Heat pump, system for monitoring a heat pump, and method for monitoring a heat pump

Abstract

Heat pump (10) for a building, which has a monitoring unit (12) with a tilt sensor (14) for detecting a tilt of the heat pump (10), System (36) for monitoring a heat pump (10), and method for monitoring a heat pump (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heat pump, a system for monitoring a heat pump and a method for monitoring a heat pump.

[0002] A heat pump is a technical system that can transfer heat energy from a location with a lower temperature to a location with a higher temperature. To do this, a refrigerant is vaporized in an evaporator at the lower temperature location, absorbing energy. The refrigerant is then compressed by a compressor, increasing its pressure and temperature. At the higher temperature location, the refrigerant condenses in a condenser, releasing heat energy. After the refrigerant is released through an expansion valve, the cycle begins again.

[0003] A common application for heat pumps is in the heating or cooling of buildings. Such heat pumps usually comprise an indoor unit located inside the building and an outdoor unit located outside the building. If the heat pump is used to heat the building, the evaporator is typically located in the outdoor unit and the condenser in the indoor unit. If the heat pump is used to cool the building, the arrangement is typically the reverse. In addition, the compressor and the expansion valve are assigned to the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. In addition, the outdoor unit usually has a fan to achieve air circulation around the evaporator or condenser and thus improve heat transfer between the outdoor unit and the environment.

[0004] Given that the outdoor unit is inherently located outside the building, it is exposed to an increased risk of theft. A number of security measures are already known that are used to secure the outdoor units of heat pumps. For example, mechanical anti-theft devices such as fences or locks are known, which can make access to the heat pump or its removal more difficult. In addition, conventional alarm systems can deter potential thieves. Surveillance cameras aimed at the heat pump can not only serve as a deterrent but also as evidence if a theft occurs. Good visibility of the heat pump can also deter potential thieves. Good visibility can be achieved in particular by a clearly visible location and / or the installation of security lighting that eliminates dark areas around the heat pump.It is also known to equip heat pumps with GPS trackers so that their location can be tracked in the event of theft.

[0005] These well-known security measures suffer from various disadvantages. Common mechanical security measures are relatively easy to overcome by professional thieves. Alarm systems and surveillance cameras can be blocked by jammers. While GPS trackers are useful for tracking stolen heat pumps, they cannot prevent dismantling. The attempted or successful removal of the heat pump is often associated with significant damage.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a heat pump that can be reliably and cost-effectively secured against unauthorized theft. The invention is further based on the object of providing a corresponding system for theft protection of a heat pump. A further object of the invention is to provide a method with which the unauthorized theft of a heat pump can be prevented.

[0007] The objects are achieved according to the invention by a heat pump having the features of patent claim 1, a system having the features of patent claim 11 and a method having the features of claim 12.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] A heat pump for a building according to the invention comprises a monitoring unit with an inclination sensor for detecting the inclination of the heat pump. Since the respective part of a heat pump is typically tilted, especially in the event of unauthorized disassembly, the disassembly can be detected and appropriate measures initiated if necessary. The inclination sensor has the advantages of being difficult to detect and / or removable, being mounted on or in the heat pump, being resistant to interference, and being maintenance-free and inexpensive to purchase. The type of inclination sensor used can be selected depending on the specific application.The inclination sensor can be based on different operating principles and can, for example, be based on one or a combination of several of the following operating principles: piezoelectric, capacitive, magnetic, fluid-filled, gyroscopic, or accelerometer. The gyroscopic operating principle, in particular, is often used in combination with one or more other operating principles, especially accelerometer, to obtain more accurate inclination measurements.

[0010] The tilt sensor is preferably located on or in an outdoor unit of the heat pump. This allows for particularly effective and reliable detection of attempted theft, since the outdoor unit is usually the first to be affected by unauthorized disassembly. The monitoring unit is preferably located entirely on and / or in the outdoor unit. This ensures reliable functionality of the monitoring unit, particularly in the event of theft of the outdoor unit. The tilt sensor and / or the monitoring unit are preferably permanently mounted on and / or in the heat pump.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring unit is designed to compare an inclination angle with a limiting inclination angle. The monitoring unit can be designed to perform a mechanical and / or electrical comparison. In particular, the inclination sensor can be designed to compare the inclination angle with the limiting inclination angle. Particularly preferably, the monitoring unit has a computer module designed to compare the inclination angle with the limiting inclination angle. The inclination sensor and the computer module can be integrated into a measuring module. In the measuring module, the inclination sensor and the computer module can be spatially combined, preferably in a separate measuring module housing.

[0012] The monitoring unit is preferably designed to generate an alarm signal if the inclination angle is greater than the limiting inclination angle. This can be used to indicate unauthorized disassembly. In particular, the computer module can generate the alarm signal. The alarm signal can be configured as a visual and / or acoustic alarm signal. The alarm signal is preferably configured as an electrical signal, which is particularly preferably electronically processable.

[0013] In a further development of the invention, the monitoring unit is designed to compensate for disturbances caused by the operation of the heat pump. The monitoring unit is preferably designed to compensate for the disturbances when detecting the angle of inclination and / or when comparing the angle of inclination with the limit angle of inclination and / or when generating the alarm signal. This can prevent incorrect output of the alarm signal, a so-called false alarm. Disturbances caused by the operation of the heat pump can include, in particular, mechanical vibrations caused by the start-up and / or operation of a fan or compressor of the heat pump. The monitoring unit, in particular the computer module, can be designed, for example, such that the disturbances are electronically compensated. The monitoring unit can also have mechanical damping elements.

[0014] The monitoring unit may comprise a communication module for transmitting signals generated by the monitoring unit, in particular the alarm signal. This enables display and / or further processing of the signals generated by the monitoring unit outside the monitoring unit.

[0015] The communication module is preferably designed as a radio module. This simplifies installation. Furthermore, in the event of unauthorized installation, the signals generated by the monitoring unit can be transmitted even if the heat pump's connecting cables have already been disconnected. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the radio module is designed as a mobile communications module. Particularly preferably, the mobile communications module is NB-IoT-capable and / or LTE-M-capable. "NB-IoT" refers to the "NarrowBand IoT" mobile communications standard, and "LTE-M" refers to the LTE for Machine Type Communication mobile communications standard. In an alternative embodiment, the radio module is designed as a Wi-Fi module. By using a Wi-Fi module, an often already existing WLAN can be used to transmit the signals generated by the monitoring unit. To increase the reliability of the radio module, the radio module can be MQTT-capable.

[0016] The monitoring unit preferably has an energy storage device, particularly preferably an accumulator or capacitors, to provide the energy required to operate the monitoring unit. This allows the monitoring unit to continue operating even if, for example, in the event of unauthorized dismantling of the heat pump, connecting cables have been disconnected, or the heat pump has not yet been installed. For this purpose, electrical loads of the monitoring unit can be coupled to the energy storage device. The electrical loads can, in particular, comprise one or more of the following modules: the inclination sensor, the computer module, or the communication module. The energy storage device is preferably coupled to the corresponding load(s) via a voltage management system.To achieve the longest possible, mains-independent operating time of the monitoring unit, the battery is preferably designed as a lithium-ion battery, particularly preferably as a lithium polymer battery. The capacitors are preferably designed as supercapacitors, so-called supercapacitors.

[0017] The monitoring unit can have a supply interface for supplying power to the monitoring unit. If the monitoring unit has an energy storage device, the energy storage device can also be easily charged via the supply interface, particularly without removing the energy storage device. Preferably, the supply interface is coupled to the energy storage device via the voltage management system. The supply interface can be configured as a USB interface. The monitoring unit can be connected to the heat pump's internal power grid via the supply interface.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the monitoring unit is designed to generate a status signal describing the operating state of the monitoring unit. The status signal can, in particular, comprise a measured value of the inclination sensor, information on the functionality of one or more of the modules of the monitoring unit, or on the power supply of the monitoring unit. The status signal can be transmitted as a signal generated by the monitoring unit, preferably via the communication module. The computer module is preferably designed to monitor the operating state of the monitoring unit and / or generate the status signal.

[0019] The monitoring unit is preferably designed to generate the status signal cyclically. "Cyclic" is preferably understood here and below to mean that the corresponding process is tied to the execution of a specific, recurring routine. Alternatively, the monitoring unit can be designed to generate the status signal continuously.

[0020] A system according to the invention for monitoring a heat pump comprises a previously described heat pump, a server that can be coupled to the monitoring unit, and at least one terminal that can be coupled to the server. The signals generated by the monitoring unit can thus be transmitted to a user located remotely from the heat pump. The terminal preferably has an app for receiving and / or a software dashboard for visualizing the signals transmitted by the monitoring unit and / or the server. In order to enable communication at least between the monitoring unit and the server according to the MQTT protocol, the server is preferably MQTT-capable. The terminal is preferably designed as a mobile device. The terminal can be a computer or smartphone.

[0021] A method according to the invention for monitoring a heat pump comprises the following steps: • Detecting the angle of inclination of the heat pump, • Comparing the inclination angle with a limit inclination angle, • Generate an alarm signal when the tilt angle exceeds the limit tilt angle.

[0022] Preferably, the method is carried out using the heat pump described above. The angle of inclination can be detected using the inclination sensor. The angle of inclination can be measured absolutely or relative to a reference value. The comparison of the angle of inclination with a limiting angle of inclination can be performed using a digital comparison of two angles in a computer module. The comparison can also be performed by analog comparison of physical quantities representing the angle of inclination or the limiting angle of inclination. The method can be performed continuously or cyclically.

[0023] In a further development of the method, typical operating disturbances of the heat pump are compensated for when the inclination angle is detected and / or when the inclination angle is compared with a limiting inclination angle and / or when the alarm signal is generated. Preferably, the disturbances, such as vibrations caused by the start-up and / or operation of a fan or compressor of the heat pump, are electronically compensated by the computer module. For this purpose, characteristics of the disturbances can be stored in a manner usable by the computer module, preferably in the monitoring unit, particularly preferably in the computer module.

[0024] Preferably, the alarm signal is transmitted to a terminal device. The previously described system for monitoring a heat pump can be used for this purpose. The monitoring unit can automatically log on to the server after power-up and begin recording the heat pump's inclination angle. If, when comparing the inclination angle with the limit, it is determined that the inclination angle exceeds the limit, the monitoring unit, preferably the computing module, generates the alarm signal.

[0025] The alarm signal can be transmitted from the monitoring unit, preferably via the communications module, to the terminal device via the server. At least the transmission between the monitoring unit and the server preferably takes place using the MQTT protocol. The transmission between the server and the terminal device is preferably encrypted.

[0026] In a corresponding manner, the monitoring unit can also generate the status signal and transmit it to the server, which describes the operating state of the monitoring unit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the server automatically transmits only the alarm signal to the terminal device. The status signal can preferably be retrieved from the terminal device on the server. The generation and / or transmission of the status signal to the server can occur cyclically or continuously. In particular, if the transmission between the monitoring unit and the server occurs according to the MQTT protocol, the generation and / or transmission of the status signal to the server preferably occurs cyclically.

[0027] Embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to the following figures. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an outdoor unit of a heat pump with a monitoring unit, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a system for monitoring a heat pump, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a method for operating the Fig. 2 system shown.

[0028] For the sake of clarity, not all reference symbols are used in every figure.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an outdoor unit 11 of a heat pump 10 with a monitoring unit 12. The monitoring unit 12 has an inclination sensor 14 for detecting an inclination of the outdoor unit 11 of the heat pump 10. Since the outdoor unit 11 of the heat pump 10 is typically tilted during unauthorized disassembly, the disassembly can be detected and appropriate measures can be initiated if necessary. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the monitoring unit 12 is arranged entirely within the outdoor unit 11. Preferably, the inclination sensor 14 and the monitoring unit 12 are arranged fixedly within the heat pump 10.

