Heat pump with storage tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pumps are unable to effectively adapt to temperature fluctuations in the heat sink and heat source, leading to reduced efficiency as the fluid level in the condenser is non-controllable, resulting in inadequate reaction to temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a reservoir and a heat pump that includes a piston to regulate the fluid level in the condenser, allowing for translational movement of the piston to control the fluid level, thereby adjusting the supercooling of the working fluid in response to temperature fluctuations, enhancing the coefficient of performance (COP) and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the heat pump operates with a closed working circuit and constant fluid level, then the system structure is simple, but the heat pump cannot adapt to temperature fluctuations in the heat sink, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable piston in the reservoir that can dynamically adjust the fluid level in the condenser based on temperature fluctuations. The piston moves vertically to change the volume of working fluid in the condenser, transforming the static closed circuit into a dynamic system that adapts to varying thermal conditions while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fluid level parameter in the condenser by moving the piston up or down. This parameter change allows the heat pump to optimize its performance under different temperature conditions by adjusting the amount of working fluid in contact with the heat sink, thereby improving adaptability without complex control systems
2Loss of energy
If the fluid level in the condenser is increased to improve subcooling, then the coefficient of performance increases, but the device complexity increases due to the need for fluid level control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is designed to move automatically in response to temperature fluctuations without requiring external control systems. The system self-regulates the fluid level by utilizing the physical connection between the reservoir and condenser, allowing the heat pump to optimize its coefficient of performance through self-service rather than complex active control
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir with the piston acts as an intermediary between the working fluid and the heat sink. This intermediate component allows for controlled adjustment of the fluid level, enabling optimization of subcooling and coefficient of performance while isolating the complexity of the adjustment mechanism from the main heat pump system
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 solution enables the heat pump to efficiently adapt to temperature fluctuations by regulating the fluid level in the condenser, increasing the enthalpy difference and improving the coefficient of performance (COP), thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for an oversized working fluid quantity.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid level of the working fluid in the condenser is regulated by the piston, for example by a translatory movement of the piston, in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
condensed working fluid accumulates at the bottom of the condenser, with the condensed working fluid being subcooled in the condenser by thermal contact with a heat sink
Implementation Method 3
heat pumps transfer the heat absorbed from a heat source to a heat sink
Implementation Method 4
the working fluid circulates within a working circuit of the heat pump... condensed working fluid accumulates at the bottom of the condenser
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) which comprises a storage tank (2, 3) and a heat pump (4). Said heat pump (4) comprises at least one condenser (6), an expansion valve (8), an evaporator (10) and a compressor (12). Said heat pump (4) comprises a working circuit (42) for a circulating working fluid (24). Said storage tank (2, 3) is arranged between the condenser (6) and the evaporator (10) with respect to the working circuit (42) and the storage tank (2, 3) for controlling a fluid level of the working fluid (24) in the condenser comprises a piston (14) and/or a membrane (16).