Compressor module, cooling and / or heating system with compressor modules and method for operating a cooling and / or heating system

Abstract

Compressor module for controlling a compressor of a heating and / or cooling system, wherein - the compressor module (100) has at least a first interface (110), a second interface (120), a delay circuit (130) and a device for controlling a cooling and / or heating device (200) associated with the compressor module (100), which serves to set a cooling and / or heating capacity that can be specified via control commands, - the compressor module (100) can be connected via the first interface (110) to a controller or a compressor module (100) connected in series for receiving control commands and for power supply, and a series connection with further compressor modules (100) can be established via the second interface (120), - via the delay circuit (130) a control command for a downstream compressor module (100) can be transmitted with a delay, and - the first interface (110) and the second interface (120) have connections for three-phase current, and the phases are reversed at the second interface (120).

Description

[0001] A compressor module, a cooling and / or heating system with compressor modules, and a method for operating a cooling and / or heating system are described. background

[0002] In cooling and / or heating systems, the compressor output is often regulated via so-called compressor modules, whereby the compressor output directly influences the cooling and / or heating output of cooling and / or heating devices.

[0003] In this context, the terms chiller or brine chiller are often used. This refers to a device that cools a liquid (e.g., water or brine) to an adjustable temperature via a cooling circuit. The cooled liquid is then used, for example, to cool the air in a room using a cooling unit with an evaporator.

[0004] Depending on the size of the rooms, it is often necessary to install several such cooling units, each with its own compressor module or chilled water / brine set. The compressor modules are connected in series to achieve the required cooling capacity.

[0005] This can be regulated via a common control system. Among other things, the control system regulates the energy supply for the connected compressor modules.

[0006] Conventional compressor modules for cooling a room via a cooling unit consist of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit, with the refrigerant circuit and the coolant circuit being connected via a heat exchanger. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor that operates according to control commands and the supplied energy. The compressor thus regulates the cooling of the refrigerant contained in the refrigerant circuit and, via the heat exchanger, the cooling or temperature of the coolant circulating in the coolant circuit. The refrigerant circuit is preferably located within the compressor module. The coolant circuit extends between the heat exchanger and the cooling unit. For this purpose, the compressor module has connections for the coolant circuit lines. The cooling unit can also have corresponding connections for the coolant circuit lines.The cooling device has an additional heat exchanger and a fan that draws in ambient air and passes it over the heat exchanger, so that the ambient air is cooled depending on the temperature of the coolant.

[0007] The compressor modules in use feature an interface with a three-phase power connection. These modules are connected to a corresponding interface on a controller. The controller has a sufficient number of interfaces for a specific number of compressor modules.

[0008] Compressor modules are frequently used in cold storage rooms, with the associated chilled water or brine system located outside the cold storage room. The associated cooling unit is located inside the cold storage room. A control unit for setting the required temperature can also be located outside the cold storage room. State of the art

[0009] Typically, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are used to control compressors within a compressor module. This requires that all compressor modules and their compressors be integrated into a single program. Furthermore, the necessary terminals or interfaces for connecting the components must be provided.

[0010] If a compressor module is defective, this requires a complex replacement because the control system must be adapted to the replacement.

[0011] Adding an additional compressor or compressor module requires reprogramming the control unit and is therefore also complex. Connections must be provided for each connected compressor module, meaning that modifications are sometimes impossible or only possible with considerable effort.

[0012] Another problem with existing systems and controls is that in a system with multiple compressors or compressor modules, the inrush currents and phase load in the network fluctuate significantly. This is partly due to the fact that the high inrush currents of multiple compressor modules, occurring during startup, add up. Significant fluctuations can occur both when the compressor modules are switched on and when their power output changes.

[0013] A conventional system with compressor modules connected to a control unit for control and power supply is known from US 2016 / 0245565 A1. The compressor modules are connected in parallel and each is directly connected to the control unit. Therefore, adding compressor modules may necessitate replacing the control unit, because only a number of compressor modules corresponding to the number of interfaces can be connected to the control unit. Furthermore, the system described exhibits the aforementioned fluctuations in inrush currents and phase load.

[0014] From the subsequently published US patent application US 2020 / 0300525 A1, a cooling system with several compressor modules is known which can be connected in series, wherein the compressor modules in the series connection have a conventional design and thus large fluctuations in terms of the inrush currents and phase load can also occur. Task

[0015] In contrast, the task is to specify an improved and simpler design of modules for controlling related components, a simplified system with such modules that allows for easy replacement and easy addition of modules, and a uniform phase load in the network. Solution

[0016] The aforementioned task is solved by a compressor module for controlling a compressor of a heating and / or cooling system, wherein - the compressor module has at least one first interface, one second interface, a delay circuit and a device for controlling a cooling and / or heating device associated with the compressor module, which serves to set a cooling and / or heating capacity that can be specified via control commands, - the compressor module can be connected via the first interface to a controller or a compressor module connected in series for receiving control commands and for power supply, and a series connection with further compressor modules can be established via the second interface, - via the delay circuit, a control command for a downstream compressor module is passed on with a delay, and - the first and second interfaces have connections for three-phase current, and the phases are reversed at the second interface.

[0017] The compressor module is characterized by the fact that the connection to a controller does not necessarily require a direct connection between the compressor module and the controller. Instead, only one compressor module needs to be connected to the controller, and further compressor modules can be connected to each upstream compressor module, with the compressor modules being connected in series. By reversing the phases between the first and second interfaces of the compressor module, the inrush currents of multiple series-connected compressor modules are prevented from adding up, and significant fluctuations do not occur when their output changes. This is further supported by the delay circuit, which delays the start-up and / or control command before forwarding it to the next compressor module in the series.This additional compressor module also transmits the start-up and control command, via its delay circuit, to at least one further compressor module with a delay. In doing so, the phases are always reversed for each compressor module. As a result, the inrush currents and phase load of a power supply network can be distributed evenly.

[0018] The device for controlling a cooling and / or heating system associated with the compressor module includes components capable of providing cooling and / or heating. These components include, for example, heat exchangers, fans, a refrigerant circuit with a refrigerant, a coolant circuit with a coolant, and / or valves, as well as a compressor.

[0019] The compressor module can have connections for a coolant circuit between the compressor module and a cooling and / or heating unit. The coolant in the coolant circuit can be brought to an adjustable temperature directly or indirectly by the control device of the cooling and / or heating unit associated with the compressor module. The coolant is circulated from the compressor module to the cooling and / or heating unit and back again via lines of the coolant circuit. In the compressor module, the coolant is cooled, for example, and then the cooled coolant is fed to the cooling and / or heating unit. In the cooling and / or heating unit, the coolant is then used, for example, by means of further devices to cool or heat the air in a room or the like. The coolant is then returned to the compressor module, and the cycle repeats.With direct temperature control of the coolant, the coolant can be routed through a heat exchanger, which is cooled by (ambient) air using a fan. Indirect cooling may also incorporate a refrigerant circuit.

[0020] The compressor module can incorporate a refrigerant circuit, in which a refrigerant within the circuit can be brought to an adjustable temperature via the control unit for a cooling and / or heating device associated with the compressor module, and a coolant within the refrigerant circuit can be brought to an adjustable temperature via a heat exchanger connected to both the refrigerant and coolant circuits. The heat exchanger serves to equalize the coolant temperature with the target temperature or to bring it closer to the target temperature. For example, a cooled refrigerant can be used to cool the coolant. An advantage of indirect cooling is that it allows the use of refrigerants that must not be released into the environment, for example, because they are hazardous to health or the environment.However, known refrigerants have the advantage over conventional refrigerants that they can transfer heat energy along the temperature gradient, which is not possible with a conventional refrigerant. To minimize the risk to people and the environment, the refrigerant is contained within the compressor module, so that in the event of a refrigerant leak, it remains contained within the compressor module.

[0021] However, there are also refrigerants known that are neither harmful to health nor the environment. With these, too, the required volume of refrigerant is kept low by circulating it only within the compressor module. Outside the compressor module, energy transfer for cooling and / or heating occurs via the refrigerant.

[0022] The device for controlling a cooling and / or heating device associated with the compressor module may include at least one heat exchanger, one compressor and / or one fan.

[0023] The first and second interfaces can each have a connection for a control line for receiving and forwarding control commands, with the delay circuit having an input connected to the control line. Signals received via the control line for controlling the compressor module, and in particular for switching on a compressor within the compressor module, are routed within the compressor module via the delay circuit. Therefore, the switch-on command or any other signal is only passed on to another compressor module connected in series if the delay circuit outputs this signal via a corresponding output.

[0024] Even phase distribution is ensured by reversing the phases when the next compressor module connected in series is switched on. This means that the inrush currents for multiple compressor modules are not all supplied via a single phase of the three-phase power supply.

[0025] A compressor within the compressor module can be connected to one of the three phases of the three-phase power supply at the first interface. The other phases of the three-phase supply are simply routed from the first interface to the second interface within the compressor module, with the phases being reversed. For example, a first phase (L1) from the first interface might be connected to a terminal for a second phase (L2) on the second interface. Similarly, a second phase (L2) from the first interface might be connected to a terminal for a third phase (L3) on the second interface, and a third phase (L3) from the first interface might be connected to a terminal for a first phase (L1) on the second interface. With such an arrangement, a series connection of compressor modules always results in the phases of adjacent modules being reversed.

[0026] The delay circuit can also have an output that switches the power supply to the compressor of the compressor module via the corresponding phase. This ensures that the start-up of the compressor can be fully controlled via the delay circuit.

[0027] The aforementioned task is also solved by a cooling and / or heating system with a control unit, at least two compressor modules according to the above-described designs and at least one associated cooling and / or heating device, wherein the compressor modules are designed to regulate the cooling and / or heating capacity of the at least one cooling and / or heating device, wherein - the compressor modules each have at least one first interface, one second interface, a delay circuit and devices for controlling at least one cooling and / or heating device, which serve to set a cooling and / or heating capacity that can be specified via control commands, - which have at least two compressor modules connected in series, - a first compressor module is connected to the controller via the first interface and receives control commands from the controller via the first interface and a power supply is provided, - a second compressor module whose first interface is connected to the second interface of the first compressor module, - the control commands received by the control unit for the at least one second compressor module are passed on with a delay via the delay circuit of the first compressor module, and - the first and second interfaces have connections for three-phase current, and the phases at the second interfaces are reversed compared to the first interfaces on each compressor module.

[0028] As already explained above with regard to a compressor module, the system is characterized by the fact that the controller, e.g., a control unit, requires only one connection for one compressor module. The other compressor modules connected in series are each connected via their first interfaces to the second interface of a compressor module connected in series upstream. The delay circuit ensures a uniform phase load by delaying the start command and the power supply to the next compressor module. To achieve a uniform phase load in the power supply network, the phases are reversed between the first and second interfaces of each compressor module.

[0029] This advantageously achieves a uniform phase load, regardless of how many compressor modules are connected in series.

[0030] The first compressor module and at least one second compressor module, as well as at least one cooling and / or heating unit, can be connected to a coolant circuit. Hydraulic balancing between the at least two compressor modules and the at least one cooling and / or heating unit is achieved via a Tichelmann system. When the fluid lines or coolant lines are connected according to the Tichelmann principle, the fluid or coolant must always travel the same length between the at least one cooling and / or heating unit and the respective compressor modules. The lengths of the supply and return lines are considered together, and the same pressure losses occur at each compressor module, resulting in an even distribution of the mass flow. This achieves a simple hydraulic balancing.

[0031] Finally, the aforementioned task is also solved by a method for operating a cooling and / or heating system according to one of the variants described above, comprising at least two compressor modules of the type described above, wherein - a control command for at least a second compressor module is delayed by the delay circuit of the first or series-connected compressor module and passed on via the corresponding interfaces, and - the phases of the three-phase current are transmitted via the second interface in reversed order.

[0032] The present invention is particularly distinguished by the fact that the control system does not need to be modified when compressors or compressor modules are added. For example, if a compressor module is defective, it can be replaced in just a few steps without having to intervene in the control system.

[0033] The entire wiring is done, for example, via coded plug connections, which are formed by the interfaces and appropriately designed (power / signal) lines.

[0034] By connecting the compressor modules in series, the control (e.g. a cooling command) of a next (e.g. second) compressor module, which is downstream of a first compressor module, is delayed by a time relay (delay circuit).

[0035] In addition, the phase on the output connector formed by the second interface is clamped from L1 to L2, from L2 to L3 and from L3 to L1.

[0036] The "phase reversal" ensures a uniform phase load. This is particularly important when an associated compressor (e.g., for controlling cooling and / or heating systems) is operated on a single phase.

[0037] The invention therefore eliminates highly fluctuating network loads during operation.

[0038] Additional compressor modules can be added via their first interface by simply connecting them to the second interface of a compressor module connected in series upstream. Appropriately designed cables with corresponding connections can be used for this purpose. Newly added compressor modules therefore do not need to be directly connected to the controller or a control unit. In the prior art, it is common practice to provide one interface for each module on a control unit, resulting in significant limitations and considerable effort when connecting modules. Often, the number of compressor modules is limited as a result, meaning that changes to the system necessitate replacing the control unit simply because the number of interfaces or connections is no longer sufficient. The invention, however, requires no physical modification of the controller or control unit.Additional compressor modules are added by connecting the additional compressor module to a compressor module with a free second interface.

[0039] Further advantages, features and design possibilities will result from the following description of figures illustrating exemplary embodiments, which are not to be understood as restrictive. Brief description of the drawings

[0040] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a system according to the state of the art with a control unit, a cooling device and several compressor modules; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a compressor module according to the present invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a cooling system according to the present invention comprising a control unit, a cooling device and several compressor modules; and Fig. 4 a schematic circuit diagram of a part of a cooling system of the present invention comprising a compressor module which is connected to a control unit via a first interface and which can be connected in series with further compressor modules via a second interface.

[0041] In the drawings, elements designated with the same reference numerals are essentially equivalent to one another, unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, components that are not essential for understanding the technical teaching disclosed herein are not shown or described. Additionally, reference numerals are not repeated for all elements already introduced and illustrated, provided that the elements themselves and their function have already been described or are known to a person skilled in the art. Detailed description of exemplary implementations; State of the art

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a cooling system 10 according to the state of the art with a control unit 12, a cooling device 14 and several compressor modules 16.

[0043] The cooling system 10 serves to regulate the temperature in a cold storage room and comprises compressor modules 16 for this purpose. The compressor modules 16 have compressors connected to a refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit running within the compressor modules 16. The refrigerant circuit is thermally connected via a heat exchanger to a coolant circuit 15, which is connected to the compressor modules 16 and the cooling unit 14.

[0044] The coolant circulating in the coolant circuit 15 is heated to an adjustable temperature by the compressor modules 16 and conveyed to the cooling unit 14. The cooling unit 14 is located inside the cold storage room and includes a fan that draws the air in the cold storage room over a heat exchanger, which is in thermal contact with the coolant circuit 15. Thus, the air inside the cold storage room is cooled or brought to an adjustable temperature by means of the cooling unit 14 via the compressor modules 16.

[0045] The control unit 12 regulates the compressor modules 16 and is connected to a power supply network for this purpose. The control unit 12 provides the power supply for the connected compressor modules 16. The control unit 12 has several interfaces 13, through which several compressor modules 16 with corresponding interfaces 18 are connected. The power supply lines run between the interfaces 13 and the interfaces 18.

