Heat pump system and control method thereof

Abstract

A heat pump system according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may comprise: an indoor heating device that generates water for heating an indoor space; a plate-type heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant discharged from a compressor and water, and supplies the heat-exchanged water to the indoor heating device; a first temperature sensor for sensing a first temperature of water flowing from the indoor heating device to the plate-type heat exchanger; a second temperature sensor for sensing a second temperature of water flowing from the plate-type heat exchanger to the indoor heating device; a flow rate sensor for sensing the amount of water circulating through the indoor heating device and the plate-type heat exchanger; an input interface; and a processor that sets, on the basis of a user input obtained through the input interface, a target temperature of the water generated by the indoor heating device, identifies, when a heating operation starts, whether a stabilization condition of the heat pump system comprising the indoor heating device, the compressor, and the plate-type heat exchanger is satisfied, determines, if the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied, a heating load of the indoor heating device on the basis of the first temperature, the second temperature and the amount of water, and adjusts the target temperature of the water for heating the indoor space by comparing the heating load of the indoor heating device with a predetermined threshold value.

Description

Heat pump system and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a heat pump system capable of supplying hot water through heat exchange and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a heat pump system and a control method thereof that regulate the target temperature of hot water supplied to a user during heating operation.

[0002] In general, a heat pump is a device that transfers heat from a low-temperature source to a high-temperature source for heating, cooling, and water supply (air-to-air) by utilizing the heat generated and recovered during the cycle of compression, condensation, and evaporation of a refrigerant. Heat pumps are primarily used for various temperature-related tasks, such as heating, cooling, refrigeration, and hot water production.

[0003] A hot water supply device using a heat pump (hereinafter referred to as a "heat pump system") is mainly used when hot water is needed in residential buildings or commercial facilities. It is widely used because it is more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional hot water supply systems such as electric or gas boilers that heat water.

[0004] Typically, a heat pump system may include a refrigerant cycle including a compressor, an expansion device, an outdoor heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, and refrigerant tubes, and a water cycle including an indoor heating device such as a radiator, a buffer tank, an auxiliary heat source, and water piping.

[0005] The refrigerant cycle, which absorbs heat from the outside air, can transfer heat to the water cycle. The refrigerant cycle may be equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with the outside air. A plate heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat may be installed between the refrigerant cycle and the water cycle.

[0006] When heating water is supplied, low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the compressor and is compressed, becoming a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This refrigerant exchanges heat with water in the plate heat exchanger, which acts as a condenser, and transfers heat to the water, becoming a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. After passing through the expansion device, it becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure, ideal-state refrigerant. It then exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger, which acts as an evaporator, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This process re-introduces the heat from the condenser, raising the temperature of the water, which is then used for heating and hot water supply, depending on the purpose.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosed invention is to provide a heat pump system and a control method thereof that can reduce unnecessary energy consumption and user inconvenience by more accurately measuring the heating load by determining whether the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied through the measurement values ​​of sensors installed inside the heat pump system during heating operation using the heat pump system and determining the heating load of an indoor heating device.

[0008] Conventionally, the outside temperature was measured using an external temperature sensor installed in the outdoor unit. If the outside temperature dropped, the heating load was assumed to be high, and the target temperature of the water for heating the indoor space was set high to execute heating operation. In other words, to raise the target temperature of the water for heating the indoor space, the rotation frequency of the compressor installed inside the heat pump system was increased, consuming more energy to execute heating operation. This has the problem that it is difficult to sensitively respond to the characteristics of the heating load arising from various installation environmental variables because the target temperature of the water for heating the indoor space is set based on the outside temperature regardless of the actual heat pump installation region, environment, or building materials used. Therefore, even if the actual heating load is not large, the target temperature of the water for heating the indoor space is set high, which consumes unnecessary energy and can cause discomfort to users due to excessively high indoor temperatures.

