Multi Source Heat Pump Air Conditioning System

Air conditioning system utilizing low temperature heating sources of the environment, so as to maximize the heat coefficient of performance (COPH) by conserving subterranean heat, atmospheric heat, solar heat and auxiliary heat sources in combination with a reversible-cycle water source heat pump, by absorption of heat energy into a liquid (water) and by applying said heat energy to the heat pump evaporator during the Heating Mode of operation to be absorbed by the refrigerant at low temperature.

Air conditioning systems require energy for raising and lowering air temperature and which can be assisted by the storage of "solar insolation" heated liquid and/or conversely by the storage of chilled liquid, and also assisted by absorption fromor into the surrounding ambient air. The collection of solar heat energy is normally within a range of nominally 100° to 180° F. or higher, while the heat pump can be assisted from a water source within a range of 55° to90° F.; and to these ends I have provided a stratified thermal mass wherein the solar heat is stored at high to low temperatures, from which the heat pump withdraws heat at moderate temperatures of 55° to 90° F., and whereinresidual heat at low temperatures is utilized for auxiliary purposes such as to pre-heat a domestic hot water supply or the like.

It is substantially total environmental assistance for one or more liquid or water source heat pumps with which the present invention is concerned, a comprehensive concept which involves the conservation of energy, both by collection of allavailable heat sources, including solar insolation, terrestrial re-radiation, auxiliary absorption, and assisted by heat absorption to or from and from within the system under whatever conditions. The more or less predictable collection of solar energyin a thermal mass is variable to say the least, and water source heat pumps have a practical operating range, at times below the temperature of said thermal mass storage of solar energy and at times above said thermal mass temperature, at whatevertemperature variant said mass might be above or below the range of normal heat pump operation.

In accordance with the invention provision is made for extraordinary conditions, one to apply heat as by theapplication of external energy and the other to remove heat. Studies have shown that heat pumps consume far less purchased energy than other conventional heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems employed to heat and cool buildings. Significantimprovements in performance and reliability in heat pumps have been made and with energy problems and the escalating costs of energy, present day heat pumps are more economical than ever before, and all of which is of increasing concern to utilityplanners now desperately attempting to maximize the use of power generation. Since heat pumps utilize more readily available and useable low temperature energy sources, further reductions in purchased energy consumption by heat pumps during normalheating periods is a general object of this invention.