Apparatus and methods for heating water with refrigerant from air conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pre-heating water in water heater tanks using refrigerant from air conditioning systems are often complex and expensive, making them unsuitable for many applications.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that includes a tank for storing water, a heat exchanger for transferring heat from refrigerant to the tank, and a control system that manages the flow of refrigerant and air to optimize water heating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If previously proposed apparatus and methods are used for pre-heating water with refrigerant from air conditioning systems, then water heating function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water heating function with the existing air conditioning system by integrating a heat exchanger into the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant from the AC system directly heats water in the heat exchanger, merging two functions (cooling and heating) into a single integrated system, thereby reducing overall complexity and cost compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning system is designed to perform multiple functions: space cooling through the air handler and water heating through the heat exchanger. The refrigerant circuit serves dual purposes by transferring heat to both the air handling system and the water heating system, making the system universal and reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.
2Productivity
If refrigerant flow is diverted to heat exchanger for water heating, then water heating efficiency improves, but air conditioning performance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control through a pump that can adjust refrigerant flow distribution between the air handler and the heat exchanger. The pump speed and flow direction can be dynamically adjusted based on demand, allowing the system to optimize water heating efficiency while maintaining adequate air conditioning performance through real-time balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by using the pump to vary refrigerant flow rates and distribution. By adjusting pump speed and flow allocation, the system can shift between prioritizing water heating or air conditioning based on current needs, maintaining both functions at acceptable performance levels through parameter optimization.
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 solution provides an efficient and cost-effective method for heating water by utilizing the refrigerant from air conditioning systems, reducing complexity and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the tank and configured to receive refrigerant and transfer heat therefrom to the tank
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for heating water has a tank for storing water and an air conditioning system that defines a refrigerant flow path through which refrigerant flows. The refrigerant flow path passes through the heat exchanger so that refrigerant heat is contributed to the tank. A control system controls operation of the water heating apparatus.