Dual source heat pump

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
Apparatus for conditioning a fluid temperature-wise and affording a single temperature hot water storage system for domestic using, defrosting, and supplying heat to a heat pump, comprising: a.
a hot water storage tank connected to conventional hot water inlet and outlet lines; b.
a fluid handler and fluid path means for circulating said fluid in a path in heat exchange relationship with a refrigerant fluid; c.
at least two refrigerant heat exchangers; a first of the heat exchangers being disposed in the path of the fluid such that the fluid is passed in heat exchange relationship therewith, and a second of the refrigerant heat exchangers being disposed in a heat exchange fluid circuit for circulating the refrigerant in heat exchange relationship with a heat exchange fluid and in heat exchange relationship with ambient air; d.
at least one compressor connected into a refrigerant circuit for efficiently compressing the refrigerant from its inlet pressure to its discharge pressure under conditions of operation of the refrigerant circuit; e.
at least one metering valve connected at the inlet of a heat exchanger in which liquid refrigerant is being vaporized; f.
a refrigerant circuit serially connecting said heat exchangers, metering valve and compressor and defining a flow path for said refrigerant; g.
a reversing valve included in said refrigerant circuit for effecting operation respectively in a heating mode and in a cooling mode; h.
means for selecting the heat exchangers and direction of flow of refrigerant therethrough for selecting a particular mode of operation of the heat pump; i.
refrigerant disposed in said refrigerant circuit and adapted to be circulated in a selected flow path for transferring heat at a coefficient of performance greater than one; j.
a source of heat in the form of a heat exchange fluid; k.
heat exchange fluid circulating means for circulating said heat exchange fluid in a heat exchange circuit and in heat exchange relationship with said refrigerant; l