Heat Pump Circuit Control for High Temperature Gradient and Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting heat pumps in parallel or series result in low temperature gradients, limited flow rates, and uniform COP or EER values, leading to inefficient heating and cooling systems with high compressor start frequencies.
Innovation Solution
Connecting at least two heat pumps through their primary fluid circuits to a common fluid circuit with temperature sensors and a controller to manage temperature differences and fluid circulation, allowing for a higher temperature gradient and flow rate, and enabling efficient heat or cold accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heat pumps are connected in parallel to a common heating system, then the system can serve multiple heat pumps, but the system operates at a low temperature gradient and all heat pumps work at the same high condensing temperature resulting in uniform COP values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single parallel connection into multiple series stages. Each heat pump operates in a separate stage with its own temperature range, segmenting the overall temperature gradient into manageable portions. This allows each heat pump to operate at optimized condensing temperatures rather than all operating at the same high temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional parallel connection (all heat pumps at same temperature level) to a multi-dimensional series-parallel hybrid connection (heat pumps distributed across multiple temperature stages). This dimensional change enables simultaneous operation at different temperature gradients while maintaining system versatility.
2Temperature
If heat pumps are connected in series, then a higher temperature gradient can be achieved, but the maximum flow through the heating or cooling systems is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the series connection into parallel stages, where each stage handles a portion of the total flow requirement. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high temperature gradients through series operation within each stage while maintaining high overall flow rates through parallel configuration of multiple stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities that allow the system to adjust flow distribution across different stages based on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize between temperature gradient and flow rate depending on real-time heating or cooling demands.
3Ease of operation
If heat pumps operate at uniform COP values in parallel connection, then control is simplified, but the overall system efficiency is reduced due to high condensing temperatures for all units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control that automatically adjusts operating parameters for each heat pump based on its specific stage and operational conditions. This dynamic control maintains system efficiency by optimizing each unit's performance while managing the increased complexity through automated algorithms rather than manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor operating conditions and adjust heat pump performance accordingly. This feedback control enables the system to maintain optimal efficiency across varying conditions while managing the complexity of differential control through automated response to real-time data.
4Temperature
If a series connection of heat pumps is used, then a higher temperature gradient is achieved, but only two heat pumps can be connected due to flow limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into multiple parallel stages, each capable of handling series connections. This segmentation allows numerous heat pumps to be connected by distributing them across multiple stages, thereby increasing the total number of connectable units while maintaining high temperature gradients within each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a parallel dimension to the series connection, creating a multi-stage architecture. This dimensional expansion allows the system to accommodate many more heat pumps by organizing them in a matrix of series stages and parallel connections, overcoming the two-unit limitation of simple series connections.
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 configuration enhances the efficiency of heat pumps by achieving higher COP and EER values, increasing accumulation capacity, and reducing compressor starts, while allowing for flexible operation in heating and cooling applications.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant passes on the heat it carries... through the evaporator through which ambient heat is bound into the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant condenses to a liquid in the condenser... the refrigerant in liquid form continues to the expansion nozzle, after which it turns into a gas
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant proceeds to the compressor, which compresses it, thereby concentrating the entrained heat
Implementation Method 4
The common fluid circuit is provided with at least one hydraulic pump whose function is to circulate the fluid in the common fluid circuit
Implementation Method 5
a temperature sensor is installed before and after each connection of the respective primary fluid circuit to the common fluid circuit. The temperature sensors detect the temperature of the circulating fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a novel connection of heat pumps (1) having primary fluid circuits (2) in a common fluid circuit (3) to form an efficient source of heat or cold. The heat pumps (1) are connected to the common fluid circuit (3) by the primary fluid circuits (2), and a temperature sensor (5) is installed before and after each connection of the primary fluid circuit (2) to the common fluid circuit (3). The operation of the heat pumps (1) is controlled by a controller (6) according to the sensed temperature from the temperature sensors (5).