System and method for capture of waste heat in an HVAC unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems waste thermal energy as heated air is expelled during the condensation process, representing unutilized thermal energy that could be harnessed for improved efficiency and energy production.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a refrigerant sub-circuit with a sub-circuit heat exchanger positioned between the condenser fan and fan guard, which captures waste heat and routes it to a thermoelectric module to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, thereby enhancing system efficiency and reducing electrical energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a refrigerant sub-circuit with thermoelectric module is added to capture waste heat, then electrical energy production is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant flow is divided into two separate circuits: a primary refrigerant circuit that handles main cooling operations, and a secondary sub-circuit that captures waste heat from the condenser to drive a thermoelectric module for electrical energy generation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each circuit's function while resolving the contradiction by directing waste heat to a dedicated energy recovery pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the primary circuit provides cooling, while the sub-circuit generates electrical energy from waste heat. The condenser serves both as a heat rejection device for cooling and as a heat source for power generation, demonstrating multi-functionality that addresses the energy loss versus complexity contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If waste heat is converted to electrical energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric module in the sub-circuit is designed to operate autonomously, converting thermal energy from the condenser directly into electrical energy without requiring external control or intervention. The system self-regulates the heat transfer and energy conversion processes, simplifying manufacturing and installation while improving energy efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If a sub-circuit heat exchanger is positioned between fan and fan guard, then waste heat capture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-circuit heat exchanger is nested within the existing outdoor unit structure, specifically positioned between the fan and fan guard assembly. This nested configuration allows the heat exchanger to utilize the existing airflow path and structural space, capturing waste heat from heated air without requiring a completely separate external system, thereby reducing manufacturing 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 solution enables the capture and conversion of waste heat into electrical energy, improving HVAC system efficiency and reducing energy requirements, allowing for additional electrical energy production while maintaining system performance.
Implementation Method 1
converting thermal energy of the second portion of refrigerant into electrical energy with the thermoelectric module
Implementation Method 2
a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant from the compressor and to condense the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator configured to receive the first portion of the refrigerant from the condenser and configured to evaporate the first portion of the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a refrigerant circuit configured to flow a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant, a condenser configured to receive the refrigerant from the compressor and to condense the refrigerant, a valve configured to receive a first portion of the refrigerant from the condenser and to decrease a pressure of the first portion of the refrigerant, and an evaporator configured to receive the first portion of the refrigerant from the condenser and configured to evaporate the first portion of the refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit also includes a refrigerant sub-circuit configured to receive a second portion of the refrigerant from the condenser and to convert thermal energy of the second portion of the refrigerant to electrical energy.