Evaluation method and enhanced strategy for frosting suppression performance of variable speed air source heat pump based on frosting suppression performance map

It is well established that the configuration and operation of variable speed air source heat pumps (VS ASHPs) can significantly influence their frosting performance. However, there is currently no effective method to conveniently and accurately evaluate the frosting suppression performance of these units. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a novel evaluation method based on a frosting suppression map for VS ASHPs. Firstly, an experimental setup with four ASHP units and developed frosting suppression maps is described. Second, a method for evaluating the frosting suppression performance of VS ASHP is developed based on the map. Thirdly, a comprehensive evaluation of the frosting suppression performance of the experimental unit is carried out. It is shown that the β values of the four units under the constitutive configuration were 0.74, 0.12, 0.21, and 0.52, and the frosting suppression performance was evaluated as Good, Poor, Fair, and Average, respectively. It could be enhanced and improved to 0.89 (Excellent), 0.24 (Fair), 0.64 (Good), and 0.63 (Good) after applying the frosting suppression operation method. The proposed novel frosting suppression evaluation method is simple and easy to implement, which could contribute to further guiding manufacturers to improve the frosting suppression performance of VS ASHPs. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.