Patent Application
20250224142
The present disclosure is directed generally to water heaters and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for air-to-water heat pumps with a water-to-water alternative heat pathway.
Heat pump water heaters are generally used to provide a supply of hot water while consuming less than half as much energy as a passive electric water heater, which relies on an electric heating element to heat a volume of water. The heat pump blows relatively warm ambient air over an evaporator to warm a refrigerant, which is then compressed by a compressor to increase its temperature and pressure. The refrigerant is then passed through a heat exchanger, such as a coil surrounding a water tank in a water heater, which results in transferring the thermal energy from the refrigerant to another medium, such as water in the water heater tank, before returning to the evaporator.
Heat pumps have the secondary effect of producing a stream of cool air which often must be redirected using ductwork in order to adhere to technical regulations. In a similar manner, refrigeration systems utilize a refrigerant for the removal of thermal energy. Heat pump-based refrigeration resembles a heat pump water heater operating in reverse, with hot air expelled from the system rather than cold air. This hot air also must often be redirected using ductwork in order to adhere to technical regulations.
Some thermal transfer systems involve a water-to-water exchange of thermal energy, where the thermal energy extracted from a first medium, such as a volume of water intended to be cold, is used to heat a second medium, such as a volume of water intended to be hot. However, this thermal exchange is limited by the demands for either cold or hot water and the thermal energy exchange must be paused if either the volume of hot water or the volume of cold water reaches a predetermined threshold, such as a threshold set by either user preference, safety demands, or physical limitations.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a means for reducing or eliminating the generation of hot and/or cold air when a heat pump is used, while also increasing the flexibility and/or efficiency of the thermal exchange system.
The detailed description is set forth with respect to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
This disclosure relates generally to heat pumps. In some instances, the heat pump is equipped with additional components enabling the redirection of thermal transfer fluid and/or the reversal of flow of the thermal transfer fluid. For example, in certain embodiments, the heat pump is equipped with a three-way reversible valve that can redirect thermal transfer fluid that has been heated by a compressor to either a heating apparatus, such as a water heater, or to a condenser for subsequent use in a cooling apparatus, such as a water cooling coil. The heat pump may be further equipped with a reversible air-to-water switch valve that can redirect thermal transfer fluid exiting a heating apparatus from a condenser to a cooling apparatus, thereby converting the system from an air-to-water heating circuit to a water-to-water dual circuit, or vice versa.
By including a three-way reversible valve, a reversible air-to-water switch valve, and various connections for installing a heating apparatus, a cooling apparatus, or both, the heat pump advantageously may be equipped with the ability to transfer thermal energy between two volumes of water, or between a volume of water and the air, depending on the desired temperature of the volumes of water and of the air emitted from the heat pump. Furthermore, the inclusion of various connections for installing a heating apparatus, a cooling apparatus, or both enables the manufacture of an “accessory kit” in the form of a heating apparatus or cooling apparatus that may be coupled to an existing heat pump for conversion of the heat pump into a more versatile system.
As used herein, a “thermal transfer fluid” refers to any fluid capable of storing and transporting thermal energy. In some embodiments, the thermal transfer fluid is water. In some other embodiments, the thermal transfer fluid is a refrigerant capable of a phase change in response to increases or decreases in temperature. For example, the thermal transfer fluid may be propane, isobutene, difluoromethane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, pentafluoroethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, bromotrifluoromethane, chlorodifluoromethane, or a combination thereof.
As used herein, a “heating apparatus” or “heating process” refers to any apparatus or process characterized by the use of a hot or warm thermal transfer fluid for the warming or heating of another medium, resulting in a subsequent cooling of the thermal transfer fluid. For example, a heat exchanger that utilizes hot thermal transfer fluid for heating a volume of water, such as a water heater, is a heating apparatus. Heating apparatuses or processes are further characterized by the use of a thermal transfer fluid having a greater temperature when it enters the apparatus than when it exits the apparatus, i.e., the thermal transfer fluid transfers heat to the heating apparatus or process.
As used herein, a “cooling apparatus” or “cooling process” refers to any apparatus or process characterized by the use of cool or cold thermal transfer fluid for the cooling or chilling of another medium, resulting in a subsequent heating of the thermal transfer fluid. In other words, the cool or cold thermal transfer fluid is heated by the thermal energy extracted from the other medium. For example, a water cooling coil, water chiller, or refrigeration apparatus utilizes cool or cold thermal transfer fluid for cooling a volume of water or a volume of air by extracting heat from the volume of water/air. Cooling apparatuses or processes are further characterized by the use of a thermal transfer fluid having a lower temperature when it enters the apparatus than when it exits the apparatus, i.e., the thermal transfer fluid extracts heat from the cooling apparatus or process.
As used herein, an “air-to-water heating circuit” refers to a heat pump configuration in which a heating apparatus is fluidly connected to the heat pump. This circuit is characterized by the thermal transfer fluid being heated by the evaporator/condenser such that cool air is driven out of air vents by one or more fans. The thermal transfer fluid is then heated and pressurized by a compressor before exiting the heat pump to be passed to the heating apparatus, where an exchange of thermal energy from the thermal transfer fluid to another medium occurs. The now-cooled thermal transfer fluid reenters the heat pump to return to the evaporator/condenser for heating.
As used herein, an “air-to-water cooling circuit” refers to a heat pump configuration in which a cooling apparatus is fluidly connected to the heat pump. This circuit is characterized by the thermal transfer fluid being pressurized by the compressor, then passing to the evaporator/condenser to be cooled such that warm air is driven out of air vents by one or more fans. The thermal transfer fluid next exits the heat pump and passes to the cooling apparatus, where an exchange of thermal energy from a relatively warm medium in the cooling apparatus to the thermal transfer fluid occurs, effecting the cooling of the medium in the cooling apparatus. The now-warmed thermal transfer fluid reenters the heat pump to again be heated by the compressor.
As used herein, a “water-to-water dual circuit” refers to a heat pump configuration in which both a heating apparatus and a cooling apparatus is coupled to the heat pump, and both the heating apparatus and the cooling apparatus have active thermal energy exchange demands. This circuit is characterized by the thermal transfer fluid being heated by the compressor before exiting the heat pump to be passed to the heating apparatus, where an exchange of thermal energy from the thermal transfer fluid to another medium occurs. The now-cooled thermal transfer fluid reenters the heat pump briefly before exiting the heat pump to be passed to the cooling apparatus, where an exchange of thermal energy from a relatively warm medium in the cooling apparatus to the thermal transfer fluid occurs, effecting the cooling of the medium in the cooling apparatus. The now-warmed thermal transfer fluid reenters the heat pump to again be heated by the compressor.
