A defrosting and anti-freezing system of a heat pump heating unit and the heat pump heating unit
By controlling the opening and closing of the electric heating belt through environmental and internal temperature sensors, combined with the design of the insulation layer and water guide groove, the problem of poor condensate drainage in heat pump heating units is solved, and the antifreeze function and energy-saving effect of the water collection pan are achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHONGSHAN AMITIME ELECTRIC CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
At low temperatures, the condensate from heat pump heating units cannot be drained in time, causing the drip tray to freeze, which may lead to cracking or freezing of the unit's finned heat exchanger. Existing technologies are unable to effectively solve this problem.
By setting ambient temperature sensors and in-pan temperature sensors, the on and off times of the electric heating belt are controlled. Combined with the design of the insulation layer and water guide groove, condensate is ensured to drain smoothly and the water tray is prevented from freezing.
It enables timely drainage of condensate at low temperatures, preventing the drip tray from freezing, reducing electric heating time, and achieving energy-saving and power-saving effects.
Smart Images

Figure CN115628471B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat pump heating technology, and in particular to a defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit and the heat pump heating unit itself. Background Technology
[0002] With the vigorous implementation of government clean heating policies and the increasing heating demands of the public, safe, convenient, comfortable, efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly heat pump heating will increasingly occupy a share of the heating market. In low ambient temperatures, the defrosting process of heating units produces condensate, and timely drainage of this condensate is crucial. If the condensate cannot be drained promptly, it will freeze in the unit's drip tray, clogging the drain pipe opening. This leads to condensate accumulation in the drip tray, freezing at low temperatures, and in severe cases, causing the unit's finned heat exchanger to crack or burst due to compression. Therefore, solving the problem of timely condensate drainage at low temperatures has always been a significant concern. Summary of the Invention
[0003] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit and a heat pump heating unit, which can reduce the electric heating time and achieve energy saving while ensuring that the water tray does not freeze and drains smoothly.
[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit.
[0005] The system includes a main control board, a water receiving tray, an ambient temperature sensor, and an internal temperature sensor. The internal temperature sensor is located inside the water receiving tray. The main control board is electrically connected to both the ambient temperature sensor and the internal temperature sensor. The water receiving tray has a drain hole. An electric heating strip electrically connected to the main control board is laid on the outside of the water receiving tray, and an insulation layer is also laid on the outside of the electric heating strip. The main control board is used to turn on the electric heating strip when the heat pump heating unit enters defrost mode and the ambient temperature is lower than a first set temperature but higher than a second set temperature. When the water receiving tray temperature is higher than a third set temperature for a first set time, the main control board controls the electric heating strip to turn off.
[0006] Furthermore, the main control board is also used to turn on the electric heating belt when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the second set temperature and higher than the fourth set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt to turn off when the water receiving pan temperature is higher than the fifth set temperature and continues for a second set time, wherein the fifth set temperature is lower than the third set temperature and the second set time is not less than the first set time.
[0007] Furthermore, the main control board is also used to turn on the electric heating belt when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the fourth set temperature and higher than the sixth set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt to turn off when the water receiving pan temperature is higher than the seventh set temperature and continues for a third set time, wherein the seventh set temperature is lower than the fifth set temperature and the third set time is longer than the second set time.
[0008] Furthermore, the main control board is also used to turn on the electric heating belt when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the sixth set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt to turn off when the water receiving pan temperature is higher than the eighth set temperature for a fourth set time, wherein the eighth set temperature is lower than the seventh set temperature and the fourth set time is longer than the third set time.
[0009] Furthermore, the first set temperature is 0°C, the second set temperature is -5°C, the third set temperature is 3°C, and the first set time is 1 minute;
[0010] The fourth set temperature is -10℃, the fifth set temperature is 2℃, and the second set time is 1 minute;
[0011] The sixth set temperature is -15℃, the seventh set temperature is 1℃, and the third set time is 2 minutes;
[0012] The eighth set temperature is 0°C, and the fourth set time is 3 minutes.
[0013] Furthermore, the main control board also includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to the grounding terminal of the heat pump heating unit, and the second terminal leads out a conductive end to the middle of the drain hole without contacting the hole wall. When the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, the main control board determines that ice has formed in the water receiving pan.
[0014] Furthermore, the main control board is also used to control the electric heating belt to turn on when the ambient temperature is lower than the first set temperature and the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, and to control the heat pump heating unit to stop when the electric heating belt is turned on for a longer time than the fifth set time and the first terminal and the second terminal are still connected.
[0015] Furthermore, the water receiving tray is provided with a water guiding groove, which is arranged along the length of the water receiving tray, and the drain holes are respectively arranged at both ends of the water guiding groove.
[0016] Furthermore, there are two parallel water guide channels, and each water guide channel is a V-shaped channel. The connection between the two V-shaped channels extends upward to form a ridge. The ridge is higher than the outer side of the two V-shaped channels. The electric heating belt and the heat insulation layer are laid on the outer side of the V-shaped channel.
[0017] Secondly, this application also provides a heat pump heating unit, including a defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit as described in any one of the first aspects.
[0018] This application provides a defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit, and the heat pump heating unit itself. It simultaneously detects temperature using both an ambient temperature sensor and an internal temperature sensor. Based on the detected ambient temperature, the heating time of the water tray is controlled to vary. When the internal temperature condition corresponding to the ambient temperature is met, the electric heating element is turned off. After the electric heating element is turned off, the insulation layer continues to maintain warmth, and the continuous water flow ensures that the water tray does not freeze. Furthermore, a detection contact is installed at the drain hole to detect whether ice has formed at the drain hole by checking if the contact is connected to ground. The presence or absence of ice further controls the activation of the electric heating element to prevent malfunctions. This invention enables the water tray to avoid freezing and drain smoothly while reducing electric heating time, achieving energy savings.
[0019] To better understand and implement this invention, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water receiving tray in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water receiving tray in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first and second terminals of the main control board in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure label:
[0024] 1. Main control board; COM, first terminal; K1, second terminal; 2. Water receiving tray; 21. Drain hole; 22. Water guide groove; 3. Electric heating belt; 4. Insulation layer; 5. Heating belt fixing plate; 6. Drain pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.
[0027] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0028] In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims. In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0029] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0030] To address the technical problems involved in the background art, this application provides a defrosting and antifreeze system for heat pump heating units, such as... Figure 1-3 As shown, the system includes a main control board 1, a water receiving tray 2, an ambient temperature sensor, and an internal temperature sensor. The internal temperature sensor is located inside the water receiving tray. The main control board is electrically connected to both the ambient temperature sensor and the internal temperature sensor to acquire the ambient temperature and the temperature inside the water receiving tray. The water receiving tray has a drain hole 21. An electric heating strip 3, electrically connected to the main control board, is laid on the outside of the water receiving tray. An insulation layer 4 is also laid on the outside of the electric heating strip.
[0031] Specifically, based on the above structure, the water receiving pan 2 is set at the bottom of the main body of the heat pump heating unit to receive the condensate generated during the operation of the heat pump heating unit. The condensate collects on the water receiving pan 2 and is discharged through the drain hole 21. The main control board 1 controls the electric heating belt 3 to start or stop according to the real-time temperature detection of the ambient temperature sensor and the temperature sensor inside the pan, thereby controlling the heating time or heating temperature of the water receiving pan 2, so as to avoid the condensate from freezing and blocking the drain hole 21 in the water receiving pan 2 due to the inability to drain in time in a low temperature environment.
[0032] Optional, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, a water guide groove 22 is provided inside the water receiving tray 2. The water guide groove 22 can be arranged along the length direction of the water receiving tray 2. Drain holes 21 are respectively arranged at both ends of the water guide groove 22, so that the condensate falling into the water receiving tray 2 can be guided into the drain holes 21 located at both ends through the water guide groove 22 and leave the water receiving tray 2.
[0033] Preferably, there are two parallel water guide channels 22, and the water guide channels 22 are V-shaped channels. The drain hole 21 is located at the bottom of the V-shaped channel. The connection part of the two V-shaped channels extends upward to form a ridge. The V-shaped channels have a certain slope, and the ridge is higher than the outer side of the two V-shaped channels. This allows the condensate generated when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode to drip into the water receiving pan 1, and then enter the bottom of the two V-shaped channels along the two sides of the ridge, and be discharged through the drain hole 21.
[0034] In one example, the electric heating element 3 and the insulation layer 4 are sequentially laid on the outer side of the V-shaped groove. The insulation layer 4 may include an insulating sponge, which serves to insulate the water. On the one hand, it ensures that most of the heat emitted by the electric heating element 3 is absorbed by the water collection tray 1; on the other hand, it reduces the heat dissipation rate of condensate in the water collection tray 1, thereby preventing the condensate in the water collection tray 1 from freezing and ensuring smooth drainage. A heating element fixing plate 5 is also provided on the outside of the insulating sponge to fix the insulating sponge and the electric heating element 3 on the outer side of the V-shaped groove.
[0035] The bottom of the water receiving tray 1 is also equipped with a drain pipe 6, which is connected to the water receiving tray 1 through a drain hole 21, so that the condensate entering the drain hole 21 leaves the water receiving tray 1 through the drain pipe 6. Optionally, to increase the drainage speed of the condensate, a drain pipe 6 with a larger diameter can be selected, such as a drain pipe with a diameter of DN32 or above.
[0036] When the defrosting and antifreeze system provided in this application is working, the main control board 1 controls the electric heating element to start based on the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor and the temperature inside the water receiving pan 1 detected by the pan temperature sensor, so as to heat the water receiving pan 1 and prevent the condensate in the water receiving pan 1 from freezing and blocking the drain hole 21. At the same time, when the temperature inside the water receiving pan 1 reaches a certain temperature, the electric heating element is controlled to turn off, stopping the heating of the water receiving pan 1, shortening the heating time, and saving energy and electricity.
[0037] In one example, the main control board 1 is used to turn on the electric heating belt 3 when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the first set temperature and higher than the second set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt 3 to turn off when the temperature of the water receiving pan 1 is higher than the third set temperature and continues for a first set time.
[0038] The main control board 1 is also used to turn on the electric heating belt 3 when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the second set temperature and higher than the fourth set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt 3 to turn off when the temperature of the water receiving pan 1 is higher than the fifth set temperature and continues for the second set time. The fifth set temperature is lower than the third set temperature and the second set time is not less than the first set time.
[0039] The main control board 1 is also used to turn on the electric heating belt 3 when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the fourth set temperature and higher than the sixth set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt 3 to turn off when the temperature of the water receiving pan 1 is higher than the seventh set temperature and continues for a third set time. The seventh set temperature is lower than the fifth set temperature and the third set time is longer than the second set time.
[0040] The main control board 1 is also used to turn on the electric heating belt 3 when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the sixth set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt 3 to turn off when the temperature of the water receiving pan 1 is higher than the eighth set temperature and continues for a fourth set time, wherein the eighth set temperature is lower than the seventh set temperature and the fourth set time is longer than the third set time.
[0041] In a specific example, the first set temperature can be 0℃, the second set temperature can be -5℃, the third set temperature can be 3℃, and the first set time can be 1 minute. This causes the heat pump heating unit to enter the defrosting mode. When the ambient temperature is detected to be below 0℃ and above -5℃, the electric heating belt 3 is turned on to heat the water tray 1. When the temperature of the water tray 1 is detected to be above 3℃ and lasts for 1 minute, the electric heating belt 3 is turned off.
[0042] In a specific example, the fourth set temperature is -10℃, the fifth set temperature is 2℃, and the second set time is 1 minute; this causes the heat pump heating unit to enter defrost mode. When the ambient temperature is detected to be below -5℃ and above -10℃, the electric heating belt 3 is turned on to heat the water tray 1. When the temperature of the water tray 1 is detected to be above 2℃ and lasts for 1 minute, the electric heating belt 3 is turned off.
[0043] In a specific example, the sixth set temperature is -15℃, the seventh set temperature is 1℃, and the third set time is 2 minutes; this causes the heat pump heating unit to enter defrost mode. When the ambient temperature is detected to be below -10℃ and above -15℃, the electric heating belt 3 is turned on to heat the water tray 1. When the temperature of the water tray 1 is detected to be above 1℃ and lasts for 2 minutes, the electric heating belt 3 is turned off.
[0044] In a specific example, the eighth setting temperature is 0℃ and the fourth setting time is 3 minutes; this causes the heat pump heating unit to enter defrost mode. When the ambient temperature is detected to be below -15℃, the electric heating belt 3 is turned on to heat the water tray 1. When the temperature of the water tray 1 is detected to be above 0℃ and lasts for 3 minutes, the electric heating belt 3 is turned off.
[0045] Optionally, the defrosting and antifreeze system provided in this application can also detect ice formation in the water tray 1. Specifically, the main control board 12 also includes a first terminal COM and a second terminal K1, wherein the first terminal COM and the second terminal K1 can form a pair of switch input detection contacts. The first terminal COM is connected to the grounding terminal of the heat pump heating unit, and the second terminal K1 has a conductive end led out to the middle of the drain hole 21 without contacting the hole wall of the drain hole 21. When the first terminal COM and the second terminal K1 are connected, the main control board 1 determines that ice has formed in the water tray 1.
[0046] The main control board 1 is also used to control the electric heating belt 3 to turn on when the ambient temperature is lower than the first set temperature and the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, and to control the heat pump heating unit to stop when the electric heating belt 3 is turned on for a longer time than the fifth set time and the first terminal and the second terminal are still connected.
[0047] Specifically, the fifth setting time is 60 minutes. When the ambient temperature is below 0℃ and the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, the main control board 1 determines that the water tray 1 is frozen and controls the electric heating belt 3 to turn on to heat the water tray 1. When the electric heating belt 3 is turned on for more than 60 minutes, the first terminal and the second terminal are still connected and the freezing state has not been resolved. It is determined that the defrosting and antifreeze system has failed, and the main control board 1 controls the heat pump heating unit to stop.
[0048] This application also provides a heat pump heating unit, which includes a defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit as described in any of the above embodiments. The defrosting and antifreeze system is installed at the bottom of the heat pump heating unit, and the drip tray 1 is installed below the heat exchange fins of the heat pump heating unit. The condensate formed from the defrosting of the heat exchange fins falls into the drip tray 1 under the action of gravity, and then flows through the surface of the V-shaped groove to collect in the water guide groove 22, and is discharged from the drain pipe 6.
[0049] This application provides a defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit, and the heat pump heating unit itself. It simultaneously detects temperature using both an ambient temperature sensor and an internal temperature sensor. Based on the detected ambient temperature, the heating time of the water tray is controlled to vary. When the internal temperature condition corresponding to the ambient temperature is met, the electric heating element is turned off. After the electric heating element is turned off, the insulation layer continues to maintain warmth, and the continuous water flow ensures that the water tray does not freeze. Furthermore, a detection contact is installed at the drain hole to detect whether ice has formed at the drain hole by checking if the contact is connected to ground. The presence or absence of ice further controls the activation of the electric heating element to prevent malfunctions. This invention enables the water tray to avoid freezing and drain smoothly while reducing electric heating time, achieving energy savings.
[0050] Testing revealed that the defrosting and antifreeze system provided in this application typically operates for 5 to 15 minutes within a defrosting cycle (60 minutes), while existing defrosting and antifreeze systems operate for 60 minutes. Therefore, this application can save 45 to 55 minutes of heating time, significantly reducing the operating time of the electric heating element 3, thereby achieving energy saving.
[0051] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit, characterized in that: It includes a main control board, a water receiving tray, an ambient temperature sensor, and an in-tray temperature sensor, wherein the in-tray temperature sensor is disposed inside the water receiving tray, and the main control board is electrically connected to the ambient temperature sensor and the in-tray temperature sensor respectively. The water receiving tray is provided with a drainage hole, and an electric heating strip electrically connected to the main control board is laid on the outside of the water receiving tray. An insulation layer is also laid on the outside of the electric heating strip. The main control board also includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to the grounding terminal of the heat pump heating unit. The second terminal leads out a conductive end to the middle of the drain hole and does not contact the hole wall of the drain hole. When the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, the main control board determines that the water receiving pan is frozen. The main control board is used to turn on the electric heating belt when the heat pump heating unit enters defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the first set temperature and higher than the second set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt to turn off when the water receiving pan temperature is higher than the third set temperature and continues for a first set time.
2. The defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control board is also used to turn on the electric heating belt when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the second set temperature and higher than the fourth set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt to turn off when the water receiving pan temperature is higher than the fifth set temperature and continues for a second set time, wherein the fifth set temperature is lower than the third set temperature and the second set time is not less than the first set time.
3. The defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main control board is also used to turn on the electric heating belt when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the fourth set temperature and higher than the sixth set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt to turn off when the water receiving pan temperature is higher than the seventh set temperature and continues for a third set time, wherein the seventh set temperature is lower than the fifth set temperature and the third set time is greater than the second set time.
4. The defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main control board is also used to turn on the electric heating belt when the heat pump heating unit enters the defrosting mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the sixth set temperature, and to control the electric heating belt to turn off when the water receiving pan temperature is higher than the eighth set temperature and continues for a fourth set time, wherein the eighth set temperature is lower than the seventh set temperature and the fourth set time is longer than the third set time.
5. The defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first set temperature is 0℃, the second set temperature is -5℃, the third set temperature is 3℃, and the first set time is 1 minute; The fourth set temperature is -10℃, the fifth set temperature is 2℃, and the second set time is 1 minute; The sixth set temperature is -15℃, the seventh set temperature is 1℃, and the third set time is 2 minutes; The eighth set temperature is 0°C, and the fourth set time is 3 minutes.
6. The defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control board is also used to control the electric heating belt to turn on when the ambient temperature is lower than the first set temperature and the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, and to control the heat pump heating unit to stop when the electric heating belt is turned on for a longer time than the fifth set time and the first terminal and the second terminal are still connected.
7. The defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water receiving tray is provided with a water guiding groove, which is arranged along the length of the water receiving tray, and the drain holes are respectively arranged at both ends of the water guiding groove.
8. The defrosting and antifreeze system for a heat pump heating unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water guide channels are two parallel channels, and each channel is a V-shaped channel. The connection between the two V-shaped channels extends upward to form a ridge. The ridge is higher than the outer side of the two V-shaped channels. The electric heating belt and the insulation layer are laid on the outer side of the V-shaped channels.
9. A heat pump heating unit, characterized in that: Including the defrosting and antifreeze system of a heat pump heating unit as described in any one of claims 1-8.
Citation Information
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