Liquid cooling thermal management for battery integrated residential heat pump

Abstract

An air conditioning system includes a vapor compression circuit having a compressor, a first expansion device, a second expansion device, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger, and a working fluid is configured to circulate within the vapor compression circuit. An energy storage device is selectively operable to supply power to components of the air conditioning system, and a thermal management system is thermally and fluidly coupled to the vapor compression circuit at a location between the first and second expansion devices. The expansion of the working fluid within at least one of the first and second expansion devices is controllable in response to the thermal demand of the energy storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to air conditioning systems. Background Technology

[0002] Electricity powers a vast array of installations and equipment in commercial, industrial, residential applications, and data centers. For example, it powers lights, motors, home appliances, medical equipment, computers, air conditioning systems, electric vehicle charging stations, data center processing and cooling needs, and many other electrical installations. In most regions, power utilities generate and distribute electricity (via the AC grid). Shortages and / or increased costs associated with factors such as fossil fuel use, the intermittency of renewable resources, variability in power demand and supply, and increased energy demand significantly impact power costs and continuous availability for consumers and businesses. Generally, shortages and / or increased costs often occur during periods of peak demand. Peak demand can occur based on the time of day, such as in the morning or evening. On a more stochastic basis, peak demand (or demand exceeding available supply) can occur due to natural disasters or during prolonged periods such as cloudy skies (if power from the grid comes from solar power) or wind variability (if power from the grid comes from wind turbines). For example, hurricanes or earthquakes can damage generators and / or the power grid of utility companies, resulting in significant power loss to commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Repairs to these damaged lines and generators can take hours, days, or weeks. Various locations may also lose power from the grid for other reasons, including maintenance. During these periods of power loss, these locations may be unable to continue operating. Furthermore, the increasing number of data centers significantly increases the demand for energy from the grid.

[0003] Often, electricity from the grid is more expensive during peak demand periods. For example, power utilities might use low-cost generators during periods of minimum demand and then switch to higher-cost generators during periods of peak demand. Unfortunately, existing infrastructure does not adequately address these different costs associated with peak and minimum demand. As a result, commercial, industrial, data center, and residential applications often draw power from the grid during peak demand periods, regardless of the higher costs associated with generating their own electricity.

[0004] Some energy consumers (such as commercial, industrial, data center, and residential users) may be driven by factors other than cost, such as the expectation of supporting sustainable energy options (as described further below). Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioning system includes a vapor compression circuit having a compressor, a first expansion device, a second expansion device, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger, and a working fluid is configured to circulate within the vapor compression circuit. An energy storage device is selectively operable to supply power to components of the air conditioning system, and a thermal management system is thermally and fluidly coupled to the vapor compression circuit at a location between the first and second expansion devices. In response to the thermal demand of the energy storage device, the expansion of the working fluid within at least one of the first and second expansion devices is controllable.

[0006] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the vapor compression circuit includes a bypass conduit, a first end of which is fluidly connected to the vapor compression circuit at a location between the first expansion device and the thermal management system, and a second end of which is fluidly connected to the vapor compression circuit at a location between the second expansion device and the thermal management system.

[0007] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the valve is operable to control the flow of working fluid through a bypass conduit.

[0008] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the thermal management system includes a coolant heat exchanger that is thermally coupled to an energy storage device and fluidly coupled to a vapor compression circuit.

[0009] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the working fluid is selected from refrigerants, coolants, water, ethylene glycol, and dielectric fluids.

[0010] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, a steam bypass duct connects the steam compression loop fluid to the compressor inlet at a location downstream of the coolant heat exchanger outlet.

[0011] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the thermal management system includes a closed heat transfer fluid loop having a heat transfer fluid circulating therethrough.

[0012] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a coolant heat exchanger and a thermal energy storage device thermally coupled to the energy storage device.

[0013] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the thermal energy storage device is fluidly coupled to a vapor compression circuit.

[0014] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the thermal energy storage device is filled with a thermal storage material having thermal capacity.

[0015] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the thermal management system includes at least one sensor and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to control the operation of a vapor compression circuit in response to the at least one sensor to maintain the energy storage device within a desired temperature range.

[0016] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor operable to measure the temperature of the energy storage device.

[0017] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the thermal management system includes a closed heat transfer fluid loop having a heat transfer fluid circulating therethrough and including a thermal energy storage device. The thermal energy storage device is fluidly coupled to a vapor compression loop. At least one sensor includes a temperature sensor operable to measure at least one of the temperature of the thermal energy storage device, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, or the thermal capacity of the thermal energy storage device.

[0018] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the controller is configured to receive data from at least one sensor, and in response to the data from at least one sensor, regulate the flow of working fluid supplied to at least one of the first expansion device and the second expansion device, as well as the expansion occurring at at least one of the first expansion device and the second expansion device.

[0019] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, the vapor compression circuit includes a flow reversing valve disposed downstream of the compressor outlet. The flow reversing valve is movable to switch the vapor compression circuit between cooling and heating modes.

[0020] According to an embodiment, a method of operating an air conditioning system includes providing a vapor compression loop and a thermal management system. The vapor compression loop has a working fluid circulating therein, and the thermal management system is fluidly and thermally coupled to the vapor compression loop at a thermal interface. The thermal management system includes an electrical energy storage device operable to supply power to the air conditioning system and a coolant heat exchanger. The method includes sensing a temperature associated with the thermal management system and altering the expansion of the working fluid arranged in a heat-transfer relationship with the thermal management system to maintain the temperature of the energy storage device within a desired temperature range.

[0021] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, sensing the temperature associated with the thermal management system includes at least one of the following: sensing the temperature of the energy storage device, sensing the temperature of the heat transfer fluid of the thermal management system, and sensing the temperature of the heat storage material of the thermal management system.

[0022] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, altering the expansion of the working fluid in a heat transfer relationship with the thermal management system to maintain the temperature of the energy storage device within a desired temperature range includes increasing the expansion of the working fluid directly upstream of the thermal interface.

[0023] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the working fluid is directed into a bypass conduit arranged in parallel with the thermal interface to maintain the temperature of the energy storage device within a desired temperature range.

[0024] According to additional and / or alternative embodiments, a portion of the working fluid downstream of the hot interface is directly guided, at least, to the compressor of the steam compression circuit via a steam bypass conduit.

[0025] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various ways without exclusivity, unless otherwise expressly indicated. These features and elements, and their operation, will become more apparent from the following description and figures. However, it should be understood that the following description and figures are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature, and are not restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0026] This disclosure is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0027] Figure 1 The system in the example embodiment is described.

[0028] Figure 2 A controller in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0029] Figure 3A The electrical architecture in the example embodiment is depicted.

[0030] Figure 3B The electrical architecture in the example embodiment is depicted.

[0031] Figure 4A The electrical architecture in the example embodiment is depicted.

[0032] Figure 4B The electrical architecture in the example embodiment is depicted.

[0033] Figure 5A The electrical architecture of a constant-speed compressor with a DC architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0034] Figure 5B The electrical architecture of a constant-speed compressor with an AC architecture in an example embodiment is described.

[0035] Figure 5C The electrical architecture of a variable speed compressor with a DC architecture in an example embodiment is described.

[0036] Figure 5D The electrical architecture of a variable speed compressor with an AC architecture in an example embodiment is described.

[0037] Figure 6 The electrical architecture of a compressor powered by a multi-stage inverter in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0038] Figure 7 One phase branch of a five-stage multiphase inverter in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0039] Figure 8 The communication between the controller, thermostat, and remote system in the example embodiment is described.

[0040] Figure 9 The control process in the example embodiment is described.

[0041] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment, the air conditioning system including an energy storage device thermally coupled to the air conditioning system, the air conditioning system operating in a cooling mode.

[0042] Figure 10B According to the embodiments Figure 10A A schematic diagram of an air conditioning system operating in heating mode.

[0043] Figure 11A This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to another embodiment, the air conditioning system including an energy storage device thermally coupled to the air conditioning system, the air conditioning system operating in a cooling mode.

[0044] Figure 11B According to the embodiments Figure 11A A schematic diagram of an air conditioning system operating in heating mode. Detailed Implementation

[0045] There is an incentive for the use of efficient, optimized all-electric air conditioning systems that provide comfort and are dispatchable (on / off, adjustable, or variable) under different pricing conditions or after receiving a utility signal. By way of example, a utility signal can be received from the electrical AC grid and can include an Independent System Operator (ISO), which can comprise an independent, federally regulated entity established to coordinate regional transmission in a non-discriminatory manner and ensure the reliability and security of the power system; or a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), which operates a large portion of the power system across a geographic region and is generally an independent, membership-based, non-profit organization that ensures reliability and optimizes supply and demand bidding for wholesale power or from virtual power plants, which are generally considered to be interconnected aggregations of integrated distributed energy resources (DER) technologies that provide demand flexibility and renewable energy. The term "utility" refers to one or more entities involved in generation, transmission, and / or distribution.

