OSM (Open Standard Module) module in heating/cooling application

Introducing OSM

OSM has standard has been here already for a while. It has already gain quite nice traction within customer projects. Projects where there is exceedingly small size needed or very rugged connection are adopting OSM in the projects. It is especially handy in handheld devices with limited space. There are already products in mass production with imx8Mini, imx8Nano, imx93, RT1170 (Crossover MPU). In pipeline there are imx8Plus, imx91. There is also in planning some interesting products with coming NPX and Renesas CPU’s. Focus has been on size S and size M -based modules. The great thing with OSM is that if you prepare your PCB, you can fit module from size S to L into the same board.

Case Study: Using RT1170-based OSM Module in Heat Pump Applications

Introduction

Heat pumps are becoming a key element in energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions due to their ability to transfer heat rather than generate it. Modern heat pumps integrate smart control systems to optimize performance and energy use. This case study explores the use of NXP's RT1170-based Open Standard Module (OSM) in a heat pump application, focusing on how this ARM-based solution enhances system performance, control accuracy, and connectivity.

Background on the RT1170-based (size S) OSM Module

The NXP RT1170 is a high-performance microcontroller based on the ARM Cortex-M7 and Cortex-M4 cores, with a clock speed of up to 1 GHz for the Cortex-M7 and 400 MHz for the Cortex-M4. It’s designed for high computational performance and integrates robust peripheral features, making it ideal for real-time applications such as heat pumps.

Key features of the RT1170-based OSM Module:

• Dual-core processing for parallel tasks
• Up to 2 MB SRAM (Optional Hyper RAM 64MB), with additional external memory support up to 256MB Quad SPI NOR Flash
• Integrated connectivity options such as Ethernet, and CAN bus
• Advanced analog and digital interfaces for sensor inte,gration
• Low-power operation modes, ideal for energy-efficient systems

OSM Modules from Tria

Heat Pump System Overview

A heat pump consists of the following major components:

1. Compressor: Circulates refrigerant in the system to extract or dissipate heat.
2. Evaporator/Condenser Coils: Exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outside or inside air.
3. Expansion Valve: Regulates the flow of refrigerant.
4. Fan and Blowers: Help in heat exchange between the refrigerant and air.
5. Control System: Manages the operation of these components to optimize performance, efficiency, and user comfort

Use Case: RT1170-based OSM Module in Heat Pump Control

The RT1170-based OSM Module provides an intelligent and flexible control platform for modern heat pump systems. Below are several key areas where this module enhances heat pump operation:

1. Real-time Control and Optimization

The dual-core processing of the RT1170 enables it to handle multiple control tasks simultaneously:

• Cortex-M7: This core is responsible for the primary system control, including the operation of the compressor, fans, and expansion valve, ensuring precise temperature regulation.
• Cortex-M4: The secondary core can handle peripheral tasks such as sensor data acquisition, motor control, and running real-time diagnostic algorithms.

Benefit: Real-time control allows the heat pump to dynamically adjust to varying loads, external temperatures, and user preferences. This leads to more efficient operation, less wear and tear on components, and reduced energy consumption.

2. Energy Efficiency through Advanced Algorithms

Energy efficiency is one of the primary goals in heat pump design. The RT1170’s computational power enables it to run sophisticated control algorithms, such as:

• Predictive control: Based on environmental sensor inputs and usage patterns, the system can anticipate heating or cooling demands and adjust operation accordingly.
• Adaptive control: The system can learn from past performance and optimize its cycles for better energy usage.

Benefit: Using advanced control strategies, the heat pump can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, resulting in lower operational costs for the user.

3. Integrated Sensor Management and Feedback Loops

The RT1170-based OSM Module supports a wide array of sensor interfaces (analog and digital), which is critical for a heat pump to measure parameters like:

• Ambient temperature
• Pressure in the refrigerant cycle
• Humidity
• Indoor air quality

The RT1170 can run feedback loops that continuously adjust the operation of the compressor, fans, and valves to maintain optimal performance and efficiency.

Benefit: Fine-tuned feedback loops improve system reliability, reduce energy consumption, and prolong component life by avoiding over- or under-cycling.

4. Connectivity and IoT Integration

With built-in Ethernet and support, the RT1170-based OSM Module is designed for modern connected heat pump systems:

• Remote monitoring: Homeowners or facility managers can monitor the system’s performance remotely through a mobile app or web interface.
• Predictive maintenance: The system can send data about its performance and potential faults to the cloud, allowing for predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.
• Smart home integration: The heat pump can integrate with other smart home devices, such as thermostats and building management systems (BMS), for coordinated energy savings.
• Internal 2D GPU can drive various displays for HMI

Benefit: These IoT features give users greater control over their heating and cooling systems and provide maintenance alerts before a failure occurs. It also enable modern HMI systems with graphical UI (user interface).

5. Security and Safety Features

Security is a concern in connected devices, especially when dealing with critical systems like heating and cooling. The RT1170 includes security features such as:

• Secure boot: Ensures only trusted firmware is executed.
• Cryptography acceleration: Protects data transmission in remote monitoring and control applications.
• Tamper detection: Monitors for unauthorized physical or software access to the control unit.

Benefit: These security measures protect the heat pump from unauthorized access and cyberattacks, ensuring system integrity and user safety.

6. Power Management and Low-Power Operation

The RT1170's low-power features make it well-suited for energy-efficient heat pump systems:

• Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS): Allows the processor to adjust its power consumption based on current workload, reducing unnecessary energy usage.
• Low-power modes: When the system is in standby or off, the RT1170 can enter a low-power state, consuming minimal energy.

Benefit: Lower power consumption extends the lifespan of components and reduces energy bills, particularly during periods of low usage.

7. Modular Flexibility for Manufacturers

The Open Standard Module (OSM) format ensures that the RT1170-based solution is modular, allowing manufacturers to easily integrate it into different heat pump models without major redesigns. This flexibility supports various heat pump sizes, from residential units to large commercial systems.

Benefit: Manufacturers benefit from reduced development time and costs, while also being able to offer a wide range of product models using the same control platform.

OSM Module Standard

Conclusion

By leveraging the computational power, real-time capabilities, connectivity, and security features of the RT1170-based OSM module, heat pump systems can achieve higher efficiency, smarter control, and enhanced user experience. The integration of predictive maintenance and remote monitoring further enhances the system's value, making it a highly effective solution for modern heating and cooling applications.