Climate control system with thermal storage device

Abstract

A climate control system may include a compressor, a heat storage device, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a first expansion device, and a second expansion device. The compressor may include an intermediate pressure inlet, an intermediate pressure outlet, a discharge outlet, a suction pressure pocket, and a plurality of compression pockets. The thermal storage device may include a conduit and a phase change material surrounding the conduit. The first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, and the heat storage device may be in fluid communication with the compressor. The climate control system may operate in a charge mode and a discharge mode, and may operate in a cooling mode and a heating mode. The heat storage device may be configured to absorb heat from or transfer heat to the working fluid.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 830,026, filed on June 1, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to climate control systems having thermal storage components. Background Art

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] For example, a climate control system such as a heat pump system, a refrigeration system, or an air conditioning system may include a fluid circuit having an outdoor heat exchanger, one or more indoor heat exchangers, one or more expansion devices, and one or more compressors that circulate a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant or carbon dioxide) through the fluid circuit. Effective and reliable operation of the climate control system is desired to ensure that the climate control system can effectively and efficiently provide cooling and / or heating effects as needed.

[0006] Additionally, the availability and cost of electricity for heat pump systems can vary throughout the day. The ability to reduce power consumption during unfavorable times without reducing heat pump system performance is desirable. Summary of the invention

[0007] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a climate control system, the climate control system comprising: a compressor configured to compress a working fluid; a heat storage device comprising a conduit in fluid communication with the compressor; an outdoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; an indoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; a first expansion valve in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; and a second expansion valve in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The compressor may include a suction inlet, an intermediate pressure inlet, an intermediate pressure outlet, a discharge outlet, and a plurality of pockets. The plurality of pockets may include a suction pressure pocket, a first intermediate pressure pocket, a second intermediate pressure pocket, and a discharge pressure pocket. The heat storage device may include a phase change material surrounding the conduit. The intermediate pressure outlet of the compressor may receive a working fluid from a first intermediate pressure pocket of the compressor. The intermediate pressure inlet of the compressor may provide a working fluid to a second intermediate pressure pocket of the compressor. The working fluid in the discharge pressure pocket may be at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the first intermediate pressure pocket, the working fluid in the first intermediate pressure pocket may be at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the second intermediate pressure pocket, and the working fluid in the second intermediate pressure pocket may be at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the suction pressure pocket. When the climate control system is operated in the charging mode, the climate control system may be operated in one of a heating mode and a cooling mode. When the climate control system is operated in the charging mode and the heating mode, the phase change material may absorb heat from the working fluid as the working fluid flows through the conduit of the thermal storage device. When the climate control system is operated in the charging mode and the cooling mode, the phase change material may transfer heat to the working fluid as the working fluid flows through the conduit of the thermal storage device.

[0009] In some configurations of the climate control system of the above paragraph, when the climate control system is operated in a charging mode and a heating mode, the climate control system can be configured such that the working fluid flows from the compressor, through the indoor heat exchanger, through the outdoor heat exchanger, and to the compressor.

[0010] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the climate control system may further include: a first reversing valve, the first reversing valve being in fluid communication with the compressor, comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet; and a second reversing valve, the second reversing valve being in fluid communication with the compressor, comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet. The first reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the second expansion valve, through the first inlet of the first reversing valve and the first outlet of the first reversing valve, and to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet of the compressor through the second inlet of the first reversing valve and the second outlet of the first reversing valve and to flow to the indoor heat exchanger. The second reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger, through the first inlet of the second reversing valve and the first outlet of the second reversing valve, and to flow to the suction inlet of the compressor, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the indoor heat exchanger, through the second inlet of the second reversing valve and the second outlet of the second reversing valve, and to flow to the first expansion valve.

[0011] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the climate control system may further include a third reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, including a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet. The third reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the thermal storage device, through the first inlet of the third reversing valve and the first outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the second expansion valve, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the intermediate outlet of the compressor, through the second inlet of the third reversing valve and the second outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the thermal storage device.

[0012] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, when the climate control system is operated in a charging mode and a cooling mode, the climate control system can be configured such that the working fluid flows from the compressor, through the outdoor heat exchanger, through the indoor heat exchanger, and to the compressor.

[0013] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the climate control system may further include: a first reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, including a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet; and a second reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, including a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet. The first reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the second expansion valve, through the first inlet of the first reversing valve and the first outlet of the first reversing valve and to the indoor heat exchanger, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet of the compressor, through the second inlet of the first reversing valve and the second outlet of the first reversing valve and to the outdoor heat exchanger. The second reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger, through the first inlet of the second reversing valve and the first outlet of the second reversing valve and to the first expansion valve, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the indoor heat exchanger, through the second inlet of the second reversing valve and the second outlet of the second reversing valve and to the suction inlet of the compressor.

[0014] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the climate control system may further include a third reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, including a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet. The third reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the thermal storage device, through the first inlet of the third reversing valve and the first outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the intermediate inlet of the compressor, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the first expansion valve, through the second inlet of the third reversing valve and the second outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the thermal storage device.

[0015] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the climate control system can be configured such that the working fluid flows in a direction through the conduits of the thermal storage device when the climate control system operates in a heating mode and when the climate control system operates in a cooling mode.

[0016] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the phase change material of the thermal storage device can be paraffin.

[0017] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the phase change material of the thermal storage device can be a salt hydrate.

[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a climate control system, the climate control system comprising: a compressor configured to compress a working fluid; a heat storage device comprising a conduit in fluid communication with the compressor; an outdoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; an indoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; a first expansion valve in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; and a second expansion valve in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The compressor may include a suction inlet, an intermediate pressure inlet, an intermediate pressure outlet, a discharge outlet, and a plurality of pockets. The plurality of pockets may include a suction pressure pocket, a first intermediate pressure pocket, a second intermediate pressure pocket, and a discharge pressure pocket. The heat storage device may include a phase change material surrounding the conduit. The intermediate pressure outlet of the compressor may receive a working fluid from a first intermediate pressure pocket of the compressor. The intermediate pressure inlet of the compressor may provide a working fluid to a second intermediate pressure pocket of the compressor. The working fluid in the discharge pressure pocket may be at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the first intermediate pressure pocket, the working fluid in the first intermediate pressure pocket may be at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the second intermediate pressure pocket, and the working fluid in the second intermediate pressure pocket may be at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the suction pressure pocket. When the climate control system is operated in the discharge mode, the climate control system may operate in one of a heating mode and a cooling mode. When the climate control system is operated in the discharge mode and the heating mode, the working fluid may absorb heat from the phase change material as the working fluid flows through the conduit of the thermal storage device. When the climate control system is operated in the discharge mode and the cooling mode, the working fluid may transfer heat to the phase change material as the working fluid flows through the conduit of the thermal storage device.

[0019] In some configurations of the climate control system of the above paragraph, when the climate control system operates in the exhaust mode and the cooling mode, the climate control system can be configured such that the working fluid flows from the compressor, through the outdoor heat exchanger, through the indoor heat exchanger, and to the compressor.

[0020] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the climate control system may further include: a first reversing valve, the first reversing valve being in fluid communication with the compressor, comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet; and a second reversing valve, the second reversing valve being in fluid communication with the compressor, comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet. The first reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet of the compressor, through the first inlet of the first reversing valve and the first outlet of the first reversing valve and to the outdoor heat exchanger, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the second expansion valve, through the second inlet of the first reversing valve and the second outlet of the first reversing valve and to the indoor heat exchanger. The second reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger, through the first inlet of the second reversing valve and the first outlet of the second reversing valve and to the first expansion valve, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the indoor heat exchanger, through the second inlet of the second reversing valve and the second outlet of the second reversing valve and to the suction inlet of the compressor.

[0021] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the climate control system may further include a third reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, including a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet. The third reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the thermal storage device, through the first inlet of the third reversing valve and the first outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the second expansion valve, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the intermediate outlet of the compressor, through the second inlet of the third reversing valve and the second outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the thermal storage device.

[0022] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, when the climate control system is operated in an exhaust mode and a heating mode, the climate control system can be configured such that the working fluid flows from the compressor, through the indoor heat exchanger, through the outdoor heat exchanger, and to the compressor.

