Parallel Heat Exchanger Circuit for Independent Pool Water Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat transfer circuits for swimming pools are inefficient, as they can only deliver around 30% of heat pump condensation output to pool water, offer limited heat regulation, and are dependent on dehumidification operations, leading to high internal pressure losses and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer circuit with a third heat exchanger connected in parallel to the second heat exchanger, using a controllable 3-way valve or two individual control valves to independently control the heat transfer medium flow, allowing for continuous adjustment of heat distribution between the two heat exchangers, enabling independent heat supply to pool water regardless of dehumidification operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a series connection of heat exchangers is used with a pool water condenser connected upstream of the air condenser, then heat can be transferred to pool water, but only around 30% of condensation output can be delivered to pool water and high internal pressure losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer circuit is segmented into parallel branches: one branch contains the pool water condenser (third heat exchanger) and the other contains the air condenser (second heat exchanger). This segmentation allows independent heat distribution to different targets simultaneously, eliminating the series connection bottleneck that limited heat delivery to only 30% of condensation output.
Solution Approach 2:
Dynamic control is introduced through controllable 3-way valves or individual control valves in each branch, enabling real-time adjustment of heat distribution ratios between pool water heating and air conditioning. This dynamic regulation optimizes heat delivery to pool water while maintaining low internal pressure losses by balancing flow distribution.
2Ease of operation
If a pool water condenser is used in series connection, then heat transfer to pool water is enabled, but only on/off operation is possible with very limited regulation of heat output transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static on/off operation to dynamic continuous regulation by placing controllable 3-way valves or individual control valves in each parallel branch. These valves enable precise adjustment of heat output distribution between pool water heating and air conditioning, providing flexible and independent heat supply capability adapted to varying operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer circuit is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: heating pool water and conditioning air. The parallel connection with controllable valves allows the system to independently regulate heat distribution to either or both functions simultaneously, enhancing operational flexibility and adaptability to different seasonal and operational conditions.
3Productivity
If the BWK operation is dependent on dehumidification operation, then the heat pump circuit can be utilized, but the degree of utilization is limited and heat cannot be provided to water as needed
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer circuit is divided into independent parallel branches, separating the pool water heating function from the dehumidification function. This segmentation allows the pool water condenser branch to operate independently from the air condenser branch, enabling heat to be provided to pool water as needed without being constrained by dehumidification operational requirements, thereby maximizing heat pump utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary heating of pool water by allowing the pool water condenser to receive heat directly from the heat pump condensation output through the parallel connection. This preliminary action capability allows heat to be stored or provided to water in advance or independently of immediate dehumidification needs, enhancing overall system productivity and flexibility.
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 reduces internal pressure losses, allows for independent heat supply to pool water, and enhances efficiency by enabling precise control of heat distribution, allowing for flexible operation independent of seasonal factors and dehumidification processes.
Implementation Method 1
transfers the heat to a heat transfer medium, in particular to a refrigerant, which evaporates in the first heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
Heat transfer circuit and method for transferring heat from an air flow to the water of a pool
Implementation Method 3
a compressor which compresses the heat transfer medium in its gaseous phase
Implementation Method 4
compresses the heat transfer medium in its gaseous phase and which is arranged upstream between the first and second heat exchangers
Implementation Method 5
the heat in the second heat exchanger is transferred to a further air flow, in particular fresh air
Implementation Method 6
a third heat exchanger, which can be supplied with water on the secondary side
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat transfer circuit (1) and a method for transferring heat from an airflow (C), in particular from room air (C) of a hall (6), to the water of a pool (5) or hot water storage tank, in particular a swimming pool. The heat transfer circuit (1) comprises a first heat exchanger (2, 2a) that can be supplied with the airflow (C), a second heat exchanger (3, 3a) that can be supplied with an airflow (A), in particular with fresh air (A), a circuit coupling the first and second heat exchangers (2, 2a, 3, 3a) in which a heat transfer medium can be circulated, a compressor (7) that compresses the heat transfer medium in its gaseous phase and is arranged upstream between the first and second heat exchangers (2, 2a, 3, 3a), and further comprising a third heat exchanger (4) that can be supplied with water on its secondary side.The third heat exchanger (4) is hydraulically connected in parallel with its primary side to the second heat exchanger (3, 3a). A central supply line (22) containing the compressor (7) leads to a local supply line (24, 25) to each of the second and third heat exchangers (3, 3a, 4). A controllable 3-way valve is located between the central supply line and the local supply lines, or a controllable regulating valve (9, 10) is located in each of the two supply lines (24, 25) to adjust the mass flow rate of the heat transfer medium through the respective heat exchanger (3, 3a, 4). Thermal energy can thus be selectively directed to the second or third heat exchanger (3, 3a, 4) according to a desired, adjustable ratio.