Storage source and cascade heat pump system

Abstract

A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system includes a heating fluid circuit, a cooling fluid circuit, and a storage fluid circuit. A thermal system of the HVACR system absorbs energy from the storage fluid circuit and discharges energy to the heating fluid circuit. The storage fluid circuit includes a thermal storage tank containing a thermal storage material that can provide energy for heating or absorb energy for cooling depending on a state of the thermal storage material. Heating can be provided using the heating fluid circuit and heat provided by the thermal system. Cooling can be provided using the cooling fluid circuit by absorbing energy from a conditioned space using a cooling fluid and discharging energy from the cooling fluid to the storage fluid circuit including the thermal storage tank. The thermal storage tank can also have heat added to it using an air source heat pump system in order to provide sufficient storage for heating operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to heat pump systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVACR), particularly using thermal storage devices as a source and / or pool for heat pump operation. Background Technology

[0002] Even during the cold winter months, large buildings typically have both heating and cooling needs simultaneously when attempting to maintain the temperature of the entire building, due to the varying timing and location of heat generation and loss. Even in cold winters, certain areas (e.g., the interior of the building) may require cooling because heat is generated in these spaces, but the surrounding external spaces are also subject to temperature control. Heating and cooling needs also vary over time; for example, the exterior areas of a building may require significant heating in the morning but may need cooling at other times, such as when receiving afternoon sunlight, even in cold winters.

[0003] Typically, large buildings tend to meet these needs by combining “free cooling” of warmer spaces (e.g., interior areas or exterior spaces exposed to afternoon sun) with “free cooling” of warmer spaces (e.g., interior areas or exterior spaces exposed to afternoon sun) by venting energy into the surrounding environment while also using energy to heat cooler areas (e.g., other peripheral areas), for example by using boilers that generate heat using fossil fuels. Boilers require on-site consumption of fossil fuels and face restrictions due to carbon and other pollution emission controls. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates to heat pump systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVACR), particularly those using thermal storage devices as a source and / or sink for heat pump operation.

[0005] By using heat pump systems and thermal storage devices, waste energy captured during cooling can be used to address a building's heating needs. The heat pump system can further power the thermal storage device, allowing it to be recharged even when the waste energy alone is insufficient to meet heating requirements. The thermal storage device also allows system capacity and energy consumption to be balanced or shifted over time, enabling the system to meet the building's needs at lower design capacities and avoiding energy consumption during potentially costly peak times and / or when energy availability is limited.

[0006] Heat pump systems that eliminate dependence on boilers can also support electrification efforts, which are achieved through increased coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump itself compared to a boiler and increased possibilities for the energy source of the heat pump, thus providing greater efficiency.

[0007] Thermal storage devices using heat storage materials can store large amounts of energy for heating operations. For materials such as water, the potential energy required for a phase change can be several orders of magnitude greater than the energy required to change the temperature within the phase. This allows for the storage of large amounts of thermal energy by thawing the material, enabling it to solidify as the energy is pumped out. In system design, the large amount of stored energy can reduce peak capacity demands, allowing for smaller, less expensive systems to meet building needs. Furthermore, these systems consume less energy when meeting peak demands. When electrical energy is available to operate the heat pump, the thermal storage device can be kept in the desired state, at least in part, by adding energy from ambient air or any other suitable source (i.e., melting ice) using the heat pump. Thermal storage devices can also be used to support cooling operations during warmer periods, melting ice to supplement or replace the cooling provided by the thermal system, combined with ice production during periods of low or no cooling demand by continuing to operate the thermal system.

[0008] Using a heat pump to supply energy to a thermal storage unit decouples heat collection from heat use, allowing for operations such as the heat pump operating during energy-efficient and cost-effective times, while the heat stored in the tank can be used at other times, such as to address peak demand. By connecting the heat pump to the thermal storage unit instead of using the heat pump to heat the building, the operating temperature range of the heat pump can be decoupled from the temperature of the thermal system. Since the heat pump only needs to pump energy to the temperature that melts the storage material, rather than to the temperature that meets the heating requirements, this allows the heat pump to operate at higher efficiency. Using a thermal storage unit as an intermediary also allows the flow rates of the thermal system and the heat pump or other heat energy sources to be decoupled from each other.

[0009] In one embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVACR) system includes a heating fluid loop configured to circulate a heating process fluid, the heating fluid loop being configured to provide heat to one or more heating coils distributed within a conditioned space. The HVACR system also includes a cooling fluid loop configured to circulate a cooling process fluid. The HVACR system further includes a storage fluid loop configured to circulate a storage loop process fluid. The storage fluid loop includes: one or more heat storage tanks, each heat storage tank containing heat storage material; a heat exchanger that allows heat exchange between the storage loop process fluid and the cooling loop process fluid; and a bypass line configured to allow selective bypassing of the heat exchanger. The HVACR system further includes a thermal system and a source heat exchange loop, the thermal system being configured to absorb energy from the storage loop process fluid and supply energy to the heating loop process fluid, the source heat exchange loop including a heat pump being configured to absorb energy from a source and supply energy to the source loop process fluid, the source heat exchange loop being configured such that the heat pump exchanges heat with the one or more heat storage tanks.

[0010] In one embodiment, the heat storage material is water, and the process fluid in the storage loop has a freezing temperature lower than that of water.

[0011] In one embodiment, the source heat exchange loop is directly connected to the storage fluid loop, and the source loop process fluid includes a portion of the storage loop process fluid.

[0012] In one embodiment, the source heat exchange loop includes one or more heat exchangers configured to allow heat exchange between the source loop process fluid and the heat storage material in the one or more heat storage tanks.

[0013] In one embodiment, the storage fluid loop is configured such that the source heat exchanger can be selectively included in or excluded from the flow of the storage loop process fluid.

[0014] In one embodiment, the heating fluid circuit further includes a cooling tower configured to allow energy exchange between the heating process fluid and the surrounding environment, and the heating fluid circuit is configured to selectively include the cooling tower in the flow of the heating process fluid or exclude the cooling tower from the flow of the heating process fluid.

[0015] In one embodiment, the storage fluid loop further includes one or more dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) heat exchangers, wherein the one or more DOAS heat exchangers are configured to allow energy exchange between the storage loop process fluid and the latent cooling load of the regulated space, and the storage fluid loop is configured to selectively include the one or more DOAS heat exchangers in the flow of the storage loop process fluid or exclude the one or more DOAS heat exchangers from the flow of the storage loop process fluid.

