GAS ENGINE DRIVEN HEAT PUMP SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED HEAT RECOVERY AND ENERGY SAVING SUBSYSTEMS
First Claim
1. A method of utilizing a system to generate heated or cooled air for supply to a subject structure comprising:
- supplying pressure-regulated a gaseous fuel to an engine and optional auxiliary heater;
directing engine combustion air through an air cooler device, filter and then into an air-fuel mixture device operable to mix the natural gas or propane with the combustion air;
directing refrigerant through indoor or outdoor heat exchangers depending on whether the system is in a heating or cooling cycle;
directing coolant through said engine such that coolant temperature is raised by waste heat;
when in a cooling cycle;
directing coolant from the engine to an engine temperature control valve that directs the coolant to a radiator that dispenses any excess heat;
when in a heating cycle;
determining an ambient temperature;
if the ambient temperature is below a threshold frost point temperature, directing the engine coolant from the engine to a frost avoidance valve that directs the coolant to outdoor heat exchangers; and
if the ambient temperature is above a threshold frost point temperature, directing the engine coolant from the engine to an indoor heat exchanger.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A gas heat pump system powered by natural gas, propane or similar gaseous fuel is disclosed. The system uses heat recovery and heat addition to manage efficient heating and cooling cycles. In a cooling cycle excess heat is vented to the atmosphere while in a heating cycle, excess heat is used to heat a subject structure and to prevent frost from forming on outdoor heat exchangers. A control system monitors the system'"'"'s operation and corrects abnormal operational conditions or shuts down the system until the system can be manually inspected. The costs of system operation are less than electric systems because of the efficiencies and use of natural gas or propane.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of utilizing a system to generate heated or cooled air for supply to a subject structure comprising:
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supplying pressure-regulated a gaseous fuel to an engine and optional auxiliary heater; directing engine combustion air through an air cooler device, filter and then into an air-fuel mixture device operable to mix the natural gas or propane with the combustion air; directing refrigerant through indoor or outdoor heat exchangers depending on whether the system is in a heating or cooling cycle; directing coolant through said engine such that coolant temperature is raised by waste heat; when in a cooling cycle; directing coolant from the engine to an engine temperature control valve that directs the coolant to a radiator that dispenses any excess heat; when in a heating cycle; determining an ambient temperature; if the ambient temperature is below a threshold frost point temperature, directing the engine coolant from the engine to a frost avoidance valve that directs the coolant to outdoor heat exchangers; and if the ambient temperature is above a threshold frost point temperature, directing the engine coolant from the engine to an indoor heat exchanger. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of utilizing a system to generate heated or cooled air for supply to a subject structure comprising:
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supplying pressure-regulated natural gas or propane to an engine and optional auxiliary heater; directing engine combustion air through an air cooler device, filter and then into an air-fuel mixture device operable to mix the natural gas or propane with the combustion air; directing refrigerant through indoor or outdoor heat exchangers depending on whether the system is in a heating or cooling cycle; directing coolant through said engine such that coolant temperature is raised by waste heat; when in a cooling cycle; directing coolant from the engine to an engine temperature control valve that directs the coolant to a radiator that dispenses any excess heat; when in a heating cycle; determining an ambient temperature; if the ambient temperature is below a threshold frost point temperature, directing the engine coolant from the engine to a frost avoidance valve that directs the coolant to outdoor heat exchangers; if the ambient temperature is above a threshold frost point temperature, directing the engine coolant from the engine to an indoor heat exchanger; and varying engine speed, number of refrigeration compressors running and blower speed in response to a thermostat setting. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of utilizing a system to generate heated or cooled air for supply to a subject structure comprising:
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supplying pressure-regulated a gaseous fuel to an engine and optional auxiliary heater; directing engine combustion air through an air cooler device, filter and then into an air-fuel mixture device operable to mix the natural gas or propane with the combustion air; directing refrigerant through indoor or outdoor heat exchangers depending on whether the system is in a heating or cooling cycle; directing coolant through said engine such that coolant temperature is raised by waste heat; when in a cooling cycle; directing coolant from the engine to an engine temperature control valve that directs the coolant to a radiator that dispenses any excess heat; further exchanging water heat from said engine coolant to a domestic water source; and regulating an amount of heat transferred to said domestic water source by diverting a portion of said hot engine coolant; when in a heating cycle; determining an ambient temperature; if the ambient temperature is below a threshold frost point temperature, directing the engine coolant from the engine to a frost avoidance valve that directs the coolant to outdoor heat exchangers; and if the ambient temperature is above a threshold frost point temperature, directing the engine coolant from the engine to an indoor heat exchanger. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification