Heat pump module

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat pump module comprising a walk-in housing, at least one air-source heat pump, and flow elements for drawing in air to be heat-exchanged from outside the housing to the air-source heat pump within the housing, and flow elements for expelling the heat-exchanged air from the air-source heat pump to the outside of the housing. The flow elements for drawing in and / or expelling the heat-exchanged air include sound-absorbing louvers that define the outer boundary of the housing. The invention is characterized in that the louvers are detachably attached to the housing and / or are slidable outwards from the housing, so that a walk-in area within the housing can be exposed for maintenance work.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heat pump module and a heat storage module.

[0002] Heat pumps are used for resource-efficient heat generation.

[0003] A heat pump typically consists of four main components: an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve. The evaporator absorbs heat from the air, water, or ground. During this process, the refrigerant evaporates, absorbing the heat energy. In the compressor, the refrigerant is compressed into a gaseous state. This increases the refrigerant's pressure and temperature. The hot, compressed refrigerant then enters the condenser, where it releases its heat to a heating system. During this process, the refrigerant condenses back into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant is then passed through the expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and temperature. This allows the cycle to begin again.

[0004] Heat pumps are classified according to the medium from which energy is extracted. The most common types of heat pumps are air-source, water-source, and ground-source heat pumps.

[0005] An air-to-air or air-to-water heat pump uses the stored energy of the ambient air to heat or cool air or water. This is achieved by drawing in air and then expelling it.

[0006] Depending on the heat pump's output, varying volumes of air are moved during intake and exhaust. The intake and exhaust of ambient air create noise due to air turbulence, which can be perceived as disturbing. For heat pumps supplying only a single-family home, the air volumes are generally so small that in most cases no significant noise pollution occurs, or simple soundproofing elements are sufficient. Heat pumps with an output of 20 kW or more, as used in multi-family buildings, require larger air volumes than those used in single-family homes. The movement of these larger air volumes also creates a higher noise level, which can be bothersome for people in the vicinity of the heat pump.

[0007] Heat pumps are preferably located close to the building they serve, so that the lengths of the supply lines to the building are short and heat losses are minimized. This proximity to the building also provides weather protection, especially wind protection, for the heat pump. The closer a heat pump is to a building, the more important it is to dampen the noise emanating from the heat pump to avoid disturbing the people inside the building.

[0008] Various noise reduction measures have already been implemented to minimize the noise level.

[0009] The AT 16412 U2 is a soundproof enclosure for air conditioners, heat pumps, or refrigeration units. The enclosure features angled, lamella-like sound-absorbing baffles to dampen the unit's noise level. A deflector plate is positioned in front of these baffles to provide additional sound insulation without obstructing airflow into and out of the enclosure. The baffles are all housed within a frame.

[0010] EP 3147582 A1 discloses a soundproof enclosure with a louvered assembly for noise reduction. Each louvered element of the assembly has a sound reflection surface and a sound absorption surface. The louvered elements, which are designed as a roof shape, are arranged so that a sound reflection surface and a sound absorption surface are opposite each other, allowing a sound wave to be either absorbed directly or reflected by the sound reflection surface onto an adjacent sound absorption surface.

[0011] The sound-absorbing elements of these soundproof enclosures are often arranged so that they are all mechanically connected to form a single unit. These units can usually be removed from the enclosure by one person for maintenance purposes. The dimensions of the sound-absorbing elements are therefore sufficient for heat pumps with relatively small outputs for supplying a single-family home.

[0012] Heat pumps with relatively high output, used to supply an apartment building or a comparable large building, also generate noise at low frequencies around 200 Hz. Sound at a frequency of 200 Hz propagates with a wavelength of approximately 1.71 m. Accordingly, the sound-absorbing surfaces should be designed to be large. This is practically impossible to achieve with the sound-absorbing packages described above, which are mounted in a frame.

[0013] Comparatively large silencers are therefore required to dampen low frequencies. This contrasts with the need to keep the space requirements of heat pump units small in order to design a compact heat pump module. Such a heat pump module should be no larger than a conventional shipping container to allow for easy and cost-effective transport. Furthermore, the amount of sealed surface area should be minimized so that the space next to a building can be used for other purposes, such as green space or a garage. Thus, a compact design for a heat pump unit with sufficient sound attenuation is desirable.

[0014] Heat pumps with relatively high outputs require correspondingly large intake areas. Angled arrangement of the sound-absorbing elements or fins increases the air pressure loss during intake. High pressure loss necessitates a correspondingly large intake area, which in turn increases the size of the housing.

[0015] The object of the invention is to provide a compact module for a heat pump which is able to effectively dampen low frequencies.

[0016] Furthermore, pressure losses during suction should be minimized by sound-absorbing elements.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention aims to provide an easy-to-assemble and cost-effective solution as a module for a heat pump.

[0018] One or more problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0019] A heat pump module according to the invention comprises a walk-in housing, at least one air-source heat pump, and flow elements. The heat pump module includes flow elements for drawing in air to be heat-exchanged from outside the housing to the air-source heat pump inside the housing, and flow elements for expelling the heat-exchanged air from the heat pump to the outside of the housing. The flow elements for drawing in and / or expelling the heat-exchanged air include sound-absorbing louvers that define the outer edge of the housing.

