Hybrid Heat Pump Recirculation Dampers for Cold-Weather Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pump systems face limitations in heating capacity in cold climates, requiring backup systems that are costly and inefficient, as the available heat from circulating air decreases with lower outdoor temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An outdoor heat pump system with a supplemental heat source and a controller that manipulates inlet, discharge, and recirculation dampers to activate a hybrid heating mode, where air is recirculated through a supplemental heat source to enhance heating capacity, eliminating the need for backup systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a traditional heat pump system operates in heating mode, then it can provide heating to an enclosed space, but the heating capacity becomes limited as outdoor temperature decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional heat pump system with a supplemental heating system (such as a gas heater) into a hybrid system. The supplemental heating system is integrated with the heat pump's air handler and ductwork, allowing both heating sources to operate simultaneously or independently based on outdoor temperature and heating demand, thereby maintaining high heating capacity across a wider temperature range
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system is designed to perform multiple functions: the outdoor unit serves as both a heat pump and a supplemental heater, the air handler can distribute heat from either source, and the control system manages multiple heating modes (heat pump only, supplemental heater only, or both together). This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to varying outdoor temperatures and maintain heating capacity
2Temperature
If a backup heating system is installed to provide sufficient heating in cold climates, then heating capacity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the supplemental heating system with the existing heat pump infrastructure, including the air handler, ductwork, and control system. This merging approach allows the supplemental heater to utilize the heat pump's distribution system rather than requiring separate heating infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding heating capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The outdoor unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it operates as a heat pump during moderate cold, switches to supplemental heating during extreme cold, and can operate both systems together during high-demand periods. The control system automatically manages these modes, providing complex functionality through a unified system rather than separate independent systems
3Temperature
If a backup heating system is installed to ensure sufficient heating in cold climates, then heating capacity is improved, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the operation mode based on outdoor temperature, heating load, and system efficiency. During moderate cold conditions, the system operates as a heat pump which is more efficient. During extreme cold or high-demand conditions, it transitions to supplemental heating or hybrid mode. The system continuously monitors and adapts its operation to maintain optimal energy efficiency while meeting heating demands
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically transitions between different operating modes (heat pump only, supplemental heater only, hybrid) based on outdoor temperature thresholds and heating demand. This periodic switching allows the system to capitalize on the higher efficiency of heat pump operation when conditions permit while ensuring adequate heating capacity when conditions require supplemental heating
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
The system achieves up to 120% increase in heating capacity and maintains the heat exchanger coil at a warmer temperature, allowing the compressor to operate more efficiently and reducing the need for defrost mode inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
the outdoor heat exchanger transfers heat from the air circulating through the outdoor unit to the refrigerant fluid
Implementation Method 2
a compressor in fluid communication with the heat exchanger coil
Implementation Method 3
an outdoor unit that includes a fan, an outdoor heat exchanger coil
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump system with a hybrid heating system is disclosed. The heat pump system includes a first housing comprising a heat exchanger, a compressor, and a fan. The heat pump system also includes a second housing that includes a supplemental heat source that is activated when the outside air falls below a certain temperature. The second housing includes a series of dampers that permit recirculation of the air passing through the first housing so that the supplemental heat source can provide heat to the recirculated air. The supplemental heat source increases the heating capacity of the heat pump system.