Vertical Heat Pump Layout for Gravity-Assisted Working Fluid Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pumps face challenges in achieving compact construction and energy-efficient functionality, particularly in the arrangement of evaporator and liquefier components, which affects transport efficiency, insulation, and overall energy efficiency, especially in smaller buildings.
Innovation Solution
The heat pump design features a liquefier arranged above the evaporator, with a gas region extending between them to guide evaporated working fluid, allowing for energy-efficient transport and inherent insulation, reducing the need for additional insulation materials and enhancing compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the liquefier is arranged below the evaporator in conventional heat pumps, then the transport of evaporated working fluid requires additional energy, but the structural design becomes simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the liquefier above the evaporator instead of below. This inversion utilizes gravity to assist the return flow of liquefied working fluid to the evaporator, reducing the energy required for pumping and transporting the working fluid through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical arrangement creates a gravitational potential difference that facilitates fluid flow. The liquefier positioned at a higher elevation allows liquefied working fluid to flow downward to the evaporator under gravity, reducing the need for additional pumping energy and creating a more energy-efficient circulation system.
2Loss of energy
If additional insulation materials are used to reduce heat losses, then heat loss reduction is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The gas region serving as the working fluid transport channel is merged with the insulation function. The same space that transports evaporated working fluid from the evaporator to the liquefier also provides thermal insulation, eliminating the need for separate insulation layers and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas region performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the transport pathway for evaporated working fluid, provides thermal insulation to minimize heat losses, and maintains pressure differential. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, making the device more compact.
3Volume of stationary object
If the heat pump is designed for compact construction, then space efficiency is improved, but transport efficiency of working fluid may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal to vertical arrangement of the evaporator and liquefier, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve compact footprint while maintaining efficient fluid transport. The vertical configuration allows the gas region to extend upward, providing both compact horizontal profile and effective gravitational assistance for fluid return.
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 arrangement enables efficient transport of evaporated working fluid with reduced energy consumption, improved insulation, and minimized heat losses, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective heat pump design suitable for smaller buildings.
Implementation Method 1
a gas region extending between the evaporator and the liquefier and formed to guide evaporated working fluid from the evaporator to the liquefier
Implementation Method 2
the evaporated working fluid is liquefied in the liquefier, wherein the liquefier is arranged above the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
the compressed working vapor, the temperature level of which has been raised through the compression, is brought into contact with liquefied working fluid, so that the compressed vapor again liquefies and thus gives off energy to the liquefied working fluid
Implementation Method 4
an evaporator; a liquefier; and a gas region extending between the evaporator and the liquefier and formed to guide evaporated working fluid from the evaporator
Implementation Method 5
By way of the suction, the working vapor is compressed so that compressed working vapor is expelled on the side of the radial wheel. This compressed working vapor is supplied to a liquefier. In the liquefier, the compressed working vapor, the temperature level of which has been raised through the compression
Data Source
AI summary
In a heat pump with an evaporator and a liquefier as well as a gas region extending between the evaporator and the liquefier, the liquefier is arranged above the evaporator in a setup direction for operation of the heat pump.