[0016] In one embodiment, the storage fluid circuit further includes a bypass line configured to allow flow of the storage circuit process fluid to bypass the one or more thermal storage tanks, and a plurality of valves configured to control the flow rate through the bypass line and each of the one or more thermal storage tanks.

[0017] In one embodiment, the heat pump is configured to produce an exit temperature of 60°F or lower when operated to provide energy to the source loop process fluid. In another embodiment, the heat pump is configured to produce an exit temperature between 35°F and 45°F when operated to provide energy to the source loop process fluid.

[0018] In one embodiment, the HVACR system further includes at least one of a heat exchanger or a solar collector, the heat exchanger being configured to exchange heat between building wastewater and one or more of the heat storage tanks, and the solar collector being configured to provide energy to one or more of the heat storage tanks.

[0019] In one embodiment, a method for regulating the air temperature in a regulated space includes operating a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVACR) system in one of a heating mode, a heating and cooling mode, an energy storage mode, or an energy discharge mode. Operating in heating mode includes: operating the thermal system to absorb energy from a storage loop process fluid in a storage fluid loop and to supply energy to a heating process fluid, the storage fluid loop including one or more heat storage tanks, each containing heat storage material; and discharging energy to the regulated space at one or more heating coils. Operating in the heating and cooling mode includes: operating the thermal system to absorb energy from the storage loop process fluid and to supply energy to the heating process fluid; discharging energy to the regulated space at the one or more heating coils; exchanging heat between the storage loop process fluid and a cooling process fluid; and absorbing energy from the regulated space to the cooling process fluid at one or more cooling coils. Operating in the energy storage mode includes exchanging heat between the storage loop process fluid and the cooling process fluid, wherein the cooling process fluid absorbs energy from the regulated space at one or more cooling coils and discharges heat to the storage material at one or more storage tanks. The method also includes operating a heat pump to absorb energy from a source and providing the energy absorbed from the source to the one or more storage tanks.

[0020] In one embodiment, the heat pump is operated such that the exit temperature at the heat pump is 60°F or lower. In another embodiment, the heat pump is operated such that the exit temperature at the heat pump is between 35°F and 45°F.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further includes adding energy to the thermal storage tank by absorbing energy from wastewater from the regulated space or from a solar collector.

[0022] In one embodiment, the operation of the heat pump is performed simultaneously with operation in one of the heating mode, the heating and cooling mode, or the energy storage mode.

[0023] In one embodiment, the operation of the heat pump is performed based on the availability of energy and the capacity of the heat storage tank.

[0024] In one embodiment, the energy absorbed from the source is supplied only to the thermal storage tank.

[0025] In one embodiment, the heat pump is operated to add at least a portion of the energy absorbed from the source to the process fluid in the storage loop.

[0026] In one embodiment, operating the heat pump adds energy absorbed from the source to the source loop process fluid, and providing energy to the one or more heat storage tanks includes exchanging heat between the source loop process fluid and the heat storage material. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 The heating mode is shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system.

[0029] Figure 3 It shows the heating and cooling modes. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system.

[0030] Figure 4 It shows the energy storage mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system.

[0031] Figure 5 The cooling mode is shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system.

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system in energy discharge mode is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This disclosure relates to heat pump systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVACR), particularly using thermal storage devices as a source and / or pool for heat pump operation.

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system according to an embodiment is shown. The storage source heat pump system 100 includes a thermal system 102, a storage fluid circuit 104, a heating fluid circuit 106, and a cooling fluid circuit 108. The storage source heat pump system 100 can be used as an HVACR system for a regulated space (e.g., a building).

[0035] Thermal system 102 is a system configured to absorb energy from the fluid in storage fluid circuit 104 and supply energy to the fluid in heating fluid circuit 106. Thermal system 102 may be, for example, a heat recovery refrigeration system. Thermal system 102 may use a vapor compression cycle to absorb energy at one location (e.g., storage fluid circuit 104) and discharge energy at another location (e.g., heating fluid circuit 106). Thermal system 102 may include one or more working fluid circuits. Each working fluid circuit may include: one or more compressors for compressing the working fluid (e.g., refrigerant); a first heat exchanger at which energy is supplied to the fluid in heating fluid circuit 106; an expander; and a second heat exchanger at which energy is absorbed from the fluid in storage fluid circuit 104. As a non-limiting example, the one or more compressors may include any one of a screw compressor, a scroll compressor, or a centrifugal compressor. The capacity of thermal system 102 may be selected based on the requirements for regulating a specific space, such as the size of the building, the typical range of ambient temperature, etc. Capacity can be based on peak loads under the highest demand, such as cooling in the summer afternoon or heating in the winter morning.

[0036] Storage fluid circuit 104 is a fluid circuit configured to circulate process fluids in the storage circuit. Storage fluid circuit 104 includes one or more heat storage tanks 110, bypass lines 112, heat exchangers 114, and one or more pumps 116.

[0037] Thermal storage tank 110 is one or more tanks, each containing thermal storage material. In one embodiment, the thermal storage material may be a phase change material. A phase change material can be any suitable material that undergoes a phase transition (e.g., from liquid to solid) at a known temperature, suitable for storing and releasing energy under typical system operating conditions. In one embodiment, the thermal storage material comprises water. In one embodiment, the thermal storage material is water. In one embodiment, thermal storage tank 110 is a stratified chilled water tank. Each thermal storage tank in thermal storage tank 110 is configured to allow energy exchange between the thermal storage material contained in that tank and at least some of the storage loop process fluid circulating through storage loop 104. Thermal storage tanks 110 may be connected in series or in parallel with respect to the flow of storage loop process fluid through storage loop 104. The size of thermal storage tank 110 may be determined based on anticipated building requirements and the thermal storage capacity (e.g., the potential to solidify the thermal storage material) of the specific thermal storage material being used. In one embodiment, the thermal storage tank 110 may be bypassed by a thermal storage bypass line 156, the flow rate through which can be controlled by a thermal storage bypass valve 158. The thermal storage tank 110 may be further configured to capture energy from sources with temperatures higher than the temperature of the thermal storage material, such as by absorbing energy from wastewater streams, receiving energy from a cryogenic solar collector, absorbing energy from ambient air via a heat exchanger when the ambient temperature is higher than the phase change temperature, or absorbing energy from any other suitable potential energy source with a temperature higher than the temperature of the thermal storage material. Energy from these sources may be passively absorbed by means of the natural flow of energy from higher to lower temperatures. In one embodiment, when the thermal storage material is a phase change material, the source may be any suitable source with a temperature higher than the phase change temperature of the thermal storage material.

