Heat pump assembly, method for the operation thereof and building provided with same

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat pump assembly (9) comprising at least one first heat pump (1) with a flow (11) and a return pipe (12), at least one second heat pump (2) with a flow (21) and a return pipe (22), at least one first heat source (3) with a flow (31) and a return pipe (32), and at least one second heat source (4) with a flow (41) and a return pipe (42), wherein the heat pump assembly (9) also contains a collector (5) and a distributer (6), wherein the flow pipes (11, 21) of the first and second heat pumps (1, 2) and the return pipes (32, 42) of the first and second heat sources (3, 4) are connected to the distributer (6), and the return pipes (12, 22) of the first and second heat pumps (1, 2) and the flow pipes (31, 41) of the first and second heat sources (3, 4) are connected to the collector (5), and a connection pipe (7) is arranged between the distributer (6) and the collector (5). The invention also relates to a building provided with same and to a method for operating a heat pump assembly.

Description

[0001] Heat pump arrangement, method for its operation and building equipped therewith

[0002] The invention relates to a heat pump arrangement with at least one first heat pump, with a flow and a return, at least one second heat pump, with a flow and a return, at least one first heat source with a flow and a return, and at least one second heat source with a flow and a return. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a heat pump arrangement and a building equipped therewith.

[0003] A heat pump arrangement of the type mentioned above is known from T . You et al .: "A new ground-coupled heat pump system integrated with a multi -mode air-source heat compensator to eliminate thermal imbalance in cold regions", Energy and Buildings 107 ( 2015 ) 103 . This contains an air heat exchanger and a geothermal probe as the heat source . Each heat source is connected to an assigned heat pump so that different heat pumps are available for heating the domestic hot water on the one hand and for heating the building on the other. Any heat pump can be connected to any heat source via a pipe network with corresponding switching valves. This means that the most suitable heat source can be selected depending on the weather and heat demand. However, this known arrangement has the disadvantage that adaptation to different operating conditions is only inadequately possible.Based on the prior art, one object of the invention is to provide a heat pump arrangement which has greater flexibility.

[0004] According to one aspect, the invention can relate to a heat pump arrangement. This can contain at least a first heat pump with a flow and a return and / or at least a second heat pump with a flow and a return. In some embodiments, each heat pump can have a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor in a manner known per se, wherein a working fluid can be evaporated in the evaporator while absorbing heat and condensed in the condenser while releasing heat. In between, the gaseous working fluid can be compressed in some embodiments by means of an optional compressor, and the liquefied working fluid can be returned via an optional throttle valve. The heat pumps that can be used can be of conventional design. The invention does not teach the use of special heat pumps as a solution principle.

[0005] Furthermore, the heat pump arrangement can have at least one first heat source and / or at least one second heat source. The two heat sources can be of the same or different types. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one heat source can be or contain a geothermal collector installed horizontally beneath the earth's surface and / or a geothermal probe installed in a deep borehole, each of which draws heat from the ground.

[0006] In some embodiments of the invention, at least one heat source can be or contain an air heat exchanger in order to utilize heat from the outside air. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one heat source can be selected from a solar thermal collector and / or a photovoltaic thermal collector and / or a solar absorber in order to utilize solar thermal radiation as domestic heat. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one heat source can be or contain a groundwater well in order to utilize heat stored in the groundwater as domestic heat. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one heat source can contain or consist of a heat exchanger which utilizes waste heat as domestic heat.The waste heat can originate from a combustion process and / or an industrial manufacturing process and / or a wastewater stream and / or a cooling water stream. Using different heat sources for the first and second heat sources can further increase the flexibility of the heat pump arrangement.

[0007] In some embodiments of the invention, the heat can be transported between the evaporators of the heat pump arrangement and the heat sources by a heat transfer fluid circulating in pipes. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can be liquid. In other embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can be gaseous. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can undergo a phase transition during heat supply or release. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can be a frost-proof liquid. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can be selected from a salt solution or brine and / or a water / glycol mixture and / or a thermal oil.

[0008] The heat pump arrangement according to one aspect of the invention further comprises a collector and a distributor, wherein the flow of the first and second heat pumps and the return of the first and second heat sources are connected to the distributor, and the return of the first and second heat pumps and the flow of the first and second heat sources are connected to the collector. The heat transfer fluid thus flows from the collector through a heat source, absorbs heat there, and then flows into the distributor. From the distributor, the heat transfer fluid is fed to the evaporator of a heat pump, where it gives off heat and cools down. The cooled heat transfer fluid flows back into the collector.

[0009] Finally, a connecting pipe is provided between the collector and the distributor. The connecting pipe serves as a hydraulic zero point and thus enables the derivation of a controlled variable for the heat pump arrangement. Compared to a known heat pump arrangement, the heat pump arrangement according to the invention can have a wider variety of operating states and / or a simplified control system.

