Energy storage outdoor unit

Abstract

Energy storage outdoor unit (40) of a system (2) for temperature conditioning of interior spaces (4) of a building (6), in particular for heating, cooling or air conditioning, wherein the energy storage outdoor unit (40) is to be installed outside the building (6) and comprises, in a modular design, at least one energy storage unit (14), an air heat exchanger (22) and a device unit (50), wherein the energy storage unit (14) is designed with a liquid reservoir (16) with a water heat exchanger (18) for energy transfer and energy storage, the air heat exchanger (22) surrounds a radial fan (70) at least partially around an outer circumference, so that an airflow through the air heat exchanger (22) is generated radially from outside to inside, which escapes axially upwards at the radial fan (70), wherein the device unit (50) is arranged between the energy storage unit (14) and the air heat exchanger (22) and has an exhaust air connection (56) for building exhaust air (6) hasso that incoming exhaust air from the building (6) is distributed in the device unit (50), and wherein an insulation unit (66) shields the device unit (50) from the environment, wherein the exhaust air from the building (6) after flowing through the device unit (50) is first directed to the energy storage unit (14) and then to the air heat exchanger (22) by means of a fan (80), characterized in that the device unit (50) has at least one heat pump (52) which is coupled to the water heat exchanger (18) and the air heat exchanger (22) via a connecting plate (76).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an outdoor energy storage unit of a system for air conditioning the interior spaces of a building. Such an outdoor energy storage unit is arranged outside the building and is at least partially sunk into the ground.

[0002] An indoor climate control system for a building can include an energy storage unit with a water heat exchanger in a liquid reservoir for energy transfer and storage. The liquid reservoir is located outside the building, while a heat pump for the water heat exchanger and the building itself is located inside. Other building services components, such as heating and hot water systems, are also located inside the building. Although the equipment is easily accessible and protected within the building, it does require a considerable amount of space.

[0003] DE 10 2019 135 681 A describes an energy storage device, preferably at least partially embedded in the ground, comprising a water heat exchanger and an air heat exchanger arranged above the water heat exchanger, wherein the water heat exchanger is arranged in a liquid reservoir formed on a base between an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall encloses a cavity which is at least partially filled by at least one first container and one second container, wherein the first container and the second container have equal volumes and each form one pole of a redox flow battery.

[0004] GB 2 076 139 A shows a heat transfer device with a water heat exchanger in a liquid reservoir as a heat storage medium, onto which exhaust air is directed, and an air heat exchanger positioned in the exhaust air stream. Heat pumps are provided for both the water and air heat exchangers. The heat pump is arranged so that exhaust air flows over it, and the air is preheated by the heat pump's motor-compressor unit before contacting the heat storage medium, and then transfers the heat to the storage medium.

[0005] DE 10 2020 119 653 B3 relates to a system for air conditioning the interior spaces of a building, which are connected via at least one exhaust air duct. One or more interior spaces are equipped with an air conditioning unit that draws in outside air and supplies supply or recirculated air to the interior space(s). The air conditioning unit is connected to a fluid circuit of a heat pump. The exhaust air duct and a further fluid circuit of the heat pump are connected to an energy storage unit located outside the building. The energy storage unit is designed for energy transfer and storage with a heat exchanger in a liquid reservoir, which is connected via the heat exchanger to the further fluid circuit of the heat pump. The exhaust air is guided into the liquid reservoir via a heat exchanger.

[0006] EP 2 090 838 A2 shows a heat pump system with a water storage tank embedded in the ground as the primary heat source for the heat pump, and an auxiliary pump that can introduce water from an additional heat reservoir into the water storage tank. A control device activates the auxiliary pump when the heat supply in the water storage tank is exhausted, and continues to do so until at least part of the water in the storage tank has been replaced.

[0007] The GB 2 247 072 A shows an integrated heating or cooling system that uses a heat pump and a phase-change heat storage unit to supply a building with space heating, space cooling and domestic hot water.

[0008] A heat exchanger in the exhaust air stream and another attached to the building's wastewater pipe extract heat from the used air and greywater, which is transferred to the thermal storage tank via an ethylene glycol circuit. This heat is then drawn from the thermal storage tank to supply the evaporator in the heat pump when heating is required. A domestic hot water circuit runs through the condenser, a hot water storage tank, and, if needed, a heat exchanger for the air conditioning system. Cooling is achieved via an extension of the ethylene glycol circuit, which leads to a heat exchanger.