[0020] The heat pump module according to the invention is characterized in that the fins are detachably arranged on the housing and / or are slidable outwards on the housing, so that a walkable area in the housing can be exposed for maintenance work.

[0021] Heat pump modules according to the invention are designed for comparatively high outputs, so that the air source heat pump or an air source heat pump package requires a housing or is housed in a housing that is walkable.

[0022] Walkable means that a space is large enough for an average-sized adult to stand upright and / or walk in it. The average height of an adult is between 1.6 m and 1.8 m, and the width between 0.4 m and 0.5 m. Therefore, an area should be cleared that is at least 1.8 m, preferably at least 1.9 m, and particularly at least 2 m high; at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 0.6 m, and particularly at least 0.7 m wide; and at least 0.3 m, preferably at least 0.4 m, and particularly at least 0.5 m deep.

[0023] An air-source heat pump within the meaning of the invention is an air-to-water or an air-to-air heat pump. An air-source heat pump is characterized by the fact that it operates using the energy stored in the ambient air. Air-source heat pumps generally include flow elements for drawing in and expelling the ambient air.

[0024] The sound-absorbing louvers are arranged in such a way that the air flows through the louver structure during intake and / or exhaust.

[0025] The sound-absorbing louvers are integrated into the housing. Because the flow elements partially obstruct a walkable area during operation and can be removed for maintenance, a compact design of the heat pump module can be achieved.

[0026] Because the louvers are removable and / or slide outwards within the housing, they can be easily detached. This allows for quick and easy access to the area for maintenance.

[0027] This sound dampening effect is essential when the heat pump module is located close to a building.

[0028] Preferably, the sound-absorbing louvers extend in a vertical direction, since such vertically oriented louvers can be easily assembled and disassembled if they are slidably mounted.

[0029] When vertical louvers are moved outwards on the housing, weight is less of a factor, as the person moving them doesn't have to lift the louvers. Therefore, vertical louvers are easier to handle. This has the advantage that louvers with thicker material can be used, which increases the sound-absorbing effect, especially in the low-frequency range.

[0030] Arranging the louvers parallel to the airflow offers the advantage that the sound waves and air are not deflected, thus minimizing pressure losses through the louvers. This is particularly important in the lower frequency range relevant for larger heat pump systems, where sound deflection is less effective.

[0031] The lamellae can be a roughly plate-shaped damping element with two opposing longitudinal edges and two opposing narrow edges. The lamellae are slidably mounted in the housing in the region of the narrow edges in the longitudinal direction of the narrow edges. Preferably, the longitudinal edges have a length of at least 1.5 m and the narrow edges a length of at least 0.3 m.

[0032] The lamellae preferably have a thickness in the range of 0.1 m to 0.2 m. This thickness also depends on the material's strength. Within this range, the tuning is performed to a frequency band that is to be particularly attenuated.

[0033] Slats with the aforementioned dimensions are suitable for attenuating wavelengths in the frequency range up to approximately 160 Hz to 230 Hz and also shorter wavelengths, so that this frequency range can be attenuated particularly effectively.

[0034] The slats may be fitted with a sliding rail in the area of ​​the narrow edges.

[0035] The sliding rail allows the louvers to be moved effectively and quickly out of the heat pump module, thus exposing the maintenance area. This makes servicing the heat pump module cost-effective and easy, even though, despite its compact design, it provides excellent sound insulation thanks to its large louvers.

[0036] The housing can be equipped with a guide element for each slide rail. This ensures that the respective slide rail is guided linearly, allowing the slats to be detachably attached to the housing and / or slid outwards.

[0037] The guide rails can be part of a frame that completely encloses the respective slats.

[0038] Such a frame offers the advantage that the louvers are stable and retain their shape even if shifted or removed from the housing. This reduces the effort required when reinstalling them.

[0039] Such a guide element offers the advantage that the louvers do not need to be lifted to expose the maintenance area and can therefore be moved by one person with minimal effort. Furthermore, the guide element makes it even easier to expose the maintenance area, thus facilitating simple maintenance of the heat pump module and allowing the designated inspection area, accessible through the cold zone door, to be designed with a very narrow profile.

[0040] The lamellae can be individually or in groups of no more than nine, five, or three lamellae, respectively, and can be slidably or detachably arranged. Within a group of lamellae, they are permanently connected to each other, forming a single structural unit.

[0041] A "releasable connection" is a connection that can be broken and repaired without damage. A material-bonded connection, such as a weld, rivet, or solder joint, is not a releasable connection.

[0042] A single louver, or a group of, for example, no more than three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine louvers, can be removed or moved from the outside of the housing. Because each louver is relatively lightweight compared to the total weight of the louvers, they can be handled individually or in groups of no more than three by a single person.

[0043] The detachable design allows the louvers to be repeatedly removed from or inserted into the housing without damage. Furthermore, a detachable connection offers the advantage that assembly and disassembly require minimal effort, as there is no material bond as with riveting, soldering, or welding.

[0044] Conventional absorbers are mostly made of mineral wool wrapped with a protective fleece.

[0045] Preferably, a lamella is formed from at least two layers.