[0010] In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump arrangement may further comprise a first pump which is configured to convey the heat transfer fluid from the distributor to the first heat pump. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump arrangement may alternatively or additionally comprise a second pump which is configured to convey a heat transfer fluid from the distributor to the second heat pump. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump arrangement may alternatively or additionally comprise a third pump which is configured to convey a heat transfer fluid from the collector to the first heat source. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump arrangement may alternatively or additionally comprise a fourth pump which is configured to convey a heat transfer fluid from the collector to the second heat source.By individually controlling the individual pumps, the volume flows and thus, if the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is known, also the heat flows between the individual sources and the individual heat pumps can be influenced, so that different operating and control strategies can be implemented depending on the weather conditions, the condition of the heat sources and the heat demand of a building.

[0011] In some embodiments of the invention, at least one flow meter can be present in the connecting pipe. In other embodiments of the invention, at least one temperature sensor can be present in the connecting pipe, alternatively or additionally. In yet other embodiments of the invention, two or three temperature sensors can be present in the connecting pipe. Since the connecting pipe represents the hydraulic zero point of the pipe network used for the heat transfer fluid, the flow of the heat transfer fluid is controlled or regulated such that the flow within the connecting pipe lies below a predeterminable limit value. In some embodiments of the invention, the flow in the connecting pipe comes to a complete standstill or reaches a value which can no longer be measured by the sensors used.

[0012] To measure the flow within the connecting pipe, a flow meter in the connecting pipe can be used in some embodiments of the invention. In other embodiments of the invention, the temperature or a temperature gradient in the connecting pipe can be determined.

[0013] If the flow in the connecting pipe is negligible, the temperature in the center of the connecting pipe will approximately reach the average of the temperatures of the collector and the distributor. If more than one temperature sensor is used, they can be placed in the center of the connecting pipe and at both ends of the connecting pipe.

[0014] In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump arrangement can further comprise a first three-way valve with a first connection and a second connection and a third connection, wherein the first and second connections are connected to the collector and the flow of the second heat source and the third connection is connected to the distributor. In addition, the heat pump arrangement can further comprise a second three-way valve with a first connection and a second connection and a third connection, wherein the first and second connections are connected to the distributor and the return of the second heat source and the third connection is connected to the collector. In some embodiments of the invention, alternatively or additionally, the first heat source can also be equipped with two three-way valves, as described above.The three-way valves have the effect that the flow of the heat transfer fluid from the supply to the return during normal operation can be reversed, so that heat can be supplied to the heat source via the return, for example to regenerate a geothermal probe or to defrost an air heat exchanger.

[0015] In some embodiments of the invention, the distributor can be formed by a pipe, wherein the flow of the first heat pump and the return of the first heat source are arranged at a first end of the pipe and the flow of the second heat pump and the return of the second heat source are arranged at a second end of the pipe. Similarly, in some embodiments of the invention, the collector can also be formed by a pipe, wherein the return of the first heat pump is arranged at a first end of the pipe and the return of the second heat pump is arranged at a second end of the pipe. These features have the effect that when both heat pumps and both heat sources are operated in parallel, mixing of the heat transfer fluid in the collector or in the distributor is avoided.This can increase the efficiency of the heat pump arrangement because both heat pumps can be operated at different temperature levels and thus the energy content of the warmer heat source can be fully utilized. According to a further aspect of the invention, this relates to a method for operating a heat pump arrangement with at least one first heat pump, at least one second heat pump, at least one first heat source and at least one second heat source. The method according to this aspect of the invention is characterized in that the heat pump arrangement has at least three operating states.

[0016] In a first operating state, heat can be extracted from one heat source and supplied to the other heat source. This allows a heat source to be regenerated without the need for heat from external sources, such as an electric heating register. Regenerating a heat source can involve defrosting an air heat exchanger or introducing heat into a geothermal probe.

[0017] In a second operating mode, heat can be extracted from a single heat source and provided as domestic heat via a single heat pump, for example, for domestic water heating, for building heating, for industrial purposes, or for operating a district heating network. The heat pump arrangement allows for individual connection of each heat source to each heat pump, thus providing the greatest possible flexibility in selecting the heat pump and heat source.

[0018] In a third operating mode, heat can be taken from the first heat source and made available as domestic heat by the first heat pump, and heat can be taken from the second heat source and made available as domestic heat by the second heat pump. This parallel operation is particularly suitable for high load requirements, for example for simultaneous heating of the building and domestic water in winter. If both heat sources are of different types, for example an air heat exchanger and a geothermal probe, the limited annual work of a geothermal probe can be saved for times when the air heat exchanger only offers insufficient performance due to low outside temperatures. At very high outside temperatures, heat from the air heat exchanger can be introduced into the geothermal probe to regenerate it.At temperatures around or below freezing, when the air heat exchanger is prone to icing, it can be defrosted using heat from the geothermal probe. Parallel operation thus allows the heat pump arrangement to provide high heat output while simultaneously minimizing the risk of overloading a potentially limited, higher-value heat source with partial load.

[0019] In some embodiments of the invention, the heat can be transported between the heat source and the heat pump using a liquid heat transfer fluid, which is pumped between the heat sources and the heat pumps by a dedicated pump. The pumps can be easily controlled via a control or regulating device, so that the flow of the heat transfer fluid can be adapted to the different operating conditions.

[0020] In some embodiments of the invention, the first and second pumps associated with the heat pumps can be operated at a constant flow rate, and the third and fourth pumps associated with the heat sources can be controlled or regulated. This allows the control strategy to be simplified without sacrificing flexibility.

[0021] In some embodiments of the invention, the flow and return lines of the heat sources and the heat pumps can be connected to a collector and a distributor, with a connecting pipe arranged between the distributor and the collector, and the pumps controlled or regulated such that the flow through the connecting pipe is below a predeterminable limit. In some embodiments of the invention, the flow is zero or below the measuring limit.

[0022] In some embodiments of the invention, the control can be implemented using a conversion table. In this case, the temperatures of the heat sources and / or the heat demand of the building equipped with the heat pump arrangement and / or the temperatures of the heat sinks can be used as input variables, and the respective pump speed or flow rate can be read and set from the conversion table as output variables.

[0023] In some embodiments of the invention, the control is carried out such that the connecting pipe has the average temperature between the collector and the distributor. This can be seen as an indication that no significant flow of the heat transfer fluid occurs through the connecting pipe.

[0024] In some embodiments of the invention, the control can be carried out such that a flow meter in the connecting pipe detects a flow below a predeterminable limit. In some embodiments of the invention, this limit can be a minimum value or zero.

[0025] In some embodiments of the invention, the method according to the invention may have a fourth operating state in which heat is extracted from both heat sources and provided as domestic heat via a single heat pump.

[0026] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to figures without limiting the general idea of ​​the invention.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a heat pump arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a heat pump arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a heat pump arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0029] A first embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to Figure 1. The heat pump arrangement 9 has a first heat pump 1. The first heat pump 1 contains an evaporator 101 and a condenser 102. The evaporator 101 is provided with a flow line 11 and a return line 12, via which a heat transfer fluid can be supplied to the evaporator 101. The heat from the heat transfer fluid causes the evaporation of a working fluid in the evaporator 101, heat being extracted from the heat transfer fluid so that it cools down. The working fluid is compressed by a compressor 104 and supplied to the condenser 102. In the condenser 102, the working fluid is condensed with the release of heat. The heat released in this way can be used as domestic heat for heating buildings, for industrial processes or for heating domestic water.The liquefied working fluid is fed back to the evaporator 101 via a throttle valve 103 so that the process described above runs cyclically.

[0030] The heat pump arrangement further includes a second heat pump 2 with an evaporator 201, a condenser 202, a compressor 204, and a throttle valve 203. The mode of operation of the second heat pump 2 essentially corresponds to the mode of operation of the first heat pump 1. The second heat pump 2 also has a flow line 21 and a return line 22, via which a heat transfer fluid and thus heat can be supplied.

[0031] Furthermore, the heat pump arrangement according to the invention has a first heat source 3. The heat source 3 also has a flow line 31 and a return line 32. The heat source 3 can be, for example, a geothermal probe, a geothermal collector, or even a groundwater well. A cooled heat transfer fluid is supplied to the first heat source 3 via the flow line 31. This cooled heat transfer fluid absorbs heat in the heat source 3 and leaves the first heat source 3 again as a heated heat transfer fluid via the return line 32.

[0032] The heat pump arrangement also has a second heat source 4. The second heat source 4 also has a flow line 41 and a return line 42. As described above, a cooled heat transfer fluid can be supplied via the flow line 41, which absorbs heat and is discharged from the heat source 4 at a higher temperature level via the return line 42. In some embodiments of the invention, the second heat source 4 can contain an air heat exchanger or a solar collector. In some embodiments of the invention, more than two heat sources can also be present. The first heat source 3 and the second heat source 4 shown represent only the minimum number. Due to their different types, the first and second heat sources 3 and 4 can operate at different temperature levels or supply a heat transfer fluid with a different temperature via their return lines 32 and 42, respectively.

[0033] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat pump arrangement can be liquid or gaseous. A liquid heat transfer fluid can, for example, be a water / glycol mixture or a brine, in order to thus also enable operating temperatures below the freezing point of water. In other embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can be a thermal oil. In yet other embodiments of the invention, water can be used as the heat transfer fluid if temperatures below the freezing point are not expected. The heat pump arrangement according to the invention further comprises a distributor 6 and a collector 5.In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, both the distributor 6 and the collector 5 are formed by a pipe, wherein the flow 11 of the first heat pump 1 and the return 32 of the first heat source 3 are arranged at a first end of the pipe, and the flow 21 of the second heat pump 2 and the return 42 of the second heat source 4 are arranged at a second end of the pipe. In the same way, the return 12 of the first heat pump 1 is arranged at a first end of the pipe and the return 22 of the second heat pump 2 is arranged at a second end of the pipe.

[0034] The flow 31 of the first heat source 3 and the flow 41 of the second heat source 4 can also be arranged at the ends of the pipe forming the collector 5 or at any point between the ends and the middle of the pipe forming the collector 5.

[0035] The heat pump arrangement according to the invention further includes a connecting pipe 7, which is arranged between the distributor and the collector. If the distributor 6, on the one hand, and the collector 5, on the other hand, are each formed by a pipe, the connecting pipe 7 can be arranged approximately in the middle of the pipes.

[0036] The heat pump arrangement further includes an optional first pump 15, which is configured to pump a heat transfer fluid from the distributor 6 into the first heat pump 1. Furthermore, an optional second pump 25 can be present, which is configured to pump a heat transfer fluid from the distributor 6 into the second heat pump 2. Finally, an optional third pump 35 can be present, which is configured to pump a heat transfer fluid from the collector 5 into the first heat source 3. Finally, an optional fourth pump 45 can be present, which is configured to pump a heat transfer fluid from the collector 5 into the second heat source 4.

[0037] During operation of the heat pump arrangement, the first, second, third and fourth pumps 15, 25, 35 and 45 can each be controlled such that no heat transfer fluid flows in the connecting pipe 7. The connecting pipe 7 thus forms a hydraulic zero point of the fluid circuit of the heat pump arrangement. In order to detect the flow, in some embodiments of the invention an optional flow meter 75 can be arranged in the connecting pipe 7. The flow meter 75 can be an impeller meter or an ultrasonic sensor in a manner known per se. The switching state in which the flow in the connecting pipe 7 comes to a standstill can be detected by the flow meter 75 displaying no measured value or a measured value below a predeterminable limit.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the flow in the connecting pipe 7 can also be detected by one or more temperature sensors. In the illustrated embodiment, three temperature sensors 71, 72, and 73 are shown along the longitudinal extent of the connecting pipe 7.

[0039] In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump assembly may further comprise an optional first three-way valve 47 having a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first and second ports are connected to the collector 5 and the flow 41 of the second heat source 4. In some embodiments, the third port may be connected to the flow 42 so that it is indirectly connected to the manifold 6. The third port is connected to the manifold 6. In addition, the heat pump assembly may further comprise an optional second three-way valve 48 having a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first and second ports are connected to the manifold 6 and the return 42 of the second heat source 4. The third port is connected to the collector 5.In some embodiments, the third port may be connected to the return 41, so that it is indirectly connected to the collector 5. The three-way valves have the effect that the flow of the heat transfer fluid, which flows from the supply to the return during normal operation, can be reversed, so that heat can be supplied to the heat source via the return, for example, to regenerate a geothermal probe or to defrost an air heat exchanger.

[0040] Optionally, the heat pump assembly can include an electric heating register 405, which is arranged in a supply or return line of a heat source. This allows an air heat exchanger to be defrosted using auxiliary electrical energy.

[0041] The heat pump arrangement according to the invention allows for a variety of different operating modes. This allows the heat pump arrangement to be flexibly adapted to the respective heat demand of a building equipped with the heat pump arrangement. Furthermore, the use of the first heat source 3 and the second heat source 4 can be optimized, allowing advantageous use of the heat pump arrangement in any weather or outside temperature.

[0042] The heat pump arrangement according to the invention can have a first operating state in which heat is taken from one heat source and supplied to the other heat source. For this purpose, the first and second pumps 15 and 25 are switched off and the third and fourth pumps 35 and 45 are controlled such that heat transfer fluid is taken from the collector 5 and supplied to a heat source. The heat transfer fluid heated in this way can be supplied to the second heat source 4 via its return line 42 and returned to the collector 5 via the flow line 41. For this purpose, the polarity of the fourth pump 45 can be reversed so that it has a reverse delivery direction compared to normal operation. Alternatively, with the delivery direction of the fourth pump 45 identical, the first valve 47 can be controlled such that the connection between the pump 45 and the collector 5 is interrupted and the pump 45 is connected to the distributor 6.In the same way, the second valve 48 is switched so that the return 42 is connected to the collector 5 and the connection between the return 42 and the distributor 6 is interrupted.

[0043] The first operating state can be selected when regeneration of one heat source with the heat of the other heat source is effective and neither of the first nor the second heat pumps is active. For example, heat from a geothermal probe 3 can be used to defrost or de-ice an air heat exchanger used as a second heat source 4. In other embodiments of the invention, heat from an air heat exchanger, which can arise, for example, on hot summer days, can be used to regenerate the geothermal probe. The first operating state can be controlled, for example, predictively based on a weather forecast.

