Heating and cooling system for buildings with hybrid fossil fuel electric multi-function heat pump

Abstract

The invention discloses a heating and cooling system with a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump for a building. A multi-functional heating and cooling device is presented that includes components for ambient air coupled adsorption heat pump cycle and vapor compression cooling cycle integrated together inside a single housing. The adsorption heat pump portion is configured to provide a very high heating efficiency, while the vapor compression portion is configured to provide a high cooling efficiency. The evaporator coil for the adsorption cycle and the condenser coil for the vapor compression cycle are configured to share a common ambient air fan, thereby saving space and cost. By combining the two heating and cooling systems into a single housing using common components, the required total installation cost and outdoor space are reduced compared to the installation of separate heating and cooling systems.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application number 201880005930.2 and invention name “Hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump”. The international application date of the parent application is January 4, 2018, and the international application number is PCT / US2018 / 012303. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to heat pumps, and in particular to hybrid heat pumps using both an adsorption thermodynamic cycle and a vapor compression thermodynamic cycle. Background Art

[0003] Thermally activated heat pumps (e.g., absorption or adsorption cycles, collectively adsorption) can provide space or water heating as well as space cooling or refrigeration. Cycle efficiencies (coefficient of performance or COP) vary from 0.5 to greater than 1.0 for cooling and from 1.2 to greater than 2.0 for heating.

[0004] Fossil fuel burning (gasoline, propane, oil, etc.) adsorption heat pumps are very attractive due to their very high heating efficiency, while environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional fuel burning heating equipment such as furnaces or boilers are limited to COP less than 1.0. For heating, fuel burning adsorption heat pumps are also superior to vapor compression cycle heat pumps driven by electricity, especially when the outside ambient temperature is below 32℉ (0℃).

[0005] However, for cooling, the efficiency of the vapor compression cycle is much higher than that of the adsorption cycle. Although adsorption heat pumps can be reversible (to provide either heating or cooling), the low cooling efficiency results in a negative economic return to the end user during the cold season compared to using a traditional electric vapor compression air conditioner. In addition, the additional components required to make the adsorption system reversible (compared to a heating-only version) increase cost, complexity and slightly reduce the maximum heating mode efficiency.

[0006] For buildings that require both heating and cooling, the prior art (Figure 1) is to install a fuel burning furnace or boiler (located inside the building) and an electric steam compression recirculating air conditioner (with the compression section located outside the building). The exact delivery mode of heating and cooling inside the building varies depending on whether the system is a forced air system or a recirculating system.

[0007] When replacing a heating-only adsorption heat pump on a building that requires both heating and cooling, the only currently feasible option is to install two separate pieces of equipment on the exterior of the building: 1) a fuel-fired adsorption heat pump and 2) an electric vapor compression heat pump ( Figure 2). In the case where the building uses pressurized air to distribute heating or cooling, the air handler will consist of a hydronic heat exchanger connected to an adsorption heat pump and an evaporator (A coil) connected to a steam compression air conditioner. This option requires the building owner to purchase two separate heat pumps, which must be installed outside the building. The cost and space required to do so may not be practical. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a typical heating and cooling system for a building with a fuel burning furnace and electric air conditioners.

[0009] Figure 2 A heating and cooling system for a building with a fuel-fired adsorption heat pump and an electric air conditioner is depicted.

[0010] Figure 3 A heating and cooling system for a building with a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump is depicted.

[0011] Figure 4 A simple adsorption heat pump cycle with a desorber, condenser, evaporator and absorber is depicted.

[0012] Figure 5 A simple vapor compression heat pump cycle with a compressor, condenser, and evaporator is depicted.

[0013] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Nested evaporator (adsorption system) heat exchanger and condenser (vapor compression system) heat exchanger sharing the same ambient air fan are depicted from top view and cross-section view respectively.

[0014] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B An integrated evaporator (adsorption system) and condenser (vapor compression system) heat exchanger sharing the same ambient air fan is depicted from a top view and a cross-section view, respectively.

[0015] Figure 8 Depicted is a 2-pipe arrangement of a circulation loop connecting a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump to a heat exchanger located inside a building for cooling and / or heating.

[0016] Fig. 9 Depicted is a 4-pipe arrangement of a circulation loop connecting a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump to a heat exchanger located inside a building for cooling and / or heating.

[0017] Fig.10Depicted is a 2-pipe arrangement of a circulation loop connecting a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump to (one or more) heat exchangers located inside a building for heating and a refrigerant loop connecting a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump to (one or more) heat exchangers located inside a building for cooling.

[0018] Fig.11 Depicted is a top view of a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump using a cycle loop for both heating and cooling.

[0019] Fig.12 Depicted is a top view of a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump using a circulation loop for heating and a refrigerant loop for cooling. Summary of the invention

[0020] A heating and cooling system for a building with a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump is provided, comprising: a thermally activated adsorption heat pump system for space and / or water heating, having a desorber, a condenser, an evaporator, and an absorber; an electric vapor compression heat pump system, including a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator; and an air moving device that causes air to flow through both the evaporator of the adsorption heat pump system and the condenser of the vapor compression heat pump system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It should be understood that the following description is intended to refer to specific examples of structures chosen for purposes of illustration in the drawings and is not intended to define or restrict the present disclosure.

[0022] A multifunctional heating and cooling device is provided, which includes components for an adsorption heat pump cycle and a vapor compression cooling cycle for ambient air coupling integrated and nested together inside a housing. The adsorption heat pump portion can be configured to provide very high heating efficiency, while the vapor compression portion can be configured to provide high cooling efficiency. The evaporator coil for the adsorption cycle and the condenser coil for the vapor compression cycle are configured to share a common ambient air fan, thereby saving space and cost. When space or water heating is required, the adsorption system can be operated to heat a circulation loop connected to an indoor radiator and / or a water storage tank. When space cooling is required, the vapor compression system can be operated to be connected to (one or more) fan coils indoors through a circulation loop or a refrigerant loop. By combining the two heating and cooling systems into a single housing using common components, the total installation cost and outdoor space required are reduced compared to installing separate heating and cooling systems.

[0023] Hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump package system ( Figure 3 ) may include one or more of the following:

[0024] Thermally activated air-coupled heat pump systems for space and water heating, including at least a desorber, condenser, evaporator and absorber ( Figure 4 ),

[0025] Electric air-coupled vapor compression heat pump system, including at least a compressor, condenser and evaporator ( Figure 5 ),

[0026] Nested (Fig. 6) or integrated (Fig. 7) air-coupled heat exchanger coils (evaporators for adsorption systems, condensers for vapor compression systems) sharing a common ambient air fan,

[0027] Common control system for two heat pump systems,

[0028] ·Circulation loop ( Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ):

[0029] o When in heating mode, the refrigerant is coupled through the absorber, condenser and (optionally) condensing heat exchanger of the cycle of the adsorption system and optionally the refrigerant desuperheater of the vapor compression system,

[0030] oIn cooling mode, the evaporator is coupled through the circulation of the vapor compression system,

[0031] When in heating mode, the circulation loop passes through the absorber, condenser and (optionally) condensing heat exchanger of the adsorption system and optionally the refrigerant desuperheater of the vapor compression system, and the refrigerant circuit passes through the vapor compression system ( Fig.10 ) of the condenser, compressor and optional desuperheater, and

[0032] A single enclosure, mounted outdoors adjacent to a building, housing both heat pump systems, with a common connection point for fossil fuel, electricity, control wiring, circulation loop(s), and optional refrigerant loop ( Fig.11 and Fig.12 ).

[0033] When space or water heating is required, the adsorption system operates to heat a circulation loop connected to a radiator and / or water storage tank inside the building. A fan moves ambient air through the nested or integrated (one or more) evaporator / condenser heat exchangers, vaporizing the adsorption cycle refrigerant flowing through the evaporator. The heat transfer fluid in the circulation loop flows through and is heated by the adsorption system's cycle-coupled condenser, absorber, and (optional) condensing heat exchanger.

[0034] When cooling is needed, the vapor compression system operates to cool a circulation loop connected to a cooling coil or heat exchanger inside the building. A fan moves ambient air through a nested or integrated evaporator / condenser heat exchanger, condensing the vapor compression cycle refrigerant flowing through the condenser. The heat transfer fluid in the circulation loop flows through and is cooled by the evaporator coupled to the cycle of the vapor compression cycle. Alternatively, cooling can be provided by the vapor compression system by connecting the compressor and condenser directly to the evaporator heat exchanger located inside the building using connecting pipes filled with vapor compression system refrigerant.

[0035] When using the full cycle option, the Hybrid Multi-Purpose Heat Pump can be configured as a "2-pipe" or "4-pipe" system. In a 2-pipe system ( Figure 8 ), there is a single circulation loop that is either heated or cooled, based on building requirements. Either the adsorption heat pump or the vapor compression heat pump is in operation at any given time, but in no case are they both operating simultaneously. Automatic valves operate to direct the heat transfer fluid in the circulation loop through the adsorption cycle absorber, condenser, and optional fossil fuel gas condensing heat exchanger (heating mode), or through the vapor compression evaporator (cooling mode). The 2-pipe option is simpler and less expensive to install, but the adsorption system has difficulty providing hot water heating during the summer when cooling is needed (the vapor compression system must be shut down while the adsorption system heats the storage tank, interrupting the cooling of the building).

[0036] In a 4-pipe system ( Fig. 9 ), there are two circulation loops connected to the hybrid multi-purpose heat pump. One loop is dedicated to heating and is connected to the adsorption system components. The other loop is dedicated to cooling and is connected to the vapor compression system components. The 4-pipe option is more expensive to install, but allows the adsorption system and vapor compression system to operate simultaneously, allowing the vapor compression system to provide space cooling while the adsorption system provides water heating.

[0037] Another advantage of the 4-pipe option is that if the nested or integrated ambient air coupled evaporator / condenser heat exchanger is configured so that the ambient air first passes through the adsorption cycle evaporator and then through the vapor compression condenser, the evaporator will cool the ambient air before it flows through the condenser, allowing the vapor compression system to operate at a higher efficiency than if the adsorption system were not operating.

[0038] Yet another advantage of the 4-pipe option is that if the optional cycle-coupled refrigerant desuperheater is installed at the compressor outlet in the vapor compression system, the heat transfer fluid in the heated-only circulation loop can be directed using valves to bypass the adsorption system components and flow through the desuperheater and be heated by it and then used to reheat the hot water storage tank. Depending on the size and utilization factor of the vapor compression cooling system, this can minimize the need for the adsorption system to provide water heating during the cold season, thereby reducing energy use and building utility bills.

[0039] Alternatively, cooling can be delivered to the building via a vapor compression system using a refrigerant circuit connecting the compressor and condenser heat exchanger to (one or more) evaporator heat exchangers located inside the building. Fig.10 ), a circulation loop is used to collect heat from the adsorption system and transport it to the interior of the building (similar to the 2-pipe arrangement described previously). The advantages of this arrangement are that cooling is provided using a more traditional direct refrigerant loop approach, and the adsorption system and vapor compression system can be operated simultaneously to provide cooling and water heating. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for retrofit installations where heating is provided by a boiler connected to multiple hydronic radiant radiators located inside the building, which cannot be used for dual purposes of heating and cooling due to condensation generation during cooling.

[0040] About Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 , those familiar with the art will appreciate that a variety of configurations can be used within a building for delivering heating and cooling to interior spaces, including the use of multiple air handlers or fan coils, radiant heat exchangers or panels located in the walls, ceilings or floors or integrated into the floors, ceilings and walls themselves. Any of these possible configurations are suitable for hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump applications without loss of functionality.

[0041] The preferred feature of the hybrid multifunctional heat pump is a nested or integrated ambient air coupled evaporator (adsorption) heat exchanger and condenser (vapor compression) heat exchanger. This arrangement allows the use of a common ambient air fan, significantly reducing the cost and overall size of the heating and cooling system.

[0042] In a nested arrangement (FIG. 6), the evaporator heat exchanger for the adsorption cycle is located adjacent to the condenser heat exchanger for the vapor compression cycle, so that ambient air propelled by an ambient fan flows first through one heat exchanger and then through the other heat exchanger, but the two heat exchangers are physically separated. The physical arrangement is not limited and can be flat, U-shaped, L-shaped, cylindrical, or other geometric shapes that provide the desired overall footprint and performance. The design of the two heat exchangers does not have to be identical, meaning that they can use different tube and fin sizes, materials, and configurations, optimized for the cycle to which they belong.

[0043] In an integrated arrangement (FIG. 7), the evaporator (adsorption) function and the condenser (vapor compression) function are integrated into a single physical heat exchanger. Although the tubes used for each function may vary in diameter or material, they may share a common fin design. The physical arrangement is not limited and may be flat, U-shaped, L-shaped, cylindrical, or other geometric shapes that provide the required overall footprint and performance. By integrating two functions (evaporator for adsorption and condenser for vapor compression) into a single heat exchanger, the overall size and cost can be reduced compared to a separate (nested) arrangement. In addition, the integrated coil will be less likely to capture debris (leaves, grass clippings, seeds from weeds or trees) in the gap between the two nested coils, which may reduce performance and efficiency.

[0044] For either the nested or integrated arrangement, the preferred air flow configuration is through the evaporator first (adsorption) and then through the condenser (vapor compression), although either flow order will work acceptably. The evaporator configuration is preferred first so that if the adsorption system and the vapor compression system are operated simultaneously, the evaporator will act to cool the ambient air before the ambient air flows through the condenser, thereby enabling the vapor compression system to operate at a higher efficiency.

[0045] Referring to the drawings, FIG1 depicts a typical heating and cooling system for a building 103, which includes a fuel burning furnace 101 and an electric steam compression air conditioner 102. The furnace 101 is located inside the building 103 and is connected to a return air duct 104, a supply air duct 105, an evaporator heat exchanger 106, and a fossil fuel supply line 107. The compressor and condenser heat exchanger of the electric steam compression air conditioner 102 are located outside the building and are connected to an electric power source 112 and to the evaporator heat exchanger 106 using a tube 108 containing a refrigerant. A blower 109 is located near the furnace 107 and the evaporator 106 to force indoor air 110 to be heated or cooled through the return air duct 104, the furnace 107, the evaporator 106, and the supply air duct 105. The heated or cooled supply air 111 is delivered to the indoor space.

[0046] Figure 2 A heating and cooling system for a building 203 is depicted, which includes a fuel burning adsorption heat pump 215 and an electric air conditioner 202. The fuel burning adsorption heat pump 215 is located outside the building 203 and is connected to a fossil fuel source 216, which can be any combustible fossil fuel such as but not limited to natural gas, propane, methane, fuel oil or biodiesel, and is connected to a circulation heat exchanger 213 located in an air duct 219 using a circulation loop 214 and a circulation pump 217. The electric steam compression air conditioner 202 is also located outside the building 203, connected to an electric power source 212 and is connected to an evaporator heat exchanger 206 located in an air duct 219 using a refrigerant loop 208. When heating or cooling is required, a blower 209 forces indoor air 210 through the return air duct 204, the circulation coil 213, the evaporator heat exchanger 206 and the supply air duct 205.

[0047] Figure 3 A heating and cooling system for a building 303 is depicted, which includes a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump 318. Specifically, Figure 3 A 2-tube loop connection option is depicted, but can also be used without loss of functionality Fig. 9 and Fig.10 4-pipe option or circulating refrigerant option depicted in FIG. The hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump 318 is located outside the building 303 and is connected to the circulating heat exchanger 313 located in the air duct 319 using a circulating loop 314 and a circulating pump 317, connected to the fossil fuel source 316 and the electric power source 312. When heating or cooling is required, the adsorption system or vapor compression system in the hybrid heat pump can be activated, and the blower 309 forces the indoor air 310 through the return air duct 304, the circulating coil 313 and the supply air duct 305. The temperature of the circulating fluid using the circulating loop 314 is hot or cold depending on whether heating or cooling is required.

[0048] Figure 4A simple adsorption heat pump cycle is depicted, including a desorber 420, a condenser 421, an evaporator 422, and an absorber 423. A high temperature heat (energy) source 424 (e.g., from the combustion of fossil fuels, solar energy, or waste heat) vaporizes the refrigerant from the adsorbent in the desorber 420 at high pressure. The vapor refrigerant flows to the condenser 421 through a connecting line 431, where the refrigerant is condensed by removing heat energy 425. The liquid refrigerant flows to the evaporator 422 through a connecting line 432 and an expansion device 428, where the refrigerant pressure is reduced so that the liquid refrigerant can evaporate and absorb heat energy 426. The evaporated refrigerant then flows to the absorber 423, where the evaporated refrigerant is absorbed by the adsorbent flowing from the desorber 420 to the absorber through a connecting line 434 and an expansion valve 429. The refrigerant adsorbent pair flows back to the desorber 420 through the connecting line 435 and the pump 430, which pressurizes the refrigerant adsorbent pair back to the high pressure. To heat the space or water in the building, the heat energy 425 and 427 from the condenser 421 and the absorber 423 is collected by a circulation loop, which delivers the heat energy to the space radiator or (one or more) water storage tanks located inside the building. The heat for the evaporation of the refrigerant 426 in the evaporator 422 can come from the outside ambient air.

[0049] Figure 5 A simple vapor compression heat pump cycle is depicted that includes a compressor 536, a condenser 537, and an evaporator 538. Electricity 512 is used to power a motor 539 that turns the compressor 536. High pressure refrigerant vapor leaves the compressor 536 and flows through a connecting line 542 to the condenser 537 where the refrigerant is condensed by removing heat energy 540. The liquid refrigerant flows through a connecting line 543 and an expansion device 528 to the evaporator 538 where the refrigerant pressure is reduced so the refrigerant can evaporate and absorb heat energy 541. The evaporated refrigerant then flows back to the compressor 536 through a connecting line 544. For space cooling in the building, heat energy 541 is removed from the interior of the building through the evaporator 538. The heat energy 540 from the condenser 537 is rejected to the outside ambient air.

[0050] Fig. 6A and Figure 6BDepicted are nested evaporator 645 (adsorption system) heat exchanger and condenser 646 (vapor compression system) heat exchanger that share the same ambient air fan 647. Both the evaporator 645 and the condenser 646 include tubes or tubular structures within which a refrigerant flows, the tubes or tubular structures being attached to and surrounded by fins 656, 657 that help transfer heat from the air 658 flowing through the two heat exchangers. The tubes can have many possible shapes (not limited to round, flat, or oval) and be made of many possible materials (not limited to steel, copper, aluminum, plastic, elastomers). The fins can have many possible shapes (not limited to flat, wavy, perforated, folded) and be made of many possible materials (not limited to steel, copper, aluminum, plastic, elastomers). The tube shapes and geometries and fins used for the condenser 646 do not need to be the same as those used for the evaporator 645. Although Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The evaporator 645 heat exchanger and condenser 646 heat exchanger are depicted as both bent into a "U" shape, but the two coils can be flat (unbent), round, oval, "L-shaped," or any other desired geometry. Fig. 6A Air 658 is depicted flowing first through the evaporator 645 and then through the condenser 646, but the reverse arrangement is also possible. Regardless, the two heat exchangers are arranged so that the same air moving device(s), such as a fan 647, which may be driven by an electric motor 656, may be used to pull air through both heat exchangers. The fan 647 moves air 658 through both heat exchangers where it is either heated or cooled (or both heated and cooled if the adsorption system and vapor compression system are operated simultaneously). Although a single air moving device 647 is shown, multiple air moving devices may be used if desired, however, it is preferred that all air moving devices move air through both the evaporator 645 heat exchanger and the condenser 646 heat exchanger.

[0051] Low pressure liquid refrigerant 652 from the adsorption system enters the evaporator 645 through the inlet tube 648, flows through the loop of tubes and fins, and then exits as vapor 653 at the outlet tube 649. The air 658 flowing around the tubes and heat transfer fins 656 is cooled by the evaporated refrigerant, so that the air 659 leaving the evaporator is cooler than the entering air 658. The loop of tubes can include various arrangements commonly used for evaporator heat exchangers. Optionally, the liquid refrigerant 652 entering the evaporator 645 can be split and enter multiple inlet tubes.

[0052] High pressure vapor refrigerant 654 from the vapor compression system enters the condenser 646 through the inlet tube 650, flows through the loop of tubes and fins, and then exits as a liquid 655 through the outlet tube 651. The air around the tubes and heat transfer fins 657 is heated by the condensing refrigerant, so that the air 659 leaving the condenser is hotter than the incoming air 658. The loop of tubes can have various arrangements commonly used for condenser heat exchangers. Optionally, the vapor refrigerant 654 entering the condenser 646 can be split and enter multiple inlet tubes.

[0053] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B An integrated evaporator (adsorption system) and condenser (vapor compression system) heat exchanger 780 is depicted that share the same ambient air fan 747. Both the evaporator and the condenser include tubes or tubular structures within which a refrigerant flows, the tubes or tubular structures being attached to and surrounded by fins 781 that help transfer heat from the air 758 flowing through the integrated heat exchanger. The tubes can have many possible shapes (not limited to round, flat, or oval) and be made of many possible materials (not limited to steel, copper, aluminum, plastic, elastomers). The fins 781 can have many possible shapes (not limited to flat, wavy, perforated, folded) and be made of many possible materials (not limited to steel, copper, aluminum, plastic, elastomers). Although Fig. 7A and Figure 7B A heat exchanger bent into a "U" shape is depicted, but the heat exchanger can be flat (unbent), circular, oval, "L-shaped," or any other desired geometry. The tubes containing the refrigerant can be configured so that the air 758 flows through all of the evaporator tubes first and then through the condenser (or vice versa), or the tubes can be interwoven so that the air 758 flows through both the evaporator tubes and the condenser tubes simultaneously. A fan 747 moves the air 758 through the integrated heat exchanger where it is either heated or cooled (or both heated and cooled if the adsorption system and vapor compression system are operated simultaneously). Although a single air moving device 747 is shown, multiple air moving devices can be used if desired.

[0054] Low pressure liquid refrigerant 752 from the adsorption system enters the heat exchanger 780 through the inlet tube 748, flows through the loop of tubes and fins 781, and then exits as vapor 753 at the outlet tube 749. The air 758 flowing around the tubes and heat transfer fins 781 is cooled by the evaporated refrigerant, so that the air 759 leaving the evaporator is cooler than the entering air 758. The loop of tubes can include various arrangements commonly used for evaporator heat exchangers. Optionally, the liquid refrigerant 752 entering the heat exchanger 780 can be split and enter multiple inlet tubes.

[0055] High pressure vapor refrigerant 754 from the vapor compression system enters the integrated heat exchanger 780 through the inlet tube 750, flows through the loop of tubes and fins 781, and then exits as liquid 755 through the outlet tube 751. The air flowing around the tubes and heat transfer fins 781 is heated by the condensing refrigerant, so that the air 759 leaving the condenser is hotter than the incoming air 758. The loop of tubes can include various arrangements commonly used for condenser heat exchangers. Optionally, the vapor refrigerant 754 entering the heat exchanger 780 can be split and enter multiple inlet tubes.

[0056] Figure 8 A circulation loop 814 of a 2-pipe arrangement is depicted, which connects the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump to a heat exchanger located inside the building for cooling and / or heating. The heat transfer fluid 884 (e.g., water or ethylene glycol) flowing in the circulation loop 814 returns from the interior of the building to the hybrid heat pump, and first flows through (if in heating mode when the adsorption system is operating) an optional condensing heat exchanger 883, in which the heat transfer fluid 884 cools and condenses the flue gas leaving the desorber 420, and then flows through the absorber 823 and the condenser 821 (the flow order of the absorber 823 and the condenser 821 can be reversed, or the heat transfer fluid 884 can be directed through the absorber 823 and the condenser 821 in parallel). In the cooling mode (when the vapor compression system is operating), the heat transfer fluid 884 flows through the evaporator 838. Valve 882 directs the heat transfer fluid to the appropriate heat exchanger depending on whether heating or cooling is required.

[0057] Fig. 9 A 4-pipe arrangement of circulation loops 914A and 914B is depicted, which connects the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump to a heat exchanger located inside the building for cooling and / or heating. The heat transfer fluid 984 flowing in the circulation loop 914A returns from the interior of the building to the hybrid heat pump and first flows through (if in heating mode when the adsorption system is operating) an optional condensing heat exchanger 983, where the heat transfer fluid 984 cools and condenses the flue gas leaving the desorber 420, and then flows through the absorber 923 and condenser 921 (the flow order of the absorber 923 and condenser 921 can be reversed, or the heat transfer fluid 984 can be directed through the absorber 923 and condenser 921 in parallel). Optionally, if the vapor compression system is operating and water heating is required at the same time, the heat transfer fluid 984 can be directed through the desuperheater 985 through the valve 982. The desuperheater is a heat exchanger located in the vapor compression system between the compressor 536 outlet and the condenser 537 inlet. The heat transfer fluid 984 is heated in the desuperheater 985 while pre-cooling the refrigerant vapor before entering the condenser 537.

[0058] In cooling mode (when the vapor compression system is operating), heat transfer fluid 984 flows through evaporator 938. Fig. 9 In the 4-tube configuration shown in , both the adsorption system (heating) and the vapor compression system (cooling) can be operated simultaneously, with the heat transfer fluid 984 flowing through both circulation loops 914A and 914B at the same time.

[0059] Fig.10 A 2-pipe arrangement of a circulation loop 1014 connecting a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump to a heat exchanger(s) located inside a building for heating is depicted, as well as a refrigerant loop 1086 connecting the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump to a heat exchanger(s) located inside the building. The heat transfer fluid 1084 flowing in the circulation loop 1014 returns from the interior of the building to the hybrid heat pump and first flows through (if in heating mode when the adsorption system is operating) an optional condensing heat exchanger 1083, where the heat transfer fluid 1084 cools and condenses the flue gas leaving the desorber 420, and then flows through the absorber 1023 and the condenser 1021 (the flow order of the absorber 1023 and the condenser 1021 can be reversed, or the heat transfer fluid 1084 can be directed through the absorber 1023 and the condenser 1021 in parallel). Optionally, if the vapor compression system is operating and water heating is required at the same time, the heat transfer fluid 1084 can be directed through the desuperheater 1085 through the valve 1082. The desuperheater is a heat exchanger located in the vapor compression system between the compressor 1036 outlet and the condenser 1037 inlet. The heat transfer fluid 1084 is heated in the desuperheater 1085 while pre-cooling the refrigerant vapor before entering the condenser 1037.

