Integrated power, cooling, and heating apparatus utilizing waste heat recovery

摘要

The present invention provides an apparatus for utilizing waste heat to power a reconfigurable thermodynamic cycle that can be used to selectively cool or heat an environmentally controlled space, such as a room, building, or vehicle. The present invention also integrates an electric machine, which may operate as a motor or generator, or both, and an additional prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine. Different combinations of these components are preferable for different applications. The system provides a design which reasonably balances the need to maximize efficiency, while also keeping the design cost effective.

主权项

1. An apparatus for cooling, heating, and generating electricity, comprising:
a working fluid capable of both gas and liquid phases; a heater configured to warm the working fluid; a piston engine including an exhaust coupled to provide heat energy to the heater; a liquid pump connected to transfer said working fluid to the heater; a gas expander coupled to receive the working fluid from the heater and mechanically connected to a drive shaft of the piston engine to supplement power provided by the piston engine; a gas compressor mechanically connected to the drive shaft; a clutch mechanically coupled to the drive shaft between the gas expander and gas compressor; an electric machine mechanically attached to the drive shaft and configured to generate electricity from rotation of the drive shaft; a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from said working fluid exiting said gas expander to said working fluid entering said heater; a second heat exchanger coupled to receive said working fluid from an outlet of a hot side of said first heat exchanger and said working fluid from an outlet of said compressor; a thermal expansion valve coupled to receive said working fluid from an outlet of said second heat exchanger; a third heat exchanger coupled to receive the working fluid from the thermal expansion valve; and a selector valve coupled to controllably reverse a function of said second heat exchanger and said third heat exchanger.