Patent Application
20230147346
The instant disclosure relates generally to heat pumps and, more particularly but without limitation, to heat pump systems for commercial and multi-unit residential applications.
Typically, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems provide comfortable air temperatures and/or improved air quality for occupants within a building or structure. Multiple HVAC systems are typically required for use in connection with commercial and multi-unit residential buildings. For instance, a multi-level building, such as a high rise building, may include a separate HVAC system for each of a plurality of housing units within the building. Oftentimes, those HVAC systems consume a relatively large amount of physical space and are arranged in a manner that are difficult to service.
For instance, one type of HVAC system for residential high rise buildings incorporates a floor-mounted vertical heat pump that is housed within a dedicated closet of a respective residential unit. The closet may consume an undesirable amount of valuable floor space within the unit and/or make it difficult for a service provider to access the heat pump for servicing.
Another type of HVAC system for residential high rise buildings is a split system. Such a system may have a condensing unit that is installed along a floor or wall of a unit and a fan coil unit that is installed to hang from a ceiling of the unit to limit the amount of floor space consumed by the HVAC system. However, the condensing unit may still require an undesirable amount of floor space within the unit. The height of the fan coil unit may require the ceiling of the floor to be lowered or cause the height of each floor to be increased, thereby consuming valuable vertical space within the corresponding building and requiring additional building materials to enclose the heat pump system. Additionally, the arrangement of the fan coil unit suspended from the ceiling may make it difficult for a service provider to access and service internal components of the fan coil unit.
Customers of HVAC systems, and particularly heat pump systems for residential high rise buildings, hotel rooms, and the like, want the smallest HVAC system possible at the lowest cost while delivering equal or better performance than predecessor systems. A challenge exists, however, to reduce the height of known systems while also being capable of delivering equal or better heating and cooling performance than predecessor systems. Consequently, there exists a need for an apparatus that solves these and other problems.
Disclosed are various embodiments of a low-height heat pump system and methods of assembling the same.
One embodiment of the instant disclosure includes a heat pump system that includes a low-height cabinet configured to be mounted to a ceiling. The low-height cabinet includes a frame and a plurality of panels that define a compressor compartment, a blower compartment, and a plenum compartment. The frame includes one or more dividers that separate the blower compartment, the plenum compartment, and the compressor compartment from each other. The heat pump system also includes a compressor installed horizontally in the compressor compartment, a heat exchanger installed vertically in the compressor compartment, a blower assembly installed in the blower compartment, and an air coil installed in the blower compartment.
The frame of the heat pump system may include side rails, end rails, cross rails, side panels, end panels, bottom panels, and a top panel.
The frame of the heat pump system may include a first divider that separates the blower compartment from the plenum compartment.
Further, the frame of the heat pump system may include a second divider that separates the compressor compartment from the blower compartment and the plenum compartment.
The frame of the heat pump system may include an end panel and a side panel that partially form the plenum compartment. Each of the end panel and the side panel includes one or more knockout panels that are removable to enable ductwork to fluidly connect to the plenum compartment.
The plurality of panels of the heat pump system may include a first bottom panel that partially forms the blower compartment and is detachable from the frame to facilitate a technician in accessing the blower compartment from below the low-height cabinet when the low-height cabinet is mounted to the ceiling.
Further, the heat pump system may include a drain pan that is installed below the air coil in the blower compartment. The drain pan is configured to be removable from the blower compartment when the low-height cabinet is mounted to the ceiling.
Further, the blower assembly may include a blower panel, one or more blowers, and a blower motor. The one or more blowers and the blower motor are mounted to the blower panel.
Also the blower assembly may include slider brackets to which the blower panel is slidably mounted. The blower panel is configured to be slidably lowered at least partially out of the blower compartment when the first bottom panel is detached from the frame to facilitate the technician in accessing the one or more blowers and the blower motor from below the low-height cabinet when the low-height cabinet is mounted to the ceiling.
Additionally, the blower assembly may include a latch coupled to the blower panel. The latch is configured to engage the frame to secure the blower assembly in a retracted position in the blower compartment. The latch is configured to disengage from the frame to enable the blower assembly to lower into an extended position.
Moreover, the latch may be a spring-loaded latch.
The plurality of panels of the heat pump system may include an end panel, a plurality of side panels, and a plurality of bottom panels that partially form the compressor compartment. Each of the end panel, the plurality of side panels, and the plurality of bottom panels is detachable from the frame to facilitate a technician in accessing the compressor compartment when the low-height cabinet is mounted to the ceiling.
The air coil may be sized to fit in a low height of the low-height cabinet and provide heat exchange capable of controlling a temperature of a space
The heat exchanger of the heat pump system may be a brazed-plate heat exchanger that lies upright within a low height of the low-height cabinet and provide heat exchange capable of controlling a temperature of a space.
Further, the compressor of the heat pump system may be a horizontal rotary compressor installed horizontally in the compressor compartment to enable the compressor to fit in a low height of the low-height cabinet.
The low-height cabinet of the heat pump system may include a control panel, an electronics housing, and a cover panel. The electronics housing and the cover panel partially define an electronics compartment of the low-height cabinet. The control panel is coupled to the cover panel.
Further, the cover panel may include a pin and the electronics housing may define a curved slot configured to receive the pin. The pin is configured to slide in the curved slot to enable the control panel to be rotated from a first position at which the control panel is oriented to be accessed horizontally and a second position at which the control panel is oriented to be accessed horizontally from below the low-height control panel.
Further, the heat pump system may include a disconnect switchbox that includes switch extending outward from a bottom side of the low-height cabinet to enable a technician to engage the switch before accessing an interior of the low-height cabinet.
The plurality of panels of the heat pump system may include a top panel extending along a top side of the low-height cabinet. The top includes opposing flanges. Each of the opposing flanges defines mount holes such that one of the mount holes is located at each corner of the top panel.
Further, the heat pump system may include a plurality of grommet assemblies configured to provide low-height hanger mounts for the low-height cabinet. Each of the plurality of grommet assemblies are configured to extend through a respective one of the mount holes and couple to a corresponding one of the opposing flanges to mount the low-height cabinet to respective hanger rods.
The low-height cabinet of the heat pump system may have a height of about 9 inches.
In another embodiment of the instant disclosure, a heat pump system includes a low-height cabinet configured to be mounted to a ceiling. The low-height cabinet includes a frame and a plurality of panels that define a compressor compartment, a blower compartment, and a plenum compartment. The frame includes one or more dividers that separate the blower compartment, the plenum compartment, and the compressor compartment from each other. The heat pump system also includes a horizontal rotary compressor positioned horizontally in the compressor compartment to enable the compressor to fit in a low height of the low-height cabinet. The heat pump system also includes a brazed-plate heat exchanger positioned in the compressor compartment of the low-height cabinet. The brazed-plate heat exchanger lies upright within the low height of the low-height cabinet and provides heat exchange capable of controlling a temperature of a space. The heat pump system also includes a blower assembly positioned in the blower compartment and an air coil positioned in the blower compartment. The air coil has a height and a length where the height is configured to lie within the low height of the low-height cabinet and the length is longer than the height.
In another embodiment, a method for assembling a heat pump system with a low-height cabinet includes assembling a base of a frame together in an upside-down orientation by attaching a plurality of rails together. The plurality of rails includes side rails, end rails, and cross rails. The method also includes attaching a plurality of bottom panels to the base of the frame when the base of the frame is in the upside-down orientation and repositioning the base of the frame and the plurality of bottom panels in a right-side up orientation to enable subsequent assembly of the heat pump system in the right-side up orientation. The method also includes attaching a plurality of dividers of the frame to the base of the frame to form and separate a plenum compartment a blower compartment, and a compressor compartment in the low-height cabinet. The method also includes installing a compressor horizontally in the compressor compartment of the low-height cabinet, installing a heat exchanger installed in the compressor compartment of the low-height cabinet, installing a blower assembly in the blower compartment of the low-height cabinet, and installing an air coil in the blower compartment of the low-height cabinet.
The method may also include attaching compressor cross rails to the base of the frame when the frame is in the right-side up orientation.
Further, the method may also include installing the compressor in the compressor compartment includes attaching the compressor to the compressor cross rails.
The compressor may be installed horizontally in the compressor compartment is a horizontal rotary compressor.
Installing the heat exchanger in the compressor compartment may include attaching the heat exchanger to the frame.
The heat exchanger installed vertically in the compressor compartment may be a brazed-plate heat exchanger.
The method may also include attaching an expansion valve and a filter drier to the heat exchanger.
Further, the method may also include connecting refrigerant piping and a reversing valve to the heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the filter drier.
Also, the method may also include connecting additional refrigerant piping to and between the air coil and the expansion valve.
The method may also include, when the base of the frame is in the upside-down orientation, attaching a drain pan to the base of the frame in the blower compartment.
Further, the method may also include installing the air coil in the blower compartment includes positioning the air coil above the drain pan and attaching the air coil to the frame.
The method may also include comprising attaching an electronics housing to the base of the frame to form an electronics compartment of the low-height cabinet.
Further, the method may also include rotatably and slidably coupling a cover panel to the electronics housing by positioning a pin of the cover panel in a curved slot defined the electronics housing. A control panel is coupled to the cover panel.
The method may also include attaching a disconnect switchbox to an inner surface of a first bottom panel of the plurality of bottom panels. The first bottom panel defines an opening through which a switch of the disconnect switchbox is to extend.
Installing the blower assembly in the blower compartment may include vertically attaching a set of slider brackets of the blower assembly to the frame of the low-height cabinet in the blower compartment and slidably mounting a blower panel of the blower assembly to the set of slider brackets, wherein one or more blowers and a blower motor are attached to the blower panel.
The method may include attaching one or more corner posts to the base of the frame.
Further, the method may include connecting an inlet water leg to and between an inlet port of the heat exchanger and an inlet opening defined by a first corner post of the one or more corner posts and connecting an outlet water leg to and between an outlet port of the heat exchanger and an outlet opening defined by the first corner post.
Further, the method may include attaching one or more discharge panels to the frame adjacent the plenum compartment. Each of the one or more discharge panels includes one or more knockout panels that are removable to enable ductwork to be fluidly connected to the plenum compartment.
Further, the method may include attaching a top panel to at least one of the one or more posts or the plurality of dividers of the frame. The top panel includes flanges configured to provide low-height hanger mounts for the low-height cabinet.
Further, the method may include attaching a plurality of side and end panels to the frame to enclose the blower compartment and the compressor compartment.
In another embodiment, a freeze-protection system for a heat pump includes a refrigerant circuit including a first circuit portion, a second circuit portion, a third circuit portion, a fourth circuit portion, a fifth circuit portion, and a sixth portion. The freeze-protection system also includes a reversing valve that includes a first reversing port connected to the fifth circuit portion, a second reversing port connected to the second circuit portion, a third reversing port connected to the sixth circuit portion, and a fourth reversing port connected to the first circuit portion. The freeze-protection system also includes a source heat exchanger that includes an inlet port configured to receive water from a source, an outlet port configured to return the water to the source, a third source port connected to the second circuit portion, and a fourth source port connected to the third circuit portion. The freeze-protection system also includes a compressor connected to the sixth circuit portion and the first circuit portion between the third reversing port and the fourth reversing port, a load heat exchanger connected to the fourth circuit portion and the fifth circuit portion between the fourth source port and the first reversing port, a thermostat, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the thermostat to run the compressor, monitor for a low flow rate event and a low temperature event in response to receiving the signal from the thermostat, and set the heat pump in a lockout mode to prevent the compressor from running in response to detecting at least one of the low flow rate event or the low temperature event.
The controller of the freeze-protection system may be configured to run the compressor in response to not detecting both the low flow rate event and the low temperature event.
The controller of the freeze-protection system may be configured to monitor for the low flow rate event and the low temperature event simultaneously.
The freeze-protection system may further include a flow switch positioned adjacent the outlet port of the source heat exchanger. The flow switch is configured to monitor a water flow rate of the water returning to the source.
To monitor for the low flow rate event, the controller may be configured to determine whether a monitored flow rate of the water returning to the source has been less than a predefined flow rate threshold continuously for at least a first predefined duration.
Further, in response to determining that the monitored flow rate has been less than the predefined flow rate threshold continuously for at least the first predefined duration, the controller may be configured to disable the compressor and determine whether the monitored flow rate has been less than the predefined flow rate threshold continuously for at least a second predefined duration. The second predefined duration is greater than the first predefined duration.
Also, the controller of the freeze-protection system may be configured to detect the low flow rate event in response to determining that the monitored flow rate has been less than the predefined flow rate threshold continuously for at least the second predefined duration.
Additionally, in response to detecting the low flow rate event, the controller of the freeze-protection system may be configured to disable a water pump or a motorized water valve fluidly connected to the inlet port of the source heat exchanger.
Upon detecting the low flow rate event, the controller may be configured to remove the heat pump from the lockout mode in response to identifying that power for the heat pump has been cycled and a monitored flow rate of the water returning to the source has increased to be greater than a predefined flow rate threshold.
