Multi-functional heat pump apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems are inefficient in managing humidity levels outside of peak cooling months, leading to uncomfortable indoor conditions, as they either require additional equipment or decrease efficiency when attempting to dehumidify without cooling or reheat air.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional heat pump system with two indoor heat exchangers, a compressor, a reversing valve, a thermal expansion valve, and a three-way switching valve, allowing for independent heating, cooling, and dehumidification by configuring the heat exchangers in parallel for heating and cooling modes and in series for dehumidification, with the three-way valve switching flow to optimize dehumidification without significant temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional air conditioning systems run to cool the space, then cooling is achieved, but dehumidification cannot be achieved independently without further cooling the space to uncomfortable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the heat exchanger into two separate portions (first and second portions) that can be configured in different arrangements. This allows independent control of cooling and dehumidification functions, enabling dehumidification without necessarily cooling the entire space to uncomfortable levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the heat exchanger portions between series and parallel arrangements based on operational mode. The three-way switching valve enables dynamic switching between series configuration (for dehumidification) and parallel configuration (for cooling), allowing the system to adapt to different environmental conditions and maintain comfortable temperatures while dehumidifying.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional equipment is added to dehumidify air independently, then dehumidification capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure with two portions that can be configured differently. The same heat exchanger components serve both cooling and dehumidification modes, eliminating the need for separate dehumidification equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the cooling and dehumidification functions into a single heat pump system with a unified heat exchanger assembly. By combining these functions in one system rather than using separate equipment, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability for both cooling and dehumidification operations.
3Temperature
If reheat heat exchangers are added to maintain temperature after dehumidification, then temperature control is improved, but energy consumption and pressure drop increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic configuration switching between series and parallel heat exchanger arrangements to control supply air temperature. In dehumidification mode, the series arrangement allows precise control of air temperature and humidity independently, eliminating the need for additional reheat exchangers and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the heat exchanger portions by switching between series and parallel configurations. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both dehumidification and temperature control in a single stage, avoiding the energy-wasting reheat process required by conventional systems.
4Productivity
If the heat exchanger operates in parallel configuration, then cooling efficiency is improved, but dehumidification capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between parallel and series configurations of the heat exchanger portions based on the required function. The three-way switching valve enables this dynamic reconfiguration, allowing the system to operate in parallel mode for efficient cooling and in series mode for effective dehumidification, thus achieving both high cooling efficiency and dehumidification capability.
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 dehumidifies air while maintaining comfortable temperatures, reducing energy consumption and equipment costs by decoupling latent and sensible capacities, making it suitable for year-round use in various climate conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The indoor heat exchangers exchange heat between a working medium and air to be conditioned
Implementation Method 2
The indoor heat exchangers exchange heat between a working medium and air to be conditioned
Implementation Method 3
The outdoor heat exchanger exchanges heat between the working medium and outside air
Implementation Method 4
a compressor
Implementation Method 5
the thermal expansion valve reduces pressure of the working medium
Implementation Method 6
The indoor heat exchangers operate as parallel evaporators downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger in cooling mode, as parallel condensers upstream of the outdoor heat exchanger in heating mode
Data Source
AI summary
A system and related methods for heating, cooling, and dehumidifying air is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system includes an indoor unit having a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly. When the system is operating in a cooling mode or a heating mode, the first coil and second coil are in parallel fluid communication. When the system is in a dehumidifying mode, the first coil and second coil are in serial fluid communication, which enables the first coil to function as a condenser and the second coil to function as an evaporator. In an embodiment, the system includes an outdoor unit, such as a heat pump or an air conditioning condensing unit. The outdoor unit includes a heat exchanger fan responsive to dehumidifying mode by reducing fan speed, or deactivating the fan entirely. The disclosed system provides negligible or no change in sensible heat while providing dehumidification.