Heat pump power-off anti-freezing control system

Abstract

The present application is a control program for the heat pump power-off anti-freezing system, which has the control functions of automatic flow cut-off, automatic air charging, automatic capacity expansion, automatic air exhaust recovery, etc. The system main board, operation display panel and action components are driven by the rechargeable battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In winter, when a heat pump hot water or heating circulation system experiences a power outage and cannot be restored for an extended period, the heat pump's self-protection and active insulation functions fail, easily leading to pipe blockage, cracking, or even complete failure. In this situation, the heat pump power outage protection system can play a protective role. This invention is an operation control program designed for the normal operation of a heat pump power outage protection system, belonging to the field of heat pump operation protection and control technology. Background Technology

[0002] The application of heat pump heating in northern China is becoming increasingly widespread. In winter, heat pump hot water or heating circulation systems frequently experience power outages that cannot be restored for extended periods. In such situations, the system's self-protection against freezing and its active insulation functions fail, easily leading to pipe blockage, cracking, or even complete failure. At this time, a heat pump power outage anti-freeze system can provide protection against freezing. Previously, the applicant submitted an invention patent application to the State Intellectual Property Office for a "Heat Pump Power Outage Anti-Freeze System," which is an operating control program specifically designed for the normal operation of such a system. This control system has not yet entered the market, and no related technical reports have been published. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The inventor designed the following new control system:

[0004] A battery-powered operation control system starts operating in the event of a power outage. The system uses a condition controller to monitor power supply voltage parameters, antifreeze temperature parameters, water tank temperature parameters, exhaust port temperature parameters, valve outlet pressure parameters, and balance pressure parameters. Based on these parameters, it determines whether to start or stop the flow-stopping electric valve, whether to start and stop the DC air pump, whether to open and close the solenoid exhaust valve, and whether to open or close the capacity-enhancing electric valve.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system comprises 1-2 battery charging control sub-units, a power failure alarm sub-unit, an air charging and venting control sub-unit, a capacity expansion control sub-unit, and a flow interruption electric valve control sub-unit. Its features are: the input condition parameters include at least a power voltage parameter, at least three temperature parameters, and at least two pressure parameters; the control action relies on DC stored power; and the battery charging power supply is 220V AC power.

[0007] The invention is further characterized in that: the battery charging control sub-unit operates in the same manner as the charging and discharging procedure of a conventional battery, and is fully automatic, allowing for 1-2 output charging control channels, with no requirement for its display function.

[0008] The invention is further characterized in that: in the inflation and deflation control sub-section, the start-up of the air pump is controlled by the power voltage signal and the antifreeze temperature signal, and the stop is controlled by the power voltage signal, the valve outlet pressure signal, and the balance pressure signal; the opening action of the exhaust valve is controlled by the power voltage signal, and the closing action is controlled by the power voltage signal, the exhaust port temperature signal, and the water tank temperature signal; the exhaust valve can be switched in manual mode.

[0009] The invention is further characterized in that: in the capacity expansion control sub-unit, the opening of the capacity expansion electric valve is controlled by the power voltage signal and the balance pressure signal, and the closing action is controlled by the power voltage signal, the exhaust port temperature signal, and the water tank temperature signal.

[0010] The invention is further characterized in that: the start action of the electric valve in the flow-stopping electric valve control sub-unit is controlled by the power voltage signal and the antifreeze temperature signal, and the stop action is controlled by the power voltage signal, the exhaust port temperature signal, and the water tank temperature signal.

[0011] The invention is further characterized in that: when the circulating water circuit interruption electric valve is a 220V normally open solenoid valve type, it is permissible not to install an interruption electric valve control sub-section.

[0012] A further feature of this invention is that it allows the capacity expansion control sub-section to be omitted.

[0013] The invention is further characterized by allowing one controller to accommodate two different control programs, with the controller panel setting option keys corresponding to each program.

[0014] The invention is further characterized by allowing the solenoid valve to be replaced with an electric valve or vice versa at the control node.

[0015] A further feature of this invention is that it allows scaling and modification of fixed parameter values ​​in the program.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0017] (1) This invention provides an operation control system for a heat pump power-off antifreeze system.

[0018] (2) This invention is applied to the heat pump power failure antifreeze system, which can effectively avoid common pipe and equipment freezing blockage and cracking failures during the operation of heat pumps in northern winters.

