Heat cascading regenerative sorption heat pump

• US 5,463,879 A
• Filed: 01/04/1994
• Issued: 11/07/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: California Institute of Technology
• Original Assignee: California Institute of Technology
• Inventors: Jones, Jack A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bennett, Henry A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): DOERRLER, WILLIAM CHARLES
• Application Number:
  US08/177,291
• Time in Patent Office: 672 Days
• Field of Search: 62/476, 62/480, 62/101, 62/467, 62/335
• US Class Current: 62/480
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 15/006 with cascade operation
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 15/02 without inert gas F25B15/004, F25B15/006, F25B15/008, F25B15/12, F25B15/14, F25B15/16 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 17/083 with two or more boiler-sorbers operating alternately
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 17/086 with two or more boiler-sorber/evaporator units
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 2315/002 Generator absorber heat exchanger [GAX]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 30/27 Relating to heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC] technologies
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 30/00 Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 30/52 Heat recovery pumps, i.e. heat pump based systems or units able to transfer the thermal energy from one area of the premises or part of the facilities to a different one, improving the overall efficiency
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 30/62 Absorption based systems

Abstract

A simple heat cascading regenerative sorption heat pump process with rejected or waste heat from a higher temperature chemisorption circuit ("HTCC") powering a lower temperature physisorption circuit ("LTPC") which provides a 30% total improvement over simple regenerative physisorption compression heat pumps when ammonia is both the chemisorbate and physisorbate, and a total improvement of 50% or more for LTPC having two pressure stages. The HTCC contains ammonia and a chemisorbent therefor contained in a plurality of canisters, a condenser-evaporator-radiator system, and a heater, operatively connected together. The LTPC contains ammonia and a physisorbent therefor contained in a plurality of compressors, a condenser-evaporator-radiator system, operatively connected together. A closed heat transfer circuit ("CHTC") is provided which contains a flowing heat transfer liquid ("FHTL") in thermal communication with each canister and each compressor for cascading heat from the HTCC to the LTPC. Heat is regenerated within the LTPC by transferring heat from one compressor to another. In one embodiment the regeneration is performed by another CHTC containing another FHTL in thermal communication with each compressor. In another embodiment the HTCC powers a lower temperature ammonia water absorption circuit ("LTAWAC") which contains a generator-absorber system containing the absorbent, and a condenser-evaporator-radiator system, operatively connected together. The absorbent is water or an absorbent aqueous solution. A CHTC is provided which contains a FHTL in thermal communication with the generator for cascading heat from the HTCC to the LTAWAC. Heat is regenerated within the LTAWAC by transferring heat from the generator to the absorber. The chemical composition of the chemisorbent is different than the chemical composition of the physisorbent, and the absorbent. The chemical composition of the FHTL is different than the chemisorbent, the physisorbent, the absorbent, and ammonia.

Claims

1. A heat cascading regenerative sorption heat pump process with rejected heat from a higher temperature chemisorption circuit powering a lower temperature physical adsorption circuit, the process comprising:

(a) providing a higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit containing ammonia and a chemisorbent, the chemisorbent having a first chemical composition operable for chemisorbing and desorbing ammonia, the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit comprising a plurality of canisters each containing the chemisorbent, first condensing means, first evaporating means for cooling a low temperature heat load, first heating means for heating the chemisorbent to a first upper temperature for desorption of ammonia, and first cooling means for cooling the chemisorbent, operatively connected together, and wherein each canister has a heat transfer element in thermal communication with, but not in fluid communication with the chemisorbent;

