Vapor compression system with thermal energy storage

Abstract

A system is provided including a vapor compression cycle. The vapor compression cycle includes an operably coupled compressor, condenser, first expansion device, and evaporator through which a refrigerant circulates. A thermal energy storage unit includes a heat exchanger arranged within a phase change material. The heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the vapor compression cycle with a plurality of conduits and valves such that refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger in a heat transfer relationship with the phase change material. When the system is in a first mode, the heat exchanger is configured to function similar to the evaporator and the phase change material is configured to store thermal energy. When the system is in a second mode, the heat exchanger is configured to function similar to the condenser and the phase change material is configured to release thermal energy.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.