Multi-Temperature Heat Pump for Wide-Range Thermal Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pumps are inefficient for energy storage, particularly when dealing with large temperature ranges and multiple heat sources, as they require expensive multi-stage compression and are not optimized for wide temperature range heat absorption and emission.
Innovation Solution
A multi-temperature heat pump design that includes separate heat extraction units for different temperature ranges, with a fluid circuit that serially connects these units and incorporates a compressor or recuperator to boost the temperature of the working fluid, allowing for efficient heat collection from both low and high-temperature sources and storage in a thermal energy reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heat pumps are used for energy storage with large temperature ranges, then heat can be transferred from low temperature to high temperature, but expensive multi-stage compression is required
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system is divided into multiple independent heat extraction units, each optimized for a specific temperature range. The first heat extraction unit handles low temperature heat sources while the second unit handles high temperature heat sources. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently at its optimal temperature range, eliminating the need for complex multi-stage compression systems while achieving the overall temperature lift required for energy storage.
2Ease of operation
If conventional heat pumps operate with constant temperature heat collection and rejection, then the cycle is simple, but heat sources and storage devices are better suited to heat absorption and emission over a wide temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system dynamically adapts to varying temperature conditions by operating multiple heat extraction units at different temperature levels simultaneously. Rather than maintaining a single constant operating temperature, the system can adjust which units are active and at what temperatures based on the available heat sources and storage device conditions, optimizing performance across a wide temperature range while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If heat is collected from multiple heat sources at different temperatures, then energy collection efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the heat collection function into multiple dedicated units, each targeting a specific temperature range and heat source type. This segmentation simplifies the control and operation of each individual unit while collectively achieving high efficiency across multiple heat sources. The modular nature of segmented units allows for flexible configuration without proportionally increasing overall 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 design enables economically viable heat collection and storage from multiple sources, improving the overall efficiency of energy generation by leveraging both low and high-temperature sources, and extending the heat pump's operational efficiency through the use of compression and recuperation stages.
Implementation Method 1
extract heat from a low temperature heat reservoir by evaporating a working fluid
Implementation Method 2
compress the working fluid to increase the temperature
Implementation Method 3
condense the fluid back to liquid state by releasing the high temperature heat
Implementation Method 4
lower the pressure to its initial value with an expansion valve
Implementation Method 5
either a compressor or a recuperator (or both) are coupled to the via and disposed on the fluid circuit between the first heat extraction unit and the second heat extraction unit
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects of the invention a heat pump includes first and second heat extraction units to extract heat from first and second heat sources in first and second temperature ranges, respectively, where the second temperature range is, on average, higher than the first temperature range. A fluid via defines a pathway through which the working fluid flows serially from the first heat extraction unit to the second heat extraction unit to the thermal storage unit. A pressure reduction stage is coupled to the via and serially disposed on the fluid circuit between the thermal store and the first heat extraction unit. In addition, either a compressor or a recuperator (or both) are coupled to the via and disposed on the fluid circuit between the first heat extraction unit and the second heat extraction unit.