Heat Pump Switchable Heat Storage for Extended Operation Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump systems face challenges in efficiently using stored heat for heating operations, particularly in terms of structure and flexibility of heat storage.
Innovation Solution
The heat pump system incorporates a refrigerant circuit with a compressor, multiple heat exchangers, and an expansion body, allowing for the use of stored heat by switching the heat output from the refrigerant to the heat storage, thereby enhancing flexibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heat storage is only charged during cooling operation, then the heat storage unit can be filled with heat from the refrigerant, but the heat storage cannot be loaded during heat pump operation, limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability in the heat pump system, allowing the refrigerant circuit to be configured in different operational modes. The system can dynamically switch between charging the heat storage during cooling operation and loading it during heat pump operation, adapting to different operational requirements and maximizing the utilization of the heat storage unit throughout the year
Solution Approach 2:
The heat storage unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be charged during both cooling operation and heat pump operation, and can supply heat during heat pump operation. This multi-functionality increases the adaptability of the system, allowing the same heat storage unit to be utilized in different operational modes rather than being limited to a single charging scenario
2Quantity of substance
If the heat storage unit has large heat capacity to store sufficient heat, then heat can be supplied during heat pump operation, but the system requires more space and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the heat storage unit during cooling operation, when cooling demand exists and the refrigerant is available for heat transfer. By charging the heat storage in advance during periods when cooling is required, the system prepares thermal energy for future use during heat pump operation, reducing the need for an excessively large heat storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous utilization of the heat storage unit by charging it during cooling operation and then utilizing the stored heat during heat pump operation. This continuous cycle of charging and discharging maximizes the useful action of the heat storage unit, allowing a smaller capacity unit to provide sufficient heat supply by being actively charged and discharged across different operational periods
3Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigerant flows through the chiller for heat absorption, then cooling can be provided, but the fourth heat exchanger cannot be used as evaporator simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant circuit is designed with dynamic switching capability that allows it to adapt its flow path based on operational requirements. During heat pump operation with heat storage loading, the system can switch to configure the fourth heat exchanger as an evaporator, enabling the refrigerant to absorb heat from the environment and maintain efficient heat pump operation while simultaneously loading the heat storage
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 enables the heat storage to be loaded with heat during heat pump operation, reducing the required heat capacity and saving space, material, and costs, while extending the phases of heat pump operation using stored heat instead of ambient air.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer from a refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit to a first heat transfer fluid of a first fluid circuit
Implementation Method 2
heat transfer from the refrigerant to a second heat transfer liquid in the second liquid circuit
Implementation Method 3
expanded in the expansion device, where it cools down
Implementation Method 4
the warm refrigerant compressed in the compressor during operation
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat pump system (1) with a refrigerant circuit (3) comprising a compressor (5), a first heat exchanger (11) and a second heat exchanger (19), each of which can be operated as a gas cooler/condenser, an expansion element (17, 21, 23), a chiller (25) and a fourth heat exchanger (13) which can be operated as an evaporator in a parallel arrangement with the chiller (25), wherein in heat pump operation the first heat exchanger (11) is arranged upstream of the second heat exchanger (19) in the refrigerant flow direction and is also connected to a first liquid circuit (27) for heat transfer from the refrigerant to a first heat transfer fluid, and the chiller (25) is also connected to a liquid line (53) for heat transfer from a heat storage medium (49) for the refrigerant to absorb heat from a second heat transfer fluid.wherein the second heat exchanger (19) for switchable heat transfer from the refrigerant to the heat storage (49) is connected to a second liquid circuit (45), and the refrigerant circuit (3) is designed to be switchable such that, in heat pump operation, when such heat transfer is activated in the second heat exchanger (19), the fourth heat exchanger (13) can be used as an evaporator by the refrigerant instead of the chiller (25). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the heat pump system, such as for space heating in a building.