초록 ▼

The present invention is directed to method and apparatuses for modifying the air of a localized zone to suit personal comfort. This invention includes the heating or cooling of the air in the localized zone with a novel apparatus and inhibiting the concurrent release of byproduct air at undesirable

The present invention is directed to method and apparatuses for modifying the air of a localized zone to suit personal comfort. This invention includes the heating or cooling of the air in the localized zone with a novel apparatus and inhibiting the concurrent release of byproduct air at undesirable temperatures while using a heat pump. The apparatus includes a thermal storage mass that provides a reservoir for the undesirable heating or cooling effects for later restoration. This restoration would occur at a predetermined time in predetermined amounts, typically when the localized zone is unoccupied.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus for conditioning a localized zone comprising:a thermal storage reservoir comprising a thermal storage mass; a first heat exchange surface in communication with the thermal storage mass; a second heat exchange surface located proximate to an air stream, said second heat exchanger in c

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