Dual-Circuit Temperature Control Without Refrigerant Phase Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning and heating systems face issues such as high pressure risks, material limitations, low durability, and inefficient energy use due to the use of climate-damaging refrigerants and components like scroll compressors and evaporators, which also result in large and heavy devices with limited power control and high environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a closed heat medium circuit with a first heat medium that circulates without phase transitions, combined with a second gaseous heat medium circuit, using heat exchangers and a micro turbocompressor for efficient heating and cooling, eliminating the need for evaporators and condensers, and employing a hydrofluoroether as the first heat medium for enhanced efficiency and environmental safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional refrigerants (R134a, R407c, R410a) are used in heat pumps and air conditioning systems, then cooling and heating functions are achieved, but high global warming potential and environmental damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the heat transfer medium from gaseous (conventional refrigerants) to liquid (hydrofluoroether), operating without phase transitions. This fundamental parameter change eliminates the environmental harm of conventional refrigerants while maintaining reliable heating and cooling performance through liquid-phase heat exchange in the first circuit.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high pressure (exceeding 20 bar) is used in heat pumps to achieve efficient heat transfer, then energy efficiency improves, but the risk of leaks and accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high pressure (>20 bar) to low pressure (up to 4 bar) by eliminating phase transitions and using a liquid heat transfer medium. This parameter change maintains energy efficiency through direct liquid-phase heat exchange while dramatically improving safety by reducing pressure-related leaks and accidents.
3Productivity
If scroll compressors are used for compressing heat transfer fluid, then quiet operation and high efficiency are achieved, but capacity control is limited and oil lubrication requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the compressor component entirely from the system by eliminating the need for compression. By using a liquid heat transfer medium that operates without phase transitions, the system no longer requires a compressor, thereby reducing device complexity, eliminating oil lubrication requirements, and removing capacity control limitations while maintaining compression efficiency through alternative heat exchange mechanisms.
4Use of energy by moving object
If evaporators and condensers are used for phase transition of heat transfer fluid, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by eliminating phase transitions entirely. Instead of using evaporators and condensers that rely on phase change for heat transfer, the system uses simple heat exchangers with a liquid heat transfer medium that transfers heat directly in the liquid phase. This parameter change reduces device size and weight while maintaining heat transfer efficiency through continuous liquid-phase heat exchange.
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 achieves high energy efficiency, reduces device size and weight, and minimizes environmental impact by using a hydrofluoroether that remains liquid across operating temperatures and a gaseous heat medium like air, enhancing COP and JAZ values while avoiding phase transitions and hazardous materials.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger arranged in the first heat medium circuit in which the first heat medium can be brought into heat exchange with an ambient medium; a second heat exchanger arranged in the first heat medium circuit in which the first heat medium can be brought into heat exchange with the medium to be tempered
Implementation Method 2
a compressor arranged in the second closed heat circuit for compressing the second, gaseous heat medium
Implementation Method 3
a third heat exchanger, which, viewed in the direction of flow of the second heat medium, is arranged downstream of the compressor and in contact with the second heat medium circuit and is in heat exchange with the first heat medium in the first heat medium circuit
Implementation Method 4
a means for cooling and/or expanding the first heat medium in the first heat medium circuit
Implementation Method 5
a fourth heat exchanger integrated into the second heat medium circuit, which, viewed in the direction of flow, is arranged upstream of the compressor and is in heat exchange contact with the first heat medium circulating in the first heat medium circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for controlling the temperature of a medium, comprising the following components: a first closed heating medium circuit (3) in which a first heating medium circulates without phase transitions; a second closed heating medium circuit (20) in which a second gaseous heating medium circulates that flows through the second heating medium circuit (20) without phase transitions; a first heat converter (1; 1') which is arranged in the first heating medium circuit (3) and in which the first heating medium can exchange heat with a surrounding medium; a second heat converter (5; 5') which is arranged in the first heating medium circuit (3) and in which the first heating medium can exchange heat with the medium to be temperature-controlled; a first delivery means (12) which is arranged in the first heating medium circuit (3) for moving the first heating medium; a compressor (22) which is arranged in the second closed heating medium circuit (20) for compressing the second gaseous heating medium; a third heat converter (9) which is arranged behind the compressor (22) when seen in the flow direction so as to contact the second heating medium circuit (20) and which exchanges heat with the first heating medium; and means (18, 19) for cooling and/or expanding the first heating medium. Such a device can be used in heating operations, as a heating pump, as well as for cooling purposes and exhibits a high energy efficiency.