Method and apparatus for integrating operation of a heat pump and a separate heating source and preventing simultaneous operation of a heat pump and a separate heating source

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control arrangement for use in supplying conditioned air to an enclosure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a control arrangement for co- ordinately synchronizing a heat pump and a furnace to provide conditioned air to an enclosure. It has been determined that a heat pump is capable of supplying sufficient quantities of heat energy to meet many residential and commercial heating applications even in northern climates. The use of a heat pump to transfer heat energy from an area where loss of heat is not important, such as the outdoor ambient, to an area where the heat energy is required is a very efficient method of heating an enclosure under the appropriate circumstances. Many heat pumps commercially available are capable of transferring up to two or three times the amount of heat energy from one area to another as would be generated using an equivalent amount of electricity for electrical resistance heating. The heat pump having a high co-efficient of performance may be more efficient than a fuel fired furnace under appropriate heating conditions and with proper use resulting in overall energy usage savings for a given amount of heating. Heat pumps are, however, limited in overall application since for a heat pump to operate it must be capable of removing heat energy from one area and transferring that heat energy to the area or enclosure to be heated. Heat pumps of present design are affected by the outdoor ambient temperature and the indoor desired temperature such that the co-efficient of performance of the unit depends upon the temperature difference between the ambient and the desired temperature. In other words, the efficiency of the heat pump decreases and the total amount of heat energy that may be transferred decreases as the outdoor ambient temperature drops. Hence, the heat pump has to work harder to absorb heat energy from colder ambient air and its efficiency decreases to the point where other forms of heating energy become less costly. Heat pumps of modern day design are capable of performing this operation at temperatures well below 0°C while performing more efficiently than electrical resistance heating. However, when operating at extremely cold temperatures the heat pump is much less efficient and transfers a reduced amount of heat energy. Under these conditions, it may be appropriate to operate a fossil fuel fired furnace which would be more efficient and would be capable of supplying additional heat energy as may be needed to condition the enclosure.

[0002] Heat pumps also have the disadvantage that when the refrigerant in the outdoor coil is being evaporated to absorb heat from the ambient air, the air adjacent to the coil is cooled below the freezing point and as it is cooled, the moisture in the air is precipitated onto the outdoor coil surface resulting in frost or ice buildup thereon. The frost buildup becomes an insulating layer further decreasing the ability of the heat pump to transfer heat energy.

[0003] It has been found that below certain outdoor temperatures it is both economical and advantageous to use conventional furnace type or boiler heating to supply heat energy to an enclosure. This may include the use of electrical resistance heat or conventional gas, oil or coal fired furnace or the use of a boiler fired by any one of these fuels. The point at which it is desirable to switch from the use of the heat pump to the use of the alternate heating source is called the balance point. This point may be chosen either based on the economics of operating the heat pump versus the furnace or may be chosen on the basis of the capability of the heat pump for supplying sufficient heat energy to maintain the temperature of the enclosure or a combination of both.

[0004] Typically, many homes or residential applications had a gas or oil furnace installed as original equipment when the residence was constructed. Many of these homes either have air conditioning equipment or would be suitable for adding a heat pump in connection with the . furnace such that a heat exchanger is installed within the furnace supply duct to the area to be conditioned. With the combination of a heat pump installed in series with a furnace when the weather conditions are such that the heat pump is more efficient, the heat pump may be operated and likewise when the conditions are such that the furnace is more efficient, the furnace is operated. Furthermore, it may be economical to install a heat pump in combination with an existing furnace to realize the economy of heating with the heat pump at relatively high outdoor temperatures.

[0005] Considerable prior art exists relative to systems being sold to integrate heat pumps and furnaces. One of the potential problems for such a system involves the simultaneous operation of the furnace and heat pump. If the indoor coil of the heat pump is located downstream from the heat exchanger of the furnace then should both be operating simultaneously, heated air from the furnace flows over the indoor coil of the heat pump serving as a condenser. Should the condensing temperature of the heat pump become sufficiently high then the heat pump will trip on a compressor motor safety device and be shut down. It is highly undesirable to have the compressor of the heat pump intermittently operating and tripping on the motor overload. It may also result in damage to the motor and subsequent burnout and damage to the entire refrigeration circuit. This potential for motor damage occurs because the condensing temperature and pressure of the indoor coil is increased when the air circulated over the indoor coil has already been heated by the furnace. Additionally, should the heat pump compressor cycle on and off on the motor overload the occupant of the space being heated will be unaware of the problem since heat energy is being supplied by the furnace.

[0006] Typically, the heat pump is discharging heat energy at the indoor coil to heat the indoor air. The indoor coil receives hot gaseous refrigerant from the compressor wherein the refrigerant is condensed giving up its heat of condensation as well as some superheat energy to the air circulated in heat exchange relation with the indoor coil. The coil may typically operate with a refrigerant temperature of approximately 49°C under normal conditions. However, should the supply air to the coil, instead of being in the 15.6°C to 21.1°C range as is typically found in an enclosure to be heated, be in the 93°C range as may be found in the discharge from the furnace then the condensing temperature and pressure of the unit may rise to 149°C. At such a temperature the condensing pressure is extremely high and the compressor can easily be overloaded causing compressor motor or valve failure.

[0007] Previous control circuits have attempted to solve this problem by simply selecting one of two heat sources and ignoring the potential for simultaneous operation should a component of the control circuit fail. Other approaches have been used such as providing thermal sensing of the air stream between the furnace and the heat exchanger.

[0008] Many heat pumps are combined with existing gas or oil furnaces in a residential application to provide an improved conditioning system. Many homes had gas or oil furnaces installed as original equipment. To provide air conditioning to these homes a refrigeration circuit including indoor and outdoor coils is typically arranged with the indoor coil located in the duct work between the enclosure and the furnace. In lieu of such an air conditioning system it is a simple matter to install a heat pump in place of the air conditioner such that not only will cooling be provided during the cooling season but that heating will be available from the heat pump when desired. By utilizing the heat pump it is possible to obtain efficiencies available by utilizing the heat pump when it is more efficient to operate the heat pump and to utilize the existing furnace when it is more efficient to operate the furnace. In addition, the availability of the furnace provides a source of economical heat energy to supply to the enclosure during defrost of the heat pump to further provide an economical combined system.

[0009] Control systems have become commercially available for integrating the operation of a heat pumper and a furnace. Examples of such commercially available control systems and of the prior art discussed hereinbefore are disclosed in GB-A-2008240 and US-A-4228846.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a control arrangement for integrating heat pump and alternative heating source operation preventing simultaneous operation of the heat pump with the alternative means such that abusive operation of the refrigeration circuit does not occur.

[0011] This object is achieved by means of a control as claimed in claim 1 and a method as claimed in claim 6.

[0012] The herein described method and control arrangement specifically concerns the integration of multiple relay means to provide for fail safe operation should a component of the system fail. A heating lockout relay is utilized to prevent operation of the furnace if heat pump operation in the cooling mode is desired. The heating lockout relay is also utilized during the defrost mode when the heat pump is operating and includes contacts normally open preventing furnace boiler operation which close to provide for furnace boiler operation during defrost conditions. The utilization of the heating lockout relay in this application provides for fail safe operation such that should the defrost relay fail, a furnace boiler relay will not be energized unless the heating lockout relay is likewise energized. Additionally, a blower pump relay may be energized when the heating lockout relay is energized but not when the furnace boiler relay is energized such that a control system is provided for allowing the boiler pump relay to be energized when the heat pump is operated but not when the furnace boiler is operated. When the furnace boiler is operated separate circuitry of the furnace boiler is utilized to control fan or pump operation. This system combination allows for multiple fan speed operation and for delays in fan operation when switching between the heat pump mode of operation and the furnace mode of operation.

[0013] An interlock relay is also utilized having interlock relay contacts which, when closed, act to maintain the interlock relay energized such that a circuit is maintained through an outdoor thermostat holding the interlock relay energized until both the first and second stages of heating are satisfied. The interlock relay further has contacts for locking out a high temperature switch which would prevent heat pump operation during furnace operation. Additionally, the interlock relay has contacts arranged to connect the furnace boiler relay to a power source to energize the furnace or boiler upon the interlock relay being energized.

[0014] Hence, as may be further seen herein, the combination of relays provide for safe operation of an integrated system such that should various components fail operation will still be maintained in a safe and orderly manner throughout the control system.

[0015] The herein invention is directed towards placing a high temperature switch on the compressor discharge line physically adjacent to the indoor coil when the indoor coil is serving as a condenser of the heat pump. Hence, the temperature of the refrigerant before it enters the indoor coil is sensed. This high temperature switch is mounted in series in the control circuit such that the compressor of the heat pump may not be operated unless the switch is closed. A temperature such as 121°C is selected which is sufficiently high that under normal operating conditions the switch will be closed. This temperature is, however, sufficiently low such that under abnormal conditions such as simultaneous operation of the heat pump and furnace the switch will open prior to the compressor cycling on its overload. Thus, the high temperature switch would sense that both the heat pump and the furnace were running and cycle the compressor off before the compressor trips on its overload.

[0016] The discharge temperature of the compressor to the indoor coil is a particularly appropriate temperature to sense since during the other modes of operation of the heat pump the discharge line becomes a suction line for receiving cooler refrigerant from the evaporator during both operation in the cooling mode and in the defrost mode. Hence, in either of these conditions, the temperatures detected will be distant from the level at which the switch would trip. The selection of the location of the high temperature switch together with the selection of the temperature at which it opens make it possible to prevent the simultaneous operation of the heat pump and furnace upon the failure of some control component.

[0017] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an enclosure having a combination furnace and heat pump system for supplying conditioned air, and

Figure 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of the integrated control circuit.

[0018] The embodiment of the invention described below is adapted for use with a heat pump in combination with alternative heating means. Alternative heating means may be a furnace for heating air fired by oil, natural gas, coal or electricity. In such a case, a fan relay energizes a fan for circulating air over a heat exchanger such that the air is heated. The alternative heating means may also be a boiler for heating water utilizing any of the heat sources listed above for a furnace. In such case, instead of a fan a circulating pump is utilized to circulate water throughout the enclosure to be conditioned. This circulating pump may be referred to either as a pump or a circulator. It is further to be understood that this control system may be utilized as part of a new installation of a furnace and a heat pump into an enclosure or is adapted to be added to an existing furnace with the addition of a heat pump to effect integrated operation.

[0019] Referring now to Figure 1 there may be seen a plan view of enclosure 10. Furnace 20 is mounted such that cold air from the enclosure is received by the furnace through cold air return 28 and thereafter conditioned air from the furnace is supplied to the enclosure through supply duct 26 and hot air supply 29. The furnace has furnace blower or fan 22 for circulating air from the enclosure through the cold air return to the furnace through the furnace heat exchangers 24, through supply duct 26 and back to the enclosure through hot air supply 29. Gas valve 25 for supplying heating fuel to the heat exchangers 24 is additionally shown.

[0020] It can also be seen in Figure 1 that heat pump 21 is mounted such that indoor coil 34 is located within supply duct 26 in communication with the enclosure air being circulated by the furnace blower and that outdoor coil 36 is mounted outside the enclosure in communication with ambient air 42. Indoor coil 34 and outdoor coil 36 are connected to compressor unit 38. Outdoor fan 35 which is powered by outdoor fan motor 37 is located such that ambient air is circulated through outdoor coil 36. High temperature sensor 33 is shown mounted on the connecting line between indoor coil 34 and the compressor unit 38. This connecting line is the compressor discharge line to the indoor coil when the heat pump is in the heating mode of operation. Hence, when the heat pump is in the heating mode, refrigerant flows from the compressor unit to the indoor coil in heat exchange relation with high temperature sensor 33. In the cooling mode of operation, refrigerant flows from the compressor to the outdoor coil where it is condensed and then is conducted through an interconnecting line to the indoor heat exchanger. The refrigerant then flows from the indoor heat exchanger in heat exchange relation with high temperature sensor 33 back to the compressor unit. In the cooling mode of operation the indoor coil serves as the evaporator of the refrigeration circuit and the line with the high temperature sensor is the compressor suction line.

[0021] It can also be seen in Figure 1 that control box 30 is arranged to integrate the controls of the furnace blower and gas valve, with compressor unit 38 and is connected to indoor thermostat 40, to outdoor thermostat 39, to high temperature sensor 33 and otherwise as it needed to integrate the entire system. Referring now to Figure 2 there can be seen a schematic wiring diagram of the control circuit of the entire system. This schematic is broken into segments with dotted lines labeled "heat pump control", "ODT" (outdoor thermostat) and "furnace or boiler". The remainder of the circuit is essentially an integrated controls arrangement for connecting these various components.

[0022] Power is supplied to the control circuit from lines L-1, L-2, L-3 and L-4. Line L-1 is referenced wire 101 and is connected to transformer T-1 and to normally open compressor contacter contacts C-1. Wire 103 connects line L-2 to transformer T-1 and to normally open compressor contactor contacts C-2. Wire 105 connects normally open compressor contactor contacts C-1 with the compressor motor, with normally closed defrost relay contacts DFR-1 and defrost control 110. Wire 107 connects normally closed defrost relay contacts DFR-1 with the outdoor fan motor. Wire 109 connects the defrost control 110 with the defrost relay DFR. Wire 111 connects the compressor motor, the outdoor fan motor and the defrost relay to normally open compressor contactor contacts C-2.

[0023] Wire 102 is shown in dotted lines connecting high temperature sensor HTS-A in series between L-1 and transformer T-1. This wire is shown with dotted lines since it represents an alternative embodiment locating the high temperature sensor to interrupt power to transformer T-1.

[0024] Referring now to the control circuit portion of the wiring schematic operated at reduced voltage generated through transformer T-1 it may be seen that wire 117 connects transformer T-1 to normally open defrost relay contacts DFR-2, to normally open defrost relay contacts DFR-3, to normally open interlock relay contacts IR-1, to fan switch 60 and to system switch 62 of the thermostat. Wire 115 connects transformer T-1 to compressor contactor C, reversing valve solenoid RVS, blower pump relay BPR, furnace boiler relay FBR, heating lockout relay HLR and interlock relay IR. Wire 119 connects low pressure switch LPS with compressor contactor C. Wire 123 connects low pressure switch LPS with high temperature sensor HTS. Wire 121 connects reversing valve solenoid RVS with normally open defrost relay contacts DFR-2, with heating lockout relay HLR and with the CO thermal sensing element of the thermostat. Wire 125 connects normally open defrost relay contacts DFR -3 with normally open heating relay contacts HLR-3. (As used herein, furnace boiler relay refers to a relay for energizing either a furnace or boiler depending on the equipment involved. Likewise, reference to a blower pump relay refers to a relay for energizing either the furnace blower or the boiler pump.)

