KR20100029374A - Hot water circulation system associated with heat pump and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A hot water circulation system associated with a heat pump and a control method thereof are provided to execute hot water supply without reduction of heating efficiency using a thermostat installed in an auxiliary heat source heating a hot water tank. CONSTITUTION: A hot water circulation system associated with a heat pump comprises an outdoor unit(2) performing a heat pump coolant cycle, an indoor unit(3), an auxiliary pipe(47), a hot water supply unit(4), a heat storage tank(43), and a thermostat(48). The indoor unit comprises a water-coolant heat exchanger(31) heat-exchanging coolant and water circulating in the outdoor unit, a water storage tank(34) storing the water passing through the water-cooling heat exchanger, and a water pump(36) pumping the water stored in the water storage tank. The hot water supply unit includes a hot water tank(41) which supplies hot water using heat provided from a water pipe. The auxiliary pipe is connected to the hot water tank in a closed loop type and transfers heat. The heat storage tank supplies heat to the auxiliary pipe. The thermostat is provided in the auxiliary pipe to detect and control the temperature of water in the auxiliary pipe.

Description

Hot water circulation system associated with heat pump and method for controlling the same}

The present invention relates to a system and a control method for performing a hot water supply and heating function in conjunction with a heat pump.

The hot water supply and heating device which interlocks with the heat pump is a device in which a heat pump cycle and a hot water circulation unit are combined. It is a device to make.

In the conventional system, the water flowing along the closed circuit for heating and the water flowing for the hot water supply are separated, and heat exchange is performed at different points of the compressor outlet pipe of the heat pump refrigerant circuit. That is, a water-refrigerant heat exchanger for heating and a water-refrigerant heat exchanger for hot water supply are formed separately.

In addition, in the conventional system, the water supplied for the hot water supply is heat-exchanged immediately after the heat exchange with the refrigerant while passing through the water refrigerant heat exchanger for hot water supply.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved structure than the conventional heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system, and to provide a heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system and a control method capable of minimizing a decrease in indoor heating efficiency in a hot water supply process.

Heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, the outdoor unit for performing a heat pump refrigerant cycle; An indoor unit including a water refrigerant heat exchanger for exchanging water with the refrigerant circulated in the outdoor unit, a collecting tank for storing water passing through the water refrigerant heat exchanger, and a water pump for pumping water stored in the collecting tank; A hot water supply unit including a hot water tank for receiving hot water from the water pipe to supply hot water; An auxiliary pipe connected to the hot water tank to transfer heat; A heat storage tank for supplying heat to the auxiliary pipe; And a thermostat provided at any point of the plumbing pipe to sense and regulate the temperature of water in the auxiliary pipe.

In addition, the control method of the heat pump linked hot water circulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of operating an outdoor unit to perform the heat pump refrigerant cycle; Operating an indoor unit including a water refrigerant heat exchanger for exchanging water with the refrigerant circulating in the outdoor unit, a collecting tank for storing water passing through the water refrigerant heat exchanger, and a water pump for pumping water stored in the collecting tank ; Inputting a hot water mode and / or hot water temperature through a thermostat constituting the auxiliary heat source device; Circulating toward the hot water tank when the water inside the auxiliary heat source device reaches an input temperature.

According to the heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system and control method according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration, it is possible to heat the hot water tank through the auxiliary heat source, there is an advantage that the hot water supply and room heating can be performed at the same time. .

In addition, since an auxiliary heat source such as solar heat can be used to heat the hot water tank without operating the auxiliary heater, power consumption can be reduced.

In addition, since the thermostat is mounted on the water pipe provided to the auxiliary heat source, and the direction switching valve is selectively operated according to the temperature result detected by the thermostat, water flows toward the hot water tank, so that the hot water tank heating can be performed in a short time. It works.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings will be described an embodiment in which the spirit of the present invention is implemented.

1 is a view showing a heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the indoor unit constituting the heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system.

1 and 2, the heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit 2 including a heat pump refrigerant cycle and a phase change along the heat pump refrigerant cycle. An indoor unit 3 for exchanging heat with a refrigerant to heat the water, a hot water supply unit 4 and a indoor unit 3 connected to each other in the indoor unit 3 so as to be heat exchanged to supply hot water. It includes a heating unit (5) consisting of a water pipe extending from).

In detail, the heat pump refrigerant cycle includes a compressor 21 for compressing the refrigerant at a high temperature and a high pressure, a four-way valve 22 for adjusting a flow direction of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21, A water-refrigerant heat exchanger 31 for exchanging high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant passing through the four-way valve 22 with water flowing along the water pipe of the indoor unit 3, and the water-cooled heat exchanger An expansion part 24 for allowing the refrigerant passing through the 31 to expand at low temperature and low pressure and an outdoor heat exchanger 23 for allowing the refrigerant passing through the expansion part 24 to heat exchange with the outdoor air. The parts are connected by the refrigerant pipe 25 to form a closed circuit. The outdoor unit 2 includes the compressor 21, a four-way valve 22, an expansion unit 24, and an outdoor heat exchanger 23. When the outdoor unit 2 is operated in the cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 performs the function of the condenser, and when the outdoor unit 2 is operated in the heating mode, the outdoor unit 2 performs the function of the evaporator. In addition, temperature sensors TH1 and TH2 may be mounted to the inlet refrigerant pipe and the outlet refrigerant pipe of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31, respectively.

Hereinafter, except for the defrosting operation, the description will be limited to the operation in the heating mode.

On the other hand, in the indoor unit 3, a flow switch mounted on the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31 and a water pipe extending on the outlet side of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31, and detecting a flow of water. (32), an expansion tank (33) branched at a point spaced apart from the flow switch (32) in the direction of water flow, and water extending from the outlet side of the water refrigerant heat exchanger (31). An end of the pipe is inserted, and a water collecting tank 34 provided with an auxiliary heater 35 therein, and a water pump 36 provided at a point of an outlet pipe of the water collecting tank 34. Included.

In detail, the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31 is a portion in which the refrigerant flowing along the heat pump refrigerant cycle and the water flowing along the water pipe exchange heat. In the water refrigerant heat exchanger (31), heat (QH) is transmitted from the high temperature and high pressure gas refrigerant passing through the compressor (21) to the water flowing along the water pipe. Water introduced into the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31 is lukewarm through a hot water supply process or a heating process. In addition, temperature sensors TH3 and TH4 may be mounted to the inlet and outlet pipes of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31, respectively.

In addition, the expansion tank 33, while passing through the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31 performs a buffer function that absorbs when the volume of the heated water is expanded to an appropriate level or more. The expansion tank 33 contains a diaphragm to move in response to a volume change of water in the water pipe. The expansion tank 33 is filled with nitrogen gas.

In addition, the collection tank 34 is a container in which water passing through the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31 is collected. In addition, an auxiliary heater 35 is mounted inside the collection tank 34 to selectively operate when the amount of heat intake through the defrosting operation or the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31 does not reach the required amount of heat. In addition, an air vent 343 is formed at an upper side of the collecting tank 34 to discharge the superheated air present in the collecting tank 34. In addition, a pressure gauge 341 and a relief valve 342 may be provided at one side of the collecting tank 35 so that the pressure inside the collecting tank 35 may be properly adjusted. For example, when the water pressure inside the collection tank 35 displayed through the pressure gauge 341 is excessively high, the relief valve 342 may be opened so that the pressure in the tank may be properly adjusted. In addition, a temperature sensor TH5 for measuring the temperature of water may be mounted on one side of the collecting tank 34.

In addition, the water pump 36 pumps the water discharged through the water pipe extending from the outlet side of the collecting tank 34 so as to be supplied to the hot water supply unit 4 and the heating unit 5.

In addition, a control box 38 for storing various electrical components is mounted on one side of the indoor unit 3, and a control panel 37 is provided on the front of the indoor unit 3. In detail, the control panel 37 may be provided with a display unit such as an LCD panel and various input buttons. In addition, operation information such as the operating state of the indoor unit 3 or the temperature of water passing through the indoor unit 3, and other menus may be checked through the display unit.

On the other hand, the hot water supply unit 4 is a portion that the user warms and supplies the water required for work such as washing or washing dishes.

