Three function heat pump system

摘要

The invention relates to a three-function heat pump system which provides space heating, space cooling and hot water. The system permits hot water production all year long without operation of the system in the heating or cooling modes. To this end, the system employs a large storage tank and a relatively smaller hot water tank. A heat exchanger within the hot water tank is sized sufficiently to permit the hot water heat exchanger to function as a system condenser, thereby permitting the refrigerant to bypass the large storage tank. The system is packaged in a compact unit in which the compressor of the system is located within an insulated container with the domestic hot water tank. The crankcase of the compressor therefore remains warm to prevent migration of the refrigerant to the compressor during off seasons. The location of the compressor adjacent to the hot water tank eliminates the need for less energy efficient resistance crankcase heaters.