Auxiliary system for a low-temperature thermal energy distribution network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-temperature remote thermal energy distribution networks face challenges in achieving resilience and efficiency due to high operating costs, temperature variability, and inefficiencies in existing systems, particularly with geothermal, solar, and groundwater-based auxiliary energy sources, as well as the limitations of heat-power cogeneration systems.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary system for low-temperature remote thermal energy distribution networks that includes thermally coupled heat pumps, air-liquid heat exchangers, a hydraulic network, and a measurement, control, and regulation (MCR) system, allowing for direct connection of air-liquid heat exchangers and combined heat-power systems to optimize energy transfer and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If geothermal probes are used for auxiliary energy, then seasonal energy storage is enabled, but installation cost increases and cooling efficiency decreases due to high operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the geothermal probe system to serve dual purposes: heating during winter and cooling during summer. The reversible heat pump system allows the same infrastructure to provide both heating and cooling functions, maximizing the utility of the installed geothermal probes and justifying the installation cost through year-round operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the operating temperature parameters of the heat pump system according to seasonal requirements. During heating mode, the system operates at higher temperatures to extract heat from the ground, while during cooling mode, it operates at lower temperatures to reject heat to the ground, thereby optimizing efficiency for each function.
2Ease of manufacture
If thermal solar auxiliary energy is used, then cost-effectiveness improves, but energy availability decreases during cold periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal solar energy systems with geothermal probe systems and heat pumps to create a hybrid auxiliary energy system. This merging allows the system to utilize solar energy when available (improving cost-effectiveness) while falling back on geothermal energy during cold periods when solar availability decreases, thereby maintaining adaptability across all seasons.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump system acts as an intermediary between the solar thermal collector and the anergy network. When solar energy is insufficient during cold periods, the heat pump mediates by transferring thermal energy from the geothermal probes to the anergy network, ensuring continuous operation despite reduced solar availability.
3Ease of operation
If heat-power cogeneration system is used, then direct heating capability improves, but heat and electricity utilization decreases due to demand variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the cogeneration system adjustable and flexible in its operation. The system can dynamically modulate its heat and electricity output according to real-time demand conditions in the anergy network, allowing direct heating when needed while minimizing energy waste through adaptive control strategies that match supply with variable demand.
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 enhances resilience, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness by optimizing energy transfer, maintaining adequate temperatures to prevent freezing, and allowing flexible operation based on demand, thereby improving the overall coefficient of performance (COP) and reducing installation and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heat pumps thermally coupled to the anergy network via a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
one or more air-liquid heat exchangers thermally coupled to the outside air
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic network interconnecting the heat pumps to the heat exchanger of the anergy network
Data Source
AI summary
Auxiliary system for a low-temperature remote thermal energy distribution network (anergy network) connected to user thermal installations, comprising one or more heat pumps thermally coupled to the anergy network via a heat exchanger, one or more air-liquid heat exchangers thermally coupled to the outside air, and a hydraulic network interconnecting the heat pumps to the heat exchanger of the anergy network, at least one of the heat pumps being a liquid-air heat pump fluidically connected by the hydraulic network to at least one of said air-liquid heat exchangers. The auxiliary system further comprises a measurement, control and regulation (MCR) system. The hydraulic network comprises valves controlled by the MCR system and a hydraulic circuit configured to allow direct connection of said air-liquid heat exchangers to the heat exchanger of the anergy network.