Heat pump hot water system

Abstract

The present specification relates to the technical field of water heating, and specifically discloses a heat pump hot water system, which includes multiple heat pumps, a water tank, a return pipe, a water supply pipe and a connecting pipe; the return port of the water tank is connected to at least one heat pump through the return pipe, and the return pipe has a return water pump for returning water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one heat pump; the water supply pipe connects the water source and the water inlets of multiple heat pumps, and the water supply pipe has a water supply pump; the water outlets of multiple heat pumps are all connected to the inlet of the water tank; one end of the connecting pipe is connected to part of the return pipe upstream of the return water pump, and the other end is connected to part of the water supply pipe upstream of the water supply pump; the heat pump hot water system also includes a flow control device for controlling the opening and closing of the connecting pipe; when the connecting pipe is in a connected state, the water in the water tank can return to the water inlet of at least one heat pump through the water supply pump. The above scheme can improve the operating efficiency of the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heating, and in particular to a heat pump hot water system. Background Art

[0002] The heat pump hot water system generally includes multiple groups of cascade heat pumps. Usually, during the operation of the heat pump hot water system, if the heat pump in the system needs to be defrosted or the water in the water tank of the system needs to be reheated, the heat pump hot water system will use a reflux water pump to reflux the water in the water tank so as to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of the heat pump. The existing heat pump hot water system has the problem of insufficient operating capacity of the reflux water pump, which leads to low operating efficiency of the entire heat pump hot water system. In order to ensure the operating capacity of the reflux water pump, the prior art usually increases the selection of the reflux water pump. However, increasing the selection of the reflux water pump will inevitably lead to an increase in the system's transmission and distribution power consumption and operating costs.

[0003] To address the above problems, no effective solution has been proposed yet. Utility Model Content

[0004] The embodiments of the present specification provide a heat pump water heating system to solve the problem of low operating efficiency of the heat pump water heating system in the prior art.

[0005] The embodiment of this specification provides a heat pump hot water system, which includes a plurality of heat pumps, a water tank for storing and supplying hot water, a return pipeline, a water supply pipeline and a connecting pipeline;

[0006] The reflux port of the water tank is connected to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the reflux pipeline, and the reflux pipeline is provided with a reflux water pump, and the reflux water pump is used to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of the at least one heat pump;

[0007] One end of the water supply pipeline is connected to a water source, and the other end of the water supply pipeline is connected to the water inlets of the multiple heat pumps, and a water supply pump is provided on the water supply pipeline;

[0008] The water outlets of the multiple heat pumps are all connected to the inlet of the water tank;

[0009] One end of the connecting pipeline is connected to the portion of the return pipeline located upstream of the return water pump, and the other end of the connecting pipeline is connected to the portion of the water replenishment pipeline located upstream of the water replenishment pump;

[0010] The heat pump hot water system further comprises a flow control device, which is used to at least control the on-off of the connecting pipeline;

[0011] When the connecting pipeline is in a connecting state, the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the water replenishment pump.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the connecting pipeline is in a connected state, a portion of the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the reflux water pump, and another portion of the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the make-up water pump.

[0013] In one embodiment, the water in the water tank refluxed by the reflux water pump and the water in the water tank refluxed by the make-up water pump can be refluxed to the water inlet of the same heat pump among the multiple heat pumps; or,

[0014] The water in the water tank refluxed by the reflux water pump and the water in the water tank refluxed by the make-up water pump can be refluxed to the water inlets of different heat pumps among the multiple heat pumps.

[0015] In one embodiment, the water replenishment pipeline includes a water replenishment trunk line and a plurality of water replenishment branches;

[0016] The connecting pipeline is connected to the water replenishment trunk; a water replenishment valve is provided on the water replenishment trunk upstream of the connection between the water replenishment trunk and the connecting pipeline; one end of the water replenishment trunk is used to be connected to the water source, and the other end of the water replenishment trunk is connected to one end of each of the multiple water replenishment branches;

[0017] The multiple water replenishment branches correspond to the multiple heat pumps one by one, and the other end of each of the multiple water replenishment branches is connected to the water inlet of the corresponding heat pump; the water replenishment pipeline is provided with a first valve for at least controlling the independent on and off of each of the multiple water replenishment branches;

[0018] When the connecting pipeline is in a connected state, if the first valve connects at least one of the multiple water replenishment branches, the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of the corresponding heat pump through the water replenishment pump.

[0019] In one embodiment, the return pipeline is connected to the water inlets of only some of the heat pumps in the plurality of heat pumps; or,

[0020] The return pipeline is connected to the water inlets of all the heat pumps in the plurality of heat pumps.

[0021] In one embodiment, the return pipeline is connected to the water inlets of at least two of the plurality of heat pumps;

[0022] The reflux pipeline includes a reflux main line and at least two reflux branches; one end of the reflux main line is connected to the reflux port of the water tank, and the other end of the reflux main line is connected to one end of each of the at least two reflux branches;

[0023] The at least two reflux branches correspond to the at least two heat pumps one by one; the other end of each of the at least two reflux branches is connected to the water inlet of the corresponding heat pump; the reflux pipeline is provided with a second valve for at least controlling the independent opening and closing of each of the at least two reflux branches;

[0024] When the second valve connects at least one of the at least two reflux branches, the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of the corresponding heat pump through the reflux water pump.

[0025] In one embodiment, the flow control device is a three-way valve, which is arranged at the connection between the connecting pipeline and the water supply pipeline, or at the connection between the connecting pipeline and the return pipeline; or,

[0026] The flow control device includes a third valve arranged on the communication pipeline.

[0027] In one embodiment, the heat pump hot water system has a first operating mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the first operating mode, the return water pump and the make-up water pump are both in operation, the connecting pipeline is in a conducting state, and the make-up water valve is in a closed state, so that a part of the water in the water tank flows back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the return water pump, and another part of the water in the water tank flows back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the make-up water pump.

[0028] In one embodiment, the heat pump hot water system has a second operating mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the second operating mode, the return water pump and the make-up water pump are both in operation, the connecting pipeline is in a disconnected state, and the make-up water valve is in an open state, so that the water in the water tank flows back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the return water pump, and the water flowing out of the water source is pumped to at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the make-up water pump for heating.

[0029] In one embodiment, the heat pump hot water system has a third operating mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the third operating mode, the water make-up pump is in an operating state, the connecting pipe is in a conducting state, and the water make-up valve is in an open state, so that the water flowing out of the water source is mixed with at least part of the water flowing out of the reflux port of the water tank and then pumped by the water make-up pump to at least one of the multiple heat pumps for heating and then replenished into the water tank.

[0030] In one embodiment, the heat pump hot water system has a fourth operating mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the fourth operating mode, the reflux water pump and the make-up water pump are both in operation, so that a portion of water flowing out of the reflux port of the water tank flows back to at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the reflux water pump, so that the water flowing out of the water source and the other portion of water flowing out of the reflux port of the water tank are mixed and then pumped to at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the make-up water pump for heating and then replenished into the water tank.

[0031] The technical solution of this specification has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0032] A heat pump hot water system is provided in an embodiment of the present specification. The reflux port of the water tank of the heat pump hot water system is connected to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through a reflux pipeline, and a reflux water pump is provided on the reflux pipeline, and the reflux water pump can return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one heat pump. The water outlets of the multiple heat pumps are all connected to the inlet of the water tank. Therefore, the water in the water tank can be circulated by the reflux water pump, and during the circulation process, the refrigerant in at least one heat pump can circulate and heat the water in the water tank, or the water in the water tank can heat the refrigerant in at least one heat pump to participate in the defrosting process of the heat pump. One end of the water supply pipeline of the heat pump hot water system is connected to a water source, and the other end is connected to the water inlets of the multiple heat pumps, and a water supply pump is provided on the water supply pipeline. The water supply pump can pump the water flowing out of the water source to the water tank, so that the water tank can be replenished with water. Further, the heat pump hot water system also includes a connecting pipe, one end of the connecting pipe is connected to a part of the return pipe located upstream of the return water pump, and the other end is connected to a part of the replenishment water pipe located upstream of the replenishment water pump. The heat pump hot water system may also include a flow control device for controlling at least the on-off of the connecting pipe. When the connecting pipe is in a connected state, the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the replenishment water pump. Therefore, when the connecting pipe is in a connected state, the water in the water tank can be circulated through the replenishment water pump. During the circulation process, the refrigerant in at least one heat pump can circulate and heat the water flowing from the water tank into the heat pump, or the water flowing from the water tank into the heat pump can heat the refrigerant in the heat pump to participate in the defrosting process of the heat pump. Compared with the prior art that can only circulate and heat or defrost through the return water pump, the heat pump hot water system in the embodiment of this specification can reflux the water in the water tank through the return water pump and / or the replenishment water pump by setting a connecting pipe and a flow control device. Therefore, in the embodiment of this specification, when the connecting pipeline is connected, the water supply pump can be reused to reflux the water in the water tank. If the reflux water pump is used in conjunction with the water supply pump, the operating efficiency of the heat pump hot water system can be improved, thereby increasing the hot water temperature in the water tank of the heat pump hot water system, and better meeting the user's hot water needs. In addition, compared with the prior art of increasing the selection of the reflux water pump to improve the operating capacity, in this embodiment, by reusing the water supply pump, the reflux operating capacity of the system can be improved without increasing the power consumption and operating cost of transmission and distribution, and the operating cost of the system can be saved. Of course, in the embodiment of this specification, the water in the water tank can also be refluxed by a water supply pump or a reflux water pump alone, which can improve the diversity and reliability of the operating mode of the heat pump hot water system.

