Heat pump system and control method thereof

Abstract

According to an aspect of the disclosed invention, a heat pump system may comprise: a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air; a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between water and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor or the first heat exchanger; an inlet temperature sensor that detects an inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger; a three-way valve that switches a flow path of water discharged from the second heat exchanger; a heat storage apparatus that heats the water discharged from the second heat exchanger; and a controller which identifies an operation mode of the heat pump system performed before the first heat exchanger enters a defrosting operation, and which controls the three-way valve during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger such that the water discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied to an indoor heating apparatus or the heat storage apparatus on the basis of the operation mode and the inlet temperature of the water entering the second heat exchanger, which has been detected by the inlet temperature sensor.

Description

Heat pump system and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a heat pump system and a control method thereof, and is an invention relating to a heat pump type system capable of supplying hot water through heat exchange and a control method thereof.

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

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

[0004] Typically, a heat pump system may include a refrigerant cycle including a compressor, an expansion device, a first heat exchanger, and refrigerant lines, and a water cycle including a terminal such as a radiator, a buffer tank, an auxiliary heat source, and water lines.

[0005] A refrigerant cycle that absorbs heat from the outside air can transfer heat to a water-based cycle. A first heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with the outside air may be positioned in the refrigerant cycle. A second heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat may be positioned between the refrigerant cycle and the water-based cycle.

[0006] When supplying heating water, the primary heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, and the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air. This can lead to frosting, a phenomenon in which water vapor in the air condenses and adheres to the refrigerant pipes. To prevent this frosting, the heat pump system requires the primary heat exchanger to operate under frost.

[0007] During the defrost operation of the first heat exchanger in a heat pump system, the first heat exchanger acts as a condenser (compressor), and the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air to remove the formed ice. This heat is absorbed from the secondary heat source, water, in the second heat exchanger in the outdoor unit. As a result, the water in the second heat exchanger may freeze due to the low-temperature refrigerant that has released the heat. The frozen water increases in volume due to a phase change, which may cause the second heat exchanger to freeze. In the past, to solve problems such as refrigerant leakage between the plates and mixing of the refrigerant and water due to freezing of the second heat exchanger, antifreeze was used instead of water, or an auxiliary heat source was installed.

[0008] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a heat pump system and a control method thereof, which can increase the efficiency of winter heating operation and user convenience by measuring the temperature of water entering a second heat exchanger in an outdoor unit based on the operation mode of the heat pump system before the defrosting operation during the defrosting operation of a first heat exchanger and controlling a three-way valve in an indoor unit.

[0009] When the temperature of the water flowing into the outdoor unit drops during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger, if freezing occurs in the second heat exchanger, the water may infiltrate the refrigerant cycle, which may cause fatal defects in the product. In order to prevent this, the prior art installed an auxiliary heat source such as an electric heater to maintain the water temperature or stopped the product operation to protect the second heat exchanger. As a result, the efficiency of product use decreased, and the user was supplied with relatively cold water instead of hot water due to the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger, which also reduced the user's satisfaction with the product. The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art by using a heat storage device such as a hot water heat source to maintain a high water temperature even during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger and prevent freezing of the second heat exchanger, thereby increasing the product's efficiency and user satisfaction.

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

[0011] A heat pump system according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air; a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor or the first heat exchanger and water; an inlet temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger; a three-way valve for switching a flow path of water discharged from the second heat exchanger; a heat accumulator for heating the water discharged from the second heat exchanger; and a control unit for identifying an operation mode of the heat pump system performed before entering a defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger, and controlling the three-way valve so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied to an indoor heating device or the heat accumulator based on the operation mode and an inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger detected by the inlet temperature sensor during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger.

[0012] A method for controlling a heat pump system including a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a heat accumulator, and a three-way valve for switching a flow path of water discharged from the second heat exchanger according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include identifying an operation mode of the heat pump system performed before entering a defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger, and controlling the three-way valve so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied to an indoor heating device or the heat accumulator based on the operation mode and an inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger detected by the inlet temperature sensor during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, since the temperature of the water can be maintained high during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger without an auxiliary heat source, continuous operation of the product can be performed without stopping the operation to prevent freezing of the product, thereby increasing the operating rate and efficiency of the heating operation, and since cold water does not flow to the indoor heating device even during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger, the user's satisfaction and convenience in using the product can be increased.

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

[0015] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the flow of water in a second heat exchanger in an outdoor unit during a defrosting operation of a first heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of water when the operation mode of the heat pump system before the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger is the first operation mode according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the flow of water when the operation mode of the heat pump system before the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger is the second operation mode according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a defrosting mode of a first heat exchanger in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 is a control flowchart for the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control method of a heat pump system that controls the flow of water according to the inlet temperature of water entering a second heat exchanger during defrosting operation when the operation mode of the heat pump system before defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger is the first operation mode according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control method of a heat pump system for determining a water flow during defrosting operation when the operation mode of the heat pump system before defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger is the second operation mode according to one embodiment.

[0022] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0023] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0024] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] 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.

[0026] For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" can represent A, B, C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0033] Hereinafter, a heat pump system is described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat pump system according to one embodiment. The heat pump system (1) may include an outdoor unit (10), an indoor unit (20), a heat storage device (302), and an indoor heating device (303).

[0035] An outdoor unit (10) existing in a heat pump system (1) may include a compressor (102), a second (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112), an expansion valve (110), a first (refrigerant-outside air) heat exchanger (108), a flow switching valve (106), and an accumulator (104).

[0036] The compressor (102) compresses low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant sucked in through the inlet side (102a) to form high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, and then discharges the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant through the outlet side (102b). The compressor (102) may be configured as an inverter compressor whose compression capacity varies depending on the input frequency, or may be configured as a combination of multiple constant-speed compressors whose compression capacity is constant. The inlet side (102a) of the compressor (102) is connected to an accumulator (104), and the outlet side (102b) of the compressor (102) is connected to a flow switching valve (106). The flow switching valve (106) is also connected to the accumulator (104).

[0037] An accumulator (104) may be installed between the inlet side (102a) of the compressor (102) and the oil changeover valve (106). When condensed liquid refrigerant flows in through the oil changeover valve (106), the accumulator (104) temporarily stores a mixture of oil and refrigerant, separates the non-vaporized liquid refrigerant, and prevents the liquid refrigerant from being sucked into the compressor (102), thereby preventing damage to the compressor (102). The gas refrigerant separated in the accumulator (104) is sucked into the inlet side (102a) of the compressor (102).

[0038] The refrigerant flow switching valve (106) may be configured as a four-way valve, and switches the flow of refrigerant discharged from the compressor (102) according to the operating mode (cooling or heating), thereby forming a refrigerant flow path required for the operation in the corresponding mode. The refrigerant flow switching valve (106) may have a first port (106a) connected to the outlet side (102b) of the compressor (100), a second port (106b) connected to the first heat exchanger (108) side, a third port (106c) connected to the second heat exchanger (112) side, and a fourth port (106d) connected to the accumulator (104) which is the inlet side (102a) of the compressor (100).

[0039] The first heat exchanger (108) operates as a condenser in cooling mode and as an evaporator in heating mode. A first expansion valve (110) is connected to one side of the first heat exchanger (108). An outdoor fan (109) may be installed in the first heat exchanger (108) to increase the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0040] The expansion valve (110) may be configured as an electronic expansion valve, and may expand the refrigerant, control the flow rate of the refrigerant, and block the flow of the refrigerant if necessary. The expansion valve (110) may be replaced with an expansion device of another structure that performs these functions.

[0041] The second (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112) can receive the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (102). The second (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112) can receive water from the indoor unit. Inside the second (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112), a plurality of heat exchange plates through which the refrigerant passes and heat exchange plates through which the water passes are alternately installed, and cold water / hot water can be generated through heat exchange between the heat exchange plates through which the refrigerant passes and the heat exchange plates through which the water passes. The second heat exchanger can be a plate-type or shell-and-tube type heat exchanger. The cold water / hot water generated in the second (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112) is provided to a water supply tank, a fan coil unit, a floor cooling / heating device, etc., and is used for cold water / hot water supply and cooling / heating.

[0042] An indoor unit (20) within a heat pump system (1) may include an auxiliary heat source (203) that increases the temperature of water to prevent freezing of a second heat exchanger during defrosting operation of a first heat exchanger, a three-way valve (202) that can change the water flow path, a flow path switching device (204), an expansion tank (201), a temperature sensor (201) in front of the expansion tank, and a temperature sensor (203) in the back of the auxiliary heat source.

[0043] The heat accumulator (302) within the heat pump system (1) may be a water tank, a water tank heater, or a hot water tank that stores a large amount of water. The heat accumulator (302) may include a flow path through which water circulating through the heat pump system (1) flows. The heat accumulator (302) can prevent the second heat exchanger (112) within the outdoor unit (10) from freezing due to low-temperature water by acting as an auxiliary heat source during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108).

[0044] Indoor heating device (303) may refer to an indoor room, ondol, boiler pipes, and radiators.

[0045] Figure 2 shows the flow of water in the second heat exchanger in the outdoor unit during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0046] An inlet temperature sensor (113) may be installed on the water inlet side of the heat exchange plate through which water existing inside the second (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112) passes. An outlet temperature sensor (115) may be installed on the water outlet side of the heat exchange plate through which water existing inside the second (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger (112) passes. When performing a defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108) to remove frost formed in the first heat exchanger, the temperature of the water entering the second heat exchanger from the indoor unit may be detected by the inlet temperature sensor (113).

[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of water in an indoor unit when the operation mode of the heat pump system before the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger is the first operation mode according to one embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the flow of water in an indoor unit when the operation mode of the heat pump system before the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger is the second operation mode according to one embodiment.

[0049] In both the first and second operation modes, after the refrigerant and outdoor air exchange heat in the first heat exchanger (108) within the outdoor unit (10), the refrigerant that has absorbed the heat moves to the second (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger. The refrigerant that has absorbed the heat can exchange heat with water from the indoor unit (20) in the second (refrigerant-water) heat exchanger. As a result of the heat exchange, hot water is generated, and this hot water can be supplied to the indoor unit (20).

[0050] However, the first operation mode is an operation mode for supplying water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the indoor heating device to perform heating, and means when there is no heat storage device (302) in the indoor unit (20) or when a part (c) of the three-way valve (202) is closed so that water moves to the first inflow path (ab). The water that moves through the first inflow path passes through the indoor heating device (303) and flows out through the first discharge path and then flows back into the outdoor unit (10).

[0051] The second operation mode is an operation mode for supplying hot water by supplying water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the heat storage device. This means that when the heat storage device (302) is present in the indoor unit (20) and a part (b) of the upper (3-way) valve (202) is closed, water moves to the second inflow path (ac). The water that moves through the second inflow path passes through the heat storage device (302), flows out through the second discharge path, and then flows back into the outdoor unit (10).

[0052] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a defrosting mode of a first heat exchanger in a heat pump system according to one embodiment.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 7, a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment may include an outdoor unit (10), an indoor unit (20), a user interface (301), a heat storage device (302), and / or an indoor heating device (303). The outdoor unit (10) may include a compressor (102), a first heat exchanger (108), a second heat exchanger (112), and an inlet temperature sensor (113). The indoor unit (20) may include a control unit (207), an expansion tank (201), a three-way valve (202), a flow switching device (204), an expansion tank front-end temperature sensor (205), and an auxiliary heat source rear-end temperature sensor (206).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the compressor (102) can compress refrigerant circulating in the outdoor unit (10) within the heat pump system (1).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first heat exchanger (108) may be a fin-tube type heat exchanger capable of heat exchange between a refrigerant and external air. Frosting may occur in the first heat exchanger (108), in which water vapor condenses and freezes and attaches to the surface of the refrigerant tube. To prevent this frosting, the heat pump system (1) may require a defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger. In this case, during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger, low-pressure / low-temperature refrigerant may flow into the second heat exchanger (112), which may cause freezing.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the second heat exchanger (112) may be provided to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and water during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger.

[0057] According to one embodiment, an inlet temperature sensor (113) may be provided at the inlet where water enters the second heat exchanger (112). The temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger may be detected by the inlet temperature sensor (113). The inlet temperature information measured by the inlet temperature sensor (113) may be stored in the memory (209) of the control unit within the indoor unit (20), and the temperature measurement value may be transmitted to the processor (208) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1).

[0058] According to one embodiment, an outlet temperature sensor (115) may be provided at the outlet through which water is discharged to the second heat exchanger (112). The temperature of water discharged from the second heat exchanger may be detected by the outlet temperature sensor (115). The outlet temperature information measured by the outlet temperature sensor (115) may be stored in the memory (209) of the control unit within the indoor unit (20), and the temperature measurement value may be transmitted to the processor (208) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1).

[0059] According to one embodiment, an expansion tank front temperature sensor (205) may be provided at an inlet where water enters the expansion tank (201). The temperature of water entering the expansion tank (201) may be detected by the expansion tank front temperature sensor (205). The temperature information of the water measured by the expansion tank front temperature sensor (205) may be stored in the memory (209) of the control unit in the indoor unit (20), and the temperature measurement value may be transmitted to the processor (208) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1).

[0060] According to one embodiment, an auxiliary heat source rear temperature sensor (206) may be provided at an outlet where water is discharged from the auxiliary heat source (203). The temperature of water discharged from the auxiliary heat source may be detected by the auxiliary heat source rear temperature sensor (206). The temperature information of the water measured by the auxiliary heat source rear temperature sensor (206) may be stored in the memory (209) of the control unit within the indoor unit (20), and the temperature measurement value may be transmitted to the processor (208) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the control unit (207) may include at least one processor (208) for controlling the operation of the heat pump system (1) and at least one memory (209) for storing a program and data for controlling the operation of the heat pump system (1).

[0062] At least one memory (209) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (209) may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the heat pump system (1) or in the form of memory that can be attached or detached from the heat pump system (1), depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for driving the heat pump system (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the heat pump system (1), and data for the expansion function of the heat pump system (1) may be stored in a memory that can be attached or detached from the heat pump system (1). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the heat pump system (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., one time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, in the case of memory that can be attached or detached to the heat pump system (1), it may be implemented as a form of memory card (e.g., compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), etc.), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc. Can be.

[0063] At least one processor (208) controls the overall operation of the heat pump system (1). Specifically, at least one processor (208) may be connected to each component of the heat pump system (1) (e.g., compressor (102), first heat exchanger (108), second heat exchanger (112), inlet temperature sensor (113), outlet temperature sensor (115), expansion tank upstream temperature sensor (205), auxiliary heat source downstream temperature sensor (206), expansion tank (201), three-way valve (202), user interface (301), flow path switching device (204), heat storage device (302), and / or indoor heating device (303)) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1). For example, at least one processor (208) may be electrically connected to a memory (209) to control the overall operation of the heat pump system (1). The processor (208) may be configured with one or more processors.

[0064] At least one processor (208) can perform operations of the heat pump system (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (209).

[0065] At least one processor (208) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (208) may control one or any combination of other components of the heat pump system (1), and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. At least one processor (208) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in a memory (209). For example, at least one processor (208) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (209).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) can control the three-way valve (202) present in the indoor unit (20) so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger (112) flows into the indoor heating device (303) or the heat storage device (302) based on the inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger detected by the inlet temperature sensor (113) present in the second heat exchanger (112) during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) can control the three-way valve (202) present in the indoor unit (20) so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger (112) flows into the indoor heating device (303) or the heat storage device (302) based on the outlet temperature of water coming out of the second heat exchanger (112) detected by the outlet temperature sensor (115) present in the second heat exchanger (112) during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) can control the three-way valve (202) present in the indoor unit (20) so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger (112) flows into the indoor heating device (303) or the heat storage device (302) based on the temperature of water entering the expansion tank (205) by the expansion tank front end temperature sensor (205) present at the front end of the expansion tank during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) can control the three-way valve (202) present in the indoor unit (20) so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger (112) flows into the indoor heating device (303) or the heat storage device (302) based on the temperature of water coming from the auxiliary heat source detected by the auxiliary heat source rear end temperature sensor (206) present at the rear end of the auxiliary heat source (203) during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108).

[0070] A control unit (207) of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment identifies an operation mode of the heat pump system (1) performed before entering a defrosting operation, and, during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger, controls a three-way valve (202) present in the indoor unit (20) so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger (112) is introduced into the indoor heating device (303) or the heating device (302) based on the identified operation mode and the inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) can control the three-way valve (202) present in the indoor unit (20) to allow the water discharged from the second heat exchanger (112) to flow into the indoor heating device (303) or the heat storage device (302) based on the inlet temperature of the water entering the second heat exchanger (112) measured by the inlet temperature sensor (113), when the operation mode of the heat pump system (1) performed before the start of the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108) is the first operation mode for supplying the water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the indoor heating device.

[0072] The control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) can control the three-way valve (202) in the indoor unit (20) to guide water discharged from the second heat exchanger (112) to the indoor heating device (302) when the inlet temperature detected by the inlet temperature sensor (113) is higher than or equal to the reference temperature.

[0073] The control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) can control the three-way valve (202) in the indoor unit (20) to guide water discharged from the second heat exchanger (112) to the heat storage device (302) when the inlet temperature detected by the inlet temperature sensor (113) is lower than the reference temperature.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) can control the three-way valve (202) present in the indoor unit (20) to allow the water discharged from the second heat exchanger (112) to flow into the heat storage device (302) regardless of the inlet temperature of the water entering the second heat exchanger (112) measured by the inlet temperature sensor (113), when the operation mode of the heat pump system (1) performed before the start of the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108) is the second operation mode that supplies the water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the heat storage device.

[0075] The control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can control the heat source existing in the heat storage device (302) so that the temperature of the water discharged from the heat storage device (302) is higher than the reference temperature.

[0076] The control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can obtain and set information on the reference temperature through the user interface (301) and store it in the memory (209).

[0077] A heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment may further include a flow diverter (204) connecting the inlet of the second heat exchanger (112) and the outlet of the indoor heating device (303) or the outlet of the heat accumulator (302). The flow diverter (204) may be composed of one valve or a plurality of valves. The flow diverter (204) may be a first valve provided on the outlet side of the indoor heating device (303) and a second valve provided on the outlet side of the heat accumulator (302).

[0078] The control unit (207) of the heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can control the flow conversion device (204) so ​​that the inlet of the second heat exchanger (112) and the outlet of the indoor heating device (303) are connected when water discharged from the second heat exchanger (112) is supplied to the indoor heating device (303).

[0079] The expansion tank (201) may be a tank that buffers pressure fluctuations in the flow path through which water flows in the indoor unit (20).

[0080] According to one embodiment, a three-way valve (202) can determine the direction in which water flows within the indoor unit (20), so that the water can flow toward the heat storage device (302) or the indoor heating device (303). Specifically, the three-way valve can be controlled based on the inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger (112), thereby changing the direction of the flow path of water within the indoor unit (20).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the heat pump system (1) may include a communication interface (301) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device) via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0082] The communication interface (301) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0083] The communication interface (301) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, a temperature probe), or receive data from an external device. To this end, the communication interface (301) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (301) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0084] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0085] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0086] The communication interface (301) can communicate with external devices via a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The heat pump system (1) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0087] The heat pump system (1) can receive various signals (e.g., weather information, remote instructions) from an external device (e.g., server, user device) through a communication interface (301).

[0088] The communication interface (301) may be a user interface, i.e., an input and output interface. The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor. The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the thermal accumulator (302) may be a water tank, a water tank heater, or a hot water tank that stores water supplied from an external water source. The thermal accumulator (302) may include a heat source that heats the water stored in the water tank. The thermal accumulator (302) may include a flow path through which water circulating in the heat pump system (1) may flow.

[0090] The temperature of the water stored in the heat storage device (302) can be maintained higher than the reference temperature by the control unit (207) in the indoor unit (20).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the indoor heating device (303) may include an indoor room, an ondol, a boiler pipe, and a radiator.

[0092] Fig. 6 is an overall control flowchart for the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger in the heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control method of a heat pump system that controls the flow of water according to the inlet temperature of water entering a second heat exchanger during defrosting operation when the operation mode of the heat pump system before defrosting operation of a first heat exchanger in the heat pump system is the first operation mode according to one embodiment.

[0094] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a heat pump system for determining a water flow during a defrosting operation when the operation mode of the heat pump system before the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger in the heat pump system is the second operation mode according to one embodiment.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6, a control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can determine the operation mode of the heat pump system before the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108) when entering the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108) to remove ice formed on the refrigerant pipe of the first heat exchanger (108) (1000) (1100).

[0096] Referring to FIG. 7, a control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can determine whether the inlet temperature of water supplied to a second heat exchanger (112) is lower than a reference temperature (1200) when the operation mode of the heat pump system before the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108) is the first operation mode (1101).

[0097] A control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment is such that when the inlet temperature of water supplied to the second heat exchanger (112) is higher than or equal to the reference temperature (No of 1200), a part (c) of a three-way valve (202) can be closed to change the water flow path toward the indoor heating device (303) (1400).

[0098] According to one embodiment, a control method of a heat pump system (1) can change the flow path of water toward the heat storage device (302) by closing a part (b) of a three-way valve (202) when the inlet temperature of water supplied to the second heat exchanger (112) is lower than the reference temperature (example of 1200) (1300).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 8, a control method of a heat pump system (1) according to one embodiment can change the water flow path toward the heat storage device (302) by closing a part (b) of a three-way valve (202) when the operation mode of the heat pump system before the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger (108) is the second operation mode (1102) (1300).

[0100] When water in the indoor unit (20) flows into the heat storage device (302), the temperature of the water can be kept high during the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger without an auxiliary heat source, so that continuous operation is possible without stopping the product to prevent freezing of the second heat exchanger. In addition, since cold water does not flow into the indoor heating device (303) during the defrosting operation, there is no inconvenience to the user. In other words, defrosting operation is possible while maintaining the temperature of the water high without an auxiliary heat source, thereby preventing damage to the product and increasing the operating rate and efficiency of the product, thereby enhancing user satisfaction.

[0101] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, by adding only a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a water tank pipe without the need to add a plurality of sensors, the user's hot water usage pattern can be calculated and the on / off of the compressor can be controlled, so that the process is simple, price competitiveness can be achieved, and hot water can be supplied with optimal energy efficiency.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0105] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Compressor that compresses refrigerant; A first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air; A second heat exchanger that exchanges heat with water the refrigerant discharged from the compressor or the first heat exchanger; An inlet temperature sensor that detects the inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger; A three-way valve for switching the flow path of water discharged from the second heat exchanger; A heat storage device that heats the water discharged from the second heat exchanger; and Identify the operation mode of the heat pump system performed before entering the defrost operation of the first heat exchanger, A heat pump system comprising: a control unit that controls the three-way valve so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied to an indoor heating device or the heat storage device based on the inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger detected by the inlet temperature sensor and the operation mode during the defrost operation of the first heat exchanger; 2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A heat pump system that controls the three-way valve so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied to the indoor heating device or the heat storage device based on whether the inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger is lower than a reference temperature, when the above operation mode is a first operation mode that supplies water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the indoor heating device.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, A heat pump system that controls the three-way valve to guide water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the indoor heating device when the inlet temperature of the water entering the second heat exchanger is higher than or equal to the reference temperature.

4. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, A heat pump system that controls the three-way valve to guide water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the heat storage device when the inlet temperature of the water entering the second heat exchanger is lower than the reference temperature.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A heat pump system that controls the three-way valve so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied to the heat storage device regardless of the inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger, when the above-mentioned operation mode is a second operation mode that supplies water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the heat storage device.

6. In paragraph 2, The above accumulator, A tank for storing water supplied from an external water source; and A heat source for heating water stored in the above tank; The above control unit, A heat pump system that controls the heat source so that the temperature of water discharged from the above storage device is maintained higher than the reference temperature.

7. In paragraph 2, A user interface for obtaining user input; The above control unit. A heat pump system that sets the reference temperature based on the user input obtained through the user interface.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a flow path switching device connecting the inlet of the second heat exchanger and the outlet of the indoor heating device or the outlet of the heat storage device; The above control unit, When water discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied to the indoor heating device, the flow path switching device is controlled so that the inlet of the second heat exchanger and the outlet of the indoor heating device are connected, A heat pump system that controls the flow conversion device so that the inlet of the second heat exchanger and the outlet of the heat storage device are connected when water discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied to the heat storage device.

9. A control method for a heat pump system including a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a heat accumulator, and a three-way valve for switching the flow path of water discharged from the second heat exchanger, Identifying the operation mode of the heat pump system performed before entering the defrosting operation of the first heat exchanger; A control method for a heat pump system, comprising: controlling the three-way valve so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied to an indoor heating device or the heat storage device based on the inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger detected by the inlet temperature sensor and the operation mode during the defrost operation of the first heat exchanger; 10. In paragraph 9, Controlling the above three-way valve is: A control method for a heat pump system, comprising: controlling the three-way valve based on whether the inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger is lower than a reference temperature, when the above-mentioned operation mode is a first operation mode that supplies water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the indoor heating device.

11. In paragraph 10, Controlling the above three-way valve is: A control method for a heat pump system, comprising: controlling the three-way valve to guide water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the indoor heating device when the inlet temperature of the water entering the second heat exchanger is higher than or equal to the reference temperature.

12. In paragraph 10, Controlling the above three-way valve is: A control method for a heat pump system, comprising: controlling the three-way valve to guide water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the heat storage device when the inlet temperature of the water entering the second heat exchanger is lower than the reference temperature.

13. In paragraph 9, Controlling the above three-way valve is: A control method for a heat pump system, comprising: controlling the three-way valve so that water discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied to the heat storage device, regardless of the inlet temperature of water entering the second heat exchanger, when the above-mentioned operation mode is a second operation mode that supplies water discharged from the second heat exchanger to the heat storage device.

14. In paragraph 10, A control method for a heat pump system, further comprising: controlling a heat source of the heat storage device so that the temperature of water discharged from the heat storage device is higher than the reference temperature.

15. In paragraph 10, A control method of a heat pump system, further comprising: setting the reference temperature based on user input obtained through a user interface.

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