Climate control system

Abstract

A climate control system may include first and second turbines, first and second heat exchangers, and a fan. The first turbine may be fluidly connected with an outdoor air source. The first and second turbines are operable in a compressor mode and an expander mode. The turbine compresses air in a compressor mode and expands air in an expander mode. The first heat exchanger may receive air from the first turbine. The second heat exchanger may be fluidly connected to the first heat exchanger and the second turbine. The fan may force air through an exterior of the first heat exchanger and through an exterior of the second heat exchanger. Air flowing through the exterior of the first heat exchanger and the exterior of the second heat exchanger may be fluidly isolated from air flowing within the interior of the first heat exchanger and the interior of the second heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to heat pump systems, and more specifically, to open-air recirculation ventilation heat pumps. Background Technology

[0002] This section provides background information in connection with this disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Climate control systems (e.g., heat pump systems, refrigeration systems, or air conditioning systems) can be operated to cool and / or heat a space (e.g., a room within a building or a space within a container or enclosure). This disclosure provides a climate control system capable of cooling or heating a space while simultaneously supplying fresh outdoor air into the space and exhausting air from the space back to the outside. This arrangement provides improved comfort, as well as improved air quality and health. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure, rather than a full disclosure of the entire scope or all features of the disclosure.

[0005] In one example form, this disclosure provides a climate control system that may include a first turbine and a second turbine, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, and one or more fans. The first turbine may be fluidly connected to an outdoor air source and is capable of operating in a compressor mode and an expander mode. The first turbine mechanism causes air to be compressed in compressor mode and expanded in expander mode. The second turbine is capable of operating in both compressor and expander modes. The second turbine mechanism causes air to be compressed in compressor mode and expanded in expander mode. The first heat exchanger may be fluidly connected to the first turbine and may receive air from the first turbine in both compressor and expander modes. The second heat exchanger may be fluidly connected to both the first and second turbines. The second heat exchanger may receive air from the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger may supply air to the second turbine in both compressor and expander modes. One or more fans may force air from the outdoor air source through the exterior of the first heat exchanger and force indoor return air through the exterior of the second heat exchanger. The air flowing through the exterior of the first heat exchanger may be fluidly isolated from the air flowing inside the first heat exchanger. The return air flowing through the outside of the second heat exchanger can be isolated from the air fluid flowing inside the second heat exchanger.

[0006] In some configurations of the climate control system described above, the first and second heat exchangers are located inside the internal cavity of the housing.

[0007] In some configurations of the climate control system described above, the housing includes a return air inlet, an outdoor air inlet, and an air exhaust outlet.

[0008] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, one or more fans force air from an outdoor air source into the interior cavity of the housing through an outdoor air inlet, and force return air into the interior cavity of the housing through a return air inlet.

[0009] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, after air from an outdoor air source and return air flow through the exterior of a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, respectively, one or more fans force the air from the outdoor air source and return air out of the internal cavity of the housing.

[0010] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, the air exhaust outlet is located between the return air inlet and the outdoor air inlet.

[0011] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, the first turbine and the second turbine are located outside the internal cavity of the housing.

[0012] In some configurations, the climate control system of any or more of the paragraphs above may include a supply air outlet that receives air from the second turbine and supplies air to the indoor space.

[0013] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, the supply air outlet is attached to the housing, and the air flowing through the supply air outlet is isolated from the air fluid flowing through the interior cavity through the exterior of the first heat exchanger and the exterior of the second heat exchanger.

[0014] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, the return air inlet and the supply air outlet are arranged adjacent to each other at the first end of the housing.

[0015] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, the outdoor air inlet is located at a second end of the housing opposite to the first end.

[0016] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, the air exhaust outlet is located between the first and second ends of the housing.

[0017] In some configurations, the climate control system of any or more of the above paragraphs may include: a first reversing valve in fluid communication with a first turbine and a first heat exchanger; and a second reversing valve in fluid communication with a second turbine and a second heat exchanger. The first and second reversing valves are movable between a first position and a second position.

[0018] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, the climate control system is capable of operating in both cooling and heating modes.

[0019] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, in cooling mode: the first turbine operates in compressor mode with the first reversing valve in the first position, the second turbine operates in expander mode with the second reversing valve in the second position.

[0020] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, in heating mode: the first turbine operates in expander mode with the first reversing valve in the second position, the second turbine operates in compressor mode with the second reversing valve in the first position.

[0021] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, each of the first turbine and the second turbine includes a first port and a second port.

[0022] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, the first port is an outlet in compressor mode and the second port is an inlet in compressor mode.

[0023] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, the first port is an inlet in expander mode and the second port is an outlet in expander mode.

[0024] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, in cooling mode: air flows from a first reversing valve to a second port of a first turbine, air flows from a first port of a first turbine to a first reversing valve, air flows from a second reversing valve to a first port of a second turbine, and air flows from a second port of a second turbine to a second reversing valve.

[0025] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, in heating mode: air flows from a first reversing valve to a first port of a first turbine, air flows from a second port of the first turbine to a first reversing valve, air flows from a second reversing valve to a second port of a second turbine, and air flows from a first port of the second turbine to a second reversing valve.

[0026] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, in both cooling and heating modes, air from the first turbine flows to the first heat exchanger and then to the second heat exchanger.

[0027] In some configurations, the climate control system of any or more of the paragraphs above may include an outdoor air duct configured to receive ambient outdoor air from an outdoor air source in both cooling and heating modes and to supply ambient outdoor air to a first turbine via a first reversing valve.

[0028] In some configurations of the climate control system in any or more of the paragraphs above, the first and second directional valves are mounted to the housing outside the internal cavity.

[0029] Other application areas will become apparent from the descriptions provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this overview are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, representing selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a climate control system operating in cooling mode based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a climate control system operating in heating mode;

[0033] Figure 3 It is a 3D diagram of the climate control system;

[0034] Figure 4 It is another three-dimensional view of the climate control system;

[0035] Figure 5 It is a 3D diagram of the climate control system, in which part of the system's shell has been removed;

[0036] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the climate control system; and

[0037] Figure 7 This is a plan view of the turbine in the climate control system.

[0038] Throughout the various views in the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

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

[0040] Exemplary implementations are provided to make this disclosure thorough and to fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatuses, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the exemplary implementations may be practiced in many different forms, and none of them should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary implementations, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the said feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless specifically indicated as the order of performance, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0042] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “attached to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly joined to, directly connected to, or directly attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly attached to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “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, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0044] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatial relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features will then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 7 A heat pump system 10 is provided. The heat pump system 10 is an air-circulating heat pump—that is, the system 10 uses ambient outdoor air, rather than conventional refrigerants (such as carbon dioxide, R-32, etc.), as the working fluid. Furthermore, the system 10 is an open-loop system that draws in ambient outdoor air, circulates it indoors (i.e., into the room or space to be cooled or heated), and exhausts the indoor air back outdoors. Therefore, the system 10 can operate to heat or cool a room or space while simultaneously ventilating it. The system 10 can operate in cooling mode (…). Figure 1 Cooling a room or space in ) mode, and heating in ) mode Figure 2 (This refers to heating a room or space.)

[0046] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, system 10 may include a first compressor / turbine (turbo or compressor / expander) 12, a second compressor / turbine (turbo or compressor / expander) 14, a first reversing valve 16, a second reversing valve 18, and a heat exchanger unit 20.

[0047] The first compressor / turbine 12 and the second compressor / turbine 14 can be similar to or identical to each other. The first compressor / turbine 12 and the second compressor / turbine 14 are capable of operating in a compressor mode in which the first compressor / turbine 12 and the second compressor / turbine 14 compress air, and in a turbine mode (expander mode) in which the first compressor / turbine 12 and the second compressor / turbine 14 expand air. The first compressor / turbine 12 and the second compressor / turbine 14 can be any suitable type of compressor / turbine. For example, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the first compressor / turbine 12 and the second compressor / turbine 14 can be centrifugal (or radial) compressors / turbines having a volute 22 and an impeller 24. A motor can rotate the impeller 24 in a first direction to operate the compressor / turbine in compressor mode. The impeller 24 can rotate in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) when the compressor / turbine is operating in turbine mode. The volute 22 can define a first port 26 and a second port 28. The first port 26 can be the inlet of the volute in turbine mode and the outlet of the volute in compressor mode. The second port 28 can be the inlet of the volute in compressor mode and the outlet of the volute in turbine mode.

[0048] In compressor mode, the motor rotates the impeller 24 in a first direction, which draws air into the volute 22 through the second port 28. The air is compressed as it moves from the second port 28 through the volute to the first port 26.

[0049] In turbine mode, air flows through the first port 26 into the volute 22, and the impeller 24 of the compressor / turbine 12, 14 can be driven by the airflow (in a second direction of rotation) flowing from the first port 26 to the second port 28. The air expands as it moves from the first port 26 through the volute to the second port 28. In turbine mode, the rotating impeller 24 driven by the airflow can generate electricity, which can be used to power the motor of another compressor / turbine 12, 14 operating in compressor mode (or the generated electricity can be stored in a battery or used to power any other electrical device).

[0050] It will be understood that the first compressor / turbine 12 and the second compressor / turbine 14 can be, for example, any other suitable type of compressor / turbine, such as an axial compressor / turbine.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, each of the first reversing valve 16 and the second reversing valve 18 may include a housing having a first port 30, a second port 32, a third port 34, and a fourth port 36, and a movable valve member having a first passage 38 and a second passage 40. The movable valve member is disposed within the housing and is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position (e.g., via an electromechanical actuator). When the system 10 is in cooling mode ( Figure 1 When the system 10 is in heating mode, the first reversing valve 16 is in the first position (in which the first passage 38 is fluidly connected to the first port 30 and the second port 32, and the second passage 40 is fluidly connected to the third port 34 and the fourth port 36), and the second reversing valve 18 is in the second position (in which the first passage 38 is fluidly connected to the second port 32 and the third port 34, and the second passage 40 is fluidly connected to the first port 30 and the fourth port 36). Figure 2 When the first reversing valve 16 is in the second position (in the second position, the first passage 38 is fluidly connected to the first port 30 and the fourth port 36, and the second passage 40 is fluidly connected to the second port 32 and the third port 34), and the second reversing valve 18 is in the first position (in the first position, the first passage 38 is fluidly connected to the first port 30 and the second port 32, and the second passage 40 is fluidly connected to the third port 34 and the fourth port 36).

[0052] The heat exchanger unit 20 may include a housing 42, a first heat exchanger 44, and a second heat exchanger 46. The first heat exchanger 44 and the second heat exchanger 46 may be disposed within the internal cavity 48 of the housing 42. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Inside. In some configurations, compressors / turbines 12, 14 and / or reversing valves 16, 18 may be attached to or mounted to housing 42.

[0053] Housing 42 may include a first air inlet (e.g., a return air inlet) 50, a second air inlet (e.g., an outdoor air inlet) 52, one or more first air outlets (e.g., air exhaust outlets) 54, and second air outlets (e.g., supply air outlets) 56. The return air inlet 50, outdoor air inlet 52, and air exhaust outlet 54 are in fluid communication with the internal cavity 48. One or more fans 58 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 Air can be drawn into the internal cavity 48 via the return air inlet 50 and the outdoor air inlet 52, and forced out of the internal cavity 48 through the air exhaust outlet 54. The air leaving the air exhaust outlet 54 can be discharged outdoors (i.e., returned to the outside of the building or space to be cooled, for example, via an outdoor vent). The supply air outlet 56 is fluidly isolated from the air in the internal cavity 48. Figures 3 to 6An air supply outlet 56 attached to the housing 42 is shown. However, in some configurations, the air supply outlet 56 may be detached from the housing 42.

[0054] The first heat exchanger 44 and the second heat exchanger 46 can be air-to-air heat exchangers. That is, the air flowing inside the first heat exchanger 44 has a heat transfer relationship with the air flowing around the outside of the first heat exchanger 44. Similarly, the air flowing inside the second heat exchanger 46 has a heat transfer relationship with the air flowing around the outside of the second heat exchanger 46.

[0055] As described above, the first heat exchanger 44 and the second heat exchanger 46 are disposed within the internal cavity. The first heat exchanger 44 and the second heat exchanger 46 may respectively include coils or pipes 60 and 62. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, pipes 60 and 62 are in fluid communication with each other via conduit 64 (which can be disposed inside or outside the internal cavity 48). Pipe 60 of the first heat exchanger 44 can receive air from the first reversing valve 16. Pipe 62 of the second heat exchanger 46 can supply air to the second reversing valve 18. The air flowing inside pipes 60 and 62 is fluidly isolated from the air in the internal cavity 48. That is, the air flowing from the return air inlet 50 and the outdoor air inlet 52 into the internal cavity 48 is fluidly isolated from the air flowing inside pipes 60 and 62. However, the air inside the internal cavity 48 (i.e., the air from the return air inlet 50 and the outdoor air inlet 52) ​​is in a heat transfer relationship with the air inside pipes 60 and 62. That is, when the system 10 is in cooling mode ( Figure 1 When the system 10 is in heating mode, the air inside the internal cavity 48 (i.e., the air from the return air inlet 50 and the outdoor air inlet 52) ​​absorbs heat from the air flowing inside the pipes 60, 62. Figure 2 When the air flowing inside the pipes 60 and 62 absorbs heat from the air inside the internal cavity 48 (i.e., the air from the return air inlet 50 and the outdoor air inlet 52), the air is heated.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the conduit 60 of the first heat exchanger 44 is in fluid communication with the third port 34 of the first reversing valve 16 (i.e., receiving air from the third port 34 of the first reversing valve 16). The conduit 62 of the second heat exchanger 46 is in fluid communication with the first port 30 of the second reversing valve 18 (i.e., supplying air to the first port 30 of the second reversing valve 18).

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the first port 26 of the first compressor / turbine 12 is in fluid communication with the fourth port 36 of the first reversing valve 16. The second port 28 of the first compressor / turbine 12 is in fluid communication with the second port 32 of the first reversing valve 16. The first port 30 of the first reversing valve 16 is in fluid communication with the outdoor air duct 66 (i.e., receiving air from the outdoor air duct 66). The outdoor air duct 66 may, for example, receive air from an outdoor ambient air source, such as an outdoor air inlet 52 or from another outdoor air vent.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first port 26 of the second compressor / turbine 14 is in fluid communication with the fourth port 36 of the second reversing valve 18. The second port 28 of the second compressor / turbine 14 is in fluid communication with the second port 32 of the second reversing valve 18. The third port 34 of the second reversing valve 18 is in fluid communication with the supply air outlet 56 (i.e., supplying air to the supply air outlet 56).

[0059] Reference Figure 1 The operation of system 10 in cooling mode will be described in detail above. Figure 1 As shown, when system 10 is operating in cooling mode: the first reversing valve 16 is in the first position, the second reversing valve 18 is in the second position, the first compressor / turbine 12 is operating in compressor mode, the second compressor / turbine 14 is operating in turbine mode, and the fan 58 is operated to draw air from the return air inlet 50 and the outdoor air inlet 52 into the internal cavity 48 and to discharge air from the internal cavity 48 through the air exhaust outlet 54.

[0060] Therefore, in cooling mode, air from the outdoor ambient air source flows through the outdoor air duct 66, through the first port 30 and the second port 32 of the first reversing valve 16, and into the second port 28 of the first compressor / turbine 12. The first compressor / turbine 12 compresses the air from a first pressure (e.g., outdoor ambient air pressure) to a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

[0061] Compressed air exits the first compressor / turbine 12 through the first port 26 at a second pressure (and at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the air enters the first compressor / turbine 12). Air flows from the first port 26 of the first compressor / turbine 12 through the first reversing valve 16 (i.e., through the fourth port 36, the second passage 40, and the third port 34) and through the duct 60 of the first heat exchanger 44. As the compressed and heated air flows through the duct 60 of the first heat exchanger 44, air flowing through the internal cavity 48 of the heat exchanger unit 20 (e.g., air flowing from the outdoor air inlet 52 to the air outlet 54) can absorb heat from the air flowing within the duct 60, thereby lowering the temperature of the air in the duct 60.

[0062] Then, the air in the pipe 60 of the first heat exchanger 44 (via the conduit 64) flows to the pipe 62 of the second heat exchanger 46. The air flowing through the internal cavity 48 of the heat exchanger unit 20 (e.g., the air flowing from the return air inlet 50 to the air outlet 54) can absorb heat from the air flowing in the pipe 62, thereby further reducing the temperature of the air in the pipe 62.

[0063] Air can flow from duct 62 through the second reversing valve (i.e., through the first port 30, the second passage 40, and the fourth port 36) and via the first port 26 into the second compressor / turbine 14. As described above, the second compressor / turbine 14 operates in turbine mode when system 10 is in cooling mode. Therefore, the air expands (its pressure decreases) as it flows from the first port 26 through the second compressor / turbine 14 to the second port 28. This pressure reduction also lowers the air temperature. The cooled and depressurized air then flows from the second port 28 of the second compressor / turbine 14 through the second reversing valve 18 (i.e., through the second port 32, the first passage 38, and the third port 34) and through the supply air outlet 56 to the room or space to be cooled.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 The operation of system 10 in heating mode will be described in detail above. Figure 2 As shown, when system 10 is operating in heating mode: first reversing valve 16 is in the second position, second reversing valve 18 is in the first position, first compressor / turbine 12 operates in turbine mode, second compressor / turbine 14 operates in compressor mode, and fan 58 is operated to draw air from return air inlet 50 and outdoor air inlet 52 into internal cavity 48 and to discharge air from internal cavity 48 through air exhaust outlet 54.

[0065] Therefore, in heating mode, air from the outdoor ambient air source flows through the outdoor air duct 66, through the first port 30 and the fourth port 36 of the first reversing valve 16, and into the first port 26 of the first compressor / turbine 12. The first compressor / turbine 12 operates in turbine mode when the system 10 is in heating mode, and thus the first compressor / turbine 12 expands the air from the outdoor ambient air pressure to a pressure lower than the outdoor ambient air pressure (which also lowers the air temperature).

[0066] Cooled and depressurized air exits the first compressor / turbine 12 through the second port 28. Air from the second port 28 of the first compressor / turbine 12 flows through the first reversing valve 16 (i.e., through the second port 32, the first passage 38, and the third port 34) and through the duct 60 of the first heat exchanger 44. As the cooled and depressurized air flows through the duct 60 of the first heat exchanger 44, the air flowing through the internal cavity 48 of the heat exchanger unit 20 (e.g., air flowing from the outdoor air inlet 52 to the air outlet 54) can transfer heat to the air flowing within the duct 60, thereby raising the temperature of the air in the duct 60.

[0067] Then, the air in the pipe 60 of the first heat exchanger 44 (via the conduit 64) flows to the pipe 62 of the second heat exchanger 46. The air flowing through the internal cavity 48 of the heat exchanger unit 20 (e.g., the air flowing from the return air inlet 50 to the air outlet 54) can transfer heat to the air flowing in the pipe 62, thereby further increasing the temperature of the air in the pipe 62.

[0068] Air can flow from duct 62 through the second reversing valve (i.e., through the first port 30, the first passage 38, and the second port 32) and via the second port 28 to the second compressor / turbine 14. As described above, the second compressor / turbine 14 operates in compressor mode when the system 10 is in heating mode. Therefore, the air is compressed (the pressure of the air increases) as it flows from the second port 28 through the second compressor / turbine 14 to the first port 26. This compression of the air (e.g., increasing the air pressure to or near the outdoor ambient pressure or the air pressure in the room or space to be heated) further increases the temperature of the air. The heated air then flows from the first port 26 of the second compressor / turbine 14 through the second reversing valve 18 (i.e., through the fourth port 36, the second passage 40, and the third port 34) and via the supply air outlet 56 to the room or space to be heated.

[0069] Figure 1 and Figure 2Example air temperatures at various locations throughout the system 10 in both cooling and heating modes are shown. These air temperatures are merely examples and provided for illustrative purposes only. Actual air temperature values ​​can vary depending on various factors such as outdoor air temperature, compressor / turbine capacity, return air temperature, heat exchanger materials and construction, airflow rate, etc.

[0070] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. Elements or features of a particular embodiment may also vary in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A climate control system, comprising: A first turbine is fluidly connected to an outdoor air source and is capable of operating in a compressor mode and an expander mode, wherein the first turbine mechanism causes air to be compressed in the compressor mode and air to be expanded in the expander mode; A second turbine is capable of operating in a compressor mode and an expander mode, wherein the second turbine mechanism causes air to be compressed in the compressor mode and air to be expanded in the expander mode; A first heat exchanger is fluidly connected to the first turbine and receives air from the first turbine in both the compressor mode and the expander mode; A second heat exchanger, fluidly connected to the first heat exchanger and the second turbine, wherein the second heat exchanger receives air from the first heat exchanger, and wherein the second heat exchanger supplies air to the second turbine in both the compressor mode and the expander mode; and One or more fans, said one or more fans, force air from said outdoor air source through the outside of the first heat exchanger and force indoor return air through the outside of the second heat exchanger, wherein said air flowing through the outside of the first heat exchanger is isolated from air fluid flowing inside the first heat exchanger, and wherein said return air flowing through the outside of the second heat exchanger is isolated from air fluid flowing inside the second heat exchanger.

2. The climate control system according to claim 1, wherein, The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are disposed inside the internal cavity of the housing.

3. The climate control system according to claim 2, wherein, The housing includes a return air inlet, an outdoor air inlet, and an air exhaust outlet.

4. The climate control system according to claim 3, wherein, The one or more fans force air from the outdoor air source into the internal cavity of the housing through the outdoor air inlet, and force the return air into the internal cavity of the housing through the return air inlet.

5. The climate control system according to claim 4, wherein, After the air from the outdoor air source and the return air flow through the exterior of the first heat exchanger and the exterior of the second heat exchanger, respectively, the one or more fans force the air from the outdoor air source and the return air out of the internal cavity of the housing.

6. The climate control system according to claim 5, wherein, The air exhaust outlet is located between the return air inlet and the outdoor air inlet.

7. The climate control system according to claim 5, wherein, The first turbine and the second turbine are disposed outside the internal cavity of the housing.

8. The climate control system of claim 7 further includes a supply air outlet that receives air from the second turbine and supplies the air to the indoor space.

9. The climate control system according to claim 8, wherein, The supply air outlet is attached to the housing, and wherein the air flowing through the supply air outlet is isolated from the air fluid flowing through the interior cavity through the exterior of the first heat exchanger and the exterior of the second heat exchanger.

10. The climate control system according to claim 9, wherein, The return air inlet and the supply air outlet are positioned adjacent to each other at the first end of the housing.

11. The climate control system according to claim 10, wherein, The outdoor air inlet is located at the second end of the housing opposite to the first end.

12. The climate control system according to claim 11, wherein, The air exhaust outlet is located between the first end and the second end of the housing.

13. The climate control system according to claim 8, further comprising: A first reversing valve is in fluid communication with the first turbine and the first heat exchanger; as well as The second reversing valve is in fluid communication with the second turbine and the second heat exchanger. The first reversing valve and the second reversing valve are movable between a first position and a second position.

14. The climate control system according to claim 13, wherein, The climate control system can operate in both cooling and heating modes. In the cooling mode: the first turbine operates in compressor mode with the first reversing valve in the first position; the second turbine operates in expander mode with the second reversing valve in the second position. In the heating mode: the first turbine operates in the expander mode and the first reversing valve is in the second position; the second turbine operates in the compressor mode and the second reversing valve is in the first position.

15. The climate control system according to claim 14, wherein, Each of the first turbine and the second turbine includes a first port and a second port, wherein the first port is an outlet in the compressor mode and the second port is an inlet in the compressor mode, and wherein the first port is an inlet in the expander mode and the second port is an outlet in the expander mode.

16. The climate control system according to claim 15, wherein, In the cooling mode: Air flows from the first reversing valve to the second port of the first turbine. Air flows from the first port of the first turbine to the first reversing valve. Air flows from the second reversing valve to the first port of the second turbine, and Air flows from the second port of the second turbine to the second reversing valve.

17. The climate control system according to claim 16, wherein, In the heating mode: Air flows from the first reversing valve to the first port of the first turbine. Air flows from the second port of the first turbine to the first reversing valve. Air flows from the second reversing valve to the second port of the second turbine, and Air flows from the first port of the second turbine to the second reversing valve.

18. The climate control system according to claim 17, wherein, In both the cooling and heating modes, air from the first turbine flows to the first heat exchanger and then to the second heat exchanger.

19. The climate control system of claim 18, further comprising an outdoor air duct configured to receive ambient outdoor air from the outdoor air source in the cooling mode and the heating mode, and to supply the ambient outdoor air to the first turbine via the first reversing valve.

20. The climate control system according to claim 19, wherein, The first reversing valve and the second reversing valve are mounted to the housing on the outside of the internal cavity.

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