Heat Pump Room Heating With Adaptive Flow Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing room heating systems using air-source heat pumps operate with a fixed flow temperature, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort during intermediate seasons, as the high flow temperature increases condensing temperature, reducing system efficiency and causing discomfort due to elevated floor temperatures.

Innovation Solution

Adaptive control of the flow temperature based on outdoor and room temperatures, using sensors to adjust the flow temperature in real-time or intervals, and inverter-controlled compressor frequency to optimize heating medium supply and condensing temperature, maintaining a comfortable floor temperature range and enhancing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a fixed high flow temperature is used in existing heating systems, then sufficient heat is provided to the heat emitter to achieve the desired room temperature, but the floor temperature becomes too high causing discomfort and the condensing temperature increases reducing system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow temperatureVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed flow temperature to a dynamically adjustable flow temperature that adapts to outdoor conditions. The control unit modifies the flow temperature in real-time based on outdoor temperature measurements, allowing the system to maintain comfort while optimizing efficiency across varying seasonal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the flow temperature parameter according to outdoor temperature. The control unit changes the flow temperature parameter dynamically - lowering it when outdoor temperatures are moderate and raising it when outdoor temperatures are very low - thereby resolving the contradiction between comfort and sufficient heating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a fixed high flow temperature is used in existing heating systems, then the heating system can operate in all conditions, but the condensing temperature increases leading to reduced heat pump efficiency and increased energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the flow temperature parameter based on outdoor conditions. This allows the system to maintain reliable heating capability when needed while reducing energy consumption during moderate conditions by operating at lower, more efficient temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamics to adapt the flow temperature in real-time based on outdoor temperature measurements. This dynamic adjustment ensures the heating system remains reliable and capable across all conditions while optimizing energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessarily high temperatures during moderate weather.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the flow temperature is continuously adjusted based on outdoor temperature, then comfort and efficiency are improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using an outdoor temperature sensor to continuously monitor environmental conditions and feeding this information to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the flow temperature based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that automatically maintains comfort without requiring complex manual control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by automatically adjusting the flow temperature based on outdoor conditions without requiring user intervention. The control unit autonomously monitors outdoor temperature and modifies the heating parameters accordingly, simplifying operation while maintaining comfort and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 improves comfort by maintaining floor temperatures between 22°C and 30°C and increases system efficiency by adapting to changing outdoor conditions, reducing energy consumption and extending thermostat lifespan by optimizing cycling rates.

Implementation Method 1

flow the heating medium through the condenser exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the heating medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2103884B1Room heating and method for controlling the room heating
Publication Date: 2011.04.27 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP2103884B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2103884B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2103884B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a room heating comprising a heat pump having an evaporator (14), a compressor (15), a condenser (25) and an expansion means connected by a refrigerant piping in a cycle, a heating medium piping (21, 22) formed to circulate a heating medium and to flow the heating medium through the condenser (25) exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the heating medium; a heat emitter (40, 41) in the room to be heated and connected to the heating medium piping. The present invention is mainly characterized by a control configured to set the flow temperature of the heating medium based on the outdoor temperature and the room temperature of the room to be heated and relates to a corresponding control method.