System and method integrating energy management and inverter heat pump
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems consume high inrush current when switching between off and maximum operation, leading to inefficient energy use and increased battery and solar energy system requirements, while also failing to optimize energy consumption based on dynamic utility rates and grid outages.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an inverter heat pump with a variable speed compressor and a home energy management system (HEMS) that optimizes energy demand, uses predictive algorithms for grid outages, and integrates solar and battery storage to maintain comfort conditioning efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional HVAC systems switch between off and maximum operation, then heating and cooling demand is met, but inrush current increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static on/off compressor operation to dynamic variable-speed operation. The inverter-driven compressor continuously adjusts its speed based on real-time heating/cooling demands, eliminating the need for abrupt switching between off and maximum states. This dynamic control maintains adequate capacity while avoiding inrush current spikes and improving overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the compressor from binary (on/off) to continuous variable speed. By adjusting the compressor speed parameter across a wide range, the system can precisely match heating and cooling demands without the energy penalties associated with frequent cycling and inrush current, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining capacity and improving efficiency.
2Power
If traditional HVAC systems operate at maximum capacity, then heating and cooling demand is met, but battery and solar energy system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable-speed inverter compressor dynamically adjusts its power consumption to match actual heating and cooling loads. This eliminates the need to oversize battery and solar energy systems to handle peak inrush currents, as the compressor can smoothly ramp up to required capacity without sudden power demands. Consequently, smaller energy storage and generation systems can suffice.
3Loss of energy
If home energy management optimizes for dynamic utility rates and grid outages, then energy costs decrease, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HEMS incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring utility rates, grid status, and energy storage levels to dynamically adjust compressor operation. This feedback loop enables the system to optimize energy costs through strategic charging during low-rate periods and load management during high-rate periods or grid outages, while the automated control minimizes the perceived complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The HEMS operates autonomously to manage energy optimization without requiring complex user intervention. The system self-adjusts compressor speed and operation timing based on real-time utility rate signals and grid conditions, automatically implementing cost-saving strategies while simplifying user interaction despite the underlying system complexity.
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
Reduces energy consumption and costs by minimizing inrush current, extends battery life, and optimizes energy use during grid outages and dynamic utility rates, ensuring consistent comfort levels.
Implementation Method 1
In the condenser, heat is exchanged between a medium such as outside air, water, or the like and the refrigerant... In the evaporator, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the indoor air, to condition the indoor air
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant is compressed in a compressor and delivered to a condenser... Vapor temperature is augmented within the pump by compressing it
Implementation Method 3
controlling a variable-speed compressor in an inverter heat pump with a variable speed compressor and a home energy management system (HEMS) that optimizes energy demand
Implementation Method 4
A battery is a device capable of storing energy that may be released in the form of electrical energy. A rechargeable battery may also repeatedly store and release energy
Implementation Method 5
A home energy management system (HEMS) may include smart meters, an Internet of Things (IoT), charging for electric vehicles (EV), fuel cells, a geothermal heating and cooling system among other devices
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for adjusting the indoor temperature of a structure connected to an electric utility grid includes: an energy storage system; an inverter heat pump including a variable speed compressor controlled by an inverter to operate over a range of 0% to 100% of a maximum compressor speed, the inverter heat pump being electrically connected to the energy storage system and the electric utility grid; and a home energy management system (HEMS) including a controller operatively connected to the inverter heat pump, the controller being programmed to receive inputs comprising at least one of an indoor temperature measurement, a user-determined temperature setpoint, an indoor humidity measurement, or a user-determined humidity setpoint and set a compressor speed of the inverter heat pump in response to the inputs, the HEMS controlling whether the variable speed compressor is powered by electric utility grid or the energy storage system.