Thermal energy assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems lack dynamic adaptation to efficiently manage varying thermal loads, leading to increased electric power consumption and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump and cooling machine assembly with integrated flow controllers and controllers that adjust thermal fluid flow rates based on efficiency parameters, particularly electric power consumption, to optimize performance and reduce energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thermal devices operate with fixed flow rates in traditional heating/cooling grids, then system simplicity is maintained, but efficiency deteriorates under varying thermal loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow control by introducing controllable valves and pumps that adjust thermal fluid flow rates in real-time based on actual thermal demands. The system transitions from fixed flow rates to dynamically adjustable flow rates, allowing heat exchangers and heat pumps to operate efficiently across varying load conditions. This dynamic adaptation directly resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to respond to changing thermal requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors thermal demands, temperature differentials, and flow rates, then adjusts valve positions and pump speeds accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically optimize heat exchange efficiency and heat pump performance based on actual operating conditions, resolving the adaptability-complexity contradiction through intelligent control rather than mechanical redesign.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat pumps operate without optimized flow control, then device simplicity is maintained, but electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes heat pump energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting flow rate parameters and temperature differential parameters. The control system modifies these operating parameters in real-time to maintain optimal heat pump performance across varying thermal loads, directly reducing electric power consumption. This parameter optimization approach resolves the energy-use versus complexity contradiction by using intelligent control rather than hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical flow control methods with electronic control systems that use sensors, controllers, and actuators to regulate thermal fluid flow. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control enables precise optimization of heat pump operating conditions, reducing power consumption while adding minimal physical complexity to the system.
3Productivity
If thermal devices lack flow rate optimization, then system simplicity is maintained, but coefficient of performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system proactively adjusts flow rates and operating parameters before thermal demands change significantly, maintaining optimal heat exchanger and heat pump performance. By anticipating and preparing for load variations through continuous monitoring and predictive control, the system maintains high coefficient of performance without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the thermal devices themselves.
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 improved energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting thermal fluid flow rates, reducing electric power consumption and enhancing the coefficient of performance (COP) in response to changing thermal demands.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump and a heat pump circuit comprising a heat pump circuit inlet connected to the thermal heating circuit at a first connection point, a heat pump circuit outlet connected to the thermal heating circuit at a second connection point and a heat pump control pump configured to control a flow of thermal fluid from the heat pump circuit inlet through the heat pump at an heat extraction side thereof to the heat pump circuit outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump assembly (100) arranged to be connected to a thermal energy circuit (300) comprising a hot conduit (302) configured to allow thermal fluid of a first temperature to flow therethrough, and a cold conduit (304) configured to allow thermal fluid of a second temperature to flow therethrough, the second temperature is lower than the first temperature, and a cooling machine assembly (200) arranged to be connected to a thermal energy circuit (300) comprising a hot conduit (302) configured to allow thermal fluid of a first temperature to flow therethrough, and a cold conduit (304) configured to allow thermal fluid of a second temperature to flow therethrough.