WO2024248986A2 - Système de chauffage d'eau - Google Patents

Système de chauffage d'eau Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024248986A2
WO2024248986A2 PCT/US2024/026463 US2024026463W WO2024248986A2 WO 2024248986 A2 WO2024248986 A2 WO 2024248986A2 US 2024026463 W US2024026463 W US 2024026463W WO 2024248986 A2 WO2024248986 A2 WO 2024248986A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
flow
volume
temperature
hot water
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2024/026463
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English (en)
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WO2024248986A3 (fr
Inventor
Jianmin Yin
Stephen Memory
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AO Smith Corp
Original Assignee
AO Smith Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by AO Smith Corp filed Critical AO Smith Corp
Publication of WO2024248986A2 publication Critical patent/WO2024248986A2/fr
Publication of WO2024248986A3 publication Critical patent/WO2024248986A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D17/00—Domestic hot-water supply systems
    • F24D17/02—Domestic hot-water supply systems using heat pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D11/00—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses
    • F24D11/02—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps
    • F24D11/0214—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps water heating system
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/10—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F24D19/1006—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems
    • F24D19/1051—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for domestic hot water
    • F24D19/1054—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for domestic hot water the system uses a heat pump
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D3/00—Hot-water central heating systems
    • F24D3/18—Hot-water central heating systems using heat pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H4/00—Fluid heaters characterised by the use of heat pumps
    • F24H4/02—Water heaters
    • F24H4/04—Storage heaters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B30/00—Heat pumps
    • F25B30/02—Heat pumps of the compression type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
    • F24D2200/12—Heat pump
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
    • F24D2200/12—Heat pump
    • F24D2200/123—Compression type heat pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D2220/00—Components of central heating installations excluding heat sources
    • F24D2220/08—Storage tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2339/00—Details of evaporators; Details of condensers
    • F25B2339/04—Details of condensers
    • F25B2339/047—Water-cooled condensers

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to water heaters, and more particularly to heat pump water heaters for use in a home or business. Even more particularly, this disclosure relates to heat pump water heaters that can use CO2 as a refrigerant.
  • hot water recirculation can ensure that heated water is immediately available at a tap when there is a demand for hot water, and can be particularly desirable in installations where there are many hot water taps located a considerable distance away from the water heater. In some installations, hot water recirculation may even be mandated by codes or regulations. However, tempering at the water heater outlet to reduce an excessively high water temperature typically cannot be used to reduce the temperature of the recirculation water. Accordingly, the use of a heat pump water heater in a recirculation system can be particularly problematic and challenging.
  • a water heater system and method according to the present disclosure provides advantageous solutions to these and other known problems in the art.
  • the water heater system described herein is designed to be used with CO2 as the refrigerant, although other refrigerants could be used such as propane.
  • CO2 can provide very hot water using a trans- critical heat cycle, however, the system must also be able to provide relatively very cold water to cool down the CO2 and complete the cycle.
  • the water heater system according to the present disclosure advantageously provides this.
  • a heat pump water heater system which includes a hot water storage unit, a cold water supply, a mixing unit, a heat pump system, and a water heating circuit.
  • the hot water storage unit includes a first volume to store heated water at a first storage temperature and a second volume to store heated water at a second temperature higher than the first temperature. An upper portion of the first volume is in fluid communication with a lower portion of the second volume.
  • the cold water supply is in fluid communication with the first volume to deliver cold water thereto.
  • the mixing unit can include a first port fluidly coupled to the cold water supply, a second port fluidly coupled to an upper portion of the second volume, and a third port fluidly coupled to a hot water plumbing system to deliver hot water thereto.
  • the heat pump system includes a compressor, an expansion device, a low-pressure refrigerant flowpath extending from the expansion device to the compressor, a high-pressure refrigerant flowpath extending from the compressor to the expansion device, and a first and second heat exchanger arranged in series along the high-pressure refrigerant flowpath.
  • the water heating circuit can include a first segment extending from a lower portion of the first volume to a branch point.
  • the water heating circuit can further include a second segment extending from the branch point to the upper portion of the first volume.
