Building system for air conditioning and heat supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing district heating networks primarily supply heat, limiting comprehensive air conditioning and leading to inefficient heat utilization and additional cooling systems being required, which are not energy-efficient.

Innovation Solution

A building system with at least three heat transfer fluid supply lines at different temperature levels, controlled by controllable valves, allowing for efficient heat utilization and comprehensive air conditioning by routing heat transfer fluid based on operating mode, integrating with a district heating network for optimized temperature levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate air conditioning and heating systems are installed, then specific cooling and heating needs can be met, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling and heating capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines air conditioning and heating functions into a single integrated system. The heat pump unit serves dual purposes: providing cooling during warm periods and heating during cold periods. This merging eliminates the need for separate systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability for both cooling and heating needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat pump system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both cooling and heating modes. The system includes components such as evaporators, condensers, and expansion valves that can function in reverse depending on the season, allowing a single system to fulfill multiple thermal comfort requirements throughout the year.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If ground source heat pump systems are used, then energy efficiency improves, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ground source heat pump system utilizes the earth's natural thermal energy as a free resource. The ground acts as an infinite heat sink in summer and heat source in winter, eliminating the need for external fuel or energy input beyond what's required to run the pump. This self-service approach maximizes energy efficiency by leveraging naturally available thermal energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If conventional air conditioning systems are used, then cooling is provided, but harmful bacteria may grow in water reservoirs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectVSAvoidbacterial growth
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the potential harm of stagnant water in reservoirs into a benefit by continuously circulating water through the heat exchange system. The constant water flow prevents stagnation and bacterial growth, while the heat pump's operation maintains temperatures that are effective for both cooling and preventing microbial proliferation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate systems are installed for different thermal zones, then zonal control improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezonal control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the building into multiple thermal zones, each with its own control mechanism. The heat pump system is segmented into multiple circuits or loops that can be independently controlled, allowing different temperature settings for different areas of the building while using a single centralized heat pump unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient and comprehensive air conditioning and heating by utilizing heat at optimal temperature levels, minimizing energy input and costs, and allowing for both heating and cooling functions depending on environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

ground heat exchanger (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

water supply lines (24, 44)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic connection: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3835666B1Building system for air conditioning and heat supply
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 WOLFGANG JASKE UND DR PETER WOLF GBR
  • EP3835666B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3835666B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3835666B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a building system, a heating network, and a method for air conditioning and heating at least one building or part of a building via at least one heating network. This building system comprises at least one heat pump, at least one heat consumer which is connected to the condenser of the heat pump via a heat transfer circuit formed between the heat consumer and the condenser of the heat pump, and heat transfer lines provided for connection to the heating network. The building system is characterized in that it has at least three heat transfer supply lines at different temperature levels on the inlet side. The evaporator is connected on the inlet side at least to the heat transfer supply line at a higher temperature level and to the heat transfer supply line at a medium temperature level, and the heat transfer supply line at a lower temperature level is connected to the heat consumer.The heat transfer fluid supply line at the higher temperature level is connected to the condenser of the heat pump on the inlet side via a valve that branches the heat transfer fluid supply line.