Heat Pump Thermal Storage Modulation for Building Energy Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing energy and water consumption in domestic and commercial settings are inefficient, as they rely on peak and off-peak tariffs that require user awareness and conscious effort, and existing systems for conserving water and energy are limited in impact and scope.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a heat pump system with a control module that determines energy demand levels to store thermal energy during low-demand periods and supply heated water or building heating during high-demand periods, incorporating a thermal energy storage medium and optional electrical heating elements to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If heat pump is used to heat water, then energy efficiency is improved (3-4 times more heat per unit electricity), but heating time is increased compared to electrical resistance heaters
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water during off-peak periods when energy demand is low, storing thermal energy in an insulated tank for later use during peak periods. This allows the heat pump to operate when it can deliver heat faster (during off-peak times when less simultaneous heating is required), thereby reducing the perceived heating time during peak demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulated thermal energy storage tank is introduced as an intermediary between the heat pump and the water heating demand. The tank stores thermal energy temporarily, decoupling the heating process from the immediate water heating need, thus allowing the heat pump to operate at optimal speeds during off-peak periods while still meeting peak demand periods efficiently.
2Loss of energy
If thermal energy is stored in insulated tank during low energy demand periods, then energy balance is improved and peak demand is reduced, but system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The insulated thermal energy storage tank serves multiple functions: it stores thermal energy for later use, acts as a buffer to balance peak and off-peak demand, and enables the heat pump to operate more efficiently by providing a target for heat transfer during off-peak periods. This multi-functionality justifies the added system complexity.
3Speed
If heat pump operates at higher speed to reduce heating time, then heating speed is improved, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates the heat pump at higher speeds during off-peak periods when energy efficiency is less critical, pre-heating the thermal energy storage tank. During peak periods when energy efficiency is paramount, the system uses the pre-stored thermal energy rather than operating the heat pump at high speed, thus maintaining overall energy efficiency while still meeting heating demands.
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 approach shifts energy demand from peak to off-peak periods, improving energy balance and enhancing the efficiency and usability of heat pumps for heated water provision, while also conserving energy and water by actively modulating consumption based on tariff data.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy from outside the building to a thermal energy storage medium inside the building
Implementation Method 2
operating the heat pump to store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage medium
Implementation Method 3
supply heated water to a central heating system configured to raise an indoor temperature of the building
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method of modulating energy consumption by a water provision system installed in a building, the water provision system comprising a heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy from outside the building to a thermal energy storage medium inside the building and a control module configured to control operation of the water provision system, the water provision system being configured to provide water heated by the thermal energy storage medium to one or more water outlets and further configured to supply heated water to a central heating system configured to raise an indoor temperature of the building, the method being performed by the control module and comprising: determining a level of energy demands of a geographical region comprising the building; and upon determining that the level of energy demands is low, operating the heat pump to store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage medium, and operating the water provision system to supply heated water to the central heating system using thermal energy stored in the thermal energy storage medium.