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WO2022261195A1 - Intégration de masse thermique pour pompe à chaleur - Google Patents

Intégration de masse thermique pour pompe à chaleur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022261195A1
WO2022261195A1 PCT/US2022/032657 US2022032657W WO2022261195A1 WO 2022261195 A1 WO2022261195 A1 WO 2022261195A1 US 2022032657 W US2022032657 W US 2022032657W WO 2022261195 A1 WO2022261195 A1 WO 2022261195A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heat
thermal mass
thermal
mass unit
heat pump
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/US2022/032657
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Marshall Cox
Ioannis Kymissis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Radiator Labs Inc
Original Assignee
Radiator Labs Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Radiator Labs Inc filed Critical Radiator Labs Inc
Priority to EP22820955.7A priority Critical patent/EP4352441A4/fr
Priority to CA3215473A priority patent/CA3215473A1/fr
Publication of WO2022261195A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022261195A1/fr
Priority to US18/534,255 priority patent/US20240255194A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • F25B25/00—Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups F25B1/00 - F25B23/00
    • F25B25/005—Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups F25B1/00 - F25B23/00 using primary and secondary systems
    • 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
    • F24H7/00—Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release
    • F24H7/06—Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being radiated
    • F24H7/062—Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being radiated with electrical energy supply
    • 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
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/20—Casings or covers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
    • F24F5/0003—Exclusively-fluid systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
    • F24F5/0007—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning
    • F24F5/0017—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning using cold storage bodies, e.g. ice
    • 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
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
    • F24H15/262—Weather information or forecast
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
    • F28D20/0056—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using solid heat storage material
    • 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
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2130/00—Control inputs relating to environmental factors not covered by group F24F2110/00
    • F24F2130/10—Weather information or forecasts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
    • F24F2221/20—Details or features not otherwise provided for mounted in or close to a window

Definitions

  • Embodiments described herein generally relate to thermal management systems and methods of operating the same.
  • embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for managing the temperature of indoor spaces.
  • Embodiments described herein relate to systems, devices, and methods for improved heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
  • Conventional heat pumps and air conditioners encounter several operational issues. For example, single room window air conditioner units with heat pumps often run during peak usage hours (e.g., on afternoons of hot summer days). Utility companies often set energy prices higher at peak usage hours to discourage consumers from exhausting the energy grid. Additionally, conventional systems can struggle to quickly adjust the temperature of a room. Significant delays occur between designating a set temperature and reaching the set temperature.
  • a system includes a housing, a thermal mass unit disposed in the housing and configured to thermally couple to a room side of a heat pump that is disposed outside of the housing, and a thermal coupling device coupled to the thermal mass unit and configured to transfer heat between the thermal mass unit and the room side of the heat pump.
  • the system can further include a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the thermal mass unit and the thermal coupling device.
  • the heat exchanger can transfer heat between the thermal mass unit and the thermal coupling device.
  • the system can further include a pump that moves fluid through the thermal coupling device to carry heat between the room side of the heat pump and the thermal mass unit.
  • the system can further include a heat exchanger that transfers heat between the thermal coupling device and the room side of the heat pump.
  • the thermal mass unit can include a space heating radiator.
  • the thermal coupling device can be removably coupled to the room side of the heat pump.
  • a thermal insulation can be disposed between the thermal mass and the housing.
  • the heat pump can include an exterior side exposed to an outdoor environment.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a thermal management system, according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is an illustration of a thermal management system, according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method of controlling a thermal management system, according to an embodiment.
  • Heat transfer and management thereof are important areas of innovation of research.
  • Commercial and residential buildings collectively waste billions of kilowatt-hours (kW-h) of energy each year in excessively heating or cooling buildings.
  • kW-h kilowatt-hours
  • Conventional heat pumps and heat pump systems used in commercial and/or residential buildings are typically not designed to store energy or expend energy in a consistent manner. Rather, conventional heat pumps are idle for long periods of time, with intermittent periods of energy-intensive operation (often during peak energy usage hours with peak pricing). By shifting the time during which heat pumps operate and/or storing a portion of the energy generated during operation in a thermal mass, a consumer can significantly reduce energy consumption during peak usage hours. This provides economic benefits for the consumer, as well as more efficient grid management.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a thermal management system 100, according to an embodiment.
  • the thermal management system 100 includes a thermal coupling device 110 joining a housing 120 with a thermal mass unit 130 to a heat pump 140.
  • the thermal management system 100 can be implemented in a residential building, a commercial building, or any suitable dwelling unit.
  • the thermal management system 100 can be implemented in room-scale heating or cooling operations.
  • the thermal management system 100 can include a central control unit for managing the transfer of heat throughout the thermal management system 100.
  • the central control unit can include a computer.
  • the central control unit can include a thermostat.
  • the central control unit can be controlled manually (i.e., by a user).
  • the central control unit can control the thermal management system automatically (i.e., via a series of algorithms and decision flow charts).
  • changes to the management of thermal energy in the thermal management system 100 can be implemented manually or automatically based on temperature conditions in various portions of the thermal management system 100, or a room in which the thermal management system 100 is placed.
  • the thermal management system 100 can be operated based on power costs (e.g., using less energy during peak usage hours).
  • the heat pump 140 includes a room side exposed to an inside environment and a waste heat side. Typically, the waste heat side is exposed to an outside environment. In some embodiments, the outside environment can include atmospheric air. In some embodiments, the heat pump 140 can be at least partially underground, such that the outside environment includes ground (i.e., earth). In some embodiments, the heat pump 140 can be at least partially underwater, such that the outside environment includes water.
  • the heat pump 140 can be, for example, a window air conditioning unit, a window heat pump, a window heating unit, split system heat pump, a ductless mini-split heat pump, or any other suitable device.
  • the heat pump 140 can therefore be configured to condition (e.g., heat or cool) indoor air using the room side and reject excess heat energy (hot or cold) to the outside environment.
  • the heat pump 140 can be communicatively coupled to a thermostat, thermometer, and/or a thermocouple, which can be used to control the heat pump 140.
  • the thermal coupling device 110 is configured to be coupled to the heat pump 140 on one end and coupled to the thermal mass unit 130 and/or the housing 120 on another end.
  • the thermal coupling device 110 can include a heat transfer fluid and a pump configured to move the heat transfer fluid between the heat pump 140 and the thermal mass unit 130.
  • the thermal coupling device 110 can include a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the heat pump 140 and another heat exchanger thermally coupled to the thermal mass unit 130.
  • the heat transfer fluid can be any suitable gas or liquid, including mixtures of gas and liquid phases. In some instances, the heat transfer fluid can include air, water (or water vapor/steam), propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, oil, salt solutions, wax, molten metal, etc.
  • the heat transfer fluid can include hot air (i.e., air heated by the heat pump 140 to a temperature above the surrounding environment).
  • the heat transfer fluid can be pumped between the heat exchangers to transfer heat between the heat pump 140 and the thermal mass unit 120.
  • the thermal coupling device 110 can include a heat pipe (e.g., a sealed thermal transfer device containing a working fluid that passively conducts heat between the heat pump 140 and the thermal mass unit 130) or any other suitable system operable to transfer heat energy.
  • the thermal coupling device 110 can transfer heat passively (e.g., without pumps).
  • the thermal coupling device 110 can be activated to transfer heat between the heat pump 140 and the thermal mass unit based on a thermal condition detected by the thermal management system 100. For example, if the difference in temperature between the thermal mass unit 130 and the heat pump 140 exceeds a threshold value, the pump can engage to transfer heat between the thermal mass unit 130 and the heat pump 140. In some embodiments, heat transfer between the thermal mass unit 130 and the heat pump 140 can be based on a prescribed set time. For example, during summer, heat can be transferred from the thermal mass unit 130 to the heat pump 140 during the night to cool off the thermal mass unit 140, effectively storing or banking the cold from the cooler night temperatures for later use during the day.