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art by directly calculating the heating load when the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied after the heating operation starts, thereby reducing the error of the method of estimating the heating load by simple external temperature, and accurately determining the heating load by using various sensors existing within the heat pump system, thereby preventing unnecessary energy consumption and increasing the user's satisfaction with the product.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] A heat pump system according to one aspect of the disclosed invention comprises: a room heating device that generates water for heating an indoor space; a plate heat exchanger that heat-exchanges refrigerant discharged from a compressor with water and supplies the heat-exchanged water to the room heating device; a first temperature sensor that detects a first temperature of water flowing from the room heating device to the plate heat exchanger; a second temperature sensor that detects a second temperature of water flowing from the plate heat exchanger to the room heating device; a flow sensor that detects an amount of water circulating through the room heating device and the plate heat exchanger; an input interface; And it may include a processor that sets a target temperature of water generated by the indoor heating device based on a user input obtained through the input interface, and when heating operation starts, identifies whether a stabilization condition of a heat pump system including the indoor heating device, the compressor, and the plate heat exchanger is satisfied, and when the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied, determines a heating load of the indoor heating device based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the amount of water, and compares the heating load of the indoor heating device with a predetermined threshold value to adjust the set target temperature of the water.

[0012] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a control method for a heat pump system comprising a room heating device for generating water for heating an indoor space, a compressor, a plate heat exchanger for heat-exchanging refrigerant discharged from the compressor with water, and a processor may include: detecting a first temperature of water flowing into the plate heat exchanger by a first temperature sensor; detecting a second temperature of water flowing into the room heating device by a second temperature sensor; detecting an amount of water circulating through the plate heat exchanger and the room heating device by a flow sensor; setting a target temperature of water generated by the room heating device based on a user input obtained through an input interface by the processor, and identifying whether a stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied; determining a heating load of the room heating device based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the amount of water when the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied; and comparing the heating load of the room heating device with a predetermined threshold value to adjust the set target temperature of the water.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, rather than estimating the heating load based on the outdoor temperature during heating operation, after determining whether the stabilization conditions of the heat pump system are satisfied, the heating load is accurately determined using sensors installed inside the heat pump system, and the target temperature of water for heating the indoor space is adjusted, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption and increasing the user's satisfaction and convenience in using the product.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a control block diagram for adjusting the target temperature of water for heating an indoor space during heating operation in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an overall control method for controlling the target temperature of water for heating an indoor space during heating operation in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control method for adjusting the target temperature of water for heating an indoor space during heating operation in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control method for determining a stabilization condition of a heat pump system during heating operation in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0019] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0020] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0021] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0023] For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" can represent A, B, C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0024] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0025] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0026] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0027] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0028] When we say that a component is “on” another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0029] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0030] Hereinafter, a heat pump system is described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but is not limited thereto.

[0031] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat pump system according to one embodiment. The heat pump system (1) may include an outdoor unit (10), a flow sensor (20), and an indoor heating device (30).

[0032] An outdoor unit (10) existing in a heat pump system (1) may include a compressor (102), a plate-type (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112), an expansion valve (110), an outdoor (refrigerant-outside air) heat exchanger (108), a flow switching valve (106), an accumulator (104), a first temperature sensor (113), a second temperature sensor (115), and a third temperature sensor (117).

[0033] The compressor (102) compresses low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant sucked in through the inlet side (102a) to form high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, and then discharges the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant through the outlet side (102b). The compressor (102) may be configured as an inverter compressor whose compression capacity varies depending on the input frequency, or may be configured as a combination of multiple constant-speed compressors whose compression capacity is constant. The inlet side (102a) of the compressor (102) is connected to an accumulator (104), and the outlet side (102b) of the compressor (102) is connected to a flow switching valve (106). The flow switching valve (106) is also connected to the accumulator (104).

[0034] An accumulator (104) may be installed between the inlet side (102a) of the compressor (102) and the oil changeover valve (106). When condensed liquid refrigerant flows in through the oil changeover valve (106), the accumulator (104) temporarily stores a mixture of oil and refrigerant, separates the non-vaporized liquid refrigerant, and prevents the liquid refrigerant from being sucked into the compressor (102), thereby preventing damage to the compressor (102). The gas refrigerant separated in the accumulator (104) is sucked into the inlet side (102a) of the compressor (102).

[0035] The refrigerant flow switching valve (106) may be configured as a four-way valve, and switches the flow of refrigerant discharged from the compressor (102) according to the operating mode (cooling or heating), thereby forming a refrigerant flow path required for the operation in the corresponding mode. The refrigerant flow switching valve (106) may have a first port (106a) connected to the outlet side (102b) of the compressor (102), a second port (106b) connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (108) side, a third port (106c) connected to the plate heat exchanger (112) side, and a fourth port (106d) connected to the accumulator (104) which is the inlet side (102a) of the compressor (100).

