Heat pump systems and methods with frost mitigation
US12385665B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2023 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F2140/30
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A heat pump includes a working fluid circuit configured to circulate a working fluid therethrough. The working fluid circuit includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve. The first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the working fluid and a supply air flow, and the second heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the working fluid and an ambient air flow. The heat pump also includes a bypass circuit configured to direct a portion of the working fluid from the compressor to the second heat exchanger, a bypass valve configured to control a flow of the portion of the working fluid along the bypass circuit, and a controller configured to receive data indicative of a measured value of an operating parameter associated with formation of frost on the second heat exchanger and to control a position of the bypass valve based on a comparison of the measured value with a baseline value of the operating parameter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.