Control System And Air Source Heat Pump
The present teachings provide a modular air source heat pump system (ASHP system) with an internal assembly, an external assembly, a refrigerant module, sensors, and a control system. The refrigerant module is removably connected to the external assembly. The sensors are located within the internal assembly and configured to monitor internal conditions, internal system conditions, or both. The sensors are located within the external assembly and configured to monitor external conditions, external system conditions, or both. The control system in communication with the sensors located within the internal assembly and the external assembly. The control system is configured to: change a heat transfer fluid charge in the internal assembly, the external assembly, or both by adding or subtracting heat transfer fluid from the refrigerant module in response to changes in the external conditions, the external system conditions, the internal conditions, the internal system conditions, or a combination thereof.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Patent Ser. No. 63/453,694, filed Mar. 21, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELDThe present teachings relate to a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system (HVAC) including an air source heat pump (ASHP) that is modular so that the ASHP system is adaptable to increase or decrease in size to accommodate changes in size of a space that is controlled by the ASHP system.
BACKGROUNDHeat pumps and air source heat pumps (ASHP) are a technology that is used to heat and cool an area. Heat pumps can absorb external heat and release the heat to internal areas (or vice versa) leveraging the same or similar vapor-compression processes that conventional air conditioning systems use.
Generally, heat pumps and ASHP systems have been limited to smaller applications. It would be desirable to provide a larger scale implementation of ASHP systems for heat ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) applications.
SUMMARYThe present teachings provide a modular air source heat pump system (ASHP system) with a plurality of connectors, a plurality of system components, a plurality of sensors, and a control system. The plurality of connectors are quick connectors. a plurality of system components that are individually connected together by one or more of the plurality of connectors so that the plurality of system components are connectable and/or disconnectable from the ASHP system. The plurality of sensors in communication with one or more of the plurality of system components. The control system in communication with the plurality of sensors, the control system being configured to analyze data provided by the plurality of sensors and to control the ASHP system.
The present teachings provide a modular air source heat pump system (ASHP system) with a plurality of connectors, two or more external system components, one or more internal system components, a plurality of external sensors, a plurality of internals sensors, and a control system. The plurality of connectors are configured to be connected, disconnected, or both in substantially real time. The two or more external system components are configured to be located external to a structure by one or more of the plurality of connectors so that the one or more external system components may be connected and/or disconnected from the external of the structure. The two or more external system components are an external heat exchanger. The one or more internal system components are configured to be located internal to the structure and connected to the two or more external system components by one or more of the plurality of connectors. The one or more internal system components are an internal heat exchanger. The plurality of external sensors located in the external of the structure to monitor an external environment. The plurality of internal sensors located in the internal of the structure to monitor an internal environment. The control system is in communication with the plurality of external sensors and the plurality of internal sensors to control the ASHP system.
The present teachings provide a modular air source heat pump system (ASHP system) with an internal assembly, an external assembly, a refrigerant module, a plurality of sensors, and a control system. The internal assembly is one or more internal system components located on an outside of a structure. The external assembly has one or more external system components located on an inside of the structure. The refrigerant module is removably connected to the external assembly. The plurality of sensors are located within the internal assembly and configured to monitor one or more internal conditions, one or more internal system conditions, or both. The plurality of sensors are located within the external assembly and configured to monitor one or more external conditions, one or more external system conditions, or both. The control system in communication with the plurality of sensors located within the internal assembly and the plurality of sensors located within the external assembly. The control system configured to: change a heat transfer fluid charge in the internal assembly, the external assembly or both by adding or subtracting heat transfer fluid from the refrigerant module in response to changes in the one or more external conditions, the one or more external system conditions, the one or more internal conditions, the one or more internal system conditions, or a combination thereof.
The present teachings provide A modular air source heat pump system (ASHP system) include an external assembly, an internal assembly, and a control system. The external assembly includes one or more external heat exchangers; one or more reversing valves; one or more expansion valves; and one or more external sensors in communication with the one or more external heat exchangers, the one or more reversing valves, the one or more expansion valves, or a combination thereof. The one or more external sensors are configured to monitor the one or more heat exchangers, the one or more reversing valves, the one or more expansion valves, or a combination thereof during operation. The internal assembly include an internal heat exchanger and one or more internal sensors in communication with the internal heat exchanger to monitor operation of the internal heat exchanger. The control system is in communication with the one or more external sensors that monitor external system data regarding operation of the external assembly and one or more internal sensors that monitor internal system data regarding operation of the internal assembly. The control system monitors operation to determine if operation of the external assembly, the internal assembly, or both vary over time.
The present teachings provide a modular air source heat pump system (ASHP system) include a plurality of system components, a plurality of sensors, and a control system. The plurality of system components are individually connected together by a plurality of connectors so that the plurality of system components are configured to provide conditioning to a structure and the plurality of system components are configured to be connected and/or disconnected from the ASHP system. The plurality of sensors are in communication with one or more of the plurality of system components. The control system is in communication with the plurality of sensors. The control system is configured to: monitor system data provided to the control system by the plurality of sensors; analyze the system data from the plurality of sensors; review an efficiency of the ASHP system based on the system data analyzed; and provide feedback regarding the ASHP system. The feedback includes: resize the ASHP system, control the ASHP system, relocate one or more components of the ASHP system, repair or replace one or more components of the ASHP system; or a combination thereof.
The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.
The present device includes a modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable air source heat pump (hereinafter referred to as the “modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP”) system. The ASHP system incorporates sensors and software in a modular ASHP design that improves serviceability and reliability of the modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP system and, by combined operation of the sensors and software, as will be discussed herein, which allows a single modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP unit to be extended in collaborative operation with multiple modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP units.
The ASHP system is modularized at a component level to provide access to the components and allow for repair and/or refurbishment of faulty components. The ASHP system may be modularized so that additional components may be added, components may be subtracted, different brands of components may be added/subtracted, different sizes may be added/subtracted, different styles of components may be added/subtracted, or a combination thereof. For example, the modularity may permit for brand X to be added to a system including components of A, B, and C brands. The modularity may allow for components to be connected, disconnected, or both without charge loss or leakage of the components within the system. The ASHP system comprises a plurality of internally focused sensors that are configured to detect faults in individual components and problems in overall operation of the ASHP system. The modularity may allow for individual components to be connected and disconnected without connecting all of the components. Each individual component may be connected and/or disconnected individually while leaving the remaining components connected within the system. The inlet/outlet of every single component may include a connection so that every single component may be connected, disconnected, moved, replaced, repaired, taken offline, put online, or a combination thereof irrespective of the other components. For example, if the ASHP system includes 20 components the ASHP system may include 40 connectors. The ASHP system further comprises a plurality of externally focused sensors that are configured to allow for adaptive operations. The ASHP system comprises software which, when running on a computing device, utilizes models that assist a user installing and controlling the ASHP system. The models of the software assist the personnel installing the ASHP system by providing installation suggestions and offering installation guidance. The software may manage a plurality of modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP units. Combined, the sensors and software allow the plurality of modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP units to collaborate and operate collectively. The ASHP units include modular attachments that provide additional capabilities, such as energy storage or water heating.
Each component of the ASHP system may be equipped with sensors capable of system control and system fault detection (e.g., a fault detection system) to support servicing. In addition, the modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP system has a network connection by each component to a computing hub. The network connection supports wireless connectivity from component to hub. The computing hub, in turn, processes data captured by the component sensors to determine whether any faults in operation have occurred and to support overall system operation and provide servicing support. Servicing support may include generating communications, sensing operational data, receiving data, receiving instructions, receiving demand response protocols, or a combination thereof. The fault detection system may monitor the ASHP system.
The fault detection system may monitor the ASHP system as a whole, individual components of the ASHP system, each component of the ASHP system individually, or a combination thereof. The fault detection system may monitor power consumption, voltage draw, current use, fan speed, motor speed, fluid circulation rates, fluid circulation speed, fluid pressure, heat exchange rates, heat exchange yield, or a combination thereof. For example, if the ASHP system or a component of the ASHP system when new draws 5 amps and has a 95% heat exchange yield and then a year later the same ASHP system draws 6 amps and has a 90% heat exchange yield this may indicate to the fault detection system that repair is needed, maintenance is needed, cleaning is needed, a component is faulty/failing, or a combination thereof. The fault detection system may indicate system faults, performance faults, fault prediction, or a combination thereof.
System faults of the fault detection system function to detect one or more system of the system to determine operation of the components of the ASHP system. The system faults may provide feedback to the computer, the control system, or both (the computer and control system discussed herein may be used interchangeably). The system faults may monitor one or more sensors in communication with each component. The system faults may indicate in real time that a component is acting outside of normal and/or specific operation during operation. The fault detection system may indicate system faults by providing an alert, providing a sound, providing a light, indicating a component is abnormally acting, or a combination thereof. The system faults may be determined by monitoring system operating parameters over time. The system faults may be determined by monitoring system efficiency, system energy consumption, component efficiency, component energy consumption, fluid pressure, or a combination thereof. The system faults may provide an indication that all or a portion of the system is operating outside of a normal operating parameter, a prior measured operating parameter, or both. A system fault may indicate that a system is failing or has failed. A system fault may be based on performance faults.
Performance faults may indicate how one or more components, the system, an individual component, or a combination are functioning. The computer, control system, or both may monitor a function of each component individually, the system or both to determine if any component or the system is not performing normally (e.g., has performance faults). The computer, the control system, or both may monitor one or more sensors that monitor one or more conditions regarding the system, environment external to the system, environment internal to the system, environment inside of a structure, or a combination thereof. One or more of these conditions may be monitored over time relative to monitored conditions of the ASHP system so that performance and/or performance faults may be determined. The performance/performance faults may indicate that the ASHP system is performing normally, is underperforming, performing abnormally under some conditions (e.g., an external temperature over 40° C. or under 0° C.), or both. The performance faults may indicate a fault, an undetected component fault, a leak, a clog, a fault of one component, or a combination thereof. The performance faults may indicate that less than the entire system is underperforming. The performance faults may indicate that one or more components are not operating properly and that one or more components may need attention.
The ASHP system 2, the computer 30, the control system 70, or a combination thereof, of
The fault prediction may predict when and if one or more components may fail or may require attention. The prediction may be based off of the trends of the fault prediction. The fault prediction may us the data, trends, or both to predict when maintenance, repair, replacement, or a combination thereof may require further attention. The models may review indicators, trends in the data, or both and then predict (e.g., anticipate) faults, risk conditions, recommend actions, recommend a timing, or a combination thereof. The fault prediction may include initializing diagnostics, running diagnostics, diagnosing one or more components, or a combination thereof. The diagnostics compare an expected operating parameter of each component, of the system over time, or a combination thereof. The computer, the control system, or both may include or generate a reference library to compare current performance to historical performance in order to generate fault prediction such that faults of a component or the system may be detected. The reference library may be used to compare a current life status of a component to a past life status of a same or similar component to predict performance of the components over time. The fault prediction may monitor the sensors and the sensor data from each component in order to predict which component may be hindering performance, may provide a future fault, or both. The fault prediction may recommend changes, repairs, or actions before a fault occurs. The fault prediction may monitor performance trends over time and then predict replacement, service, or both relative to data gathered. The data to generate trending, prediction, or both may be stored within the computer, within the control system, online, on the cloud, on flash memory, non-transitory memory, or a combination thereof so that the data may be accessed at a later time.
The multiple computing hubs may be provided for scaled operations of multiple ASHP units (e.g., multiple computers 30 or multiple control systems 70). In that case, the computing hubs may be configured to (wirelessly) connect and coordinate with one another to control performance and/or efficiency across all modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP units.
