Heat pump system with a flow directing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional heat pump systems operate inefficiently as they employ the same number of passes for both heating and cooling modes, which can lead to suboptimal performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system with a reversing valve and a flow directing system that allows the outdoor heat exchanger to switch between a two-pass condenser in cooling mode and a single-pass evaporator in heating mode, utilizing check valves and piping segments to direct refrigerant flow through different manifolds, promoting subcooling and efficient evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same number of passes is employed for both heating and cooling modes, then the system structure is simplified, but system efficiency and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic flow directing system that allows the outdoor heat exchanger to switch between single-pass and two-pass configurations based on operational mode. The system uses valves and piping arrangements to dynamically reconfigure refrigerant flow paths, enabling the heat exchanger to operate as a single-pass evaporator in heating mode and as a two-pass condenser in cooling mode, thereby optimizing efficiency for each mode without permanent structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow configuration parameter of the outdoor heat exchanger based on operational requirements. By altering the number of passes (single-pass vs. two-pass) through the flow directing system, the system adapts its thermal exchange characteristics to match the specific demands of heating or cooling mode, improving overall system performance
2Productivity
If the outdoor heat exchanger operates as a two-pass condenser in cooling mode, then subcooling is promoted and cooling efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow directing system dynamically configures the outdoor heat exchanger as a two-pass condenser specifically during cooling mode operation. The valves and piping arrangements enable refrigerant to flow through the heat exchanger in two separate passes, promoting subcooling and improving cooling efficiency only when needed, while maintaining simpler operation in heating mode
3Productivity
If the outdoor heat exchanger operates as a single-pass evaporator in heating mode, then evaporation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow directing system dynamically reconfigures the outdoor heat exchanger as a single-pass evaporator during heating mode operation. This dynamic adjustment allows refrigerant to flow through the heat exchanger in a single pass, optimizing evaporation efficiency and heating performance without requiring permanent structural modifications
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 system efficiency by promoting subcooling in cooling mode and efficient evaporation in heating mode, improving overall performance and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The flow directing system includes check valves and is configured to direct the refrigerant into the first section of the second manifold and out of the second section of the second manifold to the expansion device in the cooling mode and to direct the refrigerant into the first manifold and out of the first and second sections of the second manifold to the reversing valve in the heating mode
Implementation Method 2
at least one expansion device disposed in the closed loop between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and configured to reduce pressure of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
This configuration enhances system efficiency by promoting subcooling in cooling mode and efficient evaporation in heating mode
Implementation Method 4
This configuration enhances system efficiency by promoting subcooling in cooling mode and efficient evaporation in heating mode
Implementation Method 5
the refrigerant is evaporated in one heat exchanger to draw heat from air circulating through the heat exchanger for cooling purposes. Conversely, the refrigerant is then condensed in a different heat exchanger to release heat from the refrigerant and thereby heat an air stream
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump system is provided that includes a flow directing system that allows an outdoor heat exchanger to be switchable between a single-pass arrangement and a two-pass arrangement. The heat pump system includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a flow directing system of check valves and piping segments that enable switching of the outdoor heat exchanger between the single-pass and the two-pass arrangement. The outdoor heat exchanger is operable as a two-pass condenser in the cooling mode and as a single-pass evaporator in the heating mode.