Cooling-heating unit with preferential loading, system thereof and method thereof

Abstract

A heating-cooling system includes a cooling-heating unit fluidly connected to a heating flow path of a first process fluid and a cooling flow path of a second process fluid. The cooling-heating units include one or more primary cooling-heating units and one or more secondary cooling-heating units. The primary cooling-heating units and the secondary cooling-heating units are fluidly connected to the heating flow path such that, when activated, a heating load is distributed to one or more of the primary cooling-heating units prior to one or more of the secondary cooling-heating units. A method of controlling a heating-cooling system includes selectively operating the heating-cooling system in a plurality of modes. In one mode, the secondary cooling-heating unit and the primary cooling-heating unit each heat a first process fluid and cool a second process fluid, and the one or more primary cooling-heating units operate at a maximum regulation capacity or about a maximum regulation capacity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to heating - cooling systems for heating, ventilation, air - conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cooling - heating unit in such heating - cooling systems. Background Art

[0002] Heating, ventilation, air - conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems can be used to provide heating and / or cooling. In some systems, the HVACR can include one or more cooling - heating units that provide both heating and cooling. The cooling - heating unit includes a refrigeration circuit that heats a first fluid and cools a second fluid. The cooling - heating unit includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant in the compression refrigeration circuit. The compressor can be a compressor configured to operate at part - load (e.g., part - capacity), and the regulation provided by the cooling - heating unit can be adjusted by regulating the load / capacity of its compressor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a heating - cooling system includes a heating flow path for a first process fluid, a cooling flow path for a second process fluid, and a cooling - heating unit, each cooling - heating unit being fluidly connected to the heating flow path and the cooling flow path. Each cooling - heating unit includes a refrigeration circuit having a compressor, an expander, a condenser for heating the first process fluid, and an evaporator for cooling the second process fluid. The cooling - heating unit includes one or more primary cooling - heating units and one or more secondary cooling - heating units. The one or more primary cooling - heating units and the one or more secondary cooling - heating units are fluidly connected to the heating flow path such that when activated, the heating load is assigned to the one or more primary cooling - heating units prior to the one or more secondary cooling - heating units.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method for controlling a heating - cooling system. The heating - cooling system includes a heating flow path for a first process fluid, a cooling flow path for a second process fluid, and a cooling - heating unit, each cooling - heating unit being fluidly connected to the heating flow path and the cooling flow path. The cooling - heating unit includes one or more primary cooling - heating units and one or more secondary cooling - heating units. The method includes selectively operating the heating - cooling system in a plurality of modes, the modes including a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. Operating the heating - cooling system in the first mode includes each of one or more secondary cooling - heating units heating the first process fluid and cooling the second process fluid. In the first mode, one or more primary cooling - heating units are inactive. Operating the heating - cooling system in the second mode includes each of one or more primary cooling - heating units heating the first process fluid and cooling the second process fluid. In the second mode, the secondary cooling - heating units are inactive. Operating the heating - cooling system in the third mode includes each of at least one of one or more secondary cooling - heating units and at least one of one or more primary cooling - heating units heating the first process fluid and cooling the second process fluid. In the third mode, at least one of the one or more primary cooling - heating units operates at a maximum regulation capacity or approximately the maximum regulation capacity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cooling - heating unit for a heating, ventilation, air - conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system.

[0006] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a heating - cooling system in an HVACR system.

[0007] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a heating - cooling system.

[0008] Figure 4A is according to one embodiment Figure 3 of the heating - cooling system operating in the first mode.

[0009] Figure 4B is according to one embodiment Figure 3 of the heating - cooling system operating in the second mode.

[0010] Figure 4C is according to one embodiment Figure 3 of the heating - cooling system operating in the third mode.

[0011] Figure 5It is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for controlling a heating - cooling system.

[0012] Like reference numerals represent like features. Detailed Description

[0013] An HVACR system can be used to cool or heat one or more conditioned spaces. The HVACR system can also be used to provide a hot fluid and / or a cooling fluid (such as hot water, chilled water, etc.). The HVACR system can provide a cooling fluid (e.g., for conditioning one or more conditioned spaces, etc.) and a heating fluid (such as hot water for use in a building, etc.). The HVACR system can utilize a heating - cooling system with a refrigerant in a loop to heat a first process fluid (such as air, water, etc.) and cool a second process fluid (such as air, water, chiller liquid, etc.). For example, in some cases, the cooled heating fluid can be used to heat the air supplied to / located in a conditioned space, can be used to provide hot water in a building, or provide heating for other fluids in a building. For example, the cooled process fluid (e.g., coolant) can then be used to cool the air supplied to / located in (one or more) conditioned spaces, etc.

[0014] In some HVACR systems, the HVACR system can include a plurality of cooling - heating units, each unit including a refrigeration circuit (refrigerant circuit) for heating a first process fluid and cooling a second process fluid. In traditional systems, due to the physical operating limitations of system components, the amount of load transfer between cooling - heating units is severely limited, and even complex control logic is required to achieve limited load transfer. In chiller systems and heat pump systems, the degree of compressor unloading is limited compared to other types of systems (e.g., comfort cooling HVACR applications, etc.). Using a large number of smaller - capacity units to achieve greater unloading results in reduced efficiency and increased costs (e.g., increased maintenance costs, increased initial costs).

[0015] The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an HVACR system and a method of operating an HVACR system, where the size and fluid connections of the cooling - heating units allow for easier load transfer without complex control algorithms while maintaining efficiency.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cooling - heating unit 1 in a heating, ventilation, air - conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system. The cooling - heating unit 1 includes a refrigeration circuit 5. The cooling - heating unit 1 utilizes the compression - expansion cycle of the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit 5 to provide heating and cooling, as described below.

[0017] The refrigeration circuit 5 includes a compressor 10, a condenser 20, an expansion device 30, and an evaporator 40. In one embodiment, the refrigeration circuit 5 can be modified to include additional components. For example, in one embodiment, the refrigeration circuit 5 can include an energy-saving heat exchanger, one or more flow control devices, a receiver tank, a dryer, a suction liquid heat exchanger, etc. The components of the refrigeration circuit 5 are fluidly connected.

[0018] For clarity, short dashed lines are provided in the figures to indicate the flow of fluid through certain components (e.g., condenser 20, evaporator 40), and it should be understood that the specific path within each component is not specified. Long dashed lines are provided in the figures to indicate features that may be different in an embodiment and should not be considered as indicating essential or required features. Dashed-dotted lines are used in the figures to indicate the communication between different components / features (e.g., the Figure 3 controller 290 in the system controls / runs different components, senses through different sensors, etc.). The communication can include, for example (but not limited to), one or more of electrical communication, fiber optic communication, wireless communication, electromechanical communication, pneumatic communication, etc.

[0019] The refrigeration circuit 5 applies known gas compression and heat transfer principles. The refrigeration circuit 5 of the cooling-heating unit 1 is configured to heat the first process fluid PF1 and cool the second process fluid PF2. As Figure 1 shown, the cooling-heating unit 1 heats the flow of the first process fluid PF1 and cools the flow of the second process fluid PF2. In one embodiment, the process fluid is a liquid (e.g., water, ethylene glycol, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, cooler liquid, etc.). For example, the first process fluid is a first liquid and the second process fluid is a second liquid. The first process fluid PF1 and the second process fluid PF2 can be the same type of fluid (e.g., both the first process fluid and the second process fluid are water), or can be different types of fluids (e.g., the first process fluid is a cooler liquid while the second process fluid is water, etc.).

[0020] During operation of the refrigeration circuit 5, a working fluid (e.g., comprising a refrigerant, a refrigerant mixture, etc.) flows into the compressor 10 in gaseous state at a relatively low pressure from the evaporator 40. The compressor 10 compresses the gas to a high pressure state, which also heats the gas. After being compressed, the gas at a relatively high pressure and high temperature flows from the compressor 10 to the condenser 20. In addition to the working fluid flowing through the condenser 20, a first process fluid PF1 also separately flows through the condenser 20. When the first process fluid PF1 flows through the condenser 20, the first process fluid PF1 absorbs heat from the working fluid, which cools the working fluid when the first process fluid PF1 flows through the condenser. The working fluid condenses into a liquid and then flows into the expansion device 30. The expansion device 30 allows the working fluid to expand, which converts the working fluid into a vapor, or a mixed vapor and liquid state. An "expansion device" as described herein may also be referred to as an expander. In one embodiment, the expander may be an expansion valve, an expansion plate, an expansion vessel, an orifice, etc., or other such types of expansion mechanisms. It should be understood that the expander may be any type of expander used in the art for expanding the working fluid to cause a reduction in the pressure and temperature of the gaseous working fluid.

[0021] The relatively low temperature vapor / liquid working fluid then flows from the expansion device 30 into the evaporator 40. A second process fluid PF2 also flows through the evaporator 40. When the second process fluid PF2 flows through the evaporator 40, the working fluid absorbs heat from the second process fluid PF2, which cools the second process fluid PF2 when the second process fluid PF2 flows through the evaporator 40. When the working fluid absorbs heat, the liquid working fluid evaporates into a vapor. Then the working fluid returns from the evaporator 40 to the compressor 10.

[0022] The cooling-heating unit 1 is configured to provide heating and cooling simultaneously (e.g., heating the first process fluid PF1 and cooling the second process fluid PF2). In different modes, the cooling-heating unit 1 may operate based on providing a target / desired heating amount to the first process fluid PF1 (e.g., heating mode) or based on providing a target / desired cooling amount to the second process fluid PF2 (e.g., cooling mode). A "cooling-heating unit" may also be referred to as a cooler-heating unit or a refrigeration-heating unit. In some embodiments, when the cooling-heating unit is configured to cool a liquid (e.g., the process fluid PF2 is a cooler liquid / water, etc.), the cooling-heating unit may be referred to as a cooler-heating unit.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system 100. The HVACR system 100 is configured to provide heating and cooling. The HVACR system 100 is configured to heat a first process fluid PF1 and cool a second process fluid PF2. The HVACR system 100 includes a plurality of cooling-heating units CHP1 , CH P2 , CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 , for heating a first process fluid PF1 and cooling a second process fluid PF2.

[0024] HVACR system 100 utilizes a first process fluid PF1 to provide heating (e.g., in a building, heating load 102), and utilizes a second process fluid PF2 to provide cooling (e.g., in a building, cooling load 104). The first process fluid PF1 can be used for the heating load 102 of the HVACR system 100, and the second process fluid PF2 can be used for the cooling load 104 of the HVACR system 100. For example, the heating load 102 can be the heating demand of a building regulated by the HVACR system 100, while the cooling load 102 can be the cooling demand of the building. In one embodiment, the heating load 102 can include, but is not limited to, heating of (one or more) conditioned spaces (e.g., the heating load 102 includes heating of (one or more) heat exchangers / radiators in / for the air in the conditioned space, hot water, etc.). In one embodiment, the cooling load 104 can include, but is not limited to, cooling of (one or more) conditioned spaces (e.g., the cooling load 104 includes cooling of (one or more) heat exchangers / radiators in / for the air in the conditioned space, electronic cooling, chilled water, etc.). In one embodiment, the cooling load 104 can include a heat source for providing heat for the heating load (e.g., a ground heat source system, etc.) (e.g., the heat source is used via the second process fluid PF2 to provide heat to the first process fluid PF1). In one embodiment, the heating load 102 can include a radiator for removing / discharging heat from the cooling load (e.g., an ambient outdoor heat exchanger, etc.) (e.g., the radiator is used via the first process fluid PF1 to remove / discharge heat from the second process fluid PF2).

[0025] As Figure 2 shown, the HVACR system 100 includes a heating-cooling system 101 that heats the first process fluid PF1 and cools the second process fluid PF2. The heating-cooling system receives the first process fluid PF1 at an inlet temperature of T H-I (e.g., return temperature, hot side return temperature, etc.), and is configured to heat the first process fluid from the inlet temperature T H-I to an outlet temperature of T H-O . For example, the outlet (hot side) temperature T H-O can be the target temperature (e.g., a predetermined target temperature, etc.) of the (heated) first process fluid PF1 supplied by the heating-cooling system 101 for the HVACR system 100. For example, the outlet (cold side) temperature TC-o The target temperature (e.g., a predetermined target temperature, etc.) of the (cooled) second process fluid PF2 for the HVACR system 100 that can be supplied by the heating - cooling system 101.

[0026] The heating - cooling system 101 receives the second process fluid PF2 with an inlet temperature of T C-I (e.g., return temperature, cold - side return temperature, etc.), and is configured to cool the second process fluid PF2 from the inlet temperature T C-I (e.g., return - flow temperature) to the outlet cold - side temperature T C-o . For example, the outlet (cold - side) temperature can be the target temperature (e.g., a predetermined target temperature, etc.) of the (cooled) second process fluid PF2 for the HVACR system 100 that is supplied by the heating - cooling system 101.

[0027] The heating - cooling system 101 of the HVACR system 100 includes cooling - heating units CH P1 , CH P2 , CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 . P1 , CH P2 , CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 Each cooling - heating unit CH Figure 1 can have the characteristics described for the cooling - heating unit 1 in P1 , CH P2 , CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 Each includes its own refrigeration circuit (not shown) (e.g., Figure 1 the refrigeration circuit 5 of the cooling - heating unit 1 in Figure 1 ), which has compressors 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E (e.g., Figure 1 the condenser 20 in Figure 1 ), an expander (not shown) (e.g., Figure 1 the expander 30 in

[0028] For easier understanding, Figure 2 the heating - cooling system 101 is shown, where all cooling - heating units CH P1 , CH P2 , CH S1 , CH S2 , CHS3 The (one or more) supplementary heating units 120 and the (one or more) supplementary cooling units 125 are all active (e.g., the arrow / direction of flow is based on all active units). As described below, the activation of the cooling - heating units and the supplementary conditioning units 120, 125 is based on the heating / cooling demand of the heating - cooling system 101 (e.g., the heating / cooling capacity of the process fluids PF1, PF2). In many cases, one or more of the cooling - heating units and the conditioning units will be off / inactive. It should also be understood that the heating - cooling system 101 may include additional features other than Figure 2 the features shown. The heating - cooling system 101 in the embodiment may include, for example (but not limited to), one or more additional pumps, control valves, storage tanks, sensors, etc.

[0029] The first process fluid PF1 and the second process fluid PF2 flow through one or more of the cooling - heating units CH P1 、CH P2 、CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 In each active cooling - heating unit, the active cooling - heating unit both heats the first process fluid PF1 flowing through it and cools the second process fluid PF2 flowing through it. For example, the first process fluid PF1 is heated in the respective condensers (not shown) of each active cooling - heating unit (e.g., Figure 1 the condenser 20 in Figure 1 ), while the second process fluid PF2 is cooled in the respective evaporators (not shown) of each active cooling - heating unit (e.g.,

[0030] The cooling - heating units CH P1 、CH P2 、CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 in the heating - cooling system 101 include one or more main cooling - heating units CH P1 、CH P2 and one or more secondary cooling - heating units CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 。In the illustrated embodiment, the heating - cooling system 101 includes two main cooling - heating units CH P1 、CH P2 and three secondary cooling - heating units CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3However, it should be understood that in another embodiment, the heating-cooling system 101 may have a different number of primary cooling-heating units and a different number of secondary cooling-heating units. In one embodiment, the HVACR system 100 may include a plurality of primary cooling-heating units CH P1 , CH P2 and / or a plurality of secondary cooling-heating units CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 .

[0031] The primary cooling-heating units CH P1 , CH P2 respectively have a greater regulation (e.g., heating capacity and / or cooling capacity) than the secondary cooling-heating units CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 . For example, the compressors 110A, 110B in each of the primary cooling-heating units CH P1 , CH P2 each have a greater capacity than the compressors 110C, 110D, 110D in the secondary cooling-heating units CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 . The compressors 110A, 110B in the primary cooling-heating units CH P1 , CH P2 may be referred to as primary compressors, and the compressors 110C, 110D, 110D in the secondary cooling-heating units CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 may be referred to as secondary compressors.

[0032] The primary cooling-heating units CH P1 , CH P2 both have a maximum regulation capacity and a minimum regulation capacity. The maximum regulation capacity is the amount of regulation provided by the cooling-heating units CH P1 , CH P2 when operating at 100% or approximately 100% (e.g., when the compressors 110A, 110B of the cooling-heating unit are operating at maximum load). For example, the maximum regulation capacity of the cooling-heating unit may be less than 100% (e.g., approximately 100%) of the compressor capacity to avoid operating at maximum conditions / speeds, which helps to avoid compressor damage. At least the primary cooling-heating units CH P1 , CH P2The compressors 110A and 110B can operate at part load and have a (predetermined) minimum load. The minimum modulation load refers to the amount of modulation provided when the cooling-heating unit operates at the (predetermined) minimum load of its compressor. The maximum modulation capacity and the minimum modulation capacity of the cooling-heating unit can be predetermined amounts based on the configuration of each cooling-heating unit (e.g., the size of the refrigeration circuit, the size of the compressor, the type of compressor, etc.).

[0033] The minimum modulation capacity can be predetermined based on the predetermined minimum load of the compressor of each cooling-heating unit. For example, the predetermined minimum load of the compressor is the minimum partial capacity for stable operation of the compressor (e.g., to prevent surging, stalling, etc. of the compressor, to prevent a significant reduction in efficiency, etc.). The minimum partial capacity can be determined in advance based on, for example, previous tests of the compressor, previous tests of the same model or similar models of the compressor, computational modeling of the compressor, etc. In one embodiment, each main cooling-heating unit CH P1 、CH P2 has a minimum load of the compressors 110A and 110B that is greater than the minimum load of the compressors 110C, 110D, and 110D in the secondary cooling-heating units CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 . In one embodiment, the compressors 110A and 110B in the main cooling-heating units can be configured to operate at a higher efficiency than the compressors 110C, 110D, and 110D in the secondary cooling-heating units CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 .