[0023] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the climate control system may further include: a first reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet; and a second reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet. The first reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the second expansion valve, through the first inlet of the first reversing valve and the first outlet of the first reversing valve and to the outdoor heat exchanger, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet of the compressor, through the second inlet of the first reversing valve and the second outlet of the first reversing valve and to the indoor heat exchanger. The second reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the indoor heat exchanger, through the first inlet of the second reversing valve and the first outlet of the second reversing valve and to the outdoor heat exchanger, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger, through the second inlet of the second reversing valve and the second outlet of the second reversing valve and to the suction inlet of the compressor.

[0024] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the climate control system may further include a third reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, including a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet. The third reversing valve may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the first expansion valve, through the first inlet of the third reversing valve and the first outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the thermal storage device, and to allow the working fluid to flow from the thermal storage device, through the second inlet of the third reversing valve and the second outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the intermediate inlet of the compressor.

[0025] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the climate control system can be configured such that the working fluid flows in a direction through the conduits of the thermal storage device when the climate control system operates in a heating mode and when the climate control system operates in a cooling mode.

[0026] In some configurations, in the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the phase change material of the thermal storage device can be paraffin.

[0027] In some configurations of the climate control system of any of the above paragraphs, the phase change material of the thermal storage device can be a salt hydrate.

[0028] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a climate control system in cooling and charging modes according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a climate control system operating in cooling and exhaust modes according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a climate control system operating in heating and charging modes according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a climate control system operating in heating and exhaust modes according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figures 1 to 4 A cross-sectional view of a compressor of a climate control system;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figures 1 to 4 A schematic diagram of a control module of a climate control system;

[0036] Fig. 7A It is a diagram of the control Figures 1 to 4 A first portion of a flowchart of a method of the system; and

[0037] Figure 7B It is a diagram of the control Figures 1 to 4 The second part of the flowchart of the method of the system.

[0038] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Many specific details such as examples of specific components, devices and methods are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that any example embodiment should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0041] The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific example embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms. The terms "comprise", "comprises", "includes" and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the existence of stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups. Unless specifically indicated as the order of execution, the method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or illustrated. It should also be understood that additional steps or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0042] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly engaged to, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate element or layer. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements (e.g., "between" and "directly between," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.) should be interpreted in a similar manner. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] Although the terms first, second and third etc. can be used in this article to describe each element, component, region, layer and / or section, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence when used in this article. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0044] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inside", "outside", "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another (other) element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, the elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the example term "below" can cover both the above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , a climate control system 10 is provided. The climate control system can be in cooling mode ( Figure 1 to Figure 2 ) and heating mode ( Figure 3 to Figure 4 ) is operated under. The climate control system 10 may include a fluid circuit having a compressor 12, a first heat exchanger (e.g., an outdoor heat exchanger) 14, a second heat exchanger (e.g., an indoor heat exchanger) 16, a first expansion valve 18, a second expansion valve 20, a first reversing valve 22, a second reversing valve 24, a tee 26, and a thermal storage device 27. The compressor 12 may pump a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant, carbon dioxide, etc.) through the circuit. The thermal storage device 27 may be configured (e.g., by using a phase change material 236) to facilitate energy storage in the form of heat, which may be transferred to and from the working fluid of the climate control system 10.

[0046] For example, the climate control system 10 can selectively "charge" (i.e., change the temperature or phase within the thermal storage device 27 to a desired thermal storage device temperature) or "drain" (i.e., change the temperature or phase of the working fluid to a desired working fluid temperature) the thermal storage device 27 based on operating conditions such as time of day, energy costs, weather conditions (e.g., outdoor ambient air temperature), the current state of the thermal storage device 27, and the temperature of the air within the space to be heated or cooled by the system 10. The desired thermal storage device temperature and the desired working fluid temperature are temperatures determined by the control module 181 to optimize the operation of the climate control system 10 based on operating conditions such as those listed above. The thermal storage capabilities of the climate control system 10 may be particularly beneficial for systems that rely on solar energy, such that the system can charge when solar energy is plentiful (e.g., during sunny days) and drain when there is not enough solar energy (e.g., at night). The climate control system 10 can also charge the thermal storage device 27 during off-peak electricity hours to avoid high electricity rates.

[0047] For example, compressor 12 may be any suitable type of compressor, such as a scroll compressor, a rotary compressor, a reciprocating compressor, or a screw compressor. Figure 5 As shown in , the compressor 12 includes a compression mechanism 28 disposed within a sealed housing assembly 30 having a suction inlet 32 ​​(e.g., a first inlet fitting), a discharge outlet 34 (e.g., a first outlet fitting), an intermediate outlet port 36 (e.g., a second outlet fitting), and an intermediate inlet port 38 (e.g., a second inlet fitting). In some configurations, the compressor 12 may include a fixed speed motor or a variable speed motor (not shown).

[0048] The suction inlet 32 ​​may provide fluid to an internal suction inlet 39 of the compression mechanism 28 (eg, the radially outermost pocket of the scroll compression mechanism). Figures 1 to 4 ) may be fluidly coupled to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor 12. The working fluid exiting the suction line accumulator 46 may flow through the suction line 42, the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor 12, and the internal suction inlet 39 to be compressed by the compression mechanism 28 of the compressor 12. After the working fluid is compressed by the compression mechanism 28 of the compressor 12, the working fluid may be discharged by the compressor 12 by flowing through the discharge outlet 34 to the discharge line 50 ( Figures 1 to 4 ).

[0049] like Figure 5 , the compressor 12 may also include a main bearing housing assembly 52, a motor assembly 54, a seal assembly 56, a discharge fitting 58, a discharge valve assembly 60, a first vapor injection conduit 61 (defining the intermediate outlet port 36), and a second vapor injection conduit 62 (defining the intermediate inlet port 38). The housing assembly 30 may house the main bearing housing assembly 52, the motor assembly 54, the compression mechanism 28, and the seal assembly 56 and may at least partially house the first vapor injection conduit 61 and the second vapor injection conduit 62.

[0050] The housing assembly 30 may generally form a compressor housing and may include a cylindrical housing 64, an end cap 66 at an upper end of the cylindrical housing 64, a laterally extending partition 68, and a base 70 at a lower end of the cylindrical housing 64. The end cap 66 and the partition 68 may generally define a discharge chamber 72, while the cylindrical housing 64, the partition 68, and the base 70 may generally define a suction chamber 74. The discharge fitting 58 may be attached to the housing assembly 30 at an opening 76 in the end cap 66 and may be in fluid communication with the discharge line 50. The discharge valve assembly 60 may be located within the discharge fitting 58 and may generally prevent reverse flow conditions. The suction inlet 32 ​​may be attached to the housing assembly 30 at an opening 82 so that the suction inlet 32 ​​may be in fluid communication with the suction chamber 74 and the suction line 42. The partition 68 may include a discharge passage 86 therethrough that provides communication between the compression mechanism 28 and the discharge chamber 72.

[0051] For example, the main bearing housing assembly 52 can be attached to the housing 64 at multiple points in any desired manner, such as by riveting. The main bearing housing assembly 52 can include a main bearing housing 88, a first bearing 90 disposed in the main bearing housing 88, a bushing 92, and a fastener 94. The main bearing housing 88 can include a central body portion 96 having a series of arms 98 extending radially outward from the central body portion 98. The central body portion 96 can include a first portion 100 and a second portion 102 having an opening 104 extending therethrough. The second portion 102 can house the first bearing 90 therein. The first portion 100 can define an annular flat thrust bearing surface 106 on an axial end surface thereof. Each arm 98 can include an aperture 108 extending therethrough that receives a corresponding fastener 94.

[0052] The motor assembly 54 may generally include a motor stator 110, a rotor 112, and a drive shaft 114. The motor stator 110 may be press-fit into the housing 64. The drive shaft 114 may be rotatably driven by the rotor 112. The rotor 112 may be press-fit onto the drive shaft 114. The drive shaft 114 may include an eccentric crank pin 116 having a flat surface 118 located thereon.

[0053] The compression mechanism 28 may generally include an orbiting scroll 120 and a fixed scroll 122. The orbiting scroll 120 may include an end plate 124 having a spiral blade or volute 126 on its upper surface and an annular flat thrust surface 128 on its lower surface. The thrust surface 128 may be in contact with an annular flat thrust bearing surface 106 on the main bearing housing 88. A cylindrical hub 130 may protrude downward from the thrust surface 128 and may have a drive bushing 132 rotatably disposed therein. The drive bushing 132 may include an inner opening in which the crank pin 116 is drivenly disposed. The crank pin flat surface 118 may be drivingly engaged with a flat surface of the inner opening of the drive bushing 132 to provide a radially compliant drive arrangement. An Oldham coupling 134 may engage with the orbiting scroll 120 and the fixed scroll 122 to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

[0054] The fixed scroll 122 may include an end plate 136 having a spiral wrap 138 on its lower surface 140 and a series of radially outwardly extending flanged portions 142. The spiral wrap 138 may be meshedly engaged with the wrap 126 of the orbiting scroll 120, thereby creating a plurality of compression pockets, including a suction pressure pocket 144, a plurality of intermediate pressure pockets 146, 148, 150, 152, and a discharge pressure pocket 154. The fixed scroll 122 is axially displaceable relative to the main bearing housing assembly 52, the housing assembly 30, and the orbiting scroll 120. The fixed scroll 122 may include a discharge passage 155 in communication with the discharge pressure pocket 154 and an upwardly open recess 156. The upwardly open recess 156 may be in fluid communication with the discharge chamber 72 via the discharge passage 86 in the partition 68.

[0055] The flanged portion 142 may include an opening 157 therethrough. Each opening 157 may receive a corresponding bushing 92 therein. Each bushing 92 may receive a corresponding fastener 94. The corresponding fastener 94 may engage the main bearing housing 88 to prevent rotation of the fixed scroll 122 relative to the main bearing housing assembly 52. ​​The fixed scroll 122 may include an annular recess 158 in its upper surface, which is defined by parallel and coaxial inner and outer sidewalls 159, 160.

[0056] The seal assembly 56 can be located within the annular recess 158. In this manner, the seal assembly 56 can be axially displaced within the annular recess 158 relative to the housing assembly 30 and / or the non-orbiting scroll 122 to provide axial displacement of the non-orbiting scroll 122 while maintaining a sealing engagement with the divider 68 to isolate the discharge chamber 72 from the suction chamber 74. More specifically, in some configurations, during normal compressor operation, pressure within the annular recess 158 can urge the seal assembly 56 into engagement with the divider 68 and urge the spiral wrap 138 of the non-orbiting scroll 122 into engagement with the end plate 124 of the orbiting scroll 120.

[0057] The end plate 136 may include a first injection channel 161 formed therein. The first injection channel 161 may be in fluid communication with the first vapor injection conduit 61 and with one or more of the intermediate pressure pockets 146, 148, 150, 152, and may include a radially extending portion 162 and an axially extending portion 163. The first injection channel 161 may be configured to allow a working fluid from one or more of the intermediate pressure pockets 146, 148, 150, 152 to flow into the first vapor injection conduit 61.

[0058] The end plate 136 may include a second injection passage 164 formed therein. The second injection passage 164 may be in fluid communication with the second vapor injection conduit 62 and with one or more of the intermediate pressure pockets 146, 148, 150, 152, and may include a radially extending portion 165 and an axially extending portion 166. The second injection passage 164 may be configured to allow the working fluid from the second vapor injection conduit 62 to flow to one or more of the intermediate pressure pockets 146, 148, 150, 152.

[0059] The intermediate inlet port 38 is fluidly connected to the intermediate pressure pockets 146, 148, 150, 152, which have a lower operating pressure than the intermediate pressure pockets 146, 148, 150, 152 that are fluidly connected to the intermediate outlet port 36. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in , the intermediate outlet port 36 is fluidly connected to the intermediate pressure pocket 152 and the intermediate inlet port 38 is fluidly connected to the intermediate pressure pocket 146 .

[0060] First vapor injection conduit 61 may be at least partially disposed in housing 64 and may be attached at its opening to housing 64. First vapor injection conduit 61 may include a first end 168 in fluid communication with first injection channel 161 and a second end 170 attached to the housing.

[0061] Second vapor injection conduit 62 may be at least partially disposed in housing 64 and may be attached to housing 64 at its opening. Second vapor injection conduit 62 may include a first end 172 in fluid communication with second injection passage 164 and a second end 174 attached to housing 64.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 4 , the climate control system 10 can be configured to allow fluid to flow from the intermediate outlet port 36 to the three-way valve 179 and to allow fluid to flow from the three-way valve 179 to the intermediate inlet port 38. The three-way valve 179 can be in fluid communication with the third reversing valve 180. The three-way valve 179 can be operated as a solenoid valve, wherein the three-way valve 179 is in communication with the control module 181 so that at least one of the intermediate outlet port 36 and the intermediate inlet port 38 can be bypassed.

[0063] A first port 182 of three-way valve 179 may be in fluid communication with intermediate outlet port 36 of compressor 12. A second port 183 of three-way valve 179 may be in fluid communication with intermediate inlet port 38 of compressor 12. A third port 184 of three-way valve 179 may be in fluid communication with third reversing valve 180.

[0064] The first heat exchanger 14 may include a coil (or conduit) 185 having an inlet 186 and an outlet 187. The first heat exchanger 14 may be disposed outside a building (or house) 188. A first fan 190 may force air through the first heat exchanger 14 to facilitate heat transfer between the outdoor ambient air and the working fluid flowing through the coil 185. Similarly, the second heat exchanger 16 may include a coil (or conduit) 192 having an inlet 194 and an outlet 196. The second heat exchanger 16 may be disposed inside a building (or house) 188. A second fan 198 may force air through the second heat exchanger 16 to facilitate heat transfer between the working fluid in the coil 192 and the air in the building 188, thereby heating a space within the building 188 in a heating mode or cooling a space within the building 188 in a cooling mode.

[0065] The first reversing valve 22 and the second reversing valve 24 are capable of being in a first position ( Figure 1 to Figure 2 ) and a second position corresponding to a heating mode of the climate control system 10 ( Figure 3 to Figure 4). Each of the first reversing valve 22 and the second reversing valve 24 may include a movable valve member (e.g., a slidable body or a rotatable body) that can move between a first position and a second position and can be actuated by a solenoid, a stepper motor, or fluid pressure. The control module 181 can control the operation of the first reversing valve 22 and the second reversing valve 24 and control the movement between the first position and the second position. The control module 181 can also control the operation of the first expansion valve 18 and the second expansion valve 20 (e.g., based on data from a temperature sensor and / or other operating parameters), the compressor 12, and the fan 190 of the first heat exchanger 14 and the fan 198 of the second heat exchanger 16.

[0066] The first reversing valve 22 may include a first inlet 200, a second inlet 202, a first outlet 204, and a second outlet 206. The valve member of the first reversing valve 22 is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the inlets 200, 202 and the outlets 204, 206. The first inlet 200 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the discharge outlet 34 of the compressor 12. The second inlet 202 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the outlet 208 of the second expansion valve 20. The first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the inlet 186 of the first heat exchanger 14. The second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the inlet 194 of the second heat exchanger 16.

[0067] The second reversing valve 24 may include a first inlet 210, a second inlet 212, a first outlet 214, and a second outlet 216. The valve member of the second reversing valve 24 is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the inlets 210, 212 and the outlets 214, 216. The first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the outlet 187 of the first heat exchanger 14. The second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the outlet 196 of the second heat exchanger 16. The first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the inlet 218 of the first expansion valve 18. The second outlet 216 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the accumulator 46 (or to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor 12).

[0068] The climate control system 10 may further include a third reversing valve 180. The third reversing valve 180 may be in a first position ( Figure 1 and Figure 4 ) and the second position ( Figures 2 to 3). The third reversing valve 180 may include a movable valve member (e.g., a slidable body or a rotatable body) that can move between the first position and the second position and can be actuated by a solenoid, a stepper motor, or fluid pressure. The control module 181 may control the operation of the third reversing valve 180 and control the movement between the first position and the second position.

[0069] The third reversing valve 180 may include a first port 222, a second port 224, a third port 226, and a fourth port 228. The valve member of the third reversing valve 180 is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the ports 222, 224, 226, 228. The first port 222 of the third reversing valve 180 may be operated as an inlet of the third reversing valve 180. The third port 226 of the third reversing valve 180 may be operated as an outlet of the third reversing valve 180. The second port 224 and the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180 may be operated as both an inlet and an outlet, depending on the operating mode of the climate control system 10. The first port 222 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27. The second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the third port 184 of the three-way valve 179. The third port 226 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27. The fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the first port 232 of the tee joint 26 .

[0070] The heat storage device 27 may include a storage tank 235 containing a phase change material 236. The heat storage device 27 may include a conduit (or coil) 238 disposed within the storage tank 235. The conduit 238 may extend between the inlet 234 and the outlet 230 and be fluidly connected to the inlet 234 and the outlet 230. The conduit 238 may be surrounded by the phase change material 236, immersed in the phase change material 236, or otherwise in a heat transfer relationship with the phase change material 236, so that heat is exchanged between the phase change material 236 and the working fluid within the conduit 238. The heat storage device 27 may be thermally insulated so as to reduce heat transfer between the phase change material 236 and the surrounding environment. The phase change material 236 may be paraffin, salt hydrate, and / or other phase change materials or include paraffin, salt hydrate, and / or other phase change materials.

[0071] The tee 26 includes a first port 232, a second port 240, and a third port 242. The climate control system 10 can be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the outlet 244 of the first expansion valve 18 to the second port 240 of the tee 26 and to allow the working fluid to flow from the third port 242 of the tee 26 to the inlet 246 of the second expansion valve 20. The climate control system 10 can be configured to allow the working fluid to flow through the first port 232 of the tee 26 to enter the tee 26 or leave the tee 26 depending on the operating mode.

[0072] Reference Figure 6 , at least one sensor 248, 250 can be configured to measure characteristics of at least one point of the climate control system 10. These characteristics can include the temperature, pressure and / or flow of the working fluid. The control module 181 can receive data from the at least one sensor 248, 250 and can interpret the data to determine the state of the climate control system 10. In response to the data provided by the at least one sensor 248, 250, the control module 181 can provide directions to the first expansion valve 18 and the second expansion valve 18 and the first reversing valve 22, the second reversing valve 24 and the third reversing valve 180. For example, in Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown in , the operation of the first expansion valve 18 depends on data measured by a sensor 248 located between the three-way valve 179 and the conduit 238 of the thermal storage device 27, and the operation of the second expansion valve 20 depends on data measured by a sensor 250 located between the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24 and the accumulator 46.

[0073] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , the operation of the climate control system 10 will be described in detail. When the climate control system 10 is in the cooling and charging mode ( Figure 1): (a) the first reversing valve 22 is configured such that the first inlet 200 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22, (b) the first reversing valve 22 is configured such that the second inlet 202 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22, (c) the second reversing valve 24 is configured such that the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24, (d) the second reversing valve 24 is configured such that the second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 216 of the second reversing valve 24, (e) the third reversing valve 180 is configured such that the first port 222 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180, and (f) the third reversing valve 180 is configured such that the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the third port 226 of the third reversing valve 180. The three-way valve 179 is configured to allow the working fluid from the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180 to flow to the intermediate inlet port 38 of the compression mechanism 28 and prevent outflow from the intermediate outlet port 36 of the compression mechanism 28 .

[0074] The operation of the climate control system 10 in the cooling and charging modes ( Figure 1 18). The compressed working fluid is discharged from the compressor 12 through the discharge outlet 34. The first reversing valve 22 is positioned to allow the compressed working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet 34 into the first inlet 200 of the first reversing valve 22 and to the first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22. The working fluid flows from the first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22 into the inlet 186 of the first heat exchanger 14, flows through the coil 185 of the first heat exchanger 14 (in which the heat is transferred from the working fluid to the outdoor ambient air outside the building 188) and exits the first heat exchanger 14 through the outlet 187.

[0075] The working fluid flows from the outlet 187 of the first heat exchanger 14 into the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24. The second reversing valve 24 is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow from the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24 to the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24. The working fluid flows from the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24 into the inlet 218 of the first expansion valve 18. As the working fluid flows through the first expansion valve 18, the temperature and pressure of the working fluid decrease. The working fluid flows out of the first expansion valve 18 through the outlet 244. The working fluid flows from the outlet 244 of the first expansion valve 18 into the second port 240 of the tee joint 26.

[0076] The first portion of the working fluid flows from the second port 240 through the first port 232 of the three-way joint 26 to the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180. The third reversing valve 180 allows the first portion of the working fluid to flow out of the third reversing valve 180 through the third port 226 and then flow to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27. The first portion of the working fluid continues to pass through the conduit 238 of the thermal storage device 27 and leaves the thermal storage device through the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27. The first portion of the working fluid in the conduit 238 absorbs heat from the phase change material 236 to reduce the temperature of the phase change material 236 or change the phase change material 236 from a liquid state to a solid state.

[0077] The first portion of the working fluid then flows through the first port 222 of the third reversing valve 180 to the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180, as allowed by the positioning of the third reversing valve 180. The first portion of the working fluid flows from the third reversing valve 180 through the third port 184 of the three-way valve 179. The three-way valve 179 is configured to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow to the intermediate inlet port 38 through the second port 183 of the three-way valve 179. The intermediate inlet port 38 is configured so as to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow into the intermediate pressure pocket 150 of the compression mechanism 28.

[0078] The second portion of the working fluid flows from the third port 242 of the tee connector 26 to the inlet 246 of the second expansion valve 20. As the second portion of the working fluid flows through the second expansion valve 20, the temperature and pressure of the second portion of the working fluid decrease. The second portion of the working fluid flows from the outlet 208 of the second expansion valve 20 to the second inlet 202 of the first reversing valve 22. The first reversing valve 22 allows the working fluid to flow from the second inlet 202 to the second outlet 206. The second portion of the working fluid flows from the second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22 to the inlet 194 of the second heat exchanger 16, flows through the coil 192 of the second heat exchanger 16 (in the coil 192, the working fluid absorbs heat from the air in the building 188) and flows out of the second heat exchanger 16 through the outlet 196.

[0079] After the second portion of the working fluid exits the outlet 196 of the second heat exchanger 16, the second portion of the working fluid flows to the second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24. The second reversing valve 24 is positioned to allow the second portion of the working fluid to flow from the second inlet 212 to the second outlet 216. After exiting the second reversing valve 24 through the second outlet 216, the second portion of the working fluid flows to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor 12. In some configurations, the second portion of the working fluid flows from the second outlet 216 to the accumulator 46 and then to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor.

[0080] When the climate control system 10 is in the cooling and exhaust mode ( Figure 2 ): (a) the first reversing valve 22 is configured such that the first inlet 200 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22, (b) the first reversing valve 22 is configured such that the second inlet 202 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22, (c) the second reversing valve 24 is configured such that the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24, (d) the second reversing valve 24 is configured such that the second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 216 of the second reversing valve 24, (e) the third reversing valve 180 is configured such that the first port 222 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180, and (f) the third reversing valve 180 is configured such that the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the third port 226 of the third reversing valve 180. The three-way valve 179 is configured to allow working fluid from the intermediate outlet port 36 of the compression mechanism 28 to flow through the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180 and prevent flow to the intermediate inlet port 38 of the compression mechanism 28 .

[0081] The operation of the climate control system 10 in the cooling and exhaust modes ( Figure 2 18). A first portion of the compressed working fluid is discharged from the compressor 12 through the discharge outlet 34. The first reversing valve 22 is positioned to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow into the first inlet 200 of the first reversing valve 22 and exit the first reversing valve 22 through the first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22. The first portion of the working fluid flows from the first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22 into the inlet 186 of the first heat exchanger 14, flows through the coil 185 of the first heat exchanger 14 (wherein the first portion of the working fluid transfers heat to the outdoor ambient air outside the building 188) and exits the first heat exchanger 14 through the outlet 187.

[0082] The first portion of the working fluid flows from the outlet 187 of the first heat exchanger 14 into the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24. The second reversing valve 24 is positioned to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow from the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24 to the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24. The first portion of the working fluid flows from the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24 into the inlet 218 of the first expansion valve 18. As the first portion of the working fluid flows through the first expansion valve 18, the temperature and pressure of the first portion of the working fluid decrease. The first portion of the working fluid flows out of the first expansion valve 18 through the outlet 244. The working fluid flows from the outlet 244 of the first expansion valve 18 into the second port 240 of the tee joint 26.

