Patent No. EP4462043 (titled "Power Limitation For A Heat Pump") was filed by Vaillant on Apr 11, 2024. The application was issued on Dec 3, 2025.
A method for operating a heat pump limits electrical power consumption by superimposing a temperature setpoint controller with a power limitation controller. If an external power limit exists and the compressor is inactive, a central control unit predicts the required compressor power. The compressor starts only if this requirement is below the external limit and starting is permissible. While running under an external power limit, compressor speed is restricted to match the limit. If the limit falls below the minimum compressor power requirement, the compressor is shut down, provided protective functions (e.g., defrosting, frost protection, oil return, or minimum running time) do not mandate continued operation. Power consumption is managed by correlating the difference between the limit and current consumption to determine a speed limit.

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