  • the water heating circuit can further include a third segment extending from the branch point to the upper portion of the second volume.
  • the first segment passes through the second heat exchanger and the third segment passes through the first heat exchanger.
  • a phase change material is provided in the heat pump water system to store heat energy, which can be transferred to water in the system when the heat pump system is not operating.
  • the heat pump water heating system is configured to connect to a hot water plumbing system having a hot water recirculation loop fluidly coupled to the first volume, the hot water recirculation loop being configured to circulate heated water from the first volume through the hot water plumbing system and back to the first volume.
  • the water heating circuit comprises one or more flow control devices configured to direct a first portion of a water flow flowing through the water heating circuit along the second segment and to direct a second portion of said water flow along the third segment.
  • the heat pump water heating system further includes a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the second portion after having passed through the first heat exchanger, the one or more flow control devices being configured to adjust a flow rate of the second portion such that the temperature of the second portion after having passed through the first heat exchanger is approximately equal to the second temperature.
  • the one or more flow control devices includes a first pump configured to direct the first portion of the water flow along the second segment and a second pump configured to direct the second portion of the water flow along the third segment.
  • the water heating circuit comprises a pump arranged along the first segment to direct a water flow along the water heating circuit.
  • the pump is a variable speed pump.
  • the heat pump water heating system further includes one or more heating elements disposed within at least one of the first and second volumes.
  • the heat pump water heating system further includes a phase change material arranged within the first volume, the phase change material having a melting point approximately equal to the first temperature.
  • the heat pump water heating system further includes a mixing unit having a first port fluidly coupled to the cold water supply, a second port fluidly coupled to an upper portion of the second volume, and a third port fluidly coupled to a hot water plumbing system to deliver hot water thereto.
  • a method of providing hot water to a hot water plumbing system at a predetermined temperature in response to a demand for a flow of hot water includes: storing a first volume of hot water at a first temperature, the first temperature being greater than the predetermined temperature; storing a second volume of hot water at a second temperature that is less than the first temperature; removing a flow of water from the second volume and directing that flow of water along a water heating circuit; operating a heat pump system to provide a source of heat for the flow of water along the water heating circuit; heating the flow of water directed along the water heating circuit with the source of heat; directing a first portion of the flow of water directed along the water heating circuit to the first volume or to the hot water plumbing system as a part of the demanded flow of hot water or both, after heating that first portion to approximately the first temperature; returning a second portion of the flow of water directed along the water heating circuit to the second volume, after heating that second portion to approximately the second
  • the method further includes providing a first portion of the demanded flow of hot water from the first volume; providing a second portion of the demanded flow of hot water from the first portion of the flow of water directed along the water heating circuit; mixing the first and second portions of the demanded flow of hot water with cold water to provide the demanded flow of hot water at the predetermined temperature; and replacing the first portion of the demanded flow of hot water with water from the second volume.
  • the method further includes replacing at least a portion of the water removed from the second volume with water from the first volume at a top end of the first volume.
  • heating the flow of water with the source of heat includes: directing a flow of compressed refrigerant through a first heat exchanger and then through a second heat exchanger; directing the flow of water through the second heat exchanger to heat the flow of water to approximately the second temperature; separating the first portion of the flow of water from the second portion of the flow of water after having heated the flow of water in the second heat exchanger; and directing only the first portion of the flow of water through the first heat exchanger to heat the first portion of the flow of water to approximately the first temperature.
  • the compressed refrigerant is a supercritical fluid.
  • the method further includes measuring a temperature of the first portion of the flow of water after it has passed through the first heat exchanger; comparing the measured temperature of the first portion of the flow of water to a predetermined temperature setpoint; and adjusting a flow rate of the first portion of the flow of water in response to comparing the measured temperature to the predetermined temperature setpoint in order to decrease a temperature difference between the measured temperature and the predetermined temperature setpoint.
  • the method further includes receiving a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the flow of heated water being circulated prior to the demand for hot water; determining that the temperature of the flow of heated water being circulated is below a predetermined temperature threshold using the temperature signal; and initiating a heat source other than the heat pump system to increase the temperature of the flow of heated water being circulated.
  • the method further includes bringing the flow of heated water into thermal contact with a phase change material to receive heat therefrom prior to circulating the flow of heated water through the hot water plumbing system.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a heat pump water heating system.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a heat pump water heating system with modifications to the hot water storage unit compared to the hot water storage unit shown in Fig. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a heat pump water heating system with an alternative embodiment of the hot water storage unit of Fig. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the heat pump water heating system of FIG. 1
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a heat pump water heating system 100.
  • the system 100 includes a water storage unit 105, which includes first and second volumes 110 and 115.
  • the first volume 110 stores water at a first temperature
  • the second volume 115 stores water at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature.
  • the first and second volumes 110, 115 are oriented with respect to gravity such that each of the first and second volumes 110, 115 have upper and lower portions. More specifically, the first volume 110 includes a lower portion 130 and an upper portion 135, and the second volume 115 includes a lower portion 140 and an upper portion 145.
  • the lower portion 140 of the second volume 115 is connected via a storage volume connection 120 to the upper portion 135 of the first volume 110.
  • the first and second volumes 110, 115 may include heater coils 125A, 125B, respectively, to supplement heating of water within the first and second volumes 110, 115 via electric heating.
  • a cold water inlet 150 is in fluid communication with the first volume 110 to deliver cold water thereto, and a hot water outlet 155 is in fluid communication with the second volume 115 to draw heated water therefrom.
  • the system 100 includes a heat pump system 160.
  • the heat pump system 160 includes a refrigerant circuit 190 with components placed along and in fluid communication with the refrigerant along the refrigerant circuit 190.
  • the refrigerant circuit 190 includes a low-pressure refrigerant flow path 190a extending from the expansion device 175 to the compressor 165, and a high-pressure refrigerant flow path 190b extending from the compressor 165 to the expansion device 175.
  • the first and second gas coolers 180 and 185 are heat exchangers that pass heat from the heat pump system 160 to water within a water heating circuit 195.
  • the first and second gas coolers 180, 185 are arranged in series along the high-pressure refrigerant flow path 190b.
  • the water heating circuit 195 includes various conduits to deliver water to and from the first and second volumes 110, 115 and the first and second heat exchangers.
  • a first segment 200 delivers water from the lower portion 130 of the first volume 110 to a branch point 205.
  • the branch point 205 is fluidly connected to the upper portion 135 of the first volume 110 via a second segment 210 and is fluidly connected to the hot water outlet 155 via a third segment 215.
  • the second gas cooler 185 is arranged along the first segment 200 and exchanges heat from the heat pump system 160 to water within the first segment 200.
  • the first gas cooler 180 is arranged along the third segment 215 and exchanges heat from the heat pump system to water within the third segment 215.
  • a pump 220 which can be a variable speed pump, is positioned along the first segment 200 to pull water from the first volume 110 and deliver the water to the second gas cooler 185.
  • a first valve 225 controls flow through the second segment 210 and a second valve 230 controls flow along the third segment 215.
  • a first portion of the water pulled from the first volume 110 can be sent via the second segment 210 back into the first volume 110 (generally to increase the temperature of water stored within the first volume 110) and a second remaining portion can be sent via the third segment 215 to the first gas cooler 180 and ultimately to the hot water outlet 155 (generally for further heating and use of the heated water).
  • a temperature sensor 235 is placed along the first segment 200 to measure water temperature as it is pulled from the lower portion 130 of the first volume 110.
  • Another temperature sensor 240 is positioned along the third segment 215 downstream from the first gas cooler 180 to measure the temperature of the hot water exiting the first gas cooler 180.
  • this temperature sensor 235 The primary purpose of this temperature sensor 235 is to protect the system 100 by shutting down the system 100 (particularly, the pump 220 and the compressor 165) if the water entering the first segment 200 is at a sufficiently elevated temperature to prevent proper cooling of the refrigerant in the second gas cooler 185.
