Heat Pump Coupling for Higher Heat Source Thermal Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat management systems restrict the full utilization of heat sources due to temperature limitations imposed by thermal coupling between heat sources and sinks, resulting in reduced heat yield and the need for complex cooling devices.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a heat pump with a condenser and evaporator thermally coupled to a heat exchanger, where the evaporator is positioned downstream of the heat exchanger to absorb heat from the heat source return, enhancing heat transfer and increasing the temperature of the heat sink feed, thereby improving the heat yield of the heat source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heat source is thermally coupled to the heat sink by means of a heat exchanger, then heat transfer from heat source to heat sink is achieved, but the temperature of the heat source return is restricted by the temperature of the heat sink return, resulting in restricted heat yield
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal coupling system is segmented into two independent heat exchangers: a first heat exchanger for primary heat transfer from heat source to heat sink, and a second heat exchanger for additional heat extraction from the heat source return. This segmentation allows independent temperature control at each stage, enabling the heat source return temperature to be reduced below the heat sink return temperature without compromising the primary heat transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
A second heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat source return and the environment (or additional heat sink). This intermediary enables further heat extraction from the heat source return stream, allowing the temperature to be reduced below the constraint imposed by the primary heat sink return temperature, thereby increasing overall heat yield.
2Temperature
If the temperature of the heat sink feed is restricted by the temperature of the heat source feed, then heat transfer is maintained, but the heat sink cannot be heated to higher temperatures, limiting system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is segmented into two stages: first heat exchanger provides primary heating to the heat sink feed, and the second heat exchanger provides additional heating to raise the temperature further. This staged approach allows the heat sink feed temperature to exceed the heat source feed temperature by utilizing the temperature difference created in the return streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension heat transfer (heat source feed to heat sink feed) to a two-dimension heat transfer system by adding the second heat exchanger. This enables heat transfer in an additional thermal pathway, allowing the heat sink feed to reach temperatures above the heat source feed by utilizing waste heat from the heat source return stream.
3Temperature
If complex cooling devices are used to manage heat source return, then temperature control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex cooling devices to dispose of waste heat from the heat source return, the invention converts this waste heat into a useful resource by introducing a second heat exchanger that extracts additional heat for heating purposes. The heat source return stream, which would otherwise require active cooling, becomes a source of additional thermal energy, eliminating the need for complex cooling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat source return stream serves dual purposes: it is cooled to increase heat yield from the heat source, and simultaneously its thermal energy is utilized to preheat or supplement heating in the heat sink system. The system uses its own waste heat resources to achieve temperature control, eliminating the need for external cooling devices.
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 allows for further cooling of the heat source return and increased heating of the heat sink feed, optimizing the use of heat content and reducing the need for expensive cooling devices, while enhancing the thermal output and reducing exploration risks in geothermal sources.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer from the heat source (6) to the heat sink return (22) by means of the heat exchanger (12)
Implementation Method 2
heat transfer from the heat source (6) to the heat sink return (22) by means of the heat exchanger (12)
Implementation Method 3
heat transfer from the heat source return (62) to the evaporator (42) of the heat pump (4)
Implementation Method 4
heat transfer from the condenser (41) of the heat pump to the heat sink feed (21)
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples include a device for increasing the heat yield of a heat source comprising: a heat sink; a heat pump with a condenser and an evaporator; and the heat source. The heat sink includes a heat sink feed and a heat sink return providing thermal coupling to the heat source with a heat exchanger. The heat source includes a heat source feed and a heat source return for thermal coupling to the heat sink with the heat exchanger. The condenser of the heat pump is thermally coupled to the heat sink feed to dissipate heat to the heat sink. The evaporator of the heat pump is thermally coupled to the heat source return downstream of the heat exchanger to absorb heat.