Heat Pump Energy Supply Optimization Method and System

Abstract

A method of optimizing a heat pump energy supply, comprising: sensing the ambient temperature; and responsive to the sensed ambient temperature, selecting one of a first energy source and a second energy source to provide energy for processing a working fluid of the heat pump, the second energy source different than the first energy source.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to the field of air conditioning and in particular to a system and method for optimizing the energy usage of a heat pump utilizing a combination of waste heat, electric powered heat and combustible material powered heat.BACKGROUND[0002]Heat pumps operate by extracting heat from outdoor ambient air, and transferring that heat to a climate controlled area, such as a home or business. In a cooling mode, heat pumps operate by extracting heat from the air of the climate controlled area into the ambient air. In a heating mode, heat pumps operate by extracting heat from the outside ambient air and passing the heat into the climate controlled area. Heat pumps are generally more economical to operate than conventional furnaces that burn fossil fuels. However, the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump is a function of the ambient air temperature. During a heating cycle, as the ambient temperature decreases the COP of th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent provides methods and apparatus for optimizing the energy supply of heat pumps by using different energy sources based on the ambient temperature. The control circuitry of the heat pump apparatus senses the ambient temperature and selects between the first and second energy sources to provide energy for processing the working fluid. The first energy source can be a source of electricity or a combustible material powered water heater, and the second energy source can be a waste heat source or a solar water heater. The method and apparatus can also include a third energy source, such as a waste heat source or a solar water heater, in case the second and second energy sources are not sufficient to meet the energy requirements of the heat pump. The technical effect of the patent is to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of heat pumps by optimizing the energy supply.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, this adds cost and complexity since two separate systems are needed, a heat pump and a heater.

Additionally, the additional heater does not necessarily provide the most energy efficient form of heating.

Moreover, typically such double systems are not able to switch between the heat pump and additional heater within an appropriate time frame to allow for an economical control of the desired target temperature of the climate controlled area.

Furthermore, such a system provides no method for optimizing the energy consumption of the heat pump during a cooling cycle.

Additionally, many industrial processes produce waste heat of low temperature, typically less than 150° C., which is typically too low to be used to accomplish useful work.

Unfortunately, the absorption refrigeration cycles typically used suffer from inefficiency, and are typically unable to achieve a COP greater than about 0.7, where the term COP is defined as Δ / ΔW, where ΔQ is defined as the heating / cooling load change and ΔW is defined as the work consumed by the cooling system.

Other types of heat pumps achieve a greater COP, however the energy output of the waste / solar heat source is not always sufficient to power such a heat pump.

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