Integrated Heat Pump Water Loop for Waste Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot water and space heating/cooling systems operate as discrete units, failing to synergistically transfer heat energy between devices, resulting in wasted energy and increased consumption of resources like gas and electricity.
Innovation Solution
A combined system incorporating a heat pump, liquid flow loop, air-to-liquid heat exchanger, burner, blower, and secondary heat exchanger, allowing for bi-directional heat transfer and efficient heating/cooling of both liquid and air by harnessing and transferring energy within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If discrete units are used for hot water heating and space heating/cooling, then each device can perform its specific function independently, but energy is wasted as heat rejected by one device is not absorbed by another device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hot water heating, space heating, and space cooling devices into a single integrated system where the heat exchangers serve multiple functions. The same heat exchangers that cool spaces also transfer heat to water for hot water heating, eliminating waste heat loss and reducing the need for multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchangers in the system are designed to perform multiple functions: they act as cooling coils for space cooling and simultaneously serve as heat sources for water heating. This multi-functionality allows the system to harness and utilize heat energy that would otherwise be wasted, improving overall energy efficiency.
2Productivity
If multiple discrete devices are used for hot water heating and space conditioning, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the system requires multiple devices operating simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges hot water heating, space heating, and space cooling into a single integrated system. The heat exchangers are configured to simultaneously provide space cooling and water heating, reducing the number of devices needed while maintaining or improving system efficiency through synergistic heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal heat exchangers that can operate in multiple modes: cooling spaces during summer while heating water, providing space heating during winter, and supplying hot water year-round. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
3Use of energy by moving object
If waste heat energy is not utilized, then the system operation is simpler, but energy consumption of gas and electricity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat energy rejected by space cooling devices into a beneficial resource for hot water heating. The heat exchangers are configured to capture heat that would otherwise be lost to the surroundings and transfer it to water, turning energy waste into useful energy production and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers heat energy that would normally be discarded during space cooling operations. The heat exchangers capture and transfer this recovered heat to the water supply, ensuring that energy is not wasted but instead reused for hot water heating, thereby reducing the need for additional energy input from gas or electricity.
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 provides a single unit for hot water, space heating, and cooling, reducing energy loads by utilizing waste heat and ambient air energy, thus enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the need for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump operably connected to the space; a secondary heat exchanger operably connecting the liquid flow loop and the heat pump
Implementation Method 2
an air-to-liquid heat exchanger disposed on the air inlet end
Implementation Method 3
a blower adapted to move air through the air-to-liquid heat exchanger and operably connected to the main heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
a burner thermally coupled to the main heat exchanger, adapted to heat the liquid
Implementation Method 5
a fluid mover for moving a liquid through the liquid flow loop
Data Source
AI summary
A combined water heating, space heating and space cooling system configured to provide hot water to a point of demand and heat or cool a space. The system comprises a heat pump operably connected to the space, a water flow loop including a main heat exchanger, a fluid mover for moving a fluid configured to flow within the flow loop, an air-to-water heat exchanger, a burner adapted to heat the fluid, a blower having an air inlet end and an air outlet end, wherein the blower is adapted to move air through the air-to-water heat exchanger and operably connected to the main heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger operably connecting the flow loop and the heat pump. The air-to-water heat exchanger is disposed on the air inlet end and the main heat exchanger is disposed on the air outlet end.