DE202024107426U1 - Combined air-water and air-air heat pump - Google Patents

Abstract

System (100) comprising
a split heat pump comprising an outdoor unit (10) and an indoor unit (20) with
a hydraulic switch;
at least one refrigeration circuit distributor (80);
at least one indoor unit;
characterized in that
the outdoor unit (10) of the split heat pump and the indoor unit (20) of the split heat pump are part of an air-water heat pump; and
the outdoor unit (10) of the split heat pump, the at least one refrigeration circuit distributor (80) and the at least one indoor unit form an air-to-air heat pump.

Description

• • eine Split-Wärmepumpe aufweisend ein Außengerät und ein Innengerät mit einer hydraulischen Weiche;
• • mindestens einen Kältekreisverteiler;
• • mindestens ein Rauminnengerät

aufweist. Das Außengerät der Split-Wärmepumpe und das Innengerät der Split-Wärmepumpe sind erfindungsgemäß Teil einer Luft-Wasser Wärmepumpe und das Außengerät der Split-Wärmepumpe, der mindestens eine Kältekreisverteiler und das mindestens eine Rauminnengerät bilden eine Luft-Luft Wärmepumpe.The invention relates to a system which

• • a split heat pump comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit with a hydraulic separator;
• • at least one refrigeration circuit distributor;
• • at least one indoor unit

According to the invention, the outdoor unit of the split heat pump and the indoor unit of the split heat pump are part of an air-water heat pump, and the outdoor unit of the split heat pump, the at least one refrigeration circuit distributor, and the at least one indoor unit form an air-air heat pump.

• • Wasser/Wasser-Wärmepumpen (WWWP) mit Entzug der Wärme aus dem Grundwasser über Förder- und Schluckbrunnen, aus Oberflächenwässern oder Abwässern;
• • Sole/Wasser-Wärmepumpen (SWWP), als Wärmequellen dienen hier Erdwärmesonden und Erdwärmekollektoren (Spiralkollektoren, Grabenkollektoren, Erdwärmekörbe etc.)
• • Luft/Wasser-Wärmepumpen (LWWP) mit Entzug der Wärme aus Abluft oder Außenluft;
• • Luft/Luft-Wärmepumpen (LLWP), welche in Gebäuden zur Erwärmung oder Kühlung der Zuluft von Lüftungsanlagen (Klimaanlagen) verwendet werden.

Heat pumps are widely used to heat water for building heating and to provide hot water or warm air. The basic function of heat pumps is always the same: Environmental heat is transferred to a refrigerant, whose temperature is raised in a technical process and then transferred to a heating circuit. Common examples include:

• • Water/water heat pumps (WWHP) with extraction of heat from groundwater via extraction and injection wells, from surface water or wastewater;
• • Brine/water heat pumps (SWWP), where geothermal probes and geothermal collectors (spiral collectors, trench collectors, geothermal baskets, etc.) serve as heat sources.
• • Air/water heat pumps (AWHP) with heat extraction from exhaust air or outside air;
• • Air-to-air heat pumps (LLWP), which are used in buildings to heat or cool the supply air of ventilation systems (air conditioning systems).

Heat pumps in building construction are currently designed as monoblock heat pumps or split heat pumps. The split heat pump has two separate structural units. In the outdoor unit, which is positioned outside a building, air is drawn in via a fan. This air is passed to an evaporator, in which a refrigerant circulates, which heats up at a low temperature. After the refrigerant has changed its state of aggregation, it flows as warm vapor to the compressor. The compressor compresses the vapor, thereby increasing its temperature to a desired level. The compressed refrigerant is passed via refrigerant lines to a condenser in the indoor unit. There, the refrigerant transfers its thermal energy to a heating system and cools down in the process. Since the refrigerant is still under high pressure, it passes through an expansion valve to restore its original liquid state. The monoblock heat pump, in contrast, combines all components involved in the refrigerant circuit into a single structural unit.

Currently, heat pumps are used as air-to-air heat pumps to provide warm or cold air for heating or cooling a room. Air-to-water heat pumps, on the other hand, are used to provide hot water for heating systems or drinking water storage tanks.

A system with a heat pump that combines both functions and can provide both hot water and warm or cold air to temper rooms would be desirable.

WO 2022/094387 A1 and WO 2013/138695 A1 deal with a heat pump system in which the heating of drinking water and domestic water (e.g., for a heating system) is to be carried out as efficiently as possible. However, neither of the two international patent applications discloses a solution for providing warm air or cold air to temper rooms while simultaneously providing heated water, both for drinking water and domestic water.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a heat pump that can provide both hot water and warm air or cold air for tempering rooms.