[0038] The bypass line 112 is a fluid line configured to deliver storage loop process fluid from the heat storage tank 110 to the pump 116 without passing through the heat exchanger 114. The flow to or through the bypass line 112 can be controlled by one or more valves 118, such as a three-way valve located at a branch point of the bypass line 112 to bypass the heat exchanger 114, or one or more general valves, such as valves along the bypass line 112, and / or valves located between the branch point of the bypass line 112 and the heat exchanger 114. Therefore, the bypass line 112 can be selectively included in or excluded from the storage fluid loop 104. The bypass line 112 can be used to bypass the heat exchanger 114 when the storage source heat pump system 100 is not providing cooling. When the storage source heat pump system 100 provides cooling, the bypass line 112 can be removed from the storage fluid loop, allowing the storage loop process fluid to enter at the heat exchanger 114 and absorb energy at the heat exchanger 114.

[0039] Heat exchanger 114 is a heat exchanger that allows energy exchange between the storage loop process fluid and the cooling loop process fluid circulating through the cooling fluid loop 108. At heat exchanger 114, the storage loop process fluid traveling through the heat exchanger 114 absorbs energy from the cooling loop process fluid. Depending on the operating mode of the storage source heat pump system, heat exchanger 114 can be selectively included in or excluded from the storage fluid loop 104 via valve 118 and bypass line 112.

[0040] Pump 116 is one or more pumps configured to drive the flow of storage loop process fluid through storage fluid loop 104. Pumps 116 may be connected in series or in parallel with respect to the flow through storage fluid loop 104. The number and size of pumps 116 can be selected to meet the flow requirements of a specific storage source heat pump system. In one embodiment, pump 116 can provide a variable flow rate. In this embodiment, the flow rate can be varied based on the operating conditions of the storage source heat pump system 100, such as operating mode, load, and / or any other suitable basis for setting the flow rate through storage fluid loop 104.

[0041] In one embodiment, the storage loop process fluid can be a fluid that remains in a fluid state both above and below the temperature at which the thermal storage material in the storage tank 110 undergoes a phase change. In one embodiment, the storage loop process fluid can be a material that is substantially different from or entirely different from the thermal storage material. For example, when the thermal storage material is water, the storage loop process fluid can be ethylene glycol. In some embodiments, the storage loop process fluid can be a material substantially the same as the thermal storage material, but the material is treated to change its freezing point to be lower than that of the thermal storage material. For example, the storage loop process fluid can be water that has been treated with or mixed with other materials to lower its freezing point to below that of the water used as the thermal storage material in the storage tank 110. In one embodiment, the thermal storage tank 110 can be further configured to absorb energy from any other source at a suitable temperature for adding energy to the thermal storage material. Examples of such sources include building wastewater, heat collectors such as solar collectors, etc.

[0042] The heating fluid circuit 106 is a fluid circuit configured to circulate the heating process fluid. The heating fluid circuit 106 includes a pump 120, an optional heat exchanger bypass line 122 and a heat exchanger bypass valve 124, a heat exchanger 126, an optional cooling tower bypass line 128 and a cooling tower bypass valve 130, and a cooling tower 132. The heat exchanger 126 exchanges energy with a heating system 134, which includes one or more pumps 136 and one or more heating coils 138 located in the regulated space.

[0043] Pump 120 is one or more pumps configured to drive the flow of fluid in the heating process through the heating fluid circuit 106. Pumps 120 may be connected in series or in parallel with respect to the flow through the heating fluid circuit 106. The number and size of pumps 120 can be selected to meet the flow requirements of a specific storage source heat pump system 100. In one embodiment, pump 120 can provide a variable flow rate. In this embodiment, the flow rate can be varied based on the operating conditions of the storage source heat pump system 100, such as heating demand, heat output from the thermal system 102, and / or any other suitable basis for setting the flow rate through the heating fluid circuit 106.

[0044] The heat exchanger bypass line 122 is a fluid line connected in parallel with the heat exchanger 126, thereby allowing the heat exchanger 126 to be bypassed by the heating process fluid circulating through the heating fluid loop 106. The heat exchanger bypass valve 124 may be one or more valves controlling the flow rate through one or both of the heat exchanger bypass line 122 and the heat exchanger 126. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger bypass valve 124 is a three-way valve. In another embodiment, the heat exchanger bypass valve 124 may alternatively be a two-way valve that separately controls the flow to the heat exchanger 126 and the flow to the heat exchanger bypass line 122.

[0045] Heat exchanger 126 is configured to allow the heating process fluid to provide energy to the fluid circulating in heating system 134. Heating system 134 can then circulate its own fluid to one or more heating coils 138. Heating coils 138 can be distributed within a regulated space. Valve 160 can be provided to control the flow rate through individual heating coils 138 or groups of heating coils. The flow rate to each of the heating coils 138 can be controlled, for example, based on the local temperature and / or temperature setpoint at or near each heating coil, or a group of heating coils. The flow from heat exchanger 126 through heating system 134 to heating coils 138 and back can be driven by one or more pumps 136 included in heating system 134. These pumps can be selected and / or operated based on heating demand. Therefore, heating fluid loop 106 can provide energy to heating coils 138 by providing energy to heating system 134.

[0046] The heating fluid circuit 106 may further include a cooling tower 132. A cooling tower bypass line 128 is a fluid line connected in parallel with the cooling tower 132, and this bypass line 128 allows fluid to circulate through the heating fluid circuit 106 without passing through the cooling tower 132. A cooling tower bypass valve 130 may be one or more valves controlling the flow rate through one or both of the cooling tower bypass line 128 and the cooling tower 132. As the heating process fluid circulates through the heating fluid circuit, the cooling tower bypass valve 130 and the cooling tower bypass line 128 allow the cooling tower 132 to be selectively included in or excluded from the flow path of the heating process fluid. The cooling tower bypass valve 130 may include, for example, a three-way valve, two or more two-way valves, or any other suitable flow control device for directing flow to or from the cooling tower 132 or the cooling tower bypass line 128. The cooling tower 132 includes one or more heat exchangers configured such that the heating process fluid can provide energy to the surrounding environment. In one embodiment, the cooling tower 132 may include one or more fans, and the surrounding environment may be air driven through the cooling tower 132 by the one or more fans. The cooling tower 132 may allow the heating process fluid to release energy without adding energy to the regulated space. This can be used for some operating modes of the storage source heat pump system 100, such as during energy discharge mode, where the thermal system 102 is operated to condense the heat storage material in the heat storage tank 110, but at this time there is no heating demand in the regulated space, such as during summer operation.

