Heat pump and method of controlling the same

Abstract

This invention relates to heat pumps and their control methods. The heat pump includes: a compressor; a heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from the compressor; a heat exchange tube disposed adjacent to the heat exchanger, through which water exchanges heat with the refrigerant; a storage tank for storing water supplied through the outlet of the heat exchange tube and supplying the stored water to a plurality of air temperature control devices; a mixing valve connected to at least one of the plurality of air temperature control devices and configured to mix water supplied from the storage tank with water partially discharged between the at least one air temperature control device to control the temperature of the water introduced into the at least one air temperature control device; and a circulation pump for pumping the water stored in the storage tank and conveying the pumped water to the heat exchanger. Some of the plurality of air temperature control devices may include floor heating devices. The remaining air temperature control devices may include heat dissipation devices. The mixing valve may be connected to the floor heating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a heat pump for regulating the temperature of water passing through an air temperature control device and a method for controlling the heat pump. Background Technology

[0002] A heat pump is a heating and cooling device that uses a refrigeration cycle of compressing, condensing, and evaporating refrigerant to convert a low-temperature heat source to a high-temperature heat source or a high-temperature heat source to a low-temperature heat source.

[0003] Heat pumps are classified according to their driving method into electric type (electric heat pump (EHP)) and engine type (gas heat pump (GHP)), according to their heat source into air source type, water source type (waste heat source type) and ground source type (ground source heat pump (GSHP)), according to their heating method into hot air type, cold air type, hot water type and cold water type, and according to their application range into heating type, cooling type, dehumidification type and heating and cooling type.

[0004] The latest heat pumps (hereinafter also referred to as "air conditioning or heat pump systems") include an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a hydraulic unit, and use the outdoor unit, indoor unit, and hydraulic unit to perform cooling and heating of air (air to air) and cooling and heating of water (air to water).

[0005] For example, a heat pump generates hot water through heat exchange between water and refrigerant, and then uses the generated hot water for hot water supply or supplies it to an air temperature control device. Here, the air temperature control device uses the hot water to heat the floor through radiation or the air-conditioned space through convection.

[0006] The latest heat pumps use a single air temperature control device to cool or heat one or more air-conditioned spaces to the same target temperature.

[0007] The above information is presented as background information only to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination or assertion is made regarding whether any of the above content can be used as prior art with respect to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The aspects of this disclosure will at least address the aforementioned problems and / or disadvantages, and provide at least the following advantages. Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure is to provide a heat pump and control method for independently supplying water to multiple air temperature control devices using a storage tank and a mixing valve.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a heat pump and a control method for independently controlling the target temperature of water supplied to each of a plurality of air temperature control devices.

[0011] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a heat pump is provided. The heat pump includes a compressor, a heat exchanger configured to receive refrigerant from the compressor, a heat exchange tube disposed adjacent to the heat exchanger, wherein water that exchanges heat with the refrigerant of the heat exchanger flows through the heat exchange tube, a storage tank configured to store water supplied through the outlet of the heat exchange tube and supply the stored water to a plurality of air temperature control devices, a mixing valve connected to at least one of the plurality of air temperature control devices and configured to mix the water supplied from the storage tank with water discharged from the at least one air temperature control device and supply the mixed water to the at least one air temperature control device, and a circulation pump configured to pump the water stored in the storage tank and deliver the pumped water to the heat exchanger, wherein a portion of the plurality of air temperature control devices includes floor heating devices, wherein the remaining portion of the plurality of air temperature control devices includes heat dissipation devices, and wherein the mixing valve is connected to the floor heating devices.

[0014] The heat pump also includes: multiple pumps, each connected to multiple air temperature control devices and configured to pump water from a storage tank and supply the pumped water to the multiple air temperature control devices; a first temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of outflow water discharged through the outlet of a heat exchange tube; a second temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of inflow water flowing into the heat dissipation device; and one or more processors configured to control the start / stop of the compressor based on the detected temperature of the outflow water from the first temperature sensor and a target temperature of the outflow water, and to maintain the operation of the multiple pumps during the start / stop control of the compressor.

[0015] A portion of the heat pump's multiple air temperature control devices includes a floor heating unit. The remaining portion of the heat pump's multiple air temperature control devices includes heat dissipation devices, and the heat pump's mixing valve is connected to the floor heating unit.

[0016] The heat pump also includes: a plurality of pumps, each connected to a plurality of air temperature control devices and configured to pump water from a storage tank and supply the pumped water to the plurality of air temperature control devices; a first temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of outflow water discharged through the outlet of a heat exchange tube; a second temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of a first inflow water flowing into a heat dissipation device; a third temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of a second inflow water flowing into a floor heating device in the air temperature control device; and one or more processors configured to control the compressor to start / stop based on the detected temperature of the inflow water, the detected temperature of the outflow water, a target temperature of the outflow water, and a target temperature of the inflow water, and to maintain the operation of the plurality of pumps during the compressor start / stop control.

[0017] One or more processors of the heat pump can be configured to: identify a first difference between the detected temperature of the outflow water and the detected temperature of the inflow water, and a second difference between the target temperature of the inflow water and the detected temperature of the inflow water; identify a compensated target temperature of the outflow water based on the first difference, the second difference, and the target temperature of the inflow water; identify a first target compensated temperature based on the compensated target temperature of the outflow water and the first compensated temperature; shut down the compressor based on the fact that the compensated target temperature of the outflow water is the same as the target temperature of the outflow water and the detected temperature of the outflow water is higher than or equal to the first target compensated temperature; identify a second target compensated temperature based on the target temperature of the outflow water and the second compensated temperature, and start the compressor if the detected temperature of the outflow water is lower than the second target temperature during the compressor shutdown control.

[0018] One or more processors of a heat pump can be configured to identify a first difference between the detected temperature of the outflow water and the detected temperature of the inflow water, and a second difference between the target temperature of the inflow water and the detected temperature of the inflow water; identify a compensated target temperature of the outflow water based on the first difference, the second difference, and the target temperature of the inflow water; identify a third target compensated temperature based on the compensated target temperature of the outflow water and the third compensated temperature; and shut down the compressor based on the detected temperature of the outflow water being higher than or equal to the third target compensated temperature.

[0019] One or more processors of the heat pump can be configured to identify the temperature of the outflow water detected by a first temperature sensor when the compressor is off, identify a fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the outflow water identified when the compressor is off and a fourth compensation temperature, and switch the compressor to the on state based on the temperature of the outflow water and the fourth target compensation temperature if the temperature of the outflow water is lower than the target temperature during the compressor off control period.

[0020] The heat pump also includes: a plurality of pumps, each connected to a plurality of air temperature control devices and configured to pump water from a storage tank and supply the pumped water to the plurality of air temperature control devices; a first temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of outflowing water discharged through the outlet of a heat exchange tube; a second temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of a first inflowing water flowing into a heat dissipation device; a third temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of a second inflowing water flowing into a floor heating device within the air temperature control devices; and a processor configured to, when the heat dissipation device or the floor heating device is operating, control the start / stop of the compressor based on the target temperature of the operating air temperature control device, the temperature of the inflowing water detected by the temperature sensor connected to the operating air temperature control device, the detected temperature of the outflowing water, and the target temperature of the outflowing water, and to maintain the operation of the plurality of pumps during the start / stop control of the compressor.

[0021] One or more processors of the heat pump can be configured to identify the difference between the temperature of the outflow water and the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor connected to an operating air temperature control device; identify a compensated target temperature for the outflow water based on the identified difference and the target temperature of the operating air temperature control device; shut down the compressor based on the fact that the compensated target temperature of the outflow water is the same as the target temperature of the outflow water and the detected temperature of the outflow water is higher than or equal to a first target compensated temperature; identify a second target compensated temperature based on the target temperature of the outflow water and the second compensated temperature; and turn on the compressor based on the fact that the temperature of the outflow water detected during the compressor shutdown control is lower than the second target temperature.

[0022] One or more processors of the heat pump can be configured to identify the difference between the temperature of the outflow water and the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor connected to an operating air temperature control device, identify a compensated target temperature of the outflow water based on the identified difference and the target temperature of the operating air temperature control device, identify a third target compensated temperature based on the compensated target temperature of the outflow water and a third compensated temperature, and shut down the compressor based on the detected temperature of the outflow water being higher than or equal to the third target compensated temperature.

[0023] One or more processors of the heat pump can be configured to identify the temperature of the outflow water detected by a first temperature sensor when the compressor is off, identify a fourth target compensation temperature based on a fourth compensation temperature and the temperature of the outflow water identified when the compressor is off, and switch the compressor to the on state based on the temperature of the outflow water and the fourth target compensation temperature if the temperature of the outflow water is lower than the target temperature during the compressor off control period.

[0024] One or more processors of the heat pump can be configured to adjust the compressor frequency from a first frequency to a second frequency based on the temperature of the outflowing water being higher than or equal to a compensated target temperature of the outflowing water. The first frequency of the heat pump is higher than the second frequency.

[0025] The heat pump includes a third temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of inflow water flowing through a mixing valve into at least one air temperature control device, and a processor configured to open or close the mixing valve based on the temperature of the inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor and a target temperature of the at least one air temperature control device.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling a heat pump is provided, the heat pump including a compressor and a heat exchanger through which a refrigerant circulates, and a storage tank configured to store water that undergoes heat exchange in the heat exchanger and to supply the stored water to a first air temperature control device and a second air temperature control device. The method includes: during compressor start-up control, detecting the temperature of outflow water discharged through an outlet of a heat exchange tube disposed in the heat exchanger; shutting off the compressor based on the detected temperature of the outflow water and a target temperature of the outflow water; during compressor shutdown control, maintaining operation of a first pump and a second pump connected to the first and second air temperature control devices; starting the compressor based on the target temperature of the outflow water and the detected temperature of the outflow water during compressor shutdown control; maintaining operation of the first pump and the second pump; and controlling a mixing valve disposed between either the first or second air temperature control device and the storage tank to regulate the temperature of water flowing from the storage tank to either air temperature control device.

[0027] Shutting down the compressor involves detecting the temperature of the inflow water in the first air temperature control device and the second air temperature control device, which has the highest target temperature, and shutting down the compressor based on the fact that the difference between the temperature of the outflow water and the temperature of the inflow water is less than or equal to a reference value and the temperature of the outflow water is higher than or equal to the target temperature.

[0028] Shutting down the compressor includes: identifying a first difference between the detected temperature of the outflow water and the detected temperature of the inflow water, and a second difference between the target temperature of the inflow water and the detected temperature of the inflow water; identifying a compensation target temperature of the outflow water based on the first difference, the second difference, and the target temperature of the inflow water; identifying a first target compensation temperature based on the target temperature of the outflow water and the first compensation temperature; and shutting down the compressor based on the fact that the compensation target temperature of the outflow water is the same as the target temperature of the outflow water and the detected temperature of the outflow water is higher than or equal to the first target compensation temperature.

[0029] The compressor start-up control includes: identifying a second target compensation temperature based on a target temperature and a second compensation temperature of the outflow water, and starting the compressor when the detected temperature of the outflow water is lower than the second target temperature during the compressor shutdown control.

[0030] Shutting down the compressor includes: identifying a first difference between the detected temperature of the outflow water and the detected temperature of the inflow water, and a second difference between the target temperature of the inflow water and the detected temperature of the inflow water; identifying a compensation target temperature of the outflow water based on the first difference, the second difference, and the target temperature of the inflow water; identifying a third target compensation temperature based on the compensation target temperature of the outflow water and the third compensation temperature; and shutting down the compressor if the detected temperature of the outflow water is higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature.

[0031] The compressor start-up control includes: identifying the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor when the compressor is off; identifying a fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the outflowing water identified when the compressor is off and a fourth compensation temperature; and switching the compressor to the start-up state based on the temperature of the outflowing water and the fourth target compensation temperature when the temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature during the compressor off-up control period.

[0032] The method for controlling the heat pump further includes: when the air temperature control device in the first air temperature control device and the second air temperature control device are operating, controlling the compressor to start / stop based on the target temperature of the operating air temperature control device, the temperature of the incoming water detected by the temperature sensor connected to the operating air temperature control device, the detected temperature of the outgoing water, and the target temperature of the outgoing water.

[0033] Beneficial effects

[0034] According to this disclosure, user satisfaction can be improved by adjusting the target temperature of water to different temperatures through multiple air temperature control devices respectively installed in multiple air-conditioned spaces.

[0035] According to this disclosure, when adjusting the temperature of water passing through multiple air temperature control devices, by maintaining the operation of pumps respectively connected to the multiple air temperature control devices and only turning the compressor on / off, power consumption can be reduced compared to adjusting the compressor speed to adjust the temperature of water in the multiple air temperature control devices.

[0036] According to this disclosure, by including a storage tank for supplying water to multiple air temperature control devices, the temperature variation of the water to be supplied to the multiple air temperature control devices can be reduced. Therefore, the present invention can increase the time the water temperature is maintained at the multiple air temperature control devices, thereby adjusting the compressor start-up time and the number of compressor starts, and thus reducing power consumption.

[0037] This disclosure can improve the safety and convenience of heat pumps, enhance their quality and marketability, and further ensure their competitiveness.

[0038] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a configuration diagram of a heat pump refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a configuration diagram of the hydraulic unit of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the compressor efficiency relative to the temperature of the water in which heat exchange occurs in the refrigeration cycle apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 7 It is a graph showing the compressor efficiency relative to the compressor frequency according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a control flowchart of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a control flowchart of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 11 This is a configuration diagram of the hydraulic unit of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0050] Figure 12 This is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to aid in a full understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these are considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Additionally, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted.

[0053] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are used by the inventors only to enable a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that the following description of various embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0054] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators. Thus, for example, a reference to “component surface” includes a reference to one or more such surfaces.

[0055] In this document, phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “at least one of A, B or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrases in the phrase.

[0056] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0057] As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” can be used to simply distinguish one component from another without limiting the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order).

[0058] It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as “combined with another component (e.g., a second component),” “combined to another component (e.g., a second component),” “connected to another component (e.g., a second component),” or “attached to another component (e.g., a second component)”, it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0059] It will be understood that terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to exclude the possibility that one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof may be present or added.

[0060] It should be understood that if a component is referred to as being “connected to,” “coupled to,” “supported on,” or “in contact with” another component, it means that the component can be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, or in contact with the other component via a third component.

[0061] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being "on" or "above" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there can be an intermediate component.

[0062] According to various embodiments, a heat pump can be a device that can not only perform cooling or heating functions in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor"), but also perform functions such as cold water supply, hot water supply, air purification, ventilation and humidity control.

