Heat pump system control method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of heat pump, and particularly discloses a heat pump system control method, comprising: calculating the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature; if the temperature difference is not within the first preset temperature difference range, adjusting the heat pump set water outlet temperature until the temperature difference is within the first preset temperature difference range; when the temperature difference is within the first preset temperature difference range, determining the current set water outlet temperature as the target water outlet temperature and maintaining the heat pump to operate at the target water outlet temperature; then, under the condition that the temperature difference between the actual water outlet temperature and the target water outlet temperature is within the second preset temperature difference range, increasing the water pump output flow when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and decreasing the water pump output flow when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference. The above scheme first adjusts the water temperature of the heat pump to quickly meet the user's demand, and then adjusts the water pump flow to save energy. Further, when adjusting the water temperature, the water temperature is adjusted in the reverse direction after quickly meeting the demand to avoid overcooling or overheating, and the energy consumption is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat pump technology, and in particular to a heat pump system control method. Background Technology

[0002] A heat pump system consists of a heat pump and a water pump. The heat pump heats or cools water, which is then pumped to the terminals to provide heating or cooling to the areas where those terminals are located. However, in the operation of existing heat pump systems, the outlet water temperature of the heat pump is often kept constant and cannot be dynamically adjusted according to actual heating or cooling needs. This not only makes it difficult to quickly and effectively meet users' heating or cooling requirements but also easily leads to energy waste. At the same time, the water pump in the system typically operates at a fixed water flow rate, maintaining a consistently high output power and making energy-saving adjustments impossible.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a heat pump system control method to solve the problem that existing heat pump systems cannot quickly and effectively meet user needs and cannot effectively save energy.

[0005] This specification provides a heat pump system control method. The heat pump system includes a heat pump, a water pump, a terminal unit, and a thermostat. Hot water heated by the heat pump and / or cold water cooled by the heat pump can be supplied to the terminal unit via the water pump. The terminal unit and the thermostat are located in a corresponding space. The terminal unit is used to supply heat and / or cooling to the corresponding space. The thermostat is used to set a set temperature for the corresponding space and also to obtain the actual temperature of the corresponding space. The control method includes: Obtain the set temperature of the thermostat and the actual temperature of the space corresponding to the thermostat, and calculate the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature; If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is not within the first preset temperature difference range, then adjust the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range. When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is determined as the current target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and the heat pump is maintained to operate at the target outlet water temperature. After maintaining the heat pump at the target outlet water temperature, the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature of the heat pump are obtained. When the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range, if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased; if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is decreased. The actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature, and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than or equal to zero.

[0006] In one embodiment, adjusting the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range includes: If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually reduced until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range or until the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is reduced to the lowest outlet water temperature. If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually increased until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range or until the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is increased to the highest outlet water temperature.

[0007] In one embodiment, when the heat pump system is in cooling mode, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted according to the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range, including: When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually reduced until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range. After the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually increased until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range.

[0008] In one embodiment, when the heat pump system is in heating mode, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted according to the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range, including: When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually increased until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range. After the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually reduced until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range.

[0009] In one embodiment, the method further includes: When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is maintained.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method further includes: when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range, obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system and using the current total power as the initial total power, wherein the current total power is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power; After increasing the output flow rate of the water pump when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the method further includes: Obtain the current total power of the heat pump system; If the current total power is lower than the initial total power, the initial total power is updated to the current total power, the output flow rate of the water pump is gradually increased and the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained until the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power or until the output flow rate is increased to the maximum water flow rate. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, the output flow rate before the current output flow rate of the water pump is increased is taken as the target output flow rate of the water pump, and the water pump is controlled to operate at the target output flow rate. If the output flow rate is increased to the maximum water flow rate, the water pump is maintained to operate at the maximum water flow rate. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is increased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the increased preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the increased preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is decreased.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method further includes: when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range, obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system and using the current total power as the initial total power, wherein the current total power is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power; After reducing the output flow rate of the water pump when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the method further includes: Obtain the current total power of the heat pump system; If the current total power is lower than the initial total power, the initial total power is updated to the current total power, the output flow rate of the water pump is gradually reduced and the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained until the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power or until the output flow rate is reduced to the minimum water flow rate. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, the output flow rate before the current output flow rate of the water pump is reduced is taken as the target output flow rate of the water pump, and the water pump is controlled to operate at the target output flow rate. If the output flow rate is reduced to the minimum water flow rate, the water pump is maintained to operate at the minimum water flow rate. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is reduced. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the reduced preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the reduced preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is reduced.

[0012] In one embodiment, increasing the output flow rate of the water pump includes: increasing the output flow rate of the water pump to a first multiple of the current water flow rate, where the first multiple is the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference divided by the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference; and / or, The reduction of the water pump's output flow rate includes: reducing the water pump's output flow rate to a first percentage of the current water flow rate, where the first percentage is the percentage of the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference relative to the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference.

[0013] In one embodiment, the method further includes: After maintaining the heat pump at the target outlet water temperature, if the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature exceeds a second preset temperature difference range, then the current output flow rate of the water pump is maintained.

[0014] In one embodiment, the following steps are performed every preset time period: obtaining the set temperature of the thermostat and the actual temperature of the space corresponding to the thermostat, and calculating the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature; if the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is not within a first preset temperature difference range, adjusting the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range; if the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, determining the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump as the current target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and maintaining the heat pump at the target outlet water temperature; After determining the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump each time, the following steps are performed within the current preset time period: The actual outlet water temperature and actual inlet water temperature of the heat pump are obtained until the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range or until the end of the current preset time period; when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within the second preset temperature difference range, if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased; if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is decreased. The actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature, and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than or equal to zero; if the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature exceeds the second preset temperature difference range, the current output flow rate of the water pump is maintained.

[0015] In one embodiment, increasing the output flow rate of the water pump includes: increasing the output power of the water pump; and / or, Reducing the output flow rate of the water pump includes reducing the output power of the water pump.

[0016] In one embodiment, increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump includes: increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump in preset temperature increments; and / or, The step of reducing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump includes: reducing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump in preset temperature increments.

[0017] In one embodiment, increasing the output flow rate of the water pump includes: increasing the output flow rate of the water pump by a preset flow rate step; and / or, The reduction of the water pump's output flow rate includes: reducing the water pump's output flow rate by a preset flow rate step.

[0018] The technical solution of the present invention has the following significant beneficial effects: This specification provides a heat pump system control method in its embodiments. Compared to existing technologies where heat pumps operate at a constant set outlet water temperature, this embodiment dynamically adjusts the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump based on the temperature difference between the actual temperature of the corresponding space and the set temperature, until the temperature difference is within a first preset temperature difference range, thus quickly meeting the user's cooling or heating needs in a short time. Furthermore, during the dynamic adjustment of the heat pump's set outlet water temperature, after quickly meeting the user's needs, the actual temperature of the corresponding space may change further, causing the actual temperature to be too low or too high, resulting in the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature exceeding the first preset temperature difference range. In this case, the heat pump's set outlet water temperature can be adjusted in the opposite direction to restore the temperature difference to the first preset range. This not only avoids excessive energy supply affecting user comfort but also prevents energy waste caused by excessive energy supply, reducing system operating energy consumption. After determining and maintaining the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and ensuring that the actual outlet water temperature is close to or equal to the target temperature, the pump's output flow rate is directionally increased or decreased based on a comparison between the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset temperature difference. This approach finds a balance between heat pump power consumption and water pump power consumption, effectively reducing the system's total power consumption and achieving deep energy savings. Compared to simultaneously adjusting both the heat pump outlet water set temperature and the water pump output flow rate, the embodiments in this specification adjust the heat pump outlet water set temperature first, followed by the water pump output flow rate. This avoids the control complexity and difficulty in determining the target value caused by the mutual interference of the two adjustment factors. It enables rapid and effective adjustment of both the heat pump outlet water temperature and the water pump output flow rate, quickly meeting user needs while reducing system energy consumption and achieving energy-saving operation. Compared to adjusting the water pump output flow rate immediately after determining the target outlet water temperature, the embodiments in this specification adjust the water pump flow rate only after the target outlet water temperature is determined and the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump is close to or equal to the target outlet water temperature. On the one hand, since the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump fluctuates little, adjusting the water pump output flow rate at this time reduces the total power consumption of the system. The adjustment mechanism is simple and effective, and can quickly and accurately adjust the water pump output flow rate. This avoids the difficulty in effectively and accurately adjusting the water pump output flow rate due to the combined effects of fluctuations in the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump and changes in the water pump output flow rate on the total power consumption of the system. On the other hand, since the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump is close to or equal to the target outlet water temperature, it can be ensured that the user's cooling or heating needs can be met at present. Even if the water pump output flow rate is adjusted later, it will not affect the effective satisfaction of the user's needs.

