Device for energy transfer and energy storage in a liquid reservoir

Abstract

Device for energy transfer and energy storage in a liquid reservoir (FR), wherein the device (VO) comprises a water heat exchanger (WW) arranged on a base (BP) and an air heat exchanger (LW) arranged above the water heat exchanger (WW), wherein the water heat exchanger (WW) is arranged in a liquid reservoir (FR) surrounded by an inner shell (IH) which separates the device (VO) from an outer shell (AH) covering the inner shell (IH) from the base, wherein the outer shell (AH) is at least partially embedded in a layer of earth (ER), and the device (VO) is closed off at the top by a cover (DE) such that an airflow from an air inlet (LE) to an air outlet (LA) can be generated through the air heat exchanger (LW).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for energy transfer and energy storage in a liquid reservoir.

[0002] The use of fossil fuels is not only becoming increasingly uneconomical, but is also being questioned more and more due to its associated negative impacts on the climate. In addition to increasing the use of renewable energy sources, efficient energy storage systems are increasingly needed. These systems, combined with intelligent controls, can reduce energy consumption, for example, in heating buildings or cooling systems. Such measures can create significant savings potential, regardless of the energy source used, which also offsets the associated installation costs.

[0003] From DE 29 26 610 A1, a storage system for providing input heat energy at a low temperature level for heat pump systems is known, which absorb this energy and release it again at a higher temperature level. In this system, a water basin is designed such that its contents can freeze without damaging the basin, and a heat exchanger system located at or embedded in the basin floor allows the cooling and freezing heat of this basin to be supplied to the cold side of a heat pump.

[0004] DE 38 54 399 T2 discloses a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger element. Such elements are used in heat exchangers, for example, in the type of heat exchangers used in cooling and heating systems for buildings. Furthermore, a heat exchanger element and a container suitable for holding the heat exchanger element to form a heat exchanger are described.

[0005] DE 10 2012 101 541 A1 discloses a ground-mounted heat storage system comprising a base, a top, and a wall surface, wherein at least the wall surface comprises a plurality of individual wall segments, and wherein at least one heat exchanger is provided within the heat storage system, the heat storage system having a solid filling under operating conditions. For an efficient heat storage system, one or more wall segments each have at least one heat exchanger.

[0006] DE 20 2010 015 153 U1 shows a standing fluid heat exchanger arranged in a natural heat body, through which a fluid can flow and in which a heat exchange device is arranged.

[0007] Besides using an artificial water basin, it is also known to use natural bodies of water as a storage medium. For example, DE 10 2015 104 909 B3 discloses an energy storage device that includes a heat exchanger floating on a lower basin, preferably filled with water via a first supply line and designed as a lake. Water from the lower basin can be supplied via a second supply line, and coolant for a heat pump, passing through the heat exchanger, can be supplied via a third supply line in separate circuits. This allows energy to be extracted from the water of the lower basin via the heat exchanger, either by freezing the water or in the form of sensible heat, and transferred to a consumer for heat and / or cooling.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 10 2015 121 177 A1 discloses a floating device for introducing thermal energy into a body of water and for extracting thermal energy from the body of water, which includes a water heat exchanger that, after the device is placed in the body of water, is immersed in it and has an inlet and an outlet for a heat transfer fluid that can transfer thermal energy to the body of water or extract thermal energy from the body of water. The device also includes an air heat exchanger that can be penetrated by ambient air and, furthermore, has an inlet for water originating from the body of water with a corresponding outlet, so that water from the body of water can flow through the air heat exchanger, whereby thermal energy can be transferred between the ambient air flowing through the air heat exchanger and the water flowing through the air heat exchanger.

[0009] Based on this state of the art, the inventors have now set themselves the task of creating a device for energy transmission and energy storage in a liquid reservoir that can be used even without natural water and is also particularly easy to install.

[0010] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. These can be combined with one another in a technologically meaningful manner. The description, particularly in conjunction with the drawing, further characterizes and specifies the invention.

[0011] According to the invention, a device for energy transfer and energy storage in a liquid reservoir is created, comprising a water heat exchanger arranged on a base and an air heat exchanger arranged above the water heat exchanger, wherein the water heat exchanger is arranged in a liquid reservoir surrounded by an inner shell that separates the device from an outer shell covering the inner shell from the base, wherein the outer shell is at least partially embedded in a layer of earth, and the device is closed off at the top by a cover in such a way that an airflow from an air inlet to an air outlet can be generated through the air heat exchanger.

[0012] The device according to the invention can therefore be divided into three sections, with the water heat exchanger being located at the bottom in the liquid reservoir. The air heat exchanger, through which ambient air can flow, is located in the upper section. The cover is positioned above this air heat exchanger and can be designed to create a usable area, for example, in the garden of a residential building, when the device according to the invention is buried in the ground up to the cover. Typically, the active areas of the water heat exchanger and the air heat exchanger are connected to a heat pump via a hydraulic unit and are typically supplied with a glycol-water mixture for energy exchange. This energy exchange can take place in various ways. Firstly, it is possible to extract ambient heat from the air heat exchanger for heating purposes using the heat pump.Excess ambient heat can be simultaneously fed into the water heat exchanger. If insufficient ambient heat is available from the air heat exchanger for heating purposes, it can be drawn from the water heat exchanger. Available usable heat from the air heat exchanger can be diverted and fed back into the water heat exchanger for regeneration and charging the storage tank. In addition to extracting ambient heat from the air heat exchanger, heat can also be transferred via the air heat exchanger for cooling purposes. In this process, some cooling energy can be extracted and fed into the water heat exchanger for active pre-cooling of the storage tank. A corresponding amount of cooling energy can also be extracted from the water heat exchanger to transfer heat for cooling purposes via the air heat exchanger using the heat pump.Finally, it is also possible to achieve free pre-cooling of the storage tank via the air heat exchanger to provide free cooling for the water heat exchanger. As a result, the device will increase the efficiency of useful heat generation, since the water heat exchanger can transfer ambient heat from warm days to the less efficient cold days, thereby significantly increasing efficiency. It can be assumed that the device according to the invention practically eliminates or significantly reduces the need for direct electric auxiliary heating. The effect of the device according to the invention is even more pronounced when cooling buildings and / or machinery, as the coolness of the night is transferred to the storage tank to support the generation of cooling during the day through low source temperatures.

[0013] In addition to this increase in efficiency, the device according to the invention is designed in such a way as to significantly simplify the installation and operation of such a system. For this purpose, the outer shell is first inserted into the ground; during installation, it can be supported by a stable core to prevent dents. The liquid reservoir is formed inside the inner shell, and after the core is removed, the inner shell can be used to stabilize the outer shell. This is achieved by the outer shell covering the inner shell from the ground. This allows for a simple construction of the device according to the invention, which can also be installed cost-effectively.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, an insulating layer is arranged between the water heat exchanger and the air heat exchanger, wherein a seal may be provided between the insulating layer and the outer shell, which may be designed, for example, as a circumferential cuff or a partially circumferential cuff.

[0015] Accordingly, it is possible to isolate the water heat exchanger area from that of the air heat exchanger, whereby the combination of water heat exchanger, air heat exchanger, and insulation layer can be provided as a single unit that is integrated into the outer shell. By forming a collar, the necessary insulation effect can be completed after the unit is inserted into the outer shell.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a support structure is provided at a distance from the outer shell, mounted on the ground, which supports the lid. The support structure can be composed of several vertical supports, which may be equipped with an adjustment mechanism on the side facing the lid to align the lid's position. The support structure can be provided with a ring segment that at least partially circumferentially serves as the upper termination of the inner shell. The inner shell can be designed as a flexible film that is suspended within the ring segment.

[0017] Accordingly, a mechanically stable structure is created using only a few components. The air and water heat exchangers can be inserted into this structure and subsequently filled with the liquid from the reservoir. An adjustment mechanism facing the lid allows for compensation, within certain limits, for angles of inclination between the ground and the desired position of the lid, while the inner lining, a flexible film, adapts to any unevenness in the ground. The frame is easily assembled on the ground, which can preferably be a concrete slab. This significantly simplifies the preparatory excavation work for installing the device. The lid can also be made of multiple sections and thus have separate adjustment mechanisms.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the air inlet is designed as a slot along the outer circumference of the lid. The lid can be arranged with the air outlet centrally on the lid, and a fan can be arranged below the lid at the air outlet.

[0019] This method allows ambient air to be easily supplied to the air heat exchanger. After the exchange of heat or cold, the air leaves the heat exchanger through the air outlet, with the airflow potentially generated by a fan.

[0020] In particular, the cover is designed to have one or more recesses that can be filled with soil to create a planting bed or with water to function as a water feature. This allows for a natural appearance, while in other applications the cover can also be driven or walked on. This approach ensures that the area allocated for the device, for example in a garden, remains usable.

[0021] Water is typically introduced into the liquid reservoir as the liquid medium, although other liquids, in particular paraffin compounds or the like, can also be used. Since, according to the invention, this is not a natural body of water, the choice of liquid medium is not limited to water.

[0022] Due to the flexible inner shell, the hydrodynamic pressure in the liquid reservoir can press it against the outer shell, which further stabilizes the outer shell against the ground.

[0023] According to further embodiments of the invention, the air heat exchanger and the water heat exchanger are each designed with a plurality of circularly arranged tubes, which are connected to a connection unit via inlet and outlet lines. The outer casing of the connection unit, which is typically arranged between the water heat exchanger and the air heat exchanger, may be perforated.

[0024] Accordingly, it is possible to create a connection between the heat pump, which is typically located in the building, and the device according to the invention as early as when the outer shell is being installed in the ground, which can be done via the connection unit.

[0025] Since the outer shell and the unit, encompassing the air heat exchanger and the water heat exchanger, are installed sequentially, connecting lines can initially be laid underground to the connection unit, leaving the space within the outer shell initially clear. After the heat exchangers are installed, the corresponding supply lines are then routed from the inside to the connection unit. To avoid interfering with the installation of the unit, these lines can initially be arranged radially and then routed to the respective connection points.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the air heat exchanger and the water heat exchanger are designed such that the device has a substantially cylindrical outer shape.

[0027] A device designed in this way can be easily transported to the site of use and, after completion of the excavation work and, if necessary, removal of a stabilized core, can be quickly installed in the designated open space.

[0028] Some exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a side view of a device according to the invention, Fig. 2A a sectional view along line AA' of the device Fig. 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2B a sectional view along line AA' of the device Fig. 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 a perspective side view of the device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a perspective side view of a first part of the device according to Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 a perspective side view of a second part of the device according to Fig. 1.

[0029] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent components are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0030] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a device VO according to the invention in one embodiment. The device VO is typically installed in the exterior area of ​​a building that is to be heated or cooled by means of the device VO. To facilitate easy installation of the device VO, the base area to be installed is first prepared, typically using a concrete slab BP as the floor. Furthermore, soil ER is removed from the exterior area of ​​the building so that an outer shell AH can be installed, which rests on the base slab BP. Before the outer shell AH is installed, a pipe run is typically laid to a heat pump located inside the building, which—as will be explained further below—will be connected to the device VO via a connection unit AE.To save material in the design of the outer shell AH, a placeholder can be inserted into the interior of the outer shell AH until the device VO is installed. This placeholder acts as a stabilizing core and prevents the outer shell AH from bulging. Typically, the outer shell AH is designed with a height such that the device VO lies completely or almost completely in the ground ER. However, for the operation of the device VO, it is essential that an air inlet LE draws ambient air into the interior of the device VO and allows it to be expelled through an air outlet LA. For this purpose, the device VO is provided with a cover DE on its upper surface, which almost completely covers the cross-section of the outer shell AH, leaving only a circumferential gap that can be used, at least partially, as the air inlet LE.

[0031] The in Fig. The cover DE shown in Figure 1 and the top of the soil RE form an almost flat surface, with the outer shell AH typically being in the form of a cylinder with a circular cross-section, which is positioned in the soil ER over its entire axial height. In other embodiments, however, it may be possible for the device VO to project partially above the top of the soil, so that the air inlet LE could also be via a cylindrical outer surface. Instead of an outer shell AH, a protective grille or the like would then be installed between the top of the soil ER and the cover DE.

[0032] With reference to Fig. Section 2A now describes a sectional view through plane A - A', which shows in detail the interior of the device VO according to a first embodiment of the invention. The device VO is constructed from an air heat exchanger LW and a water heat exchanger WW, wherein the water heat exchanger WW has a liquid reservoir FR formed within an inner shell IH, which rests on the base plate BP. The water heat exchanger WW is separated from the air heat exchanger LW at the top by an insulating layer IS, which is further sealed with respect to the outer shell AH by a subsequently installed cuff MA.Thus, it is possible to guide the unit, consisting of the air heat exchanger LW, insulation layer IS, and water heat exchanger WW, together into the interior of the outer shell AH. An insulation layer between the area of ​​the air heat exchanger LW through which air flows from the air inlet LE and the area of ​​the water heat exchanger WW can be subsequently created using the collar MA. The air heat exchanger LW has several metal fins ML arranged in the form of multiple blocks. For weight reduction, the fins are typically made of aluminum, while the pipes connecting the fins can be made of copper. Ambient air flows around the metal fins ML, and this ambient air is guided via the air inlet LE to the air outlet LA on the cover DE by means of a fan VE. Corresponding supply and / or exhaust connections are provided.The drain lines of the metal fins ML are connected to the heat pump located in the building, as will be explained below.

[0033] The water heat exchanger (WW) also features circularly coiled second tubes (R2) arranged within the liquid reservoir (FR). Typically, the liquid reservoir (FR) is filled with water, although other liquid media, such as paraffin compounds or similar substances, are possible. Again, corresponding supply and drain lines connect to the heat pump located in the building. Both the first tubes (R1) and the second tubes (R2) are typically filled with a water-glycol mixture to achieve energy transfer and storage, respectively.

[0034] Furthermore, in Fig. 2A shows that the cover DE is formed with a multitude of depressions ES, which can be filled with soil or water to create a visually appealing design, for example in the garden of a residential building. The cover DE can also be designed to be walkable or drivable, for example to integrate into existing paths.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 2B shows a sectional view through the plane A - A', which shows in detail the interior of the device VO according to a second embodiment of the invention. The device VO is again composed of an air heat exchanger LW and a water heat exchanger WW. In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. In section 2A, the air heat exchanger LW has a multitude of first pipes R1 around which ambient air flows. The ambient air is guided via the air inlet LE to the air outlet LA on the cover DE by means of a fan. Corresponding supply and return lines of the first pipes R1 are connected to the heat pump located in the building. The first pipes R1 can, for example, be made of plastic.

[0036] Although the depictions of Fig. Although no dimensions are specified for 2A and 2B, it is nevertheless apparent that the two devices VO differ in size. In general, the performance or design of the heat storage unit can be specifically modified or adapted using the inventive design of the devices VO. This can be achieved by changing both the diameter and the height of the energy storage unit. Furthermore, adjustments can be made by modifying the arrangement or design of the air heat exchanger LW and the water heat exchanger WW.

[0037] Regardless of the design of the air heat exchanger LW, after filling the liquid reservoir FR of the water heat exchanger WW, it may be specifically designed that the inner shell IH is pressed towards the outer shell AH due to a flexible design, which provides additional stabilization of the outer shell AH to the surrounding soil ER. As already mentioned, once the outer shell AH is placed on the base plate BP, the entire device can be installed essentially in one step, as described below with reference to Fig. 3 will be explained in more detail.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective side view of the device VO, where the device VO is depicted without the surrounding soil or the outer shell AH. To achieve mechanical stabilization, a support structure SW is provided, which initially comprises a base body GK. This base body can, for example, be arranged in a star shape on the base plate BP and terminates on the outside in a vertical strut ST. This strut extends from the base plate BP along the entire outer shell AH and is equipped at its upper end with an adjustment device VM. This device connects the strut ST to the cover DE, and its length is adjustable so that the cover DE can be aligned, for example, to the desired horizontal position. This is particularly advantageous if the base plate BP has experienced a slight deviation compared to a horizontal alignment.Furthermore, a separate inner cover can also be height-adjustable, either together or separately. A ring segment RS forms the end of the water heat exchanger WW, with the ring segment RS connecting the individual struts ST circumferentially and thus also providing additional support for the frame SW. The outer shell IH, in the form of a flexible film, is suspended within the ring segment RS to achieve the stabilizing effect of the outer shell AH described above, due to the hydrostatic pressure inside the inner shell IH. The film can be attached to the ring segment RS in various ways, including not only suspension but also other form-fit or force-fit connections. Furthermore... Fig. As can be seen in section 3, the insulation layer IS isolates the air heat exchanger LW from the water heat exchanger WW, except for the area near the struts ST. As mentioned above, these remaining edge areas can be sealed by means of a collar or similar device. The in Fig. The device shown in Figure 3 can be essentially completely inserted into the outer shell AH, so that after filling the liquid reservoir FR with, for example, water and connecting the first pipes R1 and the second pipes R2 to the heat pump, the device VO would be ready for operation.

[0039] The support structure SW or the struts ST also serve as a distribution pipe for the individual pipes of the second pipes R2 of the water heat exchanger WW, thus acting both as support and as a supply and return point for the fluid into the individual pipes R2. A similar function can also be assumed for the air heat exchanger LW, provided that a design according to Fig. 2B is selected.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 4 shows the construction of the frame SW, the cover DE, and the inner shell IH again without the components forming the air heat exchanger LW and the water heat exchanger WW. It can be seen that a simple yet stable structure can be created, which significantly reduces the production costs for such an energy transfer or energy storage device.

[0041] In Fig.Figure 5 shows another view that uses a partially broken representation of soil ER to explain the structure in more detail.

[0042] It can be seen that connecting lines AL are led to the connection unit AE, which establishes a connection to a heat pump. The connection unit AE will be connected on its inner side to the first pipes R1 and the second pipes R2 via corresponding connections. For this purpose, the connecting lines are first pre-assembled radially on the device, so that after the device VO is inserted into the outer casing AH, only a connection to the connection unit AE needs to be made. In this way, a significant reduction in the work required for installation is possible, which can further reduce the costs for a device according to the invention. Another important feature is that the complete energy storage unit (possibly also with outer casing AH) can be pre-assembled at the factory and then delivered and installed as a unit.

[0043] The shape of the device VO can be either round, as shown, or polygonal with respect to its base. Other shapes, such as elliptical or similar, are not excluded.

[0044] The features specified above and in the claims, as well as those discernible from the illustrations, can be advantageously implemented both individually and in various combinations. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments but can be modified in many ways within the scope of expert knowledge.

Claims

[1] Device for energy transfer and energy storage in a liquid reservoir (FR), wherein the device (VO) comprises a water heat exchanger (WW) arranged on a base (BP) and an air heat exchanger (LW) arranged above the water heat exchanger (WW), wherein the water heat exchanger (WW) is arranged in a liquid reservoir (FR) surrounded by an inner shell (IH) which separates the device (VO) from an outer shell (AH) covering the inner shell (IH) from the base, wherein the outer shell (AH) is at least partially embedded in a layer of earth (ER), and the device (VO) is closed off at the top by a cover (DE) such that an airflow from an air inlet (LE) to an air outlet (LA) can be generated through the air heat exchanger (LW). [2] Device according to claim 1, in which an insulating layer (IS) is arranged between the water heat exchanger (WW) and the air heat exchanger (LW). [3] Device according to claim 2, in which a seal is provided between the insulation layer (IS) and the outer shell (AH), which is preferably designed as a cuff (MA) that is at least partially circumferential. [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which a support structure (SW) mounted on the ground (BP) is provided spaced apart from the outer shell (AH) and which supports the lid (DE). [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the support structure (SW) is composed of several vertical supports which are provided on the side facing the lid (DE) with an adjustment mechanism (VM) to align the position of the lid (DE). [6] Device according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the frame (SW) is provided with an at least partially circumferential ring segment (RS) which serves as the upper termination of the inner shell (IH). [7] Device according to claim 6, wherein the inner shell (IH) is designed as a flexible film which is connected to the ring segment (RS), in particular suspended in it. [8] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air inlet (LE) is designed as a slot along the outer circumference of the cover (DE). [9] Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lid (DE) with the air outlet (LA) is arranged centrally on the lid (DE), wherein a fan (VE) is preferably arranged below the lid (DE) at the air outlet (LA). [10] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lid (DE) is provided with one or more depressions (ES) which may be filled with water or soil to create a natural appearance of the device (VO), or wherein the lid (DE) is drivable or walkable. [11] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the water heat exchanger (WW) is arranged in water or paraffin compounds as the liquid medium of the liquid reservoir (FR). [12] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hydrodynamic pressure in the liquid reservoir (FR) presses the inner shell (IH) against the outer shell (AH). [13] Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the air heat exchanger (LW) and the water heat exchanger (WW) are each designed with a plurality of circularly arranged tubes (R1; R2) which are connected to a connection unit (AE) via inlet and outlet lines. [14] Device according to claim 13, wherein the outer shell (AH) is perforated by the connection unit (AE), which is preferably arranged at a height between the water heat exchanger (WW) and the air heat exchanger (LW). [15] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the air heat exchanger (LW) and the water heat exchanger (WW) are designed such that the device (VO) has a substantially cylindrical outer shape.

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