Patent ID: 12259163

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

With reference toFIGS.1-4, a climate-control system10is provided. The climate-control system is operable in a cooling mode (FIGS.1-2) and in a heating mode (FIGS.3-4). The climate-control system10may include a fluid-circuit having a compressor12, a first heat exchanger (e.g., an outdoor heat exchanger)14, a second heat exchanger (e.g., an indoor heat exchanger)16, a first expansion valve18, a second expansion valve20, a first reversing valve22, a second reversing valve24, a three-way junction26, and a thermal storage device27. The compressor12may pump working fluid (e.g., refrigerant, carbon dioxide, etc.) through the circuit. The thermal storage device27can be configured to facilitate energy storage in the form of heat (e.g., by the use of a phase-change material236) that can be transferred to and from a working fluid of the climate-control system10.

The climate-control system10may selectively “charge” (i.e., changing the temperature or phase within the thermal storage device27to a desired thermal storage device temperature) or “discharge” (i.e., changing the temperature or phase of the working fluid to a desired working fluid temperature) the thermal storage device27based on operating conditions such as time-of-day, energy costs, weather conditions (e.g., outdoor ambient air temperature), current state of the thermal storage device27, and a temperature of air within a space to heated or cooled by the system10, for example. The desired thermal storage device temperature and the desired working fluid temperature are temperatures determined by a control module181to optimize operation of the climate-control system10based on operating conditions, such as those listed above. The thermal storage capacity of the climate-control system10may be particularly beneficial to systems reliant on solar power, such that the system may charge when there is adequate solar power (e.g., during a sunny day) and may discharge when there is inadequate solar power (e.g., at night). The climate-control system10may also charge the thermal storage device27at non-peak electrical usage hours to avoid high electrical usage rates.

The compressor12may be any suitable type of compressor such as a scroll, rotary, reciprocating or screw compressor, for example. As shown inFIG.5, the compressor12includes a compression mechanism28disposed within a hermetic shell assembly30having a suction inlet32(e.g., a first inlet fitting), a discharge outlet34(e.g., a first outlet fitting), an intermediate outlet port36(e.g., a second outlet fitting), and an intermediate inlet port38(e.g., a second inlet fitting). In some configurations, the compressor12may include a fixed-speed or variable-speed motor (not shown).

The suction inlet32may provide fluid to an internal suction inlet39of the compression mechanism28(e.g., a radially outermost pocket of a scroll compression mechanism). A suction line42(FIGS.1-4) may be fluidly coupled to the suction inlet32of the compressor12. Working fluid exiting a suction line accumulator46may flow through the suction line42, the suction inlet32of the compressor12, and the internal suction inlet39to be compressed by the compression mechanism28of the compressor12. After the working fluid is compressed by the compression mechanism28of the compressor12, the working fluid may be discharged by the compressor12by flowing through the discharge outlet34to a discharge line50(FIGS.1-4) coupled to the discharge outlet34.

As shown inFIG.5, the compressor12may also include a main bearing housing assembly52, a motor assembly54, a seal assembly56, a discharge fitting58, a discharge valve assembly60, a first vapor-injection conduit61(defining the intermediate outlet port36), and a second vapor-injection conduit62(defining the intermediate inlet port38). The shell assembly30may house the main bearing housing assembly52, the motor assembly54, the compression mechanism28and the seal assembly56, and may at least partially house the first and second vapor- injection conduits61,62.

The shell assembly30may generally form a compressor housing and may include a cylindrical shell64, an end cap66at the upper end thereof, a transversely extending partition68and a base70at a lower end thereof. The end cap66and the partition68may generally define a discharge chamber72, while the cylindrical shell64, the partition68and the base70may generally define a suction chamber74. The discharge fitting58may be attached to the shell assembly30at an opening76in the end cap66and may be in fluid communication with the discharge line50. The discharge valve assembly60may be located within the discharge fitting58and may generally prevent a reverse flow condition. The suction inlet32may be attached to the shell assembly30at an opening82such that the suction inlet32is in fluid communication with the suction chamber74and a suction line42. The partition68may include a discharge passage86therethrough that provides communication between the compression mechanism28and the discharge chamber72.

The main bearing housing assembly52may be affixed to the shell64at a plurality of points in any desirable manner, such as staking, for example. The main bearing housing assembly52may include a main bearing housing88, a first bearing90disposed therein, bushings92and fasteners94. The main bearing housing88may include a central body portion96having a series of arms98that extend radially outwardly therefrom. The central body portion96may include first and second portions100,102having an opening104extending therethrough. The second portion102may house the first bearing90therein. The first portion100may define an annular flat thrust bearing surface106on an axial end surface thereof. Each arm98may include an aperture108extending therethrough that receives a respective fastener94.

The motor assembly54may generally include a motor stator110, a rotor112, and a drive shaft114. The motor stator110may be press-fit into the shell64. The drive shaft114may be rotatably driven by the rotor112. The rotor112may be press-fit onto the drive shaft114. The drive shaft114may include an eccentric crank pin116having a flat surface118thereon.

The compression mechanism28may generally include an orbiting scroll120and a non-orbiting scroll122. The orbiting scroll120may include an endplate124having a spiral vane or wrap126on the upper surface thereof and an annular flat thrust surface128on the lower surface. The thrust surface128may interface with the annular flat thrust bearing surface106on the main bearing housing88. A cylindrical hub130may project downwardly from the thrust surface128and may have a drive bushing132rotatably disposed therein. The drive bushing132may include an inner bore in which the crank pin116is drivingly disposed. The crank pin flat surface118may drivingly engage a flat surface of the inner bore of the drive bushing132to provide a radially compliant driving arrangement. An Oldham coupling134may be engaged with the orbiting and non-orbiting scrolls120,122to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

The non-orbiting scroll122may include an endplate136having a spiral wrap138on a lower surface140thereof and a series of radially outwardly extending flanged portions142. The spiral wrap138may form a meshing engagement with the wrap126of the orbiting scroll120, thereby creating a plurality of compression pockets, including a suction-pressure pocket144, a plurality of intermediate-pressure pockets146,148,150,152, and a discharge-pressure pocket154. The non-orbiting scroll122may be axially displaceable relative to the main bearing housing assembly52, the shell assembly30, and the orbiting scroll120. The non-orbiting scroll122may include a discharge passage155in communication with the discharge-pressure pocket154and an upwardly open recess156. The upwardly open recess156may be in fluid communication with the discharge chamber72via the discharge passage86in the partition68.

The flanged portions142may include openings157therethrough. Each opening157may receive a respective bushing92therein. Each bushing92may receive a respective fastener94. The respective fastener94may be engaged with the main bearing housing88to prevent rotation of the non-orbiting scroll122relative to the main bearing housing assembly52. The non-orbiting scroll122may include an annular recess158in the upper surface thereof defined by parallel and coaxial inner and outer sidewalls159,160.

The seal assembly56may be located within the annular recess158. In this way, the seal assembly56may be axially displaceable within the annular recess158relative to the shell assembly30and/or the non-orbiting scroll122to provide for axial displacement of the non-orbiting scroll122while maintaining a sealed engagement with the partition68to isolate the discharge chamber72from the suction chamber74. More specifically, in some configurations, pressure within the annular recess158may urge the seal assembly56into engagement with the partition68, and the spiral wrap138of the non-orbiting scroll122into engagement with the endplate124of the orbiting scroll120, during normal compressor operation.

The endplate136may include a first injection passage161formed therein. The first injection passage161may be in fluid communication with the first vapor-injection conduit61and with one or more of the intermediate-pressure pockets146,148,150,152and may include a radially extending portion162and an axially extending portion163. The first injection passage161may be configured to allow the working fluid from the one or more intermediate-pressure pockets146,148,150,152to flow into the first vapor-injection conduit61.

The endplate136may include a second injection passage164formed therein. The second injection passage164may be in fluid communication with the second vapor-injection conduit62and with one or more of the intermediate-pressure pockets146,148,150,152, and may include a radially extending portion165and an axially extending portion166. The second injection passage164may be configured to allow the working fluid from the second vapor-injection conduit62to flow into the one or more of the intermediate-pressure pockets146,148,150,152.

The intermediate inlet port38is fluidly connected to an intermediate-pressure pocket146,148,150,152which has a lower operating pressure than the intermediate-pressure pocket146,148,150,152fluidly connected to the intermediate outlet port36. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG.5, the intermediate outlet port36is fluidly connected to intermediate-pressure pocket152and the intermediate inlet port38is fluidly connected to intermediate-pressure pocket146.

The first vapor-injection conduit61may be at least partially disposed in the shell64and may be attached to the shell64at an opening thereof. The first vapor-injection conduit61may include a first end168in fluid communication with the first injection passage161and a second end170attached to the shell.

The second vapor-injection conduit62may be at least partially disposed in the shell64and may be attached to the shell64at an opening thereof. The second vapor-injection conduit62may include a first end172in fluid communication with the second injection passage164and a second end174attached to the shell64.

As shown inFIGS.1-4, the climate-control system10may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the intermediate outlet port36to a three-way valve179and to allow fluid to flow from the three-way valve179to the intermediate inlet port38. The three-way valve179may be in fluid communication with a third reversing valve180. The three-way valve179may operate as a solenoid valve, in which the three-way valve179is in communication with the control module181, such that the at least one of the intermediate outlet and inlet ports36,38may be bypassed.

A first port182of the three-way valve179may be in fluid communication with the intermediate outlet port36of the compressor12. A second port183of the three-way valve179may be in fluid communication with the intermediate inlet port38of the compressor. A third port184of the three-way valve179may be in fluid communication with the third reversing valve180.

The first heat exchanger14may include a coil (or conduit)185having an inlet186and an outlet187. The first heat exchanger14may be disposed outside of a building (or house)188. A first fan190may force air across the first heat exchanger14to facilitate heat transfer between outdoor ambient air and working fluid flowing through the coil185. Similarly, the second heat exchanger16may include a coil (or conduit)192having an inlet194and an outlet196. The second heat exchanger16may be disposed inside of a building (or house)188. A second fan198may force air across the second heat exchanger16to facilitate heat transfer between working fluid in the coil192and air in the building188to heat a space within the building188in the heating mode or cool the space within the building188in the cooling mode.

The first and second reversing valves22,24are movable between a first position (FIGS.1-2) corresponding to the cooling mode of the climate-control system10and a second position (FIGS.3-4) corresponding to the heating mode of the climate-control system10. Each of the first and second reversing valves22,24can include a movable valve member (e.g., a slidable body or a rotatable body) that is movable between the first and second positions and can be actuated by a solenoid, stepper motor, or fluid pressure. The control module181may control operation of the first and second reversing valves22,24and controls movement between the first and second positions. The control module181may also control operation of the first and second expansion valves18,20(e.g., based on data from a temperature sensor and/or other operating parameters), the compressor12, and the fans190,198of the first and second heat exchangers14,16.

The first reversing valve22may include a first inlet200, a second inlet202, a first outlet204, and a second outlet206. The valve member of the first reversing valve22is movable relative to the inlets200,202and outlets204,206between the first and second positions. The first inlet200of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected to the discharge outlet34of the compressor12. The second inlet202of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected to an outlet208of the second expansion valve20. The first outlet204of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected to the inlet186of the first heat exchanger14. The second outlet206of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected to the inlet194of the second heat exchanger16.

The second reversing valve24may include a first inlet210, a second inlet212, a first outlet214, and a second outlet216. The valve member of the second reversing valve24is movable relative to the inlets210,212and outlets214,216between the first and second positions. The first inlet210of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected to the outlet187of the first heat exchanger14. The second inlet212of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected to the outlet196of the second heat exchanger16. The first outlet214of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected to an inlet218of the first expansion valve18. The second outlet216of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected to the accumulator46(or to the suction inlet32of the compressor12).

The climate-control system10may also include a third reversing valve180. The third reversing valve180may be movable between a first position (FIGS.1&4) and a second position (FIGS.2-3). The third reversing valve180can include a movable valve member (e.g., a slidable body or a rotatable body) that is movable between the first and second positions and can be actuated by a solenoid, stepper motor, or fluid pressure. The control module181may control operation of the third reversing valve180and controls movement between the first and second positions.

The third reversing valve180may include a first port222, a second port224, a third port226, and a fourth port228. The valve member of the third reversing valve180is movable relative to the ports222,224,226,228between the first and second positions. The first port222of the third reversing valve180may operate as an inlet to the third reversing valve180. The third port226of the third reversing valve180may operate as an outlet from the third reversing valve180. The second and fourth ports224,228of the third reversing valve180may operate as both inlets and outlets, depending on the mode of operation of the climate-control system10. The first port222of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected to an outlet230of the thermal storage device27. The second port224of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected to the third port184of the three-way valve179. The third port226of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected to an inlet234of the thermal storage device27. The fourth port228of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected to a first port232of the three-way junction26.

The thermal storage device27may include a storage tank235containing the phase-change material236. The thermal storage device27may include a conduit (or coil)238disposed within the storage tank235. The conduit238may extend between and be fluidly connected with the inlet234and the outlet230. The conduit238may be surrounded by, submerged in, or otherwise in a heat-transfer relationship with the phase-change material236such that heat is exchanged between the phase-change material236and the working fluid within the conduit238. The thermal storage device27may be insulated as to reduce heat transfer between the phase-change material236and the ambient environment. The phase-change material236may be or include paraffin, salt hydrate, and/or other phase-change materials.

The three-way junction26includes the first port232, a second port240, and a third port242. The climate-control system10may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow from an outlet244of the first expansion valve18to the second port240of the three-way junction26and to allow the working fluid to flow from the third port242of the three-way junction26to an inlet246of the second expansion valve20. The climate-control system10may be configured to allow the working fluid to flow through the first port232of the three-way junction26to either enter the three-way junction26or to exit the three-way junction26, depending on the mode of operation.

Referring toFIG.6, at least one sensor248,250may be configured to measure characteristics of at least one point of the climate-control system10. These characteristics may include temperature, pressure, and/or flow rate of the working fluid. The control module181may receive the data from the at least one sensor248,250and may interpret the data to determine a status of the climate-control system10. In response to the data provided by the at least one sensor248,250the control module181may provide direction to the first and second expansion valves18,20and the first, second, and third reversing valves22,24,180. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-4, the operation of the first expansion valve18is dependent on data measured by the sensor248located between the three-way valve179and the conduit238of the thermal storage device27and the operation of the second expansion valve20is dependent on data measured by the sensor250located between first outlet214of the second reversing valve24and the accumulator46.

With reference toFIGS.1-4, operation of the climate-control system10will be described in detail. When the climate-control system10is in the cooling and charging mode (FIG.1): (a) the first reversing valve22is configured such that the first inlet200of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected with the first outlet204of the first reversing valve22, (b) the first reversing valve22is configured such that the second inlet202of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected with the second outlet206of the first reversing valve22, (c) the second reversing valve24is configured such that the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected with the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24, (d) the second reversing valve24is configured such that the second inlet212of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected with the second outlet216of the second reversing valve24, (e) the third reversing valve180is configured such that the first port222of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected with the second port224of the third reversing valve180, and (f) the third reversing valve180is configured such that the fourth port228of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected with the third port226of the third reversing valve180. The three-way valve179is configured to allow working fluid from the second port224of the third reversing valve180to flow to the intermediate inlet port38of the compression mechanism28and to prevent flow out of the intermediate outlet port36of the compression mechanism28.

Operation of the climate-control system10in the cooling and charging mode (shown inFIG.1) will now be described in detail. Compressed working fluid is discharged from the compressor12through the discharge outlet34. The first reversing valve22is positioned to allow the compressed working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet34into the first inlet200of the first reversing valve22and to the first outlet204of the first reversing valve22. From the first outlet204of the first reversing valve22, the working fluid flows into the inlet186of the first heat exchanger14, through the coil185of the first heat exchanger14(where heat is transferred from the working fluid to the outdoor ambient air outside of the building188) and exits the first heat exchanger14through the outlet187.

From the outlet187of the first heat exchanger14, the working fluid flows into the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24. The second reversing valve24is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow from the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24to the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24. From the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24, the working fluid flows into the inlet218of the first expansion valve18. As the working fluid flows through the first expansion valve18, the temperature and pressure of the working fluid are lowered. The working fluid flows out of the first expansion valve18through the outlet244. From the outlet244of the first expansion valve18, the working fluid flows into the second port240of the three-way junction26.

From the second port240, a first portion of the working fluid flows through the first port232of the three-way junction26to the fourth port228of the third reversing valve180. The third reversing valve180allows the first portion of the working fluid to flow out of the third reversing valve180through the third port226and to then flow to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27. The first portion of the working fluid continues through the conduit238of the thermal storage device27and exits the thermal storage device27through the outlet230of the thermal storage device27. The first portion of the working fluid in the conduit238absorbs heat from the phase-change material236to decrease the temperature of the phase-change material236or to transition the phase-change material236from a liquid state to a solid state.

The first portion of the working fluid then flows through the first port222of the third reversing valve180to the second port224of the third reversing valve180, as allowed by the positioning of the third reversing valve180. From the third reversing valve180, the first portion of the working fluid flows through the third port184of the three-way valve179. The three-way valve179is configured to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow through second port183of the three-way valve179to the intermediate inlet port38. The intermediate inlet port38is configured such that the first portion of the working fluid is allowed to flow into the intermediate-pressure pocket150of the compression mechanism28.

A second portion of the working fluid flows from the third port242of the three-way junction26to the inlet246of the second expansion valve20. As the second portion of the working fluid flows through the second expansion valve20, the temperature and pressure of the second portion of the working fluid are lowered. From the outlet208of the second expansion valve20, the second portion of the working fluid flows into the second inlet202of the first reversing valve22. The first reversing valve22allows the working fluid to flow from the second inlet202to the second outlet206. From the second outlet206of the first reversing valve22, the second portion of the working fluid flows into the inlet194of the second heat exchanger16, through the coil192of the second heat exchanger16(where the working fluid absorbs heat from air within the building188) and out of the second heat exchanger16through the outlet196.

After the second portion of the working fluid exits the outlet196of the second heat exchanger16, the second portion of the working fluid flows to the second inlet212of the second reversing valve24. The second reversing valve24is positioned to allow the second portion of the working fluid to flow from the second inlet212to the second outlet216. After exiting the second reversing valve24through the second outlet216, the second portion of the working fluid flows to the suction inlet32of the compressor12. In some configurations, the second portion of the working fluid flows from the second outlet216to the accumulator46then to the suction inlet32of the compressor.

When the climate-control system10is in the cooling and discharging mode (FIG.2): (a) the first reversing valve22is configured such that the first inlet200of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected with the first outlet204of the first reversing valve22, (b) the first reversing valve22is configured such that the second inlet202of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected with the second outlet206of the first reversing valve22, (c) the second reversing valve24is configured such that the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected with the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24, (d) the second reversing valve24is configured such that the second inlet212of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected with the second outlet216of the second reversing valve24, (e) the third reversing valve180is configured such that the first port222of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected with the fourth port228of the third reversing valve180, and (f) the third reversing valve180is configured such that the second port224of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected with the third port226of the third reversing valve180. The three-way valve179is configured to allow working fluid from the intermediate outlet port36of the compression mechanism28to flow through second port224of the third reversing valve180and to prevent flow to the intermediate inlet port38of the compression mechanism28.

Operation of the climate-control system10in the cooling and discharging mode (shown inFIG.2) will now be described in detail. A first portion of compressed working fluid is discharged from the compressor12through the discharge outlet34. The first reversing valve22is positioned to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow into the first inlet200of the first reversing valve22and to exit the first reversing valve22through the first outlet204of the first reversing valve22. From the first outlet204of the first reversing valve22, the first portion of the working fluid flows into the inlet186of the first heat exchanger14, through the coil185of the first heat exchanger14(where the first portion of the working fluid transfers heat to the outdoor ambient air outside of the building188) and exits the first heat exchanger14through the outlet187.

From the outlet187of the first heat exchanger14, the first portion of the working fluid flows into the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24. The second reversing valve24is positioned to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow from the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24to the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24. From the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24, the first portion of the working fluid flows into the inlet218of the first expansion valve18. As the first portion of the working fluid flows through the first expansion valve18, the temperature and pressure of the first portion of the working fluid are lowered. The first portion of the working fluid flows out of the first expansion valve18through the outlet244. From the outlet244of the first expansion valve18, the working fluid flows into the second port240of the three-way junction26.

A second portion of the working fluid is discharged from the compressor12through the intermediate-pressure pocket150of the compression mechanism28to the intermediate outlet port36. The second portion of the working fluid then flows to the first port182of the three-way valve179. The three-way valve179allows the second portion of the working fluid to flow out of the three-way valve184via the third port184. The second portion of the working fluid then flows to the second port224of the third reversing valve180. The third reversing valve180is positioned to allow the second portion of the fluid to flow out of the third reversing valve180through the third port226of the third reversing valve180.

From the third reversing valve180, the second portion of the working fluid flows to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27and passes through the conduit238of the thermal storage device27to the outlet230of the thermal storage device27. The temperature of the second portion of the working fluid in the conduit238is cooled by transferring heat to the phase-change material236of the thermal storage device27. The second portion of the working fluid then flows through the first port222of the third reversing valve180to the fourth port228of the third reversing valve180, as allowed by the positioning of the third reversing valve180. From the fourth port228of the third reversing valve180, the second portion of the working flows into the first port232of the three-way junction26.

The first portion of the working fluid flowing into the second port240of the three-way junction26and the second portion of the working fluid flowing into the first port232of the three-way junction26combine to form a single stream of working fluid as the working fluid flows out of the three-way junction26through the third port242.

The working fluid flows from the third port242of the three-way junction26to the inlet246of the second expansion valve20. As the working fluid flows through the second expansion valve20, the temperature and pressure of the working fluid are lowered. From the outlet208of the second expansion valve20, the working fluid flows into the second inlet202of the first reversing valve22. The first reversing valve22is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow from the second inlet202to the second outlet206. From the second outlet206of the first reversing valve22, the working fluid flows into the inlet194of the second heat exchanger16, through the coil192of the second heat exchanger16(where the working fluid absorbs heat from air within the building188), and out of the second heat exchanger16through the outlet196.

After the working fluid exits the outlet196of the second heat exchanger16, the working fluid flows to the second inlet212of the second reversing valve24. The second reversing valve24is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow out of the second reversing valve24through the second outlet216. After exiting the second reversing valve24through the second outlet216, the working fluid flows to the suction inlet32of the compressor12. In some configurations, the second portion of the working fluid flows from the second outlet216to the accumulator46then to the suction inlet32of the compressor.

When the climate-control system10is in the heating and charging mode (FIG.3): (a) the first reversing valve22is configured such that the first inlet200of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected with the second outlet206of the first reversing valve22, (b) the first reversing valve22is configured such that the second inlet202of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected with the first outlet204of the first reversing valve22, (c) the second reversing valve24is configured such that the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected with the second outlet216of the second reversing valve24, (d) the second reversing valve24is configured such that the second inlet212of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected with the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24, (e) the third reversing valve180is configured such that the first port222of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected with the fourth port228of the third reversing valve180, and (f) the third reversing valve180is configured such that the second port224of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected with the third port226of the third reversing valve180. The three-way valve179is configured to allow working fluid from the intermediate outlet port36of the compression mechanism28to flow through second port224of the third reversing valve180and to prevent flow to the intermediate inlet port38of the compression mechanism28.

Operation of the climate-control system10in the heating and charging mode (shown inFIG.3) will now be described in detail. A first portion of compressed working fluid is discharged from the compressor12through the discharge outlet34. The first reversing valve22is positioned to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow into the first inlet200of the first reversing valve22and to exit the first reversing valve22through the second outlet206of the first reversing valve22. From the second outlet206of the first reversing valve22, the first portion of the working fluid flows into the inlet194of the second heat exchanger16, through the coil192of the second heat exchanger16(where the first portion of the working fluid transfers heat to air within the building188) and exits the second heat exchanger16through the outlet196.

From the outlet196of the second heat exchanger16, the first portion of the working fluid flows into to the second inlet212of the second reversing valve24. The second reversing valve24is positioned to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow from the second inlet212of the second reversing valve24to the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24. From the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24, the first portion of the working fluid flows into the inlet218of the first expansion valve18. As the first portion of the working fluid flows through the first expansion valve18, the temperature and pressure of the first portion of the working fluid are lowered. The first portion of the working fluid flows out of the first expansion valve18through the outlet244. From the outlet244of the first expansion valve18, the first portion of the working fluid flows into the second port240of the three-way junction26.

A second portion of the working fluid is discharged from the compressor12through the intermediate-pressure pocket150of the compression mechanism28to the intermediate outlet port36. The second portion of the working fluid then flows to the first port182of the three-way valve179. The three-way valve179allows the second portion of the working fluid to flow out of the third port184of the three-way valve179. The second portion of the working fluid then flows to the second port224of the third reversing valve180. The third reversing valve180is positioned to allow the second portion of the fluid to flow out of the third reversing valve180through the third port226of the third reversing valve180.

From the third reversing valve180, the second portion of the working fluid flows to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27and passes through the conduit238of the thermal storage device27to the outlet230of the thermal storage device27. The second portion of the working fluid in the conduit238transfers heat to the phase-change material236to increase the temperature of the phase-change material236or to transition the phase-change material236from the solid state to the liquid state. The second portion of the working fluid then flows through the first port222of the third reversing valve180to the fourth port228of the third reversing valve180, as allowed by the positioning of the third reversing valve180. From the fourth port228of the third reversing valve180, the second portion of the working flows into the first port232of the three-way junction26.

The first portion of the working fluid flowing into the second port240of the three-way junction26and the second portion of the working fluid flowing into the first port232of the three-way junction26combine to form a single stream of working fluid as the working fluid flows out of the three-way junction26through the third port242.

The working fluid flows from the third port242of the three-way junction26to the inlet246of the second expansion valve20. As the working fluid flows through the second expansion valve20, the temperature and pressure of the working fluid are lowered. From the outlet208of the second expansion valve20, the working fluid flows into the second inlet202of the first reversing valve22. The first reversing valve22is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow from the second inlet202to the first outlet204. From the first outlet204of the first reversing valve22, the working fluid flows into the inlet186of the first heat exchanger14, through the coil185of the first heat exchanger14(where the working fluid absorbs heat from the outdoor ambient air outside of the building188) and exits the first heat exchanger14through the outlet187.

From the outlet187of the first heat exchanger14, the working fluid flows into the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24. The second reversing valve24is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow from the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24to the second outlet216of the second reversing valve24. After exiting the second reversing valve24through the second outlet216, the working fluid flows to the suction inlet32of the compressor12. In some configurations, the second portion of the working fluid flows from the second outlet216to the accumulator46then to the suction inlet32of the compressor.

When the climate-control system10is in the heating and discharging mode (FIG.4): (a) the first reversing valve22is configured such that the first inlet200of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected with the second outlet206of the first reversing valve22, (b) the first reversing valve22is configured such that the second inlet202of the first reversing valve22is fluidly connected with the first outlet204of the first reversing valve22, (c) the second reversing valve24is configured such that the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected with the second outlet216of the second reversing valve24, (d) the second reversing valve24is configured such that the second inlet212of the second reversing valve24is fluidly connected with the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24, (e) the third reversing valve180is configured such that the first port222of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected with the second port224of the third reversing valve180, and (f) the third reversing valve180is configured such that the fourth port228of the third reversing valve180is fluidly connected with the third port226of the third reversing valve180. The three-way valve179is configured to allow working fluid from the second port224of the third reversing valve180to flow to the intermediate inlet port38of the compression mechanism28and to prevent flow out of the intermediate outlet port36of the compression mechanism28.

Operation of the climate-control system10in the heating and discharging mode (shownFIG.4) will be described in detail. Compressed working fluid is discharged from the compressor12through the discharge outlet34. The first reversing valve22is positioned to allow the compressed working fluid to flow from the discharge outlet34into the first inlet200of the first reversing valve22and to exit the first reversing valve22through the second outlet206of the first reversing valve22. From the second outlet206of the first reversing valve22, the working fluid flows into the inlet194of the second heat exchanger16, through the coil192of the second heat exchanger16(where the working fluid transfers heat to air within the building188) and exits the second heat exchanger16through the outlet196.

From the outlet196of the second heat exchanger16, the working fluid flows into to the second inlet212of the second reversing valve24. The second reversing valve24is positioned to allow the working fluid to flow from the second inlet212of the second reversing valve24to the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24. From the first outlet214of the second reversing valve24, the working fluid flows into the inlet218of the first expansion valve18. As the working fluid flows through the first expansion valve18, the temperature and pressure of the working fluid are lowered. The working fluid flows out of the first expansion valve18through the outlet244. From the outlet244of the first expansion valve18, the working fluid flows into the second port240of the three-way junction26.

From the second port240, a first portion of the working fluid flows through the first port232of the three-way junction26to the fourth port228of the third reversing valve180. The third reversing valve180is positioned to allow the first portion of the working fluid to flow out of the third reversing valve180through the third port226and to then flow to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27. The first portion of the working fluid continues through the conduit238of the thermal storage device27and exits the thermal storage device27through the outlet230of the thermal storage device27. The first portion of the working fluid in the conduit238absorbs heat from the phase-change material236of the thermal storage device27.

The first portion of the working fluid then flows through the first port222of the third reversing valve180to the second port224of the third reversing valve, as allowed by the positioning of the third reversing valve180. From the third reversing valve180, the first portion of the working fluid flows through the third port184of the three-way valve179. The three-way valve179allows the first portion of the working fluid to flow through second port183of the three-way valve179to the intermediate inlet port38. The intermediate inlet port38allows the first portion of the working fluid to flow into the intermediate-pressure pocket148of the compression mechanism28.

A second portion of the working fluid flows from the third port242of the three-way junction26to the inlet246of the second expansion valve20. As the second portion of the working fluid flows through the second expansion valve20, the temperature and pressure of the second portion of the working fluid are lowered. From the outlet208of the second expansion valve20, the second portion of the working fluid flows into the first inlet200of the first reversing valve22. The first reversing valve22is positioned to allow the second portion of the working fluid to flow through the first outlet204. From the first outlet204of the first reversing valve22, the second portion of the working fluid flows into the inlet186of the first heat exchanger14, through the coil185of the first heat exchanger14(where the second portion of the working fluid absorbs heat from the outdoor ambient air outside of the building188) and exits the first heat exchanger14through the outlet187.

From the outlet187of the first heat exchanger14, the second portion working fluid flows into the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24. The second reversing valve24is positioned to allow the second portion of the working fluid to flow from the first inlet210of the second reversing valve24to the second outlet216of the second reversing valve24. After exiting the second reversing valve24through the second outlet216, the second portion of the working fluid flows to the suction inlet32of the compressor12. In some configurations, the second portion of the working fluid flows from the second outlet216to the accumulator46then to the suction inlet32of the compressor.

As described above, the direction of fluid flow through the first heat exchanger14is the same in both cooling modes and in both heating modes. That is, as shown inFIGS.1-4, fluid flows into the first heat exchanger14through the inlet186and exits the first heat exchanger14through the outlet187. Stated yet another way, the opening of the first heat exchanger14designated as the “inlet” of the first heat exchanger14is the same opening in both heating modes and both cooling modes, and the opening of the first heat exchanger14designated as the “outlet” of the first heat exchanger14is the same opening in both heating modes and both cooling modes. The same is true for the second heat exchanger16—i.e., the direction of fluid flow through the second heat exchanger16is the same in both cooling modes and in both heating modes. That is, the opening of the second heat exchanger16designated as the “inlet” of the second heat exchanger16is the same opening in both heating modes and both cooling modes, and the opening of the second heat exchanger16designated as the “outlet” of the second heat exchanger16is the same opening in both heating modes and both cooling modes.

Having the fluid flow through the heat exchangers14,16in the same directions in both heating modes and both cooling modes allows for optimized heat transfer in all modes. Having the direction of working fluid flow be counter (or opposite) the direction of the flow of air forced across the heat exchangers14,16by their respective fans improves heat transfer. By having the working fluid flow in the same direction through the heat exchangers14,16in both heating modes and both cooling modes, the direction of working fluid flow can be counter to the direction of airflow in all modes. This improved heat transfer between the air and working fluid improves the efficiency of the climate-control system10.

Similarly, the direction of fluid flow through the thermal storage device27is the same in heating and cooling modes, and the same in charging and discharging modes. That is, as shown inFIGS.1-4, fluid flows into the thermal storage device27through the inlet234and exits the thermal storage device27through the outlet230. By having the working fluid flow in the same direction through the thermal storage device27in heating modes and cooling modes, and in charging and discharging modes, a single sensor248may determine the temperature of the working fluid after passing through the thermal storage device27, as opposed to multiple sensors placed on opposite sides of the thermal storage device27. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-4, operation of the first expansion valve18is only dependent on data measured by the sensor248.

FIGS.7A-7Billustrates a process300by which the control module181can control charging and discharging of the thermal storage device27. At step310, the control module181may receive information about whether the climate-control system10is in a heating or a cooling mode. This selection may be done by a user of the climate-control system10, or the climate-control system10may be configured to make this selection based on outdoor weather conditions. If the control module181is configured in a cooling mode at step310, the control module181directs (at step312) the first reversing valve22to be oriented such that the working fluid flows from the discharge outlet34of the compressor12to the inlet186of the first heat exchanger14and from the outlet208of the second expansion valve20to the inlet194of second heat exchanger16. At step312, the control module181also directs the second reversing valve24to be oriented such that the working fluid flows from the outlet187of the first heat exchanger14to the inlet218of the first expansion valve18and from the outlet196of the second heat exchanger16to the suction inlet32of the compressor12.

At step314, the control module181may determine whether the thermal storage device27should be discharged to increase the cooling capacity of the climate-control system10(e.g., whether demand for cooling exceeds available cooling capacity of the climate-control system10when in the charging mode, whether site generated electric power is available, or whether the time-of-use cost of electricity is anticipated to rise in the following hours).

If the control module181determines at step314that the thermal storage device27should not be discharged to increase cooling capacity of the climate-control system10, the control module181may (at step318) place the climate-control system10in a charging mode by directing the three-way valve179to enter a configuration in which the first port182is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve180to be oriented such that the working fluid may flow from the outlet230of the thermal storage device27to the intermediate inlet port38of the compressor12and from the first port232of the three-way junction26to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27. In this configuration, the working fluid may cool the phase-change material236, which can cool the working fluid at another time.

If the control module181determines at step314that the thermal storage device27should be discharged to increase cooling capacity of the climate-control system10, the control module181may determine (at step320) whether the thermal storage device27is able to cool the working fluid at the current operating conditions (e.g., whether the phase-change material236is at a sufficient temperature for cooling the working fluid or whether the phase-change material236is in a solid state). If the control module181determines at step320that the thermal storage device27is able to cool the working fluid at the current operating conditions, the control module181may (at step322) place the climate-control system10in a discharging mode by directing the three-way valve179to enter a configuration in which the second port183is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve180to be oriented such that the working fluid may flow from the from the intermediate outlet port36of the compressor12to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27and from the outlet230of the thermal storage device27to the first port232of the three-way junction. In this configuration, the working fluid may be cooled by the phase-change material236.

If the control module181determines at step320that the thermal storage device27is not able to cool the working fluid at the current operating conditions, the control module181may (at step318) place the climate-control system10in a charging mode by directing the three-way valve179to enter a configuration in which the first port182is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve180to be oriented such that the working fluid may flow from the outlet230of the thermal storage device27to the intermediate inlet port38of the compressor12and from the first port232of the three-way junction26to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27. When the climate-control system10is placed in the charging mode of step318due to the thermal storage device27not being able to cool the working fluid at the current operating conditions, the control module181may direct the first expansion valve18to lower the temperature and pressure of the working fluid such that cooling of the phase-change material236by the working fluid is minimized.

If the control module181is configured in a heating mode at step310, the control module181directs (at step324) the first reversing valve22to be oriented such that the working fluid flows from the discharge outlet34of the compressor12to the inlet194of second heat exchanger16and from the outlet208of the second expansion valve20to the inlet186of the first heat exchanger14. At step324, the control module181also directs the second reversing valve24to be oriented such that the working fluid flows from the outlet187of the first heat exchanger14to the suction inlet32of the compressor12and from the outlet196of the second heat exchanger16to the inlet218of the first expansion valve18.

At step326, the control module determines whether the thermal storage device27should be discharged to increase the heating capacity of the climate-control system10(e.g., whether demand for heating exceeds available heating capacity of the climate-control system10when in the charging mode, whether site generated electric power is available, or whether the time-of-use cost of electricity is anticipated to rise in the following hours).

If the control module181determines at step326that the thermal storage device27should not be discharged to increase heating capacity of the climate-control system10, the control module181determines (at step328) whether the outdoor ambient temperature is above a pre-determined threshold temperature. The pre-determined threshold temperature is determined by the volume ratio between the suction inlet32and the intermediate outlet port36. At temperatures below the pre-determined temperature threshold, the working fluid exiting the compressor12through the intermediate outlet port36may be incapable of changing the temperature of the thermal storage device27to the desired thermal storage device temperature. In other words, the low outdoor ambient temperature may prevent the phase-change material236of the thermal storage device27from properly charging while in a heating and charging mode.

If the control module181determines the outdoor ambient temperature is above the pre-determined threshold temperature at step328, the control module181determines (at step329) whether the thermal storage device27has maximized an amount of stored energy for current operating conditions (e.g., whether the phase-change material236has risen to a maximum temperature for the current operating conditions or whether the phase-change material236is in the solid state). If the control module181determines at step329that the thermal storage device27has not maximized the amount of stored energy for current operating conditions, the control module181may (at step330) place the climate-control system10in a charging mode by directing the three-way valve179to enter a configuration in which the second port183is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve180to be oriented such that the working fluid may flow from the from the intermediate outlet port36of the compressor12to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27and from the outlet230of the thermal storage device27to the first port232of the three-way junction. In this configuration, the working fluid will heat the phase-change material236, which can heat the working fluid at another time.

If the control module181determines at step329that the thermal storage device27has maximized the amount of stored energy for current operating conditions, the control module181may (at step334) place the climate-control system10in a discharging mode by directing the three-way valve179to enter a configuration in which the first port182is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve180to be oriented such that the working fluid may flow from the outlet230of the thermal storage device27to the intermediate inlet port38of the compressor12and from the first port232of the three-way junction26to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27. When the climate-control system10is placed in the discharging mode of step334due to a maximum amount of energy being stored in the thermal storage device27, the control module181may direct the first expansion valve18to lower the temperature and pressure of the working fluid such that the phase-change material236discharges minimal heat to the working fluid.

Similarly, if the control module181determines the outdoor ambient temperature is below the pre-determined threshold temperature at step328, the control module181may (at step334) place the climate-control system10in a discharging mode by directing the three-way valve179to enter a configuration in which the first port182is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve180to be oriented such that the working fluid may flow from the outlet230of the thermal storage device27to the intermediate inlet port38of the compressor12and from the first port232of the three-way junction26to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27. When the climate-control system10is placed in the discharging mode of step334due to a low outdoor ambient temperature, the control module181may direct the first expansion valve18to lower the temperature and pressure of the working fluid such that the phase-change material236discharges minimal heat to the working fluid.

If the control module181determines at step326that the thermal storage device27should be discharged to increase heating capacity of the climate-control system10, the control module181may (at step334) place the climate-control system10in a discharging mode by directing the three-way valve179to enter a configuration in which the first port182is bypassed and by directing the third reversing valve180to be oriented such that the working fluid may flow from the outlet230of the thermal storage device27to the intermediate inlet port38of the compressor12and from the first port232of the three-way junction26to the inlet234of the thermal storage device27. In this configuration, the working fluid will be heated by the phase-change material236.

At any of steps318,322,330,334, the control module181may adjust the first and second expansion valves18,20to control the flow of working fluid through the second heat exchanger16to maintain efficient operation of the climate-control system10. For example, the control module181may control the first and second expansion valves18,20to maintain predetermined superheat values at the outlet196of the second heat exchanger16. This would maintain a balance of airflow across the second heat exchanger16to working fluid flowing through the second heat exchanger16to maintain effective and efficient operation of the climate-control system10. The control module181could employ on/off, proportional, proportional and integral, PID (proportional-integral-derivative), or fuzzy logic to control the first and second expansion valves18,20.

After any of steps318,322,330,334, the process300may loop back to step310and the process300may repeat continuously or intermittently.

It should be understood that in further embodiments of the present invention, the climate-control system may feature only one or two reversing valves. In these cases, the flow of the working fluid may be in either direction through any of the thermal storage device, the first heat exchanger, or the second heat exchanger to account for the fewer reversing valves. Otherwise, the structure and function of the climate-control system may be similar or identical to that of the climate-control system10described above.

In this application, including the definitions below, the term “module” or the term “controller” may be replaced with the term “circuit.” The term “module” may refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.

The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces that are connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a controller area network (CAN), or combinations thereof. The functionality of any given module of the present disclosure may be distributed among multiple modules that are connected via interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow load balancing. In a further example, a server (also known as remote, or cloud) module may accomplish some functionality on behalf of a client module.

The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and/or objects. The term shared processor circuit encompasses a single processor circuit that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term group processor circuit encompasses a processor circuit that, in combination with additional processor circuits, executes some or all code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuits encompass multiple processor circuits on discrete dies, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term shared memory circuit encompasses a single memory circuit that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term group memory circuit encompasses a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all code from one or more modules.

The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium, as used herein, does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); the term computer-readable medium may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium are nonvolatile memory circuits (such as a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory circuit, or a mask read-only memory circuit), volatile memory circuits (such as a static random access memory circuit or a dynamic random access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).

The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general purpose computer to execute one or more particular functions embodied in computer programs. The functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications, which can be translated into the computer programs by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include or rely on stored data. The computer programs may encompass a basic input/output system (BIOS) that interacts with hardware of the special purpose computer, device drivers that interact with particular devices of the special purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

The computer programs may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (hypertext markup language), XML (extensible markup language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) (ii) assembly code, (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler, (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter, (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time compiler, etc. As examples only, source code may be written using syntax from languages including C, C++, C#, Objective C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, Javascript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and Python®.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.