The freeze-protection system may also include an expansion valve connected to the third circuit portion and the fourth circuit portion between the fourth source port and the load heat exchanger.
Further, the freeze-protection system may also include a first temperature sensor positioned adjacent the inlet port of the source heat exchanger and configured to collect a water temperature measurement of the water flowing from the source and a second temperature sensor positioned along the third circuit portion and configured to collect a refrigerant temperature measurement of refrigerant flowing between the source heat exchanger and the expansion valve.
Also, the controller may be configured to detect the low temperature event in response to detecting that the water temperature measurement is less than a first predetermined temperature threshold and detecting that the refrigerant temperature measurement is less than a second predetermined temperature threshold.
Additionally, in response to detecting the low temperature event, the controller may be configured to disable a water pump or a motorized water valve fluidly connected to the inlet port of the source heat exchanger.
Upon detecting the low temperature event, the controller may be configured to remove the heat pump from the lockout mode in response to identifying that power for the heat pump has been cycled.
In another embodiment, a freeze-protection method for a heat pump includes receiving, via a controller, a signal from a thermostat to run a compressor and monitoring, via the controller, for a low flow rate event in response to receiving the signal from the thermostat. The freeze-protection method also includes monitoring, via the controller, for a low temperature event in response to receiving the signal from the thermostat and setting, via the controller, the heat pump in a lockout mode to prevent the compressor from running in response to detecting at least one of the low flow rate event or the low temperature event.
The freeze-protection method may include running the compressor in response to not detecting both the low flow rate event and the low temperature event.
The freeze-protection method may include monitoring for the low flow rate event and monitoring for the low temperature event occur simultaneously.
The freeze-protection method may include monitoring, via a flow switch, a water flow rate of water returning to a source from a source heat exchanger. The flow switch is positioned adjacent an outlet port of the source heat exchanger.
Monitoring for the low flow rate event may include determining, via the controller, whether a monitored flow rate of water returning to a source from a source heat exchanger has been less than a predefined flow rate threshold continuously for at least a first predefined duration.
Further, the freeze-protection method may include, in response to determining that the monitored flow rate has been less than the predefined flow rate threshold continuously for at least the first predefined duration, disabling a compressor and determining whether the monitored flow rate has been less than the predefined flow rate threshold continuously for at least a second predefined duration. The second predefined duration is greater than the first predefined duration.
Also, the low flow rate event may be detected in response to determining, via the controller, that the monitored flow rate has been less than the predefined flow rate threshold continuously for at least the second predefined duration.
Additionally, the freeze-protection method may include disabling a water pump or a motorized water valve fluidly connected to an inlet port of the source heat exchanger in response to detecting the low flow rate event.
The freeze-protection method may include, upon detecting the low flow rate event, removing the heat pump from the lockout mode in response to the controller identifying that power for the heat pump has been cycled and a monitored flow rate of water returning to a source from a source heat exchanger has increased to be greater than a predefined flow rate threshold.
The freeze-protection method may include collecting, via a first temperature sensor, a water temperature measurement of water flowing from a source to an inlet port of a source heat exchanger and collecting, via a second temperature sensor, a refrigerant temperature measurement of refrigerant flowing between a source heat exchanger and an expansion valve.
Further, the low temperature event may be detected in response to detecting that the water temperature measurement is less than a first predetermined temperature threshold and detecting that the refrigerant temperature measurement is less than a second predetermined temperature threshold.
Also, the freeze-protection method may include disabling a water pump or a motorized water valve fluidly connected to the inlet port of the source heat exchanger in response to detecting the low temperature event.
The freeze-protection method may include, upon detecting the low temperature event, removing, via the controller, the heat pump from the lockout mode in response to identifying that power for the heat pump has been cycled.
Although the figures and the instant disclosure describe one or more embodiments of a heat pump system, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the teachings of the instant disclosure would not be limited to these embodiments. It should be appreciated that any of the features of an embodiment discussed with reference to the figures herein may be combined with or substituted for features discussed in connection with other embodiments in this disclosure.
The instant disclosure provides an improved heat pump system comprising uniquely configured heat pump system components together with an improved enclosure that enable (i) easy and efficient assembly of the system at the factory, (ii) installation in locations that are extremely limited in height, such as the ceiling space in a housing unit, a hotel room, or a commercial office unit, for example, that separates vertically adjoining rooms or units, (iii) field configurable options for connecting to existing HVAC system components, and (iv) easy component serviceability while the system is installed. Embodiments of the improved enclosure (also interchangeably called a “cabinet,” a “cabinet system,” a “cabinet enclosure,” or a “cabinet assembly” for purposes of this disclosure) provide for a low-height heat pump system, such as a 9-inch-tall system measured from the bottom of the cabinet to the top of the cabinet. The reduced height of the cabinet and uniquely configured heat pump components housed therein enables the cabinet to be installed in shallow ceiling spaces, such as in a furred ceiling area at an entry of a hotel room, a condominium, or an apartment, etc. In turn, the reduced height of the cabinet suspended from or otherwise mounted to the ceiling reduces the total height of the corresponding floor, thereby reducing the height of each floor within a building. In some instances, the height savings for each floor that results from the cabinet of the instant disclosure may enable in an additional floor to be added for every predetermined (e.g., ten) floors in a high-rise building. Additionally, embodiments of the disclosed cabinet and the uniquely configured heat pump components housed therein increase the size of the available floor space for the corresponding unit by removing the need to dedicate a portion of the floor space, such as a dedicated closet, for the heat pump system. Embodiments of the disclosed cabinet and the uniquely configured heat pump components housed therein also are capable of being retrofitted into older buildings with reduced floor heights and minimal available floor space for a new HVAC system.
Embodiments of the low-height cabinet system disclosed herein include uniquely configured cabinet components and heat pump components therein that enable a technician to easily install the cabinet in a shallow ceiling space. Embodiments of the disclosed cabinet include integrated low-profile hanger features that facilitate the cabinet in being installed in shallow spaces. Embodiments of the disclosed cabinet are configured to house various components of a water source heat pump in a novel, compact arrangement to reduce the amount of height consumed by the HVAC system and its cabinet enclosure. For example, embodiments of the instant disclosure may be about 50 inches long, about 20 inches wide, and a maximum of about 9 inches in height. To achieve the reduced height of 9 inches, embodiments of the low-height cabinet system of the instant disclosure include a refrigerant-to-air load heat exchanger with horizontally-oriented heat exchange tubes with heat exchange passes stacked vertically above one another to a height that enables the heat exchanger to fit within the 9 inch cabinet enclosure. With the maximum height being fixed, the horizontal length of the heat exchange tubes and the number of horizontal passes are defined by the desired heat exchange between air passing over the tubes and the refrigerant conveyed within the tubes. In addition, embodiments of the instant disclosure include the use of a horizontally-oriented compressor and a relatively small brazed-plate source heat exchanger, both enabling the reduced height of 9 inches. One of ordinary skill would appreciate that the use of a brazed-pate heat exchanger introduces the risk of damage from freezing of water or other source liquid therein, and the use of a relatively small brazed-plate heat exchanger as disclosed herein only enhances that risk due to the relatively small voids or volumes of water therein that may more easily and/or more quickly freeze under the same conditions. Consequently, the use of a brazed-plate heat exchanger as disclosed herein provides unexpected advantages for helping solve the problem of achieving a low height of 9 inches. Embodiments of the disclosed cabinet also include an integrated air-discharge plenum that unexpectedly provides fan/motor sound attenuation while also allowing the integration of such components or features inside the cabinet as opposed to, for example, having a plenum entirely separate from and outside the cabinet. Additionally, embodiments of the disclosed cabinet are formed of lightweight components, such as rail frames formed of thin-gauge steel, to facilitate the cabinet in easily being installed in a ceiling space or suspended from a ceiling. Further, the components provide rigidity to the cabinet that reduces vibrations and/or lowers acoustic signatures without incorporating additional noise-insulating materials.
Embodiments of the cabinet disclosed herein include features that enable a technician to easily access and service components housed in the cabinet from underneath, for example, without having to dismount the cabinet from its installed position in or near the ceiling. In addition, embodiments of the disclosed cabinet include a plurality of side and/or bottom panel air duct connection ports that can be configured in the field at the time of installation of the unit to facilitate connection of HVAC system air ducts to the heat pump system at the time of installation. Embodiments of the disclosed cabinet include a plurality of removable side and/or bottom panels to provide the technician with multiple points of access to internal components of the cabinet, thereby facilitating the technician in servicing various internal components from below the cabinet that is installed to or suspended from the ceiling. Embodiments of the disclosed cabinet include other features, such as a removable drain pan for a load heat exchanger, such as a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger (also called an “air coil”) and/or a retractable and removable slide deck to which one or more fans or air blowers and a corresponding drive motor are mounted, to enable servicing of the one or more fans and/or motor(s) and to further facilitate the technician in accessing various internal components of the cabinet when the cabinet remains in its installed condition.
Embodiments of the disclosed cabinet also include safety features, such as a bottom-mounted electrical disconnect switch, to increase the safety of the technician servicing the heat pump system. Other safety features are also disclosed herein. For example, embodiments of the disclosed heat pump system include a freeze-protection system and method that restricts operation of the compressor of the heat pump system to prevent damage to heat pump components when tasked with operating when, for example, the source water is near or below freezing temperatures. Additionally, embodiments of the freeze-protection system disclosed herein may be implemented in other heat pump systems to protect system components from freezing and damage.
Additionally, embodiments of the cabinet disclosed herein have a reduced part count and an easy fabrication and assembly process, thereby reducing manufacturing costs for the cabinet. For example, embodiments of assembly methods disclosed herein enable components of the cabinet to be assembled from the bottom up, where upon completion of the assembly enables components housed therein to be accessible and serviceable from underneath the cabinet when installed. Embodiments of the disclosed cabinet are configured to be modular to facilitate a streamlined process for assembling differently-oriented cabinets. For example, the modularity of the cabinet components enables the same parts to be used for a cabinet that is assembled in a right configuration, a left configuration, and a split configuration. In turn, required inventory is reduced, material utilization is optimized, and manufacturing efficiency is increased. The modularity of the cabinet components also enables the cabinet to be configured for a diverse set of environments.
Turning now to the drawings,
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Each of the duct panels 251, 252, 253 are removable from the side panel 250 to form an opening for ductwork connecting to the cabinet 10. For example, each of the duct panels 251, 252, 253 includes one or more flanges extending from its edges to facilitate the coupling to and decoupling from the side panel 250. Ductwork of the HVAC system may fluidly connect to the cabinet 10 via an opening formed by the removal of one or more of the duct panels 251, 252, 253 in addition to or as an alternative to ductwork connecting to the cabinet 10 via the end panel 230. For example, ductwork of the HVAC system may connect to the cabinet 10 via only the end panel 230, via only the side panel 250, and/or simultaneously via both the end panel 230 and the side panel 250. In the illustrated example, each of the duct panels 251, 252, 253 are equally sized. In other examples, the duct panels 251, 252, 253 are differently sized with respect to each other to facilitate differently-sized ducts in connecting to the cabinet 10. For example, the duct panel 251 having a first surface area may be removed to enable a first-sized duct to connect to the cabinet 10, or the duct panel 252 having a second surface area may be removed to enable a second-sized duct to connect to the cabinet 10. Additionally, or alternatively, different combinations of the duct panels 251, 252, 253 may be removed to facilitate differently sized ducts in connecting to the cabinet 10. For example, one of duct panels 251, 252, 253 may be removed to enable a relatively small duct to connect to the cabinet 10. Two adjacent ones of the duct panels 251, 252, 253 may be removed together to enable a moderately-sized duct to connect to the cabinet 10. All three of the duct panels 251, 252, 253 may be removed together to enable a relatively large duct to connect to the cabinet 10, for example, to facilitate proper air velocity and static pressure.
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Subsequently, a drain pan 710 and the bottom panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 are then coupled to the frame 100 in an upside-down configuration such that the bottom side 25 is facing upward. The drain pan 710 for the air coil 700 extends between and is coupled to the end rail 122 and the cross rail 134. The drain pan 710 is configured to be easily decoupled from the frame 100 to facilitate a technician in cleaning, maintaining, and/or repairing the drain pan 710. An outlet 712 of the drain pan 710 is positioned to extend through one of two holes 121 of the end rail 122, and an opposing end of the drain pan 710 is fastened to the cross rail 134. For example, an end of the drain pan 710 includes a flange that is coupled to the cross rail 134 (e.g., via a fastener). In some examples, the outlet 712 on the opposing end of the drain pan 710 is a flexible drain coupling that is decouplable from the drain pan 710 to facilitate in the disassembly, removal, and/or servicing of the drain pan 710 with hand tools.
