Heating system and methods for operating a heating system

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating system (10) with at least one collector (16), in particular a PVT collector (18), and with a heat pump (30) installed in a room (12) with a refrigerant circuit (38) in which a refrigerant (40) circulates, and which has at least one heat exchanger (28), at least one compressor (42) and at least one expansion device (44), wherein the heat exchanger (28) of the heat pump (30) is able to exchange heat with the collector (16), in particular the PVT collector (18), via a heat transfer medium. It is proposed to provide a device that is able to raise or lower the temperature of the heat transfer medium (24). The invention also relates to a method for operating such a heating system.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating system with at least one collector and with a heat pump State of the art

[0002] DE102012019525A1 discloses a heating system in which a collector, in particular a PVT module, works together with a heat pump. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The heating system according to the invention with at least one collector, in particular a PVT collector, and with a heat pump, in particular installed in a room, with a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates and which has at least one heat exchanger, at least one compressor and at least one expansion element, wherein the heat exchanger of the heat pump is able to exchange heat with the collector, in particular the PVT collector, is characterized by a device which is able to raise or lower the temperature of the heat transfer medium which transports heat from the at least one collector, in particular a PVT collector, to the heat exchanger.

[0004] A collector is primarily understood as a solar collector that converts solar energy into heat and can feed it into a system. However, alternative systems such as geothermal heat exchangers or deep-hole heat exchangers are also conceivable. A PVT collector is a photovoltaic-thermal hybrid solar collector that can generate both thermal energy and electrical energy from solar energy. The heat pump is usually installed in a room, but this is not mandatory.

[0005] The features listed in the subclaims enable advantageous developments of the heating system according to claim 1. A simple structure of the heating system is obtained if the collector, in particular the PVT collector, is connected to the heat exchanger of the heat pump via a heat medium circuit having a flow line and a return line.

[0006] If a first auxiliary heat exchanger is integrated into the flow of the heat transfer circuit, heat can be fed in from any heat source or transferred to any heat sink. This temperature change directly affects the heat pump and indirectly affects the collector, especially the PVT collector.

[0007] If a second auxiliary heat exchanger is integrated into the return flow of the heat transfer circuit, heat can be fed in from any heat source or transferred to any heat sink. This temperature change directly affects the collector, especially the PVT collector, and indirectly affects the heat pump.

[0008] It is advantageous if the device is an additional heat pump.

[0009] Raising or lowering the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the flow or return is very efficient if the first additional heat exchanger and / or the second additional heat exchanger is / are part of an additional cooling circuit of the additional heat pump.

[0010] Efficiency can be increased if heat can be transported from the return flow to the flow of the heat carrier circuit via the additional heat pump.

[0011] Efficiency can be increased if heat can be transported from the flow to the return of the heat carrier circuit via the additional heat pump.

[0012] A simple structure is achieved if the additional heat circuit is switchable.

[0013] In a special design, the additional heat pump can operate according to the Stirling principle.

[0014] The invention also relates to a method for operating a heating system according to the invention, which is characterized by the following steps: • Determine the status of the heat pump 30, • Determining a temperature of a heat transfer medium 24 that is supplied to and / or leaves a heat exchanger 28 of the heat pump 30, • Raising or lowering the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 in order to reach a preferred operating range of the heat pump 30 if the heat transfer medium 24 supplied to the heat exchanger 28 and / or leaving the heat exchanger 28 is outside permitted or preferred values.

[0015] The "status of a heat pump" refers to the operating state or operating point of a heat pump at a specific point in time. A "preferred operating range" of the heat pump refers to the temperature range within which the heat transfer medium being supplied should be, as well as the temperature range within which the heat transfer medium leaving the heat exchanger should be. "Permissible values" refers to the temperature values ​​within which the heat transfer medium should be in order to operate the heat pump within a preferred operating range.

[0016] The process can be improved by the following steps: • Empirical and / or mechanical determination of a temperature change by which the heat transfer medium must be raised or lowered in order to reach a preferred working range of the heat pump, • Storing the determined values ​​in a control unit.

[0017] Empirical determination should be understood as meaning that different test series are carried out under laboratory conditions in which different raising and / or lowering of the temperature of the heat transfer medium is carried out for different statuses of a heat pump at different temperatures of the heat transfer medium, whereby the result “desired operating range achieved” is documented.