As used herein, “thermal energy exchange” refers to the heating or cooling of one medium using another medium through conduction and/or convection. For example, a heat exchanger may include a first fluid pathway and a second fluid pathway, each fluid pathway formed from a material suitable for thermal energy transfer, such as a metal, e.g., aluminum, copper, or alloy known in the art. If a hot fluid passes through the first fluid pathway, the heat in the hot fluid will heat the material forming the first fluid pathway. If the second fluid pathway is joined to the first fluid pathway in a way that maximizes the contact area between the pathways, heat from the hot fluid will pass through the material forming the first fluid pathway into the material forming the second fluid pathway. This heat may subsequently be passed to a cold fluid flowing through the second fluid pathway. Automobile radiators, hot water heaters, refrigerator coils, and the like are examples of thermal energy exchange processes that rely on conduction and/or convection to transfer heat (i.e., thermal energy) from one fluidic medium to another.
In some instances, the heat pump may be configured for water-to-water thermal energy exchange characterized by simultaneously heating a volume of water while cooling another volume of water. If the heated volume of water reaches a temperature threshold, such as the boiling point of that water, additional thermal energy is either wasted or may lead to unsafe conditions or mechanical or structural failure of the apparatus. Thus, the heat pump described herein may be capable of redirecting the thermal energy from the heated volume of water to a condenser cooled by a fan, resulting in the emission of hot air. In this way, the heat pump is configured to convert from a water-to-water dual circuit to an air-to-water cooling circuit.
Similarly, in some instances, if the cooled volume of water in a water-to-water thermal energy exchange reaches a temperature threshold, such as the freezing point of that water, continued thermal energy extraction is either wasted or may lead to unsafe conditions or mechanical or structural failure of the apparatus. Thus, the heat pump described herein may be capable of redirecting the cool thermal transfer fluid from the cooling apparatus to an evaporator heated by a fan, resulting in the emission of cold air. In this way, the heat pump is configured to convert from a water-to-water dual circuit to an air-to-water heating circuit.
Heat pumps are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the heat pump includes at least two air vents defining an airflow pathway. In some embodiments, the heat pump includes a heating circuit inlet, a heating circuit outlet, a cooling circuit inlet, and a cooling circuit outlet. Conventional heat pumps such as those found in conventional heat pump water heaters are characterized by only a heating circuit inlet and heating circuit outlet.
In some embodiments, the heat pump includes an evaporator/condenser adjacent to one of the at least two air vents. As used herein, an “evaporator/condenser” is a heat exchanger configured to enable the phase change of a thermal transfer fluid therein. For example, a warm or hot thermal transfer fluid in vapor or gaseous form may enter the evaporator/condenser and, by blowing air across the evaporator/condenser to lower the temperature, condense into a complete or partial liquid form. Similarly, by reversing the flow of fluid through the evaporator/condenser, a cool or cold thermal transfer fluid in liquid form may enter the evaporator/condenser and, by blowing air across the evaporator/condenser to increase the temperature, evaporate into a completely or partial vapor or gaseous form. Thus, the evaporator/condenser may be used in “evaporator-mode” or in “condenser-mode” by reversing the flow of thermal transfer fluid depending on the needs of the application.
In some embodiments, the heat pump includes at least one fan configured to move air through the airflow pathway across the evaporator/condenser. In order to accomplish the phase change in the thermal transfer fluid within the evaporator/condenser, the at least one fan blows air across the evaporator/condenser. In configurations in which a warm or hot thermal transfer fluid is to be cooled, the at least one fan may blow air having an ambient air temperature that is lower than the temperature of the thermal transfer fluid, thereby effecting the complete or partial phase change of the thermal transfer fluid. In configurations in which a cool or cold thermal transfer fluid is to be heated, the at least one fan may blow air having an ambient air temperature that is greater than the temperature of the thermal transfer fluid, thereby effecting the complete or partial phase change of the thermal transfer fluid. In configurations in which a water-to-water dual circuit is formed, i.e., the evaporator/condenser does not form a part of the fluidic circuit, the fan may be deactivated entirely or may idle until needed.
In some embodiments, the heat pump includes a compressor having a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet. In some embodiments, the heat pump includes a three-way reversible valve fluidly connected to the compressor inlet and the compressor outlet, the three-way reversible valve configured to selectively control a direction of fluid flow from the compressor outlet. For example, in embodiments in which a heating apparatus is fluidly connected to the heating circuit inlet and heating circuit outlet, such as when an air-to-water heating circuit or a water-to-water dual circuit is formed, the three-way reversible valve may be configured to deliver the pressurized and heated output from the compressor to the heating circuit outlet, thereby enabling thermal energy transfer from the thermal transfer fluid to the heating apparatus. In embodiments in which a cooling apparatus is connected to the cooling circuit input and the cooling circuit output but no heating apparatus is connected, the heating apparatus is at maximum temperature, or the demand for heat consumption is absent, such as when an air-to-water cooling circuit is formed, the three-way reversible valve may be instead configured to deliver the output from the compressor to the evaporator/condenser so that the thermal transfer fluid is condensed and cooled for use in the cooling process or apparatus. In this configuration, hot air is emitted from the evaporator/condenser.
As described previously, conventional water-to-water thermal transfer systems extract thermal energy from a first medium, such as a volume of water intended to be cold, and uses the extracted thermal energy to heat a second medium, such as a volume of water intended to be hot. However, if the volume of water that is intended to be hot reaches a specific temperature threshold, such as a set point temperature, a maximum temperature, or the boiling point of water, it may be undesirable to transfer any further thermal energy to that volume of water. Instead, the water-to-water thermal transfer system simply ceases thermal energy transfer, regardless of whether the intended cold-water temperature is reached in the volume of water intended to be cold. Similarly, the water-to-water thermal transfer system would be unable to heat the volume of water intended to be hot if the cold water reaches a specific temperature, such as a set point temperature or the freezing point of water.