The ASHP system may include a controller with a service strategy that monitors individual components at a component level to identify replacements and/or refurbishments of individual components. Control of the ASHP systems at a component level reduces potential waste, by being able to identify individual components failing and to repair and/or replace a failing component while maintaining the remaining components of the ASHP systems.
The modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP taught herein (hereinafter ASHP system 2) may be comprised of components that are connected together to form a closed loop.
The computer 30 may control the heat transfer fluid 10. The heat transfer fluid 10 may be at a low pressure and low temperature vapor phase as it exits the heat exchanger and enters a reversing valve 14. The low pressure and low temperature heat transfer fluid 10 may pass through the reversing valve and 14 and then into a compressor 16, which increases the pressure and temperature of the heat transfer fluid 10 configured as a vapor. The reversing valve 14 may direct the heat transfer fluid 10 in a first direction (e.g., heating direction) or a second direction (e.g., cooling direction). The reversing valve 14 may only change a flow direction of the heat transfer fluid 10 (e.g., in a forward direction or a rearward direction). The reversing valve 14 may open and close. For example, the reversing valve 14 may close so that the heat transfer fluid 10 is stopped or slowed. The reversing valve 14 may allow fluid to pass directly there through (e.g., bypass a compressor). The reversing valve 14 may direct the heat transfer fluid 10 into a compressor 16. The reversing valve 14 may direct the heat transfer fluid 10 through the compressor 16 or to bypass the compressor 16.
The compressor 16 functions to change a pressure of the heat transfer fluid 10. The compressor 16 may have a pressure of the heat transfer fluid 10. Depending on a direction of the heat transfer fluid 10 the compressor may increase pressure or decrease pressure of the heat transfer fluid 10. The compressor 16 may change a pressure, change a temperature, or both. For example, the compressor may change temperature of the heat transfer fluid 10 so that the temperature increases as the pressure of the heat transfer fluid 10 increases. A high pressure and high temperature heat transfer fluid 10 leaves the compressor 16 and goes back to the reversing valve 14 and out to an internal heat exchanger 20 when the reversing valve is configured in a first direction. If the reversing valve 14 is reversed in a second direction then the heat transfer fluid 10 may extend from the internal heat exchanger 20 to the reversing valve 14.
The internal heat exchanger 20 transfers heat from the heat transfer fluid 10 to internal air when the heat transfer fluid 10 is at the high pressure and high temperature (e.g., directed in a first direction). The internal heat exchanger 20 may transfer cooling from the heat transfer fluid 10 to internal air when the heat transfer fluid 10 is at a low pressure and low temperature (e.g., section direction). The thermal energy (e.g., heat) (Qio) leaving the heat transfer fluid 10 to the internal environment and the heat (Qii) leaving the internal environment to the heat transfer fluid 10 may be considered equivalent. The internal heat exchanger 20 once transferring thermal energy to an inside of a structure (e.g., a house, building, hospital, school) may then pass the heat transfer fluid 10 to an expansion valve 22.
The expansion valve 22 functions to change a pressure, temperature, or both of the heat transfer fluid 10. The expansion valve 22 may allow the heat transfer fluid 10 to expand, decrease in temperature, decrease in temperature, change phases (e.g., from a vapor to a liquid), or a combination thereof. The expansion valve 22 may condense the heat transfer liquid 10 so that thermal energy may be imparted into the heat transfer liquid 10, removed from the heat transfer liquid 10, or both. The expansion valve 22 when receiving fluid from a first direction may convert the heat transfer liquid 10 from a gas to a liquid. The expansion valve 22 when receiving fluid from a second direction may convert the heat transfer liquid 10 from a liquid to a gas (e.g., vapor). For example, when the heat transfer liquid 10 flows in the second direction, the expansion valve 22 may act as a compression valve. An amount of expansion or compression by the expansion valve 22 may be monitored by the ASHP system 2 discussed herein.
The present ASHP system 2 provides operational functions based on an adaptability of the components of the ASHP system 2 (e.g., control). Specifically, the ASHP system 2 includes a plurality of connectors 24 that provide disconnect/reconnect capability, measurement capabilities, and data transmission from each of the components. The connectors 24 function to permit individual components to be added and subtracted from the ASHP system 2 with little to no down time. The connectors 24 may be a quick connector. The connectors 24 may be connected or disconnected without any tools. The connectors 24 may have a press fit locking connection, a spring-loaded connection, a detented connection, a connection that is free of threads, a twist and lock connection, or a combination thereof. The connectors 24 may form a connection or a disconnection substantially instantaneously (e.g., in 5 seconds or less or 3 seconds or less). The connectors 24 may be connected, disconnected, or both in substantially real time (e.g., about 5 seconds or less, about 3 seconds or less, or about 1 second or less). The connectors 24 may permit a component to be swapped with another component so that the ASHP system 2 may be repaired while keeping the ASHP system 2 running. Stated another way, failure of one component may be mitigated by bypassing that component or temporarily connecting another component in the place of a broken component until the broken component can be fixed or permanently replaced. The disconnecting/reconnecting of individual components may allow for components to be taken offline and have preventative maintenance performed without the entire system being taken offline. A component may be taken offline if a sensor 34 detects that the component is beginning to fail or is displaying sub-optimal performance. Every one of the system components 92 may include one or more sensors 34 that monitor the system component 92 to which the one or more sensors 34 are connected. Thus, the sensors 34 may generate information that may be provided to the computer 30, the control system 70, or both. The sensors 34 may monitor environmental conditions (e.g., inside of the structure or outside of the structure), diagnostic conditions (e.g., operation and/or health of one of the system components 92), or a combination thereof. Thus, a component may be refurbished and/or replaced while the ASHP system 2 remains operational. The connectors 24 when connected may allow fluid to pass therethrough. The connectors 24 when disconnected, may prevent fluid from passing therethrough. The connectors 24 may fluidly, electrically, signally, or a combination thereof connect two or more components together or a component to the ASHP system 2. For example, the connectors 24 may permit fluid, signals, and electricity to pass to a component when connected. The connectors 24 may have a male portion and a female portion.
The connectors 24 may form a connection with a single step, without tools, with one hand, or a combination thereof. Thus, when a male connector and a female connector are brought into communication fluid, signals, electricity, or a combination thereof may pass through the connectors 24. The connectors 24 may include a check valve so that when the connectors 24 are disconnected fluid is retained within the connector or a line connected to the component. The connectors 24 may be located on an inlet 6, on an outlet 6′, between an external heat exchanger 4 and a reversing valve 14, between a reversing valve 14 an internal heat exchanger 20, between a reversing valve 14 and a wall of a structure, between a wall of a structure and a heat exchanger 20, between a heat exchanger 20 and an expansion valve 22, between an expansion valve 22 and an external heat exchanger 4, between two components of the ASHP System 2, between a computer 30 and a component, or combinations thereof. Each component may have one or more connectors 24, two or more connectors 24, three or more connectors 24, or even four of more connectors 24. Connectors 24 may assist in forming an interface through a wall of a structure. For example, a first side of a connector 24 or a pipe 12 may extend through a wall and a second side of a connector 24 may connect to the first side of the connector 24 to form a connection between an inside and an outside of the structure. An amount of connectors 24 in the ASHP system 2 may be dependent upon a number of components within the ASHP system 2. For example, if the ASHP system 2 includes 5 components then the system includes at least 10 connectors (e.g., two for each part so that an inlet and an outlet may be connected). The connectors 24 may form a wired connection between one or more components of the ASHP system 2 and a computer 30.
Additionally, a computing device, computer 30, or other data computation and processing-capable component is added to receive and process the data from each of the components. The computer 30 functions to control the ASHP system 2, components of the ASHP system 2 individually, or both. The computer 30 functions to control one or more motors, one or more compressors, one or more valves, one or more fans, or a combination thereof. The computer 30 may be in communication with individual controllers. The individual controllers may be one or more microcomputers, one or more processors, one or more computers, or a combination thereof that are in communication with the computer 30 so that the computer 30 monitors the entire ASHP system 2 and controls the individual controllers. Each component of the ASHP system 2 may be in communication with an individual controller. The computer 30 may be in communication with components of the ASHP system 2 by a wired communication or a wireless communication. The computer 30 may communicate with individual components of the ASHP system 2 via one or more communication devices 32.
The communication devices 32 function to receive information from the computer 30 or provide information to the computer 30. The communication devices 32 may be a wired device, a wireless device, or both. The communication devices 32 may only transmit. The communication devices 32 may only receive. The communication devices 32 may be integrated into or connected to the external heat exchanger 4, a reversing valve 14, a compressor 16, an internal heat exchanger 20, an expansion valve, one or more of the connectors 24, the computer 30, a motor, a temperature sensor, a refrigerant pump, a refrigerant reservoir, a user interface, a thermostat, or a combination thereof. The communication devices 32 may include one or more sensors or be in communication with one or more sensors 34.
The one or more sensors 34 function to monitor one or more conditions of the ASHP system 2. The one or more sensors 34 may monitor temperature, pressure, flow velocity, input temperature, output temperature, input pressure, output pressure, input flow velocity, output flow velocity, volume of fluid, speed of a motor, speed of a compressor, internal ambient temperature, external ambient temperature, flow direction, amount of expansion, amount of compression, or a combination thereof. Each component may include one or more sensors 34. Each component may include or be connected to one or more sensors 34 so that when each component is connected within the ASHP system 2, each sensor 34 is connected to the computer 30 and monitored. Each component may include one or more sensors 34, two or more sensors 34, or even three or more sensors 34. The one or more sensors 34 may include a communication device 32. The one or more sensors 34 and the one or more communication devices 32 may be in communication with the computer 30 to control the ASHP system 2. To provide measurement capabilities, the ASHP system 2 comprises multiple types of sensors 34 which are configured to capture and provide various measurements of the environment and components for conditions within and/or surrounding the ASHP system 2 that may impact the ASHP system 2. Some of the conditions shown in
The communication devices 32 allow the computer 30 to receive data transmissions from the sensors 34 of the components, thereby allowing the computer 30 to control the ASHP system 2. The computer 20 runs software which is configured to process the received sensor data and determine whether there are any component faults or sub-optimal performance. For example, the computer 30 receives and analyzes measurement data from each component and performs analysis and efficiency calculations. In this way, when the efficiency of a component, as calculated, drops below a predetermined threshold, the component can be flagged as sub-optimal and identified as the component in need of service/replacement. This improves serviceability and sustainability of the ASHP system.
Additionally, the measurement and computing capabilities of the ASHP system 2 may be further enhanced with networking and modeling functions. For instance, connecting/networking multiple modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP units 2 via the computer 30 with a communication device 32 and data transmission allows performance of multiple ASHP systems 2 to be controlled based on collective information. The ASHP system 2 may include enhanced software that is configured to perform simulations and modeling of relevant environments via mathematically or software-defined physics packages that accurately predict variables in a given environment. Based upon a calculation performed, the ASHP system 2 may be scaled or operated differently.
The present teachings may include connecting multiple ASHP systems 2 together so that the ASHP systems 2 can be networked together. Specifically, computer(s) 30 in these individual systems can communicate with one another such that only those identified to coordinate with one another are able to do so. For instance, if modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP system 2 ‘X’ and modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP system 2′ ‘Y’ are identified as assigned collaborators, and a nearby modular, extensible, smart, and sustainable ASHP system 2″ ‘Z’ is next door but is not a collaborator of 2 ‘X’ and/or 2′ ‘Y’ (e.g., is an isolated system), then ASHP system 2″ ‘Z’ would be excluded from wireless communication between computer(s) 30 in the X-Y network and would not be able to take, receive, or otherwise access the data transmitted across the X-Y network.
