Einstein's non-Freon refrigerator patents

[Firethorn]

This is actually my plan, only I was thinking about leaving the entire Einstein refrigerator outside, and just pass chilled water into the home.  This will minimize risk, as a small efficiency loss.  Energy is expensive.  I think this could catch on.  The same solar collector could be used for home heating in the winter, if designed right.

Not a bad idea.  I did some further research into AC systems.  It seems that hot water is indeed enough, so how about we use solar water heaters, and have some valving. 

During the summer, the solar water heaters send the hot water to the Einstein system.  From the Einstein system chilled water passes to the radiators inside the house.

During the winter, we adjust the valves so that the solar water passes directly into the radiators inside the house.  In either case a heat exchanger can provide heat for a water heater to provide hot water.

Add some extra logic so water doesn't pass when it doesn't make sense( IE it's so cold that the water's still colder than what you want inside).

Hmmm..  How about a geothermal system to act as the heat reservoir?

[Nick1911]

Hmmm..  How about a geothermal system to act as the heat reservoir?

Couldn't you use the thermal mass of the hot water tank?

[K Frame]

Why not just go with one of the absorption systems that is already on the market instead of trying to reinvent the wheel?

280Plus has installed at least one of these systems.

[Nick1911]

Why not just go with one of the absorption systems that is already on the market instead of trying to reinvent the wheel?

280Plus has installed at least one of these systems.

Is there anything sized for residential systems?  I know this cycle is used in big industrial applications, but I wasn't aware of any small, pump-less systems commercially available.

[Firethorn]

Couldn't you use the thermal mass of the hot water tank?

My concern was efficiency.  It's much more efficient to dump heat into 60 degree dirt than a 110-140 degree water tank.  I shouldn't have said reservoir, I should have said 'sink'.

You use the panels on the roof to provide the heat to power the system, a radiation system to dump the waste heat into the ground, then use the cold water to cool the house.

In the wintertime, start up the geothermal heat pump*, supplimented by the roof panels.  The fact you've been dumping heat down there all summer is a bonus.

Why not just go with one of the absorption systems that is already on the market instead of trying to reinvent the wheel?

Because considering these sorts of system is fun?

Is there anything sized for residential systems?  I know this cycle is used in big industrial applications, but I wasn't aware of any small, pump-less systems commercially available.

I haven't found any.

*Yes, you'll use electricity, but not much of it overall.

[Nick1911]

Couldn't you use the thermal mass of the hot water tank?

My concern was efficiency.  It's much more efficient to dump heat into 60 degree dirt than a 110-140 degree water tank.  I shouldn't have said reservoir, I should have said 'sink'.

You use the panels on the roof to provide the heat to power the system, a radiation system to dump the waste heat into the ground, then use the cold water to cool the house.

In the wintertime, start up the geothermal heat pump*, supplimented by the roof panels.  The fact you've been dumping heat down there all summer is a bonus.

Why not just go with one of the absorption systems that is already on the market instead of trying to reinvent the wheel?

Because considering these sorts of system is fun?

Is there anything sized for residential systems?  I know this cycle is used in big industrial applications, but I wasn't aware of any small, pump-less systems commercially available.

I haven't found any.

*Yes, you'll use electricity, but not much of it overall.

Ah, use a ground waste heat sink.  That would work better then an air-source heat sink.  More expensive, though.

[K Frame]

Why not just go with one of the absorption systems that is already on the market instead of trying to reinvent the wheel?

280Plus has installed at least one of these systems.

Is there anything sized for residential systems?  I know this cycle is used in big industrial applications, but I wasn't aware of any small, pump-less systems commercially available.

Yes. 280 talked extensively here about the residential unit he installed either last year or the year before last.

He's not been on lately, very busy this time of year, but he'll be back before long.


Geothermal systems whether ground or water loop based, are likely the coming wave of the future as oil and other fossile fuels become even more expensive.

These systems, if properly designed and installed (that's the kicker) are highly efficient in both heating and cooling modes. The thermal coefficient of heat in the earth (or water) sees to that.

[Tallpine]

One could just build his/her house underground ...

[The Annoyed Man]

One could just build his/her house underground ...

I've been dreaming about doing so since I turned 11 - my dad had a book on the process and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Still do.