[0019] Specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail below with reference to the description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of the invention can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not therefore limited in scope. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments.

[0020] It should be emphasized that the term "comprising / including" as used herein refers to the presence of a feature, part, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, parts, steps, or components. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, guided by the teachings of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement the invention according to specific circumstances. In the drawings: Figure 1 A flowchart of a heat pump system control method according to one embodiment of this specification is shown; Figure 2 A flowchart of a heat pump system control method according to one embodiment of this specification is shown; Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the water pump output flow regulation in a heat pump system control method according to an embodiment of this specification is shown. Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the water pump output flow regulation in a heat pump system control method according to an embodiment of this specification is shown. Figure 5 A flowchart of a heat pump system control method according to one embodiment of this specification is shown; Figure 6 A flowchart of a heat pump system control method according to one embodiment of this specification is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The principles and spirit of the invention will now be described with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the invention more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, or computer program product. Therefore, the present invention can be specifically implemented in the following forms: entirely hardware, entirely software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or a combination of hardware and software.

[0024] The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and the description of specific embodiments. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Under the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of any possible modifications based on the invention, all of which should be considered within the scope of the invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal communication between two elements, and can be direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] This specification provides an embodiment of a heat pump system control method. Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a heat pump system control method according to one embodiment of this specification is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a heat pump system control method provided in one embodiment of this specification may include the following steps: This specification provides a method for controlling a heat pump system. The heat pump system may include a heat pump, a water pump, a terminal unit, and a thermostat. The heat pump can heat and / or cool water flowing through it. The hot water heated by the heat pump and / or the cold water cooled by the heat pump can be supplied to the terminal unit via the water pump. The terminal unit and the thermostat are located within their respective spaces. The terminal unit supplies heat and / or cooling to the corresponding space to meet the user's heating and / or cooling needs. The thermostat is used to set the set temperature of the corresponding space and also to obtain the actual temperature of the corresponding space.

[0027] Figure 1 A flowchart of a heat pump system control method according to one embodiment of this specification is shown. While this specification provides method operation steps or apparatus structures as illustrated in the following embodiments or figures, more or fewer operation steps or module units may be included in the method or apparatus based on conventional or non-inventive effort. In steps or structures where there is no logically necessary causal relationship, the execution order of these steps or the module structure of the apparatus is not limited to the execution order or module structure described in the embodiments and figures of this specification. When the method or module structure is applied in actual devices or end products, it can be executed sequentially or in parallel (e.g., in a parallel processor or multi-threaded processing environment, or even a distributed processing environment) according to the method or module structure shown in the embodiments or figures.

[0028] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, a heat pump system control method provided in one embodiment of this specification may include the following steps.

[0029] Step S10: Obtain the set temperature of the thermostat and the actual temperature of the space corresponding to the thermostat, and calculate the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature.

[0030] The method in this embodiment can be applied to the controller of a heat pump system. The set temperature of the thermostat and the actual temperature of the corresponding space can be obtained. The set temperature of the thermostat is the temperature the user expects to achieve in the corresponding space. The actual temperature is the current temperature of the corresponding space. The set temperature of the thermostat can change according to the user's settings. For example, the user may increase or decrease the set temperature. The actual temperature of the corresponding space may change with environmental changes. For example, the actual temperature may change during the day and at night. The actual temperature may also change with different weather conditions. The temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature can be calculated, i.e., the difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature. This temperature difference can reflect whether the user's current needs are being met.

[0031] Step S20: If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is not within the first preset temperature difference range, then adjust the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range.

[0032] If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is not within the first preset temperature difference range, it indicates that the current actual temperature of the corresponding space deviates significantly from the set temperature, meaning that the user's needs are either not being met or are being over-met. In this case, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump can be adjusted until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature falls within the first preset temperature difference range. The first preset temperature difference range can be a single value or an interval. For example, the first preset temperature difference range can be zero. Another example is a fluctuating interval centered at zero, such as [-1,1], [-2,2], etc. Yet another example is an asymmetric interval including zero, such as [-1,2], [-2,1], etc.

[0033] If the user's needs cannot be met, the actual temperature of the corresponding space can be adjusted by regulating the heat pump's set outlet water temperature, thereby quickly and effectively satisfying the user's requirements. For example, in cooling mode, if the actual temperature of the corresponding space is higher than the set temperature, the heat pump's set outlet water temperature can be lowered until the actual temperature of the corresponding space approaches or equals the set temperature, thus quickly and effectively meeting the user's cooling needs. In heating mode, if the actual temperature of the corresponding space is lower than the set temperature, the heat pump's set outlet water temperature can be raised until the actual temperature of the corresponding space approaches or equals the set temperature, thus quickly and effectively meeting the user's heating needs.

[0034] When excessively satisfying user demand, adjusting the heat pump's set outlet water temperature can help reduce system energy consumption and save operating costs while still meeting user needs. For example, in cooling mode, if the actual temperature of the corresponding space is lower than the set temperature, the heat pump's set outlet water temperature can be increased until the actual temperature of the corresponding space approaches or equals the set temperature. This reduces system energy consumption and saves system operating costs while still meeting user cooling needs. In heating mode, if the actual temperature of the corresponding space is higher than the set temperature, the heat pump's set outlet water temperature can be decreased until the actual temperature of the corresponding space approaches or equals the set temperature. This reduces system energy consumption and saves system operating costs while still meeting user cooling needs.

[0035] Step S30: When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is determined as the current target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and the heat pump is maintained to operate at the target outlet water temperature.

[0036] When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range by adjusting the heat pump's set outlet water temperature, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is determined as the current target outlet water temperature, and the heat pump is maintained at the target outlet water temperature. In other words, when the actual temperature is close to or equal to the set temperature, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is set as the target outlet water temperature and maintained, which not only meets the user's cooling or heating needs and improves the user experience, but also reduces system energy consumption and saves operating costs while meeting user needs.

[0037] Step S40: After maintaining the heat pump at the target outlet water temperature, obtain the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature of the heat pump.

[0038] Step S50: When the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within the second preset temperature difference range, if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased; if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is decreased; the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature, and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than or equal to zero.

[0039] After determining the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump and maintaining the heat pump at the target outlet water temperature, the output flow rate of the water pump is adjusted to achieve deep energy saving of the system.

[0040] After determining the target outlet water temperature, the water pump output flow rate is adjusted to achieve energy savings. This prioritizes meeting the user's cooling or heating needs by adjusting the heat pump's outlet water set temperature. Furthermore, while adjusting the water pump output flow rate, the heat pump's set outlet water temperature remains constant. In this case, the change in the system's total power consumption primarily follows the change in the water pump output flow rate, resulting in a more predictable and controllable trend. This facilitates quick and accurate adjustment of the water pump output flow rate to find the target energy-saving output flow rate, avoiding the difficulty in quickly determining the target value caused by simultaneously adjusting both the heat pump outlet water temperature and the water pump output flow rate. Therefore, this embodiment, by first determining the target outlet water temperature and then adjusting the water pump output flow rate, can quickly find the target outlet water temperature and target output flow rate that both meet user needs and effectively reduce the system's total energy consumption, thereby improving the user experience and saving operating costs.

[0041] Furthermore, after determining the target outlet water temperature and maintaining the heat pump at that temperature, the pump's output flow rate is only adjusted when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature falls within a second preset range. In other words, the pump's output flow rate is only adjusted when the actual outlet water temperature is close to or equal to the target outlet water temperature. This ensures that, firstly, since the actual outlet water temperature is already close to or equal to the target temperature, the user's cooling or heating needs are currently met, and subsequent adjustments to the pump's output flow rate will not significantly impact the effective fulfillment of those needs. Secondly, because the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump fluctuates little, adjusting the pump's output flow rate at this point reduces the overall system power consumption. This simple and effective adjustment mechanism allows for quick and accurate flow rate regulation, avoiding the combined effects of fluctuations in the actual outlet water temperature and changes in the pump's output flow rate on the overall system power consumption, which would otherwise hinder accurate and effective flow rate adjustment.

[0042] The second preset temperature difference range can be a single value or an interval. For example, the second preset temperature difference range can be zero. The first preset temperature difference range can also be zero. Furthermore, the second preset temperature difference range can be a fluctuating interval centered at zero, such as [-1,1], [-2,2], [-3,3], etc. Still further, the second preset temperature difference range can be an asymmetric interval including zero, such as [-1,2], [-2,1], [-2,3], etc.

[0043] The specific output flow adjustment mechanism is as follows.

[0044] By comparing the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference of the heat pump with the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump can be increased or decreased in a specific direction to find a balance between the power consumption of the heat pump and the power consumption of the water pump, effectively reducing the total power consumption of the system. The actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature of the heat pump. The preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than or equal to zero.

[0045] In one embodiment, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference can be a pre-set temperature difference value or a temperature difference range. Generally, when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference of the heat pump is below or within this temperature difference range, the total power consumption of the heat pump system is low, and the energy-saving effect is good. In another embodiment, the preset temperature difference can be a temperature difference value or a temperature difference range learned after the heat pump system has been operating for a period of time. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference of the heat pump is below or within this temperature difference range, the total power consumption of the heat pump system is low or at its lowest.

[0046] In one embodiment, the preset temperature difference may include a temperature difference range, such as [5,8], [5,10], [4,12], etc. In another embodiment, the preset temperature difference may be set to a single value, such as 5℃, 6℃, 8℃, or 10℃, etc.

[0047] When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, increase the output flow rate of the water pump.

[0048] When a heat pump system is operating at the target outlet water temperature, the greater the actual temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water, the higher the power consumption of the heat pump.

[0049] When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, it usually corresponds to a situation where the water pump output flow rate is low, the water pump power consumption is low, and the heat pump power consumption is high. This is because when the water pump output flow rate is low, the water flow from the pump to the terminal is small. The water flowing through the terminal exchanges heat with the air in the corresponding space to achieve cooling or heating. Due to the small flow rate, the temperature rise or fall of the water flowing through the terminal is large, resulting in a larger actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference for the heat pump and higher heat pump power consumption. Conversely, a small output flow rate results in lower water pump power consumption. In this case, increasing the water pump output flow rate can reduce the temperature rise or fall of the water flowing through the terminal, thereby reducing the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference for the heat pump and effectively reducing the heat pump power consumption. Although the water pump output power increases, the total power consumption of the heat pump system can still decrease, thus achieving energy saving.

[0050] When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the pump output flow rate is reduced. When the heat pump system operates at the target outlet water temperature, the smaller the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the lower the heat pump's power consumption. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, it usually corresponds to a situation where the pump flow rate is high, the pump power consumption is high, and the heat pump power consumption is low. This is because when the pump output flow rate is high, the water flow to the terminal is also high. The water flowing through the terminal exchanges heat with the air in the corresponding space, achieving cooling or heating. Due to the high flow rate, the temperature rise or fall of the water flowing through the terminal is small, thus the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference of the heat pump is small, and the heat pump's power consumption is low. Conversely, a high output flow rate results in higher pump power consumption. Reducing the pump output flow rate at this time can increase the temperature rise or fall of the water flowing through the terminal, increasing the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference of the heat pump, thereby increasing the heat pump's power consumption. However, because the pump output power is significantly reduced, the total power consumption of the heat pump system can still decrease, achieving the same energy-saving goal.

[0051] In one embodiment, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is a preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference value. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference value, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference value, the output flow rate of the water pump is decreased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is equal to the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference value, the output flow rate of the water pump is maintained.

[0052] In another embodiment, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is a preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference range, which has an upper limit and a lower limit. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the upper limit of the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference range, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the lower limit of the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference range, the output flow rate of the water pump is decreased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is within the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference range, the output flow rate of the water pump is maintained.

[0053] Both of the above methods can achieve directional adjustment of the water pump output flow rate based on the comparison between the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference. Compared with a single preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference value, using a preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference range can avoid the problem of repeated adjustment of the water pump output flow rate caused by slight fluctuations in the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference around the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, thereby further improving the system's operational stability and equipment lifespan.

[0054] In summary, compared to existing technologies where heat pumps operate at a constant set outlet water temperature, this embodiment dynamically adjusts the heat pump's set outlet water temperature based on the temperature difference between the actual temperature of the corresponding space and the set temperature, until the temperature difference is within a first preset temperature difference range, thus quickly meeting the user's cooling or heating needs in a short time. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when dynamically adjusting the heat pump's set outlet water temperature, after quickly meeting the user's needs, the actual temperature of the corresponding space may change further, causing the actual temperature to be too low or too high, resulting in the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature exceeding the first preset temperature difference range. At this point, the heat pump's set outlet water temperature is adjusted in the opposite direction, restoring the temperature difference to the first preset range. This not only avoids excessive energy supply affecting user comfort but also prevents energy waste caused by excessive energy supply, reducing system operating energy consumption. After determining and maintaining the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and ensuring that the actual outlet water temperature is close to or equal to the target temperature, the pump's output flow rate is directionally increased or decreased based on a comparison between the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset temperature difference. This approach finds a balance between heat pump power consumption and water pump power consumption, effectively reducing the system's total power consumption and achieving deep energy savings. Compared to simultaneously adjusting both the heat pump outlet water setpoint temperature and the water pump output flow rate, this embodiment adjusts the heat pump outlet water setpoint temperature first, followed by the water pump output flow rate. This avoids the control complexity and difficulty in determining the target value caused by the mutual interference of the two adjustment factors. It enables rapid and effective adjustment of both the heat pump outlet water temperature and the water pump output flow rate, quickly meeting user needs while reducing system energy consumption and achieving energy-saving operation. Compared to adjusting the water pump output flow rate immediately after determining the target outlet water temperature, the embodiments in this specification adjust the water pump flow rate only after the target outlet water temperature is determined and the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump is close to or equal to the target outlet water temperature. On the one hand, since the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump fluctuates little, adjusting the water pump output flow rate at this time reduces the total power consumption of the system. The adjustment mechanism is simple and effective, and can quickly and accurately adjust the water pump output flow rate. This avoids the difficulty in effectively and accurately adjusting the water pump output flow rate due to the combined effects of fluctuations in the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump and changes in the water pump output flow rate on the total power consumption of the system. On the other hand, since the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump is close to or equal to the target outlet water temperature, it can be ensured that the user's cooling or heating needs can be met at present. Even if the water pump output flow rate is adjusted later, it will not affect the effective satisfaction of the user's needs.

[0055] In some embodiments of this specification, adjusting the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range may include: when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, gradually decreasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range or until the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is reduced to the lowest outlet water temperature; when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, gradually increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range or until the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is increased to the highest outlet water temperature.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first preset temperature difference range is an interval with an upper limit (maximum value) and a lower limit (minimum value). In one embodiment, the first preset temperature difference range is a floating interval centered at zero, with the upper limit being a positive value and the lower limit being a negative value, such as [-1,1], [-2,2], [-3,3], etc.

