Thermal energy balancing device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building heating and cooling systems rely on high-grade energy sources like electricity and fossil fuels, and there is a lack of economical and climate-smart solutions for flexible heating and cooling, especially in regions with mild winters.

Innovation Solution

A thermal energy balancing device connected to a thermal energy circuit, utilizing a hot and cold conduit system with a heat exchanger and valve arrangements to selectively direct district heat transfer liquid and geothermal liquid between warm and cold wells, allowing for heat exhale and inhale modes to balance temperature differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If cooling towers are used to exhale heat from the system, then waste heat can be dissipated into the air, but this solution is not economical and climate-smart for regions with mild winters where heating is also needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste heat dissipationVSAvoidflexibility for heating and cooling

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a thermal energy system that can operate in both cooling mode (exhaling heat via cooling towers) and heating mode (absorbing heat from the environment). The system includes reversible heat pump assemblies that can switch between functioning as heat pumps for heating and as heat exchangers for cooling, allowing the same infrastructure to serve dual purposes throughout the year.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics through reversible heat pump assemblies that can dynamically switch between heating and cooling modes based on environmental conditions and client needs. The valve arrangements and flow control mechanisms allow the system to adapt its operation in real-time, directing heat transfer liquid flow to either absorb or exhale thermal energy as required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If high-grade energy sources like electricity and fossil fuels are used for heating and cooling, then reliable thermal energy can be provided, but this increases energy consumption and environmental impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy supplyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts waste heat that would normally be discarded into a useful resource. By capturing thermal energy from cooling processes and redirecting it through the thermal energy circuit, the system provides heating capacity without requiring additional high-grade energy input. This transforms what was previously a harmful waste product into a beneficial energy source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by using the thermal energy generated during cooling operations to provide heating during colder periods. The reversible heat pump assemblies automatically adjust their operation based on system conditions, capturing and storing thermal energy when available and releasing it when needed, reducing dependence on external high-grade energy sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If a district heating grid operates in regions with mild winters, then heating demand is reduced, but the system lacks versatility to handle both heating and cooling needs efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating demand reductionVSAvoidheating and cooling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device effectively balances temperature differences in district heating or cooling grids by utilizing geothermal energy, allowing for flexible heating and cooling based on client needs, reducing reliance on high-grade energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchanger comprising a primary side and a secondary side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a primary side valve arrangement connecting the primary side of the heat exchanger to the cold conduit and to the hot conduit; and a secondary side valve arrangement connecting the secondary side of the heat exchanger to the cold well and to the warm well

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 3

a thermal energy circuit which circulates and stores thermal energy in water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4019853B1Thermal energy balancing device

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 E ON SVERIGE

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AI summary

A thermal energy balancing device (400) Is provided which is connected to a thermal energy circuit (100) comprising a hot conduit (120) and a cold conduit (140) configured to allow a district heat transfer liquid to flow therethrough. The device (400) comprises: a warm well (810); a cold well (820); a heat exchanger (600) comprising a primary side (610) and a secondary side (620); a primary side valve arrangement (500) connecting the primary side of the heat exchanger (600) to the cold conduit (140) and to the hot conduit (120); and a secondary side valve arrangement (700) connecting the secondary side of the heat exchanger (600) to the cold well (820) and to the warm well (810). The device (400) is configured to be selectively set in a heat exhale mode and in a heat inhale mode.