Methods systems and devices for controlling temperature and humidity using excess energy from a combined heat and power system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combined heat and power systems face challenges in economically utilizing excess energy and reducing carbon emissions, with inefficiencies in heat recovery and packaging, as well as compliance with environmental regulations, particularly in residential applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an energy generation sub-system with a replaceable engine and generators that captures excess energy to produce electricity, heat, and exhaust gases, which is then stored and distributed to control temperature and humidity in a dwelling through an energy distribution sub-system, including coils, fans, and a humidity control sub-section, utilizing energy storage and distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If excess heat energy is captured and stored for later use, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional heat exchangers and storage vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts waste heat energy that would otherwise be lost into a useful resource by capturing it through heat exchangers and storing it in thermal storage vessels. This recovered heat is then utilized for water heating and space heating applications, transforming a harmful energy loss into a beneficial energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage system serves multiple functions: it stores excess heat from the engine, provides hot water for domestic use, and supplies heat for space heating. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated solution.
2Loss of energy
If a combined heat and power system is integrated into a dwelling, then energy efficiency is improved, but packaging and space requirements become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the combined heat and power system components within the dwelling structure by nesting the engine, generators, and thermal storage vessels in a compact configuration. The system is designed to fit within available spaces such as utility rooms or basements, with components arranged to minimize overall footprint while maintaining functional efficiency.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If excess energy is utilized for humidity control, then environmental compliance is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates control mechanisms that monitor humidity levels and temperature within the dwelling, automatically adjusting the operation of the combined heat and power system and thermal storage to maintain optimal conditions. This feedback control ensures efficient utilization of excess energy for humidity management while preventing over-complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
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 effectively recovers and utilizes excess energy to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels in a dwelling, reducing energy waste and carbon emissions while meeting environmental compliance, enhancing energy efficiency and packaging design.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger operable to transfer heat from the coolant to the liquid in the vessel
Implementation Method 2
a pump operable to circulate the heated liquid from the vessel
Implementation Method 3
coils operable to circulate coolant heated coolant by energy received from the energy generation sub-system, and fans operable to direct air over the heated coils to heat the directed air
Data Source
AI summary
A combined heat and power system generates energy and efficiently captures a percentage of such energy that would otherwise be lost to, among other things, control the temperature and humidity of a house or dwelling.