|
|
Cara Martin, Optimized Thermal Systems, Inc.
|
|
|
Dennis M. Nasuta, Optimized Thermal Systems, Inc.
|
|
|
Song Li, Optimized Thermal Systems, Inc.
|
|
|
William Hoffman, Optimized Thermal Systems, Inc.
|
|
|
John Bush, P.E., Electric Power Research Institute
|
|
|
Ron Domitrovic, Ph.D., Electric Power Research Institute
|
This paper describes a single-circuit hot gas bypass defrost strategy, similar to those used in commercial refrigeration applications, for a residential heat pump. The hot gas bypass strategy does not require a reversal of the cycle, but instead bypasses some hot gas from the compressor discharge line through some or all of the circuits of the evaporator (outdoor unit) coil to remove frost. Similar defrosting strategies are successfully utilized in large-scale refrigeration systems, such as those used in supermarkets, but these methods are not commonly implemented in smaller systems for the residential or light-commercial markets. A prototype system was developed for investigation consisting of a manifold system that allows hot gas to be bypassed from the compressor discharge line through any or all of the five circuits on the outdoor unit coil.
