The present invention provides improvements for heating and cooling of structures. In the exemplary embodiments reference is made to residential structures though light commercial buildings would be another option. The heat transfer systems of the exemplary embodiments are constructed and arranged as a way to provide supplemental heat transfer for geothermal systems. One improvement provided by the exemplary embodiments relative to current geothermal systems is the utilization of residential wastewater discharge as the heat sink. Another improvement provided by the exemplary embodiments relative to current geothermal systems is the installation method which can be performed at the same time when the geothermal system is being installed. By linking together these two system installations, cost savings should be realized.

Polymer-based selective radiative cooling structures are provided which include a selectively emissive layer of a polymer or a polymer matrix composite material. Exemplary selective radiative cooling structures are in the form of a sheet, film or coating. Also provided are methods for removing heat from a body by selective thermal radiation using polymer-based selective radiative cooling structures.

Heat transfer devices and systems are provided for the rapid cooling of pulsed high-powered, high-flux devices using flash boiling. Such devices comprise at least two fluidly connected chambers and a heat exchanger in thermal communication with a heat source. A flash boiling event is actively triggered at a location close to the heat source by rapid depressurization of the chamber containing a multi-phase coolant. This boiling process allows for high heat transfer rates from the heat source into the chambers due to the latent heat of vaporization, which results in the rapid cooling of the heat source. A porous medium may also be positioned within a chamber of the device to enhance boiling nucleation and extended surface heat transfer. Methods of rapidly cooling pulsed heat sources are also provided using the devices and systems hereof.

An arrangement for cryogenic cooling includes a cryogen tank, a cryogenic recondensing refrigerator arranged to cool a heat exchanger that is exposed to the interior of the cryogen tank, and an arrangement for conducting heat from a cooled article to the cryogen tank. A further cryogen tank is provided below the heat exchanger and arranged to receive cryogen liquid recondensed on the heat exchanger.

A refrigerating device used to reduce a temperature of drinks is provided and a higher refrigerating efficiency can be obtained through a control method and a control system thereof. The refrigerating device includes a pre-refrigeration unit used to pre-refrigerate a raw material; a main-refrigeration unit in communication with the pre-refrigeration unit and used to accommodate the pre-refrigerated raw material and refrigerate the raw material further; a dispenser in communication with the main-refrigeration unit and used to dispense the frozen drink in the main-refrigeration unit; and a refrigeration system providing a refrigerating capacity to the pre-refrigeration unit and the main-refrigeration unit.

Disclosed is a defrost system (200) comprising a refrigeration cycle (202) and defrost cycle (204), and a first heat exchanger (206) and a second heat exchanger (208). The first heat exchanger (206) exchanges heat between the defrost cycle (204) and a heat source (210) whereby the defrost fluid of the defrost cycle may undergo at least a partial phase change in the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger (208) exchanges heat between one or more components of the refrigeration cycle (202) and the defrost cycle (204).

A mechano-caloric stage includes an elongated outer sleeve. An elongated inner sleeve is disposed within the elongated outer sleeve. A pair of pistons is received within the elongated inner sleeve. Each of the pair of pistons is positioned at a respective end of the elongated inner sleeve. The pair of pistons are moveable relative to the elongated inner sleeve. A mechano-caloric material is disposed within the elongated inner sleeve between the pair of pistons. The mechano-caloric material is compressible between the pair of pistons.

A mechano-caloric stage includes an elongated outer sleeve. An elongated inner sleeve is disposed within the elongated outer sleeve. A pair of pistons is received within the elongated inner sleeve. Each of the pair of pistons is positioned at a respective end of the elongated inner sleeve. The pair of pistons are moveable relative to the elongated inner sleeve. A mechano-caloric material is disposed within the elongated inner sleeve between the pair of pistons. The mechano-caloric material is compressible between the pair of pistons.

A mechano-caloric heat pump includes a mechano-caloric stage, an elongated lever arm pivotable about a point, and a motor is operable to rotate a cam. The elongated lever arm is coupled to the mechano-caloric stage proximate a first end portion of the elongated lever arm and to the cam proximate a second end portion of the elongated lever arm such that the motor is operable to stress the mechano-caloric stage via pivoting of the elongated lever arm as the cam rotates.

A mechano-caloric heat pump includes a mechano-caloric stage, an elongated lever arm pivotable about a point, and a motor is operable to rotate a cam. The elongated lever arm is coupled to the mechano-caloric stage proximate a first end portion of the elongated lever arm and to the cam proximate a second end portion of the elongated lever arm such that the motor is operable to stress the mechano-caloric stage via pivoting of the elongated lever arm as the cam rotates.