/compressor units. Although not as robust,
such systems may find use where precise cooling temperatures are
not required--e.g. the cooling of a living quarters. By contrast,
such systems may not be sufficient in situations such as
refrigeration, where precise cooling temperatures are desired.
[0049] Against this backdrop, many embodiments of the invention
implement air conditioning systems whereby a hot/cold thermal
energy storage units and potentially a hot water storage system are
included within an air conditioning circuit, where the air
conditioning system is configured such that a desired temperature
for a target space can be maintained irrespective of whether the
hot/cold thermal energy storage unit is being principally relied on
to heat/cool the target space or whether the air conditioning
system is relying on a separately powered condensing unit (e.g.
including a compressor unit and a condenser unit) to help heat/cool
the target space, and where heat energy created during the process
can be used for a secondary purpose, such as, for example heating
water. For example, in a number of embodiments, an air conditioning
system incorporates a hot/cold thermal energy storage devices that
are configured to be heated/cooled to a temperature lower than that
desired for a targeted space. For instance, the air conditioning
system can utilize an incorporated powered condensing unit to
heat/cool the hot/cold thermal energy storage unit to a temperature
higher/lower than that desired for a targeted space; note that the
air conditioning system can be configured such that it can
simultaneously utilize the powered condensing unit to
establish/maintain the desired temperature for the targeted space.
The air conditioning system can further be configured such that the
thermal energy stored in the hot/cold thermal energy storage units
(which was heated/cooled to a temperature higher/lower than that
desired for the target space) can thereafter be principally relied
on (e.g. substantially without the assistance of a powered
condensing unit) to establish/maintain the desired temperature for
the targeted space for at least some period of time. In many
embodiments, the air conditioning system is configured such that
the hot/cold thermal energy storage units can be heated/cooled to a
temperature higher/lower than that desired for the target space
such that--when the hot/cold thermal energy storage unit is
principally relied on to heat/cool the target space--the associated
working fluid is iteratively circulated through the target space
and the hot/cold thermal energy storage unit such that: (1) as the
working fluid passes through the target space it redistributes heat
within the target space so that the desired temperature for the
target space can be established/maintained, and (2) when the
working fluid passes through the hot/cold thermal energy storage
unit, the temperature of the hot/cold thermal energy storage unit
is sufficient to cause a change in the vapor phase of the working
fluid, e.g. so that it can be reintroduced to the target space to
continue to redistribute heat.
[0050] In a number of embodiments, these configurations can allow
for any included compressors or condensers to be deactivated when
the thermal energy storage unit is being principally relied on to
provide heating/cooling; in other words, the target space can be
heated/cooled to the desired temperature even in the absence of the
operation of condensers and compressors. As can be appreciated, the
operation of the compressors and condensers is the principal source
of energy consumption for many air conditioning systems.
Accordingly, many embodiments utilize various configurations of
components and operational modes to reduce the energy consumption
from the condensers and compressors that may be used. Likewise the
use of hot/cold thermal energy stores can reduce the component
redundancy that can arise one or more system may be needed for the
same space. Furthermore, the systems may also be able to scavenge
and store heat from space heating and/or hot water generation
services in the hot/cold thermal store to be used to heat a water
store and/or provide space heating when it is inefficient to run a
heat pump (such as when the environmental temperature is very
low).
[0051] In general, such air conditioning systems can provide for
substantial energy efficiency and financial savings. Moreover, such
systems can further be utilized for their inherent ability to
provide effective backup services, e.g. in the case of a power
disruption. Configurations for air conditioning systems, along with
their respective operation, in accordance with many embodiments of
the invention are now discussed below.
Configurations for, and the Operation of Air Conditioning Systems
Incorporating Hot and Cold Thermal Energy Storage Devices
[0052] In many embodiments, air conditioning systems incorporate
both hot and cold thermal energy storage units within a refrigerant
circuit such that a desired temperature for a target space can be
established/maintained irrespective of whether an included
condensing unit is being relied on or whether an included cold
thermal energy storage unit is being relied on--e.g. without the
assistance of the powered condensing unit. In numerous embodiments,
air conditioning systems are configured to be operable to establish
and/or maintain a temperature for the included cold thermal energy
storage unit that is lower than the temperature desired for the
target space, while simultaneously cooling the target space to the
desired temperature. In this way, the thermal energy storage unit
can thereafter be principally relied on--e.g. without the
assistance of a powered condensing unit--to cool the target space
to the same extent that the included, powered, condensing unit can.
Note that, as can be appreciated, the air conditioning system may
still require power for operation of ancillary components.
[0053] In many embodiments, air conditioning systems are configured
with a hot thermal store with one discharge connection, a cold
thermal store with one suction connection, and a bypass connection
between the liquid pressurizer/distributor ensemble and the suction
gas pressurizer/distributor ensemble, as illustrated in FIGS.
1A-1k. Note that throughout all of the figures depicted in the
instant application, valves may not be explicitly depicted.
However, as can be appreciated, valves can be implemented any of
the depicted figures to facilitate the desired flow. In any case,
FIG. 1A illustrates a configuration and components of an embodiment
of an air conditioning system 100 while not in operation; more
specifically, FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of an air
conditioning system 100 that includes a condensing unit 102, a
target space 104, a discharge gas distributor ensemble 106, a
liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble 108, a cold thermal
energy storage unit 110, a hot thermal store 112, a water store
114, and a suction gas pressurizer and distributor ensemble 116,
all of which are operatively interconnected by piping such that a
vapor-compression cycle can be implemented to heat or cool the
target space 104 using either the condensing unit 102 or the cold
or hot thermal energy storage units (110/112), and further
configured such that a working fluid can be circulated through the
cold or hot energy storage units (110/112), water store 114, and
the target space 104 to transport heat as desired. Importantly,
within the context of this application, the suction gas pressurizer
and distributor ensemble 116 is sometimes referred to as the
`suction gas/equalizer ensemble` or `suction gas/equalizer,` or
`suction gas equalizer/distributor ensemble`, or `suction gas
equalizer/distributor,` or the like. Additionally, within the
context of this application, the hot or cold thermal energy storage
units may be referred to as hot or cold energy store, hot or cold
thermal store, hot or cold thermal energy store, or the like.
Furthermore, as can be appreciated within the context of the
application, references to e.g. low temperature/pressure and high
temperature/pressure are relative, and can be understood to be
interpreted within the context of a vapor compression cycle.
