Absorption Heat Pump Bypass for Generator Overfeed Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat pumps struggle to deliver high temperatures and maximum thermal power, especially under low external temperature conditions, leading to inefficiencies and the need for oversized systems or additional backup systems.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump design that increases the input to the generator by up to 80% through a bypass system, allowing direct injection of refrigerant into the generator, which enhances the delivery temperature of hydronic system water to 80°C without over-dimensioning components, using a solenoid valve and liquid-liquid venturi to increase refrigerant flow and concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump is sized to operate at the point of major energy interest (ambient temperature of about 2°C), then energy efficiency is improved, but the delivered power and water system temperatures are too low at design conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that allow the heat pump to adapt its performance characteristics. The system can switch between a first operating mode (optimized for energy efficiency at moderate temperatures) and a second operating mode (optimized for high power and temperature delivery at design conditions), enabling the same equipment to meet varying operational requirements without being permanently oversized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by introducing a second operating mode with different performance characteristics. This mode increases the delivery temperature to at least 70°C and delivers at least 100% of the rated power by adjusting the operation of the compression cycle and heat exchanger configurations, allowing the system to meet design condition requirements without permanent oversizing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump is sized to operate at the point of major energy interest, then energy efficiency is improved, but the delivery temperature reaches only 40°C which is insufficient for older homes requiring >70°C
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between operating modes to meet different temperature requirements. In the first mode, it operates efficiently at lower temperatures for moderate conditions. In the second mode, it increases delivery temperature to at least 70°C by adjusting the compression cycle parameters and heat exchanger operations, enabling satisfaction of older home requirements without permanent oversizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by introducing a second operating mode that increases the delivery temperature to at least 70°C. This is achieved by adjusting the operation of the compression cycle and heat exchanger configurations, allowing the system to meet high temperature requirements of older homes without being permanently oversized for such conditions.
3Power
If the heat pump is oversized to meet design condition requirements, then power and temperature delivery is improved, but the system operates at very low partial loads for several hours
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic operation modes to match capacity to demand. Rather than operating a permanently oversized system at low partial loads, the heat pump switches to the appropriate operating mode based on conditions. The second mode delivers 100% rated power when needed, while the first mode handles moderate conditions efficiently, avoiding the energy losses associated with prolonged low-load operation of an oversized system.
4Power
If a back-up system is added to the heat pump, then power and temperature delivery capability is improved, but system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the heat pump itself multi-functional by enabling it to operate in two distinct modes. The single system can deliver both high efficiency at moderate conditions and high power/temperature at design conditions, eliminating the need for separate backup systems. This integrated approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to meet all operational requirements.
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 under extreme conditions with increased output and delivery temperatures, reducing the need for oversized systems or backup heating, while maintaining efficiency and avoiding the transformation into a boiler-like operation.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber to receive refrigerant vapour from the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger in heat exchange contact with the absorber and with the condenser
Implementation Method 3
a pump whose suction side is connected to the absorber and whose discharge side is connected to the generator
Implementation Method 4
A generator is provided which is capable of receiving an input power of up to 80% more than the maximum rated input power
Data Source
AI summary
An absorption heat pump with a system for improving its efficiency under generator overfeed conditions. The absorber is bypassed to direct the rich solution directly into the generator, mixing this rich solution with liquid refrigerant.