Inventors:
Thomas W. Thompson - Lonoke AR, US
International Classification:
F25D 17/04, F25B 49/00, F24F 11/00, G05D 23/00
US Classification:
62186, 236DIG 9, 236 44 A, 700299, 621765
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.