Thermodynamic machine and alternative methods for its operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermodynamic machines, such as heat-refrigeration pumps, face challenges in adapting heating and cooling power output to match varying demands, as the ratio between heating and cooling powers produced is fixed by the refrigerant type and temperature, leading to inefficiencies when external energy sources like geothermal or aerothermal sources are exploited, especially during seasonal variations or non-seasonal thermal energy uses.
Innovation Solution
A thermodynamic machine with multiple heat exchangers capable of condensing and evaporating refrigerant fluid, connected through a complex refrigerant circuit with switching devices and valves, allowing for selective operation modes to optimize energy production from both geothermal and aerothermal sources based on temperature differences and energy demand, and includes a control circuit to adjust power transmission and source selection dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the heat pump operates with a fixed refrigerant cycle, then the heating and cooling capacities are determined by refrigerant properties, but the machine cannot adapt both heating and cooling capacity to match varying consumer demands
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant circuit is segmented into multiple independent pathways with separate control mechanisms. The circuit includes a first circuit for heating mode and a second circuit for cooling mode, allowing independent regulation of heating and cooling capacities to match varying consumer demands without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic switching capabilities through multiple valves and circuit configurations that allow the refrigerant flow path to change based on operational requirements. This enables the heat pump to adapt between different heating and cooling modes and adjust capacity ratios dynamically rather than being fixed by refrigerant properties alone.
2Power
If the heat pump prioritizes heating capacity to match heat consumer demand, then heating capacity is optimized but cooling capacity does not correspond to cooling consumer requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant circuit is divided into separate controllable segments that can be independently regulated. When heating is prioritized, the first circuit is activated while the second circuit can be partially or fully deactivated, allowing heating capacity to match consumer demand while cooling capacity is adjusted independently to correspond to cooling consumer requirements rather than being forced into a fixed ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different circuit configurations and adjusting valve positions to alter refrigerant flow rates and pressure conditions. This enables independent optimization of heating and cooling capacities according to varying consumer demands rather than being constrained by fixed refrigerant cycle parameters.
3Power
If the heat pump prioritizes cooling capacity to match cooling consumer demand, then cooling capacity is optimized but heating capacity does not correspond to heat consumer requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant circuit is segmented into independently controllable pathways that allow the second circuit to be activated for cooling priority operation while the first circuit is adjusted or deactivated. This enables cooling capacity to match cooling consumer demand while heating capacity is independently regulated to correspond to heat consumer requirements through separate flow control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching circuit configurations and adjusting valve positions to optimize refrigerant flow for cooling priority operation. This allows cooling capacity to be maximized according to consumer demand while heating capacity is simultaneously adjusted through parameter changes in the first circuit to match heat consumer requirements.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump uses only geothermal source, then geothermal energy is exploited but the system cannot adapt to seasonal variations or non-seasonal thermal energy uses
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system is designed with multi-functionality to exploit geothermal energy for multiple purposes including heating, cooling, and domestic hot water production. The refrigerant circuit can be configured to operate in different modes (heating mode, cooling mode, hot water mode) allowing the system to adapt to seasonal variations and non-seasonal thermal energy uses while continuously exploiting the geothermal source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic switching capabilities that allow it to adapt its operational mode based on seasonal variations and instantaneous thermal energy demands. The circuit can switch between extracting heat from geothermal source for heating, rejecting heat to geothermal source for cooling, or producing domestic hot water, making the geothermal exploitation flexible and adaptable to varying conditions.
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 machine efficiently adjusts heating and cooling power output to match demand by selectively using geothermal or aerothermal sources, enhancing energy performance and extending the usable capacity of geothermal energy by integrating aerothermal energy for recharging and balancing energy supply during seasonal fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
Heat pumps produce heat energy that is transferred to the outside via a heat exchanger called a condenser. In the primary circuit, a refrigerant condenses
Implementation Method 2
Heat pumps also simultaneously produce cooling energy that is transferred to the outside via a heat exchanger called an evaporator. In the primary circuit, a refrigerant evaporates
Implementation Method 3
a third heat exchanger intended to cooperate with a geothermal source... a fourth heat exchanger intended to cooperate with an aerothermal source
Implementation Method 4
Heat exchange with this source is generally forced by one or more fans
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A thermodynamic machine comprising a refrigerant circuit passing through first, second, third, and fourth heat exchangers (2, 3, 4, 5) to circulate a refrigerant. A compressor (6) is mounted between an outlet of the second heat exchanger (3) and an inlet of the first heat exchanger (2). A first expansion valve (7) is mounted between an outlet of the first heat exchanger (2) and an inlet of the second heat exchanger (3). Four connecting nodes (17, 18, 19, 20) link different inlets and outlets to define several refrigerant circulation channels.The first, second, and third switching devices (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23) selectively define a channel going up the third heat exchanger (4) and the fourth heat exchanger (5) in parallel with the first heat exchanger (2) or going up the third heat exchanger (4) and the fourth heat exchanger (5) in parallel with the second heat exchanger (3).