Thermo-mass recuperation systems, devices, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments apply to recuperating heat and mass in a freeze point suppression cycle. A freeze point suppression cycle generally includes a separation step to remove a portion of a base fluid, such as a refrigerant, from a mixture of base fluid and an additive, such as a freeze point suppressant. Many separation technologies operate more efficiently at higher temperatures, from an energy, size, and/or cost basis. In order to optimize the overall freeze point suppression cycle efficiency, it may be important to efficiently recuperate the heat between the lower operating temperature and the higher separation temperature. The cycle efficiency may be further improved by directly integrating additional separation mass transfer into the thermal recuperation.
F28D 1/04 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with the heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
F28D 1/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with the heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
F03G 7/04 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using pressure differences or thermal differences occurring in nature
Multi-zone tank devices, systems, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. The multi-zone tank devices, systems, and methods may be applicable to freeze point suppression cycles and other applications. For example, the multi-zone tanks may provide a direct contact recuperator between a freeze point suppression cycle's warm solid, such as ice, and cold dilute brine that may be integrated directly into the multi-zone tank; this integration may be used to solve various challenges such as subcooling the solid that may maximize ice efficiency and reducing the concentration of brine that may maximize cycle efficiency. Multi-zone tanks may include a bottom zone and a top zone, though some embodiments include additional zones.
Methods, systems, and devices provided in accordance with various embodiments are generally related to the field of thermal management systems for buildings (or volumes in general), such as cold storage, food processing, or other buildings that have areas that are kept below freezing. Embodiments generally pertain to the management of temperature and humidity within these spaces. Some embodiments include system for the management of moisture and temperature inside cold spaces. Some embodiments include a heat and mass transfer exchanger, such as a direct constant gas liquid heat and mass transfer exchanger. Examples of such heat and mass transfer exchangers generally include wet scrubbers. Embodiments also generally include a series of ducts, pipes, heat exchangers, dampers, and/or valves that may allow the system to provide useful temperature and relative humidity levels to one or more spaces or volumes.
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
F24F 8/00 - Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
F25D 13/00 - Stationary devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. cold rooms
F25D 17/06 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluidsArrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating gas, e.g. by natural convection by forced circulation
Ice making methods, systems, and devices are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, methods, systems, and devices for producing harvestable ice on cold plates are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Methods, systems, and devices for harvesting ice on cold surfaces are also provided in accordance with various embodiments. Methods, systems, and devices for cold oleophilic surfaces that produce harvestable ice are also provided in accordance with various embodiments. Methods, systems, and devices for ice maker fault detection and recovery are also provided in accordance with various embodiments. Methods, systems, and devices for ice maker startup are also provided in accordance with various embodiments.
Thermo-chemical recuperation systems, devices, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Embodiments may generally relate to the field of refrigeration and/or heat pumping. Within that field, some embodiments apply to the recuperation or recapturing of both thermal and chemical potential in a freeze point suppression cycle. Some embodiments include a method and/or system of thermo-chemical recuperation that includes creating a flow of ice and flowing a brine against the flow of the ice. Some embodiments manage the thermal and chemical potentials by mixing a dilute brine stream exiting an ice mixing vessel with an ice stream before it enters the ice mixing vessel. By controlling this mixing in a counter-flow or step-wise cross flow manner with sufficient steps, both the thermal and chemical potential of the dilute bine stream may be recuperated.
Solid production systems, devices, and methods utilizing oleophilic surfaces are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a water tank used to store fresh water. Some embodiments include an emulsion tank that may include a set of auxiliary components that may be utilized to create and/or to pump an emulsion. This auxiliary equipment may include suction headers, ejectors, pumps, mechanical mixers, and/or hydrodynamic mixers, for example. Some embodiments include a heat exchanger that may produce a cold surface for ice formation. This surface may include an oleophilic surface that may produce an affinity for oils and/or other non-polar materials. Some embodiments include piping that may allow for the connection of the other components such that ice may be formed from a flow of water from the emulsion and the overflow may be returned to the emulsion tank. Ice making methods are also provided.
