Jet Pump Flow Regulation for Multi-Source Heat Utilization Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating multiple heat sources with different properties into a single heat utilization system is challenging due to variations in required flow rates, flow and return temperatures, and other parameters, making it difficult to optimize their operation and achieve efficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A heat utilization system with a common heat transfer medium circuit system, where at least one heat source is preceded by a jet pump, allowing for independent regulation of flow and return temperatures, and using a central circulation pump unit to manage the entire system, enabling the combination of heat sources with different operating characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heat sources with different properties are integrated into a single heat utilization system, then the system can provide diverse heat supply capabilities, but it becomes difficult to optimize the operation of each heat source due to varying flow rates and temperature requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the heat transfer fluid circulation into separate controllable paths for each heat source. Each heat source has its own jet pump that can independently regulate flow rate and temperature, allowing each heat source to operate at its optimal point regardless of the requirements of other heat sources or heat consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet pumps are designed with dynamic flow regulation capabilities, allowing the flow rate through each heat source to be continuously adjusted. This enables the system to adapt to changing operational requirements and optimize the performance of each heat source in real-time based on current conditions.
2Ease of operation
If individual circulation pumps are installed for each heat source, then each heat source can be independently controlled, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Jet pumps are used as intermediary devices that leverage the existing differential pressure in the heat transfer medium circuit to achieve flow regulation without requiring separate powered circulation pumps for each heat source. The jet pumps mix hot heat transfer fluid from the heat source with cooler return fluid, achieving temperature and flow control through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the differential pressure naturally present in the heat transfer medium circuit between flow and return lines to drive the jet pumps. This eliminates the need for additional powered circulation pumps, as the system's own operational pressure differential provides the driving force for fluid circulation and mixing.
3Productivity
If jet pumps are installed upstream of heat sources to regulate flow and temperature, then each heat source can operate at its optimum point, but the system requires additional jet pump components
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs jet pumps that operate on hydraulic principles, using the kinetic energy of the incoming heat transfer fluid to create suction and mix hot and cool fluids. This hydraulic approach eliminates the need for mechanical pumps, motors, and power transmission components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective flow and temperature control.
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 solution allows for optimal operation of each heat source, reduces the need for individual circulation pumps, and achieves cost-optimized and energy-efficient operation by adjusting volume flow distribution between sources, prioritizing free heat sources like solar energy while maintaining energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The heat pump extracts heat transfer fluid from the flow of the heat source and mixes it with the return
Implementation Method 2
a single central circulation pump unit in the heat transfer medium circuit. This is formed, for example, by a single electric pump
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The energy recovery system (1) comprises two heat sources (2), and a heat carrier circulation system (7) for the transportation of heat from the heat sources to a heat consumer. A central circulating pump unit (21) is provided for maintaining a heat carrier circulation flow into the heat carrier circulation system with a jet pump (16) before one of the heat sources.