[0025] In the thermostat portion of the control circuit it can be seen that power may be supplied through wire 117 to fan switch 60 and to the system switch 62. The system switch is shown in the on position and power is supplied through the system switch to wire 143 to both the cooling sensing elements CO and C1. Element CO is designed to close first as the temperature of the enclosure rises. Temperature element C1 closes at a slightly higher temperature. Power is also supplied to the two heating sensing elements H1 and H2 through wire 145, heating sensing element H1 being designed to close at a first reduction in temperature of the enclosure and element H2 being designed to close on a second greater reduction in temperature of the enclosure. Wire 141 connects sensing element C1 to the automatic position of fan switch 60 and heating sensing element H1 to the automatic position of fan switch 60 as well as to the outdoor thermostat ODT. Wire 151 connects fan switch 60 to normally closed furnace boiler relay contacts FBR-1 and normally open heating lockout relay contacts HLR-1. Wire 121 connects the CO sensing element to the heating lockout relay HLR and to reversing valve solenoid RVS. Wire 135 connects the second stage heating sensing element H2 with normally open interlock relay contacts IR-3 and normally closed heating lockout relay contacts HLR-4.

[0026] Referring now to that portion of the wiring diagram which is neither the heat pump control nor the thermostat nor the furnace or boiler control, it may be seen that wire 127 connects normally open interlock relay contacts IR-1 with normally closed heating relay contacts HLR-2 and with a terminal of outdoor thermostat ODT. This is the low temperature terminal of the outdoor thermostat indicating that the ambient temperature is below a selected level. The high temperature connection to the outdoor thermostat indicating that the ambient temperature is above that level is connected via wire 153 to normally open interlock relay contacts IR-3 and normally closed interlock relay contacts IR-2. Wire 129 connects normally open heating lockout relay contacts HLR-1 and normally closed furnace boiler relay contacts FBR-1 with blower pump relay FBR. Wire 131 connects normally closed heating lockout relay contacts HLR-2 and normally open heating lockout relay contacts HLR-3 with furnace boiler relay FBR. Wire 133 connects normally closed interlock relay contacts IR-2 with the high temperature sensor HTS. Wire 135 connects normally open interlock relay contacts IR-3 with normally closed heating lockout relay contacts HLR-4 and the second stage heating sensing element H2. Wire 137 connects normally closed heating lockout relay contacts HLR-4 with interlock relay IR.

[0027] Shown at the bottom of Figure 2 is a separate schematic for the furnace or boiler portion of the heating system. It can be seen therein that power is supplied separately through lines L-3 and L-4 connected by wires 201 and 203 to the high voltage side of transformer T-2. Low voltage side of thermostat T-2 is connected via wire 217 to normally open furnace boiler relay contacts FBR-2 and to normally open boiler pump relay contacts BPR-1. Wire 215 connects the other side of transformer T-2 to the fan relay circuit and to the heating mode circuit. Wire 219 connects the fan or pump relay circuit to normally open blower pump relay contacts BPR-1. Wire 221 connects the heating mode circuit to normally open furnace boiler relay contacts FBR-2. Wire 223 connects the heating mode circuit to the fan relay circuit and may include a sensing element such as a bonnet or furnace temperature switch. Fan or pump relay typically includes two fan speed relays, one energized through blower pump relay contacts BPR-1 and one energized by the heating mode circuit.

[0028] Upon a first stage cooling need being sensed power is supplied from wire 117 through now closed thermostatic sensing element CO energizing heating lockout relay HLR through wire 121 and also energizing reversing valve solenoid RVS to place the reversing valve in the cooling position. Heating lockout relay HLR changes heating lockout relay contacts HLR-1 to now being closed, changes HLR-2 contacts to being open, HLR-3 contacts to being closed and HLR-4 contacts to being open. By opening the HLR-4 contacts the interlocking relay is prevented from being energized. By closing the HLR-3 contacts the furnace boiler relay may be energized through the defrost relay contacts should the unit be placed in the defrost mode. By opening the HLR-2 contacts the furnace boiler relay may not be energized through the lower temperature level of the outdoor thermostat. By closing the HLR-1 contacts the blower pump relay BPR may be energized through the fan switch of the thermostat.

[0029] Upon a second stage cooling need being detected thermal sensing element C1 closes making a circuit from wire 117, through wire 143 and through wire 141 to fan switch 60 and through now closed heating lockout relay contacts HLR-1 to energize the blower pump relay to bring on the indoor fan if it is a furnace system. The C1 sensing element also energizes through wire 153 through wire 141 and the outdoor thermostat since the ambient conditions during the cooling mode of operation will be above the switching level of outdoor thermostat ODT. From wire 153 current flows through normally closed interlock relay contacts IR-2, through wire 133, through high temperature sensor HTS which will remain closed in cooling since the indoor coil is serving as an evaporator through wire 123, through low pressure switch LPS and through wire 119 to compressor contactor C. The compressor contactor C closes contacts C-1 and C-2 supplying power to the compressor motor COMP supplying power through the normally closed defrost relay contacts DFR-1 to the outdoor fan motor to run outdoor fan 35 and to the defrost control. The compressor of the heat pump is run in this manner until such time as the cooling need is satisfied. The heating lockout relay in this mode prevents the interlock relay from being energized thereby preventing the cooling mode of operation from being locked out and further opens the flow path to the furnace boiler relay such that the furnace boiler relay may not be energized in the cooling mode.

[0030] Should a first stage heating need be detected then thermal sensing element H1 will close supplying power through wire 141 to fan switch 60. Simultaneously therewith, power will be supplied through the outdoor thermostat and should the outdoor thermostat be in a position shown sensing a high outdoor temperature indicating it is desired to operate the heat pump to supply heat energy then power will be supplied through wire 153, through normally closed interlock relay IR-2, through wire 133, through high temperature sensor HTS and through wire 123 and low pressure switch LPS to energize compressor contactor C. As in the cooling mode of operation when compressor contactor C closes, the compressor and outdoor fan motor are operated and the defrost control is energized. Upon a predetermined time interval and specific defrost thermostat temperature sensed through a defrost thermostat the defrost control as is known in the art acts to energize the defrost relay to place the unit in defrost. Otherwise, compressor operation is similar to the operation in the cooling mode. Note that the high temperature sensor HTS is connected in the circuit such that should the high temperature sensor detect a high temperature indicative of simultaneous operation of the heat pump and furnace it will open preventing operation of the compressor of the heat pump.

[0031] Should the defrost control detect a defrost need then defrost relay DFR is energized opening normally closed DFR-1 contacts thereby de-energizing the outdoor fan motor relay and the outdoor fan motor. Defrost relay contacts DFR-2 are closed supplying power to the reversing valve solenoid to place the unit in the cooling mode such that heat energy is supplied to the outdoor coil for heating same. Simultaneously, power is supplied through wire 121 not only to the reversing valve solenoid but also to heating lockout relay HLR. With the heating lockout relay energized the normally open heating relay contacts HLR-3 are closed. This allows a circuit to be made through now closed defrost relay contacts DFR-3 and through wires 125 and 131 to energize furnace boiler relay FBR for energizing the furnace or boiler by closing furnace boiler relay contacts FBR-2. This energizes the furnace or boiler in the heating mode such that heat energy is supplied to the enclosure from the furnace when the heat pump is being operated in the defrost mode.

[0032] Should a first stage heating need be sensed and should the outdoor thermostat detect that the furnace is a more appropriate heat source than the heat pump then the outdoor thermostat switches and power is supplied through wire 141, through wire 127, through normally closed heating lockout relay contacts HLR-2 and through wire 131 to the furnace boiler relay FBR to energize the furnace or boiler in the heating mode through the normally open furnace boiler relay contacts FBR-2. Hence, the furnace or boiler is operated in the heating mode by energization of the furnace boiler relay FBR. The heating lockout relay is not energized in this condition since the unit is not in cooling and hence power may be supplied from the first stage sensing element H1 to energize furnace boiler relay FBR.

[0033] Should a second stage heating need be sensed thermal sensing element H2 closes energizing through wire 135, through heating lockout relay contacts HLR-4 and through wire 137 to interlock relay IR. Once interlock relay IR is energized normally open interlock relay contacts IR-3 are closed and normally closed interlock relay contacts IR-2 are open. By closing the IR-3 contacts as long as a first stage heating need is sensed by element H1 being closed and if the outdoor thermostat in response to the ambient temperature selects heat pump operation rather than the furnace operation, then power is supplied through wire 141, through outdoor thermostat ODT, through wire 153, through the now closed interlock relay contacts IR-3, through wire 135, through closed heating lockout relay contacts HLR-4 and through wire 137 to keep the interlock relay IR energized even if second stage heating sensing element H2 opens. The heat pump compressor is deenergized since the IR-2 contacts are open preventing power from energizing compressor contactor C.

[0034] In second stage heating the normally open interlock relay contacts IR-1, connected to wire 117, close energizing through wire 127, through the closed heating relay contacts HLR-2, and through wire 131 the furnace boiler relay such that the furnace or boiler is operated. Should the second stage heating need be satisfied power will be supplied through first stage sensing element H1 either directly to the furnace boiler relay if the outdoor thermostat senses low ambient temperature or will remain energized through the interlock relay contacts IR-3 if the outdoor thermostat senses high outdoortemperatu res. Hence, one the furnace is energized in second stage heating, the furnace is operated until both heating stages are satisfied.

[0035] The furnace or boiler portion in the schematic is shown such that upon energization of the furnace boiler relay FBR the furnace boiler relay contacts FBR-2 are closed bringing the furnace or boiler on in the heating mode. Additionally, normally open blower pump relay contacts BPR-1 are shown for energizing the fan or pump relay of the furnace or boiler. This combination is provided such that when the heat pump is being operated the blower pump relay BPR is energized to directly energize the fan or pump relay of the furnace such that the indoor fan or pump is operated. When the compressor of the heat pump is not being operated the contacts are such that either the heating lockout relay contacts HLR-1 are open or if the furnace boiler relay FBR is energized indicating furnace operation then the normally closed furnace boiler relay contacts FBR-1 are open preventing operation of blower pump relay BPR. In this condition, the heating mode circuit together with the fan relay circuit shown as connected via wire 223 including a bonnet switch or furnace temperature switch act to operate the indoor fan based upon furnace conditions. Hence, a delay to allow the heat exchangers of the furnace to be heated at startup of the furnace and a delay to allow the heat exchangers to be cooled at the completion of furnace operation is provided. This arrangement may also allow the indoor fan to be operated at a first speed when the blower pump relay contacts BPR-1 are closed to energize the fan relay and at a second speed when the heating mode circuit through wire 223 energizes the fan. Hence, there are two separate circuits for energizing the fan, each of which may be set out to energize the fan at a separate speed. Typically, the fan may be set to operate in a higher speed during heat pump compressor operation and a the lower speed during furnace operation. By providing the switching of different power sources to the indoor fan relay it is also possible to achieve a delay in fan operation when the unit is switched from heat pump operation to furnace operation such thatthe furnace heat exchangers may come up to temperature priorto the fan circulating air in heat exchange relation therewith.

