Electric heating and cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric space heating, space cooling, and water heating systems that rely on heat pumps face challenges such as Legionella proliferation in tanked domestic water heating systems and inefficiencies due to stratification, as well as scaling issues, which can lead to reduced efficiency and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a heat pump, a tank with a bath, and a control device that uses a mixing valve and fluid conductors to manage heat transfer fluids, eliminating direct tank connection and incorporating supplementary heating elements and an electric battery for efficient energy storage and usage, thereby reducing Legionella risks and scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large thermal storage tank is used to accommodate hot water demands, then hot water availability is improved, but Legionella proliferation risk increases due to stagnant water at suitable temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water storage system into multiple smaller tanks instead of using one large tank. Each tank is equipped with its own heating element and temperature control. This segmentation reduces stagnant water volume in each tank, minimizing Legionella proliferation risk while collectively providing sufficient hot water storage capacity through multiple distributed units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic temperature control in each tank, adjusting heating operations based on real-time temperature monitoring. Multiple pumps dynamically circulate water between tanks and to consumption points, preventing stagnant conditions. The control system actively manages water flow and temperature to maintain conditions unfavorable for Legionella while ensuring hot water availability.
2Reliability
If tanked solutions are used to meet heating demands, then hot water supply reliability is improved, but scaling issues arise reducing system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water in multiple smaller tanks before it reaches consumption points, rather than heating large volumes in a single tank where scaling occurs. This preliminary heating action in distributed units reduces the total surface area exposed to scaling conditions and allows for more efficient heat transfer, maintaining system efficiency while ensuring reliable hot water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional single-tank mechanical heating systems with an electrically-controlled multi-tank system. Each tank uses electric heating elements with precise electronic temperature control, eliminating the scaling issues associated with large conventional tank heaters. This substitution maintains supply reliability while improving energy efficiency through better heat transfer surfaces and controlled operating conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If stratification is reduced in tanked systems, then heat distribution efficiency is improved, but Legionella risk increases due to extended water stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the storage system into multiple smaller tanks, the patent eliminates stratification issues that occur in large tanks while simultaneously reducing stagnant water volume in each segment. Each small tank can be independently circulated and temperature-controlled, achieving efficient heat distribution without creating the extended stagnation conditions that promote Legionella growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous circulation pumps in each tank that maintain constant water movement, preventing both stratification and stagnation simultaneously. This continuous action ensures efficient heat distribution throughout the water volume while maintaining conditions unfavorable for Legionella proliferation, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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 effectively reduces the risk of Legionella proliferation by isolating the tank from the domestic water supply, enhances energy efficiency through smart heat management, and minimizes scaling by using fluid conductors with higher flow rates, ensuring consistent and safe hot water delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the outdoor heat exchanger being disposed to transfer heat between the first heat transfer fluid and the outdoor heat exchanger, whereby heat is transferred between the first heat transfer fluid and the stream of fluid over the outdoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
the first heat exchanger being disposed to transfer heat between the first heat transfer fluid and the second heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 3
The compressor is operable to circulate the heat transfer fluid in the first fluid conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A present heating system or heating and cooling system does not include a tank for storing potable hot water in anticipation of a potable hot water demand. Although one or more temperature sensors may be used for providing feedback to heating of the contents of a tank water heater to achieve a setpoint temperature, the effect of stratification can cause layers of fluid having different temperatures in the tank water heater. Therefore, although portions of the contents of a water heater may be disposed at a setpoint temperature that is unfavorable for Legionella proliferation, there potentially exists other portions that may be disposed at temperatures suitable for Legionella proliferation, especially when the contents have been left unused for an extended period of time.