[0047] Cooling fluid circuit 108 is a fluid circuit configured to circulate cooling process fluid. The cooling fluid circuit includes a pump 140 and one or more cooling coils 142 located in the regulated space. The cooling fluid circuit also includes a side of a heat exchanger 114 opposite to the side through which the storage circuit process fluid travels.

[0048] Pump 140 is one or more pumps configured to drive the flow of cooling process fluid through cooling fluid circuit 108. Pumps 140 may be connected in series or in parallel with respect to the flow through cooling fluid circuit 108. The number and size of pumps 140 can be selected to meet the specific flow rate requirements of cooling fluid circuit 108. In one embodiment, pump 140 can provide a variable flow rate. In this embodiment, the flow rate can be varied based on the operating conditions of the storage source heat pump system 100, such as cooling load, and / or any other suitable basis for setting the flow rate through cooling fluid circuit 108.

[0049] At heat exchanger 114, the cooling process fluid provides energy to the storage loop process fluid. The cooling process fluid travels through cooling fluid loop 108 to one or more cooling coils 142, where it absorbs energy from the regulated space to provide cooling. The flow rate of the cooling process fluid to each cooling coil 142 can be controlled based on local temperature, different cooling setpoints in different parts of the regulated space, etc. A valve 162 can be used to control the flow rate through individual cooling coils 142 or groups of cooling coils. The flow rate of the cooling process fluid to each cooling coil 142 can be determined using any suitable method for controlling flow in a chilled water cooling system.

[0050] The storage source heat pump system 100 may include an air source heat pump circuit 144. The air source heat pump circuit 144 includes an air source heat pump 146, a pump 148, and a valve 150. The air source heat pump circuit 144 is configured to absorb energy from the surrounding environment and provide the absorbed heat to the storage tank 110. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump circuit 144 is configured to exchange heat only with the surrounding environment at the location of the air source heat pump 146 and with the storage tank 110. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump 146 may be replaced by a heat pump using any suitable source from which energy can be absorbed, which is available for use in the environment in which the storage source heat pump system 100 is installed. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump 146 may alternatively be, for example, a ground source heat pump. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump circuit 144 does not exchange heat with any component of the heating fluid circuit 106 or the cooling fluid circuit 108. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump circuit 144 is configured to circulate at least a portion of the storage circuit process fluid and can be selectively included in the storage fluid circuit 104. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump circuit is a separate circuit configured to circulate its own process fluid to absorb energy from the air source heat pump 146 and discharge only the absorbed energy to the heat storage material at the heat storage tank 110. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump circuit 144 does not directly allow energy exchange with the heating or cooling process fluid. Energy is absorbed from the surrounding environment by the heat pump 146 and this energy is provided to the fluid used to deliver the energy to the heat storage tank 110. The pump 148 may be one or more pumps configured to drive the flow of fluid used to deliver heat to the heat storage tank 110. A valve 150 is provided to allow, for example, based on the operating mode of the storage source heat pump system 100, the air source heat pump circuit 144 to selectively include providing energy to the heat storage tank 110 or exclude providing energy to the heat storage tank 110. For example, when the air source heat pump 146 is not in operation, valve 150 can be closed to isolate the air source heat pump circuit 144 from the heat storage tank 110. When needed, valve 150 can be opened to allow fluid to travel through the air source heat pump circuit, thereby allowing energy exchange with the heat storage tank 110, so that the energy absorbed at the air source heat pump 146 can be added to the heat storage tank 110.

[0051] Air source heat pump loop 144 can be selectively operated, for example, based on whether storage source heat pump system 100 is used to heat, cool, or both heat and cool the regulated space, the availability and / or cost of electricity, the current and / or desired capacity level in storage tank 110, and / or other such factors. In one embodiment, electricity availability can be determined based on limitations or energy thresholds on available electricity and the electricity required to operate in heating, or heating and cooling modes, based on the demand of the regulated space. In one embodiment, energy costs can be considered, for example, in the presence of dynamic pricing for peak and off-peak energy consumption. In this embodiment, the operation of air source heat pump loop 144 can be partially determined to increase the proportion of energy consumption occurring during off-peak conditions. In one embodiment, the operation of air source heat pump loop 144 can be arranged to shift energy demand for storage source heat pump system 100 away from peak energy consumption periods and to off-peak periods. In one embodiment, the desired capacity can be based on predicted environmental conditions, such as temperature and / or solar energy forecasts. In one embodiment, the desired capacity may be based on historical demand data. In another embodiment, the desired capacity may be based on a predetermined time period, such as one day, several days, or weeks. The operation of the air source heat pump circuit 144 can be controlled so that it stops operating and therefore does not consume electricity while the heat storage tank 110 is storing a sufficient amount of energy for the upcoming operation of the heat source heat pump system 100. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump circuit 144 can be installed into an existing system as part of the electrification retrofit of that existing system by adding an air source heat pump 146 and adding appropriate piping to allow the fluid from the air source heat pump 146 to exchange heat with the system's heat storage tank.

[0052] An air source heat pump 146 can be operated to pump energy into a fluid near the phase change temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage tank 110. The air source heat pump 146 can be in a heat pump circuit including: a compressor for compressing the air source heat pump working fluid; a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air source heat pump working fluid and the fluid in which energy is pumped; an expander; and a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air source heat pump working fluid and the surrounding environment. The air source heat pump 146 can operate at an exit fluid temperature insufficient to directly provide heating to the conditioned space. In one embodiment, the exit fluid temperature from the air source heat pump 146 when operating to heat the fluid can be 60°F or lower. In another embodiment, the exit fluid temperature from the air source heat pump 146 when operating to heat the fluid can be 50°F or lower. In one embodiment, when the air source heat pump operates to heat a fluid, the exit fluid temperature from the air source heat pump 146 can be between approximately 40°F and 45°F. By pumping energy to a fluid at such a relatively low temperature, the air source heat pump 144 can be operated effectively even at low ambient air temperatures. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump 146 can be operated in reverse, such that it absorbs energy from the fluid and discharges the energy back to the source. The air source heat pump 146 can be operated in reverse mode to prepare the heat storage tank 110 for use during periods of high cooling demand or to support the storage source heat pump system 100 during cooling operations. It should be understood that the air source heat pump 146 can be replaced by a heat pump from any other suitable source available based on building location, configuration, local regulations, etc., such as a ground source heat pump, a heat pump using an aquifer as a source, etc.