[0057] If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is not within the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature in the corresponding space is within the first preset temperature difference range. Specifically, if the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, it indicates that the actual temperature is too high. The set outlet water temperature of the heat pump can be gradually reduced until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset range, or until the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is reduced to the minimum outlet water temperature. During the gradual reduction of the outlet water set temperature, the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is detected in real time. In one embodiment, the gradual reduction may be reduced once every certain period of time (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 20 seconds). For example, the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is detected every 10 seconds. If the temperature difference is still greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is further reduced. The minimum outlet water temperature may be the minimum set outlet water temperature of the heat pump preset by the system, and the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump cannot be lower than this minimum outlet water temperature. When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset range, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is determined as the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and the heat pump is maintained at this target outlet water temperature. When the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump drops to the minimum outlet water temperature and the actual temperature of the corresponding space still does not meet the standard (i.e., the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is still greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range), the minimum outlet water temperature is set as the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and the heat pump is maintained at this target outlet water temperature.

[0058] If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, it indicates that the actual temperature is too low. The set outlet water temperature of the heat pump can be gradually increased until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, or until the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is increased to the maximum outlet water temperature. During the gradual increase of the set outlet water temperature, the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is monitored in real time. In one embodiment, the gradual increase can be done at intervals (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 20 seconds). For example, the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is checked every 10 seconds. If the temperature difference is still less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is continued to be increased. The maximum outlet water temperature can be the maximum set outlet water temperature of the heat pump preset by the system, and the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump cannot exceed this maximum outlet water temperature. When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset range, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is determined as the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and the heat pump is maintained at this target outlet water temperature. If the heat pump's outlet water set temperature is increased to the maximum outlet water temperature and the actual temperature of the corresponding space is still not up to standard (i.e., the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is still less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range), the maximum outlet water temperature is set as the heat pump's target outlet water temperature, and the heat pump is maintained at the target outlet water temperature.

[0059] Compared to lowering the heat pump's outlet water set temperature when the actual temperature is higher than the set temperature and raising the heat pump's outlet water set temperature when the actual temperature is lower than the set temperature, the above embodiment gradually lowers the heat pump's outlet water set temperature only when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature of the corresponding space is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, and gradually raises the heat pump's outlet water set temperature only when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature of the corresponding space is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range. This avoids frequent adjustments to the heat pump's set outlet water temperature due to small temperature fluctuations, thereby reducing the number of heat pump start-ups and shutdowns and operational fluctuations, extending the equipment's service life, and improving the stability of system operation. Furthermore, if the target temperature is not met when the heat pump's set outlet water temperature is gradually increased up to the maximum outlet water temperature, it will operate directly at the maximum outlet water temperature instead of further increasing the set outlet water temperature. Alternatively, if the target temperature is not met when the heat pump's set outlet water temperature is gradually decreased up to the minimum outlet water temperature, it will operate directly at the minimum outlet water temperature instead of further decreasing the set outlet water temperature. This ensures that the heat pump always operates within the safe temperature range allowed by the equipment, avoiding compressor overload or equipment damage due to exceeding the maximum or minimum outlet water temperature limits, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the system.

[0060] In some embodiments of this specification, when the heat pump system is in cooling mode, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted according to the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range. This may include: when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, gradually decreasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range; after the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, gradually increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range.

[0061] In this embodiment, the heat pump system is in cooling mode. When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature of the corresponding space is not within the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted according to the temperature difference between the actual and set temperatures until the temperature difference between the actual and set temperatures is within the first preset temperature difference range. Specifically, in cooling mode, when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, it indicates that the actual temperature of the corresponding space is too high. The set outlet water temperature of the heat pump can be gradually reduced to lower the actual temperature of the corresponding space, making it close to or equal to the set temperature, thus meeting the user's cooling and heating needs. Considering that it takes a certain amount of time for the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump to reach the set outlet water temperature, and that there is a certain lag in the transmission of the change in the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump to the terminal through water circulation and finally causing a corresponding change in the actual temperature of the corresponding space, the actual temperature of the corresponding space may further decrease, or even fall below the set temperature, after it approaches or equals the set temperature, resulting in over-cooling. Therefore, after gradually lowering the heat pump's set outlet water temperature until the temperature difference is within the first preset temperature difference range, when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature of the corresponding space is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference, the heat pump's set outlet water temperature can be gradually increased until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature returns to the first preset temperature difference range. When the heat pump's set outlet water temperature is gradually increased until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature returns to the first preset temperature difference range, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is set as the heat pump's target outlet water temperature. This target outlet water temperature is the highest temperature that meets the user's cooling needs in cooling mode. This avoids over-cooling while meeting the user's cooling needs, thereby reducing system energy consumption and saving operating costs.

[0062] In the above embodiments, after lowering the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump to quickly meet the user's cooling needs, the actual temperature will further decrease, resulting in an excessively low temperature. When the actual temperature is too low, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted in the opposite direction to increase the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump. This can prevent the temperature from being too low and affecting the user's comfort, and can also reduce the system's energy consumption.

[0063] In some embodiments of this specification, when the heat pump system is in heating mode, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted according to the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range. This may include: when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, gradually increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range; after the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, gradually decreasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range.

[0064] In this embodiment, the heat pump system is in heating mode. If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature of the corresponding space is not within the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted according to the temperature difference between the actual and set temperatures until the temperature difference between the actual and set temperatures is within the first preset temperature difference range. Specifically, in heating mode, when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, it indicates that the actual temperature of the corresponding space is too low. The set outlet water temperature of the heat pump can be gradually increased to raise the actual temperature of the corresponding space, making it close to or equal to the set temperature, thus meeting the user's heating needs. Considering that it takes a certain amount of time for the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump to reach the set outlet water temperature, and that there is a certain lag in the transmission of the change in the actual outlet water temperature to the terminal through water circulation and finally causing a corresponding change in the actual temperature of the corresponding space, after raising the set outlet water temperature to make the actual temperature of the corresponding space close to or equal to the set temperature, the actual temperature of the corresponding space may further increase, even exceeding the set temperature, resulting in overheating. Therefore, after gradually increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference is within the first preset temperature difference range, when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature of the corresponding space exceeds the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump can be gradually decreased until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature returns to the first preset temperature difference range. When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature returns to the first preset temperature difference range, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is set as the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump. This target outlet water temperature is the minimum temperature that meets the user's heating needs in heating mode. It can avoid overheating while meeting the user's heating needs, thereby reducing system operating energy consumption and saving operating costs.

[0065] In the above embodiments, after increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump to quickly meet the user's heating needs, the actual temperature will rise further, resulting in excessively high temperature. When the actual temperature is too high, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted in the opposite direction to reduce the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump. This can prevent the temperature from being too high and affecting the user's comfort, and can also reduce the system's energy consumption.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 2 A flowchart of a heat pump system control method in an embodiment of this specification is shown. Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this specification, the method may further include: Step S60: If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, then maintain the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump.

[0067] In this embodiment, after obtaining the set temperature of the thermostat and the actual temperature of the space corresponding to the thermostat, and calculating the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature, if the temperature difference is within a first preset temperature difference range, it indicates that the actual temperature of the current space is close to or equal to the set temperature. In this case, there is no need to adjust the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump. Therefore, maintaining the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump unchanged allows it to continue operating at that set temperature, thereby meeting user comfort needs while avoiding unnecessary temperature adjustments and increased energy consumption.