Methods, systems, and devices provided in accordance with various embodiments are generally related to the field of thermal management systems for buildings (or volumes in general), such as cold storage, food processing, or other buildings that have areas that are kept below freezing. Embodiments generally pertain to the management of temperature and humidity within these spaces. Some embodiments include system for the management of moisture and temperature inside cold spaces. Some embodiments include a heat and mass transfer exchanger, such as a direct constant gas liquid heat and mass transfer exchanger. Examples of such heat and mass transfer exchangers generally include wet scrubbers. Embodiments also generally include a series of ducts, pipes, heat exchangers, dampers, and/or valves that may allow the system to provide useful temperature and relative humidity levels to one or more spaces or volumes.
F24F 12/00 - Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
F24F 8/00 - Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
F25D 13/00 - Stationary devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. cold rooms
F25D 17/06 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluidsArrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating gas, e.g. by natural convection by forced circulation
8.
Thermo-chemical recuperation systems, devices, and methods
Thermo-chemical recuperation systems, devices, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Embodiments may generally relate to the field of refrigeration and/or heat pumping. Within that field, some embodiments apply to the recuperation or recapturing of both thermal and chemical potential in a freeze point suppression cycle. Some embodiments include a method and/or system of thermo-chemical recuperation that includes creating a flow of ice and flowing a brine against the flow of the ice. Some embodiments manage the thermal and chemical potentials by mixing a dilute brine stream exiting an ice mixing vessel with an ice stream before it enters the ice mixing vessel. By controlling this mixing in a counter-flow or step-wise cross flow manner with sufficient steps, both the thermal and chemical potential of the dilute bine stream may be recuperated.
Solid production systems, devices, and methods utilizing oleophilic surfaces are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a water tank used to store fresh water. Some embodiments include an emulsion tank that may include a set of auxiliary components that may be utilized to create and/or to pump an emulsion. This auxiliary equipment may include suction headers, ejectors, pumps, mechanical mixers, and/or hydrodynamic mixers, for example. Some embodiments include a heat exchanger that may produce a cold surface for ice formation. This surface may include an oleophilic surface that may produce an affinity for oils and/or other non-polar materials. Some embodiments include piping that may allow for the connection of the other components such that ice may be formed from a flow of water from the emulsion and the overflow may be returned to the emulsion tank. Ice making methods are also provided.
Methods, systems, and devices for freeze point suppression cycle control are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a method of freeze point suppression cycle control. The method may include flowing a liquid to a first sensor; the liquid may include a mixture of a melted solid and a freeze point suppressant. The method may include determining an indicator value of a freeze point suppressant property of the liquid utilizing the first sensor. The method may include controlling a flow of the liquid to a separator utilizing a flow controller based on at least the determined indicator value of the freeze point suppressant property of the liquid; the separator may form a concentrated freeze point suppressant from the liquid. Freeze point suppression cycle control systems are also provided.
Methods, systems, and device for cycle enhancement are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Various embodiments generally pertain to refrigeration and heat pumping. Different embodiments may be applied to a variety of heat pump architectures. Some embodiments may integrate with vapor compression heat pumps in industrial, commercial, and/or residential applications. Some embodiments include a method that may include at least: removing a first heat from a vapor compression cycle; utilizing the first removed heat from the vapor compression cycle to drive a thermally driven heat pump; or removing a second heat from the vapor compression cycle utilizing the thermally driven heat pump to reduce a temperature of a refrigerant of the vapor compression cycle below an ambient temperature.
F25B 1/10 - Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle with multi-stage compression
F25B 30/06 - Heat pumps characterised by the source of low potential heat
F25B 5/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
F25B 9/14 - Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point characterised by the cycle used, e.g. Stirling cycle
F25B 25/00 - Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups
Methods, systems, and device for solidification and/or solid production, such as ice production, are provided. For example, a method of solid production includes contacting a first fluid with a second fluid to facilitate solidifying the second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible with respect to each other. The method includes solidifying the second fluid. A solid production system includes a first fluid and a second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible with respect to each other. The system includes one or more surfaces configured to contact the first fluid and the second fluid with each other and to form one or more solids from the second fluid.
F25C 1/12 - Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs
F25D 17/02 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluidsArrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
F25D 3/00 - Devices using other cold materialsDevices using cold-storage bodies
F25C 1/147 - Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs to form thin sheets which are removed by scraping or wedging, e.g. in the form of flakes from the inner walls of cooled bodies by using augers
13.
SOLID PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS UTILIZING OLEOPHILIC SURFACES
Solid production systems, devices, and methods utilizing oleophilic surfaces are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a water tank used to store fresh water. Some embodiments include an emulsion tank that may include a set of auxiliary components that may be utilized to create and/or to pump an emulsion. This auxiliary equipment may include suction headers, ejectors, pumps, mechanical mixers, and/or hydrodynamic mixers, for example. Some embodiments include a heat exchanger that may produce a cold surface for ice formation. This surface may include an oleophilic surface that may produce an affinity for oils and/or other non-polar materials. Some embodiments include piping that may allow for the connection of the other components such that ice may be formed from a flow of water from the emulsion and the overflow may be returned to the emulsion tank. Ice making methods are also provided.
Thermo-chemical recuperation systems, devices, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Embodiments may generally relate to the field of refrigeration and/or heat pumping. Within that field, some embodiments apply to the recuperation or recapturing of both thermal and chemical potential in a freeze point suppression cycle. Some embodiments include a method and/or system of thermo-chemical recuperation that includes creating a flow of ice and flowing a brine against the flow of the ice. Some embodiments manage the thermal and chemical potentials by mixing a dilute brine stream exiting an ice mixing vessel with an ice stream before it enters the ice mixing vessel. By controlling this mixing in a counter-flow or step-wise cross flow manner with sufficient steps, both the thermal and chemical potential of the dilute bine stream may be recuperated.
C09K 5/06 - Materials undergoing a change of physical state when used the change of state being from liquid to solid or vice-versa
F25D 17/02 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluidsArrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
F28D 20/02 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or using latent heat
15.
FREEZE POINT SUPPRESSION CYCLE CONTROL SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES
Methods, systems, and devices for freeze point suppression cycle control are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a method of freeze point suppression cycle control. The method may include flowing a liquid to a first sensor; the liquid may include a mixture of a melted solid and a freeze point suppressant. The method may include determining an indicator value of a freeze point suppressant property of the liquid utilizing the first sensor. The method may include controlling a flow of the liquid to a separator utilizing a flow controller based on at least the determined indicator value of the freeze point suppressant property of the liquid; the separator may form a concentrated freeze point suppressant from the liquid. Freeze point suppression cycle control systems are also provided.
Methods, systems, and device for solidification and/or solid production, such as ice production, are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a method of solid production that may include contacting a first fluid with a second fluid to facilitate solidifying the second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid may be immiscible with respect to each other. The method may include solidifying the second fluid. Some embodiments include a solid production system that may include a first fluid and a second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid may be immiscible with respect to each other. The system may include one or more surfaces configured to contact the first fluid and the second fluid with each other and to form one or more solids from the second fluid.
F25C 1/12 - Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs
F25D 17/02 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluidsArrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
F25D 3/00 - Devices using other cold materialsDevices using cold-storage bodies
Methods, systems, and device for solidification and/or solid production, such as ice production, are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a method of solid production that may include contacting a first fluid with a second fluid to facilitate solidifying the second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid may be immiscible with respect to each other. The method may include solidifying the second fluid. Some embodiments include a solid production system that may include a first fluid and a second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid may be immiscible with respect to each other. The system may include one or more surfaces configured to contact the first fluid and the second fluid with each other and to form one or more solids from the second fluid.
