Heat Pump Compressor Temperature Control to Prevent Overload Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat pump control methods fail to effectively prevent compressor overloading and damage by not adequately monitoring and controlling the compressor temperature, leading to potential malfunctions and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects the compressor temperature and controls the heat pump based on this reading, preventing startup if below a certain limit, adjusting the throttle opening, and monitoring torque to avoid damage, ensuring the compressor operates within safe parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the heat pump operates without adequate compressor temperature monitoring, then the system can run continuously, but the compressor may become overloaded or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device prevents the compressor from starting if the temperature is below a first limit value, performing a protective action before damage can occur. This preliminary prevention avoids compressor overload and damage by ensuring the temperature is adequate before operation begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously monitors the compressor temperature and uses this feedback to control heat pump operation. The temperature signal feeds back to the control device, which adjusts the throttle opening and prevents compressor startup when necessary, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If the throttle opening is increased to improve cooling, then the cooling effect is enhanced, but the compressor temperature may drop below safe operating levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectVSAvoidcompressor safety
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device monitors compressor temperature and adjusts the throttle opening based on this feedback. When the temperature drops below safe levels, the control device limits the throttle opening to prevent further temperature reduction, thereby maintaining compressor safety while still providing cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device changes the throttle opening parameter based on compressor temperature conditions. By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the system balances cooling effectiveness with compressor safety, preventing the temperature from dropping below operational limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the compressor operates at high capacity, then the heating or cooling output is improved, but the risk of compressor damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating or cooling outputVSAvoidcompressor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adjusts the compressor capacity based on real-time temperature monitoring. The system can operate at high capacity when temperatures are safe, but automatically reduces capacity or prevents startup when temperatures indicate risk, creating a dynamic balance between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device uses temperature feedback to regulate compressor capacity. When the temperature indicates safe operating conditions, the compressor can run at high capacity for maximum output. When temperature signals risk, the control device intervenes to reduce capacity, preventing damage while maintaining productivity under safe conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Speed

If the compressor is allowed to start without temperature checks, then the system responds faster to demand, but the compressor may suffer from repeated damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem response speedVSAvoidcompressor longevity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs a preliminary temperature check before allowing compressor startup. This quick assessment enables the system to respond rapidly to heating or cooling demands when conditions are favorable, while preventing startup when temperatures indicate risk, thus protecting compressor longevity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device uses immediate temperature feedback to determine whether to permit compressor startup. This feedback mechanism enables fast system response when temperatures are safe, while simultaneously protecting the compressor from damage by preventing startup under unfavorable temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2827081B1Method for controlling a heat pump
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2827081B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2827081B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a heat pump comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, wherein the temperature of the compressor is detected and a function of the heat pump is controlled depending on the temperature of the compressor. The invention also relates to a control unit and a heat pump.