Heat pump and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat pump and a method for controlling same. The heat pump comprises: a compressor; a heat exchanger for receiving a refrigerant from the compressor; a heat exchange pipe which is provided adjacent to the heat exchanger and through which water exchanging heat with the refrigerant of the heat exchanger flows; a storage tank for storing the water supplied through an outlet of the heat exchange pipe and supplying the stored water to multiple air temperature control devices; a mixing valve connected to at least one of the multiple air temperature control devices and configured to mix the water supplied from the storage tank and the water discharged from a portion between the at least one air temperature control device to control the temperature of the water introduced into the at least one air temperature control device; and a circulation pump for pumping the water stored in the storage tank and transferring the pumped water to the heat exchanger. Some of the plurality of air temperature control devices may include a floor heating device. The rest of the plurality of air temperature control devices may include a heat dissipation device. The mixing valve may be connected to the floor heating device.

Description

Heat pump and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a heat pump for controlling the temperature of water flowing in an air temperature control device and a control method thereof.

[0002] A heat pump is a heating and cooling device that transfers a low-temperature heat source to a high-temperature one or transfers a high-temperature heat source to a low-temperature one by using the refrigeration cycle of compression, condensation, and evaporation of a refrigerant.

[0003] Heat pumps are classified into electric (EHP; electric heat pump) and engine (GHP; gas heat pump) types depending on the driving method, air source type, water source type (waste heat source type), and ground source type (GSHPs; ground source heat pumps) depending on the heat source, and hot air type, cold air type, hot water type, and cold water type depending on the heat supply method, and heating, cooling, dehumidification, and combined heating and cooling type depending on the scope of pump use.

[0004] A recent heat pump (hereinafter also referred to as an 'air conditioner or heat pump system') includes an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a hydro unit, and uses these to perform cooling and heating through air (air to air) and cooling and heating through water (air to water).

[0005] For example, a heat pump generates hot water through heat exchange between water and a refrigerant, and either uses the generated hot water for domestic use or supplies it to an air temperature control unit. The air temperature control unit then uses the hot water flowing inside to provide radiant floor heating or convection heating of the air-conditioned space.

[0006] Recent heat pumps have been used to cool or heat one or more air-conditioned spaces to the same target temperature using a single air temperature control device.

[0007] The above information is provided solely as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure addresses at least the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned above, and provides at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, one aspect of the disclosed invention provides a heat pump and a control method thereof that supplies water to a plurality of air temperature control devices using a storage tank and a mixing valve.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides a heat pump and a control method thereof for controlling a target temperature of water supplied to a plurality of air temperature control devices.

[0010] Additional aspects will be partly explained in the following description, partly will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented.

[0011] A heat pump according to one aspect of the disclosed invention comprises: a compressor; a heat exchanger receiving refrigerant from the compressor; a heat exchange pipe provided adjacent to the heat exchanger and through which water for heat exchange with the refrigerant of the heat exchanger flows; a storage tank storing water supplied through an outlet of the heat exchange pipe and supplying the stored water to a plurality of air temperature control devices; a mixing valve connected to at least one of the plurality of air temperature control devices and mixing water supplied from the storage tank with water discharged between the at least one air temperature control device and supplying the mixed water to the at least one air temperature control device; and a circulation pump pumping water stored in the storage tank and delivering the pumped water to the heat exchanger. Some of the plurality of air temperature control devices may include floor heating devices. Others of the plurality of air temperature control devices may include radiators. The mixing valve may be connected to the floor heating device.

[0012] The heat pump comprises: a plurality of pumps, each of which is connected to a plurality of air temperature control devices, for pumping water from a storage tank and supplying the pumped water to the plurality of air temperature control devices; a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of effluent water flowing out through an outlet of a heat exchange pipe; a second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of inflow water flowing into a heat dissipation device; and one or more processors for controlling on and off of a compressor based on the temperature of the effluent water detected by the first temperature sensor and a target temperature of the effluent water, and for maintaining and controlling the operation of the plurality of pumps during the on and off control of the compressor.

[0013] Some of the plurality of air temperature control devices of the heat pump include an underfloor heating device. Others of the plurality of air temperature control devices of the heat pump include a radiator, and the mixing valve of the heat pump can be connected to the underfloor heating device.

[0014] The heat pump further includes: a plurality of pumps, each of which is connected to a plurality of air temperature control devices and which pump water from a storage tank and supply the pumped water to the plurality of air temperature control devices; a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of effluent water flowing out through an outlet of a heat exchange pipe; a second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of inflow water flowing into a heat dissipation device; a third temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of second inflow water flowing into a floor heating device among the air temperature control devices; and one or more processors for controlling on and off of a compressor based on the detected inflow water temperature, the detected outflow water temperature, the target temperature of the outflow water, and the target temperature of the inflow water, and for maintaining and controlling the operation of the plurality of pumps during the on and off control of the compressor.

[0015] One or more processors of the heat pump recognize a first difference value between a sensed effluent temperature and a sensed influent temperature, and a second difference value between a target temperature of the influent and the sensed influent temperature, recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the first and second differences and the target temperature of the influent, recognize a first target compensation temperature based on the target temperature of the effluent and the first compensation temperature, control off the compressor based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent being equal to the target temperature of the effluent and the sensed effluent temperature being greater than or equal to the first target compensation temperature, recognize a second target compensation temperature based on the target temperature of the effluent and the second compensation temperature, and control on the compressor when the sensed effluent temperature during the off control of the compressor is less than the second target temperature.

[0016] One or more processors of the heat pump recognize a first difference between the sensed effluent temperature and the sensed influent temperature, and a second difference between the target temperature of the influent and the sensed influent temperature, recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the first and second differences and the target temperature of the influent, recognize a third target compensation temperature based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the third compensation temperature, and control the compressor to turn off based on the sensed effluent temperature being equal to or greater than the third target compensation temperature.

[0017] One or more processors of the heat pump recognize the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor at the time when the compressor is turned off, recognize a fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the effluent detected at the time when the compressor is turned off and the fourth compensation temperature, and control the compressor to be turned on based on the temperature of the effluent and the fourth target compensation temperature when the temperature of the effluent is lower than the target temperature during the off control of the compressor.

[0018] The processor of the heat pump includes: a plurality of pumps, each of which is connected to a plurality of air temperature control devices and which pump water from a storage tank and supply the pumped water to the plurality of air temperature control devices; a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of effluent water flowing out through an outlet of a heat exchange pipe; a second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a first inflow water flowing into a heat radiator; a third temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a second inflow water flowing into a floor heating device among air temperature control devices; and one or more processors for controlling on and off of a compressor based on a target temperature of an operating air temperature control device, a temperature of an inflow water sensed by a temperature sensor connected to an operating air temperature control device, a temperature of an effluent water sensed by the temperature sensor, and a target temperature of an effluent water when the radiator or the floor heating device is in operation, and for maintaining and controlling the operation of the plurality of pumps during the on and off control of the compressor.

[0019] One or more processors of the heat pump recognize a difference between a temperature of the effluent and a temperature of the inlet water sensed by a temperature sensor connected to an operating air thermostat, recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the recognized difference and a target temperature of the operating air thermostat, and control the compressor to be turned off based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent being equal to the target temperature of the effluent and the sensed effluent temperature being greater than or equal to the first target compensation temperature, and recognize a second target compensation temperature based on the target temperature of the effluent and the second compensation temperature, and control the compressor to be turned on if the temperature of the effluent detected during the off-control of the compressor is less than the second target temperature.

[0020] One or more processors of the heat pump detect a difference between the temperature of the outlet water and the temperature of the inlet water detected by a temperature sensor connected to an operating air thermostat, detect a compensated target temperature of the outlet water based on the detected difference and a target temperature of the operating air thermostat, detect a third target compensation temperature based on the compensated target temperature of the outlet water and a third compensation temperature, and control the compressor to turn off based on the detected temperature of the outlet water being greater than or equal to the third target compensation temperature.

[0021] One or more processors of the heat pump recognize the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor at the time when the compressor is turned off, recognize a fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the effluent detected at the time when the compressor is turned off and the fourth compensation temperature, and control the compressor to be turned on based on the temperature of the effluent and the fourth target compensation temperature when the temperature of the effluent is lower than the target temperature during the off control of the compressor.

[0022] One or more processors of the heat pump adjust the compressor frequency from a first frequency to a second frequency or lower when the temperature of the effluent is above the compensated target temperature of the effluent. The first frequency of the heat pump is a higher frequency than the second frequency.

[0023] The heat pump further includes a third temperature sensor that detects the temperature of inlet water flowing into at least one air temperature control device through the mixing valve; and a processor that controls opening and closing of the mixing valve based on the temperature of the inlet water detected by the third temperature sensor and a target temperature of the at least one air temperature control device.

[0024] A method for controlling a heat pump according to another aspect is provided, wherein the method comprises a compressor and a heat exchanger through which a refrigerant is circulated, and a storage tank for storing water heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger and supplying the stored water to first and second air temperature control devices, wherein during an on-control of the compressor, the temperature of effluent water flowing out through an outlet of a heat exchange pipe provided in the heat exchanger is detected, and the compressor is turned off based on the detected temperature of the effluent water and the target temperature of the effluent water, and the operations of first and second pumps connected to the first and second air temperature control devices are maintained and controlled during the off-control of the compressor, and the compressor is turned on based on the detected temperature of the effluent water and the target temperature of the effluent water during the off-control of the compressor, and the operations of the first and second pumps are maintained and controlled, and a mixing valve provided between one of the first and second air temperature control devices and the storage tank is controlled to control the temperature of water flowing into one of the air temperature control devices from the storage tank.

[0025] Controlling the compressor off includes detecting the temperature of the inflow water flowing into the air temperature control device having the highest target temperature among the first and second air temperature control devices, and controlling the compressor off when the difference between the temperature of the outlet water and the temperature of the inflow water is less than or equal to a reference value and the temperature of the outlet water is greater than or equal to the target temperature.

[0026] Controlling the compressor off includes recognizing a first difference value between the sensed effluent temperature and the sensed influent temperature, and a second difference value between the target temperature of the influent and the sensed influent temperature, recognizing a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the first and second differences and the target temperature of the influent, recognizing a first target compensated temperature based on the target temperature of the effluent and the first compensated temperature, and controlling the compressor off based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent being equal to the target temperature of the effluent and the sensed temperature of the effluent being greater than or equal to the first target compensated temperature.

[0027] Controlling the compressor on includes recognizing a second target compensation temperature based on a target temperature of the effluent and a second compensation temperature, and controlling the compressor on when the temperature of the effluent detected during the off control of the compressor is lower than the second target temperature.

[0028] Controlling the compressor off includes recognizing a first difference value between the sensed effluent temperature and the sensed influent temperature, and a second difference value between the target temperature of the influent and the sensed influent temperature, recognizing a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the first and second differences and the target temperature of the influent, recognizing a third target compensation temperature based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the third compensation temperature, and controlling the compressor off based on the sensed effluent temperature being equal to or greater than the third target compensation temperature.

[0029] Controlling the compressor to turn on includes recognizing the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor at the time the compressor is turned off, recognizing a fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the effluent detected at the time the compressor is turned off and the fourth compensation temperature, and controlling the compressor to turn on based on the temperature of the effluent and the fourth target compensation temperature when the temperature of the effluent is lower than the target temperature during the off control of the compressor.

[0030] The method for controlling a heat pump further includes controlling on and off of a compressor based on a target temperature of the operating air temperature control device, a temperature of inflow water detected by a temperature sensor connected to the operating air temperature control device, a temperature of the detected outflow water, and a target temperature of the outflow water when one of the first and second air temperature control devices is in operation.

[0031] According to the disclosed invention, the disclosed invention can improve user satisfaction by differently controlling the target temperature of water flowing in air temperature control devices provided in each of a plurality of air-conditioned spaces.

[0032] The disclosed invention can reduce power consumption compared to when controlling the rotational speed of the compressor to control the temperature of water within a plurality of air temperature control devices by maintaining the operation of the pumps respectively connected to the plurality of air temperature control devices and turning only the operation of the compressor on and off when controlling the temperature of water flowing through the plurality of air temperature control devices.

[0033] The disclosed invention can reduce temperature changes in water supplied to a plurality of air temperature control devices by including a storage tank for supplying water to the plurality of air temperature control devices. As a result, the disclosed invention can increase the time for which the temperature of the water supplied to the plurality of air temperature control devices is maintained, thereby reducing power consumption by controlling the compressor's on time and number of times it is on.

[0034] The disclosed invention can improve the safety and user convenience of a heat pump, improve the quality and marketability of a heat pump, and further secure the competitiveness of a heat pump.

[0035] Other aspects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Specific embodiments and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device of a heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are detailed configuration diagrams of a hydro unit of a heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 is a graph of compressor efficiency corresponding to the temperature of heat-exchanged water in the refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 7 is a graph of compressor efficiency corresponding to the frequency of the compressor of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 is a control flowchart of a heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart of a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a detailed configuration diagram of a hydro unit of a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] The same reference numbers are used for identical components throughout the drawing.

