Heat pump systems utilizing distributed control systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump systems lack efficiency and operational optimization, particularly in multi-zone systems where individual HVAC units' efficiencies are not explicitly considered, leading to suboptimal energy use and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system for heat pumps that includes multiple control devices, where one device acts as the main control and others form a shadow system to monitor health and intervene in case of faults, ensuring continuous optimal operation and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a distributed control system with shadow control devices is implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements shadow control devices that are identical copies of the main control device, each capable of independently executing control algorithms. These shadow devices monitor the main device and can take over if a fault is detected, thereby improving system reliability through redundancy without requiring fundamentally new control architectures
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent control devices (main control device and shadow control devices) that can operate autonomously. This segmentation allows the system to distribute control functions across multiple units, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices are used in a distributed control system, then system adaptability is improved, but communication requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shadow control devices continuously monitor the main control device's operation and communicate with each other to detect faults. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to failures by automatically switching to a shadow device when the main device malfunctions, improving system adaptability through real-time monitoring and automatic failover
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its control architecture by switching between main and shadow control devices based on operational conditions and fault detection. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain functionality even when components fail
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system dynamically adjusts heat pump operations to maximize energy efficiency, comfort, and adaptability, while maintaining functionality even if part of the system malfunctions, thereby optimizing overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each heat pump can be configured to transfer thermal energy from its ODU to its IDU(s), and vice versa, by circulating a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant or gas) in a thermodynamic cycle (e.g., a vapor-compression or gas cycle)
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor unit (ODU) for transferring thermal energy to or from an outdoor space, and one or more indoor units (IDUs) for transferring thermal energy to or from one or more of the indoor space(s)
Data Source
AI summary
Heat pump systems, control systems for heat pumps, and methods of controlling heat pumps utilizing distributed control techniques are described herein. Examples of the control systems include multiple control devices distributed amongst a heat pump system. A first of the control devices is configured as a main control device to execute a model predictive control algorithm for the heat pump system. The other, remaining control devices are configured as a shadow control system to monitor the first control device. If a fault or failure occurs in the first control device, the shadow control system elects and initializes a second of the control devices as the main control device to continue executing the model predictive control algorithm uninterrupted. This allows the control system to dynamically react to faults or failures at any one part of the heat pump system while maintaining full operation of the functional parts.