[0046] The lamellae may have an outer layer made of a plastic foam, in particular closed-cell plastic foam or particle foam. The outer layer may have a perforated or roughened surface.

[0047] This plastic foam serves as an absorber material; due to its closed-cell structure, the plastic foam is water-resistant, and no additional rain or weather protection needs to be attached to the housing for the louvers.

[0048] Such a perforated surface is known, for example, from document EP 2524788 A1. In this process, a closed-cell plastic foam is perforated to such an extent that the initially closed cells are interconnected and open to the outside. The perforated surface can also be designed as a so-called microperforation.

[0049] A sheet of metal can be placed between two layers of plastic foam.

[0050] The sheet metal preferably has a thickness between 0.3 and 3 mm.

[0051] The plastic foam preferably has a thickness between 2 cm or 2.5 cm to 6 cm.

[0052] Preferably, a first plastic foam layer, a first sheet, a second plastic foam layer, a second sheet and a third plastic layer are arranged adjacent to one another.

[0053] Applying plastic foam directly to the metal sheet provides better sound insulation than simply using a layer of plastic foam. This arrangement roughly corresponds to the structure of a broadband compact absorber. The advantage of this is that the absorption coefficient of the sound-absorbing lamellae is approximately the same across a wide frequency range.

[0054] A layer of plastic foam with a thickness of 2 to 6 cm exhibits good absorption properties in the mid- to high-frequency range. This range extends from approximately 250 Hz to 4 kHz. To effectively dampen sound in the frequency range of approximately 50 Hz to 250 Hz, a metal sheet is molded onto the plastic foam layer. This allows for uniform and effective damping of sound in the frequency range of approximately 50 Hz to 5 kHz.

[0055] The layering described above is particularly suitable for use as a sound-absorbing lamella in a heat pump module, since a lamella with two sheets and three layers of plastic foam of appropriate thickness effectively dampens the noise caused by the blowing out and drawing in of air, while having a weight that is low enough to make the lamellas easy to move or handle.

[0056] The lamellae may have an inner core made of a fibrous insulating material, in particular mineral wool or biological fibers, such as wood fibers, flax, cellulose fibers, reeds or coconut fibers.

[0057] Such an inner core offers good sound insulation at low manufacturing costs.

[0058] On the inside of the louvered assembly, a mesh screen / insect screen may be fitted to protect against the ingress of children, reptiles, mice, birds, or vandalism. On the exhaust side (where the shorter, smaller louvers may be bundled together), a mesh screen may be attached to the back of the bundle.

[0059] The large silencer baffles on the intake side are preferably installed and removed individually for ease of handling. The mesh grille is detachably attached to some of the silencers. However, it can be detached from the service passage inside using removable connections, allowing the baffles to be taken out individually.

[0060] The heat pump module is preferably designed for heat pump outputs of at least 15 kW, 20 kW, or 35 kW.

[0061] A single air-source heat pump has a nominal output of at least 15 kW, 20 kW, or 35 kW. Typically, two or three of these air-source heat pumps are connected together, resulting in outputs between 20 and 105 kW per heat pump module. This allows for the efficient and sustainable energy supply of apartment buildings or office buildings. Multiple heat pump modules can be connected together to achieve outputs exceeding 105 kW.

[0062] The housing preferably has the dimensions of a standardized container or can be formed from such a standardized 9-, 10-, 12-, 20-, 24- or 30-foot container.

[0063] Housing the heat pump module in a standardized container offers the advantage that such containers are readily available and inexpensive due to high demand. Furthermore, a standardized container simplifies transport to the destination, as transport companies have experience with standardized containers and the necessary equipment. Additionally, the weight of a container is lower than that of concrete enclosures or similar structures, resulting in a lighter overall weight for the heat pump module and thus making it easier to transport.

[0064] Preferably, a reinforcement frame is attached to the underside of the container.

[0065] The reinforcement frame preferably sits flush with the container's rim or edge. This frame increases the container's torsional rigidity, making it more stable and able to withstand high loads. This allows for the use of a standard office container instead of a cargo container. A standard office container can easily be converted into a heat pump module. With a reinforcement frame, the container can also be placed on a surface like gravel without a permanent foundation.

[0066] The reinforcement frame can also incorporate features for the use of propane heat pumps. In the event of a heat pump malfunction or leak, the mesh floor can allow refrigerant to drain and accumulate in the floor area. To prevent the formation of an explosive sink or basin, the frame incorporates either drain slots, drain openings, or preferably steel profile tubes of varying heights, creating drainage joints at the bottom. Preferably, the outer, longer beams have a different height (e.g., 12 cm) than the shorter crossbeams (e.g., only about 10 cm). All beams are flush at the top edge. This creates a step or slot of, for example, 2 cm at the bottom, ensuring that the propane can be flushed away or drain out.

[0067] A fixing device may be provided for fixing the louvers to the housing.

[0068] The fixing device can be a screw connection, a quick-release fastener, or another secure connection. Such a fixing device prevents individual fins from being easily removed without tools or specialized knowledge. This protects the heat pump module from vandalism.

[0069] The fixing device can include a fixing strip which extends along several slats, so that fixing the fixing strip fixes several slats.

