A hybrid thermal plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid thermal plants have complex hydraulic circuits that hinder optimal exploitation of heat sources for both sanitary water and air conditioning, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
An interface module simplifies the connection between heat sources, sanitary water plants, and air conditioning plants by using a tank with separate chambers and conduits to manage the flow of technical water, optimizing the use of heat sources and reducing compressor off-cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex hydraulic circuit is used to connect heat sources with sanitary water plant and air conditioning plant, then the connection can be established, but the structure becomes overly complex and optimal exploitation of heat sources is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit is segmented into functional modules: a common supply header for both sanitary water and air conditioning circuits, separate return circuits, and an interface module with storage tank. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each circuit while maintaining overall system simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The common supply header serves both the sanitary water plant and the air conditioning plant simultaneously, allowing a single heat source to efficiently serve multiple functions. The interface module also provides multiple functions including storage, mixing, and temperature regulation for both circuits.
2Productivity
If the existing hydraulic circuit is used, then the system can operate, but optimal exploitation of heat sources is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank in the interface module pre-heats or pre-cools water before it enters the heat pump or boiler, reducing the temperature differential and improving heat source efficiency. This preliminary action allows the heat sources to operate at optimal conditions more frequently.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module acts as an intermediary between the heat sources and the two consumer circuits (sanitary water and air conditioning). It buffers and regulates flow and temperature, allowing heat sources to operate independently at optimal conditions while meeting the varying demands of both circuits.
3Device complexity
If the hydraulic circuit is simplified, then the structure becomes less complex, but the ability to optimize heat source exploitation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank in the interface module automatically accumulates and releases thermal energy based on system demands, self-regulating the temperature and flow to both circuits without complex control mechanisms. This maintains reliable heat source performance while keeping the hydraulic circuit simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module enables parameter changes in temperature and flow rate to both the sanitary water and air conditioning circuits independently, allowing heat sources to operate at optimal parameters while the simplified hydraulic circuit maintains system reliability through passive thermal buffering.
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 interface module enhances the performance and reliability of the hybrid thermal plant by minimizing flow losses, reducing noise, and optimizing the performance of the heat pump, while simplifying the plant's structure and reducing the need for complex hydraulic circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump (11) having a compressor (11a), a first heat exchanger (12) configured to selectively heat or cool the technical water circulating in the technical water circuit
Implementation Method 2
a boiler (10) having a burner (20) configured to heat the technical water circulating in the technical water circuit
Implementation Method 3
a first heat exchanger (12) configured to selectively heat or cool the technical water circulating in the technical water circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An interface module for a hybrid thermal plant (1) is provided with a first inlet (31) couplable to a heat pump supply conduit (22) configured to receive technical water heated by a heat pump (11); a second inlet (32) couplable to an air-conditioning return conduit (7) configured to receive return technical water from an air-conditioning plant (3); a first outlet (34) couplable to a boiler return conduit (21) configured to supply return technical water to a boiler (10); and a second outlet (35) couplable to a heat pump return conduit (23) configured to supply return technical water to the heat pump (11); the interface module (15) being configured so as to selectively connect the first inlet (31) with the first outlet (34) and/or the second inlet (32) with the second outlet (35) or the second inlet (32) with the first outlet (34) on the basis of the operative conditions of the boiler (10) and of the heat pump (11).