Patent ID: 11906226

Abstract:
A vapor compression system (20; 120; 220; 320) has: first (22A; 122A; 222A) and second (22B; 122B; 222B) compressors; first (40) and second (46) heat exchangers; and one or more expansion devices (52; 52A, 52B). Means (32A, 32B; 32A, 32B, 126A, 126B; 32A, 32B, 232A, 232B) are provided for switching the system between operation in first and second modes using the respective first and second compressors. In the first mode: the first compressor compresses refrigerant; the compressed refrigerant is cooled in the first heat exchanger; the cooled refrigerant is expanded in at least one of the one or more expansion devices; and the expanded refrigerant absorbs heat in the second heat exchanger. In the second mode: the second compressor compresses refrigerant; the compressed refrigerant is cooled in the second heat exchanger; the cooled refrigerant is expanded in at least one of the one or more expansion devices; and the expanded refrigerant absorbs heat in the first heat exchanger.