Maximum Heating Demand Recalculation for Heat Pump Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump systems experience shutdowns and fluctuating heating due to excessive compressor discharge pressure, leading to inefficient operation and service calls, as they ramp up heating demand in fixed increments to reach indoor temperature set points.
Innovation Solution
A controller that operates the heat pump system in two modes: a normal limit mode and an extended limit mode, adjusting the maximum heating demand based on operating parameter signals to prevent shutdowns and maintain consistent heating, by gradually increasing the heating demand when the set point is not met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat pump system ramps up heating demand in fixed increments to reach indoor temperature set points, then the system can achieve the desired heating effect, but the compressor discharge pressure becomes excessive causing shutdowns and fluctuating heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the maximum heating demand a variable parameter that adjusts based on outdoor temperature conditions. Instead of using fixed increment ramps, the system dynamically calculates and applies different heating demand percentages based on the outdoor temperature, allowing the heating rate to adapt to environmental conditions and prevent compressor discharge pressure from becoming excessive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of maximum heating demand from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on outdoor temperature. The controller uses different heating demand percentages (e.g., different rates of increase) based on outdoor temperature ranges, thereby optimizing system operation across varying environmental conditions and preventing shutdowns caused by excessive pressure.
2Productivity
If the heat pump system uses a higher maximum heating demand to provide faster heating, then the heating efficiency improves, but the compressor discharge pressure becomes excessive causing system trips
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum heating demand based on outdoor temperature conditions. At higher outdoor temperatures, the system can operate at higher heating demand percentages without causing excessive compressor discharge pressure. At lower outdoor temperatures, the heating demand percentage is reduced to prevent system trips, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing heating efficiency for each environmental condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the maximum heating demand parameter based on outdoor temperature measurements. By establishing different heating demand percentages corresponding to different outdoor temperature ranges, the system optimizes heating efficiency when conditions permit while preventing system trips when outdoor temperatures are low, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
3Reliability
If the heat pump system uses a lower maximum heating demand to prevent compressor discharge pressure issues, then system reliability improves, but the heating performance becomes insufficient and fluctuating
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating demand based on outdoor temperature conditions. When outdoor temperatures are favorable (higher), the system increases the maximum heating demand percentage to provide strong heating performance. When outdoor temperatures are low, the system reduces the heating demand percentage to prevent compressor discharge pressure issues and system shutdowns. This dynamic adjustment ensures both reliability and adequate heating performance across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the maximum heating demand parameter according to outdoor temperature measurements, establishing a relationship where higher outdoor temperatures permit higher heating demand percentages for better heating performance, while lower outdoor temperatures require reduced heating demand percentages to maintain reliability. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and heating performance.
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 controller reduces shutdowns and provides more uniform heating by allowing the heat pump system to operate at a higher maximum heating demand, avoiding sudden trips and maintaining consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
During the winter, a HP system transfers heat from the outdoor air heat exchanger to an indoor heat exchanger where the heat is used to heat the interior of the residence or building
Implementation Method 2
outdoor fan/heat exchanger and compressor (OD) system
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect presents a controller that comprises a control board, a microprocessor located on and electrically coupled to the control board, and a memory coupled to the microprocessor and located on and electrically coupled to the control board. The controller is configured to receive an operating parameter signal and recalculate a first maximum heating % demand to a second maximum heating % demand that is greater than the first maximum heating % demand, when a value of the operating parameter signal exceeds a predetermined value, and operate the HP system based on the second maximum heating % demand.