Air energy heat pump water heater
By combining a small air-source heat pump water heater with a temperature control system and a concealed fan design, the problems of low effective hot water volume, high installation difficulty, and reduced heating capacity in winter of household heat pump water heaters are solved. This achieves improved hot water utilization and equipment miniaturization, making it suitable for indoor installation and reducing costs and noise.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 刘锋
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing household heat pump water heaters suffer from problems such as low actual effective hot water volume, high installation difficulty, reduced heating capacity in winter, and low energy efficiency, which are particularly noticeable when used by multiple people and in winter.
It adopts a small air source heat pump water heater, combined with a heat pump refrigerant circulation system and a non-pressurized insulated water tank. The water supply control system, consisting of a temperature measuring tube, a water supply solenoid valve and a thermostat, ensures stable water temperature. The main unit runs automatically to replenish cold water. The fan and evaporator are hidden in the ceiling to reduce noise and size. It also uses indoor air exchange to reduce environmental impact.
It achieves stable hot water temperature output, improves hot water utilization, reduces equipment cost and installation difficulty, is suitable for indoor installation, has strong adaptability, reduces environmental noise and size, and enhances the popularity of the equipment.
Smart Images

Figure CN224470438U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of hot water heating and heat storage equipment, specifically an air source heat pump water heater. Background Technology
[0002] Heat pump water heaters are slow-heating devices that require a large energy storage and heat preservation water tank. Current technology for household heat pump water heaters involves configuring a pressurized water tank with a constant water volume.
[0003] In the process of realizing this utility model, the inventors discovered the following problems with the prior art:
[0004] 1. The existing device automatically replenishes cold water according to the amount of hot water used, causing the water temperature in the tank to drop rapidly. This results in users being unable to continue using the water because the temperature is too low for bathing. The actual effective amount of hot water used is far less than the water tank's storage capacity, especially in winter when the hot water utilization rate is as low as about 60%. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the volume of the insulated water tank to meet the requirements.
[0005] 2. Household heat pump water heaters need to meet the hot water requirements of multiple family members. The main unit power configuration is above 1P, and it is equipped with an insulated water tank of more than 150L. The overall size is large, and the vibration and noise are high. Usually, air source heat pump water heaters and water tanks can only be placed outdoors, and then hot water is transported indoors through pipes. The installation difficulty and cost are too high, making it difficult to popularize.
[0006] 3. In addition, outdoor heat pump water heaters currently suffer from problems such as difficulty in dissipating heat in winter and the impact of frost formation, which significantly reduces their hot water production capacity and results in low energy efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0007] In response to the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides an air source heat pump water heater, which solves the problems of low actual effective hot water volume, difficult installation, and heating capacity being affected by winter in existing devices.
[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an air-source heat pump water heater, comprising a heat pump refrigerant circulation system and a hot water system. The heat pump refrigerant circulation system includes a compressor, a condenser pipe, a refrigerant expansion valve, an evaporator, and a fan. The condenser pipe is placed inside the inner tank of the water heater. The fan and the evaporator form an evaporative heat exchange device. The exhaust pipe of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the condenser pipe via piping. The outlet of the condenser pipe is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant expansion valve. The inlet and outlet of the evaporator are respectively connected to the... The outlet of the refrigerant expansion valve is connected to the suction port of the compressor; the hot water system mainly consists of a non-pressurized insulated water tank, inlet and outlet water pipes, and control equipment. The bottom of the insulated water tank has a water inlet pipe, a temperature measuring pipe, an outlet pipe, and a drain. A water inlet solenoid valve is installed on the water inlet pipe and connected to an external water source. A water pump is installed on the outlet pipe and connected to a mixing valve. Cold water and hot water are output for use through the mixing valve. The water replenishment control system consists of a float switch, a temperature sensor inside the temperature measuring pipe, a thermostat, the water replenishment solenoid valve, and a relay.
[0009] Preferably, the water outlet pipe is equipped with a water pump to ensure water supply pressure; the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are respectively oriented towards the left and right ends of the water tank in different directions, the water inlet pipe is horizontal, and the water outlet pipe is oriented diagonally upward to prevent water from entering the outlet too early; the temperature measuring tube is located between the water outlet pipe and the water inlet pipe; the temperature measuring tube and the water outlet pipe are higher than the bottom of the water tank to ensure that the insulated water tank always retains a small amount of water.
[0010] Preferably, the fan and the evaporator form an evaporative heat exchange device, with the bottom fixedly installed on the ceiling and the upper part hidden inside the ceiling. The fan exchanges heat with the evaporator indoors and then discharges it to the outside through pipes.
[0011] Preferably, the specifications of the heat pump refrigerant circulation system are only about one-third of those of a conventional household heat pump integrated unit.
[0012] Preferably, the control technology of the hot water system is characterized by controlling the amount of cold water added and controlling the operation of the main unit, taking the water temperature in the water tank as a prerequisite, which greatly improves the utilization rate of hot water in the insulated water tank.
[0013] Beneficial effects
[0014] This utility model provides an air source heat pump water heater, which has the following advantages: it can achieve temperature control, detect temperature changes in a timely manner, and ensure a stable output of hot water; it is small in size, and its hot water production is much smaller than that of a household heat pump water heater that is sufficient for one household; it has low noise, small size, and small heat exchange air volume, which has less impact on the environment and is more suitable for indoor operation; it saves installation costs, reduces equipment costs, and is conducive to popularization; it allows for natural heat exchange with outdoor air through windows or with air in adjacent rooms through door gaps, and when the temperature is too low, it can be linked with the original indoor exhaust fan to exhaust the colder air to the outside. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of this utility model.
[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of this utility model.
[0019] Figure 5 This is the electrical control diagram of this utility model.
[0020] In the diagram: 1. Water tank outer shell; 2. Water tank inner liner; 3. Insulation layer; 4. Condenser pipe; 5. Drain outlet; 6. Equipment box; 7. Water inlet pipe; 8. Water inlet solenoid valve; 9. Water inlet regulating valve; 10. Mixing valve; 11. Water outlet pipe; 12. Water pump; 13. Compressor; 14. Water tank cover; 15. Refrigerant expansion valve; 16. Evaporator; 17. Overflow pipe; 18. Air inlet; 19. Float switch; 20. Water collection tray; 21. Air outlet; 22. Fan; 23. Temperature measuring tube; 24. Thermostat; 25. Low-pressure copper pipe; 26. High-pressure copper pipe; 27. Control main board; 28. Water pump start button; 29. Manual water inlet button; 30. Controller display; 31. Ceiling; 32. Side wall.
[0021] K1, Water supply relay; K2, Water shut-off relay; T1, Manual pump start button; T2, Manual water supply self-locking button; YV, Water supply solenoid valve; RJ, Outlet pressurized water pump; LW, Float switch; W1, Water temperature thermostat; W2, Room temperature thermostat; F, Exhaust fan. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0023] Please see Figure 1-5 This utility model provides a technical solution: an air source heat pump water heater, including a heat pump refrigerant circulation system and a hot water system. The heat pump refrigerant circulation system includes a compressor 13, a condenser 4, a refrigerant expansion valve 15, an evaporator 16, and a fan 22. The condenser 4 is placed inside the inner tank 2 of the water tank. The fan 22 and the evaporator 16 form an evaporative heat exchange device. The exhaust pipe of the compressor 13 is connected to the inlet of the condenser 4 through piping. The outlet of the condenser 4 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant expansion valve 15. The inlet and outlet of the evaporator 16 are respectively connected to the refrigerant expansion valve 15. The outlet of 5 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 13; the hot water system mainly consists of a non-pressurized insulated water tank, inlet and outlet water pipes and control equipment. The bottom of the insulated water tank has a water inlet pipe 7, a temperature measuring pipe 23, an outlet pipe 11 and a drain outlet 5. A water inlet solenoid valve 8 is installed on the water inlet pipe 7 and then connected to an external water source. A water pump 12 is installed on the outlet pipe 11 and then connected to a mixing valve 10. Cold water and hot water are output for use through the mixing valve 10; the water replenishment control system consists of a float switch 19, a temperature sensor in the temperature measuring pipe 23, a thermostat 24, the water replenishment solenoid valve 8 and a relay.
[0024] In this embodiment, the water outlet pipe 11 is further configured such that the water pump 12 is added to ensure the water supply pressure; the water inlet pipe 7 and the water outlet pipe 11 are respectively oriented towards the left and right ends of the water tank in different directions, the water inlet pipe 7 is oriented horizontally; the water outlet pipe 11 is oriented diagonally upwards to prevent water from entering the outlet too early; the temperature measuring pipe 23 is located between the water outlet pipe 11 and the water inlet pipe 7; the temperature measuring pipe 23 and the water outlet pipe 11 are higher than the bottom of the water tank, so that the insulated water tank always retains a small amount of water.
[0025] When showering, cold water is added. When the water temperature in the tank drops below the stop-refill temperature, the thermostat controls the water-refilling solenoid valve to stop adding water. The set stop-refill temperature must be a few degrees higher than the required showering temperature. When the water temperature in the tank rises to the fill temperature, the thermostat controls the fill temperature solenoid valve to open and continue adding water, with the fill temperature set a few degrees higher than the stop-refill temperature. This keeps the water temperature in the tank consistently above the required showering temperature, preventing the newly added cold water from cooling the tank too much and affecting showering. Hot water can be used until the water level in the tank drops to the minimum, allowing for nearly 100% hot water utilization. Further improving hot water utilization: Because heat pump water heaters feature water and electricity separation, there is no risk of electric leakage during operation. By allowing the heat pump unit to run simultaneously during bathing to heat water promptly, the hot water supply capacity is improved, with a utilization rate exceeding 100%. Specifically: In winter, if the unit's maximum temperature is set to 55 degrees Celsius, the unit stops when the water temperature in the tank reaches 55 degrees Celsius. When bathing, the hot water output and tank water level drop, and the float switch controls the opening of the water replenishment solenoid valve to add cold water. This also causes the tank water temperature to drop. When the tank water temperature falls below the unit's starting temperature of 52 degrees Celsius, the unit automatically starts operating. The calculation of the additional heat generated during bathing, converted into additional hot water volume, is as follows: If the unit's heating capacity is 1000W, and the newly added water temperature is 15 degrees Celsius, raising it to 55 degrees Celsius, the water production per hour under standard operating conditions is: 0.86 × 1000 ÷ (55 - 15) = 21.5 L / h. The water production capacity is 21.5 L / h. Assuming a shower lasts two hours, this equates to approximately 21.5 x 2 = 43 liters of hot water at 55 degrees Celsius being heated. This means an 80-liter tank effectively provides 123 liters of hot water, enough for 3-4 people. This size is perfectly suited for indoor installation. The relatively constant water temperature enhances the showering experience and makes it safer.
[0026] This ensures that water is always present at the bottom of the condenser, preventing it from running dry even when the main unit is running continuously. When the water temperature exceeds the replenishment temperature, the thermostat controls the replenishment solenoid valve to automatically add water. The entire system ensures stable hot water output while automatically replenishing water and keeping the main unit running automatically.
[0027] In this embodiment, the fan 22 and the evaporator 16 form an evaporative heat exchange device, with the bottom fixedly installed on the ceiling 31 and the upper part hidden inside the ceiling 31. The fan 22 exchanges heat with the evaporator 16 indoors and then discharges it to the outside through a pipe.
[0028] In this embodiment, the specifications of the heat pump refrigerant circulation system are only about one-third of those of a conventional household heat pump integrated machine.
[0029] The reason for adopting a smaller size is as follows: This heat pump water heater is placed in the bathroom or kitchen, designed for the hot water consumption of a single room, i.e., the bathing capacity of 3-4 people. The hot water production is much smaller compared to a household heat pump water heater that meets the needs of a single family. It has lower noise, smaller size, and smaller heat exchange air volume, resulting in less environmental impact and making it more suitable for indoor operation. It saves on installation costs, reduces equipment costs, and facilitates widespread adoption. It will increase the daily operating time of the system, but it is still within the capacity of the heat pump unit. The daily operating time is calculated as follows: heating time based on a daily consumption of 150L: 150 ÷ 21.5 = 7 hours.
[0030] This embodiment is further configured such that the control technology of the hot water system is based on meeting the water temperature in the water tank as a prerequisite, controlling the amount of cold water added and controlling the operation of the main unit, which greatly improves the utilization rate of hot water in the insulated water tank.
[0031] Its detailed connection method is a well-known technology in this field. The following mainly introduces the working principle and process, and the specific work is as follows.
[0032] Figure 5 The circuit diagram shows the following workflow: After power-on, upon initial water addition, press the manual water replenishment self-locking button T2. This energizes the water replenishment relay K1, controlling the water replenishment solenoid valve YV to open and begin water replenishment. When the water level reaches the maximum level, the float switch LW disconnects, de-energizing the water replenishment relay K1 and controlling the water replenishment solenoid valve YV to close, stopping water replenishment. Once the water temperature reaches the maximum set temperature, the main unit stops heating. Recommended maximum set temperature: 55 degrees Celsius in winter and 50 degrees Celsius in summer. During showering, hot water flows out and cold water is added, causing the water temperature to drop. If the temperature drops below the maximum temperature by 3 degrees Celsius, the main unit will start heating. When the water temperature drops to the set temperature required for showering (recommended setting: 45 degrees Celsius), the water temperature controller W1 outputs to energize the water cut-off relay K2, de-energize the water replenishment relay K1, and de-energize the water replenishment solenoid valve YV to stop water replenishment. When the water temperature rises back to the set water replenishment temperature (recommended setting: 48 degrees Celsius), the thermostat outputs to energize the water cut-off relay K2, energize the water replenishment relay K1, and energize the water replenishment solenoid valve YV to start water replenishment. During showering, the mixing valve opens, and the pressurized water pump RJ automatically senses and starts pressurizing and outputting hot water. Pressing the manual pump start button T1 allows manual start of the water pump as an alternative to automatic start. The system is linked to the indoor exhaust fan F. To prevent the indoor temperature from dropping too low due to the heat pump operation, when the indoor temperature falls below the set minimum temperature, the room temperature controller W2 outputs to control the exhaust fan F to start exhausting air and restore the indoor temperature.
[0033] Example 1:
[0034] The device in this application has a horizontal rectangular structure, consisting of a water tank shell 1 and an evaporative heat exchange device, which is mounted on a side wall. The reference specifications are: overall dimensions (length × width × height): 85cm × 32cm × 56cm; inner tank 2 has a water storage capacity of 80 liters; compressor 13 is model H072C6SEAAC2, with an input power of 284W and a heating capacity of 1099W; fan 22 has a power of 25W and an air volume of 250m³. 3 / h; Refrigerant expansion valve 15: made of copper capillary tube, inner diameter 0.8mm, length 0.8m; Evaporator 16: standard heat exchange 1140W, three rows of pipes, copper pipe outer diameter 7mm, length × width: 256mm × 256mm; Condenser 4: 316L stainless steel pipe, specification 9 meters 9.52mm; Compressor 13 and evaporator 16 are connected by copper pipes 25 and 26. The cold water replenishment control system consists of float switch 19, thermostat 24, temperature sensor in temperature measuring tube 23, water replenishment solenoid valve 8, relay, etc. Working process: After power-on, for the first water addition, press T2 manual button 29 to energize relay K1. After relay K1 is energized, it controls YV water replenishment solenoid valve 8 to open and start water replenishment. When the water level rises to the highest water level, float switch 19 disconnects, de-energizing relay K1, causing YV water replenishment solenoid valve 8 to close and stop water replenishment, and the water tank is full. After the water in the tank reaches the maximum set temperature, the main unit automatically stops. Recommended maximum set temperature: 55 degrees Celsius in winter, 50 degrees Celsius in summer. When starting to shower, the RJ water pump 12 turns on, hot water flows out, and the water level drops. The LW float switch 19 activates the K1 relay, controlling the YV water replenishment solenoid valve 8 to begin replenishing water. The suitable shower temperature is between 36-41 degrees Celsius. It is recommended that the W thermostat 24 be set to a stop replenishment temperature approximately 5 degrees Celsius higher than the suitable shower temperature, with a stop replenishment temperature of 45 degrees Celsius and a replenishment temperature of 48 degrees Celsius. When cold water is added, the water temperature drops to the stop replenishment temperature. The W thermostat 24 outputs an energizer to the K2 relay and de-energizes the K1 relay, controlling the water replenishment solenoid valve 8 to stop replenishing water. When the water temperature in the tank rises to the replenishment temperature, the W thermostat 24 outputs an energizer to the K2 relay and the K1 relay, energizing the YV water replenishment solenoid valve 8 to begin replenishing water. The water temperature in the tank is maintained above the shower temperature. When showering, the RJ water pump 12 automatically starts and pressurizes to output hot water after the mixing valve is opened and the RJ water pump 12 is automatically activated. Pressing button T1 28 allows manual activation of the RJ water pump 12 as an alternative to automatic activation. When the water temperature in the tank drops below the set temperature due to cold water replenishment or natural cooling, the main unit automatically starts to heat the hot water promptly. Air exchange: The air after heat exchange by the evaporator (16) and fan (22) is naturally exchanged with outdoor air through windows or door gaps with air in adjacent rooms. When the temperature is too low, it can be linked with the original indoor exhaust fan to exhaust the colder air to the outside.
[0035] Example 2:
[0036] This application presents a split-type device. The water tank is a horizontal rectangular structure mounted on the side wall, and the evaporative heat exchange device is embedded in the ceiling 31, concealed within the decorative ceiling 31. Reference selection: Insulated water tank dimensions: 80cm × 32cm × 56cm; inner tank 2, water storage capacity 80 liters; compressor 13, model H072C6SEAAC2, input power 284W, heating capacity 1099W; fan 22, power 25W, air volume 250m³ / h. 3 / h; Refrigerant expansion valve 15: made of copper capillary tube, inner diameter 0.8mm, length 0.8m; Evaporator 16: standard heat exchange 1140W, three rows of pipes, copper pipe outer diameter 7mm, length × width: 256mm × 256mm; Condenser 4: 316L stainless steel pipe, specification 9 meters 9.52mm; Compressor 13 and evaporator 16 are connected by copper pipes 25 and 26. The cold water replenishment control system consists of float switch 19, thermostat 24, temperature sensor in temperature measuring tube 23, water replenishment solenoid valve 8, relay, etc. Working process: After power-on, for the first water addition, press T2 manual button 29 to energize relay K1. After relay K1 is energized, it controls YV water replenishment solenoid valve 8 to open and start water replenishment. When the water level rises to the highest water level, float switch 19 disconnects, de-energizing relay K1, causing YV water replenishment solenoid valve 8 to close and stop water replenishment, and the water tank is full. The main unit automatically shuts off after the water in the tank heats to the maximum set temperature. Recommended maximum set temperature: 55 degrees Celsius in winter, 50 degrees Celsius in summer. When starting a shower, the RJ water pump 12 turns on, hot water flows out, and the water level drops. The LW float switch 19 activates, energizing the K1 relay, which in turn energizes the YV water replenishment solenoid valve 8 to begin replenishing water. The suitable shower temperature is between 36-41 degrees Celsius. It is recommended that the W thermostat 24 be set to a stop replenishment temperature approximately 5 degrees Celsius higher than the suitable shower temperature, with a stop replenishment temperature of 45 degrees Celsius and a replenishment temperature of 48 degrees Celsius. When cold water is added, the water temperature drops to the stop replenishment temperature. The W thermostat 24 then energizes the K2 relay and de-energizes the K1 relay, controlling the water replenishment solenoid valve 8 to stop replenishing water. When the water temperature in the tank rises to the replenishment temperature, the W thermostat 24 de-energizes the K2 relay and energizes the K1 relay, energizing the YV water replenishment solenoid valve 8 to begin replenishing water. The water temperature in the tank is maintained above the shower temperature. When showering, the RJ water pump 12 automatically starts and pressurizes to output hot water after the mixing valve is opened and the RJ water pump 12 is automatically sensed and started. Pressing button T1 28 allows manual start of the RJ water pump 12 as an alternative to automatic start. When the water temperature in the water tank is lower than the set temperature for the main unit due to cold water replenishment or natural cooling, the main unit automatically starts to heat the hot water in time. Air exchange: The evaporation device consists of an evaporator 16, a fan 22, a water collection tray, etc. The bottom dimensions are 30×30cm and it is embedded in the ceiling 31. The upper part is hidden in the decorative ceiling 31. It is connected to the water tank 1 and the equipment box 6 through refrigerant copper pipes 25 and 26. The fan 22 draws indoor air, which is heat-exchanged through the evaporator 16 and then discharged to the outside through pipes.
[0037] It should be noted that in this paper, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.
Claims
1. An air-source heat pump water heater, comprising a heat pump refrigerant circulation system and a hot water system, characterized in that, The heat pump refrigerant circulation system includes a compressor (13), a condenser (4), a refrigerant expansion valve (15), an evaporator (16), and a fan (22). The condenser (4) is placed inside the water tank liner (2). The fan (22) and the evaporator (16) form an evaporative heat exchange device. The exhaust pipe of the compressor (13) is connected to the inlet of the condenser (4) through a pipeline. The outlet of the condenser (4) is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant expansion valve (15). The inlet and outlet of the evaporator (16) are respectively connected to the outlet of the refrigerant expansion valve (15) and the suction port of the compressor (13). The hot water system mainly consists of a non-pressurized insulated water tank, inlet and outlet pipes, and control equipment. The bottom of the insulated water tank has a water inlet pipe (7), a temperature measuring pipe (23), an outlet pipe (11), and a drain outlet (5). A water inlet solenoid valve (8) is installed on the water inlet pipe (7) and then connected to an external water source. A water pump (12) is installed on the outlet pipe (11) and then connected to a mixing valve (10). Cold water and hot water are output for use through the mixing valve (10). The water replenishment control system consists of a float switch (19), a temperature sensor in the temperature measuring pipe (23), a thermostat (24), the water replenishment solenoid valve (8), and a relay.
2. The air source heat pump water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet pipe (11) is connected to the water pump (12) to ensure water supply pressure; the inlet of the water supply pipe (7) and the outlet pipe (11) are respectively oriented towards the left and right ends of the water tank in different directions. The inlet of the water supply pipe (7) is horizontal; the outlet of the water supply pipe (11) is slanted upward to prevent water from entering the outlet too early. The temperature measuring tube (23) is between the outlet pipe (11) and the water supply pipe (7). The temperature measuring tube (23) and the outlet pipe (11) are higher than the bottom of the water tank so that the insulated water tank always retains a small amount of water.
3. The air source heat pump water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fan (22) and the evaporator (16) form an evaporative heat exchange device. The bottom is fixedly installed on the ceiling (31), and the upper part is hidden inside the ceiling (31). The fan (22) exchanges heat with the indoor evaporator (16) and then discharges it to the outside through a pipe.
4. The air source heat pump water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specifications of the heat pump refrigerant circulation system are only about one-third of those of a conventional household heat pump integrated unit.
5. The air source heat pump water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control technology of the hot water system is characterized by prioritizing the water temperature in the tank, controlling the amount of cold water added and controlling the operation of the main unit, which greatly improves the utilization rate of hot water in the insulated water tank.