In contrast to conventional water-to-water thermal transfer systems, the three-way reversible valve in the heat pumps described herein enables the ability to convert from a water-to-water thermal transfer system to an air-to-water thermal transfer system. This advantageously enables simultaneously heating a first volume of water to a desired temperature setpoint and cooling a second volume of water to a desired temperature setpoint without the need to cease heating or cooling due to reaching a threshold temperature. In other words, when the volume of water intended to be hot reaches a maximum threshold temperature, the heat pump of the present disclosure switches from water-to-water to air-to-water so that the volume of water intended to be cool may continued to be cooled while expelling excess heat to the atmosphere instead of into the hot water that has already been heated to the specific temperature threshold.
In some embodiments, the heat pump includes a two-way check valve positioned in between the three-way reversible valve and the compressor inlet. The two-way check valve may have a first inlet fluidly connected to the three-way reversible valve and a second inlet fluidly connected to the cooling circuit inlet. The two-way check valve may have an outlet fluidly connected to the compressor inlet. In configurations in which the air-to-water heating circuit is formed, the input to the compressor comprises thermal transfer fluid exiting the three-way reversible valve, which corresponds to the thermal transfer fluid that has been partially or completely evaporated in the evaporator/condenser. In configurations in which the water-to-water dual circuit or the air-to-water cooling circuit is formed, the input to the compressor comprises thermal transfer fluid entering the heat pump through the cooling circuit inlet, which corresponds to thermal transfer fluid that has been warmed by the cooling process. By utilizing a two-way check valve positioned in between the three-way reversible valve and the compressor inlet, any of the air-to-water heating circuit, water-to-water dual circuit, or air-to-water cooling circuit may be formed and used for thermal energy exchange without the need to modify the direction of flow through the two-way check valve.
In some embodiments, the heat pump includes a reversible air-to-water switch valve configured to form an air-to-water heating circuit, a water-to-water dual circuit, or an air-to-water cooling circuit. For example, in some embodiments, the reversible air-to-water switch valve may be configured to form a fluidic circuit between any two of the heating circuit inlet, the evaporator/condenser, and the cooling circuit outlet. In configurations in which an air-to-water heating circuit is formed, the reversible air-to-water switch valve fluidly connects the heating circuit inlet and the evaporator/condenser so that thermal transfer fluid entering the heat pump through the heating circuit inlet is delivered to the evaporator/condenser. In configurations in which a water-to-water dual circuit is formed, the reversible air-to-water switch valve fluidly connects the heating circuit inlet and the cooling circuit outlet so that thermal transfer fluid entering the heat pump through the heating circuit inlet subsequently exits the heat pump through the cooling circuit outlet. In configurations in which an air-to-water cooling circuit is formed, the reversible air-to-water switch valve fluidly connects the evaporator/condenser and the cooling circuit outlet so that thermal transfer fluid that has been condensed by the evaporator/condenser exits the heat pump through the cooling circuit outlet. When the air-to-water heating circuit or the water-to-water cooling circuit is formed, thermal transfer fluid passes through the reversible air-to-water switch valve and exits the switch valve through the same aperture. In contrast, when the air-to-water cooling circuit is formed, thermal transfer fluid flows in a reverse direction and passes into the reversible air-to-water switch valve through the same aperture that was previously considered the “exit” aperture.
In some embodiments, when a heating apparatus is operably coupled to the heating circuit inlet and the heating circuit outlet, the air-to-water heating circuit described above may be formed. In embodiments in which the heating apparatus is a water heater, this configuration may resemble a conventional heat pump water heater. In some embodiments, when a cooling apparatus is operably coupled to the cooling circuit inlet and the cooling circuit outlet, the air-to-water cooling circuit described above may be formed. In embodiments in which the cooling apparatus is a refrigeration coil or water cooling coil, this configuration may resemble a conventional refrigerator or water chiller. In some embodiments, when a heating apparatus is operably coupled to the heating circuit inlet and the heating circuit outlet and a cooling apparatus is operably coupled to the cooling circuit inlet and the cooling circuit outlet, the water-to-water dual circuit described above may be formed. Notably, the inclusion of both the heating apparatus and the cooling apparatus, along with components such as the three-way reversible valve and the reversible air-to-water switch valve, forms the air-to-water heating circuit and the air-to-water cooling circuit in addition to the water-to-water dual circuit, and the fluidic circuit that is engaged and traversed by the thermal transfer fluid depends on the orientation of the three-way reversible valve and the reversible air-to-water switch valve, which may be determined by a user or a controller as described herein. In other words, operably connecting a heating apparatus and/or a cooling apparatus does not constrain the system into a configuration that utilizes the heating apparatus and/or cooling apparatus.
In some embodiments, the evaporator/condenser is configured to cool the heated thermal transfer fluid exiting the compressor through a condensation process when the air-to-water cooling circuit is formed. When air from the at least one fan is passed through the airflow pathway and across the evaporator/condenser, this air has a lower temperature than the thermal transfer fluid. As a result, heat from the thermal transfer fluid is transferred to the air passing across the evaporator/condenser, effecting the partial or complete condensation of the thermal transfer fluid.
In some embodiments, the evaporator/condenser is configured to heat the cooled thermal transfer fluid exiting the heating apparatus when the air-to-water heating circuit is formed. When air from the at least one fan is passed through the airflow pathway and across the evaporator/condenser, this air has a higher temperature than the thermal transfer fluid. As a result, heat from the air passing across the evaporator/condenser is transferred to the thermal transfer fluid, effecting the partial or complete evaporation of the thermal transfer fluid. In either the evaporator or condenser configuration, the at least one fan passes ambient air across the evaporator/condenser, and this ambient air may have approximately the same temperature regardless of the particular fluidic circuit formed. As a result, the heat pump may emit cold air or warm air from the same air vent depending on the particular fluidic circuit formed.
Since the evaporator/condenser is not a component of the water-to-water dual circuit, the evaporator/condenser and the at least one fan may not be engaged at all when the water-to-water dual circuit is formed.
In some embodiments, such as when the air-to-water heating circuit is formed, the three-way reversible valve is configured to direct the thermal transfer fluid heated by the compressor to the heating circuit outlet. In this configuration, the three-way reversible valve includes a valve inlet fluidly connected to the compressor outlet, a first valve outlet fluidly connected to the compressor inlet (by way of the two-way check valve), a second valve outlet fluidly connected to the heating circuit outlet, and a reversible valve aperture fluidly connected to the evaporator/condenser. When the air-to-water heating circuit is formed, thermal transfer fluid that is partially or completely evaporated by the evaporator/condenser is passed into the three-way reversible valve through the reversible valve aperture, which operates as a fluid inlet in in this configuration. This thermal transfer fluid is then directed by the three-way reversible valve through the second valve outlet and into the compressor. The thermal transfer fluid, pressurized and heated by the compressor, exits the compressor and enters the three-way reversible valve through the valve inlet before it is passed through the first valve outlet to the heating circuit outlet of the heat pump.
