The Homemade Heat Pump Manifesto

[AC_Hacker]

Originally Posted by Mobile Master Tech

...While researching energy storage methods for surplus off-grid PV electricity, I thought of using a commercial icemaker drawing "patented 32degF phase change material" from an insulated storage tank to fill the tank with ice, then use a heat exchanger coil in the bottom to obtain chilled fluid for air conditioning as needed.

It turns out this isn't an efficient idea...

I think your idea is a good one. Actually, using ice as a PCM has been used for quite a while in office buildings. The idea is to take advantage of lower off-peak power rates, by storing cheaper coolness at night and calling on it during the day when power rates are higher. You are also quite right about the wasted energy.

What is the capacity of your AC system right now? 4 Tons, 6 Tons?

-AC