[0018] Machine learning refers to a process of learning that utilizes previously known, possibly empirically determined, conditions, as well as data sets obtained in real time during field tests or in use, to obtain optimal values ​​for raising and / or lowering the temperature of the medium. Neural networks or similar systems are used for this purpose.

[0019] Controlling is understood here as influencing an output variable based on an input variable. Controlling is understood as influencing an output variable based on an input variable, with the effect being fed back to the output variable and fed back into the control system along with the input variable.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a heating system according to the invention in a house; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a heat pump in the flow and return of a heat transfer medium circuit; Fig. 3 a variant of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 another variant to Fig. 2; and Fig. 5 a flow chart for a process sequence Description of embodiments

[0021] In the embodiments shown in the figures, identical components are provided with identical reference numbers.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a heating system 10 in a room 12 of a house 14. The heating system 10 consists of several components and has, among other things, a collector 16, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a PVT collector 18.

[0023] There are various designs of PVT collectors (photovoltaic-thermal solar collectors). In the exemplary embodiment, a PVT air-brine collector (hereinafter referred to as PVT collector) 18 is used, which is designed to utilize both solar radiation and thermal energy from the ambient air as a heat source. An air-brine heat exchanger 22 is arranged on the back of a photovoltaic module 20, so that, on the one hand, the photovoltaic module 20 is cooled and, on the other hand, both the waste heat from the photovoltaic module 20 and, by heat extraction from the air, a heat transfer medium 24 flowing through the air-brine heat exchanger is heated. Fig. 1, the heat transfer medium 24 is represented by an arrow, which symbolizes the flow direction of the heat transfer medium 24. Within the PVT collector 18, the heat transfer medium 24 flows in defined, in the Fig. 1 coils not shown.

[0024] A supply line 26 is connected to the air-brine heat exchanger 22, which leads to a heat exchanger 28 of a heat pump 30. A return line 32 then leads from the heat exchanger 28 back to the air-brine heat exchanger 22. This creates a closed heat transfer medium circuit 34. In the exemplary embodiment, a pump 36 is arranged in the supply line 26, which can drive the heat transfer medium 24 during operation. The supply line 26 and / or the return line 32 can preferably be routed on an exterior side of the house 14.

[0025] The heat pump 30 has a refrigerant circuit 38 in which a refrigerant 40 (symbolized by an arrow) circulates. A compressor 42 and an expansion device 44 are also arranged in the refrigerant circuit 38.

[0026] In the simplest case, the expansion device 44 is designed as a perforated plate that creates a dynamic pressure in the refrigerant 40 on an upstream side and leads to an expansion in the refrigerant 40 on the downstream side. This expansion causes the refrigerant 40 to cool, while downstream of the compressor 42, a compression of the refrigerant 40 leads to its heating.

[0027] An additional heat exchanger 46 is arranged in the refrigerant circuit 38. This additional heat exchanger 46 transfers the energy present in the refrigerant circuit 38 to a piping system 48, which is connected to another domestic installation. This domestic installation is not shown, but typically includes heating circuits for heating or cooling rooms and for heating domestic water.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiment, the heat pump 30 with its refrigerant 38 is arranged such that heat is transferred from the heat transfer medium 24 to the refrigerant 40 in the heat exchanger 28. The compressor 42 compresses the refrigerant 40, causing it to heat further. This heat is transferred in the further heat exchanger 46 to heating water circulating in the piping system 48. The refrigerant 40 cools in the process. Following the further heat exchanger 46, the refrigerant encounters the expansion device 44. Due to the expansion, the refrigerant 40 cools significantly and is thus fed to the heat exchanger 28. The refrigerant circuit 38 is thus closed.

[0029] The area 50 from the expansion device 44 to the heat exchanger 28 is the area where the lowest temperatures prevail in the refrigerant 40. In this area 50, there is a risk that condensation from the ambient air will condense on the components of the heat pump 30 and evaporate.

[0030] A device 52 is provided that can supply outside air 54 to the heat pump 30, particularly in the area 50. In this way, drift can be prevented or at least contained. In the exemplary embodiment, the outside air 54 is supplied from outside the house 14 through a through-opening 60. However, it is also possible to obtain the outside air 54, for example, from a garage or a nearby outbuilding. In the exemplary embodiment, the outside air 54 is introduced into a housing 55 surrounding the heat pump 30. For this purpose, the device has a duct 62 and a fan 64.

