Heat Pump Ejector System for Multi-Mode Heating and Cooling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump systems face inefficiencies in switching between high efficiency and high capacity operations, particularly in varying temperature conditions, due to the limitations of traditional expansion devices and the need for efficient operation in both heating and cooling modes.
Innovation Solution
A vapor compression system incorporating an ejector with a compressor, a separator, and multiple conduits and valves configured to provide alternative operation modes, allowing for efficient switching between different operational modes based on temperature conditions, utilizing a single ejector and various valve configurations to optimize refrigerant flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ejector is used for both heating and cooling modes, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot efficiently switch between high efficiency and high capacity operations
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector system incorporates movable components including a movable separator and movable expansion devices that can dynamically reposition between heating and cooling configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows a single ejector to efficiently serve both modes without requiring multiple fixed ejectors, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ejector is designed with universal functionality to operate in both heating and cooling modes through configuration changes. By integrating multiple functional capabilities into one device with movable components, the system achieves multi-mode operation without the complexity of multiple dedicated ejectors.
2Device complexity
If traditional expansion devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but system efficiency varies significantly in varying temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion device incorporates movable elements that can adjust their position and configuration based on operating conditions (heating vs. cooling modes). This dynamic adjustment optimizes refrigerant expansion efficiency for each mode, significantly reducing energy losses that occur with fixed traditional expansion devices in varying temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion device utilizes movable components to change physical parameters such as opening size, flow area, and expansion ratio according to operating conditions. These parameter adjustments enable the device to maintain high efficiency across different temperature conditions, addressing the energy loss problem of traditional fixed expansion devices.
3Loss of energy
If multiple ejectors are used for different modes, then operational efficiency in each mode is optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate dedicated ejectors for heating and cooling modes, the invention employs a single universal ejector that can be configured for optimal performance in each mode through movable components. This approach maintains mode-specific efficiency while avoiding the complexity and cost of multiple ejectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple mode-specific ejectors into a single multi-functional ejector system. By combining these functions and using movable separator and expansion devices to switch configurations, the system achieves the operational efficiency of multiple ejectors with the simplicity of a single device.
4Device complexity
If fixed refrigerant flow paths are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but the system cannot optimize performance for different temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant flow path system incorporates movable separator and movable expansion devices that can dynamically reconfigure flow paths between heating and cooling modes. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to optimize performance and capacity for different temperature conditions without requiring multiple fixed flow path systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant flow path is segmented into controllable sections with movable components that can be independently positioned to direct flow according to operating mode. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of flow paths to optimize system capacity for varying temperature conditions while maintaining relative system simplicity.
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
Enables efficient operation in both heating and cooling modes by optimizing refrigerant flow paths and expansion device usage, enhancing system efficiency and capacity based on ambient temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure reduction caused to the primary flow by the motive nozzle helps draw a suction flow or secondary flow into the outer member through the suction port
Implementation Method 2
The motive nozzle accelerates the flow and decreases the pressure of the flow
Implementation Method 3
The resulting combined flow is a liquid/vapor mixture and decelerates and recovers pressure in the diffuser while remaining a mixture
Implementation Method 4
The reduced temperature of the refrigerant thus absorbs heat in the heat absorption heat exchanger (e.g., evaporator)
Implementation Method 5
Refrigerant then rejects heat in the outdoor heat exchanger and loses temperature
Implementation Method 6
By rejecting heat, the refrigerant may condense from vapor to liquid in the heat rejection heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (20; 300; 500) comprises: a compressor (22) having a suction port (40) and a discharge port (42); an ejector (32) having a motive flow inlet (50), a suction flow inlet (52), and an outlet (54); a separator (34) having an inlet (72), a vapor outlet (74), and a liquid outlet (76); a first heat exchanger (24); at least one expansion device (28, 30; 520); a second heat exchanger (26); and a plurality of conduits and a plurality of valves (100, 120, 130, 140, 144, 148, 150; 100, 140, 144, 148, 150, 320, 340; 100, 120, 530). The conduits and valves are positioned to provide alternative operation in: a cooling mode; a first heating mode wherein the ejector has a motive flow and a suction flow and where utilizing a first expansion device (30; 520) of the at least one expansion device; and a second heating mode utilizing the first expansion device and wherein the ejector has a suction flow and essentially no motive flow.