[0054] The condensing unit 102 is generally operable to pressurize
and/or condense received low pressure, low temperature vapor phase
working fluid (e.g. exiting from the target space 104 and/or the
thermal energy storage unit (112/110)) such that it changes phase
to a high temperature, high pressure liquid, e.g. within the
context of a vapor-compression cycle. In addition, the condensing
unit 102 is also generally operable to expand, evaporate and/or
pressurize received high pressure liquid phase working fluid (e.g.
exiting from the target space 104 and/or the thermal energy storage
unit (112/110) such that it changes phase to a high temperature,
high pressure vapor, e.g. within the context of a vapor-compression
cycle. Although the condensing unit 102 is depicted schematically,
it should be appreciated that it can be implemented using any of
variety of schemes. For example, in many embodiments, the
condensing unit 102 comprises a compressor--to compress received
vapor phase working fluid--and a heat exchanger and expansion valve
to act as condenser to condense the high pressure vapor phase
working fluid to a liquid phase working fluid or act as an
evaporator to expand and evaporate high pressure liquid phase
working fluid to a vapor phase working fluid. Of course, to be
clear, a condensing unit can be effectuated in any of a variety of
ways in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Examples of
some of the condensing units that can be implemented in the
depicted figures are discussed in subsequent sections below.
[0055] The discharge gas distributor ensemble 106 and liquid
pressurizer and distributor ensemble 108 generally operate to
regulate pressure and/or circulate working fluid as desired to
facilitate the operation of the air conditioning system in
accordance with any of its various operating modes. For example,
the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble 108 can circulate
working fluid through the thermal energy storage units (110/112),
through the target space 104, or simultaneously through each of the
hot/cold thermal energy storage unit (110/112) and the target space
104. In general, the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble
108 functions to accept liquid phase flow from any connected
components, alter the flow pressure as necessary (if appropriate),
and/or distribute the received flow to an appropriate connected
component in accordance with any of the air conditioning system's
operating modes. Additionally, note that the liquid pressurizer and
distributor ensemble 108 can be implemented using any of a variety
of components. For example, any suitable pump can be used to
pressurize received liquid phase working fluid, and any suitable
control apparatus can be implemented to redirect the working fluid
as desired. To be clear, embodiments of the invention are not
limited to the implementation of particular configurations for
liquid pressurizer and distributor ensembles. Examples of some of
the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensembles that can be
incorporated are discussed in subsequent sections below.
Importantly, within the context of the instant application, the
term `liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble` can reference
even those devices that are only operable to controllably
distribute liquid phase working fluid. Additionally, within the
context of this application, the liquid pressurizer and distributor
ensemble is sometimes referred to as the `liquid
pressurizer/distributor ensemble` or `liquid
pressurizer/distributor,` or the like.
[0056] The target space 104 includes the target of the
heating/cooling efforts. As can be appreciated, in many
embodiments, the target space may further include an expansion
device operable to reduce the pressure and temperature of a
received working fluid (e.g. such that a vapor-compression cycle
can be implemented). Although the target space 104 is depicted
schematically, it should be appreciated that any suitable target
space can be implemented in accordance with many embodiments of the
invention, including other heating/cooling racks and units that may
be used in combination with the current system. For example, in
many embodiments, the target space 104 is a living quarters. In a
number of embodiments, the target space 104 is an evaporator (e.g.
in the context of refrigeration). Additionally, while FIG. 1A
schematically depicts a single contiguous volume that is a target
space, in many embodiments, the target space may include a
plurality of discrete volumes; corresponding piping can be
implemented such that working fluid can circulate through each of
the plurality of volumes within the target space. For example the
target space may include multiple volumes such as multiple zones in
a home or office building or multiple refrigeration and/or heating
devices such as store front display cases that are interconnected.
In some embodiments, a primary target space may also be used to
direct working fluid to one or more other target spaces within the
system. Such embodiments may be further illustrated by U.S. Pat.
No. 9,945,588, incorporated herein by reference. In any case, it
should be clear that any suitable space can be the target of
cooling/heating efforts in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0057] The suction gas pressurizer and distributor ensemble 116
generally operates to prepare and/or distribute received vapor
phase working fluid for further treatment, e.g. for sending to the
condensing unit 102 or sending to the cold thermal energy storage
unit 110. In a number of embodiments, the suction gas/equalizer
ensemble 116 is configured to pressurize (or depressurize) received
vapor phase working fluid so that it is suitable to be received by
further respective treatment modules. For example, in some
embodiments, the condensing unit 102 requires receipt of vapor
phase working fluid within a specified pressure range. Similarly,
in a number of embodiments, the cold thermal energy storage unit
110 requires receipt of vapor phase working fluid within a
specified pressure range. Moreover, as with the liquid pressurizer
and distributor ensemble 108, the suction gas/equalizer ensemble
116 can be implemented using any of a variety of components. For
example, any of a number of pressure regulating mechanisms (e.g.
compressors and pressure regulators) can be incorporated with any
of a variety of fluid control mechanisms to implement the suction
gas/equalizer ensemble. Examples of some of the suction
gas/equalizer ensembles are discussed in subsequent sections
below.
[0058] In accordance with many embodiments, the condensing unit
102, the discharge gas distributor 106, the hot thermal storage
unit 112, water store 114, the target space 104, and the liquid
pressurizer and distributor ensemble 108 may be operatively
connected by piping so as to allow for the circulation of a heated
fluid through the target space 104 to heat it, as well as allow the
circulation of a heated fluid through the hot thermal energy
storage unit and/or water store to store thermal energy. As can be
appreciated, the hot thermal energy storage 112 unit and water
store 114 can be implemented in any of a variety of ways. For
instance, in many embodiments, the hot thermal energy storage 112
unit includes a heat exchanger element embedded in a thermal
storage medium encased in thermal insulation. Further examples of
embodiments of hot thermal energy storage units that can be
incorporated in accordance with embodiments of the invention are
discussed below.
