Water heating device with heat pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of domestic water heating systems with integrated heat pump technology faces challenges in connectivity and space optimization, particularly in new building constructions, where multiple trades are required, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple interventions and the limited available floor space.
Innovation Solution
A cabinet-type water heating device with a modular design that includes a fixed plate secured to the wall for centralized connection management, allowing early installation and minimizing the footprint by housing all connections within the cabinet, utilizing multi-function taps and a console for easy connection of hydraulic and refrigerant circuits, and a method involving a measuring template for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wall-mounted boiler with backsplash is used to centralize connections, then connection management is improved, but floor space is saved only if the boiler remains wall-mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional parts: a wall-mounted backsplash for connection centralization and a floor-standing cabinet for housing the heat pump system. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its spatial requirements independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from purely wall-mounted installation to a hybrid configuration utilizing both vertical wall space and horizontal floor space. The backsplash occupies wall area while the cabinet occupies floor area, effectively using another dimension to resolve the space conflict.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple trades intervene sequentially during construction, then specialized tasks are completed, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backsplash is installed early during construction before other finishes are applied, allowing heating engineers to complete connection work in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for re-entry into the building after construction is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The backsplash serves as an intermediary structure that bridges the gap between construction phase and final installation. It provides a stable mounting platform for connection work that can be performed by different trades in sequence without requiring repeated building access.
3Ease of operation
If a cabinet-type structure is used to house all connections, then connection centralization is achieved, but the footprint on the ground increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a wall-mounted backsplash component and a floor-standing cabinet component. The backsplash handles all hydraulic and refrigerant connections, while the cabinet houses the heat pump equipment, separating connection functions from equipment housing.
Solution Approach 2:
Connections are moved from a horizontal floor-based cabinet to a vertical wall-mounted backsplash structure. This dimensional shift transfers the connection centralization function to the vertical plane, freeing up floor space while maintaining connection accessibility.
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
Facilitates a 'plug and play' installation process by allowing early connection setup by heating engineers, reducing the need for multiple trades and minimizing the footprint of the heating device, thus optimizing installation efficiency and space usage.
Implementation Method 1
a water heating device of the cabinet type placed on the floor and which integrates heat pump technology
Implementation Method 2
the condenser of the heat pump
Implementation Method 3
an exterior unit of the heat pump comprising an evaporator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Building heat pump water heating system, connected to at least one domestic hot water circuit 3 and to at least one heating circuit 4, 5, and consisting of an indoor unit comprising a hot water tank 6 and the condenser 7 of the heat pump, and an outdoor unit 2 of the heat pump comprising an evaporator, a pressure reducer and a compressor. The indoor module comprises two separate parts, a mobile unit 1 in the form of a movable cabinet and a fixed plate 20 comprising means for securing to a wall 100 of the building, said plate 20 comprising means for connecting 26, 26' between the mobile unit 1 and on the one hand the domestic hot water circuits 3 and heating circuits 4, 5 respectively and on the other hand the outdoor unit 2 of the heat pump, the mobile unit 1 comprising a free space 10 inside the volume of the cabinet suitable for housing said plate 20 and opening into the wall of the cabinet opposite its front.