Solar support module for an air heat exchanger

Abstract

Solar support module (11) for an air heat exchanger (36) of a heat pump with: a housing (12) comprising at least one inlet (14) and one outlet (16), wherein an air path is formed from the at least one inlet (14) via a solar unit (18) to the outlet (16), which is configured to direct air from the inlet (14) of the housing (12) through the housing (12) to the outlet (16); the solar unit (18), which is heated by solar radiation and is designed to transfer this heat to the air passed through the air path; and a coupling unit (20) for connecting the outlet (16) of the housing (12) to an air heat exchanger (36) of the heat pump in order to direct the air preheated by means of the solar support module (11) to the air heat exchanger (36), wherein the solar unit (18) comprising an upper plate (24) and a lower plate (26), each having corresponding bores (30), wherein the bores (30) are connected by tubes (28) and the tubes (28) form part of the air path; wherein the solar unit (18) is at least partially filled with a mixture of water and glycol and the tubes (28) are at least partially surrounded by the mixture of water and glycol; wherein the upper plate (24) of the solar unit (18) is made of copper; and wherein the lower plate (26) of the solar unit (18) is made of aluminum sheet.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar support module for supporting a heat exchanger of a heat pump, in particular a heat pump with air as a heat source, as well as a corresponding system and method.

[0002] A heat pump is a heat engine that extracts thermal energy, i.e., heat, from a low-temperature reservoir by expending energy and transfers it as usable heat at a higher temperature to a system to be heated. It is common to use heat pumps for heating residential spaces.

[0003] Living spaces typically need heating when the outside temperature is low. This low outside temperature leads to low efficiency of the heat pump.

[0004] A solar and air collector for heat pumps is known from the patent application DE 34 44 117 A1.

[0005] The patent application CH 654 650 A5 concerns a solar collector for heating a heat transfer fluid.

[0006] A solar-coupled air-to-water heat pump with an integrated hot water system and associated heating method is known from patent application CN 1 05 066 446 A.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to increase the efficiency of a heat pump sustainably and preferably cost-effectively.

[0008] The present invention therefore aims to provide a cost-effective way to increase the efficiency of a heat pump. Preferably, this should require little or no additional energy. Particularly preferably, the method should be robust and free of electronics.

[0009] This problem is solved by a device according to claim 1.

[0010] The solar support module comprises a housing with at least one inlet and one outlet, wherein an air path is formed from the at least one inlet via a solar unit to the outlet, which is configured to direct air from the inlet of the housing through the housing to the outlet.

[0011] The solar support module also includes the solar unit, which is heated by solar radiation and is designed to transfer this heat to the air guided through the air path.

[0012] Finally, the solar support module includes a coupling unit for connecting the outlet of the housing to an air heat exchanger of the heat pump in order to direct the air preheated by means of the solar support module to the air heat exchanger.

[0013] A robust solar support module can be created by means of a housing that forms an air path. In particular, the housing can fulfill a dual function: on the one hand, it protects the solar unit, and on the other hand, it acts as an air guide, directing the air to be heated to the solar unit and ultimately to a heat exchanger in the heat pump. Preferably, the housing itself can at least partially form the solar unit. A coupling unit for connecting the outlet of the housing to a heat exchanger creates a solar support module that is also suitable as a retrofit solution for existing heat pumps. In the simplest case, the coupling unit can be a nozzle or an opening. Preferably, the coupling unit is hermetically sealed to the heat exchanger.

[0014] The solar support module can be designed without electronics and be completely passive, since a heat exchanger is typically supplied with air by a fan. This fan can be advantageously used to guide air through the air path. Preferably, the fan draws air along the air path through the housing of the solar support module and then draws or blows this heated air onto the heat exchanger of the heat pump.

[0015] It is understood that the fan can also be positioned between the heat exchanger and the coupling unit. In this respect, the fan is to be considered part of the heat exchanger.

[0016] According to the invention, the solar unit comprises an upper plate and a lower plate, each having corresponding bores. The bores are connected by tubes, which form part of the air path. Corresponding bores, in particular, mean that each bore in the upper plate is connected by a tube to a bore in the lower plate. By designing the solar unit with an upper plate and a lower plate, each connected by bores, the internal surface area of ​​the air path can be increased. This allows for improved heat transfer from the solar unit to the air flowing around or through the solar unit.

