Heat transfer system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of energy for heating and cooling in urban areas leads to negative environmental impacts, highlighting the need for improved energy utilization in existing energy distribution grids.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer system incorporating a heating circuit, a cooling circuit, and a heat pump with interconnected heat exchangers that allow heat absorbed in the cooling circuit to be reused for heating, reducing the need for heat extraction from buildings and energy supply through district heating or gas grids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heat is extracted from buildings for cooling and separately supplied for heating, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but energy utilization is inefficient and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating circuit and cooling circuit into a unified system where the heat pump connects both circuits. The heat exchangers are integrated such that heat extracted from buildings during cooling mode is transferred to the heating circuit, combining two separate energy flows into a coordinated system that eliminates waste and reduces environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat that would normally be discarded during cooling operations into a beneficial resource for heating. The heat pump system captures the heat extracted from buildings during cooling mode and redirects it to provide heating, transforming what was previously a loss into a useful energy source.
2Productivity
If separate heating and cooling grids are used, then heating and cooling demands are met, but energy distribution efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system serves multiple functions through a single integrated unit. It provides both heating and cooling capabilities while simultaneously managing heat transfer between buildings and the heat transfer fluid. The system acts as a multi-functional device that replaces or supplements separate heating and cooling grids, improving overall energy distribution efficiency.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If heat extracted from cooling is not reused, then cooling operation is simplified, but heating energy demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heat transfer preparation by capturing and storing heat from the cooling circuit before it is needed for heating. The heat pump proactively manages heat transfer between circuits, preparing thermal energy in advance rather than generating it on-demand, thereby reducing peak heating energy 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 system enhances energy utilization by reusing heat from the cooling circuit for heating, thereby lowering the demand for both cooling and heating energy, thus reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger (51) having a first circuit (52a) for circulating heat transfer fluid and a second circuit (52b) for circulating heat transfer fluid, wherein the first circuit has an inlet and an outlet connected to the cooling circuit
Implementation Method 2
a heat pump (50) configured to transfer heat from the cooling circuit (40) to the heating circuit (30)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a heat transfer system comprising a heating circuit having a feed conduit for an incoming flow of heat transfer fluid having a first temperature, and a return conduit for a return flow of heat transfer fluid having a second temperature, the second temperature being lower than the first temperature. The heat transfer system also includes a cooling circuit having a feed conduit for an incoming flow of heat transfer fluid having a third temperature, and a return conduit for a return flow of heat transfer fluid having a fourth temperature, the fourth temperature being higher than the third temperature, and a heat pump including a first heat exchanger having a first circuit for circulating heat transfer fluid and a second circuit for circulating heat transfer fluid.