Heating medium circulation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating medium circulation systems have a complex device configuration due to the need for two three-way valves to switch between supplying heating medium from a heat pump device and a heat storage tank to an air conditioning heat exchanger.
Innovation Solution
A simplified device configuration using a three-way valve and check valves to allow the heating medium to flow directly from the heat storage tank or heat pump device to the supply channel without passing through the heat storage tank, enabling efficient circulation operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two three-way valves are used to switch between heat pump device and heat storage tank supply, then the system can achieve flexible operation modes, but the device configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one three-way valve from the conventional configuration and replaces it with a check valve, extracting the unnecessary complexity while preserving the dual-source supply capability through alternative flow path design
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve acts as an intermediary component that automatically directs flow based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex valve switching mechanisms while maintaining the ability to switch between heat pump and heat storage tank supply modes
2Loss of energy
If heating medium flows through the heat storage tank from the heat pump device, then heat exchange can occur, but the system efficiency reduces due to unnecessary circulation path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circulation system into distinct paths: one through the heat storage tank for heat exchange, and another bypass path for direct supply, allowing selective activation based on operational requirements to avoid unnecessary energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow path based on real-time conditions using the check valve mechanism, automatically selecting the most efficient path (through tank or bypass) without manual intervention, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and productivity
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 a straightforward operation where the heating medium can flow from the heat storage tank or be heated by the heat pump device without passing through the tank, enhancing system efficiency and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the heating medium can flow directly from the heat storage tank or heat pump device to the supply channel without passing through the heat storage tank
Implementation Method 2
heating means that heats a heating medium
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A heating medium circulation system 35 includes a heat pump device 7 that heats a heating medium, a heat storage tank 8 that stores the heated heating medium, supply channels 16b and 16c through which the heating medium supplied to an indoor-heating terminal 100 flows, a first flow channel 16a through which the heating medium flowing out from the heat pump device 7 is caused to flow into the supply channel 16b without passing through the heat storage tank 8, a second flow channel 15b through which the heating medium flowing out from the heat pump device 7 is caused to flow into the heat storage tank 8, a three-way valve 18 that switches between the first flow channel 16a and the second flow channel 15b, a third flow channel 10b through which the heating medium flowing out from the heat storage tank 8 is caused to flow into the supply channel 16b, and a first check valve 60 that is disposed in the third flow channel 10b.