Additionally, the bottom panel 212 is coupled to the side rail 112, the end rail 122, and/or the cross rails 134, 136 via one or more fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners) in a manner such that the bottom panel 212 covers the drain pan 710 in the upside-down orientation. The bottom panel 214 is coupled to the side rail 114, the end rail 122, and/or the cross rails 134, 136 via one or more fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners). The bottom panel 216 is coupled to the side rail 112 and/or the cross rails 132, 134 via one or more fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners), and the bottom panel 218 is coupled to the side rail 114 and/or the cross rails 132, 134 via one or more fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners). The bottom panel 220 is coupled to the side rails 112, 114, the end rail 124, and/or the cross rail 132 via one or more fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners).
The base of the frame 100, the drain pan 710, and the bottom panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 are then rotated right-side up and transported to an assembly line for further assembly of the cabinet 10.
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The divider 160 extends along the cross rail 136 between the end rail 122 and the divider 150. In the illustrated example, the divider 160 is coupled to the end rail 122, the cross rail 134, the cross rail 136, and/or the divider 150 via fasteners. As disclosed below in greater detail, the divider 160 is configured to extend along the cross rail 136, between the first end 40 and the divider 150, and between the top and bottom sides 20, 25 to separate the plenum compartment 50 from the blower compartment 60. The divider 160 also defines one or more openings 162 to fluidly connect the plenum compartment 50 to the blower compartment 60 such that the plenum receives heated or cooled air exiting the blower compartment 60. The duct panels 232, 251, 252, 253 enable the plenum compartment 50 to be accessed in multiple discharge directions for various duct configurations. The plenum compartment 50 enables air pressure to build for distribution down the installed duct paths. Additionally, the plenum compartment 50 facilitates a rapid expansion of airflow from the blowers 810, 820, which may have a relatively small area and a relatively high-velocity throat, thereby rapidly lowering the airflow velocity and corresponding noise due to a reduced turbulence. That is, the rapid decrease in velocity results in an integral acoustic attenuator of the cabinet 10.
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In the illustrated example, the heat exchanger 400 is installed vertically within the compressor compartment 70 of the cabinet 10. The inlet port 404 is positioned to be the lowest port of the heat exchanger 400 to avoid build-up of condensation within the heat exchanger 400 when the heat exchanger 400 is operating in condensing applications. The heat exchanger 400 of the illustrated example is sized to both (1) provide enough heat exchange capabilities to comfortably control the temperature of the space and (2) fit within the low-height profile of the cabinet 10.
The support bracket 720 of the cabinet 10 is coupled to and extends along the side rail 112. The air coil 700 is positioned over the drain pan 710 such that condensation from the air coil 700 is safely collected within the drain pan 710 and removed from the cabinet 10 through the outlet 712. The air coil 700 is coupled to the side rail 112, the divider 150 (e.g., the mullion 152 of the divider 150), the corner post 170, and/or the support bracket 720 via one or more fasteners to securely position the air coil 700 in place within the blower compartment 60. The air coil 700 is fluidly connected to other components of the heat pump system 5 via the refrigerant conduit 600.
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The control panel 910 is coupled to an underside of the cover panel 920 such that the cover panel 920 covers the control panel 910 when coupled to the electronics housing 930 within the electronics compartment 80 of the cabinet 10. The cover panel 920 is configured to cover fasteners (e.g., screws) that mount the electrical components to the control panel 910. The cover panel 920 includes a pin 922 that is configured to facilitate a technician in coupling the control panel 910 to the electronics housing 930 and/or decoupling the control panel 910 from the electronics housing 930. The pin 922 is configured to be slidably received by the curved slot 936 of the electronics housing 930 to facilitate the technician in securely positioning the control panel 910 within the electronics housing 930 and/or removing the control panel 910 from the electronics housing 930.
Initially, at block 1005, a base of the frame is assembled together at a workstation in an upside down configuration. For example, the side rails 112, 114, the end rails 122, 124, and the cross rails 132, 134, 136 are coupled together to form the base of the frame 100. At block 1010, the drain pan 710 and the bottom panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 are attached to the base of the frame 100 in an upside-down configuration. At block 1015, the base of the frame 100, the drain pan 710, and the bottom panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 are rotated right-side up and positioned on an assembly line for further assembly.
At block 1020, the compressor cross rails 312, 314 are attached to the side rails 112, 114 of the base of the frame 100. The compressor cross rail 312 is positioned to extend along and rest on the cross rail 132, and the compressor cross rail 314 is positioned to extend along and rest on the cross rail 134. At block 1025, the divider 150, including the mullions 152, 154, and the divider 160 are attached to the base of the frame 100. For example, the divider 150 is positioned to extend between the side rails 112, 114 and along the cross rail 134, and the divider 160 is positioned to extend along the cross rail 136 and between the end rail 122 and the divider 150. The divider 150 is coupled to the cross rail 134, the side rail 112, and/or the side rail 114. The divider 160 is coupled to the end rail 122, the cross rail 134, the cross rail 136, and/or the divider 150.
At block 1030, the compressor support rails 316, 318 are attached to the compressor cross rails 312, 314, for example, in a perpendicular manner. The compressor 300 is previously coupled to the compressor support rails 316, 318 such that coupling the compressor support rails 316, 318 to the compressor cross rails 312, 314 results in the compressor 300 being coupled to the base of the frame 100. At block 1035, the heat exchanger 400 is attached to the base of the frame 100 via the support bracket 410. For example, the heat exchanger 400 is a brazed-plate heat exchanger that is coupled to the frame 100 in an upright or vertical manner. At block 1040, the expansion valve 500 and the filter drier 510 are attached to the heat exchanger 400 via a portion of the refrigerant conduit 600. At block 1045, the reversing valve 330, the pressure switches 342, 344, the pressure switch 360, the compressor 300, the heat exchanger 400, the expansion valve 500, and the filter drier 510 are fluidly connected to each other via portions of the refrigerant conduit 600.
At block 1050, the support bracket 720 for the air coil 700 and the corner post 170 are attached to the base of the frame 100. For example, the support bracket 720 is coupled to and extends along the side rail 112, and the corner post 170 is coupled to the side rail 112 and/or the end rail 122. Additionally, the air coil 700 is attached to the support bracket 720, the side rail 112, the divider 150 (e.g., the mullion 152 of the divider 150), and/or the corner post 170 so that the air coil 700 is positioned above the drain pan 710. At block 1055, the air coil 700 is fluidly connected to other components of the heat pump system 5, such as the expansion valve 500, via portions of the refrigerant conduit 600.
At block 1060, the electronics housing 930 is coupled to the base of the frame 100. For example, the base panel 932 of the electronics housing 930 is coupled to and extends along the cross rail 132, and the arm panels 934 of the electronics housing 930 extend between the cross rail 132 and the end rail 124 of the frame 100.
