Integrated heat pump system and control method therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current integrated heat pump systems have a low integration level, leading to space inefficiency and limited application scope due to separate outdoor and indoor units with partial heat recovery capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An integrated heat pump system with a shared outdoor unit connected to air-conditioning and display cabinet indoor units through pipelines, featuring parallel compressors, staggered heat exchanger flow paths, and a mode switch valve assembly to coordinate refrigerant flow between different operating modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate outdoor units and indoor units are provided for refrigeration and heat pump systems, then heat recovery capability is achieved, but system integration level remains low and space occupancy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat recovery capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration level
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the outdoor units of refrigeration and heat pump systems into a single integrated outdoor unit, combining compressors, heat exchangers, and control systems. This consolidation achieves high-level integration while maintaining heat recovery capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated outdoor unit is designed to perform multiple functions including refrigeration, heat pump operation, and heat recovery simultaneously. The system can switch between different operating modes using valve assemblies, allowing a single outdoor unit to serve multiple purposes that previously required separate units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate outdoor units and indoor units are provided for refrigeration and heat pump systems, then heat recovery capability is achieved, but space occupancy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat recovery capabilityVSAvoidspace occupancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple outdoor units into one integrated outdoor unit, the physical space required for installation is significantly reduced. The merged unit houses all necessary components (compressors, heat exchangers, valves) in a single compact structure, directly addressing the space occupancy issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances integration, reduces footprint, provides multiple operating modes, and improves heat utilization by allowing flexible switching of pipeline connections and throttling control.

Implementation Method 1

an outdoor heat exchanger set having a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

first indoor heat exchanger sets... second indoor heat exchanger sets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

at least two compressors connected in parallel and configured to provide different evaporation temperatures respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

first throttle valve assembly... second throttle valve assembly... third throttle valve assembly for controlling the on-off of the first heat exchange flow path as well as the throttling degree

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrottling: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP3879204B1Integrated heat pump system and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2023.05.17 CARRIER CORP
  • EP3879204B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3879204B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3879204B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application provides an integrated heat pump system and a control method therefor. The integrated heat pump system (100) comprises: an air-conditioning indoor unit (110) having a first indoor heat exchanger set (111a, 111b) and a first throttle valve assembly (112a, 112b); a display cabinet indoor unit (120) having a second indoor heat exchanger set (121a, 121b) and a second throttle valve assembly (122a, 122b); and an outdoor unit (130) connected to the air-conditioning indoor unit and the display cabinet indoor unit through pipelines. The outdoor unit comprises: at least two compressors (133a, 133b); an outdoor heat exchanger set (131); a third throttle valve assembly (132); and a mode switch valve assembly configured to switch at least one of the first indoor heat exchanger set and the outdoor heat exchanger set to be connected to the downstream of at least two compressors.