Dual-Mode Heat Pump Control for Occupancy-Based Space Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems in buildings, particularly those using air-source heat pumps, face inefficiencies due to unnecessary energy consumption when heating unoccupied spaces and reduced coefficient of performance (COP) during daytime due to higher ambient temperatures, leading to increased energy usage and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode heat pump system that switches between air-source and water-source modes, utilizing the thermal mass of the building to increase COP without additional heat storage, by transferring heat from one space to another during unoccupied periods and using outside air during occupied periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the heat pump operates in air-source mode during daytime, then the COP is higher due to higher ambient temperature, but the energy consumption increases because the heat pump runs at partial load
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between air-source mode and water-source mode based on real-time conditions such as occupancy detection and temperature differentials. The control system adjusts the heat pump operation mode to optimize energy efficiency, transitioning from static single-mode operation to dynamic multi-mode operation that adapts to changing building conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the heat pump by introducing a dual-mode system that varies the heat source (outside air vs. internal building spaces) based on environmental conditions and occupancy patterns. This parameter change allows the system to maintain higher COP by selecting the most efficient heat source under different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If the heating system supplies heat to all rooms continuously, then the indoor temperature is maintained, but unnecessary energy is consumed in unoccupied rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by directing heating resources selectively to occupied spaces rather than uniformly heating all rooms. Occupancy detection enables the control system to identify which spaces require heating and adjust the water-source heat pump to serve only those areas, reducing energy waste in unoccupied rooms while maintaining comfort where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The building's internal thermal mass and existing heat in occupied spaces serve themselves by acting as the heat source for unoccupied spaces. The water-source heat pump utilizes waste heat from occupied rooms to heat unoccupied rooms, creating a self-sustaining thermal balance that reduces external energy input while maintaining temperature standards.
3Loss of energy
If a water-source mode is introduced to transfer heat between spaces, then the COP increases by utilizing thermal mass, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water-source heat pump serves multiple functions: it acts as a traditional heat pump during air-source mode, operates as a heat recovery system during water-source mode, and can function in hybrid modes. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle diverse heating scenarios, reducing the need for separate systems while maintaining high COP through intelligent mode selection based on building conditions.
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 approach enhances the overall COP of the heating system, reducing energy consumption by up to 5% compared to conventional systems, while maintaining occupant comfort by optimizing heat distribution based on occupancy and ambient temperature.
Implementation Method 1
In the air-source mode, the heat pump transfers heat from the outside to the at least two separate spaces
Implementation Method 2
In the water-source mode, the heat pump transfers heat from at least a first space of the at least two separate spaces to at least a second space of the at least two separate spaces
Data Source
Figure 1~2(d)
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for heating at least two different spaces in a building using a dual-mode heat pump and a heating system comprising said heat pump.