Thermal Energy Grid Control for Lower Heat Pump Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy systems face challenges in achieving efficient heating and cooling while minimizing electric power consumption, particularly in combined heating and cooling grids, where complexity and inefficiency are prevalent due to the lack of effective control over thermal fluid flow and outlet temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A central controller is introduced to manage the flow of thermal fluid in thermal energy systems by adjusting outlet temperatures in heat pump and cooling machine assemblies, using transceivers to receive power consumption data and transmit control signals to flow controllers, thereby optimizing thermal fluid flow rates to reduce total electric power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thermal devices are added to energy grids to provide heating and cooling, then the functionality and service coverage are improved, but the system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heating and cooling functions into a single integrated energy grid system. Thermal devices are added to the existing grid infrastructure, allowing the same network to provide both heating (via heat pump assemblies) and cooling (via cooling machine assemblies) services. This merging approach improves versatility while managing complexity through unified system architecture and centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy grid system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both heating and cooling operations. The system can switch between different operational modes (heating mode, cooling mode, or both simultaneously) by controlling the thermal devices connected to the grid. This universal design allows a single system to perform multiple functions, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Loss of energy
If outlet temperatures are not controlled in thermal energy systems, then the system operation is simple, but the total electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where a central controller receives temperature data from sensors positioned at various points in the thermal energy system. Based on this feedback information, the controller dynamically adjusts the outlet temperatures of thermal devices to optimize energy efficiency. This feedback loop enables the system to reduce electric power consumption by maintaining temperatures only as high or low as necessary to meet actual thermal demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static temperature settings to dynamic temperature control. The outlet temperatures are continuously adjusted based on real-time system conditions, thermal loads, and efficiency considerations. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and optimize power consumption, rather than operating at fixed predetermined temperatures.
3Productivity
If the flow of thermal fluid is not controlled, then the system operation is simple, but the operating conditions and efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control for thermal fluid flow management. Flow sensors monitor the actual flow rates in the thermal circuits, and this information is fed back to the central controller. The controller then adjusts flow control valves or pumps to optimize the flow rates, ensuring that thermal energy is distributed efficiently throughout the system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain optimal operating conditions and improve overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes flow rate parameters to optimize efficiency. By adjusting the flow of thermal fluid through different circuits and devices, the system can adapt to varying thermal demands and operating conditions. This parameter optimization ensures that heat transfer is maximized and energy losses are minimized, thereby improving productivity and system 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 central controller effectively reduces total electric power consumption by dynamically adjusting outlet temperatures in the thermal energy system, enhancing overall efficiency and meeting thermal loads while minimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heat pump assemblies, each heat pump assembly being connected to a thermal energy circuit (300) comprising a hot conduit (302) and a cold conduit (304)
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of cooling machine assemblies. Each cooling machine assembly being connected to the thermal energy circuit via a thermal cooling circuit inlet (204) connected to the cold conduit (304) and via a thermal cooling circuit outlet (206) connected to the hot conduit (302)
Implementation Method 3
a system of conduits and valves for distributing hot water to the houses and buildings such that the houses can be heated when needed via thermal devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A central controller (500) for controlling power consumption in a thermal energy system (400) comprising a plurality of heat pump assemblies (100) and a plurality of cooling machine assemblies (200), each heat pump assembly (100) being connected to a thermal energy circuit (300) comprising a hot conduit (302) and a cold conduit (304) via a thermal heating circuit inlet (104) connected to the hot conduit (302) and via a thermal heating circuit outlet (106) connected to the cold conduit (304), each cooling machine assembly (200) being connected to the thermal energy circuit (300) via a thermal cooling circuit inlet (204) connected to the cold conduit (304) and via a thermal cooling circuit outlet (206) connected to the hot conduit (302).