U.S. patent application number 13/731577 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-04 for heat pump and control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Sung Oug Cho, Sung Goo Kim, Sung Tae Kim, Wook Jin Lee, Se Hoon Shin.
Application Number | 20130167559 13/731577 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47720247 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130167559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Sung Tae ; et
al. |
July 4, 2013 |
HEAT PUMP AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
Disclosed herein are a heat pump and a control method thereof.
The heat pump includes an outdoor unit including a compressor, an
outdoor heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve, an indoor unit
including an indoor heat exchanger and a second expansion valve, a
hydro unit including a hot water heat exchanger and a third
expansion valve, the hydro unit heating or cooling water through
heat exchange between a refrigerant and the water, a refrigerant
flow path switching member to switch refrigerant flow paths among
the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor unit, and
the hydro unit such that simultaneous heating and cooling
operations and/or simultaneous cooling and heating operations
through the indoor unit and the hydro unit are performed in a heat
recovery mode to recover and reuse residual heat, and a controller
to control the refrigerant flow path switching member such that at
least one of the simultaneous operations is performed in the heat
recovery mode.
Inventors: |
Kim; Sung Tae; (Hwaseong-si,
KR) ; Kim; Sung Goo; (Hwaseong-si, KR) ; Shin;
Se Hoon; (Yongin-si, KR) ; Lee; Wook Jin;
(Seoul, KR) ; Cho; Sung Oug; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
47720247 |
Appl. No.: |
13/731577 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/56 ;
62/324.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24D 19/1087 20130101;
F25B 13/00 20130101; F25B 49/02 20130101; F25B 2313/0231 20130101;
F24D 11/0285 20130101; F25B 2313/005 20130101; F24D 5/12 20130101;
F24D 11/0214 20130101; F24D 2200/12 20130101; F24D 2200/22
20130101; F25B 2313/02732 20130101; Y02P 80/152 20151101; F25B
2313/007 20130101; F24D 11/0242 20130101; Y02B 10/70 20130101; Y02P
80/15 20151101; F25B 30/02 20130101; F25B 2313/003 20130101; Y02B
30/13 20180501; F24D 19/1039 20130101; F24H 6/00 20130101; F25B
2313/021 20130101; F25B 2600/2513 20130101; Y02B 30/52 20130101;
F24D 17/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/56 ;
62/324.6 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/02 20060101
F25B049/02; F25B 30/02 20060101 F25B030/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 2, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0000037 |
Dec 21, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0150144 |
Claims
1. A heat pump comprising: an outdoor unit comprising a compressor,
an outdoor heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve; an indoor
unit comprising an indoor heat exchanger and a second expansion
valve; a hydro unit comprising a hot water heat exchanger and a
third expansion valve, the hydro unit heating or cooling water
through heat exchange between a refrigerant and the water; a
refrigerant flow path switching member to switch refrigerant flow
paths among the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor
unit, and the hydro unit such that heating and/or cooling through
the indoor unit and the hydro unit is performed in a heat recovery
mode to recover and reuse residual heat; and a controller to
control the refrigerant flow path switching member such that the
heating and/or the cooling is performed in the heat recovery
mode.
2. The heat pump according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant flow
path switching member comprises: a first valve to form a first flow
path between an outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger and a second flow path between an inlet port of the
compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and to perform switching
between the first and second flow paths according to an operation
mode; a second valve to form a third flow path between the outlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit and a fourth flow path
between the inlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and to
perform switching between the third and fourth flow paths according
to the operation mode; and a third valve to form a fifth flow path
between the outlet port of the compressor and the hydro unit and a
sixth flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit and to perform switching between the fifth and sixth
flow paths according to the operation mode.
3. The heat pump according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant flow
path switching member comprises: a first valve to form a first flow
path between an outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger and a second flow path between an inlet port of the
compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and to perform switching
between the first and second flow paths according to an operation
mode; a second valve to form a third flow path between the outlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit and a fourth flow path
between the inlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and to
perform switching between the third and fourth flow paths according
to the operation mode; and a one-way valve to form a fifth flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the hydro unit
and to perform opening/closing the fifth flow path according to the
operation mode.
4. A heat pump comprising: an outdoor unit comprising a compressor,
an outdoor heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve; an indoor
unit comprising an indoor heat exchanger and a second expansion
valve; a hydro unit comprising a hot water heat exchanger and a
third expansion valve, the hydro unit heating or cooling water
through heat exchange between a refrigerant and the water; a
refrigerant flow path switching member comprising a first valve to
form a first flow path between an outlet port of the compressor and
the outdoor heat exchanger and a second flow path between an inlet
port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and to
perform switching between the first and second flow paths, a second
valve to form a third flow path between the outlet port of the
compressor and the indoor unit and a fourth flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and to perform
switching between the third and fourth flow paths, and a third
valve to form a fifth flow path between the outlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit and a sixth flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the hydro unit and to perform
switching between the flow paths; and a controller to control the
first to third valves to perform switching between the first
through sixth flow paths such that simultaneous cooling and heating
operations and/or simultaneous heating and cooling operations are
performed in a heat recovery mode to recover and reuse residual
heat.
5. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the second flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the fourth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third valve to form the
fifth flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the compressor
is supplied to both the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor unit
via the hydro unit, thereby simultaneously performing heating
through the hydro unit (air to water heating) and cooling through
the indoor unit (air to air cooling).
6. The heat pump according to claim 5, wherein the controller
controls opening degrees of the first expansion valve provided in
the outdoor unit and the second expansion valve provided in the
indoor unit to adjust flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into
the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, thereby adjusting a heating
capacity of the hydro unit and a cooling capacity of the indoor
unit.
7. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the second flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the third flow path between the outlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third valve to form the
sixth flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the compressor
is supplied to both the outdoor heat exchanger and the hydro unit
via the indoor unit, thereby simultaneously performing heating
through the indoor unit (air to air heating) and cooling through
the hydro unit (air to water cooling).
8. The heat pump according to claim 7, wherein the controller
controls opening degrees of the first expansion valve provided in
the outdoor unit and the third expansion valve provided in the
hydro unit to adjust flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into
the outdoor unit and the hydro unit, thereby adjusting a heating
capacity of the indoor unit and a cooling capacity of the hydro
unit.
9. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the first flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the fourth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third valve to form the
fifth flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the compressor
is supplied to the indoor unit via the outdoor heat exchanger and
is directly supplied to the hydro unit, thereby simultaneously
performing cooling through the indoor unit and heating through the
hydro unit.
10. The heat pump according to claim 9, wherein the controller
controls opening degrees of the first expansion valve provided in
the outdoor unit, the second expansion valve provided in the indoor
unit, and the third expansion valve provided in the hydro unit to
adjust flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the hydro unit
and the indoor unit, thereby adjusting a heating capacity of the
hydro unit and a cooling capacity of the indoor unit.
11. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the first flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the third flow path between the outlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third valve to form the
sixth flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the compressor
is supplied to the hydro unit via the outdoor heat exchanger and is
directly supplied to the indoor unit, thereby simultaneously
performing cooling through the hydro unit and heating through the
indoor unit.
12. The heat pump according to claim 11, wherein the controller
controls opening degrees of the first expansion valve provided in
the outdoor unit, the second expansion valve provided in the indoor
unit, and the third expansion valve provided in the hydro unit to
adjust flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the hydro unit
and the indoor unit, thereby adjusting a cooling capacity of the
hydro unit and a heating capacity of the indoor unit.
13. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the second flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the third flow path between the outlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, the third valve to form the
sixth flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit, and the third expansion valve provided in the hydro
unit to be closed such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is recovered to the outdoor unit via the indoor unit,
thereby independently performing heating through the indoor
unit.
14. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the second flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the fourth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, the third valve to form the
fifth flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit, and the second expansion valve provided in the indoor
unit to be closed such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is recovered to the outdoor unit via the hydro unit,
thereby independently performing heating through the hydro
unit.
15. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the second flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the third flow path between the outlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third valve to form the
fifth flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the compressor
is supplied to both the indoor unit and the hydro unit, thereby
performing heating through both the indoor unit and the hydro unit,
and controls opening degrees of the second expansion valve provided
in the indoor unit and the third expansion valve provided in the
hydro unit to adjust a heating capacity of the indoor unit and a
heating capacity of the hydro unit.
16. The heat pump according to claim 15, wherein, if a sum of the
heating capacity of the hydro unit and the heating capacity of the
indoor unit exceeds 100% a capacity of the outdoor unit, the
controller controls the fifth and sixth flow paths of the third
valve to be closed while controlling the second valve to form the
third flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the
indoor unit such that supply of the refrigerant to the hydro unit
is interrupted, thereby performing heating through the indoor unit
first, and, when the heating through the indoor unit is performed
to a predetermined level, the controller controls the third and
fourth flow paths of the second valve to be closed and the third
valve to form the fifth flow path between the outlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit, thereby performing heating through
the hydro unit.
17. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the first flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the fourth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, the third valve to form the
sixth flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit, and the third expansion valve provided in the hydro
unit to be closed such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to the indoor unit via the outdoor heat
exchanger, thereby independently performing cooling through the
indoor unit.
18. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the first flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the fourth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, the third valve to form the
sixth flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit, and the second expansion valve provided in the indoor
unit to be closed such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to the hydro unit via the outdoor heat
exchanger, thereby independently performing cooling through the
hydro unit.
19. The heat pump according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the first flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the fourth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third valve to form the
sixth flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the compressor
is supplied to both the indoor unit and the hydro unit via the
outdoor heat exchanger, thereby performing cooling through both the
indoor unit and the hydro unit.
20. A control method of a heat pump comprising an outdoor unit, an
indoor unit, and a hydro unit to heat or cool water through heat
exchange between a refrigerant and the water, the control method
comprising: controlling a first valve to form a first flow path
between an outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger and a second flow path between an inlet port of the
compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and to perform switching
between the first and second flow paths according to an operation
mode; controlling a second valve to form a third flow path between
the outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and a fourth
flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the indoor
unit and to perform switching between the third and fourth flow
paths according to the operation mode; controlling a third valve to
form a fifth flow path between the outlet port of the compressor
and the hydro unit and a sixth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the hydro unit and to perform switching between
the fifth and sixth flow paths according to the operation mode; and
controlling the first, second, and third valves to perform
switching between the first through sixth flow paths such that
simultaneous cooling and heating operations and/or simultaneous
heating and cooling operations are performed in a heat recovery
mode to recover and reuse residual heat.
21. A heat pump comprising: an outdoor unit comprising a
compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve;
an indoor unit comprising an indoor heat exchanger and a second
expansion valve; a hydro unit comprising a hot water heat exchanger
and a third expansion valve, the hydro unit heating or cooling
water through heat exchange between a refrigerant and the water; a
refrigerant flow path switching member comprising a first valve to
form a first flow path between an outlet port of the compressor and
the outdoor heat exchanger and a second flow path between an inlet
port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and to
perform switching between the first and second flow paths, a second
valve to form a third flow path between the outlet port of the
compressor and the indoor unit and a fourth flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and to perform
switching between the third and fourth flow paths, and a one-way
valve to form a fifth flow path between the outlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit and to perform opening/closing the
fifth flow path; and a controller to control the first valve, the
second valve and the one-way valve to perform switching between the
first through sixth flow paths such that simultaneous cooling and
heating operations and/or simultaneous heating and cooling
operations are performed in a heat recovery mode to recover and
reuse residual heat.
22. The heat pump according to claim 21, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the second flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the fourth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, and the one-way valve to form
the fifth flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to both the outdoor heat exchanger and the
indoor unit via the hydro unit, thereby simultaneously performing
heating through the hydro unit (air to water heating) and cooling
through the indoor unit (air to air cooling).
23. The heat pump according to claim 22, wherein the controller
controls opening degrees of the first expansion valve provided in
the outdoor unit and the second expansion valve provided in the
indoor unit to adjust flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into
the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, thereby adjusting a heating
capacity of the hydro unit and a cooling capacity of the indoor
unit.
24. The heat pump according to claim 21, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the first flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the fourth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, and the one-way valve to form
the fifth flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to the indoor unit via the outdoor heat
exchanger and is directly supplied to the hydro unit, thereby
simultaneously performing cooling through the indoor unit (air to
air cooling) and heating through the hydro unit (air to water
heating).
25. The heat pump according to claim 24, wherein the controller
controls opening degrees of the first expansion valve provided in
the outdoor unit, the second expansion valve provided in the indoor
unit, and the third expansion valve provided in the hydro unit to
adjust flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the hydro unit
and the indoor unit, thereby adjusting a heating capacity of the
hydro unit and a cooling capacity of the indoor unit.
26. The heat pump according to claim 21, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the second flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the third flow path between the outlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, the one-way valve to be closed
such that the sixth flow path between the inlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit is not formed, and the third
expansion valve provided in the hydro unit to be closed such that a
refrigerant discharged from the compressor is recovered to the
outdoor unit via the indoor unit, thereby independently performing
heating through the indoor unit (air to air heating).
27. The heat pump according to claim 21, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the second flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the fourth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, the one-way valve to form the
fifth flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit, and the second expansion valve provided in the indoor
unit to be closed such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is recovered to the outdoor unit via the hydro unit,
thereby independently performing heating through the hydro unit
(air to water heating).
28. The heat pump according to claim 21, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the second flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the third flow path between the outlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, and the one-way valve to form
the fifth flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to both the indoor unit and the hydro unit,
thereby performing heating through both the indoor unit and the
hydro unit (air to air heating+air to water heating), and controls
opening degrees of the second expansion valve provided in the
indoor unit and the third expansion valve provided in the hydro
unit to adjust a heating capacity of the indoor unit and a heating
capacity of the hydro unit.
29. The heat pump according to claim 28, wherein, if a sum of the
heating capacity of the hydro unit and the heating capacity of the
indoor unit exceeds 100% a capacity of the outdoor unit, the
controller controls fifth flow path of the one-way valve to be
closed while controlling the second valve to form the third flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit
such that supply of the refrigerant to the hydro unit is
interrupted, thereby performing heating through the indoor unit
first, and, when the heating through the indoor unit is performed
to a predetermined level, the controller controls third and fourth
flow paths of the second valve to be closed and the one-way valve
to form the fifth flow path between the outlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit, thereby performing heating through
the hydro unit.
30. The heat pump according to claim 21, wherein the controller
controls the first valve to form the first flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, the
second valve to form the fourth flow path between the inlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit, the one-way valve to be closed,
and the third expansion valve provided in the hydro unit to be
closed such that a refrigerant discharged from the compressor is
supplied to the indoor unit via the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby
independently performing cooling through the indoor unit (air to
air cooling).
31. A control method of a heat pump comprising an outdoor unit, an
indoor unit, and a hydro unit to heat water through heat exchange
between a refrigerant and the water, the control method comprising:
controlling a first valve to form a first flow path between an
outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and a
second flow path between an inlet port of the compressor and the
outdoor heat exchanger and to perform switching between the first
and second flow paths according to an operation mode; controlling a
second valve to form a third flow path between the outlet port of
the compressor and the indoor unit and a fourth flow path between
the inlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and to perform
switching between the third and fourth flow paths according to the
operation mode; controlling a one-way valve to form a fifth flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the hydro unit
and to open or close the flow path according to the operation mode;
and controlling the first valve, the second valve, and the one-way
valve to perform switching between the first through fifth flow
paths such that simultaneous cooling and heating operations are
performed in a heat recovery mode to recover and reuse residual
heat.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean
Patent Application No. 2012-0000037 and No. 2012-0150144, filed on
Jan. 2, 2012 and Dec. 21, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property
Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Embodiments relate to heat pump in which an air conditioner
and an environmentally friendly cooling/heating device are
combined.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, a heat pump includes an outdoor unit (a
compressor, a single refrigerant flow path switching member for
cooling/heating, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat
exchanger), an indoor unit, and a hydro unit (a hot water heat
exchanger).
[0006] In the heat pump with the above-stated construction, water
in a storage tank is heated by the hydro unit, which is connected
in parallel to the indoor unit, with the result that in the indoor
unit and the hydro unit are not simultaneously operated in a heat
recovery mode.
[0007] Also, cooling/heating using the indoor unit and
cooling/heating using the hydro unit may not independently
performed.
[0008] Furthermore, the performance of the hydro unit may be
lowered due to a refrigerant collected in the indoor unit when the
indoor unit is operated.
SUMMARY
[0009] In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided
simultaneous performance of an air to air mode, which is a
cooling/heating mode using an indoor unit, and an air to water
mode, which is a cooling/heating mode using a hydro unit, in a heat
recovery mode of a heat pump.
[0010] In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided
independent performance of an air to air mode, which is a
cooling/heating mode using an indoor unit, and an air to water
mode, which is a cooling/heating mode using a hydro unit,
irrespective of a heat recovery mode of a heat pump.
[0011] In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided
prevention of the introduction of a refrigerant into an indoor
unit, which is not operated, when an air to water heating mode,
which is a heating mode using a hydro unit, is performed
irrespective of a heat recovery mode of a heat pump.
[0012] In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided
performance of only heating in an air to water mode using a hydro
unit. To this end, a refrigerant flow path switching member
provided between the hydro unit and a compressor may be constituted
by a one-way valve, thereby reducing cost and simplifying the
structure of a heat pump.
[0013] In accordance with an aspect of one or more embodiments,
there is provided a heat pump includes an outdoor unit including a
compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve,
an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger and a second
expansion valve, a hydro unit including a hot water heat exchanger
and a third expansion valve, the hydro unit heating or cooling
water through heat exchange between a refrigerant and the water, a
refrigerant flow path switching member to switch refrigerant flow
paths among the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor
unit, and the hydro unit such that heating and/or cooling through
the indoor unit and the hydro unit is performed in a heat recovery
mode to recover and reuse residual heat, and a controller to
control the refrigerant flow path switching member such that the
heating and/or the cooling is performed in the heat recovery
mode.
[0014] The refrigerant flow path switching member may include a
first valve to form a flow path between an outlet port of the
compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and a flow path between
an inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and
to perform switching between the flow paths according to an
operation mode, a second valve to form a flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and a flow path
between the inlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and to
perform switching between the flow paths according to an operation
mode, and a third valve to form a flow path between the outlet port
of the compressor and the hydro unit and a flow path between the
inlet port of the compressor and the hydro unit and to perform
switching between the flow paths according to an operation
mode.
[0015] The refrigerant flow path switching member may include a
first valve to form a flow path between an outlet port of the
compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and a flow path between
an inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and
to perform switching between the flow paths according to an
operation mode, a second valve to form a flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and a flow path
between the inlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and to
perform switching between the flow paths according to an operation
mode, and a one-way valve to form a flow path between the outlet
port of the compressor and the hydro unit and a flow path between
the inlet port of the compressor and the hydro unit and to perform
switching between the flow paths according to an operation
mode.
[0016] In accordance with an aspect of one or more embodiments,
there is provided a heat pump includes an outdoor unit including a
compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve,
an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger and a second
expansion valve, a hydro unit including a hot water heat exchanger
and a third expansion valve, the hydro unit heating or cooling
water through heat exchange between a refrigerant and the water, a
refrigerant flow path switching member including a first valve to
form a flow path between an outlet port of the compressor and the
outdoor heat exchanger and a flow path between an inlet port of the
compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and to perform switching
between the flow paths, a second valve to form a flow path between
the outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and a flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit
and to perform switching between the flow paths, and a third valve
to form a flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit and a flow path between the inlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit and to perform switching between the
flow paths, and a controller to control the first to third valves
to perform switching between the flow paths such that simultaneous
cooling and heating operations and/or simultaneous heating and
cooling operations are performed in a heat recovery mode to recover
and reuse residual heat.
[0017] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the inlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third valve to
form the flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to both the outdoor heat exchanger and the
indoor unit via the hydro unit, thereby simultaneously performing
heating through the hydro unit (air to water heating) and cooling
through the indoor unit (air to air cooling).
[0018] The controller may control opening degrees of the first
expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit and the second
expansion valve provided in the indoor unit to adjust flow rate of
the refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit and the indoor
unit, thereby adjusting a heating capacity of the hydro unit and a
cooling capacity of the indoor unit.
[0019] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third
valve to form the flow path between the inlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged
from the compressor is supplied to both the outdoor heat exchanger
and the hydro unit via the indoor unit, thereby simultaneously
performing heating through the indoor unit (air to air heating) and
cooling through the hydro unit (air to water cooling).
[0020] The controller may control opening degrees of the first
expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit and the third
expansion valve provided in the hydro unit to adjust flow rate of
the refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit and the hydro
unit, thereby adjusting a heating capacity of the indoor unit and a
cooling capacity of the hydro unit.
[0021] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the inlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third valve to
form the flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to the indoor unit via the outdoor heat
exchanger and is directly supplied to the hydro unit, thereby
simultaneously performing cooling through the indoor unit and
heating through the hydro unit.
[0022] The controller may control opening degrees of the first
expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit, the second expansion
valve provided in the indoor unit, and the third expansion valve
provided in the hydro unit to adjust flow rate of the refrigerant
introduced into the hydro unit and the indoor unit, thereby
adjusting a heating capacity of the hydro unit and a cooling
capacity of the indoor unit.
[0023] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third
valve to form the flow path between the inlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged
from the compressor is supplied to the hydro unit via the outdoor
heat exchanger and is directly supplied to the indoor unit, thereby
simultaneously performing cooling through the hydro unit and
heating through the indoor unit.
[0024] The controller may control opening degrees of the first
expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit, the second expansion
valve provided in the indoor unit, and the third expansion valve
provided in the hydro unit to adjust flow rate of the refrigerant
introduced into the hydro unit and the indoor unit, thereby
adjusting a cooling capacity of the hydro unit and a heating
capacity of the indoor unit.
[0025] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit, the third valve
to form the flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit, and the third expansion valve provided in the hydro
unit to be closed such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is recovered to the outdoor unit via the indoor unit,
thereby independently performing heating through the indoor
unit.
[0026] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the inlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit, the third valve to form
the flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit, and the second expansion valve provided in the indoor
unit to be closed such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is recovered to the outdoor unit via the hydro unit,
thereby independently performing heating through the hydro
unit.
[0027] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third
valve to form the flow path between the outlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged
from the compressor is supplied to both the indoor unit and the
hydro unit, thereby performing heating through both the indoor unit
and the hydro unit, and control opening degrees of the second
expansion valve provided in the indoor unit and the third expansion
valve provided in the hydro unit to adjust a heating capacity of
the indoor unit and a heating capacity of the hydro unit.
[0028] If the sum of the heating capacity of the hydro unit and the
heating capacity of the indoor unit exceeds 100% a capacity of the
outdoor unit, the controller may control all flow paths of the
third valve to be closed while controlling the second valve to form
the flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the
indoor unit such that supply of the refrigerant to the hydro unit
is interrupted, thereby performing heating through the indoor unit
first, and, when the heating through the indoor unit is performed
to a predetermined level, the controller may control all flow paths
of the second valve to be closed and the third valve to form the
flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the hydro
unit, thereby performing heating through the hydro unit.
[0029] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the inlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit, the third valve to form
the flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit, and the third expansion valve provided in the hydro
unit to be closed such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to the indoor unit via the outdoor heat
exchanger, thereby independently performing cooling through the
indoor unit.
[0030] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the inlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit, the third valve to form
the flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit, and the second expansion valve provided in the indoor
unit to be closed such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to the hydro unit via the outdoor heat
exchanger, thereby independently performing cooling through the
hydro unit.
[0031] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the inlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit, and the third valve to
form the flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the compressor
is supplied to both the indoor unit and the hydro unit via the
outdoor heat exchanger, thereby performing cooling through both the
indoor unit and the hydro unit.
[0032] In accordance with an aspect of one or more embodiments,
there is provided a control method of a heat pump including an
outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a hydro unit to heat or cool
water through heat exchange between a refrigerant and the water
includes controlling a first valve to form a flow path between an
outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and a
flow path between an inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor
heat exchanger and to perform switching between the flow paths
according to an operation mode, controlling a second valve to form
a flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the
indoor unit and a flow path between the inlet port of the
compressor and the indoor unit and to perform switching between the
flow paths according to an operation mode, controlling a third
valve to form a flow path between the outlet port of the compressor
and the hydro unit and a flow path between the inlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit and to perform switching between the
flow paths according to an operation mode, and controlling the
first, second, and third valves to perform switching between the
flow paths such that simultaneous cooling and heating operations
and/or simultaneous heating and cooling operations are performed in
a heat recovery mode to recover and reuse residual heat.
[0033] In accordance with an aspect of one or more embodiments,
there is provided a heat pump includes an outdoor unit including a
compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve,
an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger and a second
expansion valve, a hydro unit including a hot water heat exchanger
and a third expansion valve, the hydro unit heating or cooling
water through heat exchange between a refrigerant and the water, a
refrigerant flow path switching member including a first valve to
form a flow path between an outlet port of the compressor and the
outdoor heat exchanger and a flow path between an inlet port of the
compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and to perform switching
between the flow paths, a second valve to form a flow path between
the outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit and a flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit
and to perform switching between the flow paths, and a one-way
valve to form a flow path between the outlet port of the compressor
and the hydro unit and a flow path between the inlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit and to perform switching between the
flow paths, and a controller to control the first valve and the
one-way valve to perform switching between the flow paths such that
simultaneous cooling and heating operations and/or simultaneous
heating and cooling operations are performed in a heat recovery
mode to recover and reuse residual heat.
[0034] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the inlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit, and the one-way valve
to form the flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to both the outdoor heat exchanger and the
indoor unit via the hydro unit, thereby simultaneously performing
heating through the hydro unit (air to water heating) and cooling
through the indoor unit (air to air cooling).
[0035] The controller may control opening degrees of the first
expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit and the second
expansion valve provided in the indoor unit to adjust flow rate of
the refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit and the indoor
unit, thereby adjusting a heating capacity of the hydro unit and a
cooling capacity of the indoor unit.
[0036] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the inlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit, and the one-way valve
to form the flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged from the
compressor is supplied to the indoor unit via the outdoor heat
exchanger and is directly supplied to the hydro unit, thereby
simultaneously performing cooling through the indoor unit (air to
air cooling) and heating through the hydro unit (air to water
heating).
[0037] The controller may control opening degrees of the first
expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit, the second expansion
valve provided in the indoor unit, and the third expansion valve
provided in the hydro unit to adjust flow rate of the refrigerant
introduced into the hydro unit and the indoor unit, thereby
adjusting a heating capacity of the hydro unit and a cooling
capacity of the indoor unit.
[0038] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit, the one-way
valve to be closed such that the flow path between the inlet port
of the compressor and the hydro unit is not formed, and the third
expansion valve provided in the hydro unit to be closed such that a
refrigerant discharged from the compressor is recovered to the
outdoor unit via the indoor unit, thereby independently performing
heating through the indoor unit (air to air heating).
[0039] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the inlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit, the one-way valve to
form the flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit, and the second expansion valve provided in the
indoor unit to be closed such that a refrigerant discharged from
the compressor is recovered to the outdoor unit via the hydro unit,
thereby independently performing heating through the hydro unit
(air to water heating).
[0040] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the
outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit, and the one-way
valve to form the flow path between the outlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit such that a refrigerant discharged
from the compressor is supplied to both the indoor unit and the
hydro unit, thereby performing heating through both the indoor unit
and the hydro unit (air to air heating+air to water heating), and
control opening degrees of the second expansion valve provided in
the indoor unit and the third expansion valve provided in the hydro
unit to adjust a heating capacity of the indoor unit and a heating
capacity of the hydro unit.
[0041] If the sum of the heating capacity of the hydro unit and the
heating capacity of the indoor unit exceeds 100% a capacity of the
outdoor unit, the controller may control all flow paths of the
one-way valve to be closed while controlling the second valve to
form the flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the indoor unit such that supply of the refrigerant to the hydro
unit is interrupted, thereby performing heating through the indoor
unit first, and, when the heating through the indoor unit is
performed to a predetermined level, the controller may control all
flow paths of the second valve to be closed and the one-way valve
to form the flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and
the hydro unit, thereby performing heating through the hydro
unit.
[0042] The controller may control the first valve to form the flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger, the second valve to form the flow path between the inlet
port of the compressor and the indoor unit, the one-way valve to be
closed such that the flow path between the inlet port of the
compressor and the hydro unit is formed, and the third expansion
valve provided in the hydro unit to be closed such that a
refrigerant discharged from the compressor is supplied to the
indoor unit via the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby independently
performing cooling through the indoor unit (air to air
cooling).
[0043] In accordance with an aspect of one or more embodiments,
there is provided a control method of a heat pump including an
outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a hydro unit to heat water
through heat exchange between a refrigerant and the water includes
controlling a first valve to form a flow path between an outlet
port of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger and a flow
path between an inlet port of the compressor and the outdoor heat
exchanger and to perform switching between the flow paths according
to an operation mode, controlling a second valve to form a flow
path between the outlet port of the compressor and the indoor unit
and a flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
indoor unit and to perform switching between the flow paths
according to an operation mode, controlling a one-way valve to form
a flow path between the outlet port of the compressor and the hydro
unit and to open or close the flow path according to an operation
mode, and controlling the first valve, the second valve, and the
one-way valve to perform switching between the flow paths such that
simultaneous cooling and heating operations are performed in a heat
recovery mode to recover and reuse residual heat. This control
method may further provide controlling the one-way valve to form a
sixth flow path between the inlet port of the compressor and the
hydro unit and to open or close the flow path according to an
operation mode, and controlling the first valve, the second valve,
and the one-way valve to perform switching between the first
through sixth flow paths such that simultaneous cooling and heating
operations are performed in a heat recovery mode to recover and
reuse residual heat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] These and/or other aspects of embodiments will become
apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings of which:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a view showing a heat pump according to an
embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a view showing a control system of the heat pump
shown in FIG. 1;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle in a heat
recovery heating mode when a heating capacity in an air to water
heating mode is greater than a cooling capacity in an air to air
cooling mode (air to water heating>air to air cooling);
[0048] FIG. 4 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle in a heat
recovery heating mode when a heating capacity in an air to air
heating mode is greater than a cooling capacity in an air to water
cooling mode (air to air heating>air to water cooling);
[0049] FIG. 5 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle in a heat
recovery cooling mode when a cooling capacity in an air to air
cooling mode is greater than a heating capacity in an air to water
heating mode (air to air cooling>air to water heating);
[0050] FIG. 6 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle in a heat
recovery cooling mode when a cooling capacity in an air to water
cooling mode is greater than a heating capacity in an air to air
heating mode (air to water cooling>air to air heating);
[0051] FIG. 7 is a view showing a heating mode to heat air in an
air conditioning space through an indoor unit (referred to as an
air to air heating mode);
[0052] FIG. 8 is a view showing a heating mode to perform heating
using heated water in a hydro unit (referred to as an air to water
heating mode);
[0053] FIG. 9 is a view showing a combination heating mode in which
an air to air heating mode and an air to water heating mode are
simultaneously performed;
[0054] FIG. 10 is a view showing a cooling mode to cool air in an
air conditioning space through an indoor unit to lower temperature
in the air conditioning space (referred to as an air to air cooling
mode);
[0055] FIG. 11 is a view showing a cooling mode to perform cooling
using cooled water in a hydro unit (referred to as an air to water
cooling mode);
[0056] FIG. 12 is a view showing a combination cooling mode in
which an air to air cooling mode and an air to water cooling mode
are simultaneously performed;
[0057] FIG. 13 is a view showing flow path switching of a first
four-way valve, a second four-way valve, and a third four-way valve
in the respective operation modes of the heat pump shown in FIGS. 3
to 12;
[0058] FIG. 14 is a view showing a heat pump according to an
embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 15 is a view showing a control system of the heat pump
shown in FIG. 14;
[0060] FIG. 16 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle in a heat
recovery heating mode of the heat pump shown in FIG. 14 when a
heating capacity in an air to water heating mode is greater than a
cooling capacity in an air to air cooling mode (air to water
heating>air to air cooling);
[0061] FIG. 17 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle in a heat
recovery cooling mode of the heat pump shown in FIG. 14 when a
cooling capacity in an air to air cooling mode is greater than a
heating capacity in an air to water heating mode (air to air
cooling>air to water heating);
[0062] FIG. 18 is a view showing a heating mode of the heat pump
shown in FIG. 14 to heat air in an air conditioning space through
an indoor unit (referred to as an air to air heating mode);
[0063] FIG. 19 is a view showing a heating mode of the heat pump
shown in FIG. 14 to perform heating using heated water in a hydro
unit (referred to as an air to water heating mode);
[0064] FIG. 20 is a view showing a combination heating mode of the
heat pump shown in FIG. 14 in which an air to air heating mode and
an air to water heating mode are simultaneously performed;
[0065] FIG. 21 is a view showing a cooling mode of the heat pump
shown in FIG. 14 to cool air in an air conditioning space through
an indoor unit to lower temperature in the air conditioning space
(referred to as an air to air cooling mode); and
[0066] FIG. 22 is a view showing flow path switching of a first
four-way valve, a second four-way valve, and a one-way valve in the
respective operation modes of the heat pump shown in FIGS. 16 to
21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout.
[0068] FIG. 1 is a view showing a heat pump 100 according to an
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat pump 100 includes an
outdoor unit 102, an indoor unit 104, and a hydro unit 106. The
outdoor unit 102, the indoor unit 104, and the hydro unit 106 are
connected to one another via a refrigerant pipe to constitute a
refrigerant cycle.
[0069] The outdoor unit 102 includes a compressor 108, an
accumulator 110, refrigerant flow path switching members 112a,
112b, and 112c, an outdoor heat exchanger 114, and a first
expansion device 116. The refrigerant flow path switching members
112a, 112b, and 112c include a first four-way valve 112a, a second
four-way valve 112b, and a third four-way valve 112c. The first
expansion device 116 is realized by an electronic expansion valve.
The first expansion device 116 expands a refrigerant, adjusts flow
rate of the refrigerant, and interrupts flow of the refrigerant as
needed. Another expansion device to perform the above functions may
be used.
[0070] The compressor 108 compresses a low-temperature,
low-pressure refrigerant, suctioned through an inlet port 108a, and
discharges a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant through an
outlet port 108b. The compressor 108 may include a single inverter
compressor, the compression capacity of which is changed depending
upon input frequencies, or a plurality of constant-speed
compressors having a fixed compression capacity. The inlet port
108a of the compressor 108 is connected to the accumulator 110. The
outlet port 108b of the compressor 108 is connected to the first
four-way valve 112a, the second four-way valve 112b, and the third
four-way valve 112c. The first four-way valve 112a, the second
four-way valve 112b, and the third four-way valve 112c are also
connected to the accumulator 110.
[0071] The refrigerant flow path switching members 112a, 112b, and
112c include the first four-way valve 112a, the second four-way
valve 112b, and the third four-way valve 112c. The refrigerant flow
path switching members 112a, 112b, and 112c selectively switch
refrigerant flow paths in a heat recovery mode, a heating mode, and
a cooling mode to secure refrigerant flow paths corresponding to
the respective modes. The heat recovery mode is an operation mode
to recover and reuse residual heat. A heat exchanger is used to
recover heat.
[0072] The first four-way valve 112a performs switching between a
flow path a1-a3 between the outlet port 108b of the compressor 108
and the outdoor heat exchanger 114 and a flow path a1-a2 between
the inlet port 108a of the compressor 108 and the outdoor heat
exchanger 114.
[0073] The second four-way valve 112b performs switching between a
flow path b1-b3 between the outlet port 108b of the compressor 108
and the indoor unit 104 and a flow path b1-b2 between the inlet
port 108a of the compressor 108 and the indoor unit 104.
