Absorption Heat Pump Switching for Waste Heat Power and Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adsorption-type heat pump systems for waste heat recovery are inefficient in summer seasons due to low operation ratios, as they are optimized for high heating demand in winter.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating an absorption-type heat pump with a regenerator heat exchange unit, evaporator heat exchange unit, and a switching valve unit to selectively direct medium- or low-temperature waste heat for either heating or electricity production, utilizing a closed loop heat medium circulation line and integrating with a Rankine cycle for electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an adsorption-type heat pump is used for waste heat recovery, then heating efficiency is improved in winter, but waste heat recovery efficiency decreases in summer due to low operation ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the heat pump to perform multiple functions by adding a generation unit that can produce electricity. The heat pump system not only provides heating in winter but can also generate electricity in summer when heating demand is low, making it adaptable to different seasonal requirements and improving overall waste heat recovery efficiency throughout the year.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes based on seasonal demand. A switching valve unit directs the heat medium flow to either the heat production unit (in winter) or the generation unit (in summer), allowing the system to adapt its function according to real-time requirements and maintain high operation ratios year-round.
2Ease of operation
If the heat pump operation ratio is reduced in summer, then heating demand is met, but waste heat recovery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By equipping the system with both heat production capability and electricity generation capability, the heat pump can maintain operation in summer by switching to electricity generation mode. This multi-functionality ensures that the heat pump continues to operate at high ratios year-round while meeting different seasonal demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters and output type based on seasonal conditions. In summer, instead of reducing operation ratio, the system changes its function from heating to electricity generation, maintaining high operation ratios while adapting to seasonal demand patterns.
3Device complexity
If a single-function heat pump system is used, then system complexity is low, but versatility in meeting different seasonal demands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves versatility through functional expansion rather than structural complexity. By adding a generation unit with a steam turbine and switching valve, the system can switch between heating and electricity generation functions, meeting different seasonal demands without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the heat pump system with a generation unit (steam turbine) to create a combined system. This integration allows the same heat medium circulation system to serve dual purposes: heating in winter and electricity generation in summer, reducing the need for separate systems while maintaining adaptability.
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
This configuration allows for improved waste heat recovery efficiency throughout the year by enabling electricity production during low heating demand seasons, utilizing medium- or low-temperature waste heat effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption-type heat pump supplied with a driving heat source and heat source water to increase a temperature of a low-temperature heat medium to a high temperature by means of absorption heat in an absorber and condensation heat in a condenser
Implementation Method 2
an absorption-type heat pump supplied with a driving heat source and heat source water to increase a temperature of a low-temperature heat medium to a high temperature by means of absorption heat in an absorber and condensation heat in a condenser
Implementation Method 3
a generation unit branching off from the heat medium circulation line to undergo indirect heat exchange with the high-temperature heat medium and to drive a steam turbine on the basis of the Rankine cycle, thereby producing electricity
Implementation Method 4
a generation unit branching off from the heat medium circulation line to undergo indirect heat exchange with the high-temperature heat medium
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for producing a heat source for heating or electricity, using medium/low-temperature waste heat includes: an absorption-type heat pump (100) supplied with a driving heat source and heat source water to heat a low-temperature heat medium; a regenerator heat exchange unit (210) for supplying a regenerator (110) with a driving heat source using waste heat; an evaporator heat exchange unit (220) for supplying an evaporator with heat source water; a heat medium circulation line (310) for circulating a heat medium; a generation unit (400) branching off from the heat medium circulation line (310) and producing electricity; a heat production unit (500) branching off from the heat medium circulation line (310) and supplying a heat-demanding place with a heat source for heating; and a switching valve unit (600) for controlling the flow of heat medium supplied the generation unit (400) or the heat production unit (500).