[0046] The embodiments described herein relate to an air conditioning system that includes an energy storage system (e.g., a battery, a supercapacitor) to provide the level of dispatchability required for interconnection with the power grid.

[0047] Figure 1 System 100 is depicted in an example embodiment. System 100 includes components of an air conditioning system. The phrase "air conditioning" is intended to include one or more of heating, cooling, ventilation, humidification, dehumidification, refrigeration, hot water heating, cooling water or fluid, air filtration, and other known air handling operations, or any combination of such operations. An air conditioning system may include known types of systems, such as heat pumps, geothermal pumps, coolers, split systems, packaged systems, integrated systems, etc. Air conditioning system 100 includes a first unit 200 and one or more second units 250. Depending on the nature of the air conditioning system, the first unit 200 and (one or more) second units 250 may be located separately (indoor or outdoor) or co-located (indoor or outdoor). For example, in a split system, the first unit 200 is an outdoor unit (e.g., a compressor and heat exchanger), and (one or more) second units 250 are indoor units (e.g., an expansion mechanism, heat exchanger). In a packaged system (e.g., a rooftop or ground-level system), the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 are co-located within a single footprint outside the building. In the cooler, the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 can be located together (indoors or outdoors) or separately. Some integrated systems may have a first unit 200 and a second unit 250 located together inside a building.

[0048] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the first unit 200 may be an outdoor unit of a split system located on the ground plane adjacent to building 102, on the roof of building 102, or in any other location. One or more second units 250 may be located inside building 102 (as is common for split systems). It should be understood that... Figure 1 This is an example, and the implementation is not limited to a split system.

[0049] System 100 includes controller 220, power converter 230 and energy storage device (ESD) 240. Figure 1 These are exemplary embodiments, and the location of the components is not limited to these examples. Figure 1 The locations shown are as indicated. For example, the power converter 230, energy storage device 240, and controller 220 may be separate from the first unit 200, which houses the compressor 242, drive 244, fan 246, and (one or more) loads 248. The first unit 200 may include a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the first unit 200. This allows components of the described embodiments to be retrofitted to existing first units 200 and / or existing second units 250 of air conditioning systems. One or more of the power converter 230, energy storage device 240, and controller 220 may be located within the first unit 200. One or more of the power converter 230, energy storage device 240, and controller 220 may be located outside or adjacent to the first unit 200. One or more of the power converter 230, energy storage device 240, and controller 220 may be located within building 102.

[0050] The first unit 200 may include a heat exchanger (not shown) that will act as a condenser / gas cooler and / or as an evaporator as part of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0051] In the figures, the positions of all components are illustrative, and embodiments include modifications to the positions of the components shown in the figures. For example, a component illustrated as being connected to the first unit 200 may be a retrofit component added to an existing first unit 200. Although shown as separate boxes, elements may be incorporated into subassemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0052] Controller 220 can communicate with the air conditioning controller system controller and / or the energy storage device controller. In some embodiments, a single controller can perform all the functions of controller 220, the air conditioning controller, and the energy storage device controller. Controller 220 communicates with components of the described system using wired and / or wireless connections, which are not illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 The system and its embodiments described herein allow one or more components of the air conditioning system, as well as other loads not associated with the air conditioning system, to be powered solely by the AC grid, solely by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the AC grid and the energy storage device 240. The one or more components of the air conditioning system include components in the first unit 200 and components in the second unit 250.

[0054] Figure 2 A controller 220 according to one embodiment is depicted. The controller 220 includes a sensor interface 222 that can acquire operating parameters of the air conditioning system, such as pressure, temperature, etc. As is known in the art, the controller 220 can adjust the operation of the air conditioning system based on the sensed operating parameters. The controller 220 includes a processor 224 that controls the operation of the system 100. The processor 224 can be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, the processor 224 can be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or a combination of hardware and software. The processor 224 allows the controller 220 to perform computations locally, also known as edge computing. The processor 224 can send commands to other components of the air conditioning system 100 based on the results of the local computation.

[0055] Controller 220 includes memory 226, which can store computer programs, reference data, sensor data, etc., executable by processor 224. Memory 226 can be implemented using known means, such as random access memory. Controller 220 includes a communication unit 228, which allows controller 220 to communicate with other components of system 100, such as first unit 200, second unit 250, and thermostat 260. Communication unit 228 can be implemented using wired connections (e.g., LAN, Ethernet, twisted pair, etc.) and / or wireless connections (e.g., Wi-Fi, near field communication (“NFC”), Bluetooth, etc.).

[0056] In some embodiments, communication unit 228 can provide high-speed data communication and / or communication with newer devices having a high-speed bus via existing wiring systems, while maintaining communication with existing devices (e.g., devices with an RS-485 communication bus). In some embodiments, the HVAC equipment may include four lines for data communication: power, ground, data+, and data-. Of these lines, data+ and data- are used to carry low-speed standard RS-485 data. The power line is used to power the wall controls and originates from the second unit 250. This same power line is carried to the first unit 200, although it is generally not used. The ability of the power and ground lines in a four-wire system (referred to as "Power Line Communication" (PLC) technology) allows digital / data signals to be transmitted over the power lines. In some embodiments, PLC technology can allow data transmission at gigabit or near-gigabit rates using standard two-wire wiring. This includes the two lines represented by the power and ground of the HVAC equipment. It should be understood that other data transmission speeds are possible. In some embodiments, the communication unit 228 of this disclosure can be configured such that low-speed RS-485 communication can also occur on the data+ and data- lines while high-speed PLC communication is occurring through the power and ground lines of a 4-wire system. In some embodiments, the ability to use high-speed communication or a combination of high-speed and low-speed communication enables the controller 220 to utilize machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI) based algorithms. In some embodiments, high-speed and low-speed communication can occur approximately simultaneously (e.g., within milliseconds of each other). This allows communication between standard HVAC lines and RS-485 controlled devices, as well as HVAC devices with additional PLC transceivers. This can be advantageous because new high-speed HVAC devices and existing RS-485 HVAC devices can coexist on the building's existing wiring.

[0057] refer to Figure 1 Power converter 230 is used to perform any necessary power conversion, including one or more of AC-AC, AC-DC, DC-AC, and DC-DC. Power converter 230 may be included in several power converters located at different locations within system 100. One or more power converters 230 may operate bidirectionally, such that one or more power conversions are bidirectional. Figure 1As shown, power converter 230 is connected to an AC and / or DC power source and / or a load. Power converter 230 can also supply power to loads in building 102, including a second unit 250 (if in building 102), a thermostat 260, and a load 270. In normal mode, the loads in building 102 will receive AC power directly from the AC grid. Controller 220 can select whether the power comes from the AC grid or from power converter 230. An example embodiment of power converter 230 is described herein.

[0058] Energy storage device 240 is configured to provide at least a portion of the power under certain environmental conditions to operate one or more components of an air conditioning system, such as first unit 200, one or more second units 250, together with one or more indoor loads 270 and any other loads. Energy storage device 240 can be implemented using devices for storing electrical energy, including one or more of, for example, batteries, battery modules, individual battery cells, supercapacitors, etc. Battery 240 may comprise several cells in a modular form or as an array of independent cells. Battery 240 may be made from a single or multiple self-contained systems, battery modules, or individual cells. Battery 240 (such as a complete plug-and-play battery) may comprise boxes, wires, cells, and modules. For example, battery 240 may comprise a group of cells configured as self-contained mechanical and electrical units. Energy storage device 240 may include other components (e.g., an ESD management system (ESDMS)) electrically coupled to energy storage device 240 and adapted to communicate directly or via ESDMS with controller 220.

[0059] The first unit 200 also includes components that serve as part of an air conditioning system, and includes a compressor 242, one or more drives 244, a fan 246 and other loads 248, and a control unit (not shown). The heat exchanger (not shown) in the first unit 200 may function as an evaporator or a condenser / gas cooler. These components are described in more detail herein when relevant to embodiments.

[0060] In a split-type system, within building 102, one or more second units 250 are positioned to regulate one or more zones of building 102. Various known second units can be used to employ the second unit 250, including variable air volume (VAV) units, liquid-cooled second units, fan coil units, furnaces, air handling units(s), etc., which typically include heat exchangers. In other types of systems (e.g., packaged systems or chiller systems), the second unit(s) 250 may be located outdoors and include any form of heat exchanger, such as a cooling tower.

[0061] The optional thermostat 260 provides a user interface for the air conditioning system 100 and allows the user to input the operating mode of the air conditioning system 100, input setpoints for each zone of the system 100, etc. The indoor load 270 can be powered by the first unit 200. The indoor load 270 includes a variety of loads, such as electrical appliances, lighting, electric vehicle chargers, etc. The thermostat 260 is not essential, and other technologies can be used for the control of the air conditioning system.

[0062] Figure 3A The electrical architecture in the example embodiment is depicted. Figure 3A The location of the components is an example, and any component in the assembly may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0063] like Figure 3A As shown, the AC grid 302 is connected to the first unit 200 via a grid disconnection device 304 under the control of the controller 220. This allows the first unit 200 to be powered by the energy storage device 240 independently of the AC grid 302. The first unit 200 can also be powered by a combination of the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. The disconnection device 304 can also be implemented as a mechanical switch (e.g., controlled by the controller 220) or by software (implemented by the controller 220 through the control of one or more power converters).

[0064] AC grid 302 is connected to indoor AC load 308 (such as an air handling unit, or any fixed installation in a residential, commercial, industrial building, or data center). AC grid 302 is also supplied to AC / AC converter 310, which supplies regulated AC power to compressor drive 244A and fan 246 of compressor 242. AC / AC converter 310 can control the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the AC power supplied to compressor drive 244A and fan 246 of compressor 242.

[0065] AC grid 302 can also be connected to one of unidirectional or bidirectional AC / DC converters 312 that interface AC power bus 305 with DC power bus 313. DC power bus 313 supplies power to a DC load 248, which may be located in the first unit 200. Under certain conditions, DC power bus 313 supplies power to one or more components of the air conditioning system (e.g., compressor 242 and fan 246) via bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 and AC / AC converter 310. This allows one or more components of the air conditioning system to operate independently of or in conjunction with AC grid 302. Bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 also allows power from DC bus 313 to be directed to AC grid 302.

[0066] The DC power bus 313 can be powered by the energy storage device 240. In charging mode, the DC power bus 313 is used to charge the energy storage device 240 (charger not shown). The DC power bus 313 can also be powered by one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, such as solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc. A DC / DC converter 316 can be used to couple the auxiliary DC source 314 to the DC power bus 313. The DC power bus 313 can provide power to the indoor DC load 318. A DC / DC converter 320 can be used to couple the indoor DC load 318 to the DC power bus 313. A DC / AC converter 347 can be used to couple the DC power bus 313 to the indoor AC load 308 (via disconnect device 348). In some operating modes, the energy storage device 240 is used to power the indoor AC load 308. The AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, and DC / AC converter 347 can be... Figure 1 Implementation of the medium power converter 230. In some embodiments, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 are connected to the AC power bus 305 via a DC / AC converter (not shown). In other embodiments, the one or more auxiliary power sources provide AC power, which is connected to the AC bus 305 and / or the DC bus 313 via a suitable AC / AC converter or AC / DC converter.

[0067] The compressor drive 244A can be implemented in various ways. In one embodiment, the compressor drive 244A is a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the output of the AC / AC converter 310. In other embodiments, the compressor drive 244A can be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter.

[0068] Optional DC / DC converter 241 can provide power conversion between energy storage device 240 and DC power bus 313. DC / DC converter 241 can be a bidirectional converter for boosting or reducing DC voltage, allowing energy storage device 240 to power DC power bus 313 and DC power bus 313 to charge energy storage device 240. DC / DC converter 241 can be part of energy storage device 240 or a separate component.

[0069] Figure 3A The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or both. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) and / or other loads, either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. The power supplied from the AC grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity prices, the status of energy storage device 240, and consumer preferences. See below for reference. Figure 9 Example conditions were discussed.

[0070] Figure 3B The electrical architecture in the example embodiment is depicted. Figure 3B The location of the components is an example, and any component in the assembly may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0071] Figure 3B Similar to Figure 3AExcept for the elimination of the AC / AC converter 310, the compressor 242 is supplied with power from the compressor drive 244A. The compressor drive 244A may be a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the AC power bus 305. In other embodiments, the compressor drive 244A may be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter. The compressor drive 244A may be controlled by a controller 220.

[0072] Fan 246 is powered by fan driver 244B. Fan driver 244B may be a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects fan 246 to AC power bus 305. In other embodiments, fan driver 244B may be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter. Fan driver 244B may be controlled by controller 220.

[0073] Figure 3B The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or both. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) and / or other loads, either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. The power supplied from the AC grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity prices, the status of energy storage device 240, and consumer preferences. See below for reference. Figure 9 Example conditions were discussed.

[0074] Figure 4A An electrical architecture in another example embodiment is depicted. Figure 4AThe location of the components is an example, and any component in the assembly may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0075] exist Figure 4A In this configuration, the compressor drive 244A and fan 246 are DC powered, and therefore there is no need for an AC / AC converter 310. The bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 allows the energy storage device 240 to supply power to one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or to feed power from the DC bus 313 to the AC grid 302 (under certain conditions). The bidirectional (or unidirectional) AC / DC converter 312 interfaces the AC power bus 305 with the DC power bus 313.

[0076] The compressor drive 244A may be a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the DC power bus 313. In other embodiments, the compressor drive 244A may be a power converter, such as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. The compressor drive 244A may be controlled by a controller 220.

[0077] Figure 4A The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or both. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) and / or other loads, either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. The power supplied from the AC grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity prices, the status of energy storage device 240, and consumer preferences. See below for reference. Figure 9 Example conditions were discussed.

[0078] Figure 4B An electrical architecture in another example embodiment is depicted. Figure 4B The location of the components is an example, and any component in the assembly may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0079] Figure 4B Similar to Figure 4A In addition to fan 246, fan driver 244B is included. Fan driver 244B can be a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects fan 246 to DC power bus 313. In other embodiments, fan driver 244B can be a power converter, such as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. Fan driver 244B can be controlled by controller 220.

[0080] Figure 4B The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or both. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) and / or other loads, either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. The power supplied from the AC grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity prices, the status of energy storage device 240, and consumer preferences. See below for reference. Figure 9 Example conditions were discussed.

[0081] Figure 5A The DC electrical architecture of the constant speed first unit 200 in the example embodiment is depicted. Figure 5AThe location of the components is an example, and any component in the assembly may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0082] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in conjunction with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240. Figure 5A As shown, AC power from AC grid 302 is supplied to power converter 230 via grid disconnect device 304. Power converter 230 includes AC / DC converter 370 and DC / AC converter 372. The output of DC / AC converter 372 is supplied to compressor 242 via compressor drive 244A. Because compressor 242 is constant speed, compressor drive 244A can be a switch, such as a contactor or relay.

[0083] Both AC / DC converter 370 and DC / AC converter 372 operate under the control of controller 220. Between AC / DC converter 370 and DC / AC converter 372 is DC link 371, which is optionally connected to energy storage device 240 via DC / DC converter 241. In this arrangement, energy storage device 240 can be charged by power converter 230. Alternatively, energy storage device 240 can provide DC power to DC link 371 to power DC / AC converter 372 and compressor 242. This allows the first unit 200 to operate independently of or in conjunction with AC grid 302. AC / DC converter 370 can be bidirectional, allowing energy storage device 240 to provide power to and from AC grid 302.

[0084] Controller 220, power converter 230, energy storage device 240, DC / DC converters 320 and 316, DC / AC converter 347, and DC / DC converter 241 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system, enabling the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302, or under power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. It also allows auxiliary power sources to be added in a modular manner.

[0085] Figure 5A The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or both. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) and / or other loads, either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. The power supplied from the AC grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity prices, the status of energy storage device 240, and consumer preferences. See below for reference. Figure 9 Example conditions were discussed.

[0086] Figure 5B The AC electrical architecture of the constant speed first unit 200 in the example embodiment is depicted. Figure 5B The location of the components is an example, and any component in the assembly may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0087] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 may be used in conjunction with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0088] exist Figure 5BIn this configuration, power converter 230 includes a DC / DC converter 241 and an AC / DC converter 370 coupled to energy storage device 240. AC / DC converter 370 can be bidirectional, allowing energy storage device 240 to supply power to and charge from AC grid 302. Because compressor 242 is constant-speed, compressor drive 244A can be a switch, such as a contactor or relay.

[0089] The controller 220, power converter 230, and energy storage device 240 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system so that the first unit 200 can operate independently of the AC grid 302, or under the power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240.

[0090] Figure 5B The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or both. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) and / or other loads, either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. The power supplied from the AC grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity prices, the status of energy storage device 240, and consumer preferences. See below for reference. Figure 9 Example conditions were discussed.

[0091] Figure 5C The DC electrical architecture of the first speed-changing unit 200 in the example embodiment is depicted. Figure 5C The location of the components is an example, and any component in the assembly may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0092] Figure 5C Similar to Figure 5A In addition to the compressor drive 244A providing variable speed operation for the compressor 242, the other loads 248 of the first unit 200 can be powered from the output of the DC / AC converter 372.

[0093] The controller 220, power converter 230, energy storage device 240, and DC / DC converter 241 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system so that the first unit 200 can operate independently of the AC grid 302, or under the power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240.

[0094] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 may be used in conjunction with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0095] Figure 5C The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or both. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) and / or other loads, either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. The power supplied from the AC grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity prices, the status of energy storage device 240, and consumer preferences. See below for reference. Figure 9 Example conditions were discussed.

[0096] Figure 5D The DC electrical architecture of the first speed-changing unit 200 in the example embodiment is depicted. Figure 5DThe location of the components is an example, and any component in the assembly may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0097] Figure 5D Similar to Figure 5B In addition to the compressor drive 244A providing variable speed operation for the compressor 242, the other loads 248 of the first unit 200 can be powered from the AC power bus 305.

[0098] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 may be used in conjunction with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0099] The controller 220, power converter 230, and energy storage device 240 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system so that the first unit 200 can operate independently of the AC grid 302, or under the power from both the AC grid and the energy storage device 240.

[0100] Figure 5DThe electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or both. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) and / or other loads, either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. The power supplied from the AC grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity prices, the status of energy storage device 240, and consumer preferences. See below for reference. Figure 9 Example conditions were discussed.

[0101] Figure 6 An electrical architecture with a variable-speed compressor drive in an example embodiment is depicted, which includes a multi-stage inverter. For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. Figure 6 The location of the components is an example, and any component in the assembly may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, AC power from AC grid 302 is supplied to power converter 230 via grid disconnect device 304. Power converter 230 includes AC / DC converter 380 and multi-stage inverter 382. The output of multi-stage inverter 382 is provided to compressor 242. The output of multi-stage inverter 382 can be a multiphase, multi-stage waveform configured to drive a multiphase motor of compressor 242. In an example embodiment, multi-stage inverter 382 is a five-stage three-phase inverter. In another example embodiment, multi-stage inverter 382 is a three-stage three-phase inverter.

[0103] Multi-stage inverter 382 synthesizes a sinusoidal current waveform to operate and control compressor 242. Traditionally, this is accomplished with two-stage inverters. Integration with energy storage device 240 allows for a natural progression to higher-order inverters. Three-stage and five-stage inverters require independent power supplies to set the voltage levels. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the energy storage device 240 can be configured with voltage levels. The energy storage device 240 may include internal battery modules connected in series. The multi-stage inverter 382 directly utilizes these battery modules for each required voltage level, thereby enabling the benefits of a multi-stage inverter. The multi-stage inverter 382 benefits from lower harmonic output and lower dv / dt device stress. The multi-stage inverter 382 increases reliability through its ability to reconfigure to a lower number of stages after a failure has occurred (by integrating relays or back-to-back switches to connect or disconnect battery modules).

[0104] Figure 7 A phase branch of a five-stage multiphase inverter is shown in one embodiment of the multistage inverter 382. The energy storage device 240 includes at least four battery modules 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D connected in series. The combination of battery modules 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D, along with the neutral point n, provides five voltage levels for creating a sinusoidal output waveform on one phase. Generally, N battery module voltages are used to provide N+1 stages of output waveform for each phase. Switches S1-S4 and S1'-S4' are controlled by controller 220 to generate a sine wave as known in the art. By integrating relays or back-to-back switches to connect or disconnect the battery modules, the multistage inverter 382 can be reconfigured to have fewer stages.

[0105] The voltage stages used in the multi-stage inverter 382 do not need to be supplied by separate battery modules. The voltage stages used to create the sinusoidal output waveform can be created using a single battery module (by, for example, splitting the battery voltage using capacitors).

[0106] refer to Figure 6Both the AC / DC converter 380 and the multistage inverter 382 operate under the control of the controller 220. Between the AC / DC converter 380 and the multistage inverter 382 is a DC link 381 connected to the energy storage device 240. In this arrangement, the energy storage device 240 can be charged by the power converter 230. Alternatively, the energy storage device 240 can provide DC power to the DC link 381 to power the multistage inverter 382 and the compressor 242. This allows the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302, or under the power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. The AC / DC converter 380 can be bidirectional, allowing the energy storage device 240 to supply power to and from the AC grid.

[0107] Figure 6 The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or both. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) and / or other loads, either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. The power supplied from the AC grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity prices, the status of energy storage device 240, and consumer preferences. See below for reference. Figure 9 Example conditions were discussed.

[0108] In the embodiments described above, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be used to provide DC power. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may include sources such as solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc.

[0109] Figure 8The communication between controller 220, thermostat 260, and remote system 410 in an example embodiment is depicted. As noted above, controller 220 may be integrated as part of an air conditioning controller and / or battery controller, or it may be standalone and communicate with an air conditioning controller and / or energy storage controller. Controller 220 communicates with thermostat 260 via local link 400. Local link 400 may be a wired connection (e.g., twisted pair, four-wire, power line communication, Modbus, CAN bus, etc.) and / or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi, radio, or Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). Thermostat 260 may also be implemented using software applications operating on user devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops). Thermostat 260 may also provide occupancy, past performance, and weather information to controller 220.

[0110] One or both of the controller 220 and the thermostat 260 can communicate with the remote system 410 via network 406. Network 406 can be a long-distance network and can be implemented using various communication protocols. Network 406 can be implemented via one or more networks, such as, but not limited to, one or more of the following: WiMax, Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), Campus Area Network (CAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), or any broadband network, and further capable of implementing technologies such as (by way of example): Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Personal Communication Services (PCS), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Matter, Fixed Wireless Data, 2G, 2.5G, 3G (e.g., 3G networks based on UMTS / WCDMA), 4G, IMT-Advanced, 4G, LTE-Advanced, 5G, 6G, Mobile WiMax, WiMax2, Wireless MAN Advanced Network, Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, iBurst, UMTS, HSPDA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, UMTS-TDD, 1xRTT, EV-DO, messaging protocols such as TCP / IP, SMS, MMS, Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), Instant Messaging and Presence Protocol (IMPP), Instant Messaging, USSD, IRC, or any other wireless data network, broadband network, or messaging protocol.

[0111] Remote system 410 can be embodied as any type of processor-based computing or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to computers, servers, workstations, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, mobile computing devices, wearable computing devices, network devices, web devices, distributed computing systems (e.g., cloud computing), processor-based systems, and / or consumer electronic devices. Remote system 410 provides information for controller 220 and / or thermostat 260 to implement energy management routines that control how the one or more components of the air conditioning system and load 270 consume power. The information provided by remote system 410 may include utility pricing (indicating the cost of electricity on the AC grid 302) and weather information (which can be used to predict future utility pricing and the use of the one or more components of the air conditioning system). Utility pricing and weather can be pushed to or pulled by remote system 410 using known networking technologies. Utility pricing and / or weather can be determined in real time or as a forecast of future conditions.

[0112] In the embodiments described above, controller 220 communicates with components of the described system using wired and / or wireless connections (not illustrated in the figures). Depending on the power source used in the operating mode (e.g., one or more of AC grid power, energy storage device power, auxiliary power source, etc.), controller 220 sends command signals to various system components (e.g., AC / DC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380 and / or multi-stage inverter 382, ​​AC disconnect device 304, etc.) to route power to one or more components of the air conditioning system, such as first unit 200, (one or more) second unit 250, together with (one or more) indoor loads 270 and any other loads.

[0113] Figure 9An energy management process is depicted in an example embodiment. This process may be performed by controller 220 and / or thermostat 260. At 600, controller 220 determines whether there is a request for reduced energy use, or whether there are any other communication signals, such as changes in energy pricing, or incentives. A utility provider may request reduced energy use during a specific time period to avoid service explanations (e.g., brownouts) or other penalties or incentives, such as changes in pricing. Requests for reduced energy use may be accompanied by incentives (e.g., a $5 reduction on the next energy bill). Requests for reductions may also originate from energy consumers, such as data centers, where data centers need to maintain their processing and / or cooling loads and encourage other users to reduce their consumption to ensure energy availability.

[0114] If a request for reduced energy use is received, the process proceeds to 602, where a user (e.g., a utility consumer) can approve or reject the request. The approval or rejection determination can be pre-established by the user and pre-programmed into controller 220 and / or thermostat 260. For example, a user might want to always reduce energy consumption, regardless of terms. A user might want to never reduce energy consumption, regardless of terms. A user might want to reduce energy consumption only when encouraged by the utility. The approval or rejection determination at 602 can also be real-time, where the user inputs their approval or rejection of energy consumption reduction via thermostat 260 or via a mobile device.

[0115] If the user approves a reduction in energy use at 602, the process proceeds to 604, where one or more components of the air conditioning system (if required) and / or other loads are at least partially powered by the energy storage device 240. This may involve opening the AC disconnect device 304 (e.g., power from the AC grid 302 is zero), and using only the energy storage device 240 to power one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads. Operating one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads may also involve using a combination of both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240 to power said one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads. The controller 220 can limit the amount of power drawn from the AC grid 302 by controlling various power converters 230 in the system (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380 and / or multi-stage inverter 382) to reduce the amount of AC power drawn from the AC grid. The energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302 are used in conjunction to supply power to one or more components and / or one or more loads of the air conditioning system.

[0116] The one or more components that use energy storage device 240 to operate the air conditioning system may also include limiting the amount of power drawn from AC grid 302 to a power limit (e.g., 1 kW over a 2-hour period). Controller 220 can limit the amount of power drawn from AC grid 302 by controlling various power converters 230 in the system (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380 and / or multi-stage inverter 382) to reduce the amount of AC power drawn from AC grid 302. At 604, other loads may be powered by energy storage device 240, including one or more indoor loads 270, which may include one or more indoor DC loads 318 and / or one or more indoor AC loads 308. The process returns to 600.

[0117] At some point, the energy storage device 240 will lack sufficient charge, causing one or more components of the air conditioning system to require power from the AC mains 302 alone. The controller 220 can detect when the state of the energy storage device 240 (such as state of charge (SOC), state of health (SoH), voltage, temperature, etc.) is outside acceptable limits for powering one or more components of the air conditioning system or other loads. If the state of the energy storage device 240 is outside acceptable limits, the one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads require power from the AC mains 302. This results in interrupting the discharge of the energy storage device 240 and / or initiating a recharging of the energy storage device 240.

[0118] If the utility or some other source has not requested a reduction in energy use by 600, the process proceeds to 606, where controller 220 determines whether system 100 should use power from energy storage device 240. An example of a situation where system 100 should use power from energy storage device 240 occurs when utility power is at peak price, close to grid capacity, or at grid capacity. This determination can be made in real time or in advance using forecasts and relayed from the utility to the air conditioning system. Peak price does not necessarily require the price of electricity to be at its maximum, but is generally known in the art as a period above the average energy cost. Whether the utility is at peak price can be determined by utility pricing obtained from remote system 410 or current or future weather information obtained from remote system 410. This information can also be stored locally in controller 220. If the utility is at peak price, close to grid capacity, or at least within grid capacity, the process proceeds to 604, where the one or more components of the air conditioning system and loads 270 (including indoor AC loads 308 and / or other loads) are powered by energy storage device 240, either alone or in conjunction with AC grid 302. As noted above, controller 220 can limit the amount of power drawn from AC grid 302 by controlling the various power converters 230 in the system. Peak utility price and grid capacity are not the only factors that can be relied upon when determining which power the system should use from energy storage device 240.

[0119] Regarding grid capacity, information about grid capacity and current grid load can be obtained from remote systems, such as utility pricing sources. If AC grid 302 is at or near grid capacity (e.g., within grid capacity thresholds and optionally increasing), using power from energy storage device 240 to avoid power interruptions may be robust.

[0120] Another example of a situation where the system should use power from energy storage device 240 when a user requests reduced energy usage occurs. A user can use thermostat 260 to place system 100 in an energy-reducing mode (e.g., an eco-friendly mode), which causes the system to use power from energy storage device 240 to power one or more components of the air conditioning system.

[0121] In another example, based on data from block 602 (e.g., user consent) or based on data from block 600 (e.g., a request to reduce energy usage), the system may use power from energy storage device 240 based on machine learning (ML) and / or artificial intelligence (AI) control algorithms implemented by controller 220.

[0122] If at 606 the system should not use power from energy storage device 240, the process proceeds to 608, where energy storage device 240 uses AC grid 302 for charging. At 610, controller 220 determines whether the battery state is within acceptable limits, including state of charge (SOC), state of health (SoH), temperature, voltage, or a state exceeding safety and / or operational limits. If so, the process returns to 600. At 610, controller 220 may detect parameters of energy storage device 240 to confirm that parameters such as battery health, operating range, temperature range, voltage, capacity, etc., are within effective limits.

[0123] It should be noted that the energy storage device 240 can be charged even when utility power is at peak prices. This may include fault modes, test modes, etc. Therefore, charging the energy storage device 240 is not limited to off-peak utility power price periods.

[0124] If at 610, the energy storage device has a state that is not within acceptable limits, the process proceeds to 612, where the energy storage device 240 can be charged (if the SoC is low) or can be completely disconnected (if the energy storage device 240 is not operating in accordance with safety and / or operational limits).

[0125] Although Figure 9 This involves operating one or more components and / or other loads of the air conditioning system to reduce power consumption, but other techniques may also be used to reduce power consumption, such as using a variable speed drive to reduce compressor speed, changing the thermostat setpoint, etc. In other embodiments, the utility may request increased energy usage. This request may be a real-time request or a future request based on predicted conditions. Increased energy usage may include charging energy storage device 240.

[0126] If the thermostat 260 is equipped with a processor 261, then Figure 9One or more operations of the process can be performed by the thermostat 260. The processor 261 can be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, the processor 261 can be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or as a combination of hardware and software. The controller 220 and the thermostat can be combined or implemented separately. Figure 9 All operations or some operations in the operation.

[0127] In other embodiments, controller 220 and / or thermostat 260 execute system enhancement routines to improve the performance of the entire air conditioning system, based on optimization (including model predictive control) or machine learning techniques, taking into account carbon impact, energy performance, energy cost, lifecycle cost, impact on equipment lifespan, and reliability. These system enhancement routines can operate with or without information about weather, occupancy, historical usage, consumer preferences, equipment performance profiles (HVAC, battery), and the likelihood of power outages. Machine learning techniques regarding consumer preferences, usage, flexibility in temperature determination, cost, environmental concerns, etc., can be used to improve control logic and optimization. Other control strategies (such as precooling and preheating) with advantages in terms of cost, performance, efficiency, environment, comfort, and reliability can be implemented by controller 220 and / or thermostat 260.

[0128] Typically, as mentioned above, HVAC systems may account for a large portion of their electricity consumption from the public power grid. Furthermore, HVAC systems often operate at night when the availability of renewable energy (such as energy from solar power plants) tends to decrease.

[0129] Therefore, as will be described below, systems and methods are provided to partition and define the interfaces of HVAC system components (such as heat pumps, power storage units, and wall boxes) in a manner advantageous in terms of cost, efficiency, and installation effort.

[0130] In a typical HVAC system, the outdoor unit includes a cooling circuit and power electronics to supply power to the compressor from the AC mains. Independently, an energy storage system is provided and includes batteries and additional power electronics to connect one or more of the batteries and a photovoltaic (PV) generator to the AC grid. In contrast, in this disclosure, the outdoor unit of the heat pump and the energy storage system are combined in a single unit. Furthermore, a so-called DC wall box for charging an electric vehicle can be integrated into the new system. All components and more can be connected to a linked DC bus to avoid unnecessary power conversion. In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a connection of one or more inverters to the AC grid for driving a refrigerant compressor, energy storage unit, PV generator, and optionally an electric vehicle via a common bidirectional inverter, and optionally cooling the power storage unit and / or power electronics through coupling with a cooling circuit.

[0131] As described herein, the energy storage device 240 (e.g., a battery) can be operatively coupled to or can be part of an air conditioning system. Such an energy storage device 240 generates heat during operation. Therefore, the temperature of the energy storage device 240 must be controlled to maximize its lifespan and operational efficiency. Furthermore, in embodiments where the energy storage device 240 is integrated into the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system, the operation of the energy storage device 240 will be affected by fluctuating outdoor temperatures and varying operating conditions (i.e., charging, discharging, standby).

[0132] Now refer to Figure 10A-11B The diagram illustrates various air conditioning systems 700, each having an associated energy storage device 702 similar to an energy storage device 240. In each non-limiting embodiment shown, the air conditioning system 700 has a closed vapor compression loop 704 through which a working fluid R (e.g., a refrigerant) is configured to circulate. As shown, the air conditioning system 700 includes one or more compressors 710, a first heat exchanger 712, at least one expansion device 714a, 714b, and a second heat exchanger 716. In operation, the compressor 710 receives the working fluid vapor R from the second heat exchanger 716 and compresses it to a high temperature and high pressure. The relatively hot working fluid vapor R is then delivered to the first heat exchanger 712, where it is cooled and condensed into a liquid state via a heat exchange relationship with a cooling medium (e.g., air, water, ethylene glycol, dielectric fluid, or refrigerant). Thus, the first heat exchanger 712 can be configured as a heat exhaust heat exchanger or a condenser.

[0133] Cooled liquid working fluid R flows from the first heat exchanger 712 to an expansion device (e.g., expansion device 714a), where the working fluid R expands to a lower pressure where its temperature decreases and it can exist in a two-phase liquid / vapor state. The working fluid R is then supplied from the expansion device 714 to a second heat exchanger 716. Because heat is transferred from an auxiliary medium (e.g., air) to the refrigerant R within the second heat exchanger 716, causing any refrigerant R in the liquid phase to evaporate, the second heat exchanger 716 can function as an endothermic heat exchanger or an evaporator. The low-pressure vapor working fluid R returns from the second heat exchanger 716 to the compressor 710, allowing the cycle to be repeated.

[0134] In an embodiment, Figure 10A-11B Each air conditioning system 700 shown is a heat pump. Therefore, the air conditioning system 700 may include a flow reversing valve 720 operable to control the flow direction of the working fluid R within the air conditioning system 700. For example, when the flow reversing valve 720 is in a first position, the air conditioning system 700 may be considered to be in a first “cooling” mode, and the working fluid R may flow in a first direction through the vapor compression circuit 704, as just described. When the flow reversing valve 720 is in a second position, the air conditioning system 700 may be considered to be in a “heating” mode. In the heating mode, the working fluid R may flow in the opposite second direction, for example, from the compressor 710 to the second heat exchanger 716, to at least one expansion device 714a, 714b, and to the first heat exchanger 712 before returning to the compressor 710 to repeat the cycle.

[0135] As shown, energy storage device 702 is associated with one or more components of air conditioning system 700 and may be operable to selectively power it. Energy storage device 702 may typically be associated with an outdoor unit. In such embodiments, energy storage device 702 may be external to the outdoor unit, for example, in a location remote from the outdoor unit, or it may be located internal to the outdoor unit, for example, below or near the first heat exchanger 712. Regardless of the location of energy storage device 702 relative to air conditioning system 700, its thermal management requires optimization of its operation.

[0136] Figure 10A-11BEach air conditioning system 700 shown includes a thermal management system 730 operable to maintain the energy storage device 702 within an allowable temperature range. It should be understood that the thermal management system 730, as described herein, may be operable to cool and / or heat the energy storage device 702, thereby maintaining the energy storage device 702 at a desired temperature, for example, between approximately 10°C and approximately 35°C, between approximately 15°C and approximately 30°C, and in some embodiments, between approximately 20°C and approximately 25°C. In embodiments where the working fluid R is insufficient to warm the energy storage device 702 to the desired temperature range, the air conditioning system 700 may include an auxiliary heater 770 for warming the energy storage device 702.

[0137] exist Figure 10A and 10B In this embodiment, the thermal management system 730 is fluidly and thermally coupled to the vapor compression circuit 704 at a thermal interface. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the thermal management system 730 includes a first heat transfer component 740, such as a first or coolant heat exchanger, thermally coupled to the energy storage device 702. Although the coolant heat exchanger 740 is shown as being directly thermally coupled to the energy storage device 702, embodiments in which the coolant heat exchanger 740 is indirectly thermally coupled to the energy storage device 702 are also contemplated herein.

[0138] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least one expansion device of the vapor compression circuit 704 includes a first expansion device 714a and a second expansion device 714b. The first expansion device 714a may be located between the first heat exchanger 712 and the coolant heat exchanger 740, and the second thermal expansion device 714b may be arranged between the coolant heat exchanger 740 and the second heat exchanger 716. Thus, relative to the flow of the working fluid R through the vapor compression circuit 704, the coolant heat exchanger 740 is located downstream of one of the first expansion devices 714a and the second expansion device 714b, and upstream of the other of the first expansion device 714a and the second expansion device 714b, regardless of whether the air conditioning system 700 is operating in cooling mode or heating mode.

[0139] The coolant heat exchanger 740 can be configured as an evaporator or an endothermic heat exchanger. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the coolant heat exchanger 740 is arranged in thermal contact or thermal communication with the energy storage device 702 and is operable to remove heat from the energy storage device 702. However, embodiments in which the coolant heat exchanger 740 is configured as a condenser or a heat dissipation heat exchanger, such that the coolant heat exchanger 740 is operable to transfer heat to the energy storage device 702, are also contemplated herein. The coolant heat exchanger 740 can be configured as any suitable type of heat exchanger, including but not limited to phase change evaporators with high heat flux loads, such as plate-winged or jet-impact cold plates. In an embodiment, the coolant heat exchanger 740 is formed from the heat exchanger plates of the battery pack.

[0140] As shown, the first end 752 of the bypass conduit 750 is fluidly connected to the vapor compression circuit 704 at a location between the first expansion device 714a and the coolant heat exchanger 740, and the second opposite end 754 of the bypass conduit 750 is fluidly connected to the vapor compression circuit 704 at a location between the coolant heat exchanger 740 and the second expansion device 714b. Therefore, the flow through the bypass conduit 750 is parallel to and bypasses the coolant heat exchanger 740. A valve V associated with the bypass conduit is operable to control the flow of the working fluid R through it. Although valve V is shown at the center of the bypass conduit 750, it should be understood that valve V can be arranged at any suitable location along the bypass conduit 750.

[0141] Expansion devices 714a, 714b and valve V can be operatively coupled to a controller. The controller can be operatively coupled to a sensor S associated with energy storage device 702 and configured to receive a signal from sensor S, such as indicating, for example, the temperature of energy storage device 702. The controller can compare the sensed temperature of energy storage device 702 with a desired temperature range for energy storage device 702 and can adjust one or more of expansion devices 714a, 714b and valve V to control the temperature of the working fluid R supplied to coolant heat exchanger 740, and thus control the temperature of energy storage device 702.

[0142] For example, if the sensed temperature of energy storage device 702 is greater than the desired temperature range, energy storage device 702 needs to be cooled. In response to this heat demand, the temperature of the working fluid R supplied to the inlet of coolant heat exchanger 740 can be controlled by the expansion of the working fluid R, which occurs within expansion devices 714a, 714b located upstream of the inlet of coolant heat exchanger 740. As the heat demand of energy storage device 702 decreases, the expansion at upstream expansion devices 714a, 714b can decrease, and / or the amount of working fluid R supplied to coolant heat exchanger 740 can also decrease. For example, when energy storage device 702 is within the desired temperature range, valve V can be fully opened, allowing all working fluid R of vapor compression circuit 704 to bypass coolant heat exchanger 740 via bypass conduit 750. In such an embodiment, one or more of the expansion devices 714a, 714b can be positioned solely based on the cooling and / or heating needs of air conditioning system 700.

[0143] As the working fluid R passes through the coolant heat exchanger 740, heat is transferred from the energy storage device 702 to the working fluid R. The working fluid R output from the coolant heat exchanger 740 is then supplied to downstream expansion devices 714a, 714b and either the first heat exchanger 712 or the second heat exchanger 716, depending on the operating mode of the air conditioning system 700. The controller can be operated to adjust the expansion devices 714a, 714b and valve V in real time. Therefore, the working fluid R can continue to flow through the coolant heat exchanger 740 until the energy storage device 702 is within the desired temperature range.

[0144] In embodiments where the energy storage device 702 is at a temperature below its desired operating range and therefore requires heating, the working fluid R can dissipate heat to the energy storage device 702. To heat the energy storage device 702, the coolant heat exchanger 740 can be used as a subcooler. Therefore, as the working fluid R flows through the coolant heat exchanger 740, heat from the working fluid R is transferred to the energy storage device 702. In embodiments, the positions of the expansion valves 714a, 714b can be adjusted to control the temperature of the working fluid R supplied to the inlet of the coolant heat exchanger 740. For example, the thermal expansion of the working fluid R upstream of the coolant heat exchanger 740 can be limited to increase the temperature of the working fluid R supplied to the coolant heat exchanger 740. As in cooling mode, the positions of the expansion valves 714a, 714b are adjusted according to the temperature requirements of the energy storage device 702.

[0145] When the energy storage device 702 is being cooled, the heat transferred to the working fluid R at the coolant heat exchanger 740 can cause at least a portion of the working fluid R to evaporate. In an embodiment, the vapor bypass conduit 760 is fluidly connected to the vapor compression circuit 704 at a location downstream of the coolant heat exchanger 740 and upstream of the expansion devices 714a, 714b. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, when the air conditioning system 700 is operating in cooling mode, the inlet 762 of the vapor bypass conduit 760 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the coolant heat exchanger 740 or the vapor compression circuit 704 at a location between the outlet of the coolant heat exchanger 740 and the second expansion device 714b. The outlet 764 of the vapor bypass conduit 760 is fluidly connected to the vapor compression circuit 704 at a location downstream of the flow reversing valve 720 and upstream of the inlet 711 of the compressor 710. Furthermore, although the steam bypass duct 760 is shown as fluidly connected to the same inlet of the compressor 710 as the outlet of the first heat exchanger 712 or the second heat exchanger 716, in other embodiments, depending on the operating mode, the steam bypass duct 760 may be fluidly connected to a second inlet of the compressor 710, such as an intermediate inlet arranged downstream of one or more stages of the compressor 710.

[0146] Due to the location of the inlet 762 of the steam bypass duct 760, the steam bypass duct 760 may not be suitable for use in the heating mode of the air conditioning system 700. As shown, valve V2 is operable to control the flow of working fluid R through the steam bypass duct 760 to the inlet of the compressor 71. This valve V2 can be operated based on the mode of the air conditioning system 700. In a non-limiting embodiment, valve V2 is shown as being arranged near the central portion of the steam bypass duct 760. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, valve V2 may be arranged at another location around the steam bypass duct 760, or alternatively, at the interface between the coolant heat exchanger 740 and the steam bypass duct 760, or at the interface between the duct fluidly connected to the outlet of the coolant heat exchanger 740 and the steam bypass duct 760.

[0147] Now for reference Figure 11A and 11B The thermal management system 730 associated with the energy storage device 702 and Figure 10A and 10B They have different configurations compared to the previous version. Figure 11A-11BIn the non-limiting embodiment shown, the thermal management system 730 has a closed heat transfer fluid loop 732 that is fluidly and thermally coupled to the vapor compression loop 704. The fluid loop 732 similarly includes a first heat transfer component, such as a coolant heat exchanger 740, which, as in the previous embodiments, is thermally coupled to the energy storage device 702. However, the heat transfer fluid loop 732 also includes a second heat transfer component 742 that is thermally and fluidly coupled to the vapor compression loop 704 of the air conditioning system 700, and a pump or other moving mechanism 744 for circulating the heat transfer fluid C between the energy storage device 742 and the coolant heat exchanger 740.

[0148] Both the heat transfer fluid C and the working fluid R are provided to the second heat transfer assembly 742, thereby allowing heat to be transferred from the heat transfer fluid C to the working fluid R, or from the working fluid R to the heat transfer fluid C. Any suitable heat transfer fluid C (e.g., refrigerant, coolant, water, ethylene glycol, or dielectric fluid) is contemplated herein. In an embodiment, the second heat transfer assembly 742 is a thermal energy storage device. The thermal energy storage device 742 may be a container or tank filled with a thermal storage material M having a constant mass. The thermal storage material M is operable to store heat dissipated by the working fluid R and / or the heat transfer fluid C. In an embodiment, the thermal storage material M of the thermal energy storage device 742 is a phase change material, such as water or solid paraffin.

[0149] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first expansion device 714a is located between the first heat exchanger 712 and the thermal energy storage device 742, and the second thermal expansion device 714b is arranged between the thermal energy storage device 742 and the second heat exchanger 716. Therefore, one of the first expansion device 714a and the second expansion device 714b is arranged upstream of the thermal energy storage device 742, while the other is arranged downstream of the thermal energy storage device 742, regardless of whether the air conditioning system 700 is operating in cooling or heating mode.

[0150] As shown, the system can similarly include a bypass conduit 750. A first end 752 of the bypass conduit 750 is fluidly connected to the vapor compression circuit 704 at a location between the first expansion device 714a and the thermal energy storage device 742, and a second opposite end 754 of the bypass conduit 750 is fluidly connected to the vapor compression circuit 704 at a location between the thermal energy storage device 742 and the second expansion device 714b. Therefore, the flow through the bypass conduit 750 is parallel to and bypasses the thermal energy storage device 742, and thus bypasses the thermal management system 730. A valve V associated with the bypass conduit 750 is operable to control the flow of the working fluid R through it. Although the valve V is shown at the center of the bypass conduit 750, it should be understood that the valve V can be arranged at any suitable location along the bypass conduit 750.

[0151] In this embodiment, the heat transfer fluid C is arranged to have a heat transfer relationship with the energy storage device 702 as it flows through or across the surface of the coolant heat exchanger 740. When the energy storage device 702 needs to be cooled, the heat absorbed from the energy storage device 702 by the heat transfer fluid C can be discharged to the heat storage material M of the thermal energy storage device 742. As the warm or hot heat transfer fluid C passes through or across the heat storage material M of the thermal energy storage device 742, heat is transferred from the heat transfer fluid C to the heat storage material M. Therefore, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid C at the outlet of the thermal energy storage device 742 can be lower than the temperature at the inlet of the thermal energy storage device 742. In an embodiment where valve V is open, the working fluid R flows through the bypass conduit 750, bypassing the thermal energy storage device 742. In such an embodiment, all cooling of the heat transfer fluid C is performed by the heat storage material M of the thermal energy storage device 742. The heat transfer fluid C can continue to circulate through the heat transfer fluid loop 732 via pump 744 until the heat storage material M has reached its capacity and can no longer cool the heat transfer fluid C. When the valve V of the bypass conduit 750 is at least partially closed, both the working fluid R and the heat transfer fluid C can be simultaneously supplied to the thermal energy storage device 742. In such an embodiment, the heat stored by the heat storage material M within the thermal energy storage device 742 is released to the working fluid R, which circulates through the vapor compression circuit 704. Therefore, the flow of the working fluid R cools the heat storage material M. Consequently, in at least some embodiments where the working fluid R bypasses the thermal energy storage device 742, the heat transfer fluid C supplied at the outlet of the thermal energy storage device 742, which simultaneously receives the flow of the working fluid R, may be colder than the heat transfer fluid C supplied at the outlet of the thermal energy storage device 742.

[0152] Similarly, heat transfer fluid C can be used to heat energy storage device 702. In such an embodiment, heat transfer fluid C is configured to absorb heat from heat storage material M and / or working fluid R at thermal energy storage device 742. Therefore, the temperature of heat transfer fluid C at the outlet of thermal energy storage device 742 is increased compared to the temperature at the inlet of thermal energy storage device 742. The heated heat transfer fluid C flows from thermal energy storage device 742 through or across the surface of coolant heat exchanger 740. The heat from heat transfer fluid C can then be discharged to energy storage device 702, which is thermally coupled to coolant heat exchanger 740. Heat transfer fluid C can continue to circulate through heat transfer fluid loop 732 via pump 744 until energy storage device 702 has reached the desired temperature, or until heat storage material M can no longer heat heat transfer fluid C. The heat transferable from the thermal storage material M can be controlled at least in part by the temperature of the working fluid R supplied to it, and the temperature of the working fluid R supplied to the thermal energy storage device 742 can be controlled by adjusting the position of the expansion devices 714a, 714b upstream of the thermal energy storage device 742 relative to the flow of the working fluid R through the vapor compression cycle 704.

[0153] As in the previous embodiments, the thermal management system 730 may include at least one sensor S operable to monitor one or more parameters of the heat transfer fluid loop 732. For example, temperature sensor S1 may be positioned to measure the temperature of the heat transfer fluid C, for example, directly upstream of the energy storage device 702. Alternatively or additionally, temperature sensor S2 may be operable to measure the temperature of the energy storage device 702. It should be understood that embodiments including multiple temperature sensors, for example, for monitoring the temperature of each individual cell of the energy storage device, are also within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, sensor S3 may be associated with the thermal energy storage device 742 and may indicate temperature or may be used to determine the remaining heat capacity of the heat storage material M within the thermal energy storage device 742. As in the previous embodiments, the controller is operatively coupled to expansion devices 714a, 714b and valve V, and also coupled to one or more sensors S1, S2, S3 and the movement mechanism 744.

[0154] The controller can be configured to control the operation of the moving mechanism 744, expansion devices 714a, 714b, and valve V in response to the heat demand of the energy storage device 702, so as to maintain the temperature of the energy storage device 702 within a desired temperature range. The heat demand can be determined by the controller based on one or more sensed parameters, for example, in real time. In an embodiment, the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid C can be increased or decreased based on the sensed temperature of the energy storage device 702 and / or the heat transfer fluid C, and thus increase or decrease the heat transfer between the heat transfer fluid C and the heat storage material M at the heat storage device. The controller can also assess the condition of the heat storage material M, for example, based on its temperature, and in response to the heat demand of the energy storage device 702 and the condition of the heat storage material M, can adjust the expansion of the working fluid R occurring at one or more expansion devices 714a, 714b and the position of valve V to control the temperature and flow of the working fluid R supplied to the thermal energy storage device 742.

[0155] During operation, one or more sensors S1, S2, S3 will continuously or intermittently send signals to the controller. In response to one or more signals, the controller will determine whether the energy storage device 702 is within the desired temperature range or outside the desired temperature range. If the temperature is outside the desired temperature range, the controller will assess the heat capacity of the thermal energy storage device 742 and will change one or more parameters of the thermal management system 730 and / or one or more parameters of the vapor compression circuit 704 to alter the heat transfer occurring between the thermal management system 730 and the vapor compression circuit 704.

[0156] For example, during operation of energy storage device 702, the cooling demand of energy storage device 702 increases. In response to this heat demand, the temperature of the working fluid R supplied to the inlet of thermal energy storage device 742 can be controlled by the expansion of the working fluid R, which occurs within expansion devices 714a, 714b located upstream of thermal energy storage device 742. The temperature of the working fluid R can be reduced to increase the cooling of the heat storage material M performed by the working fluid R. As the heat demand of energy storage device 702 decreases, the expansion at the upstream expansion devices 714a, 714b can be reduced, and / or the amount of working fluid R supplied to thermal energy storage device 742 can also be reduced. When energy storage device 702 is within the desired temperature range, valve V can be fully opened, allowing all working fluid R of vapor compression circuit 704 to bypass thermal energy storage device 742 via bypass conduit 750. When energy storage device 702 is within the desired temperature range, one or more of the expansion devices 714a, 714b can be positioned solely based on the cooling and / or heating demands of air conditioning system 700.

[0157] As the working fluid R passes through the thermal energy storage device 742, heat is transferred from the heat storage material M to the working fluid R. The working fluid R output from the thermal energy storage device 742 is then supplied to the downstream expansion devices 714a, 714b and the first heat exchanger 712 or the second heat exchanger 716, depending on the operating mode of the air conditioning system 700. The controller can be operated to adjust the expansion devices 714a, 714b and valve V in real time.

[0158] The heat transferred from the heat transfer fluid C to the heat storage material M may exceed the heat removed from the heat storage material M by the working fluid R. Therefore, the temperature of the heat storage material M gradually increases until it reaches its heat capacity or maximum allowable temperature, at which point the heat storage material M can no longer cool the heat transfer fluid C. In response to the heat storage material M reaching its heat capacity, the operation of the pump 744 of the thermal management system 730 can be stopped. However, the working fluid R can continue to flow through the thermal energy storage device 742 to remove heat from it, thereby increasing the heat capacity of the heat storage material M. An air conditioning system with a thermal management system 730 allows for enhanced temperature control of the energy storage device 702. The thermal management system 730 is connected in series, fluidly and thermally to one or both of the first and second heat exchangers 712, 716, which are operable as condensers and evaporators, to a vapor compression circuit 704.

[0159] The technical effects and benefits of this disclosure include providing a system with improved efficiency when supplying power to HVAC from a battery or PV generator by eliminating two conversion stages. Furthermore, the system provides the possibility of thermally coupling the power storage unit and / or power electronics to the primary or secondary loop of the heat pump. This can improve the cooling of the power storage unit or power electronics. Overall, the system allows for simplified installation and / or commissioning.

[0160] As described above, embodiments may take the form of processor-implemented processes and means for performing those processes (such as controller 240 and / or thermostat 260). Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in a tangible medium, such as a network cloud storage device, SD card, flash drive, floppy disk, CD ROM, hard disk drive, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes a means for performing the embodiments. Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code, which may be stored in a storage medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted via a transmission medium (such as via wires or cables, optical fibers, or via electromagnetic radiation), wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes a means for performing the embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

[0161] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises and / or comprising” as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0162] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various exemplary embodiments have been shown and described herein, each having certain features of a particular embodiment, but this disclosure is not intended to be limiting. Rather, this disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but commensurate with the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of this disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, comprising: A vapor compression circuit includes a compressor, a first expansion device, a second expansion device, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger, wherein a working fluid is configured to circulate within the vapor compression circuit; An energy storage device, which is selectively operable to supply power to the components of the air conditioning system; A thermal management system, thermally and fluidly coupled to the vapor compression circuit at a location between the first expansion device and the second expansion device; and In response to the thermal demand of the energy storage device, the expansion of the working fluid within at least one of the first expansion device and the second expansion device is controllable.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising: A bypass conduit, the first end of which is fluidly connected to the vapor compression circuit at a location between the first expansion device and the thermal management system, and the second end of which is fluidly connected to the vapor compression circuit at a location between the second expansion device and the thermal management system.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, further comprising: A valve operable to control the flow of the working fluid through the bypass conduit.

4. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The thermal management system includes a coolant heat exchanger thermally coupled to the energy storage device, and the coolant heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the vapor compression circuit.

5. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The working fluid is selected from refrigerants, coolants, water, ethylene glycol, and dielectric fluids.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising: A steam bypass conduit, located downstream of the outlet of the coolant heat exchanger, connects the steam compression loop to the inlet of the compressor.

7. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The thermal management system includes a closed heat transfer fluid loop having a heat transfer fluid circulating therethrough.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 7, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a coolant heat exchanger and a thermal energy storage device that are thermally coupled to the electrical energy storage device.

9. The air conditioning system according to claim 8, wherein, The thermal energy storage device is fluidly coupled to the vapor compression circuit.

10. The air conditioning system according to claim 9, wherein, The thermal energy storage device is filled with a thermal storage material with heat capacity.

11. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The thermal management system also includes: At least one sensor; and A controller operatively coupled to the at least one sensor, the controller being configured to control the operation of the vapor compression circuit in response to the at least one sensor to maintain the energy storage device within a desired temperature range.

12. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor operable to measure the temperature of the energy storage device.

13. The air conditioning system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The thermal management system includes a closed heat transfer fluid loop having a heat transfer fluid circulating therethrough and including a thermal energy storage device fluidly coupled to the vapor compression loop, wherein the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor operable to measure at least one of the temperature of the thermal energy storage device, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, or the heat capacity of the thermal energy storage device.

14. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein, The controller is configured to: Receive data from the at least one sensor; and In response to data from the at least one sensor, the flow of working fluid supplied to at least one of the first expansion device and the second expansion device, as well as the expansion occurring at at least one of the first expansion device and the second expansion device, are regulated.

15. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The vapor compression circuit includes a flow reversing valve disposed downstream of the outlet of the compressor, the flow reversing valve being movable to switch the vapor compression circuit between a cooling mode and a heating mode.

16. A method of operating an air conditioning system, comprising: A vapor compression circuit and a thermal management system are provided, the vapor compression circuit having a working fluid circulating therein, the thermal management system being fluidly and thermally coupled to the vapor compression circuit at a thermal interface, the thermal management system including an electrical energy storage device operable to supply power to the air conditioning system and the coolant heat exchanger; Sensing the temperature associated with the thermal management system; as well as The working fluid is arranged to expand in a way that has a heat transfer relationship with the thermal management system in order to maintain the temperature of the energy storage device within a desired temperature range.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Sensing the temperature associated with the thermal management system includes at least one of the following: sensing the temperature of the energy storage device, sensing the temperature of the heat transfer fluid of the thermal management system, and sensing the temperature of the heat storage material of the thermal management system.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, Changing the expansion of the working fluid in a heat transfer relationship with the thermal management system to maintain the temperature of the energy storage device within the desired temperature range includes increasing the expansion of the working fluid directly upstream of the thermal interface.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16-18, further comprising: A portion of the working fluid is directed into a bypass conduit arranged parallel to the thermal interface to maintain the temperature of the energy storage device within the desired temperature range.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16-19, further comprising: A portion of the working fluid downstream of the hot interface is directly guided, at least, to the compressor of the steam compression circuit via a steam bypass conduit.

Images