Absorption Heat Pump Bypass Feeding for Generator Overfeed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pumps struggle to deliver high temperatures and maximum thermal power, especially under low external temperature conditions, leading to inefficiencies and the need for oversized systems or additional backup systems.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump design that increases the input to the generator by up to 80% through a bypass system, allowing direct feeding of a rich solution into the generator, combined with the introduction of refrigerant via a venturi or injector, to enhance thermal input and maintain high delivery temperatures without over-dimensioning components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump is sized to operate at the point of major energy interest (ambient temperature of about 2°C), then energy efficiency is improved, but the delivered power and water system temperatures are too low at design conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that allow the heat pump to adapt its performance characteristics. The system can switch between a first operating mode (optimized for energy efficiency at moderate temperatures) and a second operating mode (optimized for high power and temperature delivery at design conditions). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to be sized for efficiency while delivering required power when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting operating parameters between two distinct modes, the system achieves both high energy efficiency at part-load conditions and high delivered power at design conditions. The parameter changes enable the same equipment to satisfy both conflicting requirements at different times.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump is sized to operate at the point of major energy interest, then energy efficiency is improved, but the delivered water system temperatures are too low at design conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that allow the heat pump to adapt its performance characteristics. The system can switch between a first operating mode (optimized for energy efficiency at moderate temperatures) and a second operating mode (optimized for high temperature delivery at design conditions). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to be sized for efficiency while delivering required temperatures when needed.
3Power
If the heat pump is over-dimensioned to meet design conditions, then delivered power and temperature requirements are satisfied, but the system operates at very low partial loads under typical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that allow the heat pump to adapt its performance characteristics. The system can switch between a first operating mode (optimized for part-load efficiency under typical conditions) and a second operating mode (optimized for full-power delivery at design conditions). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to be sized for peak demand while maintaining high efficiency at lower loads.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the heat pump to achieve higher delivery temperatures and maximum thermal power without over-sizing, improving efficiency and reducing the need for additional systems, while maintaining operation as a heat pump rather than a boiler.
Implementation Method 1
the introduction of refrigerant via a venturi or injector, to enhance thermal input
Implementation Method 2
A heat pump design that increases the input to the generator by up to 80% through a bypass system, allowing direct feeding of a rich solution into the generator
Implementation Method 3
the thermal power requirement is typically a function of the external environmental temperature... The temperature of the hot water of hydronic systems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
An absorption heat pump with a system for improving its efficiency under generator overfeed conditions. The absorber (10) is bypassed to direct the rich solution directly into the generator (2), mixing this rich solution with liquid refrigerant.