Device for exchanging thermal energy between a heat source and a second medium and meth-od for operating such a device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems struggle to optimize thermal energy exchange between a heat source and a secondary medium, particularly in scenarios where renewable energy sources are intermittent and demand for hot water varies.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple heat exchangers and switching elements that allows for selective operation modes, enabling efficient heat transfer by optimizing the use of heat exchangers based on demand and available energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple heat exchangers are arranged in the tank to handle variable demand and renewable energy sources, then the system can reliably fulfill hot water demands, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that selectively activate one or both heat exchangers based on real-time conditions including renewable energy availability, hot water demand, and temperature requirements. The system transitions between different operational states (single heat exchanger mode, dual heat exchanger mode, selective activation) to optimize performance while managing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selectively activating different heat exchangers based on temperature requirements, energy source availability, and demand conditions. This allows the same physical infrastructure to adapt to varying conditions without requiring permanent complex configurations
2Productivity
If heat transfer is conducted without optimized selection of heat exchangers, then the system operation is simpler, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors system conditions including renewable energy availability, hot water demand, tank temperature, and heat exchanger performance. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically selects which heat exchanger(s) to activate, optimizing energy efficiency while managing operational complexity through intelligent decision-making
3Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable energy sources are used to reduce CO2 emissions, then the environmental performance improves, but the reliability of energy supply deteriorates due to intermittency
Solution Approach 1:
The system adapts its operational parameters by selectively activating different heat exchangers based on renewable energy availability and demand conditions. When renewable energy is abundant, the system maximizes its use; when unavailable, it adjusts operation modes to maintain reliable hot water supply, thus reducing CO2 emissions while ensuring supply reliability
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 solution enhances the efficiency of thermal energy exchange, allowing for prompt satisfaction of hot water demands while minimizing energy losses and optimizing the use of renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger arranged in the circuit pipe and in and/or on the tank for transferring heat from the first medium to the second medium in the tank
Implementation Method 2
a circuit pipe for transporting a first medium
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a Device (101, 102) for exchanging thermal energy between at least one heat source (14) and a second medium (M2), comprising a circuit pipe (12) fortransporting a first medium (M1), at least one heat source (14) for heating the first medium (M1), a tank (16) for storing a second medium (M2), preferably domestic water, a first heat exchanger (22) arranged in the circuit pipe (12) and in and/or on the tank (16) for transferring heat from the first medium (M1) to the second medium (M2) in the tank (16), a second heat exchanger (24) arranged in the circuit pipe (12) and in and/or on the tank (16) for transferring heat from the first medium (M1) to the second medium (M2) in the tank (16), wherein the device is configured such that selectively in an operation mode of the device (101, 102) one of the heat exchangers (22, 24) transfers heat from the first medium (M1) to the second medium (2) or in another operation mode of the device (101, 102) the first heat exchanger (22) and the second heat exchanger (24) transfer heat from the first medium (M1) to the second medium (M2).