Heat pump water heater apparatus and heating and defrost operation, thereof
US9568224B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/12
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
It is an object to prevent a liquid refrigerant from being drawn into a compressor. A heat pump apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates, and which is configured by sequentially connecting a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a second heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger, and connecting a bypass flow path bypassing the third heat exchanger between the second heat exchanger and the compressor. The heat pump apparatus also includes a water circuit in which water circulates, and which is configured by sequentially connecting the third heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger, and a tank. In the heat pump apparatus, if there is a risk of the liquid refrigerant being drawn into the compressor, a three-way valve is controlled such that the refrigerant flows through the third heat exchanger to be heated by water and evaporated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.