[0017] The solar unit is at least partially filled with a mixture of water and glycol, or alternatively, propylene glycol. The pipes are at least partially surrounded by this water-glycol mixture. This increases the heat capacity of the solar unit, allowing it to store more heat. In particular, this ensures that when the heat pump is not active but solar radiation is still falling on the solar support module, the energy from the sun's rays can be stored more effectively. When the heat pump is operating, this stored energy can be released into the air flowing through it. This further increases the efficiency of the heat pump. Specifically, energy from sunlight can be used and stored even when the heat pump is not in operation. The space within the solar support module filled with the glycol mixture...The solar unit can be additionally protected against excessive pressure increase with an expansion vessel, especially when the system is at a standstill, i.e., when the heat pump is not in operation.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, an upper side of the housing is formed by a transparent plate, in particular a solar glass plate. A lower side of the housing is formed by the solar unit. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the transparent plate and the solar unit, with this gap forming at least a portion of the air path. This gap allows the air path to be lengthened, thereby increasing the surface area available for transferring heat from the solar support module to the air flowing through it. A greater amount of heat can thus be transferred to the air flowing through it. The efficiency of the heat pump can ultimately be further increased by such a solar support module.

[0019] The upper side of the solar unit is particularly advantageous when coated with a solar coating. This beneficial coating increases the amount of heat absorbed from incident sunlight, consequently transferring more heat from the sunlight to the air flowing through it, which is then ultimately used by the heat pump.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tubes are provided with fins on the inside and / or outside and are preferably made of copper tubing. This allows for improved heat transfer from the tubes to the air flowing through them. In particular, the fins on the outside of the tubes enable faster heat conduction from a water-glycol mixture surrounding the tubes into the tubes. Similarly, inwardly directed fins on the tubes increase the heated surface area exposed to the airflow and lead to improved heat transfer to the air flowing through them.

[0021] According to the invention, the upper plate of the solar unit is made of copper and the lower plate of the solar unit is made of aluminum sheet, with preferably a circumferential housing wall and an underside of the housing being thermally insulated. The upper and lower plates are understood to mean, in particular, that the upper plate is the plate of the solar unit facing the sun. By making the upper plate from copper, efficient heat transfer into the solar unit from the sun's rays is possible. Manufacturing the lower plate from aluminum sheet allows for a weight-optimized solar unit. In particular, a cost-efficient solar unit can be created, since expensive copper material is used efficiently on the sun-facing side, i.e., the upper plate.It goes without saying that the housing can also be made entirely of copper sheet or entirely of stainless steel sheet, so that the components essentially have a uniform coefficient of thermal expansion and greater stability in operation can be achieved.

[0022] A rib preferably serves to increase the surface area of ​​a component and is arranged on and / or connected to it. A rib can, in particular, be designed like a cooling fin and increase the heat absorption and / or heat dissipation of the component. Preferably, the rib is a plate-shaped component made of a material with high thermal conductivity, especially metal, and extends away from the component to which it is attached.

[0023] An expert recognizes that the teaching revealed here contributes to the reduction of fossil fuels and enables a reduction in CO2 emissions when heating living spaces or buildings.

[0024] The teaching is based on the idea of ​​using solar heat radiation in the best possible way for cost-optimized and energy-efficient building heating by means of a solar support module in combination with a heat pump.

[0025] Solar support for a standard finned air heat exchanger can preferably be achieved by a glass cover and a metal housing made of, preferably, two soldered copper sheets, which may have a spacing of 30 to 50 millimeters. Propylene glycol, so-called solar fluid, can be filled into the space formed by the two soldered copper sheets. To improve heat transfer, pipe sections can be soldered between the sheets, through which the flowing air passes to a heat exchanger below. The metal housing is particularly preferably arranged in contact with the fins of the air heat exchanger.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the metal housing and the glass plates extend laterally beyond the dimensions of the air heat exchanger in order to cover a larger area and form a larger area exposed to sunlight.

[0027] The aim of the present invention is to raise the temperature of the air supplied by the solar support module to a higher inlet temperature level for an air heat exchanger. This makes the heat pump's operating process more efficient. For example, an evaporation temperature increase of one degree Kelvin can lead to approximately two to three percent less electrical energy consumption by the heat pump. In particular, further savings can result from the fact that the solar heating significantly reduces, and may even eliminate entirely, the electrical defrost cycles that may be necessary for the air heat exchanger during operation.

[0028] An exemplary embodiment can look like this: An aluminum sheet metal box base with dimensions of approximately 1200 x 800 x 100 millimeters is tightly soldered to a copper sheet cover, with side panels extending approximately 30 to 50 millimeters beyond the copper sheet cover. A cover with solar glass is sealed onto an upper edge of the housing to close it, so that a sealed air gap is created above the copper sheet cover and below the glass cover.

[0029] Preferably, the upper surface of the copper sheet can be coated with a solar lacquer. Furthermore, preferably, the copper sheet and the housing base comprise opposing bores lying on a vertical axis, with a diameter of, for example, 25 millimeters, each of which is soldered to a copper tube web, preferably ribbed on the inside and outside.

[0030] It is particularly advantageous to place additional copper sheets, for example with a height of 30 millimeters, between the struts and solder them to the struts of the copper sheet cover.

