System and method for work recovery in a heat pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat pump technologies face limitations in Coefficient of Performance (CoP), particularly at low temperatures and part load operations, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption, along with environmental concerns due to high global warming potential refrigerants and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system utilizing multiple Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) cores arranged in series, with a control system that recovers waste pressure to enhance work recovery and efficiency, including an intensifier and hydraulic circuit for variable stress application, allowing for high part load efficiency without significant cost increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional vapour compression heat pumps operate at part load, then basic operation is maintained, but efficiency is poor and additional components are required increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using variable speed drives on motors driving fans and pumps, allowing the heat pump to operate efficiently at part load conditions. The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters to match demand, eliminating the need for additional components while maintaining high efficiency across varying load conditions.
2Productivity
If inverter/variable speed drives are added to improve part load performance, then efficiency is improved, but product price increases by up to 40%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through work recovery systems that capture waste pressure from expansion valves and compressors, and waste heat from refrigerant lines. This recovered energy is reused within the system to pre-condition refrigerant or provide auxiliary heating/cooling, reducing overall energy consumption and operating costs without requiring expensive inverter technology.
3Temperature
If heat pumps operate in cold temperature conditions, then heating is provided, but CoP drops to around 1 making electrical resistance heating more effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple refrigerant circuits with different refrigerants optimized for specific temperature ranges. The system switches between circuits or adjusts refrigerant flow parameters to maintain optimal CoP across varying outdoor temperatures, including cold temperature conditions where conventional single-circuit systems fail.
4Stability of the object's composition
If ground source heat pumps are used, then stable inlet temperature is achieved, but CoP is limited by present technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials in the heat exchanger systems, combining different materials with complementary thermal properties to enhance heat transfer efficiency. This allows the system to fully exploit the stable inlet temperature advantage of ground source heat pumps and achieve higher CoP values compared to conventional systems.
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 achieves significantly higher part load efficiency and reduced electricity consumption, minimizing waste pressure return to the tank, thereby enhancing the CoP and reducing carbon emissions, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric material core and adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a temperature change
Implementation Method 2
a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric material core
Implementation Method 3
a second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric material core in fluid communication with the first core and adapted to convert movement of the second core into energy
Implementation Method 4
a second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric material core
Implementation Method 5
a third Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric material core in fluid communication with the first and second cores and adapted to convert movement of the third core into energy
Implementation Method 6
a third Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric material core
Data Source
AI summary
The heat pump system and method for operating a heat pump system includes a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core that is adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a temperature change. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core is in fluid communication with the first core and adapted to convert movement of the second core into energy. A third Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric core is in fluid communication with the first and second cores and adapted to convert movement of the third core into energy. The first core, second core and the third core are arranged in series and a control system provides waste pressure from the first core to the second core and/or third core.