Thermal system comprising at least one circuit of an absorption machine having improved performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal systems for producing hot and cold fluids, such as domestic hot water and home heating, face inefficiencies in energy usage and require multiple sources for optimal operation, particularly when coupling absorption machines with heat pumps.

Innovation Solution

A thermal system comprising an absorption machine circuit and a heat pump circuit where the absorber and condenser of the absorption machine serve as a cold source for the heat pump, sharing evaporation and condensation functions to enhance energy efficiency and reduce component count, with a control unit for simultaneous or separate circuit activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If an absorption machine is coupled with a heat pump to improve energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the absorption machine and heat pump into a single integrated thermal system where components are shared. The condenser and absorber of the absorption machine serve dual functions as both heat rejection devices and evaporators for the heat pump, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The condenser and absorber components perform multiple functions: they act as heat rejection devices for the absorption machine and simultaneously serve as evaporators for the heat pump. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system achieves improved energy efficiency, allowing for the production of domestic hot water at 70°C from 35°C-60°C water, with an estimated economic gain of 4.7% to 7.1% in energy consumption, and versatility across various operating modes for different seasons and needs.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal system comprising an absorption machine circuit and a heat pump circuit where the absorber and condenser of the absorption machine serve as a cold source for the heat pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

Such machines use a refrigerant and an absorbent, and its phase changes which are obtained by a heat input

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

The vapor thus formed is compressed by the compressor, which increases the temperature of the vapor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression heating: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3919836B1Thermal system comprising at least one circuit of an absorption machine having improved performance
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3919836B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3919836B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3919836B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9A

AI summary

Thermal system comprising an absorption machine circuit and a heat pump circuit, said absorption machine circuit comprising an evaporator (12) connected to a first heat source (SO1), a generator (13) configured to be connected to a second heat source (SO2), a condenser (8), an absorber (6), an expansion valve and a pump, the heat pump circuit comprising a condenser (20) connected to a first utilization circuit (CU1) of the heat produced by the heat pump, a pump, an expansion valve, a first component (18) for collecting at least a part of the heat at the condenser (8) and a second component (16) for collecting at least a part of the heat at the absorber (6), the first component (18) and the second component (16) forming evaporators of the heat pump.