Methods, systems, and device for cycle enhancement are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Various embodiments generally pertain to refrigeration and heat pumping. Different embodiments may be applied to a variety of heat pump architectures. Some embodiments may integrate with vapor compression heat pumps in industrial, commercial, and/or residential applications. Some embodiments include a method that may include at least: removing a first heat from a vapor compression cycle; utilizing the first removed heat from the vapor compression cycle to drive a thermally driven heat pump; or removing a second heat from the vapor compression cycle utilizing the thermally driven heat pump to reduce a temperature of a refrigerant of the vapor compression cycle below an ambient temperature.
F25B 30/06 - Heat pumps characterised by the source of low potential heat
F25B 41/06 - Flow restrictors, e.g. capillary tubes; Disposition thereof
F25B 9/14 - Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point characterised by the cycle used, e.g. Stirling cycle
Methods, systems, and device for cycle enhancement are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Various embodiments generally pertain to refrigeration and heat pumping. Different embodiments may be applied to a variety of heat pump architectures. Some embodiments may integrate with vapor compression heat pumps in industrial, commercial, and/or residential applications. Some embodiments include a method that may include at least: removing a first heat from a vapor compression cycle; utilizing the first removed heat from the vapor compression cycle to drive a thermally driven heat pump; or removing a second heat from the vapor compression cycle utilizing the thermally driven heat pump to reduce a temperature of a refrigerant of the vapor compression cycle below an ambient temperature.
F25B 7/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with cascade operation, i.e. with two or more circuits, the heat from the condenser of one circuit being absorbed by the evaporator of the next circuit
F25B 25/02 - Compression-sorption machines, plants, or systems
20.
Methods, systems, and devices for thermal enhancement
Methods, systems, and devices are provided for thermal enhancement. Thermal enhancement may include absorbing heat from one or more devices. In some cases, this may improve the efficiency of the one or more devices. In general, a phase transition may be induced in a storage material. The storage material may be combined with a freeze point suppressant in order to reduce its melt point. The mixture may be used to boost the performance of device, such as an electrical generator, a heat engine, a refrigerator, and/or a freezer. The freeze point suppressant and storage material may be separated. By delaying the periods between each stage by prescribed amounts, the methods, systems, and devices may be able to shift the availability of electricity to the user and/or otherwise boost a device at different times in some cases.
F28D 20/02 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or using latent heat
F28D 19/00 - Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus in which the intermediate heat-transfer medium or body is moved successively into contact with each heat-exchange medium
F24S 90/00 - Solar heat systems not otherwise provided for
F03G 6/00 - Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy
F01K 25/10 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for using special vapours the vapours being cold, e.g. ammonia, carbon dioxide, ether
Methods, systems, and devices for making a solid utilizing thermal recuperation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a method that includes combining a first material in a frozen state with a portion of a freeze point suppressant. The method may include utilizing the combined first material with the portion of the freeze point suppressant to freeze a second material. Some embodiments include combining the second material in the frozen state with another portion of the freeze point suppressant. Combining the first material in the frozen state with the portion of the freeze point suppressant may melt the first material and may form the first material in a liquid state combined with the portion of the freeze point suppressant; the combined first material in the liquid state with the freeze point suppressant has a temperature lower than a temperature of the first material in the frozen state.
C09K 5/00 - Heat-transfer, heat-exchange or heat-storage materials, e.g. refrigerantsMaterials for the production of heat or cold by chemical reactions other than by combustion
C09K 5/20 - Antifreeze additives therefor, e.g. for radiator liquids
F25B 17/10 - Sorption machines, plants or systems, operating intermittently, e.g. absorption or adsorption type using the endothermic solution of salt
F28C 3/00 - Other direct-contact heat-exchange apparatus
F28D 7/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
Methods, systems, and devices are provided for thermal enhancement. Thermal enhancement may include absorbing heat from one or more devices. In some cases, this may improve the efficiency of the one or more devices. In general, a phase transition may be induced in a storage material. The storage material may be combined with a freeze point suppressant in order to reduce its melt point. The mixture may be used to boost the performance of device, such as an electrical generator, a heat engine, a refrigerator, and/or a freezer. The freeze point suppressant and storage material may be separated. By delaying the periods between each stage by prescribed amounts, the methods, systems, and devices may be able to shift the availability of electricity to the user and/or otherwise boost a device at different times in some cases.