[0033] With reference to the following description and drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail, indicating the manner in which the principles of the present invention can be adopted. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment can be used in one or more other embodiments in the same or similar manner, combined with features in other embodiments, or replace features in other embodiments.

[0034] It should be emphasized that the term “include / comprises” when used herein refers to the presence of features, parts, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, parts, steps or components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The drawings described herein are only for explanation purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In addition, the shapes and proportional dimensions of the components in the drawings are only for illustration purposes and are used to help understand the present invention. They do not specifically limit the shapes and proportional dimensions of the components of the present invention. Under the guidance of the present invention, those skilled in the art can select various possible shapes and proportional dimensions to implement the present invention according to specific circumstances. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a heat pump hot water system in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a heat pump hot water system in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a heat pump hot water system in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a heat pump hot water system in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0040] Figure 5 It shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat pump in a heat pump hot water system in one embodiment of this specification;

[0041] Figure 6 It shows a schematic diagram of water flow in a heat pump hot water system in a first operating mode in an embodiment of this specification;

[0042] Figure 7 It shows a schematic diagram of water flow in a heat pump hot water system in a first operating mode in an embodiment of this specification;

[0043] Figure 8 It shows a schematic diagram of water flow in a heat pump hot water system in a second operating mode in an embodiment of this specification;

[0044] Fig. 9 It shows a schematic diagram of water flow in a heat pump hot water system in a third operating mode in an embodiment of this specification;

[0045] Fig.10 It shows a schematic diagram of water flow in a heat pump hot water system in a fourth operating mode in an embodiment of this specification;

[0046] Fig.11 A flow chart showing a heat pump hot water system control method in one embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0047] Fig.12 A flow chart showing a heat pump hot water system control method in one embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0048] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a heat pump hot water system in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0049] Fig.14 A schematic structural diagram of a heat pump hot water system in one embodiment of the present specification is shown.

[0050] Reference numerals in the above drawings:

[0051] 10. Heat pump; 20. Water tank; 30. Reflux pipeline; 40. Make-up water pipeline; 50. Connecting pipeline; 60. Water source; 11. Water inlet; 12. Water outlet; 13. Second valve; 14. First valve; 15. Condenser; 16. Electronic expansion valve; 17. Evaporator; 18. Four-way reversing valve; 19. Compressor; 110. Gas-liquid separator; 21. Reflux port; 22. Inlet; 23. Temperature probe; 24. Outlet; 25. Hot water pump; 31. Reflux water pump; 41. Make-up water pump; 42. Make-up water valve; 51. Flow control device; 200. Master controller; 300. Slave controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The principles and spirit of this specification will be described below with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement this specification, and are not intended to limit the scope of this specification in any way. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make this specification more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0053] In combination with the accompanying drawings and the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention, the details of the present invention can be more clearly understood. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are only used to explain the purpose of the present invention and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention in any way. Under the guidance of the present invention, technicians can conceive of any possible variations based on the present invention, which should be regarded as belonging to the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there can also be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, or it can be the internal communication of two elements, it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are only for illustrative purposes and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this specification belongs. The terms used herein in this specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this specification. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0055] This specification provides a heat pump hot water system. Figures 1 to 4 , shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump hot water system in the embodiment of this specification. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the heat pump hot water system may include a plurality of heat pumps 10 , a water tank 20 , a return pipeline 30 , a water supply pipeline 40 and a connecting pipeline 50 .

[0056] The heat pump 10 may include an air source heat pump, a water source heat pump, a ground source heat pump, a dual source heat pump, etc. The heat pump 10 can use a small amount of electric energy as a power source and a refrigerant as a carrier to absorb low-grade heat energy from the air, soil, seawater, groundwater, etc., convert it into usable high-grade heat energy, and then release the high-grade heat energy into the water that needs to be heated to produce domestic hot water.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 5 , shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump in the embodiment of this specification. Figure 5As shown, the heat pump 10 may be provided with a water inlet 11 and a water outlet 12. The heat pump 10 may include a condenser 15, an electronic expansion valve 16, an evaporator 17, a four-way reversing valve 18, a compressor 19 and a gas-liquid separator 110.

[0058] When the heat pump 10 is in a heating state (heating the water flowing in), cold water flows into the condenser 15 from the water inlet 11, and hot water flows out of the condenser 15 from the water outlet 12. Specifically, when the heat pump 10 is in a heating state, the four-way reversing valve 18 can be turned to the working position of the heat pump 10, so that the high-pressure refrigerant steam discharged from the compressor 19 flows into the condenser 15 after passing through the four-way reversing valve 18. The latent heat released when the refrigerant steam condenses heats the water flowing in the condenser 15, achieving the effect of water heating. The liquid refrigerant condensed by the condenser 15 flows through the electronic expansion valve 16 in the reverse direction and enters the evaporator 17, absorbing external heat and evaporating. The steam evaporated by the evaporator 17 passes through the four-way reversing valve 18 and enters the gas-liquid separator 110 for gas-liquid separation. The separated steam is sucked into the compressor 19 to complete the water heating cycle.

[0059] When the heat pump 10 is in the defrosting state, hot water flows into the condenser 15 from the water inlet 11, and cold water flows out of the condenser 15 from the water outlet 12. Specifically, when the heat pump 10 is in the defrosting state, the four-way reversing valve 18 can be switched to change the flow direction of the refrigerant, so that the high-pressure refrigerant vapor discharged from the compressor 19 flows into the evaporator 17 (used as a condenser) after passing through the four-way reversing valve 18, and the latent heat released when the refrigerant vapor condenses defrosts the evaporator 17 (used as a condenser). The liquid refrigerant condensed by the evaporator 17 (used as a condenser) flows through the electronic expansion valve 16 in the reverse direction and enters the condenser 15 (used as an evaporator), absorbing external heat and evaporating. The vapor evaporated by the condenser 15 (used as an evaporator) passes through the four-way reversing valve 18 and enters the gas-liquid separator 110 for gas-liquid separation, and the separated vapor is sucked into the compressor 19 to complete the defrosting cycle.

[0060] The condenser 15 may include a first medium flow channel and a second medium flow channel. In the defrost cycle, the refrigerant after defrosting the evaporator 17 flows into the first medium flow channel of the condenser 15, and the hot water flowing out of the water tank is pumped to the second medium flow channel of the condenser 15 of the heat pump. The hot water flowing in the second medium flow channel heats the refrigerant in the first flow channel to participate in the defrosting process of the heat pump.

[0061] Please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 4The water tank 20 is provided with an inlet 22, an outlet 24 and a reflux port 21. The water outlets 12 of the multiple heat pumps 10 are all connected to the inlet 22 of the water tank 20. The water tank 20 can be used to store hot water heated by the multiple heat pumps 10. The water tank 20 can also supply hot water to users. The outlet 24 of the water tank 20 can be connected to a hot water pipeline to supply hot water to users through a hot water pump 25 provided on the hot water pipeline. The reflux port 21 of the water pump can be connected to the water inlet 11 of at least one of the multiple heat pumps 10 through a reflux pipeline 30. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the return port 21 of the water tank 20 can be connected to the water inlet 11 of a heat pump 10 through a return pipe 30. Figure 4 As shown, the reflux port 21 of the water tank 20 can be connected to the water inlets 11 of multiple heat pumps 10 through a reflux pipeline 30. A reflux water pump 31 is provided on the reflux pipeline 30. The reflux water pump 31 can reflux the water in the water tank 20 to the water inlet 11 of at least one heat pump 10 via the reflux pipeline 30. The water outlets 12 of the multiple heat pumps 10 are all connected to the inlet 22 of the water tank 20. Therefore, the reflux water pump 31 can circulate the water in the water tank 20. During the circulation process, at least one heat pump 10 can circulate and heat the water in the water tank 20, or the water in the water tank 20 can heat the defrosted refrigerant in at least one heat pump 10 to participate in defrosting.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, a temperature probe 23 may be further provided in the water tank 20 for detecting the temperature of the hot water stored in the water tank 20 to determine whether the water tank 20 needs to be supplemented with heat according to the temperature of the hot water.

[0063] The water tank 20 in the embodiment of the present specification can be an open water tank or a pressure water tank. Preferably, the water tank 20 in the embodiment of the present specification is an open water tank.

[0064] One end of the water supply pipeline 40 can be connected to the water source 60, and the other end can be connected to the water inlets 11 of the plurality of heat pumps 10. The water supply pipeline 40 is provided with a water supply pump 41. The water supply pump 41 can pump water flowing out of the water source 60 to at least one of the plurality of heat pumps 10 through the water supply pipeline 40 for heating and then replenishing the water tank 20 to replenish the water tank 20.

[0065] One end of the connecting pipe 50 is connected to a part of the return pipe 30 located upstream of the return water pump 31, and the other end of the connecting pipe 50 is connected to a part of the make-up water pipe 40 located upstream of the make-up water pump 41. The heat pump hot water system may further include a flow control device 51. The flow control device 51 is used to at least control the on-off of the connecting pipe 50. When the connecting pipe 50 is in a connected state, the water in the water tank 20 can flow back to the water inlet 11 of at least one of the multiple heat pumps 10 through the make-up water pump 41. Therefore, when the connecting pipe 50 is in a connected state, the make-up water pump 41 can circulate the water in the water tank 20, and during the circulation process, at least one heat pump 10 can circulate and heat the water in the water tank 20, or the water in the water tank 20 can heat the refrigerant in at least one heat pump 10 to participate in the defrosting process of the heat pump.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the heat pump hot water system can circulate the water in the water tank 20 through the reflux water pump 31 and / or the make-up water pump 41, and can reflux the water in the water tank 20 through the reflux water pump 31 and / or the make-up water pump 41. Therefore, in the embodiment of this specification, when the connecting pipe 50 is connected, the make-up water pump 41 can be reused to reflux the water in the water tank 20. If the reflux water pump 31 is used in conjunction with the make-up water pump 41, the operating efficiency of the heat pump hot water system can be improved. The operating efficiency can at least include defrosting efficiency and / or heating efficiency. Furthermore, the hot water temperature in the water tank 20 of the heat pump hot water system can be improved, which can better meet the hot water needs of users. Of course, in the embodiment of this specification, the water in the water tank can also be refluxed through the make-up water pump 41 or the reflux water pump 31 alone, which can improve the diversity and reliability of the operating mode of the heat pump hot water system. In addition, compared with the prior art of increasing the selection of the return water pump to improve the operating capacity, the present embodiment reuses the make-up water pump to improve the system's return operating capacity without increasing the transmission and distribution power consumption and operating costs, thereby saving the operating costs of the heat pump hot water system.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present specification, when the connecting pipe 50 is in a connected state, a portion of the water in the water tank 20 can flow back to the water inlet 11 of at least one of the multiple heat pumps 10 through the reflux water pump 31, and another portion of the water in the water tank 20 can flow back to the water inlet 11 of at least one of the multiple heat pumps 10 through the make-up water pump 41. In this embodiment, by using the make-up water pump 41 in conjunction with the reflux water pump 31, the efficiency of the circulation heat replenishment and / or defrosting of the heat pump hot water system can be improved.

[0068] When the return water pump 31 is used in conjunction with the make-up water pump 41, in one embodiment, the cold water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to the heat pump 10 for heating by both the return water pump 31 and the make-up water pump 41, so as to make up heat for the water in the water tank 20. The heat-making efficiency of the heat pump hot water system can be improved.

[0069] In another embodiment, the hot water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to the heat pump 10 by both the return water pump 31 and the make-up water pump 41 to heat the refrigerant in the heat pump 10 to participate in the defrosting process of the heat pump 10. The defrosting efficiency of the heat pump hot water system can be improved.

[0070] In another embodiment, the cold water of the water tank 20 can be pumped to a heat pump 10 for heating by the return water pump 31 to supplement the heat of the water in the water tank 20; the hot water of the water tank 20 can be pumped to another heat pump 10 by the make-up water pump 41 to heat the refrigerant in the heat pump 10 to participate in the defrosting process of the other heat pump 10. In another embodiment, the cold water of the water tank 20 can be pumped to a heat pump 10 for heating by the make-up water pump 41 to supplement the heat of the water in the water tank 20; the hot water of the water tank 20 can be pumped to another heat pump 10 by the return water pump 31 to heat the refrigerant in the heat pump 10 to participate in the defrosting process of the other heat pump 10. Through the above method, while the hot water in the water tank is used to heat the defrosted refrigerant in a heat pump, another heat pump is used to supplement the water in the water tank, thereby ensuring that the water temperature in the water tank is basically stable or fluctuates less, avoiding the water temperature in the water tank being too low due to defrosting and affecting the user's hot water experience.

[0071] Please refer to Figures 6 to 10 , respectively show the water flow schematic diagrams in the heat pump hot water system in the embodiments of this specification. Figures 6 to 10 The arrow in the middle is used to indicate the direction of water flow. Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the water in the water tank 20 that is refluxed by the reflux water pump 31 and the water in the water tank 20 that is refluxed by the make-up water pump 41 can be refluxed to the water inlets 11 of different heat pumps 10 in the multiple heat pumps 10. In one embodiment, the hot water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to one heat pump 10 by the reflux water pump 31 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, and the hot water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to another heat pump 10 by the make-up water pump 41 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein. The defrosted refrigerants in the two heat pumps 10 can be heated at the same time, which can improve the defrosting efficiency.

[0072] In another embodiment, the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to one heat pump 10 for supplementary heating by the reflux water pump 31, and the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to another heat pump 10 for supplementary heating by the supplementary water pump 41. Supplementary heating can be performed by two heat pumps at the same time, which can improve the supplementary heating efficiency.

[0073] In another embodiment, the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to a heat pump 10 by the reflux water pump 31 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, and the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to another heat pump 10 by the make-up water pump 41 for supplementary heating. In another embodiment, the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to a heat pump 10 by the reflux water pump 31 for supplementary heating, and the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to another heat pump 10 by the make-up water pump 41 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein. In the above manner, while the hot water in the water tank 20 is used to heat the defrosted refrigerant in one heat pump 10, the water in the water tank 20 is supplemented with heat by another heat pump 10, thereby ensuring that the water temperature in the water tank 20 is basically stable or fluctuates less, avoiding the water temperature in the water tank 20 being too low due to defrosting, which affects the user's hot water experience.

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the water in the water tank 20 that is refluxed by the reflux water pump 31 and the water in the water tank 20 that is refluxed by the supplementary water pump 41 can be refluxed to the water inlet 11 of the same heat pump 10 in multiple heat pumps 10. In one embodiment, the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to the same heat pump 10 by the reflux water pump 31 and the supplementary water pump 41 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein. In another embodiment, the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to the same heat pump 10 by the reflux water pump 31 and the supplementary water pump 41 for supplementary heating. In this embodiment, the defrosted refrigerant in the same heat pump 10 in the heat pump hot water system can be heated or the water in the water tank 20 can be supplemented by the same heat pump 10 in the heat pump hot water system, which can improve the defrosting efficiency and supplementary heating efficiency of the heat pump hot water system.

[0075] Please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments of the present specification, the water replenishment pipeline 40 may include a water replenishment trunk and a plurality of water replenishment branches. The connecting pipeline 50 may be connected to the water replenishment trunk. A water replenishment valve 42 may be provided on a portion of the water replenishment trunk upstream of the connection between the water replenishment trunk and the connecting pipeline 50. The water replenishment valve 42 may be used at least to conduct or disconnect the pipeline between the water source 60 and the water replenishment pump 41. One end of the water replenishment trunk is connected to the water source 60, and the other end of the water replenishment trunk is connected to one end of each of the plurality of water replenishment branches. The plurality of water replenishment branches correspond to the plurality of heat pumps 10 one by one, and the other end of each of the plurality of water replenishment branches is connected to the water inlet 11 of the corresponding heat pump 10. When the water tank 20 is replenished with water, the water replenishment valve 42 is in a conducting state, and the water replenishment pump 41 is in a running state, so as to pump the water flowing out of the water source 60 to at least one heat pump 10 for heating and then replenish the water tank 20. When the water tank 20 does not need to be replenished with water, the water replenishment valve 42 is in the disconnected state.

[0076] Furthermore, the water supply pipeline 40 may be provided with a first valve 14 for controlling at least the independent on / off of each of the multiple water supply branches. When the connecting pipeline 50 is in a connected state, if the first valve 14 connects at least one of the multiple water supply branches, the water in the water tank 20 can flow back to the water inlet 11 of the corresponding heat pump 10 through the water supply pump 41. By providing the first valve 14 capable of controlling the independent on / off of each water supply branch, the water in the water supply pipeline 40 can be controlled to flow to the inlet 22 of a designated heat pump 10 among the multiple heat pumps 10, so that the water flowing into the water supply pipeline 40 through the designated heat pump 10 (for example, one or more heat pumps 10 whose load range meets the heat supply demand of the water tank 20, and / or one or more heat pumps 10 that do not need to be defrosted) can be accurately controlled to be heated, and the refrigerant in the designated heat pump 10 (one or more of the heat pumps 10 that need to be defrosted) can also be accurately controlled to be heated.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the first valve 14 can be arranged on the corresponding water replenishment branch, that is, each water replenishment branch is provided with a first valve 14. Multiple water replenishment branches correspond to multiple first valves 14 one by one. The first valve 14 can be a solenoid valve. In one embodiment, the first valve 14 can not only control the on-off of the corresponding water replenishment branch, but also adjust the water flow of the corresponding water replenishment branch.

[0078] It is understood that in some embodiments of the present specification, the first valve 14 can be a multi-way valve. Exemplarily, if the water supply pipeline 40 includes N (N is an integer greater than 1) water supply branches, the multi-way valve can include N+1 ports, one of which is connected to the water supply main circuit, and the other N ports are respectively connected to the N water supply branches. The multi-way valve can independently control the connection and disconnection between each water supply branch and the water supply main circuit. The multi-way valve in this embodiment can replace multiple valves to connect multiple water supply branches.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the return pipe 30 is connected to the water inlets 11 of all the heat pumps 10 in the plurality of heat pumps 10. In this embodiment, the return pipe 30 is connected to the water inlets 11 of all the heat pumps 10 in the plurality of heat pumps 10. In this embodiment, the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to one or more of the heat pumps 10 in the plurality of heat pumps 10 by the make-up water pump 41 and / or the return water pump 31 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, and the water in the water tank 20 can also be circulated and heated by the make-up water pump 41 and / or the return water pump 31 through one or more of the heat pumps 10 in the plurality of heat pumps 10.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the return pipeline 30 is only connected to the water inlet 11 of some of the heat pumps 10 among the multiple heat pumps 10. In this embodiment, the return pipeline 30 is only connected to the water inlet 11 of some of the heat pumps 10 among the multiple heat pumps 10, and the water replenishment pipeline 40 is connected to the water inlet 11 of all the heat pumps 10 among the multiple heat pumps 10. Thus, the multiple heat pumps 10 can be divided into two groups of heat pumps 10, the first group of heat pumps 10 are heat pumps 10 connected to the return pipeline 30, and the second group of heat pumps 10 are heat pumps 10 not connected to the return pipeline 30. In this embodiment, the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to one or more heat pumps 10 in the first group of heat pumps 10 by the make-up water pump 41 and / or the return water pump 31 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, and the water in the water tank 20 can also be pumped to one or more heat pumps 10 in the first group of heat pumps 10 by the make-up water pump 41 and / or the return water pump 31 to circulate and heat the water in the water tank 20. The water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to one or more heat pumps 10 in the second group of heat pumps 10 by the make-up water pump 41 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, and the water in the water tank 20 can also be pumped to one or more heat pumps 10 in the second group of heat pumps 10 by the make-up water pump 41 to circulate and heat the water in the water tank 20.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present specification, the return pipe 30 is connected to the water inlet 11 of at least two heat pumps 10 among the plurality of heat pumps 10. Figure 4 , the return pipeline 30 may include a return main and at least two return branches. The return main is connected to the connecting pipeline 50. One end of the return main is connected to the return port 21 of the water tank 20. The other end of the return main is connected to one end of each of the at least two return branches. The at least two return branches correspond to at least two heat pumps 10 one by one. The other end of each of the at least two return branches is connected to the water inlet 11 of the corresponding heat pump 10. The return pipeline 30 may be provided with a second valve 13 for at least controlling the independent opening and closing of each of the at least two return branches. When the second valve 13 connects at least one of the at least two return branches, the water in the water tank 20 can flow back to the water inlet 11 of the corresponding heat pump 10 through the return water pump 31. By setting a second valve 13 capable of controlling the independent on-off of each return branch, the water in the return pipeline 30 can be controlled to flow to the inlet 22 of a designated heat pump 10 among at least two heat pumps 10, so that the water flowing into the return pipeline 30 through the designated heat pump 10 (for example, one or more heat pumps 10 among at least two heat pumps 10 whose load range meets the heat supplement demand of the water tank 20, and / or, one or more heat pumps 10 among at least two heat pumps 10 that do not need to be defrosted) can be accurately controlled to supplement the heat, and the water pump in the water tank 20 can also be accurately controlled to be sent to the designated heat pump 10 (one or more heat pumps among at least two heat pumps 10 that need to be defrosted) to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, thereby reducing ineffective defrosting.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the second valve 13 can be arranged on the corresponding reflux branch, that is, at least two reflux branches are each provided with a second valve 13. At least two reflux branches correspond to at least two second valves 13 one by one. The second valve 13 can be a solenoid valve. In one embodiment, the second valve 13 can not only control the on-off of the corresponding reflux branch, but also adjust the water flow of the corresponding reflux branch.

[0083] It is understood that in some embodiments of the present specification, the second valve 13 can be a multi-way valve. Exemplarily, if the reflux pipeline 30 includes M (M is an integer greater than 1) reflux branches, the multi-way valve can include M+1 ports, one of which is connected to the reflux trunk, and the other M ports are respectively connected to the M reflux branches. The multi-way valve can independently control the on-off between each reflux branch and the reflux trunk. The multi-way valve in this embodiment can replace multiple valves to connect multiple reflux branches.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments of the present specification, the flow control device 51 may be a three-way valve. Figure 1 As shown, the three-way valve can be arranged at the connection between the connecting pipeline 50 and the return pipeline 30. The three-way valve may include a first port, a second port and a third port. The first port may be connected to the return port 21 of the water tank 20 through a part of the return pipeline 30, the second port may be connected to the return water pump 31 through another part of the return pipeline 30, and the third port may be connected to the replenishment water pump 41 through the connecting pipeline 50 and a part of the replenishment water pipeline 40. The first port, the second port and the third port of the three-way valve may be turned on or off. By controlling the opening and closing of the first port, the second port and / or the third port, it is possible to control whether water flows out of the return port 21 of the water tank 20, whether the water in the water tank 20 is returned via the return water pump 31, and / or whether the water in the water tank 20 is returned via the replenishment water pump 41.

[0085] In another embodiment, the openings of the first port, the second port, and the third port of the three-way valve can also be adjusted. By adjusting the openings of the first port, the second port, and / or the third port, the water flow rate of the reflux port 21 of the water tank 20, the water flow rate of the reflux pump 31, and / or the water flow rate of the reflux pump 41 can be adjusted.

[0086] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the three-way valve can be arranged at the connection between the connecting pipeline 50 and the water supply pipeline 40. The three-way valve may include a first port, a second port and a third port. The first port may be connected to the reflux port 21 of the water tank 20 through the connecting pipeline 50 and the partial reflux pipeline 30, the second port may be connected to the water source 60 through the partial water supply pipeline 40, and the third port may be connected to the water supply pump 41 through the partial water supply pipeline 40. The first port, the second port and the third port of the three-way valve may be turned on or off. By controlling the on and off of the first port, the second port and / or the third port, it is possible to control whether water is supplied via the water supply pump 41 and / or whether the water in the water tank 20 is refluxed via the water supply pump 41.

[0087] In another embodiment, the openings of the first port, the second port, and the third port of the three-way valve can also be adjusted. By adjusting the openings of the first port, the second port, and / or the third port, the water flow rate of the water refluxed through the water replenishment pump 41 and / or the water flow rate of the water replenished through the water replenishment pump 41 can be adjusted, and the ratio between the water flow rate of the water source 60 transported by the water replenishment pump 41 and the water flow rate of the water tank 20 transported by the water replenishment pump 41 and the water flow rate of the water reflux port 21 can be adjusted.

[0088] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the flow control device 51 may include a third valve disposed on the connecting pipeline 50. The third valve may be turned on or off. By controlling the on-off state of the third valve, the on-off of the connecting pipeline 50 may be controlled. In another embodiment, the opening of the third valve may be adjusted. By adjusting the opening of the third valve, the water flow in the connecting pipeline 50 may be adjusted, thereby adjusting the water flow refluxed through the water supply pump 41.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present specification, the heat pump hot water system has a first operating mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the first operating mode, the return water pump 31 and the make-up water pump 41 are both in operation, the connecting pipe 50 is in a conducting state, and the make-up water valve 42 is in a closed state, so that a portion of the water in the water tank 20 flows back to the water inlet 11 of at least one first heat pump 10 among the multiple heat pumps 10 through the return water pump 31, and another portion of the water in the water tank 20 flows back to the water inlet 11 of at least one second heat pump 10 among the multiple heat pumps 10 through the make-up water pump 41. The first heat pump 10 and the second heat pump 10 may be the same or different. Please continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , shows a schematic diagram of water flow in a heat pump hot water system in a first operating mode in an embodiment of this specification.

[0090] like Figure 6As shown, the first heat pump 10 and the second heat pump 10 are different heat pumps 10. That is, part of the water in the water tank 20 is returned to one heat pump 10 by the return water pump 31, and another part of the water in the water tank 20 is returned to another heat pump 10 by the make-up water pump 41. In one embodiment, when the heat pump hot water system operates in the first operation mode, the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to one heat pump 10 by the return water pump 31 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, and the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to another heat pump 10 by the make-up water pump 41 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein. In another embodiment, when the heat pump hot water system operates in the first operation mode, the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to one heat pump 10 by the return water pump 31 to supplement the water flowing out of the water tank 20, and the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to another heat pump 10 by the make-up water pump 41 to supplement the water flowing out of the water tank 20. In yet another embodiment, when the heat pump hot water system operates in the first operation mode, the water in the water tank 20 is pumped to one heat pump 10 by the return water pump 31 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, and the water in the water tank 20 is pumped to another heat pump 10 by the make-up water pump 41 to supplement the heat of the water flowing out of the water tank 20. In yet another embodiment, when the heat pump hot water system operates in the first operation mode, the water in the water tank 20 is pumped to one heat pump 10 by the return water pump 31 to supplement the heat of the water flowing out of the water tank 20, and the water in the water tank 20 is pumped to another heat pump 10 by the make-up water pump 41 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, the first heat pump 10 and the second heat pump 10 can be the same heat pump 10. That is, the water in the water tank 20 is refluxed to the same heat pump 10 through the reflux water pump 31 and the make-up water pump 41. In one embodiment, when the heat pump hot water system operates in the first operation mode, the water in the water tank 20 is pumped to the same heat pump 10 through the reflux water pump 31 and the make-up water pump 41 to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein. In another embodiment, when the heat pump hot water system operates in the first operation mode, the water flowing out of the water tank 20 is pumped to the same heat pump 10 for supplementary heating through the reflux water pump 31 and the make-up water pump 41. In this embodiment, the defrosted refrigerant in the same heat pump 10 in the heat pump hot water system can be heated or the water in the water tank 20 can be pumped to the same heat pump 10 in the heat pump hot water system to supplementary heat the water in the water tank 20, which can improve the defrosting and supplementary heating efficiency of the heat pump hot water system.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present specification, the heat pump hot water system has a second operation mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the second operation mode, the return water pump 31 and the make-up water pump 41 are both in operation, the connecting pipe 50 is disconnected, and the make-up water valve 42 is open, so that the water in the water tank 20 flows back to the water inlet 11 of at least one of the multiple heat pumps 10 through the return water pump 31, so that the water flowing out of the water source 60 is pumped to at least one of the multiple heat pumps 10 through the make-up water pump 41 for heating and then replenished into the water tank 20. In the second operation mode, the heat pump hot water system can simultaneously replenish water and replenish heat / defrost. That is, in the second operation mode, the water flowing out of the water source 60 can be pumped to at least one first heat pump 10 by the reflux water pump 31 to supplement the water in the water tank 20 or heat the defrosted refrigerant in the first heat pump 10; the water flowing out of the water source 60 can also be pumped to at least one second heat pump 10 by the replenishing water pump 41 for heating and then replenishing into the water tank 20 to replenish water in the water tank 20. When the reflux water pump 31 is used to supplement the water in the water tank 20, the first heat pump 10 and the second heat pump 10 can be the same or different. When the reflux water pump 31 is used to heat the defrosted refrigerant in the first heat pump 10, the first heat pump 10 and the second heat pump 10 are different. Through this embodiment, the heat pump hot water system can replenish water and heat or replenish water and defrost at the same time, which can improve the operation efficiency of the heat pump hot water system, increase the amount of water and water temperature available in the water tank 20, and meet the user's hot water needs.

[0093] like Figure 8 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of water flow in the heat pump hot water system in the second operating mode. In the second operating mode, the water flowing out of the reflux port 21 of the water tank 20 is pumped to a heat pump 10 by the reflux water pump 31 to supplement the water in the water tank 20 or to heat the defrosted refrigerant in the heat pump 10, and the water flowing out of the water source 60 is pumped to another heat pump 10 by the replenishing water pump 41 to be heated and then replenished into the water tank 20 to replenish the water tank.

[0094] In some embodiments of the present specification, the heat pump hot water system has a third operation mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the third operation mode, the water supply pump 41 is in operation, the connecting pipe 50 is in conduction, and the water supply valve 42 is in an open state, so that the water flowing out of the water source 60 is mixed with at least part of the water flowing out of the return port 21 of the water tank 20, and then pumped to at least one of the multiple heat pumps 10 by the water supply pump 41 for heating and then replenished into the water tank 20. In this embodiment, in the third operation mode, the water flowing out of the water source 60 is mixed with the water flowing out of the return port 21 of the water tank 20, and then pumped to at least one of the heat pumps 10 by the water supply pump 41 for heating and then replenished into the water tank 20, so that the water tank 20 can be replenished with water. By mixing the hot water flowing out of the water tank 20 with the cold water flowing out of the water source 60, the inlet temperature of water flowing into the water inlet 11 of at least one heat pump 10 can be increased, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the set temperature of the water tank 20. Therefore, the heat pump 10 can heat more water, thereby increasing the inlet flow rate flowing into the water inlet 11 of the heat pump 10, ensuring that the opening of the first valve 14 used to adjust the flow of the corresponding water supply branch is large, so as to avoid the problem of low flow regulation accuracy when the opening of the first valve 14 is too low, thereby improving the regulation accuracy of the outlet water temperature of the heat pump 10.

[0095] In one embodiment, when the heat pump hot water system operates in the third operation mode, only the water replenishment pump 41 is in operation, and the return water pump 31 is in shutdown. At this time, the heat pump hot water system is only in the water replenishment state, and all the water flowing out of the return port 21 of the water tank 20 is mixed with the water flowing out of the water source 60 and then pumped to at least one heat pump 10 for heating and then replenished into the water tank 20 to replenish the water tank 20. Please refer to Fig. 9 , shows a schematic diagram of water flow in a heat pump hot water system in the third operating mode in an embodiment of this specification. Fig. 9 As shown, in the third operating mode, water flowing out of the water source 60 is mixed with another part of water flowing out of the return port 21 of the water tank 20 and then pumped to the heat pump 10 by the water replenishment pump 41 for heating, and then replenished into the water tank 20 to replenish water in the water tank 20.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present specification, the heat pump hot water system has a fourth operating mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the fourth operating mode, the reflux pump 31 and the make-up water pump 41 are both in operation. In this way, a portion of the water flowing out of the reflux port 21 of the water tank 20 flows back to the water inlet 11 of at least one of the multiple heat pumps 10 through the reflux pump 31, so that the water flowing out of the water source 60 is mixed with another portion of the water flowing out of the reflux port 21 of the water tank 20 and then pumped to at least one of the multiple heat pumps 10 through the make-up water pump 41 for heating and then replenished into the water tank 20. Please refer to Fig.10, shows a schematic diagram of water flow in a heat pump hot water system in the fourth operating mode in an embodiment of this specification. Fig.10 As shown, in the fourth operation mode, a part of the water flowing out of the reflux port 21 of the water tank 20 is pumped to a heat pump 10 by the reflux water pump 31 to heat the water in the water tank 20 or heat the refrigerant after defrosting in the heat pump 10, and the water flowing out of the water source 60 is mixed with another part of the water flowing out of the reflux port 21 of the water tank 20 and then pumped to another heat pump 10 by the water supply pump 41 for heating and then replenishing into the water tank 20 to replenish water in the water tank. In this embodiment, water replenishment and defrosting or water replenishment and heat replenishment can be performed at the same time. In addition, by mixing the hot water flowing out of the water tank 20 with the cold water flowing out of the water source 60 and then replenishing water, it can be ensured that the opening of the first valve 14 used to adjust the flow of the corresponding water supply branch is relatively large, so as to avoid the problem of low flow regulation accuracy when the opening of the first valve 14 is too low, thereby improving the regulation accuracy of the outlet water temperature of the heat pump 10.

[0097] The embodiments of this specification also provide a heat pump hot water system control method, which is applied to the heat pump hot water system described in any of the above embodiments. Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a method for controlling a heat pump hot water system in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. Specifically, Fig.11 As shown, a heat pump hot water system control method provided in one embodiment of the present specification may include the following steps.

[0098] S100, controlling the flow control device to conduct the connecting pipeline, and controlling the water supply pump to operate so as to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps.

[0099] The control method in this embodiment can be applied to a controller. The controller can be a controller provided in a heat pump hot water system, or a separately provided controller that is connected to the heat pump hot water system in communication. The flow control device can be controlled to conduct the connecting pipeline, and the water supply pump can be controlled to operate, so that the water flowing out of the reflux port of the water tank can be returned to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps, so as to heat the defrosted refrigerant in at least one heat pump, or to supplement the water in the water tank via at least one heat pump, so as to improve the operating efficiency of the heat pump hot water system.

[0100] The method in the above embodiment can perform circulating heat supply or defrosting by controlling the conduction of the connecting pipeline and controlling the operation of the water supply pump, thereby improving the circulating heat supply efficiency and defrosting efficiency, and increasing the hot water temperature in the water tank of the heat pump hot water system, thereby better meeting the hot water needs of users, and also improving the flexibility and reliability of circulating heat supply and defrosting of the heat pump hot water system.

[0101] In some embodiments of the present specification, controlling the operation of the make-up water pump to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps may include: controlling the operation of the make-up water pump and the return water pump to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps. In this embodiment, the connecting pipeline can be controlled to be connected, and the make-up water pump and the return water pump can be controlled to operate to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps. When the connecting pipeline is connected, the operation efficiency of the heat pump hot water system can be further improved by using the return water pump in conjunction with the make-up water pump.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present specification, controlling the operation of the make-up water pump and the return water pump to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one of the plurality of heat pumps may include: controlling the operation of the make-up water pump to return part of the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one first heat pump among the plurality of heat pumps, so that part of the water flowing out of the water tank is heat-exchanged with the refrigerant of the at least one first heat pump; controlling the operation of the return water pump to return another part of the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one second heat pump among the plurality of heat pumps, so that another part of the water flowing out of the water tank is heat-exchanged with the refrigerant of the at least one second heat pump. The first heat pump and the second heat pump may be different or the same.

[0103] When the first heat pump is the same as the second heat pump, the water in the water tank can be pumped to the same heat pump through the reflux water pump and the make-up water pump to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, or the water in the water tank can be pumped to the same heat pump through the reflux water pump and the make-up water pump to supplement the heat of the water flowing out of the water tank.

[0104] When the first heat pump is different from the second heat pump, the at least one second heat pump is one or more heat pumps among the plurality of heat pumps except the at least one first heat pump.

[0105] In one embodiment, part of the water flowing out of the water tank heats the refrigerant of the at least one first heat pump, and the refrigerant of the at least one second heat pump heats another part of the water flowing out of the water tank. That is, the water in the water tank can be pumped to the first heat pump by a make-up water pump to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, and the water flowing out of the water tank can be supplemented with heat by the return water pump via the second heat pump.

[0106] In another embodiment, the refrigerant of the at least one first heat pump heats part of the water flowing out of the water tank, and the refrigerant of the at least one second heat pump heats another part of the water flowing out of the water tank. That is, the water flowing out of the water tank can be supplemented with heat by the first heat pump through the supplementary water pump, and the water flowing out of the water tank can be supplemented with heat by the second heat pump through the reflux water pump.

[0107] In another embodiment, the refrigerant of the at least one first heat pump heats part of the water flowing out of the water tank, and the other part of the water flowing out of the water tank heats the refrigerant of the at least one second heat pump. That is, the water flowing out of the water tank can be supplemented with heat by the first heat pump through the supplementary water pump, and the water in the water tank can be pumped to the second heat pump through the reflux water pump to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, so as to participate in the defrosting process.

[0108] In another embodiment, part of the water flowing out of the water tank heats the refrigerant of the at least one first heat pump, and another part of the water flowing out of the water tank heats the refrigerant of the at least one second heat pump. That is, the water in the water tank can be pumped to the first heat pump by a make-up water pump to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein, and the water in the water tank can be pumped to the second heat pump by a reflux water pump to heat the defrosted refrigerant therein.

[0109] In some embodiments of the present specification, when a preset condition is met, the flow control device is controlled to conduct the connecting pipeline, and the water supply pump is controlled to operate so as to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps. The preset condition may include at least one of the following: the water in the water tank needs to be returned to the water inlet of the heat pump that is not connected to the return pipeline among the multiple heat pumps; the water in the water tank needs to be returned to at least two of the multiple heat pumps.

[0110] In this embodiment, the water replenishment pump is controlled to return the water in the water tank only when the preset conditions are met.

[0111] In one embodiment, the return line is connected to the water inlets of only some of the heat pumps among the multiple heat pumps, that is, there are heat pumps that are not connected to the return line. When the water in the water tank needs to be returned to the water inlet of the heat pump that is not connected to the return line, it is determined that the preset conditions are met. At this time, the connecting line can be controlled to be connected and the water supply pump can be controlled to operate so as to return the water in the water tank through the water supply pump. Specifically, when the heat pump that is not connected to the return line needs to be defrosted, or when circulating heat supply needs to be performed through the heat pump that is not connected to the return line, the water in the water tank can be returned to the water inlet of the heat pump that is not connected to the return line through the water supply pump.

[0112] In another embodiment, when the water in the water tank needs to be refluxed to at least two of the multiple heat pumps, it is determined that the preset conditions are met. At this time, the connecting pipeline can be controlled to be connected and the water supply pump can be controlled to operate so as to reflux the water in the water tank through the water supply pump. Specifically, when at least two heat pumps need to be defrosted, or when circulating heat supplement is required through at least two heat pumps, reflux only through the reflux water pump may not be sufficient to meet the defrosting or heat supplement requirements. Therefore, the water in the water tank can be refluxed to the water inlet of at least two heat pumps through both the water supply pump and the circulating pump to improve the circulating heat supplement efficiency and the defrosting efficiency.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present specification, the water replenishment pipeline may include a water replenishment trunk and a plurality of water replenishment branches. The connecting pipeline is connected to the water replenishment trunk. A water replenishment valve may be provided on the portion of the water replenishment trunk upstream of the connection between the water replenishment trunk and the connecting pipeline. One end of the water replenishment trunk is connected to the water source, and the other end of the water replenishment trunk is connected to one end of each of the plurality of water replenishment branches. The plurality of water replenishment branches correspond one-to-one to the plurality of heat pumps. The other end of each of the plurality of water replenishment branches is connected to the water inlet of the corresponding heat pump. The water replenishment pipeline may be provided with a first valve for at least controlling the independent on / off of each of the plurality of water replenishment branches. Accordingly, controlling the water supply pump to operate so as to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps may include: controlling the water supply valve to close, controlling the first valve to connect at least one of the multiple water supply branches, and controlling the water supply pump to operate so as to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one heat pump corresponding to the at least one water supply branch. In this embodiment, when the water supply pump is used to return the water in the water tank, the water supply valve may be controlled to close to prevent cold water from the water source from flowing into the water supply pipeline. The first valve on the water supply pipeline may also be controlled to connect at least one of the multiple water supply branches, and the water supply pump may be controlled to operate so as to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one heat pump corresponding to the at least one connected water supply branch.

[0114] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may further include: when controlling the water supply pump to operate so as to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps, if the water tank needs to be replenished with water, controlling the flow control device to disconnect the connecting pipe, and controlling the water supply valve to open, so as to pump the water flowing out of the water source to at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the water supply pump for heating and then replenishing the water tank. In this embodiment, when the water supply pump is used to return the water in the water tank, if there is a need for water supply, water supply is given priority. In one embodiment, a water level detection device may be provided in the water tank, and when the water level detection device detects that the water level is lower than the first preset water level, it is determined that the water tank needs to be replenished with water. Specifically, when the water supply pump is used to return the water in the water tank, if there is a need for water supply, the flow control device is controlled to disconnect the connecting pipe so that the water supply pump no longer returns the water flowing out of the water tank. In addition, the water replenishment valve can be controlled to open so that the cold water flowing out of the water source flows into the water replenishment pipeline, so that the cold water in the water replenishment pipeline is pumped to at least one of the multiple heat pumps by the water replenishment pump for heating and then replenished into the water tank, thereby replenishing the water tank. In this embodiment, by setting the priority of the water replenishment demand to be higher than the priority of defrosting and circulating heat replenishment, the water tank can be replenished with water first, avoiding the water level in the water tank being too low and causing the user's water demand to be unable to be met.

[0115] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may further include: when water replenishment is completed, controlling the water replenishment valve to close, and controlling the water replenishment pump to stop working; when the preset conditions are met, controlling the flow control device to conduct the connecting pipeline, and controlling the water replenishment pump to operate, so as to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the water replenishment pump. In this embodiment, after water replenishment is completed, water replenishment can be stopped. Specifically, in one embodiment, when the water level detection device detects that the water level in the water tank reaches the second preset water level, it is determined that water replenishment is completed. When water replenishment is completed, the water replenishment valve can be controlled to close and the water replenishment pump can be controlled to stop working to prevent cold water from the water source from entering the water inlet of the heat pump, thereby stopping water replenishment. After stopping water replenishment, if the preset conditions are met, the flow control device can be controlled to open the connecting pipeline, and the water replenishment pump can be controlled to operate, so that the water in the water tank can be returned to at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the water replenishment pump to circulate and heat the water in the water tank or to heat the refrigerant after defrosting in the heat pump.

[0116] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may further include: when the water tank needs to be replenished with water, controlling the flow control device to conduct the connecting pipeline, controlling the water replenishment valve to open, controlling the first valve to conduct at least one of the multiple water replenishment branches, and controlling the water replenishment pump to operate, so that the water flowing out of the water source and the water flowing out of the water tank are pumped to at least one heat pump corresponding to the at least one water replenishment branch through the water replenishment pump for heating and then replenished into the water tank. In this embodiment, when water replenishment is needed, the connecting pipeline is conducted so that the cold water flowing out of the water source and the hot water flowing out of the water tank are mixed and then pumped to at least one heat pump for heating and then replenished into the water tank, so as to replenish the water tank. In this embodiment, by mixing the hot water flowing out of the water tank with the cold water flowing out of the water source, the inlet temperature of the water flowing into the water inlet of at least one heat pump can be increased, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the set temperature of the water tank. Therefore, the heat pump can heat more water, thereby increasing the inlet flow rate flowing into the water inlet of the heat pump, ensuring that the opening of the first valve used to adjust the flow of the corresponding water supply branch is large, so as to avoid the problem of low flow regulation accuracy when the opening of the first valve is too low, thereby improving the regulation accuracy of the heat pump outlet water temperature.

[0117] In one embodiment, when the water inlet flow rate of the water source is lower than a preset flow rate, when the water tank needs to be replenished with water, the flow control device is controlled to open the connecting pipeline, the water replenishment valve is controlled to open, the first valve is controlled to open at least one of the multiple water replenishment branches, and the water replenishment pump is controlled to operate, so that the water flowing out of the water source and the water flowing out of the water tank are pumped to at least one heat pump corresponding to at least one water replenishment branch through the water replenishment pump for heating and then replenished into the water tank.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present specification, the flow control device is a three-way valve that can be set at the connection between the connecting pipeline and the water replenishment pipeline. Accordingly, when the water tank needs to be replenished with water, the water replenishment valve is controlled to open, the first valve is controlled to conduct at least one of the multiple water replenishment branches, the three-way valve is controlled to adjust the flow of water flowing from the water tank to the water replenishment pipeline via the connecting pipeline and / or to adjust the flow of water flowing from the water source to the water replenishment pipeline, and the water replenishment pump is controlled to operate so that the water flowing out of the water source and the water flowing out of the water tank are pumped to at least one heat pump corresponding to the at least one water replenishment branch through the water replenishment pump for heating and then replenished into the water tank. In this embodiment, the three-way valve is set at the connection between the water replenishment pipeline and the connecting pipeline. By adjusting the three-way valve, the flow rate of water flowing from the water tank through the connecting pipe to the water supply pipe and / or the flow rate of water flowing from the water source to the water supply pipe can be adjusted, so that the temperature of the mixed water can be adjusted, and then the opening of the first valve used to adjust the water flow rate of at least one water supply branch can be adjusted.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may further include: when the water tank needs to be replenished with water and the water in the water tank needs to flow back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps, controlling the flow control device to disconnect the connecting pipe, controlling the replenishment pump to operate so as to pump the water flowing out of the water source to the water tank through the water inlet of at least one first heat pump among the multiple heat pumps, and controlling the reflux water pump to operate so as to flow the water in the water tank back to the water inlet of at least one second heat pump among the multiple heat pumps; the at least one second heat pump is one or more heat pumps among the multiple heat pumps except the at least one first heat pump. In this embodiment, when water replenishment and defrosting are required or water replenishment and heat supplement are required, the flow control device can be controlled to disconnect the connecting pipeline, the water replenishment pump can be controlled to replenish water to the water tank through a heat pump, and the return water pump can be controlled to pump the water in the water tank to another heat pump to replenish heat for the water in the water tank or to heat the defrosted refrigerant in another heat pump, so that the heat pump hot water system can be replenished with water and heat supplement or replenished with water and defrosted at the same time, and the defrosting efficiency and heat supplement efficiency of the heat pump hot water system can be improved while ensuring the water replenishment efficiency of the heat pump hot water system.

[0120] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may further include: when the water tank needs to be replenished with water and the water in the water tank needs to flow back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps, controlling the flow control device to open the connecting pipeline, controlling the replenishment pump to operate so as to pump the water flowing out of the water source and part of the water in the water tank to the water tank through the water inlet of at least one first heat pump among the multiple heat pumps, and controlling the reflux water pump to operate so as to flow back another part of the water in the water tank to the water inlet of at least one second heat pump among the multiple heat pumps; the at least one second heat pump is one or more heat pumps among the multiple heat pumps except the at least one first heat pump. In this embodiment, when water replenishment and defrosting are required or water replenishment and heat replenishment are required, the flow control device can be controlled to conduct the connecting pipeline, control the water replenishment pump to operate, and the water mixed with the cold water flowing out of the water source and part of the hot water flowing out of the water tank is used to replenish the water tank through a heat pump, and the return water pump is controlled to operate to pump the water in the water tank to another heat pump to replenish the water in the water tank or heat the defrosted refrigerant in another heat pump, so that the heat pump hot water system can be replenished with water and heat replenished or replenished with water and defrosted at the same time, and the defrosting efficiency and heat replenishment efficiency of the heat pump hot water system can be improved while ensuring the water replenishment efficiency of the heat pump hot water system. In addition, by mixing the hot water flowing out of the water tank with the cold water flowing out of the water source and then replenishing water, it can be ensured that the opening of the first valve used to adjust the flow of the corresponding water replenishment branch is large, so as to avoid the problem of low flow regulation accuracy when the first valve opening is too low, and thus the regulation accuracy of the heat pump outlet water temperature can be improved.

[0121] Please refer to Fig.12 , shows a flow chart of a heat pump hot water system control method in a specific embodiment of this specification. Fig.12 As shown, the heat pump hot water system control method in this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0122] Step 1, start.

[0123] Step 2, determine whether the water tank needs to be refilled. If yes, go to step 3, otherwise, go to step 6.

[0124] Step 3, control the water supply valve to be turned on, control the water supply pump to run, and control the connecting pipeline to be disconnected, so that the water flowing out of the water source is pumped to at least one heat pump through the water supply pump for heating and then replenished into the water tank.

[0125] Step 4, determine whether the water replenishment is completed. If yes, proceed to step 5, otherwise continue to step 3.

[0126] Step 5, controlling the water supply valve to disconnect, controlling the water supply pump to stop, and controlling the first valve to disconnect at least one water supply branch to stop water supply.

[0127] Step 6, determine whether the water in the water tank needs to be refluxed. If yes, go to step 8, otherwise, go to step 10.

[0128] Step 7, determine whether the preset conditions are met. The preset conditions include at least one of the following: the water in the water tank needs to flow back to the water inlet of the heat pump that is not connected to the return pipeline among the multiple heat pumps; the water in the water tank needs to flow back to at least two heat pumps among the multiple heat pumps. If yes, execute step 8, otherwise, execute step 9.

[0129] Step 8, controlling the water supply pump to operate or controlling both the water supply pump and the return water pump to operate, and controlling the connection of the connecting pipeline to return the water in the water tank through the water supply pump or the water supply pump and the return water pump.

[0130] Step 9, controlling the operation of the reflux water pump and controlling the disconnection of the connecting pipeline to reflux the water in the water tank through the reflux water pump.

[0131] Step 10, end.

[0132] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above-mentioned related processing related embodiments, and no further description is given here.

[0133] The above is a description of a specific embodiment of the specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recorded in the claims can be performed in an order different from that in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. In addition, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or continuous order shown to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0134] The embodiments of the present specification also provide a main controller for a heat pump hot water system, and the main controller is configured to execute the heat pump hot water system control method according to any of the above embodiments.

[0135] The present specification also provides a heat pump water heating system, which may include a main controller in the above embodiment. Fig.13 , shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump hot water system in the embodiment of this specification. Fig.13 As shown, the heat pump hot water system may further include a plurality of heat pumps 10. The main controller 200 is in communication connection with the plurality of heat pumps 10.

[0136] The embodiments of this specification also provide a host heat pump for a heat pump hot water system. The host heat pump may include the main controller in the above embodiments.

[0137] The present specification also provides a heat pump hot water system. Fig.14 , shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump hot water system in the embodiment of this specification. Fig.14 As shown, the heat pump hot water system may include multiple heat pumps 10. The heat pump hot water system may also include the host heat pump in the above embodiment. The host heat pump is one of the multiple heat pumps 10. Schematically, Fig.14 The leftmost heat pump 10 is a master heat pump. The other heat pumps except the master heat pump in the plurality of heat pumps 10 are slave heat pumps. The slave heat pump may include a slave controller 300. The master controller 200 is in communication connection with the slave controller 300.

[0138] It should be understood that the above description is for illustration and not for limitation. Many embodiments and many applications beyond the examples provided will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of this specification should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should be determined with reference to the preceding claims and the full scope of equivalents to which these claims belong.

[0139] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. For those skilled in the art, the embodiments of this specification may have various changes and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of this specification shall be included in the protection scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A heat pump hot water system, characterized in that: The heat pump hot water system comprises a plurality of heat pumps, a water tank for storing and supplying hot water, a return pipeline, a water supply pipeline and a connecting pipeline; The reflux port of the water tank is connected to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the reflux pipeline, and the reflux pipeline is provided with a reflux water pump, and the reflux water pump is used to return the water in the water tank to the water inlet of the at least one heat pump; One end of the water supply pipeline is connected to a water source, and the other end of the water supply pipeline is connected to the water inlets of the multiple heat pumps, and a water supply pump is provided on the water supply pipeline; The water outlets of the multiple heat pumps are all connected to the inlet of the water tank; One end of the connecting pipeline is connected to the portion of the return pipeline located upstream of the return water pump, and the other end of the connecting pipeline is connected to the portion of the water replenishment pipeline located upstream of the water replenishment pump; The heat pump hot water system further comprises a flow control device, which is used to at least control the on-off of the connecting pipeline; When the connecting pipeline is in a connecting state, the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the water replenishment pump.

2. The heat pump hot water system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the connecting pipeline is in a connected state, a portion of the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the reflux water pump, and another portion of the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the make-up water pump.

3. The heat pump hot water system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water in the water tank refluxed by the reflux water pump and the water in the water tank refluxed by the make-up water pump can be refluxed to the water inlet of the same heat pump among the multiple heat pumps; or, The water in the water tank refluxed by the reflux water pump and the water in the water tank refluxed by the make-up water pump can be refluxed to the water inlets of different heat pumps among the multiple heat pumps.

4. The heat pump hot water system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water supply pipeline includes a water supply trunk line and a plurality of water supply branches; The connecting pipeline is connected to the water replenishment trunk; a water replenishment valve is provided on the water replenishment trunk upstream of the connection between the water replenishment trunk and the connecting pipeline; one end of the water replenishment trunk is used to be connected to the water source, and the other end of the water replenishment trunk is connected to one end of each of the multiple water replenishment branches; The multiple water replenishment branches correspond to the multiple heat pumps one by one, and the other end of each of the multiple water replenishment branches is connected to the water inlet of the corresponding heat pump; the water replenishment pipeline is provided with a first valve for at least controlling the independent on and off of each of the multiple water replenishment branches; When the connecting pipeline is in a connected state, if the first valve connects at least one of the multiple water replenishment branches, the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of the corresponding heat pump through the water replenishment pump.

5. The heat pump hot water system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The return pipeline is only connected to the water inlets of some of the heat pumps among the multiple heat pumps; or, The return pipeline is connected to the water inlets of all the heat pumps in the plurality of heat pumps.

6. The heat pump hot water system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The return pipeline is connected to the water inlets of at least two heat pumps among the plurality of heat pumps; The reflux pipeline includes a reflux main line and at least two reflux branches; one end of the reflux main line is connected to the reflux port of the water tank, and the other end of the reflux main line is connected to one end of each of the at least two reflux branches; The at least two reflux branches correspond one-to-one to the at least two heat pumps; The other end of each of the at least two reflux branches is connected to the water inlet of the corresponding heat pump; the reflux pipeline is provided with a second valve for at least controlling the independent opening and closing of each of the at least two reflux branches; When the second valve connects at least one of the at least two reflux branches, the water in the water tank can flow back to the water inlet of the corresponding heat pump through the reflux water pump.

7. The heat pump hot water system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow control device is a three-way valve, which is arranged at the connection between the connecting pipeline and the water supply pipeline, or at the connection between the connecting pipeline and the return pipeline; or, The flow control device includes a third valve arranged on the communication pipeline.

8. The heat pump hot water system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat pump hot water system has a first operating mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the first operating mode, the reflux water pump and the make-up water pump are both in operation, the connecting pipeline is in a conducting state, and the make-up water valve is in a closed state, so that a portion of the water in the water tank flows back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the reflux water pump, and another portion of the water in the water tank flows back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the make-up water pump.

9. The heat pump hot water system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat pump hot water system has a second operating mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the second operating mode, the return water pump and the make-up water pump are both in operation, the connecting pipeline is in a disconnected state, and the make-up water valve is in an open state, so that the water in the water tank flows back to the water inlet of at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the return water pump, and the water flowing out of the water source is pumped to at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the make-up water pump for heating.

10. The heat pump hot water system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat pump hot water system has a third operating mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the third operating mode, the water make-up pump is in an operating state, the connecting pipeline is in a conducting state, and the water make-up valve is in an open state, so that the water flowing out of the water source is mixed with at least part of the water flowing out of the reflux port of the water tank and then pumped by the water make-up pump to at least one of the multiple heat pumps for heating and then replenished into the water tank.

11. The heat pump hot water system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat pump hot water system has a fourth operating mode. When the heat pump hot water system operates in the fourth operating mode, the reflux water pump and the make-up water pump are both in operation, so that a portion of water flowing out of the reflux port of the water tank flows back to at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the reflux water pump, so that the water flowing out of the water source is mixed with another portion of water flowing out of the reflux port of the water tank and then pumped to at least one of the multiple heat pumps through the make-up water pump for heating and then replenished into the water tank.

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