System and method for utilizing a grid connected heat pump coupled to an energy management system

Abstract

To provide a system, method and computer program product for utilizing a grid-connected heat pump coupled to an energy management system.SOLUTION: A method for utilizing a grid-connected heat pump, comprising: obtaining a current state of charge of an energy storage device of a heat pump system, the heat pump system comprising a heat pump; determining one or more modes of operation for the heat pump system based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device; and controlling the heat pump system based on the one or more modes of operation. Controlling the heat pump system comprises electrically connecting the energy storage device and / or the external power source to the heat pump, such that the energy storage device and / or the external power source provides power to the heat pump.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 664,549, filed June 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] background Electrification of heating can strain the grid by increasing and shifting peak demand. Current peak loads tend to occur in summer evenings, driven by electrically powered space cooling. However, especially in northern countries, more energy is used for space and water heating. Currently, this heating load is primarily met by natural gas, but heat pump technology has advanced significantly and is now cost-competitive in many areas, with the potential for lower emissions. Peak loads in certain areas may increase and shift to winter as heat pumps replace natural gas installations.

[0003] Energy storage resources located anywhere on the grid can address increasing peak loads but often face a trade-off between economies of scale and location value. Utility-scale storage benefits from scale, which reduces the installed cost per unit of storage capacity, but suffers from line losses when delivering energy through a transmission and distribution system that may be congested at the time. Standalone on-site storage benefits from greater efficiency by bypassing the transmission and distribution system when used for self-consumption, but suffers from high installed costs per unit of storage capacity. Furthermore, both utility-scale and on-site energy storage typically require inverters to convert output power to alternating current (AC) for the transmission system or building wiring, respectively. Because many loads operate on direct current (DC), this installation and associated power conversion are also costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some cases, a system is provided. The system includes a heat pump system having: a heat pump; an energy storage device configured to provide power to the heat pump; and a controller configured to: receive a request for a current state of charge of the energy storage device from a remote computing system; provide the current state of charge of the energy storage device to the remote computing system; and receive one or more control commands from the remote computing system instructing the heat pump system to power the heat pump using the energy storage device and / or an external power source; and, based on the one or more control commands, electrically connect the energy storage device and / or the external power source to the heat pump, so that the energy storage device and / or the external power source provides power to the heat pump. The system further includes a remote computing system configured to: provide a request for a current state of charge of the energy storage device; receive the current state of charge of the energy storage device; generate one or more control commands based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device; and provide the one or more control commands to the controller of the heat pump system.

[0005] In some examples, a method is provided, the method comprising: obtaining a current state of charge of an energy storage device of a heat pump system, the heat pump system comprising a heat pump; determining one or more operating modes for the heat pump system based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device; and controlling the heat pump system based on the one or more operating modes, wherein controlling the heat pump system comprises electrically connecting an energy storage device and / or an external power source to the heat pump, wherein the energy storage device and / or the external power source provides power to the heat pump.

[0006] In some variations, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon processor-executable instructions that, when executed, facilitate obtaining a current state of charge of an energy storage device of a heat pump system, the heat pump system having a heat pump; facilitating determining one or more operating modes for the heat pump system based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device; and facilitating controlling the heat pump system based on the one or more operating modes, wherein controlling the heat pump system includes electrically connecting an energy storage device and / or an external power source to the heat pump, such that the energy storage device and / or the external power source provides power to the heat pump.

[0007] All examples and features described in this specification may be combined in any technically possible manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The present technology will be described in more detail below based on illustrative drawings, but not limited to examples. All features described and / or illustrated herein can be used alone or in different combinations. Features and advantages of various examples will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings showing the following:

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing environment in accordance with one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of one or more devices or systems within the example environment of FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a simplified block diagram illustrating an exemplary heat pump system environment, according to one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a simplified circuit diagram of a heat pump system according to one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a heat pump system in a building, according to one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary process for controlling a heat pump system using a remote computing system according to one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for optimizing control of a heat pump system, according to one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 7A] 7A and 7B show an example flowchart for installing and configuring a heat pump system according to one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 7B] 7A and 7B show an example flowchart for installing and configuring a heat pump system according to one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 8A] 8A-8D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a heat pump system according to one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 8B] 8A-8D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a heat pump system according to one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 8C] 8A-8D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a heat pump system according to one or more examples of the present application. [Figure 8D] 8A-8D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a heat pump system according to one or more examples of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Detailed Description Examples of the present application will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, examples of the present application are shown. Indeed, the present application may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these examples are provided so that this application will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Where possible, all terms expressed in the singular herein are intended to include the plural, and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the terms "a" and / or "an" shall mean "one or more," even if the phrase "one or more" is also used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, when something is said to be "based on" something else, it may also be based on one or more other things. In other words, as used herein, "based on" means "based at least in part on" or "based at least in part on," unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0011] Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer program products for utilizing a grid-connected heat pump coupled to an energy management system. FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram depicting an exemplary environment according to examples of the present application. The environment 100 includes one or more buildings 102, an external power source 108, and a remote computing system 110. Each of the one or more buildings includes a heat pump system 104. While entities within the environment 100 may be described below and / or depicted in the figures as single entities, it will be understood that the entities and functionality described herein may be implemented by and / or include one or more entities.

[0012] Entities within environment 100, such as heat pump system 104, remote computing system 110, and external power source 108, may communicate with other systems or facilities within environment 100 via network 106. Network 106 may be a global area network (GAN) such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or any other type of network or combination of networks. Network 106 may provide wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless communications between entities within environment 100.

[0013] The buildings 102 may be any type of building, facility, structure, property, and / or site having a heat pump system 104. For example, in some variations, one or more of the buildings 102 may be a residence, such as a structure in which a single individual or family unit may reside. Additionally and / or alternatively, one or more of the buildings 102 may be a commercial building, such as an office, an industrial facility, a retail facility, a medical facility, and / or a multi-family residence (e.g., an apartment, condominium, and / or other property capable of accommodating multiple families).

[0014] Each building 102 may include a heat pump system 104 having a heat pump (e.g., an air conditioning unit). A heat pump is a device that uses work to transfer heat from a cold space to a warm space by transferring thermal energy using a refrigeration cycle, cooling the cold space and heating the warm space. In cold weather, the heat pump may move heat from the cold outdoors to heat the home; in warm climates, the heat pump may also be designed to move heat from the home to the warmer outdoors. Because heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it, they are more energy efficient than other methods of heating or cooling a home.

[0015] The heat pump system 104 may further include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery or other energy storage device), an energy management system (EMS), a communication interface (e.g., a gateway), and one or more controllers configured to control the heat pump by switching between powering the heat pump with an external power source 108 and / or an energy storage device within the heat pump system 104. The controller used to control how the heat pump is powered may be located within the EMS, within the communication interface, and / or may be located separately from both the EMS and the communication interface. For example, in some examples, in a first mode of operation, the EMS may be configured to connect the heat pump to the external power source 108 such that the external power source 108 powers the heat pump, and the heat pump is configured to heat or cool the building 102. In a second mode of operation, the EMS may be configured to connect the heat pump to an energy storage device such as a battery, and the battery powers the heat pump. In yet another mode of operation, the EMS may be configured to connect the heat pump to an external power source 108 such that the external power source 108 powers the heat pump, and further connect the energy storage device to the external power source 108 such that the external power source 108 charges the energy storage device. The heat pump system 104, the EMS, the heat pump, and the energy storage device will be described in further detail below.

[0016] The external power source 108 may be any type of power source that is external to the heat pump system 104 (e.g., not within the heat pump system 104) and that provides energy (e.g., electrical power) to the heat pump system 104. The dotted arrow in FIG. 1 indicates that electrical power is provided from the external power source 108 to the building 102 (e.g., the heat pump system 104). In some variations, the external power source 108 may be associated with a utility company. For example, the external power source 108 may be one or more power generation systems owned, managed, operated, and / or otherwise associated with a utility company. The power generation system may be any system capable of generating electrical power. For example, the power generation system may be and / or include a power plant or another power provider. The power generation system may provide electrical power (e.g., AC power) to the building 102 and / or the heat pump system 104. Additionally and / or alternatively, the external power source 108 may be another type of system that provides power to the heat pump system 104, such as a system that provides solar power (e.g., a solar power provider system), a system that provides wind power (e.g., a wind power provider system), and / or other types of power provider systems. In some examples, the external power source 108 may be external to the heat pump system 104, but may be within the same building 102 as the heat pump system 104. For example, the external power source 108 may be and / or include solar panels disposed on the building 102 (e.g., on the roof of the building 102) and configured to provide power to the heat pump system 104 within the building 102.

