Polymodal heat pump
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air source and ground source heat pumps are separate and inefficient, with ground source systems being non-scalable due to installation time and air source systems performing poorly at peak loads, while ground or water source systems face installation challenges and high electrical demand.
Innovation Solution
A polymodal heat pump system that bidirectionally moves heat between ambient air and a ground surface, integrating a compressor, receiver, accumulator, reversing valves, motorized and electronic expansion valves, and geothermal heat exchangers to efficiently condition indoor spaces and heat domestic water, allowing for scalable installation and reduced electrical demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If ground source heat pumps are installed, then electrical demand is reduced, but installation time and scalability are limited due to ground heat exchanger installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the heat pump functionality into separate air-source and ground-source modules that can be independently installed and configured. The air handling units and heat exchangers are segmented into discrete components that can be installed in different sequences and locations, reducing overall installation time while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of ground-source operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymodal heat pump system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated platform that can operate in air-source mode, ground-source mode, or hybrid mode. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide the electrical demand reduction of ground-source systems while incorporating faster-to-install air-source components, and the ability to switch between modes based on installation constraints and operational needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If air source heat pumps are used, then installation is simpler, but performance at peak loads is poor and electrical demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic operation where the polymodal heat pump can switch between air-source and ground-source modes based on real-time conditions including peak load detection. During peak loads, the system dynamically engages the ground-source heat exchanger to provide additional heating or cooling capacity, reducing electrical demand while maintaining the installation simplicity of air-source components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges air-source and ground-source heat pump systems into a single polymodal unit that combines the installation simplicity of air-source systems with the peak-load performance and electrical demand reduction of ground-source systems. The integrated design allows both subsystems to work together, with the air handling units serving as the common platform for both air-source and ground-source operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ground or water source systems are implemented, then electrical demand is reduced, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to additional components required
Solution Approach 1:
The polymodal heat pump serves as a universal platform that can operate in air-source mode, ground-source mode, or hybrid mode, eliminating the need for separate systems. The same air handling units and control systems are used across all modes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the electrical demand reduction benefits of ground-source operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the ground-source heat exchanger with existing air handling units, creating an integrated polymodal system that shares common components such as fans, filters, and control systems. This merging approach reduces the total number of independent components and simplifies installation compared to implementing separate air-source and ground-source 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
The polymodal heat pump system enhances scalability and efficiency by effectively transferring heat between air, ground, and water sources, improving performance at peak loads and reducing electrical demand, while simplifying installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
A compressor has a compressor intake and a compressor discharge
Implementation Method 2
transfer heat between the first coil, the second coil and a ground water source proximate the geothermal heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
A first electronic expansion valve is joined to the second coil. A second electronic expansion valve is joined to the first coil through the first electronic expansion valve
Data Source
AI summary
A polymodal heat pump is configured heat domestic water and bidirectionally move heat between ambient air and beneath a ground surface. The polymodal heat pump has a compressor, with a compressor intake and a compressor discharge. A receiver and accumulator are joined to the compressor discharge is connected. A first reversing valve is joined to the receiver and accumulator and the compressor intake. A first coil is joined to the first reversing valve with a second motorized valve. A geothermal heat exchanger is joined to the first reversing valve with a third motorized valve. A second coil is joined to the first reversing valve with a fourth motorized valve. A first electronic expansion valve is joined to the second coil. A second electronic expansion valve is joined to the first coil through the first electronic expansion valve.