Residential heat pumps: high efficiency management system

The current ferment in the residential heat pump market - now recognised as being key in the global transition towards safe and sustainable heating - requires a number of choices to be made quickly and carefully. 
The IEA (International Environmental Agency) has estimated a reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions of at least 500 million tons in 2030 by using these appliances.
Increased attention to the environment is also leading to the use of natural refrigerants with a low GWP, however often with high flammability and classified A3. 

For this reason, CAREL has taken every possible step to ensure the highest efficiency, safety and reliability of its products. Indeed this is the basis and the objective of CAREL’s offering in this segment. 
Other decisive factors that have characterised this technology since it was first conceived are adaptation to a wide variety of climate zones and local regulations, as well as the awareness that the imminent vast-scale extension of this application requires careful choices, both in terms of robustness and reliability. 

The complete CAREL solution

The proposal for the management of packaged units comprises electronic controllers, inverter-compressor combinations, electronic expansion valves, sensors and human-machine interfaces.

Highly efficient coordination between devices

The variability in thermal load and outdoor climate conditions, especially when using air as the source heat exchange fluid, require the adoption of a modulating system, with optimal benefits both in terms of comfort and energy saving.
With regard to high efficiency, the proposal includes DC compressors managed by inverters, and high temperature electronic expansion valves. 
Variable-speed compressors can be sized smaller than similar fixed speed compressors, effectively compensating for any sudden peaks in load. Furthermore, the lower rotation speed means lower noise levels, a fundamental aspect in residential environments.
Another major plus is continuous compressor operation: without repeated on-off cycles, the compressor is protected against repeated mechanical and electrical stress, extending its working life. Furthermore, the CAREL control system can identify and correct any potentially dangerous deviations in operation, preventing the alarm thresholds from being reached and thus avoiding unit shutdowns.
This macro-system of products, appropriately managed by the control software, brings immediate cost savings due to lower energy consumption and less maintenance. All this translates into benefits for both the installer/manufacturer and the end user, who can essentially “forget” about their heat pump.

Unit and room terminals 

For the commissioning of the unit and maintenance activities, the classic pGDn 6-button machine terminals or 7-segment displays with integrated Bluetooth are provided. These can interface with the CAREL APPLICA smartphone application, which features dedicated synoptics for the heat pump. 

The pGDx / thTune / thTx room terminals complete the offering for managing the indoor unit and zones. 

Software to develop your ideas

CAREL offers “DC Residential HP”, a software application for managing heat pumps and controlling high-efficiency devices (inverters, valves, etc.) while guaranteeing system protection (evaporator defrost functions, frost protection, etc.). 

The software can be used during initial configuration or adapted in simple steps to the layout of the customer’s unit using the STone development environment. 

STone manages the application software development, testing and validation stages and is the pivot around which the entire life cycle of the HVAC/R unit revolves. The software and function system created around STone are used to meet the customers’ needs at every step of the machine’s life, from design to spare part management in the field. 

The software now allows the management of up to three zone valves, enabling control of three indoor areas of the home and temperature regulation based on the climatic curve to optimize and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, it includes Smart Grid Ready (SG Ready) operating logic. 

Your safe, high-performance solution

CAREL’s complete “A3 ready” solution, suitable for use with traditional and natural refrigerants such as propane, is essential for faster final certification of the entire heat pump unit. 
At the same time, the high efficiency of the products and smart control logic ensure the best performance, meeting the strictest regulations on energy efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability and minimising energy consumption for the end user.

To find out more about the CAREL offering for the management of residential heat pumps, download the brochure.
 

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