F01D 15/10 - Adaptations for driving, or combinations with, electric generators
F03G 6/00 - Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy
F24J 2/42 - Solar heat systems not otherwise provided for
F01K 25/10 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for using special vapours the vapours being cold, e.g. ammonia, carbon dioxide, ether
F28D 19/00 - Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus in which the intermediate heat-transfer medium or body is moved successively into contact with each heat-exchange medium
F01K 3/00 - Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein
H02S 40/38 - Energy storage means, e.g. batteries, structurally associated with PV modules
23.
Thermal recuperation methods, systems, and devices
Thermal recuperation methods, systems, and devices are provided. The methods, systems, and/or devices may provide for: introducing a first fluid into at least a portion of a tank containing a solid; exchanging heat between the solid contained within the tank and the first fluid as the first fluid passes at least around or through the solid; extracting the heated first fluid from at least the portion of the tank containing the solid; and/or passing the heated first fluid with respect to a heat exchanger thermally coupled with a second fluid. The heated first fluid may be cooled as it passes with respect to the heat exchanger and heat may be thermally recuperated between the solid and the second fluid.
F28C 3/00 - Other direct-contact heat-exchange apparatus
F28D 20/00 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or
F28D 7/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
24.
THERMAL RECUPERATION METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES
Thermal recuperation methods, systems, and devices are provided. The methods, systems, and/or devices may provide for: introducing a first fluid into at least a portion of a tank containing a solid; exchanging heat between the solid contained within the tank and the first fluid as the first fluid passes at least around or through the solid; extracting the heated first fluid from at least the portion of the tank containing the solid; and/or passing the heated first fluid with respect to a heat exchanger thermally coupled with a second fluid. The heated first fluid may be cooled as it passes with respect to the heat exchanger and heat may be thermally recuperated between the solid and the second fluid.
Methods, systems, and/or devices are provided for producing a heat pump. In some embodiments, the heat pump may be driven by low temperature heat. The methods, systems, and devices may include tools and techniques for: precipitating a first material, where heat may be released from the precipitated first material; cooling the precipitated first material; dissolving the cooled precipitated first material into a second material to create a dissolved mixture, where heat may be absorbed into the mixture; and/or separating the first material and the second material from the dissolved mixture.
Refrigerating machines and installations that use thermal energy storage for below-freezing applications; Cooling units for industrial purposes that use thermal energy for below-freezing refrigeration applications; Heat pumps that use thermal energy storage for below-freezing cooling; Cooling units for industrial purposes that use thermal energy storage to create refrigerant capable of providing refrigeration down to sub-zero temperatures; Cooling units for industrial purposes that use thermal energy storage and freeze suppressants to provide refrigeration for below-freezing applications; Cooling units for industrial purposes that use thermal energy storage to provide refrigeration; Cooling units for industrial purposes that use thermal energy storage and freeze suppressants to provide refrigeration; Industrial cooling apparatus, namely, cooling units for industrial purposes, and refrigerating machines and installations; Air cooling apparatus; Cooling installations for water; Cooling units for industrial purposes; Refrigerating machines and installations; Refrigeration equipment, namely, food and beverage chilling units; Environmentally friendly industrial chilling units that generate chilled matter, namely, fluids, air, and foods, and associated equipment all sold as a unit, namely, thermal energy storage systems, freeze suppressants; Renewable energy systems, namely, cooling apparatus and refrigerating machines and installations, that are based on sources of renewable energy, namely, waste heat, fuel combustion, or electricity
27.