[0009] The JP 2002-267 214 A shows an air-cooled heat storage air conditioning system of the heat pump type.

[0010] The task is to provide a space-saving device for an air conditioning system.

[0011] This problem is solved by an energy storage outdoor unit of a system for temperature conditioning of the interior spaces of a building, in particular for heating, cooling or air conditioning, wherein the energy storage outdoor unit is to be installed outside the building and comprises, in a modular design, at least one energy storage unit, an air heat exchanger and a device unit, wherein the energy storage unit is designed with a liquid reservoir with a water heat exchanger for energy transfer and energy storage, the air heat exchanger surrounds a radial fan at least partially around an outer circumference, so that an airflow through the air heat exchanger is created radially from the outside to the inside, which escapes axially upwards at the radial fan, wherein the device unit is arranged between the energy storage unit and the air heat exchanger and has an exhaust air connection for exhaust air from the building, so that incoming exhaust air from the building is distributed in the device unit.and wherein an insulation unit shields the device unit from the environment with thermal insulation, wherein the exhaust air from the building, after passing through the device unit by means of a fan, is first directed to the energy storage unit and then to the air heat exchanger. The device unit comprises at least one heat pump, which is coupled to the water heat exchanger and the air heat exchanger via a connecting plate.

[0012] By directing the building's exhaust air, after it has passed through the unit, via a fan first to the energy storage unit and then to the air-to-water heat exchanger, heat recovery can occur in both the energy storage unit and the air-to-water heat exchanger. The outdoor energy storage unit is modular, consisting of individual units that can be delivered pre-installed and require no space inside the building. The arrangement of the units is crucial for achieving a compact design and minimizing energy losses in the liquid reservoir. According to the invention, all units are stacked on top of each other. Within the energy storage unit, the liquid reservoir enables energy storage in the liquid. Energy transfer occurs via both the air-to-water heat exchanger and the water-to-water heat exchanger. The individual functional modules essential for operation are located within the unit.The exhaust air is the room air extracted from the building, whose thermal energy is used for heat or cold recovery by the energy storage unit. Beforehand, it serves to temper the system, i.e., to heat the functional modules in winter and to cool them in summer, ensuring reliable operation even at low outdoor temperatures. "Temperature control" therefore encompasses both heating and cooling. The operation of the functional modules in the unit, which contain temperature-sensitive electrical circuits, is thus unaffected by the cold, even at low outdoor temperatures in winter, due to the tempering of the water pump and the optional additional functional modules by the exhaust air. Therefore, no heating element is required in the outdoor energy storage unit.

[0013] In the embodiment according to the invention, the device unit has at least one heat pump which is coupled to the water heat exchanger and the air heat exchanger via a connecting plate.

[0014] Unlike other known systems where only the energy storage unit with its liquid reservoir is installed outside the house, in this device unit further functional modules, in particular the heat pump which is otherwise intended to be inside the building, are moved to the outside.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the device unit contains the components required for the function of the energy storage unit and the air heat exchanger. In addition, the device unit can include a hot water storage tank for potable or domestic hot water. Alternatively or additionally, the device unit can include an energy buffer, for example in the form of a water storage tank, which serves for short-term energy release and supports the function of the heat pump.

[0016] The interior of the unit forms a space decoupled from the outside temperature and heated by the building's exhaust air. The same principle is used to regulate the temperature of other functional modules, particularly their electrical circuits. Each functional module is a self-contained unit, typically with its own housing, located within the outdoor energy storage unit. The functional modules are interchangeable, simplifying maintenance and repair. The electrical circuitry combines electrical and / or electromechanical components into a functional arrangement that, for example, controls the functional module or its interaction with other functional modules, the energy storage unit, or other system components, which may also include the building itself.Electrical circuits are sensitive to cold and are often the limiting factor for the operation of the functional module at low temperatures, so temperature control, especially of the electrical circuits, improves the operational reliability of the entire outdoor energy storage unit.

[0017] In the embodiment according to the invention, the device unit is surrounded on its outside by an insulation unit.

[0018] Between the energy storage unit and the air heat exchanger, the device unit with the insulation unit is arranged in the form of a highly insulated "warm room", which can also accommodate the hot water storage tank for drinking water or domestic hot water, so that it has very little energy loss to the environment.

[0019] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the insulation unit spans a floor area for energy storage.

