Method for operating a compression heat pump

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compression heat pump devices face inefficiencies and noise issues due to unsuitable delivery unit operation, with existing methods failing to optimize delivery performance based on device performance parameters and operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method where a control unit determines a target delivery performance parameter by calculating it from device performance parameters, including efficiency and operating point parameters, to optimize the delivery unit's operation, ensuring efficient and low-noise operation by adjusting the delivery unit's speed and setting optimal delivery rates based on calibration and secondary conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the delivery unit operates at high delivery rates to ensure sufficient fluid heat reservoir supply, then the heat exchange performance is improved, but noise levels increase and energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery rateVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment of the delivery unit based on real-time operating conditions. The control unit continuously monitors device performance parameters and adjusts the delivery unit's rotational speed accordingly, transitioning from static high-speed operation to dynamic adaptive speed control. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the delivery unit to operate at minimum necessary speeds while maintaining sufficient heat exchange performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the delivery unit by introducing target delivery performance parameters that are calculated as functions of device performance parameters. This includes adjusting speed, power consumption, and delivery rate parameters dynamically. By changing these parameters adaptively rather than operating at fixed high values, the system achieves sufficient productivity while reducing noise and improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the delivery unit operates at high speeds to maximize heat exchange efficiency, then the cooling or heating performance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit monitors device performance parameters (such as temperature differences, heat exchange rates, and operating conditions) and uses this feedback to adjust the delivery unit's speed. The target delivery performance parameter is calculated based on current device performance, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining heat exchange efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static high-speed operation to dynamic speed adjustment based on real-time heat exchange requirements. The delivery unit operates at variable speeds matched to the actual thermal load and device performance conditions, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining sufficient heat exchange efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the delivery unit speed is increased to match varying device performance requirements, then operational flexibility is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically calculates target delivery performance parameters based on monitored device performance parameters without requiring external intervention or complex manual control. The system self-regulates the delivery unit speed based on internal sensor data and pre-defined calculation relationships, achieving operational flexibility while keeping control complexity manageable through automated self-adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors device performance parameters, calculates target delivery performance parameters, controls delivery unit speed, and adapts to varying operating conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated control system that handles all these tasks using standardized processing logic, avoiding the need for separate complex control mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for efficient, low-noise operation of the compression heat pump device by matching the delivery unit's state with the heat transfer medium circuit's state, optimizing energy use and reducing unnecessary delivery rates, while also allowing for flexible operation within design-independent constraints.

Implementation Method 1

at least one compressor for pressurizing, in particular compressing, the heat transfer medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a condenser for condensing the heat transfer medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

a throttle for expanding the heat transfer medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrottling: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 4

an evaporator for evaporating the heat transfer medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 5

the delivery unit is fluidically connected to the evaporator for an, in particular material-free, heat exchange between the heat reservoir and the heat transfer medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3882539A1Method for operating a compression heat pump
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3882539A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3882539A1 patent drawing
  • EP3882539A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a compression heat pump device, which comprises at least one heat transfer fluid circuit (14) for circulating a heat transfer fluid and at least one pumping unit (16) for drawing in a fluid heat reservoir (18), in particular ambient air. It is proposed that in at least one method step, a target flow rate parameter (20) of the pumping unit (16) is determined as a function of a device performance parameter (22) of the compression heat pump device.