[0036] The outdoor heat exchanger (108) operates as a condenser in cooling mode and as an evaporator in heating mode. An expansion valve (110) is connected to one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (108). An outdoor fan (109) may be installed in the outdoor heat exchanger (108) to increase the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. When supplying heating water, the outdoor air and the refrigerant exchange heat in the outdoor heat exchanger (108) operating as an evaporator, and the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows out and is sucked into the compressor.

[0037] The expansion valve (110) may be configured as an electronic expansion valve, and may expand the refrigerant, control the flow rate of the refrigerant, and block the flow of the refrigerant if necessary. The expansion valve (110) may be replaced with an expansion device of another structure that performs these functions.

[0038] When supplying heating water, refrigerant compressed to high temperature and high pressure by the compressor (102) can be delivered to the plate type (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112). Water can be delivered from an indoor heating device to the plate type (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112). Inside the plate type (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112), a plurality of heat exchange plates through which refrigerant passes and heat exchange plates through which water passes are alternately installed, and hot water can be generated through heat exchange between the heat exchange plates through which refrigerant passes and the heat exchange plates through which water passes. The plate type heat exchanger may be a plate type or shell-and-tube type heat exchanger. The cold water / hot water generated in the plate type (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112) is provided to a water supply tank, a fan coil unit, a floor cooling / heating device, etc., and is used for cold water / hot water supply and cooling / heating.

[0039] The first temperature sensor (113) is installed on the side where water enters the plate heat exchanger (112) from the indoor heating device (30), and can detect the temperature of water entering the plate heat exchanger (112) from the indoor heating device (30) during heating operation.

[0040] The second temperature sensor (115) is installed on the side where water flows from the plate heat exchanger (112) to the indoor heating device (30), and can detect the temperature of water flowing from the plate heat exchanger (112) to the indoor heating device (30) during heating operation.

[0041] The third temperature sensor (117) is installed outside or inside the outdoor unit (10) and can detect the outdoor temperature during heating operation.

[0042] A flow sensor (20) existing in a heat pump system (1) can be installed in a flow path through which water circulating through a plate heat exchanger (112) and an indoor heating device (30) moves. The flow sensor (20) can detect the amount of water circulating through the indoor heating device (30) and the plate heat exchanger (112).

[0043] The indoor heating device (30) within the heat pump system (1) may refer to an indoor room, ondol, boiler pipes, and radiators to which water heat-exchanged in a plate heat exchanger (112) is supplied, and water for heating the indoor space, i.e., hot water, can be generated. The hot water generated by the indoor heating device (30) can be supplied through water channels present in the indoor room, ondol, boiler pipes, and radiators to heat the indoor space.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a control block diagram for adjusting the target temperature of water for heating an indoor space during heating operation in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0045] According to one embodiment, a first temperature sensor (113) present in a heat pump system (1) is installed on the side where water flows into the plate heat exchanger (112) from the indoor heating device (30), and can detect the temperature of water flowing into the plate heat exchanger (112) from the indoor heating device (30) during heating operation. The temperature of water flowing from the indoor heating device (30) to the plate heat exchanger (112) detected by the first temperature sensor (113) may be a first temperature. The first temperature information measured by the first temperature sensor (113) may be stored in a memory (122) in a control unit (120) of the heat pump system (1), and the temperature measurement value may be transmitted to a processor (121) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1).

[0046] According to one embodiment, a second temperature sensor (115) present in the heat pump system (1) is installed on the side where water flows from the plate heat exchanger (112) to the indoor heating device (30), and can detect the temperature of water flowing from the plate heat exchanger (112) to the indoor heating device (30) during heating operation. The temperature of water flowing from the plate heat exchanger (112) to the indoor heating device (30) detected by the second temperature sensor (115) may be a second temperature. The second temperature information measured by the second temperature sensor (115) may be stored in a memory (122) in a control unit (120) of the heat pump system (1), and the temperature measurement value may be transmitted to a processor (121) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1).

