Heat Pump Wiring Connection Determination During Continuous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump systems face time-consuming and inefficient erroneous wiring connection determination operations during installation, particularly when dealing with multiple usage side units of varying capacities, leading to unstable compressor load adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump system design that allows continuous operation of all usage side units and the compressor during the wiring connection determination process, using temperature sensing devices to evaluate correct connections by measuring refrigerant temperature changes, minimizing load variations and ensuring stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the erroneous wiring connection determination operation is performed by switching usage side units one by one and adjusting compressor load, then the wiring connection can be determined, but the operation becomes time-consuming due to repeated stabilization waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous operation of the compressor at constant load throughout the erroneous wiring connection determination process. Instead of switching usage side units on and off, the system keeps all units operating while sequentially closing isolation valves to isolate each unit for testing. This eliminates repeated stabilization periods and makes the determination process continuous and time-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the refrigerant circuit by introducing isolation valves between the compressor and each usage side unit. This allows individual units to be isolated for testing while others remain operational, enabling sequential determination of wiring connections without affecting the overall system operation or requiring compressor load adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor operating load is changed to adapt to varying capacity when switching usage side units, then the system can accommodate different capacities, but the system requires time to stabilize after each load change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for compressor load changes by maintaining constant compressor operation throughout the determination process. The system uses isolation valves to control which usage side units are active rather than adjusting compressor capacity, thereby avoiding stabilization delays while maintaining system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces isolation valves as intermediary components between the compressor and usage side units. These valves serve as mediators that control refrigerant flow to individual units without requiring changes to compressor operating conditions, thus decoupling the need for capacity adaptation from stabilization time requirements.
3Measurement precision
If manual checking of wiring connections is performed, then the determination can be made, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service determination system where the heat pump system automatically detects erroneous wiring connections through its own operational parameters. The controller monitors temperature differences, pressure changes, or current variations that occur when isolation valves are closed, enabling automatic identification of incorrect wiring without requiring manual intervention or external checking tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system monitors operational parameters (such as temperature, pressure, or electrical current) during the determination process. When an isolation valve is closed, the system observes the resulting changes in system behavior and uses this feedback to automatically determine whether the wiring connection is correct, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual checking.
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
Facilitates rapid and reliable determination of correct wiring connections without requiring lengthy stabilization periods, maintaining system stability and reducing time consumption in the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing device configured to determine the temperature of the refrigerant in the respective usage side unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a heat pump system comprising a heat source unit (110) comprising a heat source heat (13) exchanger and a compressor (11); a plurality of usage side units (120), each comprising a sub expansion valve (122) and a usage side heat exchanger (123); a refrigerant circuit containing a refrigerant and connecting the heat source heat exchanger (13), the compressor (11), the sub expansion valves (122) and the usage side heat exchangers (123), wherein the refrigerant circuit comprises a manifold device (201) for connecting the heat source unit (110) to the usage side units (120), respectively, the manifold device (201) comprises a liquid pipe (151) and a gas pipe (152) for each of the usage side units (120); wherein each of the usage side units (120) further comprises a sensing device (126) configured to determine the temperature of the refrigerant in the respective usage side unit (120); wherein first and second valves (153, 154) are provided for each of the usage side units (120) for shutting the respective usage side unit (120) off the liquid pipe (151) and the gas pipe (152), respectively and thereby from the remainder of the refrigerant circuit; wherein the heat pump system further comprises a controller (300) for controlling the heat pump system; wherein the controller (300) has a plurality of ports each port being associated with a respective one of the usage side units (120) and the first and second valves (153, 154) of the usage side units (120) are respectively connected to a common one of the ports of the controller (300) via a wiring (155, 156), wherein the controller (300) is configured to perform an erroneous wiring connection determination operation evaluating whether the wiring (155, 156) connected to the first and second valves (153, 154) of the respective usage side unit (120) is connected to the correct port of the controller (300) based on the temperature determined by the sensing device (126) of the respective usage side unit (120); wherein the controller (300) is configured to, in the erroneous wiring connection determination operation, continue operation of the usage side units (120) and of the compressor (11).