Air-source heat pumps can experience reduced heating capacity in low outdoor temperatures and often rely on electric resistance heating to maintain indoor comfort, which increases power consumption. This technology integrates a thermoelectric subcooler with an air-source heat pump to improve heating performance and provide enhanced dehumidification. The system transfers heat from the refrigerant liquid line to the indoor air stream while increasing refrigerant subcooling, helping improve system operation. The approach can augment heating capacity in cold conditions and enable improved humidity control in cooling mode, while supporting compact integration with existing HVAC equipment.
Description
The invention integrates a thermoelectric subcooling module with a conventional vapor-compression air-source heat pump. The thermoelectric device absorbs heat from the refrigerant liquid line and transfers it to an indoor airflow stream, enabling additional refrigerant subcooling while recovering useful heat. This process can improve heat pump performance by reducing the vapor fraction entering the evaporator and increasing the effective compressor capacity.
The system can be implemented in multiple configurations depending on the operational objective. For heating applications, the thermoelectric subcooler may be positioned in the return air path so that recovered heat is delivered directly to indoor air before it passes through the indoor coil. For enhanced dehumidification during cooling operation, the module can be located on the supply side to reheat conditioned air after moisture removal. A dual-season configuration allows switching between these operating modes using a bypass or recirculation duct arrangement.
The modular thermoelectric assembly interfaces with the refrigerant line and air stream through compact heat exchange components, enabling integration with residential or commercial HVAC equipment. This design supports retrofit or new-system deployment while providing controllable operation through electrical input to the thermoelectric modules.
Benefits
- Increases heating capacity of air-source heat pumps in low ambient temperatures
- Reduces reliance on electric resistance auxiliary heating
- Improves indoor moisture removal during cooling operation
- Compact and modular design suitable for retrofit applications
- Controllable performance through adjustable electrical input
Applications and Industries
- Residential and commercial HVAC systems
- Heat pump and air conditioner manufacturers
- Building climate control equipment retrofits
- Indoor air quality and humidity control systems
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email [email protected] or call 865-574-1051.
Researchers
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email [email protected] or call 865-574-1051.