Refrigeration cycle device and method of operating refrigeration cycle device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems require pump energy to circulate water through heat exchangers, reducing overall efficiency and lacking the ability to both heat and cool spaces simultaneously while heating water.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle device with a compressor, outdoor and indoor air heat exchangers, and a water heat exchanger, utilizing a four-way valve and controllable valves to manage refrigerant flow without a separate pump, allowing for efficient water heating using waste heat during air-cooling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heat exchanger with pump is used to heat water, then water heating function is provided, but pump energy consumption increases reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump component from the water heating system by utilizing the refrigerant circulation system's natural pressure differentials and the compressor's discharge pressure to drive refrigerant through the water heat exchanger, thereby eliminating pump energy consumption while maintaining water heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant circulation system is designed to perform multiple functions: space cooling, space heating, and water heating. The same compressor and refrigerant flow paths used for HVAC functions are leveraged to provide water heating without requiring separate pumping equipment, achieving multi-functionality with minimal additional energy input
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional HVAC system with heat exchange loop is used, then water heating is provided, but ability to heat and cool space simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the heat exchange functions into separate pathways: one path for space cooling (indoor heat exchanger), one path for space heating (outdoor heat exchanger), and one path for water heating (water heat exchanger). The four-way valve and controllable valves enable independent control of refrigerant flow to each heat exchanger, allowing simultaneous operation of heating and cooling functions while maintaining water heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic valve control (four-way valve and controllable valves) to adjust refrigerant flow distribution in real-time based on heating and cooling demands. This dynamic control enables the system to adaptively allocate refrigerant to different heat exchangers, maintaining simultaneous heating and cooling capabilities while optimizing water heating performance
3Productivity
If pump is added to circulate water through heat exchanger, then water heating efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the compressor's discharge pressure and the natural pressure differentials in the refrigeration cycle to automatically circulate refrigerant through the water heat exchanger without requiring external pumping. The refrigerant flow self-regulates based on system operating conditions, eliminating the need for additional pump components and reducing system complexity
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 achieves efficient water heating without pump energy consumption and provides both heating and cooling capabilities, enhancing overall HVAC system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to receive a refrigerant at a compressor input port, compress the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor air heat exchanger having a first outdoor port and a second outdoor port, configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant passing between the first and second outdoor ports and outside air located outside a target space
Implementation Method 3
an indoor air heat exchanger having a first indoor port and a second indoor port, configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant passing between the first and second indoor ports and inside air located inside the target space
Implementation Method 4
a water heat exchanger having a first refrigerant port and a second refrigerant port, configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant passing between the first and second refrigerant ports and water
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration cycle device, comprising: a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; an outdoor air heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and outside air located outside a target space; an indoor air heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and inside air located inside the target space; a water heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water; a four-way valve located between an indoor port on the indoor air heat exchanger, an outdoor port on the outdoor air heat exchanger, an input port on the compressor, and an output port on the compressor; a bypass refrigerant line connecting the indoor port to the outdoor port; and a controllable valve located on the bypass refrigerant line, the controllable valve being configured to have an open state that passes the refrigerant and a closed state that prohibits passage of the refrigerant.