Packaged multi-functional air source heat pump integrated with a hydronic loop for cooling/heating energy storage

Abstract

An improved ASHP having an integrated hydronic loop for thermal energy storage is provided. The hydronic loop includes a phase change material storage module to release energy capacity during peak electricity hours. The ASHP further includes an indoor air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger, an outdoor air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger, a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger, three electronic expansion valves to control refrigerant flow, and a multi-capacity compressor with a suction line accumulator to store excess refrigerant charge. The ASHP includes at least six working modes of operation, including: (1) space cooling mode; (2) cooling energy charge/simultaneous space cooling and cooling energy charge/defrost mode; (3) cooling storage discharge mode; (4) space heating mode; (5) heating energy charge mode; and (6) heating storage discharge mode. This and other embodiments are uniquely suited for residential space cooling, space heating, water heating, and commercial applications with high water heating and space cooling demands.