Heat pump with single exterior temperature sensor
US4910966A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 1988 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D21/02
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention is a method and apparatus for determining the exterior ambient temperature in a heat pump. In accordance with the prior art the heat pump defrosts the exterior heat exchanger if the exterior heat exchanger temperature has a predetermined relationship to the exterior ambient temperature. The exterior heat exchanger temperature is measured directly via a temperature sensor. The improvement of the present invention includes operating the exterior fan after operation of the compressor, while repetitively measuring the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger until reaching a plateau temperature other than freezing. The exterior ambient temperature is set to the plateau temperature. In the event that the plateau temperature equals freezing, the exterior ambient temperature is set equal to a compromise temperature slightly above freezing, preferably 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.