Apparatuses and methods for modular heating and cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular heating and cooling systems require the same fluid mixture for heating and cooling cycles, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the use of glycol solutions, which are less effective and more expensive than water for heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A modular heating and cooling system with dedicated and independent fluid loops allows for separate heating and cooling fluids, using a refrigerant line system to configure different modes of operation, including cooling-only, heating-only, and concurrent heating and cooling, with a third heat exchanger acting as either a heat source or sink, enabling the use of different fluids in each loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional modular systems use the same fluid mixture for heating and cooling cycles, then the system can operate with a single fluid loop configuration, but heat transfer efficiency decreases and operating costs increase due to the use of glycol solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid loop into separate heating and cooling circuits, allowing each loop to use optimally suited fluids. The heating loop can use water while the cooling loop uses glycol solution, eliminating the need to use glycol in both loops and thereby improving heat transfer efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design
2Reliability
If glycol solution is used in fluid loops, then the system can operate in outdoor conditions with freezing protection, but heat transfer efficiency decreases and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different fluid compositions to different parts of the system based on local requirements. Outdoor loops exposed to freezing conditions use glycol solutions for protection, while indoor or heated loops use water for superior heat transfer efficiency. This localized approach optimizes both reliability and energy efficiency
3Device complexity
If the same fluid type is used in all fluid loops, then the system configuration is simplified, but flexibility in matching heating and cooling requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic fluid distribution system with configurable routing that allows the refrigerant to be directed to different heat exchangers based on real-time heating and cooling demands. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to varying load requirements while maintaining a relatively simple physical infrastructure
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 configuration enhances efficiency and reduces costs by allowing the use of water without glycol in some loops, improving heat transfer efficiency and flexibility in matching heating and cooling requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger; a compressor; a refrigerant line system coupled to the first, second and third heat exchangers and configurable to: direct refrigerant fluid through the first and third heat exchangers and the compressor, to cool the first fluid
Implementation Method 2
direct the refrigerant fluid through the second and third heat exchangers and the compressor, to heat the second fluid, in a second mode of operation
Implementation Method 3
a compressor; a refrigerant line system coupled to the first, second and third heat exchangers and configurable to: direct refrigerant fluid through the first and third heat exchangers and the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
Modular heating and cooling systems may include one or more modules connected to a fluid input and fluid output. A modular heating system includes at least one heating and cooling apparatus. The apparatus includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger. The apparatus further includes a refrigerant line system coupled to the first (e.g. cooling), second (e.g. heating) and third (e.g. source) heat exchangers and configurable for selectively directing refrigerant fluid through the heat exchanger to provide multiple modes of operation. The heating, cooling and source fluid loops may be separate and independent such that the fluids do not mix.