[0049] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While it includes numerous specific details to aid understanding, these should be considered merely illustrative. Therefore, it should be recognized that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for clarity and brevity. The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not to be construed as limited in their bibliographic meanings, but rather have been used by the inventors to facilitate a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0050] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, a reference to a constituent surface may include a reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] A heat pump according to various embodiments refers to a device that can perform not only cooling or heating functions in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), but also functions such as cold water supply, hot water supply, air purification, ventilation, and humidity control.

[0059] A heat pump may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger.

[0060] All components can be housed in a single housing that forms the exterior of the heat pump, which corresponds to a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner.

[0061] On the other hand, some components of the heat pump may be divided and built into multiple housings forming a single heat pump, including wall-mounted air conditioners, freestanding air conditioners, and system air conditioners.

[0062] A heat pump comprising multiple housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors.

[0063] For example, a heat pump may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via refrigerant lines. For example, a heat pump may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant lines. For example, a heat pump may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via multiple refrigerant lines.

[0064] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the heat pump can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0065] The heat pump may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0066] An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air.

[0067] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted types depending on their placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized into four-way, one-way, and duct-type indoor units depending on how air is discharged.

[0068] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

[0069] For example, a heat pump performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger. To achieve this refrigerant circulation, the heat pump may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through an intake port and compress it. The compressor can discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through an exhaust port. The compressor may be located inside the outdoor unit.

[0070] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipes in the order of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0071] For example, in a heat pump, if one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0072] For example, in a heat pump, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0073] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, each according to a user-defined operating mode. For example, some indoor units may operate in cooling mode, while others operate in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow switching valve, described below, and then discharged to the outdoor unit for circulation.

[0074] For example, when a heat pump has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units can merge and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0075] Multiple outdoor units may be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor units that are selectively operated through a flow switching valve and circulated therein.

[0076] A heat pump may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0077] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0078] The expansion device may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0079] The heat pump may further include a refrigerant diverter valve positioned along the refrigerant circulation path. The refrigerant diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The refrigerant diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the indoor unit's operating mode (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The refrigerant diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0080] A heat pump may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor or outdoor heat exchanger.

[0081] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0082] The heat pump may further include a hydro unit connected to the indoor heat exchanger and providing cold water or hot water through heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger.

[0083] The hydro unit can discharge cold or hot water to provide to the user, or can cool or heat an air-conditioned space through cold or hot water.

[0084] An outdoor fan may be installed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0085] The outdoor unit of the heat pump may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be located at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0086] The outdoor unit of the heat pump may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from a control unit of the indoor unit of the heat pump, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0087] The indoor unit of the heat pump may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0088] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0089] The indoor unit of the heat pump may include a filter designed to filter out foreign substances in the air flowing into the housing through the intake port.

[0090] The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the exhaust port.

[0091] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned above the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0092] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0093] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0094] An indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air drawn in through the intake or transfer heat to the air drawn in through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0095] The indoor unit of the heat pump may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside via a drain hose. The drain tray may be configured to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0096] The indoor unit of the heat pump may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0097] The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). A user may input configuration data regarding the operation of the heat pump by operating the wired remote controller. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input configuration data regarding the operation of the heat pump using the wireless remote controller. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0098] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. The user's voice commands may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice commands into electrical signals and transmit the converted electrical signals to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the heat pump to execute functions in response to the user's voice commands.

[0099] Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described below. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through the indoor unit communication unit described below.

[0100] The indoor unit of a heat pump may include a power module. The power module can be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0101] The indoor unit of the heat pump may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor positioned within a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned within a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0102] For example, each environmental information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0103] The indoor unit of the heat pump may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0104] 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, a UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0105] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0106] The indoor unit's communication unit can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) where the heat pump or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) where the server is connected.

[0107] A heat pump or a user device may be connected to a server via a wide area network (WAN). An indoor unit of the heat pump may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. An outdoor unit of the heat pump may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit may communicate with the outdoor unit control unit via an indoor unit communication unit and an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or may transmit a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. For example, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may communicate in both directions. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the heat pump.

[0108] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0109] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0110] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through the input interface or via a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0111] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode, such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the heat pump performs an operation corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0112] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0113] The memory can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the heat pump. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the heat pump. For example, the memory can store various programs for cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the heat pump. The memory can include volatile memory, such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), for storing data for a long period of time.

[0114] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the heat pump based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0115] The indoor unit of the heat pump may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the heat pump under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as the operating mode selected by user input, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from indoor or outdoor unit sensors, as well as warning / error messages.

[0116] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, can output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, information regarding the operation of the heat pump may be displayed as at least an image or text. The display may also include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode panel (LED), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0117] Hereinafter, a heat pump according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0118] It should be recognized that each block of the flowchart and the combination of flowcharts can be performed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. One or more computer programs may be stored entirely in a single memory device, or one or more computer programs may be stored in different memory devices and divided into different parts.

[0119] Any function or operation described in this document may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing, and may include an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, or a Bluetooth chip. TM It may include a chip, a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip, a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip, a connection chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec chip, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on a chip (Soc) IC, etc.

[0120] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0121] FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device of a heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are detailed configuration diagrams of a hydro unit of a heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 1, the heat pump (1) includes an outdoor unit (100), an indoor unit (200), a hydro unit (300), and a controller (400).

[0124] The outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) can be provided in one housing.

[0125] The outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) may be provided separately. For example, the outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) may be provided in separate housings.

[0126] The outdoor unit (100) can be installed outdoors. Here, outdoors can be a space other than an air-conditioned space.

[0127] The indoor unit (200) can be connected to the outdoor unit (100) through a refrigerant pipe (RP).

[0128] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe (RP) can circulate between the outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200).

[0129] The indoor unit (200) can perform cooling or heating operation using airflow.

[0130] The indoor unit (200) can perform heat exchange with water flowing in the hydro unit (300).

[0131] The indoor unit (200) is installed in an indoor space and can exchange heat with the air in the indoor space. For example, the indoor unit (200) can perform cooling or heating operation using an airflow method.

[0132] The hydro unit (300) can be installed in an indoor space.

[0133] The hydro unit (300) may include a plurality of pipes (WP) through which water flows.

[0134] The hydro unit (300) can be connected to the indoor unit (200) through some of the plurality of pipes.

[0135] Water flowing through some of the multiple pipes of the hydro unit (300) can exchange heat with the refrigerant of the indoor unit (200).

[0136] The hydro unit (300) can perform cold water operation or hot water operation through heat exchange with the indoor unit (200).

[0137] For example, the hydro unit (300) can generate cold water or hot water through heat exchange with the indoor unit (200), and use the generated cold water or hot water to radiantly cool or heat the floor, ceiling, and / or walls of the air-conditioned space, or to convectively cool or heat the space.

[0138] The hydro unit (300) may include an air temperature control device for performing heating or cooling using heat-exchanged water.

[0139] The air temperature control device may include at least one of a heat absorbing device for performing cooling using heat-exchanged water and a heat dissipating device for performing heating using heat-exchanged water.

[0140] The heating device may include at least one of a radiator and a fan coil, and may include an underfloor heating device.

[0141] The hydro unit (300) may further include a hot water heater.

[0142] The controller (400) is connected to the outdoor unit (100), the indoor unit (200), and the hydro unit (300), and can control the operation of the outdoor unit (100), the indoor unit (200), and the hydro unit (300).

[0143] The controller (400) can be connected to the outdoor unit (100), indoor unit (200), and hydro unit (300) via wire or wirelessly.

[0144] The controller (400) can determine an operation mode based on a user input of a user interface, and control the operation of the outdoor unit (100), indoor unit (200), and hydro unit (300) based on the determined operation mode and target temperature.

[0145] An embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a heat pump in which an outdoor unit and an indoor unit are provided in a single housing. Hereinafter, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit provided in a single housing will be described as a refrigeration cycle device (150).

[0146] As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigeration cycle device (150) includes a compressor (151), a four-way valve (152), a first heat exchanger (153), a fan (154), an expansion valve (155), a second heat exchanger (156), an accumulator (157), and a bypass valve (158).

[0147] The compressor (151), the four-way valve (152), the first heat exchanger (153), the expansion valve (155), the second heat exchanger (156), the accumulator (157), and the bypass valve (158) can be connected through a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant circulates.

[0148] The compressor (151) compresses the refrigerant and discharges the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant through the four-way valve (152) to the first heat exchanger (153).

[0149] The compressor (151) may include an inverter type compressor. There may be one or more compressors (151).

[0150] The four-way valve (152) is provided on the discharge side of the compressor (151) and can receive the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (151).

[0151] The four-way valve (152) may be a euro switching valve for switching between cooling operation and heating operation.

[0152] When the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (151) flows in during cooling operation, the four-way valve (152) guides the introduced refrigerant to the first heat exchanger (153), and when the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (151) flows in during heating operation, the four-way valve (152) guides the introduced refrigerant to the second heat exchanger (156).

[0153] More specifically, the four-way valve (120) guides the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (151) during cooling operation to the first heat exchanger (153) and guides the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant introduced from the second heat exchanger (156) to the compressor (151).

[0154] On the other hand, the four-way valve (120) guides the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (151) during heating operation to the second heat exchanger (156) and guides the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant introduced from the first heat exchanger (153) to the compressor (151).

[0155] The first heat exchanger (153) can be provided as a plate-type or double-pipe heat exchanger.

[0156] The first heat exchanger (153) may be an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0157] The first heat exchanger (153) can be connected to the compressor (151) through a four-way valve (152) and a refrigerant pipe.

[0158] The first heat exchanger (153) condenses the refrigerant introduced from the compressor (151) by releasing heat from the refrigerant during cooling operation. At this time, the refrigerant in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state can be phase-changed into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0159] The first heat exchanger (153) evaporates the refrigerant introduced from the expansion valve (155) by absorbing heat from the refrigerant during heating operation. At this time, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant can be phase-changed into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0160] The first heat exchanger (153) discharges the phase-changed refrigerant to the compressor (151).

[0161] The first heat exchanger (153) acts as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation.

[0162] A fan (154) is provided around the first heat exchanger (153) and blows heat exchanged in the first heat exchanger (153) to the outside.

[0163] An expansion valve (155) may be provided between the first heat exchanger (153) and the second heat exchanger (156).

[0164] The expansion valve (155) can be connected to the first heat exchanger (153) through a refrigerant pipe and can be connected to the second heat exchanger (156) through a refrigerant pipe.

[0165] The expansion valve (155) reduces the pressure of the incoming refrigerant.

[0166] The expansion valve (155) lowers the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant flowing in from the first heat exchanger (153) and then transfers it to the second heat exchanger (156), or lowers the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant flowing in from the second heat exchanger (156) and then transfers it to the first heat exchanger (153).

[0167] The refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (155) can change from a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid state to a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid state. Here, the expansion valve can also be implemented as a capillary tube.

[0168] The second heat exchanger (156) can be installed adjacent to the piping of the hydro unit (300).

[0169] The second heat exchanger (156) performs heat exchange with the water of the hydro unit (300).

[0170] The second heat exchanger (156) acts as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation.

[0171] More specifically, the second heat exchanger (156) performs heat exchange with the water of the hydro unit (300) through heat release by condensation of the refrigerant flowing in from the expansion valve (155) during heating operation.

[0172] The second heat exchanger (156) performs heat exchange with the water of the hydro unit (300) through heat absorption by evaporation of the refrigerant flowing in from the compressor (151) during cooling operation.

[0173] The second heat exchanger (156) acts as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation.

[0174] The second heat exchanger (156) can change the phase of a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant during cooling operation.

[0175] The second heat exchanger (156) can change the phase of a high-temperature, high-pressure, gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure, liquid refrigerant or a high-pressure, medium-temperature liquid refrigerant during heating operation.

[0176] The accumulator (157) is placed on the suction side of the compressor (151) and separates the non-vaporized liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant moving from the second heat exchanger (156) to the compressor (151), thereby preventing the liquid refrigerant from being transferred to the compressor (151), thereby preventing damage to the compressor (151).

[0177] The bypass valve (158) is provided between the outlet of the compressor (151) and the inlet of the compressor (151), and equalizes the high and low pressures of the compressor (151) or increases the temperature of the refrigerant on the discharge side of the compressor (151).

[0178] A receiver (also called a 'liquid receiver') may be a high-pressure gas container that temporarily stores the high-pressure refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the second heat exchanger.

[0179] The receiver removes non-condensable gases or supplies only liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve (155).

[0180] The refrigeration cycle device may include a heat exchange pipe (HEP) provided in the second heat exchanger (156) and connected to the pipe (WP) of the hydro unit (300).

[0181] The heat exchange pipe (HEP) may be a pipe through which water of the hydro unit (300) flows and through which heat exchange is performed between the flowing water and the refrigerant of the second heat exchanger (156).

[0182] The heat exchange pipe (HEP) can be connected to the pipe (WP) of the hydro unit through a valve.

[0183] The heat exchange pipe (HEP) may include an outlet (H1) through which heat-exchanged water flows out, and an inlet (H2) through which water returning from the hydro unit flows in.

[0184] The outlet (H1) of the heat exchange pipe (HEP) can be connected to the first pipe (WP1) of the hydro unit via the first connection valve (301). The inlet (H2) of the heat exchange pipe (HEP) can be connected to the second pipe (WP2) of the hydro unit via the second connection valve (302).

[0185] The heat exchange pipe (HEP) may also be a part of the plurality of pipes of the hydro unit (300). In this case, some of the plurality of pipes of the hydro unit (300) may be provided in the second heat exchanger (156).

[0186] The refrigeration cycle device (150) may further include a first temperature sensor (159) provided in the heat exchange pipe (HEP) adjacent to the outlet (H1) and detecting the temperature of water flowing out through the heat exchange pipe (HEP).

[0187] The first temperature sensor (159) can detect the temperature of water flowing out through the heat exchange pipe (HEP) and transmit first temperature information about the detected water temperature to the controller (400).

[0188] The hydro unit (300) can supply cold water during cooling operation and hot water during heating operation. More specifically, the hydro unit (300) can supply water heated by the condensation heat of the second heat exchanger (156) of the refrigeration cycle device to the air temperature control device during heating operation, or supply water cooled by the absorption heat of the second heat exchanger (156) to the air temperature control device during cooling operation.

[0189] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the hydro unit (300) may include a plurality of pipes (WP) capable of circulating water.

[0190] Among the plurality of pipes (WP) of the hydro unit (300), the first pipe (WP1) can be connected to the outlet (H1) of the heat exchange pipe (HEP) provided in the second heat exchanger (156) of the refrigeration cycle device (150).

[0191] The first pipe (WP1) can be connected to the outlet (H1) of the heat exchange pipe (HEP) of the refrigeration cycle device (150) through the first heat-blocking valve (V1).

[0192] The first pipe (WP1) can be connected to multiple air temperature control devices (500) via a three-way valve (310) and can be connected to a hot water heater (501).

[0193] The first pipe (WP1) may be a pipe through which water heat-exchanged in the heat exchange pipe (HEP) of the refrigeration cycle device (150) flows. The first pipe (WP1) may supply the water heat-exchanged in the heat exchange pipe (HEP) of the refrigeration cycle device (150) to a plurality of air temperature control devices (500) and may also supply the water to a hot water supply device (501).

[0194] A plurality of air temperature control devices (500) may be installed in one air-conditioned space. For example, a plurality of air temperature control devices may be installed in the first zone.

[0195] A plurality of air temperature control devices (500) may be installed in different air-conditioned spaces. For example, among the plurality of air temperature control devices, a first air temperature control device may be installed in a first zone, a second air temperature control device may be installed in a second zone, and a third air temperature control device may be installed in a third zone.

[0196] The plurality of air temperature control devices (500) may include air temperature control devices of the same type. For example, the plurality of air temperature control devices may include a plurality of floor heating devices. As another example, the plurality of air temperature control devices may include a plurality of heat dissipation devices.

[0197] The plurality of air temperature control devices (500) may include different types of air temperature control devices. For example, a first air temperature control device among the plurality of air temperature control devices may include a floor heating device, and a second air temperature control device may include a heat dissipation device.

[0198] A plurality of air temperature control devices (500) can control the air temperature based on different target temperatures.

[0199] A plurality of air temperature control devices (500) can control the air temperature based on the same target temperature.

[0200] Among the plurality of pipes (WP) of the hydro unit (300), the second pipe (WP2) can be connected to the inlet (H2) of the heat exchange pipe (HEP) provided in the second heat exchanger (156) of the refrigeration cycle device (150).

[0201] The second pipe (WP2) can be connected to the inlet (H2) of the heat exchange pipe (HEP) of the refrigeration cycle device (150) through the second heat-blocking valve (V2).

[0202] The second pipe (WP2) can be connected to a circulation pump (320).

[0203] The second pipe (WP2) transfers water pumped from the circulation pump (320) to the inlet (H2) of the heat exchange pipe (HEP) provided in the second heat exchanger (156) of the refrigeration cycle device (150). In this case, water flowing into the inlet (H2) of the provided heat exchange pipe (HEP) can be heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) of the refrigeration cycle device (150).

[0204] The three-way valve (310) can be connected to multiple air temperature control devices (500) and can be connected to a hot water heater (501).

[0205] The three-way valve (310) can be connected to multiple air temperature control devices (500) via a third pipe (WP3) and to a hot water heater (501) via a fourth pipe (WP4).

[0206] The three-way valve (310) can transfer water introduced through the first pipe (WP1) to multiple air temperature control devices (500) through the third pipe (WP3), or can transfer water introduced through the first pipe (WP1) to a hot water supply device (501) through the fourth pipe (WP4).

[0207] The three-way valve (310) may be a flow diversion valve that switches the path of flow of water introduced through the first pipe (WP1).

[0208] The circulation pump (320) can be connected to a storage tank (330). The circulation pump (320) can be connected to the storage tank (330) via a fifth pipe (WP5).

[0209] The circulation pump (320) can pump water from the storage tank (330). At this time, the pumped water can be introduced into the circulation pump (320) through the fifth pipe (WP5).

[0210] The circulation pump (320) can transfer the pumped water to the second heat exchanger (156) through the second pipe (WP2).

[0211] The circulation pump (320) can be connected to the hot water supply device (501). The circulation pump (320) can be connected to the hot water supply device (501) via the sixth pipe (WP6).

[0212] The circulation pump (320) can pump water from the hot water heater (501). At this time, the pumped water can be introduced into the circulation pump (320) through the sixth pipe (WP6). The circulation pump (320) can transfer the pumped water to the second heat exchanger (156) through the second pipe (WP2).

[0213] The third pipe (WP3) can be connected to the storage tank (330) via the third connection valve (V3). The third pipe (WP3) can also be directly connected to the storage tank (330).

[0214] The fourth pipe (WP4) can be connected to the hot water heater (501) via the fourth connection valve (V4).

[0215] The fifth pipe (WP5) can be connected to the storage tank (330) via the fifth connection valve (V5).

[0216] The sixth pipe (WP6) can be connected to the hot water heater (501) via the sixth connection valve (V6).

[0217] The hot water supply device (501) can receive heat-exchanged water from the second heat exchanger (156) of the refrigeration cycle device (150), store the supplied water, exchange heat with the stored water, and discharge the stored water to the outside. For example, the heat-exchanged water, i.e., hot water, can be provided to the user.

[0218] The storage tank (330) is connected to a plurality of air temperature control devices (500), stores water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) of the refrigeration cycle device (150), and can supply the stored water to the plurality of air temperature control devices (500).

[0219] The storage tank (330) can receive water from a plurality of air temperature control devices (500) and store the water supplied from the plurality of air temperature control devices (500).

[0220] The storage tank (330) can supply stored water to the circulation pump (320) based on the pumping operation of the circulation pump (320).

[0221] The storage tank (330) may be a heat storage tank that maintains the temperature of the water.

[0222] The storage tank (330) may be a buffer tank or a balancing tank.

[0223] The hydro unit (300) may include a plurality of outlet pipes connected to a storage tank (330) and supplying water stored in the storage tank (330) to a plurality of air temperature control devices, and a plurality of inlet pipes that deliver water supplied from the plurality of air temperature control devices to the storage tank.

[0224] The hydro unit may further include a plurality of pumps each connected to a plurality of air temperature control devices (500) and pumping water from the storage tank.

[0225] The hydro unit may further include a plurality of temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of water supplied to each of the plurality of air temperature control devices (500).

[0226] An embodiment of the present disclosure describes a heat pump connected to first and second air temperature control devices and performing heating operation. Here, the first air temperature control device may be provided in the first zone, and the second air temperature control device may be provided in the second zone. The target temperature of the first air temperature control device may be higher than the target temperature of the second air temperature control device.

[0227] As shown in FIG. 4, the hydro unit (300) may include a first outlet pipe (331) connected to a storage tank (330) and supplying water stored in the storage tank (330) to a first air temperature control device (510), and a first inlet pipe (341) that delivers water supplied from the first air temperature control device (510) to the storage tank (330).

[0228] The hydro unit (300) may include a second outlet pipe (332) connected to the storage tank (330) and supplying water stored in the storage tank (330) to a second air temperature control device (520), and a second inlet pipe (342) that delivers water supplied from the second air temperature control device (520) to the storage tank (330).

[0229] The hydro unit further includes a first pump (351) provided in a first discharge pipe (331).

[0230] The first pump (351) may be provided between the storage tank (330) and the first air temperature control device (510).

[0231] The first pump (351) can pump water stored in the storage tank (330) and supply it to the first air temperature control device (510).

[0232] The hydro unit further includes a second pump (352) provided in a second discharge pipe (332).

[0233] A second pump (352) may be provided between the storage tank (330) and the second air temperature control device (520).

[0234] The second pump (352) can pump water stored in the storage tank (330) and supply it to the second air temperature control device (520).

[0235] The hydro unit may include a second temperature sensor (361) for detecting the temperature of water supplied to the first air temperature control device (510), and a third temperature sensor (362) for detecting the temperature of water supplied to the second air temperature control device (520).

[0236] A second temperature sensor (361) may be provided in the first outlet pipe (331). The second temperature sensor (361) may detect the temperature of water supplied to the first air temperature control device (510) or the temperature of water flowing in the first outlet pipe (331) and transmit second temperature information about the detected temperature of the water to the controller (400).

[0237] A third temperature sensor (362) may be provided in the second outlet pipe (332). The third temperature sensor (362) may detect the temperature of water supplied to the second air temperature control device (520) or the temperature of water flowing in the second outlet pipe (332) and transmit third temperature information about the detected water temperature to the controller (400).

[0238] The hydro unit (300) may include a mixing valve (370) provided in the air temperature control device having a lower target temperature among the first air temperature control device (510) and the second air temperature control device (520).

[0239] An embodiment of the present disclosure describes an example in which a target temperature of a first air temperature control device is higher than a target temperature of a second air temperature control device.

[0240] For example, the hydro unit (300) may further include a mixing valve (370) provided between the second outlet pipe (332) and the second inlet pipe (342).

[0241] The mixing valve (370) is a valve that mixes water flowing into the second air temperature control device (520) and water flowing out from the second air temperature control device (520).

[0242] The mixing valve (370) can control the temperature of the water flowing into the second air temperature control device (520) by mixing the water flowing out of the storage tank (330) and the water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520).

[0243] FIG. 5 is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0244] The heat pump may include a compressor (151), a first temperature sensor (159), a circulation pump (320), a first pump (351), a second pump (352), a second temperature sensor (361), a third temperature sensor (362), a mixing valve (370), a controller (400), a user interface (600), and a communication interface (630). Hereinafter, a control configuration of a heat pump performing heating operation will be described.

[0245] The compressor (151) can be turned on or off based on a control command of the controller (400).

[0246] The compressor (151) can be operated at a frequency corresponding to the control command of the controller (400). The operating rate of the compressor (151) can be adjusted by the frequency, and the rotational speed can be adjusted.

[0247] The first temperature sensor (159) can detect the temperature of water flowing out of the second heat exchanger (156) of the refrigeration cycle device and transmit first temperature information corresponding to the detected water temperature to the controller (400).

[0248] The first temperature sensor (159) can detect the temperature of water heat-exchanged in the refrigeration cycle device (150).

[0249] The circulation pump (320) pumps water stored in the hot water supply device (501) and the storage tank (330) based on the control command of the controller (400) and supplies the pumped water to the second heat exchanger (156) of the refrigeration cycle device, thereby allowing water to circulate between the heat exchange pipe (HEP) of the refrigeration cycle device (150) and the hydro unit (300).

[0250] The first pump (351) can be turned on and off based on the control command of the controller (400).

[0251] The first pump (351) can pump water stored in the storage tank (330) based on the control command of the controller (400) and deliver the pumped water to the first air temperature control device (510).

[0252] The second pump (352) can be turned on and off based on the control command of the controller (400).

[0253] The second pump (352) can pump water stored in the storage tank (330) based on the control command of the controller (400) and deliver the pumped water to the second air temperature control device (520).

[0254] The second temperature sensor (361) can detect the temperature of water flowing into the first air temperature control device (510) and transmit second temperature information corresponding to the detected water temperature to the controller (400).

[0255] The third temperature sensor (362) can detect the temperature of water flowing into the second air temperature control device (520) and transmit third temperature information corresponding to the detected water temperature to the controller (400).

[0256] The mixing valve (370) can perform an opening or closing operation by a control command of the controller (400). The mixing valve (370) can adjust the degree of opening based on the control command of the controller (400).

[0257] The user interface (600) can perform an interface with a user.

[0258] The user interface (600) may include an input interface (610) for receiving user input and an output interface (620) for outputting information related to the operation of the heat pump (1).

[0259] The input interface (610) can receive driving modes, zone identification information, zone-specific on / off information, and zone-specific target temperatures. The driving modes can include heating and cooling operations.

[0260] The input interface (610) may also include at least one button, switch, key, jog dial, microphone, pedal, mouse, track-ball, touch pad or touch panel.

[0261] The input interface may include a software-based device, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), such as a touch pad. The touch pad may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP) and may form a layered structure with the display unit.

[0262] The output interface (620) can output driving mode, zone identification information, and target temperature.

[0263] The output interface (620) may include at least one of a display and a speaker.

[0264] The display may include at least one of a plurality of light emitting diodes and a plurality of seven segments.

[0265] The display may be, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital light processing (DLP) panel, a plasma display panel, an electroluminescence (EL) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, an electrochromic display (ECD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel.

[0266] The communication interface (630) may include various communication circuits for performing communication between the refrigeration cycle device (150), the hydro unit (300), and the controller (400), and wired and / or wireless communication with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or home appliances). The user devices may include various electronic devices such as smartphones, notebooks, laptops, smartwatches, stationary tablets, and speakers.

[0267] The communication interface (630) may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit and a long-range communication circuit.

[0268] The communication interface (630) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (630) can support cellular communication, wireless local area network (WLAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and / or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by the communication interface (170) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0269] The communication interface (630) can also communicate with external devices via an access point (AP). The access point can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the heat pump (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The cooking device (1) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0270] The communication interface (630) can attempt to establish a communication connection with a home appliance based on a control command of the controller (400).

[0271] The communication interface (630) can communicate with the home appliance through a hub (or router) and can communicate with the home appliance through a communication protocol.

[0272] The communication interface (630) can receive operation information of the heat pump from an external device and transmit the received operation information to the controller (400).

[0273] The operation information of the heat pump may include operation mode, zone identification information, operation on / off information, and target temperature.

[0274] The operation information of the heat pump may also include information about the operation start time or operation end time.

[0275] The controller (400) may include at least one processor (410) that controls the operation of the heat pump (1) and at least one memory (420) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the heat pump (1).

[0276] The processor (410) controls the overall operation of the heat pump (1).

[0277] The processor (410) can control at least one of the compressor (151), the four-way valve (152), the expansion valve (155), the circulation pump (320), the three-way valve (310), the first and second pumps (351, 352), and the mixing valve (370) based on user input received through the user interface and first, second, and third temperature information received by the first, second, and third temperature sensors.

[0278] User input may include an operating mode, a first target temperature for Zone 1, or a second target temperature for Zone 2. For example, the first target temperature for Zone 1 equipped with a heat sink may be higher than the second target temperature for Zone 2 equipped with a floor heating device.

[0279] User input may include a target temperature of water flowing through the outlet of the heat exchanger pipe.

[0280] The target temperature of the water flowing out through the outlet of the heat exchange pipe can also be determined by the higher target temperature among the first target temperature of the first zone and the second target temperature of the second zone.

[0281] The processor (410) may also determine the target temperature of the effluent based on the first target temperature when the first target temperature of the first zone is received through the user interface. Here, information on the target temperature of the effluent corresponding to the first target temperature may be stored in memory.

[0282] The processor (410) can control the four-way valve (152) based on the driving mode, and can control the three-way valve (310) based on the hot water supply command and the heating operation command.

[0283] The processor (410) can control the compressor to turn on when performing heating operation and control the operation of the circulation pump and the first and second pumps, respectively.

[0284] The processor (410) can control the operation of the first and second pumps (351, 352) even during the off period of the compressor during heating operation.

[0285] The processor (410) can control the stop of the first and second pumps based on the end of the heating operation.

[0286] The processor (410) can recognize a higher target temperature among the first and second target temperatures based on the first and second target temperature information, control the on and off of the compressor (151) based on the recognized target temperature, and control the opening, closing, and opening degree of the mixing valve (370) based on the lower target temperature.

[0287] The processor (410) can also control the frequency of the compressor based on the first temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor and the first target temperature information.

[0288] The processor (410) can control the compressor (151) at a first frequency based on receipt of an on command for heating operation. The first frequency may be a reference frequency.

[0289] The first frequency may be a frequency of 35 Hz or more. Alternatively, the first frequency may be a frequency of 50 Hz or more, but is not limited thereto.

[0290] The processor (410) recognizes the temperature of the outflow water, the temperature of the first inflow water, and the temperature of the second inflow water based on the first, second, and third temperature information received from the first, second, and third temperature sensors (159, 361, 362) during heating operation.

[0291] The processor (410) can recognize whether the heating operation is stabilized based on the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device of the first zone, the second target temperature of the floor heating device of the second zone, the target temperature of the effluent, the temperature of the first inflow, the temperature of the first inflow, and the temperature of the effluent during the heating operation.

[0292] Describes the stabilization recognition configuration of the processor when both the Zone 1 heat sink and the Zone 2 floor heating device are in operation.

[0293] The processor (410) can recognize an air temperature control device having a higher target temperature among the first and second target temperatures, and recognize the target temperature of the inflow water flowing into the recognized air temperature control device and the temperature of the inflow water detected by the temperature sensor provided in the recognized air temperature control device. Hereinafter, a case in which the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device of the first zone is higher than the second target temperature of the floor heating device of the second zone will be described.

[0294] The processor (410) recognizes the first target temperature of the first zone, the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the first inflow detected by the second temperature sensor, recognizes a first difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the recognized temperature of the effluent, recognizes a second difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the first target temperature, recognizes a compensation value by adding the first difference value and the second difference value, and compensates for the target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature. For example, the processor can recognize the compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0295] The processor (410) can compare the compensated target temperature with the target temperature of the effluent and recognize that the heating operation has been stabilized based on recognizing that the compensated target temperature and the target temperature of the effluent are the same.

[0296] Describes the stabilization recognition configuration of the processor when only the heat sink of Zone 1 is operating.

[0297] The processor (410) recognizes a compensation value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor from the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor, and compensates for the target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature. For example, the processor (410) can recognize the compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0298] The processor (410) can compare the compensated target temperature of the effluent with the target temperature of the effluent, and recognize that the heating operation has been stabilized based on recognizing that the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the target temperature of the effluent are the same.

[0299] Describes the processor's stabilization recognition configuration when only the floor heating device in Zone 2 is in operation.

[0300] The processor (410) recognizes a compensation value by subtracting the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor from the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor, and compensates for the target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the second target temperature. For example, the processor (410) can recognize the compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the recognized compensation value and the second target temperature.

[0301] The processor (410) may compare the compensated target temperature of the effluent with the target temperature of the effluent, and may determine that the heating operation has stabilized based on determining that the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the target temperature of the effluent are the same. The compensated target temperature of the effluent may be approximately between 0 and 5, but is not limited thereto.

[0302] Recognizing that heating operation has stabilized may include recognizing that the operation of the heat pump has stabilized.

[0303] The processor (410) may count the compressor on-time and recognize that the operation of the heat pump has stabilized when the counted compressor on-time reaches a first reference time. Here, the first reference time may be approximately between 5 and 30 minutes.

[0304] The processor (410) can maintain the on state of the compressor if the counted on time of the compressor is less than or equal to the first reference time.

[0305] When the processor (410) recognizes that the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the target temperature of the effluent are the same and that the counted on-time of the compressor has reached the first reference time, the processor compares the detected effluent temperature and the target temperature of the effluent based on the first temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor and the target temperature of the effluent.

[0306] The processor (410) recognizes whether the temperature of the detected effluent is higher than the target temperature of the effluent based on the target temperature information of the effluent and the temperature information of the detected effluent.

[0307] When the processor (410) recognizes that the temperature of the detected effluent is lower than the target temperature of the effluent, it maintains the on state of the compressor so that the water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) is supplied to the storage tank (330), and also so that the water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) is supplied to the hot water supply device (501).

[0308] The processor (410) can control the compressor to be turned off based on the detected temperature of the effluent and the target temperature of the effluent.

[0309] For example, if the processor (410) recognizes that the temperature of the detected effluent is higher than the target temperature of the effluent, it can control the compressor (151) to be turned off, and maintain the operation of the first pump (351) while the compressor (151) is turned off, thereby allowing the water stored in the storage tank (330) to be circulated in the first air temperature control device (510).

[0310] As another example, the processor (410) may control the compressor to a first frequency, and if the detected effluent temperature rises, the frequency of the compressor may be adjusted to a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and if the detected effluent temperature is determined to be higher than the corrected target temperature of the effluent while the frequency of the compressor is controlled to a second frequency or lower, the compressor (151) may be turned off. Here, the second frequency may be a frequency between less than 50 Hz and 35 Hz. The second frequency may also be a frequency lower than 35 Hz.

[0311] As another example, the processor (410) recognizes the first target compensation temperature by adding the target temperature of the effluent and the first compensation temperature, recognizes whether the temperature of the effluent is equal to or higher than the first target compensation temperature, and if it is recognized that the temperature of the effluent is lower than the first target compensation temperature, maintains the on state of the compressor and maintains the operation of the first and second pumps, respectively, and if the temperature of the effluent is equal to or higher than the first target compensation temperature, controls the compressor to be turned off and maintains the operation of the first and second pumps, respectively.

[0312] The first compensation temperature may be preset and stored information, which is a temperature between approximately 0 and 5 degrees.

[0313] The first compensation temperature may be information obtained by the difference between the temperature of the effluent and the temperature of the first inflow water when the compressor is controlled to on.

[0314] As another example, the processor (410) may control the compressor (151) at a first frequency, and when the temperature of the effluent reaches the target temperature of the effluent, the frequency of the compressor may be adjusted to a second frequency or lower, and may control the compressor to be turned off if the temperature of the effluent is higher than the first target compensation temperature during the operation control of the compressor at a second frequency or lower.

[0315] The processor (410) can operate the first pump (351) while controlling the compressor (151) to turn off, thereby causing the water stored in the storage tank (330) to circulate in the first air temperature control device (510).

[0316] The processor (410) can operate the second pump (352) while controlling the compressor (151) to turn off, thereby allowing the water stored in the storage tank (330) to circulate in the second air temperature control device (520).

[0317] The processor (410) can control the opening or closing of the mixing valve (370) based on the third temperature information and the second target temperature information regarding the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor (362) while controlling the compressor (151) to be turned off.

[0318] More specifically, the processor (410) can control the opening of the mixing valve (370) when it is recognized that the temperature of the second inflow water is lower than the second target temperature, and can control the closing of the mixing valve (370) when it is recognized that the temperature of the second inflow water is higher than the second target temperature.

[0319] The processor (410) can also recognize the temperature difference between the temperature of the second inflow water and the second target temperature based on the second temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve (370) based on the recognized temperature difference value.

[0320] The opening corresponding to the temperature difference value may be information obtained and stored through experimentation.

[0321] The processor (410) can control the opening of the mixing valve (370) to mix the water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with the water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520), and can control the amount or speed at which the water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with the water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520) are mixed by controlling the opening of the mixing valve (370).

[0322] The processor (410) recognizes the temperature of the effluent based on the first temperature information received from the first temperature sensor during the off period of the compressor during the heating operation.

[0323] The processor (410) can control the transition of the compressor to the on state based on the recognized first temperature information and the target temperature information of the effluent.

[0324] For example, the processor (410) may recognize whether the detected temperature of the effluent is lower than the target temperature of the effluent based on the recognized first temperature information and the target temperature information of the effluent, and if it is recognized that the detected temperature of the effluent is higher than the target temperature of the effluent, it may maintain the off control of the compressor and maintain the on operation of the first and second pumps, respectively, and if it is recognized that the detected temperature of the effluent is lower than the target temperature of the effluent, it may control the compressor (151) to be turned on and maintain the on operation of the first and second pumps, respectively.

[0325] As another example, the processor (410) may recognize the second target compensation temperature by subtracting the second compensation temperature from the target temperature of the effluent, and maintain the off control of the compressor if the detected effluent temperature is higher than the second target compensation temperature, and control the compressor to be on if the detected effluent temperature is lower than the second target compensation temperature, and maintain the operation of the first and second pumps, respectively.

[0326] The second compensation temperature may be preset and stored information at a temperature between approximately 0 and 7 degrees.

[0327] The second compensation temperature may be information obtained by the difference between the temperature of the effluent and the temperature of the first inflow when the compressor is off-controlled.

[0328] The processor (410) can control the operation of the compressor at a first frequency when controlling the compressor. This allows water to be heated in the second heat exchanger.

[0329] FIG. 6 is a graph showing compressor efficiency corresponding to the temperature of water heat-exchanged in a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0330] As shown in Fig. 6, it can be seen that as the temperature of the water flowing out through the heat exchange pipe of the refrigeration cycle device increases, the efficiency of the compressor decreases.

[0331] FIG. 7 is a graph showing compressor efficiency corresponding to the frequency of a compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0332] As shown in Fig. 7, the efficiency of the compressor is highest when the frequency is between 50 and 60 Hz, which is the efficient frequency range, and decreases as the frequency decreases below the efficient frequency range.

[0333] For example, if the temperature of the water supplied to the air temperature control device reaches the target temperature and the compressor frequency is adjusted below the efficient frequency range to maintain the temperature of the water (i.e., hot water) supplied to the air temperature control device, it can be seen that the power consumption increases compared to the energy generated. In other words, the compressor operates inefficiently.

[0334] An embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce power consumption by turning off the compressor and operating only the pumps connected to the plurality of air temperature control devices after the temperature of water supplied to the plurality of air temperature control devices reaches a target temperature, thereby reducing inefficient operation of the compressor and power consumption.

[0335] The processor (410) may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the processor (410) may include one or more processor chips that perform the aforementioned operations using an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the heat pump, at least one memory that stores program-type data, and data stored in the at least one memory, or may include one or more processing cores.