[0017] The remote computing system 110 is a computing system configured to control the operating modes of the heat pump system 104. For example, the remote computing system 110 may be configured to generate one or more commands and provide these commands to the heat pump system 104. Based on the commands, the heat pump system 104 may be configured to control how the heat pump is powered (e.g., powered based on using the external power source 108 and / or powered based on using an energy storage device). Control of the heat pump system 104 using the remote computing system 110 will be described in further detail below.

[0018] Remote computing system 110 includes one or more computing devices, computing platforms, cloud computing platforms, systems, servers, and / or other apparatuses capable of performing tasks, functions, and / or other actions. In some variations, remote computing system 110 may be implemented as an engine, software function, and / or application. In other words, functionality of remote computing system 110 may be implemented as software instructions stored in storage (e.g., memory) and executed by one or more processors. Additionally and / or alternatively, remote computing system 110 may be and / or include a cloud computing platform that runs cloud computing services.

[0019] It will be appreciated that the exemplary environment depicted in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and that the principles described herein may be applicable to other contexts including, for example, other types of institutions, organizations, devices, systems, and network structures.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example system and / or device 200 within environment 100. Device / system 200 includes a processor 204, such as a central processing unit (CPU), controller, and / or logic, that executes computer-executable instructions to perform the functions, steps, and / or methods described herein. In some examples, the computer-executable instructions are stored locally and accessed from a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as storage 210, which may be a hard drive or flash drive. Read-only memory (ROM) 206 includes computer-executable instructions for initializing processor 204, while random access memory (RAM) 208 is the main memory for loading and processing instructions executed by processor 204. Network interface 212 may be connected to a wired or cellular network, such as network 106, and to a local or wide area network. Device / system 200 may also include a bus 202 connecting processor 204, ROM 206, RAM 208, storage 210, and / or network interface 212. The components within device / system 200 may communicate with each other using bus 202. The components within device / system 200 are merely exemplary and may not include all components within device / system 200. Additionally and / or alternatively, device / system 200 may further include components that may not be included within all entities of environment 100.

[0021] 3A is a simplified block diagram depicting an exemplary heat pump system environment according to one or more examples of the present application. For example, the heat pump system environment 300 shows the external power source 108 and remote computing system 110 of the environment 100, but only shows a single heat pump system (e.g., a first heat pump system 302) for a single building 102. The first heat pump system 302 includes an energy storage device 304, an energy management system (EMS) 306, one or more heat pumps 310, and a communication interface (e.g., a gateway) 308. The energy storage device 304 may be any type of device and / or system configured to store and / or discharge energy. For example, the energy storage device 304 may be and / or include one or more batteries configured to store energy and discharge energy to power the heat pump 310. Additionally and / or alternatively, the energy storage device 304 may be and / or include a supercapacitor and / or other energy storage device. In some cases, based on the operating mode of the first heat pump system 302 , the external power source 108 may provide power to the energy storage device 304 to charge the energy storage device 304 .

[0022] The EMS 306 may be configured to control aspects of the first heat pump system 302, including controlling how power is supplied to the heat pump 310. For example, the EMS 306 may be configured to control whether the heat pump 310 is powered by the energy storage device 304 and / or the external power source 108 using one or more switches, relays, and / or other electrical elements. For example, the EMS 306 may include one or more processors, memory, logic, circuit elements (e.g., electrical switches, relays, and / or contactors), and / or other elements configured to switch the heat pump 310 to be powered by the energy storage device 304, the external power source 108, or both the energy storage device 304 and the external power source 108. In some examples, the EMS 306 may include a charge controller including one or more relays. Using the relays, the EMS 306 may be configured to switch the heat pump to be powered by the energy storage device or the external power source 108.

[0023] The EMS 306 may further communicate with the external power source 108 and / or the remote computing system 110 via the communication interface 308. For example, the remote computing system 110 may provide one or more requests for information and / or control commands to the EMS 306 via the communication interface 308. The EMS 306 may be configured to respond to the requests for information and provide the requested information to the remote computing system 110 via the communication interface 308. Further, based on the control commands, the EMS 306 may be configured to control the first heat pump system 302, including the heat pump 310. For example, in some examples, the control command may indicate that the heat pump 310 should be powered by the energy storage device 304. The EMS 306 may be configured to execute the control commands such that the heat pump 310 is powered by the energy storage device 304. For example, based on the control command, the EMS 306 may be configured to use one or more switches, relays, and / or electrical contactors to cause the energy storage device 304 to power the heat pump 310. In another example, the control command may indicate that the heat pump 310 should be powered by the external power source 108, and the EMS 306 may be configured to execute the control command such that the heat pump 310 is powered by the external power source 108. In yet another example, the control command may indicate that the heat pump 310 should be powered by the external power source 108 and the energy storage device 304 should be charged by the external power source 108. The EMS 306 may be configured to execute the control command such that the heat pump 310 is powered by the external power source 108 and the energy storage device 304 is charged by the external power source 108.

[0024] Heat pump 310 may be any type of device that transfers heat from one location to another to support a thermal load (e.g., heating and cooling of the environment, including but not limited to the building itself, a resource within the building such as water, air-to-air heating / cooling, and / or water-to-water heating / cooling). For example, heat pump 310 may provide heat to and / or cool thermal load 312. Thermal load 312 may be a space within a building that is heated or cooled using heat pump 310.

[0025] The heat pump system 302 may further include a communications interface 308, such as a gateway. The communications interface 308 may include one or more elements that facilitate communication between the heat pump system 302 and one or more external entities, such as the remote computing system 110 and / or the thermostat 314. For example, the communications interface 308 may include one or more network elements, such as a processor, memory, a gateway, and / or other elements that facilitate communication with external entities. For example, the communications interface 308 may receive information (e.g., control signals) from the remote computing system 110 and provide that information to the EMS 306 (e.g., a controller within the EMS 306). Furthermore, the communications interface 308 may receive information (e.g., requested information, such as the state of charge of the energy storage device 304) from the EMS 306 and provide that information to the remote computing system 110. Additionally and / or alternatively, the communications interface 308 may be used to communicate with the thermostat 314, which provides temperature measurements and / or readings for a space or location associated with the heat load 312. For example, thermostat 314 may provide a temperature reading for a location within a building to communication interface 308. Communication interface 308 may communicate this information to remote computing system 110 and / or EMS 306.

[0026] In some cases, the first heat pump system 302 may include one or more processors, controllers, and / or memories. For example, as described above, the EMS 306 may include one or more controllers and / or memories. Additionally and / or alternatively, the communication interface 308 may include one or more processors, controllers, and / or memories. For example, the communication interface 308 (e.g., a gateway) may include a gateway controller that controls how the heat pump 310 is powered. As such, in some variations, the EMS 306 may include circuit elements such as switches, relays, and / or contactors controlled by the gateway controller. For example, the gateway controller may provide control commands to the EMS 306 (e.g., a charge controller associated with the EMS 306) to switch how the heat pump 310 is powered (e.g., by the external power source 108 or the energy storage device 304). Additionally and / or alternatively, one or more processors, controllers, and / or memories may be separate from both the communication interface 308 and the EMS 306. Additionally and / or alternatively, the EMS 306 may simply be a circuit element that controls the energy storage device 304, and a separate element (e.g., a charge controller) may obtain control commands / signals from the controller and may be configured to switch how the heat pump 310 is powered.

[0027] In some examples, the heat pump 310, the energy storage device 304, and the communication interface 308 (e.g., a gateway) are arranged so that they share a rectifier and all operate on DC. The heat pump 310 consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit and may provide heating or cooling to service a thermal load 312. A thermostat 314 specifies a target indoor temperature that the heat pump 310 should achieve. The heat pump 310 may be powered by the energy storage device 304 and / or the external power source 108. The communication interface 308 is connected to a cloud service (e.g., a remote computing system 110) that optimizes battery dispatch based on demand response signals and / or other electricity market data.

[0028] In some variations, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a regulated heat pump system (e.g., first heat pump system 302) for space heating and / or cooling having a heat pump 310, energy storage such as an energy storage device 304, an external power source 108, an energy management system 306, and a gateway controller (e.g., the gateway controller located within communication interface 308). The energy storage is located near or within the same housing as heat pump 310, as shown in FIG. 3A. The gateway controller is configured to control the charging and discharging of the energy storage to reduce peak usage, reduce overall energy costs, and / or provide energy during utility power interruptions.