(b) providing a lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit containing ammonia and a physical adsorbent, the physical adsorbent having a second chemical composition operable for physically adsorbing and desorbing ammonia, the second chemical composition being different than the first chemical composition, the lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit comprising adsorption/desorption means containing the physical adsorbent, the adsorption/desorption means having a first part for desorbing ammonia and a second part for physically adsorbing ammonia, second condensing means, second evaporating means for cooling a low temperature heat load, second heating means for heating the first part of the adsorption/desorption means and the physical adsorbent therein to a second upper temperature for desorption of ammonia, and second cooling means for rejecting heat therefrom, operatively connected together;

providing at least one first closed heat transfer circuit containing a first heat transfer liquid, the first heat transfer liquid being different than the chemisorbent, the physical adsorbent and ammonia, the first closed heat transfer circuit comprising the heat transfer element of at least one canister, and heat exchange means in thermal communication with the first part of the adsorption/desorption means but not in fluid communication with the physical adsorbent; and

(d) wherein cooling the chemisorbent by the first cooling means is by flowing the first heat transfer liquid through the heat transfer element of the at least one canister, thereby cooling it,

wherein heating the first part of the adsorption/desorption means and the physical adsorbent therein by the second heating means to a second upper temperature for desorption of ammonia is by flowing the first heat transfer liquid from the at least one canister through the heat exchange means thereby heating the first part, and thereby cascading heat from the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit to the lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit; and

(e) regenerating heat within the adsorption/desorption means by transferring heat from the first part thereof to the second part thereof.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the first heating means for heating the chemisorbent to a first upper temperature for desorption of ammonia provides the entire net heat added to the process.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein the second cooling means for rejecting heat from the lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit is by transferring heat from the second part of the adsorption/desorption means to a third low temperature heat sink, thereby cooling the second part of the adsorption/desorption means.

4. The process of claim 1, wherein the chemisorbent is selected from the group consisting of MgCl₂, CaBr₂, SrBr₂, and CoBr₂, and solid inorganic ammoniated complex compounds, and wherein the physical adsorbent is selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, zeolite, alumina and silica gel.

5. A heat cascading regenerative sorption heat pump process with rejected heat from a higher temperature chemisorption circuit powering a lower temperature physical adsorption circuit, the process comprising:

(a) providing a higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit containing ammonia and a chemisorbent therefor, the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit comprising

a plurality of canisters, each containing the chemisorbent, the chemisorbent having a first chemical composition operable for chemisorbing and desorbing ammonia,

first heating means for heating each canister,

first condensing means for transferring heat from ammonia gas to a first low temperature heat sink, and for condensing ammonia gas, and

first evaporating means for evaporating ammonia liquid and forming ammonia gas;

(b) heating, with the first heating means, at least one canister to a first upper temperature and desorbing ammonia from the chemisorbent therein, thereby producing a first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas;

(c) removing the first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas from the at least one canister, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an exiting direction therefrom;

(d) condensing the first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas in the first condensing means thereby forming a first low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid;

(e) converting the first low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid to a first low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid;

(f) evaporating the first low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid in the first evaporating means and forming a first low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas by transferring heat from a first low temperature heat load to the first evaporating means thereby cooling the first low temperature heat load;

(g) transferring the first low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas from the first evaporating means to at least one other canister operating at a first lower temperature which is lower than the first upper temperature and chemisorbing ammonia with the chemisorbent therein, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an entering direction thereto;

(h) providing a lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit containing ammonia and a physical adsorbent therefor, the lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit comprising

adsorption/desorption means containing the physical adsorbent, the physical adsorbent having a second chemical composition operable for physically adsorbing and desorbing ammonia, the second chemical composition being different than the first chemical composition,

second condensing means for transferring heat from ammonia gas to a second low temperature heat sink and for condensing ammonia gas, and

second evaporating means for evaporating ammonia liquid and forming ammonia gas;

(i) heating a first part of the adsorption/desorption means to a second upper temperature and desorbing ammonia from the physical adsorbent therein, thereby producing a second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas, the second upper temperature being lower than the first upper temperature;

(j) removing the second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas from the first part of the adsorption/desorption means, and automatically limiting flow in an exiting direction therefrom;

(k) condensing the second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas in the second condensing means thereby forming a second low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid;