[0036] The furnace boiler relay contacts FBR-2 and the boiler pump relay contacts BPR-1 are shown as part of the low voltage control circuitry. In some applications it may be desirable to have these two contacts part of the power circuitry such that power to a boiler or furnace is supplied through these contacts when in the closed position.

[0037] As may be seen from the above description, the combination of the heating lockout relay and the interlock relay serve to isolate various portions of the circuit such that should various components fail the unit will still operate in the appropriate manner. The heating lockout relay contacts, if energized, prevent operation of the interlock relay. Additionally, the interlock relay, although not specifically locking out the heating lockout relay, is arranged such that the heating lockout relay may only be energized in the cooling mode of operation or during defrost which is the cooling mode of operation. Heating lockout relay contacts are utilized to control the operation of the blower pump relay in the cooling mode and to prevent operation of the furnace boiler relay in the cooling mode. Heating lockout relay contacts are also utilized to complete the circuit for defrost during heating such that the furnace boiler relay may be energized to supply heat energy to the enclosure during defrost of the heat pump system.

[0038] The interlock relay, when energized, serves to bring on the furnace through the furnace boiler relay and serves to lock out the heat pump through the normally closed interlock relay contacts IR-2. The interlock relay further serves to provide electrical connections such that the interlock relay remains energized until both stages of heating are satisfied regardless of the temperature sensed by the outdoor thermostat.

[0039] In the alternative embodiment the high temperature sensor HTS-A is connected to interrupt power to transformer T-1 should simultaneous separate heating means and compressor operation be detected. When power is interrupted to the entire circuit neither the heat pump or separate heating means may be operated. Hence, the occupant of the enclosure is made aware of a malfunction since there is no heat energy being supplied to the space.

Claims

1. A control arrangement for integrating the operation of a heat pump (21) including an indoor heat exchanger (34) and a compressor and a separate heating means (20) for conditioning an enclosure comprising:

a thermostat means (4) for sensing a heating need within the enclosure to be conditioned; and

a selection means (30) for selectively energizing either the compressor of the-heat pump (21) or the separate heating means (20) in response to the heating need detected by the thermostat means (40); characterized by

compressor cutoff means connected to sense a condition of the heat pump indicative of simultaneous operation of the heat pump and the separate heating means, said compressor cutoff means preventing the selection means from energizing the compressor when simultaneous operation is detected.

2. The control arrangement as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the compressor cutoff means comprises a high temperature sensor (33) mounted in heat exchange relationship with a discharge line from the compressor to the indoor heat exchanger (34) when the heat pump (21) is operating in the heating mode such that the temperature of the refrigerant being discharged into the indoor heat exchanger (34) is detected to determine if the heat pump (21) and separate heating means (20) are operating simultaneously.

3. The control arrangement as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that the high temperature sensor (33) is set to open preventing operation of the compressor of the heat pump before a motor driving the compressor is de-energized based on a safety means connected to the motor for preventing operation under abusive conditions.

4. The control arrangement as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that the selection means (30) comprises an outdoor ambient thermostat (39) connected to energize the compressor of the heat pump through the high temperature sensor (33) when the outdoor ambient temperature is above a threshold temperature and connected to energize the separate heating means (20) bypassing the high temperature sensor (33) when the outdoor ambient temperature is below the threshold level.

5. The control arrangement as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that the thermostat means (40) further comprises a first heating temperature sensor (41) and a second heating temperature sensor (42), said first heating temperature sensor being connected to energize either the heat pump (21) or the separate heating means (20) through the selection means upon a first level heating need being detected, and the second heating temperature sensor upon detecting a second level heating need being connected to energize the separate heating means through an interlock relay (IR) which is connected to prevent the heat pump (21) from being energized until both levels of heating need are satisfied by operation of the separate heating means (20).

6. A method of integrating the operation of a heat pump including a refrigeration circuit having a compressor and indoor heat exchanger with a separate heating means to prevent simultaneous operation of the heat pump and separate heating means comprising the steps of:

detecting a heating need in an enclosure to be heated; and

selecting -in response to an outdoor ambient condition whether to energize the heat pump or separate heating means to satisfy the heating need of the enclosure ascertained by the step of detecting; characterized by the steps of:

sensing a condition of the refrigeration circuit indicative of simultaneous operation of both the heat pump and the separate heating means; and discontinuing energization of the compressor of the heat pump in response to the step of sensing determination simultaneous operation of the heat pump and separate heating means.

7. The method as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that the step of sensing further comprises sensing the temperature of a compressor discharge line to the indoor heat exchanger when the heat pump is in the heating mode of operation to determine if the heat pump and separate heating means are simultaneously energized.

8. The method as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that the compressor is connected to a compressor motor having safety means for de-energizing the motor under abusive conditions and wherein the step of discontinuing further comprises de-energizing the heat pump prior to the motor safety means de-energizing the compressor motor.

Ansprüche

1. Steuereinrichtung zum Integrieren des Betriebes einer Wärmepumpe (21), welche einen Innenwärmeaustauscher (34) und einen Kompressor hat, und einer separaten Heizvorrichtung (20) zur Konditionierung eines Raumes, mit einer Thermostateinrichtung (40) zum Messen eines Wärmebedarfs innerhalb des zu konditionierenden Raumes und einer Auswahleinrichtung (30), um selektiv entweder den Kompressor der Wärmepumpe (21) oder die getrennte Heizvorrichtung (20) in Abhängigkeit von dem mittels der Thermostateinrichtung (40) festgestellten Wärmebedarfs einzuschalten, gekennzeichnet durch eine Kompressorabschalteinrichtung, welche angeschlossen ist, um einen Zustand der Wärmepumpe abzufühlen, welcher den gleichzeitigen Betrieb der Wärmepumpe und der getrennten Heizvorrichtung anzeigt, wobei die Kompressorabschalteinrichtung die Auswahleinrichtung daran hindert, den Kompressor anzuschalten, wenn gleichzeitiger Betrieb festgestellt wird.

2. Steuereinrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kompressorabschalteinrichtung einen Hochtemperaturfühler (33) hat, welcher in wärmeaustauschender Beziehung an einer Auslassleitung vom Kompressor zum Innenwärmeaustauscher (34) montiert ist, wenn die Wärmepumpe (21) im Heizbetrieb läuft, so dass die Temperatur des Kühlmittels, das in den Innenwärmeaustauscher (34) gefördert wird, gemessen wird, um festzustellen, ob die Wärmepumpe (21) und die getrennte Heizeinrichtung (20) gleichzeitig arbeiten.

3. Steuereinrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Hochtemperaturfühler

(33) eingestellt ist, um zu öffnen, wodurch der Betrieb des Kompressors der Wärmepumpe verhindert wird ehe ein Motor, welcher den Kompressor antreibt, durch eine Sicherheitseinrichtung abgeschaltet wird, welche mit dem Motor verbunden ist, um den Betrieb bei missbräuchlichen Bedingungen zu verhindern.

4. Steuereinrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Auswahleinrichtung (30) einen Aussenthermostaten (39) hat, welcher angeschlossen ist, um den Kompressor der Wärmepumpe über den Hochtemperaturfühler (33) anzuschalten, wenn die Aussentemperatur oberhalb einer Schwellwerttemperatur liegt und welcher angeschlossen ist, um die getrennte Heizvorrichtung (20) anzuschalten, in dem Hochtemperaturfühler (33) kurzgeschlossen wird, wenn die Aussentemperatur sich unter der Schwellwerttemperatur befindet.

5. Steuereinrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Thermostateinrichtung (40) einen ersten Heiztemperaturfühler (41) und einen zweiten Heiztemperaturfühler (42) hat, wobei der erste Heiztemperaturfühler angeschlossen ist, um entweder die Wärmepumpe (21) oder die getrennte Heizvorrichtung (20) über die Auswahleinrichtung einzuschalten, wenn ein erstes Wärmebedarfsniveau festgestellt wird, und der zweite Heiztemperaturfühler angeschlossen ist, um die getrennte Heizvorrichtung über ein Verriegelungsrelais (IR) einzuschalten, welches angeschlossen ist, um die Einschaltung der Wärmepumpe (21) zu verhindern, bis beide Wärmebedarfniveaus durch den Betrieb der getrennten Heizvorrichtung (20) zufrieden gestellt sind, wenn ein zweites Wärmebedarfsniveau festgestellt wird.

6. Verfahren zum Integrieren des Betriebs einer Wärmepumpe mit einem Kühlkreis, welcher einen Kompressor oder einen Innenwärmeaustauscher hat, und einer getrennten Heizvorrichtung, um den gleichzeitigen Betrieb der Wärmepumpe und der getrennten Heizvorrichtung zu verhindern, mit den Verfahrensschritten bei denen der Wärmebedarf in einem zu heizenden Raum festgestellt wird und in Abhängigkeit von einer Aussenluftbedingung ausgewählt wird, ob die Wärmepumpe oder die getrennte Heizvorrichtung eingeschaltet wird, um den während des Feststellschrittes festgestellten Wärmebedarf des Raumes zu befriedigen, gekennzeichnet durch die Verfahrensschritte bei denen eine Bedingung des Kühlkreises festgestellt wird, welche den gleichzeitigen Betrieb der Wärmepumpe und der getrennten Heizvorrichtung anzeigt, und die Einschaltung des Kompressors der Wärmepumpe in Abhängigkeit des Verfahrenschrittes, welcher den gleichzeitigen Betrieb der Wärmepumpe und der getrennten Heizvorrichtung festgestellt hat, abgestellt wird.

7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Verfahrensschritt des Feststellens desweitern das Feststellen der Temperatur einer Kompressorauslassleitung zu dem Innenwärmeaustauscher umfasst, wenn die Wärmepumpe in Heizbetrieb läuft, um festzustellen, ob die Wärmepumpe und die getrennte Heizvorrichtung gleichzeitig eingeschaltet sind.