[0030] In Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the monitoring unit 10 has a computer module 16 configured to compare the inclination angle with the limit inclination angle. The inclination sensor 14 and the computer module 16 are integrated into a measuring module 18. Thus, the inclination sensor 14 and the computer module 16 are spatially combined, preferably in a separate measuring module housing 20.

[0031] The Fig. The monitoring unit 12 shown in Figure 1 comprises a communication module 22 for transmitting signals generated by the monitoring unit 12, in particular the computer module 16. This enables display and / or further processing of these signals outside the monitoring unit 12. The communication module 22 is preferably designed as a radio module 24, particularly preferably as a mobile radio module 26. To increase the reliability of the radio module 24, the radio module 24 can be designed to be MQTT-capable.

[0032] The monitoring unit 12 also has an energy storage device 30 designed as a rechargeable battery 28 for providing the energy required to operate the monitoring unit 12. This allows the monitoring unit 12 to continue operating even if connecting cables have been disconnected, for example, in the event of unauthorized disassembly of the external unit 11. For this purpose, electrical loads of the monitoring unit 12 can be coupled to the energy storage device 30 via a voltage management system 32. The electrical loads of the monitoring unit 12 include, in particular, the inclination sensor 14, the computer module 16, and the communication module 22. In order to achieve the longest possible, mains-independent operating time of the monitoring unit 12, the rechargeable battery 28 is preferably designed as a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, particularly preferably as a lithium polymer rechargeable battery.

[0033] How Fig. As also shown in Figure 1, the monitoring unit 12 has a supply interface 34 for charging the energy storage device 30, which is coupled to the energy storage device 30 via the voltage management system 32. The supply interface 34 is preferably designed as a USB interface.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a system 36 for monitoring the heat pump 10, in particular for monitoring the outdoor unit 11. The system 36 comprises the heat pump 10, a server 38 that can be coupled to the monitoring unit 12 of the heat pump 10, and several terminal devices 40 that can be coupled to the server 38. In particular, the signals generated by the monitoring unit 12 can be transmitted to a user 41 located away from the heat pump 10. In Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, first terminal devices 42 in the form of a smartphone and a computer are shown, which can receive messages from the server 38 and can also access the server 38. For this purpose, the first terminal devices 42 have a software dashboard that is designed at least to visualize the signals transmitted by the monitoring unit 12. Fig. Figure 2 also shows a second terminal 44 in the form of a smartphone. The second terminal 44 preferably has an app that is designed exclusively to receive the signals transmitted by the server 38, for example, in the form of a message 45. Access to the server 38 is therefore not possible. The arrows arranged between the terminals 40 and the users 41 illustrate this. To enable communication at least between the monitoring unit 12 and the server 38 according to the MQTT protocol, the server 38 is preferably designed to be MQTT-capable.

[0035] An example of a process for monitoring the heat pump 10 can be seen from the illustrations in the Fig. 2 and 3. In the schematic representation of the Fig. 3, which shows a method for operating the system 36, the monitoring unit 12, the server 38 and one of the first terminals 42 are shown as vertical bars. The time t is represented by the Fig. 3 is illustrated by the vertical arrow.

[0036] At the beginning of the process, the monitoring unit 12 automatically logs on to the server 38 (48) after being switched on 46 and begins to detect the angle of inclination of the outdoor unit 11 of the heat pump 10 using the inclination sensor 14.

[0037] The computer module 16 cyclically generates a status signal 50 describing the operating state of the monitoring unit 12. The status signal 50 can, in particular, include a measured value of the inclination sensor 14, information on the functionality of one or more of the modules 16, 22, 24 of the monitoring unit 12, or the energy storage device 30 of the monitoring unit 12. The status signal 50 is transmitted to the server 38 via the communication module 22. The status signal 50 can be retrieved from the server 38 by the first terminal device 42 (52).