[0059] The cold thermal energy storage unit 110 generally operates
to store thermal energy for subsequent utilization. For instance,
as can be appreciated, the cold thermal energy storage unit can be
cooled to a low temperature, and can operate to retain the cold
temperature for extended periods of time (e.g. substantially
without assistance). For example, thermal energy or cooling
services can be stored within the cold thermal energy storage unit
110 at a time when electricity rates are low, and then used to cool
the target space 104 at a time when electricity rates are high,
thereby mitigating the use of the condensing unit 102. Any suitable
cold thermal energy storage unit 110 can be implemented in
accordance with many embodiments of the invention. For example, in
many embodiments, a heat exchanger element embedded in a phase
change material encased in thermal insulation is implemented to
effectuate the cold thermal energy storage unit 110. Additionally,
as alluded to above, in many embodiments, the air conditioning
system is configured to be operable to establish a temperature for
the cold thermal energy storage unit 110 that is lower than that
desired for the target space 104. This can be achieved in any of a
variety of ways. For example, the cold thermal energy storage unit
110 may include an expansion valve configured to reduce the
pressure and temperature of received working fluid to a greater
extent than any expansion valves incorporated within the target
space 104. Examples of some cold thermal energy storage units that
can be incorporated in accordance with embodiments of the invention
are discussed below.
[0060] Importantly, as can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill
in the art and as discussed above, although the configuration
depicted in FIG. 1A does not specifically illustrate valves, valves
can of course be implemented to control the circulation of working
fluid through the air conditioning system. Indeed, any of a variety
of supplementary components can be incorporated to facilitate the
operation of the air conditioning system in accordance with many
embodiments of the invention. For example, as can be appreciated,
in many embodiments, liquid gas separators are incorporated within
the system to increase operational efficiency of the implemented
vapor-compression cycles. To be clear though, any of a variety of
supplementary components can be incorporated in accordance with
many embodiments of the invention.
[0061] FIG. 1B depicts the operation of the air conditioning system
to provide heating services to the target space 104 with
simultaneously heating of the cold thermal store 110. In the
illustrated embodiment, the condensing unit 102 is powered and is
configured to effectuate a vapor-compression cycle to provide
heating services to the target space 104. Concurrently or
alternatively, the condensing unit 102 is powered to create heated
vapor phase working fluid that can be circulated, e.g. via the
discharge gas distributor 106, through the target space 104. The
heat transfer that occurs between the heated vapor phase working
fluid and the target space 104, typically works to condense the
fluid into a liquid, which can then be returned to the condensing
unit via the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble 108 and
can also be used to store heat energy in the cold thermal store
110. In particular, it is depicted that in the illustrated
embodiment, the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble 108
controls the flow of the working fluid implementing the
vapor-compression cycle as well as the condensed fluid that was
used to heat the target space 104. In this way, it is possible to
shift heat to the cold thermal store 110 so that it can be used as
a subcooler. In other words, it is possible to use otherwise
unutilized heating by heating the cold thermal store 110. The
representational cycle implemented in the configuration shown in
FIG. 1B is shown in the enthalpy/pressure diagram shown in FIG. 1C,
which shows that after heating the target space 104 using the
condensing unit 102, additional heating can be performed on the
cold thermal store 110. In summary, additional heating service to
the cold thermal store 110 in such embodiments does not require
significant additional condensing unit power. The cold thermal
store 110 can be used as a source to heat the water store 114,
target space 104 or the hot thermal store 112 with reduced
condensing unit power if the environmental temperature is below the
cold thermal store temperature.
[0062] FIG. 1D illustrates the operation of the air conditioning
system to show primary heating service being provided by the
condensing unit 102 to the water store 114 via refrigerant
condensation while additional heating is provided to the hot
thermal store 112 by subcooling. As can be appreciated, the process
is similar to that seen in FIGS. 1B and 1C, insofar as the heated
vapor phase working fluid that can be circulated, e.g. via the
discharge gas distributor 106. However, the illustrated embodiment
further depicts that a heated fluid (e.g. compressed vapor phase
heating fluid) is generated within the condensing unit and directed
to the discharge gas distributor 106, which then redirects the
heated gas to the water store 114 and the condensed liquid phase
working fluid to the hot thermal energy storage 112 unit, both of
which are configured to be operable to absorb the heat, and retain
it for subsequent use. In the illustration, this mode of operation
does not provide any air conditioning for the target space. In such
an embodiment, additional heating service to the hot thermal store
112 doesn't require significant additional condensing unit power.
Once the hot thermal store 112 has been heated it can be used as a
source to heat the water store 114 or the target space 104 with
reduce condensing unit power if the outside environmental
temperature is below the hot thermal store 112 temperature.
[0063] FIG. 1E illustrates the operation of the air conditioning
system to show primary heating service being provided by the
condensing unit 102 to the water store 114 via refrigerant
condensation while additional heating is provided to the hot
thermal store 112 and cold thermal store 110 by subcooling. As can
be appreciated, the process is similar to that seen in FIG. 1D and,
insofar as a heated fluid (e.g. compressed vapor phase heating
fluid) is generated within the condensing unit and directed to the
discharge gas distributor 106, which then redirects the heated gas
to the water store 114, which is configured to be operable to
absorb the heat, and retain it for subsequent use. However, in
addition the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble 108 is
used to aggregate the condensed fluid that previously served to
heat the water store 114 to further heat the hot thermal store 112
and the cold thermal store 110 and to deliver it to the condensing
unit for heating and further circulation. In the illustration, this
mode of operation does not provide any air conditioning for the
target space. In such an embodiment, it is shown that heating the
water store 114 can further be combined with simultaneously heating
the hot thermal store 112 and cold thermal store 110. The
representational cycle implemented in the configuration shown in
FIG. 1E is shown in the enthalpy/pressure diagram shown in FIG. 1F,
which shows that after heating the water store 114 using the
condensing unit 102, additional heating can be provided to the hot
and cold thermal stores (112/110).
[0064] FIG. 1G depicts the heating of the target space 104 in
conjunction with the simultaneous storing of thermal energy within
the hot thermal energy storage unit 112 with the condensing unit
102 via refrigerant condensation while additional heating is
provided to the water store 114 by subcooling. FIG. 1G illustrates
that a portion of the heated fluid is used to provide heating for
the target space 104. In addition, the liquid pressurizer and
distributor ensemble 108 is used to aggregate the condensed fluid
that previously served to heat the target space 104 and the hot
thermal energy storage unit 112 to deliver it to the water store
114 and the condensing unit 102 for heating and further
circulation.
