System for heating and cooling at least one space and for providing domestic hot water and method for operating the system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water-to-water heat pump systems are not suitable for locations without access to a water-based heat source, such as single-family homes, and lack integration with alternative heat sources like solar energy or air sources, limiting their applicability and efficiency in providing domestic hot water, heating, and cooling.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable fluid network system with a heat pump unit, thermal energy storage device, and external heat exchanger, allowing multiple configurations for charging the storage device, heating, or cooling spaces, and integrating additional heat sources like solar collectors, enhancing system flexibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If water-to-water heat pump systems are used, then efficiency in providing domestic hot water and heating is improved, but applicability is limited to locations with access to water-based heat sources
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system is designed to interface with multiple heat source types (water-based sources like district heating networks and air-based sources), allowing it to function universally across different location types. The system can switch between water-to-water heat pump mode when connected to district heating networks and air-to-water heat pump mode for standalone installations, eliminating the limitation of location-specific applicability while maintaining high energy efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If basic air-to-air air conditioners are used for cooling, then cooling capability is provided, but energy integration potential is not exploited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the cooling function with the thermal energy storage system and heat pump. During cooling operation, the thermal energy storage system absorbs excess heat from the indoor space, and this stored thermal energy can later be utilized for domestic hot water production or space heating, thereby integrating multiple functions and improving overall energy utilization rather than simply rejecting heat to the environment.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy storage systems are integrated with heat pumps, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is designed to serve multiple functions: it stores thermal energy for later domestic hot water production, provides cooling capacity during peak demand periods, and can buffer heat from the heat pump to improve its operational efficiency. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high energy 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 enables efficient provision of domestic hot water, space heating, and cooling, reduces energy waste, and extends the applicability of water-to-water heat pumps to single-family homes by utilizing solar energy and other heat sources, improving energy integration and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a reconfigurable fluid network for transferring a first heat transfer fluid (e.g. water-based heat transfer fluid or water), the reconfigurable fluid network comprising a heat pump unit
Implementation Method 2
the heat pump unit comprising a compressor and at least one expansion valve
Implementation Method 3
the heat pump unit comprising a compressor and at least one expansion valve
Implementation Method 4
a heat exchanger for transferring heat between the first heat transfer fluid and a second heat transfer fluid (e.g. air)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system for heating and cooling at least one space and for providing domestic hot water. The system comprises a first thermal energy storage device for providing domestic hot water, at least one emitter for heating and cooling the at least one space, a reconfigurable fluid network for transferring a first heat transfer fluid, a heat exchanger for transferring heat between the first heat transfer fluid and a second heat transfer fluid, and a controller. The reconfigurable fluid network comprises a heat pump unit, at least one valve, and pipes, the heat pump unit comprising a compressor and at least one expansion valve. The reconfigurable fluid network is configurable by the controller in a plurality of specific configurations and the controller is configured such that it can operate the system in a plurality of specific modes. Furthermore, the present invention also applies to a method for operating a system.