Heat Pump Indoor Coil Airflow Control to Prevent Cold Blow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pump systems often deliver air that is not sufficiently warm, causing discomfort known as 'cold blow,' and may overtax the compressor, especially in low outdoor temperatures, due to inadequate control over indoor air temperature.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling indoor air temperature in heat pump systems by determining the outdoor coil temperature and compressor speed, adjusting the target indoor coil temperature, and modulating the air flow speed across the indoor coil to maintain a comfortable temperature while avoiding excessive compressor load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat pump system operates to warm the indoor air, then the indoor temperature is improved, but the air delivered may not be sufficiently warm causing cold blow discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors outdoor coil temperature and compressor speed, using this feedback to dynamically adjust the target indoor coil temperature and modulate air flow speed across the indoor coil, ensuring the delivered air is sufficiently warm to prevent cold blow while maintaining efficient operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the target indoor coil temperature based on real-time outdoor coil temperature and compressor speed conditions, rather than using a fixed temperature setting. This allows the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain optimal performance across different outdoor temperatures
2Temperature
If the heat pump system operates in low outdoor temperatures, then heating is provided, but the compressor may be overtaxed due to inadequate control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from outdoor coil temperature and compressor speed sensors to continuously adjust operating parameters, preventing the compressor from being overtaxed by maintaining optimal temperature differentials and detecting when adjustments are needed to protect compressor reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines a target indoor coil temperature in advance based on outdoor conditions and compressor speed, and modulates air flow to achieve this target before the compressor becomes overloaded, preventing rather than reacting to compressor stress
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 approach ensures comfortable indoor temperatures by preventing 'cold blow' and maintains the compressor within a desired operational range, enhancing user comfort and system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an indoor heat exchanger (108) having an indoor coil (109) through which to flow refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger (114) having an outdoor coil (117) through which to flow refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a compressor (116) to compress the refrigerant that is to be flowed through the indoor coil (109) and the outdoor coil (117)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and related systems for controlling an indoor air temperature for a heat pump system are disclosed. The method includes (a) determining an outdoor coil temperature of an outdoor heat exchanger and a speed of a compressor of a heat pump system, (b) determining a target indoor coil temperature of the indoor coil based on the outdoor coil temperature and the speed of the compressor, and (c) adjusting a speed of air flowing across the indoor coil based on a difference between a current indoor coil temperature and the target indoor coil temperature to reduce the difference between the current indoor coil temperature and the target indoor coil temperature.