Regenerative adsorbent heat pump

Claim 2

A regenerative sorbent heat pump process for cooling an interior space and for simultaneously regenerating at least a portion of the heat of adsorption comprising: (a) confining a sorbent in a plurality of compressor zones, the number of compressor zones being at least four; (b) introducing a working fluid vapor from an evaporation zone into at least one of the number of compressor zones and sorbing the working fluid vapor on the sorbent therein over a predetermined first temperature range and a predetermined first pressure or P L ; (c) desorbing working fluid vapor from the sorbent in at least one of the remaining number of compressor zones and removing working fluid vapor therefrom over a predetermined second temperature range which is higher than the predetermined first temperature range and at a predetermined second pressure or P H which is higher than the predetermined first pressure, a part of the predetermined first temperature range overlapping a part of the predetermined second temperature range; (d) condensing working fluid vapor removed from said at least one of the remaining number of the compressor zones at P H and transferring heat from the working fluid to the environment thereby forming a working fluid liquid; (e) evaporating the working fluid liquid and forming the working fluid vapor in the evaporation zone at P L by transferring heat from an interior space to the evaporation zone thereby cooling the interior space; (f) circulating a heat transfer fluid in series flow through the compressor zones and preventing the heat transfer fluid from directly contacting the sorbent; (g) removing heat from the heat transfer fluid and transferring it to the environment; (h) adding heat from a heat source to a predetermined one of the compressor zones over a predetermined period of time; (i) repeating step (h) sequentially in each of the compressor zones; (j) indirectly transferring heat from the sorbent in the compressor zones which are sorbing working fluid vapor to the heat transfer fluid and from the heat transfer fluid to the sorbent in the compressor zones which are desorbing working fluid vapor thereby regenerating heat; and, (k) maintaining the P H /P L ratio sufficiently low so that at least a portion of the heat of adsorption is regenerated.

Claim 3

The process of claim 1, further comprising maintaining the P H /P L ratio between about 1.1 and about 10.

Claim 4

The process of claim 1, further comprising maintaining the P H /P L ratio between about 1.1 and about 5.

Claim 5

The process of claim 1, further comprising maintaining the P H /P L ratio between about 1.1 and about 3.

Claim 6

The process of claim 1, further comprising maintaining the P H /P L ratio sufficiently low that about 25% of the heat of adsorption is regenerated.

Claim 7

The process of claim 1, further comprising maintaining the P H /P L ratio sufficiently low that about 50% of the heat of adsorption is regenerated.

Claim 8

The process of claim 1, further comprising maintaining the P H /P L ratio sufficiently low that about 70% of the heat of adsorption is regenerated.

Claim 9

The process of claim 1, further comprising maintaining the P H /P L ratio sufficiently low that about 100% of the heat of adsorption is regenerated.

Claim 10

The process of claim 1, wherein the predetermined first temperature range is from at least about -18° C. to no more than about 204° C., wherein the predetermined second temperature range is from at least about 38° C. to no more than about 427° C., and, wherein the predetermined first and predetermined second temperature ranges overlap at least about 28 Celsius degrees.

Claim 11

The process of claim 1, wherein the predetermined first temperature range is from at least about -18° C. to no more than about 204° C., wherein the predetermined second temperature range is from at least about 38° C. to no more than about 316° C., and, wherein the predetermined first and predetermined second temperature ranges overlap at least about 56 Celsius degrees.

Claim 12

The process of claim 1, wherein the predetermined first temperature range is from at least about -18° C. to no more than about 204° C., wherein the predetermined second temperature range is from at least about 38° C. to no more than about 260° C., and, wherein the predetermined first and predetermined second temperature ranges overlap at least about 56 Celsius degrees.

Claim 13

The process of claim 1, wherein the predetermined first temperature range is from at least about 10° C. to no more than about 177° C., wherein the predetermined second temperature range is from at least about 38° C. to no more than about 232° C., and, wherein the predetermined first and predetermined second temperature ranges overlap at least about 83 Celsius degrees.

Claim 14

The process of claim 1, wherein the working fluid is selected from the group consisting of fluorine substituted ethanes, and, fluorine and chlorine substituted ethanes.

Claim 15

The process of claim 1, wherein the working fluid is selected from the group consisting of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, ammonia, and water.

Claim 16

The process of claim 1, wherein the sorbent is selected from the group consisting of activated carbons, zeolites, silica gels and alumina.

Claim 17

A regenerative sorbent heat pump process for cooling an interior space and for simultaneously regenerating at least a portion of the heat of adsorption comprising: confining a sorbent in a plurality of compressor zones, the number of compressor zones being at least four; (b) continuously introducing a working fluid vapor from an evaporation zone into at least one of the number of compressor zones and sorbing the working fluid vapor on the sorbent therein over a predetermined first temperature range and a predetermined first pressure or P L ; (c) continuously desorbing working fluid vapor from the sorbent in at least one of the remaining number of compressor zones and removing working fluid vapor therefrom over a predetermined second temperature range which is higher than the predetermined first temperature range and at a predetermined second pressure or P H which is higher than the predetermined first pressure, a part of the predetermined first temperature range overlapping a part of the predetermined second temperature range; (d) continuously condensing working fluid vapor removed from said at least one of the remaining number of the compressor zones at P H and transferring heat from the working fluid to the environment thereby forming a working fluid liquid; (e) continuously evaporating the working fluid liquid and forming the working fluid vapor in the evaporation zone at P L by transferring heat from an interior space to the evaporation zone thereby cooling the interior space; (f) continuously circulating a heat transfer fluid in series flow through the compressor zones and preventing the heat transfer fluid from directly contacting the sorbent; (g) continuously removing heat from the heat transfer fluid before it flows to a predetermined one of the compressor zones and transferring the removed heat to the environment; (h) repeating step (g) sequentially for each of the compressor zones; (i) adding heat from a heat source to a predetermined one of the compressor zones over a predetermined period of time; (j) repeating step (i) sequentially in each of the compressor zones; (k) continuously indirectly transferring heat from the sorbent in the compressor zones which are sorbing working fluid vapor to the heat transfer fluid and from the heat transfer fluid to the sorbent in the compressor zones which are desorbing working fluid vapor thereby regenerating heat; and, (l) maintaining the P H /P L ratio sufficiently low so that at least a portion of the heat of adsorption is regenerated.

Claim 18

A regenerative sorbent heat pump process for cooling an interior space and for simultaneously regenerating at least a portion of the heat of adsorption comprising: confining a sorbent in a plurality of compressor zones, the number of compressor zones being at least four; (b) continuously introducing a working fluid vapor from an evaporation zone into at least one of the number of compressor zones and sorbing the working fluid vapor on the sorbent therein over a predetermined first temperature range and a predetermined first pressure or P L ; (c) continuously desorbing working fluid vapor from the sorbent in at least one of the remaining number of compressor zones and removing working fluid vapor therefrom over a predetermined second temperature range which is higher than the predetermined first temperature range and at a predetermined second pressure or P H which is higher than the predetermined first pressure, a part of the predetermined first temperature range overlapping a part of the predetermined second temperature range; (d) continuously condensing working fluid vapor removed from said at least one of the remaining number of the compressor zones at P H and transferring heat from the working fluid to the environment thereby forming a working fluid liquid; (e) continuously evaporating the working fluid liquid and forming the working fluid vapor in the evaporation zone at P L by transferring heat from an interior space to the evaporation zone thereby cooling the interior space; (f) continuously circulating a heat transfer fluid in series flow through the compressor zones and preventing the heat transfer fluid from directly contacting the sorbent; (g) continuously removing heat from the heat transfer fluid before it flows to a predetermined one of the compressor zones and transferring the removed heat to the environment; (h) repeating step (g) sequentially for each of the compressor zones; (i) adding heat from a heat source to a predetermined one of the compressor zones over a predetermined period of time; (j) repeating step (i) sequentially in each of the compressor zones; (k) continuously indirectly transferring heat from the sorbent in the compressor zones which are sorbing working fluid vapor to the heat transfer fluid and from the heat transfer fluid to the sorbent in the compressor zones which are desorbing working fluid vapor thereby regenerating heat; and, (l) maintaining the P H /P L ratio sufficiently low so that at least a portion of the heat of adsorption is regenerated.

Claim 19

A regenerative sorbent heat pump process for cooling an interior space and for simultaneously regenerating at least a portion of the heat of adsorption comprising: (a) confining a sorbent in a plurality of compressor zones, the number of compressor zones being at least four; (b) continuously introducing a working fluid vapor from an evaporation zone into at least one of the number of compressor zones and sorbing the working fluid vapor on the sorbent therein over a predetermined first temperature range and a predetermined first pressure or P L ; (c) continuously desorbing working fluid vapor from the sorbent in at least one of the remaining number of compressor zones and removing working fluid vapor therefrom over a predetermined second temperature range which is higher than the predetermined first temperature range and at a predetermined second pressure or P H which is higher than the predetermined first pressure, a part of the predetermined first temperature range overlapping a part of the predetermined second temperature range; (d) continuously condensing working fluid vapor removed from said at least one of the remaining number of the compressor zones at P H and transferring heat from the working fluid to the environment thereby forming a working fluid liquid; (e) continuously evaporating the working fluid liquid and forming the working fluid vapor in the evaporation zone at P L by transferring heat from an interior space to the evaporation zone thereby cooling the interior space; (f) continuously circulating a first heat transfer fluid in series flow through the compressor zones and preventing the first heat transfer fluid from directly contacting the sorbent; (g) continuously indirectly transferring heat from the first heat transfer fluid before it flows to a predetermined one of the compressor zones to a second heat transfer fluid; (h) continuously removing heat from a second heat transfer fluid and transferring it to the environment; (i) adding heat from a heat source to a predetermined one of the compressor zones over a predetermined period of time; (j) repeating step (i) sequentially in each of the compressor zones; (k) continuously indirectly transferring heat from the sorbent in the compressor zones which are sorbing working fluid vapor to the first heat transfer fluid and from the first heat transfer fluid to the sorbent in the compressor zones which are desorbing working fluid vapor thereby regenerating heat; and, (l) maintaining the P H /P L ratio sufficiently low so that at least a portion of the heat of adsorption is regenerated.