[0046] The compressor modules 16 are connected to a three-phase power supply and therefore have connections for the three phases of the three-phase current at the interfaces 18. The interfaces 13 are designed accordingly.

[0047] In order for the compressor modules 16 to be switched on via the control unit 12, a corresponding number of interfaces 13 are required. This means that only as many compressor modules 16 can be connected to the control unit 12 as there are interfaces 13 available. The control unit 12 cannot be expanded, so if an adaptation is necessary, the control unit 12 must be replaced by another control unit 12 with more interfaces 13.

[0048] The switch-on command for the compressor modules 16, generated by the control unit 12, causes all compressor modules 16 to be switched on simultaneously. The control unit 12 and the interfaces 13 are designed such that the power supply to all connected compressor modules 16 is identical, with the respective phases (L1, L2, L3) being connected to each other at the interfaces 18. As a result, when the compressor modules 16 are switched on, the inrush currents add up, leading to a high phase load in the power supply network.

[0049] The known design of a cooling system 10 with compressor modules 16 therefore has the disadvantage that the number of compressor modules 16 depends on the number of interfaces 13 on the control unit 12 and a high phase load occurs in the power supply network when the compressor modules 16 are switched on. Inventive design of a compressor module and a cooling system

[0050] The doctrine proposed herein offers a solution for the limitations on the design of cooling systems from the prior art, as well as a solution for the high phase loads in a power or energy supply network.

[0051] For this purpose, a compressor module 100 is proposed, which has a delay circuit 130 for delayed transmission of switch-on commands and a first interface 110 and a second interface 120, wherein the phases at interfaces 110 and 120 are reversed.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of such a compressor module 100 in an exemplary design.

[0053] The compressor module 100 has a housing with a connection for the first interface 110 and a connection for the second interface 120. The compressor module 100 also includes other components housed within the enclosure. These include, for example, the delay circuit 130, a compressor 140, a fan 150, and other switches and components, which are not exhaustively shown. The depiction of the components is for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, through appropriate configuration (programming and wiring), the normally closed contacts shown in the circuit can be, for example, modified. Fig. 2 and also in Fig. 4 can be implemented by closing devices.

[0054] The compressor 140 is designed as a speed-controlled pump. This allows the cooling capacity in a refrigerant circuit to be varied depending on the pump speed. Control is achieved via a control unit 300. Similarly, the speed of the fan 150 can be controlled to influence the cooling capacity according to control commands based on operating commands or parameters (refrigerant temperature, cold storage temperature, cooling demand, etc.).

[0055] The schematic representation of Fig. Figure 2 shows the solution according to the invention, wherein at interfaces 110 and 120 the phases L1-L3 are interchanged from the first interface 110 to the second interface 120. This has the effect that when several compressor modules 100 connected in series are switched on, the compressors 140 and the components of the compressor modules 100 are not all supplied by the same phase.

[0056] To further effect a delay, the delay circuit 130 is provided, which has an input for a signal line. The signal line receives a signal from a Fig. 3 and Fig. The control unit 300 shown in Figure 4 receives the switch-on command. This switch-on command is delayed and passed on to the second interface 120 via the delay circuit 130. This delays the switch-on command for a compressor module 100 connected in series, enabling it to switch on components such as a compressor 140. The power supply for another compressor module 100 is then provided not via phase L1, but via phase L3.

[0057] Compressor modules 100 are connected in series in such a way that further compressor modules 100 can be connected to a compressor module 100 via the second interfaces 120, whereby the first interface 110 of a further compressor module 100 is connected to the second interface 120 of a compressor module 100 connected in series.

[0058] The first compressor module 100 of a series connection of compressor modules 100 is connected via the first interface 110 to a second interface 320 of the control unit 300. Thus, one corresponding interface 320 for the control unit 300 is sufficient to connect any number of compressor modules 100 without modifying or replacing the control unit 300, whereby when the compressor modules 100 are switched on, the phase load in the power supply or power grid remains essentially the same and there are no significant differences or fluctuations.

[0059] In Fig. Figure 2 schematically indicates that the signal line is connected to phase L1. This connection is made via a control unit 300, with the activation of phase L1 on the signal line being regulated by a control element within the control unit. This means that a signal to switch on the compressor modules 100 is only transmitted via the signal line if a connection between phase L1 and the signal line has been established via the control unit 300. The signal via the control line also triggers the corresponding switching devices to supply the live phase to the compressor 140 and the other components (see [reference]). Fig. 4) It is therefore not sufficient that, for example, phase L1 enables a current supply. In addition, a connection between the live phase and the components to be controlled (e.g., compressor 140) must exist through appropriate control via the switch-on command supplied by the signal line.

[0060] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a cooling system 400 with a control unit 300, a cooling device 200 and several compressor modules 100 according to the design of Fig. 2.

[0061] The control unit 300 has a first interface 310. The control unit 300 is connected to a power supply or electrical network via this first interface 310. The control unit 300 also includes a control module that provides the start-up command for connected compressor modules 100 via appropriate switching devices. For this purpose, the control module can have a program that, according to user inputs and / or parameters of the connected components and a cold storage cell to be cooled by the cooling unit 200, controls the compressor modules 100 and the cooling unit 200.

[0062] The control unit 300 has a further interface 330, via which the cooling device 200 is connected to the control unit 300 for both power supply and for receiving control signals.

[0063] The cooling device 200 can, for example, be configured as in the embodiment shown in [reference to embodiment]. Fig. Figure 4 shows a ceiling-mounted air cooler designed for cooling the air in a cold storage room. For this purpose, the ceiling-mounted air cooler includes a compressor, heat exchanger, fan, and other components that are not visible in the image. Fig. 4 are only partially shown. Thus, in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 for all components the connections to a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit 410 as well as a refrigerant circuit and the coolant circuit 410 are not shown or only shown schematically.

[0064] The control unit 300 requires only a single interface 320 for the compressor modules 100, since the compressor modules 100 are connected in series via their first and second interfaces 110 and 120. Due to the design of the compressor modules 100, a switch-on command is thus transmitted with a delay via the respective delay circuits 130 in the compressor modules 100, and the phases L1-L3 are transmitted in reverse order at the second interfaces 120. Therefore, with three compressor modules 100 connected in series, the power supply to each of the respective compressor modules 100 is such that the first compressor module 100 is supplied with phase L1, the next, second compressor module 100 is supplied with phase L3, and the next, third compressor module 100 is supplied with phase L2.Subsequent compressor modules 100 are then supplied with power via the respective phases L1-L3 according to the aforementioned sequence, due to the design of the compressor modules 100.

[0065] Therefore, when changes are made to the cooling system 400 with regard to the number of compressor modules 100, no reprogramming of the control unit 300 or replacement of the control unit 300 is necessary, because the control unit 300 can be operated independently of the number of compressor modules 100 connected in series.

[0066] Each compressor module 100 has a refrigerant circuit. This refrigerant circuit is coupled to a heat exchanger, which is thermally coupled to the coolant circuit 410. The compressor modules 100 have connections for lines of the coolant circuit 410. The cooling unit 200 also has connections for lines of the coolant circuit 410. A coolant circulates in the coolant circuit 410, which is cooled by the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit and absorbs heat from the ambient air in the cold storage room within the cooling unit 200. Thus, the temperature in the cold storage room is influenced by the temperature of the refrigerant and the coolant. Furthermore, the compressor output of the compressors 140 and the speed of the fans 150 in the compressor modules 100 influence the temperature of the refrigerant and therefore the coolant.Furthermore, the temperature in the cold storage room is influenced by the compressor output and a fan of the cooling unit 200. The compressor of the cooling unit acts as a pump, circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. The pump, like the fan, can be adjusted in speed to regulate the cooling capacity.

[0067] The series connection of the compressor modules 100 enables rapid cooling of the refrigerant and thus the coolant. Since, as a rule, no separate control of essentially identical compressor modules 100 is required for cooling, the series connection of the compressor modules 100, combined with their design, results in simpler, more adaptable, and resource-efficient cooling of a cold storage room or other refrigeration equipment (e.g., refrigerated display cases) compared to the prior art. The cooling system 400 described herein can also be adapted for a heating system without deviating from the concept described here.

[0068] The individual compressor modules 100, connected in series, are linked to the cooling unit 200 according to a Tichelmann circuit, so that the total length of the supply and return lines for each compressor module 100 is the same relative to the cooling unit 200. This achieves a simple hydraulic balancing of the compressor modules 100.

[0069] The cooling unit 200, designed as a ceiling air cooler, can be connected to other ceiling air coolers to provide greater cooling capacity. The connection can involve control via the signal line 420 and power supply and / or connection to the refrigerant circuit 410.

[0070] To equalize the pressure of the coolant in the coolant circuit 410, the cooling system 400 may additionally have a diaphragm expansion vessel, a venting device and a filling unit for the coolant.

[0071] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a part of a cooling system 400 according to a further embodiment with a cooling device 200 and a compressor module 100, which is connected to a control unit 300 via a first interface 110 and can be connected in series with further compressor modules 100 via a second interface 120.

[0072] The in Fig. The cooling system 400 shown in Figure 4 is designed for cooling a room, such as a cold storage room. The illustrated part of the cooling system 400 includes a control unit 300, which contains the control for operating cooling devices 200, a compressor module 100, and a cooling device 200 designed as a ceiling air cooler.

[0073] The control unit 300 has a three-phase power connection. The control unit 300 has at least one control circuit that regulates the operation of cooling components, such as the ceiling air cooler and cooling devices, which are controlled via the compressor module 100.

[0074] For this purpose, the control unit 300 has corresponding connections or interfaces 310, 320 (phases L1-L3, PE, N and signal line).

[0075] The compressor module 100 has a first interface 110 and a second interface 120. The compressor module 100 is connected to a corresponding interface 320 of the control unit 300 via the first interface 110 and appropriately designed cables. The first interface 110 provides both the power supply for the compressor module 100 and a compressor 140, as well as transmitting control commands.

[0076] An additional compressor module 100 can be connected via the second interface 120. Advantageously, further compressor modules 100 are connected by means of a series connection. This eliminates the need for additional connections on the control unit 300, which would otherwise require reprogramming when connecting further compressor modules 100.

[0077] Control commands for cooling the cold storage room are transmitted via the control unit 300 to a first compressor module 100, which then controls a corresponding compressor 140. The control command is routed via a delay circuit 130 of the compressor module 100 and a signal line to the second interface 120. This delays the control command and forwards it to another compressor module 100, which is connected to the first compressor module 100 via the second interface 120. At the second interface 120 of the compressor modules 100, the phases are also reversed, with phase L1 connected to L2, phase L2 to L3, and phase L3 to L1.

[0078] When two compressor modules 100 are connected via a second interface 120 and a first interface 110, the phases are thus "reversed." This results in the inrush currents and phase load being evenly distributed in the power grid. Therefore, when switching on, the phase reversal from one compressor module 100 to the next, combined with the delayed control command via the delay circuit 130, leads to a staggered and delayed switching on of compressors 140 belonging to the compressor modules 100 connected in series.

[0079] The compressors 140 themselves regulate the delivery of a refrigerant by their speed, so that the cooling capacity of cooling devices, such as the cooling unit 200, can be regulated or at least additionally influenced by the speed.

[0080] The invention is characterized in particular by the simplicity and the arbitrary expandability of the cooling system 400 and the compressor modules 100. In addition, the energy supply is reliably regulated and strong fluctuations as well as high inrush currents are avoided.

[0081] Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the advantageous embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples. Other variations can be derived by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to the combinations of features specified below, but other combinations and partial combinations of the disclosed features that are obviously executable by a person skilled in the art can also be formed. Reference symbol list 10 Cooling system 12 Control unit 13 Interface 14 Cooling unit 15 Coolant circuit 16 Compressor module 18 Interface 100 compressor module 110 first interface 120 second interface 130 Delay circuit 140 compressors 150 fan 200 cooling unit 300 control unit 310 first interface 320 second interface 330 interface 400 cooling system 410 Coolant circuit 420 Signal line

Claims

Compressor module for controlling a compressor of a heating and / or cooling system, wherein: - the compressor module (100) has at least a first interface (110), a second interface (120), a delay circuit (130) and a device for controlling a cooling and / or heating device (200) associated with the compressor module (100), which serves to set a cooling and / or heating capacity that can be specified via control commands; - the compressor module (100) can be connected via the first interface (110) to a controller or a compressor module (100) connected in series for receiving control commands and for power supply, and a series connection with further compressor modules (100) can be established via the second interface (120); - a control command for a downstream compressor module (100) can be transmitted with a delay via the delay circuit (130).and- the first interface (110) and the second interface (120) have connections for three-phase current, and the phases are reversed at the second interface (120). Compressor module according to claim 1, wherein the compressor module (100) has connections for a coolant circuit (410) between the compressor module (100) and a cooling and / or heating device (200), wherein the coolant carried in the coolant circuit (410) can be brought directly or indirectly to an adjustable temperature by the device for controlling a cooling and / or heating device (200) associated with the compressor module (100). Compressor module according to claim 2, comprising a refrigerant circuit, wherein a refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit can be brought to an adjustable temperature via the device for controlling a cooling and / or heating device (200) associated with the compressor module (100) and a coolant of the coolant circuit (410) can be brought to an adjustable temperature via a heat exchanger connected to the coolant circuit (410) and the refrigerant circuit. Compressor module according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device for controlling a cooling and / or heating device (200) associated with the compressor module (100) comprises at least one heat exchanger, a compressor (140) and / or a fan (150). Compressor module according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first interface (110) and the second interface (120) have a connection for a control line for receiving and forwarding control commands, and wherein the delay circuit (130) has an input which is connected to the control line. Compressor module according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a compressor (140) of the compressor module (100) is connected to one of the three phases of the connection for the three-phase current at the first interface (110). Compressor module according to claim 6, wherein the delay circuit (130) has an output that switches the current supply via the corresponding phase to the compressor (140) of the compressor module (100). Cooling and / or heating system with a controller, at least two compressor modules (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and at least one associated cooling and / or heating device (200), wherein the compressor modules (100) are configured to regulate the cooling and / or heating capacity of the at least one cooling and / or heating device (200), wherein: - the compressor modules (100) each have at least a first interface (110), a second interface (120), a delay circuit (130) and devices for regulating the at least one cooling and / or heating device (200), which serve to set a cooling and / or heating capacity that can be specified via control commands, - the at least two compressor modules (100) are connected in series, - a first compressor module (100) is connected to the controller via the first interface (110) and receives control commands from the controller via the first interface (110) and a power supply is provided,- a second compressor module (100) is connected via its first interface (110) to the second interface (120) of the first compressor module (100), - the control commands received by the control unit for the at least one second compressor module (100) are passed on with a delay via the delay circuit (130) of the first compressor module (100), and - the first and second interfaces (110, 120) have connections for three-phase current, and the phases at the second interfaces (120) are reversed compared to the first interfaces (110) for each compressor module (100). Cooling and / or heating system according to claim 8, wherein the first compressor module (100) and the at least one second compressor module (100) as well as the at least one cooling and / or heating device (200) are connected to a coolant circuit (410), and a hydraulic balancing between the at least two compressor modules (100) and the at least one cooling and / or heating device (200) prevails via a Tichelmann system. Method for operating a cooling and / or heating system (400) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising at least two compressor modules (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein - a control command for at least a second compressor module (100) is transmitted with a delay via the corresponding interfaces (110, 120) by the delay circuit (130) of a first or series-connected compressor module (100), and - the phases of the three-phase current are transmitted in reverse order via the second interface (120).

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