Zhenning Li

Title: Zhenning Li and an Integrated Air-Source Heat Pump Invention.

Introduction

Zhenning Li is an inventor associated with Knoxville, Tennessee, and Ut-Battelle, Inc. His patent work includes an air-source heat pump designed to combine space conditioning with thermal energy storage. The invention addresses ways to manage heating and cooling needs while shifting some energy use away from peak electricity hours.

Latest Patents

Li is associated with 1 patent: “Packaged Multi-Functional Air Source Heat Pump Integrated with a Hydronic Loop for Cooling/Heating Energy Storage.” The invention describes an air-source heat pump with an integrated hydronic loop and a phase-change-material storage module. The module can store thermal energy and release it during peak electricity hours.

The system includes indoor and outdoor air-to-refrigerant heat exchangers, a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger, three electronic expansion valves, and a multi-capacity compressor with a suction-line accumulator. Its operating modes include space cooling, cooling-energy charging, cooling-storage discharge, space heating, heating-energy charging, and heating-storage discharge. The design is intended for residential cooling, heating, and water heating, as well as commercial applications with substantial water-heating and cooling demands.

Career Highlights

A notable highlight of Li’s patent work is the integration of heat-pump operation with hydronic thermal storage. By supporting multiple operating modes, the system is designed to serve different heating and cooling demands and to make stored thermal energy available when needed.

Collaborations

The provided information associates Li with Ut-Battelle, Inc. and identifies the company in connection with his professional work. No additional collaborators or project details were provided.

Conclusion

Zhenning Li’s patent describes a multi-functional air-source heat pump that combines space conditioning, water heating, and thermal energy storage in one system.