Conduit module coupled with heating or cooling module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems, particularly those using heat pumps and geothermal fluid circuits, face inefficiencies in fluid flow control and balancing heating and cooling loads, which limits their ability to simultaneously meet both demands effectively.
Innovation Solution
A conduit module with four three-way valves is introduced to couple heating/cooling modules with hot, cold, and source fluid circuits, allowing for simultaneous supply and return of heated and chilled fluids, enabling efficient operation and flexible control of fluid flow to meet both heating and cooling demands without reversing refrigeration flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional heating and cooling systems are used, then heating or cooling can be provided, but fluid flow control is inefficient and the ability to simultaneously meet both heating and cooling demands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate hot fluid circuit and cold fluid circuit with dedicated supply and return conduits for each, allowing independent control and simultaneous operation of heating and cooling functions without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit module with four three-way valves serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow to both heat exchangers, enables simultaneous heating and cooling operation, and provides flexible configuration for different operational modes, reducing the need for additional control components
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat pumps and geothermal fluid circuits are used, then heating and cooling can be provided, but energy utilization efficiency is limited due to poor fluid flow control
Solution Approach 1:
The four three-way valves provide dynamic control of fluid flow paths, allowing the system to adapt to varying heating and cooling demands in real-time, optimizing energy utilization by directing fluid flow to where it is most needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables proportional control of fluid flow parameters to match heating and cooling load requirements, allowing efficient operation across different conditions by adjusting flow distribution through the valve network
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 conduit module enhances energy efficiency by allowing simultaneous heating and cooling, optimizing energy utilization, and managing unbalanced loads by proportionally controlling fluid flow through the use of three-way valves, thereby providing flexible and efficient operation of heating/cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger adapted to heat the fluid being conveyed by the first inlet and first outlet conduits
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger adapted to chill the fluid being conveyed by the second inlet and second outlet conduits
Data Source
AI summary
A heating and cooling system for use with hot, cold and source fluid circuits. A conduit module couples a heating/cooling module with the fluid circuits. The conduit module includes four three-way valves to communicated fluid from and to the fluid circuits to first and second heat exchangers in the heating/cooling module. The first heat exchanger is used to heat a fluid flow and the second one chills a second fluid flow. The conduit module simultaneously supplies a hot fluid flow to a hot fluid circuit and a cold fluid to a cold fluid circuit. The source fluid is routed by the conduit module. A method of circulating fluid is also disclosed.