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Thermal energy storage device and method

  • US 20050172660A1
  • Filed: 02/05/2004
  • Published: 08/11/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/05/2004
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. An air conditioning system, comprising:

  • a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, the refrigerant being a compressible phase change fluid;

    a condensing unit operatively connected to the compressor;

    an evaporator unit and an associated expansion means operatively interconnected to the condensing unit and to the compressor, the evaporator unit being in heat exchange relationship with a supply air stream for an indoor space inside a structure, the compressor being operable to circulate the refrigerant between the condensing unit and the evaporator unit to cool the supply air stream;

    a thermal energy storage unit including a tank having a thermal energy storage medium disposed therein and having an associated heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being operably connected to the compressor and evaporator;

    a refrigerant circulating device for circulating refrigerant through the heat exchanger in the tank and between the tank and the condenser and evaporator;

    wherein the refrigerant circulating device includes a prime mover and an auxiliary liquid which is acted upon by the prime mover, the auxiliary liquid being coupled to the refrigerant, whereby force exerted by the prime mover on the auxiliary liquid is indirectly transferred to the refrigerant.

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