Importance

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Abstract

A reversible mode heating and cooling system comprises a reversible heat pump unit having a compressor, a reversible valve, an indoor heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with indoor ambient air a water cooled concentrator, refrigerant expansion means, an outdoor heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with outdoor ambient air and an auxiliary heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with a water source for enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the system to transfer heat to the refrigerant during the heating mode at low outdoor ambient temperatures. The concentrator is disposed downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger (condenser) in the cooling mode of operation to cool the refrigerant exiting the heat exchanger for enhancing its ability to absorb heat in the indoor heat exchanger (evaporator). A temperature and/or pressure sensing and flow control subsystem senses system or ambient parameters and operates fluid flow control valves to most efficiently and effectively direct refrigerant and water source flow to the outdoor and/or auxiliary heat exchangers. A frost preventative or defrost system for the auxiliary heat exchange coil deriving its thermal energy from the hot refrigerant in the compressor discharge conduit is also provided.

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First Claim