Swimming Pool Heat Pump Condenser Circuit Switching for Pressure Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pumps for swimming pool water heating face issues of complexity, high cost, and sensitivity to failures due to the need for precise regulation of water flow and temperature, which can lead to reduced efficiency and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump with a condenser having multiple heat exchange circuits that automatically adjust based on refrigerant pressure, using electromagnetic valves to switch between circuits in series or parallel configurations, ensuring optimal operation by modulating the heat exchange surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the water flow circulating in the condenser is very high and/or the temperature of the water is very low, then the heat exchange is very high, but the refrigerant pressure in the condenser becomes very low, reducing efficiency and potentially causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is divided into multiple independent heat exchange circuits (first circuit 22, second circuit 22, third circuit 22) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to adjust the total heat exchange surface area by switching between circuits, thereby matching the heat exchange capacity to the actual thermal load and preventing excessive cooling that would cause low refrigerant pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the heat exchange surface area by switching heat exchange circuits on or off based on real-time operating conditions (water flow rate and temperature). This dynamic adaptation ensures the condenser operates at optimal pressure across varying load conditions, maintaining both high productivity and reliability.
2Reliability
If the heat exchange in the condenser is reduced (low water flow or high water temperature), then the refrigerant pressure in the condenser increases significantly, but efficiency is reduced and the heat pump may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the condenser into multiple circuits, the system can selectively activate more heat exchange circuits when the thermal load is high (low water flow or high water temperature). This increases the heat exchange surface area to match the reduced heat transfer coefficient, maintaining optimal refrigerant pressure and preventing damage while preserving heat exchange effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by adjusting the number of active heat exchange circuits based on water flow rate and temperature. When water flow is low or temperature is high, more circuits are activated to increase heat exchange capacity, thereby maintaining optimal pressure conditions and preventing system damage.
3Productivity
If a hydraulic bypass with regulation device is used to adjust water flow in the condenser, then optimal heat exchange is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex continuous regulation device to adjust water flow, the invention segments the heat exchange surface into multiple discrete circuits. This allows stepwise adjustment of heat exchange capacity by switching circuits on or off, achieving optimal heat exchange without the need for delicate flow regulation mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical flow regulation system (hydraulic bypass with regulation device) with an electrical switching system that controls the activation of different heat exchange circuits. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical regulation components while maintaining optimal heat exchange performance.
4Productivity
If a hydraulic bypass with regulation device is used to adjust water flow in the condenser, then optimal heat exchange is maintained, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is segmented into multiple independent circuits that can be selectively activated using simple on/off valves. This approach achieves optimal heat exchange performance through discrete circuit switching rather than expensive continuous flow regulation, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive switching valves instead of expensive, delicate regulation devices. The multiple heat exchange circuits are controlled by basic on/off mechanisms rather than precision flow control components, reducing the overall cost of the heat pump system while maintaining optimal heat exchange performance.
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 solution maintains optimal pressure-temperature operating conditions, reducing the risk of malfunction and cost while simplifying the system, allowing for efficient and reliable heating of swimming pool water.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser (12) which constitutes a heat exchanger between the refrigerant and the swimming pool water
Implementation Method 2
the condenser comprises at least two heat exchange circuits
Implementation Method 3
at least one member for switching the circulation of the refrigerant fluid between a circulation state in only one of the heat exchange circuits and a circulation state in at least two of the heat exchange circuits
Implementation Method 4
a compressor (10) which supplies a condenser (12)
Implementation Method 5
an evaporator (16) which constitutes a heat exchanger between the external environment, for example the outside air, and the refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat pump. It relates to a heat pump which, in a primary circuit, comprises a compressor (10), a condenser (12) forming a heat exchanger between the refrigerating fluid and the swimming pool water, an expander (14) and an evaporator (16) forming a heat exchanger between the external surroundings and the refrigerating fluid. The condenser (12) comprises two heat exchange circuits and the heat pump comprises a pressure sensor (18), a member for switching the circulation of the refrigerating fluid between states in which it is circulated in just one or in at least two of the heat exchange circuits, and a member for controlling the switching member according to the value of the signal from the sensor (18). Application to the heating of swimming pool water.