[0031] The housing can be permanently filled with a water-glycol mixture, so that the bottom plates, side plates, copper sheet cover, as well as the copper pipe sections and copper sheets are completely enclosed.

[0032] In other words, the solar housing is preferably completely covered by the glass surface. When exposed to sunlight, the air between the solar glass cover and the painted copper sheet cover heats up. This heat is absorbed by the solar paint surface and warms the water-glycol mixture inside the housing.

[0033] The solar support module uses a fan or blower from the heat pump to draw ambient air through the boreholes. For example, air can be directed from a lower base section laterally upwards into the space between the solar glass cover and the copper sheet cover. The forced airflow is guided through this space and the solar support module to the air evaporator, i.e., the heat exchanger, located below. As it passes through the solar module, the air is heated by solar radiation and by the heat exchanger before entering the heat exchanger, preferably located below.

[0034] Consequently, the air flowing through the solar support module can be heated to such an extent that the air flowing through has a higher air outlet temperature than the air inlet temperature.

[0035] Preferably, a refrigerant injection control with MOP function can be selected to protect the heat pump from overload and overheating of the compressor on the suction side. This may be particularly necessary because heat pumps are designed for lower temperatures and not for pre-treated air as described above.

[0036] It goes without saying that, to protect the entire system, i.e., the solar thermal module including the heat pump, an independently controlled mechanical shading system can be provided. This can be designed, for example, in the form of a roller blind or a Venetian blind.

[0037] A solar support module can be used as a central element for preheating the intake air into an air heat exchanger. In particular, the solar support can also be used decoupled from the air heat exchanger as a pre-component for existing air-to-water heat pumps by connecting the solar support module upstream of the heat pump's intake airflow via an air intake duct or coupling unit.

[0038] The invention is described and explained in more detail below with reference to some selected embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a simplified schematic representation of a system according to the invention comprising a solar support module and a heat pump; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of a solar unit of a solar support module according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a solar unit according to the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a solar unit; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an exemplary system comprising a solar support module, a heat exchanger of a heat pump and a fan; Fig. 6 a schematic top view of another embodiment of a solar unit without an upper plate; Fig. 7 a schematic top view of another embodiment of a solar unit without an upper plate; and Fig. 8 schematically the steps of a method according to the invention.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a system 10 comprising a solar support module 11 with a housing 12. In the embodiment shown, the housing 12 has two inputs 14 and one output 16. An air path is formed from the inputs 14 to the output 16 via a solar unit 18.

[0040] The output 16 can be connected to an input of a heat pump's heat exchanger by means of a coupling unit 20. The solar unit 18 can be heated by means of solar rays 22 (shown schematically), so that air flowing through the unit on the air path from input 14 to output 16 is also heated by the solar unit 18, which is heated by the solar rays 22. This heat can then be supplied to the air heat exchanger of the heat pump.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a solar unit 18 in a side sectional view and a top view. The solar unit 18 has an upper plate 24 and a lower plate 26, each connected by tubes 28. To allow air to flow through the solar unit 18, the upper plate 24 and the lower plate 26 each have corresponding bores, i.e., bores 30, which are located one above the other. Each pair of corresponding bores 30 is connected by a tube 28.

[0042] The connection between bore 30 and tube 28 can preferably be a soldered connection. It is understood that other connections, such as gluing or screwing, are also conceivable, with the bore 30 and the tube 28 having a thread in the latter case.

[0043] In Fig. 3 is analogous to Fig. Figure 2 shows a solar unit 18 according to the invention. In contrast to the one in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the housing of the solar unit 18, formed by the upper plate 24 and the lower plate 26 as well as two unspecified side walls, is filled with a water-glycol mixture 32. The water-glycol mixture 32 therefore surrounds the tubes, at least partially. In the embodiment shown, the space formed is approximately half full. It is understood that other fill levels are also conceivable.

[0044] In Fig. 4 is analogous to the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows another particularly preferred embodiment of a solar unit 18. In contrast to the one in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the solar unit 18 comprises a transparent plate 34 which is arranged above the upper plate 24, with an air gap being formed between the upper plate 24 and the transparent plate 34.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary system 10 comprising a solar support module 11, an air heat exchanger 36 of a heat pump (not shown in detail), and a fan 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing of the solar support module 11 is formed by the transparent plate 34, the lower plate 26, and unspecified side plates. The solar support module 11 thus forms at least a section of the housing of the solar unit 18. The solar support module 11 is particularly preferably configured analogously to the solar unit 18 according to Figure 5. Fig. 4 trained. For the sake of clarity, a representation of the coupling unit and the inputs and outputs of the solar support module 11 has been omitted.

[0046] Air is drawn from the inlets through the unspecified bores and pipes 28 by the fan 38 and heated by the solar unit 18. The air is then drawn through the air heat exchanger 36 by the fan 38. The air heat exchanger 36 is thus supplied with preheated air, ultimately increasing the efficiency of the heat pump.

