Heating system and heating device, in particular hybrid heating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating system (10a; 10b, 10b; 10c), comprising: a heating device (12a; 12b; 12b; 12c), in particular a hybrid heating device, having at least two heating units (14a, 16a; 14b, 16b; 14c, 16c) in the housing; and a replacement heating unit (18a; 18b, 18b; 18c) which is designed in particular as an electronic heating block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a heating system and a heating device, in particular to a hybrid heating device. Background Art

[0002] Hybrid heating devices with a heat pump and a gas heating block are known, which are provided for providing thermal energy for a central heating system and a domestic hot water system of a household. In this case, the heat pump provides energy up to a certain temperature, for example up to 55° C., in particular depending on the refrigerant used in the heat pump. If the heating system and the hot water system require a higher temperature and therefore an increased amount of heat, the gas heating block is connected for this purpose. Summary of the invention

[0003] A heating system is proposed, which has: a heating device, in particular a hybrid heating device, which has at least two heating units; and an alternative heating unit, which is in particular configured as an electronic heating block / component (Block). In this context, a "hybrid heating device" is to be understood as a heating device with at least two heating units, which is based on two different energy conversion principles, for example, in particular based on the principle of burning fuel, in particular mineral fuel, to obtain thermal energy and the principle of converting electrical energy into thermal energy. In this context, an "alternative heating unit" is to be understood as a heating unit that is different from at least one of the at least two heating units of the heating device and preferably from two of the at least two heating units of the heating device, more precisely different in terms of its energy conversion principle. Different configurations that are considered meaningful by a person skilled in the art can be considered here, but it is particularly advantageous that the alternative heating unit is configured as an electronic heating block, more precisely, preferably with a resistance heating element, so that in particular the heating system can be operated completely electrically. In addition, at least one heating unit of the heating device and / or the alternative heating unit can be configured as a hydrogen heating unit.

[0004] The replacement heating unit can already be at least partially pre-installed and is therefore provided in particular as a replacement for at least one of the heating units of the hybrid heating unit. Alternatively, however, at least one of the two heating units of the preferred heating device is provided for replacement with a replacement heating unit, more precisely particularly preferably by the end customer. In this context, "provided" is to be understood as being specially equipped, specially designed and / or specially programmed. Preferably, a plug connection is provided, by means of which the replacement heating unit can be easily installed electrically and preferably also in terms of control technology and thus a so-called plug-and-play solution can be realized. Here, the heating unit to be replaced can either be simply deactivated or can also be deactivated and removed.

[0005] By means of a corresponding design, a particularly high degree of flexibility can be achieved, in particular with regard to the use of fuel and current, as well as with regard to the required energy requirements and temperatures in the system, in particular also after installation. It is particularly advantageous to be able to react to changes, for example to a lower energy requirement due to newly installed insulation, to changed availability (for example due to the installation of PV systems, hot water collectors), to price changes in terms of current, fuel, etc.

[0006] The heating device can have different heating units that are considered appropriate by the person skilled in the art, but it is particularly advantageous if the heating unit is designed as a fuel heating block, in particular as a gas heating block and / or at least as a heat pump. The heat pump can be provided for replacement. However, it is particularly advantageous if the fuel heating block is provided for replacement, thereby making it possible to react particularly flexibly to anticipated changes.

[0007] In another embodiment, the heating system has a housing, wherein at least two heating units of the heating device are each at least partially arranged in the housing, for example, advantageously, the burner of the heating unit configured as a fuel heating block and the internal unit of the heating unit configured as a heat pump are arranged in the housing. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous that the hydraulic unit of the heating system, which is preferably at least partially implemented as one piece with the hydraulic unit of the heating unit configured as a heat pump, is arranged in the housing, for example, advantageously for water circulation in a household. Pumps, valves (eg pressure compensation valves), compensation containers and / or degassing units etc. are arranged in the housing.

[0008] In principle, it is also conceivable for a person skilled in the art to arrange other subunits of at least two heating units that appear to be sensible in the housing. An advantageously compact and cost-effective unit can be achieved, in particular when the replacement heating unit is already arranged in the housing after preinstallation, at the time of delivery or at least after the replacement and is provided for being arranged in the housing. The installer can carry out the replacement with minimal effort, in particular without CO2. Advantageously, during the replacement, a free space can be used, which was previously occupied by the heating unit of the heating device to be replaced, for example, a heating unit preferably configured as a fuel heating block, or an area in the housing that is specifically provided for this purpose, for example, an area preferably adjacent to the fuel heating block, can be used.

[0009] It is further proposed that the heating system has a control and / or regulating unit which is provided for controlling and / or regulating the alternative heating unit, thereby making it possible to save components and costs. It is particularly advantageous here that the control and / or regulating unit is also arranged in the housing. Advantageously, the provided electronics unit remains unchanged.

[0010] Advantageously, when deactivating one of the heating units of the heating device and when deactivating an alternative heating unit, the hydraulic unit of the heating system also remains unchanged.

[0011] Furthermore, the outlay on components and installation can be saved if the replacement heating unit is provided for processing the signals of at least one of the heating units, more specifically advantageously for processing the signals for controlling the blower.

[0012] It is further proposed that the heating system comprises a primary circuit, which is used for heating domestic water (Brauchwasser) and / or drinking water with at least one internal heat exchanger, which is different from the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit. Preferably, the heating unit or at least one of the heating units and the alternative heating unit are incorporated into the primary circuit in terms of fluid technology. The primary circuit is preferably configured for circulating a heat carrier, in particular heating water, in order to transfer heat from the heating unit or one of the heating units and the alternative heating unit to a consumer, such as a space heating device and / or a hot water preparation device. Preferably, the internal heat exchanger is configured for hot water preparation. Preferably, the internal heat exchanger is arranged in the housing of the heating device. Preferably, the internal heat exchanger is designed as a continuous heater. Instead of or in addition to the internal heat exchanger, the heating system can have, in particular outside the housing of the heating device, a hot water storage for storing hot water, which is incorporated into the secondary circuit of the heating system in terms of fluid technology. In the embodiment with a hot water reservoir, the heating device has, for example, a fluid connection for an external heat exchanger incorporated into the hot water reservoir, which is connected in particular instead of the internal heat exchanger or in parallel with the internal heat exchanger in terms of fluid technology. With the embodiment according to the invention, an advantageous space-saving heating system can be provided. In particular, an additional hot water reservoir can be omitted.

[0013] It is further proposed that the heating system has at least one buffer tank, which is arranged in the primary circuit or is configured to be arranged in the primary circuit. In at least one embodiment of the heating device, the heating device has, in particular independently of the heating unit or alternative heating unit used, a buffer tank. In an alternative embodiment of the heating device, the heating device has at least one mounting position for mounting a buffer tank, so that in particular when one of the heating units is replaced by an alternative heating unit, the buffer tank can be integrated into the primary circuit. Preferably, the buffer tank is incorporated into the heat exchanger inlet of the primary circuit leading to the heat exchanger in terms of fluid technology in the state arranged in the primary circuit. Preferably, the buffer tank is configured to supply heat to the heat exchanger, in particular at the beginning of water extraction on the secondary side, until the combination of the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit can meet the heat demand associated with the water extraction. For example, the at least two heating units include a first heating unit, in particular a fuel heating block, and at least one further heating unit, in particular an internal unit of a heat pump. For example, depending on the configuration of the heating device and on the heat demand, the combination of the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit can be only the first heating unit, only the further heating unit, only the alternative heating unit, the first heating unit and the further heating unit or the alternative heating unit and the further heating unit. By means of the configuration according to the invention, the reliability of the hot water preparation device can be advantageously maintained independently of the heating unit or alternative heating unit used. In particular, the heating unit with the heater can be replaced by an electric alternative heating unit, in particular by an electric alternative heating unit with an advantageously low rated power, wherein advantageously, a small loss of comfort for the user in terms of hot water preparation occurs. In particular, advantageously reliable hot water preparation can already be achieved with an electric alternative heating unit with a rated power between 3.5 kW and 9 kW.

[0014] It is further proposed that the heating system has a housing, in particular the housing already mentioned, wherein at least two heating units together with at least one buffer tank are at least partially arranged in the housing, or wherein the alternative heating unit together with at least one buffer tank is provided for being at least partially arranged in the housing. In an advantageous modification-friendly configuration of the heating device, the heating device is provided for accommodating an assembly module of the heating system, on which the alternative heating units and buffer tanks are preassembled and are connected to one another, in particular in terms of fluid technology. By means of the configuration according to the invention, the heating device can advantageously be kept compact. In particular, the piping can advantageously be kept short and the pressure drop in the primary circuit can advantageously be kept small. In particular, when adding a buffer tank to the heating device, the already existing pipework outside the housing can advantageously remain unchanged.

[0015] It is further proposed that the heating system comprises at least one fluid control element for selectively flowing through or at least partially bypassing at least one buffer tank, a heat exchanger and / or at least one of the heating units or an alternative heating unit. The fluid control element is preferably provided for setting whether heat is stored in the buffer tank, in particular bypassing the heat exchanger; whether heat is extracted from the buffer tank, in particular bypassing the heat exchanger; and / or whether the buffer tank is bypassed, in particular for transferring heat from a combination of the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit to the heat exchanger. Preferably, at least one fluid control element is configured as a valve, in particular a three-way valve, a stop valve or a continuous valve. Preferably, the heating system comprises at least one first fluid control element for setting whether or what proportion of the total volume flow flows through the buffer tank. Preferably, the heating system comprises at least one further fluid control element for determining the flow direction of the heat carrier through the buffer tank. If the heating device has a buffer tank, the heating device preferably also comprises at least one fluid control element. Alternatively, the fluid control system is provided for being installed in the heating device together with the buffer tank, in particular by pre-assembly on an assembly module. The configuration according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to flexibly change the charging state of the buffer tank. In particular, the buffer tank can be controlled in a targeted manner depending on the duration for putting one of the heating units and / or the replacement heating unit into operation. In particular, the volume of the buffer tank can advantageously be kept small. In particular, the recharging time of the buffer tank can advantageously be kept short.

[0016] It is further proposed that at least one buffer tank comprises: at least one hot fluid inlet and hot fluid outlet for supplying heat to the heat exchanger; and a loading fluid attachment end for changing the loading state of at least one buffer tank. Preferably, the buffer tank is incorporated into the inlet of the heat exchanger in terms of fluid technology by means of the hot fluid inlet and the hot fluid outlet. Preferably, the hot fluid inlet is arranged to receive a heat carrier from a combination of a heating unit and / or an alternative heating unit. Preferably, the hot fluid outlet is arranged to output a heat carrier to the heat exchanger. Preferably, the buffer tank has an orientation axis, which is arranged to be oriented at least substantially parallel to the earth's gravity for operating the buffer tank. Here, "substantially parallel" should in particular define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular an orientation in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2° relative to the reference direction. A plane extending perpendicular to the orientation axis divides the buffer tank into a top half and a bottom half. Preferably, the hot fluid inlet and the hot fluid outlet are arranged in the top half. Particularly preferably, the height distance between the hot fluid inlet and the hot fluid outlet extending parallel to the orientation axis is less than 33%, preferably less than 25%, particularly preferably less than 15% of the maximum height extension of the buffer tank parallel to the orientation axis. Preferably, the direct fluid path from the hot fluid inlet through the buffer tank to the hot fluid outlet bypasses a large part of the volume of the buffer tank, in particular so that the input temperature of the heat carrier at the hot fluid inlet and the output temperature of the heat carrier at the hot fluid outlet are at least substantially the same, in particular with a temperature difference of less than 3K, preferably less than 1K, particularly preferably less than 0.5K. Preferably, the loading fluid attachment end is arranged in the bottom half of the buffer tank. Preferably, the fluid path from the loading fluid attachment end through the buffer tank to the hot fluid outlet is arranged for extracting heat from the buffer tank. Preferably, the fluid path from the hot fluid inlet through the buffer tank to the loading fluid attachment end is arranged for storing heat in the buffer tank. Preferably, a further fluid control element is attached to the loading fluid attachment end in order to adjust the flow direction of the heat carrier through the loading fluid attachment end. The configuration according to the invention advantageously allows the buffer tank to be quickly recharged. In particular, the time during which the buffer tank cannot adequately compensate for the short-term heat demand of the additional secondary-side water withdrawal can be kept short.

[0017] It is further proposed that the distance between the hot fluid outlet and the load fluid attachment end is designed according to the start-up duration of at least one of the heating units and / or the alternative heating unit. Preferably, a large part of the volume of the buffer tank, preferably at least 50%, particularly preferably more than 75%, in particular at least 90%, is arranged between the load fluid attachment end and the hot fluid outlet. After the water extraction on the secondary side is started on the heat exchanger, the combination of the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit needs to be put into operation for a period of time in order to reach an operating point that can meet the heat demand of the water extraction on the secondary side. Preferably, the buffer tank is designed to store enough heat to compensate for the maximum start-up duration required by the combination of the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit. The buffer tank can be designed to completely compensate for the lack of heat supply by the combination of the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit so that the heat demand of the water extraction on the secondary side is fully met. Alternatively, the buffer tank is designed to maintain a certain minimum temperature of the extracted water on the heat exchanger at a certain maximum water extraction rate during the start-up duration. Particularly preferably, the distance is designed as a function of the heating power and / or the start-up time of the second heating unit, as a function of the thermal capacity of the primary circuit, in particular the entire primary circuit, and / or as a function of the desired comfort level, in particular the minimum temperature to be achieved. Advantageously, the configuration according to the invention makes it possible to achieve an advantageously high user comfort level independently of the type of heating unit and / or replacement heating unit used. In particular, the loss of comfort when changing from a heating unit with a burner to an electric replacement heating unit can be kept advantageously low.

[0018] In addition, a method for operating a heating system according to the invention in a configuration with at least one buffer tank is proposed, wherein in at least one method step, domestic and / or drinking water is heated by means of the at least one buffer tank. Preferably, the method is triggered by water extraction on the secondary side of the heat exchanger. At the start of water extraction on the secondary side, the control and / or regulating unit guides the heat carrier preferably via the loading fluid attachment end to the hot fluid outlet in the primary circuit by means of at least one fluid control element and from there to the heat exchanger. In particular, a relatively cold heat carrier flows through the loading fluid inlet, which displaces the relatively hot heat carrier already in the buffer tank through the hot fluid outlet. At the start of water extraction on the secondary side, the control and / or regulating unit preferably puts the heating unit and / or the combination of alternative heating units into operation in order to meet the heat demand associated with water extraction on the secondary side. If the heating unit and / or the combination of alternative heating units are ready, the control and / or regulating unit guides the heat carrier via the heating unit and / or the combination of alternative heating units to the hot fluid inlet by means of at least one fluid control element. Preferably, in order to meet the heat demand, the control and / or regulating unit prefers at least one further heating unit to the first heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit. In particular, the control or regulating unit puts the first heating unit or the alternative heating unit into operation only when the heat supply achieved by the at least one further heating unit is not sufficient to meet the heat demand at the set operating point of the further heating unit. Preferably, the buffer tank is designed so that the combination of the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit is ready before the relatively cold heat carrier reaches the hot fluid outlet. When the heat carrier enters through the hot fluid inlet, the flow of the hot fluid preferably bypasses at least a large part of the buffer tank and flows directly to the heat exchanger through the hot fluid outlet. During the supply of the heat exchanger by means of the combination of the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit, the heat distribution in the buffer tank remains essentially unchanged, except for the thermalization process. After the water extraction on the secondary side has been completed, the control or regulating unit guides the heat transfer medium, preferably via a combination of a heating unit and / or an alternative heating unit, to a hot fluid inlet and to a charge fluid outlet by means of at least one fluid control element, so that the relatively hot portion of the heat exchanger is displaced from the buffer tank via the charge fluid outlet. The relatively cold share of the heat exchanger. If the buffer tank is fully loaded with heat, the control or regulating unit preferably ends the operation of the combination of the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit. For example, according to the temperature sensor on the loading fluid outlet or in the buffer tank and / or according to the duration of feeding the relatively hot heat carrier into the buffer tank, the control or regulating unit can determine whether there is enough heat stored in the buffer tank. Through the configuration according to the present invention, advantageously, regardless of the type of the heating unit and / or the alternative heating unit used, an advantageous high user comfort can be achieved. In particular, the comfort loss when changing from a heating unit with a burner to an electric alternative heating unit can be advantageously kept small. In addition, the operation duration of the heating unit configured as a heat pump can be advantageously buffered (puffern), so that the heat pump can also be used to meet the advantageous large heat demand, especially all heat demand, in many advantageous conditions without the assistance of other, especially fuel heating blocks. In addition, the heating unit configured as a heat pump can be advantageously designed to be small, especially without comfort loss. Furthermore, an advantageously large ratio of the regenerative energy used per year to the fossil energy used can be achieved.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, a heating device, in particular a hybrid heating device, is proposed, which has a housing, a heating device configured as a heat pump and a heating unit configured as a fuel heating block, in particular configured as a gas heating block, which are each at least partially arranged in the housing. In at least one embodiment, the heating device has a heat exchanger, which is preferably arranged in the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the heating device has a fluid attachment end for an external heat exchanger of a hot water storage device. In a configuration with a heat exchanger, the heating device preferably has a buffer tank and / or an assembly location, which is configured for arranging a buffer tank, wherein the buffer tank and / or the assembly location are preferably arranged in the housing. By means of a corresponding configuration, a particularly compact and flexibly usable heating device can be created, more precisely in particular when one of the heating units is configured for replacement.

[0020] The heating system according to the invention, the method according to the invention and the heating device according to the invention are not to be restricted to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, in order to realize the functional principle described here, the heating system according to the invention, the method according to the invention and the heating device according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components and units and method steps that differs from the number mentioned here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawings. Three embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings and the description contain a large number of feature combinations. It is also expedient for a person skilled in the art to examine the features individually and to combine the features into other meaningful combinations.

[0022] The accompanying drawings show:

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a heating system according to the invention having a heating device according to the invention and having an alternative heating unit which can be added to the heating device according to the invention in a replaceable manner,

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing an alternative embodiment of a heating system according to the invention having a heating device according to the invention without an internal buffer tank, which is in particular designed as a continuous flow heater and for which no external hot water tank is provided,

[0025] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 A schematic hydraulic layout of a heating device according to the invention in a configuration with a first heating unit,

[0026] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 A schematic hydraulic layout of a heating device according to the invention in a configuration with an alternative heating unit,

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic flow chart of the method according to the present invention is shown,

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram shows a further alternative embodiment of a heating system according to the invention, which has a heating device according to the invention, which has an internal buffer tank, and

[0029] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 A schematic hydraulic layout of a heating device according to the invention is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a heating system 10a is shown. The heating system 10a has a heating device 12a. The heating device 12a is designed as a hybrid heating device. The heating device 12a is provided to meet the heat demand of a residential building 24a. The heat demand of the residential building 24a is formed at least primarily by the temperature control of the living space and by the temperature control of the domestic water and / or the temperature control of the drinking water.

[0031] The heating device 12a has a first heating unit 14a. The first heating unit 14a is configured as a fuel heating block. The first heating unit 14a is configured as a gas heating block. The heating device 12a has a second heating unit 16a. The second heating unit 16a is configured as at least a part of a heat pump. The second heating unit 16a is configured as an indoor unit of a heat pump. The indoor unit is connected to an outdoor unit 26a of the heat pump, which is arranged outside the residential building 24a. The second heating unit 16a is configured to provide a temperature of up to 55°C. The first heating unit 14a is configured to provide a temperature greater than 55°C. That is, if a temperature greater than 55°C, such as a domestic water temperature and / or a drinking water temperature, is required in the residential building 24a, the first heating unit 14a assists the second heating unit 16a. In the case of particularly cold external temperatures, the first heating unit 14a can also play an auxiliary role.

[0032] The residential building 24a comprises a space heating device 28a. The space heating device 28a is designed as a floor heating device by way of example. However, alternative space heating devices are of course also conceivable. The heating device 12a is provided for operating the space heating device 28a. The residential building 24a comprises a hot water tank 30a. The heating device 12a is provided for heating domestic and / or drinking water in the hot water tank 30a.

[0033] The heating system 10a, in particular the heating device 12a, has a housing 20a. The first heating unit 14a is arranged in the housing 20a. The second heating unit 16a is at least partially arranged in the housing 20a. The indoor unit of the heat pump is arranged in the housing 20a. The heating system 10a, in particular the heating device 12a, has an electronic control and / or adjustment unit 22a. The control and / or adjustment unit 22a is arranged in the housing 20a. The control and / or adjustment unit 22a is at least arranged to control and / or adjust the first heating unit 14a. The control and / or adjustment unit 22a is at least arranged to control and / or adjust the second heating unit 16a. The heating system 10a, in particular the heating device 12a, has a user interface 32a. The user interface 32a allows the control and / or adjustment unit 22a, the first heating unit 14a and / or the second heating unit 16a to be adjusted. The user interface 32a can be accessible or operated via the surface of the housing 20a. Alternatively, wireless operation via remote control or other mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) is also conceivable. The heating system 10a, in particular the heating device 12a, has a hydraulic system 34a. The hydraulic system 34a is at least partially, preferably mainly or completely arranged in the housing 20a. The control and / or regulating unit 22a is at least configured to control and / or regulate the hydraulic system 34a.

[0034] The heating system 10a has an alternative heating unit 18a. The alternative heating unit 18a is configured as an electronic heating block. Alternatively, the alternative heating unit 18a can also be configured as a hydrogen heating block. The alternative heating unit 18a is configured to provide a temperature greater than 55°C. The alternative heating unit 18a is configured to be arranged in a housing 20a. The first heating unit 14a configured as a fuel heating block is configured to be replaced (Austausch). The first heating unit 14a is configured to be replaced with an alternative heating unit 18a. The alternative heating unit 18a can replace the first heating unit 14a in the heating device 12a. Instead of the first heating unit 14a, the alternative heating unit 18a can be assembled into the housing 20a. Here, it may be necessary to remove the first heating unit 14a from the housing 20a. The control and / or regulation unit 22a is at least configured to control / or regulate the alternative heating unit 18a. The alternative heating unit 18a is compatible with the hydraulic system 34a of the heating system 10a. The replacement heating unit 18a is compatible with the user interface 32a of the heating system 10a. The replacement heating unit 18a is compatible with the hot water tank 30a. The replacement heating unit 18a is compatible with the space heating device 28a. The replacement heating unit 18a is compatible with the second heating unit 16a. The replacement heating unit 18a is configured to process signals of at least one of the heating units 14a, 16a of the heating device 12a, in particular the signals of the second heating unit 16a. Replacing the first heating unit 14a with the replacement heating unit 18a is a plug & play process.

[0035] It is conceivable that after the replacement or installation of the replacement heating unit 18a, the replacement heating unit is electrically connected to the signal line which was previously provided for controlling the fan / ventilator of the first heating unit 14a replaced by the replacement heating unit 18a, in particular the gas heating block. Advantageously, the current supply of the fan / ventilator of the gas heating block can thus be used again for the current supply of the electronic device heating block, in particular for the current supply of at least one control circuit board of the electronic device heating block. In addition, particularly simple retrofitting can be achieved, which has a minimal impact, in particular, on the control design or the cable harness of the heating system 10a.

[0036] exist Figures 2 to 7 Two further embodiments of the present invention are shown in the following. The following description and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, wherein, for the components with the same designations, in particular for the components with the same reference numerals, in principle, reference can also be made to the drawings and / or descriptions of other embodiments, in particular to the Figure 1 In order to distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is placed in Figure 1 After the reference numerals of the embodiments in the Figures 2 to 7In the embodiment of the present invention, the letter a is replaced by letters b to c.

[0037] Figure 2 A heating system 10b is shown with a heating device 12b. The heating device 12b is in particular configured as a hybrid heating device. The heating device 12b comprises at least one first heating unit 14b and a second heating unit 16b. The first heating unit 14b is preferably configured as a fuel heating block, in particular as a gas heating block, and the second heating unit 16b preferably comprises a heat exchanger of a heat pump. The heating system 10b comprises an alternative heating unit 18b, which is in particular configured as an electronic heating block. Preferably, the heating device 12b is configured in such a way that the first heating unit 14b can be replaced by the alternative heating unit 18b.

[0038] The heating system 10b comprises a primary circuit. The primary circuit comprises at least one heat exchanger 36b for heating domestic and / or drinking water, which heat exchanger is different from the heating unit 14b, 16b and / or the alternative heating unit 18b. Preferably, the heat exchanger 36b is designed as a continuous heater, in particular at least when operated together with the first heating unit 14b. In particular, the heating system 10b can dispense with Figure 1 In order to operate with an alternative heating unit 18b, which in particular has a lower heating power and / or a longer operating period than the first heating unit, the heating system 10b comprises a buffer tank 38b, which is provided for integration into the heating device 12b when the alternative heating unit 18b is installed. With this type of design, the already installed heat exchanger 36b can also be used with the alternative heating unit 18b in the full range of functions at advantageously low retrofitting costs.

[0039] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A hydraulic plan is shown for each of the heating systems 12b, 12b'. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the heating device 12 b is shown in a configuration having a first heating unit 14 b. Figure 4 , the heating device 12b' is shown in a configuration in which the first heating unit 14b is replaced by an alternative heating unit 18b. In order to distinguish the configurations, Figure 4 The reference numerals are preceded by an apostrophe.

[0040] Preferably, the primary circuit comprises a fluid delivery unit 56b, 56b', in particular a pump, for circulating the fluid in the primary circuit. Heat carrier, in particular hot water. Preferably, the primary circuit comprises a first heating unit 14b or an alternative heating unit 18b' and a second heating unit 16b, 16b'. Preferably, the heating unit 14b or an alternative heating unit 18b' is arranged downstream of the fluid conveying unit 56b, 56b'. For example, the second heating unit 16b, 16b' is arranged upstream of the fluid conveying unit 56b, 56b'. In particular, the second heating unit 16b, 16b' and the first heating unit 14b or an alternative heating unit 18b' are connected in series or can be connected in series in terms of fluid technology. Preferably, the primary circuit comprises a heat exchanger inlet 66b, 66b', which heat exchanger inlet Attached to the fluid outlet of the first heating unit 14b or the alternative heating unit 18b'. Preferably, the heat exchanger inlet 66b, 66b' is attached to the fluid inlet of the heat exchanger 36b, 36b'. Preferably, the primary circuit includes a heat exchanger return 68b, 68b', which is attached to the fluid outlet of the heat exchanger 36b, 36b' and attached to the fluid inlet of the second heating unit 16b, 16b'. Preferably, the heat exchanger 36b, 36b' includes a secondary side with a water source attachment end 64b, 64b' and a water output attachment end 62b', the water source attachment end is used to receive drinking water and / or domestic water, in particular untempered drinking water and / or domestic water, and the water output attachment end is used to output drinking water and / or domestic water with a predetermined desired temperature. In order to heat the drinking water and / or domestic water to the desired temperature and, if necessary, additionally to operate the space heating device 28b (see Figure 2 ), a heat requirement that can be provided by a combination of heating units 14b, 16b, 16b' and / or alternative heating unit 18b' is required.

[0041] Preferably, the primary circuit comprises at least one heating device inlet 58b, 58b', which branches off from the heat exchanger inlet 66b, 66b' and is used to supply a heat carrier to the space heating device 28b (see Figure 2). Preferably, the heating device return 60b, 60b' of the primary circuit flows into the heat exchanger return 68b'. Preferably, the heating system 10b comprises at least one heating device fluid adjustment element 54b, 54b' for adjusting the distribution of the total volume flow in the primary circuit to at least the space heater 28b, 28b' and the heat exchanger 36b, 36b'. Here, by way of example, the heating device fluid adjustment element 54b, 54b' is arranged in the heat exchanger inlet 66b, 66b', alternatively in the heat exchanger return 68b, 68b'. Preferably, the heating device 12b, 12b' comprises a housing 20b, 20b', in which the first heating unit 14b or the alternative heating unit 18b', the second heating unit 16b, 16b', the fluid conveying unit 56b, 56b' and the heat exchanger 36b, 36b' and in particular the heat exchanger inlet 66b, 66b', the heat exchanger return 68b, 68b' and the heating device fluid adjustment element 54b are arranged together.

[0042] In the configuration of the heating device 12b' for operation with the alternative heating unit 18b', the buffer tank 38b' is arranged in the primary circuit. Preferably, the buffer tank 38b' is integrated into the heat exchanger inlet 66b', preferably downstream of the heating device fluid adjustment elements 54b, 54b'. The buffer tank 38b' comprises a hot fluid inlet 44b' and a hot fluid outlet 46b' for supplying heat to the heat exchanger 36b'. The hot fluid inlet 44b' is preferably arranged upstream of the hot fluid outlet 46b' in the heat exchanger inlet 66b'. Preferably, the hot fluid inlet 44b' is attached to the section of the heat exchanger inlet 66b' attached to the alternative heating unit 18b'. Preferably, the hot fluid outlet 46b' is attached to the section of the heat exchanger inlet 66b' attached to the heat exchanger 36b'. Preferably, the hot fluid inlet 44b' and the hot fluid outlet 46b' are arranged in the top half of the buffer tank 38b'. . The buffer tank 38b' comprises a loading fluid attachment end 48b' for changing the loading state of the buffer tank 38b'. Preferably, the loading fluid attachment end 48b' is arranged in the bottom half of the buffer tank 38b'. Preferably, the loading fluid attachment end 48b' is fluidically attached to the heat exchanger return 68b' and / or the heating device return 60b' by means of the loading line of the heating system 10b. Preferably, the loading fluid attachment end 48b' is attached to the fluid outlet of the fluid conveying unit 56b' by means of the unloading line of the heating system 10b. Preferably, the unloading line branches off from the supply line of the primary circuit upstream of the alternative heating unit 18b', and the supply line leads from the fluid conveying unit 56b' to the alternative heating unit 18b'. The distance between the hot fluid outlet 46b' and the loading fluid attachment end 48b' is designed according to the commissioning duration of the second heating unit 16b' and / or the alternative heating unit 18b'.

[0043] The heating system 10b comprises at least one fluid control element 40b', 42b' for selectively flowing through or at least partially bypassing the buffer tank 38b', the heat exchanger 36b' and / or the alternative heating unit 18b'. Here, by way of example, the heating system 10b comprises a first fluid control element 40b', which is in particular designed as a three-way valve. Preferably, the first fluid control element 40b' is attached to the loading fluid attachment end 48b' and is configured to selectively connect the loading fluid attachment end 48b' to the loading line or the unloading line in terms of fluid technology. By way of example, the heating system 10b comprises a further fluid control element 42b'. Preferably, the further fluid control element 42b' is arranged in the supply line between the fluid conveying unit 56b' and the alternative heating unit 18b' and is configured to selectively connect the fluid conveying unit 56b' to the alternative heating unit 18b' or the loading line in terms of fluid technology.

[0044] Preferably, the buffer tank 38b', the fluid control elements 40b', 42b', the loading and / or unloading lines are arranged together in the housing 20b', in particular together with the mentioned components already arranged in the housing 20b'.

[0045] Figure 5 Shown for running on Figure 4Method 50b for a heating system 10b in the configuration shown. In at least one method step of method 50b, domestic and / or drinking water is heated with the aid of a buffer tank 38b'. Preferably, method 50b is triggered by water extraction on the secondary side of heat exchanger 36b'. Preferably, method 50b comprises a buffer step 70b. In buffer step 70b, control or regulating unit 22b accepts (nehmen) a temperature or at least brings it to a minimum temperature. In buffer step 70b, control and / or regulating unit 22b guides a heat carrier from fluid transport unit 56b' via an unloading line to loading fluid attachment end 48b' into buffer tank 38b' with the aid of fluid control elements 40b', 42b'. The heat carrier stored in buffer tank 38b', in particular relatively hot, is displaced and guided through heat exchanger 36b' via hot fluid outlet 46b'. The heat transfer medium is preferably guided through the heat exchanger 36b' and preferably guided back to the fluid conveying unit 56b' via the second heating unit 16b'. In the buffering step 70b, the alternative heating unit 18b' is preferably bypassed or connected in parallel with the buffer tank 38b' in terms of fluid technology by means of a further fluid control element 42b' for simultaneously supplying the space heating device 28.

[0046] Preferably, the method 50b comprises a conventional output 72b, which is introduced by the control or regulating unit 22b when the second heating unit is ready, in particular when the set operating point is reached. At the beginning of the conventional output 72b, the control or regulating unit 22b guides the heat carrier preferably from the fluid conveying unit 56b' through the alternative heating unit 18b' to the hot fluid inlet 44b' by means of the fluid control elements 40b', 42b', and in particular via the hot fluid outlet 46b' to the heat exchanger 36b', bypassing a large part of the volume of the buffer tank 38b'. The heat carrier is preferably guided through the heat exchanger 36b' and preferably guided back to the fluid conveying unit 56b' via the second heating unit 16b'. In the conventional output 72b, the alternative heating unit 18b' can be switched on or off, in particular depending on the heat demand to be met. In particular, the control or regulating unit 22b puts the alternative heating unit 18b' into use only when the heating power of the second heating unit 16b is insufficient to meet the heat demand and / or only when an increase in the heating power of the second heating unit 16b is less efficient in terms of electrical energy demand than putting the alternative heating unit 18b' into operation. Preferably, in a conventional output 72b, the control or regulating unit 22b closes the loading fluid attachment end 48b' by means of the fluid control elements 40b', 42b'.

[0047] Preferably, the method 50b comprises a reloading step 74b, which is carried out after the water extraction on the secondary side of the heat exchanger 36b' has ended. In the reloading step 74b, the control or regulating unit 22b guides the heat carrier from the fluid transport unit 56b' via the alternative heating unit 18b to the hot fluid inlet 44b' by means of the fluid control elements 40b', 42b'. The heat carrier located in the buffer tank 38b', in particular relatively cold, is displaced through the loading fluid attachment end 48b' and is guided back into the heat exchanger return 68b' and / or back into the heating device return 60b' via the loading line. Preferably, the heat carrier is guided back to the fluid transport unit 56b' via the second heating unit 16b'. At the end of the recharging step 74b, in particular when the buffer tank 38b' is sufficiently filled with heat, the control and / or regulating unit 22b preferably closes the loading fluid attachment end 48b' by means of the first fluid control element 40b' and / or closes the hot fluid attachment end by means of the heating device fluid adjustment element 54b'. Depending on the additional heat requirement of the space heating device 28b, the control or regulating unit 22b can switch off the second heating unit 16b', the alternative heating unit 18b' and / or the fluid conveying unit 56b', put them into standby operation or continue operation, in particular continue operation at another operating point.

[0048] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A heating system 10c with a heating device 12c is shown. The heating device 12c is particularly configured as a hybrid heating device. Preferably, the heating device 12c includes a first heating unit 14c, which is configured as a fuel heating block, for example. The heating device 12c includes a second heating unit 16c, which is configured as an internal unit (Inhauseinheit) of a heat pump, for example. The heating system 10c includes an alternative heating unit 18c, which is particularly configured as an electronic heating block. Preferably, the heating device 12c is configured so that the first heating unit 14c can be replaced by an alternative heating unit 18c. The heating system 10c includes at least one heat exchanger 36c and a buffer tank 38c, which are incorporated into the primary circuit of the heating device 12c. The heating system 10c includes a housing 20c. At least two heating units 14c, 16c or a second heating unit 16c and an alternative heating unit 18c are at least partially arranged in the housing 20c together with the buffer tank 38c.

