Conduit Module With Three-Way Valves for Simultaneous Heating and Cooling
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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 provide both heating and cooling efficiently.
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 of heated and chilled fluids, and enabling selective control of fluid flow between heat exchangers to manage both heating and cooling demands efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
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 provide both heating and cooling 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 optimization of heating and cooling flows. The conduit module segments the fluid paths to enable simultaneous operation of both circuits without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit module with four three-way valves serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow to both hot and cold circuits, enables simultaneous heating and cooling operation, and provides flexible routing options for the heating/cooling module output. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control systems for each circuit.
2Productivity
If heating and cooling loads are unbalanced, then one load can be met, but the other load cannot be efficiently satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The four three-way valves provide dynamic flow control, allowing the system to adjust fluid distribution in real-time based on the relative magnitudes of heating and cooling loads. The valves can be positioned at different angles to proportionally divide the heating/cooling module output between the hot and cold circuits, enabling efficient operation under unbalanced load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow distribution parameters by adjusting the three-way valve positions, thereby altering the proportion of fluid directed to heating versus cooling circuits. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions and maintain efficiency across different operating scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If simple valve control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to proportionally control fluid flow for unbalanced loads is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The three-way valves act as intermediaries between the heating/cooling module output and the separate hot/cold fluid circuits. These valves provide a mechanical means to proportionally distribute the fluid flow based on load requirements, bridging the gap between simple valve operation and efficient energy utilization by enabling precise flow control.
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
This solution allows for efficient and flexible operation of heating/cooling systems to meet both heating and cooling demands simultaneously, even when loads are unbalanced, by proportionally controlling fluid flow through the use of three-way valves, enhancing energy utilization and management.
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.