[0038] Furthermore, when the monitoring unit 12 is switched on, the angle of inclination in the computer module 16 is compared with a threshold angle of inclination. If the angle of inclination exceeds the threshold angle of inclination, the computer module 16 generates an alarm signal 54. The alarm signal 54 is forwarded as an electrical signal to the communication module 22 and transmitted to the server 38. From the server 38, the alarm signal 54 is automatically transmitted to each of the end devices 40. Preferably, the server 38 only automatically transmits the alarm signal 54 to the end devices 40, but not the status signal 50. At least the transmission between the monitoring unit 12 and the server 38 preferably takes place according to the MQTT protocol. The transmission between the server 38 and the end devices 40 is preferably encrypted.

[0039] Preferably, when detecting the angle of inclination and / or comparing the angle of inclination with a limit angle of inclination and / or when generating the alarm signal 54, typical operating disturbances of the heat pump 10, such as mechanical vibrations caused by the start-up and / or operation of a fan or compressor of the heat pump 10, are compensated. Compensation is preferably performed electronically by means of the computer module 16. For this purpose, characteristics of the disturbances can be stored in the computer module 16 in a way that can be used by the computer module 16. Likewise, the monitoring unit 12 can have mechanical damping elements. List of reference symbols 10 heat pump 11 Outdoor unit 12 Monitoring unit 14 Tilt sensor 16 computer module 18 measuring module 20 measuring module housings 22 Communication module 24 radio module 26 mobile radio module 28 accumulator 30 energy storage units 32 Voltage management 34 Supply interface 36 systems 38 servers 40 end devices 41 users 42 first device 44 second device 45 Message 46 Switch on 48 Login 50 status signal 52 Retrieving the status signal 54 Alarm signal t time

Claims

[1] Heat pump (10) for a building, characterized by that the heat pump (10) has a monitoring unit (12) with an inclination sensor (14) for detecting an inclination of the heat pump (10). [2] Heat pump according to claim 1, characterized by that the inclination sensor (14) is arranged on or in an outdoor unit (11) of the heat pump. [3] Heat pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the monitoring unit (12) is designed to compare an inclination angle with a limit inclination angle. [4] Heat pump according to claim 3, characterized by that the monitoring unit (12) is designed to generate an alarm signal (54) when the inclination angle is greater than the limit inclination angle. [5] Heat pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the monitoring unit (12) is designed to compensate for disturbances caused by the operation of the heat pump (10). [6] Heat pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the monitoring unit (12) comprises a communication module (22) for transmitting signals generated by the monitoring unit (12). [7] Heat pump according to claim 5, characterized by that the communication module (22) is designed as a radio module (24). [8] Heat pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the monitoring unit (12) has an energy store (30), preferably an accumulator (28) and / or capacitors, for providing the energy necessary for operating the monitoring unit (12). [9] Heat pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the monitoring unit (12) has a supply interface (34) for supplying energy to the monitoring unit. [10] Heat pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the monitoring unit (12) is designed to generate a status signal (50) describing the operating state of the monitoring unit (12). [11] Heat pump according to claim 10, characterized by that the monitoring unit (12) is designed to generate the status signal (50) cyclically. [12] System (36) for monitoring a heat pump (10), comprising • a heat pump (10) according to one of the preceding claims, • a server (38) that can be coupled to the monitoring unit (12), and • at least one terminal device (40) that can be coupled to the server (38). [13] Method for monitoring a heat pump (10), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following steps: • Detecting an inclination angle of the heat pump (10), • Comparing the inclination angle with a limit inclination angle, • Generating an alarm signal (54) when the tilt angle exceeds the limit tilt angle. [14] Method according to claim 13, characterized by that when detecting the angle of inclination and / or when comparing the angle of inclination with a limit angle of inclination and / or when generating the alarm signal (54), typical operating disturbances of the heat pump (10) are compensated. [15] Method according to one of claims 13 to 14, characterized by that the alarm signal (54) is transmitted to a terminal (40).

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