In addition to the several enhanced features of the ASHP system 2 described above further comprise additional components (in addition to the internal/external sensors, disconnect/reconnect capabilities, wireless connectivity and data transmission, and computer/software). The ASHP system 2 may include one or more air filtration components (e.g., a 1 inch filter, a media filter, or the like), a humidity system, or both. The air filtration components comprise a carbon filter, a MERV 8 filter, a MERV 11 filter, a MERV 13 filter, or a combination of filters. The air filtration components comprise an ultra-violet (UV) light filter.
The ASHP 2 system further comprises a water heating component, an energy storage system, or both. The energy storage system may be added to capture excess thermal energy or preserve power produced during peak energy production times. The ASHP system 2 is user-configurable to allow operation without collaborative capabilities between systems or without internal or external sensors if the user so desires.
The present teachings may include a simulation package for initial product sizing, placement of the initial product with an environment, by providing important technical details of the operational environment (e.g. location, size, insulation), which will provide a recommended number of components and placement of the components within the environment. The ASHP system 2 may be placed in a location (e.g. whichever location in the house, building, structure) and connected to electricity to begin operation. Once running, a desired temperature may be inputted and the ASHP system 2 may operate as instructed. The instructions to the ASHP system 2 may include operating modes, settings, or both. The instructions to the ASHP system 2 may be in communication with or control an external heat exchanger 4, a reversing valve 14, a compressor 16, internal heat exchangers 20, expansion valves 22, computers 30, communication devices 32, sensors 34, reservoirs 36, pumps 38, motors 40, or a combination thereof. For example, the instructions may speed up or slow down one or more components of the ASHP system 2. Over time, the ASHP system 2 increases in operational efficiency as the system learns and adapts to changes in an internal environment and an external environment without further work, effort, or input on part of a user. If the ASHP system 2 malfunctions, the faulty or sub-optimal component would be identified so that components may be replaced or repaired as needed with minimal expertise or effort (via the disconnect/reconnect connector 24 points). The system components 92 may include one or more valves 64 (e.g., check valves), 172; one or more motors 40; one or more pumps 38; one or more heat exchangers 4, 20; one or more expansion valves 22, one or more compressors 16, one or mor reversing valves 14, one or more sensors 34, one or more connectors 24, one or more control systems 70, or a combination thereof.
The primary portion 50 may function to be a base amount of components. The primary portion 50 may include a minimum amount of components to produce heat, cool, or both (e.g., conditioning). The primary portion 50 may be a beginning of a system that other components connect to in order to provide additional functions (e.g., humidify, filter air, dehumidify). The primary portion 50 includes at least one external heat exchanger 4, at least one compressor 16, at least one reversing valve 14, at least one expansion valve 22, at least one sensor 34, at least one communication device 32, at least one connector 24, or a combination thereof. However, the primary portion may include two or more, three or more, or even four or more external heat exchangers 4, reversing valves 14, compressors 16, expansion valves 22, sensors 34, communication devices 32, connectors 24, or a combination thereof. The primary portion 50 may be directly connected to and in communication with the internal portion 54.
The internal portion 54 functions to transfer thermal energy from the primary portion 50 into an interior of the structure 18. The internal portion 54 may include environmentally sensitive components. The internal portion 54 may include one or more internal heat exchangers 20, one or more control systems (computers 30), one or more sensors 43, one or more communication devices 32, one or more connectors 24, or a combination thereof. The internal portion 54 may control the entire ASHP system 2. The internal portion 54 may remove thermal energy from the primary portion 50 and provide the thermal energy (e.g., positive energy or negative energy) into the interior of the structure 18. The internal portion 54 may connect with the expansion portion 52 through a wall of the structure 18. The internal portion 54 may be in communication with the primary portion 50 and may be in communication with an expansion portion 52.
The expansion portion 52 may add modularity to the ASHP system 2. The expansion portion 52 is configured to allow additional components to be connected to the ASHP system 2 to add functionality, increase size, increase thermal exchange, or a combination thereof. The expansion portion 52 may permit one or more components to be bypassed and/or temporarily replaced. The expansion portion 52 may add and subtract components based on feedback from the computer 30. For example, the computer 30 in reviewing the system data may recommend that one or more components be added to the system to increase thermal capacity of the ASHP system 2 relative to the structure 18. One or more components may be added or subtracted within the expansion portion by connecting to one or more of the connectors 24.
The connectors 24 function to permit components to be added and subtracted. The connectors 24 may be couplers where one end of a connector 24 attaches to another end of a coupler to form a connection. The connectors 24 may be a three-way coupler 24′. The three-way coupler 24′ may permit one or more components of the expansion portion 52 to be added, subtracted, removed, fixed, refurbished, or a combination thereof. The connectors 24 may permit one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more components to be added into the ASHP system 2. Some or all of the connectors 24 may be connected in series. Some or all of the connectors 24 may be connected in parallel. The connectors 24 may permit flow of fluid only along one path. The connectors 24 may be switchable so that a flow path of the fluid may be changed. For example, the connector 24 may direct fluid in a first direction and the connector 24 may be changeable so that the fluid then passes in a second direction. The connectors 24 may fluidly connect the primary portion 50 to the expansion portion 52.
The expansion portion 52 may include a reservoir 36 and a pump 38. The reservoir 36 may include or store additional heat transfer fluid 10. The reservoir 36 may supply the heat transfer fluid 10 on demand or store heat transfer fluid 10 on demand. For example, the computer 30 may monitor a speed the fluid passes through the external heat exchanger 4 and the internal heat exchanger 20 and if/when the computer 30 determines that the speed of the heat transfer fluid 10 is too fast and not enough thermal energy is exchanged then the computer 30 may introduce additional heat transfer fluid 10 so that the flow speed may be decreased. The computer 30 may increase or decrease the pressure, thermal load, temperature change in temperature (e.g., delta), or a combination thereof of the heat transfer fluid 10 by adding or subtracting heat transfer fluid 10 into the reservoir 36. For example, when the temperature of the external environment is 40° C. more heat transfer fluid may be required to supply a same amount of thermal conditioning as when the external environment is 30° C. The reservoir 36 and pump 38 may be temporarily added to recharge the ASHP system 2 without taking the system offline. The reservoir 36 may add and subtract heat transfer fluid on demand and/or dynamically in real time. The reservoir 36 may be a regenerative refilling system. The reservoir 36 may be an accumulator. The reservoir 36 may be an accumulator within the compressor 16, connected to the compressor 16, or both. The reservoir 36 may clean the heat transfer fluid 10. The reservoir 36 may prevent a build up of scale within the system by filtering the heat transfer fluid 10.
The computer 30 may change a volume of the fluid to increase efficiency depending on one or more external conditions, one or more internal conditions, or both. The computer 30 may vary the volume of the heat transfer fluid 10 by controlling one or more pumps 38 of the ASHP system 2.
The one or more pumps 38 may add or subtract heat transfer fluid 10 from the primary portion 50 based upon the computer 30. The pumps 38 may be in communication with the computer 30 via one or more communication devices 32. The pumps 38 may supply extra fluid into the primary portion 50 upon demand. The pumps 38 may turn off and block fluid from exiting the expansion portion 52 until a sufficient amount of fluid is removed from the primary portion 50. The connectors 24 may be actuated to open and close so that fluid may be added and subtracted if a pump 38 is not present. The pumps 38 may increase pressure of the system so that a velocity of the heat transfer fluid 10 is varied. The pump 38 may assist the compressor 16 in moving the heat transfer fluid 10 through the pipes 12, reversing valve 14, expansion valve 22 or a combination thereof. The computer 30 may control the pump 38 and each of the other individual components such that each components may be controlled independently.
Each component may include one or more communication devices 32 that are in communication with the computer 30 so that operation of the individual components (e.g., external heat exchanger 4, reversing valve 14, compressor 16, internal heat exchanger 20, expansion valve 22, connectors 24, reservoir 36, pumps 38) may be varied. Each of the individual components may include one or more sensors 34. The one or more sensors 34 may communicate a sensed condition to the control system 70 via one or more communication devices 32. The computer 30 may individually change a function of each of the individual components. Thus, one component may be changed while another component remains unchanged. For example, the compressor 16 may speed up or slow down based upon a sensed condition. Alternatively, based upon a different sensed condition the reversing valve 14 may be varied and the compressor 16 may remain unchanged.
The reversing valve 14 may change a direction of fluid flow within the ASHP system 2 so that the fluid flows in one direction to generate heat and the fluid flow may be reversed to a second direction to generate cool. The reversing valve 14 my switch fluid flow between the connectors 24, 24′ such that an inlet becomes an outlet and an outlet becomes an inlet. The reversing valve 14 may internally reverse the flow direction of fluid. The reversing valve 14 may allow fluid to flow along a predetermined path within the compressor module regardless of whether the reversing valve 14 is in a mode to provide heat or cool. For example, the reversing valve 14 may include one or more solenoids that move to switch the fluid from the connector 24 and the connector 24′. The reversing valve 14 may prevent fluid floodback. The fluid may flow from the reversing valve 14 to a check valve 64.
The check valves 64 may prevent fluid from flowing in a second direction (e.g., a direction opposite a first direction). The check valves 64 may allow fluid to flow in only one direction. The check valve 64 may prevent fluid from flowing backwards away from accumulator 62, the compressor 16, or both. The check valve 64 may assist in increasing a pressure of fluid within the compressor module 60.
The accumulator 62 may be a suction accumulator, a bladder accumulator, a diaphragm accumulator, a piston accumulator, a gas-charged accumulator, a spring-loaded accumulator, or a combination thereof. The accumulator 62 may increase pressure within the ASHP system 2 of
The compressor 16 may change pressure, temperature, or both of the liquid within the ASHP system. The compressor 16 may assist in moving and/or circulating fluid through the ASHP system. The compressor 16 may convert gas to liquid. The compressor 16 may condense fluid by applying pressure to the fluid. The compressor 16 may increase a pressure of a fluid. The compressor 16 may include one or more stages, two or more stages, or three or more stages. The compressor 16 may be sped up or slowed down to vary an amount of compression provided to the fluid. The compressor 16 may be controlled with a computer, a control system, or both. The compressor 16 may provide a variable amount of compression by changing a speed of the compressor. The compressor 16 may be varied in speed by providing power that is full on or full off so that the amount of fluid moved by the compressor varies depending on a duration the power is on. For example, if a 90% load is desired then power may be provided 90% of a duration and then no power may be provided 10% of the time. A volume of fluid moved by the compressor 16 may be determined by the amount of time power is supplied. The compressor speed may determine a pressure drop and/or a pressure increase across the compressor 16. For example, a compressor 16 may cause a predetermined pressure drop at a predetermined power load. Thus, an amount of power supplied may vary an amount of heating or cooling of the ASHP System 2. The compressor 16 may be provided less power when less heat and/or cooling is desired so that a reduced amount of power is used to generate a predetermined amount of conditioning. The controller may speed up or slow down the compressor 16 so that a desired amount of conditioning is provided without using any unnecessary power. The compressor 16 may move the fluid through a check valve 64 and back into the reversing valve 14. The compressor module 60 may intake a fluid that is in vapor form, convert the vapor back to a liquid, and then return the liquid back to the system so that thermal energy may be removed from the fluid and supplied to external air (e.g., a location external to a structure) or internal air (e.g., inside of a structure).
The heat exchanger module 140 may include a temperature/pressure sensor array 142 on an inlet and a temperature/pressure sensor array 142′ on an outlet of the external heat exchanger 4. The temperature/pressure sensor arrays 142, 142′ monitor the temperature, the pressure, or both of the heat transfer fluid passing within the ASHP System 2; exhaust air passing out of the heat exchanger 4, 20; air passing into the heat exchanger 4, 20; or a combination thereof. The temperature/pressure sensor arrays 142, 142′ are positioned on opposite sides of an external heat exchanger 4. The temperature/pressure sensor arrays 142, 142′ may determine a temperature change, a pressure change, or both across the external heat exchanger 4 (although as shown the internal heat exchanger 20 may include all of the same components and be arranged in an identical manner). The temperature/pressure sensor arrays 142, 142′ may determine an amount of thermal energy that is removed by the external heat exchanger 4. The temperature/pressure sensor arrays 142, 142′ may determine a change in pressure, change in temperature, or both across the external heat exchanger 4. The temperature/pressure sensor arrays 142, 142′ may determine an amount of thermal energy that is removed from a fluid across the external heat exchanger 4. The temperature/pressure sensor arrays 142, 142′ may each include a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. The heat exchanger module 140 may include one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more temperature sensors. The heat exchanger module 140 may include one or more pressure sensors, two or more temperature sensors, three or more temperature sensors, or four or more pressure sensors. The temperature/pressure sensor arrays 142, 142′ may monitor temperature, pressure, or both of the heat transfer fluid. The temperature/pressure arrays 142/142′ may assist in determining system health and/or performance of the system such that the systems components 92 (e.g.,
The sensor data 146, 146′ may be transmitted to a computer, a control system, or both. The sensor data 146, 146′ may be used to control the heat exchanger module 140, a compressor module 60 (shown in
The external heat exchanger 4 may exchange thermal energy from a first fluid to a second fluid. The first fluid may be located inside of the external heat exchanger 4. The first fluid may be a liquid, have a liquid phase, be a refrigerant, a heat transfer fluid, water, include water, or a combination thereof that passes through the external heat exchanger 4. The second fluid may be a fluid, a gas, air, or a combination thereof. The second fluid may be passed through the external heat exchanger 4 relative to the first fluid so that thermal energy is passed between the first fluid and the second fluid. The first fluid may be passed into the external heat exchanger 4 by the compressor 16. For example, the compressor 16 may act as a pump that moves the first fluid into the heat exchanger module 140. The second fluid may be passed into the external heat exchanger 4 by one or more fans 144.
The one or more fans 144 function to move a second fluid from an external environment 8 through the external heat exchanger 4. The one or more fans 144 may move a second fluid in a cross direction relative to a first fluid. The one or more fans 144 move the second fluid through or across the external heat exchanger 4 to remove thermal energy from the first fluid circulating through the external heat exchanger 4. The one or more fans 144 may move a sufficient amount of the second fluid so that thermal energy may be removed to change a temperature of the first fluid. The first fluid may remove a sufficient amount of thermal energy so that a temperature inside of a structure may be controlled to achieve a desired temperature. The second fluid may change a temperature of the first fluid by about 1° C. or more, 3° C. or more, 5° C. or more, 7° C. or more, or about 10° C. or more. The second fluid may change a temperature of the first fluid by about 30° C. or less, about 25° C. or less, about 20° C. or less, or about 15° C. or less.
The one or more fans 144 may move a sufficient amount of the second fluid to change a temperature of the first fluid and to provide a desired amount of thermal fluid to a structure. The one or more fans 144 may move about 1500 m3/hr or more, about 3000 m3/hr or more, about 4500 m3/hr or more, about 6000 m3/hr or more, about 7500 m3/hr or more, about 9000 m3/hr or more, or about 10,500 m3/hr or more of a fluid. The one or more fans 144 may move about 25,000 m3/hr or less, about 20,000 m3/hr or less, about 17,500 m3/hr or less, about 15,000 m3/hr or less, about 12,000 m3/hr or less, or about 11,000 m3/hr or less of a fluid. The one or more fans 144 may be a single fan. The one or more fans 144 may begin with a single fan and additional fans may be added to the ASHP system 2 to increase an amount of the second fluid that may be moved through the external heat exchanger 4. The one or more fans 144 may move the second fluid through fins of the external heat exchanger 4 so that thermal energy is removed from the first fluid by the second fluid. A temperature of the second fluid may be measured by a temperature sensor 34 before the external heat exchanger 4 and after the external heat exchanger 4 by another temperature sensor 34′.
The temperature sensor 34 may be located on an inlet of the one or more fans 144 and the temperature sensor 34′ may be located on an outlet of the one or more fans 144. The temperature sensor 34 may measure an ambient temperature of an external environment 8. The temperature sensor 34 and the temperature sensor 34′ may monitor a change in temperature of the second fluid as the second fluid passes through the external heat exchanger 4. The temperature sensor 34 may provide sensor data 146″ to a computer 30, a control system 70, or both. The temperature sensor 34′ may provide sensor data 146″ to the computer 30, the control system 70, or both.
A change in temperature between the sensor data 146″ of the temperature sensor 34 and the sensor data 146′″ of the temperature sensor 34′ may be controlled by the computer 30, the control system 70, or both to increase or decrease an amount of thermal energy removed from first fluid. The change in temperature between the sensor data 146″ and the sensor data 146′″ may be increased or decreased depending upon an amount of heating and/or cooling of a structure. For example, if a 2-degree temperature change is requested then a first level of thermal exchange may be provided and if a 5-degree temperature change then a second level of thermal exchange may be provided that is more than the first level. The second level may be greater than the first level by increasing an amount of air flow from the one or more fans 144. The one or more fans may increase air flow by speeding up the one or more fans 144 or slowing down the one or more fans 144, speeding up or slowing down a velocity of the first fluid through the external heat exchanger 4, or both. The one or more fans 144 may take the second fluid from the external environment 8, pass the second fluid through the external heat exchanger 4, and then dispose the second fluid back into the external environment 8. The computer 30, the control system 70, or both may vary the speed of the one or more fans 144 on demand based upon a change in temperature of the second fluid passing through the external heat exchanger 4. Thus, the one or more fans 144 may increase in speed or decrease in speed based upon a requested amount of thermal energy requested by the system. All of the sensor data 146, 146′, 146″, and 146′″ may be provided to a computer 30, a control system 70, or both of
The sensor data 146, 146′, 146″, and 146′″ may be analyzed by the computer 30, the control system 70, or both so that the computer 30, the control system 70, or both controls the compressor module 60 (of
The filter and/or driers 164, 164′ function to clean and/or condition the heat transfer fluid 10. The filter and/or driers 164, 164′ may remove moisture, debris, dirt, acid, solder flux, metal particles, or a combination thereof from the heat transfer fluid. The filter and/or driers 164, 164′ may prevent the heat transfer fluid from freezing within pipes and/or tubing that carry the heat transfer fluid. The filter and/or driers 164, 164′ may include or be located adjacent to one or more sight glasses 162, 162′.
The one or more sight glasses 162, 162′ function to permit heat transfer fluid to be viewed within the expansion module 160. The sight glasses 162, 162′ function to permit an operator to directly view the heat transfer fluid. The sight glasses 162, 162′ function to permit a visual inspection of the expansion module 160. The sight glasses 162, 162′ may be located between the filter and/or drier 164, 164′ respectively and the expansion valve 22.
The expansion valve 22 functions to cause a pressure drop in the heat transfer fluid. The expansion valve 22 may generate a pressure drop in the heat transfer fluid across a condenser and evaporator (e.g., within the external heat exchanger 4, the internal heat exchanger 20). The expansion valve 22 may meter an amount of the heat transfer fluid that passes through the expansion module 160. The expansion valve 22 may convert the heat transfer fluid from a liquid to a gas and/or vapor. The expansion valve 22 restricts the amount of heat transfer fluid that passes therethrough. The expansion valve 22 may change the state of the heat transfer fluid so that the heat transfer fluid is a liquid entering the expansion valve 22 and a gas, vapor, sprayed liquid, or a combination thereof exiting the expansion valve 22. The expansion valve 22 may change a pressure of the heat transfer fluid. The expansion valve 22 may have an orifice.
The orifice of the expansion valve 22 may be variable in size. The orifice may be adjusted to open and close to vary an amount of heat transfer fluid through the expansion valve. The orifice may be dynamically controlled by the computer 30, the control system 70, or both depending on a thermal demand on the system (e.g., to increase or decrease thermal transfer within the system). The expansion valve 22 may increase, decrease, or both an amount of thermal transfer out of the ASHP system.
The connectors 24, 24′ may be quick connectors discussed herein. The connectors 24, 24′ may be an inlet and an outlet. As shown, the connector 24 is an inlet and the connector 24′ is an outlet. The connectors 24, 24′ may assist in adding one or more refrigerant modules 170 to the ASHP system 2. The connectors 24, 24′ may be located adjacent to one or more solenoid valves 172, 172′ respectively.
The solenoid valves 172, 172′ function to open and close to permit heat transfer fluid to enter and exit the refrigerant module 170. The solenoid valves 172, 172′ may be connected to the computer 30, the control system 70, or both. The solenoid valves 172, 172′ may be operable individually, in a sequence, simultaneously, or a combination thereof. For example, if the computer 30, the control system 70, or both determine that additional heat transfer fluid is needed then only the connector 24′ may open or if the computer 30, the control system 70, or both determine that less heat transfer fluid is needed then the connector 24 may open to allow heat transfer fluid to be removed. The solenoid valves 172, 172′ may open and close as the computer 30, the control system 70, or both determine that a volume of the heat transfer fluid is changing so that the volume may be maintained substantially constant. The solenoid valves 172, 172′ may be located adjacent to one or more check valves 64, 64′.
The check valves 64, 64′ may only permit fluid flow in a single direction. The check valve 64 may permit fluid to flow into the refrigerant module 170 through the inlet connector 24. The check valve 64′ may permit fluid to flow out of the refrigerant module 170 through the outlet connector 24′ while preventing fluid to flow counter to the outlet. Check valve 64 may be located adjacent to a pump 38 and check valve 64′ may be located adjacent to a pump 38′.
The pump 38 may receive heat transfer fluid from the ASHP system 2 and move the heat transfer fluid into a reservoir 36. The pump 38 and the solenoid valve 172 may be activated simultaneously, in series, in a sequence, or a combination thereof so that fluid is moved from the connector 24 and into the reservoir 36. The fluid may enter through the connector 24 at a first pressure and then the pump 38 may increase pressure to move the fluid into the reservoir 36. The pump 38 may be activated by the computer 30, the compressor module 60, or both to control an amount of fluid removed from the ASHP system 2. The pump 38 may only be activated when heat transfer fluid is being removed from the ASHP system 2.
A pump 38′ may be located on an outlet side of the refrigerant module 170. The pump 38′ may assist in controlling a volume of fluid removed from the refrigerant module 170 and the reservoir 36. The pump 38′ may pressurize heat transfer fluid so that the heat transfer fluid is moved out of the refrigerant module 170 through the connector 24′. The pump 38′ may be activated by the computer 30, the control system 70, or both. The pump 38′ may move a predetermined amount of fluid so that a substantially constant amount of volume may be maintained within the ASHP system 2 connected to the refrigerant module 170. The pump 38 and the pump 38′ may operate at a same time, alternatingly, on demand, or a combination thereof so that an amount of heat transfer fluid varies within the refrigerant module 170 to keep the amount and/or volume of fluid within the ASHP system is kept substantially constant. The computer 30, the control system 70, or both may add and remove heat transfer fluid in order to maintain a volume, increase a volume, decease a volume, or a combination thereof so that a predetermined efficiency of the ASHP system may be maintained. The computer 30, the control system 70, or both may adjust an amount of heat transfer fluid within the ASHP system 2 in response to sensor data 146, 146′, 146″, and 146′″ from the heat exchanger module 140 so that the refrigerant module 170 adds and subtracts heat transfer fluid in substantially real time.
The connector 24′ when configured as a three-way valve may be variable to guide the heat transfer fluid 10 in a first direction, second direction, or both. The connector 24′ may vary an amount of fluid between the two directions such that one direction may get 0% and the other direction get 100%, 50% and 50%, 25% and 75%, or any amount therebetween. The connector 24′ may include quick connectors as discussed herein. The connector 24′ may release any one of the three sides.
The connectors 24 may include a relief 29. The relief 29 may permit a gas to be purged from the heat transfer fluid 10. The relief 29 permits additional heat transfer fluid 10 to be added to the ASHP system 2. The relief 29 may connect to other connectors 24 so that heat transfer fluid 10 may be directed to another location of interest.
The computer 30 may speed up or slow down motors 40 on the external heat exchanger 4, the internal heat exchangers 20, or both. The motors 40 may be variable speed motors. The motors 40 may be connected to a variable frequency drive (VFD). The VFD may control the motors such that virtually an unlimited number of modes and/or speeds may be produced by the ASHP system 2 may be generates. The motors 40 may directly or indirectly drive the external heat exchanger 4 and the internal heat exchanger 20. The motors 40 may drive a belt that drives the external heat exchanger 4 and the internal heat exchanger 20.
The ASHP system 2 may be modular such that if additional heating or cooling is needed another external heat exchanger 4 could be added to the ASHP system 2 via the connectors 24. Similarly, an additional or bigger compressor 16 may be added. The connectors 24 may be self-scaling such that when a connection is removed the connectors 24 do not leak.
The power controller 72 functions to control one or more components of the ASHP system 2. The power controller 72 may be part of the computer 30. The power controller 72 may regulate an amount of power from a power supply 122 to the individual components of the ASHP system 2. The power controller 72 may vary an amount of power to each individual component so that the ASHP system 2 may provide as much thermal transfer with as little power as possible. The power controller 72 may directly control individual components. The power controller 72 may include separate controllers that each control a component. The power controller 72 may include a heat transfer fluid controller 74, a heat exchanger controller 76, a compressor controller 78, a valve controller 80, a pump/motor controller 82, or a combination thereof. The power controller 72 may be in communication with system components 92.
The system components 92 may include or include heat transfer fluid, an external heat exchanger, a reversing valve, an internal heat exchanger, a compressor, an expansion valve, connectors, valves, pumps, motors, sensors, communication devices, or a combination thereof. The system components 92 may transfer data back and forth with the power controller 72 and the other controllers taught herein. Each of the system components 92 may be in communication with one or more controllers. The heat transfer fluid controller 74 may be in communication with sensors, fluid lines, reservoirs, pumps, or a combination thereof that are in communication with heat transfer fluid so that heat transfer fluid data 94 is exchanged. The heat exchanger controller 76 may be in communication with one or more heat exchangers (e.g., internal heat exchanger and/or external heat exchanger) so that heat exchanger data 96 is exchanged. The compressor controller 78 may be in communication with one or more compressors so that compressor data 98 is exchanged. The valve controller 80 may be in communication with one or more valves (e.g., reversing valve, expansion valve, valves within connectors, valves within pipes) so that valve data 100 is exchanged. The pump/motor controller 82 may be in communication with one or more motors, one or more pumps, or both within the ASHP system 2 so that pump/motor data 102 is exchanged.
The heat transfer fluid controller 74 may monitor a temperature, pressure, velocity, change in temperature, or a combination thereof of the heat transfer fluid at one or more locations by receiving heat transfer fluid data 94 about the heat transfer fluid at the various locations. The heat transfer fluid data 94 may transmit data to the heat transfer fluid controller 74 so that the heat transfer fluid controller may adjust the system to generate a desired amount of heat exchange. The heat transfer fluid data 94 may be collected from a location adjacent to or within an external heat exchanger, reversing valve, compressor, internal heat exchanger, expansion valve, connectors, reservoir, pumps, or a combination thereof. The heat transfer fluid controller 74 may change one or more conditions of the ASHP system 2 so that the heat transfer fluid provides a desired amount of thermal conditioning (e.g., heating or cooling). The heat transfer fluid data 94 may include a change in temperature across the external heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger, or both. The change in temperature (e.g., delta) may determine how the other system components 92 are controlled. The change in temperature may be one condition that the computer 30 monitors to vary the system components 92 to generate a desired amount of heating and/or cooling. The ASHP system 2 may control multiple of the system components 92 so that conditioning may be increased or decreased within the ASHP system 2 such that a demand within the structure may be met by a mode selected. The ASHP system 2 may control multiple of the system components 92 to reduce power consumption when a lower power mode (e.g., mode 1 258) is selected. Thus, the ASHP system 2 or any of the controllers taught herein may change one or more of the system components 92 so that conditioning may be increased, conditioning may be decreased, power consumption may be increased, power consumption may be decreased, or a combination thereof. If the change in temperature is outside of a desired range then the heat exchanger controller 76 may vary how the heat exchangers (e.g., internal heat exchangers or internal heat exchangers) input or output thermal energy by transmitting heat exchanger data 96.
The heat exchanger controller 76 may control an amount of thermal energy that is exchanged. The heat exchanger controller 76 may change how the heat exchangers operate so that a desired amount of conditioning is provided to a structure in communication with the ASHP system 2. The heat exchanger controller 76 may transmit and receive heat exchanger data 96 so that the heat exchangers add or remove thermal energy from the heat transfer fluid. The heat exchanger data 96 may speed up the heat exchangers, slow down the heat exchangers, take one or more heat exchanges offline, put one or more heat exchanges online, or a combination thereof. The heat exchanger controller 76 may control the heat exchangers so that the heat exchangers operate at a rate of between 0 percent and 100 percent. The heat exchanger controller 76 may operate the heat exchangers at about 25 percent or more, about 50 percent or more, about 60 percent or more, about 70 percent or more, about 80 percent or more, or about 90 percent or more of a full capacity. The heat exchanger controller 76 may operate the heat exchangers at about 100 percent or less, about 95 percent or less, about 90 percent or less, about 85 percent or less, or about 80 percent or less than a full capacity. The heat exchanger controller 76 may turn the heat exchangers on until a temperature setpoint within the structure is reached and then turn off the heat exchangers when the temperature setpoint is achieved. The heat exchanger controller 76 may operate the heat exchangers at a lower speed when a setpoint is achieved. The heat exchanger controller 76 and the heat exchanger data 96 may assist the computer 30 in providing control information to the compressor controller 78.
The compressor controller 78 functions to control one or more compressors based upon compressor data 98. The compressor controller 78 may vary an amount of compression that is applied to the heat transfer fluid. The compressor controller 78 may change a pressure, a temperature, or both of the heat transfer fluid. The amount of compression of the heat transfer fluid may change an amount of heat transfer, a change in temperature, or both so that an amount of thermal exchange may be varied. The compressor controller 78 may monitor the compressor to determine a level the compressors operate. The compressor controller 78 may operate the controller at a level of between about 0 percent and about 100 percent. The compressor controller 78 may operate the compressor at a level of about 0 percent or more, about 25 percent or more, about 50 percent or more, about 75 percent or more, about 80 percent or more, about 85 percent or more, or about 90 percent or more of full capacity. The compressor controller 78 may operate the compressor at about 100 percent or less, about 95 percent or less, about 90 percent or less, about 85 percent or less, or about 80 percent or less than a full capacity. The compressor controller 78 may determine based upon compressor data 98 a compressor speed, a compressor pressure, a compressor temperature, a number of compressors, putting compressors online, taking compressors offline, or a combination thereof. The compressor data 98 may include current pressure, current temperature, pressure change, temperature change, velocity of the heat transfer fluid, or a combination thereof. The compressor data 98 may be provided to the computer 30 so that the computer may communicate with and control a valve controller 80.
The valve controller 80 may control one or more valves within the ASHP system 2. The valve controller 80 may control the one or more valves based upon valve data 100. The valve controller 80 may control each valve within the ASHP system 2 individually. The valve controller 80 may open one valve while closing one valve based upon the valve data 100. The valve controller 80 may vary an amount each valve is opened. The valves may be varied by the valve controller to be fully open or fully closed or a position therebetween. The valve controller 80 may operate each of the valves at a position of about 0 percent or more, about 25 percent or more, about 50 percent or more, about 75 percent or more, about 80 percent or more, about 85 percent or more, or about 90 percent or more of full capacity. The valve controllers 80 may operate the valves at a position of at about 100 percent or less, about 95 percent or less, about 90 percent or less, about 85 percent or less, or about 80 percent or less than a full capacity. The valve controller 80 may be opened and closed to direct the heat transfer fluid to locations of interest. For example, if the valve controller 80 determines based on the valve data 100 that more heat transfer fluid is need, less heat transfer fluid is needed, more heat exchangers are needed, less heat exchangers are needed, more compressors are needed, less compressors are needed, more reversing valves are needed, less reversing valves are needed, more expansion valves are needed, less expansion valves are needed or a combination thereof the valves may be opened and/or closed to redirect heat transfer fluid about the ASHP system 2. The valves may assist in increasing or decreasing pressure, velocity, or both of the heat transfer fluid based upon the valve data. For example, if the ASHP system 2 includes a primary portion 50 and two expansion portions 52 as shown in
The pump/motor controller 82 functions to control operation of one or more pumps, motors, or both within the ASHP system 2. The pump/motor controller 82 may function as a variable frequency drive (VFD) to speed up or slow down the one or more pumps, one or more motors, or both within the system. The VFD may change the speeds of the motors/pumps such that variable control may occur within the ASHP system 2 as is illustrated in
The PLC 84 is configured to send and receive signals (shown as a dotted line), send and receive power (shown as a solid line), or both. The PLC 84 may regulate an amount of power that is supplied to each of the components, controllers, or both. The PLC 84 may be or include the VFD, a power converter, or both. The PLC 84 may receive power and then provide an amount of power to each component or each component controller (e.g., expansion controller 166, compressor controller 78, internal heat exchanger controller 76, external heat exchanger controller 76′, or refrigerant controller 176). The PLC 84 may provide full power to each component all of the time, full power to each of the controllers all of the time, partial power to each component, partial power to each of the controllers, or a combination thereof. The PLC 84 may only split the power between the components, the modules, or both. The PLC 84 may divert the signals from the sensors to each controller based upon signal type, information of the signals, data type, a sensor providing information, or a combination thereof. The PLC 84 may receive signals from an interface 286. The PLC 84 may receive power from a first power supply 280 (e.g., a main power supply). The first power supply 280 may provide 240 volts to the system. The first power supply 280 may provide 240 volts to PLC 84 or a converter that converts the 240 volts to 120 volts. The first power supply 280 may be converted into a second power supply 282, the third power supply 284, or both. The converted power supply may be different than the first power supply 280 (e.g., converted from 240v to 120v). The PLC 84 may provide signals to a valve controller 80, a solenoid controller 174, a pump controller 82, a motor controller 42, the expansion controller 166, the compressor controller 78, the internal heat exchanger 20, the external heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant controller 176, or a combination thereof. The PLC 84 may provide power to an expansion controller 166, a compressor controller 78, an internal heat exchanger controller 76, an external heat exchanger controller 76′, a refrigerant controller 176, or a combination thereof. The first power supply 280 may be the only power supply to run the ASHP system 2; however, a second power supply 282, a third power supply 284, or both may be provided in the event that the first power supply 280 may be interrupted (e.g., a black out, brown out, power loss, power degradation).
