Heat pump system and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump systems face challenges in improving heating and cooling capacities while maintaining reliability due to the complex pipeline structure with multiple check valves and a single expansion valve, which affects the stability of the system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a heat pump system utilizing a three-way, two three-way valves, or a four-way valve in combination with a throttling device, and a controller to manage refrigerant flow in both heating and cooling modes, reducing the number of check valves and enhancing system stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a complex pipeline structure with four check valves and one expansion valve is used to enable EVI compressor and economizer to function in both cooling and heating modes, then the system's capacity in both modes is improved, but the reliability of the check valves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the check valves from the system entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused reliability issues. The refrigerant flow direction control is achieved through the four-way valve and three-way valve configuration instead, eliminating the need for check valves while maintaining the ability to switch between heating and cooling modes with the EVI compressor and economizer.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-way valve and three-way valve configuration provides multi-functional control, enabling the system to handle both heating and cooling modes, EVI compression, and economizer operation through a unified valve system rather than relying on multiple check valves with limited functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple check valves are used in the pipeline structure to enable bidirectional operation, then the system's adaptability to different modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple check valves into a unified valve system using a four-way valve and three-way valve. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components and simplifies the pipeline structure while maintaining the ability to adapt to different operating modes through coordinated valve control.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-way valve and three-way valve configuration provides multi-functional control, enabling the system to handle both heating and cooling modes, EVI compression, and economizer operation through a unified valve system rather than relying on multiple check valves with limited functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If four check valves and one expansion valve are used to enable economizer operation in both modes, then the system's versatility is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the check valves from the system entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused reliability issues. The refrigerant flow direction control is achieved through the four-way valve and three-way valve configuration instead, eliminating the need for check valves while maintaining the ability to switch between heating and cooling modes with the EVI compressor and economizer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple check valves into a unified valve system using a four-way valve and three-way valve. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components and simplifies the pipeline structure while maintaining the ability to adapt to different operating modes through coordinated valve control.
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 improves the system's capacity and reliability by optimizing refrigerant flow, allowing efficient operation in both heating and cooling modes, and reducing the number of unstable check valves.
Implementation Method 1
an economizer located in front of a throttling device... can increase the system's heating capacity by about 10%
Implementation Method 2
a third branch connected between a first position between the first throttling device and the second throttling device... where an economizer is provided on the third branch
Implementation Method 3
a first branch and a second branch between the first flow path and the second flow path, the first branch being provided with a three-way valve
Implementation Method 4
the second branch being provided with a first throttling device and a second throttling device
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump system comprises: a compressor having a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet; a change-over valve configured to selectively connect the compressor inlet and the compressor outlet to a first flow path and a second flow path; a heat-source-side heat exchanger on the first flow path; a user-side heat exchanger on the second flow path; a first branch and a second branch between the first flow path and the second flow path, the first branch having a three-way valve, and the second branch having a two throttling devices, wherein the three-way valve has two ports for communicating with the first flow path and a third port for communicating with the second flow path; and a third branch connected between the first throttling device and the second throttling device and the second port of the three-way valve, where an economizer is provided on the third branch.