Heating and cooling apparatus, and the associated method of making such an apparatus
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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 apparatus with dedicated and independent heating and cooling fluid loops, allowing for separate fluid mixtures to be used, and a refrigerant line system that selectively directs flow through different heat exchangers to achieve heating-only, cooling-only, or concurrent heating and cooling modes of operation, eliminating the need for glycol in all loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
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 system divides the fluid loops into separate heating and cooling loops, allowing each loop to use optimized fluid compositions. The heating loop can use water-glycol mixture while the cooling loop uses pure water, eliminating the need for glycol in the cooling loop and improving heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fluid compositions are applied to different parts of the system based on local requirements. The heating loop uses glycol-containing fluid for freeze protection, while the cooling loop uses pure water for optimal heat transfer, matching fluid properties to specific operational needs.
2Reliability
If conventional modular systems use glycol solutions in all fluid loops, then freeze protection is provided for outdoor installations, but heat transfer efficiency decreases and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid loops to apply freeze protection only where needed. The heating loop that may be exposed to outdoor conditions uses glycol for freeze protection, while the cooling loop that operates in controlled environments uses pure water for efficient heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Glycol is applied locally only to the heating loop where freeze protection is required, rather than system-wide. This localized application maintains reliability for outdoor operations while minimizing the negative impact on heat transfer efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use three-way valves and fluid switching methods, then heating and cooling modes can be switched, but fluid mixing occurs between heating, cooling and source loops
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate, dedicated valves for each fluid loop (heating loop valve and cooling loop valve) rather than three-way valves that mix fluids. This segmentation prevents mixing between heating, cooling, and source loops while maintaining the ability to switch between heating and cooling modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces independent control valves as intermediaries between the refrigerant loops and the heating/cooling fluid loops. These valves act as mediators that control fluid flow without causing mixing, allowing precise control over when heating or cooling modes are active.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional systems require glycol in all fluid loops, then consistent freeze protection is maintained across all loops, but system operating costs increase and heat transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different fluid compositions to different loops based on their specific operational requirements. The heating loop uses glycol-containing fluid for freeze protection, while the cooling loop uses pure water for optimal heat transfer, allowing each loop to have the composition stability it needs without compromising overall system efficiency.
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 enhances efficiency and reduces costs by allowing the use of water without glycol, improving heat transfer efficiency and flexibility in matching heating and cooling demands, while maintaining separate fluid loops to prevent mixing.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant line system configurable for selectively directing flow of a refrigerant fluid through: the first and third heat exchangers and a compressor for cooling the first fluid
Implementation Method 2
the first and third heat exchangers and a compressor for cooling the first fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Conventional modular heating and cooling systems typically use a single fluid in the cooling, heating and source fluid loops due to the mixing of fluids in the system. In the present disclosure, there is provided a modular heating system comprising at least one heating and cooling apparatus (100). The apparatus comprises a first heat exchanger (104), a second heat exchanger (106) and a third heat exchanger (108). The apparatus further comprises a refrigerant line system (114a-b, 116a-b, 118a-b) 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 exchangers 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.