Thermal energy system and method of operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy systems for buildings face inefficiencies and increased complexity due to the need for separate systems to manage heating and cooling demands, leading to higher capital costs and energy input, especially when both demands are present simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy system that integrates a heat pump with two geothermal systems and switchable valve assemblies to selectively connect these systems for heating and cooling outputs, allowing for efficient energy transfer and reduced reliance on additional energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ground coupled heat pump system is used to deliver heating energy to a building, then heating demand is met, but when cooling demand arises, additional operative systems are required increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the heat pump system to operate in multiple modes (heating, cooling, and heat transfer between geothermal systems) using a single integrated configuration. The system can function as a heat pump for heating, as a cooling system, or as a heat transfer mechanism between different geothermal systems, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the use of switch assemblies that allow the system configuration to change dynamically based on operational needs. The switch assemblies enable reversible connection of geothermal systems to different ports of the heat pump, allowing the system to adapt its configuration between heating mode, cooling mode, and heat transfer mode without physical reconfiguration or additional components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional operative systems are added to provide cooling when heating is provided by ground coupled heat pump, then cooling demand is met, but capital costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by designing the heat pump and switch assembly configuration to perform multiple functions including heating, cooling, and inter-system heat transfer. The same hardware infrastructure supports all three functions, with the switch assemblies routing fluid flow to achieve the desired operational mode, thereby providing cooling capability without requiring separate dedicated cooling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating and cooling functions into a single integrated system rather than using separate systems. By combining the heat pump, geothermal systems, and switch assemblies into one unified configuration, the system achieves both heating and cooling capabilities while reducing overall system complexity and capital costs compared to having separate dedicated systems.
3Loss of energy
If traditional heating and cooling systems are used in buildings, then heating and cooling demands are met, but efficiency is low due to inability to capture gained energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts waste heat from cooling operations into a beneficial resource by transferring it to geothermal systems for storage and later use as a heat source during heating periods. Similarly, excess heat from heating operations can be transferred to geothermal systems for cooling later. This transforms what would otherwise be wasted energy into a useful resource, significantly improving overall system efficiency and reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements energy recovery by capturing heat that would otherwise be discarded during cooling operations and storing it in geothermal systems. The switch assemblies enable this recovery mechanism by routing the heat from the heat pump output to the geothermal systems during cooling mode, and subsequently retrieving this stored energy during heating mode, thereby recovering and reusing energy that would otherwise be lost.
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 enables efficient and cost-effective provision of both heating and cooling, reducing the need for additional energy input and system complexity by leveraging geothermal energy storage for 'free energy' modes and supplementing with solar energy when necessary, thereby optimizing energy use and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump system having an output for a working fluid connected to a heating output of the thermal energy system
Implementation Method 2
a first geothermal system in which a working fluid is, in use, circulated, a second geothermal system in which a working fluid is, in use, circulated
Data Source
AI summary
Thermal energy system, coupled to a building energy system, which selectively provides heating and/or cooling to a building. The thermal energy system includes a heat pump system, first and second geothermal systems, and first and second switch assemblies, andthe first and second switch assemblies are selectively switchable to thermally interconnect the first and second geothermal systems to each other on a primary input side of the heat pump system or on a second output side of the heat pump system, and:a) the first and second switch assemblies are adapted to be switchable to provide a first operation mode which thermally connects the first geothermal system to the heating output and the second geothermal system to the cooling output, and the heat pump system being thermally unconnected to the first and second geothermal systems; orb) the first and second switch assemblies are adapted to be switchable to provide a first operation mode which thermally connects together the first and second geothermal systems via the heat pump system, and the heating output and cooling output being thermally unconnected to the first and second geothermal systems.