[0060] In cooling mode (when the vapor compression system is operating), refrigerant 1087 returns from evaporator 538 (not shown, located inside the building) and flows through condenser 1036, desuperheater 1085, and condenser 1037. Fig.10 In the cyclic refrigerant configuration shown in , both the adsorption system (heating) and the vapor compression system (cooling) can be operated simultaneously, with the heat transfer fluid 1084 flowing through the circulation loop 1014 and the refrigerant 1087 flowing through the refrigerant loop 1086 at the same time.

[0061] Fig.11 Depicted is a top view of a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump 1191 using circulation loops 1114A and 1114B (4-tube configuration) for heating and cooling, nested evaporator 1156 heat exchangers and condenser 1146 heat exchangers, and all adsorption system and vapor compression system components inside a single housing 1190. Alternatively, Fig.11An integrated heat exchanger 780 may be shown in place of a nested arrangement with equivalent functionality. A fan 1147 forces ambient air 1158 through the evaporator 1156 heat exchanger and the condenser 1146 heat exchanger. Power 1112 and control lines 1192 are connected to the hybrid heat pump assembly, which are routed to a common system controller 1189, a fossil fuel source 1116, and two circulation loops 1114A and 1114B. The heat transfer fluid 1184 is Fig. 9 Flow through circulation loops 1114A and 1114B in the manner described in . Alternatively, Fig.11 It can be shown Figure 8 The 2-tube loop configuration described in . For clarity, the adsorption system components are collectively shown as 1188.

[0062] Fig.12 Depicted is a top view of a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump 1292 using a circulation loop 1214 for heating and a refrigerant loop 1286 for cooling, an integrated heat exchanger 1280, and all adsorption system and vapor compression system components within a single housing 1290. Alternatively, Fig.12 Nested evaporators 1156 and condensers 1146 may be shown in place of an integrated heat exchanger 1280 with equivalent functionality. A fan 1247 forces ambient air 1258 through the integrated heat exchanger 1280. Power 1212 and control lines 1292 are connected to the hybrid heat pump assembly, and are routed to a common system controller 1289, a fossil fuel source 1216, and a circulation loop 1214. Fig.10 In the manner described in , the heat transfer fluid 1284 flows through the circulation loop 1214 and the refrigerant 1287 flows through the refrigerant loop 1286. Alternatively, Fig.12 It can be shown Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The adsorption system components are collectively shown as 1288 for clarity.

[0063] Regarding the implementation methods including the above embodiments, the following technical solutions are also disclosed:

[0064] Solution 1. A heating and cooling system for a building with a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump, comprising:

[0065] A thermally activated adsorption heat pump system for space and / or water heating comprising at least a desorber, a condenser, an evaporator and an absorber,

[0066] An electric vapor compression heat pump system comprising at least a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, and

[0067] An air moving device flows air through both the evaporator of the adsorption heat pump system and the condenser of the vapor compression heat pump system.

[0068] Option 2. The heating and cooling system according to Option 1, wherein the evaporator of the adsorption heat pump system and the condenser of the vapor compression heat pump system are nested with each other.

[0069] Option 3. The heating and cooling system according to Option 1, wherein the evaporator of the adsorption heat pump system and the condenser of the vapor compression heat pump system are integrated with each other.

[0070] Embodiment 4. The heating and cooling system of embodiment 1, wherein the air moving device causes air to flow through the evaporator of the adsorption heat pump system and then through the condenser of the vapor compression heat pump system.

[0071] Option 5. A heating and cooling system according to Option 1, wherein the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump is connected to the heating and cooling unit located inside the building via a circulation loop system, and the circulation loop system transmits heat transfer fluid between the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump and the heating and cooling unit located inside the building, and the circulation loop system has at least a first circulation-coupled loop, and when in heating mode, the first circulation-coupled loop transmits the heat transfer fluid through (1) a pipeline including an absorber and a condenser of the adsorption heat pump system, and when in cooling mode, the first circulation-coupled loop transmits the heat transfer fluid through (2) an evaporator of the vapor compression heat pump system.

[0072] Option 6. The heating and cooling system of Option 5, wherein the evaporator of the vapor compression heat pump system is located in a pipeline that bypasses the adsorption heat pump system.

[0073] Embodiment 7. A heating and cooling system according to embodiment 5, wherein, when in heating mode, the first loop of the circular coupling also conveys the heat transfer fluid through the condensing heat exchanger of the adsorption heat pump system.

[0074] Option 8. A heating and cooling system according to Option 1, wherein the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump is connected to the heating and cooling unit located inside the building via a circulation loop system, and the circulation loop system transmits heat transfer fluid between the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump and the heating and cooling unit located inside the building, and the circulation loop system has (1) a first circulation-coupled loop and (2) a second circulation-coupled loop, and when in heating mode, the first circulation-coupled loop transmits the heat transfer fluid through a pipeline including an absorber and a condenser of the adsorption heat pump system, and when in cooling mode, the second circulation-coupled loop transmits the heat transfer fluid through a pipeline including an evaporator of the vapor compression heat pump system.

[0075] Option 9. A heating and cooling system according to Option 8, wherein, when in heating mode, the first loop of the circular coupling also conveys the heat transfer fluid through the condensing heat exchanger of the adsorption heat pump system.

[0076] Option 10. A heating and cooling system according to Option 8, wherein, when in cooling mode and water heating is required at the same time, the first loop of the circulation coupling conveys the heat transfer fluid through a desuperheater of the vapor compression heat pump system located in a pipeline bypassing the adsorption heat pump system.

[0077] Option 11. A heating and cooling system according to Option 1, wherein the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump is connected to a heating and cooling unit located inside the building via a circulation-coupled loop and a refrigerant loop system, wherein when in heating mode, the circulation-coupled loop transfers heat transfer fluid between the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump and the heating and cooling unit through a pipeline including an absorber and a condenser of the adsorption heat pump system, and when in cooling mode, the refrigerant loop transfers refrigerant from the evaporator of the vapor compression heat pump system located inside the building and through a compressor and a condenser located in the refrigerant loop.

[0078] Embodiment 12. A heating and cooling system according to embodiment 11, wherein, when in heating mode, the circularly coupled loop also conveys the heat transfer fluid through the condensing heat exchanger of the adsorption heat pump system.

[0079] Embodiment 13. A heating and cooling system according to Embodiment 11, wherein, when in cooling mode and water heating is simultaneously required, the circulating coupled loop also conveys the heat transfer fluid through a desuperheater.

[0080] Embodiment 14. The heating and cooling system of embodiment 11, wherein, when in cooling mode, the refrigerant circuit also conveys the refrigerant through a desuperheater.

[0081] Option 15. A heating and cooling system according to Option 11, wherein, when in water heating mode and space cooling mode at the same time, the cyclically coupled loop transmits the heat transfer fluid through the absorber and condenser of the adsorption heat pump system and the desuperheater of the vapor compression system, and the refrigerant loop simultaneously transmits the refrigerant through the desuperheater.

[0082] Option 16. A heating and cooling system according to Option 1, wherein the adsorption heat pump system is powered by combustion heat of fossil fuels.

[0083] Embodiment 17. The heating and cooling system according to Embodiment 1 further includes a common control system for controlling the adsorption system and the vapor compression heat pump system.

[0084] Embodiment 18. A heating and cooling system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the adsorption system and the vapor compression heat pump system are configured to operate simultaneously or alternately.

[0085] Option 19. A heating and cooling system according to Option 1, wherein the desorber, condenser, evaporator and absorber of the adsorption heat pump system and the compressor and condenser of the vapor compression heat pump system are contained in a single casing mounted outside the building.

[0086] Embodiment 20. A heating and cooling system according to Embodiment 19, wherein the single housing also includes an evaporator of the vapor compression heat pump system.

[0087] Embodiment 21. A heating and cooling system according to Embodiment 19, wherein the evaporator of the vapor compression heat pump system is located inside the building.

[0088] Embodiment 22. A heating and cooling system according to Embodiment 19, wherein the single housing includes common connection points for fossil fuel, electricity, control lines, circulation loops, and optionally a refrigerant loop.

[0089] Embodiment 23. A heating and cooling system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the vapor compression heat pump system and the adsorption heat pump system are connected to the heating and cooling loads via a full cycle system.

Claims

1. A heating and cooling system for a building (303) having a hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump (318, 1191, 1292), comprising: A fuel combustion heat activated adsorption heat pump system (1188, 1288) for space and / or water heating, comprising at least a desorber (420), a condenser (421, 821, 921, 1021) of the adsorption heat pump system, an evaporator (422, 645, 1138) of the adsorption heat pump system, and an absorber (423, 823, 923, 1023, 1123, 1223), An electric steam compression heat pump system, comprising at least a compressor (536, 1036, 1136, 1236), a condenser (537, 646, 1037, 1146) of the steam compression heat pump system and an evaporator (538, 838, 938, 1138) of the steam compression heat pump system, and An air moving device (647, 747, 1147, 1247) configured to cause ambient air to flow through both the evaporator (422, 645) of the adsorption heat pump system (1188, 1288) and the condenser (537, 646, 1037, 1146) (616) of the vapor compression heat pump system, wherein the air moving device (647, 747, 1147, 1247) is configured to cause ambient air to flow through the evaporator (422, 645) of the adsorption heat pump system (1188, 1288) (215) and then through the condenser (537, 646, 1037, 1146) of the vapor compression heat pump system.

2. The heating and cooling system of claim 1, wherein: The evaporator (422, 645) of the adsorption heat pump system and the condenser (537, 646, 1037, 1146) of the vapor compression heat pump system are nested with each other.

3. The heating and cooling system of claim 1, wherein: The evaporator (422) of the adsorption heat pump system and the condenser (537) of the vapor compression heat pump system are integrated with each other.

4. The heating and cooling system of claim 1, further comprising at least one heating and cooling unit and a circulation loop system (314, 814, 1014, 1214) configured to be located inside a building (303), wherein: The hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump (318, 1292) is configured to be connected to the at least one heating and cooling unit via the circulation loop system (314, 814, 1014, 1214), the circulation loop system (314, 814, 1014, 1214) is configured to transfer a heat transfer fluid (884, 1084, 1284) between the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump (318, 1292) and the at least one heating and cooling unit, the circulation loop system (314, 814, 1014, 1214) 214) has a first loop of cyclic coupling, and the first loop of cyclic coupling is configured to: when in heating mode, transmit the heat transfer fluid (884, 1084, 1284) (881) through the absorber (423, 823, 1023, 1223) and the condenser (421, 821, 1021, 1221) of the adsorption heat pump system, and when in cooling mode, transmit the heat transfer fluid (884, 1084, 1284) (881) through the evaporator (538, 838) of the vapor compression heat pump system.

5. The heating and cooling system of claim 4, wherein: The evaporator (538, 838) of the vapor compression heat pump system is located in a portion of the circulation loop system (314, 814, 1214) that bypasses the adsorption heat pump system.