[0049] In a configuration having a buffer tank 38c and having a first heating unit 14c configured as a fuel heating block, the Figure 4A method similar to the method 50b shown, wherein in all the above-described method steps, depending on the configuration, the first heating unit 16c and the alternative heating unit 18c can be replaced arbitrarily. In particular, in the conventional output of the method, the first heating unit 14c is preferably put into operation by the control and / or regulation unit 22c of the heating system 10c only when the heating power of the further heating unit 16c is insufficient to meet the predetermined heat demand. Preferably, by this type of configuration, the consumption of mineral energy carriers of the heating device 12c can be kept low relative to the use of electric current, in particular relative to the use of regenerative energy carriers. In particular, by means of the buffer tank 38c, the user comfort during the operation of the second heating unit 16c can also be advantageously kept high without using the first heating unit 14c.

Claims

1. A heating system (10a; 10b; 10c), comprising: A heating device (12a; 12b; 12c), in particular a hybrid heating device, comprising at least two heating units (14a, 16a; 14b, 16b; 14c, 16c); and An alternative heating unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is particularly designed as an electronic heating block.

2. The heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one of the at least two heating units (14a, 16a; 14b, 16b; 14c, 16c) of the heating device (12a; 12b; 12c) is arranged for replacement with the replacement heating unit (18a; 18b; 18c).

3. The heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The heating device (12a; 12b; 12c) has a heating unit (14a; 14b; 14c) which is designed as a fuel heating block, in particular as a gas heating block.

4. The heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The heating device (12a; 12b; 12c) has a heating unit (16a; 16b; 16c) which is designed as a heat pump.

5. A heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to at least claims 2 and 3, characterised in that The fuel heating block is configured for said replacement.

6. A heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that A shell (20a; 20b; 20c), wherein at least two heating units (14a, 16a; 14b, 16b; 14c, 16c) of the heating device (12a; 12b; 12c) are respectively at least partially arranged in the shell (20a; 20b; 20c).

7. The heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to claim 6, characterized in that The alternative heating unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is arranged in the housing (20a; 20b; 20c) or is configured to be arranged in the housing (20a; 20b; 20c).

8. A heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that A control and / or regulating unit (22a; 22b; 22c) is provided for controlling and / or regulating the alternative heating unit (18a; 18b; 18c).

9. The heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The replacement heating unit (18a; 18b; 18c) is configured to process a signal of at least one of the heating units (14a, 16a; 14b, 16b; 14c, 16c) of the heating device (12a; 12b; 12c).

10. A heating system (10b; 10c) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that A primary circuit comprising at least one heat exchanger (36b; 36c) for warming domestic and / or drinking water, said heat exchanger being different from the heating unit (14b, 16b; 14c, 16c) and / or the alternative heating unit (18b; 18c).

11. The heating system (10b; 10c) according to claim 10, characterized in that At least one buffer tank (38b; 38c) is arranged in the primary circuit or is configured to be arranged in the primary circuit.

12. The heating system (10b; 10c) according to claim 11, characterized in that A shell (20b; 20c), wherein the at least two heating units (14b, 16b; 14c, 16c) together with the at least one buffer tank (38b; 38c) are at least partially arranged in the shell (20b; 20c), or wherein the alternative heating unit (18b; 18c) together with the at least one buffer tank (38b; 38c) is configured to be at least partially arranged in the shell (20b; 20c).

13. The heating system (10b; 10c) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that At least one fluid control element (40b, 42b; 40c, 42c) for selectively flowing through or at least partially bypassing the at least one buffer tank (38b; 38c), the heat exchanger (36b; 36c) and / or at least one of the heating units (14b; 14c) or the alternative heating unit (18b; 18c).

14. The heating system (10b; 10c) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that The at least one buffer tank (38b; 38c) comprises: at least one hot fluid inlet (44b; 44c) and a hot fluid outlet (46b; 46c) for supplying heat to the heat exchanger (36b; 36c); and a loading fluid attachment end (48b; 48c) for changing the loading state of the at least one buffer tank (38b; 38c).

15. The heating system (10b; 10c) according to claim 14, characterized in that The distance between the hot fluid outlet (46b; 46c) and the loading fluid attachment end (48b; 48c) is designed according to the operation duration of at least one of the heating units (14b; 14c) and / or the replacement heating unit (18b; 18c).

16. A method (50b) for operating a heating system (10b; 10c) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein: In at least one method step, domestic and / or drinking water is heated by means of the at least one buffer tank (38b; 38c).

17. A heating device (12a; 12b; 12c) for use in a heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A heating device (12a; 12b; 12c), preferably a heating device according to claim 17, in particular a hybrid heating device, characterized in that A housing (20a; 20b; 20c), a heating unit (16a; 16b; 16c) configured as a heat pump, and a heating unit (14a; 14b; 14c) configured as a fuel heating block, in particular a gas heating block, each of which is at least partially arranged in the housing (20a; 20b; 20c).

19. A replacement heating unit (18a; 18b; 18c) for a heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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