Integrated Storage Condensing Boiler for Hybrid Heat Pump Flow Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid heat pump plants are complex, bulky, and inefficient due to the need for multiple components and high flow rate discrepancies between heat pumps and boilers, leading to pressure drops and wasted energy.
Innovation Solution
A compact condensing boiler with integrated storage of technical liquid, allowing the same liquid to be pumped by a single circulation pump at a high flow rate typical of heat pumps, eliminating the need for additional inertial storage and reducing hydraulic component duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate inertial storage is added to hybrid plants, then heat pump reliability is improved, but device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the boiler and inertial storage into a single integrated unit. The boiler's internal volume contains both the combustion chamber and the thermal mass required for inertial storage, eliminating the need for separate storage tanks. This integration maintains heat pump reliability by providing sufficient thermal mass while reducing system complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The boiler is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the heat source for heating, provides inertial storage for heat pump stability, and enables domestic hot water production. The internal volume of the boiler acts as the thermal mass required for heat pump operation, making the boiler a multi-functional component that eliminates separate storage requirements.
2Reliability
If separate inertial storage is added to hybrid plants, then heat pump reliability is improved, but installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the boiler and inertial storage into one unit, eliminating the need for separate storage tanks and reducing installation space. The internal volume of the integrated boiler provides the necessary thermal mass, reducing material requirements and installation complexity while maintaining heat pump reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If boiler operates at high flow rate to match heat pump, then pressure drops increase, but flow rate compatibility is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic flow control with a bypass line that allows the boiler circulation pump to operate at low flow rates while maintaining system compatibility with heat pump requirements. The bypass enables the pump to run slowly, reducing pressure drops and energy losses, while the hybrid plant maintains adaptability through controlled flow distribution.
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 solution enables efficient operation with low pressure drops, high water flow rates, and reduced component duplication, optimizing hybrid plant performance and reducing costs by integrating the boiler and heat pump systems.
Implementation Method 1
a condensing boiler (1) for a hybrid plant, comprising a head (2), a bottom (3) and a shell (4) adapted to define an internal volume to create a storage of technical liquid
Implementation Method 2
condensing boiler
Implementation Method 3
The hybrid plant comprising the boiler according to the present invention does not need any additional inertial storage of technical liquid, because the internal volume of the boiler is such that it ensures said thermal inertia function
Implementation Method 4
The significant integrated storage of technical liquid avoids close cycles of the heat pump compressor and excessive temperature reductions (freezing) during defrosting
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A condensing boiler (1) for a hybrid plant is described comprising two heat sources, namely said boiler (1) and a heat pump, wherein the boiler (1) is provided with a burner suitable for generating hot flue gas, a bundle of exchanging plates (7), an inlet (41) and an outlet (42) of technical liquid for a room heating apparatus of the hybrid plant. The boiler (1) has a head (2), a bottom (3), and a shell (4) adapted to define an internal volume for the storage of technical liquid. A separation frame (6) is provided in the internal volume of the boiler (1), adapted to divide said internal volume into a first chamber (51) and a second chamber (52).