Heat-pump equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat-pump equipment faces efficiency deterioration when performing simultaneous hot water supply and room heating operations, leading to impaired comfortability due to reduced coefficient of performance (COP) during maximum operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a heat-pump equipment with a variable operation capacity heat-pump apparatus, including a compressor, heat exchanger, expansion valve, and evaporator, connected to a controller that adjusts the compressor's rotation speed based on the temperature difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures to optimize hot water supply time and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heat-pump apparatus operates at maximum capacity to complete hot water supply quickly, then hot water supply speed is improved, but the coefficient of performance (COP) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor rotation speed adjustable rather than fixed at maximum. The controller dynamically changes the compressor speed based on real-time temperature conditions (outdoor air temperature, hot water tank temperature, and temperature rise requirements), allowing the system to operate at optimal speeds rather than always at maximum capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heat-pump apparatus by adjusting the compressor rotation speed according to temperature differences and hot water supply requirements. Instead of operating at a fixed maximum speed, the system modifies the rotation speed parameter to match the actual heating demand and environmental conditions, thereby optimizing energy efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heat quantity is distributed to both hot water supply and room heating simultaneously, then both functions are provided, but room heating capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor rotation speed based on the relative priorities and demands of hot water supply versus room heating. By calculating the required hot water supply time and comparing it with current conditions, the controller can modulate the compressor speed to ensure adequate heating capacity is allocated to the room while still progressing the hot water heating task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by not always operating the compressor at full capacity when both hot water supply and room heating are required. Instead, it uses just enough compressor power to meet the calculated hot water supply timeline while preserving sufficient capacity for room heating, avoiding the excessive power consumption of maximum operation.
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 configuration allows for energy-saving hot water supply operations without compromising room comfortability by determining the compressor's rotation speed to reach a preset water temperature efficiently, balancing energy efficiency and comfort during simultaneous hot water supply and room heating requests.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger as a heat source and exchanges heat between refrigerant and a heat medium such as water flowing inside
Implementation Method 2
a room heater causing heat of the heat medium to be rejected
Implementation Method 3
a heat-pump apparatus of a variable operation capacity type including a compressor
Data Source
AI summary
When hot water supply and room heating are requested simultaneously, a hot water supply operation, by which energy saving is achieved without impairing the comfortability in a room, is performed. A heat-pump apparatus of a variable operation capacity type, a primary water circuit, a hot water tank, a room heater, and a controller are provided. The controller sets a hot water supply operation completion target time in the case of a requests for a simultaneous hot water supply and room heating operation, based on a temperature difference between the outdoor air temperature and the indoor temperature, and determines the rotation speed of the compressor in the hot water supply operation completion target time set.