Water-Source Heat Pump Using Domestic Water Upstream of Use Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump systems utilizing domestic water as a heat source/sink face challenges due to high costs and inefficiencies, particularly with the incremental sewer cost being prohibitive and the need for additional infrastructure, as well as issues with dealing with waste water containing solids.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a facility loop with a water-source heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy between domestic water upstream of the point of use and the facility loop refrigerant, using a heat exchanger to condition the water before it reaches the point of use, thereby eliminating the need for costly infrastructure and dealing with waste water solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heat exchanger is installed in the underground water line to transfer heat between municipal water and the building heat pump loop, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but infrastructure cost and code/zoning complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary heat exchanger system that couples the municipal water line with the building's heat pump loop. This intermediary device enables heat transfer between the two systems without direct mixing, resolving the contradiction by providing efficient heat exchange while maintaining system separation and compliance with codes through proper design.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger system serves multiple functions: it provides heating during cold periods, cooling during warm periods, and can potentially provide domestic hot water preheating. This multi-functionality improves energy efficiency while the modular design keeps infrastructure complexity manageable through standardized components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If municipal water is used directly as a heat source/sink for heat pumps, then heat transfer capability is improved, but water cost and sewer cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary that allows heat transfer from municipal water without requiring the water to be consumed or discharged through sewer systems. The water remains in the municipal line while its thermal energy is transferred to the building loop, eliminating both water cost and sewer cost penalties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the thermal energy from the municipal water line without removing or consuming the water itself. This extraction approach maintains heat transfer capability while avoiding the costs associated with water consumption and wastewater disposal.
3Loss of energy
If waste water with solids is moved through a heat exchanger to heat the building loop, then heat recovery is improved, but first cost and operating cost increase due to solids handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts heat from clean municipal water lines upstream of the building, avoiding the need to handle waste water with solids entirely. This extraction from a cleaner source achieves heat recovery without the high costs associated with solids handling, filtration, and maintenance of heat exchangers processing waste water.
Solution Approach 2:
By using the municipal water line as an intermediary heat source upstream of the building, the system recovers heat without directly processing waste water. The municipal water serves as a clean intermediary medium that carries thermal energy from the ground to the heat exchanger, eliminating solids handling issues.
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 solution reduces the economic viability constraints by utilizing pure, solid-free domestic water for heat transfer, offering efficient energy savings and lower installation costs, while maintaining acceptable water temperatures for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first water-source heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy between domestic water upstream of the point of water use and the facility loop refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a first water-source heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy between domestic water upstream of the point of water use and the facility loop refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system is for a facility including a first heating/cooling zone and a water delivery system configured to deliver domestic water to a point of water use. The system generally includes a facility loop having a facility loop refrigerant flowing therethrough, a first zone heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy between the facility loop refrigerant and the first heating/cooling zone, and a first water-source heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy between domestic water upstream of the point of water use and the facility loop refrigerant.