[0044] In the second operating state, the first heat source 3 can supply either the first heat pump 1 or the second heat pump 2. If, for example, the second heat pump 2 is to be operated, the cooled heat transfer fluid can be pumped from the collector 5 via the third pump 35 into the flow line 31 of the first heat source 3. There, the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat and leaves the first heat source 3 via the return line 32 into the distributor 6. From there, the heat transfer fluid is pumped via the second pump 25 into the flow line 21 of the second heat pump. In the second heat pump 2, heat is extracted from the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooled in this way flows via the return line 22 into the collector 5. In the same way as described above, the first heat pump 1 can also be operated with the first heat source 3. Alternatively, the first heat source 3 can also be replaced by the second heat source 4.

[0045] The second operating mode described above is selected when only one heat pump is active. When selecting the respectively assigned heat source, if different heat sources are available, the source which is advantageous at the respective operating time can be chosen. For example, efficiency can be optimized by maximizing the source temperature. Further selection criteria include, for example, a sustainable load on a geothermal probe while avoiding overloading. Which heat source is advantageous with regard to these objectives can be determined, for example, by an outside temperature-related bivalence temperature. Alternatively or additionally, a comparison of the measured or predicted source temperatures can be used to make the decision. In some embodiments of the invention, a predictive selection can also be made taking into account the outside temperatures expected in the future.

[0046] In a third operating state of the heat pump arrangement according to the invention, heat is taken from the first heat source and made available as domestic heat by the first heat pump. Heat is also taken from the second heat source and made available as domestic heat by the second heat pump. The third operating state therefore involves parallel operation of both heat sources and both heat pumps. Here, cooled heat transfer fluid is taken from the collector 5 by means of the third pump 35 and fed to the first heat source 3 via its flow line 31. The heated heat transfer fluid leaves the first heat source 3 via its return line 32 and is fed to the distributor 6, as described above. The first pump 15 takes the heat transfer fluid from the distributor and feeds it to the first heat pump 1 via the flow line 11.The heat transfer fluid cooled in the heat pump 1 leaves the first heat pump 1 via the return line 12 into the collector 5 .

[0047] In the same way, the fourth pump 45 extracts heat transfer fluid from the collector 5 and feeds it to the second heat source 4 via the flow line 41. The heat transfer fluid thus heated leaves the second heat source 4 via its return line 42 into the distributor 6. The second pump 25 extracts the heat transfer fluid from the distributor 6 and feeds it to the second heat pump 2 via its flow line 21. The heat transfer fluid thus cooled leaves the second heat pump 2 via its return line 22 and is fed into the collector 5.

[0048] Due to the spatial separation of the supply and return lines at different ends of the collector 5 and the distributor 6, mixing of the heat transfer fluid is avoided. This hydraulically assigns one heat source to one heat pump, ensuring trouble-free and efficient operation even when both heat sources supply different amounts of heat or operate at different temperature levels.

[0049] In some embodiments of the invention, the first and second pumps 15 and 25 can be operated at a constant flow rate or speed, and the third and fourth pumps 35 and 45 assigned to the heat sources 3 and 4 can be controlled or regulated in such a way that the flow in the connecting pipe 7 comes to a standstill. This reliably prevents mixing of the heat transfer fluids at different temperature levels. The pumps can be controlled using a conversion table as a function of the source temperatures or the manipulated variable of the pump of the assigned heat pump. Alternatively, the pumps can be controlled by means of a known electronic controller.

[0050] By splitting the heat sources into two different fluid circuits, it is possible for the temperatures of the heat sources to be far apart without discriminating against one heat source. If an air heat exchanger or a solar collector is used as the second heat source 4, this prevents the first heat source, for example, a geothermal probe, from being subjected to the entire cooling capacity of both heat pumps. This reduces the risk of overload even with a geothermal probe dimensioned for partial load.

[0051] In a fourth operating mode, a heat pump can be used with both heat sources. Thus, the third and fourth pumps 35 and 45 extract the heat transfer fluid from the collector 5 and supply it to the first and second heat sources 3 and 4, as described above. The heat transfer fluid heated in the respective heat source flows via the respective return lines 32 and 42 into the distributor 6. There, the heat transfer fluid is mixed while simultaneously adjusting its temperature.

[0052] The first pump 15 or the second pump 25 extracts the heat transfer fluid and feeds it to a heat pump, for example the second heat pump 2. The cooled heat transfer fluid flows back into the collector 5 via the return line of the heat pump.

[0053] The fourth operating state can be used advantageously, for example, when a heat source, for example an air heat exchanger or a solar collector, provides an outlet temperature on its return which exceeds the permissible inlet temperature of a heat pump. By mixing in colder heat transfer fluid, for example from a geothermal probe, the inlet temperature can be reduced. Under typical conditions, a passive regeneration of a geothermal probe can take place at the same time due to the temperature in the collector 5, which is still elevated. In some operating states, the mixing can be limited to the necessary level by appropriately controlling the third pump 35 and the fourth pump 45 in order to maximize the efficiency of the heat pumps.

[0054] If both heat sources have a similar temperature, for example, with a difference of less than 5 K, the fourth operating mode can also be used advantageously. For example, if an air heat exchanger provides a comparatively low source temperature, the source temperature in distributor 6 can be raised by adding warmer heat transfer fluid from a geothermal probe without fully loading the geothermal probes.

[0055] In a fifth operating state, an air heat exchanger can be defrosted by means of an electric heating register 405. For this purpose, the first and second valves 47 and 48 are switched such that the fourth pump 45 can circulate the heat transfer fluid between the heating register 405 and the second heat source 4 without the heat transfer fluid being exchanged between the collector 5 and the distributor 6. The fifth operating state can be used in particular when defrosting is not possible using the first operating state described above. By switching both valves 47 and 48, a combination of operating states 1 and 5 can be enabled, i.e. the defrosting of an air heat exchanger using heat from the ground and the heating register 405.

[0056] In a sixth operating state, heat from the electric heating register 405 can be supplied to the second heat source 4 while simultaneously one or both heat pumps are in operation, as described above with reference to the second, third or fourth operating state.

[0057] A second embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figure 2. Identical components of the invention are provided with identical reference numerals, so that the following description is limited to the essential differences.

[0058] As Figure 2 shows, the collector 5 and the distributor 6 are replaced by three connecting lines 701, 702, and 703 and six shut-off valves 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and 86. By controlling the shut-off valves, all of the operating states described above can be realized.

[0059] As Figure 2 shows, the flow line 31 of the first heat source 3 is connected to the return line 12 of the first heat pump 1 by means of a line 51. The flow line 11 of the first heat pump 1 is connected to the return line 32 of the first heat source 3 by means of a line 61. The third pump 35 is located in the line 61. A third shut-off valve 83 is arranged in the line 51.

[0060] The flow line 21 of the second heat pump 2 is connected to the return line 42 of the second heat source 4 via a line 62. In addition, the return line 22 of the second heat pump is connected to the flow line 41 of the second heat source via a line 52. The fourth pump 45 is located in the line 52 and can be bypassed by a parallel bypass line. The fifth shut-off valve 85 is located in the bypass line. The fourth shut-off valve 84 and the optional heating register 405 are located in the line 62. Alternatively or additionally, the bypass line can also be arranged above the pump 35. Such a bypass line can preferably be present above the smaller pump which is assigned to the heat source with the lower pressure loss.Alternatively or additionally, the pumps 35 and 45 can also be assigned to the first and second heat pumps, as described above in connection with the first embodiment. All that is essential is that a flow of a heat transfer medium can be generated between at least one source 3, 4 and at least one heat pump 1, 2.

[0061] Lines 51 and 62 are connected by a first connecting line 701, in which a sixth shut-off valve 86 is arranged. Lines 61 and 52 are connected to a second connecting line 702, which is connected to two shut-off valves 81 and 82. Furthermore, the second connecting line 702 has a fluid connection to line 62 at a point between the two shut-off valves 81 and 82.

[0062] Finally, the lines 51 and 52 are connected by a third connecting line 703.

[0063] In the first operating state, which allows heat exchange between the first heat source 3 and the second heat source 4, the first shut-off valve 81 and the fifth shut-off valve 85 are opened and the third pump 35 is operated. The heat transfer fluid thus flows from the return line 32 of the first heat source 3 via the connecting line

[0064] 702 to the return line 42 of the second heat source 4 . From the flow line 41 of the second heat source, the heat transfer fluid flows through the bypass of the fourth pump 45 and the connecting line

[0065] 703 to the flow 31 of the first heat source 3 .

[0066] In the second operating state, heat can either be supplied from the first heat source 3 via lines 61 and 51 to the first heat pump 1. Alternatively, heat can be supplied from the second heat source 4 via lines 62 and 52 to the second heat pump 2. As a further alternative, heat can be supplied from the first heat source 3 to the second heat pump 2. For this purpose, the fluid path runs from the return 32 of the first heat source via the first connecting line 702 into the line 62, the second shut-off valve 82 is closed in this case. The return 22 leads via the third connecting line 703 to the flow 31 of the first heat source 3. The second heat source 4 can also be connected to the first heat pump 1 in the same way.

[0067] In the third operating state, the shut-off valves 85, 81, 82, and 86 are closed, and the third and fourth shut-off valves 83 and 84 are open. This enables parallel operation, in which the first heat pump is connected to the first heat source and the second heat pump is connected to the second heat source.

[0068] In the fourth operating state, the first heat source is connected to the second heat pump, as described above. Additionally, the shutoff valve 84 is opened, so that the second heat source 4 is also connected to the second heat pump 2, enabling the mixed operation described above.

[0069] In the fifth operating state, an air heat exchanger, which can be used, for example, as a second heat source 4, can be defrosted by means of an optional electric heating register 405. For this purpose, the shut-off valves 81 and 84 can be closed and the shut-off valve 82 can be opened, so that the fourth pump 45 can circulate the heat transfer fluid between the heating register 405 and the heat source 4.

[0070] A third embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figure 3. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the following description is limited to the essential differences. The third embodiment of the heat pump arrangement can be operated in some embodiments using the method according to the invention. As Figure 3 shows, three shut-off valves 81 are provided in the collector 5.

[0071] 83 and 84. The second shut-off valve 82 according to the second embodiment described above is realized by a three-way valve 82 with a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection.

[0072] The first and second connections are connected to the distributor 6 and the return 42 of the second heat source 4. The third connection is connected to the collector 5. In some embodiments, the third connection can be connected to the return 41, so that it is indirectly connected to the collector 5. By controlling the shut-off valves 81, 83 and

[0073] 84 and the three-way valve 82, all of the operating states described above can be realized. Due to the reduced complexity, the control of the heat pump arrangement 9 can be simplified.

[0074] In the first operating state, which allows heat exchange between the first heat source 3 and the second heat source 4, the first and fifth shut-off valves 81 and 85 are open and the three-way valve 82 is switched so that the first and second connections are connected to one another. The third and fourth shut-off valves 83 and 84 are closed and the third pump 35 is operated. The heat transfer fluid thus flows from the return line 32 of the first heat source 3 via the connecting line 61, the collector 5 and the connecting line 62 to the return line 42 of the second heat source 4. From the flow line 41 of the second heat source, the heat transfer fluid flows through the fifth valve 85 via the bypass line of the fourth pump 45 and the connecting line 52, the collector 5 and the connecting line 51 to the flow line 31 of the first heat source 3.

[0075] In the second operating state, a heat source can be connected to a heat pump, i.e. either heat from the first heat source 3 is supplied to the first heat pump 1 via lines 61 and 51 or, alternatively, heat from the second heat source 4 can be supplied to the second heat pump 2 via lines 62 and 52. For this purpose, the fluid path runs from the return 32 of the first heat source via the connecting line 61 into the collector 5 and from there to the flow 11 of the first heat pump 1. The return 12 leads through the open third shut-off valve 83 through the collector 5 and via the connecting line 51 to the flow 31 of the first heat source 3. The first shut-off valve 81 is closed. In the same way, the second heat source 4 can also be connected to the second heat pump 2 by opening the fourth shut-off valve 84. The optional three-way valve 82 is connected so that the first and second ports are connected to each other.

[0076] As a further alternative, heat from the first heat source 3 can be supplied to the second heat pump 2. For this purpose, the fluid path runs from the return 32 of the first heat source via the connecting line 61 into the collector 5 and from there to the flow 21 of the second heat pump 2. The return 22 leads through the open fourth and first shut-off valves 84 and 81, through the collector 5 and via the connecting line 51 to the flow 31 of the first heat source 3. The third shut-off valve 83 is closed in this case. In the same way, the second heat source 4 can also be connected to the first heat pump 1 by opening the first and third shut-off valves 81 and 83 and closing the fourth shut-off valve 84.

[0077] In the third operating state, the first shut-off valve 81 is closed and the third and fourth shut-off valves 83 and 84 are open. This enables parallel operation, in which the first heat pump is connected to the first heat source and the second heat pump is connected to the second heat source.

[0078] In the fourth operating state, the first heat source 3 is connected to the second heat pump 2 by opening the first and fourth shut-off valves 81 and 84. By closing the third shut-off valve 83, flow through the first heat pump 1 is prevented. The optional three-way valve 82 is switched such that the first and second connections are connected to one another. Both pumps 35 and 45 are then operated, so that on the one hand heat from both heat sources 3 and 4 is supplied to the second heat pump 2 and on the other hand heat is exchanged between the two heat sources 3 and 4, as described above in connection with the first embodiment. This mixed operation can also be implemented with the first heat pump 1 by switching the third and fourth shut-off valves 83 and 84, flow through the second heat pump being avoided.

[0079] In the fifth operating state, an air heat exchanger, which can be used, for example, as a second heat source 4, can be defrosted by means of an optional electric heating register 405. For this purpose, the three-way valve 82 can be switched so that the first and third connections are connected to one another, i.e., the heat transfer fluid flows from the return line 42 directly to the flow line 41 of the second heat source 4. The shut-off valve 85 is closed, and the fourth pump 45 pumps the heat transfer fluid between the heating register 405 and the heat source 4.

[0080] The third embodiment allows a combination of the fifth and second operating states with both heat pumps 1 and 2.

