Heat Pump Energy Display for Verifying Heating Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of heating installations with heat pumps lack means to compare actual performance with advertised performance and verify energy savings, and are not provided with information on the ecological footprint of their installations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for indicating the consumption and efficiency of heating installations by determining and displaying energy quantities Q2F (billed energy) and Q3 (free energy taken from the external environment) over a predetermined period, using sensors and meters, and calculating financial equivalents to provide users with information on economic and ecological performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If heat pump systems are used to reduce energy consumption and ecological footprint, then energy efficiency is improved, but users lack means to verify actual performance and savings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidperformance verification information
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by providing users with real-time or periodic information about their heating installation's actual energy consumption and performance through displays, documents, or electronic communication. This allows users to verify whether the heat pump system is delivering the expected energy savings and compare actual performance with advertised performance, thereby resolving the information asymmetry between theoretical efficiency claims and actual operational performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If detailed energy measurement and display systems are implemented, then user information on performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy performance informationVSAvoidmeasurement and display system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an intermediary device or system that acts as a mediator between the complex heat pump installation and the user. This intermediary handles the measurement, calculation, and presentation of energy performance data, simplifying the interface between the complex technical system and the end user. The intermediary can process raw sensor data, calculate energy consumption and savings, and present this information in an easily understandable format through displays or documents, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive performance information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 users to measure and understand the energy performance and savings of their heating installations, enhancing their knowledge of economic and ecological relevance.

Implementation Method 1

a heat pump device (1), a heating fluid distribution circuit (2) and a plurality of convectors or radiators (20)... the outdoor exchanger (12) allows the heat transfer fluid (3) to receive calories from the external environment... the indoor exchanger (11) allows the heat transfer fluid (3) transfer calories to the heating circuit (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

at least one heat pump having a thermal compressor set in motion by means of a thermal energy supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy conversion to mechanical work: Heat Engine

Data Source

PatentEP2989426B1Method and device for indicating the fuel consumption and/or efficiency of a heating installation
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 BOOSTHEAT
  • EP2989426B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2989426B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2989426B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for indicating to a user the fuel consumption and/or efficiency of a heating installation having a heat pump (1) with a thermal compressor (14), a heating fluid distribution circuit (2) and radiators (20) receiving a first quantity of energy Q1, the method comprising the steps: A- of determining, over a predetermined time period a second quantity of energy Q2, corresponding to the supply of heat energy used to drive the compressor, B- of determining, over the same predetermined time period, a third quantity of energy Q3 corresponding to free energy taken from the external environment, C- of displaying the quantities Q2 and Q3, in relation to the predetermined time period, on a display screen (19) and/or in a document (9) intended for invoicing the customer.