Dual source heat pump system with mutual duct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems for buildings often inefficiently utilize energy resources and lack integration of renewable energy sources, leading to high energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-source heat pump system combining air-source and ground-source heat pumps connected by mutual ducts, allowing dynamic utilization of both air and geological formation heat sources for efficient thermal conditioning, with integrated sensors and control systems to optimize energy use based on current conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single heat pump system is used, then the system complexity is low, but the energy efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air-source heat pump and ground-source heat pump into a single dual-source system that shares common components including compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device, and control unit. This merging allows the system to leverage multiple heat sources while maintaining relatively simple structure through component sharing, thereby improving energy efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The common components serve multiple functions: the compressor can compress refrigerant from either air-source or ground-source mode, the condenser can reject heat to either indoor air or water, and the evaporator can absorb heat from either outdoor air or ground water. This multi-functionality enables flexible operation modes (heating, cooling, hot water production) while using the same hardware, improving energy efficiency without requiring separate dedicated systems
2Use of energy by moving object
If dual-source heat pump system is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges air-source and ground-source heat pump systems into one integrated unit with shared core components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device, control unit). This consolidation reduces the overall complexity compared to having two separate systems, while still achieving improved energy efficiency through selective source utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic switching capabilities through the control unit that can selectively activate different heat sources (air-source or ground-source) and different heat rejection paths (air-conditioning or water-heating modes) based on real-time operating conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize energy efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple fixed configurations
3Ease of manufacture
If existing facilities are retrofitted, then capital expenses are reduced, but the system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-source heat pump system is designed as a modular unit with distinct air-source and ground-source subsystems that can be independently configured and connected to existing facilities. The system can be segmented to interface with different types of existing infrastructure (air ducts, water pipes, electrical systems), allowing flexible retrofitting without requiring complete system replacement while managing integration complexity through standardized connection points
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
Enhances energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions by selectively leveraging the most favorable heat source, optimizing thermal conditioning and reducing capital expenses through integrated, plug-and-play systems that can retrofit existing facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first facility heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the facility fluid to generate a first supply flow of the supply facility fluid; and a second facility heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the facility fluid to generate a second supply flow of the supply facility fluid
Implementation Method 2
a ground-source heat exchanger positioned on the ground-source heat pump fluid circuit and configured to exchange heat with a downhole fluid
Implementation Method 3
an air-source heat exchanger positioned on the air-source heat pump fluid circuit and configured to exchange heat with an ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal system includes a first facility fluid circuit including a facility fluid for circulating through a facility, a first facility heat exchanger, and a first facility supply inlet for providing the facility fluid to the facility. A second facility fluid circuit includes the facility fluid, a second facility fluid heat exchanger, and a second facility supply inlet. A ground-source heat pump includes the first facility heat exchanger and is associated with the first facility fluid circuit. An air-source heat pump includes the second facility heat exchanger and is associated with the second facility heat exchanger. A mutual supply duct connects the first and second facility fluid circuits such that the first facility fluid circuit is fluidly connected to the second facility supply inlet and the second facility fluid circuit is connected to the first facility supply inlet.