Compact Hydraulic Module for Heat Pump Installation Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of heat pumps or other heat/cold production units in buildings is time-consuming and requires expertise due to the complexity of connecting various components, leading to increased costs and prolonged commissioning times.
Innovation Solution
A compact modular connection device that integrates all necessary hydraulic components, including a primary and secondary circuit, circulator, magnetic decanter filter, inertia tank, expansion tank, and electrical control system, allowing for quick and universal connection of heat pumps to building heating or cooling systems without the need for refrigeration connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heat pump components are installed and connected on-site, then the system can be customized to specific building needs, but the installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling and pre-connecting all hydraulic components (circulator, filter, tank, expansion vessel, safety group) in a factory setting before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces on-site installation time while maintaining the ability to adapt to different building requirements through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the heat pump system into distinct functional modules: the outdoor production unit, the compact hydraulic module, and the building's heating/cooling installation. This segmentation allows each module to be independently manufactured, tested, and optimized, then assembled on-site with minimal complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hydraulic components are assembled on-site, then the system can be adapted to specific requirements, but the installation cost and expertise required increase
Solution Approach 1:
By performing all hydraulic component assembly, connection, and testing in the factory before delivery, the patent eliminates costly on-site labor requirements. The pre-assembled compact module arrives ready-to-install, reducing both labor costs and the need for specialized installation expertise at the construction site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple hydraulic components (circulator, filter, tank, expansion vessel, safety group) into a single integrated compact module. This consolidation reduces the number of separate installation tasks required on-site, thereby lowering installation costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If hydraulic components are pre-assembled in a compact module, then installation time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the nested doll principle by placing the expansion tank inside the hydraulic tank, with the safety group and other components arranged within the same compact space. This nested arrangement achieves high integration density while maintaining a small overall footprint, reducing installation complexity despite the multiple components involved.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple hydraulic components into a single pre-assembled compact module with integrated connections, the patent reduces on-site installation to a simple connection task. The complexity is shifted to the factory assembly process, where it can be standardized and optimized, thereby increasing installation speed without proportionally increasing on-site complexity.
4Ease of operation
If all hydraulic components are integrated in one compact module, then installation simplicity is improved, but the volume of the module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the expansion tank inside the hydraulic tank and arranging other components in a space-efficient nested configuration. This nesting strategy integrates all necessary hydraulic components into a compact module with minimized volume, making it easy to install while containing all required functionality.
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
Simplifies the installation process, reduces costs, and accelerates commissioning by pre-assembling and testing the compact module in the factory, ensuring a streamlined hydraulic connection and efficient operation of heat pumps or other heat/cold production units.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic decanter filter (15)
Implementation Method 2
an immersion heater or additional resistance (16)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The universal connection device is made in the form of a compact module (11) which consists of a primary hot/cold supply circuit (PA) allowing the connection of the output of the outdoor production unit (CPA) with the input of the heating or cooling system (ICF) of the building and a secondary return circuit (SR) allowing the connection of the return of the heating or cooling system (ICF) of the building with the input of the outdoor production unit (CPA), an inertia tank or vessel (13) having a primary inlet (13a) with which the said primary supply circuit (PA) cooperates and a primary outlet (13b) cooperating with a circulator (6) allowing the primary circuit (PA) to supply hot or cold to the heating or cooling system (ICF) of the building,said inertia tank or reservoir (13) comprising a secondary inlet (13c) with which said secondary return circuit of the heating or cooling system (ICF) cooperates and a secondary outlet (13d) cooperating with a magnetic settling filter (15) allowing the connection of the return of the building's heating or cooling system (ICF) with the inlet of the outdoor production unit (CPA), said compact module (11) further comprising an expansion vessel (2) connected via a fitting (4) to the inertia tank or reservoir (13).