In detail, at some point spaced apart from the water pump 36 in the flow direction of water, a flow path switching valve 71 for controlling the flow direction of water is provided. The flow path switching valve 71 may be a three-way valve for allowing the water pumped by the water pump 36 to flow into the hot water supply unit 4 or the heating unit 5. Accordingly, the hot water supply pipe 48 extending to the hot water supply unit and the heating pipe 53 extending to the heating unit 5 are connected to the outlet side of the flow path switching valve 71. The water pumped by the water pump 36 selectively flows into either the hot water supply pipe 48 or the heating pipe 53 under the control of the flow path switching valve 71. The hot water supply unit 4 includes a hot water tank 41 for storing water supplied from the outside and allowing the stored water to be heated, and an auxiliary heater 42 provided inside the hot water tank 41. In addition, one side of the hot water supply unit 4 is provided with an inlet 411 for introducing cold water and a water outlet 412 for discharging the heated water.

In detail, a part of the hot water supply pipe extending from the flow path switching valve 71 is introduced into the hot water tank 41 to heat the water stored in the hot water tank 41. That is, heat is transferred from the hot water flowing along the inside of the hot water supply pipe 48 to the water stored in the hot water tank 41. And, in certain cases, the auxiliary heater 42 and the auxiliary heat source may operate to supply additional heat. For example, it may operate when the water needs to be heated in a short time, such as when the user needs a lot of hot water to take a bath. In addition, one side of the hot water tank 41 may be equipped with a temperature sensor (TH6) for detecting the temperature of the water.

According to an embodiment, the water outlet 412 may be connected to a hot water discharge device such as a shower 45 or a home appliance such as a humidifier 46.

Meanwhile, an auxiliary heat source for supplying heat to the hot water tank 41 may be further added according to the installation form. As the auxiliary heat source that can be presented, a heat storage tank 43 using a solar cell panel is possible. When the heat storage tank 43 using the solar cell panel is used as the auxiliary heat source, the auxiliary pipe 47 extending from the heat storage tank 43 may be inserted into the hot water tank 41. In addition, an auxiliary pump 44 for controlling the flow rate of the inside of the auxiliary pipe closed circuit is mounted on the auxiliary pipe 47, and a direction switching valve VA for controlling the flow direction of water in the auxiliary pipe 47 is mounted. Can be. In addition, the check valve (V) may be mounted in the auxiliary pipe 27 so that water flows in only one direction. As an example, the check valve V may be mounted near a point where the branch pipe 471 extending from the direction switching valve VA meets the auxiliary pipe 47. Then, the water circulated in the auxiliary heat source device is circulated along the auxiliary pipe 47, the direction switching valve VA, and the branch pipe 471 by receiving the heat from the heat storage tank 43. Can be defined as

In addition, a thermostat 48 may be mounted between the heat storage tank 43 and the direction switching valve VA. In detail, when the thermostat 48 is mounted, not only the temperature of the water in the auxiliary pipe 47 (also referred to as the temperature of the auxiliary pipe) may be detected, and the temperature of the water in the auxiliary pipe 47 may be measured. 48) can be adjusted using. And, if the thermostat 48 is connected to the control unit, it is possible to control the control of the indoor unit or the operation of the direction switching valve (VA) in accordance with the temperature value of the water detected by the thermostat (48). Drive control of the thermostat 48 and the direction switching valve (VA) will be described in more detail through a flow chart below.

The auxiliary heat source structure, such as the heat storage tank using the solar cell panel presented above, is not limited to the embodiments shown, it will be found that it can be mounted in different positions in various forms.

On the other hand, in the heating unit 5, a part of the heating pipe 53 is formed by embedding a floor heating unit 51 embedded in the floor of the room, and branched from any point of the heating pipe 53, the floor heating unit An air heating unit 52 connected in parallel with 51 is included.

In detail, the floor heating unit 51 may be buried in the form of a meander line on the indoor floor as shown. The air heating unit 52 may be a fan coil unit or a radiator. The air heating unit 52 is provided with a part of the air heating pipe 54 branched from the heating pipe 53 as a heat exchange means. At the point where the air heating pipe 54 is branched, flow path switching valves 55 and 56, such as three-way valves, are installed, and refrigerant flowing along the heating pipe 53 is supplied with the floor heating unit 51 and air. It may be divided into the heating unit 52 or flow in only one direction.

In addition, an end portion of the hot water supply pipe 48 extending from the flow path switching valve 71 is laminated at a point spaced apart from the outlet end of the air heating pipe 54 in the direction of water flow. Therefore, in the hot water supply mode, water flowing along the hot water supply pipe 48 is combined with the heating pipe 53 again and then flows into the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31.

Here, the check valve (V) is installed at the point requiring the back flow block, such as the point where the hot water supply pipe 48 is joined with the heating pipe 53, it is possible to prevent the back flow of water. In the same context, in addition to the method of installing the flow path switching valve 56, a check valve may be installed at the outlet end of the air heating pipe 54 and the outlet end of the floor heating unit 51, respectively.

Hereinafter, the flow of water occurring in the heat pump linked hot water circulation system will be described by dividing the operation mode.

When the hot water supply mode is selected first, the flow path switching valve 71 controls the flow of water to flow into the hot water supply pipe 48. Therefore, water circulates along the closed circuit B which connects the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31, the collection tank 34, the water pump 36, the flow path switching valve 71 and the hot water supply pipe 48. In this circulation process, the cold water flowing into the water inlet 411 of the hot water tank 41 is heated and then discharged to the outside through the water outlet 412 to be supplied to the user.

In the heating mode, the flow path switching valve 71 controls the flow of water to the heating pipe 53. Therefore, water circulates along the closed circuit A connecting the water refrigerant heat exchanger 31, the collecting tank 34, the water pump 36, the flow path switching valve 71, and the heating pipe 53. The water flowing along the heating pipe 53 flows to the air heating unit 52 or the floor heating unit 51.

In addition, through the control of the thermostat 48 and the direction switching valve (VA), the hot water supply function may be performed while the system continues the heating mode operation. Hereinafter, a hot water supply operation method through the control of the thermostat 48 and the direction switching valve VA will be described.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the system is operating in the floor heating mode (S10). Then, water flowing along the auxiliary pipe 47 of the auxiliary heat source device connected to the hot water tank 41 circulates only in the auxiliary heat source device along the direction switching valve VA and the branch pipe 471 (S20). . In this state, the hot water mode and / or hot water temperature is input by the user (S30). The thermostat provided in the conventional indoor heating system is often provided with a hot water button and a temperature control knob separately. Therefore, the user presses the hot water button, and then sets the temperature of the hot water using the temperature adjusting knob. In other types of thermostats, hot water temperature for hot water is basically set, and hot water is supplied at a set temperature by pressing a hot water button. Therefore, the step S30 may be understood to include input of a hot water supply command by the user.

On the other hand, when the hot water supply mode command for supplying hot water is input, the temperature sensor connected to the thermostat 48 detects the temperature of the water inside the auxiliary pipe 47, and the temperature of the water is input (or set temperature). It is determined whether or not to reach (S40). If the water in the auxiliary pipe 47 does not reach the input temperature, the water is circulated only in the auxiliary heat source device until the input temperature is reached (S41). That is, the direction switching valve VA maintains the open state toward the branch pipe 471.

In detail, when it is determined that the temperature of the water in the auxiliary pipe 47 reaches the input temperature, the opening direction of the direction switching valve VA is switched to open toward the auxiliary pipe 47 extending to the hot water tank (S50). ). In addition, the auxiliary pump 44 mounted on one side of the auxiliary pipe 47 is driven (S60), and circulates along the closed circuit connecting the heat storage tank 43, the auxiliary pipe 47, and the auxiliary pump 44. . Then, the heat transferred from the heat storage tank 43 to the auxiliary pipe 47 is transferred into the hot water tank 41, and the water inside the hot water tank 41 is heated (S70).

On the other hand, the temperature of the hot water tank 41 is sensed by the temperature sensor TH6 mounted on the hot water tank 41, and the controller determines whether or not the temperature of the water in the hot water tank 41 reaches the input temperature (S80). ). In detail, when it is determined that the temperature of the water in the hot water tank reaches the input temperature, the direction switching valve VA is returned to its original position to maintain the open state toward the branch pipe 471 (S90). Along with this, the auxiliary pump 44 is also stopped (S100). Then, the water passing through the heat storage tank 43 is circulated only in the auxiliary heat source device along the direction switching valve (VA) and the branch pipe (S110).