[0019] (3) This invention is applied to heat pump power failure and antifreeze system, which can promote the long-term development of heat pump heating in northern China. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the operation control structure of a heat pump power-off antifreeze system.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the operation control of the heat pump power failure and antifreeze system.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a closed-loop pressurized water tank heat pump power failure and antifreeze system.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the operation and control actions of an open-type atmospheric pressure water tank heat pump power failure and antifreeze system.

[0024] Figure 1 middle:

[0025] 1. Main power supply for the equipment; 2. Power supply for the condition controller; 3. Power supply for the DC air pump.

[0026] 4. Condition controller; 5. Flow interruption electric valve; 6. Inflation and exhaust system

[0027] 6.1 DC air pump 6.2 Exhaust valve

[0028] 7. Gas-liquid balance mechanism 7.1. Capacity-increasing electric valve

[0029] Figure 2 middle:

[0030] 11. Charge the battery until fully charged, then stop.

[0031] 12. Set the minimum antifreeze temperature, expansion pressure limit, and electric valve opening (closing) duration.

[0032] 13. Detect power voltage; if a power outage occurs, activate the anti-freeze program and sound an alarm.

[0033] 14. Detect the antifreeze temperature information; if the limit is reached, the flow-cutting electric valve will activate to cut off the flow, and the DC air pump will start.

[0034] 15. Check valve outlet pressure and balance pressure

[0035] 16. When the balance pressure reaches the set value, the capacity-increasing electric valve opens; when the balance pressure approaches or reaches the valve outlet pressure, the DC air pump stops operating.

[0036] 17. Detect single-phase power voltage; initiate the exhaust procedure when power supply is restored.

[0037] 18. Open the vent valve to release air, and simultaneously check the temperature at the vent outlet and the temperature of the expansion tank (or water tank).

[0038] 19. When the exhaust port temperature approaches or reaches the temperature of the expansion tank (or water tank), close the exhaust valve, close the capacity-increasing electric valve, and restore the flow-stopping valve. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1This is a block diagram of the operation control structure of a heat pump power-off antifreeze system. Figure 1 In this system, the power supply for the condition controller and the DC air pump are separate, but they can be combined into one. When the heat pump is running, the main power supply 1 automatically charges the power supply for the condition controller 2 and the DC air pump 3, stopping when fully charged. In the event of a power outage, the condition controller 4 starts working. The condition controller 4 is powered by a rechargeable battery and controls the operation or stop of the flow-cutting electric valve 5; controls the start and stop of the DC air pump 6.1 and the opening and closing of the electromagnetic exhaust valve 6.2 in the charging and exhaust system 6; and controls the opening and closing of the capacity-increasing electric valve of the gas-liquid balance mechanism.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the operation control of a heat pump power-off anti-freeze system. This is a typical fully automatic heat pump power-off anti-freeze system operation control flowchart. For this system, step 11 is that the equipment automatically charges the battery upon startup, stopping when fully charged. Step 12 is that the condition controller detects the power voltage; if a power outage is detected, the power-off anti-freeze program is initiated and an alarm is triggered. Step 13 is to set the lower limit of the anti-freeze temperature (T). b Step 14 involves determining whether the condition controller should take further action based on the detected antifreeze temperature information (T0 value). When T0... <T b When the condition controller issues a start command, it first controls the flow-cutting electric valve to cut off the flow, and then starts the DC air pump for inflation. Step 15 is to detect the valve outlet pressure and balance pressure. Step 16 is to determine whether the DC air pump should stop based on the valve outlet pressure (Pa) and balance pressure (Pc) values. When Pa-Pc<0.001bar, the condition controller issues a stop command, and the DC air pump stops inflation; when Pc≥P0, the expansion electric valve opens, and water enters the expansion tank to depressurize. Step 17 is to detect the power voltage signal, and when power is restored, the venting procedure is started. Step 18 is for the condition controller to issue a venting start command, the electromagnetic venting valve to open for venting, and the water tank temperature (T) to be detected. w ) value and exhaust port temperature (T) e The value is ). Step 19 is based on step 18, determining whether the air has been completely purged, and then deciding whether to close the exhaust valve. When T e Value close to T w When the value is reached, it indicates that water has entered the vent from the tank, and air has been expelled from the pipes. At this point, the condition controller issues a shutdown command, and the solenoid vent valve stops venting. Next, the condition controller issues commands to close the capacity-increasing electric valve and stop the flow-cutting electric valve. Under these circumstances, the heat pump circulation system returns to normal operation.

[0042] The present invention will now be further described with reference to typical embodiments.

[0043] Example 1: Figure 3It is an operation action diagram of the power-off antifreeze system for heat pumps with closed pressure-bearing water tanks. The control operation is performed for the heat pump system with closed pressure-bearing water tanks.

[0044] After the heat pump operation system is started, the power supply charges the storage battery of the heat pump power-off antifreeze controller, and stops charging when the battery is fully charged. When a power outage fault occurs to the power supply, the condition controller relies on the storage battery to supply power and starts the operation program.

[0045] Figure 3 In, step 21 is to energize the condition controller, then proceed to step 22 to charge the storage power supply for the condition controller and the DC air pump, and stop when fully charged.

[0046] Step 23 is to set two reference parameter values: antifreeze reference temperature T b , pressure expansion P0 and the maximum opening (closing) time t of the electric valve m . These two parameters are manually set through the control panel and can be changed. Then proceed to step 24, the system monitors the single-phase voltage value of the power supply at any time. Step 25 determines whether the power supply is cut off or abnormal. Specifically: when the voltage value ≥ 110V, it is determined that the power supply is normal, and the condition controller does not start; when the voltage value ≤ 110V, it is determined that the power supply is abnormal or cut off, and proceed to step 26, the condition controller starts operation. On one hand, interval alarming is performed, and proceed to step 27; on the other hand, proceed to step 28, and start detecting the antifreeze temperature T0. Step 29 compares the detected antifreeze temperature T0 value with the antifreeze reference temperature T b value. When T0≥T b , proceed to step 30, and the condition controller takes no further action; when T0<T m , proceed to step 31, control the flow-cutoff electric valve to start cutting off the flow, and maintain for t m duration (t m is the maximum time required for the flow-cutoff valve to close), ensure the flow-cutoff valve is completely closed, then proceed to step 32, control the DC air pump to operate for inflation, then proceed to step 33, detect the valve outlet pressure value Pa and the balance pressure value Pc. Step 34 compares the Pa value and the Pc value. When Pa-Pc ≥ 0.001bar, it is considered that the inflation is not in place and continued inflation is required. Then proceed to step 35, continue to compare the balance pressure value Pc and the initially set expansion pressure value P0. If Pc < P0, proceed to step 36, the DC air pump continues to operate for inflation, and returns to step 33; if Pc ≥ P0, it is considered that the pressure of the water system is too high and expansion is required, proceed to step 37, the expansion electric valve opens, and maintains for t m duration (t m(To ensure the expansion valve opens fully, allowing some water to enter the expansion tank, the process returns to step 36, where the DC air pump continues to operate for inflation.) In step 35, when the Pa-Pc value is <0.001 bar, inflation is considered complete, and the process proceeds to step 38, where the DC air pump is stopped. Simultaneously, the process proceeds to step 39 to clear the alarm and step 40 to begin monitoring the single-phase voltage of the power supply to determine if power has been restored. When the single-phase voltage is ≥110V, power supply is considered restored, and the process proceeds to step 41, where the electromagnetic exhaust valve opens for venting. After venting continues for 20 seconds, the process proceeds to step 42, where the exhaust port temperature Te and the expansion tank (or water tank) temperature Tw are monitored, and the process then proceeds to step 43.

[0047] Step 43 compares the exhaust port temperature Te with the expansion tank (or water tank) temperature Tw. If Tw-Te > 5℃, exhaust is considered incomplete, proceeding to step 44 to continue exhausting and returning to step 42 for testing. If Tw-Te ≤ 5℃, exhaust is considered complete, proceeding to step 45 to close the electromagnetic exhaust valve. Then, proceeding to step 46, the expansion valve is closed; continuing for t... m Duration (t) m (To ensure the expansion electric valve is completely closed, take the maximum time required to close it); then proceed to step 47 to open the flow-stop electric valve and restore the circulation system to normal operation. (Continue for t) m Duration (t) m (The maximum time required for the flow interruption electric valve to open) ensures that the flow interruption electric valve is fully opened, then proceed to step 48 to end the entire process of the power failure antifreeze control system.

[0048] Example 2: Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the operation and control actions of an open-type, non-pressurized water tank heat pump system during power outages and freeze protection. It focuses on the control and operation of such a system.

[0049] Compared with Example 1, Example 2 is for an open, non-pressurized system, so an expansion tank and corresponding electric expansion valve are not installed, thus eliminating the expansion operation. Therefore, steps 35, 37, and 46 are simplified and removed, as follows: Figure 4 As shown. In step 34, if Pa-Pc ≥ 0.001 bar, proceed directly to step 36, the DC air pump continues to run, and then return to step 33. Since there is no expansion electric valve, step 46 is omitted, and proceed directly from step 45 to step 47, the flow-stop electric valve opens, and then proceed to step 48 to end the program.

[0050] According to claim 8, it should be noted that the present invention allows the integration of two different control programs, Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, into a single controller, whereby one control program can be selected via option keys on the control panel to match the corresponding operating system. This enhances the functionality of the controller.

[0051] The condition controller of this invention needs to detect at least three temperature parameters: the antifreeze point temperature, the exhaust point temperature, and the water tank or expansion tank temperature. Adding the detection of ambient temperature, pipeline temperature, etc., does not affect the control logic relationship, and therefore also falls within the scope of patent protection.

[0052] The condition controller of this invention needs to detect at least two pressure parameters: the DC air pump outlet pressure and the equilibrium point pressure. Adding the detection of other pressures does not affect the control logic relationship, and therefore also falls within the scope of patent protection.

[0053] The condition controller of this invention controls the DC air pump start / stop, the flow cut-off solenoid valve switch, the capacity expansion electric valve switch, and the exhaust electric valve switch. Adding other actions does not affect the control logic relationship, and therefore also falls within the scope of patent protection.

[0054] The manually input parameters of this invention include the antifreeze reference temperature T. b Expansion pressure P0 and the longest opening (closing) time t of the electric valve m Adding other input parameters, changing manually input parameters to fixed parameters, or scaling fixed parameters do not affect the control logic relationship, and therefore fall within the scope of patent protection.

[0055] This invention does not require the controller to have display functions, alarm functions, or remote monitoring functions. Control systems that add the above functions are also within the scope of protection.

[0056] Replacing an electric valve with a solenoid valve or vice versa at a control node does not affect the control logic, and therefore falls within the scope of patent protection.

Claims

1. A heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system, comprising 1-2 battery charging control sub-units, a power failure alarm sub-unit, a gas charging and discharging control sub-unit, a capacity expansion control sub-unit, and a flow-stopping electric valve control sub-unit, characterized in that: The input parameters must include at least the power voltage parameter, at least three temperature parameters, and at least two pressure parameters; the control action relies on DC power; the battery charging power is 220V AC.

2. The heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery charging control sub-unit operates in the same manner as ordinary batteries, with fully automatic operation. It allows for 1-2 output charging control channels, and its display function is not required.

3. The heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the inflation and deflation control sub-section, the start-up of the air pump is controlled by the power voltage signal and the antifreeze temperature signal, and the stop is controlled by the power voltage signal, the valve outlet pressure signal, and the balance pressure signal; the opening action of the exhaust valve is controlled by the power voltage signal, and the closing action is controlled by the power voltage signal, the exhaust port temperature signal, and the water tank temperature signal; the exhaust valve can be switched in manual mode.

4. The heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the capacity expansion control sub-section, the opening of the capacity expansion electric valve is controlled by the power voltage signal and the balance pressure signal, while the closing action is controlled by the power voltage signal, the exhaust port temperature signal, and the water tank temperature signal.

5. The heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The start-up action of the electric valve in the flow-stop electric valve control sub-unit is controlled by the power voltage signal and the antifreeze temperature signal, while the stop action is controlled by the power voltage signal, the exhaust port temperature signal, and the water tank temperature signal.

6. The heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the 220V normally open solenoid valve is selected as the electric valve for shutting off the flow in the circulating water circuit, it is permissible not to install a control sub-section for the electric valve for shutting off the flow.

7. The heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The capacity expansion control subsection can be omitted.

8. The heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: One controller can accommodate two different control programs, and the controller panel setting option keys correspond to them respectively.

9. The heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It allows the replacement of solenoid valves with electric valves or electric valves with solenoid valves at control nodes.

10. The heat pump power failure and antifreeze control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Allows scaling and modification of fixed parameter values ​​in the program.

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