[0029] In some cases, embodiments of the present disclosure may allow heating loads (e.g., heat load 312) to shift from peak to off-peak hours with little or no impact on delivered heat and / or user comfort. This may reduce the need for new power plants and transmission line construction and curtail solar assets—reducing consumer electricity bills and increasing the utilization rate of renewable energy sources. In some examples, embodiments of the present disclosure co-locate the energy storage device 304 and heating equipment (e.g., heat pump 310). In some examples, the energy storage device 304 and heating equipment may share a rectifier. Compared to utility-scale or stand-alone on-site storage, embodiments of the present disclosure may have at least the following advantages: no marginal cost of installation for consumers who already have heat pumps installed; no line losses; low power conversion losses because both the energy storage device and heating equipment operate on DC; and / or reduced equipment costs because there is no inverter.

[0030] 3B is a simplified circuit diagram 350 of a heat pump system according to one or more examples of the present application. For example, an external power source 108 (e.g., a utility power station providing AC power) provides AC power (e.g., 240 volts AC (VAC)) to the heat pump system. The heat pump system includes a transformer and rectifier 352 that receives the AC power from the external power source 108. The transformer and rectifier 352 is configured to convert the AC power to DC power (e.g., 240 VAC to 58 volts DC (VDC)) and provide the DC power to a charge controller 354. As such, the transformer and rectifier 352 is in series with both the heat pump 310 and the energy storage device 304. The charge controller 354 includes two relays 356 and 358 configured to switch how the heat pump 310 is powered. As mentioned above, in some examples, other circuit elements, such as switches and / or contactors, may be used. In other words, in some examples, the charge controller 354 may include other circuit elements configured to switch how the heat pump 310 is powered.

[0031] Charge controller 354 is electrically connected to EMS 306, air handler 360, and heat pump 310. EMS 306 is electrically connected to energy storage device 304, such as a battery (e.g., a lithium iron phosphate battery). As mentioned above, in some cases EMS 306 may include charge controller 354, but in other cases, and as shown in FIG. 3B , EMS 306 is separate from charge controller 354. EMS 306 is configured to determine characteristics of the energy storage device, such as the state of charge (SoC) of the energy storage device, and provide those characteristics to remote computing system 110.

[0032] Air handler 360 and heat pump 310 include one or more motors 364, 366 and one or more motor controllers 368, 370. Additionally, heat pump 310 may include a reversing valve solenoid 372. Charge controller 354 provides power (e.g., 58 VDC) to air handler 360 and heat pump 310. Gateway controller 362 is configured to communicate with other entities within the heat pump system, as well as additional entities such as thermostat 314 and remote computing system 110. For example, gateway controller 362 provides data to the other entities, including controlling entities of the heat pump system. For example, gateway controller 362 controls the fan speed and reversing valve position of air handler 360 and the compressor speed of heat pump 310. Additionally, gateway controller 362 communicates with thermostat 314 to send and / or receive data, including, but not limited to, the set point, the current temperature, and the allowable differential heat / cooling. Gateway controller 362 further communicates with EMS 306, including receiving data including, but not limited to, the energy storage device SoC and / or the energy storage device temperature / health. Additionally, gateway controller 362 provides control commands to charge controller 354, such as control commands for relays 356 and 358. Based on the control commands, charge controller 354 may electrically connect energy storage device 304 to heat pump 310 and air handler 360, and / or external power source 108 to heat pump 310 and air handler 360. As such, based on the control commands (e.g., from remote computing system 110), gateway controller 362 controls how heat pump 310 is powered. Additionally and / or alternatively, gateway controller 362 may communicate with charge controller 354 to receive and / or transmit data associated with the input voltage and / or the voltage of the energy storage device.

[0033] The gateway controller 362 may further communicate with the remote computing system 110 to communicate data including, but not limited to, remote control of the charge controller 354 (e.g., the remote computing system 110 may provide control instructions), telemetry, real-time grid prices, and / or real-time grid energy mix.

[0034] 3B, the heat pump system may include a gateway controller 362 located within the communication interface 308. In other examples, the EMS 306 may include a controller that performs the functions of the gateway controller 362. In yet other examples, a controller separate from the communication interface 308 and the EMS 306 (e.g., not within the communication interface 308 and the EMS 306) may perform the functions of the gateway controller 362.

[0035] In some examples, electrical measurements may be taken along the electrical connection between charge controller 354 and air handler 360 and / or heat pump 310. For example, electrical measurements (e.g., current measurements) may be taken along the electrical connection at location 374 (e.g., location 374 may include a current and / or voltage measuring device). The electrical measurements taken at location 374 along the electrical connection may be provided to one or more entities of circuit diagram 350, such as charge controller 354, EMS 306, and / or gateway controller 362. The electrical measurements taken at location 374 may then be used to determine an operating mode for the heat pump system, as described in more detail below.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram depicting a heat pump system in a building, according to one or more examples of the present application. For example, block diagram 400 shows a building environment having a heat pump system (e.g., heat pump system 104 of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 3A). The heat pump system includes an interior portion 402 and an exterior portion 404. The interior portion 402 may be inside the building, and the exterior portion 404 may be located outside the building. The heat pump system may include entities described in FIG. 3A , such as communication interface 308. Using communication interface 308, which is shown located in interior portion 402, the heat pump system communicates with remote computing system 110. Furthermore, using communication interface 308, the heat pump system communicates with thermostat 410 to cause thermostat 410 to provide temperature readings or measurements of an interior region of the building. The exterior portion 404 may include a section of a heat pump (e.g., heat pump 310), and the interior portion 402 may include a communication interface 308, an energy storage device 304, an EMS 306, a heat pump air handler, and / or another section of the heat pump (e.g., heat pump 310 may include an interior section and an exterior section). Using the ductwork 406, the heat pump system may provide climate control for a building. For example, the heat pump system may enable heating or cooling (e.g., space heating) of a heat load 408.

[0037] In some cases, block diagram 400 illustrates an exemplary use of the heat pump system of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 3A. For example, the heat pump system may include a ducted air-to-air heat pump (e.g., heat pump 310) that provides space heating and cooling to a building (e.g., a residence). Interior portion 402 may include the heat pump's indoor coil, an energy storage device, and a blower motor and / or fan for distributing air through the building's ducts 406. Exterior portion 404 may include a compressor, a condenser coil, and another fan. Central air systems are typically 220+ volts and are directly wired to the building's electrical system, and heat pump systems may operate similarly (e.g., without an outlet, and the heat pump system may be directly connected to the building's electrical system). In some variations, an on-site thermostat 410 allows the household to specify their temperature setting, while an energy storage device may be controlled off-site to charge and discharge at optimal times for the grid, providing grid service without compromising the household's comfort.

[0038] In some examples, the energy storage device 304 may be disposed within or external to a housing for the heat pump 310. For example, a single structure (e.g., a structure within the first heat pump system 302) may house the heat pump 310 and the energy storage device 304. In other examples, separate structures may house the heat pump 310 and the energy storage device 304. Additionally and / or alternatively, in some examples, the energy storage device 304 may be disposed within the interior portion 402. In other examples, the energy storage device 304 may be disposed within the exterior portion 404.

[0039] In some variations, the heat pump system 302 may operate on AC power. In other variations, the heat pump system 302 may operate on DC power (e.g., using a DC bus). In some cases, the heat pump system 302 may include an air handler, such as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) fan. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B , the heat pump system 302 may include an air handler 360 (e.g., an air handler 360 having a motor 364 and a motor controller 368 within an internal portion of the heat pump system 402). In other examples, the heat pump system 302 may not include an air handler. In some examples, the heat load 312 may be any combination of water heating and / or cooling, space heating and / or cooling, or any other residential, commercial, or industrial heat load.

[0040] 5 is an exemplary process for controlling a heat pump system using a remote computing system according to one or more examples of the present application. Process 500 may be performed by the remote computing system 110 described in the preceding figures. However, it will be recognized that any of the following blocks may be performed in any suitable order, and that process 500 may be performed in any suitable environment. The descriptions, illustrations, and processes of FIG. 5 are merely exemplary, and process 500 may use other descriptions, illustrations, and processes.

[0041] In block 502, the remote computing system 110 provides a request for the current state of charge of an energy storage device (e.g., energy storage device 304) to a heat pump system (e.g., heat pump system 302) remote from the remote computing system 110. For example, the remote computing system 110 may provide a request for an electrical measurement (e.g., the current state of charge or state of charge (SoC) of the energy storage device). For example, to determine whether to power the heat pump (e.g., heat pump 310) using the energy storage device or the external power source 108, the remote computing system 110 may seek to use the current state of charge of the energy storage device and may provide a request for the current state of charge of the energy storage device accordingly. The remote computing system 110 may control the power supply of heat pumps for various buildings 102 (e.g., multiple different single-family homes and / or commercial buildings) and may perform process 500 to control the power supply of heat pumps in multiple different buildings 102.

[0042] In some examples, block 502 and process 500 may be performed based on a demand response signal. For example, a user (e.g., a user associated with heat pump system 302) and / or another entity (e.g., an associated electric system operator and / or distributed energy resource aggregator) may provide the demand response signal to remote computing system 110. Remote computing system 110 may perform process 500 and provide a request for the current state of charge of the energy storage device.

[0043] Additionally and / or alternatively, before, concurrently with, or after providing a request for the current state of charge of the energy storage device, the remote computing system 110 may check whether there is a current “grid event” or external power interruption. For example, in some instances, the “grid event” may be a demand response signal from a utility and / or system operator (e.g., the remote computing system 110 may obtain information indicative of a grid event from the external power source 108 and / or a computing entity associated with the external power source 108). For example, the external power source 108 may be associated with an Independent System Operator (ISO) for New England (NE) and / or the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The ISO-NE may provide grid events, such as the ISO-NE's Connected Solutions Daily Dispatch program, to the remote computing system 110. Additionally and / or alternatively, the CPUC may provide grid events, such as the CPUUC Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP), to the remote computing system 110. Additionally and / or alternatively, the remote computing system 110 may receive a notification indicating a grid event from a distributed energy resource aggregator (e.g., Voltus, CPower, and / or Leap).

[0044] In some cases, the remote computing system 110 may determine whether there is currently a "grid event" or off-site power interruption based on geolocation information obtained during the installation phase. For example, as described below in FIG. 7 (e.g., block 708), the remote computing system 110 may obtain geolocation information indicating the geographic location of the heat pump system 104 (e.g., from the installer, the household, or by an automated method such as GPS). The remote computing system 110 may use the geolocation information of the heat pump system 104 to determine whether there is currently a "grid event" or off-site power interruption.

[0045] In some examples, the remote computing system 110 may receive information indicating an interruption in external power. For example, the external power source 108 and / or another entity associated with the external power source 108 may provide information indicating that the external power source 108 or another power source supplying power to the building 102 is experiencing a power interruption (e.g., a power line failure due to severe weather). Additionally and / or alternatively, the EMS 306 may detect the power interruption. For example, the EMS 306 may detect the power interruption based on monitoring an input voltage (e.g., the input voltage provided from the transformer and rectifier 352 to the charge controller 354 in FIG. 3B ) and comparing the input voltage to one or more thresholds. The EMS 306 may provide the information indicating the power interruption to the remote computing system 110 via the communication interface 308. The remote computing system 110 may then perform process 500, including block 502, as described above.

[0046] In block 504, the remote computing system 110 receives the current state of charge of the energy storage device from the heat pump system. For example, based on a request, the heat pump system (e.g., the EMS 306 of the heat pump system 302) may determine an electrical measurement (e.g., the current state of charge) of the energy storage device (e.g., the energy storage device 304). Then, using a gateway (e.g., the communication interface 308), the heat pump system may provide the current state of charge of the energy storage device to the remote computing system 110.

[0047] In block 506, the remote computing system 110 generates one or more control commands instructing the heat pump system to power the heat pump using the energy storage device and / or the external power source 108 based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device. For example, based on an electrical measurement (e.g., current state of charge) of the energy storage device (e.g., based on comparing the current state of charge of the energy storage device to one or more charge thresholds), the remote computing system 110 may generate a control command indicating whether the energy storage device and / or the external power source 108 should be used to power the heat pump. For example, if the state of charge exceeds a first threshold (e.g., if the state of charge is 5%), the remote computing system 110 may generate a control command indicating that the energy storage device should provide power to the heat pump. If the state of charge is less than the first threshold, the remote computing system 110 may generate a control command indicating that the external power source 108 should provide power to the heat pump.

[0048] Additionally and / or alternatively, the remote computing system 110 may generate a control command based on whether there is currently a “grid event” or an external power interruption. For example, the remote computing system 110 may generate a control command indicating that the energy storage device should provide power to the heat pump based on an indication that the state of charge exceeds a first threshold and that there is currently a “grid event” or an external power interruption. Otherwise, if there is no currently a “grid event” or an external power interruption, the remote computing system 110 may generate a control command indicating that the external power source 108 should provide power to the heat pump. Additionally and / or alternatively, if there is no currently a “grid event” or an external power interruption, the remote computing system 110 may check the current state of charge of the energy storage device and determine whether to charge the energy storage device. For example, based on there being no currently a grid event or an external power interruption and the current state of charge of the energy storage device being below a second threshold, the remote computing system 110 may generate a control command indicating that the external power source 108 should charge the energy storage device.

[0049] In block 508, the remote computing system 110 provides one or more control commands to the heat pump system. The heat pump system provides power to the heat pump based on the one or more control commands. For example, based on the control command indicating that the external power source 108 should provide power to the heat pump, the heat pump system (e.g., EMS 306) may be configured to provide power from the external power source 108 to the heat pump. For example, one or more switches may be activated to provide power from the external power source 108 to the heat pump. Based on the control command indicating that the energy storage device should provide power to the heat pump, the heat pump system (e.g., EMS 306) may be configured to provide power from the energy storage device to the heat pump.

[0050] In some examples, the one or more control commands may be commands for controlling the heat pump based on a thermostat operating mode from the optimized thermostat. For example, as described below in FIG. 7 (e.g., blocks 704 and 706), during the installation phase, the remote computing system 110 may receive a notification indicating whether an optimized thermostat is installed in the building 102. The optimized thermostat enables multiple thermostat operating modes, such as a normal thermostat operating mode and a special thermostat operating mode, based on a “grid event” and / or a power interruption. For example, the remote computing system 110 may generate a control command to be provided to the heat pump system indicating a “grid event” and / or a power interruption. Based on the control command, the heat pump system and / or the optimized thermostat may operate in a special thermostat operating mode. For example, under normal circumstances (e.g., in the normal thermostat operating mode), the heat pump system 104 may maintain the temperature within one degree of the setpoint. However, based on the control command, the heat pump system 104 may maintain the temperature within another offset (eg, 4 degrees) from the setpoint.

[0051] In some cases, the one or more control commands may be commands for controlling the heat pump based on weather conditions. For example, as described below in FIG. 7 (e.g., block 708), the remote computing system 110 may obtain geographic location information indicating the geographic location of the heat pump system 104 (e.g., from an installer, a household, or by automated methods such as GPS). Using the geographic location information, the remote computing system 110 may determine weather conditions in the geographic region associated with the heat pump system 104 (e.g., whether the region is experiencing severe weather). Based on the determined weather conditions and / or the imminence of a “grid event” (e.g., based on a demand response signal), the remote computing system 110 may provide control commands indicating control parameters for controlling the heat pump, including pre-heating or pre-cooling the load.

[0052] For example, the remote computing system 110 may determine (e.g., calculate) the energy required to maintain a heat load at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time using weather conditions in addition to and / or as an alternative to the load's observed heat loss coefficient and / or the heat pump's coefficient of performance. For example, the remote computing system 110 may use weather conditions, the heat load's observed heat loss coefficient (e.g., the heat loss coefficient of the heat load 312), and / or the heat pump's coefficient of performance (e.g., the coefficient of performance of the heat pump 310) to determine the energy required to maintain a heat load (e.g., the heat load 312) at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. This may be compared to the state of charge of the energy storage device to determine how long the system can maintain the predetermined temperature when powered by the energy storage device. For example, the remote computing system 110 may then compare this required energy with the state of charge of the energy storage device (e.g., energy storage device 304) to determine how long the heat pump system (e.g., first heat pump system 302) can maintain / hold a predetermined temperature when powered by the energy storage device (e.g., the duration of the amount of time the energy storage device could maintain the predetermined temperature). This may then be compared with the associated length of time for each objective (e.g., the objectives described by FIGS. 8A-8D such as demand response windows, peak hours, etc.), normal setpoints, and allowable offsets specified in the optimized thermostat (e.g., thermostat 314, which may be the optimized thermostat). For example, the remote computing system 110 may compare the duration of the amount of time with one or more time minutes associated with the objective and generate control commands for controlling the heat pump based on the comparison and the allowable offsets specified in the thermostat's normal setpoints (e.g., normal thermostat operating mode) and special thermostat operating mode.As such, using control commands, the thermal heat pump system 102 may utilize the energy storage device and heat pump to respond to the objective in a manner that minimizes deviation from the target temperature and is subject to an acceptable offset.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows an example flowchart for optimizing control of a heat pump system according to one or more examples of the present application. In some examples, FIG. 6 provides an example flowchart 600 illustrating an example of executing blocks 506 and 508 of process 500. In other words, the remote computing system 110 may execute one or more blocks of FIG. 6. In other examples, a controller within the heat pump system 104 (e.g., a gateway controller and / or the EMS 306) may execute one or more blocks of FIG. 6. In other examples, the remote computing system 110 may execute blocks 602-614 and generate control commands for remotely controlling the heat pump system 104. In other examples, the heat pump system 104 may execute this control locally (e.g., by using a controller within the heat pump system 104). In the following, remote control of the heat pump system 104 will be described first, followed by a description of execution of flowchart 600 using a controller within the heat pump system 104.

[0054] During operation, in block 602, the remote computing system 110 determines whether there is an active “grid event” or external power interruption. If yes, the flowchart 600 proceeds to block 606, and the remote computing system 110 determines whether the energy storage device (e.g., a battery) can be discharged (e.g., based on comparing the current charge of the energy storage device to one or more thresholds). If yes, the flowchart 600 proceeds to block 614, and the remote computing system 110 generates a control command to discharge the energy storage device to power the heat pump. If no, the flowchart 600 proceeds to block 612, and the remote computing system 110 generates a control command to power the heat pump from the external power source 108 and to idle the energy storage device.

[0055] Returning to block 602, if no, the flowchart 600 proceeds to block 604, and the remote computing system 110 determines whether the energy storage device (e.g., a battery) is charging (e.g., based on comparing the current charge of the energy storage device to one or more thresholds). If yes, the flowchart 600 proceeds to block 612, and the remote computing system 110 generates a control command to power the heat pump from the external power source 108 and idle the energy storage device. If no, the flowchart 600 proceeds to block 608. In block 608, the remote computing system 110 determines whether it is an optimal time interval to charge the energy storage device (e.g., based on information from the heat pump system, such as the heat pump system's utility rate schedule, based on energy demand forecasts, and / or based on one or more energy models). For example, day-ahead and / or real-time pricing may be published by the grid operator (e.g., by the external power source 108). The remote computing system 110 may obtain (e.g., either directly or indirectly) information indicative of day-ahead and / or real-time pricing. Additionally and / or alternatively, the external power source 108 may provide information indicative of a typical generation mix or a real-time generation mix, and the remote computing system 110 may obtain this information. Based on the obtained information (e.g., information indicative of a typical generation mix, a real-time generation mix, and / or day-ahead and / or real-time pricing), the remote computing system 110 may determine whether it is an optimal time interval to charge the energy storage device.

[0056] If no, the flowchart 600 proceeds to block 612 and the remote computing system 110 generates control commands to power the heat pump from the external power source 108 and to idle the energy storage device. If yes, the flowchart 600 proceeds to block 610 and the remote computing system 110 generates control commands to power the heat pump from the external power source 108 and to charge the energy storage device.

[0057] In other words, flowchart 600 illustrates a representative decision tree for selecting whether to run the heat pump from the building's electrical system (e.g., a grid-connected electrical system) or from the energy storage device. The remote computing system 110 monitors for a demand response signal (e.g., from an associated electrical system operator or distributed energy resource aggregator). Once the remote computing system 110 receives the demand response signal, it checks the state of charge of the energy storage device. If the energy storage device has enough charge (e.g., greater than 5%) to discharge without compromising the long-term health of the energy storage device, then the remote computing system 110 switches to running the heat pump from the energy storage device until either (a) the energy storage device reaches a critical point of discharge (e.g., 5%) or (b) the end of the demand response event, whichever occurs first. If the energy storage device does not have enough charge at the start of the event, the remote computing system 110 controls the heat pump to remain powered by the building's electrical system. If the energy storage device is depleted before the demand response event ends, the remote computing system 110 controls the heat pump to switch back to the household's electrical system. When the demand response event ends, the remote computing system 110 requests that the battery be recharged while the heat pump runs from the building's electrical system. The battery recharge is regulated by the concurrent heat pump power consumption to avoid overloading the circuit. The energy storage device recharge may be regulated to low price periods (e.g., "off-peak") or low-carbon periods (e.g., windows where marginal generation on the local grid is renewable or nuclear).

[0058] The remote computing system 110 may also manage energy storage devices to provide other grid services, such as frequency response. For example, frequency response may be an existing program for reducing load at very short notice. The remote computing system 110 may receive messages from these various programs indicating the frequency response and manage the energy storage devices based on the frequency response.

[0059] As mentioned above, in some examples, flowchart 600 may be executed by a controller (e.g., gateway controller and / or EMS 306) within heat pump system 104, and heat pump system 104 may control itself locally. For example, in block 602, the controller may receive information indicating an active grid event and / or an external power interruption (e.g., from external power source 108 and / or remote computing system 110). The controller may then check the state of charge of the energy storage device (e.g., execute blocks 604 and / or 606) and determine whether it is an optimal time interval for charging (e.g., execute block 608). Based on the determination, the controller may locally control the heat pump (e.g., execute blocks 610-614). For example, the controller may determine to power the heat pump from the external power source 108 and charge the energy storage device (e.g., by executing block 610), to power the heat pump from the external power source 108 and idle the energy storage device (e.g., by executing block 612), or to discharge the energy storage device to power the heat pump (e.g., by executing block 614). As such, the controller within the heat pump system 104 may control the heat pump also within the heat pump system 104.

[0060] In other words, one or more functions described above for the remote computing system 110 may be performed by the controller of the heat pump system 104. For example, the controller may execute one or more blocks of FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and / or FIG. 7. For example, with reference to FIG. 6, the controller may obtain information indicating an active “grid event” and / or an external power interruption. For example, the controller may obtain information indicating whether there is an active “grid event” and / or an external power interruption from the external power source 108 via the remote computing system 110. As such, in such an example, the remote computing system 110 may not provide control commands for controlling the heat pump of the heat pump system 104. Instead, the remote computing system 110 may provide information only indicating whether there is an active “grid event” and / or an external power interruption. Additionally and / or alternatively, the controller may obtain this information directly from the external power source 108.

[0061] In some examples, the use of electrical measurements (e.g., the SoC of the energy storage device 304) may replace and / or supplement the electrical measurements obtained at location 374. For example, the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller of the heat pump system 104 may obtain (e.g., receive) the electrical measurements obtained at location 374. Then, based on the electrical measurements, the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller of the heat pump system 104 may determine one or more operating modes for operating the heat pump system. For example, as described above, in a first operating mode, the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may be configured to connect the heat pump 310 to the external power source 108 such that the external power source 108 provides power to the heat pump 310. In a second operating mode, the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may be configured to connect the heat pump 310 to the energy storage device 304, and the energy storage device 304 provides power to the heat pump 310. In yet another mode of operation, the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may be configured to connect the heat pump 310 to the external power source 108 such that the external power source 108 provides power to the heat pump 310, and further connect the energy storage device to the external power source 108 such that the external power source 108 charges the energy storage device.

[0062] While operating in one or more operating modes, in some cases, an electrical connection may fail, preventing sufficient power from being supplied to the heat pump 310. For example, in the second operating mode, the heat pump 310 may be connected to the energy storage device 304, and the energy storage device 304 supplies power to the heat pump 310. Based on the failed connection, insufficient power may be provided from the energy storage device 304 to the heat pump 310, and thus, the heat pump 310 may not function properly. As such, the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller of the heat pump system 104 may take electrical measurements at a location between the charge controller 354 and the heat pump 310 (e.g., location 374). While location 374 is shown before the air handler 360, in some cases, the electrical measurements taken at location 374 may be after the air handler 360. In some cases, location 374 may also be located between charge controller 354 and EMS 306, between EMS 306 and energy storage device 304, between transformer and rectifier 352 and charge controller 354, and / or along another location in circuit diagram 350. Based on the electrical measurements, remote computing system 110 and / or a controller of heat pump system 104 may determine one or more operating modes for operating the heat pump system and use the one or more operating modes to control how heat pump 310 is powered (e.g., powered based on using external power source 108 and / or powered based on using an energy storage device).

[0063] For example, in some variations, in addition to obtaining the SoC of the energy storage device 304, the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may obtain electrical measurements (e.g., at location 374 of the circuit diagram 350). The controller and / or remote computing system 110 may determine to operate the heat pump system in one of the operating modes based on the SoC. The controller and / or remote computing system 110 may then compare the obtained electrical measurements to one or more operating thresholds (e.g., current thresholds indicating the amount of current required to operate the heat pump 310). Based on the comparison (e.g., determining an error), the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may determine to operate the heat pump system in another operating mode. For example, based on the SoC, the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may require the heat pump system to operate in a second operating mode (e.g., the energy storage device 304 supplies power to the heat pump 310). Based on obtained electrical measurements indicating a current that is below an operational threshold (e.g., insufficient power reaching the heat pump 310, which may be caused by a poor connection), the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may decide to switch the operational mode to another operational mode (e.g., a first operational mode in which the external power source 108 supplies power to the heat pump 310).

[0064] Additionally and / or alternatively, the electrical measurements may replace the SoC when determining an operating mode for operating the heat pump system. For example, initially, the heat pump system may operate in a first operating mode. Based on the electrical measurements (e.g., at location 374 of the circuit diagram 350), the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may determine that sufficient power is not reaching the heat pump 310 (e.g., based on comparing the electrical measurements to an operating threshold). Based on the determination, the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may decide to operate the heat pump system in another operating mode (e.g., a second operating mode in which the energy storage device 304 provides power to the heat pump 310). This may also be the other way around. For example, based on operation in the second operating mode, the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may determine that sufficient power is not reaching the heat pump 310 and may decide to operate the heat pump system in another operating mode (e.g., the first operating mode).

[0065] In some cases, the controller may determine whether there is currently a "grid event" or external power interruption based on geolocation information obtained during the installation phase. For example, the controller may obtain information indicative of the geographic location of the heat pump system 104 and may determine whether there is a "grid event" or external power interruption based on the geographic location. Additionally and / or alternatively, the controller may determine whether there is a power interruption based on the EMS 306 and / or may obtain information indicative of the power interruption from the external power source 108 (e.g., directly and / or indirectly via the remote computing system 110).

[0066] Based on information indicating an active “grid event” and / or a power interruption, the controller may execute blocks 604-614. For example, the controller may determine whether the energy storage device may be charged (e.g., block 604) and / or discharged (e.g., block 606). Additionally, the controller may determine whether it is an optimal time interval for charging (e.g., block 608). Based on executing blocks 604-608, the controller may determine an operating mode for powering the heat pump and / or charging the energy storage device 304 (e.g., blocks 610-614). For example, the controller may power the heat pump from the external power source 108 and charge the energy storage device 304 (e.g., block 610), power the heat pump from the external power source 108 and idle the energy storage device (e.g., block 612), and / or discharge the energy storage device 304 to power the heat pump.

[0067] 7A and 7B show an example flowchart 700 for installing and configuring a heat pump system according to one or more examples of the present application. For example, referring to FIG. 7A, in block 702, equipment is physically installed on site (e.g., the heat pump system 104 is installed within the building 102). For example, a qualified HVAC contractor may install the heat pump system 104 on site, such as by hardwiring it into the electrical system of the building 102. In some cases, the heat pump system 104 may be a drop-in replacement for a standard heat pump, and therefore there would be no difference in installation except for the extra size and weight of the energy storage device and communication interface (e.g., a gateway controller).

[0068] Block 704 checks whether the building 102 uses an optimized thermostat (e.g., a specialized thermostat). For example, block 704 refers to an optimized thermostat that allows a user to specify upper and lower limits of their comfort temperature range (which, if violated, automatically activates the equipment), as well as additional upper and lower limits of the temperature range that may be used during grid events and / or power interruptions. For example, an optimized thermostat, such as a heat pump thermostat, may operate in two or more thermostat operating modes (e.g., a normal thermostat operating mode and a specialized thermostat operating mode that is activated based on a grid event and / or power interruption). Additionally and / or alternatively, pump thermostats (e.g., optimized thermostats) also control refrigerant flow for extra efficiency, as opposed to standard thermostats (e.g., normal thermostats and / or “smart thermostats”) that have less control due to their wiring. In some cases, the installer may indicate whether an optimized thermostat is installed. In other words, in some embodiments, a standardized thermostat is installed in building 102, and therefore flowchart 700 moves to block 708. In other embodiments, an optimized thermostat is installed, and flowchart 700 first moves to block 706 before moving to block 708.

[0069] In block 706, temperature limits and / or offsets may be set. For example, a household may specify their comfort temperature range and / or offset, as well as a temperature range and / or offset to be used during a grid event and / or power interruption. For example, under normal conditions, the heat pump system 104 may maintain the temperature within one degree of the setpoint. However, for the duration of a grid event and / or utility power interruption, the heat pump system 104 may maintain the temperature within another offset (e.g., four degrees) from the setpoint. The heat pump system 104 may also maintain the temperature using absolute minimum / maximum values ​​rather than offsets. In other words, the controller of the heat pump system 104 may receive information about the temperature range and / or offset indicated by the household.

[0070] If no, the flowchart 700 moves to block 708 and sets the geolocation. For example, the installer or household identifies the location of the unit, which may be useful later for responding to weather conditions and / or understanding which outside power provider the building 102 uses. This may help respond to the correct grid event. The controller of the heat pump system 104 may receive geolocation information from the installer or household that indicates the geographic location of the heat pump system. Additionally and / or alternatively, the controller of the heat pump system 104 may obtain the geolocation information using a global positioning system (GPS) and / or another automatic method of determining location.

[0071] Block 710 includes connecting to a network. For example, the controller of the heat pump system 104 may connect to the network 106 using a communication interface 308 (e.g., a gateway), such as by using one or more communication protocols (e.g., a 5G cellular network and / or WIFI).

[0072] Block 712 includes registering with the remote computing system 110. For example, using the communications interface 308, the controller of the heat pump system 104 may register the heat pump system 104 with the remote computing system 110. For example, now that the heat pump system 104 is connected to the remote computing system 110 via the network 106, the heat pump system 104 establishes itself with the remote computing system 110 (e.g., a cloud server) that optimizes the dispatch of the energy storage device. In other words, the controller may register the heat pump system 104 with the remote computing system 110 by providing registration information indicating a username, a password, a geographic location of the heat pump system 104, and / or other information associated with the heat pump system 104.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 7B , block 714 includes checking whether the energy storage device is “unlocked.” For example, this refers to whether the household has authorization to dispatch the energy storage device, such as through a mobile application or a switch on the heat pump system 104. In some cases, a discount or subsidy may be offered to the household for controlling the energy storage device remotely from the site and keeping it “locked” to the household. For example, the controller of the heat pump system 104 may receive an indication of whether the energy storage device is “unlocked.” This indication may come from an installer installing the heat pump system 104. For example, during installation, the installer may provide installer input to the heat pump system 104 indicating whether the heat pump system 104 is “locked” or “unlocked.” The flowchart 700 proceeds to block 716 or 718 based on whether the heat pump system 104 is “locked” or “unlocked.” Additionally and / or alternatively, the remote computing system 110 may provide an indication of whether the heat pump system 104 is “locked” or “unlocked,” and the flowchart 700 may proceed to block 716 or 718 based on the indication from the remote computing system 110. In some examples, one or more objectives (e.g., the objectives described in FIGS. 8A-8D ) may be based on whether the energy storage device is “locked” or “unlocked.” For example, the heat pump system 104 may operate for a conservation or revenue objective (e.g., the objectives shown in tables 820 or 840 of FIGS. 8B and 8C ) based on whether the energy storage device is “locked” or “unlocked.”

[0074] If yes, the flowchart 700 moves to block 718 and connects with a user controller (e.g., a mobile application). For example, but not limited to, the user controller may be a user device such as a mobile phone running one or more mobile applications. For example, the controller of the heat pump system 104 may connect to the user device (e.g., the user controller) using a communication interface.

[0075] In block 720, a user may select an operating mode (e.g., the operating mode represented by blocks 610-614). For example, the user may set rules for dispatching the energy storage device via a mobile application. For example, the user device may receive user input indicating a selected operating mode, such as whether to use the external power source 108 to power the heat pump or the energy storage device to power the heat pump. The user device may communicate the user input indicating the operating mode to a controller of the heat pump system.

[0076] In block 722, the controller of the heat pump system 104 may control the charging, discharging, operating speed, and / or temperature target based on whether the energy storage device is “unlocked” or “locked” (e.g., whether the installer selected to manually control the heat pump or have the controller of the heat pump system 104 and / or the remote computing system 110 control the heat pump) and / or based on one or more objectives described in further detail in FIGS. 8A-8D . For example, based on received indications (e.g., whether the installer indicated the energy storage device is “locked” or “unlocked” and / or user input indicating a selected operating mode), the controller may control the charging / discharging of the energy storage device, the operating speed and / or temperature target of the heat pump, and / or how the heat pump is powered (e.g., by discharging the energy storage device or by using an external power source 108).

[0077] Returning to block 714, if "no," flowchart 700 moves to block 716. In block 716, an operating mode may be automatically selected (e.g., based on executing flowchart 600). For example, as described above, remote computing system 110 may select the operating mode. Then, similar to above, in block 722, remote computing system 110 may generate control commands indicating the charge, discharge, operating speed, and / or temperature target of heat pump system 104 based on the selected operating mode and / or the objectives described in FIGS. 8A-8D . Thereafter, remote computing system 110 may provide the control commands to a controller of heat pump system 104, and the controller may control the charge, discharge, operating speed, and / or temperature target of heat pump system 104.

[0078] Additionally and / or alternatively, as described above, flowchart 600 may be executed by the controller of heat pump system 104 itself (e.g., heat pump system 104 may be locally controlled). As such, based on executing flowchart 600 and / or objectives, the controller of heat pump system 104 may execute blocks 716 and 722 (e.g., receive grid events and / or power interruptions, determine a selected operating mode, and control the charge, discharge, operating speed, and / or temperature target of heat pump system 104 without any control commands from remote computing system 110).

[0079] After block 722, the heat pump system 104 updates the operating mode 724 and returns to block 714 so that blocks 714-722 may be repeated.

[0080] As described above, the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller may execute blocks 716, 720, and / or 722 (e.g., selecting an operating mode and / or controlling charge, discharge, operating speed, and / or temperature target) based on one or more objectives. FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate exemplary objectives of a heat pump system according to one or more examples herein. For example, FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate tables 800, 820, 840, and 860 having objectives, decision matrices, and external data. For example, for one or more objectives, the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller of the heat pump system 104 may execute blocks 716, 720, and / or 722 based on the external data and decision matrices. For example, as described above, in some embodiments, the controller and / or the remote computing system 110 may use flowchart 600 to execute blocks 716, 720, and / or 722. Additionally and / or alternatively, to perform these blocks, the controller and / or remote computing system 110 may use the objectives shown in the tables. In some cases, the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller of the heat pump system 104 may perform the objectives described by Figures 8A-8D separately from Figures 6 and / or 7 (e.g., without performing one or more blocks of flowcharts 600 and / or 700).

[0081] For example, referring to Figure 8A, table 800 illustrates a "backup" objective. For example, the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller of the heat pump system 104 may receive and / or obtain external data such as input voltage (e.g., the input voltage provided to the charge controller 354 from the transformer and rectifier 352 in Figure 3B), geolocation (e.g., local hourly weather forecast), observed "leakage" (heat load heat loss coefficient), and / or theoretical and / or observed heat pump coefficient of performance, which may vary based on temperature and / or operating speed.

[0082] Using the external data, the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller of the heat pump system 104 may execute a decision matrix. For example, the system (e.g., the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller) may determine whether there is an interruption to the external power source 108. Then, based on the state of charge of the battery (e.g., energy storage device) and whether there is an interruption, the system may select an operating mode such as battery idling, breaker maximum charging, and / or battery discharge. For example, based on the battery being fully charged (e.g., SoC greater than 95%) and there being no anomalies in the external power source 108, the system may select to idle the battery. Based on the battery not being fully charged (e.g., the battery SoC less than 95%), the system may select to charge at breaker maximum. Breaker maximum may refer to the maximum power the battery can draw while meeting the simultaneous demands of the heat pump without overloading the circuits of the heat pump system 104. The system may choose to discharge the battery based on the battery being fully charged and / or having a charge (e.g., SoC greater than 5%) and the external power source 108 having an external power interruption. The heat pump's operating speed and / or temperature target may be based on external data to control the discharge rate. For example, with an optimized thermostat, the user may specify an acceptable offset from the normal setpoint (e.g., operate in a special thermostat operating mode), and the system may provide an estimate of how long the battery can maintain it and discharge the battery until it can no longer maintain this operating mode. Additionally and / or alternatively, the system may present the user with a menu of options. For example, the user may specify whether they want to maintain a special thermostat operating mode for a certain period of time (e.g., 70 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours or 50 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 hours).Additionally and / or alternatively, if the system predicts an external power interruption that may last longer than the energy storage device, the system may pre-heat or pre-cool the load using a heat pump powered by the external power source 108 prior to the external power interruption. In other words, if the system determines that the battery charge is insufficient to power the heat pump for the entire duration of the external power interruption of the external power source 108, the system may pre-heat or pre-cool the thermal load using the heat pump before the external power source 108 experiences a power interruption. Based on the battery being empty and there being an external power interruption, the system may decide to idle the battery.

[0083] 8B, table 820 illustrates the objective of "savings." For example, the system (e.g., the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller of the heat pump system 104) may receive and / or obtain external data such as an applicable tariff that may be applied as input by a user / installer (e.g., a user / installer may provide user input to the heat pump system 104 indicating an applicable tariff), a clock / calendar indicating the time of day, day of the week, etc., geolocation information, observed "leakage" (heat loss coefficient of the heat load), and / or theoretical and / or observed heat pump coefficient of performance, which may vary based on temperature and / or operating speed.

[0084] Using the external data, the system may execute a decision matrix. For example, the system may determine whether the current time indicates a peak or off-peak time based on the applicable tariff, clock / calendar, and / or other external data. Then, based on the state of charge of the battery (e.g., energy storage device) and whether it is a peak or off-peak time, the system may select an operating mode such as battery idling, breaker maximum charging, and / or battery discharge. For example, based on the battery being fully charged (e.g., SoC greater than 95%) and it being an off-peak time, the system may choose to idle the battery. Based on the battery not being fully charged (e.g., SoC less than 95%) and it being an off-peak time, the system may choose to charge at breaker maximum. Based on the battery being fully charged and / or having a charge (e.g., SoC greater than 5%) and it being a peak time, the system may choose to discharge the battery. The operating speed and / or temperature target of the heat pump may be based on the external data to control the discharge rate. For example, a user may specify an acceptable offset from a normal setpoint using an optimized thermostat (e.g., operating in a special thermostat operating mode), and the system may seek to cover the entire peak period using an energy storage device that is subject to the acceptable offset. Additionally and / or alternatively, if the system predicts a peak period that may last longer than the energy storage device, the system may pre-heat or pre-cool a load that is subject to the acceptable offset using a heat pump powered by the external power source 108 in advance of the peak period. In other words, if the system determines that the battery charge is insufficient to power the heat pump for the entire duration of the peak period, the system may pre-heat or pre-cool the thermal load using the heat pump in advance of the peak period.In some examples, the system may use more complex algorithms to achieve savings under real-time rates that may involve day-ahead data from the utility system (e.g., external power source 108). Based on the battery being empty and it being during peak hours, the system may decide to idle the battery.

[0085] 8C , table 840 illustrates the objective "Revenue." For example, the system (e.g., the remote computing system 110 and / or the controller of the heat pump system 104) may receive and / or obtain external data such as a demand response signal (e.g., the demand response signal described above, which may be from an associated grid operator, utility, and / or aggregator), a clock / calendar indicating the time of day, day of the week, etc., geolocation information (e.g., hourly local weather forecast), observed "leakage" (heat loss coefficient of the heat load), and / or theoretical and / or observed heat pump coefficient of performance, which may vary based on temperature and / or operating speed.

[0086] Using the external data, the system may execute a decision matrix. For example, the system may determine whether the current time indicates a demand response period. Then, based on the state of charge of the battery (e.g., energy storage device) and whether it is a demand response period, the system may select an operating mode such as battery idling, breaker maximum charging, and / or battery discharge. For example, based on the battery being fully charged (e.g., SoC greater than 95%) and not being in a demand response period, the system may select to idle the battery. Based on the battery not being fully charged (e.g., battery SoC less than 95%) and not being in a demand response period, the system may select to charge at breaker maximum. Based on the battery being fully charged and / or having a charge (e.g., SoC greater than 5%) and being in a demand response period, the system may select to discharge the battery. The operating speed and / or temperature target of the heat pump may be based on the external data to control the discharge rate. For example, a user may use an optimized thermostat to identify an acceptable offset from a normal setpoint (e.g., operate in a special thermostat operating mode), and the system may seek to cover the entire peak period using an energy storage device that is subject to the acceptable offset. Additionally and / or alternatively, if the system predicts a demand response period that may last longer than the energy storage device, the system may pre-heat or pre-cool a load that is subject to the acceptable offset using a heat pump powered by the external power source 108 prior to the demand response period. In other words, if the system determines that the battery charge is insufficient to power the heat pump for the entire duration of the demand response period, the system may pre-heat or pre-cool the thermal load using the heat pump prior to the demand response period. Based on the battery being empty and the demand response period being in progress, the system may determine to idle the battery.

[0087] 8D , table 860 shows the objective "carbon." For example, the system (e.g., remote computing system 110 and / or the controller of heat pump system 104) may receive and / or obtain external data such as a clock / calendar indicating the time of day, day of the week, etc., geolocation information (e.g., grid fuel mix forecast, hourly local weather forecast), real-time production data from on-site solar inverters, observed "leakage" (heat load heat loss coefficient), and / or theoretical and / or observed heat pump coefficient of performance, which may vary based on temperature and / or operating speed.

[0088] Using the external data, the system may execute a decision matrix. For example, the system may determine whether the marginal generator serving the external power source 108 is renewable or carbon-based. Then, based on the state of charge of the battery (e.g., energy storage device) and whether the external power source 108 is renewable or carbon-based, the system may select an operating mode such as battery idling, breaker maximum charging, and / or battery discharge. For example, based on the battery being fully charged (e.g., SoC greater than 95%) and the external power source 108 being renewable, the system may select to idle the battery. Based on the battery not being fully charged (e.g., battery SoC less than 95%) and the external power source 108 being renewable, the system may select to charge at breaker maximum. Based on the battery being fully charged and / or having a charge (e.g., SoC greater than 5%) and the external power source 108 being carbon-based, the system may select to discharge the battery. The operating speed and / or temperature target of the heat pump may be based on the external data to control the discharge rate. For example, a user may specify an acceptable offset from a normal setpoint using an optimized thermostat (e.g., operating in a special thermostat operating mode), and the system may seek to cover the carbon-based period using an energy storage device that is subject to the acceptable offset. Additionally and / or alternatively, if the system predicts a carbon-based period that may last longer than the energy storage device, the system may pre-heat or pre-cool the load that is subject to the acceptable offset using a heat pump powered by the external power source 108 in advance of the carbon-based period. In other words, if the system determines that the battery charge is insufficient to power the heat pump for the entire duration of the carbon-based period, the system may pre-heat or pre-cool the thermal load using the heat pump in advance of the carbon-based period.Based on the battery being empty and the external power source 108 being carbon-based, the system may decide to idle the battery.

[0089] In some examples, as described above, heat pump system 104 may perform one or more objectives 800, 820, 840, and / or 860 based on one or more factors from flowcharts 600 and / or 700. For example, based on whether the energy storage device is "unlocked" or "locked," heat pump system 104 may perform the "save" or "revenue" objectives shown in tables 820 and 840.

[0090] A number of implementations have been described. However, it will be understood that additional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concepts described herein, and therefore, other examples are within the scope of the following claims. For example, it will be understood that the examples of the present application described herein are merely illustrative. Various modifications of these examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to adopt such modifications as appropriate, and the inventor intends that the present application may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this application includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the appended claims to the extent permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by this application unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the performance of the various machine-implemented processes and steps described herein may occur via computerized execution of processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), volatile, non-volatile, or other electronic memory mechanism. Thus, for example, operations described herein as being performed by computing devices and / or components thereof may be performed in accordance with processor-executable instructions and / or installed applications corresponding to software, firmware, and / or computer hardware.

[0092] Use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B") should be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B), or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" should be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to") unless otherwise indicated. The recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is intended only to serve as shorthand for referring individually to each separate value within that range, and each separate value is incorporated herein as if set forth individually herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Any examples provided herein, or the use of exemplary language (e.g., "such as"), are intended solely to better describe the application and do not impose limitations on the scope of the application unless otherwise stated. Nothing in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the application.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: a heat pump system, the heat pump system comprising: Heat pumps and; an energy storage device configured to provide power to the heat pump; a controller, the controller comprising: configured to receive a request from a remote computing system for a current status of charging of the energy storage device; configured to provide the remote computing system with a current status of the charging of the energy storage device; configured to receive, from the remote computing system, one or more control commands instructing the heat pump system to power the heat pump using the energy storage device and / or an external power source; and configured to electrically connect the energy storage device and / or the external power source to the heat pump based on the one or more control commands, such that the energy storage device and / or the external power source provides power to the heat pump; and The remote computing system includes: configured to provide the request regarding the current state of the charge of the energy storage device; configured to receive a current state of the charge of the energy storage device; configured to generate the one or more control commands based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device; and and configured to provide the one or more control commands to the controller of the heat pump system. The system.

2. the heat pump system further comprising: one or more transformers and rectifiers configured to convert alternating current (AC) power from the external power source into direct current (DC) power, the one or more transformers and rectifiers being in series with the energy storage device and the heat pump; The system of claim 1 .

3. the heat pump system further comprising: a charge controller, the charge controller having a first relay associated with the external power source and a second relay associated with the energy storage device; and the controller: controlling the first relay of the charge controller to electrically connect the external power source to the heat pump based on the one or more control commands indicating that the heat pump should be powered from the external power source; and controlling the second relay of the charge controller to electrically connect the energy storage device to the heat pump based on the one or more control commands indicating that the heat pump should be powered by the energy storage device; and electrically connecting the energy storage device and / or the external power source to the heat pump by The system of claim 1 .

4. the heat pump system further comprising: an energy management system (EMS) configured to provide the controller with a current status of the charging of the energy storage device; The system of claim 1 .

5. the heat pump system further comprising: an air handler, the controller further comprising: configured to control a fan speed of the air handler. The system of claim 1 .

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the heat pump system comprises a communication interface, and the communication interface comprises the controller.

7. The remote computing system: determining whether the energy storage device can be discharged based on a comparison of the current state of charge of the energy storage device to one or more thresholds; and generating, based on the comparison, one or more control commands indicating that the heat pump should be powered by the energy storage device or by the external power source. and generating the one or more control commands by The system of claim 1 .

8. The remote computing system further comprises: and configured to receive information indicative of an active grid event or an utility power interruption, and generating the one or more control commands indicating that the heat pump should be powered by the energy storage device or by the external power source is further based on the information indicative of the active grid event or the utility power interruption. The system of claim 7.

9. The remote computing system: determining whether the energy storage device is being charged based on comparing the current state of charge of the energy storage device to one or more thresholds; and generating the one or more control commands based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device being less than the one or more thresholds. and generating the one or more control commands by: the heat pump is to be powered by the external power source; and indicating that the energy storage device should be charged by the external power source; The system of claim 1 .

10. The remote computing system further comprises: configured to receive information indicative of current energy costs; and generating the one or more control commands indicating that the energy storage device should be charged by the external power source based on the information indicative of the energy cost; The system of claim 9.

11. The remote computing system: determining whether the energy storage device is being charged based on comparing the current state of charge of the energy storage device to one or more thresholds; and generating the one or more control commands based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device exceeding the one or more thresholds. and generating the one or more control commands by: the heat pump is to be powered by the external power source; and indicating idling the energy storage device. The system of claim 1 .

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the external power source comprises one or more solar panels configured to provide solar power.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the heat pump is an air conditioning unit.

14. 1. A method, comprising: receiving external data from an external data source; obtaining electrical measurements associated with a heat pump system, the heat pump system having a heat pump and an energy storage device; determining one or more operating modes for the heat pump system based on a current state of charge of the energy storage device and the external data; and controlling the heat pump system based on the one or more operating modes, wherein controlling the heat pump system comprises electrically connecting the energy storage device and / or the external power source to the heat pump, such that the energy storage device and / or the external power source provides power to the heat pump. The method.

15. Obtaining the electrical measurements associated with the heat pump system includes: providing a request to the heat pump system regarding the state of charge of the energy storage device; and receiving from the heat pump system a current state of charge of the energy storage device; Controlling the heat pump system based on the one or more operating modes includes: generating one or more control commands based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device; and providing the one or more control commands to a controller of the heat pump system, the controller electrically connecting the energy storage device and / or an external power source to the heat pump based on the one or more control commands.

15. The method of claim 14.

16. Obtaining the electrical measurements associated with the heat pump system includes: providing, by a gateway controller and to an energy management system (EMS), a request regarding the current status of charging of the energy storage device; and receiving, by the gateway controller and from the EMS, information indicative of a current status of the charging of the energy storage device.

15. The method of claim 14.

17. moreover: determining whether the external power source is experiencing a power interruption based on external data; and determining the one or more operating modes for the heat pump system is further based on whether the external power source experiences the power interruption; 15. The method of claim 14.

18. moreover: determining whether the external power source is renewable or carbon-based based on external data; and determining the one or more operating modes for the heat pump system further based on whether the external power source is renewable or carbon-based; 15. The method of claim 14.

19. 1. A method, comprising: obtaining electrical measurements associated with a heat pump system having a heat pump and an energy storage device, wherein an electrical connection connects the heat pump to the energy storage device, and the electrical measurements are at positions along the electrical connection; determining one or more operating modes for the heat pump system based on the electrical measurements; and controlling the heat pump system based on the one or more operating modes, wherein controlling the heat pump system comprises electrically connecting the energy storage device and / or the external power source to the heat pump, such that the energy storage device and / or the external power source provides power to the heat pump. The method.

20. Determining the one or more operating modes for the heat pump system based on the electrical measurements includes: determining a current operating mode of the heat pump system; comparing the electrical measurements at the locations along the electrical connection between the energy storage device and the heat pump to operational thresholds; and determining to switch from the current operating mode to a new operating mode based on the comparison.

20. The method of claim 19.

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