Energy system for dwellings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust heat pump systems for ventilating and heating dwellings suffer from cold drafts due to the introduction of cold fresh air, which requires high radiator temperatures and additional heating, and they often rely on complex ducting systems.
Innovation Solution
An energy system incorporating an exhaust heat pump with a ventilation system that pre-heats fresh air passing through radiators before entering rooms, utilizing the dwelling's structure to distribute warm air without ducting, and recirculating energy for efficient heating and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fresh air is introduced high up on the outer wall, then ventilation is achieved, but cold draft occurs in parts of the room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the fresh air in a dedicated air channel before it enters the living space. The air is heated by exchanging heat with warmer air from the room, which travels through the same channel, thereby eliminating the cold draft problem before the air reaches the occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing fresh air through a specialized channel system rather than direct wall openings. The air channel acts as an intermediary that allows controlled heating and mixing of air, preventing direct cold air contact with the room environment.
2Temperature
If radiator temperature is increased to avoid cold draft, then heating effectiveness improves, but heat pump efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the fresh air before it enters the room. This reduces the heating load on radiators, allowing them to operate at lower, more efficient temperatures while still maintaining comfortable room conditions and avoiding cold drafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the fresh air from cold to pre-heated before room entry. This parameter change allows the heating system to operate more efficiently by reducing the temperature differential required between radiators and room air.
3Power
If a furnace is added to heat water for radiators, then heating capacity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the heat pump's cooled exhaust air for multiple purposes: it provides ventilation, pre-heats fresh air through the air channel, and can potentially heat domestic hot water. This eliminates the need for a separate furnace while maintaining adequate heating capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers the cooling effect from the heat pump's exhaust air, which would otherwise be wasted. By directing this cooled air through the fresh air channel, the system recovers cooling capacity to pre-heat incoming air, eliminating the need for additional heating equipment.
4Ease of operation
If ducting is installed for air circulation, then ventilation control improves, but installation cost and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fresh air channel serve multiple functions: it provides the ventilation pathway, acts as a heat exchange medium for pre-heating air, and distributes pre-heated air to the room. This eliminates the need for separate complex ducting systems while maintaining ventilation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the air channel serve multiple functions: it provides the ventilation pathway, acts as a heat exchange medium for pre-heating air, and distributes pre-heated air to the room. This eliminates the need for separate complex ducting systems while maintaining ventilation control.
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 solution eliminates cold drafts, optimizes heat pump efficiency by maintaining lower radiator water temperatures, and provides a cost-effective, draft-free ventilation and heating system without the need for extensive ducting, effectively utilizing indoor energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
An exhaust heat pump 8 is placed in the recreation room, the heat pump being provided with warm used air from the various rooms via a used air duct 9
Implementation Method 2
On the inside of the wall 11, in front of the opening 12 a radiator 14 is placed, by which the cold fresh air 13 has to pass and become pre-heated on its way into the room
Implementation Method 3
the compressor 23 of the heat pump may have a rating of 6 kW and pull the exhaust air down to -15 °C
Data Source
AI summary
An energy system for ventilating and heating dwellings (1) comprises an air to water exhaust heat pump (8) which draws fresh air (13) in through openings (12) in the outer wall (11) of the dwelling in clean residence rooms such as living room (2) and bedroom (4), and out through dirty rooms such as bathroom (5) and kitchen (3) as warm used air (24) on the way to the heat pump (8). The heat pump (8) supplies warm water (25) to radiators (14) located in clean rooms (2, 4) and supplies cooled used air to a discharge (10). The radiators are placed adjacent the openings (12) in the outer wall (11), so that the fresh air (13) has to pass the radiators (14) and be warmed on its way into the room. This avoids cold draft from the fresh air, and the efficiency of the heat pump is optimalized. The heat pump (8) also supplies warm water (26) for heating tap water (28) in a hot water container (27).