Water source heat pump dual functioning condensing coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water source heat pumps lack the utilization of hot gas reheat coils in both heating and dehumidification modes, limiting their heating capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hot gas reheat coil that allows refrigerant to flow through it in both heating and dehumidification modes, optimizing heat transfer and air/refrigerant flow, and enabling the use of higher source water temperatures for improved heat-to-cool ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a water source heat pump uses a standard refrigeration cycle without hot gas reheat coil, then the system structure is simple, but the heating capacity is limited and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hot gas reheat coil with the existing water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger into a dual-functioning component. The coil serves both as the primary heat exchange surface for heating mode and as a reheat coil for dehumidification mode, eliminating the need for separate components and thereby increasing heating capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the condenser in heating mode, transfers heat from water to refrigerant in cooling mode, and serves as a hot gas reheat coil during dehumidification. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve higher heating capacity while maintaining relatively simple structure through one component performing multiple roles.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump operates with limited heat transfer optimization, then the system is easier to control, but the overall system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic refrigerant flow control through electronic expansion valves and四通 valves that can redirect refrigerant flow based on operating conditions. The system dynamically optimizes heat transfer by adjusting refrigerant distribution between different heat exchanger sections, enabling efficient operation in both heating and dehumidification modes while maintaining manageable control complexity through automated valve actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes refrigerant flow parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) dynamically based on mode of operation. In heating mode, refrigerant flows through the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger to maximize heat transfer from water. In dehumidification mode, the same components have refrigerant flow parameters adjusted to enable hot gas reheat functionality, optimizing efficiency for each operating condition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heat pump uses lower source water temperatures, then the system can operate in colder conditions, but the heat-to-cool ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a hot gas reheat coil that can preheat return air or water before it enters the main heat exchanger during cold period operation. This preliminary heating action allows the system to maintain better heat-to-cool ratios by recovering and reusing heat that would otherwise be lost, enabling operation across a wider temperature range while preserving energy efficiency.
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 significantly increases heating capacity, enhances overall system efficiency, and optimizes cooling mode performance, reducing the need for preheat supplements during cold periods.
Implementation Method 1
hot gas reheat coil that allows refrigerant to flow through it in both heating and dehumidification modes, optimizing heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
a compressor, a usage side heat exchanger, a heat source side heat exchanger arranged to exchange heat between a heat transfer medium and refrigerant flowing therethrough
Implementation Method 3
heat source side heat exchanger arranged to exchange heat between a heat transfer medium and refrigerant flowing therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump system includes a compressor, a usage side heat exchanger, a heat source side heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, a main refrigerant flow control valve switchable between cooling and heating modes, a gas reheat heat exchanger, a fan, and a secondary refrigerant flow control device switchable between first, second, and third modes. Refrigerant flows from the compressor discharge line to the main refrigerant flow control device in the first mode. Refrigerant flows from discharge line to gas reheat heat exchanger and then main refrigerant flow control valve in the second mode. Refrigerant flows both from discharge line to gas reheat heat exchanger and then main refrigerant flow control valve, and from discharge line to main refrigerant flow control valve without flowing through the gas reheat heat exchanger in the third mode. Refrigerant flows to the usage side and hot gas reheat heat exchanger in the heating mode.