[0070] The fixing strip can also extend across all the slats. Therefore, thanks to the fixing strip, only one detachable connection, such as a screw connection, quick-release connection, or secured connection, needs to be loosened to remove the slats from the housing. This minimizes the effort required to detach the fixing device.

[0071] The housing can contain, in one section, the heat pump and the sound damping device(s) surrounding the fins, and in the other section of the housing, a storage tank for a heat medium, pumps and at least part of the control device.

[0072] Because the storage tank for a heat transfer medium, the pumps, and at least part of the control unit are integrated into the heat pump module, prefabrication is possible. This allows the heat pump module to be transported from the manufacturing site to the operating location, where it can be easily installed and connected to the outside of a building, especially an apartment building. Thus, only the supply lines need to be run out of the building, eliminating the need for installation in a traditional boiler room. Thanks to prefabrication, such a heat pump module can be retrofitted or replaced very easily and quickly.

[0073] The flow elements preferably have intake lamellae which are arranged perpendicular to a side surface of the housing.

[0074] The vertical arrangement of the fins during intake results in very low pressure losses, allowing for a comparatively small intake area. This is particularly advantageous when housing the heat pump module in a container, where space is limited, and the vertical arrangement of the fins against one side of the housing makes the most efficient use of this space.

[0075] The heat pump module is typically positioned so that ambient air is drawn in on the side facing the building. When the heat pump is installed close to a house wall, the noise generated by the intake is reflected off the wall, increasing the sound pressure by approximately 3 dB(A). This increase also affects the side facing away from the building. Therefore, the noise near the building must be very well dampened, and the louvers on this side are preferably larger than those on the exhaust side.

[0076] Preferably, the flow elements for blowing out have lamellae which run perpendicular or inclined to the side surface on which they are arranged.

[0077] The airflow elements for blowing out noise are usually positioned away from the building, so that the sound generated by these elements propagates away from the building. Therefore, this sound has a less disruptive effect on the people inside the building. This makes it possible to equip the airflow elements for blowing out noise with shorter louvers that dampen the noise less effectively.

[0078] The housing may have a water-permeable base, in particular a grid base for draining condensation.

[0079] Preferably, a separating element or partition is arranged between the flow elements for intake and exhaust, so that a separation between the intake and exhaust air is present, which also prevents sound from being transmitted from one side to the other. The partition is preferably additionally made of sound-absorbing materials, such as the same or similar material as the silencers.

[0080] The partition between the intake and exhaust sides prevents air short-circuiting and sound transmission via the sides. This also increases the efficiency of the heat pump. The partition can be designed to be removable for maintenance.

[0081] Preferably, a heating layer is provided for defrosting iced-up fins. This offers the advantage that the sound-dampening effect can be maintained even at sub-zero temperatures. The heating layer can be designed as a fully electrically conductive layer or as strands of an electrical conductor, which may, for example, run in a meandering pattern.

[0082] According to a further aspect of the invention, a housing, in particular for a heat pump module, is provided, comprising a first section in which a heat pump and flow elements for drawing in and blowing off air with fins are arranged. Separately from the first section, a second section is arranged in which a storage tank for a heat medium, pumps, and at least part of a control device are arranged.

[0083] This offers the advantage that only those components of a heat pump module that require air exchange with the ambient air for their function are exposed to the ambient air. The heating components, such as the storage tank, expansion vessel, pipes, and other hydraulic elements, can be arranged in the second section, isolated from the ambient air.

[0084] Hydraulic elements are all elements that carry a liquid medium, such as pipes, valves, storage tanks, heat exchangers, etc.

[0085] Preferably, the second section is surrounded by an insulating layer.

[0086] Because the first and second sections are housed in a single casing, the paths between the heat pump and the storage tank are short. This results in short pipe lengths, which in turn reduces heat loss, allowing a heat pump module integrated into the casing to operate very efficiently.

[0087] The advantages of the housing according to the invention correspond analogously to the advantages described above with reference to the heat pump module according to the invention.

[0088] According to a third aspect of the invention, a heat pump module, in particular the heat pump module described above, has a housing with multiple walls. A frame is located inside the housing. The frame is equipped with hydraulic elements, which are connected to other components only by means of fluid lines and / or electrical lines.

[0089] This offers the advantage that the frame can be assembled with the components outside the housing and then installed as a whole inside the housing. External assembly provides the benefit of easy access to the frame from all sides for the technician and their tools. Furthermore, such a frame can be assembled at any location. This makes it possible to perform the same work step on multiple frames consecutively, thus making the assembly process more time-efficient.

[0090] Another advantage is that the standardized, consistent arrangement of components and pipes allows the frame to be manufactured from machine-cut and laser-cut square tubes or steel profiles. This enables pre-drilled holes and the insertion of press fittings or threaded receptacles at the necessary positions for pipe and component fixings (with pipe clamps and threaded rods). This results in efficient and precise assembly, as there is no need to measure the fixing points, and pre-prepared threaded rods can be screwed directly into the press fittings. The pipe clamps for holding the pipes and components are then attached to the threaded rods. The square tubes are preferably made of galvanized steel with dimensions of, for example, 40 x 40 mm (referring to...). Fig. 7a, where you can see the protruding threaded rods).

[0091] The assembly of the scaffolding can also be carried out very efficiently thanks to the machine-precut steel profiles. At the intersections where the steel profiles meet (e.g., horizontal crossbeams to vertical uprights), there are tongue and groove joints so that the tubes can be roughly assembled into the scaffolding quickly and without measuring. The final fixing / connection is then achieved using angled steel plates with laser-cut holes for quick bolting or riveting.

[0092] The frame serves simultaneously as a support and for attaching the functional elements.

[0093] Preferably, the housing has an opening through which the frame can be inserted. This opening is preferably the intake and exhaust opening of the heat pumps, with no silencers installed at the time of insertion.

[0094] Thus, after it has been assembled, the frame can be inserted into a finished housing, which is preferably lockable with doors or gates in a repeatable manner.

[0095] Preferably, the scaffold is divided into two sections. One front side surface of the scaffold has no hydraulic elements or other functional elements. This ensures that this front side surface is freely accessible.

[0096] A rear side surface, positioned opposite the front side surface, can have panels for mounting hydraulic components and be equipped with them. The hydraulic components can also be arranged in the area of ​​the rear side surface without panels.

[0097] A dividing plane is formed between the front and rear side surfaces, running approximately perpendicular to both surfaces. Functional elements can be arranged within this dividing plane. These elements can include hydraulic components and / or electrical control elements. Specifically, these functional elements within the dividing plane can comprise a control cabinet, an expansion vessel, or a panel. The two side surfaces parallel to the dividing plane can be equipped with additional hydraulic components, distributed across the rear side surface and an upper ceiling surface, and connected to each other via fluid lines and / or electrical lines. The ceiling surface extends between the parallel side surfaces and across the dividing plane. This provides two accessible areas for maintenance work, accessible via the front side surface.

[0098] This arrangement allows for a large number of functional elements to be arranged in a very small space, accessible via the front side surface, with two walkable areas for maintenance work exposed, separated from each other by the partition plane.

[0099] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a heat storage module is provided. The heat storage module comprises a heat storage container for receiving a first heat medium, which is temperature-controlled, in particular, by a heat pump. Furthermore, the heat storage module comprises at least two separate heat exchanger elements for temperature-controlling a second heat medium located in the heat exchanger elements, wherein the heat exchanger elements are arranged in the heat storage container and are provided with valves or interconnected outside the heat storage container so that they can be operated independently of one another.

[0100] In the thermal storage tank, the first heat medium, which is heated by a heat pump, can be kept at a specific temperature in order to heat a second heat medium via the heat exchanger element. For example, potable water can be heated to a desired temperature as the second heat medium by flowing through the heat exchanger element. Using at least two heat exchanger elements offers the advantage that twice as much heat medium can be heated with just one thermal storage tank compared to just one heat exchanger element, and no additional installation space is required. This allows for a compact design of the heat pump module.

[0101] Furthermore, the dual design offers the advantage that the heat exchanger elements can be operated independently. For maintenance work, such as descaling, cleaning, and flushing, continuous operation can be maintained without interrupting the drinking water supply when only one of the heat exchanger elements is being serviced. This also increases the reliability of the heat storage system.

[0102] The total (both shared) heat exchanger surface area is at least 10 m². 2 or at least 15 m 2 For example, this is 17.2 m 2 .

[0103] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a heat storage module comprises a heat exchanger vessel for receiving a heat pump heat transfer medium which is tempered by a heat pump, and a heat exchanger element located within the heat exchanger vessel. Water can be passed through this element for tempering and it extends over a predetermined length within the heat exchanger vessel. The heat exchanger element has an inlet on the underside of the heat exchanger vessel for supplying water and an outlet on the top side of the heat exchanger vessel for discharging the tempered water. The heat exchanger element also includes a circulation connection located within the heat exchanger vessel between the inlet and the outlet, preferably in a region between approximately 25% and 85% or 90% of the height of the heat exchanger vessel. This connection allows for the connection of a circulation line, which circulates the water independently of any consumption situation.

[0104] The heat pump introduces the heated medium at least at approximately the middle level of the heat exchanger tank. The corresponding connection for this heated medium can also be located at the top of the tank. Cooled heat pump refrigerant, which is located at the bottom of the tank, must be fed back in for reheating. The connection for this is located on the underside of the tank.

[0105] The height of the heat exchanger tank is measured from the bottom to the top.

[0106] The inlet of the heat exchanger element is located on the underside of the heat exchanger tank. Cold water, at a temperature of approximately 10°C, can be fed in from the drinking water supply. The drinking water is heated by the water flowing through the heat exchanger element, as the temperature of the surrounding heat pump fluid is higher than that of the cold water. As the water moves towards the outlet of the heat exchanger element, the initially cold drinking water is heated to a temperature of approximately 60° to 65° Celsius.

[0107] The tempered drinking water can be discharged for consumption at the outlet of the heat exchanger element.

[0108] The wastewater can be circulated through a recirculation line. A legal standard stipulates that the drinking water must not fall below a temperature of 55°C at any point in the recirculation line in order to kill Legionella bacteria.

[0109] To maintain this temperature of approximately 55°C, it can be advantageous to reheat the drinking water from the circulation line. A circulation connection is provided for this purpose. The drinking water from the circulation line, at a temperature of approximately 55°C, is warmer than the cold water from the mains water supply, which has a temperature of approximately 10°C. Mixing water of different temperatures would be detrimental, as the drinking water from the circulation line would cool down, requiring even more energy to reheat it. Furthermore, the heat pump's heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger tank would cool down considerably.

[0110] At the outlet of the heat exchanger element, the heated drinking water can reach a temperature of approximately 60°C to 65°C and is therefore hotter than the drinking water from the circulation line. The drinking water from the circulation line must therefore be heated.

[0111] The circulation connection can therefore be located in the area between approximately 25% and 75% of the height of the heat exchanger tank in order to heat the drinking water from the circulation line and not mix it with the cold water from the drinking water network.

[0112] Preferably, the area of ​​the circulation connection is arranged between 60% and 75% of the height of the heat exchanger element.

[0113] This area roughly corresponds to the temperature layer of the heat pump's heat medium, which has a similar temperature to that of the drinking water from the circulation line.

[0114] The heat exchanger elements can be designed as corrugated pipes.

[0115] Corrugated pipes are suitable as heat exchanger elements due to their corrugated shape, which gives them a large surface area.

[0116] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a heat storage module with a heat storage container for receiving a heat pump heat medium heated by a heat pump is provided. A connection for supplying the heat pump heat medium heated by the heat pump is located in an upper region of the heat storage container, and a connection for discharging the heat pump heat medium to the heat pump is located in a lower region of the heat storage container, so that a temperature stratification is formed.

[0117] This causes the heat pump refrigerant, or the refrigerant heated by at least one heat pump, to stratify according to its temperature-dependent density. Accordingly, the less dense refrigerant is located higher up, at the top of the heat exchanger tank, due to its lower gravitational pull. The colder refrigerant has a higher density and is located at the bottom of the heat exchanger tank.

[0118] A layering device may be provided, similar to a layering device described in EP 2476970 B1 (see Fig. 15) is designed. This layering device has an approximately annular overflow element with several holes for the radial introduction of the hot heat medium. Above and below the annular element are upper and lower separating discs, respectively. The heat medium flows from the annular element between the separating discs into the center of the heat storage unit with little or no turbulence. A hole is centrally arranged in the upper separating disc, allowing the hot heat medium to rise. Preferably, an approximately tubular flow guide is arranged around the hole to direct the hot flow upwards.

[0119] The ring body is arranged with its outer circumference spaced away from the inner surface of the heat storage unit, so that the heat medium is pushed downwards from the upper area of ​​the heat storage unit by the heat medium rising centrally in the flow guide body.

[0120] In this layering device, the lower separating disc – unlike that of EP 2476970 B1 – has no holes, so that the entire heat storage unit can be used to store hot heat medium. This means the entire heat storage unit is used as a single temperature stage.

[0121] To prevent mixing between heating and hot water temperatures at high output levels, and to allow the heating zone to also be used as a cooling zone or storage tank, two storage tanks are provided, each operating at a different temperature level: a heating water tank and the corrugated pipe tank described above for domestic hot water heating. This also offers advantages regarding the legionella problem, as no lukewarm, legionella-friendly temperature zone develops in the lower part of the tank, as is the case with a conventional "combination tank" (both temperature zones in one tank according to EP 2476970 B1).

[0122] Since the heat storage unit is used as a uniform temperature zone and the warm heat medium is drawn off at the bottom by a pump, holes in the lower baffle would direct the flow from the ring element directly through the holes in the lower baffle, thus preventing the uniform flow through the entire heat storage unit upwards through the flow element. This is undesirable, as it would prevent the entire volume of the heat storage unit from being utilized. On the other hand, the stratification system creates a low-turbulence flow, with the freshly supplied hot heat medium located centrally in the flow guide element. This allows the stored heat to be transferred to the surrounding heat medium, preventing its loss. Furthermore, stratification is achieved, with the hotter heat medium being stored in the upper region.

[0123] The heat storage module according to the fifth aspect of the invention can be integrated into a heat pump module according to the first, second and / or third aspect of the invention. It is also possible to combine the heat storage modules according to the fifth and fourth aspects of the invention.

[0124] Furthermore, a method for defrosting sound-absorbing louvers using an air-source heat pump is provided. The heat from a heating medium is transferred to the ambient air via an evaporator, thus defrosting the sound-absorbing louvers.

[0125] This method is also used to defrost the heat pump itself. It is essentially a reverse operation of the heat pump. This reverse operation can be extended by the heat pump's control unit, so that more warm air is blown out by a fan, this warm air flows over the fins, and thus defrosts them.

[0126] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for defrosting sound-absorbing louvers in a housing, in particular in a heat pump module described above, is provided, wherein an air heater is operated in the housing to heat air, so that heated air reaches the louvers and the sound-absorbing louvers are defrosted.

[0127] The de-icing procedures described above serve to ensure the sound-absorbing effect of the louvers. A layer of ice would impede the penetration of sound waves into the absorber material of the louvers and thus negatively affect the sound-absorbing effect.

[0128] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the figure. These figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a housing according to the invention with a heat pump module according to the invention in a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic top view of a housing according to the invention with a heat pump module according to the invention in a first embodiment with maintenance access points shown, Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of a housing according to the invention with a heat pump module according to the invention in a first embodiment, Fig. 4 a perspective view of lamellae according to the invention with a fixing device in a first embodiment, Fig. 5 a perspective view of lamellae according to the invention with a fixing device in a second embodiment, Fig. 6 a) a perspective view of a steel reinforcement frame b) with a container according to the invention, Fig. 7 a) a perspective view of the framework according to the invention, b) which is equipped with hydraulic elements and other functional elements, Fig. 8 Schematic representation of a heat storage module according to the invention, Fig. 9 a perspective sectional view of a sound-absorbing lamella according to the invention, and Fig. 10 a comparison plot of measurements of the sound pressure level at a distance of 3 meters from the fan of a heat pump over a frequency range of 63 to 10000 Hz with sound-absorbing louvers according to the invention and without louvers.

[0129] An exemplary embodiment of a heat pump module 1, a housing 4, and a heat pump storage module according to the invention is described below. The heat pump module 1 comprises one or more air-source heat pumps 2, flow elements 3, and a housing 4 ( Fig. 1).

[0130] The air-source heat pump 2 is an air-to-water heat pump 2. An air-to-air heat pump can also be used. The air-source heat pump will also be referred to as heat pump 2 or air-to-water heat pump 2 in the following.

[0131] The housing 4 has four side walls, an intake-side longitudinal side surface 12, an exhaust-side longitudinal side surface 15, and two end walls 17, 19. The housing has a cold zone 10, in which the one or more air-source heat pumps 2 are located, and a hot zone 5, in which a medium tempered by the air-source heat pumps 2 is stored and treated.

[0132] The intake-side longitudinal side surface 12 and the exhaust-side longitudinal side surface 15 are designed in the cold area such that air flows from an intake side 14 to an exhaust side 16 ( Fig. 1) can flow through them, with this airflow being used by the air-source heat pumps 2 for heat exchange. This flow-through design of the side walls 12, 15 is explained in more detail below.

[0133] In the hot zone, a hot service door 13, in particular a double-leaf hot service door 13, is arranged on the intake-side longitudinal side surface 12, which allows access to the hot zone 5. A domestic hot water heater 6, a buffer storage tank 7, a pressure expansion vessel 8, an electrical component assembly 9, and other fluid lines and their valves, components such as dirt separators, measuring devices, etc., and branches are arranged in the hot zone 5. In alternative embodiments, the hot zone 5 does not have a domestic hot water heater 6. The hot zone 5 is separated from the cold zone 10 by the partition 11 to prevent air from flowing through the hot zone 5. The partition 11 is designed as a panel comprising a heat-insulating material, such as flax, foam, preferably PU (polyurethane), cellulose fibers, or another heat-insulating material.In the present embodiment, the warm area 5 is also lined with a thermal insulation layer 53 along the end wall 19 and in the area of ​​the two longitudinal side surfaces 12, 15 and the partition wall 11.

[0134] The end wall 17 is located at the cold zone 10, opposite the partition wall 11. The end wall 17 has a maintenance door 18, which in the present embodiment is a door with a single door leaf. This maintenance door is hereinafter referred to as the cold maintenance door 18. In alternative embodiments, the end wall 17 does not have a maintenance door 18.

[0135] In the cold zone 10, intake vanes 20 are arranged along the longitudinal side surface 12 on the intake side 14. The longitudinal side surface 15 in the cold zone 10 is formed by exhaust vanes 21 on the exhaust side 16 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 3).

[0136] The housing 4 is formed from a standardized container 22. The standardized container 22 is an 8-, 10-, 12-, 20-, 24-, or 30-foot container. In an alternative embodiment, the housing 4 can also be formed from a metal frame or a steel frame with sandwich panels, whereby the housing 4 does not have to conform to any container standard. Designing the housing 4 according to a standardized container allows for simple and cost-effective transport of the heat pump module, which is why such a design is preferred.

[0137] Container 22 has a reinforcement frame 23 which is arranged on a bottom wall 24 ( Fig. 6b). The reinforcing frame 23 is made of steel profile tubes that are at least 8 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 14 cm, or 16 cm high and / or wide. The steel profile tubes are arranged parallel to and / or along the longitudinal side surface 12 and parallel to and / or along the end wall 17, so that they can be welded together to form a closed frame. The more steel profile tubes 55 are provided, the better the weight of the container 22 can be distributed across the base. The reinforcing frame 23 is positively connected to the container 22, for example, by welding. The reinforcing frame 23 is galvanized to protect it from corrosion. Furthermore, the reinforcing frame 23 is designed so that it is flush with the outer edge of the container.

[0138] In addition, the reinforcement frame 23 has lifting points 56 so that the container 22 can be lifted with the reinforcement frame 23 without losing stability ( Fig. 6a). The lifting points 56 are designed as loops made of a stainless material and are welded or screwed to the steel reinforcement frame 23 via an internal thread 67. The lifting points 36 reduce the load on the edges of the container 22 during a lifting operation from above the container 22. Such a lifting operation from above can be carried out with a lifting device 68, as described in Fig. 6b, as shown, will be executed.

