Optimized heating and cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiant heat systems for buildings are inefficient due to poor coefficients of performance and require continuous operation during peak temperature extremes, leading to high energy consumption and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates phase change materials (PCMs) into thermal masses, which are heated or cooled using geothermal or conventional energy sources, allowing for efficient storage and release of thermal energy, optimizing energy use and reducing peak demand through a control system that processes various inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If radiant heat systems operate continuously during peak temperature extremes, then the temperature of the thermal mass is maintained for comfortable environment, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats or pre-cools the thermal mass during off-peak hours when energy costs are lower, so that the stored thermal energy can be released during peak temperature extremes. This preliminary action reduces the need for continuous operation during high-demand periods, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining comfortable temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the thermal energy storage function from the continuous heating/cooling operation by introducing phase change materials (PCMs) that store and release thermal energy independently. This separation allows the system to operate intermittently rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption during peak periods.
2Loss of energy
If phase change materials are incorporated into thermal mass, then thermal energy storage and release efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the thermal properties of the mass by incorporating phase change materials with specific melting/freezing points tailored to the desired temperature range. This parameter change enables efficient thermal energy storage and release at specific temperatures, improving energy efficiency without requiring complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite structures where PCMs are integrated with the thermal mass material (e.g., concrete floors, walls). This composite approach combines the structural function of the mass with the thermal storage function of the PCM, achieving improved energy efficiency while minimizing additional system complexity through material integration rather than separate components.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If geothermal systems are used to heat or cool fluid, then coefficient of performance is enhanced, but initial system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the ground or groundwater as an intermediary thermal reservoir to exchange heat with the building. This geothermal intermediary provides a stable temperature source/sink that enhances the coefficient of performance of the heat pump system, while the modular design of the ground heat exchanger arrays keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The geothermal system serves dual functions for both heating and cooling the building by reversing the heat pump operation. This multi-functionality improves the overall coefficient of performance by utilizing the same infrastructure for both seasonal needs, reducing the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
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 approach enhances the coefficient of performance, reduces operational costs, minimizes energy consumption, and conserves resources by using stored thermal energy during peak demand periods and recharging during off-peak times, thereby optimizing heating and cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The PCMs continue to absorb energy subsequent a phase change from solid to liquid and, depending on the individual properties, may store or release thermal energy over a prolonged period of time
Implementation Method 2
The PCMs, which efficiently store energy, may be used with a radiant heating or cooling system
Implementation Method 3
The thermal mass incorporates phase change materials (PCMs) to temper the release or absorption of thermal energy
Implementation Method 4
One embodiment utilizes a geothermal system using thermal energy in groundwater that may be recovered by a heat pump through either an open or closed lower loop underground
Implementation Method 5
The heated or cooling fluid is pumped through the thermal mass to either add heat that can be radiated throughout the adjacent air space, or to remove heat to provide a cooling effect throughout the adjacent air space
Data Source
AI summary
An optimized heating and cooling system including a thermal mass, thermal energy transport conduits to deliver thermal energy to the thermal mass including one or more phase change materials (PCMs), at least one heat exchanger to exchange the thermal energy from a energy input into heat transfer fluid that is pumped through the thermal mass. The system also includes a controller in electronic communication with a temperature sensor, a throttle and a pump. A desired building temperature profile, a daily temperature forecast, the electricity rates, the thermal characteristics of the PCMs are entered into or obtained by the controller and the controller uses that information to optimize the energy use to avoid using the heating and cooling system during peak electricity demand time, or uses the rate structure to determine the operation sequence that results in the most efficient use of energy or least cost.