At block 1065, the corner post 180 is attached to the base of the frame 100 and water legs are connected to the heat exchanger 400. For example, the is coupled to the side rail 114 and/or the end rail 124 of the frame 100. The inlet water leg is assembled that extends between the inlet port 404 of the heat exchanger 400 and the inlet opening 184 defined by the corner post 180. The flow regulator valve 450, the motorized valve 430, and the strainer valve 440 are positioned along the inlet water leg. The outlet water leg is assembled that extends between the outlet port 402 of the heat exchanger 400 and the outlet opening 182 defined by the corner post 180. The flow switch 420 is positioned along the outlet water leg.
At block 1070, the corner post 190 is attached to the base of the frame 100, and the disconnect switchbox 940 is assembled on the bottom panel 216. For example, the corner post 190 is coupled to the side rail 112 and/or the end rail 124 of the frame 100. To assemble the disconnect switchbox 940, (1) the cover 946 is positioned within the front housing 944, (2) the switch body 942 is positioned on the cover 946 such that the switch 943 extends through the switch opening 947, (3) the rear housing 948 is positioned over the front housing 944 to enclose the cover 946 and the switch body 942 within the front and rear housings 944, 948, and (4) the switch body 942, the front housing 944, the cover 946, and the rear housing 948 are fastened together.
At block 1075, the blowers 810, 820 and the blower motor 830 are securely and slidably positioned within the blower compartment 60 of the cabinet 10. For example, the blowers 810, 820 and the blower motor 830 are mounted to the blower panel 840. The slider brackets 852, 854 are fastened in a vertical manner to opposing ends of the divider 160. The blower panel 840 is then slidably mounted to the slider brackets 852, 854 such that the blower panel 840 is positioned vertically within the blower compartment 60.
At block 1080, the discharge panels, including the end panel 230 and the side panel 250, are coupled to the frame 100 around the plenum compartment 50. For example, the end panel 230 is coupled to the end rail 122, the side rail 114, and/or the divider 160. The side panel 250 is coupled to the side rail 114 and/or the divider 150 (e.g., the mullion 154 of the divider 150).
At block 1085, the control panel 910 is securely positioned within the electronics compartment 80 of the cabinet 10. For example, the control panel 910 is mounted to the cover panel 920. The cover panel 920 include the pin 922 that is slidably received by the curved slot 936 of the electronics housing 930 to securely position the control panel 910 within the electronics compartment 80.
At block 1090, the top panel 270 is attached along the top side 20 of the cabinet 10. For example, the top panel 270 is coupled to the divider 150 (e.g., the mullions 152, 154 of the divider 150), the divider 160, the corner post 170, the corner post 180, the corner post 190, the end panel 235, and/or the side panel 250. At block 1095, the access panels, including the end panels 235, 240 and the side panels 255, 260, are attached to the frame 100 and/or the top panel 270 of the cabinet 10. For example, the end panel 235 is coupled to the end rail 122, the divider 160, the corner post 180, and/or the top panel 270. The end panel 240 is coupled to the end rail 124, the corner post 180, the corner post 180, and/or the top panel 270. The side panel 255 is coupled to the side rail 114, the divider 150 (e.g., the mullion 154 of the divider 150), the corner post 180, and/or the top panel 270. The side panel 260 is coupled to the side rail 114, the divider 150 (e.g., the mullion 152 of the divider 150), the corner post 190, and/or the top panel 270.
To secure the control panel 910 within the electronics compartment 80, the end panel 240 is detached from the frame 100. The control panel 910 and the cover panel 920 is then inserted into the electronics compartment 80 through an opening where the end panel 240 was previously located. The control panel 910 and the cover panel 920 are positioned and oriented such that the pin 922 of the cover panel 920 is inserted into the curved slot 936 of the electronics housing 930. A cap is attached to the pin 922 to securely retain the pin 922 within the curved slot 936. The pin 922 of the cover panel 920 is then slid to an upper end of the curved slot 936 at which the pin 922 rests such that the cover panel 920 and the control panel 910 is slid and rotated into a rest position within the electronics compartment 80. In some examples, an edge of the cover panel 920 is secured to the corner posts 180, 190 via fasteners to further secure the control panel 910 in place. The end panel 240 is then reattached to the frame 100 to securely enclose the control panel within the electronics compartment 80.
When the control panel 910 is installed within the electronics compartment 80, the curved slot 936 and the pin 922 enable the control panel to be rotated by the technician (e.g., about 120 degrees) so that the control panel 910 faces slightly upward and toward the second end 45 of the cabinet 10. To access the control panel 910 for service, the end panel 240, the side panel 255, and/or the side panel 260 is detached from the frame 100. In some examples, the cover panel 920 is decoupled from the corner posts 180, 190 while the control panel 910 remains facing downward. The control panel 910 and the cover panel 920 are slid and rotated (e.g., about 120 degrees) via the pin 922 and the curved slot 936 so that the control panel 910 faces slightly upward and toward the second end 45 of the cabinet 10. Once the control panel 910 is serviced, the control panel 910, cover panel 920, the end panel 240, the side panel 255, and/or the side panel 260 are securely retained to their rest positions.
As further depicted in
In the illustrated example, the plenum compartment 50 is formed by the divider 150, the divider 160, the bottom panel 212, the end panel 230, the side panel 250, and the top panel 270. The blower compartment 60 is formed by the divider 150, the divider 160, the corner post 170, the bottom panel 214, the end panel 235, and the top panel 270. Additionally, the compressor compartment 70 is formed by the divider 150, the divider 160, the corner posts 180, 190, the bottom panels 216, 218, the end panel 240, the side panels 255, 260, and the top panel 270. The electronics compartment 80 is formed by the bottom panel 220, the end panel 240, the top panel 270, and the electronics housing 930.
