Liquid Jet-Ejector Heat Pump Loop for Higher Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration and heat pumping systems, such as those described in the Sakai et al. '248 patent, have limitations in energy efficiency and require a method to enhance performance.
Innovation Solution
A heat pumping unit comprising a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a pump, where the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to a vapor inlet of a liquid jet-ejector, and the liquid outlet of the ejector is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger, with the outlet of the second heat exchanger also connected to the inlet of the pump through a pressure reducing device, forming a closed loop that includes a liquid-jet ejector and a circulating pump to optimize energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a mechanical compressor is used to circulate motive liquid in the ejector system, then the system can maintain liquid circulation, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressor with a liquid jet ejector that uses fluid dynamics principles. The ejector uses a high-velocity liquid jet to create a vacuum and draw in motive liquid, eliminating the need for mechanical compression and improving energy efficiency by removing the mechanical compression step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles through the liquid jet ejector, where a high-pressure liquid jet creates a low-pressure zone to entrain and transport motive liquid. This hydraulic approach replaces the mechanical compressor with a fluid-based system that achieves the same circulation function with lower energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a closed loop system with liquid jet ejector and pump is implemented, then energy efficiency is enhanced through energy recycling, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ejector and pump into an integrated closed-loop system where the pump outlet connects to the ejector liquid inlet, and the ejector liquid outlet connects to the heat exchanger inlet. This combination creates a synergistic system that recycles energy within the loop, improving overall efficiency despite increased component integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop configuration ensures continuous circulation of the liquid medium through the pump, ejector, and heat exchanger. The system maintains uninterrupted energy transfer and recycling, eliminating idle periods and ensuring that each component continuously performs its useful function, thereby enhancing overall energy efficiency.
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 configuration enhances energy efficiency by creating a closed loop that effectively recycles and reuses energy, improving the overall performance of the refrigeration and heat pumping system.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid outlet of the ejector is connected to an inlet of the second heat exchanger. An outlet of the second heat exchanger is connected at the same time to an inlet of the pump and through a pressure reducing device to an inlet of the first heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 2
An outlet of the second heat exchanger is connected at the same time to an inlet of the pump and through a pressure reducing device to an inlet of the first heat exchanger.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pumping unit includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a pump. An outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to a vapor inlet of a liquid jet-ejector. A liquid outlet of the ejector is connected to an inlet of the second heat exchanger. An outlet of the second heat exchanger is connected at the same time to an inlet of the pump and through a pressure reducing device to an inlet of the first heat exchanger. The pump outlet is connected to the liquid-jet ejector liquid inlet.