[0020] The insulation unit can be reinforced around its circumference by means of a collar. This is particularly advantageous for an outdoor energy storage unit that is partially buried in the ground, with this collar covering the part of the unit that is buried.

[0021] The unit and the air heat exchanger may be fitted with side covers above the insulation unit. The air heat exchanger may have a lid.

[0022] The building's exhaust air can enter the device unit via a pipe connection, preferably laid in the ground, at the edge of the underside.

[0023] The building's exhaust air, along with waste heat from electrical components, is used to regulate the temperature of the unit. The unit typically contains several functional modules, advantageously designed to control heating, cooling, and / or ventilation within the system. These modules are arranged so that the exhaust air flows between them to the energy storage unit, thus regulating the temperature of the modules.

[0024] In one embodiment, a fan is arranged within the device unit, through which the exhaust air is directed to the energy storage unit. The fan directs the exhaust air onto the energy storage unit. Advantageously, the energy storage unit has an exhaust air-conducting heat exchanger designed to direct the exhaust air over the liquid reservoir before it flows onto the air heat exchanger within the energy storage unit. In this way, energy transfer between the exhaust air and the liquid in the reservoir already occurs before the thermal energy of the exhaust air is utilized in the air heat exchanger.

[0025] In one configuration, the outdoor energy storage unit comprises a base plate, a lid, and a surrounding side wall between the base plate and lid, enclosing the space containing the energy storage unit and functional modules. The base plate can have a raised edge, creating a trough-like shape. The outdoor energy storage unit can be partially buried in the ground, so that only the lid and the upper side wall protrude from the soil. These can be integrated into the landscaping, for example, by planting vegetation or incorporating a garden pond on the lid.

[0026] Some exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a system for air conditioning the interior spaces of a building, Fig. 2 a three-dimensional exploded view of an embodiment of an outdoor energy storage device, Fig. 3 a three-dimensional view into the interior of the energy storage outdoor unit, Fig. 4 a three-dimensional view into the device unit of the energy storage outdoor unit, and Fig. 5 another three-dimensional view into the interior of the energy storage outdoor unit.

[0027] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent components are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system 2 for air conditioning the interior spaces 4 of a building 6. The building 6 could be, for example, a residential building or an office building. However, such a system 2 can be applied to different types of buildings. The example shown should therefore be considered non-limiting. Each of the interior spaces 4 is connected via an exhaust air opening 8 to an exhaust air duct 10, which removes exhaust air from the interior spaces 4.

[0029] An outdoor energy storage unit 40 is located outside building 6, for example in the garden or on the grounds. The outdoor energy storage unit 40 is at least partially buried in the ground 30, so that only the upper part of the outdoor energy storage unit 40 protrudes from the ground 30. The outdoor energy storage unit 40 has an energy storage unit 14 with a water heat exchanger 18 in a liquid reservoir 16 and an air heat exchanger 22 above the liquid reservoir 16. The outdoor energy storage unit 40 also has a unit 50 with a heat pump 52 as a functional module of the unit 50, which is coupled to the water heat exchanger 18 and the air heat exchanger 22. The unit 50 also includes an internal hot water storage tank 54 for potable and / or service water, from which potable and / or service water can be supplied to building 6.

[0030] Building 6 is equipped with a transfer point 12, which connects building 6 to the energy storage outdoor unit 40 via a connection 42. This connection 42 can include, for example, an exhaust air supply line for building 6, an electrical connection, potable or domestic hot water supply lines, or fluid lines for the heat pump 52. These lines are required for the operation of the energy storage outdoor unit 40 or are intended to return to the building to provide temperature control for the interior spaces 4 of building 6 for heating, cooling, or air conditioning, as well as for hot water supply. The connection shown between building 6 and the energy storage outdoor unit 40 via the transfer point 12 and the connection 42 to the energy storage outdoor unit 40 is only an example.Of course, individual lines can also be routed in separate supply channels or in other ways between building 6 and the energy storage outdoor unit 40, or penetrate building 6 at several points other than just the transfer point 12.

[0031] The exhaust air duct 10 is coupled with the energy storage unit 14 and the heat pump 52, so that the incoming exhaust air is distributed in the device unit 50 before the exhaust air flows into the energy storage unit 14.

