Heat pump system and controls

Abstract

A heat pump system is disclosed that utilizes one or two compressors and multiple heat exchangers to provide forced air heating, radiant heating and/or water heating for an interior space. A controller directs energy to these multiple system outputs to provide maximum comfort, effectively utilize any excess energy, address fluctuations in energy output, prevent unsafe operating conditions and avoid intermittent compressor operation. The system may provide energy for a water heater in both heating and cooling mode, and control operation of the water heater to utilize system energy whenever possible and avoid use of a conventional water heater heating element. Load Management Control is also provided so that the system may be shut down remotely by a utility company.

1 . A heat pump system including:
 a primary compressor;   a first heat exchanger;   a second heat exchanger;   a third heat exchanger;   a fourth heat exchanger;   a conduit system connecting the primary compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger, the conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the primary compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger;   a first blower to direct indoor air into heat exchange relationship with the first heat exchanger to provide forced air heating or cooling for an indoor air space;   a second blower to direct outdoor air into heat exchange relationship with the second heat exchanger to provide energy to the system for heating or remove energy from the system for cooling;   a radiant heating system in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide radiant heating for an indoor space;   a water heating system in heat exchange relationship with the fourth heat exchanger to provide heating for tap water.   
   
   
       2 . The heat pump system of  claim 1 , the heat pump system further including:
 a booster compressor connected to the conduit system, the conduit system also circulating the refrigerant through the booster compressor.   
   
   
       3 . The heat pump system of  claim 2  wherein the primary compressor and the booster compressor are connected in series by the conduit system. 
   
   
       4 . The heat pump system of  claim 3  wherein the conduit system includes a booster compressor bypass section so that the primary compressor may be selectively operated without the booster compressor or in series with the booster compressor. 
   
   
       5 . The heat pump system of  claim 1 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   the radiant heating system including a first pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger;   the water heating system including a second pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the fourth heat exchanger.   
   
   
       6 . The heat pump system of  claim 5  wherein the controller selectively operates the first blower, the first pump and the second pump in response to the heating needs of the indoor air space. 
   
   
       7 . The heat pump system of  claim 5  wherein the controller operates the first pump to provide radiant heating for the indoor space but deactivates the first pump when heat is needed for the indoor air space. 
   
   
       8 . The heat pump system of  claim 5  wherein the controller operates the second pump to provide heating for tap water but deactivates the second pump when heat is needed for the indoor air space. 
   
   
       9 . The heat pump system of  claim 5 , the heat pump system further including:
 an indoor air thermostat;   the controller including an internal timer, the controller starting the timer and activating the primary compressor, the first blower and the second blower upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat;   the controller thereafter selectively operating the first blower, the first pump and the second pump upon expiration of the timer.   
   
   
       10 . The heat pump system of  claim 5 , wherein the first blower may be operated at a plurality of speeds to provide a plurality of forced air heating or cooling outputs. 
   
   
       11 . The heat pump system of  claim 10  wherein the controller selectively operates the speed of the first blower in response to the heating needs of the indoor air space. 
   
   
       12 . The heat pump system of  claim 10 , the heat pump system further including:
 an indoor air thermostat;   the controller including an internal timer, the controller starting the timer and activating the primary compressor, the first blower and the second blower upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat;   the controller thereafter increasing the speed of the first blower upon expiration of the timer.   
   
   
       13 . The heat pump system of  claim 1 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   an indoor air thermostat:   a sensor for measuring the temperature of outdoor ambient air;   the first blower including a plurality of speed settings to provide a plurality of forced air heating or cooling outputs;   the controller activating the primary compressor and the second blower upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat;   the controller also activating the first blower at a predetermined setting based on the temperature of outdoor ambient air upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat.   
   
   
       14 . The heat pump system of  claim 1 , the heat pump system further including:
 a reversible valve connected to the conduit system, the conduit system also circulating the refrigerant through the reversible valve;   the primary compressor and the fourth heat exchanger being located on the compressor side of the reversible valve and the first heat exchanger, second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger being located on the other side of the reversible valve so that the flow of the refrigerant through the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger may be reversed, thus allowing the heat pump system to provide indoor heating when the refrigerant flows in one direction and indoor cooling when the refrigerant flows in the other direction;   the fourth heat exchanger being located on the compressor side of the reversible valve so that the water heating system may provide heating for tap water when the heat pump system is providing indoor heating or cooling.   
   
   
       15 . The heat pump system of  claim 2 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   the controller selectively operating the primary compressor and the booster compressor in response to the heating needs of the indoor air space.   
   
   
       16 . The heat pump system of  claim 2 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   an indoor air thermostat;   the controller including an internal timer, the controller starting the timer and activating the primary compressor, the first blower and the second blower upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat;   the controller thereafter activating the booster compressor upon expiration of the timer.   
   
   
       17 . The heat pump system of  claim 3 , the booster compressor having a single output setting and the primary compressor having two settings, a low output setting and a high output setting;
 the primary compressor and the booster compressor operating in one of three compressor output modes, a first output mode with the primary compressor on low output and the booster compressor off, a second output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor off, and a third output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor on.   
   
   
       18 . The heat pump system of  claim 17 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   an indoor air thermostat:   the controller activating the compressors in one of the three compressor output modes upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat.   
   
   
       19 . The heat pump system of  claim 18 , the heat pump system further including;
 a sensor for measuring the temperature of outdoor ambient air;   the compressor output mode upon activation being determined by the controller based on the temperature of the outdoor ambient air.   
   
   
       20 . The heat pump system of  claim 18 , the controller activating the compressors in the first output mode when the temperature of the outdoor ambient air is above a high predetermined temperature set point, in the second output mode when the temperature of the outdoor ambient air is below the high predetermined temperature set point but above a low predetermined temperature set point and in the third output mode when the temperature of the outdoor ambient air is below the low predetermined temperature set point. 
   
   
       21 . The heat pump system of  claim 18 , the controller including an internal timer, the controller starting the timer upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat and, upon expiration of the timer, changing the compressors from the first output mode to the second output mode or from the second output mode to the third output mode. 
   
   
       22 . The heat pump system of  claim 18  having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the heat pump system further including:
 a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   a second sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure of the refrigerant on the low pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller receiving a second input from the second sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure of the refrigerant on the low pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller calculating a ratio of the pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system to the pressure of the refrigerant on the low pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller changing the compressors from the first output mode to the second output mode or from the second output mode to the third output mode when the ratio exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       23 . The heat pump system of  claim 22  wherein the primary compressor has an outlet and the first sensor is a pressure transducer that measures pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system at the outlet of the primary compressor. 
   
   
       24 . The heat pump system of  claim 22  wherein the second sensor is a temperature monitor that measures the temperature of the refrigerant at the second heat exchanger. 
   
   
       25 . The heat pump system of  claim 18  having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the heat pump system further including:
 a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller changing the compressors from the second output mode to the first output mode or from the third output mode to the second output mode when the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       26 . The heat pump system of  claim 18  having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the heat pump system further including:
 a first sensor for measuring the temperature or pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the system;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller deactivating the compressors when the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       27 . The heat pump system of  claim 18  having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the system further including:
 a first pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger;   a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller activating the first pump when the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       28 . The heat pump system of  claim 18  having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the heat pump system further including:
 a pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the fourth heat exchanger;   a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller activating the pump when the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       29 . The heat pump system of  claim 5  having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the heat pump system further including:
 a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller activating the first pump when the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       30 . The heat pump system of  claim 5  having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the heat pump system further including:
 a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller activating the second pump when the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       31 . The heat pump system of  claim 1 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   a receiver, the receiver being in communication with a utility provider to receive a deactivation signal indicating that the heat pump system must be deactivated, the receiver further being in communication with the controller to send a shut down signal to the controller;   the controller deactivating the heat pump system upon receipt of the shut down signal from the receiver.   
   
   
       32 . The heat pump system of  claim 2 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   a receiver, the receiver being in communication with a utility provider to receive a deactivation signal indicating that the heat pump system must be deactivated, the receiver further being in communication with the controller to send a shut down signal to the controller;   the controller deactivating the heat pump system upon receipt of the shut down signal from the receiver.   
   
   
       33 . The heat pump system of  claim 5 , the heat pump system further including:
 a receiver, the receiver being in communication with a utility provider to receive a deactivation signal indicating that the heat pump system must be deactivated, the receiver further being in communication with the controller to send a shut down signal to the controller;   the controller deactivating the heat pump system upon receipt of the shut down signal from the receiver.   
   
   
       34 . The heat pump system of  claim 14 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   a receiver, the receiver being in communication with a utility provider to receive a deactivation signal indicating that the heat pump system must be deactivated, the receiver further being in communication with the controller to send a shut down signal to the controller;   the controller deactivating the heat pump system upon receipt of the shut down signal from the receiver.   
   
   
       35 . The heat pump system of  claim 18 , the heat pump system further including:
 a receiver, the receiver being in communication with a utility provider to receive a deactivation signal indicating that the heat pump system must be deactivated, the receiver further being in communication with the controller to send a shut down signal to the controller;   the controller deactivating the heat pump system upon receipt of the shut down signal from the receiver.   
   
   
       36 . A heat pump system including:
 a primary compressor;   a booster compressor;   a first heat exchanger for heating and/or cooling an indoor space;   a second heat exchanger for collecting energy from or dissipating energy to an outdoor space;   a third heat exchanger;   a water heating system in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide heating for tap water;   a conduit system connecting the primary compressor, the booster compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, the conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the primary compressor, the booster compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger.   
   
   
       37 . The heat pump system of  claim 36 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   the water heating system including a pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger;   the controller operating the pump to provide heating for tap water but deactivating the pump when the heat pump system cannot provide sufficient heating or cooling for the indoor space.   
   
   
       38 . The heat pump system of  claim 36 , the heat pump system further including:
 a reversible valve connected to the conduit system, the conduit system also circulating the refrigerant through the reversible valve;   the primary compressor, the booster compressor and the third heat exchanger being located on the compressor side of the reversible valve and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger being located on the other side of the reversible valve so that the flow of the refrigerant through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger may be reversed, thus allowing the heat pump system to provide indoor heating when the refrigerant flows in one direction and indoor cooling when the refrigerant flows in the other direction;   the third heat exchanger being located on the compressor side of the reversible valve so that the water heating system may provide heating for tap water when the heat pump system is providing indoor heating or cooling.   
   
   
       39 . The heat pump system of  claim 36 , the heat pump system further including:
 a pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger;   a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure or temperature of the refrigerant;   the controller activating the pump when the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       40 . The heat pump system of  claim 36 , the booster compressor having a single output setting and the primary compressor having two settings, a low output setting and a high output setting;
 the primary compressor and the booster compressor operating in one of three compressor output modes, a first output mode with the primary compressor on low output and the booster compressor off, a second output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor off, and a third output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor on.   
   
   
       41 . The heat pump system of  claim 40 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   an indoor air thermostat:   the controller activating the compressors in one of the three compressor output modes upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat.   
   
   
       42 . The heat pump system of  claim 41 , the heat pump system further including:
 a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure or temperature of the refrigerant;   a pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger;   the controller activating the pump when the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       43 . The heat pump system of  claim 36 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   a receiver, the receiver being in communication with a utility provider to receive a deactivation signal indicating that the heat pump system must be deactivated, the receiver further being in communication with the controller to send a shut down signal to the controller;   the controller deactivating the heat pump system upon receipt of the shut down signal from the receiver.   
   
   
       44 . A heat pump system including:
 a compressor;   a first heat exchanger for heating and/or cooling an indoor space;   a second heat exchanger for collecting energy from or dissipating energy to an outdoor space;   a third heat exchanger;   a refrigerant conduit system connecting the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger;   a water heating system including a water heater with a tap water inlet, a tap water outlet and a heating element;   the water heater functioning to hold tap water and heat tap water with the heating element;   the heating element being controlled by a water heater thermostat;   the water heating system further including a heating loop and a pump, the pump circulating a fluid in the heating loop in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to deliver heat from the third heat exchanger to the water heater to provide an alternative heating source for the tap water in the water heater;   an indoor thermostat;   a controller including a timer;   the controller activating the compressor upon receipt of a signal from the indoor thermostat;   the controller assuming control of the heating element of the water heater upon receipt of a signal from the indoor thermostat to prevent operation of the heating element and returning control of the heating element to the water heater thermostat upon expiration of the timer.   
   
   
       45 . The heat pump system of  claim 44  further including a second compressor. 
   
   
       46 . A method of operating a heat pump system having a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger and a water heater, including the steps of:
 a) operating the compressor to circulate a refrigerant in a refrigerant conduit system connecting the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger in response to a signal from an indoor thermostat;   b) operating a pump in response to the same signal from the indoor thermostat to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide heat to the water heater for heating tap water, the water heater also having a conventional water heater heating element and a water heater thermostat to heat tap water when the pump is not operating;   c) deactivating the water heater heating element for a predetermined time in response to the same signal from the indoor thermostat so that the heat pump system may provide heat to the water heater to heat tap water without intervention of the water heater heating element;   d) activating the water heater heating element after the predetermined time so that the conventional heating element may provide heat to the water heater if called for by the water heater thermostat.   
   
   
       47 . A method of operating a heat pump system having a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger and a water heater, including the steps of:
 a) operating the compressor to circulate a refrigerant in a refrigerant conduit system connecting the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger;   b) operating a pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide heat to the water heater for heating tap water, the water heater also having a conventional water heater heating element and a water heater thermostat to heat tap water when the pump is not operating;   c) deactivating the compressor;   d) deactivating the pump;   e) deactivating the water heater heating element for a predetermined time upon deactivation of the compressor and pump to prevent the water heater heating element from heating the tap water in the water heater during the predetermined time when the compressor may be reactivated;   f) activating the water heater heating element after the predetermined time so that the conventional heating element may provide heat to the water heater if called for by the water heater thermostat.   
   
   
       48 . A heat pump system including:
 a compressor;   a first heat exchanger;   a second heat exchanger;   a third heat exchanger;   a refrigerant conduit system connecting the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger;   a first blower to direct indoor air into heat exchange relationship with the first heat exchanger to provide forced air heating or cooling for an indoor air space;   a second blower to direct outdoor air into heat exchange relationship with the second heat exchanger to provide energy to the system for heating or remove energy from the system for cooling;   a radiant heating system in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide radiant heating for an indoor space;   the radiant heating system including a buffer tank, a first pump and a first loop, the first pump circulating a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide heat for the buffer tank;   the radiant heating system further including a radiant heating loop pump and a radiant heating loop, the radiant heating loop pump circulating a fluid from the buffer tank to the radiant heating loop to provide heating for an indoor space;   the radiant heating system further including a radiant heating thermostat and a buffer tank temperature sensor;   a controller with a timer, the timer being started upon a call for heat from the radiant heating thermostat;   the controller operating the radiant heating loop pump upon receipt of a call for heating from the radiant heating thermostat;   the controller thereafter operating the first pump to provide heat to the buffer tank after expiration of the timer if the compressor is operating and if the buffer tank temperature sensor is below a predetermined temperature set point.   
   
   
       49 . A method of operating a heat pump system having a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a radiant heating loop and a buffer tank, including the steps of:
 a) monitoring a radiant heating thermostat;   b) upon receipt of a call for heat from the radiant heating thermostat, starting a timer and activating a radiant heating loop pump to provide heat to the radiant heating loop from the buffer tank;   c) upon expiration of the timer, monitoring a buffer tank temperature sensor;   d) if the buffer tank temperature sensor is below a predetermined temperature set point after expiration of the timer and the compressor is operating, activating a first pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide heat to the buffer tank;   e) if the buffer tank temperature sensor is below a predetermined temperature set point after expiration of the timer and the compressor is not operating, activating the compressor and the first pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide heat to the buffer tank.   
   
   
       50 . A heat pump system including:
 a primary compressor;   a booster compressor;   a first heat exchanger for heating and/or cooling an indoor space;   a second heat exchanger for collecting energy from or dissipating energy to an outdoor space;   a conduit system connecting the primary compressor, the booster compressor, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the primary compressor, the booster compressor, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger;   the booster compressor having a single output setting and the primary compressor having two settings, a low output setting and a high output setting;   the primary compressor and the booster compressor operating in one of three compressor output modes, a first output mode with the primary compressor on low output and the booster compressor off, a second output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor off, and a third output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor on.   a first controller;   a second controller;   the first controller establishing a request code for one of the three compressor output modes based on a first system parameter and sending the request code to the second controller;   the second controller evaluating the request code received from the first controller and potentially changing the actual compressor output mode based on a second system parameter.   
   
   
       51 . The heat pump system of  claim 50  wherein the first system parameter is the outdoor ambient air temperature. 
   
   
       52 . The heat pump system of  claim 50 , the heat pump system further including:
 an indoor air thermostat;   the first controller including an internal timer, the internal timer being started upon receipt by the first controller of a signal from the indoor air thermostat;   the first system parameter being the expiration of the timer.   
   
   
       53 . The heat pump system of  claim 50  having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the second system parameter being the ratio of the pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side to the pressure of the refrigerant on the low pressure side of the heat pump system. 
   
   
       54 . The heat pump system of  claim 51  having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the second system parameter being the ratio of the pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side to the pressure of the refrigerant on the low pressure side of the heat pump system. 
   
   
       55 . The heat pump system of  claim 52  having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, the second system parameter being the ratio of the pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side to the pressure of the refrigerant on the low pressure side of the heat pump system. 
   
   
       56 . The heat pump system of  claim 50  wherein the second parameter is the pressure of the refrigerant. 
   
   
       57 . The heat pump system of  claim 51  wherein the second parameter is the pressure of the refrigerant. 
   
   
       58 . The heat pump system of  claim 52  wherein the second parameter is the pressure of the refrigerant. 
   
   
       59 . The heat pump system of  claim 50  wherein the second parameter is the temperature of the refrigerant. 
   
   
       60 . The heat pump system of  claim 51  wherein the second parameter is the temperature of the refrigerant. 
   
   
       61 . The heat pump system of  claim 52  wherein the second parameter is the temperature of the refrigerant. 
   
   
       62 . The heat pump system of  claim 50  wherein the second parameter is the percentage increase in the amperage of the primary compressor over a predetermined period of time. 
   
   
       63 . The heat pump system of  claim 51  wherein the second parameter is the percentage increase in the amperage of the primary compressor over a predetermined period of time. 
   
   
       64 . The heat pump system of  claim 52  wherein the second parameter is the percentage increase in the amperage of the primary compressor over a predetermined period of time. 
   
   
       65 . The heat pump system of  claim 50 , the heat pump system further including:
 a receiver, the receiver being in communication with a utility provider to receive a deactivation signal indicating that the heat pump system must be deactivated, the receiver further being in communication with the controller to send a shut down signal to the controller;   the controller deactivating the heat pump system upon receipt of the shut down signal from the receiver.   
   
   
       66 . A heat pump system including:
 a primary compressor;   a booster compressor;   a first heat exchanger;   a second heat exchanger;   a conduit system connecting the primary compressor, the booster compressor, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the primary compressor, the booster compressor, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger;   the booster compressor having a single output setting and the primary compressor having two settings, a low output setting and a high output setting;   the primary compressor and the booster compressor operating in one of three compressor output modes, a first output mode with the primary compressor on low output and the booster compressor off, a second output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor off, and a third output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor on.   a controller;   an indoor air thermostat:   the controller activating the compressors in one of the three compressor output modes upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat.   the controller including an internal timer, the controller starting the timer upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat and, upon expiration of the timer, changing the compressors from the first output mode to the second output mode or from the second output mode to the third output mode.   
   
   
       67 . A heat pump system including:
 a primary compressor;   a booster compressor;   a first heat exchanger;   a second heat exchanger;   a conduit system connecting the primary compressor, the booster compressor, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the primary compressor, the booster compressor, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger;   the booster compressor having a single output setting and the primary compressor having two settings, a low output setting and a high output setting;   the primary compressor and the booster compressor operating in one of three compressor output modes, a first output mode with the primary compressor on low output and the booster compressor off, a second output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor off, and a third output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor on.   a controller;   an indoor air thermostat:   the controller activating the compressors in one of the three compressor output modes upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat.   the heat pump system having a high pressure side and a low pressure side;   a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   a second sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure of the refrigerant on the low pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller receiving a second input from the second sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure of the refrigerant on the low pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller calculating a ratio of the pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system to the pressure on the low pressure side of the heat pump system;   the controller changing the compressors from the first output mode to the second output mode or from the second output mode to the third output mode when the ratio exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       68 . The heat pump system of  claim 67  wherein the primary compressor has an outlet and the first sensor is a pressure transducer that measures pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side of the heat pump system at the outlet of the primary compressor. 
   
   
       69 . The heat pump system of  claim 67  wherein the second sensor is a temperature monitor that measures the temperature of the refrigerant at the second heat exchanger. 
   
   
       70 . A heat pump system including:
 a primary compressor;   a booster compressor;   a first heat exchanger;   a second heat exchanger;   a third heat exchanger;   a conduit system connecting the primary compressor, the booster compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, the conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the primary compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger;   a first blower to direct indoor air into heat exchange relationship with the first heat exchanger to provide forced air heating or cooling for an indoor air space;   a second blower to direct outdoor air into heat exchange relationship with the second heat exchanger to provide energy to the system for heating or remove energy from the system for cooling;   a first pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger;   the booster compressor having a single output setting and the primary compressor having two settings, a low output setting and a high output setting;   the primary compressor and the booster compressor operating in one of three compressor output modes, a first output mode with the primary compressor on low output and the booster compressor off, a second output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor off, and a third output mode with the primary compressor on high output and the booster compressor on.   a controller;   an indoor air thermostat:   the controller activating the compressors in one of the three compressor output modes upon receipt of a signal from the indoor air thermostat.   a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure or temperature of the refrigerant;   the controller activating the first pump when the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       71 . A heat pump system including:
 a compressor;   a first heat exchanger for heating and/or cooling an indoor space;   a second heat exchanger for collecting energy from or dissipating energy to an outdoor space;   a third heat exchanger;   a water heating system in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide heating for tap water;   a conduit system connecting the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, the conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger;   a controller;   the water heating system including a pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger;   the controller operating the pump to provide heating for tap water but deactivating the pump when the heat pump system cannot provide sufficient heating or cooling for the indoor space.   
   
   
       72 . A heat pump system including:
 a compressor;   a first heat exchanger for heating and/or cooling an indoor space;   a second heat exchanger for collecting energy from or dissipating energy to an outdoor space;   a third heat exchanger;   a water heating system in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide heating for tap water;   a conduit system connecting the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, the conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger;   a reversible valve connected to the conduit system, the conduit system also circulating the refrigerant through the reversible valve;   the compressor and the third heat exchanger being located on the compressor side of the reversible valve and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger being located on the other side of the reversible valve so that the flow of the refrigerant through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger may be reversed, thus allowing the heat pump system to provide indoor heating when the refrigerant flows in one direction and indoor cooling when the refrigerant flows in the other direction;   the third heat exchanger being located on the compressor side of the reversible valve so that the water heating system may provide heating for tap water when the heat pump system is providing indoor heating or cooling.   
   
   
       73 . A heat pump system including:
 a compressor;   a first heat exchanger for heating and/or cooling an indoor space;   a second heat exchanger for collecting energy from or dissipating energy to an outdoor space;   a third heat exchanger;   a water heating system in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger to provide heating for tap water;   a conduit system connecting the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, the conduit system circulating a refrigerant through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger;   a pump to circulate a fluid in heat exchange relationship with the third heat exchanger;   a first sensor for measuring a parameter commensurate with the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant;   the controller receiving a first input from the first sensor and determining an actual or approximate pressure or temperature of the refrigerant;   the controller activating the pump when the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant exceeds a certain predetermined limit.   
   
   
       74 . The heat pump system of  claim 71 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   a receiver, the receiver being in communication with a utility provider to receive a deactivation signal indicating that the heat pump system must be deactivated, the receiver further being in communication with the controller to send a shut down signal to the controller;   the controller deactivating the heat pump system upon receipt of the shut down signal from the receiver.   
   
   
       75 . The heat pump system of  claim 72 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   a receiver, the receiver being in communication with a utility provider to receive a deactivation signal indicating that the heat pump system must be deactivated, the receiver further being in communication with the controller to send a shut down signal to the controller;   the controller deactivating the heat pump system upon receipt of the shut down signal from the receiver.   
   
   
       76 . The heat pump system of  claim 73 , the heat pump system further including:
 a controller;   a receiver, the receiver being in communication with a utility provider to receive a deactivation signal indicating that the heat pump system must be deactivated, the receiver further being in communication with the controller to send a shut down signal to the controller;   the controller deactivating the heat pump system upon receipt of the shut down signal from the receiver.