[0053] In one embodiment, the storage source heat pump system 100 may further include one or more dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) coils 152. The DOAS coils 152 may be included in the storage fluid loop 104, thereby allowing energy exchange between the storage loop process fluid and a potential load (e.g., latent cooling load) for regulating the space. In one embodiment, the latent cooling load is used to dehumidify air in or being supplied to the regulated space. In embodiments using the DOAS coils 152 to meet the latent cooling load, the cooling fluid loop 108 may be operated at a relatively high temperature, thereby allowing the temperature to be maintained at a relatively more effective level for providing cooling to meet the visible load (i.e., regulating the actual temperature within the regulated space). One or more valves 154 may be used to control the flow rate to the portion of the storage fluid loop 104 including the DOAS coils 152. The flow through this portion of the storage fluid loop may be at least partially driven by one or more pumps 164.

[0054] Figure 2 The heating mode is shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system. Figure 2 In the heating mode shown, the thermal system 102 is operated such that it discharges heat to the heating process fluid circulating in the heating fluid loop 106 and absorbs energy from the storage loop process fluid circulating in the storage fluid loop 104. In the storage fluid loop 104, the storage fluid loop absorbs energy at the heat storage tank 110, causing the heat storage material to solidify. When the storage loop process fluid begins to exchange energy with the heat storage material at the heat storage tank 110, the storage loop process fluid may be at a temperature below the freezing point of the heat storage material, for example, at 25°F or approximately 25°F when the storage loop process fluid enters the heat storage tank 110, in order to absorb energy by solidifying some of the heat storage material. In the heating fluid loop 106, the heating process fluid circulates between the thermal system 102 and the heat exchanger 126. The heating fluid loop is bypassed from the cooling tower 132 using the cooling tower bypass line 128 and the cooling tower bypass valve 130, thereby preventing fluid from circulating to the cooling tower 132. At heat exchanger 126, the heating process fluid provides energy to the fluid in heating system 134, which then heats the space by discharging the energy to the regulated space at heating coil 138. In heating mode, thermal system 102 thus acts as a heat pump, pumping stored energy out of storage tank 110 by solidifying the heat storage material, whereby the energy is pumped into the heating process fluid, which is then used to provide heat to heating coil 138 and thus to the regulated space.

[0055] The heating mode may also optionally include operation of the air source heat pump circuit 144 to add heat to the storage tank 110 or reduce heat absorption from the storage tank 110. When the air source heat pump circuit 144 is operated, the air source heat pump 146 operates to absorb energy from the source and provide the energy to a fluid (e.g., a storage loop process fluid) that exchanges energy with the storage tank 110. The air source heat pump may be operated to provide a fluid with a temperature above the freezing point of the storage material. The temperature of the fluid may be a temperature easily achievable based on the source temperature, such as 42°F or approximately 42°F when supplied to the storage tank 110. In one embodiment, the fluid is a storage loop process fluid, and this fluid is mixed with a storage loop process fluid from the thermal system 102 before heat exchange with the storage tank 110. In one embodiment, Figure 2 The heating mode shown may include the operation of the air source heat pump circuit 144 when the heating mode is not a system-wide energy consumption mode.

[0056] exist Figure 2In the heating-only mode shown, the cooling circuit 108 is inactive, with the heat exchanger 114 bypassed in the storage fluid circuit 104. If an optional DOAS coil 152 is present as part of the system, it is also excluded from the storage fluid circuit 104 during operation.

[0057] Figure 3 It shows the heating and cooling modes. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system. Figure 3 In the illustrated heating and cooling mode, the thermal system 102 absorbs energy from the storage fluid circuit 104 and supplies energy to the heating fluid circuit 106. The storage fluid circuit 104 includes a heat exchanger 114, allowing the storage circuit process fluid to absorb energy from the cooling process fluid in the cooling fluid circuit 108 and from the heat storage material in the heat storage tank 110. The flow rates through the heat storage tank 110 and the heat exchanger 114 can be controlled to ensure that an appropriate temperature is provided at the inlet of the thermal system 102 while meeting cooling requirements, thus enabling efficient operation while simultaneously meeting heating requirements.

[0058] Figure 3 The heating and cooling modes shown may optionally include operation of the air source heat pump circuit 144 to add energy to the storage tank 110 or reduce the rate at which energy is absorbed from the storage tank 110. When the air source heat pump circuit 144 is operated, the air source heat pump 146 operates to absorb energy from a source and provide energy to a fluid (e.g., a storage loop process fluid) that exchanges energy with the storage tank 110. The air source heat pump may be operated to provide a fluid with a temperature above the freezing point of the storage material. The temperature of the fluid may be a temperature easily achievable based on the source temperature, for example, at 42°F or approximately 42°F when supplied to the storage tank 110. In one embodiment, the fluid is a storage loop process fluid, and this fluid is mixed with a storage loop process fluid from the thermal system 102 before exchanging energy with the storage tank 110. Figure 3 In the heating and cooling modes shown, the optional DOAS coil 152 can be excluded from the operation of the storage fluid circuit 104. For example, in Figure 2 In the heating mode shown and described above, the cooling tower 132 can be removed from the operation of the cooling fluid circuit 106, so that the energy absorbed by the heating process fluid is mainly discharged at the heat exchanger 126.

[0059] In heating and cooling modes, only the selected heating coil 138 and cooling coil 142 can be used to provide heating and cooling to the regulated space, respectively. In one embodiment, heating and cooling demands may occur simultaneously due to the building's thermal characteristics, activity in different areas, or any other suitable reason requiring both heating and cooling at different points within the regulated space. The selection of active heating coils 138 and cooling coils 142 and / or the flow rates to these coils can be based on the associated heating or cooling at or near each coil in the respective heating coil 138 and / or cooling coil 142. For example, cooling coils 142 near the building's center can be used to address cooling demands at these locations, while heating coils located at or near the building's perimeter can be used to address heating demands in these areas. In one embodiment, heating and cooling can be performed simultaneously due to differences in local temperature setpoints, such as different thermostat settings in different parts of the regulated space. In the heating and cooling mode, the energy discharged to the cooling process fluid can be used to support the heating of the heating process fluid at the thermal system 102, and / or stored in the heat storage tank 110 by supporting the melting of the heat storage material. In one embodiment, in the heating and cooling mode, a cooling tower such as cooling tower 132 is not used to provide cooling to the regulated space.

