Shared Heat Pump Layout for Simultaneous Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump systems face challenges in installation space requirements and simultaneous heating and cooling operations, particularly in residential complexes and buildings, where space constraints and diverse temperature needs are prevalent.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system design where a shared heat source unit connects to multiple usage units via refrigerant communication tubes, enabling simultaneous heating and cooling operations while optimizing space usage and allowing for individual temperature control in each unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional heat pump system is installed in a residential complex, then heating operation can be provided, but installation space for the heat source unit is required and cooling operation cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a centralized heat source unit and multiple distributed usage units. The heat source unit contains the compressor and refrigerant circulation system, while each usage unit has its own heat exchangers for heating and cooling operations. This segmentation allows the heat source unit to be installed in a shared space while usage units are distributed to individual apartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The usage units are designed with both first usage-side heat exchangers for heating operation and second usage-side heat exchangers for cooling operation. This multi-functionality enables each usage unit to provide both heating and cooling services, eliminating the need for separate systems and maximizing space utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual heat source units are installed for each unit in a residential complex, then cooling operation can be provided, but installation space cannot be acquired
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a centralized heat source unit and multiple distributed usage units. The heat source unit contains the compressor and refrigerant circulation system, while each usage unit has its own heat exchangers for heating and cooling operations. This segmentation allows the heat source unit to be installed in a shared space while usage units are distributed to individual apartments.
3Area of stationary object
If a shared heat source unit is used for multiple usage units, then installation space is optimized, but individual temperature control for each unit is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a centralized heat source unit and multiple distributed usage units. The heat source unit contains the compressor and refrigerant circulation system, while each usage unit has its own heat exchangers for heating and cooling operations. This segmentation allows the heat source unit to be installed in a shared space while usage units are distributed to individual apartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic and independent control of heating and cooling operations in each usage unit. Each usage unit can operate autonomously based on individual temperature requirements, allowing flexible adjustment without affecting other units while sharing the centralized heat source infrastructure.
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 configuration allows for efficient simultaneous air cooling and hot-water supply operations in residential complexes, reducing installation space needs and enhancing operational flexibility by enabling individual temperature control in each housing unit.
Implementation Method 1
the heat pump system has a compressor, a condenser (usage-side heat exchanger), and an evaporator (heat-source-side heat exchanger), and is capable of heating water by heat radiation of the refrigerant in the refrigerant/water heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
heating water by heat radiation of the refrigerant in the usage-side heat exchanger to obtain warm water
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A heat pump system (1) has a refrigerant circuit (20) and a controller (1a), The refrigerant circuit (20) has usage units (5a, 5b) connected to a heat source unit (2), the usage units (5a, 5b) having first usage-side heat exchangers (51a, 51b), and the heat source unit (2) having a heat-source-side heat exchanger (26a, 26b) and a compressor (21). The usage units (5a, 5b) further have second usage-side heat exchangers (151a, 151b). The controller (1a) causes the heat-snurce-side heat exchanger (26a, 26b) to function as an evaporator or as a radiator in accordance with an overall heat load of the usage units (5a, 5b) in a state in which the heating operation for heating the aqueous medium by heat radiation of the refrigerant in the first usage-side heat exchangers (51a, slob) or the cooling operation for cooling the aqueous medium by evaporation of the refrigerant in the second usage-side heat exchangers (151a, 151b) has been set for each of the usage units (5a, 5b).