Water Chiller Thermal Storage Using Condenser Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chiller refrigeration systems inefficiently utilize heat removed from refrigerant at the condenser, which is typically exhausted outside, desiring a method to repurpose this heat for improved system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an energy transfer device, such as a thermal storage device or heat exchanger, downstream from the condenser to transfer heat to a third fluid, which can be used for heating purposes, with optional bypass conduits and valves for temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heat from the condenser is exhausted outside the system, then the condenser can maintain proper operating temperature, but energy is wasted and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted heat energy from the condenser into a useful resource by transferring it to a third fluid through an energy transfer device. This recovered heat can then be utilized for heating purposes downstream, transforming what was considered waste energy into a beneficial contribution to overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the heat energy from the condenser exhaust, the system recovers this thermal energy through an energy transfer device that captures heat from the condenser coolant and transfers it to a third fluid. This recovery process prevents energy loss and enables reuse of the thermal energy for other system needs.
2Loss of energy
If an energy transfer device is added to the system to recover heat, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transfer device serves multiple functions within the system: it cools the condenser coolant while simultaneously heating the third fluid. This multi-functionality allows a single added component to address both cooling and heating needs, improving energy efficiency without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The third fluid acts as an intermediary medium that receives heat from the condenser coolant through the energy transfer device. This intermediary approach allows efficient heat transfer while maintaining separation between the refrigerant loop and the heat utilization system, simplifying the overall integration.
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
Reduces overall energy and cost by redirecting heat from the condenser to heat a third fluid, enhancing system efficiency and reducing the energy required for heating downstream components.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger where refrigerant of the system is cooled and condensed by an external water flow. The heat removed from the refrigerant by the external water flow
Implementation Method 2
The energy transfer device is arranged in fluid communication with a third fluid and at least a portion of the heat from the fluid is transferred to the third fluid at the energy transfer device
Implementation Method 3
the energy transfer device is a thermal storage device containing a phase change material
Data Source
AI summary
A chiller system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator operably coupled to form a closed fluid loop having a fluid circulating therethrough. A flow of a cooling fluid is arranged in a heat transfer relationship with the fluid at the condenser. An energy transfer device is located downstream from the condenser relative to the flow of the cooling fluid. The energy transfer device is arranged in fluid communication with a third fluid and at least a portion of the heat from the fluid is transferred to the third fluid at the energy transfer device.