Apparatus for space heating and warm water supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing space heating and warm water supply systems using heat pump and boiler units face inefficiencies in water supply and risk damage to the heat pump unit due to temperature fluctuations during mode switching, as the heat pump can be operated with a heating medium beyond its operable temperature range.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a heat pump unit and a boiler unit, featuring a circuit switching means and heat source control means to prevent the heat pump unit from operating when the heating medium temperature exceeds its operable range, ensuring safe operation and high efficiency by utilizing the boiler unit during such conditions, and potentially restarting the heat pump after a predetermined period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the heat pump unit is used as heat source for water supply, then energy efficiency of water supply is improved, but the heat pump unit may be damaged by heating medium temperature beyond its operable range
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the heat pump unit and the heating medium circulation system. It monitors the temperature of the heating medium and the operational status of the heat pump, and intervenes by stopping the heat pump when temperature exceeds safe operating limits, thus protecting the heat pump while allowing efficient water supply operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the heating medium temperature and the operational state of the heat pump unit. When the heating medium temperature exceeds the predetermined safe range or when the heat pump is not operating, the control unit receives this feedback and automatically stops the heat pump to prevent damage, ensuring both efficiency and safety.
2Productivity
If the heating medium temperature is increased beyond the heat pump's operable range, then water supply efficiency is improved, but the heat pump unit is at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies preliminary anti-action by proactively stopping the heat pump unit before the heating medium temperature can reach damaging levels. The system monitors temperature continuously and intervenes in advance when temperature approaches or exceeds the predetermined safe range, preventing thermal damage to the heat pump components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (heat pump status) based on the heating medium temperature parameter. When the temperature parameter exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control unit changes the heat pump's operational state from running to stopped, thereby adapting the system operation to safe parameter ranges while maintaining efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operation mode is switched between space heating and water supply, then system versatility is improved, but temperature fluctuation may cause heat pump damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by stopping the heat pump unit in advance when detecting a mode switch from space heating to water supply. This preliminary stop prevents the heat pump from operating with unstable or inappropriate heating medium temperature during the transition period, protecting the system while enabling versatile operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the heat pump operational status based on the current operation mode. The control unit continuously monitors the operational mode and heating medium temperature, and dynamically changes the heat pump's operational state (on/off) to adapt to different modes, ensuring both versatility and temperature stability.
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 enhances energy efficiency and prevents heat pump damage by ensuring it operates within its temperature range, allowing for efficient use of both heat sources and reducing the frequency of compressor start-stop cycles, thereby promoting energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
The heat pump unit is provided with a heat exchange means where the heating medium and a refrigerant exchange heat with each other
Implementation Method 2
the boiler unit is configured to heat the heating medium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An apparatus (100) configured to be connected to a space heating unit (200) and a water supply unit (300) with a water tank (310) so as to form a space heating circuit (250) and a water supply circuit (350) in which a heating medium is supplied to the space heating unit (200) and the water supply unit (300), respectively. The apparatus comprises a heat pump unit (20) and a boiler unit (30) configured to heat the heating medium, an operation mode section (92) configured to switch an operation mode of the apparatus between a space heating mode and a water supply mode by controlling a circuit switching means (40), and a heat source control section (94) configured to stop the heat pump unit (20) and the boiler unit (30) upon changes in the operation mode of the apparatus while the boiler unit (30) is in operation.