[0060] Figure 4 It shows the energy storage mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system. Figure 4 The energy storage mode shown may include cooling during winter or other periods when heating may be required, and therefore it is desirable to store energy as liquid water in the thermal storage tank 110. Figure 4 In the energy storage mode shown, the storage fluid loop includes a heat exchanger 114 and a heat storage tank 110, such that the process fluid in the storage loop absorbs energy at the heat exchanger 114 and supplies energy to the heat storage tank 110. The process fluid in the storage loop can be above the freezing point of the heat storage material in the heat storage tank 110. The heat system 102 can be shut down or operated based on emission requirements, shutdown-start procedures for the heat system 102, etc. Figure 4 In the energy storage mode shown, the heating fluid circuit 106 is inactive.

[0061] exist Figure 4In the energy storage mode shown, the operation of the air source heat pump system 144 can further support the storage of energy in the storage tank 110 by melting the storage material. When the air source heat pump loop 144 is operated, the air source heat pump 146 operates to absorb energy from the source and provide the energy to a fluid (e.g., a storage loop process fluid) that exchanges energy with the storage tank 110. The air source heat pump can be operated to provide a fluid with a temperature higher than the freezing point of the storage material. The temperature of this fluid can be a temperature easily achievable based on the source temperature, for example, at 42°F or approximately 42°F when supplied to the storage tank 110. In one embodiment, the fluid is a storage loop process fluid, and this fluid is mixed with the storage loop process fluid from the heat exchanger 114 before exchanging energy with the storage tank 110.

[0062] When in Figure 4 In the energy storage mode shown, instead of using a cooling tower, waste energy generated within the regulated space can be stored in the heat storage tank 110 for subsequent heating operations, rather than simply being released into the surrounding environment, by relying on thermal storage to meet cooling needs. Furthermore, the operation of the air source heat pump system 146 can be controlled to add a known amount of energy to the heat storage tank 110, for example, based on anticipated demand during a predetermined time period (e.g., the next day or the following week). By deactivating the air source heat pump system 146 when energy targets have been met, over-operation of the air source heat pump system 146 can be prevented and energy saved. In one embodiment, the operating time of the air source heat pump system 146 can be optimized based on the required amount of energy added to the heat storage tank 110 and parameters affecting the cost or efficiency of adding that energy, such as the predicted ambient temperature over time, rate information including dynamic rate adjustments for electricity, and the time required to add the required amount of energy.

[0063] Figure 5 The cooling mode is shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system. Figure 5 The cooling modes shown may include cooling during the summer months or other periods when cooling is a primary need for the storage source heat pump system 100, where solid heat storage materials (e.g., ice) in the heat storage tank 110 can be used to meet cooling needs or supplement cooling capacity. When in... Figure 5In the cooling mode shown, the thermal system 102 can operate to absorb energy from the storage loop process fluid in the storage fluid loop 104 and discharge the energy to the heating fluid loop 106. In the heating fluid loop 106, the cooling tower 132 is active, receiving the heating process fluid that discharges energy to the surrounding environment, while bypassing the heat exchanger 126 via bypass line 122 and bypass valve 124. Therefore, the heating system 134 does not receive energy from the heating fluid loop 106. The storage fluid loop 104 includes a heat exchanger 114. Depending on the state of the heat storage material in the heat storage tank 110, the heat storage tank 110 may also be included if it contains ice, which can provide further cooling to the storage loop process fluid. Figure 5 In at least some of the cooling operations shown, the temperature of the storage loop process fluid may be higher than the freezing point of the heat storage material when it reaches the heat storage tank 110. At heat exchanger 114, the storage loop process fluid absorbs energy from the cooling process fluid in cooling loop 108. The storage loop process fluid has the energy absorbed from the cooling process fluid at thermal system 102, and may also have the energy absorbed at heat storage tank 110. The operation of thermal system 102 can be configured to achieve a desired temperature for the storage loop process fluid, based on cooling requirements and / or the amount of cooling that can be achieved at heat storage tank 110 by absorbing heat. Figure 5 In the cooling mode shown, where latent cooling loads such as dehumidifiers are active, optional DOAS coil 152 can be used to meet the latent cooling load, while sensible cooling loads in the regulated space are addressed by absorbing energy at cooling coil 142. The energy absorbed at cooling coil 142 can be discharged into the storage loop process fluid at heat exchanger 114. Figure 5 In the cooling mode shown, the cooling requirement can be met by a combination of mechanical cooling provided by the thermal system 102 and any cooling that can be achieved by melting the heat storage material in the heat storage tank 110. Figure 5 In the cooling mode shown, the air source heat pump system 144 is not used because the heat storage tank 110 is used to absorb energy to support the cooling operation where possible. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump system 144 may operate as an air source heat pump, wherein the air source heat pump 146 pumps energy out of the storage loop process fluid and to the source.

[0064] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a storage source heat pump system in energy discharge mode is shown. Figure 6 The energy discharge pattern shown can be used to produce additional solid thermal storage material (e.g., ice) in the thermal storage tank 110 for subsequent uses to meet cooling needs or supplement cooling capacity, for example, according to... Figure 5This is shown in the diagram and in subsequent operations of the cooling mode described above. For example, when cooling demand is expected to be primary but cooling is not currently required, the following can be used: Figure 6 The energy dissipation pattern is shown. For example, it can be used during the night or early morning in a temperate climate during the summer. Figure 6 The energy discharge pattern shown. Figure 6 In the energy discharge mode shown, thermal system 102 can be operated to absorb energy from the storage loop process fluid in storage fluid loop 104 and discharge the energy to heating fluid loop 106. In heating fluid loop 106, cooling tower 132 is active, receiving heating process fluid that discharges heat to the surrounding environment, while bypassing heat exchanger 126 via bypass line 122 and bypass valve 124. Therefore, heating system 134 does not receive energy from heating fluid loop 106. In storage fluid loop 104, even when thermal system 102 is absorbing energy from storage loop process fluid, heat exchanger 114 can be bypassed. This allows the storage loop process fluid entering heat storage tank 110 to be below the freezing point of the heat storage material, thereby freezing some of the heat storage material in heat storage tank 110. Figure 6 In the energy discharge mode shown, the air source heat pump system 144 is not used because the energy discharge mode is designed to solidify the heat storage material in the heat storage tank 110. In one embodiment, the air source heat pump system 144 can be operated in reverse mode using an air source heat pump 146, wherein the air source heat pump 146 pumps energy out of the storage loop process fluid and pumps it to the source.

