Hybrid air conditioning system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid systems with a second heat exchanger for domestic hot water heating (mono-thermic boiler) do not provide simultaneous defrost support and hot water heating.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid air conditioning system with a heat pump and a heating device, incorporating an ambient heating circuit and a domestic water heating circuit, utilizing a second plate heat exchanger, a heat transfer member, and a 3-way valve to manage refrigerant and heat medium circulation for simultaneous defrosting and hot water heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a mono-thermic boiler with one heat exchanger is used, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot provide simultaneous defrost support and hot water heating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboiler structureVSAvoidsimultaneous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heating system into two separate heat exchangers: a main heat exchanger for space heating and a secondary heat exchanger for domestic hot water heating. This segmentation allows independent operation of each heating function, enabling simultaneous defrost support and hot water heating without functional interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional boiler system where the first heat exchanger serves both space heating and defrost support functions, while the second heat exchanger handles domestic hot water heating. This universal design allows the boiler to perform multiple functions simultaneously through proper system configuration and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If water heated by flue gas heat in the main heat exchanger is directed to the second heat exchanger via a 3 Way Valve, then domestic hot water heating is achieved, but space heating cannot be provided simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehot water heating functionVSAvoidsimultaneous heating output
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a 3-way valve as an intermediary device that intelligently directs the flow of heated water from the main heat exchanger. By controlling the valve position, the system can direct water to either the space heating circuit or the domestic hot water circuit, or maintain both circuits operational simultaneously, thus resolving the conflict between hot water heating and space heating functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic flow control through the 3-way valve to adapt water distribution in real-time based on heating demands. The valve dynamically adjusts the proportion of heated water directed to different circuits, enabling flexible operation modes including simultaneous space heating and domestic hot water heating, thereby maintaining high productivity across varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables simultaneous defrost support and domestic hot water heating by optimizing refrigerant and heat medium circulation, ensuring efficient operation even in low-temperature environments.

Implementation Method 1

a second plate heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant heated by the heat pump and the heat medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a heat transfer member, an indoor unit pump, a first pipe connecting a first outlet of the second plate heat exchanger to a second inlet of the heat transfer member, and a second pipe connecting a second outlet of the heat transfer member to a first inlet of the second plate heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4696935A1Hybrid air conditioning system
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 DAIKIN EURO
  • EP4696935A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4696935A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4696935A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an air conditioning system (10) that provides simultaneous domestic hot water heating and defrosting operation support to a heat pump (40).