Modular evaporator and thermal energy storage system for chillers

A modular direct expansion evaporator comprising:

• a first module;
• a second module;
• a direct expansion cold plate comprised of two substantially flat face surfaces, two vertical edge surfaces and a horizontal top and bottom;
• a first end plate;
• and
• a second end plate;
• wherein the first and the second modules each comprise frames, the frames adapted to be compressed between the first end plate and the second end plate, with the direct expansion cold plate situated in between, in such a manner that a liquid tight vessel is formed;
• wherein each of the frames includes liquid heat transfer medium supply ducts arranged horizontally and running perpendicular to the face plane of the direct expansion cold plate and intersecting the face plane of the frames such that each of the liquid heat transfer medium supply ducts is in fluid communication with an intersecting liquid heat transfer medium header arranged vertically, and running parallel to the vertical edge surfaces of the direct expansion cold plate inside the frame, each of the liquid heat transfer medium headers in fluid communication with nozzles directed at face surfaces of the direct expansion cold plate;
• wherein each of the frames further comprises liquid heat transfer medium drain pass ways running perpendicular to the face surfaces of the direct expansion cold plate in fluid communication with drain openings on internal surfaces of the frame;
• wherein each of the frames further comprises refrigerant pass ways running perpendicular to the face surfaces of the direct expansion cold plate in fluid communication with refrigerant half-headers located on opposite face sides of each of the respective frames;
• wherein, when the first module and the second module are compressed together, corresponding refrigerant half-headers on adjacent face sides form either liquid refrigerant headers or suction refrigerant headers, corresponding liquid heat transfer medium supply ducts form a liquid heat transfer medium supply manifold, corresponding liquid heat transfer medium drain pass ways form a liquid heat transfer medium drain manifold, and corresponding refrigerant pass ways form either a liquid refrigerant manifold or a suction refrigerant manifold, and
• wherein the liquid refrigerant headers and suction refrigerant headers are in fluidic communication with the direct expansion cold plate.