[0032] The liquid reservoir 16 of the energy storage unit 14 contains the water heat exchanger 18 with a multitude of tubes connected to the heat pump 52 via a fluid circuit. A heat transfer medium flows through the tubes, carrying away heat or cold transferred by the liquid in the liquid reservoir 16. Typically, the liquid reservoir 16 is filled with water or a paraffin compound.

[0033] Above the liquid reservoir 16, an air heat exchanger 22 is located above an insulation layer 20. The air heat exchanger 22 is arranged in several segments around a central area 24 of the energy storage unit 14. Below the insulation layer 20, a heat exchanger 44 with flow guides is arranged. The heat exchanger 44 is designed such that an airflow is directed over the liquid in the liquid reservoir 16 before the air flows onto the air heat exchanger 22 in the energy storage unit 14. This transfers the energy contained in the airflow first to the liquid reservoir 16. The heat exchanger 44 directs the air radially outwards over the liquid. The air is then guided radially from the outside through the air heat exchanger 22.In the central area 24 there is a radial fan which draws in the air from the air heat exchanger 22 together with radially incoming air from the outside towards the central area 24, where the air then leaves the energy storage unit 14.

[0034] The heat pump 52 is connected to the fluid circuit of the water heat exchanger 18. The heat pump 52 is also connected to a fluid circuit of the air heat exchanger 22, which comprises a multitude of pipes. A heat transfer medium flows through the pipes, transferring heat or cold from the air flowing past the pipes. Pump devices can be provided in the heat pump 52 for the water heat exchanger 18 and the air heat exchanger 22. A fluid circuit 32 in building 6 is coupled to the outdoor energy storage unit 40 via connection 42, so that the heat pump 52 is connected to an air conditioner 34, which, in addition to the connection to the other fluid circuit 32, has a supply of outside air via an opening 36 by means of the supply line 38.

[0035] A pump can be provided as an additional module, which is coupled to the hot water storage tank 54 for drinking and / or service water. It is designed to pump drinking and / or service water from the hot water storage tank 54 into building 6. For this purpose, a drinking and / or service water connection is provided on the outdoor energy storage unit 40, which is connected to a hot water pipe leading into building 6.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of an outdoor energy storage unit 40. In addition to the features already mentioned above in connection with Fig. In addition to the features described in section 1, an exhaust air connection 56 can be seen, which is laid underground within the soil 30 and supplies exhaust air from the building 6 to the energy storage outdoor unit 40 in the area of ​​the device unit 50.

[0037] It can also be seen that the liquid reservoir 16 is surrounded by soil 30, with the air heat exchanger and parts of the unit being located above the soil 30. These components are protected from environmental influences by side covers 58 and a lid 60. An opening is visible in the central area 24 of the lid 60, through which the air passed through the air heat exchanger exits the outdoor energy storage unit 40. The side covers 58 give the outdoor energy storage unit 40 an aesthetically pleasing appearance, allowing it to blend harmoniously into a garden or other visible area of ​​the property. The lid 60 can also be planted or filled with water, creating a flower bed or garden pond on top of the outdoor energy storage unit 40.It is also possible to fill the trough-shaped lid with decorative sand or gravel.

[0038] Below the side covers 58 is a thermal insulation layer 62, which is reinforced, particularly in the area of ​​contact with the ground 30, by an additional collar 64 with thermally insulating properties. The thermal insulation layer 62 and the collar 64 form an insulation unit 66 for the thermal insulation of, in particular, the device unit 50.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view into the interior of the energy storage outdoor unit 40 without elements obstructing the view into the interior, such as the side covers 58, the lid 60 or the shell of the liquid reservoir 16.

[0040] It can be seen that a radial fan 70 is provided above the air heat exchanger 22 for extracting the air flowing through the air heat exchanger 22. The air heat exchanger 22, together with the radial fan 70, is designed as a modular unit that is mounted on the device unit 50. The device unit 50, in turn, is surrounded by the insulation unit 66. The insulation unit 66 extends via the thermal insulation 62 and the collar 64 into removable side panels 68, which, as vacuum insulation, surround the heated area within the device unit 50. The removable side panels 68 allow access to the interior of the device unit 50 from all four directions.