8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Kompressor mit einem Kompressormotor verbunden ist, welcher Sicherheitseinrichtungen hat, um den Motor unter missbräuchlichen Bedingungen abzuschalten und bei welcher der Abstellschritt desweitern das Abschalten der Wärmepumpe, ehe die Motorsicherheitseinrichtung den Kompressormotor abschaltet, umfasst.

Revendications

1. Arrangement de commande pour intégrer le fonctionnement d'une pompe à chaleur (21) comprenant un échangeur de chaleur intérieur (34) et un compresseur, et d'un moyen de chauffage séparé (20) pour conditionner un espace fermé, comprenant un moyen thermostat (40) pour mesurer le besoin de chauffage dans l'espace fermé à conditionner et un moyen de sélection (30) pour alimenter sélectivement ou bien le compresseur de la pompe à chaleur (21) ou bien le moyen de chauffage séparé (20) en réponse au besoin de chauffage détecté par le moyen thermostat (40), caractérisé par un moyen d'arrêt du compresseur connecté pour détecter une condition de la pompe à chaleur indiquant le fond- tionnement simultané de la pompe à chaleur et du moyen de chauffage séparé, le moyen d'arrêt du compresseur empêchant le moyen de sélection d'alimenter le compresseur, quand un fonctionnement simultané est détecté.

2. Arrangement de commande selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le moyen d'arrêt du compresseur comprend un détecteur de température élévée (33) monté de façon qu'un échange de chaleur peut avoir lieu sur une conduite de décharge du compresseur vers l'échangeur de chaleur intérieure (34), quand la pompe à chaleur (21) fonctionne dans le mode de chauffage, de sorte que la températur du réfrigérant déchargé dans le déchangeur de chaleur intérieur (34) est détectée pour déterminer si la pompe à chaleur (21) et le moyen de chauffage séparé (20) fonctionnent simultanément.

3. Arrangement de commande selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le détecteur de température élevée (33) est ajusté pour ouvrir évitant ainsi le fonctionnement du compresseur de la pompe à chaleur avant qu'un moteur entraînant le compresseur est disconnecté par un moyen de sécurité connecté au moteur pour éviter le fonctionnement sous des conditions abusives.

4. Arrangement de commande selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le moyen de sélection (30) comprend un thermostat ambiant extérieur (39) connecté pour alimenter le compresseur de la pompe à chaleur par le détecteur de température élevée (33), quand la température ambiante extérieure est au-dessus d'une température de seuil, et connecté pour alimenter le moyen de chauffage séparé (20), court-cir- cuitant le détecteur de température élevée (33), quand la température ambiante extérieure est au-dessous du niveau de seuil.

5. Arrangement de commande selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le moyen thermostat (40) comprend en outre un premier détecteur de température de chauffage (41) et un second détecteur de température de chauffage (42), le premier détecteur de température de chauffage étant connecté pour alimenter ou bien la pompe à chaleur (21) ou bien le moyen du chauffage séparé (20) par le moyen de sélection après qu'un premier niveau de besoin de chauffage a été détecté et le second détecteur de température de chauffage étant connecté pour alimenter le moyen de chauffage séparé par un relais de verrouillage (IR), qui est connecté pour éviter que la pompe à chaleur (21) soit alimentée jusqu'à ce que les deux niveaux de besoin de chauffage aient été satisfaits par le fonctionnement du moyen de chauffage séparé (20), après la détection d'un second niveau de besoin de chauffage.

6. Procédé pour intégrer le fonctionnement d'une pompe à chaleur, comprenant un circuit de réfrigération ayant un compresseur et un echangeur de chaleur intérieur, et d'un moyen de chauffage séparé pour éviter le fonctionnement simultané de la pompe à chaleur et du moyen de chauffage séparé, comprenant les étapes de détecteur le besoin de chaleur dans un espace fermé devant être chauffé et de choisir en réponse à une condition ambiante extérieure si ou bien la pompe à chaleur ou bien le moyen de chauffage séparé doit être alimenté pour satisfaire le besoin de chauffage de l'espace fermé détecté pendant j'étape de détection, caractérisé par les étapes de mesurer une condition du circuit de réfrigération indiquant le fonctionnement simultané de la pompe à chaleur et du moyen de chauffage séparé et d'arrêter l'alimentation du compresseur de la pompe à chaleur en réponse à l'étape de détection déterminant le fonctionnement simultané de la pompe à chaleur et du moyen de chauffage séparé.

7. Procédé selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que l'étape de détecter comprend en outre détecter la température d'une conduite de décharge du compresseur vers l'échangeur de chaleur intérieur, quand la pompe à chaleur est dans le mode de chauffage, pour déterminer si la pompe à chaleur et le moyen de chauffage séparé sont alimentés simultanément.

8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que le compresseur est connecté à un moteur de compresseur ayant un moyen de sécurité pour disconnecter le moteur sous des conditions abusives et dans lequel l'étape d'arrêter comprend en outre la disconnexion de la pompe à chaleur avant que le moyen de sécurité du moteur ne disconnecte le moteur du compresseur.

Drawing