As shown in
As shown in
In the illustrated example, the second cabinet 3120 includes the corner posts 180, 190; end panels 240, 3230; side panels 255, 260; bottom panels 220, 3218; and a top panel 3275. The end panels 240, 3230, the side panels 255, 260, and the bottom panels 220, 3128 are configured to be removed from the second cabinet 3120 to provide access to components of the heat pump system 3050 housed within the first cabinet 3120. For example, in
The first cabinet 3110 of the illustrated example includes the corner post 170; end panels 230, 3240, 3244; knockout panels 3242, 3246; a mullion 3248; the side panel 250; a bottom panel 3212, and a top panel 3270. The end panel 230 is located on a first end of the first cabinet 3110 The end panels 3240, 3244; the knockout panels 3242, 3246; and the mullion 3248 are located on an opposing second side. The knockout panels 3242, 3246 are configured to be removed from first cabinet 3110 to provide access to the plenum compartment 50 and/or the blower compartment 60. For example, one or more of the knockout panel 3242, 3246 is removed from the first cabinet 3110 to enable a portion of the refrigerant conduit 600 and/or electrical wiring to extend between (1) the plenum compartment 50 and/or the blower compartment 60 of the first cabinet 3110 and (2) the compressor compartment 70 and/or the electronics compartment 80 of the second cabinet 3120. The side panel 250 includes the duct panels 251, 252, 253 that are removable to form an opening for ductwork connecting to the plenum compartment 50. The bottom panel 3212 also includes duct panels 3214, 3215, 3216 that are removable to form an opening for ductwork connecting to the plenum compartment 50. As shown in
In the illustrated example, refrigerant circuit 650 of heat pump systems 5, 2050, 3050 includes various portions of refrigerant conduit 600 to convey refrigerant therethrough, including first portion 1120 extending from the compressor 300 to the fourth port 337 of reversing valve 330, second portion 1130 extending from the second port 335 of reversing valve 330 to the port 406 of the refrigerant-to-liquid source heat exchanger 400, third portion 1140 extending from the port 408 of the source heat exchanger 400 to the filter drier 510 and to the expansion valve 500, fourth portion 1150 extending from the expansion valve 500 to the refrigerant-to-air load heat exchanger identified in these example embodiments as air coil 700, fifth portion 1160 extending from the air coil 700 to the first port 334 of reversing valve 330, and sixth portion 1170 extending from the third port 336 of reversing valve 330 to a suction accumulator 320 (
Heat pump systems 5, 2050, 3050 also include source loop 1110 to convey a liquid, such as water or brine, for example, to and from a source and to and from source heat exchanger 400 to enable heat exchange between the refrigerant and the liquid from the source.
The source loop 1110 of the illustrated example includes the inlet water leg and the outlet water leg. The inlet water leg is connected to the inlet port 404 of the heat exchanger 400 and the outlet water leg is connected to the outlet port 402 of the heat exchanger 400.
In the illustrated example, the inlet water leg is configured to receive water, or brine, or other liquid from a source. The inlet side of the strainer valve 440 is configured to receive the water, for example, from the source. The outlet side of the strainer valve 440 is connected to the inlet side of the optional motorized valve 430, the outlet side of the motorized valve 430 is connected to the inlet side of the optional pump 470, the outlet side of the pump 470 is connected to the inlet side of the optional flow regulator valve 450, and the outlet side of the flow regulator valve 450 is connected to the inlet port 404 of the heat exchanger 400. In some examples, the motorized valve 430, the pump 470, and/or the flow regulator valve 450 are optional components that may not be included in the source loop 1110. Additionally, the temperature sensor 403 is positioned along the inlet water leg adjacent the inlet port 404 to measure the temperature of water entering the heat exchanger 400.
The outlet water leg of the illustrated example is configured to return the water to the source. The outlet port 402 of the heat exchanger 400 side is connected to the inlet side of the flow switch 420, and the outlet side of the flow switch 420 is fluidly connected to the source. As disclosed below in greater detail, the flow switch 420 is configured to detect when the flow rate of the water leaving the heat exchanger 400 is less than a predefined temperature threshold. In other examples, a flow sensor and/or other flow monitoring device is used to detect when the flow rate is less than the predefined temperature threshold. Additionally, the temperature sensor 405 is positioned along the outlet water leg adjacent the outlet port 402 to measure the temperature of water leaving the heat exchanger 400.
As illustrated in
The pressure switches 342, 344 are positioned along the sixth portion 1170 of the refrigerant conduit 600 of refrigerant circuit 650 between the reversing valve 330 and the suction accumulator 320 to monitor for a low pressure of the refrigerant during a cooling mode. As disclosed below in greater detail, the pressure switches 342, 344 are configured to detect when the pressure along the sixth portion 1170 is less than respective predefined pressure thresholds. In other examples, pressure sensors and/or other pressure monitoring devices are used to detect when the pressure is less than the predefined pressure thresholds. Additionally, in the illustrated example, a connection point 345 to controller 912 is positioned along the sixth portion 1170 between the reversing valve 330 and the suction accumulator 320 for monitoring a temperature and a pressure of the expansion valve 500.
The pressure switch 360 is positioned along the first portion 1120 of the refrigerant conduit 600 of refrigerant circuit 650 to monitor for a high pressure of the refrigerant during a cooling mode. As disclosed below in greater detail, the pressure switch 360 is configured to detect when the pressure along the first portion 1120 is greater than a predefined pressure threshold. In other examples, a pressure sensor and/or other pressure monitoring device is used to detect when the pressure is greater than the predefined pressure threshold.
The heat pump systems 5, 2050, 3050 of the illustrated example are reversible flow heat pumps and can be configured to operate in a cooling mode and a heating mode by configuring reversing valve 330 to change the direction of flow of the refrigerant (see arrows in
To place heat pump systems 5, 2050, 3050 in a cooling mode, the controller 912 sends a signal to the reversing valve 330 that causes the reversing valve 330 to fluidly connect (1) the first port 334 to the third port 336 and (2) the second port 335 to the fourth port 337. In the illustrated example, the refrigerant flows in a counterclockwise direction through the refrigerant conduit 600. Superheated refrigerant gas leaving the compressor is directed to (1) the fourth port 337 of the reversing valve 330, (2) which conveys the refrigerant from the second port 335 of the reversing valve 330 to port 408 and through the heat exchanger 400 acting as a condenser, (3) through the filter drier 510, (4) through the expansion valve 500, (5) through the air coil 700 acting as an evaporator, (6) through the first port 334 of the reversing valve 330, (7) through the third port 336 of the reversing valve 330, (8) through the suction accumulator 320, and (9) back to the compressor 300.
To place heat pump systems 5, 2050, 3050 in a heating mode, the controller 912 sends a signal to the reversing valve 330 that causes the reversing valve 330 to fluidly connect (1) the first port 334 to the second port 335 and (2) the third port 336 to the fourth port 337. In the illustrated example, the refrigerant flows in a clockwise direction through the refrigerant conduit 600. Superheated refrigerant gas leaving the compressor is directed to (1) the fourth port 337 of the reversing valve 330, (2) which conveys the refrigerant from the first port 334 of the reversing valve 330 to port 408 and through the air coil 700 acting as a condenser, (3) through the expansion valve 500, (4) through the filter drier 510, (5) through the heat exchanger 400 acting as an evaporator, (6) through the second port 335 of the reversing valve 330, (7) through the third port 336 of the reversing valve 330, (8) through the suction accumulator 320, and (9) back to the compressor 300.
