Patent ID: 12235025

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description of the preferred embodiment is the preferred mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in any limiting sense. It is presented for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.4toFIG.7of the drawings, a central air conditioning and heat pump system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Broadly, the central air conditioning and heat pump system may comprise a plurality of connecting pipes100, a main outdoor unit1, and an indoor heat distribution system2. A predetermined amount of refrigerant may circulate through the various components (described below) of the main outdoor unit1and the indoor heat distribution system2. The refrigerant may circulate through the various components through a plurality of connecting pipes100.

The main outdoor unit1may comprise at least one compressor10having a compressor outlet101and a compressor inlet102, a refrigerant storage tank20having a liquid inlet201and a liquid outlet202, a first outdoor heat exchanger30, a cooling tower40, and a switching valve60.

The refrigerant storage tank20may be connected to the indoor heat distribution system2and the cooling tower40. The first outdoor heat exchanger30may be connected to the compressor10through the switching valve60. The first outdoor heat exchanger30may further be connected to the cooling tower40and the indoor heat distribution system2.

The cooling tower40may comprise a water collection basin41, a second outdoor heat exchanger42provided in the water collection basin41, a fill material unit43provided underneath the water collection basin41, and a water storage basin44provided underneath the fill material unit43.

A predetermined amount of ambient air may be arranged to sequentially pass through the fill material unit43and the first outdoor heat exchanger30. At the same time, a predetermined amount of cooling water may circulate between the water storage basin44and the water collection basin41. The cooling water in water storage basin44may be arranged to be pumped to the water collection basin41for absorbing heat from the refrigerant flowing through the second outdoor heat exchanger42. The water in the water collection basin41may be arranged to be distributed on the fill material unit43for releasing heat to the ambient air passing through the fill material unit43. The cooling water may then be collected in the water storage basin44to complete one cooling cycle.

The indoor heat distribution system2may comprise at least one indoor heat exchanger21connected to the first outdoor heat exchanger30, the cooling tower40, and the compressor10through at least one of the connecting pipes100for allowing heat exchange between refrigerant and air in a designated indoor space.

The indoor heat distribution system2may further comprise a ventilating device22, which may comprise a supporting frame221, a ventilating heat exchanging unit222, an energy efficient heat exchanger223and a centrifugal fan224.

The supporting frame221may have an air intake opening2211exposed to ambient air for allowing intake of air through the air intake opening2211.

The ventilating heat exchanging unit222may be supported in the supporting frame221and connected to the switching valve60and the first outdoor heat exchanger30through at least one of the connecting pipes100, the ventilating heat exchanging unit222and the indoor heat exchanger21may be connected in parallel.

The energy efficient heat exchanger223may be supported in the supporting frame221at a position between the air intake opening221and the ventilating heat exchanging unit222such that the ambient air is arranged to pass through the energy efficient heat exchanger223before passing through the ventilating heat exchanging unit222. The energy efficient heat exchanger223may be connected to the first outdoor heat exchanger30, the second outdoor heat exchanger42, and the refrigerant storage tank20through at least one of the connecting pipes100.

The centrifugal fan224may be supported in the supporting frame221for drawing ambient air through the air intake opening2211, and delivering fresh air to a predetermined indoor space.

The air conditioning and heat pump system may be selectively operated between an air conditioning mode and a heat pump mode, wherein in the air conditioning mode, the switching valve60may be switched such that a predetermined amount of vaporous refrigerant is arranged to leave the compressor and guided to enter the first outdoor heat exchanger30for releasing heat thereto, the refrigerant leaving the first outdoor heat exchanger30may be guided to flow through the second outdoor heat exchanger42for releasing heat to the cooling water circulating in the cooling tower40, the refrigerant leaving the second outdoor heat exchanger42may be guided to flow through the indoor heat exchanger21of the indoor heat distribution system2for absorbing heat from the indoor heat exchanger21, the refrigerant leaving the indoor heat exchanger21may be guided to flow through the switching valve60and flow back to the compressor to complete an air conditioning cycle.

When air conditioning and heat pump system is in the heat pump mode, the switching valve60may be switched such that a predetermined amount of vaporous refrigerant is arranged to leave the compressor10and guided to flow into the indoor heat exchanger21and the ventilating heat exchanging unit222for releasing heat to a designated indoor space and the ambient air drawn from the air intake opening2211, the refrigerant leaving the indoor heat exchanger21and the ventilating heat exchanging unit222may be guided to flow through the energy efficient heat exchanger223for pre-heating the ambient air drawn from the air intake opening2211. The refrigerant leaving the energy efficient heat exchanger223may be guided to flow through the first outdoor heat exchanger30for absorbing heat from ambient air passing therethrough. The refrigerant leaving the first outdoor heat exchanger30may be guided to pass through the switching valve60and flow back to the compressor10for completing a heat pump cycle.

The above-mentioned components may be connected to form a particular configuration to allow refrigerant to perform heat exchange with various mediums such as ambient air. An exemplary configuration is shown inFIG.6andFIG.7of the drawings. According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor main unit1may be positioned on a roof of a building so that it may draw ambient air for performing heat exchange with the refrigerant. As shown inFIG.4toFIG.5of the drawings, the outdoor main unit1may further comprise a main casing11having a rectangular cross section when viewed from the top, wherein the main casing11may have an air inlet112and an air outlet113. The air inlet112may be formed on at least one side of the main casing11while the air outlet113may be formed on an opposed side of the main casing11.

The outdoor main unit1may further comprise at least one fan12provided adjacent to the air outlet113for drawing ambient air to flow from the air inlet112to the air outlet113. The main casing11may further have a compressor compartment114for accommodating the compressor10.

The switching valve60may have first through fourth connecting port61,62,63,64. The switching valve60may be switched between an air conditioning switching mode and a heat pump switching mode, wherein in the air conditioning switching mode, the switching valve60is switched such that the first connecting port61may be connected to the second connecting port62so that refrigerant may flow from the first connecting port61to the second connecting port62, while the third connecting port63may be connected to the fourth connecting port64so that refrigerant may flow from the third connecting port63to the fourth connecting port64.

In the heat pump switching mode, the switching valve60may be switched so that the first connecting port61may be connected to the fourth connecting port64so that refrigerant may flow from the first connecting port61to the fourth connecting port64, while the second connecting port62may be connected to the third connecting port63, so that refrigerant may flow from the second connecting port62to the third connecting port63.

The first outdoor heat exchanger30may have a first communicating port31and a second communicating port32for allowing refrigerant to flow into or out of the first outdoor heat exchanger30. As shown inFIG.6of the drawings, the first communicating port31may be connected to the second connecting port62of the switching valve60. The second communicating port32may be connected to the second outdoor heat exchanger42of the cooling tower40in series. The refrigerant flowing through the first outdoor heat exchanger30may be arranged to perform heat exchange with the ambient air drawn from the air inlet112of the main casing11.

The second outdoor heat exchanger42may have a first passage port421and a second passage port422for allowing refrigerant to flow into or out of the second outdoor heat exchanger42. The first passage port41may be connected to the second communicating port32of the first outdoor heat exchanger30. The second passage port422may be connected to the refrigerant storage tank20and the indoor heat distribution system2through various other auxiliary components (described below).

The second outdoor heat exchanger42may be provided in the water collection basin41of the water tower40. Cooling water may be arranged to be collected in the water collection basin41in such a manner that the second outdoor heat exchanger42may be completely immersed in the cooling water for performing heat exchange therewith. The outdoor heat exchanger42may comprise a plurality of heat exchanging tubes423extended in the water collection basin41. Refrigerant may pass through the heat exchanging tubes423for performing heat exchange with the cooling water.

The air conditioning and heat pump system may further comprise a refrigerant storage tank20having a liquid inlet201connected to the second passage port422of the second outdoor heat exchanger42and the indoor heat distribution system2, and a liquid outlet202connected to the second communicating port32of the first outdoor heat exchanger30, the first passage port421of the second outdoor heat exchanger42, and the indoor heat distribution system2.

The outdoor main unit1may further comprise a filter80connected to the liquid outlet202of the refrigerant storage tank20. The outdoor main unit1may further comprise an expansion valve18connected between the filter80and the first passage port421second outdoor heat exchanger42.

The outdoor main unit1may further comprise a unidirectional valve13for restricting the flow of the refrigerant in one predetermined direction. As shown inFIG.6of the drawings, the unidirectional valve21may be connected between the second passage port422of the second outdoor heat exchanger42and the liquid inlet201of the refrigerant storage tank20. The unidirectional valve21may be configured to allow a flow of refrigerant only in a direction from the second outdoor heat exchanger42toward the refrigerant storage tank20.

On the other hand, the refrigerant leaving the refrigerant storage tank20may be guided to flow through one of the two paths, the first path being toward the second communicating port32of the first outdoor heat exchanger30and the first passage port421of the second outdoor heat exchanger42, the second path being toward the indoor heat distribution system2.

The outdoor main unit1may further comprise a first electrically-controlled two-way valve14connected to the second communicating port32of the first outdoor heat exchanger30, the first passage port421of the second outdoor heat exchanger42, and the liquid outlet202of the refrigerant storage tank20. Specifically, refrigerant coming from the liquid outlet202of the refrigerant storage tank20may be guided to flow through the filter80, the first electrically-controlled two-way valve14, the expansion valve18, and to reach either the second communicating port32of the first outdoor heat exchanger30or the first passage port421of the second outdoor heat exchanger42.

The main outdoor unit1may further comprise a second electrically-controlled two-way valve15connected to the indoor heat distribution system2, and the liquid outlet202of the refrigerant storage tank20. Refrigerant flowing from the liquid outlet202may be selectively guided to flow through the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15and reach the indoor heat distribution system2. Each of the first electrically-controlled two-way valve14and the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15may be selectively switched off for not allowing refrigerant to pass therethrough. Each of the first electrically-controlled two-way valve14and the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15may also be selectively switched on for allowing refrigerant to pass therethrough in a predetermined direction.

The cooling tower40may be utilized to lower a temperature of the refrigerant flowing therethrough. The cooling tower40may further comprise a pump50for pumping cooling water from the water storage basin44back to the water collection basin41. The cooling water in the water collection basin41may absorb heat from the second outdoor heat exchanger42and may then be guided to distribute on the fill material unit43. The cooling water may form a thin film of water dropping down along a vertical direction of the fill material unit43. At the same time, ambient air is drawn from the air inlet112to flow through the thin film of water in the fill material unit43. The ambient air may then carry away the heat in the cooling water. After that, the cooling water may be collected in the water storage basin44. The cooling water in the water collection basin44will be cooled and ready for being pumped back to the water collection basin41to start another cooling cycle.

It is worth mentioning that the cooling tower40may further comprise a water level sensor46provided in the water storage basin44while the outdoor main unit1may further comprise a temperature sensor70provided at the liquid outlet202of the refrigerant storage tank20for sensing a temperature of the refrigerant coming out from the refrigerant storage tank20. The temperature sensor70and the water level sensor46may be connected to a control unit such that when a temperature of the refrigerant from the refrigerant storage tank20is below a predetermined threshold, the pump45will be turned off. Moreover, when the water level in the water storage basin44falls below a predetermined threshold (such as when public water supply is in shortage), the pump45will also be turned off.