[0081] If the optional three-way valve 82 is omitted in some embodiments of the invention, defrosting can take place with flow through the evaporator 201 of the second heat pump 2. In this embodiment, the second operating state can occur simultaneously with the first heat pump 1. Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. The above description is therefore not to be regarded as restrictive, but as explanatory. The following claims are to be understood in such a way that a named feature is present in at least one embodiment of the invention. This does not exclude the presence of further features. If the claims and the above description define "first" and "second" embodiments, this designation serves to distinguish between two similar embodiments without establishing a priority.

Claims

Claims Heat pump arrangement (9) with at least one first heat pump (1) with a flow (11) and a return (12), at least one second heat pump (2) with a flow (21) and a return (22), at least one first heat source (3) with a flow (31) and a return (32) and at least one second heat source (4) with a flow (41) and a return (42), characterized in that the heat pump arrangement (9) further contains a collector (5) and a distributor (6), wherein the flow (11, 21) of the first and second heat pumps (1, 2) and the return (32, 42) of the first and second heat sources (3, 4) are connected to the distributor (6) and the return (12, 22) of the first and second heat pumps (1, 2) and the flow (31, 41) of the first and second heat sources (3, 4) are connected to the collector (5) and a connecting pipe (7) is arranged between the distributor (6) and the collector (5).Heat pump arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a first pump (15) which is designed to convey a heat transfer fluid from the distributor (6) into the first heat pump (1) and / or a second pump (25) which is designed to convey a heat transfer fluid from the distributor (6) into the second heat pump (2) and / or a third pump (35) which is designed to convey a heat transfer fluid from the collector (5) into the first heat source (3) and / or a fourth pump (45) which is designed to convey a heat transfer fluid from the collector (5) into the second heat source (4). Heat pump arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one flow meter (75) is present in the connecting pipe (7) and / or that at least one temperature sensor (71, 72, 73) is present in the connecting pipe (7). Heat pump arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second heat sources (3, 4) are configured to extract heat from the outside air and / or from solar radiation and / or from the soil and / or from groundwater and / or from a waste heat stream.Heat pump arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second three-way valve (48) with a first connection and a second connection and a third connection, wherein the first and second connections are connected to the distributor (6) and the return line (42) of the second heat source (3), and the third connection is connected to the collector (5), and further comprising a first three-way valve (47) with a first connection and a second connection and a third connection, wherein the first and second connections are connected to the collector (5) and the flow line (41) of the second heat source (4), and the third connection is connected to the distributor (6). Heat pump arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a control or regulating device which is designed to control the first, second, third, and fourth pumps such that the flow through the connecting pipe (7) is below a predeterminable limit value.Heat pump arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the distributor (6) is formed by a pipe, wherein the flow (11) of the first heat pump (1) and the return (32) of the first heat source (3) are arranged at a first end of the pipe. and the flow line (21) of the second heat pump (2) and the return line (42) of the second heat source (4) are arranged at a second end of the pipe. Heat pump arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the collector (5) is formed by a pipe, wherein the return line (12) of the first heat pump (1) is arranged at a first end of the pipe and the return line (22) of the second heat pump (2) is arranged at a second end of the pipe. Building with a heat pump arrangement (9) according to one of claims 1 to 8.Method for operating a heat pump arrangement (9) with at least a first heat pump (1), at least a second heat pump (2), at least a first heat source (3) and at least one second heat source (4), characterized in that in a first operating state, heat is taken from one heat source (3, 4) and supplied to the other heat source (4, 3), and in a second operating state, heat is taken from a single heat source (3, 4) and provided as domestic heat via a single heat pump (1, 2), and in a third operating state, heat is taken from the first heat source (3) and provided as domestic heat via the first heat pump (1) and heat is taken from the second heat source (4) and provided as domestic heat via the second heat pump (2).Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the heat is transported between the heat source (3, 4) and the heat pump (1, 2) with a liquid heat transfer fluid which is conveyed between the heat sources (3, 4) and the heat pumps (1, 2) by at least one pump (15, 25, 35, 45). Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the first and second pumps (15, 25) assigned to the heat pumps (1, 2) are operated at a constant flow rate, and the third and fourth pumps (35, 45) assigned to the heat sources (3, 4) are controlled or regulated. Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the supply and return lines (31, 32, 41, 42, 11, 12, 21, 22) of the heat sources (3, 4) and the heat pumps (1, 2) are connected to a collector (5) and a distributor (6), and a connecting pipe (7) is arranged between the distributor (6) and the collector (5), wherein the pumps (35, 45) are controlled or regulated such that the flow through the connecting pipe (7) is below a predeterminable limit value.Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the control is carried out by a conversion table or that the control is carried out such that the connecting pipe (7) has the average temperature between the collector (5) and the distributor (6), or that the control is carried out such that a flow meter (75) in the connecting pipe (7) detects a flow below a predeterminable limit value. Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, in a fourth operating state, heat is extracted from both heat sources (3, 4) and provided as domestic heat via a single heat pump (1, 2).

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