As described above for heat pump system 3050, heat pump systems 5, 2050 may be wired or wirelessly (Wi-Fi/cellular/Bluetooth, etc.) connected to other local or remote equipment, including a thermostat, a controller, a display, and/or a user interface operating in a web browser, for example. In this way, a user may locally or remotely monitor a sensor, component, or function of heat pump systems 5, 3050 or locally or remotely interact with and/or control a function of heat pump systems 5, 3050.
The controller 912 includes a processor 914 and memory 916. The processor 914 may include any suitable processing device or set of processing devices such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit. The memory 916 may include volatile memory (e.g., RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., disk memory, FLASH memory, etc.), unalterable memory (e.g., EPROMs), read-only memory, and/or combinations thereof. The memory 916 is computer readable media on which one or more sets of instructions, such as the software for operating the methods of the present disclosure, can be embedded. For example, the instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein.
The terms “non-transitory computer-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” include a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. Further, the terms “non-transitory computer-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” include any tangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, the term “computer readable medium” is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals.
The input devices include the pressure switch 342, the pressure switch 344, the pressure switch 360, the temperature sensor 403, the temperature sensor 405, flow switch 420, the temperature sensor 502, the temperature sensor 504, and/or any other input device of the heat pump system 5. The output devices include the compressor 300, the reversing valve 330, and the blower motor 830. In the illustrated example, the controller 912 is communicatively coupled (e.g., via wires) to the thermostat 918. The controller 912 also is communicatively coupled (e.g., via wires) to the compressor 300, the reversing valve 330, and the blower motor 830. Further, in other examples, the controller 912 is communicatively coupled (e.g., via wires) to other devices, such as the motorized valve 430, the pump 470, the expansion valve 500, the air coil 700, etc.
The flowchart of
Initially, at block 1205 of Fig, 53A, the controller 912 determines whether a signal has been received from a thermostat to turn the compressor 130 on. In response to the controller 912 determining that such a signal has not been received, the method 1200 returns to block 1205. Otherwise, in response to the controller 912 determining that such a signal has been received, the method 1200 proceeds to block 1210 at which the water flowing through the source loop 1110 is monitored for low flow rates.
In response to the controller 912 determining that the water flowrate (1) is not currently less than the predefined flowrate threshold or (2) has not been less than the predefined flowrate threshold continuously for at least the first predefined duration, the method 1210 proceeds to block 1218 at which the controller 912 enables the compressor 300 to be run. Otherwise, in response to the controller 912 determining that the water flowrate is currently less than the predefined flowrate threshold and has been less than the predefined flowrate threshold continuously for at least the first predefined duration, the method 1210 proceeds to block 1220 at which the controller 912 disables the compressor 300.
At block 1222, the controller 912 determines whether the water flowing of the source loop 1110 is less than the predefined flowrate threshold and has been less than the predefined flowrate threshold continuously for at least a second predefined duration (e.g., 50 seconds). The second predefined duration is greater than the first predefined duration. In response to the controller 912 determining that the water flowrate (1) is not currently less than the predefined flowrate threshold or (2) has not been less than the predefined flowrate threshold continuously for at least the second predefined duration, the method 1210 returns to block 1212. Otherwise, in response to the controller 912 determining that the water flowrate is currently less than the predefined flowrate threshold and has been less than the predefined flowrate threshold continuously for at least the second predefined duration, the method 1210 proceeds to block 1224 at which the controller 912 disables the pump 470 or the motorized valve 430. At block 1226, the controller 912 sets the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 into a lockout mode.
Returning to
In response to the controller 912 determining that the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 is set in the lockout mode, the method 1200 proceeds to block 1235 at which the controller 912 determines whether power for the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 has been cycled since being set to the lockout mode. In response to the controller 912 determining that power for the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 has not been cycled, the method 1200 remains at block 1235. Otherwise, in response to the controller 912 determining that power for the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 has been cycled, the method 1200 proceeds to block 1240.
At block 1240, the controller 912 determines whether the water flowrate of the source loop 1110 has increased to be greater than the predefined flowrate threshold. In response to the controller 912 determining the water flowrate is not greater than the predefined threshold, the method 1200 remains at block 1240. Otherwise, in response to the controller 912 determining the water flowrate is greater than the predefined predefined threshold, the method 1200 returns to block 1205.
Returning back to block 1230, in response to the controller 912 determining that the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 is not set in the lockout mode, the method 1200 proceeds to block 1250 at which the controller 912 monitors the water of the source loop 1110 and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 650 for low temperatures.
In response to the controller 912 determining that the temperature of the refrigerant is not less than the first predefined temperature threshold, the method 1250 proceeds to block 1254 at which the controller 912 enables the compressor 300 to be run. Otherwise, in response to the controller 912 determining that the temperature of the refrigerant is less than the first predefined temperature threshold, the method 1250 proceeds to block 1256. It should be understood that block 1252 may be performed at the same time as block 1256. Alternatively, block 1256 may be performed before block 1252.
At block 1256, the controller 912 determines whether a temperature of the water flowing through the source loop 1110 is less than a second predefined temperature threshold. For example, the temperature sensor 405 is configured to measure the temperature of the water flowing from the heat exchanger 400 within the source loop 1110. The controller 912 receives a signal from the temperature sensor 405 indicative of the measured temperature and compares the measured temperature to the second predefined threshold.
In response to the controller 912 determining that the temperature of the water is not less than the second predefined temperature threshold, the method 1250 proceeds to block 1254 at which the controller 912 enables the compressor 300 to be run. Otherwise, in response to the controller 912 determining that the temperature of the water is less than the second predefined temperature threshold, the method 1250 proceeds to block 1258 at which the controller 912 disables the compressor 300. At block 1260, the controller 912 sets the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 into the lockout mode.
While blocks 1252, 1256 are shown in a sequential manner in
Returning to
In response to the controller 912 determining that the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 is set in the lockout mode, the method 1200 proceeds to block 1280 at which the controller 912 determines whether power for the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 has been cycled since being set to the lockout mode. In response to the controller 912 determining that power for the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 has not been cycled, the method 1200 remains at block 1280. Otherwise, in response to the controller 912 determining that power for the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 has been cycled, the method 1200 returns to block 1205.
In response to the controller 912 determining that the heat pump system 5, the heat pump system 2050, or the heat pump system 3050 is set in the lockout mode, the method 1200 proceeds to block 1275 at which the controller 912 causes the compressor 300 to run to heat the space based on the signal received from the thermostat.
While specific embodiments have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure herein is meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to its scope and should be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.
