Heat pump system having a pre-processing module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump systems face issues with frost formation on regeneration air heat exchangers at low temperatures and decreased efficiency of the regeneration air heat exchanger during summer modes, leading to system shutdown and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a pre-processing module in the regeneration air channel to heat the regeneration air, preventing frost formation on the heat exchanger coils during winter modes and optimizing the efficiency of the regeneration air heat exchanger by lowering condensation temperatures during summer modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat pump system operates in winter mode without preheating regeneration air, then the system structure remains simple, but frost forms on the regeneration air heat exchanger coils requiring system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-processing module preheats the regeneration air before it enters the regeneration air heat exchanger, preventing frost formation on the coils before it occurs. This preliminary action eliminates the need for system shutdown and defrost cycles, ensuring continuous operation while adding only moderate complexity through a dedicated preheating section
2Productivity
If the regeneration air heat exchanger supplies large amounts of heat during summer mode, then the cooling demand is met, but the efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling system is segmented into two independent paths: a primary path with the regeneration air heat exchanger for efficient heat recovery, and a secondary path with the pre-processing module that can independently supply additional cooling capacity. This segmentation allows the system to meet high cooling demands without overworking the heat exchanger, maintaining its efficiency while providing sufficient productivity
3Reliability
If the system shuts down for defrosting during winter mode, then frost is removed from the heat exchanger, but the building loses heat source requiring auxiliary heating
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-processing module continuously preheats the regeneration air, maintaining temperatures above the frost formation point on the heat exchanger coils. This preliminary prevention eliminates the need for periodic shutdowns and defrosting operations, ensuring both heat exchanger performance and continuous heating availability without requiring auxiliary heating systems
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 pre-processing module effectively prevents frost formation at low temperatures, ensuring continuous operation and enhances the efficiency of the regeneration air heat exchanger, maintaining system performance across varying seasonal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pre-processing module heats the regeneration air from the energy recovery module in the winter mode to prevent frost from forming on the regeneration air heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The supply air heat exchanger and the regeneration air heat exchanger are in fluid communication through a refrigeration system to further transfer heat between the outside air and the regeneration air
Implementation Method 3
An energy exchange module extends between the supply air channel and the regeneration air channel. The energy exchange module transfers sensible and/or latent heat between the outside air in the supply air channel and the regeneration air in the regeneration air channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat pump system for conditioning regeneration air from a space is provided. The heat pump system is operable in a winter mode and/or a summer mode, and may be selectively operated in a defrost mode or cycle. The system includes an energy recovery module that receives and conditions air in a regeneration air channel. A pre-processing module is positioned downstream of the energy recovery module. The pre-processing module receives and heats air from the energy recovery module. A regeneration air heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the pre-processing module. The regeneration air heat exchanger receives and conditions air from the pre-processing module. The pre-processing module heats the air from the energy recovery module to increase an efficiency of the regeneration air heat exchanger. During the defrost mode, a loop of regeneration air may be recirculated between the supply air channel and the regeneration air channel in order to defrost the regeneration air heat exchanger.