Energy-efficient heat pump water heater
US7225629B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2700/21161
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An energy-efficient heat pump water heating system determines whether to energize a heat pump by interpreting readings from one or temperature sensors based on two thresholds. The heat pump is energized if the detected temperature falls below a first threshold and de-energized when the detected temperature rises above a second threshold. The thresholds may correspond to outputs of two or more sensors. Using multiple temperature thresholds improves the temperature sensing capabilities of the system, thereby improving energy efficiency by matching heat pump operation with hot water demand more closely than previously known systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.