[0065] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1H depicts the heating of
the target space 104 and hot thermal store 112 by the condensing
unit 102 via refrigerant condensation, as well as the storage of
thermal energy within the water store 114 and cold thermal energy
storage unit 110 via subcooling. As can be appreciated, the
illustrated operational mode is similar to that seen with respect
to FIG. 1G, except that the liquid pressurizer and distributor
ensemble 108 is used to heat the cold thermal energy storage unit
110 and the water store 114 simultaneously. In short, this figure
provides an embodiment showing the heating of hot thermal store 112
while simultaneously heating the water store 114 and the cold
thermal store 110.
[0066] FIG. 1I depicts an embodiment showing the simultaneous
heating of the water store 114 services by the condensation unit
102, and the heating of the target space 104 using the hot thermal
store 112 as a heat source. In particular, the figure depicts that
the working fluid is circulated through the hot thermal energy
storage unit 112, the discharge gas distributor 106, into the
target space 104 and back to the liquid pressurizer and distributor
ensemble 108, while the condensing unit 102 circulates heat through
the water store 114 and back to the condensing unit 102 through the
liquid pressurizer/distributor ensemble 108. In summary, this
configuration allows the heating of the Target space 104 directly
from the hot thermal store 112 while the water store 114 is heated
by the condensing unit 102 operating in a heat pump
configuration.
[0067] FIG. 1J depicts the operation of the air conditioning system
to heat the cold thermal store 110 using the condensing unit 102
using condensing unit compressor power. High pressure, high
temperature discharge gas is sent from the condensing unit 102
through the suction gas connection 116, is condensed in the cold
thermal store 110, and the resulting liquid is sent back to the
condensing unit 102 for expansion, evaporation and compression
services.
[0068] FIG. 1K depicts the heating of the cold thermal store 110 by
the condensing unit 102 without using condensing unit compressor
power when the condensing unit heat exchanger is warmer than the
cold thermal store 110. In such embodiments, low pressure, warm
discharge gas is sent from the condensing unit 102 through the
suction gas connection, is condensed in the cold thermal store 110,
and the resulting liquid is sent back to the condensing unit 102
for evaporation services.
Configurations for and the Operation of Air Conditioning Systems
Incorporating Hot and Cold Thermal Energy Storage Devices with
Multiple Discharge Gas Connections
[0069] In many embodiments, air conditioning systems as described
in FIGS. 1A to 1K can further incorporate a second discharge gas
connection, where the cold thermal store has one suction connection
and a bypass connection between the liquid pressurizer/distributor
ensemble and the suction gas pressurizer/distributor ensemble.
[0070] In many embodiments, air conditioning systems are configured
with a hot thermal store with two discharge connections, a cold
thermal store with one suction connection, and a bypass connection
between the liquid pressurizer/distributor ensemble and the suction
gas pressurizer/distributor ensemble, as illustrated in FIGS.
2A-2C. Note that throughout all of the figures depicted in the
instant application, valves may not be explicitly depicted.
However, as can be appreciated, valves can be implemented any of
the depicted figures to facilitate the desired flow. In any case,
FIG. 2A illustrates the configuration and components of an air
conditioning system while not in operation; more specifically, FIG.
2A illustrates that an air conditioning system includes a
condensing unit 202, a target space 204, a discharge gas
distributor ensemble 206, a liquid pressurizer and distributor
ensemble 208, a cold thermal energy storage unit 210, a hot thermal
store 212, a water store 214, and a suction gas pressurizer and
distributor ensemble 216, all of which are operatively
interconnected by piping such that a vapor-compression cycle can be
implemented to heat or cool the target space using either the
condensing unit 202 or the cold or hot thermal energy storage units
(210/212), and further configured such that a working fluid can be
circulated through the cold or hot energy storage units (210/212),
water store 214, and the target space 204 to transport heat as
desired. Importantly, within the context of this application, the
suction gas pressurizer and distributor ensemble is sometimes
referred to as the `suction gas/equalizer ensemble` or `suction
gas/equalizer,` or `suction gas equalizer/distributor ensemble`, or
`suction gas equalizer/distributor,` or the like. Additionally,
within the context of the application, as can be appreciated,
references to e.g. low temperature/pressure and high
temperature/pressure are relative, and can be understood to be
interpreted within the context of a vapor compression cycle.
[0071] FIG. 2B illustrates how the air conditioning system of FIG.
2A can operate to establish/maintain a desired temperature for the
targeted space 204 principally using the condensing unit, while
simultaneously cooling the hot thermal store 212. In particular,
the bolded lines (and arrows) depict the circulation of a working
fluid so as to implement a vapor-compression cycle that can cool
the target space 204 using the condensing unit 202. More
specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the condensing unit
202 acts to condense incoming vapor phase working fluid that is low
pressure, low temperature to a (relatively) high temperature, high
pressure liquid phase. As mentioned above, the condensing unit can
be implemented via any suitable mechanism(s) in accordance with
many embodiments of the invention. The high temperature liquid
phase working fluid is then sent to the liquid pressure and
distributor ensemble 208 where it is pressurized, if necessary, and
directed to the target space 204. At the target space, the working
fluid is made to expand so that it experiences a pressure drop and
a correlated temperature drop; in this way, the low pressure, low
temperature saturated fluid can continue its circulation through
the target space and absorb heat from the target space.
Consequently, the working fluid is made to evaporate. As mentioned
above, the target space can be any suitable space in accordance
with certain embodiments of the invention, including but not
limited to a living quarters or an evaporator. The low pressure,
low temperature vapor phase working fluid is subsequently
redirected to the suction gas/equalizer ensemble 216, where it is
pressurized, if necessary, and redirected for re-entry into the
condensing unit 202, e.g. so that the vapor-compression cycle can
continue. At the same time the condensing unit 202 can send low
pressure, low temperature vapor phase working fluid through the
discharge gas distributor ensemble 206 to cool the hot thermal
store 212 and then returned through the discharge gas distributor
ensemble 206 back into the condensing unit 202. Accordingly, it is
seen how the air conditioning system can implement a
vapor-compression cycle using a condensing unit as the heat pump
for simultaneously cooling the target space and hot thermal store.
Needless to say any suitable working fluid can be implemented. For
example, any of a variety of refrigerants can be incorporated. In
summary, by cooling the hot thermal store 212, it can later be used
economically as a condenser if the environmental temperature
exceeds the temperature of the hot thermal store 212.
[0072] The representational cycle implemented in the configuration
shown in FIG. 2B is shown in the enthalpy/pressure diagram shown in
FIG. 2C, which shows the cooling of the target space 204 and the
hot thermal store 212 using the condenser unit 202.
