VAPOR COMPRESSION SYSTEM WITH THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE

摘要

A system is provided including a vapor compression cycle. The vapor compression cycle includes an operably coupled compressor, condenser, first expansion device, and evaporator through which a refrigerant circulates. A thermal energy storage unit includes a heat exchanger arranged within a phase change material. The heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the vapor compression cycle with a plurality of conduits and valves such that refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger in a heat transfer relationship with the phase change material. When the system is in a first mode, the heat exchanger is configured to function similar to the evaporator and the phase change material is configured to store thermal energy. When the system is in a second mode, the heat exchanger is configured to function similar to the condenser and the phase change material is configured to release thermal energy.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a vapor compression cycle including an operably coupled compressor, condenser, first expansion device, and evaporator through which a refrigerant circulates; and a thermal energy storage unit including a heat exchanger arranged within a phase change material, the heat exchanger being fluidly coupled to the vapor compression cycle with a plurality of conduits and valves such that refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger in a heat transfer relationship with the phase change material, wherein when the HVAC&R system is in a first mode, the heat exchanger is configured to replace to the evaporator and the phase change material is configured to store thermal energy, wherein when the HVAC&R system is in a second mode, the heat exchanger is configured to replace the condenser and the phase change material is configured to release thermal energy.