[0065] Figure 6 The energy discharge pattern shown allows the thermal storage material to solidify, thus allowing the thermal storage tank 110 to support subsequent cooling operations. This allows for efficient operation beyond peak demand to subsequently meet peak cooling needs of the regulated space. Compared to standard HVACR system designs, this allows for the use of a lower-capacity thermal system as the thermal system 102, thereby reducing costs and increasing the range of regulated spaces that can be served by the thermal system. This also allows for reduced peak energy consumption, resulting in cost savings in variable-rate pricing systems and potentially even generating revenue for the energy market, while also reducing the impact of the HVACR system on peak grid demand.

[0066] In operation, typical heating times for the storage source heat pump system 100 in cold climates may include heating peaks, typically during the morning hours, for example, between approximately 5:00 AM and approximately 10:00 AM. During heating peaks, the storage source heat pump system 100 can be operated in heating mode, dedicated to transferring energy from the storage tank 110 to the heating circuit 106 via the operation of the thermal system 102. In this embodiment, the air source heat pump 146 may not operate during these heating peak periods, where the electrical energy used by the storage source heat pump system 100 is primarily used for the operation of the thermal system 102. Outside of heating peaks, for example, between approximately 11:00 AM and approximately 4:00 AM, the storage source heat pump system 100 can be operated to restore energy back into the storage tank 110, for example, by operating at a lower load in heating mode or heating and cooling mode, while simultaneously operating the air source heat pump 146 at a load greater than that of the thermal system 102. These operations can melt the heat storage material in the storage tank 110, thereby increasing the energy available for use during the next heating peak. Therefore, the thermal energy stored in the thermal storage tank 110 can be used during peak heating periods and replenished during off-peak periods. In some embodiments, the air source heat pump 146 may have a maximum capacity selected to allow full replenishment of the thermal storage tank 110 between peak heating periods for the building, based on models or forecasts of such typical heating days, considering factors such as building size, environmental conditions (e.g., temperature or solar intensity), building conditions (e.g., insulation), etc. The size of the thermal storage tank 110 can be set and selected to provide sufficient storage capacity for energy consumption during peak heating periods and optionally provide additional capacity as a safety margin to ensure sufficient energy for operation.

[0067] Multiple aspects:

[0068] It should be understood that any one of aspects 1 to 11 can be combined with any one of aspects 12 to 20.

[0069] Aspect 1. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVACR) system, comprising:

[0070] A heating fluid circuit configured to circulate the heating process fluid;

[0071] A cooling fluid circuit configured to circulate cooling process fluid;

[0072] A storage fluid circuit, the storage fluid circuit being configured to circulate process fluid within the storage circuit, the storage fluid circuit comprising:

[0073] One or more thermal storage tanks, each containing thermal storage material;

[0074] A heat exchanger that allows heat exchange between the process fluid in the storage loop and the process fluid in the cooling loop; and

[0075] A bypass line, the bypass line being configured to allow the heat exchanger to be selectively bypassed;

[0076] A thermal system configured to absorb energy from the storage circuit process fluid and supply energy to the heating circuit process fluid; and

[0077] A source heat exchange loop, the source heat exchange loop including a heat pump configured to absorb energy from a source and supply energy to a source loop process fluid, the source heat exchange loop being configured such that the heat pump exchanges heat with the one or more heat storage tanks.

[0078] Aspect 2. The HVACR system according to aspect 1, wherein the heat storage material is water, and the storage loop process fluid has a freezing temperature lower than that of water.

[0079] Aspect 3. The HVACR system according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the source heat exchange loop is directly connected to the storage fluid loop, and the source loop process fluid includes a portion of the storage loop process fluid.

[0080] Aspect 4. The HVACR system according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the source heat exchange loop includes one or more heat exchangers configured to allow heat exchange between the source loop process fluid and the heat storage material in the one or more heat storage tanks.

[0081] Aspect 5. The HVACR system according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the storage fluid loop is configured such that the source heat exchanger can be selectively included in or excluded from the flow of the storage loop process fluid.

[0082] Aspect 6. The HVACR system according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the heating fluid circuit further includes a cooling tower configured to allow energy exchange between the heating process fluid and the surrounding environment, and the heating fluid circuit is configured to selectively include the cooling tower in or exclude it from the flow of the heating process fluid.

[0083] Aspect 7. The HVACR system according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the storage fluid loop further includes one or more dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) heat exchangers, wherein the one or more DOAS heat exchangers are configured to allow energy exchange between the storage loop process fluid and the latent cooling load of the regulated space, and the storage fluid loop is configured to selectively include the one or more DOAS heat exchangers in or exclude them from the flow of the storage loop process fluid.

[0084] Aspect 8. The HVACR system according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the storage fluid circuit further includes a bypass line configured to allow flow of process fluid from the storage circuit to bypass the one or more heat storage tanks, and a plurality of valves configured to control the flow rate through each of the one or more heat storage tanks and the bypass line.

[0085] Aspect 9. The HVACR system according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the heat pump is configured to produce an exit temperature of 60°F or lower when operated to provide energy to the source loop process fluid.

[0086] Aspect 10. The HVACR system according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the heat pump is configured to produce an exit temperature between 35°F and 45°F when operated to provide energy to the source loop process fluid.

[0087] Aspect 11. The HVACR system according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, further comprising at least one of the following:

[0088] A heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between building wastewater and one or more heat storage tanks in the heat storage tank; or

[0089] A solar collector configured to provide energy to one or more thermal storage tanks in the thermal storage tank.

[0090] Aspect 12. A method for regulating the air temperature in a regulated space, the method comprising:

[0091] The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVACR) system operates in one of the following modes: heating mode, heating and cooling mode, energy storage mode, or energy exhaust mode, wherein:

[0092] Operating in heating mode includes:

[0093] The thermal system operates to absorb energy from the process fluid in the storage loop of the storage fluid loop and to supply energy to the heating process fluid, the storage fluid loop comprising one or more storage tanks, each containing storage material; and

[0094] Discharging energy into the regulated space at one or more heating coils, operating in the heating and cooling mode includes:

[0095] The thermal system is operated to absorb energy from the storage loop process fluid and to supply energy to the heating process fluid;

[0096] Energy is discharged into the regulated space from the one or more heating coils.

[0097] Heat is exchanged between the process fluid in the storage loop and the cooling process fluid; and

[0098] Energy is absorbed from the regulated space and transferred to the cooling process fluid at one or more cooling coils.

