Heat Pump Control for COP Loss and Restart Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heat pump devices face inefficiencies due to suboptimal activation and deactivation phases, leading to a lower coefficient of performance (COP) and increased energy losses, as the hysteresis curve settings are not adaptable to changing system conditions and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a heat pump device that dynamically adjusts activation and deactivation based on efficiency losses and start-up costs, using thermal coupling and temperature delta factors to optimize COP, without the need for additional sensors or complex settings, by determining the optimal deactivation time when efficiency losses exceed start-up losses and reactivating when heat demand is high.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the heat pump device is activated continuously to maintain target temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary operation during periods when stored heat suffices
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the actual temperature of the heating medium and compares it with the target temperature, dynamically adjusting the activation state of the heat pump device based on real-time temperature deviations and predicted heat loss rates, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining temperature stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static factory-defined hysteresis curves to dynamic activation/deactivation control that adapts to changing system conditions including temperature variations, heat loss rates, and stored heat levels, allowing optimal operation points to shift in real-time
2Device complexity
If the hysteresis curve is defined statically at the factory, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing system conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically calculates the heat loss rate and determines optimal activation/deactivation timing based on real-time temperature measurements and system state, eliminating the need for manual hysteresis curve configuration by technicians while adapting to specific installation conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates heat loss rates and predicts future temperature trends based on current system state, enabling proactive activation decisions before temperature deviations occur, rather than reacting to static hysteresis thresholds
3Reliability
If the heat pump device operates at high capacity to meet peak heat demand, then heat supply reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates during partial load operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic monitoring and evaluation of system state, switching between active heating and standby modes based on calculated heat loss rates and stored heat levels, creating an optimized operational rhythm that maintains reliability while minimizing energy consumption during partial load conditions
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 of the heat pump device by ensuring it operates at optimal efficiency, reducing energy consumption and maintaining consistent temperatures, regardless of system changes, without requiring adjustments from technicians.
Implementation Method 1
heat can be transferred from the surrounding air to the refrigerant, provided that the temperature of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger is also below 0 °C
Implementation Method 2
the heat pump device and the heating circuit being thermally coupled via the second heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a compressor for compressing the refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
The refrigerant is in a gaseous state when it enters the heat exchanger and in a liquid state when it leaves, because the energy released during condensation was transferred to the heating water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a heat pump device having an associated heating circuit in which a heating medium circulates and which has a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, which are connected by means of a flow line and a return line, wherein a bypass hydraulically connects the flow line and the return line, a first pump is arranged in the flow line downstream of the bypass or in the return line upstream of the bypass, a second pump is arranged in the flow line upstream of the bypass or in the return line downstream of the bypass, wherein the heat pump device and the heating circuit are thermally coupled by means of the second heat exchanger. It is the aim of the invention to increase the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump device by better designing the activation and deactivation phases. The solution should have economic advantages and be reliable and easy to use. The method according to the invention is characterised in that a control unit deactivates the heat pump device as soon as an efficiency loss is greater than a starting loss when restarting the heat pump device.