Heat Pump Compressor and Expansion Valve Control for Variable Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump systems face inefficiencies due to fluctuating heating and cooling demands, requiring high maximum capacity, leading to oversized systems with thermal losses and environmental impact, and lack effective monitoring for component damage detection.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system with a compressor speed control and adjustable expansion valve, allowing flexible power management and temperature control through a control means that directs thermal energy between multiple primary and secondary heat sources or sinks, optimizing energy distribution and reducing the need for additional heating sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an over-dimensioned heat pump system is used to meet maximum heating requirements, then the system can satisfy peak demand, but the system operates at low efficiency during low-power situations and incurs higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heat pump system adaptable through variable compressor speed and adjustable expansion valve opening. This allows the system to dynamically adjust its capacity output to match actual heating or cooling demands, transitioning from a static over-dimensioned design to a dynamic system that operates efficiently across varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by controlling the compressor speed and expansion valve opening as adjustable parameters. These parameter variations enable the heat pump to modulate its capacity, allowing efficient operation at both high and low power levels without requiring an oversized fixed-capacity system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an accumulation tank is used to store thermal energy, then the system can handle variable demand, but the tank requires large volume and incurs thermal losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal storage function from a separate physical accumulation tank and integrates it into the heat pump system itself through controlled thermal energy storage in the ground or water bodies. This eliminates the need for a dedicated large-volume tank while maintaining the ability to handle variable demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the ground or water bodies serving dual purposes: as heat sources/sinks for the heat pump and as thermal energy storage media. This eliminates the need for separate accumulation tanks while providing both heating/cooling functionality and thermal storage capacity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If geothermal bore holes are used for heating, then efficient heat transfer is achieved, but the ground becomes cooled during summer leading to decreased heating efficiency over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating between heating and cooling operations in the geothermal bore holes. During summer, the system provides cooling to the building while simultaneously recharging the ground with thermal energy. During winter, the stored thermal energy is extracted for heating. This periodic alternation prevents ground temperature depletion and maintains long-term efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of ground cooling during summer into a benefit by using the same bore holes for cooling the building. The thermal energy removed from the ground during cooling operations is used to condition the building, and the ground is subsequently recharged during heating operations, transforming a potential resource depletion issue into a sustainable cyclic process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heat pump systems are designed with numerous valves and components, then functional requirements are met, but component damage detection becomes difficult and requires regular inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating sensors that continuously monitor system parameters such as temperatures, pressures, and flow rates. This real-time data feedback enables automated detection of component malfunctions and damage, replacing the need for manual regular inspections while maintaining full functional capability of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the heat pump system to automatically monitor and detect its own component conditions through integrated sensors and control systems. The system performs self-diagnosis and can identify component damage without external inspection, reducing maintenance requirements while preserving full operational functionality.
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
The system achieves high average efficiency in thermal energy distribution, reduces the need for electrical heating, and enables early detection of component damage through automated monitoring, enhancing both economic and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (211)
Implementation Method 2
an expansion valve (232, 242)
Implementation Method 3
at least one primary heat exchanging means (422, 433, 452) arranged to transfer thermal energy between a primary-side heat medium and a respective primary heat source or sink
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
Heat pump system comprising a heat medium circuit (210,220,230,240,250,310,320,410,420,430,440,450,460) in turn comprising a compressor (211), an expansion valve (232,242), at least one primary heat exchanging means (422,433,452) between a primary-side heat medium and a respective primary heat source or sink selected from outdoor air, a water body or the ground, at least one secondary heat exchanging means (314,315,316) between a secondary-side heat medium and a respective secondary heat source or sink selected from indoors air, pool water and tap water, and a control means (500). The invention is characterised in that the speed of the compressor can be controlled, in that an opening of the expansion valve is adjustable, in that the speed of the compressor is controlled, and in that an output temperature of heat medium flowing out from the expansion valve is controlled by controlling the opening of the expansion valve given the controlled speed of the compressor. The invention also relates to a method.