PCM Air Handler Integration for HVAC Waste Heat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face challenges in efficiently capturing and storing waste heat from both heating and cooling operational modes, leading to energy and economic inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a heat pump system with a thermal energy storage (TES) and retrieval system, utilizing a Phase Change Material (PCM) unit for heat exchange with refrigerant and water lines, allows for efficient storage and retrieval of waste heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If waste heat recovery systems are integrated into HVAC systems, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to requiring extensive additional components and ductwork
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waste heat recovery function with the existing HVAC air handler by integrating a heat exchanger directly into the air handler's airflow path. The heat exchanger is positioned to capture waste heat from the HVAC system's exhaust air and transfer it to incoming fresh air, combining two functions (HVAC operation and waste heat recovery) into a single integrated unit without requiring separate ductwork or major additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The air handler is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: conditioning incoming air, exhausting air, and recovering waste heat through the integrated heat exchanger. This multi-functionality allows the single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy recovery capabilities
2Loss of energy
If waste heat recovery systems are integrated into HVAC systems, then energy efficiency is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate due to requiring extensive additional components and ductwork
Solution Approach 1:
The waste heat recovery function is merged into the air handler assembly during manufacturing, creating a pre-integrated unit that requires minimal field installation work. The heat exchanger is positioned within the air handler's existing structure, allowing the entire assembly to be manufactured as a unified component rather than requiring complex field assembly of separate heat recovery ductwork and components
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 enables significant energy and economic savings by allowing for the recovery and reuse of waste heat, reducing the need for additional components and ductwork, and enhancing the overall functionality of HVAC systems.
Implementation Method 1
a Phase Change Material (PCM) unit housing a PCM and a first refrigerant line extending through the PCM for the PCM to exchange heat with refrigerant in the first refrigerant line
Implementation Method 2
storing heat from the refrigerant in a phase change material of the heat exchange system as latent heat
Implementation Method 3
a first water line extending through the PCM unit for the PCM to exchange heat with water in the first water line
Implementation Method 4
heating water in a water line extending through the phase change material of the heat exchange system using the latent heat stored in the phase change material
Data Source
AI summary
A heating and cooling system including a heat pump system and a thermal energy storage (TES) and retrieval system. The TES and retrieval system includes a Phase Change Material (PCM) unit housing a PCM and a first refrigerant line at least partially immersed in the PCM or embedded within the PCM unit for the PCM to exchange heat with refrigerant in flow through the first refrigerant line, the refrigerant directed from a compressor of the reversible heat pump system to the first refrigerant line and back to the reversible heat pump system after the first refrigerant line. The TES and retrieval system further includes a first water line at least partially immersed in the PCM or embedded within the PCM unit for the PCM to exchange heat with water in the first water line.