Heat Pump Water Heater Upper-Interface Insulation for Lower Radiation Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump water heaters experience reduced energy efficiency due to high heat radiation from the hot water tank to the heat pump unit, resulting in increased energy loss.
Innovation Solution
The heat pump unit is positioned above the hot water tank with a greater heat resistance between the tank and the unit compared to the tank and its side, utilizing insulation materials to enhance heat retention and reduce radiation, and the evaporator is strategically placed for increased heat absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the heat pump unit is disposed on the upper portion of the hot water tank unit, then the space utilization is improved and the structure is compact, but the heat resistance between the hot water tank and the heat pump unit becomes small causing increased heat radiation loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating member as an intermediary substance placed between the hot water tank and the heat pump unit. This mediator reduces direct thermal contact and minimizes heat radiation from the hot water tank to the heat pump unit, thereby resolving the energy loss issue while maintaining the compact upper-portion disposal configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by specifically increasing heat resistance at the interface between the hot water tank and heat pump unit. The insulating member is strategically positioned only where heat radiation occurs, creating localized thermal insulation without affecting the overall compact structure
2Ease of manufacture
If the evaporator is disposed with shorter lateral width than the hot water tank unit, then the compressor installation space is sufficient, but the heat absorption area from the hot water tank is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. The evaporator is disposed to extend in the vertical direction (upward) rather than only in the horizontal plane, allowing sufficient heat absorption area while maintaining compatibility with the compact horizontal footprint required for compressor installation
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 reduces heat radiation from the hot water tank, enhancing energy efficiency and allowing for uniform heat flux throughout the year, even with changing outside temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The radiator 120 heat-exchanges between refrigerant which flows through the refrigerant circuit and fluid which flows through a fluid circuit 230
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator (air heat exchanger) 130
Implementation Method 3
heat resistance R1 between the hot water tank and the heat pump unit is greater than heat resistance R2 between the hot water tank and a side of the hot water tank unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A heat pump water heater comprising a refrigerant circuit 2, a heat pump unit 1 and a hot water tank 41, wherein the heat pump unit 1 is disposed above the hot water tank 41 unit, and heat resistance R1 between the hot water tank 41 and the heat pump unit 1 is greater than heat resistance R2 between the hot water tank 41 and a side of the hot water tank 41 unit. It is possible to realize a water heater in which a heat radiation amount from an upper portion of the hot water tank 41 is reduced, a heat radiation loss from the hot water tank 41 is suppressed by minimum enhancement heat insulation, and energy efficiency is high.