Heat Pump Liquefier With Vapor-Gap Process Water Tank Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pumps face inefficiencies in heating systems due to the need for large process water tanks that require significant insulation, leading to increased costs and space requirements, while also experiencing heat losses and reduced convenience in providing consistent warm water temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The process water tank is integrated within the working fluid space of the liquefier, separated by a gap filled with compressed working vapor, which acts as an insulating layer, eliminating the need for additional insulation and reducing heat losses by utilizing the vapor's thermal resistance to maintain temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large process water tank is used to store warm water for a extended period, then the availability of warm water is improved, but the heat losses from the tank increase and more insulation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The process water tank is nested within the working fluid space of the liquefier, utilizing the existing space for dual purposes. The tank is positioned in the lower region of the working fluid space, allowing it to be surrounded by compressed working vapor which provides thermal insulation without requiring additional insulation layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed working vapor acts as an intermediary insulating layer between the process water tank and the external environment. This vapor layer, maintained at pressures above atmospheric pressure, provides thermal resistance that reduces heat losses from the tank while allowing the tank to be integrated into the liquefier structure.
2Loss of energy
If additional insulation is added to the process water tank to reduce heat losses, then the heat losses are reduced, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation function is merged with the working fluid space of the liquefier. The compressed working vapor that naturally fills this space serves as the insulating medium, eliminating the need for separate insulation structures. The tank wall is positioned to create a gap that communicates with the gas region, allowing the vapor to provide insulation directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The working fluid space serves multiple functions: it contains the compressed working vapor for thermal insulation, provides space for the process water tank, and maintains the vapor at pressures above atmospheric pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the process water tank is integrated within the working fluid space, then the space efficiency is improved and insulation is reduced, but the tank must be thermally separated from the liquefied working fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed working vapor acts as a thermal intermediary between the process water tank and the liquefied working fluid. The tank wall is spaced from the working fluid space wall, creating a gap that communicates with the gas region. This vapor-filled gap provides thermal resistance, allowing the tank to be integrated into the working fluid space while preventing direct thermal contact with the liquefied working fluid.
4Loss of energy
If compressed working vapor is used as insulation, then the insulation efficiency is improved and heat losses are reduced, but the pressure conditions must be maintained above atmospheric pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure of the working vapor is changed and maintained above atmospheric pressure within the working fluid space. This pressure condition enhances the insulating effectiveness of the vapor by reducing heat transfer. The tank wall positioning and gap design are optimized to maintain this pressure differential, ensuring the vapor provides effective thermal insulation while the pressure conditions support the overall system operation.
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 insulation efficiency, reduces energy losses, and allows for a more compact and cost-effective heat pump design that maintains higher process water temperatures without additional insulation, improving overall energy efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a gap formed to communicate with the gas region and hold at least partially gaseous working fluid in operation is obtained
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator for evaporating water as the working liquid to produce working vapor
Implementation Method 3
evaporating water as the working liquid to produce working vapor
Implementation Method 4
a compressor coupled to the evaporator to compress the working vapor
Implementation Method 5
the compressed working vapor, the temperature level of which has been raised through the compression, is brought into contact with liquefied working fluid, so that the compressed vapor again liquefies
Data Source
AI summary
A liquefier for a heat pump includes a liquefier space and a process water tank. The process water tank is arranged within the liquefier space such that it is substantially surrounded by liquefied working fluid. A wall of the process water tank, however, is spaced from a wall of the process water tank so that a gap formed to communicate with the region of the heat pump in which compressed gas is present is obtained, so that the process water tank is thermally insulated from the space for liquefied working fluid via this gas-filled gap. The liquefier itself may also be surrounded by the gas region, in order to provide for inexpensive insulation of the liquefier.