Superheat controlled thermal storage

The integration of a thermal storage device and superheat management in vapor compression systems addresses inefficiencies by enabling flexible operation and reduced energy consumption through heat storage and release, optimizing system performance.

EP4729859A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-22CARRIER CORP
2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
CARRIER CORP
Filing Date
2025-10-15
Publication Date
2026-04-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional vapor compression systems are oversized and inefficient due to being sized for maximum load and ambient temperature, leading to increased costs and energy consumption during peak hours, and lack flexibility in operational timing.

Method used

Incorporating a thermal storage device and a controller to manage superheat, allowing the system to store and release heat, and adjust the expansion device position to optimize working fluid superheat, enabling flexible operation and reduced energy consumption.

Benefits of technology

The system achieves efficient energy use by storing heat during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak demand, reducing system size and energy requirements, and allowing operation during off-peak times.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure IMGAF001_ABST
    Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A vapor compression system (20) includes a compressor (22), a condenser (24), an expansion device (26), and an evaporator (28) fluidly connected to form a closed fluid loop having a working fluid circulating therethrough. A thermal storage device (40) includes a storage material and the thermal storage device (40) is thermally coupled to the closed fluid loop downstream from the expansion device (26) relative to a flow of the working fluid. The vapor compression system (20) is controllable such that the thermal storage device (40) is operable to both store heat and release heat as the working fluid circulates through the closed fluid loop in a given direction.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Air conditioner

    JP2008082589A

  • Climate-control system with thermal storage device

    CN111902682A