How Quilt solved the heat pump's biggest challenge | TechCrunch

"Since its founding, Quilt has prided itself on the amount of data it collects from its heat pumps. Not only are they internet connected, they're also laced with more sensors than typical heat pumps. By analyzing that data, Quilt engineers have been able to do things that other companies have not. In September, for example, they shipped an over-the-air update to heat pumps in people's homes that unlocked an additional 20% capacity, which could be directed toward either one or two zones. With the free update, people could be more comfortable during heat waves and cold snaps."

"Like all heat pumps, multi-zone units work best when they're run at variable speed - that is, when heating or cooling demand is low, the compressor runs at a lower speed to deliver only the amount of heating or cooling that's needed. But there are limits to how low they can operate. Compressors become less stable at low speeds, making them harder to control. Matthew Knoll, co-founder and CTO at Quilt, compares it to driving a car a low speeds. Maintaining an even 70 mph is easier than a steady 11 mph. "It's a little harder," he said."

Quilt introduced a three-zone heat pump that allows one outdoor unit to drive three indoor heads, reducing outdoor footprint and simplifying large installations. The unit is designed to maintain efficiency in demanding conditions that challenge traditional systems. Quilt's heat pumps are internet-connected and include more sensors than typical models, producing rich operational data. Engineers analyze that data to optimize performance and deliver over-the-air updates, such as a September update that unlocked 20% additional capacity for one or two zones. Data-driven development also targeted compressor stability at low variable speeds to improve multi-zone operation.

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