Above-ground Swimming Pool Heat Pump with External Evaporator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool water heating and treatment systems face issues with partially buried installations that require excavation, have inaccessible connections, and inefficient heat exchanges, making them costly and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A fully above-ground installation with accessible connections and an evaporator on the outer casing for improved heat exchange, featuring a ventilated compartment for the circulation pump and a large heat exchange surface, optimizing heat pump efficiency and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a partially buried casing is used for the heat pump and equipment, then the installation is protected and integrated into the ground, but excavation is required and connections become inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct modules: an above-ground control unit housing the pump and filtration equipment with accessible connections, and a separate underground burial unit for the heat pump. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its function while maintaining accessibility where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Above-ground connection elements serve as intermediaries between the underground heat pump and the above-ground filtration system. These connection elements allow pipes to pass through the wall of the burial unit, enabling accessible connections without requiring excavation or embedding connections in difficult-to-reach locations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a partially buried casing is used, then equipment is protected, but heat exchange efficiency is reduced due to limited air circulation
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the heat pump into its own dedicated burial unit with independent ventilation, the system ensures that the evaporator has unrestricted access to ambient air for efficient heat exchange, while the above-ground control unit houses equipment that requires protected, enclosed environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The burial unit is designed with vertical ventilation channels and air intake/exhaust openings that utilize the vertical dimension to maximize air flow through the evaporator, compensating for the underground placement and maintaining heat exchange efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a partially buried casing is used, then installation appears integrated, but water drainage becomes difficult when water enters the casing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to prevent water from entering the burial unit, the design inverts the approach by providing dedicated drainage pathways that actively channel water away from sensitive components. Drainage channels are built into the floor and walls of the burial unit, directing water to collection points and discharge outlets.
4Ease of manufacture
If all equipment is placed above ground in a single unit, then installation is simplified, but heat exchange surface area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments equipment into two functional groups: compact above-ground units (pump, filtration, control) where space is limited, and a dedicated underground heat pump unit where the evaporator can be installed with optimal surface area for heat exchange without spatial constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The underground burial unit utilizes the vertical space and underground environment to accommodate a larger evaporator surface area that would not be feasible in above-ground installations, thereby increasing heat exchange capacity while maintaining a compact above-ground footprint.
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 solution allows for easy installation and maintenance without excavation, improves heat exchange efficiency, and reduces costs by providing accessible connections and enhanced ventilation, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective swimming pool water heating and treatment system.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump, this installation being remarkable in that it includes a box intended to be installed entirely above ground outside the buildings, this box containing all the equipment including the circulation pump, the water filtration means, the heat pump including an evaporator which is placed directly on an external face of the box
Implementation Method 2
a heat pump, this installation being remarkable in that it includes a box intended to be installed entirely above ground outside the buildings, this box containing all the equipment including the circulation pump, the water filtration means, the heat pump including an evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a water circulation pump supplying water filtration means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A heating and water treatment installation, in particular for swimming pool water, intended to be placed outdoors, comprising a water circulation pump supplying filtration means (40) for this water, and a heat pump, characterized in that it comprises a casing intended to be placed entirely above ground outside the buildings, this casing containing all the equipment including the circulation pump, the water filtration means (40), the heat pump comprising an evaporator which is disposed directly on an external face of the casing, and above-ground connections (26) to external pipes for water circulation.