In some embodiments, such as when the water-to-water dual circuit is formed, the three-way reversible valve is configured to direct the thermal transfer fluid heated by the compressor to the heating circuit outlet. In this configuration, the three-way reversible valve includes a valve inlet fluidly connected to the compressor outlet and a valve outlet fluidly connected to the heating circuit outlet. When the water-to-water dual circuit is formed, thermal transfer fluid that is warmed by the cooling apparatus enters the heat pump through the cooling circuit inlet and is passed through the two-way check valve and into the compressor. The thermal transfer fluid, pressurized and heated by the compressor, exits the compressor and enters the three-way reversible valve through the valve inlet before it is passed through the valve outlet to the heating circuit outlet of the heat pump.
In some embodiments, such as when the air-to-water cooling circuit is formed, the three-way reversible valve is configured to direct the thermal transfer fluid heated by the compressor to the evaporator/condenser. In this configuration, the three-way reversible valve includes a valve inlet fluidly connected to the compressor outlet and a valve outlet fluidly connected to the evaporator/condenser. When the air-to-water cooling circuit is formed, thermal transfer fluid that is warmed by the cooling apparatus enters the heat pump through the cooling circuit inlet and is passed through the two-way check valve and into the compressor. The thermal transfer fluid, pressurized and heated by the compressor, exits the compressor and enters the three-way reversible valve through the valve inlet before it is pass through the valve outlet to the evaporator/condenser.
In some embodiments, such as when the air-to-water heating circuit is formed, the reversible air-to-water switch valve is configured to direct the thermal transfer fluid from the heating circuit inlet to the evaporator/condenser, as described above. In some embodiments, such as when the water-to-water dual circuit is formed, the reversible air-to-water switch valve is configured to direct the thermal transfer fluid from the heating circuit inlet to the cooling circuit outlet, as described above. In some embodiments, such as when the air-to-water cooling circuit is formed, the reversible air-to-water switch valve is configured to direct the thermal transfer fluid from the evaporator/condenser to the cooling circuit outlet, as described above.
In some embodiments, the heat pump includes a controller configured to control (i) a direction of the reversible air-to-water switch valve, (ii) a direction of the three-way reversible valve, (iii) a compressor duty, (iv) a fan speed, or (v) a combination thereof, depending on the desired fluidic circuit and thermal exchange properties. For example, if an air-to-water heating circuit is desired, the controller may control the reversible air-to-water switch valve such that thermal transfer fluid is directed from the heating circuit inlet to the evaporator/condenser, and control the three-way reversible valve such that thermal transfer fluid heated by the compressor is directed to the heating circuit outlet. Alternatively, if a water-to-water dual circuit is desired, the controller may control the reversible air-to-water switch valve such that thermal transfer fluid is directed from the heating circuit inlet to the cooling circuit outlet, and control the three-way reversible valve such that thermal transfer fluid heated by the compressor is directed to the heating circuit outlet. As another alternative, if an air-to-water cooling circuit is desired, the controller may control the reversible air-to-water switch valve such that thermal transfer fluid is directed from the evaporator/condenser to the cooling circuit outlet.
In some embodiments, the controller may control the compressor duty. For example, when the air-to-water heating circuit is formed, an increased compressor duty may be desired to increase the rate and amount of thermal energy transfer to the heating apparatus. In contrast, when the air-to-water cooling circuit is formed, a reduced compressor duty may be desired because thermal energy transfer from the medium in the cooling apparatus will be limited by the temperature of the thermal transfer fluid.
In some embodiments, the controller may control the speed of the at least one fan. Thermal energy exchange between the ambient air and the thermal energy fluid in the evaporator/condenser is limited by the temperature of the ambient air and the residence time of the ambient air in, on, and around the evaporator/condenser itself. In other words, the more quickly ambient air is passed over the evaporator/condenser, the more efficient the thermal energy exchange generally will be. Thus, in embodiments in which the thermal transfer fluid is to be heated by the compressor, increasing the rate of evaporation within the evaporator/condenser through an increased fan speed may improve compressor efficiency and overall thermal energy exchange in the heating apparatus. In contrast, in embodiments in which the thermal transfer fluid is to be used for cooling a medium in the cooling apparatus, increasing the rate of condensation within the evaporator/condenser through an increased fan speed may improve overall thermal energy exchange in the cooling apparatus.
In some embodiments, the heat pump includes a user interface configured to enable a user to select a desired fluidic circuit, a desired temperature of a heating apparatus (if present), and/or a desired temperature of a cooling apparatus (if present). The user interface may include an interactive screen, a screen coupled with another interaction means such as a keyboard or series of buttons, or one or more other visual indications of various properties within the heat pump. For example, the user interface may include one or more analog temperature gauges corresponding to the temperature of the heating apparatus, the cooling apparatus, or the like. The user interface may include one or more buttons and/or one or more dials configured to enable a user to adjust a temperature set-point of one or more of the heating apparatus, the cooling apparatus, or the like. The user interface may be a separate device, such as a detachable screen configured to communicatively connect with the heat pump through an input/output port. The user interface may be a remote device, such as a remote computer, configured to communicatively connect with the heat pump through a local area network (LAN) connection, a wireless connection over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, or another communications protocol. Any suitable means for conveying information about the system to a user, and for enabling a user to control parameters and properties of the system, is contemplated for use as a user interface.
The user interface may present to a user the option to engage the air-to-water heating circuit, the water-to-water dual circuit, the air-to-water cooling circuit, or to simply disable all thermal energy exchange, i.e., turn the system off. For example, the user may desire to heat a volume of water in a water heater that is connected to the heat pump's heating circuit inlet and heating circuit outlet and will choose to engage the fluidic circuit responsible for heating the water. In response to the user's selection, the controller will actuate the three-way reversible valve and the reversible air-to-water switch valve as described above to enable thermal energy exchange with the heating apparatus, i.e., the water heater, forming the air-to-water heating circuit. Furthermore, the user may desire to heat the volume of water to a specific temperature. In response to the desired temperature, the controller may control the compressor duty and/or the fan speed to reach the desired temperature more swiftly.