The present invention solves this problem with a system according to claim 1.

Detailed description

• • eine Split-Wärmepumpe aufweisend ein Außengerät und ein Innengerät mit einer hydraulischen Weiche;
• • mindestens einen Kältekreisverteiler;
• • mindestens ein Rauminnengerät;

zur Verfügung.The invention provides a system comprising

• • a split heat pump comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit with a hydraulic separator;
• • at least one refrigeration circuit distributor;
• • at least one indoor unit;

available.

The system according to the invention is characterized in that the outdoor unit of the split heat pump and the indoor unit of the split heat pump are part of an air-water heat pump. In addition, the outdoor unit of the split heat pump forms pump, the at least one refrigeration circuit distributor and the at least one indoor unit are an air-to-air heat pump.

The indoor unit of the split heat pump has a hydraulic separator. This ensures that the heat pump's flow rate remains constant. In one embodiment of the present invention, the indoor unit has an additional heating element that can be used to supply additional energy for heating water.

The outdoor unit and the indoor unit of the split heat pump operate like known air-to-water heat pumps. According to the invention, the indoor unit of the split heat pump can be connected to one or more devices selected from the group comprising a hot water tank, radiator, underfloor heating, pool heat exchanger, and gas heating. This makes it possible to use the system according to the invention to provide hot water for a building via a hot water tank and/or to operate conventional space radiators and/or underfloor heating. Furthermore, a pool heat exchanger can also be connected to generate hot water for a pool. It is also possible to pass the water heated by the indoor unit of the split heat exchanger to a gas heating system. In this case, the already heated water can be further heated.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant is routed from the outdoor unit of the split heat pump to the at least one refrigeration circuit distributor and from there to the indoor unit of the split heat pump. In this embodiment, the indoor unit of the split heat pump is connected to the at least one refrigeration circuit distributor.

According to the invention, the outdoor unit of the split heat pump, the at least one refrigeration circuit distributor, and the at least one indoor room unit form an air-to-air heat pump. The refrigerant is conducted from the outdoor unit of the split heat pump via the refrigeration circuit distributor to the at least one indoor room unit. The indoor room unit is designed so that heat can be released from the refrigerant to the room air or that heat is extracted from the room air. In the first case, the indoor room unit functions as a heater, in the second case as an air conditioning unit. The indoor room unit is preferably designed so that both functional modes can be implemented. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one indoor room unit therefore has a heating and/or a cooling function.

In one embodiment of the invention, several indoor units can be connected to a refrigeration circuit distributor.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the system can comprise multiple refrigerant circuit manifolds, each of which is connected to the outdoor unit of the split heat pump via its own connection. The refrigerant circuit manifold is supplied with refrigerant via the respective connection, or the refrigerant is transported from the indoor unit back to the outdoor unit of the split heat pump via the refrigerant circuit manifold.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the indoor unit is selected from the group consisting of floor-standing units and wall-mounted units. Wall-mounted units are mounted on the wall, while floor-standing units are installed on the floor.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant can also be distributed from an indoor unit to one or more additional indoor units. The refrigerant circuit back to the refrigerant circuit distributor and the outdoor unit of the split heat pump must, of course, remain closed. This means that for every line that transports refrigerant to an indoor unit, there must also be a line that transports the refrigerant back to the refrigerant circuit distributor. This can also be done via at least one additional indoor unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the indoor units have a fan. Particularly preferably, the fan's power can be adjusted in several stages.

In a further preferred embodiment, the indoor units operate as quietly as possible. Particularly preferably, in a range between 18 and 31 dB.

In one embodiment, the indoor unit may have an additional electric heater in the form of a heating mat.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, it is possible for the indoor unit to have one or more additional functions selected from the group comprising filter function, fresh air intake, fragrance, dehumidification, humidification, radio-controlled thermostat, _CO2 sensor, lighting, and heating mat. The technical implementation of these functions is familiar to those skilled in the art.

A filter function makes it possible to remove air pollutants from the room air. In addition, this can help kill mold spores.

Fresh air intake can contribute to a pleasant living environment, as can dehumidification or humidification of the room air.

Scenting rooms makes it possible to specifically introduce scents into rooms or to neutralize unwanted scents in rooms.

The placement of a _CO2 sensor in an indoor unit enables the implementation of a safety function.

The lighting on the indoor unit can be used to illuminate a room or can be part of ambient lighting.

In addition, the indoor unit can have a radio-controlled thermostat to regulate the room temperature.

Furthermore, the indoor units can have an additional heating mat, which allows for additional energy supply if necessary.

Advantageously, the indoor units can be designed to be as space-saving as possible. Furthermore, the exterior design can be adapted to the preferred interior design style of the rooms.

In one embodiment, the at least one indoor unit can be controlled via a display and/or LED indicators on the indoor unit and/or via a remote control. The remote control can be implemented via a separate remote control or via an app, for example, via a tablet or smartphone.

The operation of the split heat pump is controlled by a controller integrated into the split heat pump. Preferably, the components of the system according to the invention, and thus the entire system according to the invention, are also controlled by this controller.

In a preferred embodiment, the indoor units are also controlled via the split heat pump's control system. In this case, the indoor units preferably communicate wirelessly with the split heat pump's control system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the system can include an additional heating system. This additional heating system can be, for example, an oil heating system or a gas heating system. A gas heating system is particularly preferred as the additional heating system. This allows additional heating to be provided by the additional heating system as needed. The heating output provided by the split heat pump and the additional heating system is preferably controlled via a controller.

The system according to the invention advantageously provides a combined air-to-water and air-to-air heat pump with a single outdoor unit. This makes it possible to provide both room air heating via the indoor units and hot water preparation. By connecting multiple cooling circuit distributors, the system can be used flexibly. Hybrid operation with another heating system, such as a gas or oil heating system, is also possible.

The heat pump's cycle time describes the number of times the heat pump is switched on and off within a specific period of time. Each time the heat pump starts, it is referred to as a new cycle. However, excessive cycle time leads to higher energy consumption and faster wear of the heat pump components and should therefore be avoided. The inventive combination of an air-to-air heat pump and an air-to-water heat pump can prevent unfavorable cycle times in the split heat pump, thus extending its service life.

• 1 stellt eine Luft-Wasser Wärmepumpe aus dem Stand der Technik dar;
• 2 stellt eine Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung dar;
• 3 stellt eine weitere Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung dar;
• 4 stellt eine Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung dar, bei der ein zusätzliches Heizsystem umfasst ist;
• 5 stellt eine Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung mit zwei Kältekreisverteilern dar.

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail by means of 5 figures and 1 embodiment.

• 1 represents a state-of-the-art air-water heat pump;
• 2 represents an embodiment of the present invention;
• 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention;
• 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which an additional heating system is included;
• 5 represents an embodiment of the present invention with two refrigeration circuit distributors.

1 represents a state-of-the-art air-to-water heat pump, designed as a split heat pump with an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 20. The refrigerant is piped via line 11 to the indoor unit 20, where it is used to heat water for a drinking water storage tank 30, a space heater 40, and an underfloor heating system 50. The refrigerant is circulated back to the outdoor unit 10 via line 12.

2 represents an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 according to the invention has an outdoor unit of the split heat pump 10, from which the refrigerant is fed via line 11 into the refrigeration circuit distributor 80. The refrigeration circuit distributor 80 distributes the refrigerant via lines 13 to the indoor room unit 70. This further distributes the refrigerant to the indoor room units 60 and 71. The refrigerant can flow back to the refrigeration circuit distributor 80 via line 14.

Via line 15, the refrigerant circuit distributor distributes the refrigerant coming from the outdoor unit 10 to the indoor unit 72. Via line 16, the refrigerant can flow back in the circuit to the refrigerant circuit distributor 80.

Indoor units 70, 71 and 72 are designed as wall units, while indoor unit 60 is designed as a chest unit.

Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit distributor 80 distributes the refrigerant via line 17 to the indoor unit 20 of the split heat pump. The refrigerant then flows via line 18 through the refrigerant circuit distributor 80 and line 12 back to the outdoor unit. The indoor unit 20 generates hot water for a drinking water storage tank 30. All connections drawn in bold indicate a flow of hot and cold water.

3 represents a further embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 according to the invention largely corresponds to the system 100 shown in 2 In contrast to the system 100 according to the invention shown in 2 However, in the system 100 shown, the refrigerant is not fed into the indoor unit 20 of the split heat pump via the refrigerant distributor 80, but directly via line 17. The indoor unit 20 then heats water for a drinking water tank 30, for a space heater 40 and for an underfloor heating system 50. All connections drawn in thick lines leading from the indoor unit 20 indicate a flow of hot and cold water.

4 depicts an embodiment of the present invention in which an additional heating system is included. The system 100 according to the invention comprises an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 20 of the split heat pump. The indoor unit 20 is supplied with refrigerant directly via line 17 and used to heat water for a drinking water storage tank 30. Furthermore, refrigerant is routed from the outdoor unit 10 via the refrigerant circuit distributor 80 to the indoor room units 60 to 72. In addition, the system 100 has a heating system that is not coupled to the refrigerant circuit of the split heat pump. The gas heater 90 enables additional heating via the room radiators 40. The temperature is regulated via room thermostats 41.

5 represents an embodiment of the present invention with two refrigeration circuit distributors 80, 81. The functioning of the system according to the invention largely corresponds to that already described for the 2 to 4 explained principle. Additionally, there is another refrigeration circuit distributor 81, which is supplied with refrigerant via line 21 from the outdoor unit 10 of the split heat pump. The refrigeration circuit distributor 81 distributes the refrigerant further to the indoor unit 73, which is designed as a wall-mounted unit. The refrigerant then flows back to the outdoor unit 10 via line 19. According to the invention, each refrigeration circuit distributor 80, 81 is supplied with refrigerant via a separate line 11, 21.

Example 1

A system was set up in which the outdoor unit and the indoor unit of the split heat pump provided a maximum heating output of 14 kW. The indoor unit also featured an additional heating element, which could provide additional heat as needed with an output of between 4 and 8 kW. The indoor unit featured two heat exchangers. To save space, the connections for the refrigerant lines were located at the bottom of the unit and recessed. A 200-liter domestic hot water tank was connected to the indoor unit.

The outdoor unit had a maximum noise level of 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night at a distance of one meter. The outdoor unit also provided a cooling capacity of 8 kW.

• COP bei A-7W35 = 3,3
• COP bei A2W35 = 4,3
• COP bei A7W35 = 5,0

The COP value of this split heat pump was as follows:

• COP at A-7W35 = 3.3
• COP at A2W35 = 4.3
• COP at A7W35 = 5.0

The COP value describes the ratio of energy required to heat generated under standard conditions and thus describes the efficiency of the heat pump used.

The system also featured a refrigerant manifold. The manifold had one inlet for the refrigerant coming from the outdoor unit and five outlets. Two wall-mounted units were connected to the manifold. Each wall-mounted unit had a fan that could be adjusted to four speeds. could be adjusted. At the various fan speeds, the device operates at a noise level of 18, 29, 30, and 31 dB. The wall-mounted units could heat with a maximum output of 1 to 4 kW and cool with an output of 1 to 2.5 kW. The wall-mounted units could be controlled wirelessly and featured LED lighting on the back and bottom to provide ambient lighting.

List of reference symbols

10

Outdoor unit

12-19

Refrigerant lines

20

Indoor unit

21

Refrigerant line

30

Drinking water storage

40

Room heating

41

Room thermostat

50

Underfloor heating

60

Chest unit as indoor unit

70-72

Wall unit as indoor unit

80, 81

Refrigeration circuit distributor

90

Gas heating

100

system

QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2022/094387 A1 [0006]
• WO 2013/138695 A1 [0006]

Claims (13)

System (100) comprising a split heat pump comprising an outdoor unit (10) and an indoor unit (20) with a hydraulic separator; at least one refrigeration circuit distributor (80); at least one indoor room unit; characterized in that the outdoor unit (10) of the split heat pump and the indoor unit (20) of the split heat pump are part of an air-water heat pump; and the outdoor unit (10) of the split heat pump, the at least one refrigeration circuit distributor (80) and the at least one indoor room unit form an air-air heat pump. System (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the indoor unit is selected from the group comprising chest units (60) and wall units (70). System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one indoor unit comprises a fan. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one indoor unit has an electric heater in the form of a heating mat. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indoor unit has one or more additional functions selected from the group comprising filter function, fresh air intake, fragrance, dehumidification, humidification, radio-controlled thermostat, CO ₂ sensor, lighting, heating mat. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one indoor unit has a heating and/or a cooling function. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises a further heating system. System (100) according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the further heating system is a gas heating system (90) or an oil heating system. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indoor unit (20) of the split heat pump is connected to one or more devices selected from the group comprising hot water tank (30), radiator (40), underfloor heating (50), pool heat exchanger, gas heating (90). System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system has a plurality of refrigeration circuit distributors (80), each refrigeration circuit distributor (80) being connected to the outdoor unit (10) of the split heat pump by means of a separate connection. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several indoor units are connected to the at least one refrigeration circuit distributor (80). System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indoor unit (20) of the split heat pump is connected to the at least one refrigeration circuit distributor (80). System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indoor unit (20) has an additional heating element.

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