(1) converting the second low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid to a second low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid;

(m) evaporating the second low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid in the second evaporating means and forming a second low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas by transferring heat from a second low temperature heat load to the second evaporating means thereby cooling the second low temperature heat load;

(n) transferring the second low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas from the second evaporating means to a second part of the adsorption/desorption means which is operating at a second lower temperature which is lower than the second upper temperature and physically adsorbing ammonia with the physical adsorbent therein, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an entering direction thereto;

(o) providing at least one first closed heat transfer circuit containing a first heat transfer liquid, the first closed heat transfer circuit comprising

a heat transfer element in thermal communication with each canister but not in fluid communication with the chemisorbent,

heat exchange means in thermal communication with the first part of the adsorption/desorption means but not in fluid communication with the physical adsorbent; and

(p) flowing the first heat transfer liquid through the heat transfer element of at least one canister, and then through the heat exchange means,

wherein heating the first part of the adsorption/desorption means to the second upper temperature comprises the transferring of heat from the flowing first heat transfer liquid to the heat exchange means, and transferring heat from the heat exchange means to the first part of the adsorption/desorption means, thereby cascading heat from the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit to the lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit;

(q) regenerating heat within the adsorption/desorption means by transferring heat from the first part thereof to the second part thereof; and

(r) transferring heat from the second part of the adsorption/desorption means to a third low temperature heat sink, thereby cooling the second part of the adsorption/desorption means.

6. The process of claim 5, wherein heating the at least one canister to the first upper temperature comprises heating the flowing first heat transfer liquid with the first heating means thereby producing a heated flowing first heat transfer liquid, and flowing the heated first heat transfer liquid to the at least one canister, and transferring heat from the heated flowing first heat transfer liquid to the at least one canister.

7. The process of claim 5, wherein heating, with the first heating means, the at least one canister to the first upper temperature is the entire net heat added to the process.

8. The process of claim 5, wherein the first low temperature heat load is an interior space in a structure, and wherein the second low temperature heat load is an interior space in the structure.

9. The process of claim 5, further comprising regenerating heat within the higher temperature chemisorption circuit by transferring heat from at least one hotter temperature canister to at least one cooler temperature canister.

10. The process of claim 5, further comprising, after the flowing first heat transfer liquid has transferred heat to the first part of the adsorption/desorption means, regenerating heat within the higher temperature chemisorption circuit by transferring heat from the flowing first heat transfer liquid to at least another one of the canisters.

11. The process of claim 5, wherein the first condensing means is also the second condensing means, wherein the first evaporating means is also the second evaporating means, and wherein the first low temperature heat load is also the second low temperature heat load.

12. The process of claim 5, wherein the second upper temperature is lower than the first lower temperature.

13. The process of claim 5, wherein the second upper temperature is higher than the first lower temperature.

14. The process of claim 5, further comprising, after flowing the first heat transfer liquid to the heat exchange means of the first part of the adsorption/desorption means, flowing the first heat transfer liquid through the heat transfer element of at least one other canister.

15. The process of claim 5, wherein the third low temperature heat sink is the ambient environment.

16. A heat cascading regenerative sorption heat pump process with rejected heat from a higher temperature chemisorption circuit powering a lower temperature physical adsorption circuit, the process comprising:

(a) providing a higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit containing ammonia and a chemisorbent therefor, the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit comprising

a plurality of canisters, each containing the chemisorbent, the chemisorbent having a first chemical composition operable for chemisorbing and desorbing ammonia,

first heating means for heating each canister,

first condensing means for transferring heat from ammonia gas to a first low temperature heat sink, and for condensing ammonia gas, and

first evaporating means for evaporating ammonia liquid and forming ammonia gas;

(b) heating, with the first heating means, at least one canister to a first upper temperature and desorbing ammonia from the chemisorbent therein, thereby producing a first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas;

(c) removing the first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas from the at least one canister, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an exiting direction therefrom;

(d) condensing the first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas in the first condensing means thereby forming a first low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid;

(e) converting the first low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid to a first low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid;

(f) evaporating the first low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid in the first evaporating means and forming a first low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas by transferring heat from a first low temperature heat load to the first evaporating means thereby cooling the first low temperature heat load;

(g) transferring the first low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas from the first evaporating means to at least one other canister operating at a first lower temperature which is lower than the first upper temperature and chemisorbing ammonia with the chemisorbent therein, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an entering direction thereto;

(h) providing a lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit containing ammonia and a physical adsorbent therefor, the lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit comprising

a plurality of physical adsorption compressors each containing the physical adsorbent, the physical adsorbent having a second chemical composition operable for physically adsorbing and desorbing ammonia, the second chemical composition being different than the first chemical composition,

second condensing means for transferring heat from ammonia gas to a second low temperature heat sink and for condensing ammonia gas, and

second evaporating means for evaporating ammonia liquid and forming ammonia gas;

(i) heating at least one compressor to a second upper temperature and desorbing ammonia from the physical adsorbent therein, thereby producing a second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas, the second upper temperature being lower than the first upper temperature;

(j) removing the second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas from the at least one compressor, and automatically limiting flow in an exiting direction therefrom;

(k) condensing the second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas in the second condensing means thereby forming a second low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid;

(1) converting the second low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid to a second low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid;

(m) evaporating the second low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid in the second evaporating means and forming a second low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas by transferring heat from a second low temperature heat load to the second evaporating means thereby cooling the second low temperature heat load;

(n) transferring the second low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas from the second evaporating means to at least one other compressor which is operating at a second lower temperature which is lower than the second upper temperature and physically adsorbing ammonia with the physical adsorbent therein, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an entering direction thereto;

(o) providing at least one first closed heat transfer circuit containing a first heat transfer liquid, the first closed heat transfer circuit comprising

a heat transfer element in thermal communication with each canister but not in fluid communication with the chemisorbent, and

heat exchange means in thermal communication with each compressor but not in fluid communication with the physical adsorbent; and

(p) flowing the first heat transfer liquid through the heat transfer element of at least one canister, and then through the heat exchange means in thermal communication with the at least one compressor,

wherein heating the at least one compressor to the second upper temperature comprises transferring heat from the flowing first heat transfer liquid to the heat exchange means, and transferring heat from the heat exchange means to the at least one compressor, thereby cascading heat from the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit to the lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit;

(q) regenerating heat within the physical adsorption circuit by transferring heat from the at least one compressor to the at least one other compressor; and

(r) cooling at least one compressor by transferring heat therefrom to a third low temperature heat sink.

17. The process of claim 16, wherein heating the at least one canister to the first upper temperature comprises heating the flowing first heat transfer liquid with the first heating means thereby producing a heated flowing first heat transfer liquid, and flowing the heated first heat transfer liquid to the at least one canister, and transferring heat from the heated flowing first heat transfer liquid to the at least one canister.

18. The process of claim 16, wherein heating, with the first heating means, the at least one canister to the first upper temperature is the entire net heat added to the process.

19. The process of claim 16, wherein the first condensing means is also the second condensing means, wherein the first evaporating means is also the second evaporating means, and wherein the first low temperature heat load is also the second low temperature heat load.

20. The process of claim 16, wherein the second upper temperature is lower than the first lower temperature.

21. The process of claim 16, wherein the second upper temperature is higher than the first lower temperature.

22. The process of claim 16, further comprising, after flowing the first heat transfer liquid to the heat exchange means of the at least one compressor, flowing the first heat transfer liquid through the heat transfer element of at least one other canister.

23. The process of claim 16, further comprising providing a second closed heat transfer circuit containing a second heat transfer liquid, the second closed heat transfer circuit comprising a heat transfer element in thermal communication with each compressor but not in fluid communication with the physical adsorbent,

wherein regenerating heat within the physical adsorption circuit is by flowing the second heat transfer liquid through the heat transfer element of each compressor and transferring heat between the flowing second heat transfer liquid and the heat transfer elements.

24. The process of claim 23, wherein transferring heat from the heat exchange means to the at least one compressor comprises transferring heat from the heat exchange means to the flowing second heat transfer liquid, and then transferring heat from the flowing second heat transfer liquid to the heat transfer element of the at least one compressor.

25. The process of claim 23, further comprising:

directing the flowing second heat transfer liquid to and from the heat transfer elements of the compressors in a predetermined order so that the flowing second heat transfer liquid exiting from the third heat sink flows first to the heat transfer element of the compressor operating at the second lower temperature, then in series to the heat transfer elements of the other compressors, and then back to the third heat sink.

26. The process of claim 23, further comprising:

activating and deactivating the first heating means in a predetermined order;

directing the flowing first heat transfer liquid to and from the canisters in a predetermined order;

directing the flowing second heat transfer liquid to and from the heat transfer elements of the compressors in a predetermined order; and

sequentially advancing the predetermined order of compressors being heated to the second upper temperature.

27. The process of claim 26, wherein directing the flowing first heat transfer liquid to and from the canisters in a predetermined order is such that the flowing first heat transfer liquid exiting from a canister cooling from the first upper temperature transfers heat indirectly to a compressor operating at the second upper temperature.

28. The process of claim 26, wherein directing the flowing first heat transfer liquid to and from the canisters in a predetermined order is such that the flowing first heat transfer liquid exiting from a canister cooling to the first lower temperature transfers heat indirectly to a compressor operating at the second upper temperature.

29. The process of claim 16, wherein the number of the at least one first closed heat transfer circuit is equal to the number of the canisters.

30. The process of claim 16, wherein the number of the at least one first closed heat transfer circuit is two.

31. The process of claim 16, wherein the number of the at least one first closed heat transfer circuit is two, and

performing heating of the at least one canister to the first upper temperature in one of the closed first heat transfer circuits, and

performing heating the at least one compressor to the second upper temperature in the other one of the closed first heat transfer circuits.

32. The process of claim 16, further comprising providing a second closed heat transfer circuit containing a flowing second heat transfer liquid, the second closed heat transfer circuit comprising a heat transfer element in thermal communication with each compressor but not in fluid communication with the physical adsorbent,

wherein the heat exchange means comprises a plurality of heat exchangers, the number of heat exchangers being equal to the number of compressors, and

further comprising pairing a heat exchanger with each compressor, and

wherein transferring heat from the flowing first heat transfer liquid to the heat exchange means comprises

directing the flowing first heat transfer liquid from the canister cascading heat to the lower temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit, to the heat exchanger paired with the compressor receiving cascading heat from the higher temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit, and

directing the flowing second heat transfer liquid to the heat exchanger paired with the compressor receiving cascading heat thereby producing a heated flowing second heat transfer liquid, and thereafter flowing the heated second heat transfer liquid to the heat transfer element of the compressor receiving cascading heat.

33. The process of claim 16, further comprising controlling the second upper temperature during desorption of the physical adsorbent in each compressor so that the pressure in the compressor undergoing such desorption is equal to pressure in the canisters during desorption of the chemisorbent in the canisters.

47. The process of claim 16, wherein the compressors are two stage.

48. The process of claim 16, wherein the compressors are two stage, and wherein the low temperature heat load being cooled by the process is a refrigerator and freezer.

