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US4574871A
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Heat pump monitor apparatus for fault detection in a heat pump system
Assignee: POTERALSKI RAYMOND F
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Filing: 1984-05-07
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Granted: 1986-03-11
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Expires: 2004-05-07
Abstract
Abstract A fault detection apparatus which monitors a heat pump system used for maintaining a selected temperature in an enclosed space is disclosed. The apparatus includes measuring the run time for a heat pump compressor, ascertaining the status of the heat pump reversing valve, measuring the run time of an auxiliary heating unit, measuring the run time of the defrost cycle of the heat pump, and sensing outdoor temperature. The compressor, the auxiliary heating unit, and the defrost cycle run times are each compared with their respective expected run times for the outdoor temperature sensed and for a known heat loss rate for the enclosed space. The apparatus will send out an alarm signal when the heat pump system fails to operate within the expected parameters.
Inventors
- 👤 David W. Parkinson
- 👤 Donald E. Bates
- 👤 Raymond F. Poteralski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:29
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B49/00; F25B49/005; G; G05; G05D; G05D23/00; G05D23/19; G05D23/1917
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for monitoring a heat pump system used to maintain a preselected indoor temperature in an enclosed space having a known heat transfer rate, said system including a heat pump compressor, comprising the steps of: sensing the actual run time for the heat pump compressor being monitored during a predetermined test time interval; sensing an average outdoor temperature ambient to the enclosed space for the test time interval; storing the expected run time for the compressor being monitored to maintain the preselected indoor temperature for the average outdoor temperature sensed and for the known heat transfer rate of the enclosure; comparing the actual run time with the expected run time; and automatically providing an indication when the actual run time exceeds the expected run time.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for monitoring a heat pump system used to maintain a preselected indoor temperature in an enclosed space having a known heat transfer rate, said system including a heat pump compressor, comprising the steps of: sensing the actual run time for the heat pump compressor being monitored during a predetermined test time interval; sensing an average outdoor temperature ambient to the enclosed space for the test time interval; storing the expected run time for the compressor being monitored to maintain the preselected indoor temperature for the average outdoor temperature sensed and for the known heat transfer rate of the enclosure; comparing the actual run time with the expected run time; and automatically providing an indication when the actual run time exceeds the expected run time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the compressor run time sensing step includes the steps of repeatedly detecting the status of the compressor as activated or deactivated and providing a signal indicative of its current status.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the system being monitored has a reversing valve selectively operable between a heating and an air-conditioning or defrost status and the method further includes the steps of sensing the status of said valve and providing a signal indicative of its current status.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the system being monitored includes at least one auxiliary heat means and the method further comprises the steps of sensing the actual run time of the auxiliary heat means, storing the expected run time of the auxiliary heat, comparing the actual run time of the auxiliary heat means with its expected run time and providing an alarm when the former exceeds the latter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the system being monitored executes a defrost cycle at various times during its operation and the method further comprises the steps of: sensing the actual defrost cycle execution time; storing the expected defrost cycle execution time; comparing the actual and expected defrost cycle execution times; and providing an alarm when the former exceeds the latter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
132 words
Apparatus for monitoring a heat pump system used to maintain a preselected indoor temperature in an enclosed space having a known heat transfer rate, said system including a heat pump compressor, comprising: means for sensing the actual run time for the heat pump compressor being monitored during a predetermined test time interval; means for sensing an average outdoor temperature ambient to the enclosed space for the test time interval; means for storing the expected run time for the compressor being monitored to maintain the preselected indoor temperature for the average outdoor temperature sensed and for the known heat transfer rate of the enclosure; means for comparing the actual run time with the expected run time; and means for automatically providing an indication when the actual run time exceeds the expected run time.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
132 words
Apparatus for monitoring a heat pump system used to maintain a preselected indoor temperature in an enclosed space having a known heat transfer rate, said system including a heat pump compressor, comprising: means for sensing the actual run time for the heat pump compressor being monitored during a predetermined test time interval; means for sensing an average outdoor temperature ambient to the enclosed space for the test time interval; means for storing the expected run time for the compressor being monitored to maintain the preselected indoor temperature for the average outdoor temperature sensed and for the known heat transfer rate of the enclosure; means for comparing the actual run time with the expected run time; and means for automatically providing an indication when the actual run time exceeds the expected run time.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the compressor run time sensing means includes means electrically coupled to the heat pump system for detecting the status of the compressor as activated or deactivated and providing a signal indicative of its current status.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the system being monitored has a reversing valve selectively operable between a heating and an air-conditioning or defrost status and the apparatus further includes means for sensing the status of said valve and providing a signal indicative of its current status.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
74 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the system being monitored includes at least one auxiliary heat means and the apparatus further comprises means for sensing the actual run time of the auxiliary heat means, means for storing the expected run time of the auxiliary heat, means for comparing the actual run time of the auxiliary heat means with its expected run time and means for providing an alarm when the former exceeds the latter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the system being monitored executes a defrost cycle at various times during its operation and the apparatus further comprises: means for sensing the actual defrost cycle execution time; means for storing an expected defrost cycle execution time; means for comparing the actual and expected defrost cycle execution times; and means for providing an alarm when the former exceeds the latter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-03-10 | 1989-09-09 | 1990-03-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-10 | 1993-09-09 | 1994-03-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-10 | 1997-09-09 | 1998-03-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |