HEAT PUMP LAB REPORT

RIL 212/E MR. PEREZ

The heat pump is considered the most energy efficent,

electrically operated HVAC system in the market. The heat
pump is a year round heating and air conditioning system
that uses refrigeration equipment to provide
cooling/dehumidification and heating. The refrigerant in the
system absorbs and moves heat from the outside and
pumps into the house during winter operation. In summer
operation, the heat pump absorbs heat from the inside of
the house and pumps the heat to be discharged outdoors.

Joaquin Velez ID # 217460

MECHANICAL SEQUENCE OF OPERATION FOR AN AIR TO AIR HEAT PUMP
HEATING CYCLE
The compressor pumps out high pressure, superheated vapor. The vapor leaves the
compressor and the passes through the reversing valve. Refrigerant flows through the
insulated, indoor line to the finned indoor coil. Air from the indoor blower removes heat from
the refrigerant vapor warming the indoor air and heating the house. When enough heat is
removed, the vapor condenses into a high-pressure liquid. The liquid temperature is slightly
warmer than indoor air temperature. This warm, high-pressure leaves the indoor coil, flows
through the small copper refrigerant liquid line, and exits the building. At the end of the liquid
line, the refrigerant passes through a metering device into the outdoor coil, reducing its
pressure and temperature. As the cool liquid, under reduced pressure, enters the outdoor coil
surface, it expands and absorbs heat from the outdoor air passing over the finned surface.
Heat, from the outdoor air, causes the low-pressure liquid to evaporate. The refrigerant is now
a cold vapor. The cold refrigerant vapor travels through the larger, outdoor vapor line into the
4-way reversing valve. The reversing valve directs the refrigerant into the accumulator. The
accumulator holds liquid refrigerant and refrigerant oil and controls their flow back to the
compressor. They flow out through a small port inside the accumulator bottom. Refrigerant
vapor flows through the suction line to the intake of the compressor. The cycle then repeats
until the Thermostat is satisfied
 COOLING CYCLE
System operation is basically the same as during the heating cycle. The main difference is
the position of the reversing valve that reverses the flow of refrigerant. Setting the thermostat
to the cooling mode automatically powers the solenoid valve in the reversing valve. The
compressor pumps out high-pressure, superheated refrigerant vapor. The vapor leaves the
compressor and passes through the reversing valve. It flows through the outdoor vapor line to
the finned outdoor coil. Air from the outdoor fan removes heat from the refrigerant vapor.
When enough of the latent heat is removed, the vapor will condense into a high-pressure
liquid. The liquid temperature is slightly warmer than ambient air temperature. This warm,
high-pressure liquid leaves the leaves the outdoor coil, and flows through a metering devices,
reducing its pressure and thus its temperature. As the liquid, under reduced pressure, enters
the indoor coil surface, it expands and absorbs heat from the indoor air passing over the finned
surface. Heat, from the indoor air, causes the low-pressure liquid to evaporate and cools the
indoor air. The refrigerant is now a low pressure, low temperature cool vapor. The refrigerant
vapor travels through the insulated vapor line to the 4-way reversing valve. The reversing valve
directs the refrigerant into the accumulator. The accumulator stores liquid refrigerant and
refrigerant oil flow back into the compressor. Refrigerant vapor flows through the suction line
to the compressor. The cycles will then repeat until the Thermostat is satisfied.
 DEFROST CYCLE
In the system heating mode the outdoor coil is the evaporator. Moisture from
the outdoor air condenses on the cooler coil and normally runs off. During the
colder part of the heating season, this moisture freezes and blocks air movement
through the coil. This frost is removed in the defrost cycle. The heat pump
operates in the heating mode. The defrost control detects the buildup of ice on
the outdoor coil. The reversing valve solenoid energizes, directing hot gas from
the compressor to outdoor coil to defrost. The outdoor fan stops. If it didn’t, cold
air from the fan would prevent the melting effect of the hot refrigerant gas from
taking effect. As the temperature of the indoor air drops, controls energize the
electric heat elements to warm the indoor air. When the defrost control detects
the ice has melted, it terminates the defrost mode. The reversing valve shifts to
the heating position and directs hot refrigerant gas to the indoor coil. The out fan
operates. The elements cycle off. The unit is now in the normal heating mode.
 ELECTRICAL SEQUENCE OF OPERATION FOR AIR TO AIR HEAT PUMPS

COOLING CYCLE
Setting the thermostat to the cooling mode automatically powers the reversing valve
solenoid. When the thermostat calls for cooling. This will send a 24-volt signal through the “Y”
terminal to the compressor contactor located the outdoor unit. The compressor and the
outdoor fan start. At the same time a 24-volt flows through the ‘G’ Terminal to the indoor
blower relay. The indoor blower motor starts. The cooling system is now in operation. When
the thermostat reaches its set-point it will open and end the call for cooling. This will interrupt
the 24-volt signal to the compressor contactor and the outdoor unit stops. The system is now
off.
HEATING CYCLE
When the thermostat is set of heating mode a drop in temperature will cause the
thermostat to close. The thermostat calls for first stage heat. This sends a 24-volt signal through
the “W1” terminal to the compressor contactor in the outdoor unit. The compressor and
outdoor fan start. At the same time a 24-volt signal flows through the ‘G’ terminal to indoor
blower relay. The indoor blower starts. The heating system is now in operation. If first stage
heating is not enough to heat the house, the second stage thermostat bulb makes call for
second stage heat. A 24-volt signal flows through the ‘W2’ terminal to the heating relay in the
indoor air handler. This sequencing relay cycles on electric heating elements to add more heat
to the indoor air steam. As the house warms, the second stage call for heat ends. This breaks
the 24-volts to the “W2’ terminal and de-energizes the heating relay. The electric heating
elements cycle off. The first stage thermostat call satisfies and ends the call for heat. This ends
the 24-volt signal to the compressor contactor and the outdoor unit stops. This ends the 24-volt
signal to the indoor blower relay and its stops. The system is now off. The reversing valve pilot
solenoid stays de- energized as long as the thermostat is set for heating.
 DEFROST CYCLE
The defrost control timer will initiate a defrost cycle when ice builds up on the outdoor coil.
In order for defrosting to occur the Defrost thermostat must be closed. The control energizes
the defrost relay coil with 24-volts. Immediately after the Defrost relay DR coil is energized the
DFR contacts will change position. The defrost relay DFR 1 will open its N.C contacts to break
power to the outdoor fan. The N.O DFR2 which is connected in parallel with the contact DT1
will close and is used as a holding contact around DT1. The N.O DF3 contacts close to energize
the reversing valve. The system is now in cooling mode. Hot gas is now being sent to the
outdoor coil to melt the buildup ice covering the outdoor coil. After the ice is defrosted, the
defrost control terminates the defrost cycle by de-energizing the defrost relay. The defrost
cycle is permitted to continue in its defrost cycle until the Defrost thermostat is satisfied and
opens the circuit, or when the Defrost timer causes the DT 2 contact to open to de-energize
the Defrost relay coil. Upon the de-energization of the Defrost relay, DF1 contacts will return
to its N.C position sending power to the outdoor fan The defrost relay contacts DFR3 opens de-
energizing the reversing valve and the valve returns to the heating position.. The defrost relay
contacts open breaking 24 volt power to the indoor heating relay. The heat pump is now in the
normal heating mode.
 HEAT PUMP LAB REPORT

TROUBLESHOOTING THE HEAT PUMP

FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING CONDTIONS GIVE CONSUMER COMPLAINT
1- THE CHECK VALVE IN THE INSIDE COIL IS STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION .

HOW IS THE LOW PRESSURE AND THE HIGH PRESSURE IN THE COOLING MODE?
THE PRESSURE IS HIGH GOING TO OUTDOOR CIOL AND LOW GOING INTO THE INDOOR CIOL AND
COOLING MODE IS OPERATING NORMALLY. CUSTUMER COMPLAINT: NONE

HOW IS THE LOW PRESSURE AND THE HIGH PRESSURE IN THE HEATING MODE?
THE PRESSURE IS LOW GOING TO OUTDOOR CIOL AND HIGH GOING INTO THE INDOOR COIL AND
HEATING MODE IS OPERATING ABNORMALLY. CUSTUMER COMPLAINT NO HEATING

2- THE CHECK VALVE IN THE OUTSIDE COIL IS STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION.

HOW IS THE LOW PRESSURE AND THE HIGH PRESSURE IN THE COOLING MODE?
THE PRESSURE IS HIGH GOING TO OUTDOOR CIOL AND LOW GOING INTO THE INDOOR CIOL AND
COOLING MODE IS OPERATING ABNORMALLY. CUSTUMER COMPLAINT: NO COOLING

HOW IS THE LOW PRESSURE AND THE HIGH PRESSURE IN THE HEATING MODE?
THE PRESSURE IS HIGH GOING TO INDOOR CIOL AND LOW GOING INTO THE OUTDOOR COIL AND
HEATING MODE IS OPERATING NORMALLY. CUSTUMER COMPLAINT: NONE

3- THE CHECK VALVE IN THE INSIDE COIL IS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION.

HOW IS THE LOW PRESSURE AND THE HIGH PRESSURE IN THE COOLIING MODE?
THE PRESSURE IS HIGH GOING TO OUTDOOR CIOL AND HIGH GOING INTO THE INDOOR CIOL AND
COOLING MODE IS OPERATING ABNORMALLY. CUSTUMER COMPLAINT: NO COOLING, UNIT SHUTTING
OFF

HOW IS THE LOW PRESSURE AND THE HIGH PRESSURE IN THE HEATING MODE?
THE PRESSURE IS HIGH GOING TO INDOOR CIOL AND LOW GOING INTO THE OUTDOOR CIOL AND
HEATING MODE IS OPERATING NORMALLY. CUSTUMER COMPLAINT: NONE

4- THE CHECK VALVE IN THE OUTSIDE COIL IS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION .
HOW IS THE LOW PRESSURE AND THE HIGHE PRESSURE IN THE COOLING MODE?
THE PRESSURE IS HIGH GOING TO OUTDOOR CIOL AND LOW GOING INTO THE INDOOR CIOL AND
COOLING MODE IS OPERATING NORMALLY. CUSTUMER COMPLAINT: NONE

HOW IS THE LOW PRESSURE AND THE HIGHER PRESSURE IN THE HEATING MODE?
THE PRESSURE IS HIGH GOING TO INDOOR COIL AND HIGH GOING INTO THE OUTDOOR CIOL AND
HEATING MODE IS OPERATING ABNORMALLY. CUSTUMER COMPLAINT: NO HEATING, UNIT TURNING
OFF
 HEAT PUMP

A DESCRIPTION OF ALL THE COMPONENTS

A- TWO STAGE THERMOSTAT: A device which detects temperature changes and initiates the
system components involved with the heating or cooling operating of the system.
This thermostat has 2 mercury filled bulbs which is arranged to contain two separate mercury
contacts. This thermostat has been designed so that one of the contacts will make a call for heat
before the other. . The first mercury contact starts the compressor and the fans. If more heat is
demanded to heat the space then auxiliary heaters will be energized by the closing the circuit of the
second mercury.

B- THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVE: A specialized valve used in refrigerant systems to

control the superheat in an evaporator by metering the liquid refrigerant flow to the evaporator. The
TXV is so devised that the liquid refrigerant will start evaporating the moment that it enters the
evaporator. This is called the “Dry” expansion principle Heat pump units typically have 2 TXV’s
installed in parallel to the each if the check valves. The TXV purpose is to monitor the suction line
superheat and either increases or decreases the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator coil depending on
the temperature of the superheat.
C- LIQUID LINE FILTER/DRIER- In a heat pump system there is a bi- directional filter that is used
for moisture removal and to catch particulate matter from the flowing refrigerant.
D- COMPRESSOR-The same as any other typical air conditioner compressor. The only exception when
used in a heat pump for heating we use a compressor with a COP (coefficient of Performance)
average 3.5-1 which means that most heat pump operate with an efficiency during heating of 350%.
This depends on our total heat of rejection or (THOR) meaning as the temperature falls so does the
COP and each heat pump has a specific balancing point depending on the climate it was designed to
operate in.
E- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR COIL- Are exactly the same size and capacity as each other.
F- SUCTION LINE ACCUMULATOR- Is a safety device designed to prevent refrigerant flow to the
compressor. It also stores the excess refrigerant during heating mode due to the fact that the heat
pump does not need as much refrigerant to operate in the winter weather.
G- DEFROST TIMER: Energized when the compressor is on. Is a cumulative defrost timer that is used
to de-energize the outdoor fan motor and to energize the reversing valve into the cooling mode for
defrosting of an iced up outdoor coil. When the heat pump is used in the heating mode the outdoor
coil is acting as the evaporator. Any moisture present in the air will condense on the coil causing a
buildup of frost reducing the air flow of air through the outdoor coil. Defrosting is done by
disconnecting the outdoor fan motor and reversing the flow of refrigerant though the coil. Before the
defrost timer can be activated the defrost thermostat must be activated first it is located on the outside
coil and must be closed in order to start the defrost cycle.
H- DUAL PRESSURE CONTROL: Is located on the inside coil and maintains pressure control in the
heating and the cooling modes it is more likely to open the line on low pressure since it sensing
refrigerant flow of the indoor coil which is operating as the evaporator low pressure vapor, and on
heating it is more likely to open the line on high pressure because it is sensing the high pressure
associated with the condensing coil.
.
I- 4-WAY REVERSING VALVE: Is actually two valves built into one housing. The control wires
control a small solenoid valve that has a very small piping that runs along the outside of the valve. Its
 position is determined by the solenoid. In most systems the 4-way reversing valve fails in the heating
mode and that is how most troubleshooting and consumer complaints will be answered as if we fail in
heating (not energized) the valve movement is controlled by pressure difference on a piston within
the large portion of the valve. In the cooling mode the solenoid valve will be energized the pressure is
now applied though the other end to the piston and the valve slides to the right. In the heating mode
the solenoid is not energized, high pressure from the compressor pushes through the tubes of the pilot
valve. This exerts a pressure on the right side of the slide pushing it to the left. The refrigerant on the
left side is pushed back through the pilot valve and to the compressor suction line. In this position you
are in heating mode to the inside of the coil.
J- CHECK VALVE - allows refrigerant to flow in only one direction. Check valves are two-port
valves, meaning they have two openings in the body, one for fluid to enter and the other for fluid to
leave.

K- ACCUMULATOR - A shell device installed in the suction line of a heat pump system to prevent
liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor.
L- INTERNAL OVERLOAD: Thermal overload protection prevents compressor from overheating by
using lock-out thermal relay and compressor motor temperature.
The overload is a safety device that prevents the compressor from starting when:
* the refrigerator is unplugged or disconnected then reconnected before refrigerant pressures have a
chance to equalize
* the compressor body is too hot
* when start up of the compressor draws too much current due to:
* voltage too low
* internal electrical problem
* internal mechanical resistance
* refrigerator is stored outdoors, compressor too cold

M- START RELAY (CURRENT TYPE): This current type starting relay contacts are normally open
and is used for a single-phase AC induction motor. This starting relay is an electrically operated
switch in which the coil of the relay is connected in series with the run winding of the compressor
motor. Current flowing through the coil of the relay creates a magnetic field which attracts a lever
and changes the switch contacts. The coil current can be on or off so relays have two switch positions
and they are double throw switches. The function of the start relay is to momentarily energize the
start winding in the compressor motor and then cut power to the start winding as soon as the motor
has reached about 75% of its full speed.

How it works: It is a current-sensing relay, which utilizes the principal of electromagnetism in a

solenoid coil to be actuated by the motor main winding current through the coil, opening and closing
the contacts of the relay. The relay utilizes the current of the main-winding current and motor speed
to actuate the contacts to energize and de-energize the start winding circuit. As the motor accelerates
and the main winding current increases, the relay solenoid picks up and closes the contacts to the start
winding circuit. As the motor increases its speed, the main winding current begins to decrease, and at
the appropriate motor speed (about 75% of its full speed.) the relay drops out, allowing the contacts to
open and disconnect the start winding from the circuit. Gravity acting on the plunger opens the
contacts.
N- INDOOR FAN MOTOR: A forced convector used to improve the efficiency of an outdoor heat
exchanger by air movement over the coil.
O- OUTDOOR FAN MOTOR: A forced convector used to improve the efficiency of an outdoor heat
exchanger by air movement over the coil.
P- AUXILARY HEATER ELEMENT-
 3- IN ALL THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS GIVE THE COSTUMER COMPLAINT AND THE PROMBLEM FOUND.
YOU MUST WRITE DOWN THE COMPLETE TROBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE YOU WENT THROUGH TO ITENTIFY
THE PROMBLEMS.
(A) DFR1 WILL NOT OPEN
(B) DT1 WILL NOT CLOSE
(C) DT2 WILL NOT OPEN
(D) DFR2 WILL NOT CLOSE
(E) DFR3 WILL NOT CLOSE
(F) OPEN COIL ON CONTACTOR
(G) OPEN COIL ON TIMER MOTOR
(H) OPEN COIL REVERSING SOLENOID

HEAT PUMP ELECTRICAL TROUBLESHOOTING

(A) DFR1 WILL NOT OPEN

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT: SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN HEATING OR LOW HEAT

PROMBLEM: The DFR1 is a normally closed contact in series with the Fan motor relay. If when the
Defrost timer calls for defrosting then when the DFR coil is energized then the N.C contact in series with
the Fan relay will not open then there is a problem. The Fan will be energized during the System defrost
cycle.

TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE:

(B) DT1 WILL NOT CLOSE

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT: NO HEATING OR TURNS OFF SUDDENLY
PROMBLEM: DT1 is a N.O contact that is supposed to close before DT2 opens. IF DT1 does not close
than the defrost relay would never energize to close DT3 thus, defrost would never occur.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE:

(C) DT2 WILL NOT OPEN

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT: The unit will remain in defrost cycle until the Defrost thermostat is
satisfied and opens the circuit, of the Defrost timer caused the
PROMBLEM:
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE:

(D) DFR2 WILL NOT CLOSE

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT: DFR2 acts like a holding contact ergi
PROMBLEM:
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE:

(E) DF3 WILL NOT CLOSE

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT:
 PROMBLEM: DFR3 contacts are supposed to close to send power to the reversing valve solenoid. If
DFR3 contacts don’t close then no hot gas will be sent to the outdoor coil to melt of the buildup of ice.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE:

(F) OPEN COIL AT CONTACTOR

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT: NO COOLING OR HEATING
PROMBLEM: Compressor will not turn and the outdoor fan will not turn on.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE: My first objects of interest were the compressor and condenser
fan motor. First I set the thermostat for heating operation. I checked for applied voltage with the
voltmeter across the compressor and the condenser fan motor. I got O volts. I then knew a normally
open CC switch has not close due to the fact that I set the unit for operation. I used my voltmeter to test
the cc coil and I got the applied voltage of 24 volts. I then determined that the switch was giving me
applied voltage but the cc contacts were not closing in order to energize the compressor and the
outdoor fan motor.

(G) OPEN COIL ON TIMER MOTOR

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT:
PROMBLEM: The Defrost timer will never initiate a call from defrosting due to an open coil. The
defrost relay will never be energized and system defrost will never occur.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE:

(H) OPEN COIL REVERSING SOLENOID

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT: HEATING BUT NO COOLING
PROMBLEM: In most heat pump units the 4- way reversing will fail in the heating mode. If the
reversing valve solenoid coil is open the unit will only be able to provide heating but no cooling.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE: I set the thermostat for cooling operation. I did not hear a sound
consistent with the energization of a solenoid. Did a voltage reading across solenoid I got 24 volts.
Meaning that the solenoid will give applied voltage when it is energized. But in this case the solenoid is
energized during two applications during cooling.