[0047] According to one embodiment, a third temperature sensor (117) existing in a heat pump system (1) is installed outside or inside an outdoor unit (10) to detect an outdoor temperature during heating operation. The outdoor temperature information measured by the third temperature sensor (117) can be stored in a memory (122) in a control unit (120) of the heat pump system (1), and the temperature measurement value can be transmitted to a processor (121) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the compressor (102) can compress refrigerant circulating in the outdoor unit (10) within the heat pump system (1).

[0049] According to one embodiment, a flow sensor (20) present in a heat pump system (1) may be installed in a path through which water circulating through a plate heat exchanger (112) and a room heater (30) moves. The flow sensor (20) may detect the amount of water circulating through the room heater (30) and the plate heat exchanger (112). Information on the amount of water circulating through the plate heat exchanger (112) and the room heater (30) measured by the flow sensor (20) may be stored in a memory (122) in a control unit (120) of the heat pump system (1), and a temperature measurement value may be transmitted to a processor (121) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may include at least one processor (121) for controlling the operation of the heat pump system (1) and at least one memory (122) for storing a program and data for controlling the operation of the heat pump system (1).

[0051] At least one processor (121) controls the overall operation of the heat pump system (1). Specifically, at least one processor (121) may be connected to each component of the heat pump system (1) (e.g., compressor (102), outdoor heat exchanger (108), plate heat exchanger (112), first temperature sensor (113), second temperature sensor (115), third temperature sensor (117), flow sensor (20), compressor (102), indoor heating device (30), input interface (40) and / or communication interface (50) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1). For example, at least one processor (121) may be electrically connected to a memory (122) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1). The processor (121) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0052] At least one processor (121) can perform operations of the heat pump system (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (122).

[0053] At least one processor (121) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (121) may control one or any combination of other components of the heat pump system (1) and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. At least one processor (121) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (122). For example, at least one processor (121) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (122).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) can set a target temperature of water generated by the indoor heating device based on user input obtained through the input interface (40). At this time, the water generated according to the set target temperature, i.e., hot water, can be used to heat the indoor space.

[0055] According to one embodiment, when a heating operation starts, a processor (121) of a heat pump system (1) identifies whether a stabilization condition of a heat pump system including a compressor (102) and a plate heat exchanger (112) is satisfied, and if the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied, the processor (121) can determine a heating load of an indoor heating device based on a first temperature detected by a first temperature sensor (113), a second temperature detected by a second temperature sensor (115), and an amount of water circulating through the plate heat exchanger and the indoor heating device detected by a flow sensor (20). The processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) can compare the determined heating load with a predetermined threshold value and adjust a target temperature of water set based on a user input.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) can detect the maximum and minimum values ​​of the operating frequency of the compressor (102) for a predetermined time interval when the heating operation starts. The processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) can identify that the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied based on the fact that the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the operating frequency of the compressor (102) is equal to or less than a first reference value and the difference between the target temperature of water set based on a user input and the second temperature is equal to or less than the second reference value.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) can identify whether the stabilization condition of the heat pump system (1) is satisfied after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the compressor (102) is turned on when the heating operation starts.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) can identify whether the stabilization condition of the heat pump system (1) is satisfied at predetermined time intervals after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the compressor (102) is turned on when heating operation starts.

[0059] When heating operation starts, the processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment identifies whether a stabilization condition of the heat pump system including the compressor (102) and the plate heat exchanger (112) is satisfied, and when the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied, the processor can determine the heating load of the indoor heating device (30) by multiplying the amount of water detected by the flow sensor (20), the specific heat value of the water, and the difference between the first temperature of the water and the second temperature of the water.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) can lower the target temperature of the water set based on the user input based on the determined heating load being less than or equal to a first threshold value. According to one embodiment, the processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) can raise the target temperature of the water set based on the user input based on the determined heating load exceeding a second threshold value. According to one embodiment, the processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) can maintain the target temperature of the water set based on the user input when the determined heating load is greater than the first threshold value and less than or equal to the second threshold value. The first threshold value and the second threshold value can be set to a predetermined value based on the rated heating performance of the outdoor unit (10) in the heat pump system (1). The first threshold value is set to be smaller than the second threshold value. The first threshold value and the second threshold value can be set between a predetermined maximum and minimum value range in order to prevent the target temperature of the water for heating an indoor space from being set to an inappropriate target temperature in the process of changing the target temperature of the water.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) may store in the memory (122) a heating load determined based on the temperature of the water generated by the indoor heating device reaching the adjusted target temperature, the adjusted target temperature, and information on the outdoor temperature measured by the third temperature sensor (117). The processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) may redetermine the heating load of the indoor heating device (30) based on satisfaction of a stabilization condition of the heat pump system (1) when the operation of the indoor heating device (30) is stopped and then restarted. The processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) may set the target temperature of the water generated by the indoor heating device to the target temperature stored in the memory (122) without having to compare the redetermined heating load with a threshold value, if the redetermined heating load is the same as the heating load stored in the memory (122), and the outdoor temperature measured by the third temperature sensor (117) is the same as the outdoor temperature stored in the memory (122).

[0062] The processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can set a target temperature of water for heating the current indoor space based on a user input through the input interface (40) during heating operation.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the processor (121) of the heat pump system (1) can adjust the target temperature of water for heating the current indoor space based on the selection of the target temperature control mode of water for heating the indoor space of the indoor heating room (30) through the user's input interface (40) during heating operation.

[0064] At least one memory (122) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (122) may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the heat pump system (1) or in the form of memory that can be attached or detached from the heat pump system (1), depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for driving the heat pump system (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the heat pump system (1), and data for the expansion function of the heat pump system (1) may be stored in a memory that can be attached or detached from the heat pump system (1). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the heat pump system (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., one time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, in the case of memory that can be attached or detached to the heat pump system (1), it may be implemented as a form of memory card (e.g., compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), etc.), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc. Can be.

[0065] According to one embodiment, an indoor heating device (30) within a heat pump system (1) can generate water for heating an indoor space, and may refer to an indoor room, an ondol, a boiler pipe, and a radiator to which water heat-exchanged in a plate heat exchanger (112), i.e., hot water, is supplied. The hot water generated by the indoor heating device (30) can be supplied through water channels present in the indoor room, ondol, boiler pipe, and radiator to heat the indoor space.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the heat pump system (1) may include a communication interface (50) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device) via wired and / or wireless communication. The communication interface (50) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0067] The communication interface (50) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, a temperature probe), or receive data from the external device. To this end, the communication interface (50) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (50) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module can communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0068] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0069] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0070] The communication interface (50) can communicate with external devices via a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The heat pump system (1) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0071] The heat pump system (1) can receive various signals (e.g., weather information, remote instructions) from an external device (e.g., server, user device) through a communication interface (50).

[0072] The communication interface (50) may be a user interface, i.e., an input and output interface. The input interface (40) may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, etc.

[0073] The input interface (40) can receive user input and transmit it to the processor (121). The user can input a target temperature of water for heating an indoor space using the input interface (40). The user can select a mode for controlling the target temperature of water for heating an indoor space using the processor (121) using the input interface (40).

[0074] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor (121).

[0075] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an overall control method for controlling the target temperature of water for heating an indoor space during heating operation in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0076] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can set a target temperature of water generated by an indoor heating device (30) based on a user input obtained through an input interface (40).

[0077] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can detect a first temperature of water flowing into the plate heat exchanger (112) by a first temperature sensor (113) when entering a heating operation, detect a second temperature of water flowing into the indoor heating device by a second temperature sensor (115), and detect an amount of water circulating through the plate heat exchanger (112) and the indoor heating device (30) by a flow sensor (20) (1000). A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can identify whether a stabilization condition of the heat pump system (1) is satisfied (1100).

[0078] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can determine the heating load of the indoor heating device (30) based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the amount of water when the stabilization condition of the heat pump system (1) is satisfied (1200).

[0079] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can adjust the target temperature of water for heating an indoor space by comparing the heating load of an indoor heating device (30) with a predetermined threshold value (1300).

[0080] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control method for adjusting the target temperature of water for heating an indoor space during heating operation in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0081] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can set a target temperature of water generated by an indoor heating device (30) based on a user input obtained through an input interface (40).

[0082] According to one embodiment, a control method of a heat pump system (1) can detect a first temperature of water flowing into the plate heat exchanger (112) by a first temperature sensor (113) when entering heating operation (2000), detect a second temperature of water flowing into the indoor heating device by a second temperature sensor (115), and detect an amount of water circulating through the plate heat exchanger (112) and the indoor heating device (30) by a flow rate sensor (20).

[0083] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can determine whether the heat pump system (1) satisfies a stabilization condition (2200) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the compressor (102) is turned on (2100).

[0084] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can determine a heating load of an indoor heating device (30) based on a first temperature, a second temperature, and an amount of water when a stabilization condition of the heat pump system (1) is satisfied (2300). The heating load can be determined by multiplying the amount of water detected by a flow sensor (20), the specific heat value of the water, and the difference between the first temperature of the water and the second temperature of the water.

[0085] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can compare the heating load of an indoor heating device (30) with a predetermined threshold value and adjust the target temperature of water based on the user input.

[0086] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can compare a determined heating load with a first threshold value (2400). If the determined heating load is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the target temperature of the water set based on the user input can be lowered (2410).

[0087] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment may also compare the determined heating load with a second threshold value (2500). If the determined heating load is greater than the second threshold value, the target temperature of water set based on the user input may be increased (2510). The first threshold value and the second threshold value may be set to a predetermined value based on the rated heating performance of the outdoor unit (10) in the heat pump system (1). The first threshold value is set to be smaller than the second threshold value. The first threshold value and the second threshold value may be set between a predetermined maximum and minimum value range in order to prevent the target temperature from being set to the target temperature in the process of changing the target temperature of water set based on the user input.

[0088] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can maintain a target water temperature currently set based on the user input when the determined heating load is greater than a first threshold value and less than or equal to a second threshold value (2600). The target water temperature currently set based on the user input may be set by a user input via an input interface (40).

[0089] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control method for determining a stabilization condition of a heat pump system during heating operation in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0090] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can determine a stabilization condition of the heat pump system (1) when a predetermined time has passed since the compressor (102) is turned on during heating operation. The control method of the heat pump system (1) can determine that the heat pump system is stabilized when the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the operating frequency of the compressor (102), that is, the amount of change in the operating frequency of the compressor, is less than or equal to a first reference value (2201) and when the difference between the target temperature of water set based on the current user input and the second temperature is less than or equal to the second reference value (2202), and then the heating load can be determined (2300).

[0091] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can determine a stabilization condition of the heat pump system (1) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the compressor (102) is turned on during heating operation. The control method of the heat pump system (1) can determine again whether the heat pump system (1) satisfies the stabilization criterion when the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the operating frequency of the compressor (102), i.e., the amount of change in the operating frequency of the compressor, is greater than a first reference value, or when the difference between the target temperature of water set based on the current user input and the second temperature is greater than the second reference value.

[0092] A heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment includes: an indoor heating device that generates water for heating an indoor space; a plate heat exchanger that heat-exchanges refrigerant discharged from a compressor with water and supplies the heat-exchanged water to the indoor heating device; a first temperature sensor that detects a first temperature of water flowing from the indoor heating device to the plate heat exchanger; a second temperature sensor that detects a second temperature of water flowing from the plate heat exchanger to the indoor heating device; a flow sensor that detects an amount of water circulating through the indoor heating device and the plate heat exchanger; an input interface; and a processor. The processor sets a target temperature of water generated by the indoor heating device based on a user input obtained through the input interface, and when heating operation starts, identifies whether a stabilization condition of a heat pump system including the indoor heating device, the compressor, and the plate heat exchanger is satisfied, and when the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied, determines a heating load of the indoor heating device based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the amount of water, and compares the heating load of the indoor heating device with a predetermined threshold value to adjust the set target temperature of the water.

[0093] The processor can detect the maximum and minimum values ​​of the operating frequency of the compressor during a predetermined time interval, and identify that the stabilization condition is satisfied based on the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the operating frequency of the compressor being equal to or less than a first reference value and the difference between the set target temperature of the water and the second temperature being equal to or less than a second reference value.

[0094] The processor can determine the heating load by multiplying the amount of water detected by the flow sensor, the specific heat value of the water, and the difference between the first temperature of the water and the second temperature of the water.

[0095] The processor can lower the set target temperature of the water based on the heating load being below a first threshold value.

[0096] The processor can increase the target temperature of the set water based on the heating load exceeding a second threshold value, wherein the first threshold value is less than the second threshold value.

[0097] The processor can maintain the set target temperature of the water based on the heating load being greater than the first threshold value and less than or equal to the second threshold value.

[0098] The processor can identify whether a stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the compressor is turned on.

[0099] The processor can identify whether a stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied at predetermined time intervals after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the compressor is turned on.

[0100] According to one embodiment, a heat pump system further includes a third temperature sensor for detecting an outdoor temperature; and a memory; wherein the processor stores the determined heating load, the adjusted target temperature, and the outdoor temperature in the memory based on the temperature of water generated by the indoor heating device reaching the adjusted target temperature, and when the operation of the indoor heating device is stopped and then restarted, the heating load of the indoor heating device is re-determined, and when the re-determined heating load is the same as the heating load stored in the memory, and the outdoor temperature detected by the third temperature sensor and the outdoor temperature stored in the memory are the same, the target temperature of the water generated by the indoor heating device can be set to the target temperature stored in the memory.

[0101] A control method for a heat pump system comprising a room heating device that generates water for heating an indoor space, a compressor, a plate heat exchanger that heat-exchanges refrigerant discharged from the compressor with water, and a processor according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include: detecting a first temperature of water flowing into the plate heat exchanger by a first temperature sensor; detecting a second temperature of water flowing into the room heating device by a second temperature sensor; detecting an amount of water circulating through the plate heat exchanger and the room heating device by a flow sensor; setting a target temperature of water generated by the room heating device based on a user input obtained through an input interface by the processor, and identifying whether a stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied; determining a heating load of the room heating device based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the amount of water if the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied; comparing the heating load of the room heating device with a predetermined threshold value to adjust the set target temperature of the water.

[0102] Identifying whether the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied may include detecting a maximum value and a minimum value of the operating frequency of the compressor during a predetermined time interval; and identifying the stabilization condition as being satisfied based on a difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the operating frequency of the compressor being equal to or less than a predetermined first reference value and a difference between the set current target temperature of the water and the second temperature being equal to or less than a predetermined second reference value.

[0103] Determining the heating load of the indoor heating device may include determining the heating load of the indoor heating device by multiplying the amount of water detected by the flow sensor, the specific heat value of the water, and the difference between the first temperature of the water and the second temperature of the water.

[0104] Adjusting the set target temperature of the water may include lowering the set target temperature of the water based on the heating load being below a first threshold value.

[0105] Adjusting the set target temperature of the water may include: increasing the set target temperature of the water based on the heating load exceeding a second threshold value; and the first threshold value being smaller than the second threshold value.

[0106] Controlling the set target temperature of the water may include maintaining the set target temperature of the water based on the heating load being greater than the first threshold value and less than or equal to the second threshold value.

[0107] Identifying whether the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied may include identifying whether the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the compressor is turned on.

[0108] Identifying whether the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied may include identifying whether the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied at predetermined time intervals after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the compressor is turned on.

[0109] A control method of a heat pump system according to one aspect of the disclosed invention further includes: detecting an outdoor temperature by a third temperature sensor; and storing the determined heating load, the adjusted target temperature, and the outdoor temperature in a memory based on the temperature of water generated by the indoor heating device reaching the adjusted target temperature; and adjusting the set target temperature of the water may include: when the operation of the indoor heating device is stopped and then restarted, re-determining the heating load of the indoor heating device; and when the re-determined heating load is the same as the heating load stored in the memory, and the outdoor temperature detected by the third temperature sensor and the outdoor temperature stored in the memory are the same, setting the target temperature of the water generated by the indoor heating device to the target temperature stored in the memory.

[0110] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, after determining whether a stabilization condition of a heat pump system is satisfied during heating operation, the heating load is directly calculated, thereby reducing the error of a method of estimating the heating load by simple external temperature, and by accurately determining the heating load using sensors installed inside the heat pump system to control the target temperature of water for heating an indoor space, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption and increasing the user's satisfaction and convenience in using the product.

[0111] The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0112] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0114] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Indoor heating device that generates water to heat indoor space; A plate heat exchanger that exchanges heat with water from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and supplies the heat-exchanged water to the indoor heating device; A first temperature sensor that detects a first temperature of water flowing from the indoor heating device to the plate heat exchanger; A second temperature sensor for detecting a second temperature of water flowing from the plate heat exchanger to the indoor heating device; A flow sensor that detects the amount of water circulating through the indoor heating device and the plate heat exchanger; input interface; and including a processor; The above processor, Setting the target temperature of the water generated by the indoor heating device based on the user input obtained through the input interface, When the heating operation starts, it is identified whether the stabilization condition of the heat pump system including the indoor heating device, the compressor, and the plate heat exchanger is satisfied, When the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied, the heating load of the indoor heating device is determined based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the amount of water, A heat pump system that compares the heating load of the above indoor heating device with a predetermined threshold value and controls the target temperature of the water.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, Detecting the maximum and minimum values ​​of the operating frequency of the compressor during a predetermined time interval, A heat pump system that identifies that the stabilization condition is satisfied based on the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the operating frequency of the compressor being less than or equal to a first reference value and the difference between the set target temperature of the water and the second temperature being less than or equal to a second reference value.

3. In paragraph 1, The above processor, A heat pump system that determines the heating load by multiplying the amount of water detected by the flow sensor, the specific heat value of the water, and the difference between the first temperature of the water and the second temperature of the water.

4. In paragraph 1, The above processor, A heat pump system that lowers the target temperature of the set water based on the heating load being below a first threshold value.

5. In paragraph 4, The above processor, Raise the target temperature of the water set based on the heating load exceeding the second threshold value, A heat pump system wherein the first threshold value is less than the second threshold value.

6. In paragraph 5, The above processor A heat pump system that maintains the set target temperature of water based on the heating load being greater than the first threshold value and less than or equal to the second threshold value.

7. In paragraph 1, The above processor, A heat pump system that identifies whether a stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the compressor is turned on.

8. In paragraph 1, The above processor, A heat pump system that identifies whether a stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied at predetermined time intervals after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the compressor is turned on.

9. In paragraph 1, a third temperature sensor that detects the outdoor temperature; and memory; including more, The above processor, The determined heating load, the adjusted target temperature, and the outdoor temperature are stored in the memory based on the temperature of the water generated by the indoor heating device reaching the adjusted target temperature, A heat pump system that, when the operation of the indoor heating device is stopped and then restarted, redetermines the heating load of the indoor heating device, and if the redetermined heating load is the same as the heating load stored in the memory, and the outdoor temperature detected by the third temperature sensor is the same as the outdoor temperature stored in the memory, sets the target temperature of water generated by the indoor heating device to the target temperature stored in the memory.

10. A method for controlling a heat pump system including an indoor heating device that generates water for heating an indoor space, a compressor, a plate heat exchanger that exchanges heat with water the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and a processor, By the first temperature sensor, the first temperature of the water flowing into the plate heat exchanger is detected; Detecting the second temperature of water flowing into the indoor heating device by the second temperature sensor; By means of a flow sensor, the amount of water circulating through the plate heat exchanger and the indoor heating device is detected; By the above processor, a target temperature of water generated by the indoor heating device is set based on user input obtained through an input interface, Identify whether the stabilization conditions of the above heat pump system are satisfied; When the stabilization condition of the heat pump system is satisfied, the heating load of the indoor heating device is determined based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and the amount of water; A control method for a heat pump system, comprising: comparing the heating load of the indoor heating device with a predetermined threshold value to control the target temperature of the water; 11. In paragraph 10, Identifying whether the stabilization conditions of the above heat pump system are satisfied is: Detecting the maximum and minimum values ​​of the operating frequency of the compressor during a predetermined time interval; A control method for a heat pump system, comprising: identifying that the stabilization condition is satisfied based on the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the operating frequency of the compressor being less than or equal to a first predetermined reference value, and the difference between the current target temperature of the set water and the second temperature being less than or equal to a second predetermined reference value.

12. In paragraph 10, Determining the heating load of the above indoor heating device is: A control method for a heat pump system, comprising: determining a heating load of the indoor heating device by multiplying the amount of water detected by the flow sensor, the specific heat value of the water, and the difference between the first temperature of the water and the second temperature of the water.

13. In paragraph 10, Controlling the target temperature of the water set above is: A control method for a heat pump system, comprising: lowering the target temperature of the set water based on the heating load being below a first threshold value.

14. In paragraph 13, Controlling the target temperature of the water set above is: Based on the heating load exceeding the second threshold value, the target temperature of the set water is increased; A control method for a heat pump system, wherein the first threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value.

15. In paragraph 14, Controlling the target temperature of the water set above is: A control method for a heat pump system, comprising: maintaining the set target temperature of water based on the heating load being greater than the first threshold value and less than or equal to the second threshold value.

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