Multi-Exchanger Heat Pump Flow Switching for Low-Temperature Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pumps face inefficiencies in heating and cooling performance, particularly at low outdoor temperatures due to frost formation and inadequate heat absorption, and there is a need to optimize both heating and cooling operations in systems with varying outdoor temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system with multiple heat exchangers and a flow path switching valve unit, along with a water injection module, allows for flexible operation modes where the first heat exchanger operates as a condenser or evaporator, and the second and third heat exchangers operate as evaporators or condensers in series or parallel configurations, optimizing heating and cooling efficiency through controlled fluid paths and water injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single heat exchanger is used outdoors, then the device complexity is low, but the heating performance is insufficient at low outdoor temperatures due to frost formation and inadequate heat absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor heat exchange function is divided into two separate heat exchangers (second and third heat exchangers) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the system to distribute heat absorption across multiple units, improving overall heating performance while managing frost formation more effectively through selective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second and third heat exchangers are designed to serve multiple functions: they can operate as evaporators for heat absorption, as condensers for heat release, or be connected in series/parallel configurations. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to varying outdoor temperatures and operational requirements, maintaining high heating performance across different conditions.
2Productivity
If the outdoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser during cooling, then cooling performance is achieved, but heating efficiency is reduced due to insufficient temperature increase of the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the roles of the second and third heat exchangers between evaporator and condenser functions based on operational mode (heating or cooling). During cooling, one heat exchanger acts as condenser while the other serves as evaporator, and this assignment can be reversed or adjusted based on thermal conditions, enabling optimal fluid temperature increase and heat transfer efficiency in both modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching the functional state of each heat exchanger (evaporator/condenser role) and adjusting their connection configuration (series/parallel). These parameter changes allow the fluid to undergo different temperature transformations suitable for either heating or cooling operations, resolving the conflict between cooling performance and heating efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heat exchangers are used with series or parallel connections, then both heating and cooling performance are optimized, but the flow path switching valve unit increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path switching valve unit is designed as a multi-functional component that can route the refrigerant fluid through various paths: connecting second and third heat exchangers in series or parallel, switching between heating and cooling modes, and enabling defrost operations. This single valve unit handles multiple operational requirements, achieving high adaptability while minimizing the number of additional components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path switching valve unit dynamically reconfigures the refrigerant circulation paths based on operational mode and thermal conditions. It can switch between series and parallel connections of the outdoor heat exchangers, change the direction of fluid flow for heating versus cooling, and adapt to different load conditions, providing versatile performance through dynamic control rather than multiple fixed-path valves.
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 heating performance by using multiple heat exchangers as evaporators and improves cooling efficiency by condensing fluids more effectively through water injection, thereby optimizing both heating and cooling operations across varying outdoor temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
heat passes through the compressor and is released to the outside in an outdoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
an indoor heat exchanger disposed indoors absorbs indoor heat through a pressure reducing means and performs evaporation
Implementation Method 3
the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant condenses in an indoor heat exchanger disposed indoors and releases heat
Implementation Method 4
the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant condenses in an indoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 5
improves cooling efficiency by condensing fluids more effectively through water injection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a heat pump and a control method thereof. The heat pump of the present invention includes: a first heat exchanger disposed indoors, a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger disposed outdoors, a fluid tube connected to the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, a compressor and an expansion valve unit disposed on the fluid tube, a flow path switching valve unit configured to switch a path of a fluid discharged from the compressor to flow into at least one of the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, a processor connected to the flow path switching valve unit, and a storage unit connected to the processor.