The control module 180 may include a second power supply 282 (secondary), a third power supply 284 (tertiary), or both that bypass the PLC 84. The second power supply 282 may be a back-up to the first power supply 280 (e.g., a redundant power supply). The second power supply 282 may prevent degradation of power supplied to the system components 92. The second power supply 282, the third power supply 284, or both may be supplied directly to one of the controllers discussed herein. The second power supply 282, third power supply 284, or both may be provided directly to the internal heat exchanger controller 76, the external heat exchanger controller 76′, the refrigerant controller 176, compressor module 60, or a combination thereof (e.g. bypass the PLC 84). The second power supply 282, the third power supply 284, or both may provide all or a portion necessary to power one or more controllers, one or more modules, one or components, or a combination thereof. The second power supply 282, the third power supply 284, or both may provide a predetermined amount of power and the first power supply 280 may provide the remaining power to a predetermined component via the PLC 84 in order for the predetermined component to provide and/or preform as desired. The second power supply 282 may only supply power to the internal heat exchanger controller 76, the external heat exchanger controller 76′, and the refrigerant controller 176. The second power supply 282 may only supply power if power is not suppled from the first power supply 280, the PLC 84, or both. The third power supply 284 may supply power to the compressor module 60. The third power supply 284 may only supply power if power is not supplied from the first power supply 280, the PLC 84, or both.
During operation power from the first power supply 280 is inputted into the PLC 84. The PLC 84 divides the power and distributes the power to some or all of the controllers, modules, components, or both. The PLC 84 may provide power to the valve controller 80 (and corresponding valves 14, 22, 172), the solenoid controller 174 (and corresponding solenoid valves 172), the pump controller 82 (and corresponding pumps 38), the motor controllers 42 (and corresponding motors 40), the expansion controller 166 (and corresponding expansion module 160 and components), the compressor controller 78 (and corresponding compression module 60 and components), the internal heat exchanger controller 76 (and corresponding internal heat exchanger module 140 and components), the external heat exchanger controller 76′ (and corresponding external heat exchanger module 140′ and components), the refrigerant controller 176 (and corresponding refrigerant module 170 and components), or a combination thereof. The PLC 84 may provide power to only the expansion controller 166 and the compressor controller 78.
In addition to providing power, the PLC 84 may provide signals to the controllers and then the controllers may control based upon those signals. The PLC 84 may provide signals to the valve controller 80 (and corresponding valves 14, 22, 172), the solenoid controller 174 (and corresponding solenoid valves 172), the pump controller 82 (and corresponding pumps 38), the motor controllers 42 (and corresponding motors 40), the expansion controller 166 (and corresponding expansion module 160 and components), the compressor controller 78 (and corresponding compression module 60 and components), the internal heat exchanger controller 76 (and corresponding internal heat exchanger module 140 and components), the external heat exchanger controller 76′ (and corresponding external heat exchanger module 140′ and components), the refrigerant controller 176 (and corresponding refrigerant module 170 and components), or a combination thereof. Each of the controllers (e.g., the valve controller 80, the solenoid controller 174, the pump controller 82, the motor controller 42, the expansion controller 166, the compressor controller 78, the internal heat exchanger controller 76, the external heat exchanger controller 76′, the refrigerant controller 176, or a combination thereof) may interpret the information provided from the PLC 84 and then control based upon the interpretation of that information. The signals from the PLC 84 may be raw data. The signals from the PLC 84 may be organized according to the type of information or data collected. The PLC 84 may analyze the data and then generate instructions based upon the data provided to the PLC 84 so that the instructions may be provided to the controllers discussed herein. The PLC 84 may provide both instructions and data to the controllers and then the controllers may control the associated components and/or modules so that the controllers may directly control the components, modules or both, connected thereto.
The PLC 84 may provide signals (e.g., instructions, data, feedback) to the valve controller 80. The valve controller 80 may directly control one or more valves and may control all of the valves 14, 22, 172. The valve controller 80 may provide instructions to the valves, to open, close, partially open, partially close, a sequence of opening, a sequence of closing, or a combination thereof. The valve controller 80 may control the valves so that the valves change one or more conditions within the ASHP system 2. The valve controller 80 may determine when fluid may pass through a valve, how much fluid may pass through a valve, or both. The valves 14, 22, 172 may be located adjacent to one or more solenoid valves 172 that are controlled by one or more solenoid controllers 174.
The solenoid controllers 174 may function to control a solenoid valve, a solenoid that changes a flow of fluid, prevents fluid leakage, or a combination thereof. The solenoid controllers 174 may control one or more solenoids associated with a solenoid valve 172, 172′. The solenoid controller 174 similar to the valve controller 80 may vary opening and closings to control fluid flow throughout the system. The valve controller 80 may change fluid directions within the ASHP system with one or more solenoid valves 172. The solenoid valves 172 may open and close in conjunction with a pump controller 82 controlling one or more pumps 38 within the ASHP system.
The pump controller 82 may control the one or more pumps 38 within the ASHP system 2 so that fluid flow within the ASHP system 2 may be varied, controlled, stopped, started, moved in different directions, or a combination thereof. The pump controllers 82 may control the pumps 38 to increase or decrease fluid flow so that additional thermal energy may be added to a structure. The pump controller 82 may monitor an amount of power provided to the pumps 38 relative to the output of the pump 38 to determine pump efficiency. The pump controller 82 may operate all of the pumps 38 within the ASHP system so that the pumps 38 may operate to provide a predetermined amount of fluid flow. The pump controller 82 may operate the pump at a condition between 0 percent and 100 percent. Thus, the pump controllers 82 may operate the pumps at 10% or more, 20% or more, 30% or more, 50% or more, 70% or more, 90% or more, or 100% or less. The pump controller 82 may vary a speed that the pumps 38 operate, an amount o fluid flow provided by the pumps 38, or both. The pump controller 82 based upon the information from the PLC may determine that the pumps 38 are operating inefficiently, which pump is not operating properly, if there are system faults, if there are performance faults, if a pump 38 is going to fail, if a pump 38 needs to be repaired, if a pump 38 needs to be replaced, or a combination thereof. The pump controllers 82 may operate in conjunction with one or more motor controllers 42 or discrete from the one or more motor controllers 42. For example, pumps 38 within the ASHP system 2 may include motors that are controlled by the pump controllers 82 and the motor controllers 42 may control motors 40 that control other components.
The motor controllers 42 may control a motor 40. The motor controllers 42 may provide instructions to the motor 40 so that the motors 40 operate as fully on, fully off, any percentage of operation between 0 and 100%, or a combination thereof. The motor controllers 42 may control the motors 40 so that operation of the motors 40 vary with demand of the system (e.g., a delta between a temperature and a setpoint). The motor controller 42 may control the motors 40 based upon a curve (e.g., curves that take into account pressure, enthalpy, or both), a mode selected, a temperature difference between the setpoint and the actual temperature. The motor controller 42 may speed up or slow down the motors 40 so that less energy is consumed, more thermal exchange is provided, more fluid is moved, or a combination thereof. The motor controller 42 may be connected to a motor 40 that controls a fan, valves, compressors, accumulators, reservoirs, or a combination thereof. The motor controllers 42 may vary an amount of fluid moved to an expansion module 160, a compressor module 60, or a combination thereof.
The expansion controller 166 functions to control the expansion module 160 and the components located within the expansion module 160 such as the filter and/or driers 164, 164′, the expansion valves 22, or a combination thereof. The expansion controller 166 may open and close the expansion module 160 based upon demand, based on a setpoint, based on a difference between the setpoint and the actual temperature, a difference between the ambient external temperatures and the setpoint, a difference between the external temperature and the internal temperatures, or a combination thereof. The expansion controller 166, based upon the instructions and/or information from the PLC 84 may open and close to vary the fluid flow within the ASHP system 2 to vary the thermal exchange within the ASHP system 2. The expansion controller 166 may monitor the expansion module 160, the filters and/or driers 164, 164′, the expansion valves 22 to predict performance, diagnose performance, or a combination thereof the components of the expansion module 160. The expansion controller 166 may predict if/when one or more components of the expansion module 160 may need to be repaired, replaced, moved, cleaned, changed, increased in size, decreased in size, or a combination thereof. The expansion controller 166 may control one side of the external heat exchanger 4 and a compressor controller 78 may control a second side of the external heat exchanger 4.
The compressor controller 78 functions to control a compressor module 60 (e.g., as shown in
The control module 180 may be an overall control system for the entire ASHP system 2. The control module 180 may be or include a computer 30, a control system 70, or both. The control module 180 may be part of the control system 70 and the control module 180 may include a computer 30 that as shown in
The system data 130 may be analyzed 202. The system data 130 may be analyzed 202 to determine external ambient conditions surrounding the ASHP system 2, internal ambient conditions surrounding the ASHP system 2, power used by the ASHP system 2, power used by various components within the ASHP system 2, or a combination thereof. The system data 130 may be analyzed one component at a time. For example, efficiency of each component of the system components 92 may be analyzed over time to determine if efficiency of each of the components changes over time, changes by season, is adversely affected by one type of weather versus another type of weather (e.g., rain v. snow). Analyzing the system data 130 includes analyzing any system data 130 discussed herein regarding
The efficiency 204 may be determined component by component, as a whole, or both. The efficiency 204 may determine if one component is operating at a lower efficiency than the other components. The efficiency 204 may be determined by system data 130 provided by a diagnostic sensor, an environmental sensor, or both. The efficiency 204 may determine/illustrates that the ASHP system 2 operates less efficiently during one season, weather condition, type of weather, or a combination thereof. The efficiency 204 may be used to make recommendations to a user regarding the ASHP system 2. The efficiency 204 may determine or recommend a next action regarding the ASHP system 2. Some of the possible determinations that may occur are to resize 206 the ASHP system, control 208 the ASHP system as set up, relocate 210 one or more components of the ASHP system 2, or a combination thereof.
The recommendation of resizing 206 the ASHP system 2 may be a recommendation to increase or decrease the size of the ASHP system 2. Resizing 206 may be a recommendation to add or subtract heat exchanges, reversing valves, compressors, valves, volume of heat transfer fluid, or a combination thereof. Resizing 206 may indicate where a component may be added within the ASHP system 2. Resizing 206 may be accomplished by adding and subtracting components via the connectors 24 such that a component may be added simply and easily to reconfigure the ASHP system 2. Resizing 206 may suggest a component to add or subtract and a control 208 strategy when the component is added or an alternative control strategy 208 for the ASHP system 2 in a current configuration.
Controlling 208 the ASHP system 2 may include one or more of the steps, devices, modifications, or a combination thereof set forth and discussed in
Relocating 210 may specify that one or more components are operating inefficiently at a certain time of day or in certain ambient external conditions; thus, the location of a component may adversely affect the ASHP system 2. For example, in the summer if an external heat exchanger 4 gets illuminated with sun several hours of the day, the efficiency 204 may be reduced by the external heat exchanger 4 becoming hot such that a temperature drop across the external heat exchanger 4 is reduces relative to an external heat exchanger 4 located in the shade. The control system 70 may indicate that the location of one of the components is causing the efficiency 204 to be low due to some external ambient condition. The control system 70 may suggest that an inefficiency component be relocated so that the ASHP system 2 operates at a higher efficiency. The control system 70 may recommend that the internal heat exchanger 20 is moved within the structure. For example, the control system 70 may include multiple sensors 34 located throughout the structure and the system may be overworked due to one portion of the structure being overly cooled/heated while another portion of the structure being under cooled/heated. Relocated 210 may be suggested after a component is repaired or replaced 212. For example, if a component in a location is operating sub-optimally and then a new component is added and the component continues to operate sub-optimally then the control system 70 may recommend relocation 210.
