Continuous, High Efficiency Defrosting of Air-to-Air Heat Pumps

This study aims to realize continuous, high efficiency defrosting of air-to-air heat pumps using the effect of outdoor warm air recycling, trying to improve the coefficient of performance (COP) and total heat capacity of traditional defrosting methods like hot bypass and Joule heating. The proposed patented method recovers heat from the air change system by mixing the warm discarded air with the incoming air of the external heat exchanger. The fan of the external unit sucks the indoor air with the depression obtained by a Venturi. The warm air is ducted to the Venturi through a hole in the wall. The amount of warm air mixed to the outside air is regulated by a butterfly valve installed on the pipe from the hole to the Venturi. In this way, the air entering the external coil is warm enough to avoid frost. The energy efficiency of the system is assured, for the warm indoor air is heated with the high COP of the heat pump. Our system can achieve defrosting with a limited amount of warm air, and realize a higher overall COP than the best traditional defrosting systems. Finally, the defrosting device can be added as an option to any existing split systems.