Heat Pump Compressor Frequency Control for COP Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heat pumps experience a decrease in coefficient of performance (COP) due to the rapid on/off operation of the compressor, especially when the heating load of a space deviates from the pump's performance range, leading to inefficient energy transfer and reduced seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP).

Innovation Solution

A control method that calculates and adjusts the compressor's operating frequency based on outdoor air temperature and heating load, recalculating the maximum allowable frequency to optimize energy transfer and minimize on/off cycles, ensuring the compressor operates at a proper frequency to match the heating demand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the compressor operates at maximum operating frequency to meet heating demand, then heating performance is improved, but COP is lowered due to thermal energy exceeding heating load and causing on/off operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating performanceVSAvoidCOP

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting the compressor's operating frequency based on real-time comparison between heating performance and heating load. The control unit dynamically modifies the frequency command signal to the compressor, transitioning from static maximum frequency operation to adaptive frequency modulation, thereby optimizing both heating performance and COP under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the heating load of the heated space and comparing it with the current heating performance. The control unit uses this feedback information to adjust the compressor frequency, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically optimizes operation to maintain high COP while meeting heating demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If the compressor operates at maximum operating frequency, then heating response speed is improved, but on/off operation increases causing lower SCOP

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating response speedVSAvoidSCOP

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using cyclic comparison and adjustment of compressor frequency based on the relationship between heating performance and heating load. The control system periodically evaluates whether heating performance exceeds heating load and adjusts frequency accordingly, creating a rhythmic control pattern that prevents excessive on/off cycling while maintaining responsive heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the compressor operates at higher frequency to meet varying heating loads, then adaptability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to mismatch between heating performance and load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to heating loadVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by continuously modifying the compressor's operating frequency parameter based on the ratio of heating performance to heating load. The control unit adjusts this key parameter to maintain optimal energy efficiency across varying heating demands, transitioning the system from fixed-parameter operation to variable-parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the COP and SCOP of heat pumps by optimizing compressor frequency, reducing energy wastage and improving heating performance, while maintaining efficient operation across varying heating loads and temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

heat exchange between outdoor air and a refrigerant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Convection

Implementation Method 2

an outdoor heat exchanger which evaporates the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

heat exchange between the refrigerant and circulation water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Convection

Implementation Method 4

an indoor heat exchanger which condenses the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the circulation water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS10184707B2Heat pump and method of controlling heat based on operating frequency of heating load of heating space thereof

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A heat pump and a control method thereof, the control method of the heat pump which heats a heated space through heat exchange between outdoor air and a refrigerant and heat exchange between the refrigerant and circulation water, includes calculating the maximum allowable frequency of a compressor based on the temperature of the outdoor air and the heating load of the heated space, calculating the mean operating frequency of the compressor while the compressor is operated at the calculated maximum allowable frequency, recalculating the maximum allowable frequency based on a result of comparison between the mean operating frequency and the maximum allowable frequency, and operating the compressor at the recalculated maximum allowable frequency, thereby improving coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump.