System and method for controlling a heat pump for a swimming pool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swimming pool heat pumps are noisy and consume significant energy due to their all-or-nothing control mode, which is inefficient for heating large volumes of water and leads to premature compressor ageing.
Innovation Solution
A swimming pool heating system utilizing an inverter-type heat pump with multiple power levels (zero and three non-zero power levels) for controlled compressor operation, allowing for various heating strategies based on setpoints to optimize energy consumption and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the heat pump operates at maximum power or is stopped (all-or-nothing control), then the heating response is fast and simple to control, but the energy consumption is significant and the compressor ages prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the heat pump compressor to operate at multiple variable power levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) rather than being restricted to binary on/off states. The inverter technology allows continuous speed adjustment of the compressor motor, transforming the static control system into a dynamic one that can adapt power output to match actual heating需求的, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective heating response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the compressor from binary (on/off) to multi-level continuous variation (0-100% power levels). By introducing intermediate power levels between maximum and zero, the system can select optimal operating points based on temperature differential and heating requirements, avoiding unnecessary high-power operation and reducing overall energy consumption.
2Productivity
If the heat pump operates at maximum power, then the heating efficiency is high, but the noise level is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter-controlled compressor enables dynamic adjustment of operating speed and power output. When high heating efficiency is required, the system can operate at higher power levels; when lower heating demand exists, it transitions to lower power levels that generate less noise. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize between heating efficiency and noise generation based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple power level parameters (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) that allow the heat pump to change its operational state. By selecting appropriate power levels based on heating requirements, the system can reduce noise output during periods when maximum heating efficiency is not critical, while maintaining the capability to achieve high efficiency when needed.
3Device complexity
If the heat pump uses conventional binary control (on/off), then the control system is simple, but the compressor experiences premature ageing due to frequent stoppages and restarts
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter technology transforms the simple binary control system into a dynamic multi-level control system. Instead of frequent on/off cycling that stresses the compressor, the system uses continuous speed modulation to adjust power output. This dynamic approach smooths operational transitions, reduces mechanical shock during startup, and extends compressor lifespan while maintaining adequate control functionality.
4Speed
If the heat pump operates continuously at high power, then the heating speed is fast, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment through inverter control, allowing the heat pump to operate at variable speeds (0-100%). The system can deliver high heating speed when needed by operating at higher power levels, then transition to lower power levels to maintain temperature with minimal energy consumption. This dynamic operation replaces continuous high-power operation with adaptive power management.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing multiple power level parameters, the system can change operational intensity based on heating demand. High power levels provide fast heating when temperature differential is large, while lower power levels maintain temperature efficiently when接近 setpoint, optimizing the balance between heating speed and electrical consumption.
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 system achieves reduced energy consumption and noise levels by operating the heat pump at optimal power levels, extending the heating system's lifespan and improving user comfort by maintaining stable pool temperatures with lower operational noise.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump fed by said circulation pump
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a swimming pool heating system, characterized in that it comprises a heat pump and means for controlling the compressor of said heat pump according to a number of non-zero power levels, as a function of a predetermined set of parameters. The system comprises, for example, three power levels, the first level being close to 40% of the compressor speed, the second level being close to 70% of the compressor speed, and the third level being close to 100% of the maximum compressor speed.