초록 ▼

A method of operating a reversible heat pump system includes steps of sensing an outdoor air temperature with a first sensor and sensing at least one condition of an outdoor heat exchanger coil with a second sensor. Input from the first and second sensors is then electronically analyzed to predict w

A method of operating a reversible heat pump system includes steps of sensing an outdoor air temperature with a first sensor and sensing at least one condition of an outdoor heat exchanger coil with a second sensor. Input from the first and second sensors is then electronically analyzed to predict when frosting may occur on an outdoor heat exchanger coil. A proportioning reversing valve is modulated in response to this analysis in order to direct a controlled proportional backpressure flow of pressurized refrigerant from a pressure side of a compressor into the outdoor heat exchanger coil while pressurized refrigerant is continued to be supplied to an indoor heat exchanger coil. As a result, the pressure and temperature of refrigerant within the outdoor heat exchanger coil is raised to at least an extent necessary to prevent frosting on the outdoor heat exchanger coil. The steps are preferably performed continuously in a feedback control loop during operation of the reversible heat pump system as a heat pump.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method of operating a reversible heat pump system, comprising steps of:(a) sensing an outdoor air temperature with a first sensor;(b) sensing at least one condition of an outdoor heat exchanger coil with a second sensor;(c) electronically analyzing input received from said f

What is claimed is: 1. A method of operating a reversible heat pump system, comprising steps of:(a) sensing an outdoor air temperature with a first sensor;(b) sensing at least one condition of an outdoor heat exchanger coil with a second sensor;(c) electronically analyzing input received from said first sensor and said second sensor to predict when frosting on said outdoor heat exchanger coil may be imminent; and(d) modulating a proportioning reversing valve in response to said electronic analysis when the frosting on said outdoor heat exchanger coil may be imminent is predicted, said proportioning reversing valve directing a controlled proportional backpressure of pressurized refrigerant from a pressure side of a compressor into an outlet side of said outdoor heat exchanger coil while pressurized refrigerant is continued to be supplied to an indoor heat exchanger coil, whereby the pressure and temperature of refrigerant within said outdoor heat exchanger coil is raised to at least an extent necessary to prevent frosting on said outdoor heat exchanger coil without completely reversing the refrigeration cycle.