  • heat transfer between the thermal mass unit 130 and the heat pump 140 can be based on energy costs. In some embodiments, heat transfer between the thermal mass unit 130 and the heat pump 140 can be based on energy production. For example, the heat pump 140 can be run during the day, when on-building solar panels are collecting energy, reducing or eliminating the need for battery storage.
  • the heat pump 140 and the housing 120 can be spaced apart.
  • the housing 120 and/or the thermal mass unit 130 may not be affixed to or disposed in the same housing as the heat pump 140.
  • the housing 120 can be a stand-alone device such that the thermal mass unit 130 and/or the thermal coupling device 110 can be retrofitted to heat pump 140.
  • housing 120 can be a stand-alone device containing the thermal mass unit 130 and suitable for being retrofitted to an existing heat pump 140 via the thermal coupling device 110.
  • the housing 120 and/or the thermal mass unit 130 can be configured to be retrofitted to an existing radiator configured for space heating (e.g., a cast iron steam radiator).
  • the housing 120 can include a fan for dispersion of heat and/or cold from the thermal mass unit 130 and into the room.
  • the fan can be configured to induce air flow over the thermal mass unit 130 (or a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the thermal mass unit), resulting in forced convective heat transfer between the thermal mass unit 130 and an indoor environment.
  • the fan can be disposed in the housing 120.
  • the fan can be disposed outside the housing 120.
  • the housing 120 can be configured to be positioned in the same room as the heat pump 140.
  • the housing 120 can be configured to be positioned in a different room from the heat pump, such as a utility closet, built into a wall, ceiling, or floor, disposed in a basement or crawlspace, disposed in an attic, etc.
  • the thermal coupling device 110 can follow a direct or substantially straight path from the heat pump 140 to the thermal mass unit 120. In some embodiments, the thermal coupling device 110 can follow in indirect or roundabout path from the heat pump 140 to the thermal mass unit 120.
  • the heat pump 140 can be operated to induce a change in temperature from the end of the thermal coupling device 110 coupled to the heat pump 140 to the end of the thermal coupling device 110 coupled to the housing 120 and/or thermal mass unit 130 of at least about 0.1 °C, at least about 0.2 °C, at least about 0.3 °C, at least about 0.4 °C, at least about 0.5 °C, at least about 0.6 °C, at least about 0.7 °C, at least about 0.8 °C, at least about 0.9 °C, at least about 1 °C, at least about 2 °C, at least about 3 °C, at least about 4 °C, at least about 5 °C, at least about 10 °C, at least about 20 °C, at least about 30 °C, at least about 40 °C, at least about 50 °C, at least about 60 °C, at least about 70 °C, at least about 80 °C, at least about 90 °C,
  • the thermal coupling device 110 can be removably coupled to the heat pump 140. In some embodiments, the thermal coupling device 110 can be configured to be removably coupled to the housing 120 and/or the thermal mass unit 130. In some embodiments, the thermal coupling device 110 can transfer heat from the heat pump 140 (i.e., a room side of the heat pump 140) to the thermal mass unit 130 during a time period of low energy demand to capture or “bank” heat or cold for later use. In some embodiments, heat can be released from the thermal mass unit 130 during a time period of high energy demand. In some embodiments, the thermal coupling device 110 can be coupled to the housing 120 and/or the thermal mass unit 130 via a first heat exchanger (not shown). In some embodiments, the thermal coupling device 110 can be coupled to the heat pump 140 via a second heat exchanger (not shown).
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can include a component with a high heat capacity for storage of heat or cold. In some embodiments, the thermal mass unit 130 can store heat, such that the thermal mass unit 130 maintains a temperature that is higher than a temperature of a surrounding environment.