34. A heat cascading regenerative sorption heat pump process with rejected heat from a higher temperature chemisorption circuit powering a lower temperature physical adsorption circuit, the process comprising:

(a) providing a higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit containing ammonia and a chemisorbent therefor, the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit comprising

a plurality of canisters, each containing the chemisorbent, the chemisorbent having a first chemical composition operable for chemisorbing and desorbing ammonia, each canister having a heat transfer element in thermal communication with the chemisorbent therein but not in fluid communication with the chemisorbent,

first heating means for heating each canister,

first condensing means for transferring heat from ammonia gas to a first low temperature heat sink, and for condensing ammonia gas, and

first evaporating means for evaporating ammonia liquid and forming ammonia gas;

(b) heating, with the first heating means, at least one canister to a first upper temperature and desorbing ammonia from the chemisorbent therein, thereby producing a first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas;

(c) removing the first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas from the at least one canister, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an exiting direction therefrom;

(d) condensing the first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas in the first condensing means thereby forming a first low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid;

(e) converting the first low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid to a first low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid;

(f) evaporating the first low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid in the first evaporating means and forming a first low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas by transferring heat from a first low temperature heat load to the first evaporating means thereby cooling the first low temperature heat load;

(g) transferring the first low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas from the first evaporating means to at least one other canister operating at a first lower temperature which is lower than the first upper temperature and chemisorbing ammonia with the chemisorbent therein, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an entering direction thereto;

(h) providing a lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit containing ammonia and a physical adsorbent therefor, the lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit comprising

a plurality of physical adsorption compressors each containing the physical adsorbent, the physical adsorbent having a second chemical composition operable for physically adsorbing ammonia, the second chemical composition being different than the first chemical composition, each compressor having a heat transfer element in thermal communication with the physical adsorbent therein but not in fluid communication with the physical adsorbent,

second condensing means for transferring heat from ammonia gas to a second low temperature heat sink and for condensing ammonia gas, and

second evaporating means for evaporating ammonia liquid and forming ammonia gas;

(i) heating at least one compressor to a second upper temperature and desorbing ammonia from the physical adsorbent therein, thereby producing a second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas, the second upper temperature being lower than the first lower temperature;

(j) removing the second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas from the at least one compressor, and automatically limiting flow in an exiting direction therefrom;

(k) condensing the second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas in the second condensing means thereby forming a second low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid;

(1) converting the second low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid to a second low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid;

(m) evaporating the second low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid in the second evaporating means and forming a second low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas by transferring heat from a second low temperature heat load to the second evaporating means thereby cooling the second low temperature heat load;

(n) transferring the second low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas from the second evaporating means to at least one other compressor which is operating at a second lower temperature which is lower than the second upper temperature and physically adsorbing ammonia with the physical adsorbent therein, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an entering direction thereto;

(o) providing a plurality of heat exchangers, the number of the heat exchangers being equal to the number of the compressors, each heat exchanger having a first section in thermal communication with the a second section thereof, and pairing a heat exchanger with each compressor;

(p) providing a plurality of first closed heat transfer circuits each containing a first heat transfer liquid, the number of the first closed heat transfer circuits being equal to the number of the canisters,

each first closed heat transfer circuit comprising the heat transfer element of one canister, the first section of at least one of the heat exchangers, and pumping means for flowing the first heat transfer liquid therein;

(q) providing a second closed heat transfer circuit containing a second heat transfer liquid, the second closed heat transfer circuit comprising the heat transfer elements of the compressors, the second sections of the heat exchangers, and pumping means for flowing the second heat transfer liquid therein;

(r) flowing the first heat transfer liquid through the heat transfer element of at least one canister, and then to the first section of one heat exchanger,

wherein heating the at least one compressor to the second upper temperature comprises transferring heat from the flowing first heat transfer liquid in the first section to the flowing second heat transfer liquid in the second section, and transferring heat from the flowing second heat transfer liquid to the heat transfer element of the compressor being heated to the second upper temperature, thereby cascading heat from the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit to the lower temperature ammonia physical adsorption circuit;

(s) regenerating heat within the physical adsorption circuit by flowing the second heat transfer liquid from the heat transfer element of the hottest compressor to the heat transfer element of another compressor, thereby transferring heat from the physical adsorbent in one compressor to the physical adsorbent in another compressor; and

(t) cooling the second heat transfer liquid by transferring heat therefrom to a third low temperature heat sink and flowing the cooled second heat transfer liquid to one of the compressors thereby cooling it.