[0074] The third four-way valve 112c performs switching between a
flow path c1-c3 between the outlet port 108b of the compressor 108
and the hydro unit 106 and a flow path c1-c2 between the inlet port
108a of the compressor 108 and the hydro unit 106.
[0075] Each of the four-way valves 112a, 112b, and 112c has four
ports, through which a refrigerant flows. In this embodiment, one
of the ports is closed, and the other three ports are used. In FIG.
1, one port of each of the four-way valves 112a, 112b, and 112c
denoted by X is closed. In this embodiment, therefore, three-way
valves, each of which has a three port, may be used, or other
valves functioning as the three-way valves may be also used. The
refrigerant flow path switching members 112a, 112b, and 112c may be
disposed inside or outside the outdoor unit 102.
[0076] The outdoor heat exchanger 114 functions as a condenser in a
cooling mode and as an evaporator in a heating mode. The first
expansion device 116 is connected to one side of the outdoor heat
exchanger 114. At the outdoor heat exchanger 114 may be mounted an
outdoor fan (not shown) to improve heat exchange efficiency between
a refrigerant and outdoor air.
[0077] The indoor unit 104 includes an indoor heat exchanger 118
and a second expansion device 120. The indoor heat exchanger 118
functions as an evaporator in a cooling mode and as a condenser in
a heating mode. The second expansion device 120 is connected to one
side of the indoor heat exchanger 118. The second expansion device
120 is realized by an electronic expansion valve. The second
expansion device 120 expands a refrigerant, adjusts flow rate of
the refrigerant, and interrupts flow of the refrigerant as needed.
Another expansion device to perform the above functions may be
used. At the indoor heat exchanger 118 may be mounted an indoor fan
(not shown) to improve heat exchange efficiency between a
refrigerant and indoor air. According to circumstances, two or more
indoor units 104 may be provided.
[0078] The hydro unit 106 heats/cools water through heat exchange
between a refrigerant and water such that the heated/cooled water
is used for heating/cooling. The hydro unit 106 includes a hot
water heat exchanger 122 and a third expansion device 124.
Refrigerant heat exchange plates, through which a refrigerant
flows, and water heat exchange plates, through which water flows,
are alternately arranged in the hot water heat exchanger 122. Cold
water/hot water is generated through heat exchange between the
refrigerant heat exchange plates and the water heat exchange
plates. A refrigerant, compressed by the compressor 108, may be
directly supplied to the hot water heat exchanger 122 of the hydro
unit 106, or a refrigerant, having passed through the outdoor unit
102 or the indoor unit 104, may be supplied to the hot water heat
exchanger 122 of the hydro unit 106. The cold water/hot water
generated by the hydro unit 106 is supplied to a water supply tank
126, a fan coil unit 128, and floor cooling/heating device 130 such
that the cold water/hot water is used for cold water/hot water
supply and cooling/heating. The third expansion device 124 is
realized by an electronic expansion valve. The third expansion
device 124 expands a refrigerant, adjusts flow rate of the
refrigerant, and interrupts flow of the refrigerant as needed.
Another expansion device to perform the above functions may be
used.
[0079] FIG. 2 is a view showing a control system of the heat pump
shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a controller 202 controls
operations of the compressor 108, the first expansion device 116,
the second expansion device 120, the third expansion device 124,
the first four-way valve 112a, the second four-way valve 112b, and
the third four-way valve 112c based on signals input from a sensor
204 and a remote controller 206. The heat pump 100 performs a
heating mode operation, a cooling mode operation, and a heat
recovery mode operation according to the control of the controller
202.
[0080] In this embodiment, an air to air mode is a cooling/heating
mode using the indoor unit 104. In the air to air mode,
cooling/heating is performed through heat exchange between a
refrigerant and air in the indoor unit 104. Also, an air to water
mode is a cooling/heating mode using the hydro unit 106. In the air
to water mode, cooling/heating is performed through heat exchange
between a refrigerant and water in the hot water heat exchanger 122
of the hydro unit 106. In the air to water mode, heat exchange may
be performed between air and the water having been heat-exchanged
with the refrigerant to perform cooling/heating.
[0081] FIGS. 3 to 6 are views showing heat recovery heating and
cooling modes of the heat pump according to an embodiment. FIGS. 3
and 4 show a heat recovery heating mode, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show a
heat recovery cooling mode. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a view showing
a refrigerant cycle in a heat recovery heating mode when a heating
capacity in an air to water heating mode is greater than a cooling
capacity in an air to air cooling mode (air to water heating>air
to air cooling), and FIG. 4 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle
in a heat recovery heating mode when a heating capacity in an air
to air heating mode is greater than a cooling capacity in an air to
water cooling mode (air to air heating>air to water cooling).
FIG. 5 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle in a heat recovery
cooling mode when a cooling capacity in an air to air cooling mode
is greater than a heating capacity in an air to water heating mode
(air to air cooling>air to water heating), and FIG. 6 is a view
showing a refrigerant cycle in a heat recovery cooling mode when a
cooling capacity in an air to water cooling mode is greater than a
heating capacity in an air to air heating mode (air to water
cooling>air to air heating). In the heat recovery mode shown in
FIGS. 3 to 6, the controller 202 controls the refrigerant flow path
switching members 112a, 112b, and 112c to switch the refrigerant
flow paths among the compressor 108, the outdoor heat exchanger
114, the indoor unit 104, and the hydro unit 106 such that
simultaneous heating and cooling operations and/or simultaneous
cooling and heating operations through the indoor unit 104 and the
hydro unit 106 are performed.
[0082] Heat Recovery Heating Mode: Air to Water Heating>Air to
Air Cooling
[0083] In the heat recovery heating mode shown in FIG. 3, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a2 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a heating mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b2 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, does not flow to the indoor unit 104. In addition,
the controller 202 controls the third four-way valve 112c to form a
flow path c1-c2 such that the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, flows to the hydro
unit 106. As a result, the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, is supplied to the
hydro unit 106, thereby performing air to water heating through the
hydro unit 106. At this time, the refrigerant, heat-exchanged by
the hydro unit 106, is supplied to the indoor unit 104 such that
the refrigerant is used to perform an air to air cooling mode.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 3, the first four-way valve 112a, the
second four-way valve 112b, and the third four-way valve 112c may
be controlled such that air to water heating and air to air cooling
are simultaneously performed in the heat recovery heating mode.
Also, opening degrees of the first expansion device 116 provided in
the outdoor unit 102 and the second expansion device 120 provided
in the indoor unit 104 may be controlled to adjust flow rate of the
refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor
unit 104. Consequently, an air to water heating capacity of the
hydro unit 106 and an air to air cooling capacity of the indoor
unit 104 may be freely combined without loss within a range
equivalent to 100% the capacity of the outdoor unit 102 (In FIG. 3,
air to water heating>air to air cooling). Also, only the indoor
unit 104 for the air to air mode is used without the provision of
an additional indoor unit for the air to water mode, thereby
greatly reduce product cost and installation cost, time, and
labor.
[0085] Heat Recovery Heating Mode: Air to Air Heating>Air to
Water Cooling
[0086] In the heat recovery heating mode shown in FIG. 4, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a2 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a heating mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b3 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, flows to the indoor unit 104. In addition, the
controller 202 controls the third four-way valve 112c to form a
flow path c1-c3 such that the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, does not flow to
the hydro unit 106. As a result, the high-temperature,
high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, is
supplied to the indoor unit 104, thereby performing air to air
heating through the indoor unit 104. At this time, the refrigerant,
temperature of which has been lowered due to heating operation of
the indoor unit 104, is supplied to the hydro unit 106 such that
the refrigerant is used to perform an air to water cooling
mode.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 4, the first four-way valve 112a, the
second four-way valve 112b, and the third four-way valve 112c may
be controlled such that air to air heating and air to water cooling
are simultaneously performed in the heat recovery heating mode.
Also, opening degrees of the first expansion device 116 provided in
the outdoor unit 102 and the third expansion device 124 provided in
the hydro unit 106 may be controlled to adjust flow rate of the
refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit 102 and the hydro unit
106. Consequently, an air to air heating capacity and an air to
water cooling capacity may be freely combined without loss within a
range equivalent to 100% the capacity of the outdoor unit 102 (In
FIG. 4, air to air heating>air to water cooling). Also, only the
indoor unit 104 for the air to air mode is used without the
provision of an additional indoor unit for the air to water mode,
thereby greatly reduce product cost and installation cost, time,
and labor.
[0088] Heat Recovery Cooling Mode: Air to Air Cooling>Air to
Water Heating
[0089] In the heat recovery cooling mode shown in FIG. 5, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a3 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a cooling mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b2 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, does not flow to the indoor unit 104. In addition,
the controller 202 controls the third four-way valve 112c to form a
flow path c1-c2 such that the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, flows to the hydro
unit 106. As a result, the refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108 and condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger 114, is
supplied to the indoor unit 104, thereby performing air to air
cooling. Also, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant,
discharged from the compressor 108, is supplied to the hydro unit
106, thereby performing air to water heating through the hydro unit
106. At this time, the refrigerant, temperature of which has been
lowered by the hydro unit 106, is recovered to the compressor 108
via the indoor unit 104.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 5, the first four-way valve 112a, the
second four-way valve 112b, and the third four-way valve 112c may
be controlled such that air to air cooling and air to water heating
are simultaneously performed in the heat recovery cooling mode.
Also, opening degrees of the first expansion device 116 provided in
the outdoor unit 102, the second expansion device 120 provided in
the indoor unit 104, and the third expansion device 124 provided in
the hydro unit 106 may be controlled to adjust flow rate of the
refrigerant introduced into the hydro unit 106 and the indoor unit
104. Consequently, an air to water heating capacity and an air to
air cooling capacity may be freely combined without loss within a
range equivalent to 100% the capacity of the outdoor unit 102 (In
FIG. 5, air to air cooling>air to water heating). Also, only the
indoor unit 104 for the air to air mode is used without the
provision of an additional indoor unit for the air to water mode,
thereby greatly reduce product cost and installation cost, time,
and labor.
[0091] Heat Recovery Cooling Mode: Air to Water Cooling>Air to
Air Heating
[0092] In the heat recovery cooling mode shown in FIG. 6, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a3 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a cooling mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b3 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, flows to the indoor unit 104. In addition, the
controller 202 controls the third four-way valve 112c to form a
flow path c1-c3 such that the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, does not flow to
the hydro unit 106. As a result, the high-temperature,
high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, is
supplied to the indoor unit 104, thereby performing air to air
heating. Also, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant,
discharged from the compressor 108, is condensed by the outdoor
heat exchanger 114 and is then supplied to the hydro unit 106,
thereby performing air to water cooling through the hydro unit 106.
At this time, the refrigerant, temperature of which has been
lowered by the indoor unit 104, is recovered to the compressor 108
via the hydro unit 106.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 6, the first four-way valve 112a, the
second four-way valve 112b, and the third four-way valve 112c may
be controlled such that air to water cooling and air to air heating
are simultaneously performed in the heat recovery cooling mode.
Also, opening degrees of the first expansion device 116 provided in
the outdoor unit 102, the second expansion device 120 provided in
the indoor unit 104, and the third expansion device 124 provided in
the hydro unit 106 may be controlled to adjust flow rate of the
refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor
unit 104. Consequently, an air to water cooling capacity and an air
to air heating capacity may be freely combined without loss within
a range equivalent to 100% the capacity of the outdoor unit 102 (In
FIG. 6, air to water cooling>air to air heating). Also, only the
indoor unit 104 for the air to air mode is used without the
provision of an additional indoor unit for the air to water mode,
thereby greatly reduce product cost and installation cost, time,
and labor.
[0094] FIGS. 7 to 9 are views showing heating modes of the heat
pump according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view showing a heating
mode to heat air in an air conditioning space through the indoor
unit 104 (referred to as an air to air heating mode). FIG. 8 is a
view showing a heating mode to perform heating using heated water
in the hydro unit 106 (referred to as an air to water heating
mode). FIG. 9 is a view showing a combination heating mode in which
an air to air heating mode and an air to water heating mode are
simultaneously performed.
[0095] Air to Air Heating Mode
[0096] In the air to air heating mode shown in FIG. 7, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a2 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a heating mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b3 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, flows to the indoor unit 104. In addition, the
controller 202 controls the third four-way valve 112c to form a
flow path c1-c3 such that the refrigerant is circulated between the
outdoor unit 102 and the indoor unit 104. At this time, the third
expansion device 124 of the hydro unit 106 is closed such that the
refrigerant, having passed through the indoor unit 104, does not
flow to the hydro unit 106. As a result, the high-temperature,
high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, is
supplied only to the indoor unit 104, thereby independently
performing air to air heating through the indoor unit 104.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 7, only the air to air heating mode may be
independently performed irrespective of the heat recovery
cooling/heating modes.
[0098] Air to Water Heating Mode
[0099] In the air to water heating mode shown in FIG. 8, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a2 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a heating mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b2 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, does not flow to the indoor unit 104. In addition,
the controller 202 controls the third four-way valve 112c to form a
flow path c1-c2 such that the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, flows to the hydro
unit 106. As a result, the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, is supplied only
to the hydro unit 106, thereby independently performing air to
water heating through the hydro unit 106.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 8, only the air to water heating mode may
be independently performed irrespective of the heat recovery
cooling/heating modes.
[0101] In the air to water heating mode, the indoor unit 104 is not
used since heating is performed using the hydro unit 106. In FIG.
8, the second four-way valve 112b does not form a flow path b1-b3.
As a result, the refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108,
does not flow to the indoor unit 104. If the refrigerant is
introduced into the indoor unit 104, the amount of the refrigerant
used for air to water heating is reduced in proportion to the
amount of the refrigerant introduced into the indoor unit 104,
whereby air to water heating efficiency is lowered. Even in a case
in which only the air to water heating mode is independently
performed, therefore, introduction of the refrigerant into the
indoor unit 104 is interrupted by the second four-way valve 112b,
thereby preventing lowering of air to water heating efficiency.
[0102] Combination Heating Mode of Air to Air Heating Mode and Air
to Water Heating Mode
[0103] In the combination heating mode, in which the air to air
heating mode and the air to water heating mode are simultaneously
performed, shown in FIG. 9, the controller 202 of the heat pump 100
controls the first four-way valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a2
such that the heat pump 100 is operated in a heating mode. Also,
the controller 202 controls the second four-way valve 112b to form
a flow path b1-b3 such that a high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, flows to the
indoor unit 104. In addition, the controller 202 controls the third
four-way valve 112c to form a flow path c1-c2 such that the
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, flows to the hydro unit 106. As a result, the
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, is supplied to both the indoor unit 104 and the
hydro unit 106, thereby simultaneously performing air to air
heating through the indoor unit 104 and air to water heating
through the hydro unit 106.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 9, the combination heating mode of the air
to air heating mode and the air to water heating mode may be
performed irrespective of the heat recovery cooling/heating modes.
In this case, opening degrees of the first expansion device 116
provided in the outdoor unit 102 and the second expansion device
120 provided in the indoor unit 104 may be controlled to adjust
flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit 102
and the indoor unit 104. Consequently, an air to water heating
capacity and an air to air heating capacity may be freely combined
without loss within a range equivalent to 100% the capacity of the
outdoor unit 102. If the sum of the air to water heating capacity
and the air to air heating capacity exceeds 100% the capacity of
the outdoor unit 102, the controller 202 controls all flow paths of
the third four-way valve 112c to be closed while controlling the
second four-way valve 112b to form the flow path b1-b3 such that
the supply of the refrigerant to the hydro unit 106 is interrupted,
thereby performing air to air heating first. When the air to air
heating is performed to a predetermined level, the controller 202
controls all flow paths of the second four-way valve 112b to be
closed and the third four-way valve 112c to form the flow path
c1-c2, thereby performing air to water heating.
[0105] FIGS. 10 to 12 are views showing cooling modes of the heat
pump according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view showing a
cooling mode to cool air in an air conditioning space through the
indoor unit 104 to lower temperature in the air conditioning space
(referred to as an air to air cooling mode). FIG. 11 is a view
showing a cooling mode to perform cooling using cooled water in the
hydro unit 106 (referred to as an air to water cooling mode). FIG.
12 is a view showing a combination cooling mode in which an air to
air cooling mode and an air to water cooling mode are
simultaneously performed.
[0106] Air to Air Cooling Mode
[0107] In the air to air cooling mode shown in FIG. 10, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a3 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a cooling mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b2 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, does not flow to the indoor unit 104. In addition,
the controller 202 controls the third four-way valve 112c to form a
flow path c1-c3 such that the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, does not flow to
the hydro unit 106. At this time, the third expansion device 124 of
the hydro unit 106 is completely closed such that the refrigerant,
discharged from the compressor 108 and condensed by the outdoor
heat exchanger 114, is supplied only to the indoor unit 104,
thereby independently performing air to air cooling through the
indoor unit 104.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 10, only the air to air cooling mode may be
independently performed irrespective of the heat recovery
cooling/heating modes.
[0109] Air to Water Cooling Mode
[0110] In the air to water cooling mode shown in FIG. 11, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a3 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a cooling mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b2 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, does not flow to the indoor unit 104. In addition,
the controller 202 controls the third four-way valve 112c to form a
flow path c1-c3 such that the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, does not flow to
the hydro unit 106. At this time, the second expansion device 120
of the indoor unit 104 is completely closed such that the
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108 and condensed by
the outdoor heat exchanger 114, is supplied only to the hydro unit
106, thereby independently performing air to water cooling through
the hydro unit 106.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 11, only the air to water cooling mode may
be independently performed irrespective of the heat recovery
cooling/heating modes.
[0112] Combination Cooling Mode of Air to Air Cooling Mode and Air
to Water Cooling Mode
[0113] In the combination cooling mode, in which the air to air
cooling mode and the air to water cooling mode are simultaneously
performed, shown in FIG. 12, the controller 202 of the heat pump
100 controls the first four-way valve 112a to form a flow path
a1-a3 such that the heat pump 100 is operated in a cooling mode.
Also, the controller 202 controls the second four-way valve 112b to
form a flow path b1-b2 such that a high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, does not flow to
the indoor unit 104. In addition, the controller 202 controls the
third four-way valve 112c to form a flow path c1-c3 such that the
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108 and condensed by
the outdoor heat exchanger 114, is supplied to the hydro unit 106.
As a result, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant,
discharged from the compressor 108, is supplied to both the indoor
unit 104 and the hydro unit 106, thereby simultaneously performing
air to air cooling through the indoor unit 104 and air to water
cooling through the hydro unit 106.
[0114] As shown in FIG. 12, the combination cooling mode of the air
to air cooling mode and the air to water cooling mode may be
performed irrespective of the heat recovery cooling/heating
modes.
[0115] FIG. 13 is a view showing flow path switching of the first
four-way valve 112a, the second four-way valve 112b, and the third
four-way valve 112c in the respective operation modes of the heat
pump shown in FIGS. 3 to 12.
[0116] FIG. 14 is a view showing a heat pump 100 according to an
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the heat pump 100 includes an
outdoor unit 102, an indoor unit 104, and a hydro unit 106. The
outdoor unit 102, the indoor unit 104, and the hydro unit 106 are
connected to one another via a refrigerant pipe to constitute a
refrigerant cycle.
[0117] The outdoor unit 102 includes a compressor 108, an
accumulator 110, refrigerant flow path switching members 112a,
112b, and 112d, an outdoor heat exchanger 114, and a first
expansion device 116. The refrigerant flow path switching members
112a, 112b, and 112c include a first four-way valve 112a, a second
four-way valve 112b, and a one-way valve 112d. The first expansion
device 116 is realized by an electronic expansion valve. The first
expansion device 116 expands a refrigerant, adjusts flow rate of
the refrigerant, and interrupts flow of the refrigerant as needed.
Another expansion device to perform the above functions may be
used. The one-way valve 112d is not limited to a valve, through
which a fluid flows only in one direction. The other pots) of a
two-way valve, a three-way valve, or a four-way valve may be closed
such that the two-way valve, the three-way valve, or the four-way
valve functions as a one-way valve.
[0118] The compressor 108 compresses a low-temperature,
low-pressure refrigerant, suctioned through an inlet port 108a, and
discharges a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant through an
outlet port 108b. The compressor 108 may include a single inverter
compressor, the compression capacity of which is changed depending
upon input frequencies, or a plurality of constant-speed
compressors having a fixed compression capacity. The inlet port
108a of the compressor 108 is connected to the accumulator 110. The
outlet port 108b of the compressor 108 is connected to the first
four-way valve 112a, the second four-way valve 112b, and the
one-way valve 112d. The first four-way valve 112a and the second
four-way valve 112b are also connected to the accumulator 110.
[0119] The refrigerant flow path switching members 112a, 112b, and
112d include the first four-way valve 112a, the second four-way
valve 112b, and the one-way valve 112d. The refrigerant flow path
switching members 112a, 112b, and 112d selectively switch
refrigerant flow paths in a heat recovery mode, a heating mode, and
a cooling mode to secure refrigerant flow paths corresponding to
the respective modes.
[0120] The first four-way valve 112a performs switching between a
flow path a1-a3 between the outlet port 108b of the compressor 108
and the outdoor heat exchanger 114 and a flow path a1-a2 between
the inlet port 108a of the compressor 108 and the outdoor heat
exchanger 114.
[0121] The second four-way valve 112b performs switching between a
flow path b1-b3 between the outlet port 108b of the compressor 108
and the indoor unit 104 and a flow path b1-b2 between the inlet
port 108a of the compressor 108 and the indoor unit 104.
[0122] The one-way valve 112d opens or closes a flow path d1-d2
between the outlet port 108b of the compressor 108 and the hydro
unit 106.
[0123] Each of the four-way valves 112a and 112b has four ports,
through which a refrigerant flows. In this embodiment, one of the
ports is closed, and the other three ports are used. In FIG. 14,
one port of each of the four-way valves 112a and 112b denoted by X
is closed. In this embodiment, therefore, three-way valves, each of
which has a three port, may be used, or other valves functioning as
the three-way valves may be also used. The refrigerant flow path
switching members 112a, 112b, and 112d may be disposed inside or
outside the outdoor unit 102.
[0124] The outdoor heat exchanger 114 functions as a condenser in a
cooling mode and as an evaporator in a heating mode. The first
expansion device 116 is connected to one side of the outdoor heat
exchanger 114. At the outdoor heat exchanger 114 may be mounted an
outdoor fan (not shown) to improve heat exchange efficiency between
a refrigerant and outdoor air.
[0125] The indoor unit 104 includes an indoor heat exchanger 118
and a second expansion device 120. The indoor heat exchanger 118
functions as an evaporator in a cooling mode and as a condenser in
a heating mode. The second expansion device 120 is connected to one
side of the indoor heat exchanger 118. The second expansion device
120 is realized by an electronic expansion valve. The second
expansion device 120 expands a refrigerant, adjusts flow rate of
the refrigerant, and interrupts flow of the refrigerant as needed.
Another expansion device to perform the above functions may be
used. At the indoor heat exchanger 118 may be mounted an indoor fan
(not shown) to improve heat exchange efficiency between a
refrigerant and indoor air. According to circumstances, two or more
indoor units 104 may be provided.
[0126] The hydro unit 106 heats water through heat exchange between
a refrigerant and water such that the heated water is used for
heating. The hydro unit 106 includes a hot water heat exchanger 122
and a third expansion device 124. Refrigerant heat exchange plates,
through which a refrigerant flows, and water heat exchange plates,
through which water flows, are alternately arranged in the hot
water heat exchanger 122. Hot water is generated through heat
exchange between the refrigerant heat exchange plates and the water
heat exchange plates. A refrigerant, compressed by the compressor
108, is directly supplied to the hot water heat exchanger 122 of
the hydro unit 106. The hot water generated by the hydro unit 106
is supplied to a water supply tank 126, a fan coil unit 128, and
floor heating device 130 such that the hot water is used for hot
water supply and heating. The third expansion device 124 is
realized by an electronic expansion valve. The third expansion
device 124 expands a refrigerant, adjusts flow rate of the
refrigerant, and interrupts flow of the refrigerant as needed.
Another expansion device to perform the above functions may be
used.
[0127] FIG. 15 is a view showing a control system of the heat pump
shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, a controller 202 controls
operations of the compressor 108, the first expansion device 116,
the second expansion device 120, the third expansion device 124,
the first four-way valve 112a, the second four-way valve 112b, and
the one-way valve 112d based on signals input from a sensor 204 and
a remote controller 206. The heat pump 100 performs a heating mode
operation, a cooling mode operation, and a heat recovery mode
operation according to the control of the controller 202.
[0128] In this embodiment, an air to air mode is a cooling/heating
mode using the indoor unit 104. In the air to air mode,
cooling/heating is performed through heat exchange between a
refrigerant and air in the indoor unit 104. Also, an air to water
mode is a heating mode using the hydro unit 106. In the air to
water mode, heating is performed through heat exchange between a
refrigerant and water in the hot water heat exchanger 122 of the
hydro unit 106. In the air to water mode, heat exchange may be
performed between air and the water having been heat-exchanged with
the refrigerant to perform heating.
[0129] FIGS. 16 and 17 are views showing heat recovery heating and
cooling modes of the heat pump according to an embodiment. FIG. 16
shows a heat recovery heating mode, and FIG. 17 shows a heat
recovery cooling mode. Specifically, FIG. 16 is a view showing a
refrigerant cycle in a heat recovery heating mode when a heating
capacity in an air to water heating mode is greater than a cooling
capacity in an air to air cooling mode (air to water heating>air
to air cooling), and FIG. 17 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle
in a heat recovery cooling mode when a cooling capacity in an air
to air cooling mode is greater than a heating capacity in an air to
water heating mode (air to air cooling>air to water heating). In
the heat recovery mode shown in FIG. 16, the controller 202
controls the refrigerant flow path switching members 112a, 112b,
and 112d to switch the refrigerant flow paths among the compressor
108, the outdoor heat exchanger 114, the indoor unit 104, and the
hydro unit 106 such that cooling and heating operations through the
indoor unit 104 and the hydro unit 106 are simultaneously
performed.
[0130] Heat Recovery Heating Mode: Air to Water Heating>Air to
Air Cooling
[0131] In the heat recovery heating mode shown in FIG. 16, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a2 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a heating mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b2 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, does not flow to the indoor unit 104. In addition,
the controller 202 controls the one-way valve 112d to form a flow
path d1-d2 such that the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, flows to the hydro
unit 106. As a result, the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, is supplied to the
hydro unit 106, thereby performing air to water heating through the
hydro unit 106. At this time, the refrigerant, heat-exchanged by
the hydro unit 106, is supplied to the indoor unit 104 such that
the refrigerant is used to perform an air to air cooling mode.
[0132] As shown in FIG. 16, the first four-way valve 112a, the
second four-way valve 112b, and the one-way valve 112d may be
controlled such that air to water heating and air to air cooling
are simultaneously performed in the heat recovery heating mode.
Also, opening degrees of the first expansion device 116 provided in
the outdoor unit 102 and the second expansion device 120 provided
in the indoor unit 104 may be controlled to adjust flow rate of the
refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor
unit 104. Consequently, an air to water heating capacity of the
hydro unit 106 and an air to air cooling capacity of the indoor
unit 104 may be freely combined without loss within a range
equivalent to 100% the capacity of the outdoor unit 102 (In FIG.
16, air to water heating>air to air cooling). Also, only the
indoor unit 104 for the air to air mode is used without the
provision of an additional indoor unit for the air to water mode,
thereby greatly reduce product cost and installation cost, time,
and labor.
[0133] Heat Recovery Cooling Mode: Air to Air Cooling>Air to
Water Heating
[0134] In the heat recovery cooling mode shown in FIG. 17, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a3 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a cooling mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b2 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, does not flow to the indoor unit 104. In addition,
the controller 202 controls the one-way valve 112d to form a flow
path d1-d2 such that the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, flows to the hydro
unit 106. As a result, the refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108 and condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger 114, is
supplied to the indoor unit 104, thereby performing air to air
cooling. Also, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant,
discharged from the compressor 108, is supplied to the hydro unit
106, thereby performing air to water heating through the hydro unit
106. At this time, the refrigerant, temperature of which has been
lowered by the hydro unit 106, is recovered to the compressor 108
via the indoor unit 104.
[0135] As shown in FIG. 17, the first four-way valve 112a, the
second four-way valve 112b, and the one-way valve 112d may be
controlled such that air to air cooling and air to water heating
are simultaneously performed in the heat recovery cooling mode.
Also, opening degrees of the first expansion device 116 provided in
the outdoor unit 102, the second expansion device 120 provided in
the indoor unit 104, and the third expansion device 124 provided in
the hydro unit 106 may be controlled to adjust flow rate of the
refrigerant introduced into the hydro unit 106 and the indoor unit
104. Consequently, an air to water heating capacity and an air to
air cooling capacity may be freely combined without loss within a
range equivalent to 100% the capacity of the outdoor unit 102 (In
FIG. 18, air to air cooling>air to water heating). Also, only
the indoor unit 104 for the air to air mode is used without the
provision of an additional indoor unit for the air to water mode,
thereby greatly reduce product cost and installation cost, time,
and labor.
[0136] FIGS. 18 to 20 are views showing heating modes of the heat
pump according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a view showing a
heating mode to heat air in an air conditioning space through the
indoor unit 104 (referred to as an air to air heating mode). FIG.
19 is a view showing a heating mode to perform heating using heated
water in the hydro unit 106 (referred to as an air to water heating
mode). FIG. 20 is a view showing a combination heating mode in
which an air to air heating mode and an air to water heating mode
are simultaneously performed.
[0137] Air to Air Heating Mode
[0138] In the air to air heating mode shown in FIG. 18, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a2 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a heating mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b3 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, flows to the indoor unit 104 such that the
refrigerant is circulated between the outdoor unit 102 and the
indoor unit 104. At this time, the one-way valve 112d and the third
expansion device 124 of the hydro unit 106 are closed such that the
refrigerant, having passed through the indoor unit 104, does not
flow to the hydro unit 106. As a result, the high-temperature,
high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, is
supplied only to the indoor unit 104, thereby independently
performing air to air heating through the indoor unit 104.
[0139] As shown in FIG. 18, only the air to air heating mode may be
independently performed irrespective of the heat recovery
cooling/heating modes.
[0140] Air to Water Heating Mode
[0141] In the air to water heating mode shown in FIG. 19, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a2 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a heating mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b2 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, does not flow to the indoor unit 104. In addition,
the controller 202 controls the one-way valve 112d to form a flow
path d1-d2 such that the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, flows to the hydro
unit 106. As a result, the high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, is supplied only
to the hydro unit 106, thereby independently performing air to
water heating through the hydro unit 106.
[0142] As shown in FIG. 19, only the air to water heating mode may
be independently performed irrespective of the heat recovery
cooling/heating modes.
[0143] In the air to water heating mode, the indoor unit 104 is not
used since heating is performed using the hydro unit 106. In FIG.
19, the second four-way valve 112b does not form a flow path b1-b3.
As a result, the refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108,
does not flow to the indoor unit 104. If the refrigerant is
introduced into the indoor unit 104, the amount of the refrigerant
used for air to water heating is reduced in proportion to the
amount of the refrigerant introduced into the indoor unit 104,
whereby air to water heating efficiency is lowered. Even in a case
in which only the air to water heating mode is independently
performed, therefore, introduction of the refrigerant into the
indoor unit 104 is interrupted by the second four-way valve 112b,
thereby preventing lowering of air to water heating efficiency.
[0144] Combination Heating Mode of Air to Air Heating Mode and Air
to Water Heating Mode
[0145] In the combination heating mode, in which the air to air
heating mode and the air to water heating mode are simultaneously
performed, shown in FIG. 20, the controller 202 of the heat pump
100 controls the first four-way valve 112a to form a flow path
a1-a2 such that the heat pump 100 is operated in a heating mode.
Also, the controller 202 controls the second four-way valve 112b to
form a flow path b1-b3 such that a high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 108, flows to the
indoor unit 104. In addition, the controller 202 controls the
one-way valve 112d to form a flow path d1-d2 such that the
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, flows to the hydro unit 106. As a result, the
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, is supplied to both the indoor unit 104 and the
hydro unit 106, thereby simultaneously performing air to air
heating through the indoor unit 104 and air to water heating
through the hydro unit 106.
[0146] As shown in FIG. 20, the combination heating mode of the air
to air heating mode and the air to water heating mode may be
performed irrespective of the heat recovery cooling/heating modes.
In this case, opening degrees of the first expansion device 116
provided in the outdoor unit 102 and the second expansion device
120 provided in the indoor unit 104 may be controlled to adjust
flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit 102
and the indoor unit 104. Consequently, an air to water heating
capacity and an air to air heating capacity may be freely combined
without loss within a range equivalent to 100% the capacity of the
outdoor unit 102. If the sum of the air to water heating capacity
and the air to air heating capacity exceeds 100% the capacity of
the outdoor unit 102, the controller 202 controls all flow paths of
the one-way valve 112d to be closed while controlling the second
four-way valve 112b to form the flow path b1-b3 such that the
supply of the refrigerant to the hydro unit 106 is interrupted,
thereby performing air to air heating first. When the air to air
heating is performed to a predetermined level, the controller 202
controls all flow paths of the second four-way valve 112b to be
closed and the one-way valve 112d to form the flow path d1-d2,
thereby performing air to water heating.
[0147] FIG. 21 is a view showing a cooling mode of the heat pump
according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 21 is a view showing
a cooling mode to cool air in an air conditioning space through the
indoor unit 104 to lower temperature in the air conditioning space
(referred to as an air to air cooling mode).
[0148] Air to Air Cooling Mode
[0149] In the air to air cooling mode shown in FIG. 21, the
controller 202 of the heat pump 100 controls the first four-way
valve 112a to form a flow path a1-a3 such that the heat pump 100 is
operated in a cooling mode. Also, the controller 202 controls the
second four-way valve 112b to form a flow path b1-b2 such that a
high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108, does not flow to the indoor unit 104. In addition,
the controller 202 controls the one-way valve 112 to be closed such
that the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, discharged
from the compressor 108, does not flow to the hydro unit 106. At
this time, the third expansion device 124 of the hydro unit 106 is
completely closed such that the refrigerant, discharged from the
compressor 108 and condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger 114, is
supplied only to the indoor unit 104, thereby independently
performing air to air cooling through the indoor unit 104.
[0150] As shown in FIG. 21, only the air to air cooling mode may be
independently performed irrespective of the heat recovery
cooling/heating modes.
[0151] FIG. 22 is a view showing flow path switching of the first
four-way valve 112a, the second four-way valve 112b, and the
one-way valve 112d in the respective operation modes of the heat
pump shown in FIGS. 16 to 21.
[0152] In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided
an air to air mode, which is a cooling/heating mode using the
indoor unit, and an air to water mode, which is a cooling/heating
mode using the hydro unit, may be simultaneously performed in a
heat recovery mode of the heat pump.
[0153] In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided
an air to air mode, which is a cooling/heating mode using the
indoor unit, and an air to water mode, which is a cooling/heating
mode using the hydro unit, may be independently performed
irrespective of the heat recovery mode of the heat pump.
[0154] In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided
an introduction of a refrigerant into the indoor unit, which is not
operated, may be prevented when an air to water heating mode, which
is a heating mode using the hydro unit, is performed irrespective
of the heat recovery mode of the heat pump, thereby preventing
efficiency of the indoor unit from being lowered due to the
refrigerant collected in the indoor unit when the indoor unit is
operated.
[0155] In an aspect of one or more embodiments, only heating may be
performed in an air to water mode using the hydro unit. To this
end, the refrigerant flow path switching member provided between
the hydro unit and the compressor may be constituted by a one-way
valve, thereby reducing cost and simplifying the structure of the
heat pump.
[0156] Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it
would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may
be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles
and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the
claims and their equivalents.
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