[0034] In one embodiment, each main cooling-heating unit CH P1 、CH P2 has its own minimum modulation capacity that is 60% or more of the maximum modulation capacity (e.g., each main compressor 110A, 110B has a (predetermined) minimum load that is 60% or more of the maximum load of the compressors 110A, 110B). In one embodiment, each main cooling-heating unit CH P1 、CH P2 has its own minimum modulation capacity that is 70% or more of the maximum modulation capacity (e.g., each main compressor 110A, 110B has a (predetermined) minimum load that is 70% or more of the maximum load of the compressors 110A, 110B). In one embodiment, each main cooling-heating unit CH P1 、CH P2Having respective minimum regulation capacities that are 75% or greater of the maximum regulation capacity (e.g., each of the main compressors 110A, 110B has a (predetermined) minimum load that is 75% or greater of the maximum load of compressors 110A, 110B).

[0035] The main cooling - heating unit CH in the heating - cooling system 101 P1 、CH P2 Has a regulation load range. The regulation load range is the range of the amount of regulation that the main cooling - heating unit CH P1 、CH P2 Can provide based on its (one or more) minimum regulation capacities. In one non - limiting example, the two cooling - heating units CH P1 、CH P2 In the illustrated embodiment can each have a minimum regulation capacity of 70% and the same maximum regulation capacity, and the regulation load ranges of the two main cooling - heating units CH P1 、CH P2 Are the amounts of regulation provided by 70% - 100% and 140% - 200% of the maximum regulation capacity.

[0036] In some cases, the heating / cooling provided by the heating - cooling system 101 to the process fluids PF1, PF2 (e.g., the amount of heating to heat the first process fluid PF1 to its target temperature, the amount of cooling to cool the second process fluid PF2 to its target temperature) exceeds the regulation load range of the main cooling - heating unit CH P1 、CH P2 For example, when the regulation load (e.g., the amount of heating to heat the first process fluid PF1 to its target temperature) is less than the minimum regulation capacity of the main cooling - heating unit CH P1 、CH P2 (e.g., the heating load is 35% of the maximum regulation capacity of the main cooling - heating unit, and the minimum regulation capacity of the main cooling - heating unit is greater than 60% of the maximum regulation capacity). For example, when the regulation load is higher than the minimum regulation capacity but exceeds the regulation load range of the main cooling - heating unit CH P1 、CH P2 (e.g., the heating load is 110% of the maximum regulation capacity of a single main cooling - heating unit CH P1 、CH P2 And the main cooling - heating units each have a minimum regulation load equal to or greater than 60% of the maximum regulation capacity).

[0037] The secondary cooling - heating unit CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 Is used to provide regulation to meet the main cooling - heating unit CH P1, CH P2 Adjust the regulating load outside the load range.

[0038] In one embodiment, the secondary cooling-heating unit CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 can be configured to provide a minimum regulating capacity less than that of the primary cooling-heating unit CH P1 , CH P2 . The secondary cooling-heating unit CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 can be configured to cover a range starting from the lowest required regulating load (e.g., the minimum temperature difference of the process fluids PF1, PF2 that activates the cooling-heating unit CH P1 , CH P2 , CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 for cooling / heating of the process fluids PF1, PF2). In a non-limiting example, the primary cooling-heating unit CH P1 , CH P2 each have a minimum regulating capacity of 70% of the maximum value, and the lowest required regulating load is 25% of the maximum regulating load, and the secondary cooling-heating unit CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 is configured to provide a regulating load equal to or approximately 25%-69% of the maximum regulating load.

[0039] In one embodiment, the secondary cooling-heating unit CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 can be of a type configured to have a greater capacity adjustability than the primary cooling-heating unit CH P1 , CH P2 (e.g., having a wider part-load range). The secondary cooling-heating unit CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 can each have a minimum regulating capacity lower than that of the primary cooling-heating unit CH P1 , CH P2 . For example, the secondary cooling-heating unit CH S1 , CH S2 , CH S3 can have compressors 110C, 110D, 110E, whose minimum load is lower than that of the primary cooling-heating unit CH P1 , CH P2compressors 110A and 110B. In one example, the primary cooling - heating unit CH P1 and CH P2 can be a centrifugal compressor (e.g., providing a large / substantially regulated load with relatively high efficiency), and the secondary cooling - heating units CH S1 and CH S2 and CH S3 can be rotary compressors (such as screw compressors, etc.) with relatively more adjustable capacity and / or smaller partial capacity / minimum load.

[0040] In one embodiment, the number and size of the secondary cooling - heating units CH S1 and CH S2 and CH S3 provided in the heating - cooling system can provide load adjustability. In such an embodiment, the secondary cooling - heating units CH S1 and CH S2 and CH S3 can each have a minimum regulation capacity similar to that of the primary cooling - heating units CH P1 and CH P2 , and their number provides adjustable load adjustability. For example, the secondary cooling - heating units CH S1 and CH S2 and CH S3 can include three units as shown in Figure 2 , and the size of each unit can be designed to have a maximum regulation capacity significantly smaller than that of the primary cooling - heating units CH P1 and CH P2 . In a non - limiting example, the heating - cooling system 101 can include three secondary cooling - heating units, each with a maximum regulation capacity of 15% of the maximum regulation capacity of a primary cooling - heating unit and a minimum regulation capacity of 50% of its maximum regulation capacity. In such an embodiment, a relatively large number of relatively small - capacity secondary cooling - heating units can be utilized to provide a relatively wide range of regulation capacity.

[0041] The heating - cooling system 101 may further include one or more supplementary heating units 120 for heating the first process fluid PF1 and one or more supplementary cooling units 125 for cooling the second process fluid PF2. The supplementary heating units 120 and the supplementary cooling units 125 are configured to provide supplementary heating to the first process fluid PF1 and / or supplementary cooling to the second process fluid PF2. In the illustrated embodiment, the supplementary conditioning units 120, 125 provide conditioning at an intermediate point. In other embodiments, the (one or more) supplementary units 120, 125 may be provided at different locations in the system 101 (e.g., providing conditioning of the process fluid before it flows through the cooling - heating unit, providing conditioning of the entire process fluid flow).

[0042] When operating in the heating mode, the cooling of the cooling - heating units CH P1 、CH P2 、CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 may be less than the target cooling of the second process fluid PF2 (e.g., cooling the second process liquid PF2 from T C-I to the target outlet temperature), and further increasing the capacity of the cooling - heating units CH P1 、CH P2 、CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 、CH P1 、CH P2 、CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 will cause the first process fluid PF1 to overheat. The supplementary cooling unit 125 is configured to provide cooling to the second process fluid PF2 such that the heating - cooling system provides the target cooling to the second process fluid PF2. The supplementary cooling unit 125 may include, for example, an air heat exchanger unit (e.g., cooling the second process fluid PF2 using air, cooling the second process fluid PF2 using an intermediate fluid cooled by air, etc.). In some embodiments, the supplementary cooling unit 125 may operate to reduce the cooling amount of the cooling - heating units CH

[0043] When operating in the cooling mode, the heating of the cooling - heating units CH P1 、CH P2 、CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 may be less than the target heating of the first process fluid PF1 (e.g., heating the first process fluid PF1 from T H-IHeated to the target outlet temperature). The supplementary heating unit 120 is configured to provide heating to the first process fluid PF1 such that the heating-cooling system 101 provides the target heating to the first process fluid PF1. The supplementary heating unit 120 may include, for example, a convection heater, a boiler, a geothermal heater, etc. In some embodiments, the supplementary heating unit 120 may reduce the heating amount of the cooling-heating unit CH P1 、CH P2 、CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 to meet the heating demand (e.g., the supplementary heating unit uses geothermal heating, uses solar convection heating, etc.).

[0044] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the heating-cooling system 200. The heating-cooling system 200 can be used in an HVACR system. The heating-cooling system 200 is a heating and cooling system configured to heat the first process fluid PF1 and cool the second process fluid PF2. For example, in one embodiment, the heating-cooling system 200 can be Figure 2 the heating-cooling system 101 of the HVACR system 100 in

[0045] The heating-cooling system 200 includes cooling-heating units 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, each of which is configured to heat the first process fluid PF1 and cool the second process fluid PF2 during operation. The cooling-heating units 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D in the heating-cooling system 200 may have features as previously described for Figure 2 the cooling-heating unit CH in P1 、CH P2 、CH S1 、CH S2 、CH S3 discussed. For example, as shown in Figure 3 , each of the cooling-heating units 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D includes its own refrigeration circuit having a compressor 212A, 212B, 212C, 212D; a condenser 214A, 214B, 214C, 214D; an expander 218A, 218D; and an evaporator 216A, 216B, 216C, 216D. The heating-cooling system 200 includes main cooling-heating units 210A, 210B and secondary cooling-heating units 210B, 210C, as in the similar discussion of the heating-cooling system 101 in Figure 2 .

[0046] The heating - cooling system 200 also includes one or more supplementary heating units 280 for providing supplementary heating to the first process fluid PF1, and one or more supplementary cooling units 282 for providing supplementary cooling to the second process fluid PF2. The supplementary heating units 280 and the supplementary cooling units 282 may have features similar to those Figure 2 discussed respectively for the supplementary heating unit 120 and the supplementary cooling unit 125 in

[0047] The heating - cooling system 200 includes a heating flow path 202A having an inlet 204A and an outlet 206A. The first process fluid PF1 is heated as it flows through the heating flow path 202A (e.g., when the first process fluid PF1 flows from the inlet 204A to the outlet 206A). The first process fluid PF1 (to be heated) is received through the inlet 204A, heated by the heating - cooling system 200, and the heated first process fluid PF1 is discharged from the outlet 206A. In one embodiment, the inlet 204A and the outlet 206A may be part of a loop (e.g., a hot water loop, a heating loop, etc.) such that the outlet 206A is connected back to the inlet 204A (e.g., with one or more heat exchangers disposed therebetween). For example, the inlet 204A is a return inlet where the first process fluid PF1 returns to the heating flow path 202A to be reheated after providing heat (and thus being cooled). In one embodiment, the heated first process fluid PF1 may be used (e.g., for cleaning, etc.), and fresh first process fluid PF1 may be received at the inlet 204A.

[0048] The cooling - heating units (CHUs) 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D include one or more (first) inlets 240, 244 connected to the heating flow path 202A and one or more (first) outlets 242, 246 connected to the heating flow path 202A. The CHU receives the first process fluid PF1 from the heating flow path 202A via the (first) inlets 240, 244 and discharges the (heated) first process fluid PF1 into the heating flow path 202A via the (first) outlets 242, 246. In the illustrated embodiment, the main CHUs 210A, 210B have a single (first) inlet 240 and a single outlet 242 connected in parallel to the main CHUs 210A, 210B. In another embodiment, the main CHUs 210A, 210B may each have respective inlets and outlets connected to the heating flow path 202A. Similarly, in one embodiment, the secondary CHUs 210A, 210B may have a single inlet and / or a single outlet (e.g., connected in parallel as Figure 3 shown), or each secondary CHU 210A, 210B may have respective inlets and respective outlets connected to the heating flow path 202A.

[0049] The inlets 240 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B are connected to the heating flow path 202A upstream of the outlets 242 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B. The inlets 240 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B are connected to the heating flow path 202A upstream of the inlets 244 of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D. For example, the inlets 240 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B are closer to the inlet 204A of the heating flow path 202A than the inlets 244 of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D. The outlets 242 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B are connected to the heating flow path 202A upstream of the inlets 244 of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D. When one or more of the main CHUs 210A, 210B are operating and one or more of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D are operating, the secondary CHUs 210B, 210C can receive at least a portion of the first process fluid PF1 heated by the main CHUs 210A, 210B. The outlets 246 of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D are connected to the heating flow path 202A downstream of the outlets 242 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B and downstream of the inlets 244 of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D.

[0050] The heating - cooling system 200 includes a cooling flow path 202B having an inlet 204B and an outlet 206B. The second process fluid PF2 is cooled as it flows through the cooling flow path 202B (e.g., when the second process fluid PF2 flows from the inlet 204B to the outlet 206B). The second process fluid PF2 (to be cooled) is received through the inlet 204B, cooled by the heating - cooling system 200, and the cooled second process fluid PF2 is discharged from the outlet 204B. In one embodiment, the inlet 204B and the outlet 206B can be part of a loop (e.g., a cooler loop, a cooling loop, etc.) such that the outlet 206B is connected back to the inlet 204B (e.g., with one or more heat exchangers disposed therebetween). For example, the inlet 204B is a return inlet where the second process fluid PF2 returns to the cooling flow path 202B to be recooled after providing cooling (and thereby being heated).

[0051] CHU 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D include one or more (second) inlets 250, 254 connected to the cooling flow path 202B and one or more (second) outlets 252, 256 connected to the cooling flow path 202B. CHU 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D receive the second process fluid PF2 from the cooling flow path 202B via the (second) inlets 250, 254 and discharge the (cooled) second process fluid PF2 into the cooling flow path 202B via the (second) outlets 252, 256. In the illustrated embodiment, the main CHUs 210A, 210B have a single (second) inlet 250 and a single (second) outlet 252 connected in parallel to the main CHUs 210A, 210B. In another embodiment, the main CHUs 210A, 210B may each have a respective inlet and outlet connected to the cooling flow path 202B. Similarly, in one embodiment, the secondary CHUs 210A, 210B may have a single inlet and / or a single outlet (e.g., connected in parallel as shown in Figure 3 ), or each secondary CHU 210A, 210B may have a respective inlet and a respective outlet connected to the cooling flow path 202B.

[0052] The inlets 250 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B are connected to the cooling flow path 202B upstream of the outlets 252 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B. The inlets 250 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B are connected to the cooling flow path 202B upstream of the inlets 254 of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D. The outlets 252 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B are connected to the cooling flow path 202B upstream of the inlets 254 of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D. This allows the main CHUs 210A, 210B to have a higher load priority than the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D. When one or more of the main CHUs 210A, 210B are operating and one or more of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D are operating, the secondary CHUs 210B, 210C may receive at least a portion of the second process fluid PF2 heated by the main CHUs 210A, 210B. The outlets 256 of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D are connected to the cooling flow path 202B downstream of the outlets 252 of the main CHUs 210A, 210B and downstream of the inlets 254 of the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D.

[0053] In one embodiment, the heating - cooling system 200 may include one or more tertiary CHUs (not shown). In such an embodiment, the (first) inlet of the tertiary CHU may be connected to the heating flow path 202A between the (first) outlet 242 of the primary CHU and upstream of the outlet 246 of the secondary CHU (e.g., downstream of outlet 242 and upstream of outlet 246). In such an embodiment, the (second) inlet of the tertiary CHU may be connected to the cooling flow path 202B between the (second) outlet 252 of the primary CHU and upstream of the outlet 256 of the secondary CHU (e.g., downstream of outlet 252 and upstream of outlet 256).

[0054] For each of the flow paths 202A, 202B, it should be understood that the term "upstream" may refer to being connected / located closer to the inlets 204A, 204B of the flow path, and the term "downstream" may refer to being connected / located closer to the outlets 206A, 206B of the flow path.

[0055] The heating - cooling system 200 includes a controller 290 for controlling the heating - cooling system. In one embodiment, the controller 290 may be the controller of the HVACR system of the heating - cooling system 200 (e.g., Figure 2 the controller of the HVACR system 100 in Figure 3 ). The controller 290 is configured to control the operation of the CHUs 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D. For example, the controller 290 may activate or deactivate each of the CHUs 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D. The heating - cooling system 200 may include one or more flow control devices for controlling the flow of process fluids PF1, PF2 to / through each of the CHUs 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D. For example, the heating - cooling system 200 may include valves 232A - D, 234A - D and / or pumps 230A, 230B, 231A, 231B for directing / controlling the flow of process fluids PF1, PF2 to / through each of the CHUs 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D. For example, when the second primary CHU 210B is in an inactive state (i.e., off), the heating - cooling system 200 may close valve 232B to prevent the first process fluid PF1 from flowing into the primary CHU 210B, and close valve 234B to prevent the second process fluid PF2 from flowing into the primary CHU 210B. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the heating - cooling system 200 may have flow control devices with configurations / locations different from those

[0056] The heating - cooling system 200 may include one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, flow sensors, etc.) for detecting one or more characteristics of the process fluid. The controller 290 may use the sensors to sense one or more characteristics of the process fluid. As Figure 3 shown, the heating - cooling system 200 may include a temperature sensor 292A for detecting the inlet temperature T H-I of the first process fluid PF1 and a temperature sensor 292B for detecting the inlet temperature T C-I of the second process fluid PF2. It should be understood that the heating system 200 may include additional sensors (e.g., temperature sensors for detecting the outlet temperature of the process fluid, the unit discharge temperature, etc., temperature sensors for detecting the regulated space temperature, etc.) other than those Figure 3 shown.

[0057] The main CHUs 210A, 210B and the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D are arranged / connected to the flow paths 202A, 202B (e.g., connected to the heating flow path 202A, connected to the cooling flow path 202B, connected to each of the flow paths 202A, 202B) such that the regulation load (e.g., heating load, cooling load) is prioritized over the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D and is assigned to the active main CHUs 210A, 210B. For example, when operating one or more main CHUs 210A, 210B and one or more secondary CHUs 210C, 210D, one or more main CHUs 210A, 210B operate at full load / capacity, while one or more secondary CHUs 210C, 210D operate at partial or full load / capacity to meet the regulation demand.

[0058] In one example, the heating demand of the heating - cooling system 200 is less than the minimum regulation capacity of the main CHUs 210A, 210B (e.g., the heating demand is less than the minimum regulation capacity of the main CHU 210A, the heating demand is lower than the minimum regulation capacity of the main CHU 210B, etc.). The heating - cooling system 200 is configured to operate one or more secondary CHUs 210C, 210D to provide the heating demand.

[0059] Figure 4A shows a schematic diagram of the heating - cooling system 200 operating in a first mode according to one embodiment. The heating - cooling system 200 operating in the first mode is also denoted as "200A". The heating - cooling system 200 heats the flow f Figure 3 of the first process fluid PF1 from the inlet temperature T H-I to the outlet temperature T H-I (e.g., the target / desired temperature of the first process fluid PF1), and cools the flow f H-O of the second process fluid PF2, andC-I From the inlet temperature T C-I Cooled to the outlet temperature T C-O (e.g., the target / desired temperature of the second process fluid PF2). In the first mode, the heating - cooling system 200 operates a secondary CHU 210C to meet the heating demand (and cooling demand).

[0060] For the first mode, the heating - cooling system 200 is configured to operate one or more flow control devices to direct each process fluid PF1, PF2 through the secondary CHU 210C. As Figure 4A shown, the valves 232A, 234A, 232B, 234B, 232D, 234D for allowing the process fluids PF1, PF2 to flow into the closed CHUs 210A, 210B, 210D are closed, and the valves 232C, 234C for allowing the process fluids PF1, PF2 to flow through the active CHU 210C are open. The pump 231A is active and supplies the first process fluid PF1 to / through the active CHU 210C, while the pump 231B is active and supplies the second process fluid PF2 through the active CHU 210C.

[0061] In the first mode, the CHU 210C is active while the other CHUs 210A, 210B, 210D are closed. The main CHU 210C (respectively) heats the first process fluid PF1 flowing through the CHU 210C (e.g., the condenser flowing through the CHU 210), and cools the second process fluid PF2 flowing through the CHU 210A (e.g., the evaporator flowing through the CHU 210C). For example, in the first mode, the secondary CHU 210C can operate at 55% of its maximum regulation capacity (e.g., the compressor 212C of the CHU 210C operates at 55% of its maximum load). In one embodiment, the supplementary heating unit 280 and the supplementary cooling unit 282 may be inactive, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The following Table 1 provides Figure 4A a non - limiting example of the flow rates and temperatures of the heating - cooling system 200A.

[0062] Table 1: CHU 210C Activities

[0063] <![CDATA PF 1 Temperature & Flow > <![CDATA PF 2 Temperature & Flow > <![CDATA[T H-I = 110°F]]> <![CDATA[T C-I = 56°F]]> <![CDATA[T H-O = T 246 = T 202A-1 = 125°F]]> <![CDATA[T C-O = T 256 = T 202B-1 = 42°F]]> <![CDATA[T 244 = 112.5°F]]> <![CDATA[T 254 = 54.6°F]]> <![CDATA[f H-I = f H-O = 50 gpm]]> <![CDATA[f C-I = f C-O = 45 gpm]]> <![CDATA[f 244 = 60 gpm]]> <![CDATA[f254 = 50 gpm]]> <![CDATA[f 202A-1 = 10 gpm]]> <![CDATA[f 202B-1 = 5 gpm]]>

[0064] ∧ gpm = gallons per minute

[0065] As Figure 4A shown, a portion of the conditioned first working fluid PF1 discharged from the CHU 210C can be recycled back into the CHU 210C (e.g., the flow f of the first working fluid PF1 in the heating flow path 202A) 202A-1)。For example, the temperature T of the first process fluid PF1 entering the CHU 210C 244 is the inlet temperature T of the first process fluid in the heating flow path 202A H-I and the intermediate temperature between the first process fluid outlet temperature T H-O (e.g., T H-I < T 244 < T H-O ). As Figure 4A shown, a portion of the conditioned second working fluid PF2 discharged from the CHU 210C can be recycled back into the CHU 210C (e.g., the flow f of the second working fluid PF2 in the cooling flow path 202B 202B-1 ). For example, the temperature T of the second process fluid PF2 entering the CHU 210C 254 is the inlet temperature T of the second process fluid in the cooling flow path 202B C-I and the intermediate temperature between the second process fluid outlet temperature T C-O (e.g., T C-I > T 254 > T C-O ).

[0066] In another example, the heating demand of the heating-cooling system 200 is within the regulated load range of the main CHUs 210A, 210B (e.g., the heating demand is greater than the minimum regulated capacity of the main CHU 210A, the heating demand is not between the maximum regulated capacity of one main CHU 210A and the combined minimum regulated capacities of multiple main CHUs 210A, 210B, etc.). The heating-cooling system 200 can operate one or more of the main CHUs 210A, 210B to provide the heating demand.

[0067] Figure 4B shows a schematic diagram of the Figure 3 heating-cooling system 200 operating in a second mode according to one embodiment. The heating-cooling system 200 operating in the second mode is also denoted as "200B". The heating-cooling system 200B heats the flow f of the first process fluid PF1 H-I* from the inlet temperature T H-I* to the outlet temperature T H-O* (e.g., the target / desired temperature of the first process fluid PF1), and cools the flow f of the second process fluid PF2 C-I* from the inlet temperature T C-I* to the outlet temperature T C-O* (e.g., the target / desired temperature of the second process fluid PF2). In the second mode, the heating-cooling system 200B operates one main CHU 210A to meet the heating demand (and cooling demand).

[0068] For the second mode, the heating - cooling system 200B is configured to operate one or more flow control devices to direct each process fluid PF1, PF2 through the main CHU 210A. As Figure 4B shown, the valves 232B, 232C, 232D, 234B, 234C, 234D for allowing the process fluids PF1, PF2 to flow into the closed CHUs 210B, 210C, 210D are closed, and the valves 232A, 234A for allowing the process fluids PF1, PF2 to flow through the active (main) CHU 210A are open. The pump 230A is active and supplies the first process fluid PF1 to / through the active CHU 210A, and the pump 230B is active and supplies the second process fluid PF2 through the active CHU 210A.

[0069] In the second mode, the CHU 210A is active while the other CHUs 210B, 210C, 210D are closed. In another embodiment of the second mode, one or more other main CHUs (e.g., Figure 4B CHU 210B in

[0070] Table 2: CHU 210A Activities

[0071] <![CDATA PF 1 Temperature & Flow > <![CDATA PF 2 Temperature & Flow > <![CDATA[T H-I* = 110°F]]> <![CDATA[T C-I* = 56°F]]> <![CDATA[T H-O* = T 242* = T 202A* = 125°F]]> <![CDATA[T C-O = T 252 = T 202B = 42°F]]> <![CDATA[T 240* = 108°F]]> <![CDATA[T 250* = 53.2°F]]> <![CDATA[f H-I* = f H-O* = 100 gpm]]> <![CDATA[f C-I = f C-O = 80 gpm]]> <![CDATA[f 240* = 120 gpm]]> <![CDATA[f 250 = 100 gpm]]> <![CDATA[f 202A* = 20 gpm]]> <![CDATA[f 202B = 20 gpm]]>

[0072] As Figure 4B shown, a portion of the conditioned first working fluid PF1 discharged from the CHU 210A can be recycled back into the CHU 210A (e.g., the flow f 202A* ) of the first working fluid PF1 in the heating flow path 202A. For example, the temperature T 240* of the first process fluid PF1 entering the CHU 210A is the inlet temperature T H-I* of the first process fluid in the heating flow path 202A and the outlet temperature T of the first process fluidH-O* an intermediate temperature therebetween (e.g., T H-I* < T 240* < T H-o* ). As Figure 4B shown, a portion of the conditioned second working fluid PF2 discharged from the CHU 210A may be recycled back into the CHU 210A (e.g., the flow f of the second working fluid PF2 in the cooling flow path 202B 202B* ). For example, the temperature T 250* of the second process fluid PF2 entering the CHU 210A is C-I* an intermediate temperature between the second process fluid inlet temperature T C-o* of the cooling flow path 202B and the second process fluid outlet temperature T C-I* > T 254* > T C-o* ).

[0073] In another example, the heating demand of the heating - cooling system 200 is higher than the minimum conditioning capacity of the main CHUs 210A, 210B and outside the conditioning load range of the main CHUs 210A, 210B (e.g., the heating demand is greater than the minimum conditioning capacity of the main CHU 210A and outside the combined load conditioning range of the two CHUs 210A, 210B). The heating - cooling system 200 may operate one or more of the main CHUs 210A, 210B and one or more secondary CHUs 210C, 210D to provide the heating demand.