Methods, systems, and devices for thermal enhancement
Methods, systems, and devices are provided for thermal enhancement. Thermal enhancement may include absorbing heat from one or more devices. In some cases, this may improve the efficiency of the one or more devices. In general, a phase transition may be induced in a storage material. The storage material may be combined with a freeze point suppressant in order to reduce its melt point. The mixture may be used to boost the performance of device, such as an electrical generator, a heat engine, a refrigerator, and/or a freezer. The freeze point suppressant and storage material may be separated. By delaying the periods between each stage by prescribed amounts, the methods, systems, and devices may be able to shift the availability of electricity to the user and/or otherwise boost a device at different times in some cases.
F28D 19/00 - Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus in which the intermediate heat-transfer medium or body is moved successively into contact with each heat-exchange medium
F24J 2/42 - Solar heat systems not otherwise provided for
F28D 20/02 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or using latent heat
F01K 3/00 - Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein
F01K 25/10 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for using special vapours the vapours being cold, e.g. ammonia, carbon dioxide, ether
H02S 40/38 - Energy storage means, e.g. batteries, structurally associated with PV modules
28.
DIRECT CONTACT THERMAL RECUPERATION USING A PHASE-TRANSITIONED MATERIAL, A FREEZE POINT SUPPRESSANT, AND A HEAT EXCHANGER
Thermal recuperation methods, systems, and devices are provided. The methods, systems, and/or devices may provide for: introducing a first fluid into at least a portion of a tank containing a solid; exchanging heat between the solid contained within the tank and the first fluid as the first fluid passes at least around or through the solid; extracting the heated first fluid from at least the portion of the tank containing the solid; and/or passing the heated first fluid with respect to a heat exchanger thermally coupled with a second fluid. The heated first fluid may be cooled as it passes with respect to the heat exchanger and heat may be thermally recuperated between the solid and the second fluid.
F25B 17/10 - Sorption machines, plants or systems, operating intermittently, e.g. absorption or adsorption type using the endothermic solution of salt
F25D 3/00 - Devices using other cold materialsDevices using cold-storage bodies
F28D 17/00 - Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus in which a stationary intermediate heat-transfer medium or body is contacted successively by each heat-exchange medium, e.g. using granular particles
F28D 20/00 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or
F28D 20/02 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or using latent heat
Methods, systems, and device for cycle enhancement are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Various embodiments generally pertain to refrigeration and heat pumping. Different embodiments may be applied to a variety of heat pump architectures. Some embodiments may integrate with vapor compression heat pumps in industrial, commercial, and/or residential applications. Some embodiments include a method that may include at least: removing a first heat from a vapor compression cycle; utilizing the first removed heat from the vapor compression cycle to drive a thermally driven heat pump; or removing a second heat from the vapor compression cycle utilizing the thermally driven heat pump to reduce a temperature of a refrigerant of the vapor compression cycle below an ambient temperature.
F25B 7/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with cascade operation, i.e. with two or more circuits, the heat from the condenser of one circuit being absorbed by the evaporator of the next circuit
F25B 25/02 - Compression-sorption machines, plants, or systems
Methods, systems, and device for solidification and/or solid production, such as ice production, are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a method of solid production that may include contacting a first fluid with a second fluid to facilitate solidifying the second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid may be immiscible with respect to each other. The method may include solidifying the second fluid. Some embodiments include a solid production system that may include a first fluid and a second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid may be immiscible with respect to each other. The system may include one or more surfaces configured to contact the first fluid and the second fluid with each other and to form one or more solids from the second fluid.
Methods, systems, and devices for freeze point suppression cycle control are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a method of freeze point suppression cycle control. The method may include flowing a liquid to a first sensor; the liquid may include a mixture of a melted solid and a freeze point suppressant. The method may include determining an indicator value of a freeze point suppressant property of the liquid utilizing the first sensor. The method may include controlling a flow of the liquid to a separator utilizing a flow controller based on at least the determined indicator value of the freeze point suppressant property of the liquid; the separator may form a concentrated freeze point suppressant from the liquid. Freeze point suppression cycle control systems are also provided.
