chpc/README.md

### CHPC: Cheap Heat Pump Controller v1.0
<b>The CHPC a minimal cost Heat Pump (HP) controller, which can be used as provided, or can be adopted to nearly all use cases due to open source nature.</b>
<br><br>
## Development

State: active
<br><br>
## Applications:
| Usage. |	Brief description. | 	Application examples	| Available protections	|
| ---------- | ------------------ | ------------------ | -------------------- |
| 1. Thermostat.	|  Precision thermostat. Simple and cheap.<br> Only 1 relay and 1 temperature sensor required.<br> | Room heat control. Chicken coop climate control. Distillation column or Yogurt maker t. control. Else. | N/A	|
| 2. Heat pump (HP) control. | Controller drives HP system components: compressor, Cold and Hot side Circulating Pumps (CP). Protects system from overload, overheat and freezing up. Drives EEV\* to optimize running conditions. | DIY heat pump system. Repair module for commercial system. Water heater, house heating systems and same. | Compressor: cold start or overheat. Discharge and suction lines protection. Short-term power loss. Anti-freeze. Power overload protection. |

\* under development

For more information about Heap Pumps look at [Wikipedia about HP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pump)
<br><br>
## Control interfaces:
 <b>None:</b> Target temperature uploaded to board with firmware and cannot be changed. System used as fixed thermostat. Target temperature can be changed later with firmware re-upload.<br>
 <b>0.96 OLED or 1602 LCD screen + buttons:</b> Simple, local screen controlled system. Remote control is not possible.<br>
 <b>Remote computer terminal over RS-485 line. </b> Target temperature and running conditions under remote control. User can get stats from all T sensors. Up to 1.2 kilometer line.\*<br>
 <b> Remote automated control/stats via RS-485.</b> Firmware was written with python scripting in mind (and real scripts at prototype 485 network).<br>
\* RS-485 specification. Hardware test succeeded on 400 meters line.
<br><br>
## Relays:
### "Thermostat":
Only 1 Relay: drives electric heater (any) 
### "Heat Pump". Capillary tube, TXV, EEV:
5 Relays, drives all you need:
* Compressor (can be used as external relay driver for High Power systems)
* Cold Circulating Pump (CP)
* Hot CP
* Sump Heater (optional, recommended for outdoor HP installations)
* 4-way Valve (support coming up: autumn 2019)
<br><br>
## Temperature sensors:
* Up to 13 temperature sensors can be connected to CHPC to control all processes that you want. 
* Only 1 sensor needed for "Thermostat" or "Heat Pump capillary/TXV" 
* 3 sensors needed for "HP with EEV" (absolute minimum scheme)
<br><br>
## Temperature sensors installation example (medium scheme)
![medium scheme](./HeatPump_t_sensors_med.png)

 ## Get your own CHPC:
* download PCB gerber files
* search google [where to order PCB](https://www.google.com/search?q=order+pcb) or make your own at CNC machine
* order electronic components, see BOM (Bill Of Materials) list
* solder
* install firmware
* install CHPC at your system
* enjoy

## T sensors abbreviations:
This abbrevations used in interface during installation procedure
| Abbr. | Full name |
| ----- | -------------------- |
| Tae | after evaporator |
| Tbe | before evaporator |
| Ttarget | target |
| Tsump | sump |
| Tci | cold in |
| Tco | cold out |
| Thi | hot in |
| Tho | hot out |
| Tbc | before condenser |
| Tac | after condenser |
| Touter | outer (outdoor) |
| Ts1 | additional sensor1 |
| Ts2 | additional sensor2 |