[0074] Figure 4C shows a schematic diagram of the heating - cooling system 200 operating in a third mode according to one embodiment. The heating - cooling system 200 operating in the third mode is also denoted as "200C". The heating - cooling system 200C heats the flow f Figure 3 of the first process fluid PF1 H-I + from an inlet temperature T H-I + to an outlet temperature T H-O + (e.g., the target / desired temperature of the first process fluid PF1), and cools the flow f C-I + of the second process fluid PF2 C-I + from an inlet temperature T C-O + to an outlet temperature T (e.g., the target / desired temperature of the second process fluid PF2). In the illustrated embodiment of the third mode, the heating - cooling system 200C operates one main CHU 210A and one secondary CHU 210D to meet the heating demand (and part of the cooling demand).

[0075] For the third mode, the heating - cooling system 200C is configured to operate one or more flow control devices to direct each process fluid PF1, PF2 through the primary CHU 210A and the secondary CHU 210D. As Figure 4C shown, the valves 232B, 232C, 234B, 234C for the process fluids PF1, PF2 flowing into the closed CHUs 210B, 210C are closed, and the valves 232A, 234A, 232D, 234D for the process fluids PF1, PF2 passing through the active (primary and secondary) CHUs 210A, 210D are open. The pumps 230A, 231A are active and supply the first process fluid PF1 to / through each active CHU 210A, 210D, while the pumps 230B, 231B are active and supply the second process fluid PF2 through each active CHU 210A.

[0076] Table 3 below provides Figure 4C non - limiting example flows and temperatures for the heating - cooling system 200C in

[0077] Table 3: CHU 210A and CHU 210D Activities

[0078]

[0079]

[0080] ^GPM = gallons per minute

[0081] The active CHUs 210A, 210D heat the first process fluid PF1 flowing through the CHUs 210A, 210D. The primary CHU 210A heats a flow f 240 + (e.g., a portion of the first process fluid PF1 flowing through the condenser 214A of the CHU 210A), while the secondary CHU 210D heats a different flow f 244 + (e.g., a portion of the first process fluid PF1 flowing through the condenser of the CHU 210D) of the first process fluid PF1. The flow f 240 + is the inlet flow f H-I + to the heating flow path 202A. The flow f 202-A + in the heating flow path 202A H-I + is the (different) second part of the inlet flow f 240+ (e.g., a portion of the first process fluid PF1 flowing through the condenser 214A of the CHU 210A), while the secondary CHU 210D heats a different stream f of the first process fluid PF1 244 + (e.g., a portion of the first process fluid PF1 flowing through the condenser of the CHU 210D).

[0082] As Figure 4C shown, the stream f of the first process fluid PF1 flowing to / through the secondary CHU 210D 244 + is the second part of the inlet stream f H-I + (e.g., the stream f 202A-1 + ) that is a mixture with a portion of the first process fluid PF1 discharged from the main CHU 210A (e.g., the stream f of the heated first process fluid PF1 discharged from the outlet 242 of the main CHU 210A 202-A + ). For example, the temperature T of the first process fluid PF1 entering the secondary CHU 210D 244 + is the intermediate temperature between the first process fluid inlet temperature T H-I + heating the flow path 202A and the first process fluid outlet temperature T H-O + (e.g., T H-I + < T 240 + < T H-o + ). A portion of the first process fluid PF1 heated by the secondary CHU 210D is the first process fluid heated in the main CHU 210A. For example, for the first process fluid PF1 flowing through the heating flow path 202A in the third mode, the first part is heated by the main CHUs 210A, 210B (e.g., only by the main CHU 210A, the stream f 202A-3 + ), the second part is heated by the secondary CHU (e.g., only by the CHU 210D, the stream f 202A-1 + ), and the third part is heated simultaneously by the main CHUs 210A, 210B and the secondary CHUs 210C, 210D (e.g., sequentially heated by the main CHU 210A and the secondary CHU 210D, the stream f 202A-2 + ).

[0083] The active CHUs 210A, 210D also cool a second process fluid PF2 flowing through the CHUs 210A, 210D. The main CHU 210A heats a flow f of the second process fluid PF2 250 + (e.g., a portion of the second process fluid PF2 flowing through the evaporator 216A of the CHU 210A), while the secondary CHU 210D cools a different flow f of the second process fluid PF2 254 + (e.g., a portion of the second process fluid PF2 flowing through the evaporator of the CHU 210D). The flow f 250 + is the inlet flow f of the cooling flow path 202B C-I + The flow f in the cooling flow path 202B 202B-1 + is the (different) second part of the inlet flow f C-I + (e.g., a portion of the second process fluid PF2 flowing through the evaporator of the CHU 210D). The flow f

[0084] As Figure 4C shown, neither of the second process fluids PF2 cooled in the CHUs 210A, 210D recirculates back to the other CHU (e.g., the second process fluid PF2 does not flow through the CHU multiple times when flowing from the inlet 204B to the outlet 206B, and the flow f 202B-2 + does not go in the opposite direction of the cooling flow path 202B). In this embodiment, the CHUs 210A, 210B do not provide the cooling requirement for the second process fluid PF2 (e.g., the second process fluid PF2 is not at the target / desired temperature after passing through the CHUs 210A, 210B, and the T 202B-4 + of the flow f 202B-4 + is not the target / desired temperature). In the illustrated embodiment, the CHUs 210A, 210B provide a heating requirement for the first process fluid PF1, which causes the CHU 210A to not fully provide the cooling requirement for the second process fluid PF2. For example, the flow f of the second process fluid PF2 in the cooling flow path 202B 202B-4 + has a temperature T 202B-4 + after passing through the CHU 204 that is different from the discharge temperatures T 252 + 、T 256 + (e.g., ) and different from the required / target temperature of the second process fluid PF2.

[0085] For example, increasingFigure 4C The cooling provided by the primary CHUs 210A, 210B to meet the cooling requirements would cause the first process fluid PF1 to overheat. As Figure 4C shown, one or more supplementary cooling units 282 operate to provide supplementary cooling of the second process fluid PF2 such that the heating - cooling system 200C meets the cooling requirements (e.g., the second process fluid outlet temperature T C-O + is at the target / desired temperature).

[0086] In the third mode, the primary CHU 210A and the secondary CHU 210D are active, while the other primary CHU 210B and secondary CHU 210C are in the off state. In another embodiment of the third mode, multiple primary CHUs (e.g., Figure 4B the CHU210B in

[0087] and / or multiple secondary CHUs (e.g., CHU 210C) may be active (e.g., to meet the heating requirements as needed).

[0088] For example, in the third mode, the primary CHU 210A may operate at 100% of its maximum modulation capacity (e.g., the compressor 212A of CHU210A operates at its maximum load), while the secondary CHU 210D may operate at 55% of its maximum modulation capacity (e.g., the compressor of CHU 210D operates at its maximum load). The progressive configuration of the heating circuit 200 is configured such that in the third mode, each active primary CHU 210A, 210B operates at its maximum modulation capacity (e.g., the compressor of CHU 210D operates at its maximum load). When at least one secondary CHU is active, any / all active primary CHUs are configured to operate at their maximum modulation capacity.

[0088] The operation of the heating - cooling system 200 in Figure 4A - 4C such as the selection of active CHUs, the capacity of active CHUs, etc.) to provide the heating requirements of the first process fluid PF1 has been discussed above. For example, this may result in the active CHUs not providing the cooling to meet the cooling requirements of the second process fluid PF2. In another embodiment, the operation of the heating - cooling system 200 can be controlled based on the cooling requirements. In such an embodiment, the supplementary heating unit 280 may operate to provide supplementary heating of the first process fluid PF1 such that the heating - cooling system 200 meets the heating requirements.

[0089] Figure 5 FIG. shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1000 for controlling a heating - cooling system. In some embodiments, the method 1000 can be used to control Figure 2 the heating - cooling system 101 in Figure 3the heating - cooling system 200 therein. For example, method 1000 may be adopted by a controller (not shown) of the heating - cooling system 101 in Figure 2 or the controller 290 of the heating - cooling system 200 in Figure 3 . The heating - cooling system operates to simultaneously provide heating for a first process fluid (e.g., the first process fluid PF1) and cooling for a second process fluid (e.g., the second process fluid PF2). Method 1000 may start from 1010.

[0090] At 1010, determine the regulation requirements of the first process fluid and / or the second process fluid. In one embodiment, the regulation requirements determined at 1010 may include determining the heating requirement 1012 of the first process fluid and / or determining the cooling requirement of the second process fluid. For example, the heating requirement corresponds to the heat required to raise the first process fluid from an inlet temperature (e.g., inlet temperature T H-I , inlet temperature T H-I *, inlet temperature T H-I + ) to the target / required temperature of the first process fluid PF1. For example, the cooling requirement corresponds to the cooling capacity required to cool the second process fluid from an inlet temperature (e.g., inlet temperature T C-I , inlet temperature T C-I *, inlet temperature T C-I + ) to the target / required temperature of the second process fluid PF2. Then, method 1000 proceeds to 1020.

[0091] At 1020, selectively operate the heating - cooling system in a plurality of operating modes. The selective operation of the heating - cooling system means that the heating - cooling system operates individually in each operating mode at different times. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of operating modes include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. For example, the selective operation at 1020 may be based on the regulation requirements determined at 1010 (e.g., the heating requirement determined at 1012, the cooling requirement determined at 1014). The selective operation at 1020 may be configured to operate the heating - cooling system in the current operating mode based on the determined regulation requirements.

[0092] The selective operation of the heating - cooling system at 1020 includes operating the heating - cooling system in the first mode at 1030A (e.g., Figure 4A the heating - cooling system 200A in Figure 4B ), operating the heating - cooling system in the second mode at 1030B (e.g., Figure 4Cthe heating - cooling system 200C). The heating - cooling system includes one or more primary CHUs (e.g., primary CHU CH P1 , primary CHU CH P2 , primary CHU 210A, primary CHU 210B) and one or more secondary CHUs (e.g., secondary CHU CH S1 , secondary CHU CH S2 , secondary CHU CH S3 , secondary CHU 210C, secondary CHU 210D). For example, different modes 1030A, 1030B, 1030C use different one / group of CHUs in the heating - cooling system.

[0093] In the heating - cooling system operating in the first mode at 1030A, the primary CHU of the heating - cooling system is turned off 1032A, while one or more secondary CHUs within the heating - cooling system are active 1034A. In the first mode 1030A, each active secondary CHU heats a first process fluid and cools a second process fluid. For example, in response to the regulation demand (e.g., heating demand, cooling demand) being lower than the minimum regulation capacity of the primary CHU, the first mode 1030A is selected. The secondary CHUs operate in the first mode 1030A to meet the regulation demand (e.g., meet the heating demand and / or meet the cooling demand).

[0094] In the heating - cooling system operating in the second mode at 1030B, one or more primary CHUs in the heating - cooling system are active 1032B, and the secondary CHUs in the heating - cooling system are turned off 1034B. In the second mode 1030B, the active primary CHUs both heat a first process fluid and cool a second process fluid. For example, in response to the regulation demand (e.g., heating demand, cooling demand) being within the regulation load range of the primary CHU, the second mode 1030B is selected. The primary CHUs operate in the second mode 1030B to meet the regulation demand (e.g., meet the heating demand and / or meet the cooling demand).

[0095] In the heating - cooling system operating in the third mode at 1030C, one or more primary CHUs in the heating - cooling system are active 1032C, and one or more secondary CHUs in the heating - cooling system are active 1034C. In the third mode 1030C, the active primary CHUs and the active secondary CHUs both heat a first process fluid and cool a second process fluid. For example, the third mode 1030C is selected in response to the regulation demand (e.g., heating demand, cooling demand) being higher than the minimum regulation capacity of the primary CHU and exceeding the regulation load range of the primary CHU. The active primary CHUs and the active secondary CHUs operate in the third mode 1030C to meet the regulation demand (e.g., meet the heating demand and / or meet the cooling demand).

[0096] In one embodiment, one or more supplementary regulation units in the heating-cooling system may be active to provide supplementary heating of the first process fluid and / or provide supplementary cooling of the second process fluid. Supplementary cooling may be used when the CHU operating to meet the heating requirements of the first process fluid results in insufficient cooling of the second process fluid by the CHU (e.g., does not meet the cooling requirements). Supplementary heating may be used when the CHU operating to meet the cooling requirements of the second process fluid results in insufficient heating of the first process fluid by the CHU (e.g., does not meet the heating requirements). In some embodiments, supplementary heating and / or cooling of the supplementary regulation unit may also be provided to reduce the amount of heating and / or cooling provided by the CHU to meet the regulation requirements of the process fluid. In such an embodiment, the supplementary regulation unit may provide supplementary heating and / or cooling in the first mode 1030A and / or the second mode 1030B.

[0097] It should be understood that method 1000 may be based on Figure 1 the cooling-heating unit 1 in Figure 2 the HVACR system 100 in Figure 3 - 4C and / or the heating-cooling system 200 in Figure 1 as shown above and / or described. For example, method 1000 in an embodiment may be modified to include characteristics of operating the refrigeration circuit in each active CHU based on the cooling-heating unit 1 in

[0098] Aspect:

[0099] Aspect 1. A heating-cooling system, comprising:

[0100] A heating flow path for a first process fluid,

[0101] A cooling flow path for a second process fluid,

[0102] Cooling-heating units, each cooling-heating unit fluidly connected to the heating flow path and the cooling flow path, each cooling-heating unit including a refrigeration circuit having a compressor, an expander, a condenser for heating the first process fluid, and an evaporator for cooling the second process fluid, the cooling heating unit including:

[0103] One or more main cooling-heating units, and

[0104] One or more secondary cooling-heating units, wherein the one or more primary cooling-heating units and the one or more secondary cooling-heating units are fluidly connected to the heating flow path such that when activated, the heating load is preferentially allocated to the one or more primary cooling-heating units rather than the one or more secondary cooling-heating units.

[0105] Aspect 2. The heating-cooling system according to aspect 1, wherein one or more of the following:

[0106] The one or more secondary cooling-heating units have a smaller load capacity than the primary cooling-heating units, and

[0107] The compressor in each of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units is a different type of compressor from the compressor in the primary cooling-heating units.

[0108] Aspect 3. The heating-cooling system according to any one of aspects 1-2, wherein

[0109] The one or more primary cooling-heating units are a single primary cooling-heating unit or two or more primary cooling-heating units fluidly connected in parallel to the heating flow path, and

[0110] The one or more secondary cooling-heating units are a single secondary cooling-heating unit or two or more secondary cooling-heating units fluidly connected in parallel to the heating flow path.

[0111] Aspect 4. The heating-cooling system according to any one of aspects 1-3, wherein

[0112] The one or more primary cooling-heating units are two or more primary cooling-heating units fluidly connected in parallel to the cooling flow path, and

[0113] The one or more secondary cooling-heating units are two or more secondary cooling-heating units fluidly connected in parallel to the cooling flow path.

[0114] Aspect 5. The heating-cooling system according to any one of aspects 1-4, wherein when operating at least one of the one or more primary cooling-heating units, at least one of the one or more primary cooling-heating units operates at a maximum regulation capacity before activating any of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units.

[0115] Aspect 6. The heating-cooling system according to any one of aspects 1-5, wherein

[0116] The one or more primary cooling-heating units have an inlet and an outlet, each inlet and outlet being fluidly connected to the heating flow path, and

[0117] The one or more secondary cooling-heating units have an inlet, the inlet being fluidly connected to the heating flow path located between the inlets and outlets of the one or more primary cooling-heating units.

[0118] Aspect 7. A heating-cooling system according to any one of aspects 1-6, wherein the one or more secondary cooling-heating units have an outlet fluidly connected to the heating flow path, and the outlets of the one or more primary cooling-heating units are fluidly connected to the heating flow path between the inlets and outlets of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units.

[0119] Aspect 8. A heating-cooling system according to any one of aspects 1-7, further comprising

[0120] A controller for the heating-cooling system, the controller being configured to selectively operate the heating-cooling system in one of a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes including:

[0121] A first mode, in which the one or more primary cooling-heating units are off and at least one of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units is active,

[0122] A second mode, in which the one or more secondary cooling-heating units are off and at least one of the one or more primary cooling-heating units is active, and

[0123] A third mode, in which at least one of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units is active and at least one of the one or more primary cooling-heating units is active.

[0124] Aspect 9. A heating-cooling system according to aspect 8, wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate the heating-cooling system in one of a plurality of modes based on one or more of a heating demand for the first process fluid and a cooling demand for the second process fluid.

[0125] Aspect 10. A heating-cooling system according to any one of aspects 8 and 9, wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate the heating-cooling system in the following modes:

[0126] In response to a regulation demand for the first process fluid or the second process fluid being less than the minimum regulation capacity of the one or more primary cooling-heating units, the first mode is adopted;

[0127] Adopt the second mode in response to the regulation demand for the first process fluid or the second process fluid within the load capacity range of the one or more main cooling-heating units; and

[0128] Adopt the third mode in response to the regulation demand for the first process fluid or the second process fluid being greater than the minimum regulation capacity of the one or more main cooling-heating units and exceeding the load capacity range of the one or more main cooling-heating units.

[0129] Aspect 11. The heating-cooling system according to any one of Aspects 1-10 further includes one or more of the following:

[0130] One or more supplementary heating units fluidly connected to the heating flow path, the one or more supplementary heating units being configured to provide supplementary heating of the first process fluid; and

[0131] One or more supplementary cooling units fluidly connected to the cooling flow path, the one or more supplementary cooling units being configured to provide supplementary cooling of the second process fluid.

[0132] Aspect 12. A method for controlling a heating-cooling system, the heating-cooling system including a heating flow path for a first process fluid, a cooling flow path for a second process fluid, and cooling-heating units, each cooling-heating unit being fluidly connected to the heating flow path and the cooling flow path, the cooling-heating units including one or more main cooling-heating units and one or more secondary cooling-heating units, the method including:

[0133] Selectively operate the heating-cooling system, the multiple modes including:

[0134] The first mode, wherein operating the heating-cooling system in the first mode includes each of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units heating the first process fluid and cooling the second process fluid,

[0135] The second mode, wherein operating in the second mode includes each of the one or more main cooling-heating units heating the first process fluid and cooling the second process fluid,

[0136] The third mode, wherein operating in the third mode includes each of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units and the one or more main cooling-heating units heating the first process fluid and cooling the second process fluid, wherein in the third mode, the one or more main cooling-heating units operate at the maximum regulation capacity or approximately at the maximum regulation capacity.

[0137] Aspect 13. The method according to aspect 12, wherein in the first mode, the one or more main cooling-heating units are turned off, and in the second mode, the secondary cooling-heating unit is turned off.

[0138] Aspect 14. The method according to any one of aspects 12-13, wherein

[0139] Aspect 15. The method according to any one of aspects 12-14, wherein the regulation requirement includes one or more of a heating requirement for the first process fluid and a cooling requirement for the second process fluid.

[0140] Aspect 16. The method according to any one of aspects 12-15, wherein

[0141] The selective operation of the heating-cooling system includes:

[0142] In response to the regulation requirement exceeding the minimum regulation capacity of the one or more main cooling-heating units, selecting to operate the heating-cooling system in the first mode,

[0143] In response to the regulation requirement being within the regulation load range of the one or more main cooling-heating units, selecting to operate the heating-cooling system in the second mode; and

[0144] In response to the regulation requirement exceeding the minimum regulation capacity and exceeding the regulation load range of the one or more main cooling-heating units, selecting to operate the heating-cooling system in the third mode.

[0145] Aspect 17. The method according to any one of aspects 12-16, wherein operating the heating-cooling system in the third mode includes one or more of the following:

[0146] Heating the first process fluid with one or more supplementary heating units of the heating-cooling system, and

[0147] Cooling the second process fluid with one or more supplementary cooling units of the heating-cooling system.

[0148] Aspect 18. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system, comprising:

[0149] The heating-cooling system according to any one of aspects 1-12.

[0150] Aspect 19. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to aspect 18, wherein the second process fluid is used to cool the conditioned space.

[0151] The terms used in this specification are intended to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "a," "an," and "the" also include plural forms. When the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components is not excluded. In one embodiment, "connected" and "connecting" as described herein may refer to "directly connected" and "directly connecting," and / or "fluidly connected" and "fluidly connecting" as described herein may refer to "directly fluidly connected" and "directly fluidly connecting."

[0152] Regarding the foregoing description, it should be understood that detailed changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly with respect to the building materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of the components. This specification and the described embodiments are merely exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heating-cooling system, characterized in that: include: a heated flow path for a first process fluid, a cooling flow path for a second process fluid, a cooling-heating unit, each of the cooling-heating units being fluidly connected to the heating flow path and the cooling flow path, each of the cooling-heating units comprising a refrigeration circuit having a compressor, an expander, a condenser for heating the first process fluid, and an evaporator for cooling the second process fluid, the cooling-heating unit comprising: one or more primary cooling-heating units, and One or more secondary cooling-heating units, one or more of the primary cooling-heating units and one or more of the secondary cooling-heating units are fluidly connected to the heating flow path so that when activated, the heating load is allocated to the one or more primary cooling-heating units in priority to the one or more secondary cooling-heating units.

2. The heating-cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: One or more of the following: one or more of the secondary cooling-heating units have a smaller load capacity than the primary cooling-heating unit, and The compressor in each of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units is of a different compressor type than the compressor in the primary cooling-heating unit.

3. The heating-cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: One or more of the primary cooling-heating units is a single primary cooling-heating unit or two or more primary cooling-heating units fluidly connected in parallel to the heating flow path, and The one or more secondary cooling-heating units are a single secondary cooling-heating unit or two or more secondary cooling-heating units fluidly connected in parallel to the heating flow path.

4. The heating-cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: One or more of the primary cooling-heating units are two or more primary cooling-heating units fluidly connected in parallel to the cooling flow path, and The one or more secondary cooling-heating units are two or more secondary cooling-heating units fluidly connected to the cooling flow path in parallel.

5. The heating-cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When operating at least one of the one or more primary cooling-heating units, at least one of the one or more primary cooling-heating units operates at or about maximum regulation capacity before activating any of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units.

6. The heating-cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: One or more of the primary cooling-heating units have an inlet and an outlet, each inlet and outlet being fluidly connected to the heating flow path, and One or more of the secondary cooling-heating units has an inlet fluidly connected to the heating flow path between the inlet and the outlet of one or more of the primary cooling-heating units.

7. The heating-cooling system according to claim 6, characterized in that One or more of the secondary cooling-heating units have an outlet fluidly connected to the heating flow path, and the outlet of one or more of the primary cooling-heating units is fluidly connected to the heating flow path between the inlet and the outlet of one or more of the secondary cooling-heating units.

8. The heating-cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A controller for the heating-cooling system, the controller being configured to selectively operate the heating-cooling system in one of a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes comprising: a first mode in which one or more of said primary cooling-heating units are turned off and at least one of one or more of said secondary cooling-heating units is turned on, a second mode, wherein one or more of said secondary cooling-heating units are off and at least one of one or more of said primary cooling-heating units is active, and A third mode, wherein at least one of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units is active, and at least one of the one or more primary cooling-heating units is active.

9. The heating-cooling system according to claim 8, characterized in that The controller is configured to selectively operate the heating-cooling system in one of a plurality of modes based on one or more of a heating demand of the first process fluid and a cooling demand of the second process fluid.

10. The heating-cooling system according to claim 8, characterized in that The controller is configured to selectively operate the heating-cooling system in the following modes: In response to a regulation demand of the first process fluid or the second process fluid being less than a minimum regulation capacity of one or more of the primary cooling-heating units, employing the first mode; employing the second mode in response to a regulation demand of the first process fluid or the second process fluid being within a load capacity of one or more of the primary cooling-heating units; as well as The third mode is employed in response to a regulation demand for the first process fluid or the second process fluid being greater than a minimum regulation capacity of one or more of the primary cooling-heating units and exceeding a load capacity range of one or more of the primary cooling-heating units.

11. The heating-cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes one or more of the following: one or more supplemental heating units fluidly connected to the heating flow path, the one or more supplemental heating units configured to provide supplemental heating of the first process fluid; as well as One or more supplemental cooling units are fluidly connected to the cooling flow path, the one or more supplemental cooling units being configured to provide supplemental cooling of the second process fluid.

12. A method for controlling a heating-cooling system, characterized in that: The heating-cooling system comprises a heating flow path for a first process fluid, a cooling flow path for a second process fluid, and cooling-heating units, each of the cooling-heating units being fluidly connected to the heating flow path and the cooling flow path, the cooling-heating units comprising one or more primary cooling-heating units and one or more secondary cooling-heating units, the method comprising: The heating-cooling system is selectively operated in a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes comprising: a first mode, wherein operating the heating-cooling system in the first mode includes each of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units heating the first process fluid and cooling the second process fluid, a second mode, wherein operation in the second mode includes each of the one or more primary cooling-heating units heating the first process fluid and cooling the second process fluid, and a third mode, wherein operation in the third mode includes each of the one or more secondary cooling-heating units and the one or more primary cooling-heating units heating the first process fluid and cooling the second process fluid, wherein in the third mode, the one or more primary cooling-heating units operate at or approximately at maximum turndown capacity.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that In the first mode, one or more of the primary cooling-heating units are turned off, and in the second mode, the secondary cooling-heating units are turned off.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Selectively operating the heating-cooling system in the plurality of modes is based on regulation demand of one or more of the first process fluid and the second process fluid.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The conditioning demand includes one or more of a heating demand for the first process fluid and a cooling demand for the second process fluid.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The selective operation of the heating-cooling system includes: In response to a regulation demand exceeding a minimum regulation capacity of one or more of the primary cooling-heating units, selecting to operate the heating-cooling system in the first mode, In response to the regulation demand being within a regulation load range of one or more of the primary cooling-heating units, selecting to operate the heating-cooling system in the second mode; and In response to the throttling demand exceeding the minimum throttling capacity and exceeding a throttling load range of one or more of the primary cooling-heating units, operating the heating-cooling system in the third mode is selected.

17. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Operating the heating-cooling system in the third mode includes one or more of the following: heating the first process fluid with one or more supplemental heating units of the heating-cooling system, and The second process fluid is heated using one or more supplemental cooling units of the heating-cooling system.

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