[0063] A heat pump may include a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger.

[0064] All components of a heat pump can be installed in a single housing that forms the appearance of the heat pump, which corresponds to a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner.

[0065] On the other hand, the components of a heat pump can be installed in multiple housings that form a heat pump, which corresponds to a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-alone air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0066] A heat pump comprising multiple housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors.

[0067] For example, a heat pump can be configured such that a single outdoor unit is connected to a single indoor unit via a refrigerant line. Alternatively, a heat pump can be configured such that a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant lines. Finally, a heat pump can be configured such that two or more outdoor units are connected to two or more indoor units via multiple refrigerant lines.

[0068] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, a user can input information (or commands) for controlling the heat pump through an input interface located in the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor or indoor unit can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to the user input.

[0069] A heat pump may include an outdoor heat exchanger installed in an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger installed in an indoor unit, and refrigerant pipes connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0070] An outdoor heat exchanger can facilitate heat exchange between a refrigerant and outside air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, when the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it can dissipate heat to the outside air, and when the refrigerant evaporates as it flows through the outdoor heat exchanger, it can absorb heat from the outside air.

[0071] Indoor units can be located indoors. For example, based on the installation method, indoor units can be divided into ceiling-mounted indoor units, freestanding indoor units, wall-mounted indoor units, etc. For example, based on the air exhaust method, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be divided into 4-way indoor units, 1-way indoor units, tubular indoor units, etc.

[0072] Similarly, indoor heat exchangers can perform heat exchange between refrigerant and indoor air by using a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, when the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, it can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor space can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Conversely, when the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it can release heat to the indoor air, and the indoor space can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air through the heated indoor heat exchanger.

[0073] For example, a heat pump can perform cooling or heating functions through the phase change process of a refrigerant circulating along an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger, and for the refrigerant circulation, the heat pump may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through an inlet and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through an outlet. The compressor may be located inside the outdoor unit.

[0074] The refrigerant can circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device and indoor heat exchanger or in the order of compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0075] For example, in a heat pump where a single outdoor unit is directly connected to a single indoor unit via a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can circulate between the single outdoor unit and the single indoor unit via the refrigerant pipe.

[0076] For example, in a heat pump where a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant lines branching off from the outdoor unit, refrigerant can flow through the refrigerant lines to multiple indoor units. Refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated back to the outdoor unit. Alternatively, indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via individual refrigerant lines.

[0077] Each indoor unit can operate independently according to the user-defined operating mode. For example, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others can operate in heating mode simultaneously. In this case, refrigerant can flow into each indoor unit and then be selectively discharged from each indoor unit in a high-pressure or low-pressure state along the circulation path specified by the flow path switching valve described below, and then circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0078] For example, in a heat pump in which two or more outdoor units are connected to two or more indoor units via multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units can be combined and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, and then diverted again at a specific location to flow into the multiple indoor units.

[0079] Depending on the operating load, which depends on the number of indoor units operating, all outdoor units may be operated, or at least some of the outdoor units may be deactivated. In this case, refrigerant can flow through the flow path switching valve into the selectively operated outdoor units and circulate.

[0080] A heat pump may include an expansion device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located inside the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, or inside both the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

[0081] An expansion device can reduce the temperature and pressure of a refrigerant by using, for example, a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice can be reduced.

[0082] The expansion device can be implemented, for example, as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0083] The heat pump may also include a flow path switching valve located on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow path switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow path switching valve can set the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling or heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to the compressor outlet.

[0084] A heat pump may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the compressor inlet. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant that evaporates in the indoor or outdoor heat exchanger may enter the receiver.

[0085] When refrigerant, which is a mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas, enters the receiver, the receiver can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and supply the refrigerant gas containing the separated refrigerant liquid to the compressor.

[0086] A heat pump may also include a hydraulic unit that is connected to an indoor heat exchanger and provides cold or hot water through heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger.

[0087] The hydraulic unit can discharge cold or hot water to provide cold or hot water to users, or it can cool or heat an air-conditioned space with cold or hot water.

[0088] An outdoor fan can be placed around the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan blows outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air.

[0089] The outdoor unit of a heat pump may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may include an environmental sensor. The sensor of the outdoor unit may be located anywhere inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the air around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant pipes passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipes passing through the outdoor unit.

[0090] The outdoor unit of a heat pump may include an outdoor unit communication device. This device can receive control signals from the controller of the indoor unit, as described below. The outdoor unit can control the operation of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion unit, flow path switching valve, receiver, or outdoor fan based on the control signals received via the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit can also transmit sensed values ​​detected by its sensors to the controller of the indoor unit via the outdoor unit communication device.

[0091] The indoor unit of a heat pump may include a housing, a blower that circulates air into and out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air entering the housing.

[0092] The enclosure may include an inlet. Indoor air can enter the enclosure through the inlet.

[0093] The indoor unit of a heat pump may include a filter that filters out foreign matter from the air entering the housing through the inlet.

[0094] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0095] Within the housing of the indoor unit, an airflow guide may be provided to direct the air exhausted through the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned on the outlet. The airflow guide may also include, but is not limited to, an auxiliary fan for regulating the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0096] Inside the housing of the indoor unit, the indoor heat exchanger and blower can be located on the flow path connecting the inlet and outlet.

[0097] A blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, an indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan, and a centrifugal fan.

[0098] An indoor heat exchanger can be located between the blower and the outlet, or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger can absorb heat from the air entering it through the inlet, or transfer heat to the air entering it through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include: heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows; and heat exchange fins that contact the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer area.

[0099] The indoor unit of a heat pump may include a drain pan located below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated within the heat exchanger. The condensate contained in the drain pan can be drained to the outside via a drain hose. The drain pan may support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0100] The indoor unit of a heat pump may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input device, including buttons, switches, touchscreens, and / or touchpads. Users can input setting data (e.g., desired room temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or airflow settings) via the input interface.

[0101] The input interface can also be connected to external input devices. For example, the input interface can be electrically connected to a wired remote control. The wired remote control can be installed in a location within the indoor space (e.g., part of a wall). The user can input setting data for the operation of the heat pump by controlling the wired remote control. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data input via the wired remote control can be sent to the input interface. Alternatively, the input interface can include an infrared sensor. The user can remotely input setting data for the operation of the heat pump using a wireless remote control. The setting data input via the wireless remote control can be sent to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0102] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. User voice commands can be received via the microphone. The microphone can convert the user's voice commands into electrical signals and transmit the converted electrical signals to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller can then control the heat pump components to perform functions corresponding to the user's voice commands.

[0103] Setting data obtained through the input interface (e.g., desired room temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or airflow settings) can be transmitted to the indoor unit controller, as described below. As an example, the setting data obtained through the input interface can be sent to an external device (i.e., the outdoor unit or a server) via the indoor unit communication device, as described below.

[0104] The indoor unit of a heat pump may include a power module. The power module can be connected to an external power source to power the components of the indoor unit.

[0105] The indoor unit of a heat pump may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor located inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature and / or humidity sensors located in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant pipes passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor that detects the temperature at each of the inlet, intermediate section, and / or outlet of the refrigerant pipes passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0106] For example, environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensors can be transmitted to the indoor unit controller, which will be described below, or sent to the outside via the indoor unit communication device, which will be described below.

[0107] The indoor unit of the heat pump may include an indoor unit communication device. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with another device. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device may also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0108] Short-range wireless communication modules may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication modules, Near Field Communication (NFC) modules, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN, Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication modules, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication modules, Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and microwave (uWave) communication modules.

[0109] The long-range wireless communication module may include communication modules that perform various long-range communications, and may include mobile communication devices. The mobile communication device may transmit wireless signals to or receive wireless signals from at least one of a base station, external terminal, or server on the mobile communication network.

[0110] Indoor unit communication devices can communicate with external devices (such as servers, mobile devices, other household appliances, etc.) through surrounding access points (APs). APs can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the heat pump or user equipment is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected.

[0111] The heat pump or user equipment can be connected to a server via a WAN. The indoor unit of the heat pump may include an indoor unit controller that controls the components of the indoor unit (including blowers, etc.). The outdoor unit of the heat pump may include an outdoor unit controller that controls the components of the outdoor unit, including compressors, etc. The indoor unit controller can communicate with the outdoor unit controller via indoor unit communication equipment and outdoor unit communication equipment. The outdoor unit communication equipment can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication equipment, or transmit control signals sent by the indoor unit communication equipment to the outdoor unit controller. For example, the outdoor and indoor units can perform bidirectional communication. The outdoor and indoor units can send and receive various signals generated during heat pump operation.

[0112] The outdoor unit controller can be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit controller can adjust the compressor frequency and control the flow path switching valve to switch the refrigerant circulation direction. The outdoor unit controller can adjust the outdoor fan speed. In addition, the outdoor unit controller can generate control signals for adjusting the opening of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant circulation loop, which includes the compressor, flow path switching valve, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger.

[0113] Each of the various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can send an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller. Similarly, each of the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can send an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller.

[0114] The indoor unit controller can obtain user input from user devices, including mobile devices, via indoor unit communication equipment, or directly via an input interface or remote control. The indoor unit controller can control components of the indoor unit, including blowers, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller can also send information about the received user input to the outdoor unit controller.

[0115] The outdoor unit controller can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on user input received from the indoor unit. For example, based on a control signal received from the indoor unit corresponding to a user input selecting an operating mode (such as cooling operation, heating operation, air blowing operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation), the outdoor unit controller can control the components of the outdoor unit to perform heat pump operation corresponding to the selected operating mode.

[0116] The indoor unit controller and each of the indoor unit controllers may include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit controller may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit controller may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0117] Each memory can remember / store various information required for the operation of the heat pump. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the heat pump. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the heat pump. The memory can include volatile memory for temporary data storage, such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic random access memory (D-RAM). Furthermore, the memory can include non-volatile memory for long-term data storage, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0118] Each processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the heat pump based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor may include logic and arithmetic circuits as hardware. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and processor can be implemented as a single control circuit or multiple circuits.

[0119] The indoor unit of the heat pump may include an output interface. This output interface can be electrically connected to the indoor unit controller and, under the control of the controller, output information related to the operation of the heat pump. For example, it can output information selected by the user, such as operating mode, airflow direction, airflow rate, and temperature. Additionally, the output interface can output sensing information or warning / error messages obtained from indoor or outdoor unit sensors.

[0120] Output interfaces may include a display and speakers. Speakers, acting as an audio system, can output various sounds. The display can show information input by the user or information to be provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, heat pump operating information may be displayed as at least one of images or text. Additionally, the display may include indicators that provide specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro-LED panel, and / or multiple LEDs.

[0121] The heat pumps according to various embodiments will be described below.

[0122] It should be understood that the boxes in each flowchart and the combination of flowcharts can be executed by one or more computer programs that include computer-executable instructions. The entirety of one or more computer programs can be stored in a single memory device, or one or more computer programs can be divided into different parts stored in multiple different memory devices.

[0123] Any function or operation described herein can be processed by a processor or a combination of processors. A processor or a combination of processors is circuitry that performs processing and includes circuitry such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth™ chip, a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip, a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec chip, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), an IC, etc.

[0124] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Figure 2 This is a configuration diagram of the refrigeration cycle device of the heat pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a configuration diagram of the hydraulic unit of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] refer to Figure 1 The heat pump 1 may include an outdoor unit 100, an indoor unit 200, a hydraulic unit 300, and a controller 400.

[0128] The outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 can be housed in a single enclosure.

[0129] The outdoor unit 100 can be separated from the indoor unit 200. For example, the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 can be housed in different enclosures.

[0130] The outdoor unit 100 can be installed outdoors. In this context, "outdoor" can refer to any space other than the air-conditioned space.

[0131] Indoor unit 200 can be connected to outdoor unit 100 via refrigerant pipe RP.

[0132] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe RP can circulate between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200.

[0133] The indoor unit 200 can perform cooling or heating operations by using airflow.

[0134] The indoor unit 200 can exchange heat with the water flowing through the hydraulic unit 300.

[0135] The indoor unit 200 can be installed in an indoor space and exchange heat with the air in the indoor space. For example, the indoor unit 200 can perform a cooling or heating operation by using airflow.

[0136] The hydraulic unit 300 can be installed in indoor spaces.

[0137] The hydraulic unit 300 may include multiple pipes WP through which water flows.

[0138] Hydraulic unit 300 can be connected to indoor unit 200 via some of the multiple pipes WP.

[0139] Water flowing through some of the multiple pipes WP in the hydraulic unit 300 can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the indoor unit 200.

[0140] The hydraulic unit 300 can perform cold water operation or hot water operation through heat exchange with the indoor unit 200.

[0141] For example, the hydraulic unit 300 can generate cold or hot water through heat exchange with the indoor unit 200, and use the generated cold or hot water to cool or heat the air-conditioned space through radiation or convection via the floor, ceiling and / or walls of the air-conditioned space.

[0142] The hydraulic unit 300 may include air temperature control equipment for heating or cooling water via heat exchange.

[0143] The air temperature control device may include at least one of a heat absorption device for cooling by using heat exchange water or a heat dissipation device for heating by using heat exchange water.

[0144] The heat dissipation equipment may include at least one of a radiator or a fan coil unit, and may include floor heating equipment.

[0145] The hydraulic unit 300 may also include hot water supply equipment.

[0146] The controller 400 can be connected to the outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200 and the hydraulic unit 300, and control the drive of the outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200 and the hydraulic unit 300.

[0147] The controller 400 can be connected to the outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200, and the hydraulic unit 300 via wired or wireless means.

[0148] The controller 400 can set the operating mode based on user input to the user interface, and control the drive of the outdoor unit 100, indoor unit 200 and hydraulic unit 300 based on the operating mode and target temperature.

[0149] In embodiments of this disclosure, a heat pump in which the outdoor and indoor units are housed in a single housing is described as an example. Hereinafter, the outdoor and indoor units housed in a single housing are referred to as refrigeration cycle equipment 150.

[0150] refer to Figure 2 The refrigeration cycle equipment 150 may include a compressor 151, a four-way valve 152, a first heat exchanger 153, a fan 154, an expansion valve 155, a second heat exchanger 156, a liquid receiver 157, and a bypass valve 158.

[0151] The compressor 151, four-way valve 152, first heat exchanger 153, expansion valve 155, second heat exchanger 156, liquid receiver 157 and bypass valve 158 can be connected to each other through a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant circulates.

[0152] The compressor 151 can compress the refrigerant and discharge the compressed high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 153 through the four-way valve 152.

[0153] Compressor 151 may include a variable frequency compressor. One or more compressors 151 may be provided.

[0154] The four-way valve 152 can be located on the outlet side of the compressor 151 and receive the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 151.

[0155] The four-way valve 152 can be a flow path switching valve used to switch between refrigeration and heating operations.

[0156] During refrigeration operation, the four-way valve 152 can receive refrigerant compressed in the compressor 151 and guide the refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 153, and during heating operation, the four-way valve 152 can receive refrigerant compressed in the compressor 151 and guide the refrigerant to the second heat exchanger 156.

[0157] More specifically, during refrigeration operation, the four-way valve 120 can guide the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 151 to the first heat exchanger 153, and guide the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant received from the second heat exchanger 156 to the compressor 151.

[0158] Meanwhile, during heating operation, the four-way valve 120 can guide the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 151 to the second heat exchanger 156, and guide the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant received from the first heat exchanger 153 to the compressor 151.

[0159] The first heat exchanger 153 can be configured as a plate type or a coaxial type heat exchanger.

[0160] The first heat exchanger 153 can be an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0161] The first heat exchanger 153 can be connected to the compressor 151 via a four-way valve 152 and a refrigerant pipe.

[0162] During refrigeration operation, the first heat exchanger 153 can condense the refrigerant received from the compressor 151 by releasing heat from the refrigerant. At this time, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant can change into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0163] During heating operation, the first heat exchanger 153 can evaporate the refrigerant received from the expansion valve 155 by absorbing heat from the refrigerant. At this time, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant can change phase into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0164] The first heat exchanger 153 can discharge the phase-change refrigerant to the compressor 151.

[0165] The first heat exchanger 153 can be used as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation.

[0166] A fan 154 may be positioned around the first heat exchanger 153 and blow the heat exchanged in the first heat exchanger 153 to the outside.

[0167] The expansion valve 155 can be located between the first heat exchanger 153 and the second heat exchanger 156.

[0168] The expansion valve 155 can be connected to the first heat exchanger 153 via a refrigerant pipe, and also to the second heat exchanger 156 via a refrigerant pipe.

[0169] Expansion valve 155 can reduce the pressure of the received refrigerant.

[0170] Expansion valve 155 can reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant received from the first heat exchanger 153 and then transfer the refrigerant to the second heat exchanger 156, or expansion valve 155 can reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant received from the second heat exchanger 156 and then transfer the refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 153.

[0171] The refrigerant can change from a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid to a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid through the expansion valve 155. The expansion valve 155 can be implemented as a capillary tube.

[0172] The second heat exchanger 156 may be adjacent to the pipes of the hydraulic unit 300.

[0173] The second heat exchanger 156 can exchange heat with the water in the hydraulic unit 300.

[0174] The second heat exchanger 156 can be used as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation.

[0175] More specifically, during heating operation, the second heat exchanger 156 can exchange heat with the water in the hydraulic unit 300 by releasing heat from the condensation of the refrigerant received from the expansion valve 155.

[0176] During cooling operation, the second heat exchanger 156 can exchange heat with the water in the hydraulic unit 300 by absorbing heat through the evaporation of the refrigerant received from the compressor 151.

[0177] The second heat exchanger 156 can be used as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation.

[0178] During refrigeration operation, the second heat exchanger 156 can transform the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0179] During heating operation, the second heat exchanger 156 can transform the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant or a high-pressure, medium-temperature liquid refrigerant.

[0180] The receiver 157 may be located on the inlet side of the compressor 151 and separates the liquid refrigerant that has not yet evaporated from the refrigerant moving from the second heat exchanger 156 to the compressor 151, so as to prevent the liquid refrigerant from transferring to the compressor 151 and thus prevent damage to the compressor 151.

[0181] The bypass valve 158 can be installed between the outlet and the inlet of the compressor 151, and can balance the high and low pressure of the compressor 151 or increase the temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet side of the compressor 151.

[0182] The receiver (also known as a "liquid receiver") can be a high-pressure gas container that temporarily stores high-pressure refrigerant that is condensed and liquefied in the second heat exchanger 156.

[0183] The receiver can remove non-condensable gases or supply only liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve 155.

[0184] The refrigeration cycle device 150 may include a heat exchanger tube HEP disposed in the second heat exchanger 156 and connected to the hydraulic unit 300.

[0185] The heat exchanger tube (HEP) can be a tube through which water flows in and through the hydraulic unit 300 and through which heat is exchanged between the water and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 156.

[0186] The heat exchange tube HEP can be connected to the tube WP of the hydraulic unit 300 via a valve.

[0187] The heat exchange tube HEP may include an outlet H1 and an inlet H2. Water after heat exchange is discharged through the outlet H1, and water returning from the hydraulic unit 300 enters through the inlet H2.

[0188] The outlet H1 of the heat exchange tube HEP can be connected to the first pipe WP1 of the hydraulic unit 300 via the first connecting valve 301. The inlet H2 of the heat exchange tube HEP can be connected to the second pipe WP2 of the hydraulic unit 300 via the second connecting valve 302.

[0189] The heat exchange tube HEP can be part of a plurality of tubes WP of the hydraulic unit 300. In this case, a portion of the plurality of tubes WP of the hydraulic unit 300 can be located in the second heat exchanger 156.

[0190] The refrigeration cycle device 150 may also include a first temperature sensor 159, which is disposed in the heat exchange tube HEP near the outlet H1 and configured to detect the temperature of the water discharged through the heat exchange tube HEP.

[0191] The first temperature sensor 159 can detect the temperature of the water discharged through the heat exchange tube HEP and transmit the first temperature information about the detected water temperature to the controller 400.

[0192] The hydraulic unit 300 can supply cold water during cooling operation and hot water during heating operation. More specifically, the hydraulic unit 300 can supply water heated by the condensation heat of the second heat exchanger 156 of the refrigeration cycle device 150 to the air temperature control device during heating operation, or supply water cooled by the absorption heat of the second heat exchanger 156 to the air temperature control device during cooling operation.

[0193] refer to Figure 3 The hydraulic unit 300 may include multiple pipes WP for circulating water.

[0194] The first pipe WP1 of the multiple pipes WP of the hydraulic unit 300 can be connected to the outlet H1 of the heat exchange pipe HEP provided in the second heat exchanger 156 of the refrigeration cycle equipment 150.

[0195] The first pipe WP1 can be connected to the outlet H1 of the heat exchange pipe HEP of the refrigeration cycle equipment 150 through the first connecting valve V1.

[0196] The first pipe WP1 can be connected to multiple air temperature control devices 500 and hot water supply devices 501 via a three-way valve 310.

[0197] The first pipe WP1 can be a pipe for water that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchange tube HEP of the refrigeration cycle equipment 150. The first pipe WP1 can supply the water that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchange tube HEP of the refrigeration cycle equipment 150 to multiple air temperature control devices 500 and hot water supply devices 501.

[0198] Multiple air temperature control devices 500 can be installed in a single conditioned space. For example, multiple air temperature control devices 500 can be installed in a first zone.

[0199] Multiple air temperature control devices 500 can be installed in different air-conditioned spaces. For example, a first air temperature control device among the multiple air temperature control devices 500 can be installed in a first zone, a second air temperature control device among the multiple air temperature control devices 500 can be installed in a second zone, and a third air temperature control device among the multiple air temperature control devices 500 can be installed in a third zone.

[0200] Multiple air temperature control devices 500 may include air temperature control devices of the same type. For example, multiple air temperature control devices 500 may include multiple floor heating devices. As another example, multiple air temperature control devices 500 may include multiple heat dissipation devices.

[0201] The plurality of air temperature control devices 500 may include different types of air temperature control devices. For example, a first air temperature control device among the plurality of air temperature control devices 500 may include a floor heating device, and a second air temperature control device may include a heat dissipation device.

[0202] Multiple air temperature control devices 500 can adjust the air temperature based on different target temperatures.

[0203] Multiple air temperature control devices 500 can adjust the air temperature based on the same target temperature.

[0204] The second pipe WP2 of the multiple pipes WP of the hydraulic unit 300 can be connected to the inlet H2 of the heat exchange pipe HEP provided in the second heat exchanger 156 of the refrigeration cycle equipment 150.

[0205] The second pipe WP2 can be connected to the inlet H2 of the heat exchange pipe HEP of the refrigeration cycle equipment 150 through the second connecting valve V2.

[0206] The second pipe WP2 can be connected to the circulation pump 320.

[0207] The second pipe WP2 can deliver water pumped by the circulating pump 320 to the inlet H2 of the heat exchange tube HEP, which is located in the second heat exchanger 156 of the refrigeration cycle device 150. In this case, the water entering the inlet H2 of the heat exchange tube HEP can undergo heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 156 of the refrigeration cycle device 150.

[0208] The three-way valve 310 can be connected to multiple air temperature control devices 500 and hot water supply devices 501.

[0209] The three-way valve 310 can be connected to multiple air temperature control devices 500 via the third pipe WP3, and to hot water supply devices 501 via the fourth pipe WP4.

[0210] The three-way valve 310 can deliver water received through the first pipe WP1 to multiple air temperature control devices 500 via the third pipe WP3, or deliver water received through the first pipe WP1 to a hot water supply device 501 via the fourth pipe WP4.

[0211] The three-way valve 310 can be a flow path switching valve used to switch the flow path of water received through the first pipe WP1.

[0212] The circulation pump 320 can be connected to the storage tank 330. The circulation pump 320 can be connected to the storage tank 330 through the fifth pipe WP5.

[0213] The circulating pump 320 can pump water from the storage tank 330. At this time, the pumped water can enter the circulating pump 320 through the fifth pipe WP5.

[0214] The circulating pump 320 can deliver the pumped water to the second heat exchanger 156 through the second pipe WP2.

[0215] The circulation pump 320 can be connected to the hot water supply unit 501. The circulation pump 320 can be connected to the hot water supply unit 501 via the sixth pipe WP6.

[0216] The circulating pump 320 can pump water from the hot water supply unit 501. The pumped water can then enter the circulating pump 320 through the sixth pipe WP6. The circulating pump 320 can then transfer the pumped water to the second heat exchanger 156 through the second pipe WP2.

[0217] The third pipe WP3 can be connected to storage tank 330 via the third connecting valve V3. The third pipe WP3 can also be directly connected to storage tank 330.

[0218] The fourth pipe WP4 can be connected to the hot water supply equipment 501 via the fourth connecting valve V4.

[0219] The fifth pipe WP5 can be connected to the storage tank 330 via the fifth connecting valve V5.

[0220] The sixth pipe WP6 can be connected to the hot water supply equipment 501 via the sixth connection valve V6.

[0221] The hot water supply device 501 can receive water that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 156 of the refrigeration cycle device 150, store the water, exchange heat with the stored water, and discharge the stored water to the outside. For example, the hot water supply device 501 can provide the heat-exchanged water (i.e., hot water) to users.

[0222] The storage tank 330 can be connected to multiple air temperature control devices 500, store water that has been heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger 156 of the refrigeration cycle device 150, and supply the stored water to the multiple air temperature control devices 500.

[0223] The storage tank 330 can receive water from multiple air temperature control devices 500 and store the water received from the multiple air temperature control devices 500.

[0224] The storage tank 330 can supply the stored water to the circulation pump 320 based on the pumping operation of the circulation pump 320.

[0225] Storage tank 330 can be a thermal storage tank for maintaining the temperature of water.

[0226] Storage tank 330 can be a buffer tank or a balancing tank.

[0227] The hydraulic unit 300 may include multiple outlet pipes and multiple inlet pipes. The multiple outlet pipes are connected to the storage tank 330 and supply water stored in the storage tank 330 to multiple air temperature control devices 500. The multiple inlet pipes transfer water supplied from the multiple air temperature control devices 500 to the storage tank 330.

[0228] The hydraulic unit 300 may also include multiple pumps, which are respectively connected to multiple air temperature control devices 500 and pump water from the storage tank 330.

[0229] The hydraulic unit 300 may also include multiple temperature sensors, which detect the temperature of water supplied to multiple air temperature control devices 500 respectively.

[0230] In embodiments of this disclosure, a heat pump connected to a first air temperature control device and a second air temperature control device and performing a heating operation will be described. Here, the first air temperature control device may be located in a first region, and the second air temperature control device may be located in a second region. The target temperature of the first air temperature control device may be higher than the target temperature of the second air temperature control device.

[0231] refer to Figure 4The hydraulic unit 300 may include a first outlet pipe 331 and a first inlet pipe 341. The first outlet pipe 331 is connected to the storage tank 330 and supplies the water stored in the storage tank 330 to the first air temperature control device 510. The first inlet pipe 341 transmits the water supplied from the first air temperature control device 510 to the storage tank 330.

[0232] The hydraulic unit 300 may include a second outlet pipe 332 and a second inlet pipe 342. The second outlet pipe 332 is connected to the storage tank 330 and supplies water stored in the storage tank 330 to the second air temperature control device 520. The second inlet pipe 342 transfers water supplied from the second air temperature control device 520 to the storage tank 330.

[0233] The hydraulic unit 300 may also include a first pump 351 disposed in the first outlet pipe 331.

[0234] The first pump 351 can be installed between the storage tank 330 and the first air temperature control device 510.

[0235] The first pump 351 can pump water stored in the storage tank 330 and supply water to the first air temperature control device 510.

[0236] The hydraulic unit 300 may also include a second pump 352 disposed in the second outlet pipe 332.

[0237] The second pump 352 can be installed between the storage tank 330 and the second air temperature control device 520.

[0238] The second pump 352 can pump water stored in the storage tank 330 and supply water to the second air temperature control device 520.

[0239] The hydraulic unit 300 may include a second temperature sensor 361 and a third temperature sensor 362, wherein the second temperature sensor 361 detects the temperature of the water to be supplied to the first air temperature control device 510, and the third temperature sensor 362 detects the temperature of the water to be supplied to the second air temperature control device 520.

[0240] The second temperature sensor 361 can be disposed in the first outlet pipe 331. The second temperature sensor 361 can detect the temperature of the water to be supplied to the first air temperature control device 510 or the temperature of the water flowing through the first outlet pipe 331, and transmit second temperature information about the detected temperature of the water to the controller 400.

[0241] The third temperature sensor 362 can be installed in the second outlet pipe 332. The third temperature sensor 362 can detect the temperature of the water to be supplied to the second air temperature control device 520 or the temperature of the water flowing through the second outlet pipe 332, and transmit the third temperature information about the detected water temperature to the controller 400.

[0242] The hydraulic unit 300 may include a mixing valve 370, which is disposed in the air temperature control device with a lower target temperature in the first air temperature control device 510 and the second air temperature control device 520.

[0243] In embodiments of this disclosure, an example will be described where the target temperature of the first air temperature control device is higher than the target temperature of the second air temperature control device.

[0244] For example, the hydraulic unit 300 may also include a mixing valve 370 disposed between the second outlet pipe 332 and the second inlet pipe 342.

[0245] The mixing valve 370 can be a valve used to mix water flowing into the second air temperature control device 520 with water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520.

[0246] The mixing valve 370 can mix water discharged from the storage tank 330 with water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520, thereby regulating the temperature of the water flowing into the second air temperature control device 520.

[0247] Figure 5 This is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0248] refer to Figure 5 The heat pump may include a compressor 151, a first temperature sensor 159, a circulation pump 320, a first pump 351, a second pump 352, a second temperature sensor 361, a third temperature sensor 362, a mixing valve 370, a controller 400, a user interface 600, and a communication interface 630. The control configuration of the heat pump performing the heating operation will be described below.

[0249] The compressor 151 can be turned on or off based on control commands from the controller 400.

[0250] The compressor 151 can operate at a frequency corresponding to the control commands from the controller 400. The operating rate and speed of the compressor 151 can be adjusted by the frequency.

[0251] The first temperature sensor 159 can detect the temperature of the water discharged from the second heat exchanger 156 of the refrigeration cycle device 150 and transmit the first temperature information corresponding to the detected water temperature to the controller 400.

[0252] The first temperature sensor 159 can detect the temperature of the water undergoing heat exchange in the refrigeration cycle device 150.

[0253] The circulating pump 320 can pump water stored in the hot water supply equipment 501 and the storage tank 330 based on control commands from the controller 400, and supply the pumped water to the second heat exchanger 156 of the refrigeration cycle equipment 150, thereby circulating the water between the heat exchange tube HEP and the hydraulic unit 300 of the refrigeration cycle equipment 150.

[0254] The first pump 351 can be turned on or off based on control commands from the controller 400.

[0255] The first pump 351 can pump water stored in the storage tank 330 based on control commands from the controller 400, and deliver the pumped water to the first air temperature control device 510.

[0256] The second pump 352 can be turned on or off based on control commands from the controller 400.

[0257] The second pump 352 can pump water stored in the storage tank 330 based on control commands from the controller 400, and deliver the pumped water to the second air temperature control device 520.

[0258] The second temperature sensor 361 can detect the temperature of the water to be supplied to the first air temperature control device 510 and transmit the second temperature information corresponding to the detected water temperature to the controller 400.

[0259] The third temperature sensor 362 can detect the temperature of the water to be supplied to the second air temperature control device 520 and transmit the third temperature information corresponding to the detected water temperature to the controller 400.

[0260] The mixing valve 370 can be opened or closed based on control commands from the controller 400. The opening degree of the mixing valve 370 can be adjusted based on control commands from the controller 400.

[0261] User interface 600 allows interaction with the user.

[0262] User interface 600 may include an input interface 610 for receiving user input and an output interface 620 for outputting information related to the operation of the heat pump.

[0263] The input interface 610 can receive the operating mode, the identification information of each zone, the on / off information of each zone, and the target temperature of each zone. The operating mode can include heating operation and cooling operation.

[0264] The input interface 610 may include at least one button, switch, key, scroll wheel, microphone, pedal, mouse, trackball, touchpad, or touch panel.

[0265] Input interfaces can include graphical user interfaces (GUIs), such as touchpads, i.e., software devices. Touchpads can be implemented as touchscreen panels (TSPs) and form a sandwich structure with the display.

[0266] The output interface 620 can output the operating mode, identification information for each zone, and the target temperature for each zone.

[0267] The output interface 620 may include at least one of a display or a speaker.

[0268] The display may include at least one of multiple LEDs or multiple seven-segment displays.

[0269] The display may be provided as, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital light processing (DLP) panel, a plasma display panel (PDP), an electroluminescent (EL) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, an electrochromic display (ECD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel.

[0270] The communication interface 630 may include various communication circuits for wired and / or wireless communication between the refrigeration cycle unit 150, the hydraulic unit 300, and the controller 400, as well as with external devices (e.g., servers, user equipment, and / or home appliances). User equipment may include various electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, notebook computers, smartwatches, stationary tablets, and speakers.

[0271] The communication interface 630 may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit or a long-range communication circuit.

[0272] Communication interface 630 can send data to or receive data from external devices. For example, communication interface 630 can support cellular communication, wireless LAN, home radio frequency (home RF), infrared communication, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and / or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by communication interface 170 are not limited to the examples above.

[0273] The communication interface 630 can communicate with external devices via an access point (AP). The AP can connect the LAN to which the heat pump is connected to to the WAN to which the server is connected. The heat pump can be connected to the server via the WAN.

[0274] The communication interface 630 can attempt to establish a communication connection with the home appliance based on control commands from the controller 400.

[0275] The communication interface 630 can communicate with home appliances via a hub (or router) or via a communication protocol.

[0276] The communication interface 630 can receive heat pump operation information from external devices and send the received operation information to the controller 400.

[0277] The operating information of a heat pump can include the operating mode, identification information for each zone, operation on / off information, and target temperature.

[0278] The operation information of a heat pump may also include information about the start time or end time of operation.

[0279] The controller 400 may include at least one processor 410 for controlling the operation of the heat pump and at least one memory 420 for storing programs and data for controlling the operation of the heat pump.

[0280] The processor 410 can control the overall operation of the heat pump.

[0281] The processor 410 can control at least one of the following: compressor 151, four-way valve 152, expansion valve 155, circulation pump 320, three-way valve 310, first pump 351 and second pump 352, or mixing valve 370, based on user input received through user interface 600 and first temperature information, second temperature information and third temperature information received from first temperature sensor 159, second temperature sensor 361 and third temperature sensor 362, respectively.

[0282] User input may include the operating mode, a first target temperature for a first zone, or a second target temperature for a second zone. For example, the first target temperature of the first zone equipped with heat dissipation equipment may be higher than the second target temperature of the second zone equipped with floor heating equipment.

[0283] User input can include the target temperature of the water discharged through the outlet H1 of the heat exchange tube HEP.

[0284] The target temperature of the water discharged through the outlet H1 of the heat exchange tube HEP can be set based on the higher of the first target temperature of the first zone and the second target temperature of the second zone.

[0285] Based on the first target temperature of the first region received through the user interface 600, the processor 410 can set the target temperature of the outflowing water. Here, information about the target temperature of the outflowing water corresponding to the first target temperature may have been stored in the memory 420.

[0286] The processor 410 can control the four-way valve 152 based on the operating mode, and control the three-way valve 310 based on the hot water supply command and the heating operation command.

[0287] When performing a heating operation, the processor 410 can turn on the compressor 151 and control the operation of the circulation pump 320, the first pump 351, and the second pump 352 respectively.

[0288] During heating operation, even when compressor 151 is off, processor 410 can control the operation of first pump 351 and second pump 352 respectively.

[0289] Upon termination of the heating operation, the processor 410 can stop the first pump 351 and the second pump 352 respectively.

[0290] The processor 410 can identify the higher target temperature between the first target temperature and the second target temperature based on the first target temperature information and the second target temperature information, control the opening / closing of the compressor 151 based on the identified target temperature, and control the opening, closing and opening degree of the mixing valve 370 based on the lower target temperature.

[0291] The processor 410 can control the frequency of the compressor 151 based on the first temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor 159 and the first target temperature information.

[0292] The processor 410 can control the compressor 151 at a first frequency based on a received start command for heating operation. The first frequency can be a reference frequency.

[0293] The first frequency can be 35 Hz or higher. Alternatively, the first frequency can be, but is not limited to, 50 Hz or higher.

[0294] During heating operation, the processor 410 can identify the temperature of the outflowing water, the temperature of the first inflowing water, and the temperature of the second inflowing water based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the third temperature information received from the first temperature sensor 159, the second temperature sensor 361, and the third temperature sensor 362, respectively.

[0295] During the heating operation, the processor 410 can identify whether the heating operation has stabilized based on the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device in the first area, the second target temperature of the floor heating device in the second area, the target temperature of the outflowing water, the temperature of the first inflowing water, the temperature of the second inflowing water, and the temperature of the outflowing water.

[0296] The processor 410 will identify stable operation when both the heat dissipation device in the first area and the floor heating device in the second area are operating.

[0297] The processor 410 can identify an air temperature control device having a higher target temperature between a first target temperature and a second target temperature, and can identify the target temperature of the inflow water flowing into the identified air temperature control device and the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor installed in the identified air temperature control device. Hereinafter, the case where the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device in the first area is higher than the second target temperature of the floor heating device in the second area will be described.

[0298] The processor 410 can identify a first target temperature in the first region, the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159, and the temperature of the first inflowing water detected by the second temperature sensor 361. It subtracts the temperature of the first inflowing water from the identified outflowing water temperature to identify a first difference, subtracts the temperature of the first inflowing water from the first target temperature to identify a second difference, sums the first difference and the second difference to identify a compensation value, and sums the identified compensation value and the first target temperature to compensate for the target temperature of the outflowing water. For example, the processor 410 can identify a compensated target temperature for the outflowing water based on the identified compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0299] The processor 410 can compare the compensation target temperature with the target temperature of the outflowing water, and based on the identification that the compensation target temperature is the same as the target temperature of the outflowing water, the processor 410 can identify that the heating operation has stabilized.

[0300] The operation for identifying a stable processor 410 when only the heat dissipation device in the first region is operating will be described.

[0301] The processor 410 can subtract the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor 361 from the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 to identify a compensation value, and add the identified compensation value to a first target temperature to compensate for the target temperature of the outflow water. For example, the processor 410 can identify the compensated target temperature of the outflow water based on the identified compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0302] The processor 410 can compare the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water with the target temperature of the outflowing water, and based on the identification that the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water is the same as the target temperature of the outflowing water, the processor 410 can identify that the heating operation has stabilized.

[0303] The operation of the processor 410 for identifying stability when the floor heating equipment in the second area is in operation will be described.

[0304] The processor 410 can subtract the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor 362 from the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 to identify a compensation value, and add the identified compensation value to a second target temperature to compensate for the target temperature of the outflow water. For example, the processor 410 can identify the compensated target temperature of the outflow water based on the identified compensation value and the second target temperature.

[0305] The processor 410 can compare the compensated target temperature of the outflow water with the target temperature of the outflow water, and based on the identification that the compensated target temperature of the outflow water is the same as the target temperature of the outflow water, the processor 410 can identify that the heating operation has stabilized. The compensated target temperature of the outflow water can be in the range of about 0°C to about 5°C, but is not limited thereto.

[0306] Identifying that the heating operation is stable can include identifying that the heat pump operation is stable.

[0307] The processor 410 can time the start-up time of the compressor 151, and based on the timed start-up time of the compressor 151 reaching a first reference time, the processor 410 can recognize that the operation of the heat pump has stabilized. The first reference time can be in the range of approximately 5 minutes to approximately 30 minutes.

[0308] If the start time of compressor 151 is shorter than or equal to the first reference time, processor 410 can keep compressor 151 in the on state.

[0309] When the identified target temperature of the outflowing water is the same as the target temperature of the outflowing water and the timing of the compressor 151 has reached the first reference time, the processor 410 can compare the detected temperature of the outflowing water with the target temperature of the outflowing water based on the first temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor 159 and the target temperature information of the outflowing water.

[0310] Based on the target temperature information of the outflowing water and the detected temperature information of the outflowing water, the processor 410 can identify whether the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the target temperature of the outflowing water.

[0311] When the temperature of the detected outflowing water is lower than the target temperature of the outflowing water, the processor 410 can keep the compressor 151 running to supply the water after heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 156 to the storage tank 330 and to the hot water supply device 501.

[0312] The processor 410 can shut down the compressor 151 based on the detected temperature of the outflowing water and the target temperature of the outflowing water.

[0313] For example, if the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the target temperature of the outflowing water, the processor 410 can shut down the compressor 151 while maintaining the operation of the first pump 351, thereby circulating the water stored in the storage tank 330 in the first air temperature control device 510.

[0314] As another example, based on a detected increase in the temperature of the outflowing water while controlling compressor 151 at a first frequency, processor 410 can adjust the frequency of compressor 151 to a second frequency or lower than the first frequency. Furthermore, based on the identification that the detected temperature of compressor 151 is higher than or equal to a compensated target temperature of the outflowing water while controlling compressor 151 at the second frequency or lower, processor 410 can shut down compressor 151. Here, the second frequency can be in the range of approximately 50 Hz to 35 Hz. The second frequency can be 35 Hz or lower.

[0315] As another example, processor 410 can add the target temperature of the outflowing water to the first compensation temperature to identify the first target compensation temperature, and identify whether the temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the first target compensation temperature. If the outflowing water temperature is identified as being lower than the first target compensation temperature, processor 410 can keep compressor 151 on and maintain the operation of first pump 351 and second pump 352 respectively. If the outflowing water temperature is higher than or equal to the first target compensation temperature, processor 410 can shut down compressor 151 and maintain the operation of first pump 351 and second pump 352 respectively.

[0316] The first compensation temperature can be in the range of about 0°C to about 5°C, and can be information that has been preset and stored.

[0317] The first compensation temperature can be information obtained during the start-up control of compressor 151 by the difference between the temperature of the outflowing water and the temperature of the first inflowing water.

[0318] As another example, based on the fact that the temperature of the outflowing water reaches the target temperature of the outflowing water while the compressor 151 is controlled at a first frequency, the processor 410 can adjust the frequency of the compressor 151 to a second frequency or a lower frequency, and based on the fact that the temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the first target compensation temperature while the compressor 151 is controlled to operate at a second frequency or a lower frequency, the processor 410 can shut down the compressor 151.

[0319] The processor 410 can operate the first pump 351 while shutting down the compressor 151, so that the water stored in the storage tank 330 is circulated in the first air temperature control device 510.

[0320] The processor 410 can operate the second pump 352 while shutting down the compressor 151, so that the water stored in the storage tank 330 is circulated in the second air temperature control device 520.

[0321] When the processor 410 shuts down the compressor 151, the processor 410 can open or close the mixing valve 370 based on third temperature information and second target temperature information about the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor 361.

[0322] More specifically, processor 410 can open mixing valve 370 if it is determined that the temperature of the second inflow water is lower than the second target temperature, and can close mixing valve 370 if it is determined that the temperature of the second inflow water is higher than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0323] The processor 410 can identify the temperature difference between the temperature of the second inflow water and the second target temperature based on the second temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve 370 based on the identified temperature difference.

[0324] The opening degree corresponding to the temperature difference can be information obtained and stored through experiments.

[0325] The processor 410 can open the mixing valve 370 to mix the water discharged from the storage tank 330 with the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve 370 to adjust the amount of water discharged from the storage tank 330 and the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520 mixed or the mixing speed of the water discharged from the storage tank 330 and the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520.

[0326] During the heating operation, during the shutdown period of compressor 151, processor 410 can identify the temperature of the outflowing water based on the first temperature information received from first temperature sensor 159.

[0327] The processor 410 can control the compressor 151 to switch to the on state based on the identified first temperature information and the target temperature information of the outflowing water.

[0328] For example, processor 410 can determine whether the detected temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature of the outflowing water based on the identified first temperature information and the target temperature information of the outflowing water. If the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the target temperature, processor 410 can maintain the control of shutting down compressor 151 and maintain the operation of first pump 351 and second pump 352 respectively. If the detected temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature, processor 410 can turn on compressor 151 and maintain the operation of first pump 351 and second pump 352 respectively.

[0329] As another example, processor 410 can subtract a second compensation temperature from the target temperature of the outflowing water to identify a second target compensation temperature, and processor 410 can maintain the control of shutting down compressor 151 if the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the second target compensation temperature, and processor 410 can turn on compressor 151 and maintain the operation of first pump 351 and second pump 352 respectively if the detected temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the second target compensation temperature.

[0330] The second compensation temperature can be in the range of about 0°C to about 7°C, and can be information that has been preset and stored.

[0331] The second compensation temperature can be information obtained during the shutdown control of compressor 151 by the difference between the temperature of the outflowing water and the temperature of the first inflowing water.

[0332] The processor 410 can control the compressor 151 to operate at a first frequency. Therefore, water can be heated in the second heat exchanger 156.

[0333] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the compressor efficiency relative to the temperature of the water in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0334] refer to Figure 6 As the temperature of the water discharged through the heat exchange tube HEP of the refrigeration cycle device 150 rises, the efficiency of the compressor 151 can be reduced.

[0335] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the compressor efficiency relative to the compressor frequency according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0336] refer to Figure 7 The efficiency of compressor 151 is highest in the effective frequency range of 50 Hz to 60 Hz, and decreases as the frequency of compressor 151 drops below the effective frequency range.

[0337] For example, it can be seen that when the frequency of compressor 151 is adjusted to a frequency below the effective frequency range to maintain the temperature of the water (i.e., hot water) to be supplied to air temperature control device 500 after the water temperature reaches the target temperature, the power consumption relative to the generated energy increases. For example, compressor 151 may operate inefficiently.

[0338] In embodiments of this disclosure, in order to reduce the inefficient operation and power consumption of compressor 151, power consumption can be reduced by shutting down compressor 151 after the temperature of the water supplied to the multiple air temperature control devices 500 reaches the target temperature and operating only the pumps connected to the multiple air temperature control devices 500.

[0339] Processor 410 may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, processor 410 may include at least one memory that stores data for controlling the operation of components in the heat pump in the form of algorithms or programs, and one, two or more processor chips or one, two or more processing cores that perform the above operations by using the data stored in at least one memory.

[0340] The processor 410 can execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 420 to perform operation of the heat pump 1 according to various embodiments. For example, the processor 410 can execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 420 to perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0341] The processor 410 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an integrated many-core processor (MIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a neural processing unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator.

[0342] The processor 410 may include a separate NPU that performs operations on artificial intelligence (AI) models, and may include GPUs, etc.

[0343] The memory 420 can store information about a first frequency, a second frequency, a reference value, a first reference time, a first compensation temperature, and a second compensation temperature.

[0344] The memory 420 can store the identification information of each area.

[0345] The memory 420 can store the target temperature for each zone.

[0346] The memory 420 can store information about the opening degree of the mixing valve 370 corresponding to the temperature difference. The temperature difference can be the difference between the temperature of the second outflow water and the second target temperature.

[0347] The memory 420 can store the data required for various embodiments.

[0348] The memory 420 can be implemented as a memory embedded in the heat pump 1, or as a memory that can be connected to or removed from the heat pump 1 for data storage purposes. For example, data for driving the heat pump 1 can be stored in a memory embedded in the heat pump 1, and data for extended functions of the heat pump 1 can be stored in a memory that can be attached to or removed from the heat pump 1.

[0349] Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the heat pump 1 can be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM) or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)).

[0350] Additionally, the memory that can be attached to or removed from the heat pump 1 may be, but is not limited to, a memory card (e.g., Compact Flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), Micro-Secure Digital (micro-SD), Mini-Secure Digital (mini-SD), Extreme Digital (xD), Multimedia Card (MMC), etc.) or an external memory (e.g., a USB memory) that can be connected to a USB port.

[0351] The memory 420 may include one, two or more memory chips or one, two or more memory blocks.

[0352] Corresponding to Figure 5 The performance of the components of the heat pump 1 shown can be adjusted by adding or omitting at least one component. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the relative positions of the components can be changed depending on the performance or structure of the heat pump 1.

[0353] at the same time, Figure 5 The components shown can be software components and / or hardware components, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0354] Figure 8 This is a control flowchart of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0355] In the following description, a heat pump that performs heating operations and is connected to a heat dissipation device (e.g., a radiator) in a first area and a floor heating device in a second area will be described as an example, wherein the target temperature of the floor heating device may be lower than the target temperature of the heat dissipation device.

[0356] refer to Figure 8 In step 701, when a heating operation start command is received from the user interface 600, the heat pump can control the four-way valve 152 of the refrigeration cycle device 150.

[0357] The heat pump can circulate the refrigerant in the order of compressor 151, second heat exchanger 156, expansion valve 155 and first heat exchanger 153 of the refrigeration cycle equipment 150.

[0358] The heat pump can turn on the compressor 151 to compress the refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant to the second heat exchanger 156 through the four-way valve 152.

[0359] In operation 702, the heat pump can control the compressor 151 at a reference frequency. The reference frequency can be a first frequency of 35 Hz or higher.

[0360] The first frequency can be, but is not limited to, 50 Hz or higher.

[0361] The heat pump can control the expansion valve 155 to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant undergoing heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 156, supply the reduced refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 153, and allow the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger 153 to be drawn into the compressor 151 through the four-way valve 152.

[0362] The heat pump can transfer water that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 156 to the hydraulic unit 300.

[0363] The water used for heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 156 can be hot water, and the temperature of the hot water can rise as the heating operation time increases when the compressor 151 is turned on. For example, a heat pump can generate hot water by heating water via the second heat exchanger 156 and deliver the generated hot water to the hydraulic unit 300.

[0364] The water delivered to the hydraulic unit 300 can be delivered to at least one of a plurality of air temperature control devices 500 or hot water supply devices 501.

[0365] Water can circulate among heat exchange tubes HEP in the second heat exchanger 156, multiple tubes WP in the hydraulic unit 300, three-way valve 310, circulation pump 320, storage tank 330, multiple air temperature control devices 500 and hot water supply device 501.

[0366] The heat pump can receive first target temperature information and second target temperature information about a first target temperature in a first region and a second target temperature in a second region from the user interface 600. The first target temperature can be higher than the second target temperature.

[0367] The first target temperature information of the first region and the second target temperature information of the second region can be pre-set and stored temperature information.

[0368] The heat pump can receive target temperature information from the user interface 600 regarding the target temperature of the water discharged through the heat exchange tubes (HEP) of the refrigeration cycle unit 150.

[0369] Based on the target temperature information of the first region received through the user interface 600, the heat pump can identify the target temperature information of the outflowing water based on the first target temperature information of the first region received.

[0370] The heat pump can identify the target temperature information of the outflowing water received through the user interface 600.

[0371] During heating operation, the heat pump can identify the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159, the temperature of the first inflowing water detected by the second temperature sensor 361, and the temperature of the second inflowing water detected by the third temperature sensor 362 based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the third temperature information received from the first temperature sensor 159, the second temperature sensor 361, and the third temperature sensor 362, respectively.

[0372] During heating operation, the heat pump can identify whether the heating operation has stabilized based on the first target temperature of the heat dissipation equipment in the first area, the second target temperature of the floor heating equipment in the second area, the target temperature of the outflowing water, the temperature of the first inflowing water, and the temperature of the outflowing water.

[0373] The description will be used to identify stable heat pump operation when both the heat dissipation equipment in the first area and the floor heating equipment in the second area are operating.

[0374] The heat pump can identify an air temperature control device with a higher target temperature between a first target temperature and a second target temperature, and can also identify the target temperature of the inflow water entering the identified air temperature control device and the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor installed in the identified air temperature control device. In the following description, the case where the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device in the first area is higher than the second target temperature of the floor heating device in the second area will be described.

[0375] The heat pump can identify a first target temperature in a first region, the temperature of the outflowing water detected by a first temperature sensor 159, and the temperature of the first inflowing water detected by a second temperature sensor 361. It subtracts the temperature of the first inflowing water from the identified outflowing water temperature to identify a first difference, subtracts the temperature of the first inflowing water from the first target temperature to identify a second difference, adds the first difference and the second difference to identify a compensation value, and adds the identified compensation value and the first target temperature to compensate for the target temperature of the outflowing water. For example, the heat pump can identify a compensated target temperature for the outflowing water based on the identified compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0376] A heat pump can compare the target temperature of the outflowing water with the compensated target temperature, and based on the identification that the target temperature of the outflowing water is the same as the compensated target temperature, the heat pump can identify that the heating operation has stabilized.

[0377] The operation of a stable heat pump will be described when only the heat dissipation equipment in the first region is operating.

[0378] The heat pump can subtract the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor 361 from the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 to identify a compensation value, and add the identified compensation value to a first target temperature to compensate for the target temperature of the outflow water. For example, the heat pump can identify the compensated target temperature of the outflow water based on the identified compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0379] A heat pump can compare the target temperature of the outlet water with the compensated target temperature of the outflow water, and based on the identification that the target temperature of the outlet water is the same as the compensated target temperature of the outflow water, the heat pump can identify that the heating operation has stabilized.

[0380] The operation of a stable heat pump will be described in the case where the floor heating equipment is operating only in the second zone.

[0381] The heat pump can subtract the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor 362 from the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 to identify a compensation value, and then add the identified compensation value to a second target temperature to compensate for the target temperature of the outflow water. For example, the heat pump can identify the target temperature of the outflow water based on the identified compensation value and the second target temperature.

[0382] A heat pump can compare the target temperature of the outflowing water with the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water, and based on the identification that the target temperature of the outflowing water is the same as the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water, the heat pump can identify that the heating operation has stabilized.

[0383] The target temperature for the outflow water can be in the range of approximately 0°C to approximately 5°C, but is not limited to this range.

[0384] Identifying that the heating operation is stable can include identifying that the heat pump operation is stable.

[0385] The heat pump can time the on-time of compressor 151, and if the timed on-time of compressor 151 is shorter than a first reference time, the heat pump can keep compressor 151 on. The first reference time can be in the range of approximately 5 minutes to approximately 30 minutes, but is not limited to this.

[0386] Once the compressor 151 reaches the first reference time, the heat pump can recognize that its operation has stabilized.

[0387] In operation 703, based on the identified temperature difference being less than the reference value and the compressor 151's timing time reaching the first reference time, the heat pump can identify the first target compensation temperature based on the target temperature information of the outflowing water and the first compensation temperature.

[0388] The heat pump can add the target temperature information of the outflowing water to the first compensation temperature to identify the first target compensation temperature.

[0389] The first compensation temperature can be in the range of about 0°C to about 5°C, but is not limited to this.

[0390] The first compensation temperature can be information that has been preset and stored.

[0391] In operation 704, the heat pump can identify whether the temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the first target compensation temperature.

[0392] Based on the identification that the outflow water temperature is lower than the first target compensation temperature, the heat pump can keep the compressor 151 on to supply the water that has been heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger 156 to the storage tank 330 and to the hot water supply equipment 501.

[0393] Water stored in storage tank 330 can be pumped to first air temperature control device 510 and second air temperature control device 520 respectively by the pumping operation of first pump 351 and second pump 352.

[0394] Water stored in tank 330 can flow into second heat exchanger 156 by pumping operation of circulation pump 320.

[0395] In operation 705, based on the identification that the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the first target compensation temperature, the heat pump can shut down the compressor 151, while maintaining the operation of the first pump 351 and the second pump 352 respectively.

[0396] The heat pump can keep the first pump 351 running while the compressor 151 is turned off, so that the water stored in the storage tank 330 can be circulated in the first air temperature control device 510, and keep the second pump 352 running, so that the water stored in the storage tank 330 can be circulated in the second air temperature control device 520.

[0397] When the heat pump controls the compressor 151 at the first frequency, the heat pump can adjust the frequency of the compressor 151 to a second frequency or lower than the reference frequency, based on the fact that the start time of the compressor 151 has reached the first reference time.

[0398] Based on the detection that the temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the first target compensation temperature while the heat pump controls the compressor 151 at a second frequency or lower, the heat pump can shut down the compressor 151. Here, the second frequency can be in the range of 50 Hz to 35 Hz. The second frequency can be 35 Hz or lower.

[0399] When the heat pump controls the compressor 151 at a first frequency, if the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 reaches the target temperature of the outflowing water, the heat pump can adjust the frequency of the compressor 151 to a second frequency or lower. In this case, if the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the target compensation temperature of the outflowing water, the heat pump can shut down the compressor 151.

[0400] While shutting down compressor 151, the heat pump can open or close mixing valve 370 based on second target temperature information and third temperature information about the temperature of the second inflow water detected by second temperature sensor 361.

[0401] More specifically, the heat pump can open the mixing valve 370 if the temperature of the second inflow water is identified as being lower than the second target temperature, and can close the mixing valve 370 if the temperature of the second inflow water is identified as being higher than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0402] The heat pump can identify the temperature difference between the temperature of the second inflow water and the second target temperature based on the second temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve 370 based on the identified temperature difference.

[0403] The opening degree corresponding to the temperature difference can be information obtained and stored through experiments.

[0404] The heat pump can open the mixing valve 370 to mix the water discharged from the storage tank 330 with the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520, and can control the opening degree of the mixing valve 370 to adjust the amount of water discharged from the storage tank 330 and the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520 mixed or the mixing speed of the water discharged from the storage tank 330 and the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520.

[0405] The water mixed by the mixing valve 370 can be regulated in temperature and then delivered to the second air temperature control device 520 via the second pump 352.

[0406] The water stored in the storage tank 330 can be used to heat the air-conditioned space and supply hot water. While performing the heating operation, the water temperature can decrease as the compressor 151 is off during its off period.

[0407] In operation 706, when performing heating operation, the heat pump can identify the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 during the shutdown period of the compressor 151.

[0408] The heat pump can identify the detected temperature of the outflowing water, the target temperature of the outflowing water, and the second compensation temperature.

[0409] In operation 707, the heat pump can calculate the second compensation temperature based on the target temperature of the outflowing water to identify the second target compensation temperature, and identify whether the temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the second target compensation temperature.

[0410] If the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the second target compensation temperature, the heat pump can shut down the compressor 151.

[0411] In operation 708, if the detected temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the second target compensation temperature, the heat pump can turn on the compressor 151 and maintain the operation of the first pump 351 and the second pump 352 respectively.

[0412] The second compensation temperature can be in the range of about 0°C to about 7°C, but is not limited to this.

[0413] The second compensation temperature can be information that has been preset and stored.

[0414] The heat pump can resupply the water that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 156 to the storage tank 330 and the hot water supply equipment 501.

[0415] Figure 9 This is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0416] refer to Figure 9 According to another embodiment, the heat pump may include a compressor 151, a first temperature sensor 159, a circulation pump 320, a first pump 351, a second pump 352, a second temperature sensor 361, a third temperature sensor 362, a mixing valve 370, a controller 401, a user interface 600, and a communication interface 630.

[0417] In the components of a heat pump according to another embodiment of this disclosure, the components other than the controller 401 may be the same as the corresponding components of the heat pump according to the embodiment. Description of the same components will be omitted.

[0418] The controller 401 may include at least one processor 430 for controlling the operation of the heat pump 1 and at least one memory 440 for storing programs and data for controlling the operation of the heat pump.

[0419] The processor 430 can control the overall operation of the heat pump.

[0420] The processor 430 can control at least one of the following: compressor 151, four-way valve 152, expansion valve 155, circulation pump 320, three-way valve 310, first pump 351 and second pump 352, or mixing valve 370, based on user input received through user interface 600 and first temperature information, second temperature information and third temperature information received from first temperature sensor 159, second temperature sensor 361 and third temperature sensor 362, respectively.

[0421] User input may include the operating mode, a first target temperature for a first region, or a second target temperature for a second region. For example, the first target temperature may be higher than the second target temperature.

[0422] User input can also include the target temperature of the outflowing water.

[0423] The higher of the first target temperature of the first zone and the second target temperature of the second zone can be set as the target temperature of the water discharged through the outlet H1 of the heat exchange tube HEP.

[0424] The higher of the first target temperature of the first zone and the second target temperature of the second zone can be set as the target temperature for the on / off control of the compressor 151.

[0425] Based on the first target temperature of the first region received through the user interface 600, the processor 430 can identify the target temperature of the outflowing water corresponding to the first target temperature. Here, the target temperature of the outflowing water corresponding to the first target temperature may have already been stored in the memory 440.

[0426] The processor 430 can control the four-way valve 152 based on the operating mode, and control the three-way valve 310 based on the hot water supply command and the heating operation command.

[0427] When the processor 430 performs the heating operation, the processor 430 can turn on the compressor 151 and control the operation of the circulation pump 320, the first pump 351, and the second pump 352 respectively.

[0428] While performing the heating operation, the processor 430 can control the operation of the first pump 351 and the second pump 352 respectively during the shutdown period of the compressor 151.

[0429] The processor 430 can stop the first pump 351 and the second pump 352 respectively based on the termination of the heating operation.

[0430] The processor 430 can identify the higher of the first and second target temperatures based on the first and second target temperature information, control the compressor 151 to turn on / off based on the identified target temperature, and control the opening, closing and opening degree of the mixing valve 370 based on the lower target temperature.

[0431] During the heating operation, the processor 430 can identify the temperature of the outflowing water, the temperature of the first inflowing water, and the temperature of the second inflowing water based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the third temperature information received from the first temperature sensor 159, the second temperature sensor 361, and the third temperature sensor 362, respectively.

[0432] When the processor 430 starts the compressor 151, the processor 430 can control the frequency of the compressor 151 based on the first temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor 159 and the first target temperature information.

[0433] The processor 430 can control the frequency of the compressor 151 based on the start time of the compressor 151.

[0434] The processor 430 can control the compressor 151 at a first frequency based on a received start command for heating operation. The first frequency can be a reference frequency of 35 Hz or higher. The first frequency can be, but is not limited to, 50 Hz or higher.

[0435] Based on the detection temperature of the outflowing water reaching the target temperature while the processor 430 controls the compressor 151 at a first frequency, the processor 430 can adjust the frequency of the compressor 151 to a second frequency or lower than the reference frequency.

[0436] Based on the detection that the temperature of the outflowing water reaches a first target temperature while the processor 430 controls the compressor 151 at a first frequency, the processor 430 can adjust the frequency of the compressor 151 to a second frequency or lower than the reference frequency.

[0437] Based on the fact that the processor 430 controls the compressor 151 at a first frequency while the start time of the compressor 151 reaches a second reference time, the processor 430 can identify that the heating operation has stabilized.

[0438] The processor 430 can compensate for the target temperature of the outlet water when the compressor 151 is on, and shut down the compressor 151 based on the compensated target temperature of the outlet water and the detected outlet water temperature. The operation of identifying the compensated target temperature of the outlet water will be described below.

[0439] During heating operation, the processor 430 can identify the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water based on the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device in the first area, the second target temperature of the floor heating device in the second area, the target temperature of the outflowing water, the temperature of the first inflowing water, the temperature of the second inflowing water, and the temperature of the outflowing water.

[0440] The operation described will identify the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water when both the heat dissipation equipment in the first zone and the floor heating equipment in the second zone are operating.

[0441] The processor 430 can identify an air temperature control device having a higher target temperature between a first target temperature and a second target temperature, and identify the target temperature of the inflow water flowing into the identified air temperature control device and the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor installed in the identified air temperature control device.

[0442] The following will describe the operation of identifying the compensating target temperature of the outflowing water when the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device in the first area is higher than the second target temperature of the floor heating device in the second area.

[0443] The processor 410 can identify a first target temperature in the first region, the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159, and the temperature of the first inflowing water detected by the second temperature sensor 361. It subtracts the temperature of the first inflowing water from the identified outflowing water temperature to identify a first difference, subtracts the temperature of the first inflowing water from the first target temperature to identify a second difference, sums the first difference and the second difference to identify a compensation value, and sums the identified compensation value and the first target temperature to compensate for the target temperature of the outflowing water. For example, the processor 410 can identify a compensated target temperature for the outflowing water based on the identified compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0444] The operation of identifying the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water when the heat dissipation equipment in the first area is operating only will be described.

[0445] For example, the processor 430 can identify a first target temperature of the first region, the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159, and the temperature of the first inflowing water detected by the second temperature sensor 361. It can subtract the temperature of the first inflowing water from the identified outflowing water temperature to identify a first difference, subtract the temperature of the first inflowing water from the first target temperature to identify a second difference, add the first difference and the second difference to identify a compensation value, and add the identified compensation value and the first target temperature to identify a compensation target temperature of the outflowing water.

[0446] As another example, the processor 430 can subtract the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor 361 from the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 to identify a compensation value, and add the identified compensation value to the first target temperature to identify the compensation target temperature of the outflow water.

[0447] The operation of identifying the compensated target temperature of the outflow water when the floor heating equipment in the second zone is operating only will be described.

[0448] For example, the processor 430 can identify a second target temperature of the second region, the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159, and the temperature of the second inflowing water detected by the third temperature sensor 362. It can subtract the temperature of the second inflowing water from the identified outflowing water temperature to identify a first difference, subtract the temperature of the second inflowing water from the second target temperature to identify a second difference, add the first difference and the second difference to identify a compensation value, and add the identified compensation value to the second target temperature to identify the compensation target temperature of the outflowing water.

[0449] As another example, the processor 430 can subtract the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor 361 from the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 to identify a compensation value, and add the identified compensation value to the second target temperature to identify the compensation target temperature of the outflow water.

[0450] The minimum target temperature for the outflow water can be 0°C and may not include negative numbers.

[0451] The processor 430 can identify the third target compensation temperature based on the identified target compensation temperature and the third compensation temperature of the outflow water.

[0452] A heat pump can identify the third compensation temperature by subtracting the third compensation temperature from the compensation target temperature of the outflow water.

[0453] The third compensation temperature can be information that has been preset and stored.

[0454] The third compensation temperature can be in the range of approximately 0°C to approximately 5°C, but is not limited thereto. The processor 430 can shut down the compressor 151 based on the temperature of the outflowing water and the third target compensation temperature.

[0455] For example, processor 430 can identify whether the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature. If the detected temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the third target compensation temperature, processor 430 can keep compressor 151 on, and if the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature, processor 430 can shut down compressor 151.

[0456] As another example, the processor 430 can time the on-time of the compressor 151, and based on the timed on-time of the compressor 151 reaching a second reference time, the processor 430 can identify that the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to a third target compensation temperature. At this time, based on the identification that although the timed on-time of the compressor 151 has reached the second reference time, the detected temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the third target compensation temperature, the processor 430 can keep the compressor 151 on, and based on the identification that the timed on-time of the compressor 151 has reached the second reference time and the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature, the processor 430 can shut down the compressor 151.

[0457] Here, the second reference time can be, but is not limited to, about 20 minutes.

[0458] As another example, based on the identification that the timing start time of compressor 151 has reached a second reference time and the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to a third target compensation temperature, processor 430 can time the duration for which the detected temperature of the outflowing water remains at or above the third target compensation temperature. If the timed maintenance time is shorter than a first preset time, processor 430 can keep compressor 151 on. If the timed maintenance time is longer than or equal to the first preset time, processor 430 can shut down compressor 151. The first preset time can be in the range of approximately 5 minutes to approximately 30 minutes, but is not limited to this.

[0459] As another example, the processor 430 can time the control time when the frequency of the compressor 151 is controlled at a second frequency or a lower frequency. If the timed control time is shorter than a first preset time, the processor 430 can keep the compressor 151 on, and if the timed control signal is longer than or equal to the first preset time and the temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to a third target compensation temperature, the processor 430 can shut down the compressor 151.

[0460] As another example, if the compressor 151 turns on at a second reference time, the timed control time is longer than or equal to a second preset time, and the temperature of the outflowing water remains at or above a third target compensation temperature for a longer than or equal to a first preset time, the processor 430 may turn off the compressor 151.

[0461] Although the temperature of the water entering the first air temperature control device 510 is lower than the first target temperature, the processor 430 can shut down the compressor 151 to reduce power consumption because the temperature of the outflowing water discharged through the heat exchange tube HEP of the second heat exchanger 156 reaches the third target compensation temperature.

[0462] By keeping the first pump 351 running while the processor 430 shuts down the compressor 151, the processor 430 can circulate the water stored in the tank 330 in the first air temperature control device 510, and by keeping the second pump 352 running, the processor 430 can circulate the water stored in the tank 330 in the second air temperature control device 520.

[0463] When the processor 430 shuts down the compressor 151, the processor 430 can open or close the mixing valve 370 based on the second target temperature information and the third temperature information about the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor 361.

[0464] More specifically, the processor 430 can open the mixing valve 370 if it is determined that the temperature of the second inflow water is lower than the second target temperature, and can close the mixing valve 370 if it is determined that the temperature of the second inflow water is higher than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0465] The processor 430 can identify the temperature difference between the temperature of the second inflow water and the second target temperature based on the second temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve 370 based on the identified temperature difference.

[0466] The opening degree corresponding to the temperature difference can be information obtained and stored through experiments.

[0467] The processor 430 can open the mixing valve 370 to mix the water discharged from the storage tank 330 with the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve 370 to adjust the amount of water discharged from the storage tank 330 and the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520 mixed or the mixing speed of the water discharged from the storage tank 330 and the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520.

[0468] The processor 430 can identify the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 while the compressor 151 is off, and store the identified temperature of the outflowing water, while performing the heating operation.

[0469] The temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 when the compressor 151 is turned off can be the shut-off temperature of the outflowing water.

[0470] The processor 430 can identify the fourth target compensation temperature based on the fourth compensation temperature and the temperature of the outflow water identified when the compressor 151 is turned off.

[0471] The fourth compensation temperature can be information that has been preset and stored.

[0472] The fourth compensation temperature can be in the range of about 0°C to about 7°C, but is not limited to this.

[0473] More specifically, the processor 430 can subtract a fourth compensation temperature from the temperature of the outflow water identified when the compressor 151 is off to identify a fourth target compensation temperature, and store the identified fourth target compensation temperature. The processor 430 can also identify the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 and the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor 361 during the period when the compressor 151 is off while performing a heating operation.

[0474] The temperature of the outflowing water can be the temperature of the outflowing water during the shutdown period of compressor 151.

[0475] It can periodically or in real time identify the temperature of outflowing water and the temperature of inflowing water.

[0476] The temperature of the outflowing water, which can be periodically or in real time identified during the shutdown period of compressor 151, can be the current temperature of the outflowing water.

[0477] The processor 430 can control the start-up operation of the compressor 151 based on the identified current temperature of the outlet water, the target temperature, and the fourth target compensation temperature.

[0478] More specifically, based on the identification that the current temperature of the identified outflowing water is higher than or equal to the target temperature, the processor 430 can shut down the compressor 151.

[0479] Based on the fact that the current temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature, the processor 430 can determine whether the current temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the fourth target compensation temperature.

[0480] Based on the identification that the current temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature and the current temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the fourth target compensation temperature, the processor 430 can keep the compressor 151 in the off state.

[0481] Based on the identification that the current temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature and that the current temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the fourth target compensation temperature, the processor 430 can turn on the compressor 151 and maintain the operation of the first pump 351 and the second pump 352 respectively.

[0482] The processor 430 can again supply water that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 156 to the storage tank 330.

[0483] The memory 440 can store information about the first frequency and the second frequency, the second reference time, the first preset time and the second preset time, as well as the third compensation temperature and the fourth compensation temperature.

[0484] The memory 440 can store the identification information of each area.

[0485] The memory 440 can store the target temperature for each zone.

[0486] The memory 440 can store the opening information of the mixing valve 370 corresponding to the temperature difference. The temperature difference can be the difference between the temperature of the second outflow water and the second target temperature.

[0487] Figure 10 This is a control flowchart of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0488] The following description uses a heat pump that performs heating operations and is connected to a heat dissipation device (e.g., a radiator) in a first area and a floor heating device in a second area as an example. The target temperature of the floor heating device may be lower than the target temperature of the heat dissipation device.

[0489] refer to Figure 10 In step 711, when a heating operation start command is received from the user interface 600, the heat pump can control the four-way valve 152 and the compressor 151 of the refrigeration cycle device 150.

[0490] In operation 712, the heat pump can control the compressor 151 at a first frequency. The first frequency can be a reference frequency of about 35 Hz or higher. The first frequency can be, but is not limited to, about 50 Hz or higher.

[0491] The heat pump circulates the refrigerant in the order of compressor 151, second heat exchanger 156, expansion valve 155, and first heat exchanger 153 in the refrigeration cycle device 150. The heat pump can transfer water that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 156 to the hydraulic unit 300. The heat pump can receive first target temperature information and second target temperature information regarding a first target temperature in a first region and a second target temperature in a second region from the user interface 600. The first target temperature can be higher than the second target temperature.

[0492] The first target temperature information of the first region and the second target temperature information of the second region can be pre-set and stored temperature information.

[0493] Based on the first target temperature information of the first region and the second target temperature information of the second region received from the user interface 600, the heat pump can identify the target temperature of the water discharged through the heat exchange tube HEP corresponding to the first target temperature, and identify the target temperature of the water discharged through the heat exchange tube HEP corresponding to the second target temperature.

[0494] The heat pump can receive the target temperature of the outflowing water from the user interface 600.

[0495] The heat pump can receive target temperature information from the user interface 600 regarding the target temperature of the water discharged through the heat exchange tubes (HEP) of the refrigeration cycle unit 150.

[0496] When both the heat dissipation equipment in the first zone and the floor heating equipment in the second zone are operating, the heat pump can control the compressor 151 to turn on / off based on the first target temperature of the first zone.

[0497] When the heat dissipation equipment in the first zone or the floor heating equipment in the second zone is operating, the heat pump can control the compressor 151 to turn on / off based on the target temperature of the operating air temperature control equipment.

[0498] When performing heating operation, the heat pump can identify the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159, the temperature of the first outflowing water detected by the second temperature sensor 361, and the temperature of the second inflowing water detected by the third temperature sensor 362 based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the third temperature information received from the first temperature sensor 159, the second temperature sensor 361, and the third temperature sensor 362, respectively.

[0499] The heat pump can compensate for the target temperature of the outflowing water when the compressor 151 is on, and shut down the compressor 151 based on the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water and the detected temperature of the outflowing water. The operation of identifying the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water will be described below.

[0500] During heating operation, the heat pump can identify the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water based on the first target temperature of the heat dissipation equipment in the first area, the second target temperature of the floor heating equipment in the second area, the target temperature of the outflowing water, the temperature of the first inflowing water, the temperature of the second inflowing water, and the temperature of the outflowing water.

[0501] The operation described will identify the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water when both the heat dissipation equipment in the first zone and the floor heating equipment in the second zone are operating.

[0502] The heat pump can identify an air temperature control device with a higher target temperature between a first target temperature and a second target temperature, and can also identify the target temperature of the inflow water flowing into the identified air temperature control device and the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor installed in the identified air temperature control device. In the following description, the case where the first target temperature of the heating device in the first area is higher than the second target temperature of the floor heating device in the second area will be described.

[0503] The heat pump can identify a first target temperature in a first region, the temperature of the outflowing water detected by a first temperature sensor 159, and a first inflowing temperature detected by a second temperature sensor 361. It subtracts the first inflowing water temperature from the identified outflowing water temperature to identify a first difference, subtracts the first inflowing water temperature from the first target temperature to identify a second difference, adds the first difference to the second difference to identify a compensation value, and adds the identified compensation value to the first target temperature to compensate for the target temperature of the outflowing water. For example, the processor 410 can identify a compensated target temperature for the outflowing water based on the identified compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0504] The operation of identifying the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water when the heat dissipation equipment in the first area is operating only will be described.

[0505] For example, the heat pump can identify a first target temperature of the first region, the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159, and the temperature of the first inflowing water detected by the second temperature sensor 361. It subtracts the temperature of the first inflowing water from the identified outflowing water temperature to identify a first difference, subtracts the temperature of the first inflowing water from the first target temperature to identify a second difference, adds the first difference and the second difference to identify a compensation value, and adds the identified compensation value and the first target temperature to identify the compensation target temperature of the outflowing water.

[0506] As another example, the heat pump can subtract the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor 361 from the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 to identify a compensation value, and add the identified compensation value to the first target temperature to identify the compensation target temperature of the outflow water.

[0507] The operation of identifying the compensated target temperature of the outflow water when the floor heating equipment in the second zone is operating only will be described.

[0508] For example, the heat pump can identify the second target temperature of the second region, the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159, and the temperature of the second inflowing water detected by the third temperature sensor 362. It can subtract the temperature of the second inflowing water from the identified outflowing water temperature to identify the first difference, subtract the temperature of the second inflowing water from the second target temperature to identify the second difference, and add the identified compensation value to the second target temperature to identify the compensation target temperature of the outflowing water.

[0509] As another example, the heat pump can subtract the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor 362 from the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 to identify a compensation value, and add the identified compensation value to the second target temperature to identify the compensation target temperature of the outflow water.

[0510] The heat pump can compare the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water with the target temperature of the outflowing water, and if it finds that the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water is the same as the target temperature of the outflowing water, the heat pump can identify that the heating operation has stabilized.

[0511] The minimum target temperature for the outflow water can be 0°C and may not include negative numbers.

[0512] The heat pump can identify the third target compensation temperature based on the target compensation temperature and the third compensation temperature of the outflow water.

[0513] A heat pump can identify the third compensation temperature by subtracting the third compensation temperature from the compensation target temperature of the outflow water.

[0514] The third compensation temperature can be in the range of about 0°C to about 5°C, but is not limited to this.

[0515] In addition, the heat pump can time the start-up time of the compressor 151, and based on the second reference time identified in operation 713 when the start-up time of the compressor 151 is identified, in operation 714, the heat pump can identify that the temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature.

[0516] The second reference time can be, but is not limited to, about 20 minutes.

[0517] Based on the identification that the temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the third target compensation temperature, the heat pump can keep the compressor 151 on to supply the water that has been heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger 156 to the storage tank 330 and to the hot water supply equipment 501.

[0518] Water stored in storage tank 330 can be pumped to first air temperature control device 510 and second air temperature control device 520 respectively by the pumping operation of first pump 351 and second pump 352.

[0519] Water stored in tank 330 can flow into second heat exchanger 156 by pumping operation of circulation pump 320.

[0520] Based on the identification that the temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature, the heat pump can time the time for which the temperature of the outflowing water is maintained at the third target compensation temperature or higher, and if the timed time is shorter than the first preset time, the heat pump can keep the compressor 151 in the on state.

[0521] In operation 715, if the temperature of the outflowing water is higher than the third target compensation temperature and the timing time is longer than or equal to the first preset time, the heat pump can shut down the compressor 151 and maintain the operation of the first pump 351 and the second pump 352 respectively.

[0522] The first preset time can be in the range of approximately 5 minutes to approximately 30 minutes, but is not limited to this.

[0523] Based on the fact that the temperature of the outflowing water reaches a first target temperature while the heat pump controls the compressor 151 at a first frequency, the heat pump can adjust the frequency of the compressor 151 to a second frequency or lower than the first frequency.

[0524] Based on the recognition that the start-up time of compressor 151 reaches the second reference time while the heat pump controls compressor 151 at the first frequency, the heat pump can recognize that the heating operation has stabilized.

[0525] The heat pump can time the control time when the frequency of the compressor 151 is controlled at a second frequency or a lower frequency, and the heat pump can keep the compressor 151 in the on state if the timed control time is shorter than a first preset time.

[0526] In this paper, the second frequency can be in the range of 50 Hz to 35 Hz, but is not limited to this. The second frequency can be 35 Hz or lower.

[0527] If the control signal for timing is longer than or equal to the second preset time and the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature, the heat pump can shut down the compressor 151.

[0528] Although the temperature of the water flowing into the first air temperature control device 510 (i.e., the temperature of the first inflowing water) is lower than the first target temperature, the heat pump can shut down the compressor 151 to reduce power consumption, based on the fact that the temperature of the outflowing water discharged through the heat exchange tube of the first heat exchanger 153 reaches the third target compensation temperature.

[0529] When the heat pump shuts off the compressor 151, the heat pump can maintain the operation of the first pump 351 to circulate the water stored in the storage tank 330 in the first air temperature control device 510, and maintain the operation of the second pump 352 to circulate the water stored in the storage tank 330 in the second air temperature control device 520.

[0530] When the heat pump shuts off the compressor 151, the heat pump can open or close the mixing valve 370 based on the second target temperature information and the third temperature information about the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor 361.

[0531] More specifically, the heat pump can open the mixing valve 370 if the temperature of the second inflow water is identified as being lower than the second target temperature, and can close the mixing valve 370 if the temperature of the second inflow water is identified as being higher than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0532] The heat pump can identify the temperature difference between the temperature of the second inflow water and the second target temperature based on the second temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve 370 based on the identified temperature difference.

[0533] The opening degree corresponding to the temperature difference can be information obtained and stored through experiments.

[0534] The heat pump can open the mixing valve 370 to mix the water discharged from the storage tank 330 with the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve 370 to adjust the amount of water discharged from the storage tank 330 and the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520 mixed or the mixing speed of the water discharged from the storage tank 330 and the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520.

[0535] The water mixed by the mixing valve 370 can be regulated in temperature and then delivered to the second air temperature control device 520 via the second pump 352.

[0536] The water stored in the storage tank 330 can be used to heat the air-conditioned space and supply hot water. While performing the heating operation, the water temperature can decrease as the compressor 151 is off during its off period.

[0537] The heat pump can identify the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 while the compressor 151 is off during the heating operation, and store the identified temperature of the outflowing water.

[0538] The temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 when the compressor 151 is turned off can be the shut-off temperature of the outflowing water.

[0539] The heat pump can identify the fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the outflow water identified when the compressor 151 is off and the fourth compensation temperature.

[0540] The fourth compensation temperature can be information that has been preset and stored.

[0541] The fourth compensation temperature can be information obtained during the shutdown control of compressor 151 by the difference between the temperature of the outflowing water and the temperature of the first inflowing water, and can also be information obtained through experiments.

[0542] The fourth compensation temperature can be in the range of about 0°C to about 7°C, but is not limited to this.

[0543] More specifically, the heat pump can subtract a fourth compensation temperature from the temperature of the outflow water identified when the compressor 151 is turned off to identify a fourth target compensation temperature, and store the fourth target compensation temperature.

[0544] When performing heating operation in operation 716, the heat pump can identify the temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor 159 and the temperature of the first inflowing water detected by the second temperature sensor 361 during the period when the compressor 151 is off.

[0545] It can periodically or in real time identify the temperature of outflowing water and the temperature of inflowing water.

[0546] The temperature of the outflowing water, which can be periodically or in real time identified when the compressor 151 is off, can be the current temperature of the outflowing water.

[0547] In operation 717, the heat pump can identify whether the current temperature of the identified outflow water is higher than or equal to the target temperature.

[0548] If the current temperature of the identified outflowing water is higher than or equal to the target temperature, the heat pump can keep the compressor 151 off.

[0549] In operation 718, based on the identification that the current temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature, the heat pump can identify whether the current temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the fourth target compensation temperature.

[0550] Based on the identification that the current temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature and the current temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the fourth target compensation temperature, the heat pump can keep the compressor 151 in the off state.

[0551] In operation 719, based on the identification that the current temperature of the identified outflow water is lower than the target temperature and the identification that the current temperature of the identified outflow water is higher than or equal to the fourth target compensation temperature, the heat pump can turn on the compressor 151 and maintain the operation of the first pump 351 and the second pump 352 respectively.

[0552] The heat pump can resupply the water that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 156 to the storage tank 330 and the hot water supply equipment 501.

[0553] Figure 11 A configuration diagram of the hydraulic unit of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0554] refer to Figure 11 A heat pump according to another embodiment may include a refrigeration cycle device and a hydraulic unit. The refrigeration cycle device of the heat pump according to another embodiment may be the same as that of the heat pump according to the embodiments of this disclosure, therefore, its detailed description will be omitted.

[0555] The hydraulic unit of a heat pump may include multiple mixing valves respectively connected to multiple air temperature control devices. In the components of the hydraulic unit of a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the remaining components, apart from the multiple mixing valves, are the same as the corresponding components of the hydraulic unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0556] refer to Figure 11 The hydraulic unit of the heat pump may include a first mixing valve 371 connected to a first air temperature control device and a second mixing valve 372 connected to a second air temperature control device.

[0557] The first mixing valve 371 can be located between the first outlet pipe 331 and the first inlet pipe 341.

[0558] The first mixing valve 371 may be a valve for mixing water discharged from the storage tank 330 with water discharged from the first air temperature control device 510.

[0559] The first mixing valve 371 can regulate the temperature of the water flowing into the first air temperature control device 510 by mixing the water discharged from the storage tank 330 with the water discharged from the first air temperature control device 510.

[0560] The first mixing valve 371 can be opened or closed based on control commands from the controller 401, and the opening degree can be adjusted based on control commands from the controller 401.

[0561] The second mixing valve 372 can be located between the second outlet pipe 332 and the second inlet pipe 342.

[0562] The second mixing valve 372 may be a valve for mixing water flowing into the second air temperature control device 520 with water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520.

[0563] The second mixing valve 372 can regulate the temperature of the water flowing into the second air temperature control device 520 by mixing the water discharged from the storage tank 330 with the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520.

[0564] The second mixing valve 372 can be opened or closed based on control commands from the controller 402, and the opening degree can be adjusted based on control commands from the controller 402.

[0565] Figure 12 This is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0566] refer to Figure 12 The heat pump may include a compressor 151, a first temperature sensor 159, a circulation pump 320, a first pump 351, a second pump 352, a second temperature sensor 361, a third temperature sensor 362, a first mixing valve 371, a second mixing valve 372, a controller 402, a user interface 600, and a communication interface 630.

[0567] In the components of the hydraulic unit of the heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the remaining components, except for the controller 402, the first mixing valve 371 and the second mixing valve 372, may be the same as the corresponding components of the heat pump according to the embodiment. Descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0568] Already referenced Figure 11 The first mixing valve 371 and the second mixing valve 372 are described, therefore their descriptions will be omitted.

[0569] The controller 402 may include at least one processor 450 for controlling the operation of the heat pump 1 and at least one memory 460 for storing programs and data for controlling the operation of the heat pump 1.

[0570] The processor 450 can control the overall operation of the heat pump 1.

[0571] The processor 450 can control at least one of the following: compressor 151, four-way valve 152, expansion valve 155, circulation pump 320, three-way valve 310, first pump 351 and second pump 352, first mixing valve 371 or second mixing valve 372, based on user input received through user interface 600 and first temperature information, second temperature information and third temperature information received from first temperature sensor 159, second temperature sensor 361 and third temperature sensor 362 respectively.

[0572] User input may include an operating mode, a first target temperature for a first zone, or a second target temperature for a second zone. A first air temperature control device 510 may be set in the first zone, and a second air temperature control device 520 may be set in the second zone.

[0573] The first target temperature can be the target temperature of the first air temperature control device 510, and the second target temperature can be the target temperature of the second air temperature control device 520.

[0574] The processor 450 can identify a relatively high target temperature by comparing a first target temperature with a second target temperature.

[0575] The processor 450 can control the compressor 151 to turn on / off based on a relatively high target temperature, and control the opening, closing and opening degree of the first mixing valve 371 and the second mixing valve 372 respectively based on a relatively low target temperature.

[0576] For example, if the second target temperature is higher than the first target temperature, the processor 410 can control the compressor 151 to turn on / off based on the second target temperature, and control the opening, closing and opening degree of the first mixing valve 371 based on the first target temperature.

[0577] For example, the processor 450 can regulate the water temperature of the second air temperature control device 520 by controlling the opening / closing of the compressor 151, and regulate the water temperature of the first air temperature control device 510 by controlling the opening, closing and opening degree of the first mixing valve 371.

[0578] If the processor 450 detects that the temperature of the first inflow water is lower than the first target temperature when controlling the first mixing valve 371, the processor 450 can open the first mixing valve 371. If the processor 450 detects that the temperature of the first inflow water is higher than or equal to the second target temperature, the processor 450 can close the first mixing valve 371.

[0579] The processor 450 can identify the temperature difference between the temperature of the first inflow water and the first target temperature based on the second temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the first mixing valve 371 based on the identified temperature difference.

[0580] The opening degree corresponding to the temperature difference can be information obtained and stored through experiments.

[0581] The processor 450 can open the first mixing valve 371 to mix water discharged from the storage tank 330 with water discharged from the first air temperature control device 510, and control the opening degree of the first mixing valve 371 to adjust the amount of water discharged from the storage tank 330 and water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520 mixed or the mixing speed of water discharged from the storage tank 330 and water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520.

[0582] As another example, when the first target temperature is higher than the second target temperature, the processor 450 can control the compressor 151 to turn on / off based on the first target temperature, and control the second mixing valve 372 to open, close and open degree based on the second target temperature.

[0583] For example, the processor 450 can regulate the water temperature of the first air temperature control device 510 by controlling the opening / closing of the compressor 151, and regulate the water temperature of the second air temperature control device 520 by controlling the opening, closing and opening degree of the second mixing valve 372.

[0584] If the processor 450 detects that the temperature of the second inflow water is lower than the second target temperature while controlling the second mixing valve 372, the processor 450 can open the second mixing valve 372. If the processor 450 detects that the temperature of the second inflow water is higher than or equal to the second target temperature, the processor 450 can close the second mixing valve 372.

[0585] The processor 450 can identify the temperature difference between the temperature of the second inflow water and the second target temperature based on the third temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the second mixing valve 372 based on the identified temperature difference.

[0586] The opening degree corresponding to the temperature difference can be information obtained and stored through experiments.

[0587] The processor 450 can open the second mixing valve 372 to mix the water discharged from the storage tank 330 with the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520, and control the opening degree of the second mixing valve 372 to adjust the amount of water discharged from the storage tank 330 and the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520 mixed or the mixing speed of the water discharged from the storage tank 330 and the water discharged from the second air temperature control device 520.

[0588] The higher of the first and second target temperatures can be the target temperature of the water discharged through the outlet H1 of the heat exchange tube HEP.

[0589] During heating operation, the processor 450 can control the compressor 151 to turn on / off based on the higher of the first target temperature and the second target temperature, the temperature of the inflow water into the air temperature control device with the higher target temperature, and the temperature of the outflow water discharged from the second heat exchanger 156.

[0590] During heating operation, the operation of processor 450, which controls the opening / closing of compressor 151 based on the higher of the first and second target temperatures, can be the same as the control operation of processor 410 according to one embodiment or the control operation of processor 430 according to another embodiment.

[0591] When performing a heating operation, the processor 450 can control the operation of the first pump 351 and the second pump 352 respectively during the shutdown period of the compressor 151.

[0592] The processor 450 can stop the compressor 151, the first pump 351 and the second pump 352, and the first mixing valve 371 and the second mixing valve 372 respectively based on the termination of the heating operation.

[0593] Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions can be stored as program code, and when executed by a processor, the instructions can create program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0594] Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media, wherein the term "non-transitory storage media" means only that the storage media is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage media and cases where data is temporarily stored in the storage media. For example, "non-transitory storage media" may include buffers for temporarily storing data.

[0595] Methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be distributed online (e.g., downloadable or uploadable) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). When distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server.

[0596] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure described in the claims and specification can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0597] Any such software may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules) that include computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the methods of this disclosure.

[0598] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile memory, such as a storage device like read-only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable, or in the form of memory such as random access memory (RAM), memory chips, devices, or integrated circuits, or stored on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as an optical disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magnetic disk, or magnetic tape. It should be understood that storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage suitable for storing one or more computer programs including instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, various embodiments provide a program and a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium for storing such a program, the program including code for implementing the apparatus or method claimed as any one of the claims of this specification.

[0599] While this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heat pump, comprising: compressor; A heat exchanger is configured to receive refrigerant from a compressor; A heat exchange tube is installed adjacent to the heat exchanger, through which water that exchanges heat with the refrigerant of the heat exchanger flows; The storage tank is configured to store water supplied through the outlet of a heat exchange pipe and to supply the stored water to multiple air temperature control devices; A mixing valve, connected to at least one of a plurality of air temperature control devices, and configured to mix water supplied from a storage tank with water discharged from at least one air temperature control device, and supply the mixed water to at least one air temperature control device; and A circulating pump is configured to pump water stored in a storage tank and deliver the pumped water to a heat exchanger. Among these, several air temperature control devices include floor heating equipment. The remaining portion of the multiple air temperature control devices includes heat dissipation equipment, and The mixing valve is connected to the floor heating equipment.

2. The heat pump according to claim 1, further comprising: Multiple pumps are connected to multiple air temperature control devices and are configured to pump water from storage tanks and supply the pumped water to the multiple air temperature control devices. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the outflowing water discharged through the outlet of the heat exchange tube; The second temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the water flowing into the heat dissipation device. as well as One or more processors are configured to control the compressor to start / stop based on the detected temperature of the inflow water, the detected temperature of the outflow water, the target temperature of the outflow water, and the target temperature of the inflow water, and to maintain the operation of multiple pumps during the compressor start / stop control.

3. The heat pump according to claim 2, wherein, One or more processors are configured as follows: Identify the first difference between the detected temperature of the outflowing water and the detected temperature of the inflowing water, and the second difference between the target temperature of the inflowing water and the detected temperature of the inflowing water. The compensation target temperature of the outflow is identified based on the first difference, the second difference, and the target temperature of the inflow. The first target compensation temperature is identified based on the target temperature of the outflowing water and the first compensation temperature. The compressor is shut down if the compensation target temperature of the outflowing water is the same as the target temperature of the outflowing water and the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the first target compensation temperature. The second target compensation temperature is identified based on the target temperature and the second compensation temperature of the outflow water, and the compressor is turned on during the compressor shutdown control if the detected temperature of the outflow water is lower than the second target temperature.

4. The heat pump according to claim 2, wherein, One or more processors are configured as follows: Identify the first difference between the detected temperature of the outflowing water and the detected temperature of the inflowing water, and the second difference between the target temperature of the inflowing water and the detected temperature of the inflowing water. The compensation target temperature of the outflow is identified based on the first difference, the second difference, and the target temperature of the inflow water. The third target compensation temperature is identified based on the outflow water's target compensation temperature and the third compensation temperature, and the compressor is shut down based on the outflow water's detected temperature being higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature.

5. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein, One or more processors are configured as follows: The temperature of the outflowing water, detected by the first temperature sensor, is identified when the compressor is off. The fourth target compensation temperature is identified based on the fourth compensation temperature and the temperature of the outflow water identified when the compressor is off. If the temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature during the compressor shutdown control, the compressor is switched to the on state based on the temperature of the outflowing water and the fourth target compensation temperature.

6. The heat pump according to claim 3, further comprising: Multiple pumps are connected to multiple air temperature control devices and are configured to pump water from storage tanks and supply the pumped water to the multiple air temperature control devices. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the outflowing water discharged through the outlet of the heat exchange tube; The second temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the first inflow water into the heat dissipation device; The third temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the second inflow water of the floor heating device in the inflow air temperature control device; as well as One or more processors are configured to control the compressor to start / stop based on the target temperature of the air temperature control device operating when the heat dissipation device or floor heating device is operating, the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor connected to the operating air temperature control device, the detected temperature of the outflow water, and the target temperature of the outflow water, and to maintain the operation of multiple pumps during the compressor start / stop control.

7. The heat pump according to claim 6, wherein, One or more processors are configured as follows: Identify the difference between the temperature of the outflowing water and the temperature of the inflowing water, detected by a temperature sensor connected to the operating air temperature control device. The compensation target temperature of the outflow water is identified based on the difference between the identified values ​​and the target temperature of the operating air temperature control device. The compressor is shut down if the compensation target temperature of the outflow water is the same as the target temperature of the outflow water and the detected temperature of the outflow water is higher than or equal to the first target compensation temperature. The second target compensation temperature is identified based on the target temperature and the second compensation temperature of the outflow water, and the compressor is turned on during the compressor shutdown control if the detected temperature of the outflow water is lower than the second target temperature.

8. The heat pump according to claim 6, wherein, One or more processors are configured as follows: Identify the difference between the temperature of the outflowing water and the temperature of the inflowing water, detected by a temperature sensor connected to the operating air temperature control device. The compensated target temperature of the outflow water is identified based on the difference in the identified values ​​and the target temperature of the operating air temperature control equipment. The third target compensation temperature is identified based on the outflow water's target compensation temperature and the third compensation temperature, and the compressor is shut down based on the outflow water's detected temperature being higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature.

9. The heat pump according to claim 8, wherein, One or more processors are configured as follows: The temperature of the outflowing water, detected by the first temperature sensor, is identified when the compressor is off. The fourth target compensation temperature is identified based on the temperature of the outflow water and the fourth compensation temperature detected when the compressor is off. If the temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature during the compressor shutdown control, the compressor is switched to the on state based on the temperature of the outflowing water and the fourth target compensation temperature.

10. The heat pump according to claim 8, wherein, One or more processors are configured as follows: Based on whether the temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the compensated target temperature of the outflowing water, the compressor frequency is adjusted from the first frequency to the second frequency or lower. The first frequency is higher than the second frequency.

11. The heat pump according to claim 1, further comprising: A third temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of water flowing into at least one air temperature control device through a mixing valve; as well as One or more processors are configured to open or close the mixing valve based on the temperature of the inflow water detected by a third temperature sensor and the target temperature of at least one air temperature control device.

12. A method for controlling a heat pump, the heat pump comprising a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a storage tank, wherein a refrigerant circulates through the heat exchanger, the storage tank is configured to store water undergoing heat exchange in the heat exchanger and to supply the stored water to a first air temperature control device and a second air temperature control device, the method comprising: During the compressor start-up control, the temperature of the outflow water discharged through the outlet of the heat exchange tubes installed in the heat exchanger is detected; The compressor is shut down based on the detected temperature and target temperature of the outflowing water. During the compressor shutdown control, the operation of the first and second pumps connected to the first and second air temperature control devices is maintained; During the compressor shutdown control period, the compressor is turned on based on the target temperature and the detected temperature of the outflow water, and the operation of the first and second pumps is maintained. as well as A mixing valve is installed between the first air temperature control device and the second air temperature control device and the storage tank to regulate the temperature of the water flowing from the storage tank to the first air temperature control device.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, Turning off the compressor includes: The temperature of the water flowing into the air temperature control device with the highest target temperature, located between the first and second air temperature control devices, is detected; and If the temperature difference between the outflow water and the inflow water is less than or equal to the reference value and the temperature of the outflow water is higher than or equal to the target temperature, shut down the compressor.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Turning off the compressor includes: Identify the first difference between the detected temperature of the outflowing water and the detected temperature of the inflowing water, and the second difference between the target temperature of the inflowing water and the detected temperature of the inflowing water. The compensated target temperature of the outflowing water is identified based on the first difference, the second difference, and the target temperature of the inflowing water. The first target compensation temperature is identified based on the target temperature of the outflowing water and the first compensation temperature. If the compensation target temperature of the outflowing water is the same as the target temperature of the outflowing water and the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the first target compensation temperature, the compressor is turned off. The second target compensation temperature is identified based on the target temperature and the second compensation temperature of the effluent; and The compressor is turned on if the detected temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the second target compensation temperature during the compressor shutdown control period.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Turning off the compressor includes: Identify the first difference between the detected temperature of the outflowing water and the detected temperature of the inflowing water, and the second difference between the target temperature of the inflowing water and the detected temperature of the inflowing water. The compensated target temperature of the outflowing water is identified based on the first difference, the second difference, and the target temperature of the inflowing water. The third target compensation temperature is identified based on the compensation target temperature and the third compensation temperature of the outflow water. If the detected temperature of the outflowing water is higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature, shut down the compressor. The temperature of the outflowing water detected by the first temperature sensor when the compressor is off is identified, and a fourth target compensation temperature is identified based on the identified outflowing water temperature when the compressor is off and the fourth compensation temperature; and If the temperature of the outflowing water is lower than the target temperature during the compressor shutdown control, the compressor is switched to the on state based on the temperature of the outflowing water and the fourth target compensation temperature.

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