Controlling Indoor Temperature Using Radiating Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump systems lack efficient methods for switching between heating and cooling modes and defrosting, leading to suboptimal temperature control and energy management in buildings.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system incorporating radiating storages with phase change materials (PCMs) that transfer heat through radiation, convection, and conduction, and a controller that predicts switching times and adjusts refrigerant flow using a three-way valve to optimize mode transitions and defrosting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heat pump systems are used for temperature control, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but energy efficiency is reduced due to frequent mode switching and inadequate defrosting
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating storage pre-charges thermal energy during cooling mode before the anticipated mode switch to heating. The controller predicts future mode switching times and initiates thermal energy storage in advance, allowing seamless transition without energy loss or temperature instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the radiating storage by controlling refrigerant flow temperature and timing. During cooling mode, the refrigerant charges the radiating storage with thermal energy at specific temperatures, and during heating mode, the stored thermal energy is released at controlled rates to maintain stable indoor temperature.
2Use of energy by moving object
If radiating storages are added to the heat pump system, then energy efficiency improves through thermal energy storage, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating storage is integrated with the existing refrigerant circulation system of the heat pump. The storage unit is positioned to receive thermal energy directly from the refrigerant during cooling mode and release it during heating mode, merging two functions (cooling and thermal storage) into a unified system without requiring separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiating storage serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal energy buffer during mode transitions, provides supplemental heating when charged, and enables predictive control strategies. The same component performs different roles at different operational phases, reducing the need for additional dedicated devices.
3Loss of energy
If predictive mode switching control is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced through optimized transitions, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the thermal state of the radiating storage and adjusts the timing of mode switches and refrigerant flow accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize energy consumption by switching modes at the most efficient moments based on actual thermal conditions rather than fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller predicts future mode switching events and pre-charges the radiating storage with thermal energy before the switch occurs. By anticipating the need for heating or cooling and preparing the thermal buffer in advance, the system minimizes energy loss during transitions and reduces peak demand during mode changes.
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
Enhances energy efficiency by allowing 0-50% of heat flow to be provided by radiating storages, improving temperature control and reducing energy consumption through adaptive mode switching and defrosting.
Implementation Method 1
The radiating storages may be configured to transfer heat to and from the refrigerant (e.g., by radiation, convection, and/or conduction)
Implementation Method 2
The radiating storages may be configured to transfer heat to and from the refrigerant (e.g., by radiation, convection, and/or conduction)
Implementation Method 3
The radiating storages may be configured to transfer heat to and from the refrigerant (e.g., by radiation, convection, and/or conduction)
Implementation Method 4
The radiating storages may comprise a phase change material (PCM)
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations described herein are directed to a heat pump system for cooling and/or heating a room via radiation. The heat pump system may include an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and at least one pipe comprising a refrigerant. The pipe may provide fluid communications between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The indoor unit may comprise a radiating storage configured to absorb heat from the refrigerant and radiate the absorbed heat.