Repair or replacement 212 may indicate that one or more components are broken, operating inefficiently, are dirty, have a scale build up, are old, or a combination thereof. The control system 70 may indicate that a single component is affecting the system and may need to be repaired or replaced 212. The repair or replacement 212 may be suggested before the component fails. The repair or replacement 212 may predict that the component appears to be failing and that the component may need to be replaced before the component breaks. Thus, the control system 70 may perform predictive maintenance on the system components 92 based upon the system data 130 over time. Relocating 210, repair or replacement 212, or both may be monitored daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or some duration therebetween. The duration of monitoring the ASHP system 2 may depend on the component of the ASHP system 2 being monitored. For example, the external heat exchanger 4 and the internal heat exchanger 20 may be monitored hourly whereas the expansion valve 22 may be monitored daily or weekly.
The system thermostat 252 may monitor environmental conditions outside of the structure and the thermostat 250 may monitor environmental conditions inside of the structure. The system thermostat 252 and the thermostat 250 may monitor the same environmental conditions. The system thermostat 252 and the thermostat 250 may include a same number and type of sensors. The system thermostat 252 may monitor internal conditions of the ASHP system 2. The system thermostat 252 monitor heat transfer fluid 10 within the ASHP system 2. The system thermostat 252 may be in communication with the computer 30, the compressor module 60, or both. The system thermostat 252 may provide data to the computer 30, the control system 70, or both in addition to data from the thermostat 250, the setpoint 254, the sensor data 146, 146′, 146″, 146″, or a combination thereof. The system thermostat 252 may be a plurality of sensors that may be distributed throughout modules of the system taught herein such as one or both of the heat exchanger modules 140 (
The mode controller 256 functions to monitor some or all of the data discussed herein, the setpoints discussed herein, or both and to output control of the ASHP system 2. The mode controller 256 may control the ASHP system 2 based upon a mode selected with the mode controller 256. The mode controller 256 may execute a mode selected by a user. The mode controller 256 may be controlled via a user interface of the thermostat 250. The mode controller 256 may control the ASHP system 2 based upon a system mode 1 258, a system mode 2 260, a system mode 3 262, or a combination thereof. The mode controller 256 may operate the ASHP system 2 according to one of the selected modes 258, 260, 262.
The mode selected and controlled by the mode controller 256 may vary an amount of thermal transfer provided into a structure (e.g., condition such as heating or cooling), an amount of energy used by the ASHP system 2, or a combination of both. The mode controller 258 may operate the ASHP system 2 to provide conditioning while minimizing an amount of energy used by the ASHP system 2. The mode controller 256 may control the ASHP system 2 according to the system mode 1 258 (e.g., an efficiency mode).
The system mode 1 258 may minimize electricity consumption while achieving the desired setpoint 254. The system mode 1 258 may consume less electricity than the system mode 2 260, the system mode 3 262, or both. The system mode 1 258 may achieve the setpoint 254 slower than the system mode 2 260, the system mode 3 262, or both. The system mode 1 258 may run the ASHP system 2 in one linear manner until the setpoint 254 is achieved. The system mode 1 258 may run the ASHP system 2 in one or more stages, two or more stages, or three or more stages until the set point is achieved. For example, the system mode 1 258 my operate at a first rate of conditioning until a parameter is achieved (e.g., temperature) and then change to a second rate of conditioning until a second parameter is achieved (e.g., second temperature of the setpoint). The system mode 1 258 may begin with a steep curve of providing conditioning and then the curve may flatten over time to reduce power consumption. The system mode may provide substantially a consistent amount of conditioning. The system mode 1 258 may change a curve after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 30 minutes or less and 10 minutes or more) if the mode controller 256 determines that the current curve will not achieve the setpoint 254. The mode controller 256 may incrementally change a curve after a predetermined amount of to change a curve so that the ASHP system will achieve the setpoint 254. The system mode 1 258 may attempt to follow a single curve to achieve the setpoint 254 and if the setpoint 254 is not achievable another curve may be selected.
The system mode 2 260 may prioritize conditioning (e.g., heating or cooling) over power consumption. The system mode 2 260 may achieve the setpoint 254 faster than system mode 1 258, system mode 3 262, or both. The system mode 2 260 may consume more power than the system mode 1 258, the system mode 3 262, or a combination thereof. The system mode 2 260 may operate the ASHP system 2 along a single curve, along multiple curves, in one or more stages, in two or more stages, in three or more stages, or a combination thereof. The system mode 2 260 may select a curve that achieved the set point in a least amount of time regardless of the amount of power consumed. The system mode 2 260 may control the ASHP system 2 regardless of power consumption. The system mode 2 260 may control the ASHP system 2 along a first curve and then switch to a second curve if the setpoint 254 may be achieved faster along the second curve than the first curve. The system mode 2 260 may be a recovery mode where
The system mode 3 262 may balance conditioning and power consumption. The system mode 3 262 may use less power than system mode 2 260 but more power than system mode 1 258. The system mode 3 262 may achieve a setpoint faster than system mode 1 258 but slower than system mode 3 262. The system mode 2 262 may be selected when a change in conditioning is desired that is above 5° C. but less than 10° C. The system mode 3 262 may balance an amount of power consumption relative to a desired conditioning change. The system mode 2 262 may be selected when the external environment 8 has a temperature with a large delta relative to a setpoint 254. For example, if a setpoint 254 is about 21° C. and the external environment 8 temperature is about 43° C. then system mode 3 262 may be more desirable than system mode 1 258.
Estimating 302 may be performed to estimate the volume without any input from a user. During estimating 302 the volume be determined by performing a test with the ASHP system 2. The estimate 302 may be performed by providing conditioning to the structure for a predetermined amount of time and a temperature change may be measured from a predetermined distance away and based upon that temperature change the volume may be determined. For example, the ASHP system 2 may be turned on at 100%, a sensor may be located a maximum distance from the vents of the ASHP system 2 (e.g., if the room is 20 m long than the vent and the sensor may be located 20 m apart). After the ASHP system 2 runs for 1 hour (e.g., a predetermined amount of time) the sensor may measure the temperature to determine the temperature change due to the ASHP system 2. The larger the temperature change the smaller the structure and the smaller the change the larger the structure. Once estimating 302 is complete the conditioning may continue until a predetermined temperature is achieved so that the system may begin to test 304 temperature decay.
Testing 304 for temperature decay may include conditioning the structure to a predetermined temperature for predetermined amount of time. The predetermined temperature may be maintained for a predetermined amount of time. Once the predetermined amount of time is achieved, the ASHP system 2 may turn off. The sensors may continue to monitor the temperature. The sensors will monitor the temperature for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours) and then the temperature will be measured again. Based upon the temperature change over the predetermined amount of time a temperature decay may be determined. Alternatively, the ASHP system 2 may turn off and temperature may be allowed to drop from the predetermined temperature, to a temperature 10° C. below the predetermined temperature and the amount of time the temperature drop takes may be measured. Once the testing 304 of the temperature decay is determined the temperature decay may be used to estimate 306 the thermal resistance of the structure.
Estimating 306 the thermal resistance may include determining the thermal resistance of the structure. The thermal resistance may be estimated 306 to determine how heat is lost through the structure. This heat loss may be determined 308 for the structure.
Determining 308 the heat loss may indicate if the structure is leaky, solid, highly insulated, lightly insulated, or a combination thereof. In determining 308 the heat loss, the ASHP system 2 may determine if the system may operate continuously because of leakage in the structure or intermittently because the system is substantially free of leakage. Heat loss may be calculated by using the following formula:
-
- t=specified time;
- Krl=estimated thermal resistance for the volume;
- V=conditioned volume;
- T=active measured temperature for the treated space;
- T∞=temperature of the external environment;
- Ti=initial temperature of the conditioned volume;
Once the heat loss of the structure is determined 308 the system may adapt 310 the condition modes of the ASHP system 2 to accommodate for the determined heat loss. The ASHP system 2 may recalculate the heat loss periodically in order to monitor changes in the structure such as insulation changes, aging of the structure, changes within the structure, or a combination thereof. The checking of heat loss may be done every six months, once a year, every other year, or any other timing set by a user.
Adapting 310 the conditioning modes for the heat loss may change how the ASHP system 2 conditions the structure in order to maximize conditioning, minimize power consumption, regulate a temperature while maintaining the temperature within a degree, or a combination thereof. Adapting 310 the conditioning modes may adapt the system mode 1 258, the system mode 2 260, or the system mode 3 262 so that the modes are specifically tailored for a given structure. Once the modes are adapted 310 the ASHP system 2 conditions the structure.
The ASHP system 2 may perform this initializing and diagnosis periodically over time to maintain the system or the system to maintain performance of the system.
The ASHP system 2 may operate as is shown in
The above-described embodiments of the teachings herein are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.
To further describe some implementations in greater detail, reference is next made to examples of techniques which may be performed by or using a system for providing conditioning. The techniques discussed herein can be performed, for example, by executing a machine-readable program or other computer-executable instructions, such as routines, instructions, programs, or other code. The steps, or operations, of the techniques herein, or another technique, method, process, or algorithm described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein can be implemented directly in hardware, firmware, software executed by hardware, circuitry, or a combination thereof.
For simplicity of explanation, the techniques are depicted and described herein as a series of steps or operations. However, the steps or operations of the technique taught herein in accordance with this disclosure can occur in various orders and/or concurrently. Additionally, other steps or operations not presented and described herein may be used. Furthermore, not all illustrated steps or operations may be required to implement a technique in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.
The system may include quick connectors that are connectable or disconnectable without any tools substantially instantaneously. The plurality of system components comprise: an internal heat exchanger, a reversing valve, an expansion valve, and an external heat exchanger. The reversing valve in communication with a first side of the internal heat exchanger by one or more of the plurality of connectors. The expansion valve in communication with a second side of the internal heat exchanger by one or more of the plurality of connectors. The external heat exchanger connected to the reversing valve on an opposite side as the external heat exchanger and connected to the expansion valve on an opposite side as the internal heat exchanger by the one or more of the plurality of connectors. The internal heat exchanger, the reversing valve, the expansion valve, and the external heat exchanger include one or more of the plurality of sensors. The ASHP system is modifiable by disconnecting one or more of the plurality of connectors located between two of the plurality of system components and by removing one of the plurality of system components or by adding a new system component. The plurality of sensors are located within the plurality of system components, the plurality of connectors, or both. The plurality of system components include inlets and outlets and the plurality of sensors are located within some of the inlets, some of the outlets, or both. The control system is in wireless communication with the plurality of sensors. The system includes a refrigerant module configured to provide additional heat transfer fluid to the ASHP system on demand. The refrigerant module includes one or more pumps, one or more check valves, and a reservoir that are configured to releasably hold the additional heat transfer fluid.
