Heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bivalent or dual heat source central heating systems face challenges in efficiently managing heat demand, particularly during cold weather when a heat pump alone cannot meet the demand, and when return temperatures exceed the maximum working range of the heat pump, requiring a method to seamlessly switch between heat sources to optimize efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that monitors supply and return temperatures, disabling the heat sources accordingly to maximize efficiency by assigning different preset temperature limits based on the operational state of the heat pump and boiler, ensuring optimal operation and energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump is used to meet heating demand, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system cannot cope with raised heating demand during cold weather
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges a heat pump and a boiler into a bivalent heating system, allowing the heat pump to operate efficiently during mild conditions while the boiler provides supplemental heat during cold weather when heating demand exceeds heat pump capacity. The controller coordinates both heat sources to meet total heating demand while maximizing energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump operates alone during low demand, then energy efficiency is improved, but the return temperature exceeds the maximum working range of the heat pump
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the preset supply temperature limit based on the operational state of the heat pump. When the heat pump is enabled, a first (lower) preset supply temperature limit is applied. When the heat pump is disabled, a second (higher) preset supply temperature limit is applied. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to the heat pump's maximum return temperature constraint while maintaining efficient operation.
3Reliability
If the boiler is used to boost heat supply, then heating demand coverage is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates compared to heat pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the heat pump operating within its efficient range (below maximum return temperature) while using the boiler only when necessary (when return temperature exceeds the heat pump's maximum working range). The controller ensures the heat pump runs continuously at optimal efficiency points, supplementing with the boiler only when the heat pump cannot meet the heating demand alone.
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 effectively switches between heat sources to maintain efficient heating, optimizing energy use by disabling the heat pump when return temperatures exceed limits and the boiler when supply temperatures are high, thereby ensuring consistent heat delivery and reducing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a return temperature sensor arranged to monitor a return temperature of the fluid returning to said second heat source
Implementation Method 2
a supply temperature sensor arranged to monitor a supply temperature of the fluid leaving said first heat source
Implementation Method 3
heat pumps are capable of operating more efficiently than alternative heat sources... transfer of the heat to a load
Implementation Method 4
the boiler is used to 'boost' the heat supplied by the heat pump to a heat exchange fluid for transfer of the heat to a load to meet a raised heating demand
Implementation Method 5
a fluid which can be heated by said first and second heat sources and transported to and from a load by a pump means
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller (36) for use with a heating system (2) has two heat sources in the form of a boiler (4) and a heat pump (6) which heat water for the transfer of heat to a load. The controller is coupled to a temperature sensor (28) for sensing a return temperature of the water and to a temperature sensor (30) for sensing a supply temperature of the water, and to the boiler and heat pump. The controller disables one or both heat sources according to the return and supply temperatures. A heating system (2) comprising the controller and a method of controlling such a heating system are also provided.