Claim 20

A regenerative sorbent heat pump process for cooling an interior space and for simultaneously regenerating at least a portion of the heat of adsorption comprising: (a) confining a sorbent in a plurality of compressor zones, the number of compressor zones being at least four; (b) continuously introducing a working fluid vapor from an evaporation zone into at least one of the number of compressor zones and sorbing the working fluid vapor on the sorbent therein over a predetermined first temperature range and a predetermined first pressure or P L ; (c) continuously desorbing working fluid vapor from the sorbent in at least one of the remaining number of compressor zones and removing working fluid vapor therefrom over a predetermined second temperature range which is higher than the predetermined first temperature range and at a predetermined second pressure or P H which is higher than the predetermined first pressure, a part of the predetermined first temperature range overlapping a part of the predetermined second temperature range; (d) continuously condensing working fluid vapor removed from said at least one of the remaining number of the compressor zones at P H and transferring heat from the working fluid to the environment thereby forming a working fluid liquid; (e) continuously evaporating the working fluid liquid and forming the working fluid vapor in the evaporation zone at P L by transferring heat from an interior space to the evaporation zone thereby cooling the interior space; (f) continuously circulating a first heat transfer fluid in series flow through the compressor zones and preventing the first heat transfer fluid from directly contacting the sorbent; (g) continuously indirectly transferring heat from the first heat transfer fluid before it flows to a predetermined one of the compressor zones to a second heat transfer fluid; (h) continuously removing heat from a second heat transfer fluid and transferring it to the environment; (i) adding heat from a heat source to a predetermined one of the compressor zones over a predetermined period of time; (j) repeating step (i) sequentially in each of the compressor zones; (k) continuously indirectly transferring heat from the sorbent in the compressor zones which are sorbing working fluid vapor to the first heat transfer fluid and from the first heat transfer fluid to the sorbent in the compressor zones which are desorbing working fluid vapor thereby regenerating heat; and, (l) maintaining the P H /P L ratio sufficiently low so that at least a portion of the heat of adsorption is regenerated.

Claim 21

The process of claim 17, further comprising repeating step (g) sequentially for each of the compressor zones.

Claim 22

The process of claim 17, wherein adding heat from a heat source to a predetermined one of the compressor zones over a predetermined period of time is performed by adding heat to a third heat transfer fluid, and, indirectly transferring heat from the third heat transfer fluid to the first heat transfer fluid before it enters the predetermined one of the compressor zones.

Claim 23

The process of claim 19, further comprising repeating step (g) sequentially for each of the compressor zones.

Claim 24

A regenerative sorbent heat pump system comprising: a working fluid being operable for being sorbed by a sorbent; a plurality of compressors, the number of compressors being at least four, each of the compressors having a sorbent contained within the compressor, and a heat conductive passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the heat conductive passageway for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the compressor and for indirectly transferring heat between the sorbent and the heat transfer fluid without the heat transfer fluid being in contact with the sorbent; means for removing high temperature, high pressure working fluid vapor from each of the compressors; condensing means for transferring heat from the working fluid to a low temperature heat sink, and, for condensing working fluid vapor to form a low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid; evaporating means for converting low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid to low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor, and, for transferring heat from a low temperature source external of the system to the working fluid; liquid conveying means for conveying low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid from the condensing means to the evaporating means; vapor conveying means for conveying low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor into each of the compressors; a plurality of indirect heat exchange means, the number of indirect heat exchange means being equal to the number of the compressors, each of the indirect heat exchange means having a first channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, and a second channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, the channels being isolated from fluid communication with each other, the first channel being in heat conductive communication with the second channel, each of the channels having an inlet and an outlet; a train formed by connecting in alternating order, the first channels of the indirect heat exchange means to the heat conductive passageways, the train having an inlet which is also the inlet of the first channel of the first-in-the-series of indirect heat exchange means of the train, and, the train having an outlet which is also the outlet of the heat conductive passageway of the last-in-the-series of compressors of the train; first pumping means for pumping a first heat transfer fluid around the first train, the outlet of the first pumping means being connected to the train inlet and the train outlet being connected to the first pumping means inlet; second pumping means for pumping a second heat transfer fluid; connecting means for connecting the outlet of the second pumping means to the inlet of the second channel of each of the internal heat exchange means, and for connecting the outlet of each of the second channels thereof to the second pumping means inlet; flow control means for directing the second heat transfer fluid from the second pumping means to the second channel of a predetermined one of the indirect heat exchange means in a predetermined order thereby defining a flow cycle, and, for enabling heat transfer between the first heat transfer fluid in the first channel thereof and the second heat transfer fluid in the second channel thereof; primary heating means for heating each of the compressors; heat control means for controlling the heating period of the primary heating means in each of the compressors thereby defining a heating cycle; and, heat discharge means for transferring heat from the second heat transfer fluid in the connecting means from the second channels to the second pump means, to a low temperature heat sink thereby providing a regenerative sorbent heat pump system.

Claim 25

A regenerative sorbent heat pump system comprising: a working fluid being operable for being sorbed by a sorbent; a plurality of compressors, the number of compressors being at least four, each of the compressors having a sorbent contained within the compressor, and a heat conductive passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the heat conductive passageway for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the compressor and for indirectly transferring heat between the sorbent and the heat transfer fluid without the heat transfer fluid being in contact with the sorbent; means for removing high temperature, high pressure working fluid vapor from each of the compressors; condensing means for transferring heat from the working fluid to a low temperature heat sink, and, for condensing working fluid vapor to form a low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid; evaporating means for converting low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid to low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor, and, for transferring heat from a low temperature source external of the system to the working fluid; liquid conveying means for conveying low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid from the condensing means to the evaporating means; vapor conveying means for conveying low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor into each of the compressors; a plurality of indirect heat exchange means, the number of indirect heat exchange means being equal to the number of the compressors, each of the indirect heat exchange means having a first channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, and a second channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, the channels being isolated from fluid communication with each other, the first channel being in heat conductive communication with the second channel, each of the channels having an inlet and an outlet; a train formed by connecting in alternating order, the first channels of the indirect heat exchange means to the heat conductive passageways, the train having an inlet which is also the inlet of the first channel of the first-in-the-series of indirect heat exchange means of the train, and, the train having an outlet which is also the outlet of the heat conductive passageway of the last-in-the-series of compressors of the train; first pumping means for pumping a first heat transfer fluid around the first train, the outlet of the first pumping means being connected to the train inlet and the train outlet being connected to the first pumping means inlet; second pumping means for pumping a second heat transfer fluid; connecting means for connecting the outlet of the second pumping means to the inlet of the second channel of each of the internal heat exchange means, and for connecting the outlet of each of the second channels thereof to the second pumping means inlet; flow control means for directing the second heat transfer fluid from the second pumping means to the second channel of a predetermined one of the indirect heat exchange means in a predetermined order thereby defining a flow cycle, and, for enabling heat transfer between the first heat transfer fluid in the first channel thereof and the second heat transfer fluid in the second channel thereof; primary heating means for heating each of the compressors; heat control means for controlling the heating period of the primary heating means in each of the compressors thereby defining a heating cycle; and, heat discharge means for transferring heat from the second heat transfer fluid in the connecting means from the second channels to the second pump means, to a low temperature heat sink thereby providing a regenerative sorbent heat pump system.

Claim 26

The system of claim 21, wherein the number of compressors is four.

Claim 27

The system of claim 21, wherein the number of compressors is six.

Claim 28

The system of claim 21, further comprising heat exchanger means for the indirect transfer of heat between the low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid in the liquid conveying means and the low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor in the vapor conveying means.

Claim 29

The system of claim 21, further comprising means for coordinating the flow cycle and the heating cycle.

Claim 30

The system of claim 21, further comprising auxiliary heat exchanger means for indirectly exchanging heat between the first heat transfer fluid flowing to the train and the first heat transfer fluid flowing from the train.

Claim 31

The system of claim 21, further comprising means for transferring heat from the first heat transfer fluid flowing from the train to a low temperature heat sink.

Claim 32

The system of claim 21, further comprising means for transferring heat from the first heat transfer fluid flowing from the auxiliary heat exchanger means to a low temperature heat sink; and, auxiliary heat exchanger means for indirectly exchanging heat between the first heat transfer fluid flowing to the train and the first heat transfer fluid flowing from the auxiliary heat exchanger means.

Claim 33

The system of claim 21, wherein the working fluid is sorbed over a predetermined first temperature range from at least about -18° C. to no more than about 204° C. wherein the working fluid is desorbed over a predetermined second temperature range from at least about 38° C. to no more than about 427° C., and, wherein the predetermined first and predetermined second temperature ranges overlap at least about 28 Celsius degrees.

Claim 34

The system of claim 21, wherein the working fluid is selected from the group consisting of fluorine substituted ethanes, fluorine and chlorine substituted ethanes, and, wherein the sorbent is selected from the group consisting of activated carbons.

Claim 35

The system of claim 21, wherein the primary heating means comprises a heating device between each of the compressors in the train and between the first pumping means outlet and the train inlet, the heating devices for heating the first heat transfer fluid before it is introduced into the compressor for which it is intended, the thusly heated first heat transfer fluid thereby heating said compressor.

Claim 36

The system of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of second indirect heat exchange means, the number of second indirect heat exchange means being equal to the number of the compressors, each of the second indirect heat exchange means having a first channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, and a second channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, the channels thereof being isolated from fluid communication with each other, the first channel thereof being in heat conductive communication with the second channel thereof, each of the channels thereof having an inlet and an outlet; wherein the train includes the first channels of the second indirect heat exchange means connected, relative to the heat conductive passageways, in alternating order before each of the heat conductive passageways; and, further comprising third pumping means for pumping a third heat transfer fluid; second connecting means for connecting the outlet of the third pumping means to the inlet of the second channel of each of the second internal heat exchange means, and for connecting the outlet of each of the second channels thereof to the third pumping means inlet; and, flow control means for directing the third heat transfer fluid from the third pumping means to the second channel of a predetermined one of the second indirect heat exchange means in a predetermined order thereby defining a second flow cycle, and, for enabling heat transfer between the first heat transfer fluid in the first channel thereof and the third heat transfer fluid in the second channel thereof; and, wherein the primary heating means includes a heating device in the second connecting means for heating the third heat transfer fluid before it is introduced into the second channel of a predetermined one of the second indirect heat exchange means; and, wherein the heat control means includes means for controlling the temperature of the third heat transfer fluid heated by the heating devices.

Claim 37

A regenerative sorbent heat pump system comprising: a working fluid being operable for being sorbed by a sorbent; a plurality of compressors, the number of compressors being at least four, each of the compressors having a sorbent contained within the compressor, and a heat conductive passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the heat conductive passageway for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the compressor and for indirectly transferring heat between the sorbent and the heat transfer fluid without the heat transfer fluid being in contact with the sorbent; means for removing high temperature, high pressure working fluid vapor from each of the compressors; condensing means for transferring heat from the working fluid to a low temperature heat sink, and, for condensing working fluid vapor to form a low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid; evaporating means for converting low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid to low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor, and, for transferring heat from a low temperature source external of the system to the working fluid; liquid conveying means for conveying low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid from the condensing means to the evaporating means; vapor conveying means for conveying low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor into each of the compressors; a plurality of indirect heat exchange means, the number of indirect heat exchange means being equal to the number of the compressors, each of the indirect heat exchange means having a first channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, and a second channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, the channels being isolated from immediate fluid communication with each other, the first channel being in heat conductive communication with the second channel, each of the channels having an inlet and an outlet; a train formed by connecting in alternating order, the first channels of the indirect heat exchange means to the heat conductive passageways, the train having an inlet which is also the inlet of the first channel of the first-in-the-series of indirect heat exchange means of the train, and, the train having an outlet which is also the outlet of the heat conductive passageway of the last-in-the-series of compressors of the train; pumping means for pumping a heat transfer fluid; first connecting means for connecting the outlet of the pumping means to the inlet of each of the second channels; second connecting means for connecting the outlet of each of the second channels to the train inlet; third connecting means for connecting the train outlet to the pumping means inlet; flow control means for directing the heat transfer fluid from the pumping means to the second channel of a predetermined one of the indirect heat exchange means in a predetermined order thereby defining a flow cycle, and, for enabling heat transfer between the heat transfer fluid in the first channel thereof and the heat transfer fluid in the second channel thereof; primary heating means for heating each of the compressors; heat control means for controlling the heating period of the primary heating means in each of the compressors thereby defining a heating cycle; and, heat discharge means for transferring heat from the heat transfer fluid in the second connecting means to a low temperature heat sink thereby providing a regenerative sorbent heat pump system.

Claim 38

A regenerative sorbent heat pump system comprising: a working fluid being operable for being sorbed by a sorbent; a plurality of compressors, the number of compressors being at least four, each of the compressors having a sorbent contained within the compressor, and a heat conductive passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the heat conductive passageway for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the compressor and for indirectly transferring heat between the sorbent and the heat transfer fluid without the heat transfer fluid being in contact with the sorbent; means for removing high temperature, high pressure working fluid vapor from each of the compressors; condensing means for transferring heat from the working fluid to a low temperature heat sink, and, for condensing working fluid vapor to form a low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid; evaporating means for converting low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid to low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor, and, for transferring heat from a low temperature source external of the system to the working fluid; liquid conveying means for conveying low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid from the condensing means to the evaporating means; vapor conveying means for conveying low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor into each of the compressors; a plurality of indirect heat exchange means, the number of indirect heat exchange means being equal to the number of the compressors, each of the indirect heat exchange means having a first channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, and a second channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, the channels being isolated from immediate fluid communication with each other, the first channel being in heat conductive communication with the second channel, each of the channels having an inlet and an outlet; a train formed by connecting in alternating order, the first channels of the indirect heat exchange means to the heat conductive passageways, the train having an inlet which is also the inlet of the first channel of the first-in-the-series of indirect heat exchange means of the train, and, the train having an outlet which is also the outlet of the heat conductive passageway of the last-in-the-series of compressors of the train; pumping means for pumping a heat transfer fluid; first connecting means for connecting the outlet of the pumping means to the inlet of each of the second channels; second connecting means for connecting the outlet of each of the second channels to the train inlet; third connecting means for connecting the train outlet to the pumping means inlet; flow control means for directing the heat transfer fluid from the pumping means to the second channel of a predetermined one of the indirect heat exchange means in a predetermined order thereby defining a flow cycle, and, for enabling heat transfer between the heat transfer fluid in the first channel thereof and the heat transfer fluid in the second channel thereof; primary heating means for heating each of the compressors; heat control means for controlling the heating period of the primary heating means in each of the compressors thereby defining a heating cycle; and, heat discharge means for transferring heat from the heat transfer fluid in the second connecting means to a low temperature heat sink thereby providing a regenerative sorbent heat pump system.

Claim 39

The system of claim 33, further comprising auxiliary heat exchanger means for indirectly exchanging heat between the heat transfer fluid in the second connecting means and the heat transfer fluid in the third connecting means.

Claim 40

The system of claim 34, further comprising means for transferring heat from the heat transfer fluid flowing from the auxiliary heat exchanger means in the third connecting means to a low temperature heat sink.

Claim 41

The system of claim 33, further comprising means for transferring heat from the heat transfer fluid in the third connecting means to a low temperature heat sink.

Claim 42

The system of claim 33, wherein the primary heating means comprises a heating device between each of the compressors in the train and between the first pumping means outlet and the train inlet, the heating devices for heating the first heat transfer fluid before it is introduced into the compressor for which it is intended the thusly heated first heat transfer fluid thereby heating said compressor.

Claim 43

A regenerative sorbent heat pump system comprising: a working fluid being operable for being sorbed by a sorbent; a plurality of compressors, the number of compressors being at least four, each of the compressors having a sorbent contained within the compressor, and a heat conductive passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the heat conductive passageway for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the compressor and for indirectly transferring heat between the sorbent and the heat transfer fluid without the heat transfer fluid being in contact with the sorbent; means for removing high temperature, high pressure working fluid vapor from each of the compressors; condensing means for transferring heat from the working fluid to a low temperature heat sink, and, for condensing working fluid vapor to form a low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid; evaporating means for converting low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid to low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor, and, for transferring heat from a low temperature source external of the system to the working fluid; liquid conveying means for conveying low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid from the condensing means to the evaporating means; vapor conveying means for conveying low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor into each of the compressors; a plurality of indirect heat exchange means, the number of indirect heat exchange means being equal to the number of the compressors, each of the indirect heat exchange means having a first channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, and a second channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, the channels being isolated from fluid communication with each other, the first channel being in heat conductive communication with the second channel, each of the channels having an inlet and an outlet; a train formed by connecting in alternating order, the first channels of the indirect heat exchange means to the heat conductive passageways, the train having an inlet which is also the inlet of the first channel of the first-in-the-series of indirect heat exchange means of the train, and, the train having an outlet which is also the outlet of the heat conductive passageway of the last-in-the-series of compressors of the train; first pumping means for pumping a primary portion of a heat transfer fluid around the first train, the outlet of the first pumping means being connected to the train inlet and the train outlet being connected to the first pumping means inlet; second pumping means for pumping a secondary portion of the heat transfer fluid; connecting means for connecting the outlet of the second pumping means to the inlet of the second channel of each of the internal heat exchange means, and for connecting the outlet of each of the second channels thereof to the second pumping means inlet; flow control means for directing the secondary portion of the heat transfer fluid from the second pumping means to the second channel of a predetermined one of the indirect heat exchange means in a predetermined order thereby defining a flow cycle, and, for enabling heat transfer between the primary portion of the heat transfer fluid in the first channel thereof and the secondary portion of the heat transfer fluid in the second channel thereof; primary heating means for heating each of the compressors; heat control means for controlling the heating period of the primary heating means in each of the compressors thereby defining a heating cycle; means for transferring heat from the primary portion of the heat transfer fluid flowing from the train to a low temperature heat sink; and, heat discharge means for transferring heat from the secondary portion of the heat transfer fluid in the connecting means from the second channels to the second pump means, to a low temperature heat sink thereby providing a regenerative sorbent heat pump system.

Claim 44

A regenerative sorbent heat pump system comprising: a working fluid being operable for being sorbed by a sorbent; a plurality of compressors, the number of compressors being at least four, each of the compressors having a sorbent contained within the compressor, and a heat conductive passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the heat conductive passageway for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the compressor and for indirectly transferring heat between the sorbent and the heat transfer fluid without the heat transfer fluid being in contact with the sorbent; means for removing high temperature, high pressure working fluid vapor from each of the compressors; condensing means for transferring heat from the working fluid to a low temperature heat sink, and, for condensing working fluid vapor to form a low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid; evaporating means for converting low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid to low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor, and, for transferring heat from a low temperature source external of the system to the working fluid; liquid conveying means for conveying low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid from the condensing means to the evaporating means; vapor conveying means for conveying low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor into each of the compressors; a plurality of indirect heat exchange means, the number of indirect heat exchange means being equal to the number of the compressors, each of the indirect heat exchange means having a first channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, and a second channel for flowing a heat transfer fluid, the channels being isolated from fluid communication with each other, the first channel being in heat conductive communication with the second channel, each of the channels having an inlet and an outlet; a train formed by connecting in alternating order, the first channels of the indirect heat exchange means to the heat conductive passageways, the train having an inlet which is also the inlet of the first channel of the first-in-the-series of indirect heat exchange means of the train, and, the train having an outlet which is also the outlet of the heat conductive passageway of the last-in-the-series of compressors of the train; first pumping means for pumping a primary portion of a heat transfer fluid around the first train, the outlet of the first pumping means being connected to the train inlet and the train outlet being connected to the first pumping means inlet; second pumping means for pumping a secondary portion of the heat transfer fluid; connecting means for connecting the outlet of the second pumping means to the inlet of the second channel of each of the internal heat exchange means, and for connecting the outlet of each of the second channels thereof to the second pumping means inlet; flow control means for directing the secondary portion of the heat transfer fluid from the second pumping means to the second channel of a predetermined one of the indirect heat exchange means in a predetermined order thereby defining a flow cycle, and, for enabling heat transfer between the primary portion of the heat transfer fluid in the first channel thereof and the secondary portion of the heat transfer fluid in the second channel thereof; primary heating means for heating each of the compressors; heat control means for controlling the heating period of the primary heating means in each of the compressors thereby defining a heating cycle; means for transferring heat from the primary portion of the heat transfer fluid flowing from the train to a low temperature heat sink; and, heat discharge means for transferring heat from the secondary portion of the heat transfer fluid in the connecting means from the second channels to the second pump means, to a low temperature heat sink thereby providing a regenerative sorbent heat pump system.

Claim 45

The system of claim 38, wherein the primary pumping means is also the secondary pumping means.

Claim 46

The system of claim 38, wherein the primary heating means comprise a heating device between each of the compressors in the train and between the first pumping means outlet and the train inlet, the heating devices for heating the first heat transfer fluid before it is introduced into the compressor for which it is intended the thusly heated first heat transfer fluid thereby heating said compressor.

Claim 47

The system of claim 38, further comprising auxiliary heat exchanger means for indirectly exchanging heat between the primary portion of the heat transfer fluid flowing to the train and the primary portion of the heat transfer fluid flowing from the train.

Claim 48

A regenerative sorbent heat pump system for regeneration of at least a portion of the heat of adsorption comprising: a working fluid being operable for being sorbed by a sorbent over a predetermined first temperature range thereby producing a heat of adsorption, and for being desorbed from the sorbent over a predetermined second temperature range which is higher than the predetermined first temperature range, a part of the predetermined first temperature range overlapping a part of the predetermined second temperature range thereby enabling regeneration of at least a portion of the heat of adsorption; a plurality of compressors, the number of compressors being at least four, each of the compressors having a sorbent contained within the compressor, and a heat conductive passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the heat conductive passageway for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the compressor and for indirectly transferring heat between the sorbent and the heat transfer fluid without the heat transfer fluid being in contact with the sorbent; means for removing high temperature, high pressure working fluid vapor from each of the compressors; condensing means for transferring heat from the working fluid to a low temperature heat sink, and, for condensing working fluid vapor to form a low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid; evaporating means for converting low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid to low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor, and, for transferring heat from a low temperature source external of the system to the working fluid; liquid conveying means for conveying low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid from the condensing means to the evaporating means; vapor conveying means for conveying low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor into each of the compressors; first connecting means for forming a loop of heat conductive passageways by connecting the outlet of one heat conductive passageway to the inlet of another heat conductive passageway and proceeding with such inlet-to-outlet connections until the outlet of the last heat conductive passageway is connected to the inlet of the first heat conductive passageway thereby forming a loop of heat conductive passageways; pumping means for pumping a heat transfer fluid; second connecting means for connecting the outlet of the pumping means to the inlet of each of the heat conductive passageways; third connecting means for connecting the outlet of each of the heat conductive passageways to the pumping means inlet; flow control means for directing the heat transfer fluid from the pumping means to the inlet of a predetermined one of the heat conductive passageways, then around the loop passing through each of the heat conductive passageways only once, and then to the pumping means; phase timing means for redirecting the heat transfer fluid after a predetermined time interval, from the pumping means to another one of the heat conductive passageways thereby beginning a new phase, and for repeating such redirecting after such predetermined time intervals to other of the heat conductive passageways, until the heat transfer fluid is directed from the pumping means to each of the heat conductive passageways thereby completing a flow cycle; primary heating means for heating each of the compressors; heat control means for controlling the heating period of the primary heating means in each of the compressors; and, heat discharge means for transferring heat from the heat transfer fluid in the third connecting means to a low temperature heat sink thereby providing a regenerative sorbent heat pump system operable for regeneration of at least a portion of the heat of adsorption.

Claim 49

A regenerative sorbent heat pump system for regeneration of at least a portion of the heat of adsorption comprising: a working fluid being operable for being sorbed by a sorbent over a predetermined first temperature range thereby producing a heat of adsorption, and for being desorbed from the sorbent over a predetermined second temperature range which is higher than the predetermined first temperature range, a part of the predetermined first temperature range overlapping a part of the predetermined second temperature range thereby enabling regeneration of at least a portion of the heat of adsorption; a plurality of compressors, the number of compressors being at least four, each of the compressors having a sorbent contained within the compressor, and a heat conductive passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the heat conductive passageway for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the compressor and for indirectly transferring heat between the sorbent and the heat transfer fluid without the heat transfer fluid being in contact with the sorbent; means for removing high temperature, high pressure working fluid vapor from each of the compressors; condensing means for transferring heat from the working fluid to a low temperature heat sink, and, for condensing working fluid vapor to form a low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid; evaporating means for converting low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid to low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor, and, for transferring heat from a low temperature source external of the system to the working fluid; liquid conveying means for conveying low temperature, high pressure working fluid liquid from the condensing means to the evaporating means; vapor conveying means for conveying low temperature, low pressure working fluid vapor into each of the compressors; first connecting means for forming a loop of heat conductive passageways by connecting the outlet of one heat conductive passageway to the inlet of another heat conductive passageway and proceeding with such inlet-to-outlet connections until the outlet of the last heat conductive passageway is connected to the inlet of the first heat conductive passageway thereby forming a loop of heat conductive passageways; pumping means for pumping a heat transfer fluid; second connecting means for connecting the outlet of the pumping means to the inlet of each of the heat conductive passageways; third connecting means for connecting the outlet of each of the heat conductive passageways to the pumping means inlet; flow control means for directing the heat transfer fluid from the pumping means to the inlet of a predetermined one of the heat conductive passageways, then around the loop passing through each of the heat conductive passageways only once, and then to the pumping means; phase timing means for redirecting the heat transfer fluid after a predetermined time interval, from the pumping means to another one of the heat conductive passageways thereby beginning a new phase, and for repeating such redirecting after such predetermined time intervals to other of the heat conductive passageways, until the heat transfer fluid is directed from the pumping means to each of the heat conductive passageways thereby completing a flow cycle; primary heating means for heating each of the compressors; heat control means for controlling the heating period of the primary heating means in each of the compressors; and, heat discharge means for transferring heat from the heat transfer fluid in the third connecting means to a low temperature heat sink thereby providing a regenerative sorbent heat pump system operable for regeneration of at least a portion of the heat of adsorption.

Claim 50

The process of claim 42, wherein the primary heating means comprises a heating device between each of the compressors in the loop for heating the heat transfer fluid in the first connecting means before the heat transfer fluid is introduced into the heat conductive passageway of the compressor for which it is intended thereby heating such compressor.