[0073] FIG. 2D depicts an embodiment showing the heating of the
water store 214 using the hot thermal store 212 in conjunction with
the condensing unit 202. In such embodiments, the hot thermal store
212 may be used as the evaporator instead of the condensing unit
202, which would absorb heat at the outside environmental
temperature. Using such embodiments enables a much smaller
condensing unit compressor power to be used to heat the water store
214.
[0074] FIG. 2E depicts the simultaneous heating of the water store
214 and the target space 204 using the hot thermal store 212 as a
heat source in conjunction with the condensing unit 202. As shown,
the operation mode is similar to that seen with respect to FIG.
2D.
Configurations for and the Operation of Air Conditioning Systems
Incorporating Hot and Cold Thermal Energy Storage Devices without
Water Store
[0075] In many embodiments, an air conditioning system includes
distinct hot and cold thermal energy storage units, and is operable
to use them to heat and/or cool, a targeted space, but does not
include a water store. For example, in many embodiments, a hot
thermal energy storage unit is in fluid communication with a
discharge gas distributor ensemble in communication with a
condensing unit. The condensing unit can be made to implement an
operating mode whereby it can boil working fluid such that the
vapor phase working fluid can be transmitted to the target space
for the purposes of heating. This operating mode can be achieved,
for instance, by using a compressor within the condensing unit to
compress low temperature gas to high temperature gas. In this way,
the condensing unit can be considered to include an integrated heat
source, insofar as the integrated compressor can be used to provide
heat as desired. In effect, these configurations can operate to
store thermal energy within the hot and cold thermal energy units
using a powered condensing unit. In this way, a target space can be
air conditioned either via the condensing unit, or either of the
hot thermal energy storage unit or the cold thermal energy storage
unit as appropriate.
[0076] For example, FIGS. 3A-3C depict embodiments of an operation
of an air conditioning system that includes separate thermal energy
storage units for heating and cooling a target space, in accordance
with certain embodiments of the invention. In particular, FIG. 3A
illustrates that the air conditioning system is similar to that
seen in FIG. 1A insofar as it includes: a condensing unit 302, a
target space 304, a liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble
308, a cold thermal energy storage unit 310, and a suction gas
conditioner/distributor 316. FIG. 3A further depicts that the air
conditioning system further includes a hot thermal energy storage
unit 312, a discharge gas distributor 306 and an additional target
space 318. Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the condensing
unit 302 is operable to heat (e.g. boil) working fluid so that the
heated fluid can be used to heat either the hot thermal energy
storage unit 312 or the target space 304. The condensing unit 302,
the discharge gas distributor 306, the hot thermal storage unit
312, the target space 304, and the liquid pressurizer and
distributor ensemble 308 are operatively connected by piping so as
to allow for the circulation of a heated fluid through the target
space 304 to heat it, as well as allow the circulation of a heated
fluid through the hot thermal energy storage unit 312 to store
thermal energy. As can be appreciated, the hot thermal energy
storage unit 312 can be implemented in any of a variety of ways.
For instance, in many embodiments, the hot thermal energy storage
unit includes a heat exchanger element embedded in a phase change
material encased in thermal insulation. Further examples of some
hot thermal energy storage units that can be incorporated in
accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed
below.
[0077] FIG. 3B depicts the operation of the air conditioning system
to provide cooling services to the target space 304 using the
condensing unit 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the condensing
unit 302 is powered and is configured to effectuate a
vapor-compression cycle to provide cooling services to the target
space 304. Concurrently or alternatively, the condensing unit 302
provides liquid phase refrigerant to cool the cold thermal store
310, e.g. via the liquid pressurizer/distributor ensemble 308 and
the suction gas pressurizer/distributor ensemble 316. In the
illustrated embodiment, the suction gas pressurizer/distributor
ensemble 316 is capable of generate lower pressure suction gas from
the cold thermal store 310 while accepting suction gas from target
space 304 such as to cool the cold thermal store 310 to a lower
temperature. It is also depicted that in the illustrated
embodiment, the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble 308
controls the flow of the working fluid implementing the
vapor-compression cycle as well as the condensed fluid used to cool
the target space and charge the cool thermal store 310. In this
way, the condensing unit 302 can operate to provide both cooling
services to the target space and cooling charge to the cold thermal
store 310.
[0078] FIG. 3C illustrates the operation of the air conditioning
system shown in FIG. 3A in a mode where by the cold thermal store
310 is not receiving cooling services and instead the suction gas
pressurizer/distributor ensemble 316 is used to effectuate cooling
services for target space 304 and target space 318 at different
temperatures. By utilizing the suction gas pressurizer/distributor
ensemble 316 according to embodiments, the nominally 1-stage vapor
compression cycle can become a multi-stage cycle, improving the
efficiency of the target space cooling operations. This embodiment
may be used, in particular, for a version of a refrigeration system
factory mounted into a refrigeration rack. In many embodiments, a
similar cycle could still be used when the cold thermal store is
charging or discharging.
Configurations for and the Operation of Air Conditioning Systems
Incorporating Cold Thermal Energy Storage
[0079] In many embodiments, an air conditioning system 400 includes
only a cold thermal energy storage 410 unit, in combination with a
condensing unit 402, a liquid pressurizer/distributor ensemble 408,
and a suction gas conditioner/distributor 416 to cool and/or heat,
a targeted space 404. For example, FIG. 4A illustrates an
embodiment of an air conditioning system 400 that can utilize the
cold thermal energy storage 410 as a subcooler in both heating and
cooling modes to enhance the utilization of the cold thermal
storage 410.
[0080] FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of an air conditioning
system from FIG. 4A that can use the cold thermal storage 410 as a
subcooler to provide more efficient heating to the target space
404. For example, FIG. 4B depicts the operation of the air
conditioning system to provide heating services to the target space
404 with simultaneously heating the cold thermal store 410. In the
illustrated embodiment, the condensing unit 402 may be powered and
is configured to effectuate a vapor-compression cycle to provide
heating services to the target space 404. The heat transfer that
occurs between the heated vapor phase working fluid and the target
space 404, typically works to condense the fluid into a liquid,
which can then be returned to the condensing unit via the liquid
pressurizer and distributor ensemble 408 and can also be used to
heat the cold thermal store 410. In particular, it is depicted that
in the illustrated embodiment, the liquid pressurizer and
distributor ensemble 408 controls the flow of the working fluid
implementing the vapor-compression cycle as well as the condensed
fluid that was used to heat the target space 404. In this way, the
condensing unit 402 can operate to provide both heating and
cooling. In addition, it is possible to shift heat to the cold
thermal store 410 by using it as a subcooler. In such embodiments,
the liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble 408 can then pass
the subcooled liquid to the condensing unit 402 where it can be
recycled back to the target space. A major benefit of embodiments
using the cold thermal store 410 as a subcooler is that unutilized
heat energy could be captured and used later to provide more energy
efficient heating.
