Water Source Heat Pump Valve Control to Reduce Pump Energy Consumption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Water source heat pumps (WSHP) are less efficient than desired due to high power and water consumption, particularly in part-load conditions, as they often require constant fluid flow through all condensers regardless of operational stages, leading to unnecessary pump energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage fluid delivery system with modulating motor-controlled valves that control fluid flow through condensers only when necessary, based on operating data and monitoring signals, allowing for staged operation of compressors and condensers, thereby reducing fluid flow and pump energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant fluid flow is maintained through all condensers regardless of operational stages, then all condensers can potentially operate, but pump energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid delivery system into multiple independent stages, each with its own control valve. The fluid delivery system is segmented so that fluid can be directed to specific condensers based on operational needs, rather than forcing constant flow through all condensers. This allows the system to activate only the necessary number of condensers and their corresponding fluid delivery stages, reducing pump energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of fluid flow through motor-operated valves that adjust based on real-time operational data. The system transitions from static constant flow to dynamic variable flow, where the degree of valve opening and fluid flow rate are adjusted according to the number of active compressors and cooling load requirements. This dynamic adaptation reduces pump energy consumption while ensuring adequate fluid flow to active condensers.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multi-stage fluid delivery system with motor-operated valves is implemented, then pump energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single controller that performs multiple functions: monitoring operating data from compressors and condensers, determining optimal condenser activation, controlling multiple motor-operated valves across different fluid delivery stages, and coordinating system operations. This universal controller consolidates what could be multiple separate control systems, reducing overall complexity while enabling the multi-stage fluid delivery system to reduce pump energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors operating data from sensors on compressors and condensers, and uses this information to automatically adjust valve positions and fluid flow rates. This closed-loop feedback control eliminates the need for complex manual control systems or multiple independent controllers, as the single controller adapts the system based on real-time conditions, thereby reducing pump energy consumption without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If motor-operated valves control fluid flow selectively, then fluid flow efficiency improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated controller that manages all motor-operated valves in the multi-stage fluid delivery system. By merging the control architecture rather than using separate control systems for each valve or stage, the patent reduces the overall number of control components needed. This consolidation maintains high fluid flow efficiency through selective valve control while reducing manufacturing costs compared to having distributed control systems throughout the apparatus.
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 achieves significant energy savings, reducing pump energy by up to 97% in four-compressor systems and 86% in two-compressor systems, by ensuring only active condensers receive fluid, optimizing fluid flow and reducing pump horse power.
Implementation Method 1
a modulating motor-controlled valve interposed in the output conduit, the modulating motor-controlled valve configured to alter a flow of fluid through the condenser
Implementation Method 2
a condenser being fluidly coupled to the compressor by refrigerant tubing
Implementation Method 3
The water passes through a condensing coil and removes heat from the heat refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a water system includes a compressor, a condenser fluidly coupled to the compressor by refrigerant tubing, a modulating motor-controlled valve configured to alter a flow of water through the condenser, an accelerometer mechanically coupled to the water system, and a water system controller. The water system controller may be configured to perform an automated anti-water hammer procedure. During the automated anti-water hammer procedure, the water system controller may be configured to activate an operating procedure for the water system, transmit a control signal to the modulating motor-controlled valve, receive vibrational measurements received from the accelerometer, compare the vibrational measurements measured by the accelerometer to a predetermined vibration level associated with the operating procedure, and adjust the opening position and opening speed of the modulating motor-controlled valve for the operating procedure if the vibrational measurements exceed the predetermined vibration level associated with the operating procedure.