Switchable Geothermal Heat Pump System for Dual Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy systems for buildings face inefficiencies and increased complexity when handling both heating and cooling demands, often requiring additional systems and higher energy input, leading to higher operational costs and capital expenditures.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy system that integrates a heat pump system with switchable valve mechanisms and multiple borehole heat exchangers, allowing for versatile operation modes that utilize geothermal energy for both heating and cooling, with optional solar thermal energy collection, to manage energy demands efficiently without relying on additional energy inputs.
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 occurs, additional operative systems are required increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system is designed to perform both heating and cooling functions using the same equipment. The system can operate in forward flow mode for heating and reverse flow mode for cooling, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates reversible valves that allow dynamic switching between heating and cooling modes. This dynamic capability enables the same heat pump system to adapt to different thermal demands throughout the year, providing both heating and cooling without requiring additional fixed infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional operative systems are added to handle cooling demand in a ground coupled heat pump system, then both heating and cooling can be provided, but capital costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system is designed to perform both heating and cooling functions using the same equipment. The system can operate in forward flow mode for heating and reverse flow mode for cooling, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If constant thermometric control is implemented to ensure efficient operation, then system efficiency is maintained, but operational costs increase with increasing energy costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates thermal energy storage capabilities that allow it to store excess thermal energy during periods of low demand and retrieve it during periods of high demand. This self-service approach reduces the need for continuous high-energy operation and allows the system to operate more efficiently during peak periods without requiring proportional increases in energy input.
4Loss of energy
If the system captures energy gained by use of the building from human activity, solar energy, and lighting, then system efficiency is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple energy sources including ground-coupled heat pumps, solar thermal collectors, and building waste heat recovery into a unified thermal energy system. By merging these different energy sources, the system can capture and utilize energy from various sources without requiring completely separate systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while improving energy capture efficiency.
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 reduces capital costs and complexity while enhancing the efficiency of heating and cooling cycles, allowing for simultaneous or alternative operation of heating and cooling modes with reduced energy input to the compression pump, primarily utilizing geothermal energy and supplemental solar energy.
Implementation Method 1
borehole heat exchangers selectively operable in extraction mode as a heat source and replenishment mode as a heat sink
Implementation Method 2
first borehole heat exchanger system... selectively operable in extraction mode as a heat source and replenishment mode as a heat sink
Implementation Method 3
heat pump system having a primary input side and a secondary output side
Implementation Method 4
heat pump system... primary input side... secondary output side
Implementation Method 5
a solar thermal energy collector arranged to collect thermal energy from solar radiation
Implementation Method 6
solar thermal energy collector arranged to collect thermal energy from solar radiation
Implementation Method 7
compressor... selectively compressing the working fluid
Implementation Method 8
expansion valve... selectively allowing the working fluid to expand
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal energy system adapted to be coupled to a building energy system which selectively provides heating and/or cooling to a building, the thermal energy system comprising a heat pump system having an output for a working fluid connected to a heating output of the thermal energy system, a first geothermal system in which a working fluid is, in use, circulated, a first switch assembly selectively connecting the first geothermal system to at least one of the heating output of the thermal energy system and an input for a working fluid of the heat pump system, a second geothermal system in which a working fluid is, in use, circulated, and a second switch assembly selectively connecting the second geothermal system to at least one of a cooling output of the thermal energy system and the input of the heat pump system.