As a further example, the user may desire to chill a volume of water in a water chiller that is connected to the heat pump's cooling circuit inlet and cooling circuit outlet and will choose to engage the fluidic circuit responsible for chilling the water. In response to the user's selection, the controller will actuate the three-way reversible valve and the reversible air-to-water switch valve as described above to enable thermal energy exchange with the cooling apparatus, i.e., the water chiller, forming the air-to-water cooling circuit. Furthermore, the user may desire to chill the volume of water to a specific temperature. In response to the desired temperature, the controller may control the compressor duty and/or the fan speed to reach the desired temperature more swiftly.
In some embodiments, if the user has chosen to both heat a volume of water in a water heater and chill a volume of water in a water chiller, the controller will actuate the three-way reversible valve and the reversible air-to-water switch valve as described above to enable thermal energy exchange with both the heating apparatus and the cooling apparatus, forming the water-to-water dual circuit.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive data from one or more temperature sensors, the data including a temperature of a heating apparatus (if present), a temperature of a cooling apparatus (if present), or both. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control (i) the direction of the reversible air-to-water switch valve, (ii) the direction of the three-way reversible valve, (iii) the compressor duty, (iv) the fan speed, or (v) a combination thereof in order to maintain a desired temperature in the heating apparatus, maintain a desired temperature in the cooling apparatus, prevent the heating apparatus from exceeding a maximum temperature, and/or prevent the cooling apparatus from falling below a minimum temperature. Thus, if a user sets a desired temperature set-point for a heating apparatus, such as a desired hot water temperature, the controller may be configured to receive temperature data from the heating apparatus and adjust the various components in the heat pump to reach that temperature or maintain that temperature. In a similar way, the controller may maintain a desired temperature in the cooling apparatus. Furthermore, the heating apparatus may have a maximum temperature, such as the boiling point of water, and the controller may be configured to adjust the various components in the heat pump to prevent the temperature in the heating apparatus from reaching or exceeding the maximum temperature. In response to determining that the temperature in the heating apparatus approaches a maximum temperature, the controller may reduce the compressor duty, adjust the fan speed, convert the system to another thermal transfer circuit, or disable the system entirely so as to prevent and/or mitigate the creation of unsafe conditions in the heating apparatus. In a similar way, the controller may prevent the temperature in the cooling apparatus from falling below a minimum temperature. In response to determining that the temperature in the cooling apparatus approaches a minimum temperature, the controller may increase the compressor duty, adjust the fan speed, convert the system to another thermal transfer circuit, or disable the system entirely so as to prevent and/or mitigate the creation of unsafe conditions in the cooling apparatus.
Suitable controllers, actuators, and control systems known in the art can be adapted for use with the systems disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the controller includes one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs) configured to interface with the temperature sensors, the compressor, the fan, and the like. For example, one PLC having a plurality of input/output (I/O) connections may be connected to each temperature sensor, the compressor, and the fan. The PLC may include a built-in user interface or may be communicatively coupled to a separate user interface, such as a user interface as described above. As another example, a PLC may interface with a first temperature sensor, another PLC may interface with a second temperature sensor, another PLC may interface with the compressor, etc., and each of the plurality of PLCs may be communicatively coupled with one another and with a user interface to enable control over the heat pump, the heating apparatus, the cooling apparatus, and the various subcomponents therein. In some embodiments, the one or more PLCs may include computer readable media that include temperature set-points for each of the heating apparatus and the cooling apparatus, along with instructions for reaching the various set-points. The instructions stored on the computer readable media may include compressor duties, fan duties, and temperature ramping profiles designed to reach a set-point temperature at a desired rate when the heat pump is in a particular configuration. The controller may include one or more proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers, one or more programmable automation controllers (PACs), one or more single input and single output (SISO) systems, one or more multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) systems, open loop feedback systems, closed loop feedback systems, or any suitable controller and/or control system suitable for facilitating the thermal energy exchange circuits described herein.
In another aspect, thermal exchange systems are disclosed herein, including thermal exchange systems having a heat pump and a heating apparatus, a cooling apparatus, or both. In some embodiments, the thermal exchange system includes a heat pump as described herein.
In some embodiments, the thermal exchange system includes a heating apparatus, such as a water heater having a water tank and a heat exchanger. In embodiments in which the air-to-water heating circuit or water-to-water dual circuit is formed, the thermal exchange fluid may exit the heat pump through the heating circuit outlet and enter the heat exchanger of the water heater. The thermal exchange fluid may then exchange thermal energy with water in the water tank of the water heater. After thermal energy exchange, the thermal exchange fluid may then exit the heat exchanger and reenter the heat pump through the heating circuit inlet.
In some embodiments, the thermal exchange system includes a cooling apparatus, such as a water cooling coil configured to cool a stream of water by extracting thermal energy from the stream of water using the thermal transfer fluid. In embodiments in which the air-to-water cooling circuit or the water-to-water dual circuit is formed, the thermal exchange fluid may exit the heat pump through the cooling circuit outlet and enter the water cooling coil. The thermal exchange fluid may then extract thermal energy from the water in the water cooling coil, thereby cooling the water in the water cooling coil. After thermal energy exchange, the thermal exchange fluid may then exit the water cooling coil and reenter the heat pump through the cooling circuit inlet.
In some embodiments, the thermal exchange system includes both a heating apparatus and a cooling apparatus as described above.
In some embodiments, the thermal exchange system includes a controller and a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature in the heating apparatus. As used herein, a “temperature in the heating apparatus” is intended to refer to a temperature of the medium within the heating apparatus. For example, in embodiments in which the heating apparatus is a water heater, the “temperature in the heating apparatus” refers to the temperature of the water in the water heater.
In some embodiments, the first temperature sensor is configured to provide data to the controller relating to the temperature in the heating apparatus. In response to the data relating to the temperature in the heating apparatus, the controller may be configured to (i) form the air-to-water cooling circuit, if a cooling apparatus is present, or (ii) disable the thermal exchange system, upon determining that the temperature in the heating apparatus exceeds a maximum temperature. For example, if the heating apparatus has a maximum temperature, such as the boiling point of water, additional thermal energy may be wasted or may contribute to unsafe conditions if the air-to-water heating circuit or the water-to-water dual circuit is maintained. Under such conditions, the first temperature sensor may communicate the temperature in the heating apparatus to the controller, and the controller may then disable the supply of thermal transfer fluid to the heating apparatus, either by forming the air-to-water cooling circuit, which does not include the heating apparatus, or by disabling the thermal exchange system entirely. As described above, the controller may achieve this by actuating the three-way reversible valve and the air-to-water reversible switch valve to form the air-to-water cooling circuit.
