Integrated Heat Pump and Expander for Low-Loss Energy Flexibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current heating and cooling systems are inefficient due to energy conversion losses from electricity to heat and back, and they struggle with inconsistent waste heat sources and intermittent energy availability, leading to high energy costs and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heating, cooling, and power device that uses a common working fluid for both the power cycle and heat pump cycle, allowing for flexible operation on thermal, gas, or electrical power based on availability and cost, with an electrical machine to augment or convert power, and a heat pump system that recaptures heat to maximize efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical heating and cooling devices convert energy from one form to electricity and then back to thermal energy, then the devices can operate with flexible energy sources, but the efficiency is reduced due to conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical machine from the energy conversion chain, allowing the system to operate directly with thermal energy sources through the expander, eliminating the inefficient electrical conversion step while maintaining operational flexibility through the electrical machine's ability to supplement or convert power as needed
2Power
If motor driven heating and cooling units are used, then the units can provide mechanical power, but a large portion of the energy is lost as exhaust heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful exhaust heat into a useful resource by using it as the heat source for the expander, transforming the waste energy into mechanical power that drives the system, thereby eliminating the energy loss while maintaining power output
3Adaptability or versatility
If heat sources with inconsistent temperatures are used, then the system can utilize available waste heat, but the intermittent availability and temperature fluctuations create operational obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms including variable speed operation of the expander, controllable electrical machine supplementation, and adjustable heat pump operation to adapt to fluctuating heat source conditions, ensuring reliable and consistent system operation despite variable input conditions
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
The system operates efficiently by eliminating energy conversion losses and adapting to different energy sources, reducing costs by selecting the most economical energy mode and maximizing energy utilization.
Implementation Method 1
an expander coupled to the shaft to rotate the shaft... A heater is coupled through the first conduit to the expander
Implementation Method 2
A heat pump is coupled to the shaft... to heat or cool an environmentally controlled space
Implementation Method 3
An electrical machine is coupled to the shaft to produce electricity or mechanical shaft power
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, cooling, and power device includes a shaft and an expander coupled to the shaft to rotate the shaft. A first conduit is coupled to the expander and configured to transport a working fluid. A heater is coupled through the first conduit to the expander. A heat pump is coupled to the shaft. An electric machine is coupled to the shaft to produce electricity or mechanical shaft power. A recuperator includes a second conduit coupled between the expander and recuperator. The heat pump includes a first heat exchanger including a second conduit coupled between the expander and the first heat exchanger. An expansion device includes a third conduit coupled between the first heat exchanger and the expansion device. A second heat exchanger includes a fourth conduit coupled between the expansion device and second heat exchanger. A compressor is coupled to the shaft.