U.S. patent application number 15/305807 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-16 for active regenerative heating and cooling.
The applicant listed for this patent is United Technologies Corporation. Invention is credited to Subramanyaravi Annapragada, Yinshan Feng, Mikhail B. Gorbounov, Neal R. Herring, Ulf J. Jonsson, Andrzej Ernest Kuczek, Stuart S. Ochs, Thomas D. Radcliff, Ram Ranjan, John P. Wesson.
Application Number | 20170045258 15/305807 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50841958 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170045258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Annapragada; Subramanyaravi ;
et al. |
February 16, 2017 |
Active Regenerative Heating and Cooling
Abstract
Embodiments are directed to obtaining a specification comprising
at least one requirement associated with a heating, ventilation,
and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, and based on the specification,
configuring a control system to control a movement of fluid back
and forth across at least one regenerator device of the HVAC system
and a mixing of the fluid with ambient air.
Inventors: |
Annapragada; Subramanyaravi;
(Shrewsbury, MA) ; Jonsson; Ulf J.; (South
Windsor, CT) ; Radcliff; Thomas D.; (Vernon, CT)
; Kuczek; Andrzej Ernest; (Bristol, CT) ; Wesson;
John P.; (West Hartford, CT) ; Herring; Neal R.;
(East Hampton, CT) ; Ochs; Stuart S.; (Manchester,
CT) ; Feng; Yinshan; (South Windsor, CT) ;
Gorbounov; Mikhail B.; (South Windsor, CT) ; Ranjan;
Ram; (Glastonbury, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
United Technologies Corporation |
Hartford |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50841958 |
Appl. No.: |
15/305807 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
April 21, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2014/034753 |
371 Date: |
October 21, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 3/147 20130101;
F24F 2011/0002 20130101; F28D 21/0014 20130101; F28D 17/04
20130101; Y02B 30/56 20130101; F24F 12/006 20130101; F25B 2321/001
20130101; F24F 2012/008 20130101; Y02B 30/563 20130101; F24F 11/30
20180101; F24F 2003/1458 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 12/00 20060101
F24F012/00; F28D 21/00 20060101 F28D021/00; F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: obtaining a specification comprising at
least one requirement associated with a heating, ventilation, and
air-conditioning (HVAC) system; and based on the specification,
configuring a control system to control a movement of fluid back
and forth across at least one regenerator device of the HVAC system
and a mixing of the fluid with ambient air.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: causing the HVAC
system and the control system to be deployed; and monitoring the
performance of the HVAC system.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: adjusting at least
one parameter associated with at least one of the HVAC system and
the control system based on the monitoring.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one regenerator
device is coupled to a first valve on a first side of the at least
one regenerator device the method further comprising: configuring
the control system to control a state of the first valve in order
to control the movement of the fluid and the mixing of the
fluid.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one regenerator
device is coupled to a second valve on a second side of the at
least one regenerator device, the method further comprising:
configuring the control system to alternate between opening and
closing the first and second valves, wherein at any given point M.
time one of the first and second valves is commanded to open and
the other of the first and second valves is commanded to close.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one regenerator
device is coupled to a first turbine fan on a first side of the at
least one regenerator device and a second turbine fan on a second
side of the at least one regenerator device, the method further
comprising: configuring the control system to control at least one
of a speed, phase, and position of each of the first and second
fans in order to control the movement of the fluid and the mixing
of the fluid.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one regenerator
device comprises a first regenerator device and a second
regenerator device, the method further comprising: configuring the
control system so as to cause the first and second regenerator
devices to be substantially one-hundred eighty degrees out of phase
with respect to one another regarding an oriented direction of the
movement of the fluid across the first and second regenerator
devices.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one regenerator
device is coupled to a first pump on a first side of the at least
one regenerator device and a second pump on a second side of the at
least one regenerator device, and wherein the first pump is
associated with a first vent and the second pump is associated with
a second vent, the method further comprising: configuring the
control system to control a state of the first and second vents in
order to control the movement of the fluid and the mixing of the
fluid.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first pump is associated with
a first check and the second pump is associated with a second
check.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: configuring the
control system to control a state of the first and second checks in
order to control the movement of the fluid and the mixing of the
fluid.
11. A system comprising: a heating, ventilation, and
air-conditioning (HVAC) system comprising at least one regenerator
device; and a control system configured to control a movement of
fluid back and forth across the at least one regenerator device and
a mixing of the fluid with ambient air.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a first valve
coupled to a first side of the at least one regenerator device; and
a second valve coupled to a second side of the at least one
regenerator device, wherein the control system is configured to
control a state of the first and second valves in order to control
the movement of the fluid and the mixing. of the fluid.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the control system is
configured to command the first and second valves to be alternately
opened and closed, wherein at any given point in time one of the
first and second valves is commanded to open and the other of the
first and second valves is commanded to close.
14. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a first turbine fan
coupled to the at least one regenerator device on a first side of
the at least one regenerator device; and a second turbine fan
coupled to the at least one regenerator device on a second side of
the at least one regenerator device, wherein the control system is
configured to control at least one of a speed, phase, and position
of each of the first and second fans in order to control the
movement of the fluid and the mixing of the fluid.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one regenerator
device comprises a first regenerator device and a second
regenerator device, and wherein the control system is configured to
cause the first and second regenerator devices to be substantially
one-hundred eighty degrees out of phase with respect to one another
regarding an oriented direction of the movement of the fluid across
the first and second. regenerator devices.
16. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a first pump
coupled to the at least one regenerator device on a first side of
the at least one regenerator device; and a second pump coupled to
the at least one regenerator device on a second side of the at
least one regenerator device, wherein the first pump is associated
with a first vent, and wherein the second pump is associated with a
second vent, and wherein the control system is configured to
control a state of the first and second vents in order to control
the movement of the fluid and the mixing of the fluid.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first pump is associated
with a first check and the second pump is associated with a second
check.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the control system is
configured to control a state of the first and second checks in
order to control the movement of the fluid and the mixing of the
fluid.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Heat pumps based on field-active heating/cooling processes
such as the magnetocaloric, electrocaloric, and thermoelastic
effect have the potential to replace traditional refrigerant-based
heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. An
electrocaloric effect-based device in particular may result in a
totally solid state device needing no moving pans to deliver a high
coefficient of performance (COP) and capacity. Because the stated
effects provide relatively small temperature lifts, regeneration in
the form of a regenerative heat exchanger may be applied to
increase lift to levels needed for environmental control.
[0002] A field-active material heats up and cools down almost
reversibly as an applied field is cycled. To provide space
heating/cooling capacity, the alternately created heating or
cooling in the material needs to be transferred to either the
indoor or outdoor space in a synchronous fashion based on whether
cooling or heating in the space is required. One means of
performing this thermal switching function is to translate the
working fluid into and out of the active element. The fluid is
translated completely through the unit if the temperature lift is
adequate for the application, while it is translated only partially
through the unit if regeneration is needed to increase the lift. In
this case the moving air serves the function of regenerative heat
storage. The active device, whether subject to compete or partial
fluid translation, is referred to herein as a regenerator. This
invention describes means to control the motion of the working
fluid in a regenerator in a synchronous manner.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] An embodiment is directed to a method comprising: obtaining
a specification comprising at least one requirement associated with
a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, and
based on the specification, configuring a control system to control
a movement of fluid back and forth across at least one regenerator
device of the HVAC system and a mixing of the fluid with ambient
air.
[0004] An embodiment is directed to a system comprising: a heating,
ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system comprising at least
one regenerator device, and a control system configured to control
a movement of fluid back and forth across the at least one
regenerator device and a mixing of the fluid with ambient air.
[0005] Additional embodiments are described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and
not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference
numerals indicate similar elements.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary ejector based linear
system;
[0008] FIG, 2 is a diagram of an exemplary rotary pressure pulsing
system;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the sequential stages of operation of
an exemplary system comprising two field-active regenerator
modules;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary system comprising a
field-active regenerator module and pumps;
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method;
and
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computing system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] It is noted that various connections are set forth between
elements in the following description and in the drawings (the
contents of which are included in this disclosure by way of
reference). It is noted that these connections in general and,
unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this
specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. In
this respect, a coupling between entities may refer to either a
direct or an indirect connection.
[0014] Exemplary embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods
are described for controlling a movement of heat transfer fluid
across one or more regenerators and a mixing of this fluid with
ambient air.
[0015] In some embodiments the heat transfer fluid may be hot and
cold ambient air.
[0016] In some embodiments the heat transfer fluid in intimate
contact with the regenerator may be isolated from mixing, with the
ambient air by an intermediate heat exchanger.
[0017] In some embodiments, synchronous alternate pressure
oscillations on cold and hot sides of a regenerator may be
provided. To provide cooling, the pressure on the cold and hot side
may be synchronized so that the fluid is pushed indoors during the
cooling part of the regeneration cycle and fluid is pushed outdoors
during the heating part of the regeneration cycle. This process is
reversed to provide heating. The pressure oscillations may be
achieved through a linear actuator or a rotary fan design.
[0018] Referring to FIG, 1, an ejector based linear system 100
operating in a cooling mode is shown. The system 100 achieves
cooling by closing a valve 102 on the cold side (e.g., the indoors)
to raise the pressure and push a flow of fluid from an inlet 104
into a heat pump device 110, such as an electrocaloric heat pump
(ECHP) device. A valve 118 is opened at the same time on the hot
side (e.g., the outdoors). Next, the valve 102 is opened and the
valve 118 is closed, which sucks the fluid from an inlet 120 and
the device 110 back into the cold side, acting like an ejector. The
mechanism enhances mixing of the hot or cold fluid from the
regenerator with the ambient air, ensuring that hot or cold fluid
from the regenerator is not simply sucked back into the regenerator
without mixing
[0019] The pressure levels referred to above are switched for heat
pumping.
[0020] The pressure oscillations may be synchronized at specific
phase shifts with the field being applied to the active material
110 to gain the best performance, and that phase shift may change
for different capacities and lifts. Also, the duration and/or shape
of the pressure oscillation may be regulated to provide the correct
volume flow of fluid through the system 100.
[0021] The system 100 may operate on the basis of pressure
generated by a running (e.g., a continuous running) of one or more
fans. The pressure may be controlled by the state (e.g., the degree
of how open or closed) of the valves 102 and 118. Ideally, the
design of the valves 102 and 118 may be made as simple as possible
in order to reduce cost.
[0022] Referring to FIG, 2, a rotary pressure pulsing system 200
operating in a cooling mode is shown. The system 200 may have two
rotating turbine fans 206 and 214, one either side of a regenerator
120. The regenerator 120 may correspond to the device 110 in some
embodiments.
[0023] The vanes of the cold side (e.g., indoor) and hot side
(e.g., outdoor) turbine fans 206 and 214 may be out of phase with
respect to one another and push and pull fluid into the regenerator
220 alternatively. The vanes may be synchronized with a voltage
signal.
[0024] The shapes of the vanes may be designed so that when the
regenerator 220 is heating, the cold side vane may act as a
compressor of fluid and the hot side vane may act as an expander
which may result in the heated fluid being pushed out on to the hot
side, as reflected via the dashed box 252. Similarly, when the
regenerator 220 is in cooling mode, the hot side vane may act as a
compressor and the cold side vane may act as an expander pushing
cold fluid to the cooled side, as reflected via the dashed box
260.
[0025] The vanes of the fans 206 and 214 may be used to create
localized pressure or pressure differential in proximity to the
vanes or fans. The speed, phase, and position of the fans, vanes,
or blades may be controlled (e.g., time-controlled) to obtain an
appropriate movement of fluid back and forth and mixing with
ambient air.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, a system 300 in accordance with one or
more embodiments is shown. The system 300 may include two
regeneration devices or waits 304 and 312 with continuous hot and
cold fluid streams which are switched alternately between the two
units 304 and 312 to provide continuous space heating/cooling. The
unit 304 and/or the unit 312 may correspond to one or more of the
device 110 and the device 220.
[0027] An indoor space cooling cycle is referenced in FIG. 3, but
by simply shifting the phase by 180 degrees, the system 300 can be
used for indoor space heating. The system 300 when used for cooling
may include two modes as described in further detail below.
[0028] In the first mode (shown on the left-hand side of the center
dual-arrow in FIG. 3), a hot ambient fluid stream 320 from the
outdoors may be diverted into the unit 312 which may be going
through a cooling part of a regenerative cycle. The fluid cooled
below indoor ambient in the unit 312 may be pushed indoors and the
new hot outdoor fluid stream 320 may enter the unit 312. Meanwhile,
a cold ambient fluid stream 328 may be diverted into the unit 304
which may be going through a heating part of a regenerative cycle.
The heated fluid above outdoor temperature in the unit 304 may be
purged outdoors as the new indoor fluid stream 328 is brought into
the unit 304.
[0029] In the second mode (shown on the right-hand side of the
center dual-arrow in FIG. 3), the flow streams 320 and 328 may be
flipped between the units 304 and 312 relative to the first mode.
The hot ambient fluid stream 320 from outdoors may be diverted from
the unit 312 to the unit 304, which may now be going through a
cooling part of the regenerative cycle. The fluid cooled below
indoor ambient in the unit 304 may be pushed indoors and new hot
outdoor fluid stream 320 may enter the unit 304. Meanwhile, the
cold ambient fluid stream 328 may be diverted into the unit 312,
which may be going through a heating part of the regenerative
cycle. The heated fluid above outdoor temperature in the unit 312
may be purged outdoors as the indoor fluid stream 328 is brought
into unit 312.
[0030] The system 300 of FIG. 3 depicts the use of two regenerator
devices 304 and 312 that are (substantially) one-hundred eighty
degrees out of phase with respect to one another regarding the
oriented direction of movement of fluid across or through the
devices 304 and 312. A departure from one-hundred eighty degrees
may represent a loss in efficiency.
[0031] In reference to FIG, 3, any number of regenerator devices
may be used in a given embodiment. The number of regenerator
devices used may be a function of the heating or cooling capacity
that may be needed in a given application environment. As an
example of adding two additional devices (e.g., a first additional
device 304 and a second additional device 312), a combination of
the two additional devices 304 and 312 may operate ninety degrees
out of phase with respect to the combination of devices 304 and
312.
[0032] In some embodiments, a positive displacement may be used
along with checks and vents to provide regeneration by synchronized
alternate pumping of fluid. In some embodiments, pumping mechanisms
and checks may include pistons/electro-magnetically driven
membranes and flapper/poppet valves, respectively.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 4, a system 400 in accordance with one or
more embodiments is shown. The system 400 may include a
regenerative device or unit 410. The device 410 may correspond to
one or more of the device 304, the device 312, the device 220, and
the device 110.
[0034] The system 400 may include any number or type of pumps, such
as linear pumps, piston pumps, etc. A first pump 404a may be
associated with an indoor space or environment and a second pump
404b may be associated with an outdoor space or environment. The
pumps 404a and 404b may be operated in a discontinuous fashion or
manner and may be used to control a flow of fluid over time.
[0035] Each of the pumps 404a and 404b may include a check (shown
at the bottom of the pumps in FIG. 4) that may selectively open or
close a respective fluid inlet for the pump. Each of the pumps 404a
and 404b may include a vent (shown at the top of the pumps in FIG.
4) that may selectively open or close a respective fluid outlet for
the pump. The state of the checks and vents associated with each of
the pumps 404a and 404b may be controlled in order to provide a
controlled flow of fluid over time.
[0036] The system 400 may be configured to providing heating or
cooling for the indoor space. The exemplary sequence of operations
#1-4 denoted in FIG. 4 are described below for purposes of cooling
the indoor space. One skilled in the art would appreciate, based on
this disclosure, that a similar sequence of operations could be
constructed for purposes of heating the indoor space.
[0037] In operation #1, the regenerative elements or device 410 may
be going through a heating cycle. The cold/indoor side fluid may be
pushed by the pump 404a towards the device 410, which may push out
the fluid on the hot/outdoor side through the unlatched vent
associated with the pump 404b. During operation #1, the vent and
check associated with the pump 404a may be latched and closed,
respectively. During operation #1, the check associated with the
pump 404b may be closed.
[0038] In operation #2, the cold/indoor side fluid pump 404a may be
turned-off, disengaged, or withdrawn. The check associated with the
pump 404a may be opened to bring in cold ambient fluid. During
operation #2, the vent associated with the pump 404a may be
latched. During operation #2, the vent associated with the pump
404b may be latched. During operation #2, the check associated with
the pump 404b may be open or slightly open. A (pressure)
differential may be established across the device 410 based on the
two checks being open in operation #2.
[0039] In operation #3, the regenerative elements or device 410 may
be going through a cooling cycle. The hot/outdoor side fluid may be
pushed by the pump 404b towards the device 410, which may push out
the fluid on the cold/indoor side through the unlatched vent
associated with the pump 404a. During operation #3, the vent and
check associated with the pump 404b may be latched and closed,
respectively. During operation #3, the check associated with the
pump 404a may be closed.
[0040] In operation #4, the hot/outdoor side fluid pump 404b may be
turned-off, disengaged, or withdrawn. The check associated with the
pump 404b may be opened to bring in hot ambient fluid. During
operation #4, the vent associated with the pump 404a may be
latched. During operation #4, the vent associated with the pump
404b may be latched. During operation #4, the check associated with
the pump 404a may be open or slightly open. A (pressure)
differential may be established across the device 410 based on the
two checks being open in operation #4.
[0041] In operation #2, the check associated with the pump 404b was
described above as being open or slightly open. Similarly, in
operation #4, the check associated with the pump 404a was described
above as being open or slightly open. The states of the referenced
checks under such circumstances may be based on a passive control
of the checks. Ideally, the check associated with the pump 404b may
be closed in operation 42 and the check associated with the pump
404a may be closed in operation #4 in order to enhance the
performance or efficiency of the system. In order to provide for
such closure of the checks, an active control system may be used,
potentially at greater cost relative to the use of passive
controls. Thus, a trade-off may be made between
performance/efficiency and cost in a given application.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, a flow chart of an exemplary method 500
is shown. The method 500 may be used in connection with one or more
systems, components, or devices, such as those described herein.
The method 500 may be used to provide heating or cooling to an
environment, such as an indoor environment.
[0043] In block 502, a specification may be obtained. The
specification may include one or more requirements associated with
an environment. For example, the specification may include
parameters related to capacity, load, or temperature lift that a
heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may be
required to provide.
[0044] In block 504, a control system may be designed or
configured, potentially based on the specification or requirements
of block 502. The control system may be configured to control a
movement of fluid flow in one or more regenerator devices and a
mixing of the fluid flow with ambient air.
[0045] In block 506, the HVAC. and/or control systems may be
deployed. As part of block 506, the systems may be turned-on or
enabled for use.
[0046] In block 508, performance of the system(s) of block 506 may
be monitored. As part of block 508, one or more parameters may be
modified or adjusted. For example, a parameter may be modified or
adjusted to improve the efficiency of a system. A parameter may be
modified to provide for a different climate (e.g., a hotter indoor
temperature), potentially based on or in response to a user
input.
[0047] The method 500 is illustrative. In some embodiments, one or
more of the blocks or operations (or a portion thereof) may be
optional, in some embodiments, one or more blocks or operations not
shown may be included. In some embodiments, the blocks or
operations may execute in an order or sequence that is different
from what is shown,
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a computing system 600 in accordance with
one or more embodiments. The computing system 600 may be used as a
control system, such as a control system to control an HVAC
system.
[0049] The system 600 may include one or more processors 602 and
memory 604. The memory 604 may store executable instructions, The
executable instructions may be stored or organized in any manner
and at any level of abstraction, such as in connection with one or
more applications, processes, routines, procedures, methods, etc.
The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors 602,
may cause the system 600 to perform one or more methodological
acts, such as those described herein.
[0050] In some embodiments, the system 600 may include logic
devices, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs), field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. not shown in FIG. 6).
[0051] The system 600 may include one or more input/output (I/O)
devices 606. The I/O device(s) 606 may include one or more of a
keyboard or keypad, a touchscreen or touch panel, a display screen,
a microphone, a speaker, a mouse, a button, a remote control, a
joystick, a printer, a telephone or mobile device (e.g., a
smartphone), a sensor, etc. The I/O device(s) 606 may be configured
to provide an interface to allow a user to interact with the system
600. For example, the I/O device(s) 606 may support a graphical
user interface (GUI) and/or voice-to-text capabilities.
[0052] Embodiments of the disclosure may be used to achieve an
oscillatory flow and bulk flow mixing in a compact manner.
Embodiments may utilize any working fluid, such as air, in direct
contact with the active material which improves simplicity and
efficiency, or may isolate the heat transfer media contacting the
active material from the ambient air using an intermediate heat
exchanger. in some embodiments, zonal personalized space
heating/cooling may be provided. Embodiments of the disclosure may
have few linear mechanical displacement parts, thereby improving
the reliability and availability of a given system.
[0053] Embodiments of the disclosure may be used in active
regenerative heating/cooling systems, such as electrocaloric and
magnetocaloric thermal generators. Fluid handling described herein
may also be applied to, e.g., power generation using active
regenerative systems. Such techniques may be used for waste heat
recovery and primary power generation.
[0054] As described herein, in some embodiments various functions
or acts may take place at a given location arid/or in connection
with the operation of one or more apparatuses, systems, or devices.
For example, in sonic embodiments, a portion of a given function or
act may be performed at a first device or location, and the
remainder of the function or act may be performed at one or more
additional devices or locations.
[0055] Aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms of
illustrative embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments,
modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the
appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art
from a review of this disclosure. For example, one of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate that the steps described in
conjunction with the illustrative figures may be performed in other
than the recited order, and that one or more steps illustrated may
be optional.
* * * * *