Energy storage system and method of operating same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ground source heat pump systems face issues such as freezing in cold climates and overheating in warmer climates, leading to inefficient operation and system failure due to imbalanced heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system with a first and second heat exchanger, circulation devices, and a controller that adjusts operation modes based on temperature thresholds and performance coefficients to manage heat transfer fluid circulation, incorporating an energy collector like solar panels to stabilize ground temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ground source heat pump operates continuously in cold climate, then heating load is met, but ground temperature decreases leading to freezing and system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores thermal energy in the ground during periods when heating demand is low or ambient temperature is favorable, before the ground temperature drops to freezing levels. This preliminary energy storage prevents the ground from freezing during continuous operation in cold climates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the excess heat that would otherwise be wasted during certain operating conditions into useful thermal energy stored in the ground. This stored energy then prevents freezing during cold periods, turning a potential waste product into a protective resource.
2Productivity
If ground source heat pump operates continuously in warm climate, then cooling load is met, but ground temperature increases leading to overheating and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between periods of energy storage and energy extraction from the ground. During warm periods when cooling demand is high, the system periodically extracts stored thermal energy rather than continuously pumping heat into the ground, preventing overheating and maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors ground temperature and adjusts the operation of the heat pump and circulation devices accordingly. When ground temperature approaches thresholds that would cause freezing or overheating, the controller modifies system operation to prevent these conditions.
3Productivity
If heat transfer fluid circulation is increased to meet heating demand, then heating efficiency improves, but energy consumption of circulation devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses circulation devices partially by operating them intermittently rather than continuously. The controller activates circulation only when thermal energy needs to be transferred between the ground and heat pump, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining heating efficiency when needed.
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 heat pump efficiency by preventing freezing and overheating, reducing reliance on traditional heating systems, and increasing energy storage capacity, particularly in cold and warm climates.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the buried pipes at a greater rate than ground surrounding the buried pipes can transfer heat from the ground further away from the pipes
Implementation Method 2
heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the buried pipes
Implementation Method 3
a heat pump configured to receive the first heat transfer fluid from the ground heat exchanger, and send the first heat transfer fluid to the first heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
an energy collector in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger for transferring energy collected by the energy collector to the first heat exchanger with a second heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 5
a first circulation device for circulating the first heat transfer fluid from the ground heat exchanger to the heat pump and the first heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system and method for operating same are provided. The system comprises a first heat exchanger for heating a first heat transfer fluid in fluid communication with a ground heat exchanger and a heat pump; and a first circulation device for circulating the first heat transfer fluid. An energy collector is in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger for transferring energy collected by an energy collector to the first heat exchanger with a second heat transfer fluid circulate by a second circulation device. A controller actuates the first and second circulation devices to circulate the first and second heat transfer fluids. If temperature sensor data of the first and second heat transfer fluids entering the first heat exchanger is above a threshold valve, the controller continues to actuate first and second circulation devices to circulate the first and second heat transfer fluids.