In this state, the controller determines whether a system stop signal is input (S120), and when the stop signal is not input, periodically determines whether the temperature of the water in the hot water tank has dropped below the input temperature (S121). . In other words, it is determined whether the water in the hot water tank is maintained at the input temperature, and the water does not flow into the auxiliary pipe 47 extending to the hot water tank 41 while the water is maintained at the input temperature (S100 or less). On the other hand, if it is determined that the water in the hot water tank has fallen below the input temperature, the process of transferring heat from the auxiliary heat source device to the hot water tank (S40 or less) is repeated.

According to the control method as described above, when hot water supply is required in a situation where the system according to the present invention is operating in the floor heating mode, there is an advantage that the hot water can be effectively supplied without switching to the hot water supply mode.

1 is a view showing a heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the indoor unit constituting the heat pump linked hot water circulation system.

Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a control method of the heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (13)

An outdoor unit performing a heat pump refrigerant cycle; An indoor unit including a water refrigerant heat exchanger for exchanging water with the refrigerant circulated in the outdoor unit, a collecting tank for storing water passing through the water refrigerant heat exchanger, and a water pump for pumping water stored in the collecting tank; A hot water supply unit including a hot water tank for receiving hot water from the water pipe to supply hot water; An auxiliary pipe connected to the hot water tank to transfer heat; A heat storage tank for supplying heat to the auxiliary pipe; And Heat pump interlocked hot water circulation system is provided at any point of the piping, the thermostat for sensing and adjusting the temperature of the water in the auxiliary pipe. The method of claim 1, A direction switching valve provided at any point of the auxiliary pipe to change the flow direction of water; And a branch pipe extending from the directional valve and connected to any point of the auxiliary pipe. The method of claim 2, The water pump interlocking hot water circulation system, wherein water absorbing heat while passing through the heat storage tank circulates to either the auxiliary pipe or the branch pipe extending through the hot water tank by the operation of the directional valve. The method of claim 2, The thermostat is a heat pump linked hot water circulation system, characterized in that mounted between the heat storage tank and the direction switching valve. The method of claim 2, An auxiliary pump provided on one side of the auxiliary pipe; Heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system further comprises a check valve for preventing the backflow of water flowing into the branch pipe. The method of claim 1, The heat storage tank is a heat pump linked hot water circulation system that includes a solar panel. Operating an outdoor unit that performs a heat pump refrigerant cycle; Operating an indoor unit including a water refrigerant heat exchanger for exchanging water with the refrigerant circulating in the outdoor unit, a collecting tank for storing water passing through the water refrigerant heat exchanger, and a water pump for pumping water stored in the collecting tank ; Inputting a hot water mode and / or hot water temperature through a thermostat constituting the auxiliary heat source device; And when the water inside the auxiliary heat source device reaches an input temperature, circulating toward the hot water tank. The method of claim 7, wherein The control method of the heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system, characterized in that the temperature of the water inside the auxiliary heat source device is sensed by the temperature sensing unit provided in the thermostat, The method of claim 7, wherein When the temperature of the water inside the auxiliary heat source device reaches the input temperature, the direction switching valve provided in the auxiliary heat source device is operated, so that the water flows to the auxiliary pipe connected to the hot water supply tank. Control method of hot water circulation system. The method of claim 9, And an auxiliary pump provided to the auxiliary pipe together with the operation of the directional control valve. The method of claim 9, When the water in the hot water tank reaches the input temperature, the direction switching valve is operated, the circulation of the water to the auxiliary pipe connected to the hot water tank is blocked, characterized in that for controlling the heat pump linked hot water circulation system. The method of claim 11, The control method of the heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system, characterized in that when the circulation of water to the auxiliary pipe is blocked, the driving of the auxiliary pump provided to the auxiliary pipe is stopped. The method of claim 7, wherein The heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system control method of the heat pump interlocking hot water circulation system, characterized in that for operating in a heating mode.

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