Highly efficient heating system using air-water-heat pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating systems with heat pumps face inefficiencies due to complex control issues, particularly 'clocking' problems, where frequent switching occurs, leading to high load on the heat pump and reduced efficiency, especially in highly insulated buildings with varying thermal resistances.
Innovation Solution
A heating system that employs a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control block and a clock generator to regulate the heat pump's operation, allowing for stable and continuous temperature control by adjusting the duty cycle of the heat pump's on-off signal based on temperature deviations, enabling efficient operation across a wide range of flow temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a higher flow temperature is used to achieve stable temperature control, then temperature stability is improved, but heat pump efficiency deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heat pump's operating parameters including flow temperature based on real-time heating demand and outdoor conditions. The control system modulates the heat pump output to match actual requirements, avoiding fixed high temperature operation that wastes energy while maintaining temperature stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow temperature parameter dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed high temperature. The control system adjusts temperature setpoints based on outdoor temperature, heating demand, and heat pump performance characteristics, optimizing the balance between temperature stability and energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the flow temperature is reduced to increase heat pump efficiency, then heat pump efficiency is improved, but the switching frequency increases leading to more frequent starts and stops
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary heating actions by raising the flow temperature above the immediate requirement when the heat pump is running. This creates a thermal buffer that prevents frequent cycling by ensuring the temperature remains above the switch-off threshold for longer periods, reducing start-stop frequency while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system cushions against temperature fluctuations by maintaining a temperature margin above the minimum required level. This cushion prevents the temperature from dropping to the switch-off point too quickly, thereby reducing the frequency of restarts and improving operational reliability.
3Device complexity
If mixing valves are omitted to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature regulation precision deteriorates due to thermal resistance in the heat distribution system
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the flow temperature and comparing it with the desired setpoint. Based on the temperature deviation, the system adjusts the heat pump operation to compensate for thermal resistance effects in the heat distribution system, maintaining precise temperature regulation without requiring mixing valves.
4Ease of operation
If inverter control is used to allow continuous operation, then switching frequency is reduced, but the heat output remains too high during low demand periods due to high Carnot efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies partial action by operating the heat pump at reduced capacity during low demand periods. Rather than running at full power continuously, the system modulates the compressor speed and refrigerant flow to provide only the necessary heat output, preventing overheating while maintaining continuous operation benefits.
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 achieves precise and stable room temperature regulation, reducing switching frequency and improving heat pump efficiency by allowing necessary flow temperature fluctuations, thus minimizing energy losses and maintaining comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generation system with at least one heat pump (111)
Implementation Method 2
a predominantly water-based heat transport system (2)
Implementation Method 3
a predominantly water-based heat transport system (2)
Implementation Method 4
a heat emission system with at least one surface heat emission module (31, 32)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
A heating system for buildings with a heat pump (111), a water-based heat transport system (2), heat dissipation mainly via surface modules (31, 32) such as underfloor or wall heating and a control system (5) with indoor temperature recording (51) is controlled via a PID Control block (53) controlled. A clock generator (54) enables the heat output generated to be infinitely adjusted over the entire range from 0% to 100% of the rated output. The heating system is characterized by easy adjustability, high control stability and high efficiency.