Air conditioning system having compressor-expander in pressurized closed loop system with solar assist and thermal storage

Patent · Tue Dec 27 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:6033527

Edwards, T C; Ecker, A L

An air conditioning system is disclosed for an enclosed space, capable of operating as a heat pump in the winter and as a refrigerator in the summer, of the type employing a unitary compressor and expander having a common rotor with vanes defining enclosed compartments for positive compression and expansion of air. An indoor heat exchanger and outdoor heat exchanger are provided with one being connected between the outlet port of the compresser and the inlet part of the expander and the other being connected from the outlet port of the expander to the inlet port of the compressor thereby to complete a loop which is charged with air. Valves are interposed for effectively interchanging the connections of the heat exchangers so that the indoor heat exchanger is used for warming in winter and cooling in summer. The outdoor heat exchanger is in the form of a solar-directed panel having a heat absorption surface and air passages for convection cooling. Means are provided for exposing the heat absorption surface and closing the air passages in the winter and for shielding the absorption surface and opening the air passages in the summer. A cold storage device is provided to serve as a heat source and to freeze water during the winter and with the melting of the resulting ice augmenting cooling effect during the summer. A heat storage device is also used to store heat during a winter day for release during the winter night. The loop is pressurized with air, the pressure being correctively varied by thermostatic control to vary the heat rate, thereby to maintain a set temperature both winter and summer in the enclosed space. The air in the loop is preferably moistened and a regenerator is optionally provided to increase the capacity of the system under extreme temperature conditions.

• Assignee: Rovac Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 4064705
• OSTI ID: 6033527
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140901* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Space Heating & Cooling
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320101 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Residential Buildings-- (-1987)
AIR CONDITIONERS
APPLIANCES
COLD STORAGE
DESIGN
ELECTRIC APPLIANCES
ENERGY STORAGE
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT PUMPS
HEAT SOURCES
HEAT STORAGE
HEATING SYSTEMS
ICE
REGENERATORS
SOLAR AIR CONDITIONERS
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
SOLAR-ASSISTED HEAT PUMPS
STORAGE