- Patent Title: Reducing peak electrical demand by air conditioning systems and reducing water consumption by implementing an integrated thermal energy and rainwater storage system
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Application No.: US15035204Application Date: 2014-11-07
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Publication No.: US09989270B2Publication Date: 2018-06-05
- Inventor: Charles R. Upshaw , Michael E. Webber , Joshua D. Rhodes
- Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
- Applicant Address: US TX Austin
- Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
- Current Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
- Current Assignee Address: US TX Austin
- Agency: Winstead, P.C.
- Agent Robert A. Voigt, Jr.
- International Application: PCT/US2014/064603 WO 20141107
- International Announcement: WO2015/073324 WO 20150521
- Main IPC: F24F5/00
- IPC: F24F5/00

Abstract:
An integrated thermal energy and rainwater storage system for reducing peak electrical demand by air conditioning systems. Such a system includes a water conveyance system for collecting and conveying water to a storage tank for storing rainwater, where the rainwater functions as a lower temperature thermal reservoir while it is being held and awaiting use. The system further includes a residential air conditioning system with an air-cooled condenser unit along with an additional water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger connected to the storage tank on one side, and on the other side connected into the refrigerant lines with reconfigurable flow paths and actuated valves to control the discharging and recharging of the thermal energy storage. The lower temperature and better heat transfer capabilities of the rainwater improve operating efficiency and reduce power consumption of the compressor when used instead of the air-cooled condenser during the hottest hours of the day.
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