FLASH TANK DESIGN AND CONTROL FOR HEAT PUMPS

摘要

A heat pump operable in a heating mode and in a cooling mode includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. A compressor is in fluid communication with each of the first and second heat exchangers and includes a vapor injection port. A third heat exchanger is in fluid communication with each of the first and second heat exchangers and the compressor and includes a liquid side having an inlet and an outlet and a vapor side having an inlet and an outlet. A vapor injection line fluidly couples the vapor injection port and the outlet of the vapor side. An expansion device is in fluid communication with the inlet of the vapor side to control a volume of liquid entering the vapor side and to expand the liquid prior to entering the vapor side.