| 摘要 |
<p>The present combined multi-modal apparatus involves: (a) apparatus for cooling (12), by means of a refrigerant circulating within coils (24) disposed in a tank (20), a negative heat energy storage material (22) during a first time period; (b) associated apparatus for utilizing that stored negative heat energy during a second time period; and (c) most particularly, a tank by-pass structure (32) for directly connecting a condensing unit (16) and an evaporating unit (18) during a third time period, such as for example when supplemental cooling is required. Specifically, the tank by-pass structure (32) avoids circulation during the third time period of the refrigerant within the conduits or coils (24) disposed within the negative heat energy storage material (22) contained within the tank (20). Thus, during this third time period, heat is not imparted to the negative heat energy storage material (22) by the circulating refrigerant, the cooled or frozen negative heat energy storage material is not heated or melted by circulating refrigerant, and thus does not have to be recooled or refrozen subsequently for re-storage of energy therewithin for later use in cooling during peak hours (i.e., during the second time period). During a fourth time period, the cooling of both of second and third time periods is carried out simultaneously. Yet further, a heat pump (84) may be operatively connected hereto for providing heat during a heating time period.</p> |