[0047] In Fig. 6 is analogous to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a solar unit 18 in top view without the upper plate 24. In contrast to the one in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the tubes 28 have fins both inside and out to increase the surface area for heat transfer. It is understood that the fins are shown only schematically and may differ, particularly in their dimensions.

[0048] In Fig. 7 is analogous to Fig. Figure 6 shows another preferred embodiment of a solar unit 18. In contrast to the one in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the solar unit 18 additionally has ribs 40 that run between the tubes to enable improved heat transfer from the solar unit 18 into the air flowing through it.

[0049] It goes without saying that the ones in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. The 6 individual measures shown can be combined to advantage in any way.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 8 schematically illustrates the steps of a method according to the invention for increasing the efficiency of a heat pump. The method can preferably be carried out with a solar support module 11 as described above or with a system 10 as described above.

[0051] In a first step S1, air is guided along an air path from an inlet of a solar support module housing through the housing to an outlet of the housing.

[0052] In step S2, a solar unit of the solar support module is heated by solar radiation.

[0053] In step S3, the heat from the solar unit is transferred to the guided air.

[0054] Finally, in a fourth step S4, the air preheated by means of the solar support module is directed onto a heat exchanger of the heat pump.

[0055] The invention has been comprehensively described and explained with reference to the drawings and the description. The description and explanation are to be understood as examples and not as limiting. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations will become apparent to a person skilled in the art when using the present invention and upon a detailed analysis of the drawings, the disclosure, and the subsequent claims.

[0056] In the claims, the words "comprise" and "with" do not preclude the presence of further elements or steps. The undefined article "a" or "an" does not preclude the presence of multiple elements. A single element or unit can perform the functions of several of the units mentioned in the claims. The mere mention of some measures in several different dependent claims is not to be understood as precluding the advantageous use of a combination of these measures. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be interpreted restrictively. Reference symbol list 10 System 11 Solar support module 12 cases 14 Entrance 16 Exit 18 solar units 20 coupling units 22 sunbeams 24 Top plate 26 Lower plate 28 pipes 30 bore 32 Water-glycol mixture 34 Transparent plate 36 air heat exchangers 38 fans 40 ribs S1 to S4 process steps

Claims

[1] Solar support module (11) for an air heat exchanger (36) of a heat pump with: a housing (12) comprising at least one inlet (14) and one outlet (16), wherein an air path is formed from the at least one inlet (14) via a solar unit (18) to the outlet (16), which is configured to direct air from the inlet (14) of the housing (12) through the housing (12) to the outlet (16); the solar unit (18), which is heated by solar radiation and is designed to transfer this heat to the air passed through the air path; and a coupling unit (20) for connecting the outlet (16) of the housing (12) to an air heat exchanger (36) of the heat pump in order to direct the air preheated by means of the solar support module (11) to the air heat exchanger (36), wherein the solar unit (18) comprising an upper plate (24) and a lower plate (26), each having corresponding bores (30), wherein the bores (30) are connected by tubes (28) and the tubes (28) form part of the air path; wherein the solar unit (18) is at least partially filled with a mixture of water and glycol and the tubes (28) are at least partially surrounded by the mixture of water and glycol; wherein the upper plate (24) of the solar unit (18) is made of copper; and wherein the lower plate (26) of the solar unit (18) is made of aluminum sheet. [2] Solar support module (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein an upper side of the housing (12) is formed by a transparent plate (34), in particular a solar glass plate; a lower side of the casing is formed by the solar unit (18); a space is formed between the transparent plate (34) and the solar unit (18); and The gap forms at least part of the air path. [3] Solar support module (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper side of the solar unit (18) is coated with a solar paint. [4] Solar support module (11) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tubes (28) have ribs inside and / or outside and are made of copper tubing. [5] Solar support module (11) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the solar unit (18) comprises ribs (40) between the tubes (28), which are preferably made of copper. [6] Solar support module (11) according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 5, wherein a circumferential housing wall and a bottom of the housing (12) are thermally insulated. [7] System (10) encompassing: a solar support module (11) according to one of the preceding claims, a fan (38); and a heat pump with an air heat exchanger (36), wherein the coupling unit (20) is connected to the air heat exchanger (36) of the heat pump; and the fan (38) is designed to convey air through the air path. [8] Method for increasing the efficiency of a heat pump, which can be carried out with a solar support module (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a system (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising the steps: - Guiding (S1) air along an air path from an inlet (14) of a housing (12) of a solar support module (11) through the housing (12) to an outlet (16) of the housing (12), wherein a solar unit (18) of the solar support module (11) is heated by solar radiation and the heat of the heated solar unit (18) is transferred to the guided air; and - Directing (S4) the air preheated by means of the solar support module (11) to an air heat exchanger (36) of the heat pump.

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