[0099] Operating in the energy storage mode includes: exchanging heat between the storage loop process fluid and the cooling process fluid, wherein the cooling process fluid absorbs energy from the regulated space at one or more cooling coils and discharges heat to the storage material at one or more storage tanks; and

[0100] The heat pump is operated to absorb energy from a source and to supply the energy absorbed from the source to the one or more heat storage tanks.

[0101] Aspect 13. The method according to aspect 12, wherein the heat pump is operated such that the exit temperature at the heat pump is 60°F or lower.

[0102] Aspect 14. The method according to aspect 12 or aspect 13, wherein the heat pump is operated such that the exit temperature at the heat pump is between 35°F and 45°F.

[0103] Aspect 15. The method according to any one of aspects 12 to 14 further includes adding energy to the thermal storage tank by absorbing energy from wastewater from the regulated space or from a solar collector.

[0104] Aspect 16. The method according to any one of aspects 12 to 15, wherein operating the heat pump is performed simultaneously with operating in one of the heating mode, the heating and cooling mode, or the energy storage mode.

[0105] Aspect 17. The method according to aspect 12, wherein the operation of the heat pump is performed based on the availability of energy and the capacity of the heat storage tank.

[0106] Aspect 18. The method according to any one of aspects 12 to 17, wherein the energy absorbed from the source is provided only to the thermal storage tank.

[0107] Aspect 19. The method according to any one of aspects 12 to 18, wherein operating the heat pump adds energy absorbed from the source to at least a portion of the process fluid in the storage loop.

[0108] Aspect 20. The method according to any one of aspects 12 to 19, wherein operating the heat pump adds energy absorbed from the source to the source loop process fluid, and providing energy to the one or more heat storage tanks includes exchanging heat between the source loop process fluid and the heat storage material.

[0109] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all variations in the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be covered in this application.

Claims

1. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVACR) system, comprising: A heating fluid circuit configured to circulate the heating process fluid; A cooling fluid circuit configured to circulate cooling process fluid; A storage fluid circuit, the storage fluid circuit being configured to circulate process fluid within the storage circuit, the storage fluid circuit comprising: One or more thermal storage tanks, each containing thermal storage material; A heat exchanger that allows heat exchange between the storage loop process fluid and the cooling process fluid; and A bypass line configured to allow the heat exchanger to be selectively bypassed; A thermal system configured to absorb energy from the storage loop process fluid and supply energy to the heating process fluid; and A source heat exchange loop, the source heat exchange loop including a heat pump configured to absorb energy from a source and supply energy to a source loop process fluid, the source heat exchange loop being configured such that the heat pump exchanges heat with the one or more heat storage tanks.

2. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat storage material is water, and the process fluid in the storage loop has a freezing temperature lower than that of water.

3. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to claim 1, wherein, The source heat exchange circuit is directly connected to the storage fluid circuit, and the source circuit process fluid includes a portion of the storage circuit process fluid.

4. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The source heat exchange loop includes one or more heat exchangers configured to allow heat exchange between the process fluid in the source loop and the heat storage material in the one or more heat storage tanks.

5. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The storage fluid loop is configured such that the source heat exchange loop can be selectively included in or excluded from the flow of the process fluid in the storage loop.

6. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The heating fluid circuit also includes a cooling tower configured to allow energy exchange between the heating process fluid and the surrounding environment, and the heating fluid circuit is configured to selectively include the cooling tower in or exclude it from the flow of the heating process fluid.

7. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The storage fluid loop also includes one or more dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) heat exchangers, each of which is configured to allow energy exchange between the storage loop process fluid and the latent cooling load of the regulated space, and the storage fluid loop is configured to selectively include or exclude the one or more DOAS heat exchangers from the flow of the storage loop process fluid.

8. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The storage fluid circuit also includes a bypass line configured to allow the flow of process fluids from the storage circuit to bypass the one or more thermal storage tanks; And multiple valves configured to control the flow rate through each of the one or more thermal storage tanks and the bypass line.

9. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The heat pump is configured to produce an exit temperature of 60°F or lower when operating to provide energy to the source loop process fluid.

10. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The heat pump is configured to generate an exit temperature between 35°F and 45°F when operating to provide energy to the source loop process fluid.

11. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one of the following: A heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between building wastewater and one or more heat storage tanks in the heat storage tank; or A solar collector configured to provide energy to one or more thermal storage tanks in the thermal storage tank.

12. A method for adjusting the air temperature in a regulated space, the method comprising: To enable the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVACR) system to operate in one of the following modes: heating mode, heating and cooling mode, energy storage mode, and energy exhaust mode, wherein: Operating in heating mode includes: The thermal system is operated to absorb energy from the process fluid in the storage loop of the storage fluid loop and to supply energy to the heating process fluid, the storage fluid loop comprising one or more storage tanks, each containing storage material; and Energy is discharged into the regulated space through one or more heating coils. Operating in the heating and cooling modes includes: The thermal system is operated to absorb energy from the storage loop process fluid and to supply energy to the heating process fluid; Energy is discharged into the regulated space from the one or more heating coils. Heat is exchanged between the process fluid in the storage loop and the cooling process fluid; and Energy is absorbed from the regulated space into the cooling process fluid at one or more cooling coils. Operating in the energy storage mode includes: Heat is exchanged between the storage loop process fluid and the cooling process fluid, wherein the cooling process fluid absorbs energy from the regulated space at one or more cooling coils and discharges heat to the storage material at one or more storage tanks. The heat pump is operated to absorb energy from a source and to supply the energy absorbed from the source to the one or more heat storage tanks.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The heat pump is operated such that the exit temperature at the heat pump is 60°F or lower.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The heat pump is operated such that the exit temperature at the heat pump is between 35°F and 45°F.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising: Energy is added to the thermal storage tank by absorbing energy from wastewater from the regulated space and by absorbing energy from a solar collector.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The heat pump operates simultaneously with one of the heating mode, the heating and cooling mode, and the energy storage mode.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The operation of the heat pump is based on the availability of energy and the capacity of the heat storage tank.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The energy absorbed from the source is supplied only to the thermal storage tank.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The heat pump is operated to add at least a portion of the energy absorbed from the source to the process fluid in the storage loop.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, Operating the heat pump to add energy absorbed from the source to the source loop process fluid and to provide energy to the one or more heat storage tanks includes exchanging heat between the source loop process fluid and the heat storage material.

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