Monolithically Integrated Bi-Directional Heat Pump

Abstract

Monolithically integrated heat pump. The heat pump includes as adsorbent/absorbent condenser forming a hot terminal integrated with a phase change heat exchanger forming a cold terminal. The adsorbent/absorbent condenser and the phase change heat exchanger are integrated into a single pressure vessel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Monolithically integrated heat pump comprising:
 an adsorbent/absorbent condenser forming a hot terminal;   a phase change heat exchanger forming a cold terminal; and   a pressure vessel, wherein the adsorbent/absorbent condenser and the phase change heat exchanger are integrated within the pressure vessel.   
     
     
         2 . The heat pump of  claim 1  wherein the heat pump is liquid cooled. 
     
     
         3 . The heat pump of  claim 1  wherein the heat pump is air cooled. 
     
     
         4 . Monolithically integrated heat pump comprising:
 a combined evaporator-condenser unit for bi-directional heat pumping operation including first tube structure for conveying a heat transfer fluid therethrough;   a second tube structure for conveying liquid refrigerant into the combined evaporator-condenser unit;   an adsorbent bed in thermal contact with a third tube structure for conveying heat transfer fluid be thermal contact with the adsorbent bed; and   a pressure vessel containing therewithin the combined evaporator-condenser unit, the first, second, and third tube structure, and the adsorbent bed.   
     
     
         5 . The heat pump of  claim 4  wherein the adsorbent bed includes adsorbent-covered fins. 
     
     
         6 . The heat pump of  claim 5  wherein the fins have microchannels engraved on their surface into which liquid water is dispensed from the third tube structure. 
     
     
         7 . The heat pump of  claim 5  wherein the fins further include a wick structure covering the fin surface.