Heat Pump Assembly with Integrated Buffer Tank for Defrost Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump systems face inefficiencies in switching between operating modes, particularly during defrosting, as they often rely on heat from the heating circuit or hot water tank, which can disrupt temperature levels and impair system performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switching device with a three-way valve within the heat pump to manage the heating circuit medium, allowing for independent operation of the buffer storage tank, which is integrated into the heat pump housing, enabling precise optimization of temperature levels for defrosting without affecting the heating circuit or hot water tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat pump system uses the heating circuit or hot water tank for defrosting heat supply, then the defrosting function is achieved, but the temperature level in the heating circuit and hot water tank is disrupted and system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional circuits: a buffer storage tank circuit dedicated to defrosting operations and the heating circuit for space heating. The buffer tank (3) with volume of 3-40 liters is integrated into the heat pump unit and connected through a switching device (4) that can route the heating circuit medium independently to either the heating circuit or the buffer tank for defrosting, preventing temperature disruptions in the heating circuit
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer storage tank (3) is introduced as an intermediary energy storage component between the heat pump and the heating circuit. This buffer tank temporarily stores thermal energy and provides a stable heat source for defrosting operations without directly affecting the temperature level in the heating circuit or hot water tank, thus maintaining system efficiency while enabling reliable defrosting
2Loss of energy
If a buffer storage tank is integrated into the heat pump unit, then the temperature level for defrosting is optimized and system efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer storage tank (3) is merged with the heat pump unit housing, integrating the energy storage function directly into the existing heat pump structure. The switching device (4) with its valve mechanism is also integrated within the heat pump unit, combining multiple functions (heating, defrosting, energy storage) into a single compact assembly rather than requiring separate external components
Solution Approach 2:
The heating circuit medium serves multiple functions: it provides heat to the heating circuit during normal operation, charges the buffer storage tank during defrosting mode, and can be redirected through the switching device (4) to either destination. The buffer tank itself serves dual purposes as both thermal energy storage and a stable heat source for defrosting operations
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 the efficiency of the heat pump system by allowing for optimized energy storage and retrieval from the buffer tank during defrosting, reducing disruptions and improving overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
the heat pump (1) and a heat sink (2). The heat sink (2) is designed as a heating circuit (2.1)... the heat pump (1) in a first operating mode, referred to as normal operation, for supplying ambient heat to the heat sink (2)
Implementation Method 2
a buffer storage tank (3)... for storing heat from the heat pump (1)... the buffer storage tank (3), in which case the buffer storage tank (3) is integrated in the heat pump (1)
Implementation Method 3
a second operating mode, referred to as defrosting operation, for supplying heat to the heat pump (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat pump system comprising a heat pump (1) and a heat sink (2), wherein the heat pump (1) is configured in a first operating mode, designated as normal operation, to supply ambient heat to the heat sink (2), and a buffer storage tank (3), which can be charged with heat by the heat pump (1), is configured in a second operating mode, designated as defrost operation, to supply heat to the heat pump (1), wherein the buffer storage tank (3) is integrated into the heat pump (1), and wherein a switching device (4) integrated into the heat pump (1) is provided for switching between the operating modes. According to the invention, the heat sink (2) is configured as a heating circuit (2.1) and as a hot water storage tank (2.2), and a first output (4) is provided.1) a valve (5) for selectively supplying the heating circuit medium to the heating circuit and/or to the hot water storage tank is connected downstream of the switching device (4) in the direction of flow of the heating circuit medium.