Thermodynamic machine being a heating and refrigerating heat-pump and corresponding operating method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat-refrigeration pumps face challenges in adapting heating and cooling power output to match varying demands, leading to inefficient energy management and increased complexity due to the need for external circuits to handle residual energy, which affects overall efficiency and cost.
Innovation Solution
A thermodynamic machine with a refrigerant circuit configuration that includes multiple heat exchangers and switching devices allows for direct exchange of residual energy with an external source without external circuits, enabling continuous adjustment of heating and cooling power output to match consumer demands through a control circuit that regulates refrigerant flow and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external circuits are added to manage residual energy exchange, then energy management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the external source heat exchanger directly into the refrigerant circuit system, allowing residual energy exchange to occur through integrated refrigerant flow paths rather than requiring separate external circuits. The switching devices enable the same refrigerant to be directed to different heat exchangers based on system needs, eliminating the need for additional complex external energy management circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The external source heat exchanger serves multiple functions within the system - it can act as a heating heat exchanger, a cooling heat exchanger, or an energy recovery component depending on system operating conditions. The switching devices enable this multi-functionality by directing refrigerant flow to appropriate paths, reducing the need for dedicated separate circuits for each function.
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
This configuration enhances energy efficiency by optimizing the production of heating and cooling energy according to consumer needs, reducing complexity and operational costs by eliminating the need for external energy management circuits and allowing for continuous regulation of energy output.
Implementation Method 1
In the evaporator, a refrigerant evaporates in the primary part of the condenser, and in the secondary part of the evaporator, a heat transfer fluid circulates, carrying the cooling energy to the cooling device
Implementation Method 2
In the condenser, a refrigerant condenses in the primary part of the condenser, and in the secondary part of the condenser, a heat transfer fluid circulates, carrying the heat energy to the heating device
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermodynamic machine comprising a refrigerant circuit passing through a first heat exchanger (2), a second heat exchanger (3), and a third heat exchanger (4) to circulate a refrigerant. A compressor (5, 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 (15, 16, 17, 18) link different inlets and outlets to define several refrigerant circulation channels. First and second switching devices (10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20) selectively define a channel running through the third heat exchanger (4) in parallel with the first heat exchanger (2) or through the third heat exchanger (4) in parallel with the second heat exchanger (3).