[0031] The heating system 10 has a device 150 that can raise or lower the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24. The invention is based on the finding that a heat pump has a predefined, usually technically determined, operating range. This operating range includes boundary conditions, such as permissible temperature ranges of the coolant and / or the heat transfer medium. For example, if the outside temperatures are such that the heat transfer medium 24 can no longer be heated or cooled sufficiently to cooperate with the coolant circuit 38, the heat pump 30 must be shut down in extreme cases. The idea is to coordinate the heat transfer medium circuit 34 and the coolant circuit 38 by actively raising or lowering the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24. The operating range with regard to the permissible temperature range of the heat pump 30 is thereby expanded.

[0032] In the simplest case, an auxiliary heater 88 can be used. Its energy can come from the PV module 20 of the PVT collector 18. An electrical storage unit can also be used to temporarily store the electrical energy from the PVT collector. In case of emergency, the auxiliary heater 88 can also be powered via the public power grid.

[0033] The heating system 10 has a control unit 56 configured to control or regulate the device 150 such that the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 is raised or lowered. "Configured" is understood to mean that the control unit 56 has the appropriate hardware with inputs and outputs, logic circuits, memory, and the appropriate software required for such control. The control unit 56 is therefore customized in this respect.

[0034] The control unit 56 is also configured to measure the temperature change so that the specified operating range of the heat pump is maintained.

[0035] The control unit 56 contains a memory which, among other things, digitally contains all the necessary data characterizing the working range of the heat pump 30.

[0036] The control unit 56 can either be arranged as a separate component within the heating system 10 or be fully or partially integrated into a control system of the heat pump 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 56 is arranged separately and has several connecting lines to components inside and outside the heating system 10. It is also possible to provide several control units with functions specific to their tasks, which then work together.

[0037] The control unit 56 is directly connected to the compressor 42 of the heat pump 30 via a first power line 66. The control unit 56 obtains the necessary electrical energy from the PV module 20 via connecting lines 68. This is an advantage of the PVT collector 18, which, in addition to the necessary heat for the heat exchanger 28 of the heat pump 30, can also provide the necessary electrical energy for the compressor 42. In the event that the energy provided by the PVT collector 18 is insufficient, a separate energy storage device can be provided, or the control unit 56 and / or the individual electrical components of the heating system 10 can be connected to the electrical grid.

[0038] The control unit 56 is connected to an outside sensor 72 via a first sensor line 70. The outside sensor 72 determines the temperature of the outside air 54 and transmits this value to the control unit 56. Depending on the configuration, the outside sensor 72 can determine the air humidity and transmit this value to the control unit 56. In the exemplary embodiment, these values ​​are determined continuously. However, it is also possible to determine and transmit these values ​​discontinuously, i.e., at specific times. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 56 is connected to the outside sensor 72 via the sensor line 70. Communication can also be wireless.

[0039] The control unit 56 is connected to a flow temperature sensor 76 via a second sensor line 74. The flow temperature sensor 76 determines the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 in the flow line 26 and transmits this value to the control unit 56. In the exemplary embodiment, this value is determined continuously. However, it is also possible to determine and transmit this value discontinuously, i.e., at specific times. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 56 is connected to the flow temperature sensor 76 via the second sensor line 74. Communication can also be wireless.

[0040] The control unit 56 is connected to a return temperature sensor 77 via a third sensor line 75. The return temperature sensor 77 determines the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 in the return line 32 and transmits this value to the control unit 56. In the exemplary embodiment, this value is determined continuously. However, it is also possible to determine and transmit this value discontinuously, i.e., at specific times. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 56 is connected to the return temperature sensor 77 via the third sensor line 75. Communication can also be wireless.

[0041] The control unit 56 is connected to a sensor 80 via a fourth sensor line 78. The sensor 80 monitors the components of the heat pump 30 that are at risk of freezing. In the exemplary embodiment, the sensor 80 is a video sensor that processes the image of these components and can detect freezing, for example, using surface gloss analysis. It then transmits a value to the control unit 56 that indicates the freezing. However, it is also possible for the sensor 80 not to evaluate the recorded data itself, but to transmit it directly to the control unit 56. It is also possible to use a sensor that detects a thermal image instead of a video sensor. Furthermore, it is possible to use one or more sensors that determine electrical capacitance. In the exemplary embodiment, these values ​​are determined continuously.However, it is also possible to determine and transmit these values ​​discontinuously, i.e., at specific times. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 56 is connected to the sensor 80 via the third sensor line 78. Communication can also be wireless.

