Noise Management System for Thermal Energy Storage Equipped Heat Pump Systems

Abstract

A thermal management system is disclosed having an integrated thermal energy storage module that is operated in a manner that reduces noise when desired. By leveraging the integrated thermal energy storage module, the thermal management system advantageously decouples noisy operation of a compressor from heating and cooling of an environment. The thermal management system schedules noisy charging or discharging of the thermal energy storage module to be performed during times at which increased noise is determined to be acceptable. Conversely, the thermal management system also schedules quiet heating or cooling to be performed during times at which reduced noise is determined to be preferred.

Claims

1. A method for operating a thermal management system having a thermal energy storage module, the method comprising: operating, with a controller, at a first time, the thermal management system in a first operating mode to transfer thermal energy between a first environment and the thermal energy storage module, thereby storing or releasing thermal energy in the thermal energy storage module; and operating, with the controller, at a second time, the thermal management system in a second operating mode to transfer thermal energy between a second environment and the thermal energy storage module, thereby storing or releasing thermal energy in the thermal energy storage module, wherein operation of the thermal management system in the second operating mode produces less noise than operation of the thermal management system in the first operating mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second environment is temperature-regulated by the thermal management system.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first environment is an outdoors environment and the second environment is an indoors environment.

4. The method according to claim 1, the operating the thermal management system in the first operating mode further comprising: operating a first compressor of the thermal management system to circulate thermal energy transport fluid between a first heat exchanger arranged in the first environment and a third heat exchanger of the thermal energy storage module.

5. The method according to claim 4, the operating the thermal management system in the second operating mode further comprising: operating the first compressor of the thermal management system to circulate the thermal energy transport fluid between a second heat exchanger arranged in the second environment and the third heat exchanger of the thermal energy storage module, wherein the first compressor is operated with a lower power or a lower speed in the second operating mode compared to the first operating mode.

6. The method according to claim 4, the operating the thermal management system in the second operating mode further comprising: operating a second compressor of the thermal management system to circulate the thermal energy transport fluid through the heat exchanger of the thermal energy storage module, the second compressor being quieter than the first compressor, wherein the second compressor is quieter than the first compressor.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the second compressor is smaller than the first compressor.

8. The method according to claim 1 further comprising: receiving, with the controller, from a remote computer, a message defining at least one of the first time or the second time.

9. The method according to claim 1 further comprising: scheduling at least one of the first time or the second time depending on a user preference received from a user.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second environment is a building, the method further comprising: scheduling at least one of the first time or the second time depending on whether people are present in the building.

11. The method according to claim 1 further comprising: receiving a time-of-use rate plan indicating at least one first window of time during which a cost of electricity to operate the thermal management system is reduced compared to another window of time; and scheduling at least one of the first time or the second time depending on the at least one window of time.

12. The method according to claim 11, the scheduling the first time further comprising: scheduling the first time to be during the at least one first window of time.

13. The method according to claim 11, the scheduling the second time further comprising: scheduling the second time to be outside of the at least one first window of time.

14. The method according to claim 1 further comprising: receiving user inputs defining at least one second window of time during which a noise level of the thermal management system is to be reduced; and scheduling at least one of the first time or the second time depending on the at least one second window of time.

15. The method according to claim 14, the scheduling the second time further comprising: scheduling the second time to be during the at least one second window of time.

16. The method according to claim 14, the scheduling the first time further comprising: scheduling the first time to be outside of the at least one second window of time.

17. The method according to claim 1 further comprising: scheduling at least one of the first time or the second time using a machine learning model.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing aspects and other features of the system and method are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 shows an overview of a workflow for operating a thermal management system having an integrated thermal energy storage module in a manner that reduces noise when desired.

[0009] FIG. 2A shows exemplary components of a heat pump system for a building having integrated thermal energy storage.

[0010] FIG. 2B shows an alternative embodiment of the heat pump system having a two-stage refrigeration cycle.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram for a method for monitoring a thermal energy storage module in a thermal management system, such as the heat pump system.

[0012] FIG. 4A shows an exemplary graphical user interface for defining quiet time windows in a mobile application of the mobile electronic device.

[0013] FIG. 4B shows an exemplary graphical user interface for displaying peak and off-peak time windows in the mobile application.

[0014] FIG. 4C shows an exemplary graphical user interface for selecting a different time-of-use rate plan using the mobile application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present disclosure includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Overview

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an overview of a workflow for operating a thermal management system having an integrated thermal energy storage module in a manner that reduces noise when desired. In the exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the thermal management system is a heat pump system for heating and cooling a building. However, although the features of the disclosure are primarily described with respect to a heat pump system, it should be appreciated that the thermal management system may similarly comprise an air conditioner for cooling a building, a thermal management system for heating or cooling a motor vehicle, or any other thermal management system that operates using similar principles, such as a refrigerator or freezer.

[0017] Disclosed herein is a thermal management system and method for operating the thermal management system in a manner that decouples noisy operation of a compressor from providing heating and cooling of an environment. Particularly, based on user preferences, user-defined quiet times, time-variable costs of thermal energy generation, and other considerations, the thermal management system intelligently schedules (block 10) usage of the integrated thermal energy storage module.

[0018] In particular, the thermal management system schedules noisy charging or discharging of the thermal energy storage module (block 20) is performed. In general, the noisy charging or discharging includes operating a compressor to move thermal energy between an outdoor environment and the thermal energy storage module. Since a temperature differential between the outside air and the thermal energy storage module can be quite significant, the compressor generally must be operated at a higher speed (e.g., full speed) or with a higher power (e.g., full power), resulting in greater noise.

[0019] Conversely, the thermal management system also schedules times at which quiet heating or cooling using the thermal energy storage module (block 30) is performed. In general, the quiet heating or cooling includes operating the compressor in a quieter operating state or operating an intrinsically quieter 2.sup.nd stage compressor to move thermal energy between the thermal energy storage module and an indoor environment that is temperature-regulated by the thermal management system. Since a temperature differential between the inside air and the thermal energy storage module is comparatively small, the compressor generally can be operated at a lower speed (e.g., full speed) or with a lower power (e.g., full power), or the intrinsically quieter 2.sup.nd stage compressor can be operated, resulting in lesser noise.

Exemplary Heat Pump System Having Integrated Thermal Energy Storage

[0020] In an effort to provide a better understanding of the features of the disclosure, an exemplary thermal management system in the form of a heat pump system is described in detail, which incorporates thermal energy storage.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows exemplary components of a heat pump system 100 for a building having integrated thermal energy storage. In the illustrated example, the heat pump system 100 includes an outside air heat exchanger 104, an inside air heat exchanger 108, a refrigerant loop 112, a compressor 116, and an expander 120. Additionally, the heat pump system 100 includes or is integrated with a thermal energy storage module 130 by way of a plurality of switchable valves 140.

[0022] The outside air heat exchanger 104 is configured to transfer heat between a first environment, i.e., including outside air 106, and a refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant loop 112. Structurally, in at least some embodiments, the outside air heat exchanger 104 includes a series of coiled metal tubes or metal fins (not shown), through which the refrigerant circulates, that increase the surface area for heat exchange and facilitate the efficient absorption or dissipation of thermal energy. The outside air heat exchanger 104 is arranged outside of the building and, in at least some embodiments, is provided in a housing, e.g., metal casing, (not shown) to protect it from environmental factors. Additionally, in some embodiments, a fan is mounted inside the housing to blow air over the coiled tubes or fins of the outside air heat exchanger 104 to provide greater heat transfer.

[0023] The inside air heat exchanger 108 is configured to transfer heat between the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant loop 112 and a second environment, i.e., including inside air 110. Structurally, in at least some embodiments, the inside air heat exchanger 108 includes a series of coiled metal tubes or metal fins (not shown), through which the refrigerant circulates, that increase the surface area for heat exchange and facilitate the efficient absorption or dissipation of thermal energy. The inside air heat exchanger 108 is arranged inside of the building and, in at least some embodiments, is arranged within an indoor ventilation system, such that a fan mounted within the ventilation system blows air through the coiled tubes or fins of the outside air heat exchanger 104 to distribute conditioned air throughout the building.

[0024] The refrigerant loop 112 is a closed, continuous loop system that circulates refrigerant through the various components of the heat pump system 100, enabling the transfer of thermal energy. In some embodiments, the refrigerant loop 112 may more broadly take the form of a thermal energy transport fluid loop that circulates thermal energy transport fluid, including refrigerants, water, glycol solutions (antifreeze), or the like. Thus, references herein to the refrigerant and the refrigerant loop 112 should be understood to alternatively incorporate any thermal energy transport fluid. The refrigerant loop 112 consists of tubing that connects the components of the heat pump system 100, including the outside air heat exchanger 104, the inside air heat exchanger 108, the compressor 116, and the expander 120. The refrigerant flows through these components in a cyclic process, in some cases undergoing phase changes between liquid and gas as it absorbs or releases heat. Additionally, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the refrigerant loop 112 also connects with the thermal energy storage module 130 by way of the plurality of switchable valves 140 to store thermal energy in and release thermal energy from the thermal energy storage module 130.

[0025] The compressor 116 is positioned in the refrigerant loop 112 along a first circulation path between the inside air heat exchanger 108 and the outside air heat exchanger 104. The compressor 116 is configured to compress and circulate the refrigerant through the refrigerant loop 112. The compressor 116 includes a motor that uses electrical energy to compress the refrigerant to increase both the pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant, generally after the refrigerant has absorbed heat from elsewhere along the refrigerant loop 112. In some embodiments, the heat pump system 100 includes multiple compressors 116.

[0026] The expander 120 is positioned in the refrigerant loop 112 along a second circulation path between the inside air heat exchanger 108 and the outside air heat exchanger 104, which is different from the first circulation path including the compressor 116. The expander 120 is configured to further regulate the pressure of the refrigerant as it moves through the refrigerant loop 112. Particularly, the expander 120 includes an expansion valve or capillary tube configured to lower both the pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant, generally after the refrigerant has released heat elsewhere along the refrigerant loop 112. In some embodiments, the heat pump system 100 includes multiple expanders 120.

[0027] It should be appreciated that the illustrated embodiment of the heat pump system 100 is in the form of an air-source heat pump. However, in alternative embodiments, the heat pump system 100 may take the form of a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump or a water-source heat pump. Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps transfer heat between the building and the ground or groundwater. These systems use underground refrigerant loops that absorb heat from the earth or release heat to the earth, which remains at a relatively constant temperature year-round. Similarly, water-source heat pumps exchange heat with a water tank in the building or with a body of water, such as a lake, river, or well, or. These systems draw heat from the water for heating or discharge heat into the water for cooling.