[0041] Below the unit 50, the energy storage system is also arranged in a modular design. In the illustration shown, only a support structure 72 is visible, which carries the water heat exchanger 18 and the casing surrounding the liquid reservoir 16. Due to its modular design, the outdoor energy storage unit 40 can be installed particularly flexibly and cost-effectively. Individual requirements for the temperature control of the building 6 can be taken into account by selecting the functional modules provided in the unit 50. For example, the hot water storage tank 54 can remain empty in some installations if the hot water supply for the building 6 is to be provided in another way. Of course, it is also possible to integrate further functional modules into the unit 50.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the interior of the unit 50 of the outdoor energy storage unit 40. In addition to the heat pump 52 and hot water storage tank 54 already described, the unit 50 also contains additional functional modules 74, which can be, for example, system modules for operating the outdoor energy storage unit 40 or an energy buffer in the form of a water storage tank. The individual modules are connected via a connecting plate 76, which significantly simplifies the routing of the hydraulic lines for connection to the components of the outdoor energy storage unit 40 and back to the building 6. The connecting plate 76 is located on a side wall of the unit 50 to achieve the most space-saving design possible for the unit 50.

[0043] As described above, exhaust air from building 6 is supplied to the unit 50 via the exhaust air connection 56. In cold weather, e.g., in winter, the temperature control provided by the exhaust air warms the functional modules 74 as well as the components of the heat pump 52 and the hot water storage tank 54, thus increasing their operational reliability and performance. The temperature control effect is supported by the waste heat from the electrical circuits in the individual modules, which also contribute to the warming. Heating of the outdoor energy storage unit 40 is therefore unnecessary. In warm weather, e.g., in summer, the temperature control cools the individual modules, as the cooler exhaust air also carries away heat from the electrical circuits. The path of the exhaust air through the unit 50 is described below with reference to the Fig. 5 described.

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view into the interior of the energy storage outdoor unit 40 to illustrate the path of the exhaust air.

[0045] Inside the device unit 50, a fan 80 is arranged, which is mounted on a base plate 82 that separates the device unit 50 from the energy storage unit 14 below it with its liquid reservoir 16. The exhaust air from the building 6, entering through the exhaust air connection 56, is first distributed inside the device unit 50 to temper it, as already described.

[0046] The first part of the airflow of the incoming exhaust air from building 6 is in Fig. 5 is designated with the reference numeral 90. The exhaust air is drawn through the fan 80 into an area above the water in the liquid reservoir 16.

[0047] The second part of the airflow is marked with reference numeral 92. There, both the energy from the exhaust air of building 6 and heat from the modules within the device unit 50 are transferred via a heat exchanger 44 (see Fig. 1) delivered to liquid reservoir 16.

[0048] The third part of the airflow is designated 94, with the exhaust air being conveyed via an insulated hose (not shown in the figures) from the unit 50 to the air heat exchanger 22, which absorbs the remaining energy. Condensation from the heat exchanger, as well as water entering through precipitation from the openings of the radial fan 70, is also conveyed downwards into the energy storage unit 14 via this hose. The exhaust air then exits the outdoor energy storage unit 40 in the central area 24 as exhaust air.

[0049] The energy storage outdoor unit 40 offers numerous advantages compared to conventional systems. Its high efficiency is achieved through the intelligent integration of all components, particularly the hot water storage tank 54 for domestic hot water and / or process water, within the insulated unit 66, which is designed as a "hot chamber." The arrangement of the modules 74, the heat pump 52, and, if applicable, the hot water storage tank 54 within the unit 50 creates a modular system. The energy storage outdoor unit 40 features a compact above-ground installation space, requiring minimal outdoor area and allowing for quick and easy excavation. This results in overall lower costs due to reduced material usage and faster installation. Furthermore, quick and easy installation, along with optimal accessibility for maintenance and servicing, is ensured, as all technical components are accessible from all four sides.

[0050] 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. List of reference symbols: 2 System 4 interior rooms 6 buildings 6 buildings 8 exhaust opening 10 Exhaust duct 12. Handover point 14 Energy storage 16 Liquid reservoir 18 water heat exchangers 20 Insulation layer 22 air heat exchangers 24 area 30 Soil 32 Fluid circuit 34 Air conditioner 36 Opening 38 Supply line 40 Energy storage outdoor unit 42 connection 44 heat exchangers 50 device units 52 Heat pump 54 hot water storage tanks 56 Exhaust air connection 58 covers 60 lids 62 Thermal insulation 64 collars 66 Insulation unit 68 side panel 70 radial fans 72 framework 74 functional modules 76 Connecting plate 80 fan 82 Base plate 90 airflow 92 Airflow 94 Airflow

Images