Distributed Cogeneration With Heat Pump for On-Site Energy Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized power stations have inefficiencies in generating electricity and distributing thermal energy, leading to high energy losses and unreliable electricity supply to consumers, especially during peak demand periods.
Innovation Solution
A cogeneration system that integrates a heat engine and a heat pump to provide heating, cooling, and electricity to an enclosure, using heat transfer fluids to efficiently transfer thermal energy and operate independently or simultaneously, allowing for off-grid operation and thermal energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If centralized power stations generate electricity through thermal energy conversion, then electricity can be supplied to consumers via the grid, but significant energy losses occur during generation and distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power generation system into distributed micro-cogeneration units installed at individual buildings or communities. Each unit independently generates electricity and thermal energy locally, eliminating long-distance transmission losses and reducing dependency on centralized grid infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cogeneration system enables buildings to generate their own electricity and thermal energy on-site, making them self-sufficient for energy needs. This reduces reliance on external centralized power stations and minimizes energy losses during transmission and distribution.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a heat engine is used to generate electricity, then mechanical work is converted to electrical energy, but thermal energy that could be used for heating is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electricity generation and thermal energy production into a single integrated cogeneration system. The heat engine generates electricity while its exhaust thermal energy is captured and utilized for heating purposes, merging two energy production functions into one system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cogeneration system performs multiple functions simultaneously: generating electricity through the heat engine and providing thermal energy for heating through the same system. This multi-functionality ensures comprehensive energy utilization without wasting thermal byproducts.
3Ease of operation
If thermal energy is transferred through heat transfer fluids in conduits, then heating can be provided to the enclosure, but system complexity increases with multiple conduits and fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses heat transfer fluids as intermediary substances to carry thermal energy from the heat engine and heat pump to the enclosure. These fluids act as mediators that simplify the thermal energy transfer process while managing system complexity through standardized conduit connections.
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 system enhances energy efficiency, reduces reliance on centralized power, and provides reliable heating, cooling, and electricity to enclosures, such as buildings or vehicles, by locally generating thermal and electrical energy with reduced energy consumption compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heat engine configured for heating and supplying electricity to the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a heat pump configured for heating and cooling of the enclosure
Implementation Method 3
the first conduit may be constructed and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosure such that thermal energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosure
Implementation Method 4
the first conduit may be constructed and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosure
Implementation Method 5
The heat engine may further include a heat exchanger, and the first conduit may be coupled to the heat exchanger to transfer thermal energy from the heat engine to the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods utilize a cogeneration system for providing heating, cooling, and/or electricity to an enclosure. The system includes a heat engine for heating and supplying electricity to the enclosure through fluid transfer from the heat engine to the enclosure to transfer thermal energy from the fluid to the enclosure. The system further includes a heat pump configured to supply at least heating and cooling to the enclosure through movement of fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure to transfer thermal energy from the fluid to the enclosure.