35. The process of claim 34, wherein heating the at least one canister to the first upper temperature comprises heating the flowing first heat transfer liquid with the first heating means thereby producing a heated flowing first heat transfer liquid, and flowing the heated first heat transfer liquid to the at least one canister, and transferring heat from the heated flowing first heat transfer liquid to the at least one canister.

36. The process of claim 34, wherein heating the at least one canister to the first upper temperature comprises heating it directly with the first heating means.

37. A heat cascading regenerative sorption heat pump process with rejected heat from a higher temperature chemisorption circuit powering a lower temperature water absorption circuit, the process comprising:

(a) providing a higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit containing ammonia and a chemisorbent, the chemisorbent having a first chemical composition operable for chemisorbing and desorbing ammonia, the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit comprising a plurality of canisters each containing the chemisorbent, first condensing means, first evaporating means for cooling a low temperature heat load, first heating means for heating the chemisorbent to a first upper temperature for desorption of ammonia, and first cooling means for cooling the chemisorbent, operatively connected together, and wherein each canister has a heat transfer element in thermal communication with, but not in fluid communication with the chemisorbent;

(b) providing a lower temperature ammonia water absorption circuit containing ammonia and an absorbent selected from the group consisting of water and absorbent aqueous solutions operable for absorbing and desorbing ammonia, the lower temperature ammonia water absorption circuit comprising absorption/desorption means containing the absorbent, the absorption/desorption means having a first part for desorbing ammonia and a second part for absorbing ammonia, second condensing means, second evaporating means for cooling a low temperature heat load, second heating means for heating the first part of the absorption/desorption means and the absorbent therein to a second upper temperature for desorption of ammonia, and second cooling means for rejecting heat therefrom, operatively connected together;

(c) providing at least one first closed heat transfer circuit containing a first heat transfer liquid, the first heat transfer liquid being different than the chemisorbent, the absorbent and ammonia, the first closed heat transfer circuit comprising the heat transfer element of at least one canister, and heat exchange means in thermal communication with the first part of the absorption/desorption means but not in fluid communication with the absorbent; and

(d) wherein cooling the chemisorbent by the first cooling means is by flowing the first heat transfer liquid through the heat transfer element of the at least one canister thereby cooling it,

wherein heating the first part of the absorption/desorption means and the absorbent therein by the second heating means to a second upper temperature for desorption of ammonia is by flowing the first heat transfer liquid from the at least one canister through the heat exchange means thereby heating the first part, and thereby cascading heat from the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit to the lower temperature ammonia water absorption circuit; and

(e) regenerating heat within the absorption/desorption means by transferring heat from the first part thereof to the second part thereof.

38. The process of claim 37 wherein the first heating means for heating the chemisorbent to a first upper temperature for desorption of ammonia provides the entire net heat added to the process.

39. The process of claim 37 wherein the second cooling means for rejecting heat from the lower temperature ammonia water absorption circuit is by transferring heat from the second part of the absorption/desorption means to a third low temperature heat sink, thereby cooling the second part of the absorption/desorption means.

40. The process of claim 37, wherein the chemisorbent is selected from the group consisting of MgCl₂, CaBr₂, SrBr₂, CoBr₂, and solid inorganic ammoniated complex compounds.

41. The process of claim 37, wherein the absorbent is water.

42. The process of claim 41, wherein the first part of the absorption/desorption means is a generator for separating a strong aqueous ammonia solution into a gaseous ammonia stream and a weak aqueous ammonia solution stream, and wherein the second part of the absorption/desorption means is an absorber for absorbing a gaseous ammonia stream in the weak aqueous ammonia solution stream.

43. The process of claim 42, wherein the ammonia water absorption circuit containing ammonia is an AHE circuit.

44. The process of claim 42, wherein the ammonia water absorption circuit containing ammonia is a GAX circuit.

45. A heat cascading regenerative sorption heat pump process with rejected heat from a higher temperature chemisorption circuit powering a lower temperature water absorption circuit, the process comprising:

(a) providing a higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit containing ammonia and a chemisorbent, the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit comprising

a plurality of canisters, each containing the chemisorbent, the chemisorbent having a first chemical composition operable for chemisorbing and desorbing ammonia,

first heating means for heating each canister,

first condensing means for transferring heat from ammonia gas to a first low temperature heat sink, and for condensing ammonia gas, and

first evaporating means for evaporating ammonia liquid and forming ammonia gas;

(b) heating, with the first heating means, at least one canister to a first upper temperature and desorbing ammonia from the chemisorbent therein, thereby producing a first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas;

(c) removing the first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas from the at least one canister, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an exiting direction therefrom;

(d) condensing the first desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas in the first condensing means thereby forming a first low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid;

(e) converting the first low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid to a first low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid;

(f) evaporating the first low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid in the first evaporating means and forming a first low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas by transferring heat from a first low temperature heat load to the first evaporating means thereby cooling the first low temperature heat load;

(g) transferring the first low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas from the first evaporating means to at least one other canister operating at a first lower temperature which is lower than the first upper temperature and chemisorbing ammonia with the chemisorbent therein, and automatically limiting ammonia gas flow in an entering direction thereto;

(h) providing a lower temperature ammonia water absorption circuit containing ammonia and an absorbent, the lower temperature ammonia water absorption circuit comprising

absorption/desorption means containing the absorbent, the absorbent being selected from the group consisting of water and absorbent aqueous solutions operable for absorbing and desorbing ammonia,

second condensing means for transferring heat from ammonia gas to a second low temperature heat sink and for condensing ammonia gas, and

second evaporating means for evaporating ammonia liquid and forming ammonia gas;

(i) heating a first part of the absorption/desorption means to a second upper temperature and desorbing ammonia from the absorbent therein, thereby producing a second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas, the second upper temperature being lower than the first upper temperature;

(j) removing the second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas from the first part of the absorption/desorption means;

(k) condensing the second desorbed high temperature, high pressure ammonia gas in the second condensing means thereby forming a second low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid;

(l) converting the second low temperature, high pressure ammonia liquid to a second low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid;

(m) evaporating the second low temperature, low pressure ammonia liquid in the second evaporating means and forming a second low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas by transferring heat from a second low temperature heat load to the second evaporating means thereby cooling the second low temperature heat load;

(n) transferring the second low temperature, low pressure ammonia gas from the second evaporating means to a second part of the absorption/desorption means which is operating at a second lower temperature which is lower than the second upper temperature and absorbing ammonia with the absorbent therein;

(o) providing at least one first closed heat transfer circuit containing a first heat transfer liquid, the first closed heat transfer circuit comprising

a heat transfer element in thermal communication with each canister but not in fluid communication with the chemisorbent,

heat exchange means in thermal communication with the first part of the absorption/desorption means but not in fluid communication with the absorbent; and

(p) flowing the first heat transfer liquid through the heat transfer element of at least one canisters and then through the heat exchange means of the first part of the absorption/desorption means,

wherein heating the first part of the absorption/desorption means to the second upper temperature comprises the transferring of heat from the flowing first heat transfer liquid to the heat exchange means, and transferring heat from the heat exchange means to the first part of the absorption/desorption means, thereby cascading heat from the higher temperature ammonia chemisorption circuit to the lower temperature ammonia water absorption circuit;

(q) regenerating heat within the absorption/desorption means by transferring heat from the first part thereof to the second part thereof; and

(r) transferring heat from the second part of the absorption/desorption means to a third low temperature heat sink, thereby cooling the second part of the absorption/desorption means.

46. The process of claim 45, wherein the second upper temperature is lower than the first lower temperature.