Thermal energy systems for managing, distribution and recovery of thermal energy. A single-pipe loop circulating a two-phase refrigerant is provided. The single-pipe loop is spread through the entire system and interconnects a plurality of local heat exchange stations, each having different thermal energy loads. A central circulation mechanism (CCM) is also provided for circulating the refrigerant for distribution of thermal energy within the system.

A combination water heating, air conditioning refrigerant system is described. The combined system includes a plurality of independently adjustable electronic expansion valves. The expansion valves can independently modulate the delivery of high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to either a water heat exchanger or an outside condenser. A controller can receive input signals, including temperature signals from one or more temperature sensors that indicate the temperature at various locations of the system. The temperature signals include one or more of water temperature signals, ambient air temperature signals, or refrigerant super heat temperatures signals. In response to the input signals, the controller can output control signals to one or more of the plurality of electronic expansion valves.

The method of modifying an air conditioner for heating takes advantage of the features and operation of a conventional limited space air conditioner, preferably a portable room air conditioner. A hood or manifold is placed over the vents or grille that normally exhausts cold air into the room, and a flexible duct hose is connected between the hood or duct and an exhaust vent installed in a window or ceiling to exhaust cold air produced by the air conditioner outside the building. The duct from the condenser or hot air side of the air conditioner, which would normally be exhausted outside the building, is open to the room in need of heating. Thus, the hot air produced by normal operation of the air conditioner is used to heat the room.

The method of modifying an air conditioner for heating takes advantage of the features and operation of a conventional limited space air conditioner, preferably a portable room air conditioner. A hood or manifold is placed over the vents or grille that normally exhausts cold air into the room, and a flexible duct hose is connected between the hood or duct and an exhaust vent installed in a window or ceiling to exhaust cold air produced by the air conditioner outside the building. The duct from the condenser or hot air side of the air conditioner, which would normally be exhausted outside the building, is open to the room in need of heating. Thus, the hot air produced by normal operation of the air conditioner is used to heat the room.

An air conditioner unit includes a refrigeration loop, a variable speed compressor coupled to the refrigeration loop, an indoor temperature sensor, an electric heater, and a controller operably coupled to the variable speed compressor, the indoor temperature sensor, and the electric heater. The controller is configured to operate the variable speed compressor at a target speed, identify an auxiliary heating trigger of the air conditioner unit, and operate the electric heater according to the auxiliary heating trigger.

An air conditioner unit includes a refrigeration loop, a variable speed compressor coupled to the refrigeration loop, an indoor temperature sensor, an electric heater, and a controller operably coupled to the variable speed compressor, the indoor temperature sensor, and the electric heater. The controller is configured to operate the variable speed compressor at a target speed, identify an auxiliary heating trigger of the air conditioner unit, and operate the electric heater according to the auxiliary heating trigger.

A method of controlling a heating system includes: obtaining, from a power supply source, information specifying an output modulation period during which power consumption by a heat pump unit is to be reduced; and controlling, based on the information obtained in the obtaining, an amount of heat generated by the heat pump unit. In the controlling, the heat pump unit is caused to generate a first amount of heat per unit time in a period other than the output modulation period, and generate a second amount of heat per unit time during the output modulation period, the second amount of heat being less than the first amount of heat.

A method of controlling a heating system includes: obtaining, from a power supply source, information specifying an output modulation period during which power consumption by a heat pump unit is to be reduced; and controlling, based on the information obtained in the obtaining, an amount of heat generated by the heat pump unit. In the controlling, the heat pump unit is caused to generate a first amount of heat per unit time in a period other than the output modulation period, and generate a second amount of heat per unit time during the output modulation period, the second amount of heat being less than the first amount of heat.

A water heater includes a first heater, a second heater, and a controller. The controller can enable different operational modes of the water heater, wherein only the first heater operates, only the second heater operates, or both the first and the second heaters operate. The controller can also be configured to enable a hybrid operational mode and a bypass operational mode. Further, in the different operational modes, the controller can direct water flow to at least one of a first conduit coupled to the first heater, a second conduit coupled to the second heater, and a bypass conduit. The controller can be configured to receive input signals relating to environmental conditions around the water heater and/or an aquatic system in which the water heater is installed.

A water heater includes a first heater, a second heater, and a controller. The controller can enable different operational modes of the water heater, wherein only the first heater operates, only the second heater operates, or both the first and the second heaters operate. The controller can also be configured to enable a hybrid operational mode and a bypass operational mode. Further, in the different operational modes, the controller can direct water flow to at least one of a first conduit coupled to the first heater, a second conduit coupled to the second heater, and a bypass conduit. The controller can be configured to receive input signals relating to environmental conditions around the water heater and/or an aquatic system in which the water heater is installed.