Phase change material-based enhancement for reversed-cycle defrosting in vapour compression refrigeration systems

A thermal energy storage system in the form of a reverse-cycle defrosting vapour compression system suitable for use with systems adapted to transfer heat from at least one heat source to at least one heat sink (heat transfer system), wherein said thermal energy storage system comprises:

• at least two thermal energy storage units
• comprising a thermal store comprising a heat exchanger with phase change material;
• a primary coil of the heat exchanger dedicated for use with refrigerant fluids and adapted for inter-connection to both a condenser and a pressure-lowering device for use with a heat transfer system;
• a secondary coil of the heat exchanger dedicated for use with heat transfer fluids and adapted to exchange heat with the phase change material, wherein said primary coil and secondary coil are surrounded by the phase change material;
• one or more evaporators, wherein said at least two thermal energy storage units include means for connection to one-another, and/or to one or more components of a heat transfer system;
• and
• at least one of the at least two thermal energy storage units is positioned between the condenser and an expansion valve;
• and
• a bypass capable of bypassing the condenser, allowing during a defrosting stage energy to be only taken from the at least two thermal energy storage units,
• wherein the thermal energy storage system provides detection for a detection and management of frosting conditions and the detection is provided by a plurality of sensors for the measurement of temperature, pressure, and power at points within said system.