6. The heating and cooling system according to claim 4, further comprising a condenser for cooling the flue gas leaving the desorber (420), wherein The cyclically coupled first loop is also configured to convey the heat transfer fluid (884, 1284) through a condenser (883, 1283) of the adsorption heat pump system for cooling flue gas leaving the desorber (420) when in a heating mode.

7. The heating and cooling system of claim 1, further comprising at least one heating and cooling unit and a circulation loop system (914A, 914B, 1114A, 1114B) configured to be located inside a building (303), wherein: The hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump (318, 1191) is configured to be connected to the at least one heating and cooling unit via the circulation loop system (914A, 914B, 1114A, 1114B), the circulation loop system (914A, 914B, 1114A, 1114B) is configured to transfer a heat transfer fluid (984, 1184) between the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump (318, 1191) and the at least one heating and cooling unit, and the circulation loop system (914A, 914B, 1114A, 1114B) has a circulation loop system. A loop-coupled first loop (914A, 1114A) and a loop-coupled second loop (914B, 1114B), wherein the loop-coupled first loop is configured to: when in a heating mode, convey the heat transfer fluid (984, 1184) (981) through the absorber (923, 1123) and the condenser (921, 1121) of the adsorption heat pump system, and the loop-coupled second loop (914B, 1114B) is configured to: when in a cooling mode, convey the heat transfer fluid (984, 1184) through the evaporator (938, 1138) of the vapor compression heat pump system.

8. The heating and cooling system of claim 7, further comprising a condenser (983, 1183) for condensing the flue gas leaving the desorber (420), wherein The cyclically coupled first loop (914A, 914B) is also configured to convey the heat transfer fluid (984, 1184) through a condenser (983, 1183) of the adsorption heat pump system for condensing flue gas leaving the desorber (420) when in a heating mode.

9. The heating and cooling system of claim 7, wherein: The vapor compression heat pump system includes a desuperheater (985, 1185), and wherein, when in cooling mode and water heating is simultaneously required, the first loop of the cyclic coupling is configured to convey the heat transfer fluid (984, 1184) (004) through the desuperheater (985, 1185) located in a portion of the first loop of the cyclic coupling of the vapor compression heat pump system that bypasses the adsorption heat pump system.

10. The heating and cooling system of claim 1, further comprising at least one heating and cooling unit configured to be located inside a building (303) and a cyclically coupled loop (1014, 1214) and refrigerant loop system (1086, 1286), wherein: The hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump (318, 1292) is configured to be connected to the at least one heating and cooling unit via the cyclically coupled loop and the refrigerant loop system (1086, 1286), wherein the cyclically coupled loop (1014, 1214) is configured to: when in a heating mode, the absorber (1023, 1223) and the condenser (1021, 1221) of the adsorption heat pump system are connected to the hybrid fossil fuel electric multifunctional heat pump (318, 1292) ) and the at least one heating and cooling unit, and the refrigerant circuit (1086, 1286) is configured to: when in a cooling mode, transfer refrigerant (1087, 1287) from an evaporator (538) of the vapor compression heat pump system configured to be located inside the building (303) and through a compressor (1036, 1236) and a condenser (1037) of the vapor compression heat pump system located in the refrigerant circuit (1086, 1286).

11. The heating and cooling system according to claim 10, further comprising a condenser for cooling the flue gas leaving the desorber (420), wherein The cyclically coupled loop (1014, 1214) is also configured to, when in a heating mode, convey the heat transfer fluid (1084, 1284) through a condenser (1083, 1283) of the adsorption heat pump system (216) for cooling flue gas leaving the desorber.

12. The heating and cooling system of claim 10, further comprising one or more desuperheaters (1085, 1285), wherein: When in cooling mode and water heating is required at the same time, the circulating coupled circuit is also configured to transmit the heat transfer fluid (1084, 1284) through the desuperheater (1085, 1285), and / or the refrigerant circuit (1086, 1286) is also configured to transmit the refrigerant (1087, 1287) through the desuperheater (1085, 1285).

13. The heating and cooling system of claim 10, wherein: When in water heating mode and space cooling mode simultaneously, the cyclically coupled loop is configured to convey the heat transfer fluid (1084, 1284) through the absorber (423, 1023, 1223) and condenser (1021, 1221) of the adsorption heat pump system and the desuperheater (1085, 1285) of the vapor compression system, and the refrigerant loop (1086, 1286) is configured to convey the refrigerant (1087, 1287) through the desuperheater (1085, 1285) simultaneously.

14. The heating and cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a common system controller (1189, 1289) configured to control the adsorption heat pump system and the vapor compression heat pump system.

15. The heating and cooling system of claim 1, wherein: The adsorption heat pump system and the vapor compression heat pump system are configured to operate simultaneously or alternately.

16. The heating and cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a single housing (1190, 1290), and wherein: The desorber (420), the condenser (421, 921, 1021, 1121, 1221) of the adsorption heat pump system, the evaporator (422, 645) of the adsorption heat pump system and the absorber (423, 923, 1123, 1223) of the adsorption heat pump system, and the compressor (536, 1136, 1236) and condenser (537, 646, 1037, 1146) of the vapor compression heat pump system are housed in a single housing (1190, 1290) configured to be mounted outside the building (303).

17. The heating and cooling system of claim 16, wherein: The single housing (1190) also includes an evaporator (538, 838, 938, 1138) of the vapor compression heat pump system.

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