[0081] The representational cycle implemented in the configuration
shown in FIG. 4B is shown in the enthalpy/pressure diagram shown in
FIG. 4C, which shows that after heating the target space 404 using
the condensing unit 402, additional heating can be performed on the
cold thermal store 410. In summary, additional heating service to
the cold thermal store 410 in such embodiments may not require
significant additional condensing unit power. Stored heating in the
thermal store 410 can be used as a source to heat the Target space
404 with reduced condensing unit power if the environmental
temperature is below the cold thermal store temperature.
[0082] In some embodiments, the cold thermal store 410 may be used
for target space cooling as a subcooler in a manner similar to but
opposite to the heating method previously described. For example,
FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment of an air conditioning system 400
in use for cooling a target space 404. The liquid pressurizer and
distributor ensemble 408 moves the liquid phase working fluid
through the cold thermal store to subcool the liquid before it
passes to the target space 404. Thus, increasing the cooling
capability of the working fluid within the context of a vapor
compression cycle. Accordingly, the energy required to cool the
working fluid can be reduced as the working fluid absorbs heat from
the target space 404 and is moved to the condensing unit 402 by the
suction gas pressurizer/distributor ensemble 416. FIG. 4E
illustrates the effects of subcooling in the context of target
space cooling in an associated enthalpy/pressure diagram. The
amount of enthalpy to be gained by the working fluid in the target
space cooling is significantly increased by using the cool thermal
store to subcool the working fluid.
[0083] Turning now to FIG. 4F some embodiments may use the cold
thermal store 410 as an evaporator during the heating of the target
space 404. The cold thermal store can act to provide heat to the
expanded low pressure, low temperature working fluid provided by
the target space 404 thereby heating or evaporating the working
fluid while simultaneously cooling the cold thermal store. 410.
Subsequently, the suction gas pressurizer/distributor ensemble 416
can direct the vapor phase working fluid to the condensing unit
which would require reduced condensing power usage to provide a
heated vapor to the target space.
[0084] In other embodiments, the condensing unit 402 may be used in
to heat the cold thermal store 410 by working in connection with
the suction gas pressurizer/distributor ensemble 416 to pull heated
discharge gas from the condensing unit 402 and distributing it to
the cold thermal store 410. For example, FIG. 4G illustrates a
working flow of how such embodiments may be implemented in
accordance with embodiments of the invention. Such embodiments can
act to heat the cold thermal store while simultaneously cooling the
working fluid provided to the condensing unit 402. Accordingly,
FIG. 4H illustrates the enthalpy/pressure diagram of embodiments
where the cold thermal store 410 is heated by the hot discharge gas
from the condensing unit. Such embodiments can allow for higher
heating rates of the cold thermal store 410 for later heating of
the target space 404.
[0085] Similar to FIG. 4H, FIG. 4I illustrates an embodiment of
heating the cold thermal store 410 to achieve improved condensing
unit efficiency. However, in such embodiments, the heating is
managed by using the suction gas pressurizer/distributor ensemble
416 to distribute a warmed gas generated without the condensing
unit 402 compressor operation to the cold thermal store 410. Such
embodiments can function similar to subcooling in the heating
process of the cold thermal store 410.
[0086] Accordingly, FIG. 4J illustrates the enthalpy/pressure
diagram of embodiments where the cold thermal store 410 is heated
by the warmed suction gas from the condensing unit. Such
embodiments can allow the cold thermal store 410 to absorb heat
provided by the ambient environment with minimal power consumption
by the condensing unit 402 for later economic heating of the target
space 404 when ambient temperatures become lower than the
temperature of the cold thermal store.
Configurations for and the Operation of Air Conditioning Systems
Incorporating Cold Thermal Energy Storage in Conjunction with a
Water Store
[0087] In accordance with many embodiments, the air conditioning
system as illustrated above may be augmented with other components
that can aid in the efficiency of heating and cooling. For example,
FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of an air conditioning system 500
that uses a cold thermal store 510 but may also incorporate the use
of a water store 514. In many embodiments, the water store 514 may
be operatively connected to the condensing unit as well as the
target space 504 through piping connected to a discharge gas
distributor ensemble 506 and a liquid pressurizer and distributor
ensemble 508. In accordance with some embodiments, the condensing
unit 502 can be made to implement an operating mode whereby it can
boil working fluid such that the vapor phase working fluid can
transmit heat to the water store. This operating mode can be
achieved, for instance, by using a compressor within the condensing
unit to compress low temperature gas to high temperature gas. In
this way, the condensing unit can be considered to include an
integrated heat source, insofar as the integrated, expansion valve,
evaporator and compressor can be used to convert liquid phase
working fluid to high temperature, high pressure working fluid as
desired. In effect, these configurations can operate to store
thermal energy within the water store 514 and cold thermal store
510 using a powered condensing unit. In this way, a target space
can be air conditioned either via the condensing unit 502, or the
cold thermal energy store 510 unit as appropriate.
[0088] Many such embodiments can be illustrated by the flow of
working fluid diagram in FIG. 5B. The water store 514 is heated by
the discharge gas from the condensing unit 502 while simultaneously
the cold thermal store 510 expands and evaporates the working fluid
and receives cooling services. In addition, liquid phase working
fluid can be further subcooled by low temperature, low pressure
suction gas internally in the condensing unit 502. The two
processes illustrated in FIG. 5B act to simultaneously heat the
water store 514 and cool the cold thermal store 510 according to
many embodiments.
[0089] In other embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 5C the cold
thermal store can be used to subcool the working fluid as it is
removed from the water store 514 by way of the liquid pressurizer
and distributor ensemble 508 and subsequently moved through the
cold thermal store 510 and distributed to the condensing unit. Such
embodiments can act to capture the remaining heat from the working
fluid in the cold thermal store 510 to be used at a later time and
help to reduce the condensing unit power requirements to heat the
water store, or, although not shown, for heating the target space
504.
