Optimal control system for refrigeration-coupled thermal energy storage

Abstract

A refrigeration-coupled thermal energy storage control system includes apparatus and methodology for establishing target cooling and heating storage conditions, and selecting between cooling and heating modes, based upon outdoor temperature history, and for operating the system until the target storage conditions are achieved. In the cooling mode, cooling storage quantity increases with increases in outdoor temperature, and in the heating mode heating storage quantity increases with decreases in outdoor temperature. The system further includes apparatus and methodology for biasing operation of cooling, heating and domestic hot water production modes during off-peak periods, rather than during one-peak periods. The system incorporates logic for fan coil pump seasonal interlocking, outdoor heat exchanger fan operation, outdoor heat exchanger coil defrosting, and compressor crankcase heater operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.