[0028] In any case, the heat pump system 100 advantageously includes the thermal energy storage module 130. The thermal energy storage module 130 is configured to store excess thermal energy for later release. Particularly, the thermal energy storage module 130 captures excess thermal energy when the heat pump system 100 is producing more thermal energy than is needed for immediate use. For example, during periods of high heat pump efficiency or low demand, the heat pump system 100 can divert excess thermal energy into the thermal energy storage module 130. When demand increases or the heat pump system 100 is not operating optimally, the stored thermal energy can be released back into the refrigerant loop 112 to meet heating or cooling needs. This process helps balance the load, reduce peak energy consumption, and improve overall system efficiency.

[0029] The thermal energy storage module 130 typically consists of one or more insulated storage tanks (not shown) filled with a thermal storage medium, such as water or phase-change materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal energy storage module 130 includes phase-change materials 134 and a TES heat exchanger 138. The TES heat exchanger 138 is connected in the refrigerant loop 112 via the plurality of switchable valves 140 that are operated to direct the flow of refrigerant between the thermal energy storage module 130 and the rest of the heat pump system 100. In some embodiments, the thermal energy storage module 130 has its own compressor or expander (not shown) such that it is easier to retrofit existing designs compared to fully relying on the compressor 116 and expander 120 of the heat pump system 100. The compressor within the thermal energy storage module 130 could be optimized particularly for the thermal energy storage module 130, and thus could be more efficient and lower cost.

[0030] The phase-change materials 134 in the thermal energy storage module 130 are substances that store and release thermal energy through phase changes, typically from solid to liquid or vice versa. It should be appreciated that phase-change materials 134 may alternatively include any other thermal storage medium, such as water. When the heat pump system 100 generates excess thermal energy, the phase-change materials 134 can absorb thermal energy and undergo a phase change, effectively storing the thermal energy at a constant temperature. Conversely, when there is a demand for thermal energy, the phase-change materials 134 can release the stored thermal energy as they revert to their original phase.

[0031] The TES heat exchanger 138 in the thermal energy storage module 130 is configured to transfer heat between the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant loop 112 and the phase-change materials 134. Structurally, in at least some embodiments, the TES heat exchanger 138 includes a series of coiled metal tubes or metal fins (not shown), through which the refrigerant circulates. The TES heat exchanger 138 is arranged within or adjacent to the phase-change materials 134 to maximize the contact surface area and ensure efficient heat exchange.

[0032] The TES heat exchanger 138 is connected between an inlet connection and an outlet connection (not shown) of the thermal energy storage module 130, such that refrigerant from the refrigerant loop 112 can flow through the TES heat exchanger 138 to store or release thermal energy in the phase-change materials 134. It should be appreciated that the inlet connection and outlet connection of the thermal energy storage module 130 do not necessarily refer to specific refrigerant connections, since the refrigerant may flow in either direction through the thermal energy storage module 130. Thus, the inlet connection and outlet connection of the thermal energy storage module 130 should be understood as interchangeable.

[0033] The plurality of switchable valves 140 are suitably arranged and operated to manage the storage and release of thermal energy within the thermal energy storage 130, as well as direct the flow of refrigerant through the outside air heat exchanger 104 and/or the inside air heat exchanger 108. In some embodiments, the plurality of switchable valves 140 may include multi-way valves (e.g., 3-way valves), or equivalent arrangements of multiple valves. The plurality of switchable valves 140 may include a wide variety of possible configurations that enable the thermal energy storage 130 to be selectively bypassed in a first switching state, selectively connected in series with the outside air heat exchanger 104 in a second switching state, and selectively connected in series with the inside air heat exchanger 108 in a third switching state.

[0034] Additionally, in some embodiments, the plurality of switchable valves 140 have a configuration that enables the compressor 116 and/or the expander 120 to, in different switching states, be selectively connected in the refrigerant loop 112 between the outside air heat exchanger 104 and TES heat exchanger 138, selectively connected in the refrigerant loop 112 between the TES heat exchanger 138 and the inside air heat exchanger 108, and selectively connected in the refrigerant loop 112 between the outside air heat exchanger 104 and the inside air heat exchanger 108. Finally, in some embodiments, the plurality of switchable valves 140 have a configuration that enables the compressor 116 and/or the expander 120 to, in different switching states, be reversed in the refrigerant loop 112.

[0035] In at least some embodiments, the heat pump system 100 further includes a controller 150 configured to manage the overall operation of the heat pump system 100. To these ends, the controller 150 is configured to monitor a variety of parameters including, for example, inside and outside temperatures, refrigerant flow rates at different points in the refrigerant loop 112, and a compressor frequency of the compressor 116. By continuously monitoring these parameters, the controller 150 makes real-time adjustments to the operation of the heat pump system 100, such as modulating the speed of the compressor 116 or adjusting the plurality of switchable valves 140 to store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage module 130 or release thermal energy from the thermal energy storage module 130.

[0036] The controller 150 is configured to selectively operate the heat pump system 100 in either a heating mode, a cooling mode, or a standby mode. In the standby mode, the heat pump system 100 is not actively heating or cooling but remains ready to engage when needed.

[0037] In the heating mode, the heat pump system 100 operates by transferring heat from the outside air to the inside of a building using the refrigerant loop 112. The controller 150 operates the compressor 116 to compress the refrigerant, increasing its temperature and pressure. The higher-temperature, higher-pressure refrigerant from the compressor 116 is circulated through the inside air heat exchanger 108, where it releases heat to warm the inside air 110. Next, the refrigerant passes through the expander 120, where it undergoes a reduction in pressure and temperature. The lower-temperature, lower-pressure refrigerant from the expander 120 is circulated through the outside air heat exchanger 104, where it absorbs heat from the outside air, even in cold conditions. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor 116 to repeat the cycle.

[0038] In the cooling mode, the heat pump system 100 works in reverse to transfer heat from inside the building to the outside environment. The controller 150 operates the compressor 116 to compress the refrigerant, increasing its temperature and pressure. The higher-temperature, higher-pressure refrigerant from the compressor 116 is circulated through the outside air heat exchanger 104, where it releases heat into the outside air 106. Next, the refrigerant passes through the expander 120, where it undergoes a reduction in pressure and temperature. The lower-temperature, lower-pressure refrigerant from the expander 120 is circulated through the inside air heat exchanger 108, where it absorbs heat from the inside air 110. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor 116 to repeat the cycle.

[0039] In addition to operating the heat pump system 100 in the conventional heating or cooling modes, the controller 150 operates the plurality of switchable valves 140 to control the heat pump system 100 to store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage module 130 or to release thermal energy from the thermal energy storage module 130 in either of the heating and cooling modes, as needed.

[0040] When the heat pump system 100 operates to store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage module 130 (i.e., in a charging mode), the controller 150 operates the plurality of switchable valves 140 in a specific manner to direct refrigerant flow from the compressor 116 or from the expander 120 towards the thermal energy storage module 130. In the charging mode, the controller 150 operates the compressor 116 to circulate the refrigerant such that excess thermal energy generated during operation, is transferred to the thermal energy storage module 130 instead of being released into the inside air 110 or released into the outside air 106. Particularly, in the cooling mode, the thermal energy storage module 130 stores thermal energy absorbed from inside air 110 for the purpose of cooling the environment. Conversely, in the heating mode, the thermal energy storage module 130 stores thermal energy absorbed from outside air 106.

[0041] When the heat pump system 100 operates to release thermal energy from the thermal energy storage module 130 (i.e., in a discharging mode), the controller 150 operates the plurality of switchable valves 140 in a specific manner to direct refrigerant flow from the thermal energy storage module 130 to the inside air heat exchanger 108 or to the outside air heat exchanger 104. In the discharging mode, the controller 150 operates the compressor 116 to circulate the refrigerant such that thermal energy is released from the thermal energy storage module 130 instead of being absorbed from the outside air 106 or absorbed from the inside air 110. Particularly, in the heating mode, the thermal energy storage module 130 releases thermal energy into the inside air 110 for the purpose of heating the building. Conversely, in the cooling mode, the thermal energy storage module 130 releases thermal energy into the outside air 106.

[0042] In some embodiments, the controller 150 incorporates intelligent algorithms that schedule the optimal times for charging and discharging the thermal energy storage module 130 based on predictive analytics of energy demand, weather forecasts, and electricity tariff rates. The controller 150 adjusts the operation of the compressor 116 and adjusts the flow paths of the refrigerant loop 112 using the plurality of switchable valves 140 to store or release thermal energy in the thermal energy storage module 130, to minimize energy costs, maximize efficiency, and prolong the lifetime of the heat pump system 100.

[0043] In at least some embodiments, the heat pump system 100 further includes an IoT gateway 170. The IoT gateway 170 acts as a communication bridge between the controller 150 and a cloud backend 180 and/or a mobile electronic device 190. The IoT gateway 170 includes, for example, a microprocessor and a network communications module including one or more transceivers (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular) for connectivity to the cloud backend 180 and/or the mobile electronic device 190. The IoT gateway 170 enables data exchange and remote monitoring by transmitting system performance metrics, such as sensor data, energy usage, and operational status, to the cloud backend 180 and/or the mobile electronic device 190. Additionally, the IoT gateway 170 enables user control of the heat pump system 100 via a mobile application on the mobile electronic device 190 or via a web application of the cloud backend 180.

[0044] In at least some embodiments, the cloud backend 180 includes one or more servers that act as the central hub for data processing, storage, and system management. The cloud backend 180 receives data from the IoT gateway 170, including sensor data, energy usage, and operational status, and processes and stores this information for analysis and optimization. In some embodiments, the cloud backend 180 also facilitates user interaction by communicating with the mobile electronic device 190 or with another computing device, allowing users to remotely monitor and control the heat pump system 100 via the mobile application or the web application.

[0045] In at least some embodiments, the mobile electronic device 190 operates as a user interface for remotely monitoring and controlling the heat pump system 100. The mobile electronic device 190 communicates with the IoT gateway 170, either directly or via the cloud backend 180, allowing users to monitor system performance, adjust temperature settings, schedule heating or cooling modes, set quiet times, select a time-of-use rate plan and monitor a charging status of the thermal energy storage module 130. It should be appreciated that quiet times may conflict with times when heat/cooling energy generation is most energy or cost efficient. The mobile application and/or the web application displays both metrics and allows the user to balance between energy/cost efficiency and noise comfort.

[0046] FIG. 2B shows an alternative embodiment of the heat pump system 100 having a two-stage refrigeration cycle. Particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the heat pump system 100 includes a 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 and a 2.sup.nd stage expander 158. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the compressor 116 is considered the 1.sup.st stage compressor 116 and the expander 120 is considered the 1.sup.st stage expander 120.

[0047] Depending on the thermal storage medium, the most efficient storage temperature might be different from the most efficient heating/cooling temperature. In this case, a second refrigeration cycle can be incorporated which incorporates the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 and the 2.sup.nd stage expander 158. A second refrigeration cycle might also be necessary if the temperature range of the thermal energy storage module 130 is not large enough to be applied to both heating and cooling.

[0048] The 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 is designed to be quieter, and generally smaller, than a compressor in a heat pump system lacking thermal energy storage, because the temperature lift is smaller in a thermal energy storage equipped heat pump system. Similarly, in the heat pump system 100, the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 is designed to be quieter, and generally smaller, than the 1.sup.st stage compressor 116. Besides the sheer sound pressure level, psychoacoustics can be optimized with more freedom in a two-stage compressor/expander system, resulting in a quieter/less-annoying system. Particularly, since the temperature coming from the thermal energy storage module 130 is closer to the desired heating/cooling temperature, the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 can be designed quieter/psychoacoustically more pleasant than the 1.sup.st stage compressor 116. Another advantage of a two-stage refrigeration cycle is that the 1.sup.st stage compressor 116 operates with a lower temperature lift than a compressor in a single-stage system, such as that of FIG. 2A. In this way, the 1.sup.st stage compressor 116 can also be designed to be quieter than a single-stage system compressor.

[0049] In embodiments having a two-stage refrigeration cycle, the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 can be operated to heat or cool the environment (e.g., the building), without operating the noisier 1.sup.st stage compressor 116. Particularly, in the heating mode, the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 is operated to circulate refrigerant between the inside air heat exchanger 108 and the TES heat exchanger 138, to release thermal energy for the purpose of heating the indoor environment. Conversely, in the cooling mode, the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 is operated to circulate refrigerant between the inside air heat exchanger 108 and the TES heat exchanger 138, to store thermal energy for the purpose of cooling the indoor environment.

Method for Noise Management

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram for a method 200 for monitoring a thermal energy storage module 130 in a thermal management system, such as the heat pump system 100. The method 200 advantageously leverages the thermal energy storage module 130 to decouple noisy operation of the compressor 116 from operation of the thermal management system to provide heating and cooling. Particularly, during times at which increased noise is determined to be acceptable, the compressor 116 can be noisily operated at full power or speed to move thermal energy between the outdoor environment and the thermal energy storage module 130. Conversely, during times at which reduced noise is determined to be preferred, the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 can be operated, or the compressor 116 can be operated at a reduced power or speed, to heat or cool the indoors environment by moving thermal energy between the indoor environment and the thermal energy storage module 130.

[0051] The method 200 begins with operating a thermal management system in a first operating mode to transfer thermal energy between an outside environment and the thermal energy storage module, at a first time at which increased noise is determined to be acceptable (block 210). Particularly, the controller 150 operates the heat pump system 100 in a first operating mode to transfer thermal energy between a first environment and the thermal energy storage module 130, thereby storing or releasing thermal energy in the thermal energy storage module 130. In at least some embodiments, the first environment is the outdoor environment in which the outside air heat exchanger 104 is arranged. To this end, in the first operating mode, the controller 150 operates the compressor 116 to circulate refrigerant between the outside air heat exchanger 104 and the TES heat exchanger 138 of the thermal energy storage module 130.

[0052] The first operating mode may include a charging-heating mode or a discharging-cooling mode. It should be appreciated that, in the heating mode of the heat pump system 100, thermal energy transfer between the thermal energy storage module 130 and the outdoor environment occurs when storing thermal energy in (i.e., charging) the thermal energy storage module 130. Conversely, in the cooling mode of the heat pump system 100, thermal energy transfer between the thermal energy storage module 130 and the outdoor environment occurs when releasing thermal energy from (i.e., discharging) the thermal energy storage module 130.

[0053] Particularly, in a charging-heating mode, the refrigerant from the outside air heat exchanger 104, which has heated from absorbing heat from the outside air 106 is circulated through the compressor 116. The higher-temperature, higher-pressure refrigerant from the compressor 116 is circulated through the TES heat exchanger 138, where it releases heat into the phase-change materials 134, thereby storing thermal energy for heating. The refrigerant from the TES heat exchanger 138 is circulated through the expander 120. The lower-temperature, lower-pressure refrigerant from the expander 120 is circulated through the outside air heat exchanger 104, where it absorbs heat from the outside air 106. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor 116 to repeat the cycle.

[0054] Additionally, in a discharging-cooling mode, the refrigerant from the TES heat exchanger 138, which has heated from absorbing heat from the phase-change materials 134, is circulated through the compressor 116. The higher-temperature, higher-pressure refrigerant from the compressor 116 is circulated through the outside air heat exchanger 104, where it releases heat into the outside air 106, thereby releasing thermal energy for cooling. The refrigerant from the outside air heat exchanger 104 is circulated through the expander 120. The lower-temperature, lower-pressure refrigerant from the expander 120 is circulated through the TES heat exchanger 138, where it absorbs heat from the phase-change materials 134. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor 116 to repeat the cycle.

[0055] It should be appreciated that operating the compressor 116 in the charging-heating mode or the discharging-cooling mode often produces significant noise. Particularly, a temperature differential between the outside air 106 and the phase-change materials 134 can be quite significant, thereby requiring the compressor 116 to be operated at a relatively higher speed (e.g., full speed) or with a relatively higher power (e.g., full power), resulting in relatively greater noise. Accordingly, the controller 150 schedules the first time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the first operating mode as a time at which increased noise is determined to be acceptable.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cloud backend 180 runs control algorithms for the heat pump system 100 and is configured to determine a schedule for charging and discharging the thermal energy storage module 130. In such cases, the controller 150 schedules the first time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the first operating mode based on a direct command from the cloud backend 180. Particularly, in one embodiment, the controller 150 receives a message defining the first time from the cloud backend 180. The controller 150 schedules the first time based on the time indicated in the message.

[0057] Similarly, in some embodiments, the controller 150 schedules the first time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the first operating mode based on a direct command from the mobile electronic device 190. Particularly, in one embodiment, the controller 150 receives a message defining the first time from the mobile electronic device 190. The controller 150 schedules the first time based on the time indicated in the message.

[0058] In some embodiments, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the first time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the first operating mode based on whether there are people present in the building. Particularly, in one embodiment, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 receives from a remote computer, such as the mobile electronic device 190 or a sensor located in the building, a message indicating whether people are present in the building. In one embodiment, in response to no people being present in the building, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the first time such that the operation of the heat pump 100 in the first operating mode occurs while no people are present in the building.

[0059] In some embodiments, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the first time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the first operating mode using a machine learning model configured to receive historical sensor data and usage data, and predict an optimal time to operate the heat pump system in the first operating mode. Machine learning models that learn user behavior can be used to predict future user behavior and plan charging/discharging of the thermal energy storage module 130.

[0060] As used herein, the term machine learning model refers to a system or set of program instructions and/or data configured to implement an algorithm, process, or mathematical model (e.g., a neural network) that predicts or otherwise provides a desired output based on a given input. It will be appreciated that, in general, many or most parameters of a machine learning model are not explicitly programmed and the machine learning model is not, in the traditional sense, explicitly designed to follow particular rules in order to provide the desired output for a given input. Instead, a machine learning model is provided with a corpus of training data in an iterative manner from which it identifies or learns patterns and statistical relationships in the data, which are generalized to make predictions or otherwise provide outputs with respect to new data inputs. The result of the training process is embodied in a plurality of learned parameters, kernel weights, and/or filter values that are used in the various components of the machine learning model to perform various operations or functions.

[0061] As mentioned above, users can interact with and control the heat pump system 100 using a mobile application and/or web application. The mobile application and/or web application enables the user to provide a variety of user preferences including temperature preferences, quiet times, and time-of-use rate plans. The cloud backend 180 contains all nationwide available time-of-use rate plans and lets the user select the relevant plan. Furthermore, the user can enter a time-of-use plan manually via the mobile application and/or web application. In some embodiments, the cloud backend 180 runs a machine learning model that learns user behavior and makes suggestions on when to charge/discharge the thermal energy storage module 130 to optimize energy/cost efficiency and noise comfort. Furthermore, the user can choose to let the cloud backend 180 and/or the controller 150 manage the charge/discharge automatically.

[0062] In some embodiments, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the first time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the first operating mode based on a user preference received from a user. The user preference may include any preference for the operation of the heat pump system 100, such as temperature preferences, quiet times, and time-of-use rate plans. Particularly, in one embodiment, the controller 150 receives from a remote computer, such as the cloud backend 180 and/or the mobile electronic device 190, a message defining a user preference. The controller 150 schedules the first time based on the user preference, e.g., schedules the first time such that the heat pump system 100 will be able to satisfy a temperature preference of the user.

[0063] In some embodiments, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the first time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the first operating mode based on a user-defined window of time during which a noise level of the heat pump system 100 is to be reduced. Particularly, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 receives user inputs defining at least one window of time during which a noise level of the heat pump system 100 is to be reduced, referred to herein as a quiet time window. The controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the first time depending on the quiet time windows defined by the user inputs. Particularly, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the first time as a time that is outside of the quiet time windows defined by the user inputs.

[0064] FIG. 4A shows an exemplary graphical user interface 300A for defining quiet time windows in the mobile application of the mobile electronic device 190. The graphical user interface 300A includes a graphical representation of quiet time windows during which a noise level of the heat pump system 100 is to be reduced. The graphical representation includes an outer ring 302 representing the twenty-four hours of a day. The outer ring 302 has quiet time window segments 304 that are shaded or colored differently than a remainder of the outer ring 302. In one embodiment, a user can interact with the quiet time window segments 304 via a user interface of the mobile electronic device 190 to define and adjust the quiet time windows, for example by touching and dragging on a touch-screen display of the mobile electronic device 190 to adjust a duration or starting time of each quiet time window. The graphical user interface 300A further includes a text summary 308 of the user-defined quiet time windows (e.g., Quiet times: 5am-7am, 11am-1pm, 5pm-1am). Based on the user interactions with the graphical user interface 300A, a processor of the mobile electronic device 190 defines the quiet time windows and operates a transceiver of the mobile electronic device 190 to transmit the quiet time windows to the cloud backend 180 and/or to the heat pump system 100 directly, via the IoT gateway 170.

[0065] In some embodiments, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the first time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the first operating mode based on a time-variable cost to generate thermal energy using the heat pump system 100, for example as defined by a time-of-use rate plan. Particularly, in one embodiment, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 receives or stores time-variable cost information, for example as defined by a time-of-use rate plan, indicating at least one window of time during which a cost of electricity to operate the heat pump system 100 is relatively reduced, referred to herein as an off-peak time window, compared to another window of time during which the cost of electricity to operate the heat pump system 100 is relatively increased, referred to herein as a peak time window. The controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the first time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the first operating mode depending on the off-peak time window(s) and/or the peak time window(s). Particularly, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the first time as a time that is within one of the off-peak time window(s) and/or outside any of the peak time window(s).

[0066] FIG. 4B shows an exemplary graphical user interface 300B for displaying peak and off-peak time windows in the mobile application of the mobile electronic device 190. The graphical user interface 300B includes a graphical representation of peak and off-peak time windows during which there are different costs to generate thermal energy using the heat pump system 100. The graphical representation includes an inner ring 310 representing the twenty-four hours of a day. The inner ring 310 has peak time window segments 312 that are shaded or colored differently than a remainder of the inner ring 310. The graphical user interface 300B further includes a text summary 314 of the peak time windows (e.g., Time-of-use rate plan, ABC Electric E-TOU-B, Peak: 4pm-9pm).

[0067] In one embodiment, a user can interact with the a select plan button 316 to navigate to a further graphical user interface for selecting a different time-of-use rate plan. FIG. 4C shows an exemplary graphical user interface 300C for selecting a different time-of-use rate plan using the mobile application of the mobile electronic device 190. Particularly, the graphical user interface 300C includes a selection window 318 via which the user can select the correct time-of-use rate plan from a group of options. Additionally, the graphical user interface 300C includes a selection summary 320 (e.g., Your Selection: ABC Electric E-TOU-B) and a selection description 322 (e.g., Lower energy costs: Before 4 p.m. and after 9 p.m. on weekdays, During all hours on weekends and most holidays, Eight months (October through May) have lower prices than the four months of summer (June through September).) Based on the selection of a time-of-use rate plan in the graphical user interface 300C, a processor of the mobile electronic device 190 defines the off-peak time window(s) and/or the peak time window(s) and operates a transceiver of the mobile electronic device 190 to transmit the off-peak time window(s) and/or the peak time window(s) to the cloud backend 180 and/or to the heat pump system 100 directly, via the IoT gateway 170.

[0068] Once the first time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the first operating mode is scheduled, the controller 150 operates the heat pump system 100 in the first operating mode to transfer thermal energy between the outdoor environment and the thermal energy storage module 130 at the first time.

[0069] The method 200 begins with operating the thermal management system in a quieter second operating mode to transfer thermal energy between an inside environment and the thermal energy storage module at a second time at which reduced noise is determined to be preferred (block 220). Particularly, the controller 150 operates the heat pump system 100 in a second operating mode to transfer thermal energy between a second environment and the thermal energy storage module 130, thereby storing or releasing thermal energy in the thermal energy storage module 130. In at least some embodiments, the second environment is the indoor environment, which is temperature-regulated by the heat pump system 100, and in which the inside air heat exchanger 108 is arranged.

[0070] To this end, in the second operating mode, in embodiments having a single-stage refrigeration cycle, the controller 150 operates the compressor 116, with a quieter operating state compared to its operation in the first operating mode, to circulate thermal energy transport fluid between the inside air heat exchanger 108 and the TES heat exchanger 138 of the thermal energy storage module 130. In at least some embodiments, the quieter operating state of the compressor 116 is a relatively lower speed (e.g., not full speed) or a relatively lower power (e.g., not full power) compared to operating the compressor 116 with the relatively higher speed (e.g., full speed) or the relatively higher power (e.g., full power) used in the first operating mode of the heat pump system 100. In one example, the quieter operating state of the compressor 116 is one in which the compressor 116 causes circulation of the refrigerant but does not substantially increase the temperature or pressure of the refrigerant.

[0071] Alternatively, in embodiments having a two-stage refrigeration cycle, the controller 150 operates the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154, which is quieter than the 1.sup.st stage compressor 116, to circulate thermal energy transport fluid between the inside air heat exchanger 108 and the TES heat exchanger 138 of the thermal energy storage module 130.

[0072] The second operating mode may include a discharging-heating mode or a charging-cooling mode. It should be appreciated that, in the heating mode of the heat pump system 100, thermal energy transfer between the thermal energy storage module 130 and the indoor environment occurs when releasing thermal energy from (i.e., discharging) the thermal energy storage module 130. Conversely, in the cooling mode of the heat pump system 100, thermal energy transfer between the thermal energy storage module 130 and the indoor environment occurs when storing thermal energy in (i.e., charging) the thermal energy storage module 130.

[0073] Particularly, in the discharging-heating mode, the refrigerant from the inside air heat exchanger 108, which has cooled from releasing heat into the inside air 110 is circulated through the expander 120 or the 2.sup.nd stage expander 158. The lower-temperature, lower-pressure refrigerant from the expander 120 or the 2.sup.nd stage expander 158 is circulated through the TES heat exchanger 138, where it absorbs heat from the phase-change materials 134, thereby releasing thermal energy for heating. The refrigerant from the TES heat exchanger 138 is circulated through the compressor 116 or the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154. The higher-temperature, higher-pressure refrigerant from the compressor 116 or the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 then returns to the inside air heat exchanger 108 to repeat the cycle.

[0074] Additionally, in the charging-cooling mode, the refrigerant from the inside air heat exchanger 108, which has heated from absorbing heat from the inside air 110, is circulated through the compressor 116 or the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154. The higher-temperature, higher-pressure refrigerant from the compressor 116 or the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 is circulated through the TES heat exchanger 138, where it releases heat into the phase-change materials 134, thereby storing thermal energy for cooling. The refrigerant from the TES heat exchanger 138 is circulated through the expander 120 or the 2.sup.nd stage expander 158. The lower-temperature, lower-pressure refrigerant from the expander 120 or the 2.sup.nd stage expander 158 then returns to the inside air heat exchanger 108 to repeat the cycle.

[0075] It should be appreciated that operating the heat pump system with only the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154, or with the compressor 116 in with relatively lower speed (e.g., not full speed) or the relatively lower power (e.g., not full power), produces significantly less noise than operating the compressor 116 with the relatively higher speed (e.g., full speed) or the relatively higher power (e.g., full power) used in the first operating mode of the heat pump system 100. Moreover, as discussed above, in the two-stage embodiment of the heat pump system 100, the 2.sup.nd stage compressor 154 is designed to be significantly quieter than the 1.sup.st stage compressor 116. Accordingly, the controller 150 schedules the second time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the second operating mode as a time at which reduced noise is determined to be preferred.

[0076] As noted previously, in some embodiments, the cloud backend 180 runs control algorithms for the heat pump system 100 and is configured to determine a schedule for charging and discharging the thermal energy storage module 130. In such cases, the controller 150 schedules the second time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the second operating mode based on a direct command from the cloud backend 180. Particularly, in one embodiment, the controller 150 receives a message defining the second time from the cloud backend 180. The controller 150 schedules the second time based on the time indicated in the message.

[0077] Similarly, in some embodiments, the controller 150 schedules the second time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the second operating mode based on a direct command from the mobile electronic device 190. Particularly, in one embodiment, the controller 150 receives a message defining the second time from the mobile electronic device 190. The controller 150 schedules the second time based on the time indicated in the message.

[0078] In some embodiments, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the second time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the second operating mode based on whether there are people in the building. Particularly, in one embodiment, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 receives from a remote computer, such as the mobile electronic device 190 or a sensor located in the building, a message indicating whether people are present in the building. In one embodiment, in response to people being present in the building, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the second time such that the operation of the heat pump 100 in the second operating mode occurs while people are present in the building.

[0079] In some embodiments, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the second time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the second operating mode using a machine learning model configured to receive historical sensor data and usage data, and predict an optimal time to operate the heat pump system in the second operating mode. Machine learning models that learn user behavior can be used to predict future user behavior and plan charging/discharging of the thermal energy storage module 130.

[0080] In some embodiments, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the second time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the second operating mode based on a user preference received from a user. The user preference may include any preference for the operation of the heat pump system 100, such as temperature preferences, quiet times, and time-of-use rate plans. Particularly, in one embodiment, the controller 150 receives from a remote computer, such as the cloud backend 180 and/or the mobile electronic device 190, a message defining a user preference. The controller 150 schedules the second time based on the user preference, e.g., schedules the second time such that the heat pump system 100 will be able to satisfy a temperature preference of the user.

[0081] In some embodiments, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the second time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the second operating mode based on a user-defined quiet time window of time during which a noise level of the heat pump system 100 is to be reduced. Particularly, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 receives user inputs defining at least one quiet time window during which a noise level of the heat pump system 100 is to be reduced. The controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the second time depending on the quiet time windows defined by the user inputs. Particularly, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the second time as a time that is within the quiet time windows defined by the user inputs.

[0082] In some embodiments, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the second time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the second operating mode based on a time-variable cost to generate thermal energy using the heat pump system 100, for example as defined by a time-of-use rate plan. Particularly, in one embodiment, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 receives or stores time-variable cost information, for example as defined by a time-of-use rate plan, indicating off-peak time window(s) during which a cost of electricity to operate the heat pump system 100 is relatively reduced, compared to peak time window(s) during which the cost of electricity to operate the heat pump system 100 is relatively increased. The controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the second time depending on the off-peak time window(s) and/or the peak time window(s). Particularly, the controller 150 and/or the cloud backend 180 schedules the second time as a time that is within one of the peak time window(s) and/or outside any of the of the off-peak time window(s).

[0083] Once the second time at which the heat pump system 100 is to be operated in the second operating mode is scheduled, the controller 150 operates the heat pump system 100 in the second operating mode to transfer thermal energy between the indoor environment and the thermal energy storage module 130 at the second time.

[0084] Embodiments within the scope of the disclosure may also include non-transitory computer-readable storage media or machine-readable medium for carrying or having computer-executable instructions (also referred to as program instructions) or data structures stored thereon. Such non-transitory computer-readable storage media or machine-readable medium may be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readable storage media or machine-readable medium can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of the non-transitory computer-readable storage media or machine-readable medium.

[0085] Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Computer-executable instructions also include program modules that are executed by computers in stand-alone or network environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.

[0086] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.