Heat pump and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and reliability issues in heat pump systems due to numerous valves required for controlling flow paths, which can lead to increased control complexity, impurity clogging, and potential leaks, ultimately reducing system reliability.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system with a mode switch valve assembly, a mode switch flow path, and heat exchangers, featuring converging flow paths with throttling sections comprising one-way valves and throttling elements that can be 'shut down' both ways, reducing the need for multiple valves and enhancing operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves (electromagnetic valves and one-way globe valves) are added to control flow paths for heat recovery function, then the heat pump system can realize different working modes including heat recovery, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases due to more control elements and higher leakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic valve and one-way globe valve into a single integrated flow path control valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate valves while maintaining the ability to control flow paths in both directions, thereby reducing the number of components and improving system reliability while preserving heat recovery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control flow paths in both directions, serve as both an electromagnetic valve and a one-way globe valve, and enable different working modes including refrigeration, heating, and heat recovery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are added to control flow paths, then different working modes can be realized, but the control complexity increases due to more elements that need to be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve control functions into a single control valve assembly, reducing the number of control elements from multiple separate valves to one integrated unit. This simplifies the control system while maintaining the ability to switch between different working modes including heat recovery mode.
3Ease of operation
If multiple valves are installed in the system, then flow path control is achieved, but the risk of impurity clogging and leakage increases, which can damage the compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single control valve assembly, reducing the total number of valves from three or more to one. This reduction directly lowers the probability of impurity clogging and leakage events, thereby protecting the compressor while maintaining effective flow path control capability.
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 solution simplifies the system structure, reduces valve usage, and enhances operational reliability by integrating throttling and flow path control functions, minimizing the risk of leaks and clogging, while maintaining efficient heat recovery and mode switching capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the first one-way valve is turned on towards the intersection point and is turned off in the reverse direction
Implementation Method 2
at least the first flow path and the second flow path are respectively provided with a throttling section
Implementation Method 3
a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a heat recovery heat exchanger respectively connected between the mode switch valve assembly and the mode switch flow path
Implementation Method 4
a compressor
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention provides a heat pump system which comprises a compressor (110), a mode switch valve assembly (120), a mode switch flow path, and a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a heat recovery heat exchanger respectively connected between the mode switch valve assembly and the mode switch flow path, wherein the mode switch flow path is provided with a first flow path (160), a second flow path (170) and a third flow path (180) which converge at an intersection point, and at least the first flow path and the second flow path are respectively provided with a throttling section (161,171), and the first flow path, the second flow path and the third flow path are controllably switched on/off to realize different function modes. Therefore, a heat pump unit having a heat recovery function is provided, which has advantages of simple structure and high operational reliability, etc.