Dual-Tank Hydronic Heat Pump Layout for Temperature-Specific Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydronic systems are inefficient and wasteful, requiring high temperatures for domestic hot water and interior heating, leading to thermal energy waste and increased operating costs, while being complex and difficult to operate.
Innovation Solution
A hydronic system with two tanks and distinct refrigeration circuits, allowing for efficient heat transfer and management between the tanks and heat sources, using different refrigerating fluids for optimal temperature control and energy utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional systems use a single tank with high temperature water (45-60°C) for both domestic hot water and interior heating, then domestic hot water production is satisfied, but thermal energy is wasted when heating floors that require lower temperature (around 35°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The single tank is divided into two separate tanks: a first tank for domestic hot water at high temperature (45-60°C) and a second tank for floor heating at lower temperature (around 35°C). This segmentation allows each tank to operate at its optimal temperature without wasting thermal energy through dissipation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tank is equipped with its own dedicated refrigeration circuit (first refrigeration circuit for the first tank, second refrigeration circuit for the second tank), allowing localized temperature control optimized for each specific heating application rather than using a single high-temperature system for both purposes.
2Temperature
If traditional systems use a dissipator device to reduce water temperature from 45-60°C to 35°C for floor heating, then floor heating temperature requirement is met, but considerable thermal energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a dissipator to reduce temperature, the system segments the thermal energy into two separate tanks operating at different temperatures. The second tank is specifically designed to maintain water at the optimal 35°C for floor heating, eliminating the need for dissipators and the associated energy waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional systems use a single refrigeration circuit for both high temperature and low temperature heating needs, then system simplicity is maintained, but operating flexibility and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single refrigeration circuit is segmented into two independent circuits: a first refrigeration circuit connected to the first tank for domestic hot water, and a second refrigeration circuit connected to the second tank for floor heating. This allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific temperature requirements, significantly improving operating flexibility and efficiency despite the increased number of components.
4Productivity
If traditional systems use high temperature water (45-60°C) for interior heating, then domestic hot water production is efficient, but floor heating systems require additional dissipators that increase complexity and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into two independent thermal zones with separate tanks and refrigeration circuits. The first tank maintains high temperature (45-60°C) for efficient domestic hot water production, while the second tank maintains lower temperature (35°C) for floor heating, eliminating the need for dissipators and simplifying system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each heating application receives water at its locally optimal temperature from its dedicated tank and refrigeration circuit, allowing both domestic hot water production and floor heating to operate at peak efficiency without requiring temperature reduction devices.
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 efficiency and flexibility, reducing thermal energy waste and operating costs by optimizing heat transfer and fluid management, making it simpler and more cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first refrigeration circuit suitable for transferring heat between said first tank and an evaporator element; at least a second refrigeration circuit suitable for transferring heat between said second tank and said evaporator element
Implementation Method 2
at least a service circuit suitable for transferring heat between said evaporator element and at least a heat source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The hydronic system (1) comprises: a first tank (2), which is suitable for containing water at a first operating temperature and is connected to a first system (3) for heating and/or cooling interiors and/or for producing hot water for sanitary use; a second tank (9), which is suitable for containing water at a second operating temperature and is connected to a second system (10) for heating and/or cooling interiors; a first refrigeration circuit (16) suitable for transferring heat between the first tank (2) and an evaporator element (17); a second refrigeration circuit (23.) suitable for transferring heat between the second tank (9) and the evaporator clement (17); and a service circuit (24, 25, 26) suitable for transferring heat between the evaporator element (17) and at least a heat source (27, 28, 29).