Multi-Circuit Heat Pump with Integrated Control Unit Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-circuit heat pump systems face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat generated by control unit components, particularly when refrigerant loops are not operating, leading to overheating risks and increased complexity and cost due to the need for additional cooling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates heat exchanger means, such as heat sinks, in thermal connection with control unit components and refrigerant loops, allowing heat dissipation regardless of refrigerant loop operation, without requiring separate cooling circuits or fans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If forced air cooling is used for control board, then heat dissipation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional cooling fan and control electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing refrigerant circulation system by integrating a heat exchanger into the refrigerant loop. The heat exchanger absorbs heat from the control board and transfers it to the refrigerant, eliminating the need for separate cooling fans and control electronics while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant circulation system is given a dual function: it continues to perform its primary cooling/heating function while simultaneously serving as a heat dissipation system for the control board through the integrated heat exchanger. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If cooling fan is added for control board, then heat dissipation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged into the existing refrigerant circulation system through an integrated heat exchanger, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate cooling fans and control electronics, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant circulation system serves itself by simultaneously cooling the controlled environment and dissipating heat from the control board through the heat exchanger, eliminating the need for additional dedicated cooling components.
3Reliability
If separate cooling circuit is used for electronic components, then heat dissipation reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control board cooling function with the existing refrigerant circulation system through a heat exchanger integrated into the refrigerant loop, eliminating the need for a separate cooling circuit while maintaining reliable heat dissipation.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If control board cooling is implemented, then electronic component durability is improved, but system complexity increases without refrigerant loop integration
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function for the control board is merged with the existing refrigerant circulation system through an integrated heat exchanger, extending component durability while avoiding additional system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant circulation system performs multiple functions simultaneously: environmental cooling/heating and control board heat dissipation, thereby extending component life without increasing system complexity.
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 ensures reliable and efficient heat dissipation for control components, improving durability and reducing system complexity and cost by leveraging existing refrigerant loops for cooling, even when they are not active.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchanger means in thermal connection with said control unit and with at least two of said loops
Implementation Method 2
exchange heat between any control component of said control unit and at least one refrigerant fluid when it circulates in the corresponding loop
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relative to a multi-circuit heat pump system (1). The system comprises a plurality of refrigerant loops (11, 12) each one for the circulation of a refrigerant fluid (R1, R2). Each refrigerant loops (11, 12) comprises a compressor (31, 32) and an expansion means (41, 42) respectively for the compression and expansion of the relative refrigerant fluid (R1, R2). each of said refrigerant loop (11, 12) exchanging thermal energy with a user side fluid (F1) and with an external side fluid (F2), wherein said heat pump system (1) comprises a control unit (5) provided with electronic components (510, 520, 610, 620) for controlling its operation. According to the invention, the heat pump system (1) comprises heat exchanger means (10) in thermal connection with said control unit (5) and with at least two of said loops (11, 12), wherein said heat exchanger means are configured to exchange heat between any control component (510, 520, 610, 620) of said control unit (5) and at least one refrigerant fluid (R1, R2) of a corresponding loop (11, 12).