[0042] The control unit 56 is connected to the pump 36 via a first control line 82. Depending on the design of the pump 36, the pump can be switched on or off by the control unit 56, or its output can be continuously varied. The control line 82 can be provided as a simple data transmission line if the pump 36 is connected to a separate power grid. It is also possible for the control unit 56 to provide the energy required to operate the pump 36 via the control line 82 if the control unit 56 receives the corresponding electrical energy via the PV module 20.

[0043] The control unit 56 is connected to the fan 64 via a second control line 84. Depending on the design of the fan 64, the fan can be switched on or off by the control unit 56, or its power can be continuously varied. The control line 84 can be provided as a simple data transmission line if the fan 64 is connected to a separate power supply. It is also possible for the control unit 56 to provide the energy required to operate the fan 64 via the control line 84 if the control unit 56 receives the corresponding electrical energy via the PV module 20.

[0044] The control unit 56 is connected to a device, in this embodiment an auxiliary heater 88, via a second power line 86. The auxiliary heater 88 is available when the heat transfer medium 24 can no longer be heated to the required temperature for the heat pump 30 by the solar collector 16. If the PV module 20 supplies sufficient electrical energy, the auxiliary heater 88 can be supplied with it via the control unit 56. However, the auxiliary heater 88 can also be connected separately to a power supply.

[0045] The control unit 56 is connected to the device 150 via a cable bundle 152. Various embodiments of the device 150 are described below.

[0046] In the exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary heater 88 is an electric heater arranged around the supply line 26. It represents the simplest form of the device 150.

[0047] In Fig. 2, the device 150 is shown separately. The supply line 26 and the return line 32 are visible. Fig. 2, the flow line 26 comes from above from the PVT collector 18 and runs downwards to the heat exchanger 28. The return line 32 comes from below from the heat exchanger 28 and runs upwards to the PVT collector 18. Thus, a section of the heat transfer medium circuit 34 is shown.

[0048] A first additional heat exchanger 154 is installed in the flow line 26. This first additional heat exchanger 154 is shown schematically in the exemplary embodiment and is intended to comprise a first plate heat exchanger 156. The first plate heat exchanger 156 has a first inlet 158 ​​and a first outlet 160, to which the flow line 26 is connected on the inlet and outlet sides. The first plate heat exchanger 156 has a second inlet 162 and a second outlet 164, via which a temperature control medium 166 (symbolized by an arrow) can be supplied or discharged. In the first plate heat exchanger 156, the heat transfer medium 24 and the temperature control medium 166 are separated from one another, run in countercurrent to one another, and can thus exchange heat optimally. Heat can thus be supplied to the heat transfer medium 24 or heat is removed, whereby the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 increases or decreases.

[0049] A second additional heat exchanger 168 is installed in the return line 32. This second additional heat exchanger 168 is shown schematically in the exemplary embodiment and is intended to comprise a second plate heat exchanger 170. The second plate heat exchanger 170 has a first inlet 172 and a first outlet 174, to which the return line 32 is connected on the inlet and outlet sides. The second plate heat exchanger 170 has a second inlet 176 and a second outlet 178, via which a temperature control medium 180 (symbolized by an arrow) can be supplied or discharged. In the second plate heat exchanger 170, the heat transfer medium 24 and the temperature control medium 180 are separated from one another, run in countercurrent to one another, and can thus exchange heat optimally. Heat can thus be supplied to the heat transfer medium 24 or heat can be removed, whereby the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 increases or decreases.

[0050] In the Fig. 2 shows that the device 150 is an auxiliary heat pump 182. It has an auxiliary circuit 184 in which a compressor 188 driven by a motor 186, an auxiliary expansion device 190, and the two auxiliary heat exchangers 154 and 168 are arranged. The temperature control medium 166 and 180 in this case are a single temperature control medium 166, 188 that circulates in the auxiliary circuit 184. The auxiliary heat pump 182 is preferably arranged outside the house 14.

[0051] The auxiliary heat pump 182 can add heat to the heat transfer medium 24 in the flow line 26, which is then extracted from the heat transfer medium 24 in the return line 32. This increases the temperature of the heat transfer medium 26 at the inlet of the heat exchanger 28 of the heat pump 30. It is therefore possible to operate the heat pump 30 even if the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 coming from the PVT collector 18 is actually too low for the operating range of the heat pump 30.

[0052] In a heat quantity comparison, the heat quantity Q1 is extracted from the heat transfer medium 24 in the return line 32. This is supplied to the heat transfer medium 24 in the flow line 26 by the additional heat pump 182. The additional heat pump 182 then supplies the heat quantity Q el added. The total amount of heat Q2 supplied to the heat transfer medium 24 is thus composed as follows: Q2=Q1+Qel

[0053] The supplied energy Q2 is thus greater than the extracted energy Q1. If the auxiliary heat pump 182 is operated by the power of the PV module 20 or a storage unit in which excess electrical energy from the PV module is temporarily stored, a combinatorial effect results, through which the operating range of the heat pump 30 can be influenced, in particular expanded, in an energy-neutral manner.

[0054] In a temperature comparison, the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 is reduced by the amount T1. The temperature increase T2 of the heat transfer medium 24 in the flow is composed of the temperature T1 plus the temperature T el , which is generated by the additional heat pump 182. The temperature increase is then as follows: T2=T1+Tel

[0055] The temperature increase T2 is therefore higher than the temperature decrease T1.

[0056] A further effect occurs. Lowering the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 in the return line 32 results in a cooler medium arriving at the PVT collector 18. Since the heat transfer from the environment to the heat transfer medium 24 depends on their temperature difference, the higher the temperature difference, the more heat is transported into the heat transfer medium 24, increasing the efficiency of the PVT collector 18.

[0057] This effect cannot be extended indefinitely. At the latest, when the outside temperature is so low that even increasing the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 in the flow line 26 is no longer sufficient to achieve the required inlet temperature at the heat exchanger 28, the limits of the proposed solution are reached, and the heat pump 30 shuts down.

[0058] If the additional heat pump 182 is installed as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, heat can be pumped from the return line 32 into the flow line 26, thereby increasing the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24. If it is apparent that temperatures are likely to be too high for the operation of the heat pump 30, the auxiliary heat pump 182 can also be installed in such a way that it pumps heat from the flow line 26 into the return line 32. The operating range can also be expanded in this way.

[0059] In another embodiment in the Fig. 3 a) and Fig. 3 b) shows an auxiliary heat pump 182 whose auxiliary circuit 184 is switchable or reversible. This means that in one switching position, the auxiliary heat pump 182 can pump heat from the return line 32 into the supply line 26, and in the other switching position, it can pump heat from the supply line 26 into the return line 32.

[0060] For this purpose, the auxiliary heat pump 182 has a 4-way valve 192. Via this 4-way valve 192, which has two switching positions, the auxiliary circuit 184 can be reversed. Fig. 3 a) the auxiliary compressor 188 drives the auxiliary circuit 184 clockwise via the 4-way valve, and heat is pumped to the heat transfer medium 24 in the return line 32. In the Fig. 3 b) the additional compressor 188 drives the additional circuit 184 counterclockwise via the 4-way valve, and heat is pumped to the heat transfer medium 24 in the flow line 26.

[0061] The expansion device 190, which, as already mentioned, is a throttle orifice in the simplest case, can be operated in both directions. However, it is also conceivable to use one or more more complex expansion devices 190, which are then controlled accordingly by the control unit 56 and have the necessary actuators and switching positions.

[0062] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a further variant of the auxiliary heat pump 182. This operates according to the Stirling principle and is provided in a design with one expansion pump and one compression pump, in particular as two rotary vane pumps. In the exemplary embodiment, an expansion pump 194 takes the heat from the supply line 26 and feeds it to a compression pump 196, which introduces the heat into the return line 32 into the heat transfer medium 24. The pumps are driven by a motor 198. By reversing the direction of rotation of the coupled pumps, heat can also be pumped from the return line 32 to the supply line 26. With this arrangement, it is even possible for the auxiliary heat pump 182 to run in generator mode when there is a high heat surplus from the PVT collector 18. It then generates electricity using the motor 198 driven by the rotary vane pumps. The exact mode of operation is described further below.

[0063] A method for operating a heating system 10 is characterized by the following steps: • Determine the status of the heat pump 30, • Determining a temperature of a heat transfer medium 24 that is supplied to and / or leaves a heat exchanger 28 of the heat pump 30, • Raising or lowering the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 in order to reach a preferred operating range of the heat pump 30 if the heat transfer medium 24 supplied to the heat exchanger 28 and / or leaving the heat exchanger 28 is outside permitted or preferred values.

[0064] The status of a heat pump is understood to be an operating state or an operating point of a heat pump at a specific point in time.

[0065] The process can be improved by the following steps: • Empirical and / or mechanical determination of a temperature change by which the heat transfer medium must be raised or lowered in order to reach a preferred working range of the heat pump, • Storing the determined values ​​in a control unit.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 56 operates the heat pump 30 and is therefore in possession of all necessary data indicating an operating point of the heat pump 30. This includes, for example, temperatures, pressures and / or flow rates in the refrigeration circuit 38 or the performance data of the compressor 42, etc. From this, a status of the heat pump 30 can be determined, which signals whether the heat pump 30 is operating within the intended operating range. (Step 100 in Fig. 5)

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 56 is connected to a flow temperature sensor 76, which can determine the temperature of the heat transfer medium of the 24 in the flow line 26. (Step 102 in Fig. 5) This data is fed to the control unit 56. Based on the status of the heat pump 30 in conjunction with the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 at the inlet of the heat exchanger 28, the control unit can determine whether the heat pump 30 can be operated within the operating range. The higher the temperature in summer or the lower the temperature in winter, the higher the probability that the operating range has been exceeded. To do this, the control unit 56 accesses data stored in a memory of the control unit 56. This data reflects empirical values ​​that have led to success in similar situations. (Step 106 in Fig. 5)

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 56 is connected to a return temperature sensor 76, which can determine the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 in the return line 32. (Step 104 in Fig. 5) This data is fed to the control unit 56. Based on the status of the heat pump 30 in conjunction with the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 at the outlet of the heat exchanger 28, the control unit can determine whether the heat pump 30 can be operated within the operating range. The higher the temperature in summer or the lower the temperature in winter, the higher the probability that the operating range has been exceeded. To do this, the control unit 56 accesses data stored in a memory of the control unit 56. This data reflects empirical values ​​that have led to success in similar situations. (Step 106 in Fig. 5)

[0069] In the exemplary embodiment, both the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 at the inlet of the heat exchanger 28 and at the outlet of the heat exchanger 28 are determined and used for control or regulation. However, depending on the design of the heat pump 30 and the control unit 56, it is also possible to determine only one of the two temperatures and use it as the basis for control or regulation.

[0070] Knowing these values, the control unit 56 acts on the device 150 in such a way that the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24 is increased or decreased in order to reach the permitted working range of the heat pump 30 (step 108 in Fig. 5)

[0071] In a separate method step 110, the data is determined which the control unit 56 accesses when making the necessary adjustments to increase or decrease the temperature of the heat transfer medium 24. In the exemplary embodiment, the data is determined empirically in the laboratory. For this purpose, predetermined conditions of the heat transfer medium 24 in the flow line 26 or the return line 32 are set for various predefined statuses of the heat pump 30 in order to determine whether the temperature values ​​found are permissible values, i.e., whether they lead to a preferred operating range. The results are documented and stored in a memory. (Arrow 112 in Fig. 5)

[0072] All data can also be simulated using model calculations, or intrapolated or extrapolated based on empirically measured data. These results are also documented and can be stored in a memory.

[0073] If many such data sets already exist, it is possible to obtain and document the results using machine e-learning. A neural network of a computer is typically used for this purpose. Data sets with various statuses of the heat pump 30 and various temperature values ​​of the heat transfer medium 24, which is fed into or leaves the heat exchanger 28, are entered as input data. The data set therefore includes data that was empirically recorded in the laboratory or determined in model calculations, with the neural network being trained using this data set. The result determined by the AI ​​is compared with the true result and fed into a recursion process. Once an acceptable degree of true results has been determined, the thus-trained neural network can be implemented in the control unit 56 and used.

[0074] The quality of the trained neural network can be checked or optimized using the permissible values ​​of the heat transfer medium 24 temperature found during operation. (Arrow 114 in Fig. 4)

[0075] Furthermore, the control unit 56 can be remotely monitored or communicate with a cloud. The data used for control can thus be regularly updated.

[0076] The Fig. The auxiliary heat pump 182 shown in Figure 4 has two rotary vane pumps. One rotary vane pump is used as an expansion pump 194. The carrier medium 166 is supplied to an inlet area 200 of the expansion pump 194. A rotatably mounted rotor 202 has a rotary vane 204, which, during rotation, is guided along a housing 206 of an expansion chamber 208. The housing 206 and the rotary vane 204 thus delimit an expansion chamber 208. For this purpose, the rotary vane 204 is designed to be variable in length. During rotation, the volume of the expansion chamber 208 expands, and the pressure and temperature in the carrier medium 166 decrease. The carrier medium can thus absorb heat from the heat transfer medium 24 from the flow line 26. Upon further rotation, the expansion chamber 208 opens to an outlet area 210 of the expansion pump 194.

[0077] The heat transfer medium 24, which can be supplied via the flow line 26, is guided around the outer area of ​​the housing 206 and releases its heat into the expansion chamber 208. A technical design for this is not shown. However, it is possible to guide the heat transfer medium 24 in a pipe coil surrounding the housing 206 or in an additional outer housing. Of course, instead of one rotary vane 214, several rotary vanes 214 can be provided, so that several expansion processes occur during one rotation. It is also possible to use a different type of pump, as long as it is capable of expanding the transfer medium 166.

[0078] The other rotary vane pump is used as a compression pump 196. The heated carrier medium 166 is fed into an inlet area 214 of the compression pump 196. A rotatably mounted rotor 216 has a rotary vane 218, which is guided along a housing 220 of a compression chamber 222 during rotation. The housing 220 and the rotary vane 218 thus delimit a compression chamber 222. For this purpose, the rotary vane 218 is designed to be variable in length. During rotation, the volume of the compression chamber 222 decreases, and the pressure and temperature in the carrier medium 166 increase. The carrier medium can thus release heat from the heat transfer medium 24 into the return line 32. As rotation continues, the compression chamber 222 opens to an outlet area 224 of the compression pump 196.

[0079] The heat transfer medium 24, which can be supplied via the return line 32, is guided around the outer area of ​​the housing 220 and absorbs heat from the compression chamber 222. A technical design for this is not shown. However, it is possible to guide the heat transfer medium 24 in a pipe coil surrounding the housing 220 or in an additional outer housing. Of course, instead of one rotary vane 204, several rotary vanes 204 can also be provided, so that several compression processes occur during one rotation. It is also possible to use a different type of pump, as long as it is capable of compressing the transfer medium 166.

[0080] In order to close the cycle of the carrier medium 166, the outlet region 224 of the compression pump 196 is connected to the inlet region 200 of the expansion pump 194 via a first pipe 226 and its outlet region 210 is connected to the inlet region 214 of the compression pump 196 via a second pipe 228.

[0081] The additional circuit 184 can therefore be described as follows: the carrier medium 166 is introduced via the hot inlet region 214 into a compression chamber 222 of the compression pump 196, where it is compressed by the rotation of the rotor 216, and the resulting heat is dissipated. The compressed carrier medium 166 leaves the compression pump 196 via the cold outlet region 224 and is fed via the first pipe 226 to the cold inlet region 200 of the expansion pump 194. The carrier medium 166 then enters the expansion chamber 208, which expands due to the rotation of the rotor 202. As a result, the carrier medium 166 cools and absorbs heat from the environment. The carrier medium 166 leaves the expansion pump 196 through a hot outlet region 210 and is fed via the second pipe 228 to the hot inlet region 214. This completes the cycle.

[0082] In the exemplary embodiment, the first pipe 226 and the second pipe 228 are routed through a carrier medium heat exchanger 230. This preheats the carrier medium 166 before it enters the compression chamber 222, thus increasing its efficiency. The carrier medium heat exchanger 230 can be designed as a known plate heat exchanger. However, it is also possible to provide a chamber that only has a separating partition. Heat can then be exchanged through this partition. The partition can, for example, be designed as a simple recessed copper wall.

[0083] In a further exemplary embodiment, which is not shown separately, the carrier medium heat exchanger 230 is designed as a mixing chamber 232. The mixing chamber 232 is a space in which the partial flows from the first pipe 226 and the second pipe 228 can mix. In the mixing chamber 232, as in the carrier medium heat exchanger 230, the temperatures of the different carrier medium flows are exchanged. This exchange is more successful, thereby further increasing efficiency. On the other hand, the pressures of the two carrier medium partial flows also equalize, which partially reduces the increase in efficiency. An advantage of this mixing chamber 232, however, is that the carrier medium 166 can be kept at a higher pressure overall, which significantly increases the efficiency of this Stirling process.

[0084] In the embodiment according to Fig. 4, the auxiliary heat pump 182 is encapsulated. For this purpose, it has an outer housing 234. The outer housing 234 surrounds all components of the auxiliary heat pump 182, which are arranged in the interior space 236 formed by the outer housing 234. The outer housing 234 is pressure-resistant, allowing the carrier medium 166 to be kept under very high pressure, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the auxiliary heat pump 182.

