Heat Pump Gas Trap for Foreign Gas Removal at Low Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pumps operating at low pressures face challenges in maintaining efficient operation due to leaks and foreign gases, which lead to energy loss and increased maintenance needs, particularly in systems where working fluid levels need constant refilling and vacuum pumping consumes significant energy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a gas trap with a housing that allows foreign gases to accumulate while working steam condenses, reducing the extraction of working steam and energy loss, and using a foreign gas collection space within the condenser to enhance efficiency by separating and removing foreign gases, thereby minimizing the need for frequent refilling and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous vacuum pumping is used to remove foreign gases, then foreign gas removal is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic vacuum pumping instead of continuous operation. The vacuum pump operates only when the foreign gas partial pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, creating a periodic action that removes foreign gases while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the partial pressure of foreign gases in the evaporator. When the partial pressure exceeds a set threshold, the control unit activates the vacuum pump; when the threshold is met, the pump stops. This feedback loop ensures reliable foreign gas removal while optimizing energy usage.
2Reliability
If frequent vacuum pumping is performed, then foreign gas removal is improved, but working fluid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism monitors foreign gas partial pressure and activates the vacuum pump only when necessary. This selective operation based on actual conditions ensures foreign gas removal effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary working fluid extraction that would occur with frequent or continuous pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from continuous pumping to threshold-based periodic pumping. By monitoring and responding to changes in foreign gas partial pressure, the system achieves effective foreign gas removal while reducing the frequency of vacuum pumping operations, thereby minimizing working fluid loss.
3Reliability
If working fluid level is constantly maintained, then system reliability is improved, but refilling frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes preliminary action by implementing a gas trap that captures foreign gases before they can cause significant working fluid loss or system degradation. This preventive measure maintains system reliability over extended periods, reducing the frequency of maintenance interventions and refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas trap acts as a disposable or periodically serviced component that absorbs the burden of frequent maintenance. By concentrating foreign gas removal in this dedicated component, the main system can operate reliably for longer periods without intervention, effectively trading the maintenance burden to a specialized subsystem.
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 approach maintains energy within the system, reduces the need for frequent working fluid refilling, and lowers the energy required for pumping, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective heat pump operation.
Implementation Method 1
the working fluid inlet is coupled to the heat pump in such a way that, during operation, the heat pump receives working fluid that is colder than the working steam to be condensed in the condenser
Implementation Method 2
a pump (342) for extracting gas from the housing (330)
Implementation Method 3
a condenser for condensing compressed or, optionally, heated working steam
Implementation Method 4
an evaporator for evaporating water as the working fluid in order to generate steam
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat pump comprising a condenser (306) for condensing compressed working steam, a gas trap, which is coupled to the condenser by means of a foreign gas supply (325) and comprises the following features: a housing (330) comprising a foreign gas supply inlet (332), a working liquid supply line (338) in the housing; a working liquid discharge line (340) in the housing, and a pump (342) for pumping gas from the housing, wherein the housing, the working liquid supply line and the working liquid discharge line are designed such that, during operation, a working liquid flow flows from the working liquid supply line to the working liquid discharge line in the housing, and the working liquid supply line is coupled to the heat pump in order to conduct working liquid, during operation of the heat pump, which is colder than a working liquid in the condenser.