Systems and Methods for Heat Pump Systems with Redirected Outflow for Improved Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pump systems face challenges in efficiently maintaining indoor temperatures when outdoor temperatures significantly differ from indoor temperatures, as they often struggle to cool or heat spaces effectively in harsh outdoor conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a heat pump system that redirects indoor airflow back to the condenser coils, utilizing the cooler indoor air to enhance cooling efficiency and reduce the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments, while also incorporating a controller to manage airflow and sensor feedback for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the heat pump system uses outdoor air for heat exchange at the condenser coils, then the system can operate in harsh outdoor environments, but the efficiency decreases when outdoor temperature significantly differs from indoor temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary airflow path that brings indoor air to the condenser coils. This indoor air acts as a mediator between the hot condenser coils and the outdoor environment, enabling more efficient heat rejection when outdoor temperatures are high. The system uses a portion of the supply airflow (which comes from indoor air) and redirects it through a conduit to the condenser coil inlet, creating this intermediary heat exchange path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the air used for condenser cooling by sourcing it from indoors rather than outdoors. When outdoor temperatures are 100°F and indoor temperatures are 72°F, using the cooler indoor air for condenser heat exchange improves the temperature differential and heat transfer efficiency. The controller dynamically adjusts the proportion of indoor versus outdoor air based on temperature conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump system redirects indoor airflow to condenser coils, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the supply airflow serve multiple functions: it cools the evaporator (primary function), it is partially redirected to cool the condenser (secondary function), and it maintains indoor air circulation. By making the supply air a multi-functional medium that serves both evaporator cooling and condenser cooling purposes, the system avoids adding separate dedicated airflow paths while still achieving improved efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own supply airflow (which is already being generated and conditioned) to also serve the condenser cooling need. Rather than requiring an entirely separate air intake and handling system for the condenser, the patent leverages the existing supply airflow infrastructure, allowing the system to serve its own condenser cooling requirement using resources already available in the HVAC loop.
3Productivity
If the heat pump system uses a redirecting conduit to capture outflow airflow, then cooling efficiency improves, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the supply airflow into different portions: one portion continues to its original destination for indoor circulation, while another portion is diverted through the redirecting conduit to the condenser. This segmentation allows the system to achieve improved cooling efficiency through selective airflow routing without requiring complete system redesign or complex integration, as each airflow path can be independently configured and adjusted.
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 approach allows for more efficient heat exchange at the condenser coils, improving the overall efficiency of the heat pump system in maintaining desired indoor temperatures despite significant outdoor temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
the redirecting conduit may be configured to receive a portion of the airflow from the outlet of the heat pump and redirect the portion of the airflow to the inlet of the heat pump near the coils
Implementation Method 2
conditioned airflow may be redirected by the redirecting conduit to a rear inlet of the heat pump that is situated near the coils
Implementation Method 3
efficient heat exchange at the condenser coils
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improving efficiency in a heat pump system using redirected outflow air are provided. The heat pump may direct conditioned air, e.g., cooled air, into a duct for circulation throughout a room or building and may receive via ducting airflow from the room and/or building. The airflow received from the building may be closer in temperature to the air directed into the building than the air in the exterior environment. The air received from the building may be redirected using a conduit to condenser or evaporator coils for heat exchange with the coils. Using the air from the building instead of the air from the exterior environment may provide for more efficient heat exchange with the coils, e.g., evaporator coils, improving efficiency of the heat pump.