[0085] In a further embodiment not shown, the first pipe 226, the second pipe 228, and the carrier medium heat exchanger 230 or the mixing chamber 232 are omitted. The interior space 236 defined by the outer housing 234 assumes the function of the mixing chamber 232. Although all mechanical components for moving the expansion pump 194 or the compression pump 196 are located in the interior space 236, no seals for rotating parts are required through the outer housing 234. The pressure in the interior space 236 is thus limited only by the mechanical stability of the outer housing 234. This allows this Stirling process to be operated at extremely high pressure, and the additional heat pump 182 to be operated very effectively.

[0086] In order to channel the partial flows of the carrier medium 166 from and to the inlet and outlet areas, baffles can be provided within the outer housing 234.

[0087] The expansion pump 194 or the compression pump 190 can be driven, for example, by a motor 198 arranged within the outer housing 234, so that only a cable feedthrough or a connector system needs to be provided on the outer housing 234. However, it is also possible to provide a drive similar to a canned pump, in which an external electromagnetic rotating field drives a rotor inside the outer housing 234. Such a drive makes it possible to drive the rotary vane pumps with their rotors 202 and 216, respectively, and to adjust their phase position so that the cycle is optimized.

[0088] Due to the complete encapsulation, only the supply line 26 and the return line 32 need to be routed in such a way that the heat transfer medium 24 can release and absorb its heat, respectively. Welded connections can be provided for this purpose. However, it is also possible to arrange the housings 206 and 220 on the outer housing 234 in such a way that heat exchange with the heat transfer medium 24 is possible through the housings 206, 220, and 234.

[0089] In the embodiment according to Fig. 4 pumps the additional heat pump 182, in contrast to the examples according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, heat from the flow line 26 into the return line 32. This application occurs primarily in summer, when the heat transfer medium 24 arrives at the heat exchanger 28 at a temperature that is too high for the heat pump 30. The excess heat is then dissipated via the collector 16.

[0090] Alternatively, the additional heat pump can be Fig. 4 can also be operated in a generator mode. The temperature difference of the heat transfer medium 24 between the flow line 26 and the return line 32 is then used to drive the expansion pump 194 and convert it into electrical energy via the motor 198. This is the case with an arrangement according to Fig. 4 possible. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102012019525A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Heating system (10) with at least one collector (16), in particular a PVT collector (18), and with a heat pump (30), in particular installed in a room (12), with a cooling circuit (38) in which a coolant (40) circulates, and which has at least one heat exchanger (28), at least one compressor and at least one expansion element, wherein the heat exchanger of the heat pump (30) is able to exchange heat with the collector (16), in particular the PVT collector (18), via a heat transfer medium (24), characterized by a device (150) capable of raising or lowering the temperature of the heat transfer medium (24). [2] Heating system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the collector (16), in particular the PVT collector (18), is connected to the heat exchanger (28) of the heat pump (30) via a heat carrier circuit (34) having a flow line (26) and a return line (32). [3] Heating system (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that a first additional heat exchanger (154) is integrated into the flow of the heat carrier circuit (34). [4] Heating system (10) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by that a second additional heat exchanger (168) is integrated into the return of the heat carrier circuit (34). [5] Heating system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device is an additional heat pump. [6] Heating system (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by that the first additional heat exchanger (154) and / or the second additional heat exchanger (168) is / are part of an additional cooling circuit (34) of the additional heat pump (182). [7] Heating system (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by that heat can be transported from the return flow to the flow of the heat carrier circuit (34) via the additional heat pump (182). [8] Heating system (10) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized by that heat can be transported from the flow to the return of the heat carrier circuit via the additional heat pump. [9] Heating system according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by that the additional heat circuit (184) is switchable. [10] Heating system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the additional heat pump (182) works according to the Stirling principle. [11] Method for operating a heating system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the steps: • Determining the status of the heat pump (30), • Determining a temperature of a heat transfer medium (24) that is supplied to and / or leaves a heat exchanger 28 of the heat pump (30), • Raising or lowering the temperature of the heat transfer medium (24) in order to reach a preferred working range of the heat pump (30) if the heat transfer medium (24) supplied to the heat exchanger (28) and / or leaving the heat exchanger (28) is outside permitted or preferred values. [12] Method according to claim 10, characterized by following steps: • Empirical and / or mechanical determination of a temperature change by which the heat transfer medium (24) must be raised or lowered in order to reach a preferred working range of the heat pump (30), • Storing the determined values ​​in a control unit (56).

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