Heat Medium Circulation Layout for Low-Power Anti-Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat medium circulation devices consume excessive electric power to prevent freezing in the first heat medium circuit by activating both circulation pumps, even when the second heat medium circuit is not necessary for anti-freezing treatment.
Innovation Solution
A heat medium circulation device with a connector connecting the first and second heat medium circuits, where the first pump is activated independently for anti-freezing treatment while the second pump is stopped, eliminating the need for a switching valve and reducing power consumption by controlling the flow path through pump activation and deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump are activated to prevent freezing in the first heat medium circuit, then the heat medium is effectively circulated in both circuits, but excessive electric power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is segmented into two independent control zones: the first heat medium circuit with the first circulation pump for anti-freezing treatment, and the second heat medium circuit with the second circulation pump for heat supply. The control unit independently manages each pump based on specific conditions, allowing the first pump to operate alone during anti-freezing treatment without requiring the second pump to run, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective heat medium circulation in the outdoor circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control where the operational state of each circulation pump changes based on real-time conditions. The control unit activates the first circulation pump when anti-freezing treatment is needed in the first circuit, while keeping the second circulation pump stopped if the second circuit does not require heat supply. This dynamic adjustment optimizes power consumption by matching pump operation to actual system needs rather than running both pumps continuously
2Use of energy by moving object
If a switching valve is added to control the flow path for independent pump operation, then the second pump can be stopped during anti-freezing treatment, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow path control function from the connector itself through strategic pump placement rather than adding switching valves. The first circulation pump is positioned to draw heat medium from the second heat medium circuit during anti-freezing treatment, naturally creating the desired flow path without requiring active switching mechanisms. This approach eliminates the need for additional control components while achieving independent pump operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the heat medium circulation itself to achieve flow path control. The first circulation pump's ability to draw heat medium from the second circuit during anti-freezing treatment creates a self-regulating flow pattern. The heat medium naturally flows from the second circuit through the connector to the first circuit when the first pump operates, eliminating the need for external switching devices and reducing system complexity
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 reduces power consumption by only activating the first pump for anti-freezing, eliminating the need for the second pump's power and simplifying the structure, while ensuring effective anti-freezing treatment based on ambient temperature detection.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat medium circuit provided with a heating unit which heats a heat medium
Implementation Method 2
a first pump provided in the first heat medium circuit to forcibly flow the heat medium from upstream to downstream of the first heat medium circuit
Implementation Method 3
a second pump provided in the second heat medium circuit to forcibly flow the heat medium from upstream to downstream of the second heat medium circuit
Implementation Method 4
a second heat medium circuit which is provided with a heat utilizing load which uses the heat of the heat medium
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a heat medium circulation device with a simple structure, capable of reducing power consumption in performing an anti-freezing treatment. A first heat medium circuit 2 and a second heat medium circuit 3 are connected via a connector 5. An anti-freezing control unit 42 activates the first pump 22 with the second pump 32 in a stopped state, when preventing the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 2 from freezing.