Patent ID: 6481213
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: F24F,F25B,F28D,Y02E

Abstract:
An apparatus for conditioning a localized zone comprising:a thermal storage reservoir comprising a thermal storage mass; a first heat exchange surface in communication with the thermal storage mass; a second heat exchange surface located proximate to an air stream, said second heat exchanger in communication with a heat pump device having a voltage applied thereto, said heat pump device in communication with both heat exchange surfaces and capable of reversibly transferring heat from the first heat exchange surface to the second heat exchange surface; an air moving device to create the air stream; an air duct in communication with the air moving device to direct air taken from the localized zone to a position proximate to the second heat exchange surface; a controller device to select a cooling mode for directing cool air to the localized zone or a heating mode for directing heated air to the localized zone, said controller device in communication with the heat pump device; and wherein byproduct heat generated during the cooling mode is directed to the thermal storage mass and stored concurrently during the cooling mode, and byproduct cooling effect generated during the heating mode is directed to the thermal storage mass reducing the enthalpy of the storage mass concurrently during the heating mode.