Improving the efficiency of the heat pump

Abstract

The heat pump, especially the air source heat pump, is particularly inefficient during the time when it is most needed, the cold season. This is due to the insufficient use of the energy offered in the cycle between the condenser and the throttle. This is to be achieved by feeding back the unused energy using 1 or 2 heat exchangers, which extract this energy and feed it back into the cycle before compression. To control the heating process, it may be necessary to install two heat exchangers along with a circulation pump.

Description

[0001] A heat pump is a combined heat and power engine that transfers available energy at low temperatures to a higher level using drive energy. It is primarily used for heating buildings, where temperatures of approximately 50°C are desired. The available source is often ambient air, which can be as low as -25°C just when it is needed.

[0002] Due to the large temperature difference that must be overcome, the achievable efficiency deteriorates. Drive energy increases, so a way to achieve improvement is sought.

[0003] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the refrigerant circuit in the heat pump.

[0004] In the evaporator (1), the refrigerant at boiling temperature absorbs the energy of the available medium, e.g., air. This vapor enters the compressor (2), which condenses at the appropriate pressure and temperature. The refrigerant then reaches the condenser (3), which acts as a heat exchanger and releases the usable heat to the consumers. The circuit is closed via the throttle (4), and the temperature and pressure are reduced. The heat between the condenser and the throttle remains unused. In winter, this can result in a temperature gradient of 30° to -25°C in the air-source heat pump before and after the throttle.

[0005] In Fig. Figure 2 illustrates how at least part of this energy could be utilized. A heat exchanger (5) is connected downstream of the condenser, which transfers the heat to the circuit after the evaporator.

[0006] It may be useful to Fig.3, this recirculation is carried out via two heat exchangers (5) and (6). This requires a small pump (7).

Claims

[1] Improving the efficiency of the heat pump, characterized by that part of the energy is extracted from the circuit after the condenser (3) by means of a heat exchanger and fed before the compressor (2). [2] Improving the efficiency of the heat pump according to claim 1, characterized by that this is done with a heat exchanger (5). [3] Improving the efficiency of the heat pump according to claim 1, characterized by that 2 heat exchangers (5) and (6) and a pump (7) are used.

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