[0068] In some embodiments of this specification, the method further includes: when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range, obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system and using the current total power as the initial total power, wherein the current total power is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power. After increasing the output flow rate of the water pump when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the method further includes: obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system; if the current total power is lower than the initial total power, updating the initial total power to the current total power, gradually increasing the output flow rate of the water pump and obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system until the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power or until the output flow rate is increased to the maximum water flow rate; when the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, using the output flow rate before the current output flow rate of the water pump is increased as the target output flow rate of the water pump, and controlling the water pump to operate at the target output flow rate; when the output flow rate is increased to the maximum water flow rate, maintaining the water pump operating at the maximum water flow rate.

[0069] In this embodiment, after determining the target outlet water temperature and maintaining the heat pump at that temperature, once the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature falls within a second preset temperature difference range, before adjusting the water pump's output flow rate, the current total power of the heat pump system can be obtained and used as the initial total power before adjusting the water pump's output flow rate. The current total power of the heat pump system is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power. The initial total power provides a reference benchmark for subsequent adjustments to the water pump's output flow rate.

[0070] Specifically, when adjusting the water pump's output flow rate, if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the water pump's output flow rate is increased. Then, the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained. If the current total power is lower than the initial total power, it indicates that increasing the water pump's output flow rate has indeed reduced the total power of the heat pump system. At this point, the initial total power is updated to the current total power, which serves as the benchmark for the next adjustment.

[0071] Then, the pump's output flow rate is gradually increased while the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained, until the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, or until the output flow rate is increased to the maximum water flow rate. The maximum water flow rate is the maximum value that the pump's output flow rate can reach. Specifically, after each increase in the pump's output flow rate, the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained. If the current total power is still lower than the initial total power and the current output flow rate is lower than the maximum water flow rate, the initial total power is updated to the current total power, and the pump's output flow rate continues to be increased. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, it indicates that increasing the pump's output flow rate cannot further save energy. In this case, the pump's output flow rate before the current output flow rate was increased is taken as the target output flow rate, i.e., the pump's output flow rate after the last adjustment is taken as the target output flow rate, and the pump is controlled to operate at the target output flow rate, completing this adjustment of the pump's output flow rate. If the output flow rate is increased to the maximum water flow rate, even if the current total power is still lower than the initial total power, the pump's output flow rate cannot be increased further. Instead, the maximum water flow rate is taken as the pump's target output flow rate, and the pump is maintained at this maximum water flow rate.

[0072] In the above embodiments, to improve the accuracy and energy-saving effect of water pump flow rate adjustment when adjusting the pump's output flow rate, after increasing the pump's output flow rate when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, it is further determined whether the system's current total power has decreased compared to before the increase. If the system's total power has decreased, the pump's output flow rate is gradually increased until the system's total power consumption no longer decreases, or until the pump's output flow rate reaches its maximum allowable output flow rate, thereby determining the target output flow rate corresponding to the lowest total power consumption within the system's allowable range. This method can minimize the system's total energy consumption while ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the pump, further saving system operating costs.

[0073] In some embodiments of this specification, the method further includes: when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range, obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system and using the current total power as the initial total power, wherein the current total power is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power. After increasing the output flow rate of the water pump when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the method further includes: obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system; if the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, increasing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference; when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the increased preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, increasing the output flow rate of the water pump; and when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the increased preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, decreasing the output flow rate of the water pump.

[0074] In this embodiment, after determining the target outlet water temperature and maintaining the heat pump at that temperature, once the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature falls within a second preset temperature difference range, before adjusting the water pump's output flow rate, the current total power of the heat pump system can be obtained and used as the initial total power before adjusting the water pump's output flow rate. The current total power of the heat pump system is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power. The initial total power provides a reference benchmark for subsequent adjustments to the water pump's output flow rate.

[0075] During the specific adjustment process, when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the water pump output flow rate is increased. Then, the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, it indicates that increasing the water pump output flow rate results in a greater increase in water pump power than a decrease in heat pump power, causing the total power of the heat pump system to not decrease or even increase; that is, this flow rate adjustment failed to achieve system energy saving. This may be because the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is set too low. Therefore, in this case, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference can be increased. After increasing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, since initially increasing the water pump output flow rate would reduce the current actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and since the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is increased, the probability of the current actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference being greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference decreases, thus effectively reducing erroneous adjustments to the water pump output flow rate.

[0076] In one embodiment, increasing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference may include increasing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference according to a preset temperature difference step size. For example, adjusting by 0.5℃, 1℃, 2℃, or 3℃ each time.

[0077] In another embodiment, increasing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference may include determining the increase range of the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference based on the difference between the current total power and the initial total power of the heat pump system. For example, the larger the power difference between the current total power and the initial total power, the larger the increase range of the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference; the smaller the difference, the smaller the increase range of the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference. For example, multiple ranges can be set for the power difference, and each range can correspond to a preset increase range of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference.

[0078] After increasing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the aforementioned water pump output flow rate adjustment logic continues to be executed, that is: when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased; when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is decreased.

[0079] In the above embodiments, when adjusting the water pump output flow rate, the change in the total system power is judged after increasing the water pump output flow rate. If the total system power remains unchanged or increases, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is increased. This can dynamically correct the trigger threshold for increasing the output flow rate, effectively avoiding incorrect flow rate adjustment caused by unreasonable preset temperature difference settings. Thus, while ensuring stable system operation, the accuracy and energy-saving effect of water pump flow rate adjustment are improved, and the overall energy consumption of the heat pump system is effectively reduced.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 3 This document illustrates a flowchart of the water pump output flow regulation process in the heat pump system control method described in this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown in some embodiments of this specification, when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range, increasing the output flow rate of the water pump when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference may include the following steps: Step S301: Obtain the current total power of the heat pump system and use the current total power as the initial total power. The current total power is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power.

[0081] Step S302: When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, increase the output flow rate of the water pump.

[0082] Step S303: Obtain the current total power of the heat pump system.

[0083] Step S304: Determine whether the current total power of the heat pump system is less than the initial total power. If yes, proceed to step S305; otherwise, proceed to step S310.

[0084] Step S305: Update the initial total power to the current total power, increase the output flow rate of the water pump, and obtain the current total power of the heat pump system.

[0085] Step S306: Determine whether the current total power of the heat pump system is less than the initial total power and the output flow rate is less than the maximum water flow rate. If yes, return to step S305; otherwise, proceed to step S307.

[0086] Step S307: Determine whether the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power. If yes, proceed to step S308; otherwise, proceed to step S309.

[0087] Step S308: Take the current output flow rate of the water pump before it is increased as the target output flow rate of the water pump, and control the water pump to run at the target output flow rate.

[0088] Step S309: Maintain the water pump operating at maximum water flow.

[0089] Step S310: If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, increase the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference. After increasing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, continue to execute the following flow regulation logic: when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, increase the output flow rate of the water pump; when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, decrease the output flow rate of the water pump.

[0090] In the above embodiments, when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the trend of the system's total power is reassessed after each increase in the water pump output flow rate. If the total power continues to decrease, the output flow rate is increased further until the total power no longer decreases or the flow rate reaches its upper limit, thereby determining the target output flow rate corresponding to the minimum total power consumption of the heat pump system. Furthermore, a dynamic correction mechanism for the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is provided. If the system's total power does not decrease after the first increase in output flow rate, the trigger threshold is adjusted by increasing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, avoiding erroneous output flow rate adjustment due to an excessively low preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference setting. This improves the accuracy and energy-saving effect of water pump output flow rate regulation while ensuring stable system operation.

[0091] In some embodiments of this specification, the method may further include: when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range, obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system and using the current total power as the initial total power, wherein the current total power is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power; after reducing the output flow rate of the water pump when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the method may further include: obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system; if the current total power is lower than the initial total power, updating the initial total power to the current total power, gradually reducing the output flow rate of the water pump and obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system until the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power or until the output flow rate is reduced to the minimum water flow rate; when the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, using the output flow rate before the current output flow rate of the water pump is reduced as the target output flow rate of the water pump, and controlling the water pump to operate at the target output flow rate; when the output flow rate is reduced to the minimum water flow rate, maintaining the water pump operating at the minimum water flow rate.

[0092] In this embodiment, after determining the target outlet water temperature and maintaining the heat pump at that temperature, once the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature falls within a second preset temperature difference range, before adjusting the water pump's output flow rate, the current total power of the heat pump system can be obtained and used as the initial total power before adjusting the water pump's output flow rate. The current total power of the heat pump system is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power. The initial total power provides a reference benchmark for subsequent adjustments to the water pump's output flow rate.

[0093] Specifically, when adjusting the water pump's output flow rate, if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the water pump's output flow rate is reduced. Then, the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained. If the current total power is lower than the initial total power, it indicates that reducing the water pump's output flow rate has indeed reduced the total power of the heat pump system. At this point, the initial total power is updated to the current total power, serving as the benchmark for the next adjustment.

[0094] Then, the pump's output flow rate is gradually reduced while the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained, until the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, or until the output flow rate is reduced to the minimum water flow rate. Specifically, after each reduction in the pump's output flow rate, the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained. If the current total power is still lower than the initial total power and the current output flow rate is greater than the minimum output flow rate, the initial total power is updated to the current total power, and the pump's output flow rate continues to be reduced. The minimum water flow rate is the minimum value that the pump's output flow rate can reach. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, it indicates that reducing the pump's output flow rate cannot further save energy. In this case, the pump's output flow rate before the current output flow rate was reduced is taken as the target output flow rate, i.e., the pump's output flow rate after the last adjustment is taken as the target output flow rate, and the pump is controlled to operate at the target output flow rate, completing the adjustment of the pump's output flow rate for this time. If the output flow rate is reduced to the minimum water flow rate, even if the current total power is still lower than the initial total power, the pump's output flow rate cannot be further reduced. Instead, the minimum water flow rate is taken as the target output flow rate, and the pump is maintained at this minimum water flow rate, completing the adjustment of the pump's output flow rate for this time.

[0095] In the above embodiments, when adjusting the output flow rate of the water pump, in order to improve the accuracy of water pump flow rate adjustment and energy-saving effect, after reducing the water pump output flow rate when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, it is further determined whether the current total power of the system has decreased compared to before the reduction. If the total power of the system has decreased, the output flow rate of the water pump continues to be gradually reduced until the total power consumption of the system no longer decreases, or until the water pump output flow rate reaches its minimum allowable output flow rate, thereby determining the target output flow rate corresponding to the lowest total power consumption within the allowable range of the system. The above method can minimize the total energy consumption of the system while ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the water pump, further saving system operating costs.

[0096] In some embodiments of this specification, the method further includes: when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range, obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system and using the current total power as the initial total power, wherein the current total power is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power. After reducing the output flow rate of the water pump when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the method further includes: obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system; if the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, reducing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference; reducing the output flow rate of the water pump when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference; and reducing the output flow rate of the water pump when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference.

[0097] In this embodiment, after determining the target outlet water temperature and maintaining the heat pump at that temperature, once the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature falls within a second preset temperature difference range, before adjusting the water pump's output flow rate, the current total power of the heat pump system can be obtained and used as the initial total power before adjusting the water pump's output flow rate. The current total power of the heat pump system is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power. The initial total power provides a reference benchmark for subsequent adjustments to the water pump's output flow rate.

[0098] During the specific adjustment process, when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the water pump output flow rate is reduced. Then, the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, it indicates that after reducing the water pump output flow rate, the increase in heat pump power is greater than or equal to the decrease in water pump power, resulting in the total power of the heat pump system not decreasing or even increasing. In other words, this flow rate adjustment failed to achieve system energy saving. This may be because the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is set too high. Therefore, in this case, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference can be reduced. After reducing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, since initially reducing the water pump output flow rate would increase the current actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and since the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is reduced, the probability of the current actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference being less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference decreases. This effectively reduces the erroneous adjustment of the water pump output flow rate caused by setting the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference too high.

[0099] In one embodiment, reducing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference may include reducing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference according to a preset temperature difference step size. For example, reducing it by 0.5℃, 1℃, 2℃, or 3℃ each time.

[0100] In another embodiment, reducing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference may include determining the reduction range of the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference based on the difference between the current total power and the initial total power of the heat pump system. For example, the larger the power difference between the current total power and the initial total power, the greater the reduction range of the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference; conversely, the smaller the difference, the smaller the reduction range. For example, multiple ranges can be set for the power difference, and each range can correspond to a preset reduction range of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference.

[0101] After reducing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the aforementioned water pump output flow rate adjustment logic continues to be executed, that is: when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is reduced, and when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is reduced.

[0102] In the above embodiments, when adjusting the water pump output flow rate, the change in the total system power is judged after reducing the water pump output flow rate. If the total system power remains unchanged or decreases, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is reduced. This can dynamically correct the trigger threshold for flow rate reduction, effectively avoiding incorrect flow rate adjustment caused by unreasonable preset temperature difference settings. Thus, while ensuring stable system operation, the accuracy and energy-saving effect of water pump flow rate adjustment are improved, and the overall energy consumption of the heat pump system is effectively reduced.

[0103] Please refer to Figure 4 This document illustrates a flowchart of the water pump output flow regulation process in the heat pump system control method described in this embodiment. Figure 4As shown in some embodiments of this specification, when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range, reducing the output flow rate of the water pump when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference may include the following steps: Step S401: Obtain the current total power of the heat pump system and use the current total power as the initial total power. The current total power is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power.

[0104] Step S402: When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, reduce the output flow rate of the water pump.

[0105] Step S403: Obtain the current total power of the heat pump system.

[0106] Step S404: Determine whether the current total power of the heat pump system is less than the initial total power. If yes, proceed to step S405; otherwise, proceed to step S410.

[0107] Step S405: Update the initial total power to the current total power, reduce the output flow rate of the water pump, and obtain the current total power of the heat pump system.

[0108] Step S406: Determine whether the current total power of the heat pump system is less than the initial total power and the output flow rate is greater than the minimum water flow rate. If yes, return to step S405; otherwise, proceed to step S407.

[0109] Step S407: Determine whether the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power. If yes, proceed to step S408; otherwise, proceed to step S409.

[0110] Step S408: Take the current output flow rate of the water pump before it is reduced as the target output flow rate of the water pump, and control the water pump to run at the target output flow rate.

[0111] Step S409: Maintain the water pump operating at minimum water flow rate.

[0112] Step S410: If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, then reduce the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference. After reducing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the following flow regulation logic continues to be executed: when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, reduce the output flow rate of the water pump; when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, reduce the output flow rate of the water pump.

[0113] In the above embodiments, when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the trend of the total system power is reassessed after each reduction in the water pump output flow rate. If the total power continues to decrease, the output flow rate is further reduced until the total power stops decreasing or the flow rate reaches the lower limit, thereby determining the target output flow rate corresponding to the minimum total power consumption of the heat pump system. Furthermore, a dynamic correction mechanism for the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is provided. If the total system power does not decrease after the first reduction in output flow rate, the trigger threshold is adjusted by reducing the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, avoiding erroneous output flow rate adjustment due to an excessively high preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference setting. This improves the accuracy and energy-saving effect of water pump output flow rate regulation while ensuring stable system operation.

[0114] In some embodiments of this specification, increasing the output flow rate of the water pump may include: increasing the output flow rate of the water pump to a first multiple of the current water flow rate, where the first multiple is the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference divided by the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference. That is, when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the flow rate is increased proportionally to the ratio of the actual temperature difference to the preset temperature difference, so that the flow rate adjustment range is adapted to the degree of temperature difference deviation, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of flow rate adjustment. For example, if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is 7°C and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is 5°C, the output flow rate of the water pump can be increased to 1.4 times the current output flow rate.

[0115] In some embodiments of this specification, reducing the output flow rate of the water pump may include: reducing the output flow rate of the water pump to a first percentage of the current water flow rate, where the first percentage is the percentage of the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference to the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference. That is, when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the flow rate is reduced proportionally to the ratio of the actual temperature difference to the preset temperature difference, so that the flow rate adjustment range is adapted to the degree of temperature difference deviation, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of flow rate adjustment. For example, if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is 3°C and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is 5°C, the output flow rate of the water pump can be reduced to 60% of the current output flow rate.

[0116] In the above embodiments, by associating the flow rate adjustment amount with the degree of deviation of the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference from the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the efficiency and accuracy of flow rate adjustment can be improved, the number of repeated adjustments can be reduced, and it is helpful to adjust to the target output flow rate more quickly.

[0117] In some embodiments of this specification, increasing the output flow rate of the water pump may include: increasing the output flow rate of the water pump by a preset flow rate step size, that is, adding a fixed flow rate increment each time the adjustment is made. And / or, decreasing the output flow rate of the water pump may include: decreasing the output flow rate of the water pump by a preset flow rate step size, that is, reducing the flow rate by a fixed flow rate reduction each time the adjustment is made. In the above embodiments, the preset flow rate step size is used for gradual adjustment, and the adjustment range is fixed, which is beneficial to the stable operation of the system.

[0118] Please refer to Figure 5 A flowchart of a heat pump system control method in an embodiment of this specification is shown. Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this specification, the method may further include: Step S70: After maintaining the heat pump at the target outlet water temperature, if the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature exceeds the second preset temperature difference range, then maintain the current output flow rate of the water pump.

[0119] In this embodiment, after determining the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump and maintaining its operation at that temperature, if the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature exceeds the second preset temperature difference range, it indicates that the current actual outlet water temperature is fluctuating significantly and has not yet stabilized near the target outlet water temperature. In this situation, adjusting the pump's output flow rate will change the actual inlet water temperature of the heat pump, further causing fluctuations in the actual outlet water temperature and making the system state more complex. This is not conducive to quickly and stably meeting user needs and may also lead to incorrect pump flow rate adjustments, affecting subsequent energy-saving effects. Therefore, after determining the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump and maintaining its operation at that temperature, if the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature exceeds the second preset temperature difference range, the current pump output flow rate is maintained unchanged. Only after the actual outlet water temperature stabilizes and the temperature difference between it and the target outlet water temperature stabilizes within the second preset temperature difference range, and the system tends to stabilize, is the pump output flow rate adjusted. This ensures the effectiveness and accuracy of the pump adjustment.

[0120] In some embodiments of this specification, the following steps are performed every preset time period: The set temperature of the thermostat and the actual temperature of the space corresponding to the thermostat are obtained, and the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is calculated; if the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is not within a first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range; if the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is determined as the current target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and the heat pump is maintained at the target outlet water temperature; after each determination of the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, the following steps are performed within the current preset time period. Step: Obtain the actual outlet water temperature and actual inlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range or until the end of the current preset time period; when the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within the second preset temperature difference range, if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, increase the output flow rate of the water pump; if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, decrease the output flow rate of the water pump. The actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature, and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than or equal to zero; if the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature exceeds the second preset temperature difference range, maintain the current output flow rate of the water pump.

[0121] In this embodiment, the heat pump system control method is executed periodically according to a preset time interval, and the following steps are performed in each cycle. The preset time interval can be 5 minutes, 8 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 20 minutes, etc.

[0122] At the start of each preset time period, the system acquires the set temperature of the thermostat and the actual temperature of the corresponding space, and calculates the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature. If the temperature difference is not within the first preset temperature difference range, the system adjusts the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference is within the first preset temperature difference range; if the temperature difference is already within the first preset temperature difference range, the system maintains the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump unchanged. When the temperature difference is within the first preset temperature difference range, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is determined as the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and the heat pump is maintained at this target outlet water temperature. By periodically executing the above steps, the system can continuously monitor the deviation between the user-set temperature and the actual temperature, and respond promptly to changes in the required load at the start of each cycle (changes in the required load can be caused by changes in the user-set temperature or changes in environmental conditions). Once the temperature difference exceeds the first preset temperature difference range, the system immediately adjusts the heat pump outlet water set temperature to ensure that the user's comfort needs are met quickly and effectively, avoiding a significant deviation of the room temperature from the set value due to prolonged lack of adjustment, and reducing system energy consumption while meeting user needs.

[0123] After each determination of the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and within the same preset time period, continue to perform the following steps to adjust the water pump output flow rate.

[0124] The actual outlet water temperature and actual inlet water temperature of the heat pump can be obtained. If the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within the second preset temperature difference range, it indicates that the heat pump outlet water temperature has stabilized. At this time, the flow rate is adjusted based on the comparison between the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference. That is, when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the pump output flow rate is increased; when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the pump output flow rate is decreased. Here, the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature, and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than or equal to zero. In other words, within each preset time period, after determining the target outlet water temperature, the pump output flow rate is not adjusted immediately, but rather it is first determined whether the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump is stable near the target outlet water temperature. Flow regulation is only performed when the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump stabilizes near the target outlet water temperature. This avoids the difficulty in judging the trend of the total power consumption of the system due to the superposition of fluctuations in the actual outlet water temperature and changes in flow rate, effectively improving the effectiveness and accuracy of flow regulation and improving energy-saving effect.

[0125] If the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature exceeds the second preset temperature difference range, it indicates that the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump has not yet stabilized. In this case, the current output flow rate of the water pump remains unchanged until the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature falls within the second preset range in subsequent cycles or within the current cycle. This prevents unnecessary adjustments to the water pump when the heat pump outlet water temperature fluctuates significantly, ensuring stable system operation. If the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature fails to stabilize within the second preset temperature difference range within each preset time period, the water pump flow rate will not be adjusted within that cycle. Adjustment will be determined after the temperature difference judgment restarts in the next cycle.

[0126] In the above embodiments, by periodically executing the above control process, the heat pump system can continuously monitor changes in user demand and / or environmental conditions during long-term operation, and dynamically adjust the heat pump outlet water set temperature and water pump output flow rate, thereby enabling the heat pump system to achieve effective energy saving while meeting the user's cooling or heating needs.

[0127] Please refer to Figure 6 A flowchart of a heat pump system control method in an embodiment of this specification is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the heat pump system control method may include the following steps.

[0128] Step S601, Begin.

[0129] Step S602: Within the current preset time period, obtain the set temperature of the thermostat and the actual temperature of the space corresponding to the thermostat, and calculate the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature.

[0130] Step S603: Determine whether the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range. If yes, proceed to step S605; otherwise, proceed to step S604.

[0131] Step S604: Adjust the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range.

[0132] Step S605: Determine the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump as the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and maintain the heat pump operating at the target outlet water temperature.

[0133] Step S606: Within the preset time period, obtain the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature of the heat pump.

[0134] Step S607: Determine whether the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within the second preset temperature difference range. If yes, proceed to step S608; otherwise, proceed to step S609.

[0135] Step S608: Adjust the water pump's output flow rate based on the comparison between the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference until the target output flow rate of the water pump is determined, and control the water pump to operate at the target output flow rate. That is, when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, increase the water pump's output flow rate; when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, decrease the water pump's output flow rate. Here, the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature, and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than or equal to zero.

[0136] Step S609: Maintain the current output flow rate of the water pump.

[0137] Step S610: Determine whether the current preset time period has ended. If yes, return to step S601 and start the next cycle; otherwise, return to step S606 and continue monitoring the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature.

[0138] In the above embodiments, one cycle of the heat pump system control method includes a heat pump outlet water setpoint temperature adjustment stage and a water pump output flow rate adjustment stage. The two stages are executed sequentially within the same preset time period, realizing a step-by-step adjustment strategy of first adjusting the outlet water setpoint temperature and then adjusting the water pump output flow rate. By determining whether the preset time period has ended, the cycle is controlled to ensure that the method is executed periodically, enabling the system to continuously track changes in heat load and dynamically optimize system operating parameters.

[0139] In some embodiments of this specification, increasing the output flow rate of the water pump may include increasing the output power of the water pump. That is, by increasing the output power of the water pump motor, its operating speed is increased, thereby increasing the amount of water pumped per unit time.

[0140] In some embodiments of this specification, reducing the output flow rate of the water pump may include reducing the output power of the water pump. That is, by reducing the input power of the water pump motor, its operating speed is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of water pumped per unit time.

[0141] In some embodiments of this specification, increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump may include increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump in preset temperature increments. That is, each increase adds a fixed temperature increment, such as 0.5°C, 1°C, or 2°C each time.

[0142] In some embodiments of this specification, reducing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump may include: reducing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump in preset temperature increments. That is, each reduction involves decreasing the temperature by a fixed amount, such as 0.5°C, 1°C, or 2°C each time.

[0143] In the above embodiments, a preset temperature step size is used for gradual adjustment, and the adjustment range is fixed and controllable, which is conducive to the stable operation of the system.

[0144] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. For details, please refer to the foregoing descriptions of the relevant processing embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0145] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this specification. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require a specific or sequential order to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0146] This specification also provides a controller for executing the steps of the heat pump system control method described in any of the above embodiments. The controller includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores computer program instructions, and the processor executes the computer program instructions to implement the heat pump system control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0147] This specification also provides a computer storage medium based on a heat pump system control method, wherein the computer storage medium stores computer program instructions that, when executed, implement the steps of the heat pump system control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0148] In this embodiment, the storage medium includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), cache, hard disk drive (HDD), or memory card. The memory can be used to store computer program instructions. The network communication unit can be an interface configured according to standards specified in the communication protocol for network connection communication.

[0149] In this embodiment, the specific functions and effects implemented by the program instructions stored in the computer storage medium can be explained by comparison with other embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0150] This specification also provides a computer program product, including a computer program / instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the heat pump system control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0151] Obviously, those skilled in the art will understand that the modules or steps of the embodiments described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. Optionally, they can be implemented using computer-executable program code, thereby storing them in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those presented herein, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the embodiments of this specification are not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0152] It should be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Many implementations and applications beyond the provided examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description.

[0153] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a heat pump system, characterized in that, The heat pump system includes a heat pump, a water pump, a terminal, and a thermostat. Hot water heated by the heat pump and / or cold water cooled by the heat pump can be supplied to the terminal through the water pump. The terminal and the thermostat are located in a corresponding space. The terminal is used to supply heat and / or cooling to the corresponding space. The thermostat is used to set the set temperature of the corresponding space and also to obtain the actual temperature of the corresponding space. The control method includes: Obtain the set temperature of the thermostat and the actual temperature of the space corresponding to the thermostat, and calculate the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature; If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is not within the first preset temperature difference range, then adjust the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range. When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is determined as the current target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and the heat pump is maintained to operate at the target outlet water temperature. After maintaining the heat pump at the target outlet water temperature, the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature of the heat pump are obtained. While maintaining the heat pump at the target outlet water temperature and the actual outlet water temperature of the heat pump being close to or equal to the target outlet water temperature, the output flow rate of the water pump is directionally increased or decreased based on the comparison between the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, thereby balancing the power consumption of the heat pump and the power consumption of the water pump and reducing the total power consumption of the system. The steps to balance the power consumption of the heat pump and the water pump, and reduce the total power consumption of the system, include: When the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within a second preset temperature difference range, the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained and the current total power is used as the initial total power, where the current total power is the sum of the current water pump power and the current heat pump power; When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased. After increasing the output flow rate of the water pump, the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained. If the current total power is lower than the initial total power, it indicates that the increase in water pump power is less than the decrease in heat pump power. In this case, the initial total power is updated to the current total power, and the output flow rate of the water pump is gradually increased while obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system, until the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power or until the output flow rate is increased to the maximum water flow rate. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, the water pump... The current output flow rate before the increase is taken as the target output flow rate of the water pump, and the water pump is controlled to operate at the target output flow rate. When the output flow rate is increased to the maximum water flow rate, the water pump is maintained to operate at the maximum water flow rate. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, it indicates that the increase in water pump power is greater than or equal to the decrease in heat pump power. Then, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is increased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the increased preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the increased preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is decreased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is reduced. After reducing the output flow rate of the water pump, the current total power of the heat pump system is obtained. If the current total power is lower than the initial total power, it indicates that the decrease in water pump power is greater than the increase in heat pump power. In this case, the initial total power is updated to the current total power, and the output flow rate of the water pump is gradually reduced while obtaining the current total power of the heat pump system, until the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power or until the output flow rate is reduced to the minimum water flow rate. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, the water pump output flow rate is reduced. The pump's current output flow rate before it decreases is taken as the target output flow rate of the pump, and the pump is controlled to operate at the target output flow rate. When the output flow rate decreases to the minimum water flow rate, the pump is maintained at the minimum water flow rate. If the current total power is higher than or equal to the initial total power, it indicates that the decrease in pump power is less than or equal to the increase in heat pump power. In this case, the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is reduced. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the reduced preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the pump's output flow rate is increased. When the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the reduced preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the pump's output flow rate is reduced. The actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature, and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than or equal to zero.

2. The heat pump system control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Adjusting the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range includes: If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually reduced until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range or until the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is reduced to the lowest outlet water temperature. If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually increased until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range or until the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is increased to the highest outlet water temperature.

3. The heat pump system control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the heat pump system is in cooling mode, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted according to the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range, including: When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually reduced until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range. After the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range, when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually increased until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range.

4. The heat pump system control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the heat pump system is in heating mode, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted according to the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range, including: When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is less than the lower limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually increased until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range. After the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within a first preset temperature difference range, when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is gradually reduced until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range.

5. The heat pump system control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: When the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, the current set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is maintained.

6. The heat pump system control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of increasing the output flow rate of the water pump includes: increasing the output flow rate of the water pump to a first multiple of the current water flow rate, wherein the first multiple is the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference divided by the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference; And / or, The reduction of the water pump's output flow rate includes: reducing the water pump's output flow rate to a first percentage of the current water flow rate, where the first percentage is the percentage of the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference relative to the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference.

7. The heat pump system control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: After maintaining the heat pump at the target outlet water temperature, if the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature exceeds a second preset temperature difference range, then the current output flow rate of the water pump is maintained.

8. The heat pump system control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The following steps are performed every preset time period: obtain the set temperature of the thermostat and the actual temperature of the space corresponding to the thermostat, and calculate the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature; If the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is not within the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is adjusted until the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range; when the temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature is within the first preset temperature difference range, the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump is determined as the current target outlet water temperature of the heat pump, and the heat pump is maintained at the target outlet water temperature. After the target outlet water temperature of the heat pump is determined each time, the following steps are performed within the current preset time period: obtain the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature of the heat pump until the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within the second preset temperature difference range or until the current preset time period ends. When the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is within the range of the second preset temperature difference, when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is increased; when the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is less than the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the output flow rate of the water pump is decreased. The actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature, and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference is greater than or equal to zero. If the temperature difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature exceeds the second preset temperature difference range, the current output flow rate of the water pump will be maintained.

9. The heat pump system control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Increasing the output flow rate of the water pump includes: increasing the output power of the water pump; And / or, Reducing the output flow rate of the water pump includes reducing the output power of the water pump.

10. The heat pump system control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump includes: increasing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump by a preset temperature step. And / or, The step of reducing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump includes: reducing the set outlet water temperature of the heat pump in preset temperature increments.

11. The heat pump system control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Increasing the output flow rate of the water pump includes: increasing the output flow rate of the water pump by a preset flow rate step size; And / or, The reduction of the water pump's output flow rate includes: reducing the water pump's output flow rate by a preset flow rate step.

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