Adsorption Heat Pump Valve With Intermediate Flow Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adsorption heat pumps face limitations in flexibility and efficiency due to the inability to continuously operate and the lack of effective heat recovery, as well as the inability to scale, primarily because existing rotary valves are not adaptable and do not allow for intermediate heat transfer positions.
Innovation Solution
A valve system that can switch between fully open, fully closed, and intermediate positions, utilizing a stepper motor and gear unit with self-locking capabilities to hold positions without power, allowing for flexible control of heat transfer between high-temperature and medium-temperature heat carriers, enabling efficient heat recovery and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rotary valves are used for switching between adsorption and desorption, then the switching function is achieved, but scaling of the adsorption heat pump is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple independent valve units (first valve unit, second valve unit, third valve unit) that can independently control different channels. This segmentation allows the valve system to be configured for different numbers of sorption modules, enabling scaling while maintaining functional control over heat transfer fluid distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design with multiple valve units and configurable channel connections provides universal applicability across different system configurations. The same valve structure can serve single or multiple sorption modules by adjusting which valve units are activated and how channels are connected, making the system scalable without redesigning the entire valve mechanism
2Loss of energy
If independent valves are used for switching between high-temperature and medium-temperature heat transfer fluids, then switching control is achieved, but heat recovery is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates intermediate positions between fully open and fully closed states, allowing dynamic adjustment of the throttled connection. This enables the heat transfer fluid to flow at controlled rates through the sorption zone during phase transitions, optimizing heat recovery by allowing thermal energy transfer while maintaining operational control over fluid distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate positions enable continuous heat transfer during switching transitions rather than abrupt on/off switching. The throttled connection allows heat recovery to occur continuously during phase changes, capturing thermal energy that would otherwise be lost while maintaining the ability to control fluid flow for operational requirements
3Loss of energy
If valves switch digitally between two states, then simple control is achieved, but heat recovery during phase transition is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve moves beyond binary open/closed states to include intermediate positions that create a throttled connection. This dynamic positioning capability allows the valve to maintain partial flow during phase transitions, enabling heat recovery while providing graduated control options for optimizing thermal energy transfer during sorption phase changes
4Productivity
If high sorption rates occur during transition between adsorption and desorption phases, then efficient sorption is achieved, but negative effects from excessive rates occur
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate positions provide dynamic control over the throttled connection, allowing the system to modulate fluid flow rate during phase transitions. This enables optimization of sorption rates by adjusting valve opening degree to match the sorbent's capacity, preventing excessive rates that could cause thermal shocks or mechanical stress while maintaining high productivity when conditions are favorable
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 valve system enhances the flexibility and efficiency of adsorption heat pumps by allowing for throttled connections, improving heat recovery and reducing energy consumption, while maintaining precise control over sorption performance.
Implementation Method 1
a stepper motor and a gear unit, wherein the stepper motor and the gear unit are designed such that a holding torque when de-energized is sufficient to hold the valve in its positions
Implementation Method 2
allows for flexible control of heat transfer between high-temperature and medium-temperature heat carriers, enabling efficient heat recovery
Implementation Method 3
the pressure differences are achieved by an adsorbent that adsorbs the fluid at low pressure and desorbs it at higher pressure
Implementation Method 4
the pressure differences are achieved by an adsorbent that adsorbs the fluid at low pressure and desorbs it at higher pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6e
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve (56) for an adsorption heat pump (10). It is essential to the invention that the valve (56) has a closure position (70) in which the first valve unit (88) and the second valve unit (98) are closed, that the valve (56) has a first open position (72) in which the first valve unit (88) is fully open, that the valve (56) has a second open position (74) in which the second valve unit (98) is fully opened, that the valve (56) has at least one intermediate position (75) in which one of the two valve units (88, 98) is partially open, and that the valve (56) is designed such that the actuating drive (104) can hold the valve (56) in the closed position (70), in the open positions (72, 74) and in the at least one intermediate position (75) without power.