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.

Importantly, the compressor performance monitoring software provided by CAREL is simple and user-friendly.

Unit and room terminals 

Conventional 6-key pGDn machine terminals or 7-segment displays with integrated Bluetooth are available for unit commissioning and maintenance tasks. These devices can be interfaced with the CAREL APPLICA application for smartphones with dedicated heat pump synoptic panels. 

The pGDx / thTune / thTx room terminals complete the indoor unit and zone management offer. 

Software to develop your ideas

CAREL offers ''DC Residential HP'', an advanced application program for managing residential heat pumps and controlling high-efficiency devices (inverter, DC compressor and electronic valves).

The software can be used in the initial configuration, where the operating and protection logic is already in place.  Otherwise, using the STone development environment, it can be adapted to the layout of the customer unit with simple steps. The solution is modular. In other words, it can be used for outdoor, indoor and all-in-one units, simply by using the blocks already present. Both the refrigeration circuit and the indoor environment are managed in this way.  

The new STone development environment manages the application software development, testing and validation stages and is the pivot around which the entire life cycle of the HVAC, unit revolves, from design to spare parts management in the field.  It also allows the use of multiple tools for maximum support. 

The software now allows the management of up to three zone valves, allowing the control of three rooms in the home and temperature control according to the climate curve to optimise and reduce energy consumption.

Furthermore, it includes Smart Grid Ready (SG Ready) operating logic.

Main benefits 

	Complete solution with advanced algorithms, ready-to-use or easily customisable
	Fast and guided service, troubleshooting messages and fault tolerance
	Compressor envelope control for service reliability and continuity
	Facilitate usability via the App for quick set-up or unit check
	Integrated SG Ready logic
	It can be used with natural refrigerants (A3 ready)

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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