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can maintain a temperature that is higher than the temperature of the surrounding environment by at least about 5 °C, at least about 10 °C, at least about 15 °C, at least about 20 °C, at least about 25 °C, at least about 30 °C, at least about 35 °C, at least about 40 °C, at least about 45 °C, at least about 50 °C, at least about 55 °C, at least about 60 °C, at least about 65 °C, at least about 70 °C, at least about 75 °C, at least about 80 °C, at least about 85 °C, at least about 90 °C, at least about 95 °C, at least about 100 °C, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween.
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can store cold, such that the thermal mass unit 130 maintains a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the surrounding environment. In some instances, the thermal mass unit 130 can maintain a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the surrounding environment by at least about 5 °C, at least about 10 °C, at least about 15 °C, at least about 20 °C, at least about 25 °C, at least about 30 °C, at least about 35 °C, at least about 40 °C, at least about 45 °C, at least about 50 °C, at least about 55 °C, at least about 60 °C, at least about 65 °C, at least about 70 °C, at least about 75 °C, at least about 80 °C, at least about 85 °C, at least about 90 °C, at least about 95 °C, at least about 100 °C, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween.
  • the housing 120 and the thermal mass unit 130 can be composed of materials selected to be used for a particular climate.
  • the thermal mass 130 can include a steam radiator.
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can include a space heating radiator.
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can include a cast iron radiator configured to heat rooms with steam heat.
  • the thermal mass 130 can include cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, or any combination thereof.
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can be composed of a material with a high heat capacity and a high density.
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can include a phase change material thermally coupled to a radiator (not shown), the phase change material configured to store heat from the radiator and/or the heat pump 140.
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can include a decommissioned radiator (e.g., a steam radiator that has been disconnected from a source of steam).
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can include a decommissioned radiator plugged and/or filled with additional materials (e.g., water, a phase-change material, etc.) to increase its thermal mass.
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can have a specific heat capacity of at least about 200 J/kg-K, at least about 250 J/kg-K, at least about 300 J/kg-K, at least about 350 J/kg-K, at least about 400 J/kg-K, at least about 450 J/kg-K, at least about 500 J/kg-K, at least about 550 J/kg-K, at least about 600 J/kg-K, at least about 650 J/kg-K, at least about 700 J/kg-K, at least about 750 J/kg-K, at least about 800 J/kg-K, at least about 850 J/kg-K, or at least about 900 J/kg-K, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween.
  • the thermal management system 100 includes one thermal mass unit 130.
  • the thermal management system 100 can include multiple thermal mass units 130.
  • the thermal management system 100 can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more thermal mass units 130.
  • the thermal management system 100 can include multiple thermal mass units 130 connected in series in a cascading temperature pattern.
  • a first thermal mass unit can maintain a temperature of about 70 °C, while a second thermal mass unit just downstream (i.e., further away from the heat pump 140 along the length of the thermal coupling device 110) of the first thermal mass unit can maintain a temperature of about 60 °C, while a third thermal mass unit just downstream of the second thermal mass unit can maintain a temperature of about 50 °C.
  • the thermal management system 100 can be incorporated into a building with multiple heat pumps 140.
  • each unit in an apartment building may contain one or more window-mounted heat pumps and/or air conditioning units.
  • heat can be transferred from one portion of the building to another portion of the building.
  • the thermal management system 100 can employ room-to-room thermal transfer. In other words, heat can be transferred from one or more heat pumps 140 in a first room to one or more thermal mass units 130 in a second room, into which the heat can be stored and/or released.
  • heat can be transferred from one or more heat pumps 140 in rooms on the south side of a building to one or more thermal mass units 140 in rooms on the north side of the building.
  • heat can be transferred from individual heat pumps located in rooms to a central heating or cooling system.
  • the thermal coupling device 110 can couple room-scale heat pump(s) to radiator(s) coupled to a central boiler and/or domestic hot water supply. In this way heat can be transferred from room-sited heat-pumps to pre-heat or pre-cool a building- wide HVAC and/or hot water system. In some instances, such heat or cold can be stored in a central boiler as heated water/steam or other similar working fluid for later release.
  • the thermal mass unit 130 can be or include the entire thermal mass associated with a central boiler or water heater.
  • building-scale transfer of heat can be implemented based on forecasted weather, including forecasted solar energy incident upon the building.
  • a forecast may call for sunny weather in the late afternoon, which would be expected to heat the west side of the building.
  • heat can be drawn away from the thermal mass units 130 on the west side of the building.
  • the thermal mass units 130 are consequently cooled off enough such that they can be used to cool off the west side of the building when the sunlight hits.
  • room-scale cooling may not be necessary in eastern and northern facing rooms.
  • Room-scale air conditioning units may be operated with their cool output at least partially redirected into the central HVAC system via the thermal coupling device, the central HVAC system can then supplement room-scale cooling in rooms with western or southern exposures using heat energy generated in the northern and eastern-facing rooms.
  • the housing 120 can include one or more layers of insulative material.
  • one or more layers of insulative material can form a barrier between the thermal mass unit 130 and the surrounding environment.
  • the insulative material can include fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, polystyrene, natural fibers, insulation facings, phenolic foam, cementitious foam, urea-formaldehyde foam, perlite, vermiculite, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, or any combinations thereof.
  • a thermostat, thermometer, and/or a thermocouple can be disposed inside the housing 120.
  • a thermostat, a thermometer, and/or a thermocouple can be in physical contact with the thermal mass unit 130. In some embodiments, a thermostat, a thermometer, and/or a thermocouple can be disposed just outside of the housing 120. In some embodiments, a refrigerant and/or a refrigerant management system can be disposed in the housing 120. In some embodiments, one or more heating elements can be disposed in the housing 120. In some embodiments, a thermostat, a thermometer, and/or thermocouple can be disposed in a room (e.g., of a building) with the housing 120 and/or the heat pump 140.
  • a room e.g., of a building
  • thermostat, thermometer, and/or thermocouple can be used to control the operation of the heat pump 140, the release of heat and/or cold from the thermal mass unit 130, and/or transfer of heat and/or cold from the heat pump 140 to the thermal mass unit 130.
  • FIG. 2 shows a thermal management system 200, according to an embodiment.
  • the thermal management system 200 includes a thermal coupling device 210, a housing 220, a thermal mass unit 230, a first heat exchanger 235, a heat pump 240, and a second heat exchanger 235.
  • the thermal coupling device 210, the housing 220, the thermal mass unit 230, and the heat pump 240 can be the same or substantially similar to the thermal coupling device 110, the housing 120, the thermal mass unit 130, and the heat pump 140 as described above with reference to FIG. 1.
  • certain aspects of the thermal coupling device 210, the housing 220, the thermal mass unit 230, and the heat pump 240 are not described in greater detail herein.
  • the heat pump 240 includes a room side exposed to an interior environment and an exterior side exposed to an exterior environment.
  • the exterior environment can be an outdoor environment.
  • the interior environment can be the interior of a commercial building, a residential building, or any other temperature controlled environment.
  • the first heat exchanger 235 can be integrated into and/or configured to be coupled to the thermal mass unit 230.
  • the first heat exchanger 235 can be sized and shaped such that portions of the first heat exchanger 235 are placed between fins of the thermal mass unit 230.
  • the first heat exchanger 235 can be disposed at an interface between the thermal mass unit 230 and the thermal coupling device 210.
  • the first heat exchanger 235 can include a double tube heat exchanger, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a tube in tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, or any other type of heat exchanger, or combinations thereof.
  • the first heat exchanger 235 can be integrated into a block designed and shaped to attach to the thermal mass unit 230. In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger 235 can extend around a perimeter of the thermal mass unit 230. In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger 235 can be designed to be integrated into a phase change material inside the thermal mass unit 230.
