Multi-functional mode control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump units with four-pipe systems require complex water system control solutions and occupy large spaces, leading to high costs, increased labor complexity, and inconvenient maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional mode control method for a heat pump unit that includes a compressor, refrigeration and heating heat exchangers, a flow path switching valve, and throttling elements, allowing for switching between refrigeration, heating, and simultaneous refrigeration and heating modes using a single set of system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a four-pipe system is adopted to provide heating and refrigeration functions, then user experience is improved, but system complexity and equipment space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump unit uses a single set of heat exchangers and water loops that can serve multiple functions. The first heat exchanger can act as either a refrigeration heat exchanger or a heating heat exchanger depending on the mode, and the same applies to the second heat exchanger. The water loops can function as refrigeration water loops or heating water loops, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes by controlling the flow direction of refrigerant and water. The flow path switching valve changes refrigerant flow direction, while the water loop switching valve changes water flow direction, allowing the same physical components to serve different functions based on real-time control signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a four-pipe system is adopted to provide heating and refrigeration functions, then user experience is improved, but part costs and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating system and refrigeration system into a single integrated heat pump unit. Instead of having separate heat exchangers, water loops, and control systems for heating and refrigeration, the invention combines them into one system that shares common components. This reduces the total number of parts needed and simplifies installation and maintenance labor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a four-pipe system is adopted to provide heating and refrigeration functions, then simultaneous operation is achieved, but inspection and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control of flow paths to enable simultaneous heating and refrigeration operation. The flow path switching valve and water loop switching valve can be configured to allow refrigerant and water to flow through different heat exchangers simultaneously, providing both heating and refrigeration functions at the same time while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure that is easier to inspect and maintain.
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 method reduces part costs and simplifies water loop control, achieving up to 20% decrease in operation costs compared to traditional four-pipe units, while maintaining efficient performance across multiple functional modes.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigeration water system exchanges heat with the refrigeration heat exchanger; during operation in a sole heating mode, the heating water system exchanges heat with the heating heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a throttling element, wherein the throttling element is arranged on a flow path between any two of the refrigeration heat exchanger, the heating heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A heat pump unit, which comprises: a heat pump system comprising a compressor, a refrigeration heat exchanger, a heating heat exchanger, a first heat exchanger, a flow path switching valve and a throttling element, wherein the throttling element is arranged on a flow path between any two of the heat exchangers; and further comprising a mode switching flow path, wherein a first flow path, a second flow path and a third flow path are arranged and each flow path is controllably conducted or disconnected to realize different functional modes.