The present teachings may provide the one or more of the plurality of connectors connected to the two or more external system components are located entirely on the external of the structure so that the one or more of the plurality of connectors are assessable from the external of the structure. The one or more of the plurality of connectors connected to the one or more internal system components are located entirely on the internal of the structure so that the one or more of the plurality of connectors are assessable from the internal of the structure. The internal heat exchanger comprises: one or more of the plurality of sensors and one or more communication devices in communication with the control system. The external heat exchanger comprises: one or more of the plurality of sensors and one more of the one or more communication devices in communication with the control system. The internal heat exchanger comprises one of the plurality of connectors on an inlet of the internal heat exchanger and one of the plurality of connectors on an outlet of the internal heat exchanger. The external heat exchanger comprises one of the plurality of connectors on an inlet of the external heat exchanger and one of the plurality of connectors on an outlet of the external heat exchanger. A refrigerant module that is configured to add heat transfer fluid to the ASHP system and subtract heat transfer fluid from the ASHP system on demand so that a volume of heat transfer fluid within the external heat exchanger is configured to be varied over time according to demand, changes in the external environment detected by the plurality of external sensors, or both. The refrigerant module is in communication with a refrigerant controller that controls an amount of the heat transfer fluid entering the external heat exchanger. The refrigerant module has one or more pumps; a reservoir in communication with the one or more pumps; one or more check valves that prevent reverse flow the heat transfer fluid; and one or more solenoid valves that open and close to permit the heat transfer fluid to travel from the refrigerant module into the external heat exchanger.
The control system increases the charge of the heat transfer fluid when the one or more external conditions indicate an increase in ambient external temperature. The control system removes heat transfer fluid when a load on the ASHP system decreases, a setpoint is achieved, or both. The refrigerant module includes a reservoir that comprises an additional amount of the heat transfer fluid so that the control system is capable of adding and subtracting heat transfer fluid to the external assembly on demand. The present teachings provide adding the additional amount of the heat transfer fluid provides additional conditioning and reduces or maintains power consumption of the ASHP system. The external assembly comprises an external heat exchanger and the control system is configured to change a speed of the heat exchanger while the heat transfer fluid charge is being changed. The external assembly comprises a reversing valve and an expansion valve and the control system is configured to change operation of the reversing valve and the expansion valve while changing the charge of the heat transfer fluid within the ASHP system.
The control system analyzes the external system data and the internal system data to diagnose when preventative maintenance is needed. The control system generates signals that indicate an action regarding the internal assembly, the external assembly, or both are needed. The control system based upon the external system data determines that performance of the external assembly is decreasing over time. The control system indicates that the one or more external heat exchangers, the one or more reversing valves, or the one or more expansion valves are causing the decrease in performance over time. The one or more external heat exchangers comprise four or more of the one or more external sensors.
The plurality of sensors include a thermostat to monitor an interior of the structure and a system thermostat to monitor one or more conditions of the ASHP system. The control system includes a mode controller including modes that comprise system mode 1, system mode 2, and system mode 3, and the mode controller controls the ASHP system based on the modes selected. The mode controller controls the ASHP system based upon power consumption when mode 1 is selected. The ASHP system uses less power when mode 1 is selected than mode 2 or mode 3. The control of the ASHP system by the control system comprises a variable mode where the control system continuously varies operation of the plurality of system components to adjust the ASHP system based upon environmental conditions. The variable mode comprises dynamically adjusting the plurality of system components so that each of the plurality of system components are varied to change conditioning output of the ASHP system based on changes in the environmental conditions.
As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, any term specified in the singular may include its plural version. For example, “a computer that stores data and runs software,” may include a single computer that stores data and runs software or two computers-a first computer that stores data and a second computer that runs software. Also “a computer that stores data and runs software,” may include multiple computers that together stored data and run software. At least one of the multiple computers stores data, and at least one of the multiple computers runs software.
As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” encompasses one or more computer readable media. A computer-readable medium may include any storage unit (or multiple storage units) that store data or instructions that are readable by processing circuitry. A computer-readable medium may include, for example, at least one of a data repository, a data storage unit, a computer memory, a hard drive, a disk, or a random access memory. A computer-readable medium may include a single computer-readable medium or multiple computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium may be a transitory computer-readable medium or a non-transitory computer-readable medium.
As used herein, the term “memory subsystem” includes one or more memories, where each memory may be a computer-readable medium. A memory subsystem may encompass memory hardware units (e.g., a hard drive or a disk) that store data or instructions in software form. Alternatively or in addition, the memory subsystem may include data or instructions that are hard-wired into processing circuitry.
As used herein, processing circuitry includes one or more processors. The one or more processors may be arranged in one or more processing units, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a combination of at least one of a CPU or a GPU.
As used herein, the term “engine” may include software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. An engine may be implemented using software stored in the memory subsystem. Alternatively, an engine may be hard-wired into processing circuitry. In some cases, an engine includes a combination of software stored in the memory subsystem and hardware that is hard-wired into the processing circuitry.
The implementations of this disclosure can be described in terms of functional block components and various processing operations. Such functional block components can be realized by a number of hardware or software components that perform the specified functions. For example, the disclosed implementations can employ various integrated circuit components (e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like), which can carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, where the elements of the disclosed implementations are implemented using software programming or software elements, the systems and techniques can be implemented with a programming or scripting language, such as C, C++, Java, JavaScript, assembler, or the like, with the various algorithms being implemented with a combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines, or other programming elements.
Functional aspects can be implemented in algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the implementations of the systems and techniques disclosed herein could employ a number of conventional techniques for electronics configuration, signal processing or control, data processing, and the like. The words “mechanism” and “component” are used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physical implementations, but can include software routines in conjunction with processors, etc. Likewise, the terms “system” or “tool” as used herein and in the figures, but in any event based on their context, may be understood as corresponding to a functional unit implemented using software, hardware (e.g., an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC), or a combination of software and hardware. In certain contexts, such systems or mechanisms may be understood to be a processor-implemented software system or processor-implemented software mechanism that is part of or callable by an executable program, which may itself be wholly or partly composed of such linked systems or mechanisms.
Implementations or portions of implementations of the above disclosure can take the form of a computer program product accessible from, for example, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium can be a device that can, for example, tangibly contain, store, communicate, or transport a program or data structure for use by or in connection with a processor. The medium can be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor device.
Other suitable mediums are also available. Such computer-usable or computer-readable media can be referred to as non-transitory memory or media, and can include volatile memory or non-volatile memory that can change over time. The quality of memory or media being non-transitory refers to such memory or media storing data for some period of time or otherwise based on device power or a device power cycle. A memory of an apparatus described herein, unless otherwise specified, does not have to be physically contained by the apparatus, but is one that can be accessed remotely by the apparatus, and does not have to be contiguous with other memory that might be physically contained by the apparatus.
While the disclosure has been described in connection with certain implementations, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed implementations but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.
Claims
1. A modular air source heat pump system (ASHP system) comprising:
- an internal assembly comprising one or more internal system components located on an outside of a structure;
- an external assembly comprising one or more external system components located on an inside of the structure;
- a refrigerant module removably connected to the external assembly;
- a plurality of sensors located within the internal assembly and configured to monitor one or more internal conditions, one or more internal system conditions, or both;
- a plurality of sensors located within the external assembly and configured to monitor one or more external conditions, one or more external system conditions, or both;
- a control system in communication with the plurality of sensors located within the internal assembly and the plurality of sensors located within the external assembly, the control system configured to: change a heat transfer fluid charge in the internal assembly, the external assembly, or both by adding or subtracting heat transfer fluid from the refrigerant module in response to changes in the one or more external conditions, the one or more external system conditions, the one or more internal conditions, the one or more internal system conditions, or a combination thereof.
2. The ASHP system or claim 1, wherein the control system increases the charge of the heat transfer fluid when the one or more external conditions indicate an increase in ambient external temperature.
3. The ASHP system of claim 1, wherein the control system removes heat transfer fluid when a load on the ASHP system decreases, a setpoint is achieved, or both.
4. The ASHP system of claim 1, wherein the refrigerant module includes a reservoir that comprises an additional amount of the heat transfer fluid so that the control system adds or subtracts heat transfer fluid to the external assembly on demand.
5. The ASHP system of claim 4, wherein adding the additional amount of the heat transfer fluid provides additional conditioning and reduces or maintains power consumption of the ASHP system.
6. The ASHP system of claim 1, wherein the external assembly comprises an external heat exchanger and the control system is configured to change a speed of the heat exchanger while the heat transfer fluid charge is being changed.
7. The ASHP system of claim 6, wherein the external assembly comprises a reversing valve and an expansion valve and the control system is configured to change operation of the reversing valve and the expansion valve while changing the charge of the heat transfer fluid within the ASHP system.
8. A modular air source heat pump system (ASHP system) comprising:
- an external assembly comprising: one or more external heat exchangers; one or more reversing valves; one or more expansion valves; and one or more external sensors in communication with the one or more external heat exchangers, the one or more reversing valves, the one or more expansion valves, or a combination thereof, wherein the one or more external sensors are configured to monitor the one or more heat exchangers, the one or more reversing valves, the one or more expansion valves, or a combination thereof during operation;
- an internal assembly comprising: an internal heat exchanger, and one or more internal sensors in communication with the internal heat exchanger to monitor operation of the internal heat exchanger; and
- a control system in communication with the one or more external sensors that monitor external system data regarding operation of the external assembly and one or more internal sensors that monitor internal system data regarding operation of the internal assembly, wherein the control system monitors operation to determine if operation of the external assembly, the internal assembly, or both vary over time.
9. The ASHP system of claim 8, wherein the control system analyzes the external system data and the internal system data to determine when preventative maintenance is needed.
10. The ASHP system of claim 8, wherein the control system generates signals that indicate an action regarding the internal assembly, the external assembly, or both are needed.
11. The ASHP system of claim 10, wherein the control system determines, based on the external system data, that performance of the external assembly is decreasing over time.
12. The ASHP system of claim 11, wherein the control system indicates that the one or more external heat exchangers, the one or more reversing valves, or the one or more expansion valves are causing the decrease in performance over time.
13. The ASHP system of claim 8, wherein the one or more external heat exchangers comprise four or more of the one or more external sensors.
14. A modular air source heat pump system (ASHP system) comprising:
- a plurality of system components that are individually connected together by a plurality of connectors so that the plurality of system components are configured to provide conditioning to a structure and the plurality of system components are configured to connect and/or disconnect from the ASHP system;
- a plurality of sensors in communication with one or more of the plurality of system components; and
- a control system in communication with the plurality of sensors, the control system configured to:
- monitor system data provided to the control system by the plurality of sensors;
- analyze the system data;
- review an efficiency of the ASHP system based on the analyzed system data; and
- provide feedback regarding the ASHP system based on the analyzed system data, wherein the feedback includes: resize the ASHP system, control the ASHP system, relocate one or more of the plurality system components of the ASHP system, repair or replace one or more of the plurality of system components of the ASHP system; or a combination thereof.
15. The ASHP system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of sensors include a thermostat to monitor an interior of the structure and a system thermostat to monitor one or more conditions of the ASHP system.
16. The ASHP system of claim 14, wherein the control system comprises:
- a mode controller including modes that comprise system mode 1, system mode 2, and system mode 3, wherein the mode controller controls the ASHP system based on the modes selected.
17. The ASHP system of claim 16, wherein the mode controller controls the ASHP system based on power consumption when mode 1 is selected.
18. The ASHP system of claim 16, wherein the ASHP system uses less power when mode 1 is selected in comparison to when mode 2 or mode 3 are selected.
19. The ASHP system of claim 14, wherein control of the ASHP system by the control system comprises a variable mode where the control system continuously varies operation of the plurality of system components to adjust the ASHP system based on environmental conditions.
20. The ASHP system of claim 19, wherein the variable mode comprises dynamically adjusting the plurality of system components so that each of the plurality of system components are varied to change conditioning output of the ASHP system based on changes in the environmental conditions.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 21, 2024
Publication Date: Sep 26, 2024
Inventors: Jordan Malek Sotudeh (West Hollywood, CA), Julian Dariush Jazayeri (Thousand Oaks, CA)
Application Number: 18/612,889
