Inverter Heat Pump Water Temperature Control Under Variable Terminal Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

The primary pump system in heat pump heating projects experiences large fluctuations in outlet water temperature due to changes in terminal load, as it uses a fixed-frequency heat pump that cannot adapt to load changes.

Innovation Solution

A water temperature control method for heat pump systems that includes an inverter compressor heat pump, where the compressor frequency is dynamically adjusted based on real-time outlet water temperature differences, using a preset energy level range table to maintain constant water temperature by determining the current compressor energy level range and corresponding frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed-frequency heat pump is used in a primary pump system, then the system structure is simplified and operation costs are reduced, but the outlet water temperature fluctuates greatly when terminal load changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidoutlet water temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed-frequency heat pump to a variable-frequency heat pump system. The compressor frequency is dynamically adjusted based on terminal load changes and outlet water temperature feedback, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining stable temperature output. This resolves the contradiction by making the previously static system dynamic and responsive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the outlet water temperature is continuously monitored and used to adjust the compressor frequency. When terminal load changes cause temperature deviations, the system detects these changes and automatically adjusts the heat pump operation to restore the desired temperature, thereby maintaining stability while using a simplified primary pump structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed-frequency heat pump is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to terminal load changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment costVSAvoidadaptability to terminal load
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed-frequency operation to dynamic variable-frequency operation, enabling the heat pump to adapt to changing terminal loads. The compressor speed is continuously adjusted based on load conditions, providing the necessary adaptability while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the primary pump system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter of the heat pump from fixed frequency to variable frequency. By adjusting the compressor frequency parameter in response to terminal load changes, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complex additional equipment, thus balancing manufacturing cost with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If compressor frequency is dynamically adjusted based on outlet water temperature difference, then outlet water temperature stability is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet water temperatureVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback control system that monitors outlet water temperature and uses the temperature difference from the setpoint to adjust compressor frequency. This closed-loop control maintains temperature stability by continuously comparing actual temperature with desired temperature and making corrective adjustments, accepting moderate control complexity as necessary for achieving the stability goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system operates autonomously by automatically detecting temperature deviations and adjusting compressor frequency without manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its own output (outlet water temperature) as the input signal for control adjustments, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3845818B1Water temperature control method for heat pump system, and heat pump system
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 GUANGDONG PHNIX ECO ENERGY SOLUTION
  • EP3845818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3845818B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3845818B1 patent drawing

AI summary

This application discloses a water temperature control method for a heat pump system, and a heat pump system. The method includes: detecting a current outlet water temperature of an equipment end in real time, and obtaining a current outlet water temperature difference between the current outlet water temperature and a specified outlet water temperature; and determining a current compressor energy level range based on the current outlet water temperature difference, and obtaining a current compressor frequency corresponding to the current compressor energy level range from a preset energy level range table, so as to control a compressor of an inverter compressor heat pump by using the current compressor frequency. According to this application, equipment can adapt to a change in terminal load. After a terminal changes, an output water temperature is dynamically adjusted to keep the water temperature constant, improving performance of a primary heat pump system.