[0090] Similar to FIG. 5B, FIG. 5D illustrates that in some
embodiments no subcooling in the condensing unit 502 is
effectuated.
Embodiments of a Condensing Unit for Use in Air Conditioning
Systems
[0091] As previously discussed, many air conditioning systems may
implement a condensing unit to pressurize and/or condense received
low pressure, low temperature vapor phase working fluid (e.g.
exiting from a target space and/or a thermal energy storage unit
such that it changes phase to a high temperature, high pressure
liquid, e.g. within the context of a vapor-compression cycle. For
example, FIGS. 6A-6I illustrate embodiments of a condensing unit
and operational formats of such embodiments for use within the
context of a vapor-compression cycle. FIG. 6A illustrates an
embodiment of a condensing unit 600 that comprises a compressor 602
(operable to compress received vapor phase working fluid) and a
condenser/evaporator 604 to condense the high pressure vapor phase
working fluid to a liquid phase working fluid or evaporate the low
pressure liquid phase working fluid to a vapor phase working fluid
depending on the mode of operation. Many embodiments may include
other components for operation within the context of a
vapor-compression cycle and an air conditioning system such as an
expansion valve 606 and one or more additional valves (not shown)
to direct the flow of the working fluid into and out of the
condensing unit 600. Additionally, although not show, some
embodiments may incorporate a power source such that the condensing
unit 600 has a power supply so that it can utilize external power
to operate the various components within the unit.
[0092] As can be understood by embodiments of an air conditioning
system, many embodiments of a condensing unit 600 may be configured
to function in one or more manners or modes of operation within the
context of a vapor-compression cycle. For example, FIG. 6B
illustrates an embodiment where the condensing unit 600 operates to
send a discharge gas through suction or a discharge connection (not
shown) with the discharge gas going to suction. Many such
embodiments may operate where the condenser/evaporator 604 receives
a low pressure liquid phase working fluid and evaporates it into a
vapor phase working fluid subsequently transferring the vapor phase
working fluid to a compressor 602 that compressed the vapor phase
working fluid into a high pressure high temperature vapor.
Directional flows of a working fluid, can be further illustrated by
the corresponding flow lines shown in FIGS. 6B to 6D. Accordingly,
some embodiments may operate in manner similar to that shown in
FIG. 6C, where a discharge gas is sent through a suction or
discharge connection with the discharge gas going to discharge. In
other embodiments, the working fluid may be evaporated and sent out
as warmed suction gas as illustrated in FIG. 6D.
[0093] In accordance with many embodiments, the condensing unit 600
may incorporate other components with one or more fluid connections
that can help improve the functionality of the condensing unit. For
example, FIG. 6E illustrates an embodiment of a condensing unit 600
with the addition of a liquid suction line heat exchanger 608. As
can be appreciated, the suction line heat exchanger 608 may be
capable of providing suction gas warming for the compressor 602 as
well as liquid cooling for the condenser/evaporator 604 in any
desired mode of operation, such as heating or cooling a target
space or one or more thermal energy stores.
[0094] In some embodiments, the liquid suction line heat exchanger
may operate to transfer heat between the liquid line 610 and the
suction line 612 within the context of a vapor-compression cycle
and/or embodiments of an air conditioning system. Accordingly, some
embodiments may only implement a single discharge line 614. FIG. 6F
illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a condensing unit 600
outfitted with a liquid suction line heat exchanger 608 in an
embodiment of a mode of operation with various suction and
discharge lines so indicated. In accordance with many embodiments,
condensing units may also incorporate more than one discharge line
614, as illustrated in FIGS. 6G and 6H.
[0095] Referring now to FIG. 6I, it can be appreciated that some
embodiments of a condensing unit 600 may not be conformed within a
single form factor. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6H some
embodiments may place the components of a condensing unit within a
single form factor which may be desirable for some operations or
configurations. However, many embodiments may create a separate
enclosure 601 for the condenser/evaporator 604 and the expansion
valve 606. Although some embodiments may use one or more enclosures
for the various components of a condensing unit 600, it should be
understood that the combination of components, regardless of form
factor is what may be considered the condensing unit 600.
Embodiments of a Water Store for Implementation within Air
Conditioning Systems
[0096] In many embodiments, water stores 700 may be implemented
that are suitable to be incorporated within many of the above
described air conditioning system configurations. For example, FIG.
7A depicts an embodiment of a water store 700 with various
components that help to effectuate the energy transfer to/from the
working fluid. Some embodiments of a water store 700 may include a
tank 702 capable of holding a specified volume of water. In
accordance with many embodiments, a heat exchanger 704 may be
positioned within the water store such that it may transfer the
heat to/from the working fluid to/from the water within the tank
702. In many embodiments, the water may be supplied or removed by
one or more valves 708. Additionally, many embodiments may
incorporate an immersion heater 706 that may be positioned within
the water as an alternative method of heating the water within the
tank 702.
[0097] In accordance with many embodiments, the heat exchanger 704
may be in the form of heat exchanging coils that are present within
a tank volume 702. In such embodiments, a heat pump water tank
configuration is implemented whereby hot gaseous refrigerant is
sent through the coils, condenses and transfers heat into the
volume of water contained in the tank. In other embodiments, as
shown in FIG. 7B, a water store 700 is provided whereby a heat
exchanger 704 is located outside of the tank volume 702 and is
connected to a circulation pump 710. The circulation pump 710, in
accordance with many embodiments, is configured to pump water from
the tank volume 702 through the heat exchanger 704 where the heat
exchanger 704 can subsequently transfer thermal energy to/from the
working fluid. Having such a separate heat exchanger allows the
water store to be used as a heat pump hot water heater or to enable
the scavenging of heat from the water previously heated by a gas
burner for the purposes of space heating.
Embodiments of a Cold Thermal Store for Implementation in Air
Conditioning Systems
[0098] Turning now to FIGS. 8A-8D embodiments of a cold thermal
store and various modes of operation are illustrated. For example,
FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of a cold thermal store 800 with
a heat exchanger 802 that is embedded in a phase change material.
In many embodiments, the phase change material may be any number of
materials suitable for efficient thermal energy transfer. In many
embodiments, the cold thermal store 800 may also be configured with
an expansion valve and one or more flow control valves (not shown)
that may control the flow of fluid into and out of the cold thermal
store 800. Additional embodiments may include a bypass line 806
that is configured to bypass the expansion valve in accordance with
various modes of operation.
[0099] FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of a cold thermal store
800 with two liquid connections 810 to illustrate the capability of
the cold thermal store 800 to move fluid through the component and
return to a liquid pressurizer/dispensing ensemble (not shown). For
example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B illustrates a cold thermal
store in a cooling or freezing phase. In such embodiments, a liquid
phase working fluid enters the cold thermal store 800 and is
expanded to a low temperature and low pressure through the
expansion valve 804. The heat exchanger 802 subsequently operates
to evaporate the working fluid to a low temperature low pressure
vapor phase suction gas that can then be redistributed to various
components of an air conditioning system. In other words, FIG. 8B
illustrates cooling services being provided in the cold thermal
store 800 for future use.
[0100] For example, FIG. 8C illustrates a mode of operation of a
cold thermal store 800 where the cold thermal store 800 may be
operable to provide cooling services to a target space by
condensing a suction gas to a low temperature low pressure
liquid.
[0101] Alternatively, some embodiments many be operable to provide
cooling or heating of the cold thermal store based on the
temperature of the entering working fluid as illustrated in FIG.
8D. In these embodiments the cold thermal store 800 may be utilized
as a subcooler to cool the working fluid to such a temperature that
a condensing unit (not shown) would not be required to use as much
condensing unit power as is illustrated by the flow in FIG. 8D.
[0102] In accordance with many embodiments, it should be understood
that many embodiments of an air conditioning system and various
components used therein may implement additional elements such as
control systems and mechanisms that can allow for embodiments to be
utilized at different times to take advantage of the efficiencies
of the embodiments of the invention. For example, many embodiments
may incorporate computer control systems to control various
elements of embodiments of the invention, such as the cold thermal
store, such that they can be used in the most efficient manner
possible, such as during peak or off-peak energy usage times.
Ejectors for Implementation within Air Conditioning Systems
[0103] In many embodiments, configurations of ejectors are
implemented that are suitable to be incorporated within many of the
above described air conditioning system configurations.
[0104] Conventional systems use normal pumps in combination with a
special valve ejector. In a vapor compression cycle the most
efficient configuration uses an expander (high pressure liquid),
which provides no entropy gain. However, expanders are expensive
and complex so it is preferable to use a simple expansion valve.
However, the use of simple expansion valves destroys usable work in
the process of expanding the fluid and reduces the cycle
efficiency. An ejector enables work that would otherwise be lost to
be transferred to another fluid. In practice high pressure fluid
would go into a valve and expand, but would create a low pressure
region to suck in other fluids and create high pressure fluids. The
biggest drawback to the use of expansion valves is that their
performance is dependent on the internal geometry and dimensions.
Accordingly, a single fixed geometry can't operate across a wide
variety of conditions. In the current system it is possible to know
what pressure addition is needed and the relative mass flow rates.
Accordingly, in many embodiments the inlet condition is configured
so the ejector sees the same condition, such as, for example, by
cooling the injector and increasing the pressure to an arbitrarily
high pressure.
[0105] In many embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, to make
steady flow rate a bank of expansion valves are provided that can
be opened and closed as needed to maintain a suitable mass flow
rate. In particular, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, an ejector
bank 902 is configured utilizing a subcooling heat exchanger 904,
and a hydraulic accumulator 906. In such an embodiment the fluid
goes to the subcooler 904 and is then pressurized with a pump 908
and the pressure is maintained by the hydraulic accumulator 906.
Depending on the capacity needed for a particular operation, a
suitable number of ejectors can be opened and closed.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, in other embodiments the
temperature and pressure control in the system is controlled by
implementing a bypass valve 910 between the pump 908 and reservoir
912.
[0106] FIG. 9C provides a enthalpy/pressure diagram depicting the
processes of subcooling and pressurizing inlet refrigerant to the
ejector bank so as to provide fixed inlet conditions irrespective
of the initial liquid temperature or pressure. As discussed, the
performance of an ejector is highly dependent on its geometry in
relation to the inlet conditions of the inlet streams. The
difficulty utilizing ejectors in vapor compression cycles to date
have been the wide array of inlet conditions they are exposed to,
causing performance to vary drastically. By fixing ejector inlet
conditions, the mass flow rate of the two inlet streams and the
pressure boost the value is required to provide, a performant valve
geometry can be identified. Using the embodiments of FIGS. 9A and
9B it is possible to cool and pressurize the liquid such that a
desired fluid pressurization can be attained (as shown in by the
star in FIG. 9C). FIG. 9D provides a P-h diagram depicting the
ejector process of combining an inlet stream with a motivating
stream to boost the pressure of the inlet stream, in accordance
with embodiments. FIG. 9E provides a P-h diagram depicting an
ejector based vapor compression cycle, in accordance with
embodiments, where the ejector operating conditions are unaffected
by the condensing pressure required by the cycle.
[0107] FIG. 10A provides an embodiment of an HVAC system
incorporating an ejector system as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. As
shown, many such embodiments incorporate a condensing unit 1002, a
liquid pressurizer/dispensing ensemble 1008, a cold thermal store
1010, a target space 1004 and suction gas pressurizer/distributor
ensemble 1016 whereby the cold thermal store 1010 is able to be
cooled to a lower temperature than the target space 1004 through
the use of an ejector that is provided inlet refrigerant streams of
a controlled inlet pressure and temperature.
[0108] FIG. 10A illustrates the operation of an embodiment of an
HVAC system incorporating an ejector system as shown in FIG. 10A
where the cold thermal store 1010 and target space 1004 are both
receiving cooling services and the cold thermal store 1010 is being
cooled to a lower temperature than the target space 1004.
DOCTRINE OF EQUIVALENTS
[0109] While several alternative configurations for robust air
conditioning systems have been depicted, it should be clear that
any of a variety of robust air conditioning system configurations
can be implemented in accordance with many embodiments of the
invention.
[0110] More generally, as can be inferred from the above
discussion, the above-mentioned concepts can be implemented in a
variety of arrangements in accordance with embodiments of the
invention. Accordingly, although the present invention has been
described in certain specific aspects, many additional
modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in
the art. It is therefore to be understood that the present
invention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described.
Thus, embodiments of the present invention should be considered in
all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *