Heat Pump System With Thermal Energy Storage

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/734,440, filed on Dec. 16, 2024. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a heat pump system with thermal energy storage.

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] A climate-control system such as, for example, a heat pump system, a refrigeration system, or an air conditioning system, may include a fluid circuit having an outdoor heat exchanger, one or more indoor heat exchangers, one or more expansion devices, and one or more compressors circulating a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant or carbon dioxide) through the fluid circuit. Efficient and reliable operation of the climate-control system is desirable to ensure that the climate-control system is capable of effectively and efficiently providing a cooling and/or heating effect on demand. Heat pump systems can include a thermal energy storage device that can improve efficiency, boost capacity, and reduce energy consumption.

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all its features.

[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a climate-control system that includes a first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit includes a compressor, a thermal energy storage device, a first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit, a second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit, and a third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit. The compressor circulates a first fluid through the thermal energy storage device, the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit, the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit, and the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit. The second fluid circuit may include a first pump, a second pump, a first indoor heat-exchanger conduit, a second indoor heat-exchanger conduit, and a third indoor heat-exchanger conduit. The second fluid circuit may define a first closed loop including the first pump and the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit. The second fluid circuit may define a second closed loop including the second pump and the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit. The first and second fluid circuits may be fluidly isolated from each other. The first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit may be in a heat transfer relationship with the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit. The third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit may be in a heat transfer relationship with the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit. The system may be operable in a plurality of cooling modes and in a plurality of heating modes. The second indoor heat-exchanger conduit may be a part of the first closed loop in the heating modes. The second indoor heat-exchanger conduit may be a part of the second closed loop in the cooling modes.

[0007] In some configurations of the system of the above paragraph, the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit is fluidly isolated from the second closed loop in the heating modes. The second indoor heat-exchanger conduit may be fluidly isolated from the first closed loop in the cooling modes.

[0008] In some configurations of the system of either of the above paragraphs, the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit is in a heat transfer relationship with indoor air.

[0009] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit is in a heat transfer relationship with outdoor air.

[0010] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first and second pumps circulate a second fluid through the first and second closed loops. The second fluid is a different fluid than the first fluid.

[0011] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first fluid is a refrigerant, and the second fluid is water.

[0012] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first closed loop includes a hot water tank.

[0013] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second closed loop includes a cold water tank.

[0014] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first fluid flows through the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit in the same direction in the heating modes and in the cooling modes.

[0015] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first fluid circuit includes a first reversing valve and a second reversing valve. Each of the first and second reversing valves includes a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port.

[0016] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first port of the first reversing valve is fluidly connected to an outlet of the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit.

[0017] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second port of the first reversing valve is fluidly connected to an inlet of a first expansion valve, wherein an outlet of the first expansion valve is fluidly connected to an inlet of a conduit that extends through the thermal energy storage device.

[0018] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the third port of the first reversing valve is fluidly connected to the third port of the second reversing valve.

[0019] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the fourth port of the first reversing valve is fluidly connected to an inlet of a second expansion valve. An outlet of the second expansion valve is fluidly connected to an inlet of the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit.

[0020] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first port of the second reversing valve is fluidly connected to: (i) a heat exchange conduit that provides the first fluid to the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit, and (ii) a bypass conduit through which the first fluid is able to bypass the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit.

[0021] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second port of the second reversing valve is fluidly connected to an outlet of the conduit that extends through the thermal energy storage device.

[0022] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the fourth port of the second reversing valve is fluidly connected to an outlet of the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit.

[0023] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first reversing valve is movable between a first position and a second position.

[0024] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, when the first reversing valve is in the first position: (i) the first port of the first reversing valve is fluidly connected to the fourth port of the first reversing valve, and (ii) the second port of the first reversing valve is fluidly connected to the third port of the first reversing valve.

[0025] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second reversing valve is movable between a first position and a second position.

[0026] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, when the second reversing valve is in the first position: (i) the first port of the second reversing valve is fluidly connected to the fourth port of the second reversing valve, and (ii) the second port of the second reversing valve is fluidly connected to the third port of the second reversing valve.

[0027] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, in one of the cooling modes, the first reversing valve is in the first position and the second reversing valve is in the second position.

[0028] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, in another one of the cooling modes, the first reversing valve is in the first position and the second reversing valve is in the first position.

[0029] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, in another one of the cooling modes, the first reversing valve is in the second position and the second reversing valve is in the second position.

[0030] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, in one of the heating modes, the first reversing valve is in the second position and the second reversing valve is in the first position.

[0031] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, in another one of the heating modes, the first reversing valve is in the first position and the second reversing valve is in the second position.

[0032] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, in another one of the heating modes, the first reversing valve is in the first position and the second reversing valve is in the first position.

[0033] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, in another one of the heating modes, the first reversing valve is in the second position and the second reversing valve is in the second position.

[0034] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, in some of the heating modes, the second pump is shut down, and in others of the heating modes, the second pump is operating.

[0035] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second fluid circuit includes a third reversing valve and a fourth reversing valve.

[0036] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, each of the third and fourth reversing valves includes a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port.

[0037] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first and second ports of the third reversing valve are parts of the first closed loop in the heating modes and in the cooling modes.

[0038] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first and second ports of the fourth reversing valve are parts of the second closed loop in the heating modes and in the cooling modes.

[0039] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the fourth port of the third reversing valve is fluidly connected to an inlet of the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit.

[0040] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the fourth port of the fourth reversing valve is fluidly connected to an outlet of the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit.

[0041] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a climate-control system that includes a first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit includes a compressor, a thermal energy storage device, a first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit, a second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit, and a third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit. The compressor circulates a first fluid through the thermal energy storage device, the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit, the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit, and the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit. The second fluid circuit may include a first pump, a second pump, a first indoor heat-exchanger conduit, a second indoor heat-exchanger conduit, and a third indoor heat-exchanger conduit. The first and second fluid circuits are fluidly isolated from each other. The first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit is in a heat transfer relationship with the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit. The third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit is in a heat transfer relationship with the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit. The climate-control system is operable in a plurality of cooling modes and in a plurality of heating modes. The second indoor heat-exchanger conduit is in a heat transfer relationship with indoor air. The second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit is in a heat transfer relationship with outdoor air.

[0042] In some configurations of the system of the above paragraph, the first circuit includes a first expansion valve disposed downstream of an outlet of the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit and upstream of an inlet of a conduit that extends through the thermal energy storage device.

[0043] In some configurations of the system of either of the above paragraphs, the first circuit includes a second expansion valve disposed downstream of an outlet of the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit and upstream of an inlet of the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit.

[0044] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first circuit includes a third expansion valve disposed downstream of an outlet of the conduit that extends through the thermal energy storage device and upstream of an inlet of the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit.

[0045] In some configurations of the system of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first circuit includes a fourth expansion valve disposed downstream of an outlet of the second heat-exchanger conduit and upstream of the inlet of the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit.

[0046] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0066] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0067] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0069] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0070] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0071] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0072] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0073] With reference to FIGS. 1A-16, a climate-control system (e.g., a heat pump system) 10 is provided. The system 10 is operable in cooling modes (FIGS. 2-6) and in heating modes (FIGS. 7-15). The climate-control system 10 may include a first fluid circuit 12 and a second fluid circuit 14. The first fluid circuit 12 may include a compressor 16, a first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, a first reversing valve 20, a first expansion device (e.g., an electronic expansion valve) 22, a thermal energy storage device 24, a second expansion device (e.g., an electronic expansion valve) 26, a second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, a second reversing valve 30, a three-way valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) 32, a third expansion device (e.g., an electronic expansion valve) 34, and a third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. The compressor 16 may pump a first fluid (e.g., a refrigerant such as propane, carbon dioxide, etc.) throughout the first fluid circuit 12.

[0074] The thermal energy storage device 24 may include a tank 36 that contains a phase-change material (PCM) such as paraffin or salt hydrate, for example. A conduit 38 may extend into the tank 36 and through the PCM. The conduit 38 may be coupled to and disposed between the first expansion valve 22 and the second reversing valve 30. The first fluid of the first circuit 12 may flow through the conduit 38 so that heat can be exchanged between the PCM and the first fluid.

[0075] The climate-control system 10 can selectively “charge” (i.e., change the temperature or phase of the PCM within the thermal energy storage device 24 to a desired thermal storage device temperature) or “discharge” (i.e., use the PCM to change the temperature or phase of the first fluid to a desired temperature) the thermal energy storage device 24 based on heating/cooling demand and/or operating conditions such as time-of-day, energy costs (or energy limits), weather conditions (e.g., outdoor ambient air temperature), current state of the thermal energy storage device 24, and a temperature of air within a space to heated or cooled by the system 10, for example. A control module may control and optimize operation of the climate-control system 10 based on operating conditions, such as those listed above, for example. The thermal storage capacity of the climate-control system 10 may be beneficial to systems reliant on solar power, such that the system may charge when there is adequate solar power (e.g., during a sunny day) and may discharge when there is inadequate solar power (e.g., at night). The climate-control system 10 may also charge the thermal energy storage device 24 at non-peak electrical usage hours to avoid high electrical usage costs.

[0076] The compressor 16 may be any suitable type of compressor such as a scroll, rotary, reciprocating or screw compressor, for example. The compressor 16 includes a suction inlet 37, a discharge outlet 39, and a compression mechanism (which may include scrolls, rotor(s), piston(s) and cylinder(s), or screws, for example). In some configurations, an accumulator 40 may be disposed upstream of the suction inlet 37 of the compressor 16. The compressor 16 may receive the first fluid at a suction pressure from the accumulator 40 (via the suction inlet 37) and may compressor the first fluid to a discharge pressure (higher than the suction pressure) before discharging the first fluid through the discharge outlet 39.

[0077] The discharge outlet 39 may be fluidly connected with the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18 such that the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18 receives high-pressure fluid from the compressor 16. The suction inlet 37 (and accumulator 40) may be fluidly connected with the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 such that the suction inlet (and accumulator 40) receive low-pressure fluid from the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35.

[0078] The second fluid circuit 14 may include a first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42, a first tank (e.g., a hot water tank) 44, a third reversing valve 46, a first pump 48, a second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50, a fourth reversing valve 52, a second pump 54, a third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, and a second tank (e.g., a cold water tank) 58. One or both of the pumps 48, 54 may circulate a second fluid throughout some or all of the second fluid circuit 14. The second fluid may be a different fluid than the first fluid. For example, the second fluid may be water.

[0079] The first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18 may be positioned in contact with or in sufficiently close proximity with the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42 such that the first fluid in the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18 may be in a heat-transfer relationship with the second fluid in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. Similarly, the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 may be positioned in contact with or in sufficiently close proximity with the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56 such that the first fluid in the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 may be in a heat-transfer relationship with the second fluid in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56.

[0080] The first fluid circuit 12 may be disposed outdoors, and the second fluid circuit 14 may be disposed indoors. FIGS. 1A-15 depict a wall 60 of a building or home. The wall 60 separates indoors from outdoors. The first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18 and the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42 may be disposed within a first enclosure or housing 62 that may be mounted to or disposed within the wall 60. The third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 and the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56 may be disposed within a second enclosure or housing 64 that may be mounted to or disposed within the wall 60.

[0081] The control module may control operation of the compressor 16, valves 20, 22, 26, 30, 32, 34, 46, 52, and the pumps 48, 54. In some configurations, the climate-control system 10 may include a first fan (not shown) that forces outdoor ambient air across the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28 (i.e., to facilitate heat transfer between the first fluid in the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28 and the outdoor ambient air). In some configurations, the climate-control system 10 may include a second fan (not shown) that forces indoor air (e.g., air from the room or space being heated or cooled by the system 10) across the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50 (i.e., to facilitate heat transfer between the second fluid in the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50 and the indoor air to heat or cool an indoor room or space). The control module may control operation of the first and second fans.

[0082] The reversing valves 20, 36, 46, 52 are four-way valves that are each movable between a first position and a second position. The reversing valves 20, 36, 46, 52 may be electronically actuated (e.g., by a solenoid, for example). Each of the reversing valves 20, 36, 46, 52 may include a body 66, a first port 68, a second port 70, a third port 72, and a fourth port 74. The solenoid may move a valve member within the body 66 to switch the reversing valves 20, 36, 46, 52 between the first and second positions to control fluid communication between the ports 68, 70, 72, 74. As shown in the figures, each of the reversing valves 20, 36, 46, 52 is movable between the first position (in which the first port 68 is fluidly connected with the fourth port 74 and the second port 70 is fluid connected with the third port 72) and the second position (in which the first port 68 is fluidly connected with the second port 70 and the third port 72 is fluid connected with the fourth port 74).

[0083] The first port 68 of the first reversing valve 20 may be fluidly connected to the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18. The second port 70 of the first reversing valve 20 may be fluidly connected to the first expansion valve 22. The first expansion valve 22 may also be fluid connected to the conduit 38 of the thermal energy storage device 24 (i.e., the first expansion valve 22 may be disposed between the second port of the first reversing valve 20 and the conduit 38). The third port 72 of the first reversing valve 20 may be fluidly connected to the third port 72 of the second reversing valve 30. The fourth port 74 of the first reversing valve 20 may be fluidly connected to the second expansion valve 26. The second expansion valve 26 may also be fluidly connected to the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28 (i.e., the second expansion valve 26 may be disposed between the fourth port 74 of the first reversing valve 20 and the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28).

[0084] The first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 may be fluidly connected to the three-way valve 32 (or to a three-way junction). The three-way valve 32 may be fluidly connected to a heat exchange conduit 31 and a bypass conduit 33. The three-way valve 32 is movable between a first position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to the heat exchange conduit 31 and fluid flow through the bypass conduit 33 is prevented) and a second position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to the bypass conduit 33 and flow though the heat exchange conduit 31 is prevented). The heat exchange conduit 31 is fluidly connected to the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. The third expansion valve 34 may be disposed along the heat exchange conduit 31 and controls fluid flow through the heat exchange conduit 31 and the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. Both the bypass conduit 33 and the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 are fluidly connected to the accumulator 40 (and/or to the suction inlet 37 of the compressor 16) such that low-pressure fluid from the bypass conduit 33 or from the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 flows to the accumulator 40 and/or suction inlet 37.

[0085] The second port 70 of the second reversing valve 30 is fluidly connected to an outlet of the conduit 38 of the thermal energy storage device 24 (i.e., the conduit 38 is disposed between the first expansion valve 22 and the second port 70 of the second reversing valve 30). As noted above, the third port 72 of the second reversing valve 30 is fluidly connected to the third port 72 of the first reversing valve 20. The fourth port 74 of the second reversing valve 30 is fluidly connected to an outlet of the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28 (i.e., the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28 is disposed between the second expansion valve 26 and the fourth port 74 of the second reversing valve 30).

[0086] The first port 68 of the third reversing valve 46 may receive heated water from the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42 and/or from the hot water tank 44. That is, the first port 68 of the third reversing valve 46 may be fluidly connected to an outlet of the hot water tank 44 or to an outlet of the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. The second port 70 of the third reversing valve 46 may provide water to the first pump 48 and/or to the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. That is, the second port 70 of the third reversing valve 46 may be fluidly connected to an inlet of the first pump 48 or to an inlet of the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. The third port 72 of the third reversing valve 46 may be fluidly connected to the third port 72 of the fourth reversing valve 52. The fourth port 74 of the third reversing valve 46 may be fluidly connected to an inlet of the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50.

[0087] The first port 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52 may provide water to the second pump 54 and/or to the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56. That is, the first port 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52 may be fluidly connected to an inlet of the second pump 54 or to an inlet of the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56. The second port 70 of the fourth reversing valve 52 may receive water from the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56 and/or from the cold water tank 58. That is, the second port 70 of the fourth reversing valve 52 may be fluidly connected to an outlet of the cold water tank 58 or to an outlet of the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56. As noted above, the third port 72 of the fourth reversing valve 52 may be fluidly connected to the third port 72 of the third reversing valve 46. The fourth port 74 of the fourth reversing valve 52 may be fluidly connected to an outlet of the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50.

[0088] In some configurations, the first and second reversing valves 20, 30 may be actuated by solenoid-actuated pilot valves 21, 23, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1B. The pilot valves 21, 23 may have a sliding valve member that is movable between first and second positions to cause corresponding movement of the respective valve members 61 within the bodies 60 of the first and second reversing valves 20, 30. As will be described in more detail below, both of the pilot valves 21, 23 may utilize the same source of high-pressure fluid (e.g., the first port 68 of the first reversing valve 20) and the same source of low-pressure fluid (e.g., the bypass conduit 33) to actuate the valve members 61 of the reversing valves 20, 30.

[0089] Both of the pilot valves 21, 23 may be fluidly connected to the first port 68 of the first reversing valve 20 (via high-pressure conduits 80, 82, respectively) and to the bypass conduit 33 (via low-pressure conduits 84, 86, respectively). The pilot valve 21 is also fluidly connected to opposing ends 96, 98 of the body 60 of the first reversing valve 20 (via conduits 88, 90). Similarly, the pilot valve 23 is fluidly connected to opposing ends 100, 102 of the body 60 of the second reversing valve 30 (via conduits 92, 94).

[0090] The valve member within the pilot valve 21 is movable between a first position (in which the high-pressure conduit 80 is fluidly connected with the conduit 88 and the low-pressure conduit 84 is fluidly connected with the conduit 90) and a second position (in which the high-pressure conduit 80 is fluidly connected with the conduit 90 and the low-pressure conduit 84 is fluidly connected with the conduit 88). In this manner, when the valve member of the pilot valve 21 is in the first position, high-pressure fluid from the first port 68 of the first reversing valve 20 is provided to the first end 96 of the body 60 of the first reversing valve 20 via conduits 80, 88 (and fluid at the second end 98 of the body 60 of the first reversing valve 20 is allowed to leak to the bypass conduit 33 via the conduits 90, 84). This causes the valve member 61 of the first reversing valve 20 to move to its first position (i.e., in which the first and fourth ports 68, 74 are fluidly connected to each other and the second and third ports 70, 72 are fluidly connected to each other). When the valve member of the pilot valve 21 is in the second position, high-pressure fluid from the first port 68 of the first reversing valve 20 is provided to the second end 98 of the body 60 of the first reversing valve 20 via conduits 80, 90 (and fluid at the first end 96 of the body 60 of the first reversing valve 20 is allowed to leak to the bypass conduit 33 via the conduits 88, 84). This causes the valve member 61 of the first reversing valve 20 to move to its second position (i.e., in which the first and second ports 68, 70 of the first reversing valve 20 are fluidly connected to each other and the third and fourth ports 72, 74 of the first reversing valve 20 are fluidly connected to each other).

[0091] The valve member within the pilot valve 23 is movable between a first position (in which the high-pressure conduit 82 is fluidly connected with the conduit 92 and the low-pressure conduit 86 is fluidly connected with the conduit 94) and a second position (in which the high-pressure conduit 82 is fluidly connected with the conduit 94 and the low-pressure conduit 86 is fluidly connected with the conduit 92). In this manner, when the valve member of the pilot valve 23 is in the first position, high-pressure fluid from the first port 68 of the first reversing valve 20 is provided to the first end 100 of the body 60 of the second reversing valve 30 via conduits 82, 92 (and fluid at the second end 102 of the body 60 of the second reversing valve 30 is allowed to leak to the bypass conduit 33 via the conduits 94, 86). This causes the valve member 61 of the second reversing valve 30 to move to its first position (i.e., in which the first and fourth ports 68, 74 of the second reversing valve 30 are fluidly connected to each other and the second and third ports 70, 72 of the second reversing valve 30 are fluidly connected to each other). When the valve member of the pilot valve 23 is in the second position, high-pressure fluid from the first port 68 of the first reversing valve 20 is provided to the second end 102 of the body 60 of the second reversing valve 30 via conduits 82, 94 (and fluid at the first end 100 of the body 60 of the second reversing valve 30 is allowed to leak to the bypass conduit 33 via the conduits 92, 86). This causes the valve member 61 of the second reversing valve 30 to move to its second position (i.e., in which the first and second ports 68, 70 of the second reversing valve 30 are fluidly connected to each other and the third and fourth ports 72, 74 of the second reversing valve 30 are fluidly connected to each other).

[0092] Both reversing valves 20, 30 utilizing the same source of high-pressure fluid (e.g., the first port 68 of the first reversing valve 20) and the same source of low-pressure fluid (e.g., the bypass conduit 33) provides reliable sources of pressure to actuate the reversing valves 20, 30 under any of the operational modes of the system 10.

[0093] It will be appreciated that the reversing valves 20, 30 could be actuated by other means. For example, the valve members of the reversing valves 20, 30 could be actuated directly by solenoids or other electromechanical actuators. The valve members of the third and fourth reversing valves 46, 56 of the second circuit 14 could be actuated directly by solenoids or other electromechanical actuators, for example.

[0094] With reference to FIGS. 2-15, operation of the system 10 in the various operational modes will be described. As described above, the system 10 is operable in a plurality of cooling modes (FIGS. 2-6) and in a plurality of heating modes (FIGS. 7-15).

[0095] FIG. 2 shows the system 10 operating in one of the cooling modes, which will be referred to as the cooling (OA source, TES charge) mode. In this mode, the system 10 is cooling an indoor room or space using an outside air as a thermal source (OA source) and is cold charging the thermal energy storage device 24 (TES charge). As shown in FIG. 2, when the system 10 is in the cooling (OA source, TES charge) mode: the first reversing valve 20 is in the first position, the second reversing valve 30 is in the second position, the third reversing valve 46 is in the second position, and the fourth reversing valve 52 is in the first position. Furthermore, in the cooling (OA source, TES charge) mode, the three-way valve 32 may be in the first position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to the heat exchange conduit 31 and fluid flow through the bypass conduit 33 is prevented).

[0096] In the cooling (OA source, TES charge) mode, the compressor 16 discharges the first fluid at a high pressure and high temperature. The high pressure, high temperature fluid flows from the compressor 16 to the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, where heat from the first fluid is transferred to the second fluid (e.g., water) in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. The water in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42 may flow to the hot water tank 44, which may store a volume of heated water. In the cooling (OA source, TES charge) mode, the first pump 48 may circulate water in a closed loop that includes the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42, the hot water tank 44, the first port 68 of the third reversing valve 46, the second port 70 of the third reversing valve 46, and the first pump 48. The hot water 44 in the hot water tank 44 can be supplied to plumbing fixtures and/or appliances (e.g., faucets, showers, bathtubs, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) in the building or home.

[0097] From the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, the first fluid may flow through the first and fourth ports 68, 74 of the first reversing valve 20 and through the second expansion valve 26 (which, in this mode, may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough) to the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28. In the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, the first fluid may be further cooled as heat from the first fluid is transferred to outdoor ambient air. From the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, the first fluid may flow through the fourth port 74 of the second reversing valve 30, through the third port 72 of the second reversing valve 30, through the third port 72 of the first reversing valve 20, and through the second port 70 of the first reversing valve 20. From the second port 70 of the first reversing valve 20, the first fluid may flow through the first expansion valve 22, which may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop before flowing into the conduit 38 of the thermal energy storage device 24. In this manner, the cold first fluid in the conduit 38 cools (cold charges) the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24. From the conduit 38, the first fluid flows through the second port 70 and first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30, through the three-way valve 32, into the heat exchange conduit 31, through the third expansion valve 34 (which may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough) and into the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. The first fluid flows from the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 back to the compressor 16 (or to the accumulator 40 and then back to the compressor 16).

[0098] In the cooling (OA source, TES charge) mode, fluid in the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 cools (absorbs heat from) the water in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56. In the cooling (OA source, TES charge) mode, the second pump 54 circulates water in a closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second and third ports 70, 72 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third and fourth ports 72, 74 of the third reversing valve 46, the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50, the fourth and first ports 74, 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. The water flowing through the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50 cools (absorbs heat from) indoor air (i.e., air from a room or space of the building or home).

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 3, another one of the cooling modes, which will be referred to as the cooling (OA source, TES discharge) mode, will be described. In this mode, the system 10 is cooling the indoor room or space using an outside air as a thermal source (OA source) and is discharging the thermal energy storage device 24 (TES discharge). As shown in FIG. 3, when the system 10 is in the cooling (OA source, TES discharge) mode: the first reversing valve 20 is in the first position, the second reversing valve 30 is in the second position, the third reversing valve 46 is in the second position, and the fourth reversing valve 52 is in the first position. Furthermore, in the cooling (OA source, TES discharge) mode, the three-way valve 32 may be in the first position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to the heat exchange conduit 31 and fluid flow through the bypass conduit 33 is prevented).

[0100] Operation of the system 10 in the cooling (OA source, TES discharge) mode shown in FIG. 3 may be identical to operation of the system 10 in the cooling (OA source, TES charge) mode shown in FIG. 2, except in the cooling (OA source, TES discharge) mode, the first expansion valve 22 may be wide open (to allow free fluid flow therethrough) and the third expansion valve 34 may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop before flowing into the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. In this manner, the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24 can cool (absorb heat from) the first fluid as it flows through the conduit 38. In this manner, the thermal mass of the PCM can aid in cooling the first fluid before the first fluid gets to the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. This reduces the amount of work that the compressor 16 must do to provide the necessary cooling capacity for the system 10, thereby reducing energy consumption of the system 10.

[0101] Referring now to FIG. 4, another one of the cooling modes, which will be referred to as the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode, will be described. In this mode, the system 10 is cooling the indoor room or space using an outside air as a thermal source (OA source) and the first fluid is prevented from flowing through the conduit 38 of the thermal energy storage device 24 (no TES flow). As shown in FIG. 4, when the system 10 is in the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode: the first reversing valve 20 is in the first position, the second reversing valve 30 is in the first position, the third reversing valve 46 is in the second position, and the fourth reversing valve 52 is in the first position. Furthermore, in the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode, the three-way valve 32 may be in the first position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to the heat exchange conduit 31 and fluid flow through the bypass conduit 33 is prevented).

[0102] In the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode, the compressor 16 discharges the first fluid at a high pressure and high temperature. The high pressure, high temperature fluid flows from the compressor 16 to the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, where heat from the first fluid is transferred to the second fluid (e.g., water) in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. The water in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42 may flow to the hot water tank 44, which may store a volume of heated water. In the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode, the first pump 48 may circulate water in a closed loop that includes the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42, the hot water tank 44, the first port 68 of the third reversing valve 46, the second port 70 of the third reversing valve 46, and the first pump 48.

[0103] From the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, the first fluid may flow through the first and fourth ports 68, 74 of the first reversing valve 20 and through the second expansion valve 26 (which, in this mode, may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough) to the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28. In the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, the first fluid may be further cooled as heat from the first fluid is transferred to outdoor ambient air. From the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, the first fluid may flow through the fourth port 74 of the second reversing valve 30, through the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30, through the three-way valve 32, into the heat exchange conduit 31, through the third expansion valve 34 (which may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop) and into the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. The first fluid flows from the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 back to the compressor 16 (or to the accumulator 40 and then back to the compressor 16).

[0104] As described above with respect to other cooling modes, in the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode, fluid in the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 cools (absorbs heat from) the water in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56. In the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode, the second pump 54 circulates water in a closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second and third ports 70, 72 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third and fourth ports 72, 74 of the third reversing valve 46, the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50, the fourth and first ports 74, 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. The water flowing through the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50 cools (absorbs heat from) indoor air (i.e., air from a room or space of the building or home).

[0105] In the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode, the first fluid does not flow through the conduit 38 in the thermal energy storage device 24. That is, in this mode, a closed loop is formed in which there is no fluid flow. The closed loop include the conduit 38, second and third ports 70, 72 of the second reversing valve 30, the second and third ports 70, 72 of the first reversing valve 20, and the first expansion valve 22.

[0106] Referring now to FIG. 5, another one of the cooling modes, which will be referred to as the cooling (TES source, TES discharge) mode, will be described. In this mode, the system 10 is cooling the indoor room or space using the thermal energy storage device 24 as a thermal source (TES source) and is discharging the thermal energy storage device 24 (TES discharge). As shown in FIG. 5, when the system 10 is in the cooling (TES source, TES discharge) mode: the first reversing valve 20 is in the second position, the second reversing valve 30 is in the second position, the third reversing valve 46 is in the second position, and the fourth reversing valve 52 is in the first position. Furthermore, in the cooling (TES source, TES discharge) mode, the three-way valve 32 may be in the first position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to the heat exchange conduit 31 and fluid flow through the bypass conduit 33 is prevented).

[0107] In the cooling (TES source, TES discharge) mode, the compressor 16 discharges the first fluid at a high pressure and high temperature. The high pressure, high temperature fluid flows from the compressor 16 to the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, where heat from the first fluid is transferred to the second fluid (e.g., water) in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. The water in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42 may flow to the hot water tank 44, which may store a volume of heated water. In the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode, the first pump 48 may circulate water in a closed loop that includes the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42, the hot water tank 44, the first port 68 of the third reversing valve 46, the second port 70 of the third reversing valve 46, and the first pump 48.

[0108] From the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, the first fluid may flow through the first and second ports 68, 70 of the first reversing valve 20 and through the first expansion valve 22 (which, in this mode, may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough) through the conduit 38 of the thermal energy storage device 24. In the conduit 38, the first fluid may be further cooled as heat from the first fluid is transferred to PCM. In this manner, the thermal mass of the PCM can aid in cooling the first fluid before the first fluid gets to the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. This reduces the amount of work that the compressor 16 must do to provide the necessary cooling capacity for the system 10, thereby reducing energy consumption of the system 10.

[0109] From the conduit 38, the first fluid may flow through the second port 70 of the second reversing valve 30, through the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30, through the three-way valve 32, into the heat exchange conduit 31, through the third expansion valve 34 (which may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop) and into the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. The first fluid flows from the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 back to the compressor 16 (or to the accumulator 40 and then back to the compressor 16).

[0110] As described above with respect to other cooling modes, in the cooling (TES source, TES discharge) mode, fluid in the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 cools (absorbs heat from) the water in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56. In the cooling (TES source, TES discharge) mode, the second pump 54 circulates water in a closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second and third ports 70, 72 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third and fourth ports 72, 74 of the third reversing valve 46, the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50, the fourth and first ports 74, 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. The water flowing through the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50 cools (absorbs heat from) indoor air (i.e., air from a room or space of the building or home).

[0111] Referring now to FIG. 6, another mode, which will be referred to as the TES cool charge only mode, will be described. In this mode, the system 10 is not heating or cooling the indoor room or space. Rather, the system 10 is operating only to cool charge the thermal energy storage device 24 (i.e., to cool the PCM within the thermal energy storage device 24). As shown in FIG. 6, when the system 10 is in the TES cool charge only mode: the first reversing valve 20 is in the first position, the second reversing valve 30 is in the second position, and the three-way valve 32 is in the second position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to bypass conduit 33 and flow through the heat exchange conduit 31 is prevented). The third and fourth reversing valves 46, 52 can be in either position, as the second circuit 14 need not operate in the TES cool charge only mode. That is, in this mode, the first and second pumps 48, 54 may be shut down.

[0112] In the TES cool charge only mode, the compressor 16 discharges the first fluid at a high pressure and high temperature. The high pressure, high temperature fluid flows from the compressor 16 to the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18. From the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, the first fluid may flow through the first and fourth ports 68, 74 of the first reversing valve 20 and through the second expansion valve 26 (which, in this mode, may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough) to the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28. In the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, the first fluid may be cooled as heat from the first fluid is transferred to outdoor ambient air. From the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, the first fluid may flow through the fourth port 74 of the second reversing valve 30, through third port 72 of the second reversing valve 30, through the third port 72 of the first reversing valve 20, through the second port 70 of the first reversing valve 20, through the first expansion valve 22 (which may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop), and through the conduit 38 of the thermal energy storage device 24. The cold first fluid in the conduit 38 cools (cold charges) the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24. From the conduit 38, the first fluid flows through the second port 70 and first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30, through the three-way valve 32, through the bypass conduit 33 and back to the compressor 16 (or to the accumulator 40 and then back to the compressor 16).

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 7, one of the heating modes, which will be referred to as the heating (OA source, TES charge) mode, will be described. In this mode, the system 10 is heating the indoor room or space using an outside air as a thermal source (OA source) and is hot charging the thermal energy storage device 24 (TES charge). As shown in FIG. 7, when the system 10 is in the heating (OA source, TES charge) mode: the first reversing valve 20 is in the second position, the second reversing valve 30 is in the first position, the third reversing valve 46 is in the first position, and the fourth reversing valve 52 is in the second position. Furthermore, in the heating (OA source, TES charge) mode, the three-way valve 32 may be in the first position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to the heat exchange conduit 31 and fluid flow through the bypass conduit 33 is prevented).

[0114] In the heating (OA source, TES charge) mode, the compressor 16 discharges the first fluid at a high pressure and high temperature. The high pressure, high temperature fluid flows from the compressor 16 to the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, where heat from the first fluid is transferred to the second fluid (e.g., water) in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. The water in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42 may flow to the hot water tank 44, which may store a volume of heated water. In the heating (OA source, TES charge) mode, the first pump 48 may circulate water in a closed loop that includes the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42, the hot water tank 44, the first port 68 of the third reversing valve 46, the fourth port 74 of the third reversing valve 46, the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50, the fourth port 74 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third port 72 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third port 72 of the third reversing valve 46, the second port 70 of the third reversing valve 46, and the first pump 48. The water flowing through the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50 heats (transfers heat to) the indoor air (i.e., air from a room or space of the building or home).

[0115] From the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, the first fluid may flow through the first and second ports 68, 70 of the first reversing valve 20 and through the first expansion valve 22 (which, in this mode, may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough), through the conduit 38 of the thermal energy storage device 24. Heat is transferred from the first fluid in the conduit 38 to the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24. From the conduit 38, the first fluid flows through the second and third ports 70, 72 of the second reversing valve 30, through the third and fourth ports 72, 74 of the first reversing valve 20, through the second expansion valve 26 (which, in this mode, may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop), and through the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28. In the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, heat is transferred between the first fluid and the outdoor ambient air. From the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, the first fluid may flow through the fourth port 74 of the second reversing valve 30, through the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30, through the three-way valve 32, into the heat exchange conduit 31, through the third expansion valve 34 (which, in this mode, may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough) and into the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. The first fluid flows from the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 back to the compressor 16 (or to the accumulator 40 and then back to the compressor 16).

[0116] In the heating (OA source, TES charge) mode shown in FIG. 7, the second pump 54 may be shut down such that water does not circulate within a closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second port 70 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the first port 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. However, as shown in FIG. 11, the system 10 is operable in a heating (OA source, TES charge, freeze protection) mode, which may be identical to the heating (OA source, TES charge) mode, except in the heating (OA source, TES charge, freeze protection) mode, the second pump 54 operates to circulate water through the closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second port 70 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the first port 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. Furthermore, in the heating (OA source, TES charge, freeze protection) mode, the three-way valve 32 is in the second position to allow flow through the bypass conduit 33 and prevent flow through the heat exchange conduit 31 and the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. In this manner, the water flowing through the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56 helps to prevent freezing of the second fluid in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56. The system 10 may operate in the heating (OA source, TES charge, freeze protection) mode if the outdoor air temperature is low enough to cause freezing of the second fluid in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56.

[0117] Referring now to FIG. 8, another one of the heating modes, which will be referred to as the heating (OA source, TES discharge) mode, will be described. In this mode, the system 10 is heating the indoor room or space using an outside air as a thermal source (OA source) and is discharging the thermal energy storage device 24 (TES discharge). As shown in FIG. 8, when the system 10 is in the heating (OA source, TES discharge) mode: the first reversing valve 20 is in the first position, the second reversing valve 30 is in the second position, the third reversing valve 46 is in the first position, and the fourth reversing valve 52 is in the second position. Furthermore, in the heating (OA source, TES discharge) mode, the three-way valve 32 may be in the first position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to the heat exchange conduit 31 and fluid flow through the bypass conduit 33 is prevented).

[0118] In the heating (OA source, TES discharge) mode, the compressor 16 discharges the first fluid at a high pressure and high temperature. The high pressure, high temperature fluid flows from the compressor 16 to the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, where heat from the first fluid is transferred to the second fluid (e.g., water) in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. The water in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42 may flow to the hot water tank 44, which may store a volume of heated water. In the heating (OA source, TES discharge) mode, the first pump 48 may circulate water in a closed loop that includes the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42, the hot water tank 44, the first port 68 of the third reversing valve 46, the fourth port 74 of the third reversing valve 46, the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50, the fourth port 74 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third port 72 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third port 72 of the third reversing valve 46, the second port 70 of the third reversing valve 46, and the first pump 48. The water flowing through the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50 heats (transfers heat to) the indoor air (i.e., air from a room or space of the building or home).

[0119] From the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, the first fluid may flow through the first and fourth ports 68, 74 of the first reversing valve 20 and through the second expansion valve 26 (which, in this mode, may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop), through the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28. Heat is transferred between outdoor ambient air and the first fluid in the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28. From the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, the first fluid flows through the fourth and third ports 74, 72 of the second reversing valve 30, through the third and second ports 72, 70 of the first reversing valve 20, through the first expansion valve 22 (which, in this mode, may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough), and through the conduit 38 of the thermal energy storage device 24. In the conduit 38, heat is transferred from the PCM to the first fluid. In this manner, the thermal mass of the PCM can aid in heating the first fluid before the first fluid. This reduces the amount of work that the compressor 16 must do to provide the necessary heating capacity for the system 10, thereby reducing energy consumption of the system 10.

[0120] From the conduit 38, the first fluid may flow through the second port 70 of the second reversing valve 30, through the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30, through the three-way valve 32, into the heat exchange conduit 31, through the third expansion valve 34 (which, in this mode, may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough) and into the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. The first fluid flows from the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 back to the compressor 16 (or to the accumulator 40 and then back to the compressor 16).

[0121] In the heating (OA source, TES discharge) mode shown in FIG. 8, the second pump 54 may be shut down such that water does not circulate within a closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second port 70 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the first port 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the system 10 is operable in a heating (OA source, TES discharge, freeze protection) mode, which may be identical to the heating (OA source, TES discharge) mode, except in the heating (OA source, TES discharge, freeze protection) mode, the second pump 54 operates to circulate water through the closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second port 70 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the first port 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. Furthermore, in the heating (OA source, TES discharge, freeze protection) mode, the three-way valve 32 is in the second position to allow flow through the bypass conduit 33 and prevent flow through the heat exchange conduit 31 and the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. In this manner, the water flowing through the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56 helps to prevent freezing of the second fluid in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56. The system 10 may operate in the heating (OA source, TES discharge, freeze protection) mode if the outdoor air temperature is low enough to cause freezing of the second fluid in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56.

[0122] Referring now to FIG. 9, another one of the heating modes, which will be referred to as the heating (OA source, no TES flow) mode, will be described. In this mode, the system 10 is heating the indoor room or space using an outside air as a thermal source (OA source) and the first fluid is prevented from flowing through the conduit 38 of the thermal energy storage device 24 (no TES flow). As shown in FIG. 9, when the system 10 is in the heating (OA source, no TES flow) mode: the first reversing valve 20 is in the first position, the second reversing valve 30 is in the first position, the third reversing valve 46 is in the first position, and the fourth reversing valve 52 is in the second position. Furthermore, in the heating (OA source, no TES flow) mode, the three-way valve 32 may be in the first position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to the heat exchange conduit 31 and fluid flow through the bypass conduit 33 is prevented).

[0123] In the heating (OA source, no TES flow) mode, the compressor 16 discharges the first fluid at a high pressure and high temperature. The high pressure, high temperature fluid flows from the compressor 16 to the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, where heat from the first fluid is transferred to the second fluid (e.g., water) in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. The water in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42 may flow to the hot water tank 44, which may store a volume of heated water. In the heating (OA source, no TES flow) mode, the first pump 48 may circulate water in a closed loop that includes the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42, the hot water tank 44, the first port 68 of the third reversing valve 46, the fourth port 74 of the third reversing valve 46, the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50, the fourth port 74 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third port 72 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third port 72 of the third reversing valve 46, the second port 70 of the third reversing valve 46, and the first pump 48. The water flowing through the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50 heats (transfers heat to) the indoor air (i.e., air from a room or space of the building or home).

[0124] From the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, the first fluid may flow through the first and fourth ports 68, 74 of the first reversing valve 20 and through the second expansion valve 26 (which, in this mode, may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop), through the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28. Heat is transferred between outdoor ambient air and the first fluid in the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28. From the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, the first fluid flows through the fourth and first ports 74, 68 of the second reversing valve 30, through the three-way valve 32, into the heat exchange conduit 31, through the third expansion valve 34 (which may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough) and into the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. The first fluid flows from the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 back to the compressor 16 (or to the accumulator 40 and then back to the compressor 16).

[0125] In the heating (OA source, no TES flow) mode, the first fluid does not flow through the conduit 38 in the thermal energy storage device 24. That is, in this mode, a closed loop is formed in which there is no fluid flow. The closed loop include the conduit 38, second and third ports 70, 72 of the second reversing valve 30, the second and third ports 70, 72 of the first reversing valve 20, and the first expansion valve 22.

[0126] In the heating (OA source, no TES flow) mode shown in FIG. 9, the second pump 54 may be shut down such that water does not circulate within a closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second port 70 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the first port 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. However, as shown in FIG. 13, the system 10 is operable in a heating (OA source, no TES flow, freeze protection) mode, which may be identical to the heating (OA source, no TES flow) mode, except in the heating (OA source, no TES flow, freeze protection) mode, the second pump 54 operates to circulate water through the closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second port 70 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the first port 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. Furthermore, in the heating (OA source, no TES flow, freeze protection) mode, the three-way valve 32 is in the second position to allow flow through the bypass conduit 33 and prevent flow through the heat exchange conduit 31 and the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. In this manner, the water flowing through the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56 helps to prevent freezing of the second fluid in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56. The system 10 may operate in the heating (OA source, no TES flow, freeze protection) mode if the outdoor air temperature is low enough to cause freezing of the second fluid in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56.

[0127] Referring now to FIG. 10, another one of the heating modes, which will be referred to as the heating (TES source, TES discharge) mode, will be described. In this mode, the system 10 is heating the indoor room or space using the thermal energy storage device 24 as a thermal source (TES source) and is discharging the thermal energy storage device 24 (TES discharge). As shown in FIG. 10, when the system 10 is in the heating (TES source, TES discharge) mode: the first reversing valve 20 is in the second position, the second reversing valve 30 is in the second position, the third reversing valve 46 is in the first position, and the fourth reversing valve 52 is in the second position. Furthermore, in the heating (TES source, TES discharge) mode, the three-way valve 32 may be in the first position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to the heat exchange conduit 31 and fluid flow through the bypass conduit 33 is prevented).

[0128] In the heating (TES source, TES discharge) mode, the compressor 16 discharges the first fluid at a high pressure and high temperature. The high pressure, high temperature fluid flows from the compressor 16 to the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, where heat from the first fluid is transferred to the second fluid (e.g., water) in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42. The water in the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42 may flow to the hot water tank 44, which may store a volume of heated water. In the heating (TES source, TES discharge) mode, the first pump 48 may circulate water in a closed loop that includes the first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 42, the hot water tank 44, the first port 68 of the third reversing valve 46, the fourth port 74 of the third reversing valve 46, the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50, the fourth port 74 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third port 72 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the third port 72 of the third reversing valve 46, the second port 70 of the third reversing valve 46, and the first pump 48. The water flowing through the second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 50 heats (transfers heat to) the indoor air (i.e., air from a room or space of the building or home).

[0129] From the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, the first fluid may flow through the first and second ports 68, 70 of the first reversing valve 20 and through the first expansion valve 22 (which, in this mode, may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop), through conduit 38. Heat is transferred from the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24 to the first fluid in the conduit 38. In this manner, the thermal mass of the PCM can aid in heating the first fluid, which reduces the amount of work that the compressor 16 must do to provide the necessary heating capacity for the system 10, thereby reducing energy consumption of the system 10.

[0130] From the conduit 38, the first fluid may flow through the second port 70 of the second reversing valve 30, through the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30, through the three-way valve 32, into the heat exchange conduit 31, through the third expansion valve 34 (which may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop) and into the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. The first fluid flows from the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35 back to the compressor 16 (or to the accumulator 40 and then back to the compressor 16).

[0131] In the heating (TES source, TES discharge) mode, the first fluid does not flow through the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28. That is, in this mode, a closed loop is formed in which there is no fluid flow. The closed loop includes the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, third and fourth ports 72, 74 of the second reversing valve 30, the third and fourth ports 72, 74 of the first reversing valve 20, and the second expansion valve 26.

[0132] In the heating (TES source, TES discharge) mode shown in FIG. 10, the second pump 54 may be shut down such that water does not circulate within a closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second port 70 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the first port 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the system 10 is operable in a heating (TES source, TES discharge, freeze protection) mode, which may be identical to the heating (TES source, TES discharge) mode, except in the heating (TES source, TES discharge, freeze protection) mode, the second pump 54 operates to circulate water through the closed loop including the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56, the cold water tank 58, the second port 70 of the fourth reversing valve 52, the first port 68 of the fourth reversing valve 52, and the second pump 54. Furthermore, in the heating (TES source, TES discharge, freeze protection) mode, the three-way valve 32 is in the second position to allow flow through the bypass conduit 33 and prevent flow through the heat exchange conduit 31 and the third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 35. In this manner, the water flowing through the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56 helps to prevent freezing of the second fluid in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56. The system 10 may operate in the heating (TES source, TES discharge, freeze protection) mode if the outdoor air temperature is low enough to cause freezing of the second fluid in the third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 56.

[0133] Referring now to FIG. 15, another mode, which will be referred to as the TES heat charge only mode, will be described. In this mode, the system 10 is not heating or cooling the indoor room or space. Rather, the system 10 is operating only to heat charge the thermal energy storage device 24 (i.e., to heat the PCM within the thermal energy storage device 24). As shown in FIG. 15, when the system 10 is in the TES heat charge only mode: the first reversing valve 20 is in the second position, the second reversing valve 30 is in the first position, and the three-way valve 32 is in the second position (in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first port 68 of the second reversing valve 30 to bypass conduit 33 and flow through the heat exchange conduit 31 is prevented). The third and fourth reversing valves 46, 52 can be in either position, as the second circuit 14 need not operate in the TES heat charge only mode. That is, in this mode, the first and second pumps 48, 54 may be shut down.

[0134] In the TES heat charge only mode, the compressor 16 discharges the first fluid at a high pressure and high temperature. The high pressure, high temperature fluid flows from the compressor 16 to the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18. From the first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 18, the first fluid may flow through the first and second ports 68, 70 of the first reversing valve 20 and through the first expansion valve 22 (which, in this mode, may be wide open to allow free flow therethrough) to the conduit 38 of the thermal energy storage device 24. In the conduit 38, the first fluid may heat the PCM within the thermal energy storage device 24. From the conduit 38, the first fluid may flow through the second and third ports 70, 72 of the second reversing valve 30, through third and fourth ports 72, 74 of the first reversing valve 20, through the second expansion valve 26 (which, in this mode, may be controlled to cause pressure and temperature of the first fluid to drop), through the second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 28, through the fourth and first ports 74, 68 of the second reversing valve 30, through the bypass conduit 33 and back to the compressor 16 (or to the accumulator 40 and then back to the compressor 16).

[0135] Referring now to FIG. 16, a method 100 of operating the system 10 (i.e., a method of determining in which of the modes the control module will operate the system 10) will be described.

[0136] At step 110, the control module determines (e.g., based on a thermostat setting and/or a measured outdoor air temperature) whether the system 10 is in (or should be switched to) a heating setting (in which the system 10 is operable in one of the heating modes or in the TES heat charge only mode) or a cooling setting (in which the system 10 is operable in one of the cooling modes or in the TES cool charge only mode). If, at step 110, the control module determines that the system 10 is in a heating setting, the control module may (at step 112) determine if there is a heating demand (i.e., whether the temperature of the air in an indoor space or room (e.g., as measured by the thermostat) is below a setpoint temperature). If the control module determines at step 112 that there is not a demand for heating, the control module may (at step 114) operate the system 10 in the TES heating charge only mode (FIG. 15) if the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24 is not already fully charged. In some configurations, the control module may delay initiating step 114 during periods of high electrical energy costs and/or if electrical power availability is limited.

[0137] If the control module determines at step 112 that there is a demand for heating, the control module may (at step 116) determine if electrical demand is limited (i.e., whether electrical energy availability is limited and/or whether electrical energy costs are at or near peak). If electrical demand is limited, the control module may (at step 118) operate the system 10 in the heat (TES source, TES discharge) mode (FIG. 10) or in the heat (TES source, TES discharge, freeze protection) mode (FIG. 14). As noted above, the heating (TES source, TES discharge) mode may consume less energy than other heating modes.

[0138] If the control module determines at step 116 that electrical demand is not limited, the control module may (at step 120) determine whether the system 10 is producing more heating capacity than is needed to satisfy the heating demand. If the control module determines at step 120 that the system 10 is producing more heating capacity than is needed, then the control module may determine (at step 122) whether the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24 is fully charged. If the control module determines at step 122 that the thermal energy storage device 24 is not fully charged, then the control module may (at step 124) operate the system 10 in the heating (OA source, TES charge) mode (FIG. 7) or in the heating (OA source, TES charge, freeze protection) mode (FIG. 11). If the control module determines at step 122 that the thermal energy storage device 24 is fully charged, then the control module may (at step 126) operate the system 10 in the heating (OA source, no TES flow) mode or in the heating (OA source, no TES flow, freeze protection) mode.

[0139] If the control module determines at step 120 that the system 10 is not producing more heating capacity than is needed, then the control module may determine (at step 128) whether the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24 is fully discharged. If the control module determines at step 128 that the thermal energy storage device 24 is not fully discharged, then the control module may (at step 130) operate the system 10 in the heating (OA source, TES discharge) mode (FIG. 8) or in the heating (OA source, TES discharge, freeze protection) mode (FIG. 12). If the control module determines at step 128 that the thermal energy storage device 24 is fully discharged, then the control module may (at step 126) operate the system 10 in the heating (OA source, no TES flow) mode (FIG. 9) or in the heating (OA source, no TES flow, freeze protection) mode (FIG. 13).

[0140] If, at step 110, the control module determines that the system 10 is in a cooling setting, the control module may (at step 132) determine if there is a cooling demand (i.e., whether the temperature of the air in an indoor space or room (e.g., as measured by the thermostat) is above a setpoint temperature). If the control module determines at step 132 that there is not a demand for cooling, the control module may (at step 114) operate the system 10 in the TES cooling charge only mode (FIG. 6) if the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24 is not already fully charged. In some configurations, the control module may delay initiating step 114 during periods of high electrical energy costs and/or if electrical power availability is limited.

[0141] If the control module determines at step 132 that there is a demand for cooling, the control module may (at step 134) determine if electrical demand is limited (i.e., whether electrical energy availability is limited and/or whether electrical energy costs are at or near peak). If electrical demand is limited, the control module may (at step 136) operate the system 10 in the cooling (TES source, TES discharge) mode (FIG. 5). As noted above, the cooling (TES source, TES discharge) mode may consume less energy than other cooling modes.

[0142] If the control module determines at step 134 that electrical demand is not limited, the control module may (at step 138) determine whether the system 10 is producing more cooling capacity than is needed to satisfy the cooling demand. If the control module determines at step 138 that the system 10 is producing more cooling capacity than is needed, then the control module may determine (at step 146) whether the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24 is fully charged. If the control module determines at step 146 that the thermal energy storage device 24 is not fully charged, then the control module may (at step 148) operate the system 10 in the cooling (OA source, TES charge) mode (FIG. 2). If the control module determines at step 146 that the thermal energy storage device 24 is fully charged, then the control module may (at step 144) operate the system 10 in the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode (FIG. 4).

[0143] If the control module determines at step 138 that the system 10 is not producing more cooling capacity than is needed, then the control module may determine (at step 140) whether the PCM in the thermal energy storage device 24 is fully discharged. If the control module determines at step 140 that the thermal energy storage device 24 is not fully discharged, then the control module may (at step 142) operate the system 10 in the cooling (OA source, TES discharge) mode (FIG. 3). If the control module determines at step 140 that the thermal energy storage device 24 is fully discharged, then the control module may (at step 144) operate the system 10 in the cooling (OA source, no TES flow) mode (FIG. 4).

[0144] Referring now to FIG. 17, another climate-control system (e.g., a heat pump system) 210 is provided. The structure and function of the system 210 may be similar or identical to that of the system 10 described above. Like the system 10, the system 210 includes a first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit may include a compressor 216, a first outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 218, a first expansion valve 222, a thermal energy storage device 224, a second expansion valve 226, a second outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 228, a third expansion valve 234, a fourth expansion valve 237, a bypass valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) 239, and a third outdoor heat-exchanger conduit 235. The second fluid circuit may include a first indoor heat-exchanger conduit 242, a hot water tank 244, a first reversing valve 246, a first pump 248, a second indoor heat-exchanger conduit 250, a second reversing valve 252, a second pump 254, and third indoor heat-exchanger conduit 256, and a cold water tank 258. The system 210 may be operable in some or all of the same modes as the system 10 described above.

[0145] In this application, including the definitions below, the term “module,” the term “control module,” or the term “controller” may be replaced with the term “circuit.” The term “module” may refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.

[0146] The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces that are connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a controller area network (CAN), or combinations thereof. The functionality of any given module of the present disclosure may be distributed among multiple modules that are connected via interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow load balancing. In a further example, a server (also known as remote, or cloud) module may accomplish some functionality on behalf of a client module.

[0147] The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and/or objects. The term shared processor circuit encompasses a single processor circuit that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term group processor circuit encompasses a processor circuit that, in combination with additional processor circuits, executes some or all code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuits encompass multiple processor circuits on discrete dies, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term shared memory circuit encompasses a single memory circuit that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term group memory circuit encompasses a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all code from one or more modules.

[0148] The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium, as used herein, does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); the term computer-readable medium may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium are nonvolatile memory circuits (such as a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory circuit, or a mask read-only memory circuit), volatile memory circuits (such as a static random access memory circuit or a dynamic random access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).

[0149] The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general purpose computer to execute one or more particular functions embodied in computer programs. The functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications, which can be translated into the computer programs by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

[0150] The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include or rely on stored data. The computer programs may encompass a basic input/output system (BIOS) that interacts with hardware of the special purpose computer, device drivers that interact with particular devices of the special purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0151] The computer programs may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (hypertext markup language), XML (extensible markup language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) (ii) assembly code, (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler, (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter, (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time compiler, etc. As examples only, source code may be written using syntax from languages including C, C++, C#, Objective C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, Javascript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and Python®.

[0152] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.