Heat pump using phase change materials
First Claim
1. A heat pump apparatus utilizing a phase change material chemical for heating a building, comprising:
- a condenser that functionally releases thermal energy into a building;
a compressor that compresses a working fluid;
an evaporator that takes in thermal energy, and a fan that directs air through the evaporator;
said evaporator having at least one conduit for flow of the working fluid through the evaporator, at least one sealed cavity containing a phase change material chemical, and at least one air path through which surrounding air can flow and transfer heat to said evaporator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed toward compositions of phase change materials derived from fats and oils, and the utilization of such phase change materials in heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. More particularly, the utilization of such phase change materials in a heat pump or air conditioner to significantly increase the efficiency of heat exchange with the surrounding environment. Various embodiments are disclosed including energy storage devices having phase change materials encapsulated between sheets of material to reduce stresses associated with freezing and thawing of the phase change material. A preferred heat pump apparatus utilizes the phase change material in the evaporator, and a smart fan mode of operation to circulate outside air through the evaporator based on approach temperature rather than compressor operation.
85 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A heat pump apparatus utilizing a phase change material chemical for heating a building, comprising:
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a condenser that functionally releases thermal energy into a building;
a compressor that compresses a working fluid;
an evaporator that takes in thermal energy, and a fan that directs air through the evaporator;
said evaporator having at least one conduit for flow of the working fluid through the evaporator, at least one sealed cavity containing a phase change material chemical, and at least one air path through which surrounding air can flow and transfer heat to said evaporator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus utilizing a phase change material chemical for exchanging heat between a fluid and the phase change material chemical, comprising:
a phase change material chemical encapsulated between sheets of thermally conductive material. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of exchanging heat with outside air in an outdoor heat pump unit having an evaporator/condenser and at least one conduit for conducting a flow of working fluid through the evaporator/condenser, and a fan that directs air through the evaporator/condenser, comprising the steps of:
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providing a mass of material having a heat capacity greater than 30 kJ/°
C. in contact with the working fluid conduit in thermal exchange relation, said mass of material absorbs heat and releases heat; and
operating said fan based on the temperature difference between the average temperature of said at least one conduit and the outside ambient temperature;
wherebysaid evaporator/condenser serves as an evaporator in a heating mode of operation, and as a condenser in a cooling mode of operation. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification