Dual-Cycle Heat Pump Hot-Water Supply for Adaptive Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump hot-water supply devices operate inefficiently due to a fixed refrigeration cycle, which fails to adapt to varying outdoor air temperatures, leading to reduced performance and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual refrigerant cycle system with adjustable frequency compressors and electronic expansion valves, along with a bypass tube and valve to manage refrigerant flow and prevent frost formation, allowing for adaptive operation based on outdoor air temperature to optimize discharge water temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed refrigeration cycle operates regardless of outdoor air temperature, then the device structure remains simple, but the operation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic refrigeration cycle that automatically adjusts between single-stage and two-stage operations based on outdoor air temperature. When outdoor temperature is low, the system switches to two-stage refrigeration with an additional expansion valve and refrigerant circulation path activated, optimizing cooling performance for cold conditions. When outdoor temperature is high, the system operates in single-stage mode with simpler configuration, improving energy efficiency for warm conditions.
2Device complexity
If a single refrigeration cycle is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different outdoor temperatures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigeration cycle into two independent stages that can operate separately or together. The first refrigeration cycle handles basic cooling requirements, while the second refrigeration cycle activates only when outdoor temperature is low, providing additional cooling capacity. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different temperature conditions by selectively engaging appropriate stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal refrigeration system that can perform both single-stage and two-stage operations using the same basic components. The outdoor heat exchanger, compressors, and expansion valves are configured to support multiple operational modes, allowing the system to universally handle various outdoor temperature conditions without requiring completely different configurations.
3Device complexity
If the refrigeration cycle does not adapt to outdoor temperature, then the control system is simple, but the discharge water temperature cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control system that continuously monitors outdoor air temperature and automatically adjusts the refrigeration cycle operation accordingly. When outdoor temperature drops below a threshold, the control system activates the two-stage refrigeration mode; when temperature rises above the threshold, it switches to single-stage mode. This feedback mechanism optimizes discharge water temperature based on real-time environmental conditions.
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
This solution enhances operational efficiency by selectively switching between medium and high temperature operations based on outdoor air temperature, improving energy usage and preventing frost formation, thus providing more efficient and adaptable hot-water supply.
Implementation Method 1
In the heat pump, a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated may be driven
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated
Implementation Method 4
a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated
Implementation Method 5
heat pump hot-water supply devices are devices that supply hot-water using heat pumps
Implementation Method 6
a water-refrigerant heat exchanger that heat-exchanges the supplied water with the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat pump hot-water supply device and a method for controlling a heat pump hot-water supply device are provided. The heat pump hot-water supply device may include a first refrigerant cycle, in which a first refrigerant may circulate, the first refrigerant cycle including a first compressor (110), an outdoor heat exchanger (130), and a first expansion device (140); a second refrigerant cycle, in which a second refrigerant may circulate, the second refrigerant cycle including a second compressor (210) and a second expansion device (245); a water-refrigerant heat exchanger (300) to which the first refrigerant compressed in the first compressor and the second refrigerant compressed in the second compressor may be introduced; a water introduction path (410) coupled to a first side of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger and into which supplied water may be introduced; and a water discharge path (420) coupled to a second side of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger and from which the water heat-exchanged in the refrigerant heat exchanger may be discharged.