Heat pump device and method of controlling regulation valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat pump type hot-water supply outdoor apparatuses cannot simultaneously control the temperature of the compressor shell based on both the water flowing into the water jacket and the compressor shell temperature, and they can only perform either heating or cooling.

Innovation Solution

A heat pump apparatus with a control system that uses a water flow valve regulated by both a shell temperature detection sensor and a water temperature sensor to control the temperature of the compressor shell, allowing for both heating and cooling functions based on the comparison of these temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If water flow quantity is controlled based on only compressor shell temperature, then compressor temperature control is simplified, but the system cannot perform both heating and cooling functions simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidheating and cooling function
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The water jacket and water circulation system are designed to perform multiple functions: cooling the compressor during high-temperature operation and heating the compressor during low-temperature operation. By controlling the water flow quantity based on both water temperature and compressor temperature, the same system achieves both heating and cooling capabilities, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems.

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

2Device complexity

If water flow quantity is controlled based on only compressor shell temperature, then the control system is simpler, but precise temperature control is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor both the water temperature and the compressor shell temperature. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the water flow quantity to the water jacket, ensuring precise temperature control of the compressor while considering the thermal state of both the water and the compressor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If water flow quantity is controlled based on both water temperature and compressor temperature, then precise temperature control is achieved, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives temperature signals from both the water temperature sensor and the compressor temperature sensor, processes this information, and generates appropriate control signals for the water circulation pump. This centralized control approach manages the complexity of dual-parameter control while achieving precise temperature regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables precise control of the compressor shell temperature, effectively preventing refrigerant accumulation/liquefaction and optimizing heating and cooling operations, while reducing energy consumption and preventing overheating.

Implementation Method 1

a water jacket (10) connected to a branch path (8) of the water circuit (7), and arranged on the shell of the compressor (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2434231B1Heat pump device and method of controlling regulation valve
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2434231B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2434231B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2434231B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is aimed to provide a heat pump type hot-water supply outdoor apparatus that can control a temperature of a compressor shell, according to a water temperature of a water circuit and a temperature of the compressor. A heat pump type hot-water supply outdoor apparatus 1a includes a refrigeration cycle including a compressor 2, a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 3, an expansion valve 4, and an air heat exchanger 5, a water jacket 10 that is arranged on the shell of the compressor 2 and connected in the middle of a branch water circuit 8 branching in parallel to a main water circuit 7 which starts from a hot water storage tank 30 and returns to the hot water storage tank 30 through a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 3, a water flow valve 9 that is connected between a branch A and the water jacket 10 and regulates the quantity of water flow, according to a control signal, a shell temperature detection sensor 6 that senses a temperature of the shell of the compressor 2, a water temperature sensor 11 that is installed in the vicinity of the branch A and senses a temperature of the water flowing out of the hot water storage tank 30, and a control apparatus 20a that generates a control signal for controlling the water flow valve 9, based on the temperature sensed by the shell temperature detection sensor 6 and the temperature sensed by the water temperature sensor 11, and outputs it to the water flow valve 9.