[0083] The second portion of the working fluid is discharged from the compressor 12 to the intermediate outlet port 36 through the intermediate pressure pocket 150 of the compression mechanism 28. The second portion of the working fluid then flows to the first port 182 of the three-way valve 179. The three-way valve 179 allows the second portion of the working fluid to flow out of the three-way valve 184 via the third port 184. The second portion of the working fluid then flows to the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180. The third reversing valve 180 is positioned to allow the second portion of the fluid to flow out of the third reversing valve 180 through the third port 226 of the third reversing valve 180.

[0084] The second portion of the working fluid flows from the third reversing valve 180 to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27 and passes through the conduit 238 of the thermal storage device 27 to the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27. The temperature of the second portion of the working fluid in the conduit 238 is cooled by transferring heat to the phase change material 236 of the thermal storage device 27. Then, the second portion of the working fluid flows through the first port 222 of the third reversing valve 180 to the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180, as allowed by the positioning of the third reversing valve 180. The second portion of the working fluid flows from the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180 to the first port 232 of the three-way joint 26.

[0085] When the working fluid flows out of the tee 26 through the third port 242 , the first portion of the working fluid flowing to the second port 240 of the tee 26 and the second portion of the working fluid flowing to the first port 232 of the tee 26 combine to form a single working fluid stream.

[0086] The working fluid flows from the third port 242 of the tee 26 to the inlet 246 of the second expansion valve 20. As the working fluid flows through the second expansion valve 20, the temperature and pressure of the working fluid decrease. The working fluid flows from the outlet 208 of the second heat exchanger 20 to the second inlet 202 of the first reversing valve 22. The first reversing valve 22 is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow from the second inlet 202 to the second outlet 206. The working fluid flows from the second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22 to the inlet 194 of the second heat exchanger 16, flows through the coil 192 of the second heat exchanger 16 (where the working fluid absorbs heat from the air in the building 188), and flows out of the second heat exchanger 16 through the outlet 196.

[0087] After the working fluid exits the outlet 196 of the second heat exchanger 16, the working fluid flows to the second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24. The second reversing valve 24 is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow out of the second reversing valve 24 through the second outlet 216. After exiting the second reversing valve 24 through the second outlet 216, the working fluid flows to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor 12. In some configurations, the second portion of the working fluid flows from the second outlet 216 to the accumulator 46 and then to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor.

[0088] When the climate control system 10 is in the heating and charging mode ( Figure 3 ): (a) the first reversing valve 22 is configured such that the first inlet 200 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22, (b) the first reversing valve 22 is configured such that the second inlet 202 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22, (c) the second reversing valve 24 is configured such that the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 216 of the second reversing valve 24, (d) the second reversing valve 24 is configured such that the second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24, (e) the third reversing valve 180 is configured such that the first port 222 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180, and (f) the third reversing valve 180 is configured such that the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the third port 226 of the third reversing valve 180. The three-way valve 179 is configured to allow working fluid from the intermediate outlet port 36 of the compression mechanism 28 to flow through the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180 and prevent flow to the intermediate inlet port 38 of the compression mechanism 28 .

[0089] The operation of the climate control system 10 in the heating and charging modes ( Figure 3 18 (shown in FIG. 1 ). A first portion of the compressed working fluid is discharged from the compressor 12 through the discharge outlet 34. The first reversing valve 22 is positioned to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow into the first inlet 200 of the first reversing valve 22 and exit the first reversing valve 22 through the second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22. The first portion of the working fluid flows from the second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22 into the inlet 194 of the second heat exchanger 16, flows through the coil 192 of the second heat exchanger 16 (wherein the first portion of the working fluid transfers heat to the air within the building 188) and exits the second heat exchanger 16 through the outlet 196.

[0090] The first portion of the working fluid flows from the outlet 196 of the second heat exchanger 16 into the second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24. The second reversing valve 24 is positioned to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow from the second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24 to the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24. The first portion of the working fluid flows from the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24 into the inlet 218 of the first expansion valve 18. As the first portion of the working fluid flows through the first expansion valve 18, the temperature and pressure of the first portion of the working fluid decrease. The first portion of the working fluid flows out of the first expansion valve 18 through the outlet 244. The first portion of the working fluid flows from the outlet 244 of the first expansion valve 18 into the second port 240 of the tee joint 26.

[0091] The second portion of the working fluid is discharged from the compressor 12 to the intermediate outlet port 36 through the intermediate pressure pocket 150 of the compression mechanism 28. The second portion of the working fluid then flows to the first port 182 of the three-way valve 179. The three-way valve 179 allows the second portion of the working fluid to flow out of the third port 184 of the three-way valve 179. The second portion of the working fluid then flows to the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180. The third reversing valve 180 is positioned to allow the second portion of the fluid to flow out of the third reversing valve 180 through the third port 226 of the third reversing valve 180.

[0092] The second portion of the working fluid flows from the third reversing valve 180 to the inlet 234 of the heat storage device 27 and passes through the conduit 238 of the heat storage device 27 to the outlet 230 of the heat storage device. The second portion of the working fluid in the conduit 238 transfers heat to the phase change material 236 to increase the temperature of the phase change material 236 or to change the phase change material 236 from a solid state to a liquid state. The second portion of the working fluid then flows through the first port 222 of the third reversing valve 180 to the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180, as allowed by the positioning of the third reversing valve 180. The second portion of the working fluid flows from the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180 to the first port 232 of the three-way joint 26.

[0093] When the working fluid flows out of the tee 26 through the third port 242 , the first portion of the working fluid flowing into the second port 240 of the tee 26 and the second portion of the working fluid flowing into the first port 232 of the tee 26 combine to form a single working fluid stream.

[0094] The working fluid flows from the third port 242 of the tee 26 to the inlet 246 of the second expansion valve 20. As the working fluid flows through the second expansion valve 20, the temperature and pressure of the working fluid decrease. The working fluid flows from the outlet 208 of the second expansion valve 20 into the second inlet 202 of the first reversing valve 22. The first reversing valve 22 is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow from the second inlet 202 to the first outlet 204. The working fluid flows from the first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22 into the inlet 186 of the first heat exchanger 14, flows through the coil 185 of the first heat exchanger 14 (wherein the working fluid absorbs heat from the outdoor ambient air outside the building 188) and leaves the first heat exchanger 14 through the outlet 187.

[0095] The working fluid flows from the outlet 187 of the first heat exchanger 14 into the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24. The second reversing valve 24 is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow from the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24 to the second outlet 216 of the second reversing valve 24. After exiting the second reversing valve 24 through the second outlet 216, the working fluid flows to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor 12. In some configurations, the second portion of the working fluid flows from the second outlet 216 to the accumulator 46 and then to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor.

[0096] When the climate control system 10 is in the heating and exhaust mode ( Figure 4 ): (a) the first reversing valve 22 is configured such that the first inlet 200 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22, (b) the first reversing valve 22 is configured such that the second inlet 202 of the first reversing valve 22 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22, (c) the second reversing valve 24 is configured such that the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 216 of the second reversing valve 24, (d) the second reversing valve 24 is configured such that the second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24, (e) the third reversing valve 180 is configured such that the first port 222 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180, and (f) the third reversing valve 180 is configured such that the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180 is fluidly connected to the third port 226 of the third reversing valve 180. The three-way valve 179 is configured to allow the working fluid from the second port 224 of the third reversing valve 180 to flow to the intermediate inlet port 38 of the compression mechanism 28 and prevent outflow from the intermediate outlet port 36 of the compression mechanism 28 .

[0097] The climate control system 10 in the heating and exhaust modes ( Figure 418 (shown in FIG. 1 ). The compressed working fluid is discharged from the compressor 12 through the discharge outlet 34. The first reversing valve 22 is positioned to allow the compressed working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet 34 into the first inlet 200 of the first reversing valve 22 and exit the first reversing valve 22 through the second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22. The working fluid flows from the second outlet 206 of the first reversing valve 22 into the inlet 194 of the second heat exchanger 16, flows through the coil 192 of the second heat exchanger 16 (where the working fluid transfers heat to the air within the building 188) and exits the second heat exchanger 16 through the outlet 196.

[0098] The working fluid flows from the outlet 196 of the second heat exchanger 16 into the second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24. The second reversing valve 24 is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow from the second inlet 212 of the second reversing valve 24 to the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24. The working fluid flows from the first outlet 214 of the second reversing valve 24 into the inlet 218 of the first expansion valve 18. As the working fluid flows through the first expansion valve 18, the temperature and pressure of the working fluid decrease. The working fluid flows out of the first expansion valve 18 through the outlet 244. The working fluid flows from the outlet 244 of the first expansion valve 18 into the second port 240 of the tee joint 26.

[0099] The first portion of the working fluid flows from the second port 240 through the first port 232 of the tee joint 26 to the fourth port 228 of the third reversing valve 180. The third reversing valve 180 is positioned to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow out of the third reversing valve 180 through the third port 226 and then flow to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27. The first portion of the working fluid continues through the conduit 238 of the thermal storage device 27 and exits the thermal storage device 27 through the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27. The first portion of the working fluid in the conduit 238 absorbs heat from the phase change material 236 of the thermal storage device 27.

[0100] The first portion of the working fluid then flows through the first port 222 of the third reversing valve 180 to the second port 224 of the third reversing valve, as allowed by the positioning of the third reversing valve 180. The first portion of the working fluid flows from the third reversing valve 180 through the third port 184 of the three-way valve 179. The three-way valve 179 allows the first portion of the working fluid to flow to the intermediate inlet port 38 through the second port 183 of the three-way valve 179. The intermediate inlet port 38 allows the first portion of the working fluid to flow into the intermediate pressure pocket 148 of the compression mechanism 28.

[0101] The second portion of the working fluid flows from the third port 242 of the tee 26 to the inlet 246 of the second expansion valve 20. As the second portion of the working fluid flows through the second expansion valve 20, the temperature and pressure of the second portion of the working fluid decrease. The second portion of the working fluid flows from the outlet 208 of the second expansion valve 20 into the first inlet 200 of the first reversing valve 22. The first reversing valve 22 is positioned to allow the second portion of the working fluid to flow through the first outlet 204. The second portion of the working fluid flows from the first outlet 204 of the first reversing valve 22 into the inlet 186 of the first heat exchanger 14, flows through the coil 185 of the first heat exchanger 14 (wherein the second portion of the working fluid absorbs heat from the outdoor ambient air outside the building 188) and exits the first heat exchanger 14 through the outlet 187.

[0102] The second portion of the working fluid flows from the outlet 187 of the first heat exchanger 14 into the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24. The second reversing valve 24 is positioned to allow the second portion of the working fluid to flow from the first inlet 210 of the second reversing valve 24 to the second outlet 216 of the second reversing valve 24. After exiting the second reversing valve 24 through the second outlet 216, the second portion of the working fluid flows to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor 12. In some configurations, the second portion of the working fluid flows from the second outlet 216 to the accumulator 46 and then to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor.

[0103] As described above, the direction of the fluid flow through the first heat exchanger 14 is the same in both cooling modes and both heating modes. Figures 1 to 4 , fluid flows into the first heat exchanger 14 through the inlet 186 and exits the first heat exchanger 14 through the outlet 187. In other words, the opening of the first heat exchanger 14 designated as the "inlet" of the first heat exchanger 14 is the same opening in both heating modes and both cooling modes, and the opening of the first heat exchanger 14 designated as the "outlet" of the first heat exchanger 14 is the same opening in both heating modes and both cooling modes. The same is true for the second heat exchanger 16 - that is, the direction of fluid flow through the second heat exchanger 16 is the same in both cooling modes and both heating modes. That is, the opening of the second heat exchanger 16 designated as the "inlet" of the second heat exchanger 16 is the same opening in both heating modes and both cooling modes, and the opening of the second heat exchanger 16 designated as the "outlet" of the second heat exchanger 16 is the same opening in both heating modes and both cooling modes.

[0104] Directing the flow of the fluid through the heat exchangers 14, 16 in the same direction in both heating modes and both cooling modes achieves optimized heat transfer in all modes. Directing the flow of the working fluid in the opposite (or opposite) direction of the air flow forced through the heat exchangers 14, 18 by their respective fans improves heat transfer. By directing the flow of the working fluid through the heat exchangers 14, 16 in the same direction in both heating modes and both cooling modes, the direction of the working fluid flow can be opposite to the direction of the air flow in all modes. This improved heat transfer between the air and the working fluid improves the efficiency of the climate control system 10.

[0105] Similarly, the direction of fluid flow through the thermal storage device 27 is the same in the heating mode and the cooling mode and is the same in the charging mode and the discharging mode. Figures 1 to 4 As shown in FIG. 2 , the fluid flows into the thermal storage device 27 through the inlet 234 and exits the thermal storage device 27 through the outlet 230. By passing the working fluid through the thermal storage device 27 in the same direction in both the heating mode and the cooling mode and in both the charging mode and the discharging mode, a single sensor 248 can determine the temperature of the working fluid after passing through the thermal storage device, compared to multiple sensors placed on opposite sides of the thermal storage device 27. For example, in Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown in , the operation of the first expansion valve 18 depends solely on the data measured by the sensor 248 .

[0106] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A process 300 is illustrated by which the control module 181 can control the charging and discharging of the thermal storage device 27. At step 310, the control module 181 can receive information about whether the climate control system 10 is in a heating mode or a cooling mode. This selection can be made by a user of the climate control system 10, or the climate control system 10 can be configured to make this selection based on outdoor weather conditions. If the control module 181 is configured to be in a cooling mode at step 310, the control module 181 (at step 312) directs the first reversing valve 22 to be oriented so that the working fluid flows from the discharge outlet 34 of the compressor 12 to the inlet 186 of the first heat exchanger 14 and flows from the outlet 208 of the second expansion valve 20 to the inlet 194 of the second heat exchanger 16. At step 312 , the control module 181 also directs the second reversing valve 24 to orient the working fluid from the outlet 187 of the first heat exchanger 14 to the inlet 218 of the first expansion valve 18 and from the outlet 196 of the second heat exchanger 16 to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor 12 .

[0107] At step 314, the control module 181 may determine whether the thermal storage device 27 should be discharged to increase the cooling capacity of the climate control system 10 (e.g., if the cooling demand exceeds the available cooling capacity of the climate control system 10 when in the charging mode, if on-site generated electricity is available, or if the time-of-use cost of electricity is expected to rise in the next few hours).

[0108] If the control module 181 determines at step 314 that the thermal storage device 27 should not be vented to increase the cooling capacity of the climate control system 10, the control module 181 may (at step 318) place the climate control system 10 in a charging mode by directing the three-way valve 179 into a configuration in which the first port 182 is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve 180 to be oriented so that the working fluid can flow from the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27 to the intermediate inlet port 38 of the compressor 12 and from the first port 232 of the tee 26 to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27. In this configuration, the working fluid may cool the phase change material 236, which may cool the working fluid at another time.

[0109] If the control module 181 determines at step 314 that the thermal storage device 27 should be discharged to increase the cooling capacity of the climate control system 10, the control module 181 may determine (at step 320) whether the thermal storage device 27 is capable of cooling the working fluid under the current operating conditions (e.g., whether the phase change material 236 is at a temperature sufficient to cool the working fluid or whether the phase change material 236 is in a solid state). If the control module 181 determines at step 320 that the thermal storage device 27 is capable of cooling the working fluid under the current operating conditions, the control module 181 may (at step 322) place the climate control system 10 in a discharge mode by directing the three-way valve 179 into a configuration in which the second port 183 is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve 180 to be oriented so that the working fluid can flow from the intermediate outlet port 36 of the compressor 12 to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27 and from the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27 to the first port 232 of the three-way fitting. In this configuration, the working fluid can be cooled by the phase change material 236.

[0110] If the control module 181 determines at step 320 that the thermal storage device 27 is capable of cooling the working fluid under the current operating conditions, the control module 181 may place the climate control system 10 in the charging mode (at step 318) by directing the three-way valve 179 into a configuration in which the first port 182 is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve 180 to be oriented so that the working fluid can flow from the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27 to the intermediate inlet port 38 of the compressor and from the first port 232 of the three-way fitting 26 to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27. When the climate control system 10 is placed in the charging mode at step 318 because the thermal storage device 27 is unable to cool the working fluid under the current operating conditions, the control module 181 may direct the first expansion valve 18 to reduce the temperature and pressure of the working fluid so that cooling of the phase change material 236 by the working fluid is minimized.

[0111] If the control module 181 is configured to be in the heating mode at step 310, the control module 181 directs the first reversing valve 22 (at step 324) to be oriented so that the working fluid flows from the discharge outlet 34 of the compressor 12 to the inlet 194 of the second heat exchanger 16 and from the outlet 208 of the second expansion valve 20 to the inlet 186 of the first heat exchanger 14. At step 324, the control module 181 also directs the second reversing valve 24 to be oriented so that the working fluid flows from the outlet 187 of the first heat exchanger 14 to the suction inlet 32 ​​of the compressor 12 and from the outlet 196 of the second heat exchanger 16 to the inlet 218 of the first expansion valve 18.

[0112] At step 326, the control module determines whether the thermal storage device 27 should be discharged to increase the heating capacity of the climate control system 10 (e.g., if the heating demand exceeds the available heating capacity of the climate control system 10 when in the charging mode, if on-site generated electricity is available, or if the time-of-use cost of electricity is expected to rise in the next few hours).

[0113] If the control module 181 determines at step 326 that the thermal storage device 27 should not be discharged to increase the heating capacity of the climate control system 10, the control module 181 determines (at step 328) whether the outdoor ambient temperature is above a predetermined threshold temperature. The predetermined threshold temperature is determined by the volume ratio between the suction inlet 32 ​​and the intermediate outlet port 36. At temperatures below the predetermined temperature threshold, the working fluid exiting the compressor 12 through the intermediate outlet port 36 may not be able to change the temperature of the thermal storage device 27 to the desired thermal storage device temperature. In other words, low outdoor ambient temperatures may prevent the phase change material 236 of the thermal storage device 27 from properly charging when in the heating and charging mode.

[0114] If the control module 181 determines at step 328 that the outdoor ambient temperature is above the predetermined threshold temperature, the control module 181 determines (at step 329) whether the thermal storage device 27 has maximized the amount of stored energy used for the current operating state (e.g., whether the phase change material 236 has risen to the highest temperature used for the current operating state or whether the phase change material 236 is in a solid state). If the control module 181 determines at step 329 that the thermal storage device 27 has not maximized the amount of stored energy used for the current operating state, the control module 181 may (at step 330) place the climate control system 10 in a charging mode by directing the three-way valve 179 into a configuration in which the second port 183 is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve 180 to be oriented so that the working fluid can flow from the intermediate outlet port 36 of the compressor 12 to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27 and from the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27 to the first port 232 of the three-way fitting. In this configuration, the working fluid will heat the phase change material 236, which can heat the working fluid at another time.

[0115] If the control module 181 determines at step 329 that the thermal storage device 27 has maximized the amount of stored energy used for the current operating state, the control module 181 may place the climate control system 10 in the discharge mode by directing the three-way valve 179 into a configuration in which the first port 182 is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve 180 to be oriented so that the working fluid can flow from the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27 to the intermediate inlet port 38 of the compressor 12 and from the first port 232 of the three-way junction 26 to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27. When the climate control system 10 is placed in the discharge mode of step 334 due to the maximum amount of energy stored in the thermal storage device 27, the control module 181 may direct the first expansion valve 18 to reduce the temperature and pressure of the working fluid so that the phase change material 236 discharges the least amount of heat to the working fluid.

[0116] Similarly, if the control module 181 determines at step 328 that the outdoor ambient temperature is below the predetermined threshold temperature, the control module 181 may place the climate control system 10 in the discharge mode (at step 334) by directing the three-way valve 179 into a configuration in which the first port 182 is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve 180 to be oriented so that the working fluid can flow from the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27 to the intermediate inlet port 38 of the compressor 12 and from the first port 232 of the three-way junction 26 to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27. When the climate control system 10 is placed in the discharge mode at step 334 due to the low outdoor ambient temperature, the control module 181 may direct the first expansion valve 18 to reduce the temperature and pressure of the working fluid so that the phase change material 236 discharges minimal heat to the working fluid.

[0117] If the control module 181 determines at step 326 that the thermal storage device 27 should be vented to increase the heating capacity of the climate control system 10, the control module 181 may (at step 334) place the climate control system 10 in the venting mode by directing the three-way valve 179 into a configuration in which the first port 182 is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve 180 to be oriented so that the working fluid can flow from the outlet 230 of the thermal storage device 27 to the intermediate inlet port 38 of the compressor 12 and from the first port 232 of the tee 26 to the inlet 234 of the thermal storage device 27. In this configuration, the working fluid cools the phase change material 236.

[0118] At any of steps 318, 322, 330, 334, the control module 181 may adjust the first expansion valve 18 and the second expansion valve 20 to control the flow of the working fluid through the second heat exchanger 16 to maintain efficient operation of the climate control system 10. For example, the control module 181 may control the first expansion valve 18 and the second expansion valve 20 to maintain a predetermined superheat value at the outlet 196 of the second heat exchanger 16. This will maintain a balance between the airflow through the second heat exchanger 16 and the working fluid flowing through the second heat exchanger 16 to maintain effective and efficient operation of the climate control system 10. The control module 181 may employ on / off, proportional, proportional and integral, PID (proportional-integral-derivative), or fuzzy logic to control the first expansion valve 18 and the second expansion valve 20.

[0119] After any of steps 318 , 322 , 330 , 334 , the method 300 may loop back to step 310 and the method 300 may be repeated continuously or intermittently.

[0120] It should be understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the climate control system may feature only one or two reversing valves. In these cases, the flow of the working fluid may pass through any of the thermal storage device, the first heat exchanger, or the second heat exchanger in either direction to account for fewer reversing valves. Otherwise, the structure and function of the climate control system may be similar or identical to the structure and function of the climate control system 10 described above.

[0121] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" or the term "controller" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0122] The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuit may include a wired or wireless interface connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a controller area network (CAN), or a combination thereof. The functions of any given module of the present disclosure may be distributed in multiple modules connected via the interface circuit. For example, multiple modules may allow load balancing. In another example, a server (also referred to as a remote or cloud) module may implement some functions on behalf of a client module.

[0123] The term code used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class, a data structure and / or an object. The term shared processor circuit covers a single processor circuit that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group processor circuit covers a processor circuit that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor circuit. Reference to multiple processor circuits covers multiple processor circuits on discrete chips, multiple processor circuits on a single chip, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term shared memory circuit covers a single memory circuit that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group memory circuit covers a memory circuit that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules in combination with additional memory.

[0124] The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term computer-readable medium does not encompass transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); thus the term computer-readable medium may be considered to be tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital tapes or hard drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0125] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented partially or completely by a special-purpose computer, which is created by configuring a general-purpose computer to one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The above-mentioned function blocks, flow chart components and other elements are used as software specifications, which can be compiled into a computer program by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

[0126] A computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. A computer program may also include or rely on stored data. A computer program may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of a special-purpose computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of a special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0127] A computer program may include: i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), (ii) assembly code, (iii) object code generated by a compiler from source code, (iv) source code executed by an interpreter, (v) source code compiled and executed by a just-in-time compiler, etc. By way of example only, the source code may be written using syntax from a language including: C, C++, C#, Objective C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language Fifth Edition), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Visual Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and

[0128] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and can be used for a selected embodiment where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment may also be changed in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A climate control system comprising: a compressor configured to compress a working fluid, the compressor comprising a suction inlet, an intermediate-pressure inlet, an intermediate-pressure outlet, a discharge outlet, and a plurality of compression pockets, wherein the plurality of compression pockets comprises a suction pressure pocket, a first intermediate-pressure pocket, a second intermediate-pressure pocket, and a discharge pressure pocket; a thermal storage device comprising a conduit in fluid communication with the compressor, the thermal storage device containing a phase change material surrounding the conduit; an outdoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; an indoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; a first expansion valve in fluid communication with the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; and a second expansion valve in fluid communication with the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, wherein the intermediate pressure outlet of the compressor receives the working fluid from the first intermediate pressure pocket of the compressor, wherein the intermediate pressure inlet of the compressor provides working fluid to the second intermediate pressure pocket of the compressor, wherein the working fluid in the discharge pressure pocket is at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the first intermediate pressure pocket, wherein the working fluid in the first intermediate pressure pocket is at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the second intermediate pressure pocket, wherein the working fluid in the second intermediate pressure pocket is at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the suction pressure pocket, wherein when the climate control system is operated in the charging mode, the climate control system is capable of operating in the heating mode and the cooling mode, wherein the phase change material absorbs heat from the working fluid as the working fluid flows through the conduit of the thermal storage device when the climate control system is operated in the charging mode and the heating mode, and Wherein, when the climate control system is operated in the charging mode and the cooling mode, the phase change material transfers heat to the working fluid as the working fluid flows through the conduit of the thermal storage device.

2. The climate control system of claim 1, wherein: When the climate control system is operated in the charging mode and the heating mode, the climate control system is configured such that the working fluid flows from the compressor, through the indoor heat exchanger, through the outdoor heat exchanger, and to the compressor.

3. The climate control system of claim 2, further comprising: a first reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, the first reversing valve comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet; as well as a second reversing valve, the second reversing valve being in fluid communication with the compressor, the second reversing valve comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the first reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the second expansion valve, through the first inlet of the first reversing valve and the first outlet of the first reversing valve, and to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet of the compressor, through the second inlet of the first reversing valve and the second outlet of the first reversing valve, and to flow to the indoor heat exchanger, and Wherein, the second reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger, flow through the first inlet of the second reversing valve and the first outlet of the second reversing valve and flow to the suction inlet of the compressor, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the indoor heat exchanger, flow through the second inlet of the second reversing valve and the second outlet of the second reversing valve and flow to the first expansion valve.

4. The climate control system of claim 3 further comprising a third reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, the third reversing valve comprising first and second inlets and first and second outlets, in, The third reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the heat storage device, through the first inlet of the third reversing valve and the first outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the second expansion valve, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the intermediate outlet of the compressor, through the second inlet of the third reversing valve and the second outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the heat storage device.

5. The climate control system of claim 1, wherein: When the climate control system is operated in the charging mode and the cooling mode, the climate control system is configured such that the working fluid flows from the compressor, through the outdoor heat exchanger, through the indoor heat exchanger, and to the compressor.

6. The climate control system of claim 5, further comprising: a first reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, the first reversing valve comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet; as well as a second reversing valve, the second reversing valve being in fluid communication with the compressor, the second reversing valve comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the first reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the second expansion valve, through the first inlet of the first reversing valve and the first outlet of the first reversing valve, and to flow to the indoor heat exchanger, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet of the compressor, through the second inlet of the first reversing valve and the second outlet of the first reversing valve, and to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger, and Wherein, the second reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger, flow through the first inlet of the second reversing valve and the first outlet of the second reversing valve and flow to the first expansion valve, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the indoor heat exchanger, flow through the second inlet of the second reversing valve and the second outlet of the second reversing valve and flow to the suction inlet of the compressor.

7. The climate control system of claim 6 further comprising a third reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, the third reversing valve comprising first and second inlets and first and second outlets, in, The third reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the heat storage device, through the first inlet of the third reversing valve and the first outlet of the third reversing valve, and to the intermediate inlet of the compressor, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the first expansion valve, through the second inlet of the third reversing valve and the second outlet of the third reversing valve, and to the heat storage device.

8. The climate control system of claim 1, wherein: The climate control system is configured such that the working fluid flows in a direction through the conduit of the thermal storage device when the climate control system is operating in the heating mode and when the climate control system is operating in the cooling mode.

9. The climate control system of claim 1, wherein: The phase change material of the thermal storage device is paraffin.

10. The climate control system of claim 1, wherein: The phase change material of the thermal storage device is a salt hydrate.

11. A climate control system comprising: a compressor configured to compress a working fluid, the compressor comprising a suction inlet, an intermediate-pressure inlet, an intermediate-pressure outlet, a discharge outlet, and a plurality of compression pockets, wherein the plurality of compression pockets comprises a suction pressure pocket, a first intermediate-pressure pocket, a second intermediate-pressure pocket, and a discharge pressure pocket; a thermal storage device comprising a conduit in fluid communication with the compressor, the thermal storage device containing a phase change material surrounding the conduit; an outdoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; an indoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; a first expansion valve in fluid communication with the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; and a second expansion valve in fluid communication with the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; wherein the intermediate pressure outlet of the compressor receives the working fluid from the first intermediate pressure pocket of the compressor, wherein the intermediate pressure inlet of the compressor provides working fluid to the second intermediate pressure pocket of the compressor, wherein the working fluid in the discharge pressure pocket is at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the first intermediate pressure pocket, wherein the working fluid in the first intermediate pressure pocket is at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the second intermediate pressure pocket, wherein the working fluid in the second intermediate pressure pocket is at a higher pressure than the working fluid in the suction pressure pocket, wherein when the climate control system is operated in the exhaust mode, the climate control system is capable of operating in a heating mode and a cooling mode, wherein when the climate control system is operated in the exhaust mode and the heating mode, the working fluid absorbs heat from the phase change material as the working fluid flows through the conduit of the thermal storage device, and Wherein, when the climate control system is operated in the exhaust mode and the cooling mode, the phase change material transfers heat to the working fluid as the working fluid flows through the conduit of the thermal storage device.

12. The climate control system of claim 11, wherein: When the climate control system is operated in the exhaust mode and the cooling mode, the climate control system is configured such that the working fluid flows from the compressor, through the outdoor heat exchanger, through the indoor heat exchanger, and to the compressor.

13. The climate control system of claim 12, further comprising: a first reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, the first reversing valve comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet; as well as a second reversing valve, the second reversing valve being in fluid communication with the compressor, the second reversing valve comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the first reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet of the compressor, through the first inlet of the first reversing valve and the first outlet of the first reversing valve, and to the outdoor heat exchanger, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the second expansion valve, through the second inlet of the first reversing valve and the second outlet of the first reversing valve, and to the indoor heat exchanger, and Wherein, the second reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger, flow through the first inlet of the second reversing valve and the first outlet of the second reversing valve and flow to the first expansion valve, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the indoor heat exchanger, flow through the second inlet of the second reversing valve and the second outlet of the second reversing valve and flow to the suction inlet of the compressor.

14. The climate control system of claim 13 further comprising a third reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, the third reversing valve comprising first and second inlets and first and second outlets, in, The third reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the heat storage device, through the first inlet of the third reversing valve and the first outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the second expansion valve, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the intermediate outlet of the compressor, through the second inlet of the third reversing valve and the second outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the heat storage device.

15. The climate control system of claim 11, wherein: When the climate control system is operated in the exhaust mode and the heating mode, the climate control system is configured such that the working fluid flows from the compressor, through the indoor heat exchanger, through the outdoor heat exchanger, and to the compressor.

16. The climate control system of claim 15, further comprising: a first reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, the first reversing valve comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet; as well as a second reversing valve, the second reversing valve being in fluid communication with the compressor, the second reversing valve comprising a first inlet and a second inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the first reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the second expansion valve, through the first inlet of the first reversing valve and the first outlet of the first reversing valve, and to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet of the compressor, through the second inlet of the first reversing valve and the second outlet of the first reversing valve, and to flow to the indoor heat exchanger, and Wherein, the second reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the indoor heat exchanger, flow through the first inlet of the second reversing valve and the first outlet of the second reversing valve and flow to the outdoor heat exchanger, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger, flow through the second inlet of the second reversing valve and the second outlet of the second reversing valve and flow to the suction inlet of the compressor.

17. The climate control system of claim 16 further comprising a third reversing valve in fluid communication with the compressor, the third reversing valve comprising first and second inlets and first and second outlets, in, The third reversing valve is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the first expansion valve, through the first inlet of the third reversing valve and the first outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to a heat storage device, and is configured to allow the working fluid to flow from the heat storage device, through the second inlet of the third reversing valve and the second outlet of the third reversing valve, and to flow to the intermediate inlet of the compressor.

18. The climate control system of claim 11, wherein: The climate control system is configured such that the working fluid flows in a direction through the conduit of the thermal storage device when the climate control system is operating in the heating mode and when the climate control system is operating in the cooling mode.

19. The climate control system of claim 11, wherein: The phase change material of the thermal storage device is paraffin.

20. The climate control system of claim 11, wherein: The phase change material of the thermal storage device is a salt hydrate.

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