Combination air and ground source heating and/or cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air and ground source heating and cooling systems are not configured to operate at optimal efficiency across a wide range of environmental conditions, often requiring supplementary heating units and being susceptible to issues like counterproductive outputs and compressor failures.
Innovation Solution
A combination air and ground source heating and/or cooling system that automatically switches between air source, ground source, and dual source operating modes, utilizing a ground loop system integrated with an outdoor condensing coil, enhanced mechanical and electrical controls, and smart refrigerant flow management to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air source heat pump systems are used in colder temperatures, then heating capability is maintained, but the system is subject to freezing and requires defrost systems and auxiliary heat sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air source heat pump and ground source heat pump systems into a hybrid configuration, allowing the system to utilize both air and ground as heat exchange sources. This merging enables the system to maintain heating capability in cold temperatures while avoiding the freezing issues that plague pure air source systems, as the ground source provides a more stable, frost-free heat exchange medium during cold periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between air source and ground source modes depending on environmental conditions. The system can function as an air source heat pump during mild conditions, as a ground source heat pump during cold conditions, and can operate both sources simultaneously, providing universal heating capability across all temperature ranges without requiring separate systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ground source heat pumps are used, then efficiency is improved and defrosting is simplified, but the system is susceptible to counterproductive outputs, high head pressures, and compressor failures based on excessive run times
Solution Approach 1:
By combining air source and ground source heat pump systems, the patent creates a hybrid configuration that mitigates the excessive run-time problems of pure ground source systems. The air source component can be activated to share the heating or cooling load, thereby reducing continuous operation of the ground source loop and preventing the high head pressures and compressor failures that result from excessive run times.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches between air source and ground source modes based on real-time environmental conditions, system state, and operational parameters. This dynamic operation prevents excessive run times by activating the air source component when appropriate, thereby protecting the ground source system from the high head pressures and compressor failures that result from continuous operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a hybrid air and ground source system is implemented, then optimal efficiency across varying conditions is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid system is segmented into distinct air source and ground source components, each with their own heat exchangers and control circuits. This segmentation allows the system to achieve optimal efficiency by selectively activating only the necessary component based on environmental conditions, while the modular structure manages complexity by keeping each subsystem relatively simple and independent.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors environmental conditions, system performance, and operational parameters, using this feedback to dynamically determine the optimal operating mode. This feedback mechanism automates the complex decision-making process, allowing the system to achieve optimal efficiency across varying conditions without requiring complex manual control or system configuration.
4Ease of operation
If air source units operate with longer run times, then humidification and comfort issues are addressed, but ground source units suffer from excessive run times causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
By merging air source and ground source systems into a hybrid configuration, the patent enables the air source component to assume the role of addressing humidification and comfort issues through longer run times, while the ground source component operates in a complementary capacity. This division of labor allows the air source unit to provide the extended operation needed for effective humidification without subjecting the ground source system to excessive run times that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically allocates operational load between the air source and ground source components based on environmental conditions and system state. During periods requiring extended run times for humidification and comfort, the control system can prioritize air source operation or activate both sources in sequence, thereby achieving the necessary comfort performance while protecting the ground source system from excessive cumulative run times.
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 achieves efficient operation across varying conditions, preventing refrigeration oil trapping, compressor failure, and adapting to advanced heat pump technology, ensuring durability and efficiency by selectively using air, ground, or combined sources for heating and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant to flow through both the air cooled condenser and the ground loops to provide a more efficient cooling system
Implementation Method 2
Ground source heat pumps are simply less affected by rapid changes in air temperature because their heat transfer takes place in the ground
Implementation Method 3
outdoor condensing coil of a refrigerant flowing compressor pump driven air conditioning system
Data Source
AI summary
A combination air and ground source heating and/or cooling system. The system includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit and an in-ground unit, each of which has a coil, an inlet line and an outlet line. The system also comprises a flow connector, a coupling and a controller. The controller is configured to control the flow connector and coupling so that the system is selectively operable in three different modes. In the first mode, refrigerant bypasses the coil of the outdoor unit, while, in the second mode, refrigerant bypasses the coil of the in-ground unit. In the third mode, refrigerant flows through the coils of the in-ground and outdoor units.