Multi-Route Refrigerant Valve for Combined Air and Water Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vapor-compression refrigeration systems are inefficient in energy consumption and require separate and costly maintenance for air conditioning, heating, and water heating functions, necessitating additional systems and installations.
Innovation Solution
An air heating, air conditioning, and water heating system incorporating a multi-communicative valve unit that selectively establishes refrigerant flowing routes for simultaneous refrigeration, air heating, and water heating functions, utilizing superheated vapor refrigerant to efficiently transfer heat for water heating without relying solely on electricity or gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional vapor-compression refrigeration system is used for air conditioning and heating, then basic refrigeration and heating functions are provided, but energy consumption is high and separate water heating systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating three separate functions (air conditioning, heating, and water heating) into a single refrigeration system. The multi-communicative valve unit enables the refrigerant to flow through different paths to simultaneously or alternatively perform all three functions, eliminating the need for separate water heating systems and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the water heating function with the existing air conditioning and heating system. By combining these functions into one system with a shared compressor, condenser, and evaporator, the patent reduces the total number of components and eliminates redundant operations, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining functional versatility.
2Reliability
If separate systems are installed for air conditioning, heating, and water heating, then each function can be optimized independently, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-communicative valve unit enables a single system to perform multiple functions (air conditioning, heating, and water heating) by selectively routing refrigerant flow. This approach maintains system reliability by using proven refrigeration components while reducing device complexity compared to having three separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines three separate systems into one integrated system, sharing common components such as the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. This merging reduces the overall complexity of the system architecture and maintenance requirements while maintaining the reliability of each individual function through proper refrigerant flow control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If superheated vapor refrigerant is used for water heating, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system requires precise control of refrigerant flow routes
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-communicative valve unit acts as an intermediary device that automatically controls and directs refrigerant flow through different paths based on the required function. This mediator simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual control of complex flow routes, while still enabling the efficient use of superheated vapor refrigerant for water heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic flow control through the multi-communicative valve unit, which can rapidly switch between different refrigerant flow configurations. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize energy efficiency by directing superheated vapor to the water heater when needed, while maintaining ease of operation through automated control rather than manual intervention.
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 achieves energy-efficient operation by using superheated vapor refrigerant for water heating, reducing the need for separate systems and lowering maintenance costs, while providing effective air conditioning and air heating capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor 201 is arranged to compress the refrigerant to a higher pressure, and usually to a higher temperature and the refrigerant becomes superheated vapor
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerant leaving the four-way valve 200 is then guided to flow into the condenser 202, where the superheated vapor of the refrigerant is then cooled by flowing through a coil or tubes, and cooling agent, such as air or water, is arranged to flow across the coil or the tubes. The refrigerant performs heat exchange with the water flowing in the condenser 202
Implementation Method 3
The superheated vapor of the refrigerant is then condensed to become saturated liquid state
Implementation Method 4
When the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve 208, it undergoes an abrupt reduction in pressure and results in adiabatic flash evaporation. The temperature of the refrigerant is then substantially lowered
Implementation Method 5
When the refrigerant has entered the heat exchanger 203, it is arranged to perform heat exchange with other heat exchange mediums, such as water, so as to absorb heat from that medium. The refrigerant is then evaporated
Data Source
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AI summary
An air heating, air conditioning and water heating system includes a multi- communicative valve unit, a compressor arranged for compressing the refrigerant in a state of superheated vapor, a condenser communicated with the compressor through the multi-communicative valve unit, a heat exchanger communicated with the condenser through the multi- communicative valve unit, an expansion valve, and a water heater communicated with the heat exchanger and the compressor through the multi-communicative valve unit, wherein the multi- communicative valve unit is arranged to be operated to selectively establish at least an air conditioning route, an air heating route, and a water heating route for the refrigerant so that the air heating, air conditioning and water heating system is capable of selectively providing air conditioning, heating and delivering hot water for a predetermined premises.