Swimming Pool Heat Pump Control for Solar Power Self-Consumption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathing pool heating systems using air-to-water heat pumps and renewable generators face high energy consumption and carbon footprint due to fluctuations in electricity production, particularly from solar panels, leading to inefficient thermal comfort and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A regulation system that integrates a temperature sensor, renewable electricity generator, adjustable heat pump, and control system to operate in hybrid or renewable modes, optimizing power consumption based on real-time temperature and power measurements to maximize self-consumption and thermal comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat pump is regulated only by water temperature (turning on when below setpoint, off when above setpoint), then thermal comfort is maintained, but energy consumption from the collective grid is high and carbon footprint is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a control system that continuously monitors multiple parameters (water temperature, solar power production, heat pump power consumption) and dynamically adjusts the heat pump operation based on real-time feedback. This allows the system to optimize energy consumption by coordinating heat pump operation with solar power availability, rather than simply responding to temperature thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static on/off control based solely on temperature to a dynamic control system that continuously adapts to changing conditions. The control system modulates the heat pump power consumption based on the balance between solar power production and heating demands, enabling flexible adjustment of energy usage patterns to match renewable energy availability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump is combined with an individual renewable electricity generator (e.g., solar panels), then self-consumption of electricity is achieved and operating costs are reduced, but the system is subject to fluctuations and intermittency in electricity production
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the heat pump based on the available solar power. The control system adjusts the power consumption of the heat pump to match the fluctuating solar production, modulating operating parameters such as heating power output to maintain reliability despite variable energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the heating system to serve itself by directly consuming the power produced by the generator. The control system autonomously manages the balance between solar power production and heat pump consumption, allowing the system to self-regulate and maximize self-consumption without external intervention or complex grid management.
3Speed
If the heat pump operates at maximum power to quickly heat the water, then thermal comfort is achieved faster, but energy consumption from the collective grid increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by operating the heat pump at reduced power levels when solar energy is available, rather than always running at maximum capacity. The control system determines the appropriate heating power needed to maintain temperature within acceptable ranges, applying just enough heating action to meet demands while leveraging solar energy to reduce grid consumption.
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 effectively utilizes renewable energy while maintaining thermal comfort by modulating heat pump power in real-time, reducing reliance on the collective grid and minimizing carbon footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump, which has adjustable electric power and is suitable for heating water
Implementation Method 2
an individual generator, which is suitable for producing renewable electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A regulation system including a temperature sensor which measures a current temperature of the water, a generator of renewable electricity, pool equipment including a heat pump with adjustable electric power, electrical measuring devices which determine powers corresponding to the power produced by the generator and to the power consumed by the heat pump, respectively, and a control system suitable for regulating the power consumed by the heat pump and for operating the pool equipment selectively in a hybrid mode, where a collective network and the generator supply, and in a renewable mode, where the generator supplies without the pool equipment supplied by the collective network, by sending any excess to a domestic network. The control system is configured to control the pool equipment on the basis of the current temperature and of the powers.