  • water that passes through the third segment 215 after passing through the first gas cooler 180 has a temperature equal to a desired setpoint temperature of water within at least the upper portion 145 of the second volume 115, so that water in the hot water outlet 155 coming from the second volume 115 during a hot water draw, and coming from the first gas cooler 180, is the same temperature.
  • the operation of the first and second valves 225, 230 can be controlled in response to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 240 in order to achieve such a desired water temperature. For instance, if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 240 falls below the desired setpoint, a controller can, in response, adjust one or both of the valves 225, 230 to direct less of the water flow through the third segment 215. Likewise, if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 240 begins to exceed the desired setpoint, the controller can, in response, adjust one or both of the valves 225, 230 to direct more of the water flow through the third segment 215. Alternatively, or in addition, the controller can adjust the operation of the pump 220 to increase or decrease the water flow rate, in the case where the pump 220 is a variable speed pump.
  • one of the valves 225, 230 may be eliminated.
  • An additional temperature sensor (not shown) can optionally be provided along the second segment 210, and the flow rate of a variable speed pump 220 can also or alternatively be adjusted in order to deliver a desired water temperature to the first volume 110 along the second segment 210. It should be understood that the inclusion of two separate valves 225 and 230 is for illustrative purposes, and that a single valve can be used to the same effect.
  • Heated water from the hot water outlet 155 ultimately travels to a system hot water tap or outlet 245, which provides heated water to a user.
  • water at the hot water outlet 155 may be too hot for use.
  • a mixing valve 250 is provided between the hot water outlet 155 and the system hot water outlet 245.
  • the mixing valve 250 receives water directly from the cold water inlet 150 via a bypass line 255.
  • the bypass line 255 provides cold water to the mixing valve 250, which mixes this cold water with hot water from the hot water outlet 155, and thus cools water from the hot water outlet 155 to provide water to the system hot water outlet 245 at a desired temperature.
  • a temperature sensor 260 along the outlet of the mixing valve 250 (or, alternatively, at the mixing valve 250 itself) determines the temperature of the mixed water and is used to control the mixing valve 250 to achieve a desired water temperature at the system hot water outlet 245.
  • the system 100 can also include a hot water recirculation loop, which continuously or at intervals circulates partially heated water throughout water lines in the facility (i.e., a hot water plumbing system) where the system 100 is installed, independently from a demand for hot water. This increases the temperatures of latent water within these water lines, and thus reduces water wasted while a user is waiting for water at a faucet or other water outlet to heat up to a desired temperature when heated water is requested by a user.
  • a hot water recirculation loop is shown in Fig. 1.
  • a fourth segment 265 connects the upper portion 135 of the first volume 110 to a location between the mixing valve 250 and the system hot water outlet 245.
  • a recirculating pump 270 along the fourth segment 265 draws partially heated water from the first volume 110 and circulates water, via the system hot water outlet 245, throughout water lines in the facility where the system 100 is installed. After this water is circulated, the water is returned to the first volume 110 via a recirculation return 275.
  • a check valve 282 can be provided in order to prevent the circulated flow of water from flowing to the tank hot water outlet 155 instead of to the system hot water outlet 245.
  • Water in the second volume 115 or water throughout a hot water system with only a single tank, is often too hot to be used in such a recirculation system, and without a demand for hot water there will be no motive force to allow cold water to flow along bypass line 255 to temper the water.
  • water in the first volume 110 that is stored at a relatively cooler temperature provides significant advantages to the end user in the form of convenience over other systems.
  • the temperature of the water within the first volume 110 can decrease (e.g. due to heat losses from the hot water plumbing system) to an undesirably low level.
  • a condition can be detected by a temperature sensor 284 arranged along the recirculation return 275.
  • a condition can be detected by a temperature sensor located on or within the upper portion 135 of the first volume 110, or on a portion of the fourth segment 265.
  • heating of the water within the first volume 110 can be initiated by, for example, energizing the heater coil 125A.
  • heating of the water by operating the compressor 165 and pump 220 can be initiated in response to detecting such condition.
  • the second gas cooler 185 exchanging heat with relatively cooler water in the first volume 110.
  • CO2 When CO2 is used as the refrigerant in the heat pump system 160, the CO2 can be heated to a supercritical state, which can provide very effective heating due to the high temperature of the CO2.
  • the CO2 must also be cooled by relatively much colder water to avoid forcing the heat pump system 160 to shut down.
  • the first volume 100 can provide this relatively much cooler water, and in some instances provides water very near the water temperature at the cold water inlet 150.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a system 100 without two separate tanks and without the storage volume connection 120. Instead, a single tank 280 is provided.
  • the inlet and outlet lines from the first and second volumes 110, 115 are the same as shown in the embodiment in Fig. 1, but the effect of the first and second volumes 110, 115 is achieved through the use of separating plates.
  • the separating plates can be the separating walls 165 disclosed in PCT/US2022/052115 titled “TANK WATER HEATER AND WATER HEATING SYSTEM”, filed December 7, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the separating plates could also be embodied as a plate with a plurality of apertures that allow water to pass through the plate. As viewed in the cross section in Fig.
  • a lower separating plate 285 is positioned nearer to the bottom of the tank 280 and an upper separating plate 290 is positioned nearer to the top of the tank 280.
  • the volume of the tank 280 below the upper separating plate 290 functions like the first volume 110 in Fig. 1, and is thus also denoted the first volume 110.
  • the volume of the tank 280 above the upper separating plate 290 functions like the second volume 115 shown in Fig. 1, and is thus also denoted the first volume 115.
  • the first and second volumes 110, 115 include the same connections for water to travel into and out of the first and second volumes 110, 115 in shown Fig. 1.
  • the third volume 295 receives water from the cold water inlet 150 and discharges water to the first segment 200, and can exchange water directly to the rest of the first volume 110 via water passed through the lower separating plate 285.
  • the third volume 295 thus creates a volume of water very near the water inlet temperature, thus providing the coldest water possible to the second gas cooler 185 (shown in Fig. 1). This helps ensure heated CO2 used as the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 190 (shown in Fig. 1) is brought down in temperature in a supercritical state, thus increasing the safety and overall efficiency of the system 100.
  • a lower separating plate 285 can be positioned within the first volume 110 shown in Fig. 1 to obtain the same advantages.
  • the remaining volume of the first volume 110 not within the third volume 295 contains relatively warmer water, which can be used for recirculation or can be heated to pass through the upper separating plate 290 into the second volume 115.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative version using the single tank 280.
  • a porous heat storage component 300 is arranged within the tank 280 at the location corresponding to the space between the separating plates of Fig. 2.
  • the heat storage component 300 can, for example, be a heat exchange structure containing a phase change material (PCM).
  • PCM phase change material
  • the PCM can be a material that changes state from solid to liquid at a particular temperature, with a substantially high latent heat capacity associated with such phase change.
  • the PCM can be selected to have a melting point that is particularly well suited for the intended water heating application. By way of example, that melting point can be close to, or approximately equal to, the desired temperature of the recirculation water flow.
  • the heat storage component 300 thereby functions as a thermal battery, capable of storing heat from the water being returned to the first volume 110 from the second gas cooler 185 during such time as when the heat pump system 160 is operating, and capable of maintaining the temperature of the recirculation loop water directed through the fourth segment 265 when the heat pump system 160 is not operating.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative version of a heat pump water heating system 400.
  • Multiple aspects of the heat pump water heating system 400 are identical or similar to those of the heat pump water heating system 100 of Fig. 1, and such aspects have been identified in Fig. 4 with the same reference numbers as were used in Fig. 1.
  • the operation of the heat pump water heating system 400 will be described with particular emphasis on the differences between it and the previously described heat pump water heating system 100.
  • the pump 220 that is used to circulate water through the heat pump system 160 in order to receive heat from the high-pressure refrigerant is arranged along the third segment 215.
  • this pump 220 is operational, water is drawn from the lower portion 130 of the first volume 110, and is directed along both the first segment 200 and the third segment 215.
  • the recirculation pump 270 has been relocated to be along the second segment 410, which also doubles as the fourth segment 465 that circulates water, via the system hot water outlet 245, throughout water lines in the facility.
  • both pumps 220 and 270 can operate to draw unheated (or underheated) water from the lower portion 130 of the first volume 1 10 along the first segment 200 to the branch point 205.
  • a first portion of that combined water flow is directed into the second segment 410 by the pump 270, while the remaining second portion is directed into the third portion 215 by the pump 220.
  • the pump 220 is depicted as being at the water outlet side of the gas cooler 180, it can be arranged anywhere along the third portion 215 between the branch point 205 and the hot water outlet 155.
  • the pump 220 can be a variable speed pump, with the flow rate regulated using temperature signals received from the temperature sensor 240 so that the water directed to the hot water outlet 155 is at a desired temperature for water stored in the second volume 115.
  • the water that is directed along the second segment 410 is not sent directly to the first volume 110, but is instead directed along the fourth segment 465 so that it circulates through the hot water system and is returned to the first volume 110 along the recirculation return 275.
  • the pump 270 can operate at a predetermined speed, or can be a variable speed pump that uses temperature signals from a temperature sensor 435 arranged along the second segment 410 in order to adjust the speed of the pump 270, so that the water being directed along the fourth segment 465 is at a desired recirculation temperature.
  • the arrangement of the pumps 220 and 270 in the water heating system 400 can avoid the need for the valves 225, 230 that were depicted in the water heating system 100.
  • a PCM heat exchanger 460 can also be arranged along the first segment 200.
  • the PCM heat exchanger 460 is downstream of the gas cooler 485 along the water flow direction, and is upstream of the gas cooler 485 along the refrigerant flow direction. In this way, the coldest water along the first segment 200 is the last to exchange heat with the refrigerant before the refrigerant is directed to the expansion device 175, thereby ensuring adequate cooling of the refrigerant.
  • the PCM heat exchanger 460 preferably contains a phase change material that is in thermal contact with both the refrigerant flowing along the high-pressure refrigerant flow path 190b and the water flowing along the first segment 200, and is preferably selected to have a melting point that is particularly well suited for the intended water heating application. By way of example, that melting point can be close to, or approximately equal to, the desired temperature of the recirculation water flow.
  • water can still be drawn from the lower portion 130 of the first volume 110 by the recirculation pump 270, and can be directed along the fourth segment 465 as a recirculation water flow.
  • this water can be heated to the desired recirculation temperature by drawing heat stored in the molten PCM.
  • the pump 270 can, when the heat pump system 160 is not operating, operate at a desired recirculation pump speed that is different from the pump speed at which it operates when the heat pump system 160 is operating.
  • a method of providing hot water to a hot water plumbing system is provided herein.
  • the hot water is provided at a predetermined temperature in response to a demand for a flow of hot water.
  • the method includes storing a volume of hot water in the second volume 115 at a first temperature, the first temperature being greater than the predetermined temperature and storing another volume of hot water in the first volume 110 at a second temperature that is less than the first temperature.
  • the method further includes providing a portion of the demanded flow of hot water from the second volume 115, and mixing said portion with cold water to provide the demanded flow of hot water at the predetermined temperature.
  • the method further includes replacing said portion removed from the second volume 115 with replacement water from the first volume 110.
  • the method further includes removing a flow of water from the first volume 110 and directing that flow of water along the water heating circuit 195, and operating the heat pump system 160 to provide a source of heat for the flow of water along the water heating circuit 195.
  • the method further includes heating the flow of water directed along the water heating circuit 195 with the source of heat and directing a first portion of the flow of water directed along the water heating circuit 195 to the second volume 115 as part of the replacement water, after heating that first portion to approximately the first temperature.
  • the method further includes returning a second portion of the flow of water directed along the water heating circuit 195 to the first volume 110, after heating that second portion to approximately the second temperature, and replacing the replacement water removed from the first volume 110 with cold water from the cold water inlet 150 at a lower portion 130 of the first volume 110.
  • the method further includes directing a flow of compressed refrigerant through the first gas cooler 180 and then through the second gas cooler 185, and directing the flow of water through the second gas cooler 185 to heat the flow of water to approximately the second temperature.
  • the method further includes separating the first portion of the flow of water from the second portion of the flow of water after having heated the flow of water in the second gas cooler 185, and directing only the first portion of the flow of water through the first gas cooler 180 to heat the first portion of the flow of water to approximately the first temperature.
  • the flow of compressed refrigerant is used to heat a phase change material (PCM) in a PCM heat exchanger after having passed through the first gas cooler 180.
  • the flow of water also passes through, and is heated in, the PCM heat exchanger.
  • the compressed refrigerant is a supercritical fluid.
  • the compressed refrigerant is CO2.
  • the method further includes continuing to heat water from the first volume 110 using the source of heat after the demand for hot water has ceased, in order to re- charge the first and second volumes 1 10, 115 with heated water at the first and second temperatures.
  • the method further includes circulating a flow of heated water from the first volume 110 through the hot water plumbing system and back to the first volume 110 prior to the demand for hot water. In some embodiments, this is accomplished via the recirculation pump 270, fourth segment 265 or 465, and recirculation return 275.
  • the method further includes monitoring at least one temperature signal and, in response, operating the compressor 165 of the heat pump system 160 to provide the source of heat and operating the water pump 220 to remove the flow of water from the first volume 110 and to direct it along the water heating circuit 195.
  • the method further includes monitoring a temperature of the flow of water removed from the first volume 110 by the water pump 220 at the temperature sensor 235, and stopping operation of the compressor 165 and water pump 220 in response the temperature of the flow of water removed from the first volume 110 exceeding a threshold.
  • the method includes monitoring a temperature of first portion of the flow of water after it has been heated in the first gas cooler 180 at the temperature sensor 240, and adjusting the flow rate of the first portion in response.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
  • Steam Or Hot-Water Central Heating Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Un système et un procédé de chauffage d'eau de pompe à chaleur comprennent une unité de stockage d'eau chaude comportant un premier volume pour stocker de l'eau chauffée à une première température de stockage et un second volume pour stocker de l'eau chauffée à une seconde température supérieure à la première température. Le système et le procédé de chauffage d'eau de pompe à chaleur comprennent également un circuit de chauffage d'eau comprenant un premier segment s'étendant d'une partie inférieure du premier volume à un point de branchement, un deuxième segment s'étendant du point de branchement à la partie supérieure du premier volume, et un troisième segment s'étendant du point de branchement à la partie supérieure du second volume. Le premier segment passe à travers un second échangeur de chaleur et le troisième segment passe à travers un premier échangeur de chaleur.
PCT/US2024/026463 2023-05-29 2024-04-26 Système de chauffage d'eau Ceased WO2024248986A2 (fr)

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US202363504773P 2023-05-29 2023-05-29
US63/504,773 2023-05-29

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Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2834865A (en) * 1957-07-17 1958-05-13 Sydney N Coates Two-compartment hot water tank
JP3227651B2 (ja) * 1998-11-18 2001-11-12 株式会社デンソー 給湯器
JP2002122351A (ja) * 2000-10-17 2002-04-26 Central Res Inst Of Electric Power Ind 貯湯装置
US7644686B2 (en) * 2006-07-19 2010-01-12 Aos Holding Company Water heating distribution system
JP4948374B2 (ja) * 2007-11-30 2012-06-06 三菱電機株式会社 冷凍サイクル装置
JP5310431B2 (ja) * 2009-09-17 2013-10-09 パナソニック株式会社 ヒートポンプ式温水暖房装置
DE102010005698A1 (de) * 2010-01-25 2011-07-28 Höcker, Hans-Peter, Dipl.-Ing.(FH), 91058 Kombination von Wärmetauschern für Kältemittel
DE102015008045B4 (de) * 2015-06-19 2019-09-05 Hans Peter Höcker Kombination von Wärmetauschern bestehend aus Kondensator und Unterkühler für eine hocheffiziente Wärmepumpe, welche zum Heizen und Kühlen geeignet ist.

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