[0336] The processor (410) can perform operations of the heat pump (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (420). For example, the processor (410) can perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one command stored in the memory (420).

[0337] The processor (410) may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a many integrated core (MIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a neural processing unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator.

[0338] The processor (410) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model, and may include a graphics-only processor (GPU), etc.

[0339] The memory (420) can store information about the first and second frequencies, reference values, first reference time, and first and second compensation temperatures.

[0340] The memory (420) can store zone-specific identification information.

[0341] The memory (420) can also store target temperatures for each zone.

[0342] The memory (420) can store opening information of the mixing valve corresponding to a temperature difference value. The temperature difference value may be a difference value between the temperature of the second effluent and the second target temperature.

[0343] The memory (420) can store data required for various embodiments.

[0344] The memory (420) may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the heat pump (1) or in the form of memory that can be attached or detached to the heat pump (1) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for driving the heat pump (1) may be stored in the memory embedded in the heat pump (1), and data for the expansion function of the heat pump (1) may be stored in the memory that can be attached or detached to the heat pump (1).

[0345] Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the heat pump (1) 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)).

[0346] In addition, in the case of memory that can be attached or detached to the heat pump (1), it can be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0347] The memory (420) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0348] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the components of the heat pump (1) illustrated in Fig. 5. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the heat pump.

[0349] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 5 refers to software and / or hardware components such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0350] Figure 8 is a control flowchart of a heat pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0351] Below, a heat pump is described as an example of a heating operation performed by connecting a heat dissipating device (e.g., a radiator) in Zone 1 and a floor heating device in Zone 2. Here, the target temperature of the floor heating device may be lower than the target temperature of the heat dissipating device.

[0352] When the heat pump receives an on command for heating operation from the user interface (600) (701), it can control the four-way valve (152) of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0353] The refrigerant can be circulated in the order of the compressor (151), second heat exchanger (156), expansion valve (155), and first heat exchanger (153) of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0354] The heat pump controls the compressor (151) to compress the refrigerant, and supplies the compressed refrigerant to the second heat exchanger (156) through the four-way valve (152).

[0355] The heat pump can control the compressor (151) to a reference frequency (702). The reference frequency may be a first frequency and a frequency of 35 Hz or higher.

[0356] The first frequency may be a frequency greater than or equal to 50 Hz, but is not limited thereto.

[0357] The heat pump can control the expansion valve (155) to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156), supply the reduced pressure refrigerant to the first heat exchanger (153), and allow the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger (153) to be sucked into the compressor (151) through the four-way valve (152).

[0358] The heat pump can transfer water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) to the hydro unit (300).

[0359] The water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) may be hot water, and its temperature may increase as the heating operation time elapses during the compressor's on-state operation. For example, the heat pump may generate hot water by heating water using the second heat exchanger (156), and transfer the generated hot water to the hydro unit (300).

[0360] The water delivered to the hydro unit (300) can be delivered to at least one of a plurality of air temperature control devices (500) and a hot water supply device (501).

[0361] Water can circulate between the heat exchange pipe (HEP) provided in the second heat exchanger, the plurality of pipes (WP) of the hydro unit (300), the three-way valve (310), the circulation pump (320), the storage tank (330), the plurality of air temperature control devices (500) and the hot water supply device (501).

[0362] The heat pump can receive first and second target temperature information for a first target temperature of a first zone and a second target temperature of a second zone from the user interface (600). The first target temperature can be higher than the second target temperature.

[0363] The first target temperature information of the first zone and the second target temperature information of the second zone may be temperature information that has been preset and stored.

[0364] The heat pump can also receive target temperature information about the target temperature of water flowing through the heat exchange pipe (HEP) of the refrigeration cycle device from the user interface (600).

[0365] The heat pump can also recognize the target temperature information of the effluent based on the first target temperature information of the first zone received through the user interface.

[0366] The heat pump can also recognize target temperature information of the effluent received through the user interface.

[0367] The heat pump recognizes the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor (159), the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor (361), and the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor (362) based on the first, second, and third temperature information received from the first, second, and third temperature sensors (159, 361, 362) while performing heating operation.

[0368] The heat pump can recognize whether the heating operation is stabilized based on the first target temperature of the radiator of the first zone, the second target temperature of the floor heating device of the second zone, the target temperature of the effluent, the temperature of the first inflow, the temperature of the first inflow, and the temperature of the effluent during heating operation.

[0369] Describes the stabilization recognition configuration of the processor when both the Zone 1 heat sink and the Zone 2 floor heating device are in operation.

[0370] The heat pump can recognize an air temperature control device having a higher target temperature among the first and second target temperatures, and recognize the target temperature of the inflow water flowing into the recognized air temperature control device and the temperature of the inflow water detected by the temperature sensor provided in the recognized air temperature control device. Hereinafter, a case in which the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device of the first zone is higher than the second target temperature of the floor heating device of the second zone will be described.

[0371] The heat pump recognizes a first target temperature of a first zone, a temperature of the effluent detected by a first temperature sensor, and a temperature of the first inflow detected by a second temperature sensor, recognizes a first difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the recognized temperature of the effluent, recognizes a second difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the first target temperature, recognizes a compensation value by adding the first difference value and the second difference value, and compensates for the target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature. That is, the processor can recognize the compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0372] The heat pump can recognize that heating operation is stabilized based on comparing the compensated target temperature with the target temperature of the effluent and recognizing that the compensated target temperature and the target temperature of the effluent are the same.

[0373] This describes the stabilization recognition configuration of the heat pump when only the radiator of Zone 1 is in operation.

[0374] The heat pump determines a compensation value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor from the temperature of the effluent water detected by the first temperature sensor, and compensates for the target temperature of the effluent water by adding the determined compensation value and the first target temperature. For example, the processor (410) can determine the compensated target temperature of the effluent water based on the determined compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0375] The heat pump can recognize that the heating operation is stabilized based on comparing the compensated target temperature of the effluent with the target temperature of the effluent and recognizing that the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the target temperature of the effluent are the same.

[0376] This describes the stabilization recognition configuration of the heat pump when only the floor heating device in Zone 2 is in operation.

[0377] The heat pump determines a compensation value by subtracting the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor from the temperature of the effluent water detected by the first temperature sensor, and compensates for the target temperature of the effluent water by adding the recognized compensation value and the second target temperature. For example, the processor (410) can determine the compensated target temperature of the effluent water based on the recognized compensation value and the second target temperature.

[0378] The heat pump can recognize that the heating operation is stabilized based on comparing the compensated target temperature of the effluent with the target temperature of the effluent and recognizing that the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the target temperature of the effluent are the same.

[0379] The compensated target temperature of the effluent may be approximately between 0 and 5, but is not limited thereto.

[0380] Recognizing that heating operation has stabilized may include recognizing that the operation of the heat pump has stabilized.

[0381] The heat pump can count the compressor on-time and maintain the compressor on-time if the counted compressor on-time is less than a first reference time. The first reference time can be between approximately 5 and 30 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

[0382] It is also possible for the heat pump to recognize that the operation of the heat pump has stabilized when the counted compressor on time reaches the first reference time.

[0383] When the heat pump recognizes that the recognized temperature difference value is less than or equal to a reference value and that the counted compressor on time has reached a first reference time (703), it recognizes the first target compensation temperature based on the target temperature information of the effluent and the first compensation temperature.

[0384] The heat pump can recognize the first target compensation temperature by adding the target temperature information of the effluent and the first compensation temperature.

[0385] The first compensation temperature is, but is not limited to, a temperature between approximately 0°C and 5°C.

[0386] The first compensation temperature may be preset and stored information.

[0387] The heat pump recognizes whether the temperature of the effluent is greater than or equal to the first target compensation temperature (704).

[0388] When the heat pump recognizes that the temperature of the detected effluent is lower than the first target compensation temperature, it maintains the compressor in an on state so that the water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) is supplied to the storage tank (330), and also so that the water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) is supplied to the hot water supply device (501).

[0389] The water stored in the storage tank (330) can be delivered to the first and second air temperature control devices (510, 520) respectively by the pumping operations of the first and second pumps, respectively.

[0390] The water stored in the storage tank (330) may be introduced into the second heat exchanger (156) by the pumping operation of the circulation pump.

[0391] The heat pump can control the compressor (151) to be turned off when it is recognized that the temperature of the detected effluent is higher than the first target compensation temperature, and can control the operation of the first and second pumps (351, 352) to be maintained while the compressor (151) is turned off (705).

[0392] The heat pump can circulate water stored in the storage tank (330) in the first air temperature control device (510) by maintaining the operation of the first pump (351) while controlling the compressor (151) to be turned off, and can circulate water stored in the storage tank (330) in the second air temperature control device (520) by maintaining the operation of the second pump (352).

[0393] The heat pump can also control the compressor to a first frequency, and when the compressor's on time reaches a reference time, adjust the compressor's frequency to a second frequency or lower than the reference frequency.

[0394] The heat pump can also control the compressor (151) to be turned off when the temperature of the effluent is recognized to be higher than the first target compensation temperature while controlling the frequency of the compressor to a second frequency or lower. Here, the second frequency may be a frequency between less than 50 Hz and 35 Hz. The second frequency may also be a frequency lower than 35 Hz.

[0395] The heat pump can also control the compressor to a frequency lower than a second frequency when the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor reaches the target temperature of the effluent while controlling the compressor to a first frequency. In this case, the heat pump can control the compressor to be turned off when the temperature of the effluent detected is higher than the target compensation temperature of the effluent.

[0396] The heat pump can control the opening or closing of the mixing valve (370) based on the third temperature information and the second target temperature information regarding the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor (362) while controlling the compressor (151) to be turned off.

[0397] More specifically, the heat pump can control the opening of the mixing valve (370) when it is recognized that the temperature of the second inflow water is lower than the second target temperature, and can control the closing of the mixing valve (370) when it is recognized that the temperature of the second inflow water is higher than the second target temperature.

[0398] The heat pump can also recognize the temperature difference between the temperature of the second inflow water and the second target temperature based on the second temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve (370) based on the recognized temperature difference value.

[0399] The opening corresponding to the temperature difference value may be information obtained and stored through experimentation.

[0400] The heat pump can mix water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520) by controlling the opening of the mixing valve (370), and can control the amount or speed at which water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520) is mixed by controlling the opening of the mixing valve (370).

[0401] The water mixed by the mixing valve (370) can be delivered to the second air temperature control device (520) through the second pump (352) after the temperature is controlled.

[0402] The water stored in the storage tank (330) can be used for heating and hot water supply in the air-conditioned space, and the temperature can decrease as the off time of the compressor (151) elapses during the off period of the compressor during the heating operation.

[0403] The heat pump can recognize the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor during the off period of the compressor during the performance of heating operation (706).

[0404] The heat pump recognizes the sensed effluent temperature, the target effluent temperature, and the second compensation temperature.

[0405] The heat pump can recognize the second target compensation temperature by subtracting the second compensation temperature from the target temperature of the effluent, and can recognize whether the temperature of the effluent is lower than the second target compensation temperature (707).

[0406] The heat pump can maintain the compressor off control if the detected effluent temperature is above the second target compensation temperature.

[0407] The heat pump can control the compressor to be turned on and the operation of the first and second pumps to be maintained if the temperature of the detected effluent is lower than the second target compensation temperature (708).

[0408] The second compensation temperature may be, but is not limited to, a temperature between approximately 0°C and 7°C.

[0409] The second compensation temperature may be preset and stored information.

[0410] The heat pump can supply the heat-exchanged water in the second heat exchanger back to the storage tank (330) and the hot water supply device (501).

[0411] Figure 9 is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to another embodiment.

[0412] A heat pump according to another embodiment may include a compressor (151), a first temperature sensor (159), a circulation pump (320), a first pump (351), a second pump (352), a second temperature sensor (361), a third temperature sensor (362), a mixing valve (370), a controller (401), a user interface (600), and a communication interface (630).

[0413] Among the components of the heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, components other than the controller (401) may be identical to the components of the heat pump according to one embodiment. Descriptions of identical components will be omitted.

[0414] The controller (401) may include at least one processor (430) for controlling the operation of the heat pump (1) and at least one memory (440) in which a program and data for controlling the operation of the heat pump (1) are stored.

[0415] The processor (430) controls the overall operation of the heat pump (1).

[0416] The processor (430) can control at least one of the compressor (151), the four-way valve (152), the expansion valve (155), the circulation pump (320), the three-way valve (310), the first and second pumps (351, 352), and the mixing valve (370) based on user input received through the user interface (600) and first, second, and third temperature information received by the first, second, and third temperature sensors.

[0417] User input may include a driving mode, a first target temperature for Zone 1, or a second target temperature for Zone 2. For example, the first target temperature may be higher than the second target temperature.

[0418] User input may further include a target temperature for the effluent.

[0419] The higher target temperature among the first target temperature of the first zone and the second target temperature of the second zone can be determined as the target temperature of water flowing out through the outlet (H1) of the heat exchange pipe (HEP).

[0420] A higher target temperature among the first target temperature of the first zone and the second target temperature of the second zone can be determined as the target temperature for compressor on / off control.

[0421] The processor (430) can also recognize the target temperature of the effluent corresponding to the first target temperature when the first target temperature of the first zone is received through the user interface. Here, when the first target temperature is received, the target temperature of the effluent corresponding to the first target temperature may be stored in memory.

[0422] The processor (430) can control the four-way valve (152) based on the driving mode, and can control the three-way valve (310) based on the hot water supply command and the heating operation command.

[0423] The processor (430) can control the compressor (151) to turn on when performing heating operation, and can control the operation of the circulation pump (320) and the first and second pumps (351, 352), respectively.

[0424] The processor (430) can control the operation of the first and second pumps (351, 352) even during the off period of the compressor during heating operation.

[0425] The processor (430) can control the stop of the first and second pumps (1351, 352) based on the end of the heating operation.

[0426] The processor (430) can recognize a higher target temperature among the first and second target temperatures based on the first and second target temperature information, control the on / off of the compressor (151) based on the recognized target temperature, and control the opening, closing, and opening degree of the mixing valve (370) based on the lower target temperature.

[0427] The processor (430) recognizes the temperature of the outflow water, the temperature of the first inflow water, and the temperature of the second inflow water based on the first, second, and third temperature information received from the first, second, and third temperature sensors (159, 361, 362) during heating operation.

[0428] When the processor (430) turns on the compressor, it is also possible to control the frequency of the compressor (151) based on the first temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor (159) and the first target temperature information.

[0429] The processor (430) can also control the frequency of the compressor based on the on time of the compressor.

[0430] The processor (430) can control the compressor (151) at a first frequency based on the reception of an on command for heating operation. The first frequency is a reference frequency and may be a frequency of 35 Hz or higher. The first frequency may be a frequency of 50 Hz or higher, but is not limited thereto.

[0431] The processor (430) may also control the compressor at a first frequency, and when the detected temperature of the effluent reaches the target temperature of the effluent, it may adjust the frequency of the compressor to a second frequency or lower than the reference frequency.

[0432] The processor (430) may also control the compressor at a first frequency, and when the temperature of the detected effluent reaches the first target temperature, adjust the frequency of the compressor to a second frequency or lower than the reference frequency.

[0433] The processor (430) can also recognize that the heating operation is stable when it recognizes that the on time of the compressor has reached the second reference time while controlling the compressor at the first frequency.

[0434] The processor (430) can compensate for the target temperature of the effluent when the compressor (151) is on and control the compressor to be turned off based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the detected temperature of the effluent. Here, a configuration for recognizing the compensated target temperature of the effluent will be described in more detail.

[0435] During heating operation, the processor (430) can recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device of the first zone, the second target temperature of the floor heating device of the second zone, the target temperature of the effluent, the temperature of the first inflow, the temperature of the first inflow, and the temperature of the effluent.

[0436] This describes the configuration of the compensation target temperature recognition of the effluent when both the radiator in Zone 1 and the floor heating device in Zone 2 are in operation.

[0437] The processor (430) can recognize an air temperature control device having a higher target temperature among the first and second target temperatures, and recognize the target temperature of the inflow water flowing into the recognized air temperature control device and the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor provided in the recognized air temperature control device.

[0438] Hereinafter, a configuration for recognizing a compensated target temperature of effluent when the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device of the first zone is higher than the second target temperature of the floor heating device of the second zone is described.

[0439] The processor (430) recognizes the first target temperature of the first zone, the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the first inflow detected by the second temperature sensor, recognizes a first difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the recognized temperature of the effluent, recognizes a second difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the first target temperature, recognizes a compensation value by adding the first difference value and the second difference value, and compensates for the target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature. For example, the processor (430) can recognize the compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0440] Describes the configuration of the recognition of the compensated target temperature of the effluent when only the radiator of Zone 1 is in operation.

[0441] For example, the processor (430) may recognize a first target temperature of a first zone, a temperature of the effluent detected by a first temperature sensor, and a temperature of the first inflow detected by a second temperature sensor, recognize a first difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the recognized temperature of the effluent, recognize a second difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the first target temperature, recognize a compensation value by adding the first difference value and the second difference value, and recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0442] As another example, the processor (430) may recognize a compensation value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor from the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor, and recognize a compensated target temperature of the outflow water by adding the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0443] This describes the configuration of the compensation target temperature recognition of the effluent when only the floor heating device in Zone 2 is in operation.

[0444] For example, the processor (430) may recognize a second target temperature of a second zone, a temperature of the effluent detected by a first temperature sensor, and a temperature of the second inflow detected by a third temperature sensor, recognize a first difference value by subtracting the temperature of the second inflow from the recognized temperature of the effluent, recognize a second difference value by subtracting the temperature of the second inflow from the second target temperature, recognize a compensation value by adding the first difference value and the second difference value, and recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the second target temperature.

[0445] As another example, the processor (430) can recognize a compensation value by subtracting the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor from the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor, and recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the second target temperature.

[0446] The minimum compensated target temperature of the effluent may be 0℃ and may not include negative numbers.

[0447] The processor (430) can recognize the third target compensation temperature based on the compensated target temperature of the recognized effluent and the third compensation temperature.

[0448] The heat pump can recognize the third target compensation temperature by subtracting the third compensation temperature from the compensated target temperature of the effluent.

[0449] The third compensation temperature may be preset and stored information.

[0450] The third compensation temperature is, but is not limited to, a temperature between approximately 0°C and 5°C. The processor (430) can control the compressor to be turned off based on the temperature of the effluent and the third target compensation temperature.

[0451] For example, the processor (430) recognizes whether the temperature of the detected effluent is higher than the third target compensation temperature, and if it is recognized that the temperature of the detected effluent is lower than the third target compensation temperature, it can control the compressor to be turned off by maintaining the compressor in an on state, and if it is recognized that the temperature of the detected effluent is higher than the third target compensation temperature, it can control the compressor to be turned off.

[0452] As another example, the processor (430) counts the on-time of the compressor (151), and if it is recognized that the counted on-time of the compressor has reached the second reference time, it recognizes whether the temperature of the detected effluent is higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature. At this time, if it is recognized that the counted on-time of the compressor has reached the second reference time but the detected effluent temperature is lower than the third target compensation temperature, the processor (430) maintains the on state of the compressor, and if it is recognized that the counted on-time of the compressor has reached the second reference time and the detected effluent temperature is higher than or equal to the third target compensation temperature, the processor (430) can control the compressor to be turned off.

[0453] The second standard time here is approximately 20 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

[0454] As another example, if the processor (430) recognizes that the counted compressor on-time has reached the second reference time and the detected effluent temperature is higher than the third target compensation temperature, the processor (430) counts the maintenance time during which the detected effluent temperature is maintained higher than the third target compensation temperature, and if the counted maintenance time is less than the first predetermined time, the compressor (151) can be maintained on-controlled, and if the counted maintenance time is longer than the first predetermined time, the compressor (151) can be controlled off-controlled. The first predetermined time is approximately 5 to 30 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

[0455] As another example, the processor (430) may count a control time during which the frequency of the compressor is controlled to be lower than or equal to a second frequency, and if the counted control time is less than a first predetermined time, the compressor may be kept in an on state, and if the counted control time is longer than or equal to the first predetermined time and the temperature of the effluent is higher than or equal to a third target compensation temperature, the compressor (151) may be turned off.

[0456] As another example, the processor (430) can also control the compressor (151) to be turned off if the on time of the compressor reaches the second reference time, the counted control time is longer than the second predetermined time, and the time for which the temperature of the effluent is maintained above the third target compensation temperature is longer than the first predetermined time.

[0457] The processor (430) can reduce power consumption by turning off the compressor (151) when the temperature of the water flowing into the first air temperature control device (510) is lower than the first target temperature, but the temperature of the water flowing out through the heat exchange pipe (HEP) of the second heat exchanger (156) reaches the third target compensation temperature.

[0458] The processor (430) can maintain the operation of the first pump (351) while controlling the compressor (151) to be turned off, thereby allowing the water stored in the storage tank (330) to be circulated in the first air temperature control device (510), and can maintain the operation of the second pump (352) to allow the water stored in the storage tank (330) to be circulated in the second air temperature control device (520).

[0459] The processor (430) can control the opening or closing of the mixing valve (370) based on the third temperature information and the second target temperature information regarding the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor (362) while controlling the compressor (151) to be turned off.

[0460] More specifically, the processor (430) can control the opening of the mixing valve (370) when it is recognized that the temperature of the second inflow water is lower than the second target temperature, and can control the closing of the mixing valve (370) when it is recognized that the temperature of the second inflow water is higher than the second target temperature.

[0461] The processor (430) can also recognize the temperature difference between the temperature of the second inflow water and the second target temperature based on the second temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve (370) based on the recognized temperature difference value.

[0462] The opening corresponding to the temperature difference value may be information obtained and stored through experimentation.

[0463] The processor (430) can control the opening of the mixing valve (370) to mix the water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with the water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520), and can control the amount or speed at which the water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with the water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520) are mixed by controlling the opening of the mixing valve (370).

[0464] The processor (430) can recognize the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor at the time when the compressor is turned off during heating operation, and store the recognized temperature of the effluent.

[0465] The temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor at the time the compressor is turned off may be the off temperature of the effluent.

[0466] The processor (430) can recognize the fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the effluent recognized at the time of turning off the compressor and the fourth compensation temperature.

[0467] The fourth compensation temperature may be preset and stored information.

[0468] The fourth compensation temperature may be, but is not limited to, a temperature between approximately 0°C and 7°C.

[0469] More specifically, the processor (430) can recognize a fourth target compensation temperature by subtracting a fourth compensation temperature from the temperature of the effluent recognized at the time of the compressor's off-time, and store the recognized fourth target compensation temperature. The processor (430) can recognize the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor (159) and the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor (361) during the off-time of the compressor during the performance of the heating operation.

[0470] The temperature of the effluent may be the temperature of the effluent during the off period of the compressor (151).

[0471] Here, the temperature of the effluent and the temperature of the influent can be detected periodically or in real time.

[0472] The temperature of the effluent recognized periodically or in real time during the off period of the compressor (151) may be the current temperature of the effluent.

[0473] The processor (430) can control the on operation of the compressor based on the current temperature of the recognized effluent, the target temperature, and the fourth target compensation temperature.

[0474] More specifically, the processor (430) maintains the off control of the compressor when it is recognized that the current temperature of the recognized effluent is higher than the target temperature.

[0475] If the processor (430) recognizes that the current temperature of the recognized effluent is lower than the target temperature, it can recognize whether the current temperature of the recognized effluent is lower than the fourth target compensation temperature.

[0476] The processor (430) can maintain the off state of the compressor when it is recognized that the current temperature of the recognized effluent is lower than the target temperature and the current temperature of the recognized effluent is higher than the fourth target correction temperature.

[0477] If it is recognized that the current temperature of the recognized effluent is lower than the target temperature and that the current temperature of the recognized effluent is lower than the fourth target compensation temperature, the compressor (151) can be turned on and the operations of the first and second pumps can be maintained and controlled, respectively.

[0478] The processor (430) can supply the water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger back to the storage tank.

[0479] The memory (440) can store information about the first and second frequencies, the second reference time, the first and second constant times, and the third and fourth compensation temperatures.

[0480] The memory (440) can store zone-specific identification information.

[0481] The memory (440) can also store target temperatures for each zone.

[0482] The memory (440) can store opening information of the mixing valve corresponding to a temperature difference value. The temperature difference value may be a difference value between the temperature of the second effluent and the second target temperature.

[0483] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart of a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0484] Below, a heat pump is described as an example of a heating operation performed by connecting a heat dissipating device (e.g., a radiator) in Zone 1 and a floor heating device in Zone 2. Here, the target temperature of the floor heating device may be lower than the target temperature of the heat dissipating device.

[0485] As illustrated in FIG. 10, when a heating operation on command is received (711) from the user interface (600), the heat pump can control the four-way valve (152) and compressor (151) of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0486] The heat pump can control the compressor (151) at a first frequency (712). The first frequency may be a reference frequency and may be a frequency of approximately 35 Hz or higher. The first frequency may be a frequency of approximately 50 Hz or higher, but is not limited thereto.

[0487] The refrigerant can be circulated in the order of the compressor (151), the second heat exchanger (156), the expansion valve (155), and the first heat exchanger (153) of the refrigeration cycle device. The heat pump can transfer the water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) to the hydro unit (300). The heat pump can receive first and second target temperature information for the first target temperature of the first zone and the second target temperature of the second zone from the user interface (600). The first target temperature can be higher than the second target temperature.

[0488] The first target temperature information of the first zone and the second target temperature information of the second zone may be temperature information that has been preset and stored.

[0489] When the heat pump receives the first target temperature of the first zone and the second target temperature of the second zone from the user interface (600), it is possible to recognize the target temperature of water flowing out through the heat exchange pipe (HEP) corresponding to the first target temperature, and also to recognize the target temperature of water flowing out through the heat exchange pipe (HEP) corresponding to the second target temperature.

[0490] The heat pump can also receive the target temperature of the effluent from the user interface (600).

[0491] The heat pump can also receive target temperature information about the target temperature of water flowing through the heat exchange pipe (HEP) of the refrigeration cycle device from the user interface (600).

[0492] The heat pump can control the on / off of the compressor based on the first target temperature of the first zone when both the radiator of the first zone and the floor heating device of the second zone are in operation.

[0493] The heat pump can control the on / off of the compressor based on the target temperature of the operating air temperature control device when the radiator of the first zone or the floor heating device of the second zone is operating.

[0494] The heat pump recognizes the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor (159), the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor (361), and the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor (362) based on the first, second, and third temperature information received from the first, second, and third temperature sensors (159, 361, 362) while performing heating operation.

[0495] The heat pump can compensate for the target temperature of the effluent when the compressor (151) is on and control the compressor to be turned off based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the detected temperature of the effluent. Here, a configuration for recognizing the compensated target temperature of the effluent will be described in more detail.

[0496] During heating operation, the heat pump can recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the first target temperature of the radiator of the first zone, the second target temperature of the floor heating device of the second zone, the target temperature of the effluent, the temperature of the first inflow, the temperature of the first inflow, and the temperature of the effluent.

[0497] This describes the configuration of the compensation target temperature recognition of the effluent when both the radiator in Zone 1 and the floor heating device in Zone 2 are in operation.

[0498] The heat pump can recognize an air temperature control device having a higher target temperature among the first and second target temperatures, and recognize the target temperature of the inflow water flowing into the recognized air temperature control device and the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor provided in the recognized air temperature control device. Hereinafter, a case in which the first target temperature of the heat dissipation device of the first zone is higher than the second target temperature of the floor heating device of the second zone will be described.

[0499] The heat pump recognizes the first target temperature of the first zone, the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the first inflow detected by the second temperature sensor, recognizes a first difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the recognized temperature of the effluent, recognizes a second difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the first target temperature, recognizes a compensation value by adding the first difference value and the second difference value, and compensates for the target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature. For example, the heat pump can recognize the compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0500] Describes the configuration for recognizing the compensated target temperature of the effluent when only the radiator of Zone 1 is in operation.

[0501] For example, the heat pump may recognize a first target temperature of a first zone, a temperature of an effluent detected by a first temperature sensor, and a temperature of a first inflow detected by a second temperature sensor, recognize a first difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the recognized temperature of the effluent, recognize a second difference value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow from the first target temperature, recognize a compensation value by adding the first difference value and the second difference value, and recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0502] As another example, the heat pump can recognize a compensation value by subtracting the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor from the temperature of the outflow water detected by the first temperature sensor, and recognize a compensated target temperature of the outflow water by adding the recognized compensation value and the first target temperature.

[0503] Describes a configuration that recognizes the compensated target temperature of the effluent when only the floor heating device in Zone 2 is in operation.

[0504] For example, the heat pump may recognize a second target temperature of a second zone, a temperature of an effluent detected by a first temperature sensor, and a temperature of a second inflow detected by a third temperature sensor, recognize a first difference value by subtracting the temperature of the second inflow from the recognized temperature of the effluent, recognize a second difference value by subtracting the temperature of the second inflow from the second target temperature, recognize a compensation value by adding the first difference value and the second difference value, and recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent by adding the recognized compensation value and the second target temperature.

[0505] As another example, the heat pump can recognize a compensation value by subtracting the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor from the temperature of the effluent water detected by the first temperature sensor, and recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent water by adding the recognized compensation value and the second target temperature.

[0506] The heat pump can recognize that the heating operation is stabilized based on comparing the compensated target temperature of the effluent with the target temperature of the effluent and recognizing that the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the target temperature of the effluent are the same.

[0507] The minimum compensated target temperature of the effluent may be 0℃ and may not include negative numbers.

[0508] The heat pump can recognize the third target compensation temperature based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent and the third compensation temperature.

[0509] The heat pump can recognize the third target compensation temperature by subtracting the third compensation temperature from the compensated target temperature of the effluent.

[0510] The third compensation temperature is approximately, but not limited to, a temperature between 0°C and 5°C.

[0511] In addition, the heat pump counts the compressor on-time, and when it is recognized that the counted compressor on-time has reached the second reference time (713), it recognizes whether the temperature of the effluent is higher than the third target compensation temperature (714).

[0512] The second standard time here is approximately 20 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

[0513] When the heat pump recognizes that the temperature of the effluent is lower than the third target compensation temperature, it maintains the compressor in an on state so that the water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) is supplied to the storage tank (330), and also so that the water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (156) is supplied to the hot water supply device (501).

[0514] The water stored in the storage tank (330) can be delivered to the first and second air temperature control devices (510, 520) by the pumping operation of the first and second pumps.

[0515] The water stored in the storage tank (330) may be introduced into the second heat exchanger (156) by the pumping operation of the circulation pump.

[0516] When the heat pump recognizes that the temperature of the effluent is higher than the third target compensation temperature, it counts the maintenance time for which the temperature of the effluent is maintained higher than the third target compensation temperature, and when the counted time is less than the first predetermined time, it can maintain the on control of the compressor (151).

[0517] The heat pump can control the compressor (151) to be turned off and maintain the operation of the first and second pumps (351, 352) when the temperature of the effluent is higher than the third target compensation temperature and the counted time is longer than the first predetermined time (715).

[0518] The first schedule time is approximately 5 to 30 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

[0519] The heat pump controls the compressor (151) at the first frequency, and when the temperature of the effluent reaches the first target temperature, it is also possible to adjust the frequency of the compressor to a second frequency or lower than the first frequency.

[0520] The heat pump can also recognize that the heating operation is stable when it is recognized that the on time of the compressor (151) has reached the second reference time while controlling the compressor (151) at the first frequency.

[0521] The heat pump counts a control time during which the frequency of the compressor is controlled to be lower than or equal to a second frequency, and can maintain the compressor in an on state if the counted control time is lower than a first predetermined time.

[0522] Here, the second frequency may be a frequency between less than 50 Hz and 35 Hz, but is not limited thereto. The second frequency may also be a frequency less than 35 Hz.

[0523] The heat pump can also control the compressor (151) to be turned off when the counted control time is greater than or equal to the second predetermined time and the detected effluent temperature is greater than or equal to the third target compensation temperature.

[0524] The heat pump can reduce power consumption by turning off the compressor (151) when the temperature of the water flowing into the first air temperature control device (510) (i.e., the temperature of the first inflow water) is lower than the first target temperature, but when the temperature of the outflow water flowing out through the heat exchange pipe of the first heat exchanger reaches the third target compensation temperature.

[0525] The heat pump can circulate water stored in the storage tank (330) in the first air temperature control device (510) by maintaining the operation of the first pump (351) while controlling the compressor (151) to be turned off, and can circulate water stored in the storage tank (330) in the second air temperature control device (520) by maintaining the operation of the second pump (352).

[0526] The heat pump can control the opening or closing of the mixing valve (370) based on the third temperature information and the second target temperature information regarding the temperature of the second inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor (362) while controlling the compressor (151) to be turned off.

[0527] More specifically, the heat pump can control the opening of the mixing valve (370) when it is recognized that the temperature of the second inflow water is lower than the second target temperature, and can control the closing of the mixing valve (370) when it is recognized that the temperature of the second inflow water is higher than the second target temperature.

[0528] The heat pump can also recognize the temperature difference between the temperature of the second inflow water and the second target temperature based on the second temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the mixing valve (370) based on the recognized temperature difference value.

[0529] The opening corresponding to the temperature difference value may be information obtained and stored through experimentation.

[0530] The heat pump can mix water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520) by controlling the opening of the mixing valve (370), and can control the amount or speed at which water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520) is mixed by controlling the opening of the mixing valve (370).

[0531] The water mixed by the mixing valve (370) can be delivered to the second air temperature control device (520) through the second pump (352) after the temperature is controlled.

[0532] The water stored in the storage tank (330) can be used for heating and hot water supply in the air-conditioned space, and the temperature can decrease as the off time of the compressor (151) elapses during the off period of the compressor during the heating operation.

[0533] The heat pump can recognize the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor at the time when the compressor is turned off during heating operation, and store the recognized temperature of the effluent.

[0534] The temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor at the time the compressor is turned off may be the off temperature of the effluent.

[0535] The heat pump can recognize the fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the discharged water recognized at the time of the compressor's off and the fourth compensation temperature.

[0536] The fourth compensation temperature may be preset and stored information.

[0537] The fourth compensation temperature is information obtained by the difference between the temperature of the effluent and the temperature of the first inflow when the compressor is off-controlled, and may be information obtained through an experiment.

[0538] The fourth compensation temperature may be, but is not limited to, a temperature between approximately 0°C and 7°C.

[0539] More specifically, the heat pump can recognize a fourth target compensation temperature by subtracting a fourth compensation temperature from the temperature of the discharged water recognized at the compressor off time, and store the recognized fourth target compensation temperature.

[0540] The heat pump can recognize the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor (159) and the temperature of the first inflow water detected by the second temperature sensor (361) during the off period of the compressor during the performance of heating operation (716).

[0541] Here, the temperature of the effluent and the temperature of the influent can be detected periodically or in real time.

[0542] The temperature of the effluent detected periodically or in real time during the off period of the compressor may be the current temperature of the effluent.

[0543] The heat pump recognizes whether the current temperature of the recognized effluent is greater than or equal to the target temperature (717).

[0544] The heat pump maintains the compressor off control when the current temperature of the recognized effluent is recognized as being higher than the target temperature.

[0545] If the heat pump recognizes that the current temperature of the recognized effluent is lower than the target temperature, it can recognize that the current temperature of the recognized effluent is lower than the fourth target compensation temperature (718).

[0546] The heat pump can keep the compressor in an off state if the current temperature of the recognized effluent is below the target temperature and the current temperature of the effluent is above the fourth target compensation temperature.

[0547] The heat pump can control the compressor (151) to be turned on and maintain the operation of the first and second pumps (351, 352) when it is recognized that the current temperature of the recognized effluent is lower than the target temperature and the current temperature of the recognized effluent is lower than the fourth target compensation temperature (719).

[0548] The heat pump can supply the heat-exchanged water from the second heat exchanger back to the storage tank and the hot water heater, respectively.

[0549] FIG. 11 is a detailed configuration diagram of a hydro unit of a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0550] A heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a refrigeration cycle device and a hydro unit. The refrigeration cycle device of the heat pump according to another embodiment is identical to the refrigeration cycle device of the heat pump according to one embodiment, and thus a description thereof is omitted.

[0551] The hydro unit of the heat pump may include a plurality of mixing valves, each connected to a plurality of temperature control devices. Among the components of the hydro unit of the heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the remaining components, except for the plurality of mixing valves, are identical to the hydro unit of one embodiment of the present disclosure and thus a description thereof is omitted.

[0552] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the hydro unit of the heat pump may include a first mixing valve (371) connected to a first air temperature control device and a second mixing valve (372) connected to a second air temperature control device.

[0553] The first mixing valve (371) may be provided between the first outlet pipe (331) and the first inlet pipe (341).

[0554] The first mixing valve (371) is a valve that mixes water flowing out of the storage tank (330) and water flowing out of the first air temperature control device (510).

[0555] The first mixing valve (371) can control the temperature of water flowing into the first air temperature control device (510) by mixing water flowing out of the storage tank (330) and water flowing out of the first air temperature control device (510).

[0556] The first mixing valve (371) can perform an opening or closing operation based on a control command of the controller (402), and can adjust the opening degree based on the control command of the controller (402).

[0557] A second mixing valve (372) may be provided between the second outlet pipe (332) and the second inlet pipe (342).

[0558] The second mixing valve (372) is a valve that mixes water flowing into the second air temperature control device (520) and water flowing out from the second air temperature control device (520).

[0559] The second mixing valve (372) can control the temperature of water flowing into the second air temperature control device (520) by mixing water flowing out of the storage tank (330) and water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520).

[0560] The second mixing valve (372) can perform an opening or closing operation based on the control command of the controller (402), and can adjust the opening degree based on the control command of the controller (402).

[0561] FIG. 12 is a control configuration diagram of a heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0562] The heat pump may include a compressor (151), a first temperature sensor (159), a circulation pump (320), a first pump (351), a second pump (352), a second temperature sensor (361), a third temperature sensor (362), a first mixing valve (371), a second mixing valve (372), a controller (402), a user interface (600), and a communication interface (630).

[0563] Among the components of the heat pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the remaining components, excluding the controller (402), the first mixing valve (371), and the second mixing valve (372), may be identical to the components of the heat pump according to one embodiment. Descriptions of identical components will be omitted.

[0564] The first mixing valve (371) and the second mixing valve (372) are described in Fig. 11, and their description is omitted here.

[0565] The controller (402) may include at least one processor (450) for controlling the operation of the heat pump (1) and at least one memory (460) for storing a program and data for controlling the operation of the heat pump (1).

[0566] The processor (450) controls the overall operation of the heat pump (1).

[0567] The processor (450) can control at least one of the compressor (151), the four-way valve (152), the expansion valve (155), the circulation pump (320), the three-way valve (310), the first and second pumps (351, 352), the first mixing valve (371), and the second mixing valve (372) based on user input received through the user interface (600) and first, second, and third temperature information received by the first, second, and third temperature sensors.

[0568] User input may include an operating mode, a first target temperature for Zone 1, or a second target temperature for Zone 2. Zone 1 may be provided with a first air temperature control device, and Zone 2 may be provided with a second air temperature control device.

[0569] The first target temperature may be the target temperature of the first air temperature control device (510), and the second target temperature may be the target temperature of the second air temperature control device (520).

[0570] The processor (450) compares the first target temperature and the second target temperature and recognizes a higher target temperature.

[0571] The processor (450) can control the on / off of the compressor based on a relatively higher target temperature, and can control the opening, closing, and opening degree of the first and second mixing valves (371, 372), respectively, based on a relatively lower target temperature.

[0572] For example, if the second target temperature is higher than the first target temperature, the processor (450) can control the on / off of the compressor (151) based on the second target temperature, and control the opening, closing, and opening degree of the first mixing valve (371) based on the first target temperature.

[0573] For example, the processor (450) can control the temperature of the water in the second air temperature control device by controlling the on and off of the compressor (151), and can control the temperature of the water in the first air temperature control device by controlling the opening, closing, and opening degree of the first mixing valve (371).

[0574] When the processor (450) controls the first mixing valve (371), if it is recognized that the temperature of the first inflow water is lower than the first target temperature, it can control the opening of the first mixing valve (3701), and if it is recognized that the temperature of the first inflow water is higher than the second target temperature, it can control the closing of the first mixing valve (371).

[0575] The processor (450) can also recognize the temperature difference between the temperature of the first inflow water and the first target temperature based on the second temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the first mixing valve (371) based on the recognized temperature difference value.

[0576] The opening corresponding to the temperature difference value may be information obtained and stored through experimentation.

[0577] The processor (450) can control the opening of the first mixing valve (371) to mix water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with water flowing out of the first air temperature control device (510), and can control the amount or speed at which water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with water flowing out of the first air temperature control device (510) is mixed by controlling the opening of the first mixing valve (371).

[0578] As another example, if the first target temperature is higher than the second target temperature, the processor (450) can control the on / off of the compressor (151) based on the first target temperature, and control the opening, closing, and opening degree of the second mixing valve (372) based on the second target temperature.

[0579] For example, the processor (450) can control the temperature of the water in the first air temperature control device by controlling the on and off of the compressor (151), and can control the temperature of the water in the second air temperature control device by controlling the opening, closing, and opening degree of the second mixing valve (372).

[0580] When controlling the second mixing valve (372), the processor (450) can control the opening of the second mixing valve (372) if it is determined that the temperature of the second inflow water is lower than the second target temperature, and can control the closing of the second mixing valve (372) if it is determined that the temperature of the second inflow water is higher than the second target temperature.

[0581] The processor (450) can also recognize the temperature difference between the temperature of the second inflow water and the second target temperature based on the third temperature information and the second target temperature information, and control the opening degree of the second mixing valve (372) based on the recognized temperature difference value.

[0582] The opening corresponding to the temperature difference value may be information obtained and stored through experimentation.

[0583] The processor (450) can control the opening of the second mixing valve (372) to mix the water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with the water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520), and can control the amount or speed at which the water flowing out of the storage tank (330) with the water flowing out of the second air temperature control device (520) are mixed by controlling the opening of the second mixing valve (372).

[0584] The higher target temperature among the first target temperature and the second target temperature may be the target temperature of water flowing out through the outlet (H1) of the heat exchange pipe (HEP).

[0585] The processor (450) can control the on / off of the compressor based on the higher target temperature among the first target temperature and the second target temperature during heating operation, the temperature of the inflow water flowing into the air temperature control device having the higher target temperature, and the temperature of the outflow water flowing out from the second heat exchanger.

[0586] The processor (450) may have a configuration that controls the on / off of the compressor based on a higher target temperature among the first target temperature and the second target temperature during heating operation, which may be the same as the control configuration of the processor (410) in one embodiment or the control configuration of the processor (430) in another embodiment.

[0587] The processor (450) can control the operation of the first and second pumps (351, 352) even during the off period of the compressor during heating operation.

[0588] The processor (450) can control the stop of the compressor, the first and second pumps (1351, 352) and the first and second mixing valves (371, 372) based on the end of the heating operation.

[0589] Meanwhile, 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.

[0590] 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.

[0591] The methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this 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.

[0592] Various embodiments of the present disclosure, as described in the claims and specification, may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0593] The software may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), and the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the methods of the present disclosure.

[0594] The software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, such as a storage device such as read-only memory (ROM), whether removable or not, or in the form of memory such as random access memory (RAM), memory chips, devices or integrated circuits, or in an optically or magnetically readable medium (e.g., a CD, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a magnetic disk or a magnetic tape). The storage device and the storage medium may be implemented in various embodiments of a computer program containing instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the present disclosure, or a non-transitory machine-readable storage device suitable for storing a computer program. Various embodiments may provide a program containing code for implementing a device or method as recited in any of the claims of the present specification, and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0595] While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Compressor; A heat exchanger that receives refrigerant from the compressor; A heat exchange pipe provided adjacent to the heat exchanger and through which water flows to exchange heat with the refrigerant of the heat exchanger; A storage tank that stores water supplied through the outlet of the above heat exchange pipe and supplies the stored water to a plurality of air temperature control devices; A mixing valve connected to at least one of the plurality of air temperature control devices, mixing water supplied from the storage tank with water flowing out between the at least one air temperature control device and supplying the mixed water to the at least one air temperature control device; and A circulation pump is included that pumps water stored in the storage tank and delivers the pumped water to the heat exchanger. Some of the above multiple air temperature control devices include floor heating devices, The rest includes heat sinks, The above mixing valve is a heat pump connected to the above floor heating device.

2. In paragraph 1, A plurality of pumps each connected to the plurality of air temperature control devices, pumping water from the storage tank and supplying the pumped water to the plurality of air temperature control devices; A first temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the effluent flowing out through the outlet of the heat exchange pipe; A second temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the inflow water flowing into the heat dissipation device; and A heat pump further comprising one or more processors for controlling the on / off of the compressor based on the detected inflow water temperature, the detected outflow water temperature, the target temperature of the outflow water, and the target temperature of the inflow water, and for maintaining the operation of the plurality of pumps during the on / off control of the compressor.

3. In the second paragraph, the one or more processors recognize a first difference value between the detected effluent temperature and the detected influent temperature, and a second difference value between the target temperature of the influent temperature and the detected influent temperature, recognize a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the first and second difference values ​​and the target temperature of the influent, recognize a first target compensation temperature based on the target temperature of the effluent and the first compensation temperature, control the compressor off based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent being equal to the target temperature of the effluent and the detected temperature of the effluent being higher than the first target compensation temperature, and control the compressor on based on the target temperature of the effluent and the second compensation temperature, and control the compressor to be turned on when the detected temperature of the effluent is lower than the second target temperature during the off control of the compressor.

4. In the second paragraph, the one or more processors, A heat pump that recognizes a first difference value between the detected effluent temperature and the detected influent temperature, and a second difference value between the target temperature of the influent and the detected influent temperature, recognizes a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the first and second difference values ​​and the target temperature of the influent, recognizes a third target compensation temperature based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent and a third compensation temperature, and controls the compressor to be turned off based on the detected effluent temperature being higher than the third target compensation temperature.

5. In the fourth paragraph, the one or more processors, Recognize the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor at the time when the compressor is turned off, and recognize the fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the effluent detected at the time when the compressor is turned off and the fourth compensation temperature, A heat pump that controls the compressor to be turned on based on the temperature of the effluent and the fourth target compensation temperature when the temperature of the effluent is lower than the target temperature during the off control of the compressor.

6. In paragraph 3, A plurality of pumps each connected to the plurality of air temperature control devices, pumping water from the storage tank and supplying the pumped water to the plurality of air temperature control devices; A first temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the effluent flowing out through the outlet of the heat exchange pipe; A second temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the first inflow water flowing into the heat dissipation device; A third temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the second inflow water flowing into the floor heating device among the air temperature control devices; and A heat pump comprising at least one processor for controlling the on / off of the compressor based on a target temperature of an operating air temperature control device, a temperature of inflow water detected by a temperature sensor connected to the operating air temperature control device, a temperature of the detected outflow water, and a target temperature of the outflow water, when the radiator or the floor heating device is in operation, and for maintaining the operation of the plurality of pumps during the on / off control of the compressor.

7. In paragraph 6, the one or more processors, A heat pump that recognizes a difference between the temperature of the effluent and the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor connected to the operating air temperature control device, recognizes a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the recognized difference and the target temperature of the operating air temperature control device, and controls the compressor to be turned off based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent being equal to the target temperature of the effluent and the detected temperature of the effluent being higher than the first target compensation temperature, and recognizes a second target compensation temperature based on the target temperature of the effluent and a second compensation temperature, and controls the compressor to be turned on if the temperature of the detected effluent is lower than the second target temperature during the off control of the compressor.

8. In paragraph 6, the one or more processors, A heat pump that recognizes a difference between the temperature of the effluent and the temperature of the inflow water detected by a temperature sensor connected to the operating air temperature control device, recognizes a compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the recognized difference and the target temperature of the operating air temperature control device, recognizes a third target compensation temperature based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent and a third compensation temperature, and controls the compressor to turn off based on the detected temperature of the effluent being higher than the third target compensation temperature.

9. In paragraph 8, the one or more processors, Recognize the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor at the time when the compressor is turned off, and recognize the fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the effluent detected at the time when the compressor is turned off and the fourth compensation temperature, A heat pump that controls the compressor to be turned on based on the temperature of the effluent and the fourth target compensation temperature when the temperature of the effluent is lower than the target temperature during the off control of the compressor.

10. In paragraph 8, The one or more processors adjust the frequency of the compressor from a first frequency to a second frequency or lower when the temperature of the effluent is higher than the corrected target temperature of the effluent, A heat pump wherein the first frequency is a higher frequency than the second frequency.

11. In paragraph 1, A third temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the inflow water flowing into the at least one air temperature control device through the mixing valve; and A heat pump further comprising one or more processors that control the opening and closing of the mixing valve based on the temperature of the inflow water detected by the third temperature sensor and the target temperature of the at least one air conditioning device.

12. A method for controlling a heat pump including a compressor and a heat exchanger through which refrigerant circulates, and a storage tank for storing water heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger and supplying the stored water to first and second air temperature control devices, During the temperature control of the compressor, the temperature of the effluent flowing out through the outlet of the heat exchange pipe provided in the heat exchanger is detected, Controlling the compressor to be turned off based on the temperature of the detected effluent and the target temperature of the effluent, Maintaining and controlling the operation of the first and second pumps connected to the first and second air temperature control devices during the off control of the above compressor, During the off control of the compressor, the compressor is turned on based on the detected temperature of the effluent and the target temperature of the effluent, and the operation of the first and second pumps is maintained and controlled. A method for controlling a heat pump, which controls a mixing valve provided between one of the first and second air temperature control devices and the storage tank to control the temperature of water flowing from the storage tank to one of the air temperature control devices.

13. In the 12th paragraph, controlling the compressor to be turned off is as follows: Detecting the temperature of the inflow water flowing into the air temperature control device having the highest target temperature among the first and second air temperature control devices, The difference between the temperature of the effluent and the temperature of the influent is less than or equal to the reference value, A method for controlling a heat pump, including controlling the compressor to be turned off when the temperature of the effluent is higher than the target temperature.

14. In the 13th paragraph, controlling the compressor to be turned off is as follows: Recognize a first difference value between the temperature of the detected effluent and the temperature of the detected influent, and a second difference value between the target temperature of the influent and the temperature of the detected influent, Recognize the compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the first and second difference values ​​and the target temperature of the influent, Recognize the first target compensation temperature based on the target temperature of the above effluent and the first compensation temperature, The compressor is turned off based on the compensated target temperature of the effluent being equal to the target temperature of the effluent and the sensed temperature of the effluent being greater than or equal to the first target compensation temperature, Recognize the second target compensation temperature based on the target temperature and the second compensation temperature of the above effluent, A control method of a heat pump, comprising controlling the compressor to be turned on when the temperature of the detected effluent water is lower than the second target compensation temperature during the off control of the compressor.

15. In the 14th paragraph, controlling the compressor to be turned off is as follows: Recognize a first difference value between the temperature of the detected effluent and the temperature of the detected influent, and a second difference value between the target temperature of the influent and the temperature of the detected influent, Recognize the compensated target temperature of the effluent based on the first and second difference values ​​and the target temperature of the influent, Recognize the third target compensation temperature based on the compensated target temperature and the third compensation temperature of the above effluent, The compressor is turned off based on the temperature of the detected effluent being higher than the third target compensation temperature, Recognize the temperature of the effluent detected by the first temperature sensor at the time when the compressor is turned off, and recognize the fourth target compensation temperature based on the temperature of the effluent detected at the time when the compressor is turned off and the fourth compensation temperature, A control method for a heat pump, comprising: during the off control of the compressor, if the temperature of the effluent is lower than the target temperature, controlling the compressor to be turned on based on the temperature of the effluent and the fourth target compensation temperature.

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