System and method of increasing efficiency of heat pumps
US7340910B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S236/09
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The system and method for increasing efficiency of heat pumps employs temperature sensors to measure the indoor refrigerant coil (indoor heat exchanger) and supply duct air temperature in a heat pump system to vary the indoor air flow rate based on the amount of heat being supplied by the heat pump. By monitoring the indoor refrigerant coil temperature, and the supply duct air temperature near the unit, the airflow can be adjusted to match the BTU (heat) output of the heat pump system. Less air flow over a cooler indoor refrigerant coil temperature allows increased, more efficient, heat transfer, allowing the cooler indoor refrigerant coil temperature to more effectively warm the air. Additionally, with airflow reduced when the indoor refrigerant coil is operating at lower than optimal temperatures or during a defrost cycle, the reduced airflow into living spaces presents a less drafty and more comfortable condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.