In some embodiments, in response to receiving data from the first temperature sensor relating to the temperature in the heating apparatus, the controller is configured to (i) form the air-to-water heating circuit, or (ii) form the water-to-water dual circuit, if a cooling apparatus is present, upon determining that the temperature in the heating apparatus is below a set-point heating temperature. For example, the thermal exchange system may have a set-point heating temperature established as a default temperature or manufacturer's recommended operating temperature, or the thermal exchange system may include a means by which a user can establish a desired set-point temperature in the heating apparatus, such as a user interface as described above. In situations in which the temperature of the heating apparatus falls below the set-point temperature, the first temperature sensor may communicate the temperature in the heating apparatus to the controller, and the controller may then enable the supply of thermal transfer fluid to the heating apparatus, either by forming the air-to-water heating circuit or by forming the water-to-water dual circuit. As described above, the controller may achieve this by actuating the three-way reversible valve and/or the air-to-water reversible switch valve to form the desired fluidic circuit.
In some embodiments, the thermal exchange system includes a controller and a second temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature in the cooling apparatus. As used herein, a “temperature in the cooling apparatus” is intended to refer to a temperature of the medium within the cooling apparatus. For example, in embodiments in which the cooling apparatus is a water cooling coil, the “temperature in the cooling apparatus” refers to the temperature of the water in the water cooling coil.
In some embodiments, the second temperature sensor is configured to provide data to the controller relating to the temperature in the cooling apparatus. In response to the data relating to the temperature in the cooling apparatus, the controller may be configured to (i) form the air-to-water heating circuit, if a heating apparatus is present, or (ii) disable the thermal exchange system, upon determining that the temperature in the cooling apparatus falls below a minimum temperature. For example, if the cooling apparatus has a minimum temperature, such as the freezing point of water, extraction of additional thermal energy may be wasted or may contribute to unsafe conditions if the air-to-water cooling circuit or the water-to-water dual circuit is maintained. Under such conditions, the second temperature sensor may communicate the temperature in the cooling apparatus to the controller, and the controller may then disable the supply of thermal transfer fluid to the cooling apparatus, either by forming the air-to-water heating circuit, which does not include the cooling apparatus, or by disabling the thermal exchange system entirely. As described above, the controller may achieve this by actuating the three-way reversible valve and the air-to-water reversible switch valve to form the air-to-water heating circuit.
In some embodiments, in response to receiving data from the second temperature sensor relating to the temperature in the cooling apparatus, the controller is configured to (i) form the air-to-water cooling circuit, or (ii) form the water-to-water dual circuit, if a heating apparatus is present, upon determining that the temperature in the cooling apparatus is above a set-point cooling temperature. For example, the thermal exchange system may have a set-point cooling temperature established as a default temperature or manufacturer's recommended operating temperature, or the thermal exchange system may include a means by which a user can establish a desired set-point temperature in the cooling apparatus, such as a user interface as described above. In situations in which the temperature of the cooling apparatus exceeds the set-point temperature, the second temperature sensor may communicate the temperature in the cooling apparatus to the controller, and the controller may then enable the supply of thermal transfer fluid to the cooling apparatus, either by forming the air-to-water cooling circuit or by forming the water-to-water dual circuit. As described above, the controller may achieve this by actuating the three-way reversible valve and/or the air-to-water reversible switch valve to form the desired fluidic circuit.
In another aspect, methods for exchanging thermal energy are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the methods include determining, with a controller, a desired thermal energy duty. The desired thermal energy duty may include (i) a need to provide heat to a heating apparatus, (ii) a need to extract heat from a cooling apparatus, or (iii) a need to provide heat to a heating apparatus and extract heat from a cooling apparatus.
For example, in a system in which a heating apparatus is installed, the need to provide heat to the heating apparatus may be determined using a temperature sensor in communication with the controller and comparing the temperature of the heating apparatus to one or more of a heating set-point, a maximum heating temperature, or a minimum heating temperature. As another example, in a system in which a cooling apparatus is installed, the need to extract heat from the cooling apparatus may be determined using a temperature sensor in communication with the controller and comparing the temperature of the cooling apparatus to one or more of a cooling set-point, a maximum cooling temperature, or a minimum cooling temperature. As another example, in a system in which both a heating apparatus and a cooling apparatus are installed, the need to provide heat to the heating apparatus and extract heat from the cooling apparatus may be determined using one or more temperature sensors in communication with the controller and comparing the temperature of the heating apparatus and/or the cooling apparatus to one or more threshold temperatures, as described above.
In some embodiments, the methods include selecting, based on the desired thermal energy duty, a thermal exchange circuit. The thermal exchange circuit may be an air-to-water heating circuit, which is selected when there is a need to provide heat to a heating apparatus. The thermal exchange circuit may be an air-to-water cooling circuit, which is selected when there is a need to extract heat from a cooling apparatus. The thermal exchange circuit may be a water-to-water dual circuit, which is selected when there is a need to provide heat to a heating apparatus and a need to extract heat from a cooling apparatus.
In some embodiments, the methods include adjusting, based on the thermal exchange circuit, a position of a three-way reversible valve, a two-way check valve, and a reversible air-to-water switch valve. For example, when the air-to-water heating circuit is selected, (a) the three-way reversible valve is configured to (i) pass thermal transfer fluid from the evaporator/condenser to a compressor, and (ii) pass thermal transfer fluid from the compressor to the heating apparatus, (b) the two-way check valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from an evaporator/condenser to the compressor by way of the three-way reversible valve, and (c) the reversible air-to-water switch valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the heating apparatus to the evaporator/condenser. In this way, the air-to-water heating circuit is formed characterized by a thermal transfer fluid being heated by the evaporator/condenser, the thermal transfer fluid then passing through the three-way reversible valve to be heated by the compressor, then passing through the three-way valve to the heating apparatus, then passing through the air-to-water switch valve to be heated by the evaporator/condenser.
By way of another example, when the air-to-water cooling circuit is selected, (a) the three-way reversible valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from a compressor to the evaporator/condenser, (b) the two-way check valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the cooling apparatus to the compressor, and (c) the reversible air-to-water switch valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the evaporator/condenser to the cooling apparatus. In this way, the air-to-water cooling circuit is formed characterized by a thermal transfer fluid being heated by the compressor, then passing through the three-way valve to be cooled by the evaporator/condenser, the thermal transfer fluid then passing through the air-to-water switch valve to the cooling apparatus before returning to the compressor through the two-way check valve.
By way of another example, when the water-to-water dual circuit is selected, (a) the three-way reversible valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the compressor to the heating apparatus, (b) the two-way check valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the cooling apparatus to the compressor, and (c) the reversible air-to-water switch valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the heating apparatus to the cooling apparatus. In this way, the water-to-water dual circuit is formed characterized by a thermal transfer fluid being heated by the compressor, then passing through the three-way reversible valve to the heating apparatus, then passing through the air-to-water switch valve, then passing to the cooling apparatus, then passing through the two-way check valve to be heated by the compressor.
In some embodiments, the desired thermal energy duty includes (iv) a need to disable thermal energy exchange. In other words, it may be desired to simply disengage the method entirely and cease any thermal energy transfer. When the desired thermal energy duty includes a need to disable thermal energy exchange, the thermal energy circuit selected may include disengaging flow of the thermal transfer fluid, i.e., no circuit is selected for fluid flow so that fluid does not flow.
Hotels are characterized by having a number of varying hot water and air conditioning duty requirements. For example, a hotel may have around 160 hotel rooms with an approximate occupancy of around 320 people. The hotel may have around 20 public restrooms, an eye wash station, a utility sink, 4 to 5 commercial clothes wasters, and a commercial kitchen of varying size depending on the degree of food offerings available at the hotel. Thus, the total peak demand for hot water for a hotel may be on the order of around 2000 gallons per hour.
In order to supply around 2000 gallons of water at a typical domestic hot water temperature of about 120° F., a 45-ton heating capacity water heater, typically an air-to-water heat pump, would be required. The water would need to be stored at a temperature of about 140° F. during regular operation to ensure the water is delivered to a hotel room at the required 120° F.
Simultaneously, the hotel may also have a chiller for cooling water and using it to condition a space by passing the cool water through a coil. This configuration is common in areas such as the northeast United States. A hotel in such an area may also be equipped with a chiller configured to supply water at a temperature of around 45° F. which gets returned to the chiller at a temperature of around 55° F. By equipping the hotel with a 200-ton chiller and operating the chiller and heat pump as a water-to-water heat pump, as described herein, the overall cooling load may be reduced by around 23% by taking advantage of the hot water demand and reallocating the heat to meet specific demands. Specifically, as described in detail below, the heat exchanger 144 may be configured to heat the heat pump water heater and the cooling apparatus 116 may be configured to cool the chiller. Reducing the load of a 200-ton chiller, capable of around 2.4 million BTU of thermal energy transfer, by 23% results in a need for only 154 tons of cooling capacity. The approximately 552,000 BTU of thermal energy saved is instead managed through the process of heating domestic water, offsetting the load on the chiller while meeting heating demands.
The system therefore optimizes the energy use of the hotel by balancing the domestic hot water production and the cooling load. Reducing the cooling load by extracting heat via a water-to-water thermal energy exchange, rather than an air-to-water cooling process, a domestic hot water heat pump may be integrated into a system such as a hotel without significantly increasing the building's amperage demand. In mild climates or in climates with fluctuating temperatures where both heating and cooling may be required at different times of the day, the system described herein adapts seamlessly to changing demand and improves overall efficiency. In multi-zone buildings in which both heating and cooling may be required simultaneously in different zones or rooms, the system described herein helps reduce total energy consumption by exchanging heat between cooling duty and heating duty.
Turning now to the Figures,
The thermal exchange system 100 in
The heat pump 102 includes an evaporator/condenser 120 positioned adjacent to at least one of the at least two air vents 104. The evaporator/condenser is configured to either condense a relatively warm thermal transfer fluid that is completely or partially gaseous into a complete or partial liquid form, or evaporate a relatively cool thermal transfer fluid that is completely or partially liquid into a complete or partial gaseous form, depending on the particular thermal energy circuit that is formed or active within the thermal exchange system. In the air-to-water heating circuit depicted in
The heat pump 102 further includes at least one fan 122 configured to move air through the airflow pathway 106 across the evaporator/condenser 120. Depending on the temperature of the thermal transfer fluid passing through the evaporator/condenser, the operation of the at least one fan results in the emission of either hot air or cold air. For example, when the evaporator/condenser is operating as an evaporator, as depicted in
The heat pump 102 further includes a compressor 124 having a compressor inlet 126 and a compressor outlet 128. The heat pump 102 includes a three-way reversible valve 130 fluidly connected to the compressor inlet 126, the compressor outlet 128, the evaporator/condenser 120, and the heating circuit outlet 112. The three-way reversible valve 130 is configured to selectively control a direction of thermal transfer fluid flow from the compressor outlet 128. For example, in the air-to-water heating circuit depicted in
The heat pump 102 further includes a two-way check valve 132 positioned in between the three-way reversible valve 130 and the compressor inlet 126. The two-way check valve 132 has a first inlet 134 fluidly connected to the three-way reversible valve 130, a second inlet fluidly connected to the cooling circuit inlet 114, and an outlet 138 fluidly connected to the compressor inlet 126. Thus, depending on whether thermal transfer fluid is flowing from the three-way reversible valve, such as when the air-to-water heating circuit is formed, or flowing from the cooling circuit inlet, such as when the air-to-water cooling circuit or water-to-water dual circuit is formed, the two-way check valve will permit passage of the thermal transfer fluid to the compressor. In the embodiment depicted in
The heat pump 102 includes a reversible air-to-water switch valve 140 fluidly connected to the heating circuit inlet 108, the evaporator/condenser 120, and the cooling circuit outlet 108. The reversible air-to-water switch valve 140 is configured to form an air-to-water heating circuit, a water-to-water dual circuit, or an air-to-water cooling circuit. In the embodiment depicted in
The heating apparatus 110 depicted in
As described above with respect to
The heat pump 102 further includes at least one fan 122 configured to move air through the airflow pathway 106 across the evaporator/condenser 120. Depending on the temperature of the thermal transfer fluid passing through the evaporator/condenser, the operation of the at least one fan results in the emission of either hot air or cold air. For example, when the evaporator/condenser is operating as a condenser, as depicted in
The heat pump 102 further includes a compressor 124 having a compressor inlet 126 and a compressor outlet 128. The heat pump 102 includes a three-way reversible valve 130 fluidly connected to the compressor inlet 126, the compressor outlet 128, the evaporator/condenser 120, and the heating circuit outlet 112. The three-way reversible valve 130 is configured to selectively control a direction of thermal transfer fluid flow from the compressor outlet 128. For example, in the air-to-water cooling circuit depicted in
The heat pump 102 further includes a two-way check valve 132 positioned in between the three-way reversible valve 130 and the compressor inlet 126. The two-way check valve 132 has a first inlet 134 fluidly connected to the three-way reversible valve 130, a second inlet fluidly connected to the cooling circuit inlet 114, and an outlet 138 fluidly connected to the compressor inlet 126. Thus, depending on whether thermal transfer fluid is flowing from the three-way reversible valve, such as when the air-to-water heating circuit is formed, or flowing from the cooling circuit inlet, such as when the air-to-water cooling circuit or water-to-water dual circuit is formed, the two-way check valve will permit passage of the thermal transfer fluid to the compressor. In the embodiment depicted in
The heat pump 102 includes a reversible air-to-water switch valve 140 fluidly connected to the heating circuit inlet 108, the evaporator/condenser 120, and the cooling circuit outlet 108. The reversible air-to-water switch valve 140 is configured to form an air-to-water heating circuit, a water-to-water dual circuit, or an air-to-water cooling circuit. In the embodiment depicted in
The cooling apparatus 116 depicted in
As described above with respect to
The heat pump 102 further includes at least one fan 122 configured to move air through the airflow pathway 106 across the evaporator/condenser 120. Depending on the temperature of the thermal transfer fluid passing through the evaporator/condenser, the operation of the at least one fan results in the emission of either hot air or cold air. However, when the evaporator/condenser is not in use, as depicted in
The heat pump 102 further includes a compressor 124 having a compressor inlet 126 and a compressor outlet 128. The heat pump 102 includes a three-way reversible valve 130 fluidly connected to the compressor inlet 126, the compressor outlet 128, the evaporator/condenser 120, and the heating circuit outlet 112. The three-way reversible valve 130 is configured to selectively control a direction of thermal transfer fluid flow from the compressor outlet 128. For example, in the water-to-water dual circuit depicted in
The heat pump 102 further includes a two-way check valve 132 positioned in between the three-way reversible valve 130 and the compressor inlet 126. The two-way check valve 132 has a first inlet 134 fluidly connected to the three-way reversible valve 130, a second inlet fluidly connected to the cooling circuit inlet 114, and an outlet 138 fluidly connected to the compressor inlet 126. Thus, depending on whether thermal transfer fluid is flowing from the three-way reversible valve, such as when the air-to-water heating circuit is formed, or flowing from the cooling circuit inlet, such as when the air-to-water cooling circuit or water-to-water dual circuit is formed, the two-way check valve will permit passage of the thermal transfer fluid to the compressor. In the embodiment depicted in
The heat pump 102 includes a reversible air-to-water switch valve 140 fluidly connected to the heating circuit inlet 108, the evaporator/condenser 120, and the cooling circuit outlet 108. The reversible air-to-water switch valve 140 is configured to form an air-to-water heating circuit, a water-to-water dual circuit, or an air-to-water cooling circuit. In the embodiment depicted in
The controller 402 in
For example, when the system is in an air-to-water heating circuit such as the one depicted in
By way of another example, when the system is in an air-to-water cooling circuit such as the one depicted in
By way of another example, when the system is in a water-to-water dual circuit such as the one depicted in
The method 500 includes, in step 502, determining a desired thermal energy duty. Step 502 may be performed using a controller as described above. The desired thermal energy may take the form of a need to provide heat to a heating apparatus (502a), a need to extract heat from a cooling apparatus (502b), a need to provide heat to a heating apparatus and extract heat from a cooling apparatus (502c), or a need to disable thermal energy exchange entirely (502d).
The method 500 includes, in step 504, selecting a thermal energy circuit. The thermal energy circuit may be selected based on the desired thermal energy duty. The thermal energy circuit may be an air-to-water heating circuit (504a), when the desired thermal energy duty determined in step 502 takes the form of a need to provide heat to a heating apparatus (502a). The thermal energy circuit may be an air-to-water cooling circuit (504b), when the desired thermal energy duty determined in step 502 takes the form of a need to extract heat from a cooling apparatus (502b). The thermal energy circuit may be a water-to-water dual circuit (504c), when the desired thermal energy duty determined in step 502 takes the form of a need to provide heat to a heating apparatus and extract heat from a cooling apparatus (502c). The thermal energy circuit may involve disengaging flow of thermal transfer fluid (504d), when the desired thermal energy duty determined in step 502 takes the form of a need to disable thermal energy exchange (502d).
The method 500 includes, in step 506, adjusting, based on the thermal exchange circuit, a position of a three-way reversible valve, a two-way check valve, and a reversible air-to-water switch valve. When the air-to-water heating circuit (504a) is selected in step 504, (a) the three-way reversible valve is configured to (i) pass thermal transfer fluid from the evaporator/condenser to a compressor, and (ii) pass thermal transfer fluid from the compressor to the heating apparatus, (b) the two-way check valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from an evaporator/condenser to the compressor by way of the three-way reversible valve, and (c) the reversible air-to-water switch valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the heating apparatus to the evaporator/condenser. As a result, the air-to-water heating circuit is formed.
In step 506, when the air-to-water cooling circuit (504b) is selected in step 504, (a) the three-way reversible valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from a compressor to the evaporator/condenser, (b) the two-way check valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the cooling apparatus to the compressor, and (c) the reversible air-to-water switch valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the evaporator/condenser to the cooling apparatus. As a result, the air-to-water cooling circuit is formed.
In step 506, when the water-to-water dual circuit (504c) is selected in step 504, (a) the three-way reversible valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the compressor to the heating apparatus, (b) the two-way check valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the cooling apparatus to the compressor, and (c) the reversible air-to-water switch valve is configured to pass thermal transfer fluid from the heating apparatus to the cooling apparatus. As a result, the water-to-water dual circuit is formed.
In step 506, when disengaging the flow of thermal transfer fluid (504d) is selected in step 504, flow of thermal transfer fluid is disengaged by, for example, turning the compressor off.
Modifications and variations of the methods and devices described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the foregoing detailed description. Such modifications and variations are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims. It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the present application and that numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/619,114, filed Jan. 9, 2024, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63619114 | Jan 2024 | US |