As shown inFIG.6andFIG.7of the drawings, the outdoor main unit1and the indoor heat distribution system2may be communicated through first through third linkage ports301,302,303. The first linkage port301may be connected to the liquid inlet201of the refrigerant storage tank20and the second passage port422of the second outdoor heat exchanger42. The second linkage port302may be connected to the fourth connecting port64of the switching valve60. The third linkage port303may be connected to the liquid outlet202of the refrigerant storage tank20through the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15. The third linkage port303may also be connected to the first passage port421of the second outdoor heat exchanger42and the second communicating port32of the first outdoor heat exchanger30.

These ports may serve as connection boundaries between the outdoor main unit1and the indoor heat distribution system2. According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indoor heat distribution system2may further comprise a first indoor expansion valve231, a first indoor unidirectional valve241, a second indoor unidirectional valve242, and a first indoor flow regulator26connected to the indoor heat exchanger21to form an indoor heat exchange configuration27as a group of components connected in a predetermined configuration. One The of such a configuration may be illustrated inFIG.7of the drawings. The indoor heat exchange configuration27may be connected between the second linkage port302and the third linkage port303.

The indoor heat exchange configuration27may comprise the indoor heat exchanger21, the first indoor expansion valve231, the first indoor unidirectional valve241, the second indoor unidirectional valve242, and the first indoor flow regulator261. The indoor heat exchanger21may have a first passing port211and a second passing port212which may serve as inlet or outlet of refrigerant. As shown inFIG.7of the drawings, the first passing port211may be connected to the second linkage port302while the second passing port212may be connected to the third linkage port303. Specifically, the first indoor flow regulator261and the first indoor unidirectional valve241may be connected to the first passing port211, and may be connected in parallel with each other. The first indoor flow regulator261and the first indoor unidirectional valve241may be connected to the second linkage port302.

On the other hand, the first indoor expansion valve231and the second indoor unidirectional valve242may be connected to the second passing port212, and may be connected in parallel with each other. The first indoor expansion valve231and the second indoor unidirectional valve242may be connected to the third linkage port303.

The first indoor unidirectional valve241may be configured to allow flow of refrigerant from the first passing port211toward the second linkage port302. The second indoor unidirectional valve242may be configured to allow flow of refrigerant from the second passing port212toward the third linkage port303.

Note that the indoor heat distribution system2may actually comprise a plurality of indoor heat exchange configurations27connected in parallel. Each of the indoor heat exchange configurations27may have identical components and structure as mentioned above, and may provide conditioned or heated air to a designated indoor space, such as a room.

The indoor heat distribution system2may further comprise a third indoor unidirectional valve243and a fourth indoor unidirectional valve244connected to a first heat exchanging port2221and a second heat exchanging port2222of the ventilating heat exchanging unit222respectively. The first heat exchanging port2221and a second heat exchanging port2222may serve as an input or output port for refrigerant to enter or leave the ventilating heat exchanging unit222. The ventilating heat exchanging unit222may be connected between the second linkage port302and the third linkage port303. The third indoor unidirectional valve243may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the ventilating heat exchanging unit222toward the second linkage port302. The fourth indoor unidirectional valve244may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the ventilating heat exchanging unit222toward the third linkage port303.

The ventilating heat exchanging unit222may be configured as a heat exchanger and may have a plurality of heat exchanging tubes for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and the air passing therethrough.

The indoor heat distribution system2may further comprise a second indoor flow regulator262connected to the first heat exchanging port2221of the ventilating heat exchanging unit222and in parallel with the third indoor unidirectional valve243. Moreover, the indoor heat distribution system2may further comprise a second expansion valve232connected to the second heat exchanging port2222of the ventilating heat exchanging unit222and in parallel with the fourth indoor unidirectional valve244.

Moreover, the energy efficient heat exchanger223may have a first refrigerant passing port2231and a second refrigerant passing port2232which may serve as inlet or outlet of refrigerant. The indoor heat distribution system2may further comprise a depressurizing valve28connected to the second refrigerant passing port2232of the energy efficient heat exchanger223and to the third linkage port303. The first refrigerant passing port2231may be connected to the first linkage port301. The indoor heat distribution system2may further comprise an indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve29connected between the fourth indoor unidirectional valve244and the depressurizing valve28.

Again, the energy efficient heat exchanger223may be configured as a heat exchanger and may have a plurality of heat exchanging tubes for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and the air passing therethrough.

In reality, the indoor heat distribution system2may comprise a plurality of indoor heat exchangers21, wherein each of the indoor heat exchangers21may be arranged to provide conditioned or heated air or other medium in a designated indoor space (such as a room). On the other hand, a single ventilating device22may be provided to supply fresh air to several designated indoor spaces through a plurality of air ducts.

When the air conditioning and heat pump system is in the air conditioning mode, the switching valve60may be switched to the air conditioning switching mode. The first electrically-controlled two-way valve14may be turned off while the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15may be turned on.

Referring toFIG.6andFIG.7of the drawings, a predetermined amount of vaporous refrigerant is arranged to leave the compressor10through the compressor outlet101and may be guided to pass through the first connecting port61, the second connecting port62, and enter the first communicating port31of the first outdoor heat exchanger30. The refrigerant may release heat to the ambient air passing through the first outdoor heat exchanger30. The refrigerant leaving the first outdoor heat exchanger30through the second communicating port32may be guided to enter the second outdoor heat exchanger42through the first passage port421. The refrigerant may further release heat to the cooling water stored in the water collection basin41and exit the second outdoor heat exchanger42through the second passage port422thereof. The refrigerant may then pass through the unidirectional valve13and enter the refrigerant storage tank20through the liquid inlet201. The refrigerant may then leave the refrigerant storage tank20through the liquid outlet202and may be guided to flow through the filter80, and the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15, and enter the indoor heat distribution system2through the third linkage port303.

The refrigerant may then be arranged to pass through the first indoor expansion valve231and enter the indoor heat exchanger21through the second passing port212. The refrigerant may then absorb heat from the indoor space by performing heat exchange with another medium, such as air in the designated indoor space. The refrigerant may then leave the indoor heat exchanger21through the first passing port211and pass through the first indoor unidirectional valve241and may be guided to re-enter the outdoor main unit1through the second linkage port302.

The refrigerant may then be guided to pass through the fourth connecting port64and the third connecting port63the switching valve60, and eventually flow back to the compressor101through the compressor inlet102to complete an air conditioning cycle.

Note that when pump45is turned off due to low refrigerant temperature or low water level in the water storage basin44, the refrigerant circulating in the air conditioning and heat pump system may be solely cooled by ambient air passing through the first outdoor heat exchanger30.

Thus, when the air conditioning and heat pump system is operated in the air conditioning mode, the refrigerant may be cooled by ambient air and/or cooling water circulating in the cooling tower40depending on such environment factors as the temperature of the ambient air or the water level in the water storage basin44.

When the air conditioning, air heating and water heating unit is in the heat pump mode, the switching valve60may be switched to the heat pump switching mode. The first electrically-controlled two-way valve14may be turned on while the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15may be turned off.

A predetermined amount of vaporous refrigerant is arranged to leave the compressor10through the compressor outlet101and may be guided to pass through the first connecting port61and the fourth connecting port64of the switching valve60. The refrigerant may then be guided to enter the indoor heat distribution system2through the second linkage port302.

In the indoor heat distribution system2, the refrigerant may be arranged to pass through the first indoor flow regulator261and enter the indoor heat exchanger21through the first passing port211for releasing heat to the designated indoor space. The first indoor flow regulator261may determine the amount of refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger21so as to control the heat exchange performance (such as indoor temperature) between the indoor heat exchanger21and designated indoor space. The refrigerant may then be arranged to leave the indoor heat exchanger21through the second passing port212and pass through the second indoor unidirectional valve242.

On the other hand, the refrigerant coming from the second linkage port302may also pass through the second indoor flow regulator262and enter the ventilating heat exchanging unit222through the first heat exchanging port2221, because the ventilating heat exchanging unit222is connected in parallel with the indoor heat exchanger21. The refrigerant may then release heat to the air passing through the ventilating heat exchanging unit222. The heated air may then be delivered to the designated indoor space, through a plurality of air ducts, so as to supply fresh air to the designated indoor space.

Since the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15of the outdoor main unit1is turned off, and the indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve29of the indoor heat distribution system2is turned on, the refrigerant will be guided to pass through the depressurizing valve28and enter the energy efficient heat exchanger223through the second refrigerant passing port2232for releasing heat to the ambient air drawn from the air intake opening2211. In other words, the ambient air will be pre-heated by the energy efficient heat exchanger223.

The refrigerant may then be guided to leave the energy efficient heat exchanger223through the first refrigerant passing port2231and go back to the outdoor main unit1via the first linkage port301. The refrigerant may then be guided to enter the refrigerant storage tank20through the liquid inlet201. The refrigerant may then leave the refrigerant storage tank20through the liquid outlet202and may be guided to flow through the filter80, the first electrically-controlled two-way valve14, the expansion valve18, and enter the first outdoor heat exchanger30through the second communicating port32for absorbing heat from the ambient air. The refrigerant may then be guided to leave the first outdoor heat exchanger30through the first communicating port31and pass through the second connecting port62of the switching valve60, the third connecting port63of the switching valve60, and eventually flow back to the compressor10through the compressor inlet102to complete a heat pump cycle.

Referring toFIG.8toFIG.10of the drawings, an air conditioning and heat pump system according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The second preferred embodiment is similar to the first preferred embodiment described above, except the cooling tower40′ and the configuration between the outdoor main unit1′ and the indoor heat distribution system2′.

According to the second preferred embodiment, the central air conditioning and heat pump system may comprise a plurality of connecting pipes100′, a main outdoor unit1′, and an indoor heat distribution system2′. A predetermined amount of refrigerant may circulate through the various components of the main outdoor unit1′ and the indoor heat distribution system2′. The refrigerant may circulate through the various components through a plurality of connecting pipes100′.

The main outdoor unit1′ may comprise at least one compressor10′ having a compressor outlet101′ and a compressor inlet102′, a refrigerant storage tank20′ having a liquid inlet201′ and a liquid outlet202′, a first outdoor heat exchanger30′, a cooling tower40′, and a switching valve60′.

The refrigerant storage tank20′ may be connected to the indoor heat distribution system2′ and the cooling tower40′ through a plurality of other components. The first outdoor heat exchanger30′ may be connected to the compressor10′ through the switching valve60′, the cooling tower40′, and the indoor heat distribution system2′.

The cooling tower40′ may be configured as a multiple effect evaporative condenser, and may comprise first through third water collection basin411′,412′,413′, a water storage basin44′, a second outdoor heat exchanger42′ provided in the first water collection basin411′, the second water collection basin412′ and the third water collection basin413′, a first fill material unit431′ provided underneath the first water collection basin411′, a second fill material unit432′ provided underneath the second water collection basin412′, a third fill material unit433′ provided underneath the third water collection basin413′. The water storage basin44′ may be provided underneath the third fill material unit433′.

A predetermined amount of ambient air may be arranged to pass through the first through third fill material unit431′,432′,433′ and the first outdoor heat exchanger30′. At the same time, a predetermined amount of cooling water may circulate between the water storage basin44′, the first through third water collection basin411′,412′,413′, and first through third fill material unit431′,432′,433′. The cooling water in water storage basin44′ may be arranged to be pumped to the first water collection basin411′ for absorbing heat from the refrigerant flowing through the second outdoor heat exchanger42′. The water in the water collection basin41′ may be arranged to be distributed on the first fill material unit431′ for releasing heat to the ambient air passing through them. The cooling water may then be collected in the second water collection basin412′ for absorbing heat from the second outdoor heat exchanger42′. The cooling water may then go on to flow down to the second fill material unit432′ so that the cooling water may be cooled by the ambient air passthrough therethrough. The cooling water may then be collected in the third water collection basin413′ for absorbing heat from the second outdoor heat exchanger42′. The cooling water may then go on to flow down to the third fill material unit433′ so that the cooling water may be cooled by the ambient air passthrough therethrough. Eventually, the cooling water may then be collected in the water storage basin44′ to complete one cooling cycle.

The indoor heat distribution system2′ may comprise at least one indoor heat exchanger21′ connected to the first outdoor heat exchanger30′, the cooling tower40′, and the compressor10′ through at least one of the connecting pipes100′ for allowing heat exchange between refrigerant and air in a designated indoor space.

The indoor heat distribution system2′ may further comprise a ventilating device22′, which may comprise a supporting frame221′, a ventilating heat exchanging unit222′, an energy efficient heat exchanger223′ and a centrifugal fan224′.

The supporting frame221′ may have an air intake opening2211′ exposed to ambient air for allowing intake of air through the air intake opening2211′.

The ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ may be supported in the supporting frame221′ and connected to the switching valve60′, the cooling tower40′, the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ and the refrigerant storage tank20′ through at least one of the connecting pipes100′ and other auxiliary components. The ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ and the indoor heat exchanger21′ may be connected in parallel, as shown inFIG.10of the drawings.

The energy efficient heat exchanger223′ may be supported in the supporting frame221′ at a position between the air intake opening221′ and the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ such that the ambient air is arranged to pass through the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ before passing through the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′. The energy efficient heat exchanger223′ may be connected to the first outdoor heat exchanger30′, the cooling tower40′ and the refrigerant storage tank20′ through at least one of the connecting pipes100′ and other auxiliary components.

The centrifugal fan224′ may be supported in the supporting frame221′ for drawing ambient air through the air intake opening2211′, and delivering fresh air to a predetermined indoor space.

The air conditioning and heat pump system may be selectively operated between an air conditioning mode and a heat pump mode, wherein in the air conditioning mode, the switching valve60′ may be switched such that a predetermined amount of vaporous refrigerant is arranged to leave the compressor10′ and guided to enter the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ for releasing heat thereto, the refrigerant leaving the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ may be guided to flow through the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ for releasing heat to the cooling water circulating in the cooling tower40′, the refrigerant leaving the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ may be guided to flow through the indoor heat exchanger21′ of the indoor heat distribution system2′ for absorbing heat from the indoor heat exchanger21′, the refrigerant leaving the indoor heat exchanger21′ may be guided to flow through the switching valve60′ and flow back to the compressor10′ to complete an air conditioning cycle.

When the air conditioning and heat pump system is in the heat pump mode, the switching valve60′ may be switched such that a predetermined amount of vaporous refrigerant is arranged to leave the compressor10′ and guided to flow into the indoor heat exchanger21′ and the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ for releasing heat to a designated indoor space and the ambient air drawn from the air intake opening2211′, the refrigerant leaving the indoor heat exchanger21′ and the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ may be guided to flow through the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ for pre-heating the ambient air drawn from the air intake opening2211′. The refrigerant leaving the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ may be guided to flow through the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ for absorbing heat from ambient air passing therethrough. The refrigerant leaving the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ may be guided to pass through the switching valve60′ and flow back to the compressor for completing a heat pump cycle.

The above-mentioned components may be connected to form a particular configuration to allow refrigerant to perform heat exchange with various mediums such as ambient air. An exemplary configuration is shown inFIG.9andFIG.10of the drawings. According to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor main unit1′ may be positioned on a roof of a building so that it may draw ambient air for performing heat exchange with the refrigerant. As shown inFIG.10of the drawings, the outdoor main unit1′ may further comprise a main casing11′ having a rectangular cross section when viewed from the top, wherein the main casing11′ may have an air inlet112′ and an air outlet113′. The air inlet112′ may be formed on at least one side of the main casing11′ while the air outlet113′ may be formed on an opposed side of the main casing11′.

The outdoor main unit1′ may further comprise at least one fan12′ provided adjacent to the air outlet113′ for drawing ambient air to flow from the air inlet112′ to the air outlet113′. The main casing11′ may further have a compressor compartment114′ for accommodating the compressor10′.

The switching valve60′ may have first through fourth connecting port61′,62′,63′,64′. The switching valve60′ may be switched between an air conditioning switching mode and a heat pump switching mode, wherein in the air conditioning switching mode, the switching valve60′ is switched such that the first connecting port61′ may be connected to the second connecting port62′ so that refrigerant may flow from the first connecting port61′ to the second connecting port62′, while the third connecting port63′ may be connected to the fourth connecting port64′ so that refrigerant may flow from the third connecting port63′ to the fourth connecting port64′.

In the heat pump switching mode, the switching valve60′ may be switched so that the first connecting port61′ may be connected to the fourth connecting port64′ so that refrigerant may flow from the first connecting port61′ to the fourth connecting port64′, while the second connecting port62′ may be connected to the third connecting port63′, so that refrigerant may flow from the second connecting port62′ to the third connecting port63′.

The first outdoor heat exchanger30′ may have a first communicating port31′ and a second communicating port32′ for allowing refrigerant to flow into or out of the first outdoor heat exchanger30′. As shown inFIG.9of the drawings, the first communicating port31′ may be connected to the second connecting port62′ of the switching valve60′. The second communicating port32′ may be connected to the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ of the cooling tower40′. The refrigerant flowing through the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ may be arranged to perform heat exchange with the ambient air drawn from the air inlet112′ of the main casing11′.

The second outdoor heat exchanger42′ may have a first passage port421′ and a second passage port422′ for allowing refrigerant to flow into or out of the second outdoor heat exchanger42′. The first passage port421′ may be connected to the second communicating port32′ of the first outdoor heat exchanger30′. The second passage port422′ may be connected to the refrigerant storage tank20′ through various other auxiliary components (described below). As shown inFIG.9of the drawings, the first passage port421′ may be connected to three input branches4211′,4212′,4213′ each connecting to the relevant sections of the second outdoor heat exchanger42′. Similarly, refrigerant passing through the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ may be guided to leave through three output branches4221′,4222′,4223′ which may eventually merge to a single second passage port422′.

The second outdoor heat exchanger42′ may comprise a plurality of heat exchanging tubes424′ immersed into first through third water collection basin411′,412′,413′ respectively. The heat exchanging tubes424′ in the first through third water collection basin411′,412′,413′ may be connected to the three input branches4211′,4212′,4213′ and the three output branches4221′,4222′,4223′ respectively. Cooling water may be arranged to be collected in the first through third water collection basin411′,412′,413′ in such a manner that the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ may be completely immersed in the cooling water for performing heat exchange therewith.

The air conditioning and heat pump system may further comprise a refrigerant storage tank20′ having an liquid inlet201′ connected to the second passage port422′ of the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ and the indoor heat distribution system2′, and a liquid outlet202′ connected to the second communicating port32′ of the first outdoor heat exchanger30′, the first passage port421′ of the second outdoor heat exchanger42′, and the indoor heat distribution system2′ through various auxiliary components.

The outdoor main unit1may further comprise a filter80′ connected to the liquid outlet202′ of the refrigerant storage tank20′. The outdoor main unit1′ may further comprise an expansion valve18′ connected to the second communicating port32′ of the first outdoor heat exchanger30′.

The outdoor main unit1may further comprise a unidirectional valve13′ for restricting the flow of the refrigerant in one predetermined direction. As shown inFIG.9of the drawings, the unidirectional valve13′ may be connected between the second passage port422′ of the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ and the liquid inlet201′ of the refrigerant storage tank20′. The unidirectional valve13′ may be configured to allow a flow of refrigerant in a direction from the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ toward the refrigerant storage tank20′.

On the other hand, the refrigerant leaving the refrigerant storage tank20′ may be guided to flow to the filter80′. The refrigerant leaving the filter80′ may be guided to flow through one of the two paths, the first path being toward the second communicating port32′ of the first outdoor heat exchanger30′, the second path being toward the indoor heat distribution system2′.

The outdoor main unit1′ may further comprise a first electrically-controlled two-way valve14′ connected to the second communicating port32′ of the first outdoor heat exchanger30′, the first passage port421′ of the second outdoor heat exchanger42′, and the liquid outlet202′ of the refrigerant storage tank20′. Specifically, refrigerant coming from the liquid outlet202′ of the refrigerant storage tank20′ may be guided to flow through the filter80′, the first electrically-controlled two-way valve14′, the expansion valve18′, and reach either the second communicating port32′ of the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ or the first passage port421′ of the second outdoor heat exchanger42′. This is one of the paths for the refrigerant coming out from the refrigerant storage tank20′.

The main outdoor unit1′ may further comprise a second electrically-controlled two-way valve15′ connected to the indoor heat distribution system2′, and the liquid outlet202′ of the refrigerant storage tank20′. Refrigerant flowing from the liquid outlet202′ may be selectively guided to flow through the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15′ and reach the indoor heat distribution system2′. This is the other path for the refrigerant coming out from the refrigerant storage tank20′.

Each of the first electrically-controlled two-way valve14′ and the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15′ may be selectively switched off for not allowing refrigerant to pass therethrough. It is when they are switched on that the refrigerant may be allowed to pass through.

The main outdoor unit1′ may further comprise a third electrically-controlled two-way valve16′ connected to the indoor heat distribution system2′, and the liquid inlet201′ of the refrigerant storage tank20′. The third electrically-controlled two-way valve16′ may allow refrigerant to flow from the indoor heat distribution system2′ toward the liquid inlet201′ of the refrigerant storage tank20′.

The cooling tower40′ may be utilized to lower a temperature of the refrigerant flowing therethrough. The cooling tower40′ may further comprise a pump45′ for pumping cooling water from the water storage basin44′ back to the first water collection basin411′.

The cooling water in the first through third water collection basins411′,412′,413′ may absorb heat from the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ and may then be guided to distribute on the first through third fill material units431′,432′,433′ in the manner described above. The cooling water may form a thin film of water dropping down along a vertical direction of the first through third fill material unit431′,432′,433′. At the same time, ambient air is drawn from the air inlet112′ to flow through the thin film of water in first through third fill material unit431′,432′,433′. The ambient air may then carry away the heat in the cooling water. After that, the cooling water may be collected in the water storage basin44′. The cooling water in the water collection basin44′ will be cooled and ready for being pumped back to the water collection basin41′ to start another cooling cycle.

It is worth mentioning that the outdoor main unit1′ may further comprise a temperature sensor70′ provided at the liquid outlet202′ of the refrigerant storage tank20′ for sensing a temperature of the refrigerant coming out from the refrigerant storage tank20′. The temperature sensor70′ may be connected to a control unit such that when a temperature of the refrigerant from the refrigerant storage tank20′ is below a predetermined threshold, the pump device45′ will be turned off.

As shown inFIG.9andFIG.10of the drawings, the outdoor main unit1′ and the indoor heat distribution system2′ may be communicated via second through third linkage ports302′,303′. The second linkage port302′ may be connected to the fourth connecting port64′ of the switching valve60′. The third linkage port303′ may be connected to the liquid inlet201′ of the refrigerant storage tank20′ and the second passage port422′ of the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ through the third electrically-controlled two-way valve16′. Moreover, the third linkage port303′ may also be connected to the first passage port421′ of the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ and the second communicating port32′ of the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ through other components (described below).

These ports may serve as connection boundaries between the outdoor main unit1′ and the indoor heat distribution system2′. According to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indoor heat distribution system2′ may further comprise a first indoor expansion valve231′, a first indoor unidirectional valve241′, a second indoor unidirectional valve242′, and a first indoor flow regulator261′ connected to the indoor heat exchanger21′ to form an indoor heat exchange configuration27′ as a group of components connected in a predetermined configuration. One of such a configuration may be illustrated inFIG.10of the drawings. The indoor heat exchange configuration27′ may be connected between the second linkage port302′ and the third linkage port303′.

The indoor heat exchange configuration27′ may comprise the indoor heat exchanger21′, the first indoor expansion valve231′, the first indoor unidirectional valve241′, the second indoor unidirectional valve242′, and the first indoor flow regulator261′. The indoor heat exchanger21′ may have a first passing port211′ and a second passing port212′ which may serve as inlet or outlet of refrigerant. As shown inFIG.10of the drawings, the first passing port211′ may be connected to the second linkage port302′ while the second passing port212′ may be connected to the third linkage port303′. Specifically, the first indoor flow regulator261′ and the first indoor unidirectional valve241′ may be connected to the first passing port211′, and may be connected in parallel with each other. The first indoor flow regulator261′ and the first indoor unidirectional valve241′ may be connected to the second linkage port302′.

On the other hand, the first indoor expansion valve231′ and the second indoor unidirectional valve242′ may be connected to the second passing port212′ and may be connected in parallel with each other. The first indoor expansion valve231′ and the second indoor unidirectional valve242′ may be connected to the third linkage port303′.

The first indoor unidirectional valve241′ may be configured to allow flow of refrigerant from the first passing port211′ toward the second linkage port302′. The second indoor unidirectional valve242′ may be configured to allow flow of refrigerant from the second passing port212′ toward the third linkage port303′.

Note that, as in the first preferred embodiment, the indoor heat distribution system2′ may actually comprise a plurality of indoor heat exchange configurations27′ connected in parallel. Each of the indoor heat exchange configurations27′ may have identical components and structure as mentioned above, and may provide conditioned or heated air to a designated indoor space, such as a room.

The indoor heat distribution system2′ may further comprise a third indoor unidirectional valve243′ and a fourth indoor unidirectional valve244′ connected to a first heat exchanging port2221′ and a second heat exchanging port2222′ of the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ respectively. The first heat exchanging port2221′ and a second heat exchanging port2222′ may serve as an input or output port for refrigerant to enter or leave the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′. The ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ may be connected between the second linkage port302′ and the third linkage port303′. The third indoor unidirectional valve243′ may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ toward the second linkage port302′. The fourth indoor unidirectional valve244′ may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ toward the third linkage port303′.

The ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ may be configured as a heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchanging tubes for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and the air passing therethrough.

The indoor heat distribution system2′ may further comprise a second indoor flow regulator262′ connected to the first heat exchanging port2221′ of the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ and in parallel with the third indoor unidirectional valve243′. Moreover, the indoor heat distribution system2′ may further comprise a second expansion valve232′ connected to the second heat exchanging port2222′ of the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ and in parallel with the fourth indoor unidirectional valve244′.

Moreover, the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ may have a first refrigerant passing port2231′ and a second refrigerant passing port2232′ which may serve as inlet or outlet of refrigerant. The indoor heat distribution system2′ may further comprise a depressurizing valve28′ connected to the second refrigerant passing port2232′ of the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ and to the third linkage port303′. The first refrigerant passing port2231′ may be connected to the third linkage port303′ through a second indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve290′. The indoor heat distribution system2′ may further comprise a first indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve29′ connected to the second refrigerant passing port2232′ and in parallel with the depressurizing valve28′.

The second refrigerant passing port2232′ may also be connected to the second heat exchanging port2222′ through the first indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve29′.

The indoor heat distribution system2′ may further comprise a third indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve291′ and a fourth indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve292′. The third indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve291′ may be connected in parallel with the second indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve290′.

Again, the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ may be configured as having a plurality of heat exchanging tubes for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and the air passing therethrough.

In reality, the indoor heat distribution system2′ may comprise a plurality of indoor heat exchangers21′, wherein each of the indoor heat exchangers21′ may be arranged to provide conditioned or heated air or other medium in a designated indoor space (such as a room). On the other hand, a single ventilating device22′ may be provided to supply fresh air to several designated indoor spaces through a plurality of air ducts.

When the air conditioning and heat pump system is in the air conditioning mode, the switching valve60′ may be switched to the air conditioning switching mode. The first electrically-controlled two-way valve14′ may be turned off while the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15′ may be turned on.

Referring toFIG.9andFIG.10of the drawings, a predetermined amount of vaporous refrigerant is arranged to leave the compressor10′ through the compressor outlet101′ and may be guided to pass through the first connecting port61′, the second connecting port62′, and enter the first communicating port31′ of the first outdoor heat exchanger30′. The refrigerant may release heat to the ambient air passing through the first outdoor heat exchanger30′. The refrigerant leaving the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ through the second communicating port32′ may be guided to enter the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ through the first passage port421′ and the three input branches4211′,4212′,4213′. The refrigerant may further release heat to the cooling water stored in the first through third water collection basin411′,412′,413′ and exit the second outdoor heat exchanger42′ through the second passage port422′ and the three output branches4221′,4222,4213′ thereof. The refrigerant may then pass through the unidirectional valve13′ and enter the refrigerant storage tank20′ through the liquid inlet201′. The refrigerant may then leave the refrigerant storage tank20′ through the liquid outlet202′ and may be guided to flow through the filter80′, and the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15′, and enter the indoor heat distribution system2′ through the third linkage port303′.

The refrigerant may then be arranged to pass through the third indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve291′ and the first indoor expansion valve231′ and enter the indoor heat exchanger21′ through the second passing port212′. The refrigerant may then absorb heat from the indoor space by performing heat exchange with another medium, such as air in the designated indoor space. The refrigerant may then leave the indoor heat exchanger21′ through the first passing port211′ and pass through the first indoor unidirectional valve241′ and may be guided to re-enter the outdoor main unit1′ through the second linkage port302′.

The refrigerant may then be guided to pass through the fourth connecting port64′ and the third connecting port63′ the switching valve60′, and eventually flow back to the compressor10′ through the compressor inlet102′ to complete an air conditioning cycle.

Note that when pump45′ is turned off due to low refrigerant temperature in the water storage basin44′, the refrigerant circulating in the air conditioning and heat pump system may be solely cooled by ambient air passing through the first outdoor heat exchanger30′.

Thus, when the air conditioning and heat pump system is operated in the air conditioning mode, the refrigerant may be cooled by ambient air and/or cooling water circulating in the cooling tower40′ depending on such environment factors as the temperature of the ambient air or the water level in the water storage basin44′.

It is worth mentioning that the purpose of first indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve29′ is to allow residual refrigerant from the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ to flow back to the compressor10′ in the air conditioning mode because the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ may become idle when the air conditioning and heat pump system is operated in the air conditioning mode. In the air conditioning mode, the first indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve29′ may be opened while the second indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve290′ and the fourth indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve292′ may be closed. The residual refrigerant in the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ may be allowed to pass through the first indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve29′ and enter the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ through the second heat exchanging port2222′. The residual refrigerant leaving the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ through the first heat exchanging port2221′ may pass through the third indoor unidirectional valve243′ and return to the outdoor main unit1′ through the second linkage port302′. The residual refrigerant may be guided to pass through the fourth connecting port64′, the third connecting port63′ and go back to the compressor10′.

When the air conditioning, air heating and water heating unit is in the heat pump mode, the switching valve60′ may be switched to the heat pump switching mode. The first electrically-controlled two-way valve14′ may be opened (turned on) while the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15′ may be closed (turned off).

A predetermined amount of vaporous refrigerant is arranged to leave the compressor10′ through the compressor outlet101′ and may be guided to pass through the first connecting port61′ and the fourth connecting port64′ of the switching valve60′. The refrigerant may then be guided to enter the indoor heat distribution system2′ through the second linkage port302′.

In the indoor heat distribution system2′, the refrigerant may be arranged to pass through the first indoor flow regulator261′ and enter the indoor heat exchanger21′ through the first passing port211′ for releasing heat to the designated indoor space. On the other hand, some refrigerant may also pass through the second indoor flow regulator262′ and enter the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ through the first heat exchanging port2221′.

The first indoor flow regulator261′ may determine the amount of refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger21′ so as to control the heat exchange performance (such as indoor temperature) between the indoor heat exchanger21′ and designated indoor space. The second indoor flow regulator262′ may determine the amount of refrigerant flowing into the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ so as to control the heat exchange performance (such as indoor temperature) between the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ and ambient air from the air intake opening2211′.

The refrigerant may then be arranged to leave the indoor heat exchanger21′ through the second passing port212′ and pass through the second indoor unidirectional valve242′. The refrigerant in the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ may then be arranged to leave the ventilating heat exchanging unit222′ through the second heat exchanging port2222′ and pass through the fourth indoor unidirectional valve244′.

In this heat pump mode, the third indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve291′ may be closed while the fourth indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve292′ may be opened. The refrigerant passing through the second indoor unidirectional valve242′ and the fourth indoor unidirectional valve244′ may then merge and be guided to pass through the fourth indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve292′ and the depressurizing valve28′ and enter the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ for releasing heat to the ambient air drawn from the air intake opening2211′. In other words, the ambient air will be pre-heated by the energy efficient heat exchanger223′. The first indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve29′ may be closed at this time.

The refrigerant may then be guided to leave the energy efficient heat exchanger223′ through the first refrigerant passing port2231′ and pass through the second indoor electrically-controlled two-way valve290′ (which may be opened) and go back to the outdoor main unit1′ via the third linkage port303′.

In the outdoor main unit1′, the second electrically-controlled two-way valve15′ may be closed while the third electrically-controlled two-way valve16′ and the first electrically-controlled two-way valve14′ may be opened. The refrigerant may then be guided to pass through the third electrically-controlled two-way valve16′ (which may be opened) and enter the refrigerant storage tank20′ through the liquid inlet201′. The refrigerant may then leave the refrigerant storage tank20′ through the liquid outlet202′ and may be guided to flow through the filter80′, the first electrically-controlled two-way valve14′, the expansion valve18′, and enter the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ through the second communicating port32′ for absorbing heat from the ambient air. The refrigerant may then be guided to leave the first outdoor heat exchanger30′ through the first communicating port31′ and pass through the second connecting port62′ of the switching valve60′, the third connecting port63′ of the switching valve60′, and eventually flow back to the compressor10′ through the compressor inlet102′ to complete a heat pump cycle.

The present invention, while illustrated and described in terms of the preferred embodiments and several alternatives, is not limited to the particular description contained in this specification. Additional alternative or equivalent components could also be used to practice the present invention.