Regeneration Air Pre-Processing to Prevent Heat Exchanger Frost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump systems face issues with frost formation on regeneration air heat exchangers at low temperatures and decreased efficiency during summer modes due to high condensation temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pre-processing module in the regeneration air channel to heat and dehumidify the regeneration air, preventing frost formation in winter and lowering condensation temperatures in summer, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the regeneration air heat exchanger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat pump system operates in winter mode without preheating regeneration air, then the system structure remains simple, but frost forms on the regeneration air heat exchanger coils requiring shutdown for defrosting
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-processing module performs preliminary heating of the regeneration air before it reaches the heat exchanger coils. This preliminary action prevents frost formation in advance, allowing continuous operation without shutdowns for defrosting, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Productivity
If the regeneration air heat exchanger supplies large amounts of heat during summer mode, then the cooling demand is met, but the efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-processing module pre-cools and pre-dehumidifies the regeneration air before it enters the heat exchanger during summer mode. This preliminary action reduces the thermal load on the heat exchanger, allowing it to operate more efficiently while still meeting the cooling demand, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-processing module changes the temperature and humidity parameters of the regeneration air before it reaches the heat exchanger. By adjusting these parameters in advance, the heat exchanger operates under more favorable conditions, improving its efficiency while maintaining the required cooling capacity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump system operates below 35°F without preheating, then energy consumption is reduced, but frost formation requires system shutdown and auxiliary heating
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-processing module uses the system's own refrigeration cycle to preheat the regeneration air when outdoor temperatures are below 35°F. This self-service approach prevents frost formation without requiring external auxiliary heating sources, maintaining operational continuity while managing energy consumption efficiently.
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 pre-processing module effectively prevents frost formation at low temperatures and improves the efficiency of the regeneration air heat exchanger by maintaining optimal operating conditions, ensuring continuous operation and enhanced performance in both winter and summer modes.
Implementation Method 1
The pre-processing module heats the regeneration air from the energy recovery module in the winter mode to prevent frost from forming on the regeneration air heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
An energy recovery module is provided having a supply air side positioned in the supply air channel and a regeneration air side positioned in the regeneration air channel. The regeneration air side of the energy recovery module removes heat and moisture from the regeneration air in the regeneration air channel
Implementation Method 3
During a summer mode, heat and moisture in the outside air is transferred to the regeneration air to generate cooled and dehumidified supply air
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump system for conditioning regeneration air from a space is provided. The heat pump system is operable in a winter mode and/or a summer mode. The system includes an energy recovery module that receives and conditions air in a regeneration air channel. A pre-processing module is positioned downstream of the energy recovery module. The pre-processing module receives and heats air from the energy recovery module. A regeneration air heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the pre-processing module. The regeneration air heat exchanger receives and conditions air from the pre-processing module. The pre-processing module heats the air from the energy recovery module to increase an efficiency of the regeneration air heat exchanger.