  • the second heat exchanger 245 can be integrated into and/or configured to be coupled to the heat pump 240.
  • the second heat exchanger 245 can be sized and shaped such that portions of the second heat exchanger 245 are placed between fins of the heat pump 240.
  • the second heat exchanger 245 can be disposed at an interface between the heat pump 240 and the thermal coupling device 210.
  • the second heat exchanger 245 can include a double tube heat exchanger, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a tube in tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, or any other type of heat exchanger, or combinations thereof.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method 300 of controlling a thermal management system (e.g., the thermal management system 100, as described above with reference to FIG. 1), according to an embodiment.
  • the method 300 includes collecting weather data at 301, capturing and storing heat or cold based on the temperature data at 302, releasing stored heat or cold to supplement a thermal management strategy at 303, and optionally adjusting the thermal management strategy based on solar energy data at 304.
  • the method 300 includes collecting weather data at step 301.
  • the weather data can include the current outdoor temperature.
  • the temperature data can include one or more forecasted outdoor temperatures.
  • the forecasted outdoor temperatures can extend into the future by about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, about 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 9 hours, about 10 hours, about 11 hours, about 12 hours, about 13 hours, about 14 hours, about 15 hours, about 16 hours, about 17 hours, about 18 hours, about 19 hours, about 20 hours, about 21 hours, about 22 hours, about 23 hours, about 1 day, about 2 days, about 3 days, about 4 days, about 5 days, about 6 days, about 7 days, about 8 days, about 9 days, about 10 days, about 11 days, about 12 days, about 13 days, about 14 days, or about 15 days, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween.
  • the current outdoor temperature can be measured by a thermometer and/or thermocouple placed outdoors near the thermal management system.
  • the current outdoor temperature and/or the forecasted outdoor temperatures can be communicated via a weather service (e.g., The Weather Channel®, AccuWeather®, a local weather service, etc.).
  • the weather data can include humidity, precipitation, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, forecasted clouds, dew point, and/or any other current or forecasted weather information.
  • the method 300 further includes capturing and storing heat or cold based on the weather data at 302.
  • capturing and storing the heat or cold can include activating a heat pump (e.g., the heat pump 140, as described above with reference to FIG. 1) during off-peak hours to store heat or cold in a thermal mass (e.g., the thermal mass 130, as described above with reference to FIG. 1).
  • a heat pump e.g., the heat pump 140, as described above with reference to FIG. 1
  • the outdoor temperature may be about 20 °C at 3:00 AM
  • the daily temperature is forecasted to peak at 35 °C at 3:00 PM.
  • air conditioning use throughout the geographic area would likely peak around 3:00 PM, substantially straining the electricity grid.
  • Utility companies may accordingly use peak pricing at 3:00 PM to discourage excessive energy use.
  • peak pricing By operating the heat pump at 3:00 AM during non-peak hours, a user can store or bank cold in the thermal mass for later use. This takes advantage of off-peak pricing while reducing strain on the energy grid.
  • the method 300 further includes releasing stored heat or cold to supplement the thermal management strategy at 303.
  • the stored heat or cold can be released from the thermal mass without activating the heat pump.
  • the stored heat or cold can be released from the thermal mass in addition to activating the heat pump.
  • the amount of heat or cold released from the thermal mass can be based on forecasted outdoor temperatures. For example, if the outdoor temperature is 27 °C at 11:00 AM, and the outdoor temperature is not anticipated to rise above 27 °C for the remainder of the day, the thermal management system can release cold from the thermal mass in a steady manner throughout the day.
  • the thermal management system can minimize or delay release of cold from the thermal mass for when the outdoor temperature is warmer (i.e., during peak hours). In other words, the release of heat or cold from the thermal mass can be timed to maximize the user’s energy cost savings by releasing larger amounts of heat or cold from the thermal mass during peak hours.
  • the method 300 optionally includes adjusting the thermal management strategy based on solar energy data at 304.
  • the building in which the thermal management system is disposed includes solar panels for solar power, this can affect the thermal management strategy. For example, if the weather forecast calls for sunny weather during peak energy usage hours (e.g., 3:00 PM), the solar energy can supplement the energy the grid provides to the heat pump. In such a situation, the actual peak usage by the building may be during cooler, cloudier times of the day. This can affect the implementation of release of heat or cold from the thermal mass. For example, the heat or cold from the thermal mass can be released during cloudier times of day, if the energy needs of the thermal management system are forecasted to be significantly supplemented (via solar energy) during peak hours.
  • the thermal management system can be adjusted and/or optimized over time to more precisely tune the usage of grid energy in harmony with the capture of solar energy.
  • the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
  • the term “a member” is intended to mean a single member or a combination of members
  • “a material” is intended to mean one or more materials, or a combination thereof.
  • a portion of a pipe that is described as being “substantially linear” is intended to convey that, although linearity of the portion is desirable, some non-linearity can occur in a “substantially linear” portion. Such non-linearity can result from manufacturing tolerances, or other practical considerations (such as, for example, the pressure or force applied to the support member).
  • a geometric construction modified by the term “substantially” includes such geometric properties within a tolerance of plus or minus 5% of the stated geometric construction.
  • a “substantially linear” portion is a portion that defines an axis or center line that is within plus or minus 5% of being linear.
  • the term “set” and “plurality” can refer to multiple features or a singular feature with multiple parts.
  • the set of pipes can be considered as one pipe with multiple portions, or the set of pipes can be considered as multiple, distinct pipes.
  • a set of portions or a plurality of portions may include multiple portions that are either continuous or discontinuous from each other.
  • a plurality of particles or a plurality of materials can also be fabricated from multiple items that are produced separately and are later joined together (e.g., via mixing, an adhesive, or any suitable method).
  • space heating radiator can refer to a source of heat configured for space heating (e.g., heating a room), at least in part, via radiative heat transfer.
  • a space heating radiator can receive heat energy from a central source (e.g., a boiler).
  • a space heating radiator can receive electric energy and convert the electric energy into radiative heat.
  • a space heating radiator can locally generate heat energy, for example through the burning of a fuel.
  • thermal coupling device e.g., the thermal coupling device 110
  • a space heater e.g., the thermal coupling device 110
  • a swamp cooler e.g., the thermal coupling device 110
  • Various concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which at least one example has been provided.
  • the acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
  • features may not necessarily be limited to a particular order of execution, but rather, any number of threads, processes, services, servers, and/or the like that may execute serially, asynchronously, concurrently, in parallel, simultaneously, synchronously, and/or the like in a manner consistent with the disclosure. As such, some of these features may be mutually contradictory, in that they cannot be simultaneously present in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features are applicable to one aspect of the innovations, and inapplicable to others.
  • the disclosure may include other innovations not presently described. Applicant reserves all rights in such innovations, including the right to embodiment such innovations, file additional applications, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, and/or the like thereof. As such, it should be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, features, logical, operational, organizational, structural, topological, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the embodiments or limitations on equivalents to the embodiments.
  • the terms “about” or “approximately” when preceding a numerical value indicates the value plus or minus a range of 10%.
  • a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. That the upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.
  • a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
  • the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the embodiments, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law. [0043] As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
  • At least one of A and B can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Atmospheric Sciences (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Ecology (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Other Air-Conditioning Systems (AREA)
  • Central Heating Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Des modes de réalisation décrits ici comprennent des systèmes, des dispositifs et des procédés pour un chauffage, une ventilation et une climatisation améliorés. Dans certains modes de réalisation, un système comprend un boîtier, une unité de masse thermique disposée dans le boîtier et conçue pour être couplée thermiquement à un côté pièce d'une pompe à chaleur qui est disposée à l'extérieur du boîtier, et un dispositif de couplage thermique couplé à l'unité de masse thermique et conçu pour transférer de la chaleur entre l'unité de masse thermique et le côté pièce de la pompe à chaleur. Dans certains modes de réalisation, le système peut en outre comprendre un échangeur de chaleur couplé thermiquement à l'unité de masse thermique et au dispositif de couplage thermique. Dans certains modes de réalisation, l'échangeur de chaleur peut transférer de la chaleur entre l'unité de masse thermique et le dispositif de couplage thermique.
PCT/US2022/032657 2021-06-08 2022-06-08 Intégration de masse thermique pour pompe à chaleur Ceased WO2022261195A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

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EP22820955.7A EP4352441A4 (fr) 2021-06-08 2022-06-08 Intégration de masse thermique pour pompe à chaleur
CA3215473A CA3215473A1 (fr) 2021-06-08 2022-06-08 Integration de masse thermique pour pompe a chaleur
US18/534,255 US20240255194A1 (en) 2021-06-08 2023-12-08 Thermal mass integration for heat pump

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US202163208098P 2021-06-08 2021-06-08
US63/208,098 2021-06-08

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US20090183853A1 (en) * 2008-01-22 2009-07-23 Chengjun Julian Chen Solar-Powered Cooling and Heating System Using a Structured Water Wall
US20110042471A1 (en) * 2008-04-23 2011-02-24 Takaharu Futaeda Indoor environment regulating system
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US20140166232A1 (en) * 2011-05-27 2014-06-19 The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois Optimized heating and cooling system
US20180195809A9 (en) * 2012-10-03 2018-07-12 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Thermal mass for heat pre-load and time-controlled dispersion in building heating systsems
US20190195519A1 (en) * 2016-08-29 2019-06-27 Twyce Energy Ltd. Room space Cooling with Improved Thermal Storage
US20200292215A1 (en) * 2019-03-11 2020-09-17 Steven Winter Associates, Inc. Condensate Removal System For Cold-Climate Heat Pumps
ES2849225A1 (es) * 2020-02-14 2021-08-16 Univ Sevilla Unidad de acondicionamiento de aire con funciones de ventilacion y almacenamiento de energia termica

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EP3058288A1 (fr) * 2013-10-17 2016-08-24 Carrier Corporation Système de réfrigération diphasique
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US20040114916A1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2004-06-17 Helmut Reichelt Space heating system
US20090183853A1 (en) * 2008-01-22 2009-07-23 Chengjun Julian Chen Solar-Powered Cooling and Heating System Using a Structured Water Wall
US20110042471A1 (en) * 2008-04-23 2011-02-24 Takaharu Futaeda Indoor environment regulating system
US20110120167A1 (en) * 2009-11-24 2011-05-26 Lingrey David J Room Air Conditioner And/Or Heat Pump
US20140166232A1 (en) * 2011-05-27 2014-06-19 The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois Optimized heating and cooling system
US20180195809A9 (en) * 2012-10-03 2018-07-12 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Thermal mass for heat pre-load and time-controlled dispersion in building heating systsems
US20190195519A1 (en) * 2016-08-29 2019-06-27 Twyce Energy Ltd. Room space Cooling with Improved Thermal Storage
US20200292215A1 (en) * 2019-03-11 2020-09-17 Steven Winter Associates, Inc. Condensate Removal System For Cold-Climate Heat Pumps
ES2849225A1 (es) * 2020-02-14 2021-08-16 Univ Sevilla Unidad de acondicionamiento de aire con funciones de ventilacion y almacenamiento de energia termica

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EP4352441A4 (fr) 2025-04-30
CA3215473A1 (fr) 2022-12-15
US20240255194A1 (en) 2024-08-01
EP4352441A1 (fr) 2024-04-17

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