초록 ▼

The present invention is an adaptive method and apparatus for detecting the formation of frost in a heat pump. The compressor cycle is interrupted and a defrosting operation is begun if the difference between the exterior ambient temperature and exterior heat exchanger temperature exceeds a differen

The present invention is an adaptive method and apparatus for detecting the formation of frost in a heat pump. The compressor cycle is interrupted and a defrosting operation is begun if the difference between the exterior ambient temperature and exterior heat exchanger temperature exceeds a difference function of the exterior ambient temperature. The length this defrosting cycle is measured and the difference function is altered if the measured length deviates from a predetermined length of time. The frost formation difference function is initially set as a linear approximation. Thereafter the difference function value at the particular exterior ambient temperature is increased if the length the defrosting is greater than an upper limit value of six minutes and decreased if the length the defrosting is less than a lower limit value of four minutes. In the preferred embodiment, the exterior heat exchanger temperature is measured by a sensor and the exterior ambient temperature is determined once each compressor cycle from this measured temperature.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for detecting the formation of frost in a heat pump having a compressor, an interior heat exchanger, an exterior heat exchanger, an exterior fan for moving exterior air past the exterior heat exchanger, and a thermostatic control means for cycling the compressor ON and OFF in accordance wit

A method for detecting the formation of frost in a heat pump having a compressor, an interior heat exchanger, an exterior heat exchanger, an exterior fan for moving exterior air past the exterior heat exchanger, and a thermostatic control means for cycling the compressor ON and OFF in accordance with heating demand, the improvement comprising the steps of: repetitively forming the difference between the exterior ambient temperature and temperature of the exterior heat exchanger during operation of the compressor; repetitively comparing said difference to a frost formation difference function of the exterior ambient temperature during operation of the compressor; interrupting the operation of the compressor and defrosting the exterior heat exchanger if said difference exceeds the value of said frost formation difference function for the current exterior ambient temperature; measuring the length of time of said defrosting of the exterior heat exchanger; and altering said frost formation difference function if said measured length of the time of said defrosting of the exterior heat exchanger deviates from a predetermined length of time.