Electrical interface for heat pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pumps in HVAC systems can fail, disrupting temperature control and posing risks to individuals and devices, and existing solutions require complex and costly dual power feeds for backup systems.
Innovation Solution
An electrical interface that selectively connects a heat pump and a backup temperature control device to a single power feed using relays, allowing the backup device to take over in case of failure without needing a separate power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual power feed system is used for backup, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat pump and backup temperature control device into a single electrical circuit shared from one power feed. The relay mechanism allows both devices to share the same power source, eliminating the need for separate dual power feeds while maintaining reliability through automatic failover capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power feed is designed to serve multiple functions: it can power the heat pump during normal operation and automatically switch to power the backup temperature control device when the heat pump fails. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate power feeds for each device.
2Reliability
If a dual power feed system is used for backup, then reliability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat pump and backup temperature control device into a single electrical circuit shared from one power feed. The relay mechanism allows both devices to share the same power source, eliminating the need for separate dual power feeds while maintaining reliability through automatic failover capability.
3Reliability
If separate power feeds are used for heat pump and backup device, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical interface incorporates automatic detection and switching capability that operates without manual intervention. When the heat pump fails, the system automatically detects the failure condition and switches power to the backup temperature control device, eliminating the need for manual operation or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay acts as an intermediary device that automatically manages the power distribution between the heat pump and backup device. It monitors the operational status and seamlessly transfers power connection based on system conditions, simplifying the overall operation.
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
Simplifies installation, reduces costs, and ensures reliable temperature control by enabling seamless power transfer to a backup device during heat pump failures, maintaining ambient temperature safety.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor of the heat pump may be in selective electrical communication with the power feed via a normally open relay. Removal of a control voltage results in opening of the normally open relay, and closing of a normally closed relay to place the backup temperature control device in selective electrical communication with the power feed
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical interface selectively places a heat pump and a backup temperature control device in alternative electrical communication with a single power feed. A compressor of the heat pump may be in selective electrical communication with the power feed via a normally open relay. Removal of a control voltage results in opening of the normal open relay, and closing of a normally closed relay to place the backup temperature control device in selective electrical communication with the power feed. For a ground source heat pump, a ground loop pump may also be in selective electrical communication with the power feed (e.g., via a normally closed relay).