Pool-Coupled Thermal Energy Management for Stable Home Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal energy management systems for homes, such as air/water aerothermal heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps, face challenges in efficiency and cost, particularly due to weather conditions and high installation costs.

Innovation Solution

A thermal energy management system that includes at least one thermal exchanger, a temperature control device, filtration equipment connected via a hydraulic circuit, and thermodynamic transfer equipment linked to the thermal exchanger via a heat transfer fluid circuit. This system optimizes heating or air conditioning management by pooling resources and utilizing existing installations' calorific storage capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If air/water aerothermal heat pumps are used for heating, then energy performance coefficient (COP) is improved compared to standard heating systems, but efficiency deteriorates at night or in winter due to weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy performance coefficientVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a thermal energy storage tank as an intermediary between the heat pump and the heating system. The heat pump charges the thermal storage tank during periods of high efficiency, and the stored thermal energy is then used during periods when the heat pump efficiency would be low (night or winter), thereby maintaining reliable heating performance while preserving the high COP benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If geothermal heat pumps are used to capture calories from water, then efficiency is improved with greater temperature consistency, but installation cost increases due to aquifer water extraction or surface network creation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature consistencyVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the swimming pool water as a self-service thermal energy source. The pool water, which naturally maintains relatively consistent temperatures due to its large thermal mass, directly serves as the heat exchange medium for the heat pump, eliminating the need for expensive aquifer extraction systems or surface network installations while providing reliable temperature consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If thermal energy management systems are implemented for heating and cooling, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple circuits and equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-functional thermal management system where a single heat pump unit serves multiple purposes: heating the swimming pool, heating the thermal storage tank, and providing space heating or cooling for the dwelling. The thermal storage tank also serves dual functions as both a heat source and a heat sink. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while improving overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system enhances the management of heating or air conditioning by optimizing resource utilization and energy efficiency, reducing energy releases, and leveraging existing equipment capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

thermodynamic transfer equipment connected to said at least one heat exchanger by at least one heat transfer fluid circuit, according to which said at least one thermodynamic transfer equipment is further connected to said at least one basin and to said at least one filtration equipment directly by said at least one hydraulic circuit and is configured to ensure a transfer of thermal energy between said at least one hydraulic circuit and said at least one heat transfer fluid circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

at least one heat exchanger for heating or air conditioning said at least one room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4545864A1Method and device for thermal energy management for a dwelling unit
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 AQUALUX SAS
  • EP4545864A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4545864A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4545864A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a thermal energy management system for an assembly comprising at least one room (100) and at least one pool (142). The system includes a heat exchanger (102) for heating or cooling the room, a temperature control device (104) for the room, a filtration unit (144) connected to the pool (142) via a hydraulic circuit, and a thermodynamic transfer unit (124) connected to the heat exchanger by a heat transfer fluid circuit. The thermodynamic transfer unit is further connected to the pool and the filtration unit via the hydraulic circuit. The filtration unit is controlled by the temperature control device.