Device for producing hot water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump devices for generating hot water in buildings have large external dimensions, high weight, and high costs due to the use of copper pipes and separate components, with complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the pump housing directly with the plate heat exchanger, eliminating copper pipes, and using a clip or bolted connection for a compact unit, along with a drain valve for easy disassembly and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If copper pipes and separate components are used to connect the pump and heat exchanger, then the device can be assembled with standard components, but the external dimensions become large and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing is directly integrated with the plate heat exchanger, eliminating the need for separate copper pipe connections. The pump housing serves dual functions as both the pump enclosure and the heat exchanger inlet connection, creating a compact unified structure that reduces external dimensions while maintaining assembly feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it encloses the pump mechanism, serves as the structural connection to the plate heat exchanger, and provides the inlet and outlet ports for the heating circuit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connection components, reducing both size and weight.
2Ease of manufacture
If copper pipes and multiple separate components are used, then the device can be assembled with standard parts, but the weight becomes high and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing and plate heat exchanger are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the weight of separate copper pipe connections and multiple fastening hardware. This integration maintains ease of manufacture through standardized production methods while significantly reducing the overall device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump housing with direct plate heat exchanger connection uses simpler, lighter materials and construction methods compared to traditional copper pipe assemblies. The design prioritizes cost-effective manufacturing with reduced material usage while maintaining functional requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If copper pipes and multiple separate components are used, then the device can be assembled with standard connections, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing is designed as an integrated unit with the plate heat exchanger, eliminating the need for separate copper pipe connections, multiple nuts, and complex welding or bolting operations. This integration dramatically simplifies the assembly process to a single unit installation while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production.
4Ease of manufacture
If the pump and heat exchanger are mounted at a distance with separate connections, then the components can be independently manufactured, but the external dimensions become large
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing and plate heat exchanger are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the space required for separate connections and mounting structures. This integration maintains the independence of component manufacturing through modular design while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the assembled unit.
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 results in a compact, lightweight, cost-effective, and easily assembled heat pump system with reduced space requirements and simplified installation.
Implementation Method 1
the heat pump extracts heat from the environment, in particular from the exhaust air, the ambient air, geothermal energy and/or groundwater, via a first heat exchanger and supplies it, at an increased temperature, via a second heat exchanger to a heating circuit
Implementation Method 2
heat is extracted from the condensing refrigerant in the heat pump
Implementation Method 3
a fluid circulated in a circuit 1 by a compressor 2
Implementation Method 4
an expansion valve 7 located between the heat exchangers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The apparatus has a heat pump, where heat exchanger (II) of the heat pump and a pump (10) of a heating circuit (5) with valves and sensors form a compact device. The pump of the heating circuit is connected directly at the heat exchanger without an intermediate tube.