[0139] The use of the reinforcement frame 23 offers the advantage that a standard office container, which can only withstand low loads, does not require a surface foundation, such as cast-in-place concrete or a precast concrete element at the installation site, thanks to the load-bearing steel frame, and a compacted, e.g., gravelly, subsoil is sufficient.

[0140] It is also conceivable that in this reinforcement framework 23, absorbing or other soundproofing measures are also taken (e.g. absorbing sound material between the beams), so that a sound-absorbing surface without reflections is created in the floor area.

[0141] The floor wall 24 is designed as a permeable grid floor to allow condensate to drain away. It is also possible to cut openings for condensate drainage into a closed floor wall 24 of the container 22.

[0142] Housing 4 also has a ceiling wall (not shown).

[0143] In the cold zone 10, which is in contact with the ambient air, two parallel-connected monoblock air-to-water heat pumps 2 are arranged. In alternative embodiments, it is also possible to provide air-to-air or air-to-water heat pumps 2 connected in series or cascaded. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to install split heat pumps 2, with the indoor unit of the split heat pump 2 being located in the warm zone 5.

[0144] The output of an air-to-water heat pump 2 of a heat pump module 1 according to the invention is typically at least 15 kW, at least 20 kW, or at least 35 kW. Several air-to-water heat pumps 2 can be interconnected in the heat pump module 1 such that outputs between 15 kW and 105 kW are provided.

[0145] In the present embodiment, the total output of the two air-to-water heat pumps 2 is approximately 40 kW; thus, for example, with a desired temperature increase of 5 K or 5°C, 7 m² 3 / h water or, in the case of a desired temperature increase of 10 K or 10°C, 3.5 m 3 Water is heated per hour. The tempered heat medium is then transferred to the hot area 5 via a supply line 26.

[0146] Each of the heat pumps 2 comprises four basic components. These four components are an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve. The evaporator of the heat pump 2 absorbs heat from the ambient air, which is supplied to it by flow elements 3 that include an intake fan 27 on the intake side 14. In the present embodiment, the intake fan 27 is integrated into a housing of the heat pump 2.

[0147] Through absorption, a refrigerant in heat pump 2, such as propane R290 or other derivatives or carbon dioxide, evaporates, absorbing heat energy from the ambient air. In the compressor, the gaseous refrigerant is compressed. This leads to an increase in the refrigerant's pressure and temperature. The hot, compressed refrigerant then enters the condenser, where it transfers its heat to the heat transfer medium via a first heat exchanger. The heat transfer medium used here is water. During heat transfer, the refrigerant condenses back into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant is then passed through the expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and temperature. This allows the cycle to begin again.

[0148] The ambient air, from which the heat is absorbed by the evaporator, is blown out again by an exhaust fan 28 at the exhaust side 16. The exhaust fan 28 can be integrated into the housing. Alternatively, only one intake fan 27 or one exhaust fan 28 may be provided.

[0149] The intake fan 27, the exhaust fan 28, the intake vanes 20 and the exhaust vanes 21 form the essential components of the flow elements 3, with which the ambient air is guided through the heat pumps 2.

[0150] Between the ceiling wall and the floor wall 24, a partition 25 is arranged in the cold zone 10 between the intake side 14 and the exhaust side 16, thus separating the intake and exhaust air. The partition 25 is located in the area of ​​the heat pumps 2 and surrounds them. The partition 25 is a plate-shaped element designed to be removable for maintenance purposes. The partition 25 is made of or covered with a sound-absorbing material. Alternatively, the partition 25 does not completely enclose the heat pump(s) 2, but is designed only in a specific area to prevent the majority of the air exchange between the intake side 14 and the exhaust side 16. The partition 25 divides the cold zone into two spaces.

[0151] The heat medium tempered or heated by the heat pump 2 is transferred via the supply line 26 through the partition wall 11 into the warm area 5.

[0152] In the heated area 5, a piping system 29 is arranged for transporting the heat transfer medium. A diverter valve 30 is arranged within the heating piping system 29, which feeds the heat transfer medium into a heating circuit or a domestic hot water circuit depending on its temperature and / or other control parameters. In an embodiment without a domestic hot water circuit 32, no diverter valve 30 is provided.

[0153] Heating circuit 31 comprises at least one expansion vessel 8 and one buffer storage tank 7. The heat medium from heating circuit 31 is connected to a heating system in the building. Heating circuit 31 also includes further heating components, such as venting, sludge removal, and safety valves, shut-off valves, and flushing valves.

[0154] Electrical components and a control cabinet 33 are arranged in the hot area 5 for the operation of the heating circuit and the domestic hot water heating circuit.

[0155] The domestic hot water heater 6 or the heat exchanger vessel 6 comprises a storage tank 71, which may have a capacity of at least 500 l, in particular at least 1000 l or at least 2000 l. At least one first corrugated pipe 34 and one second corrugated pipe 35 are arranged as heat exchangers in the domestic hot water heater 6. Domestic hot water to be heated flows through the corrugated pipes and absorbs the energy or heat of the heat medium stored in the tank via the surfaces of the corrugated pipes. Other heat exchangers may be provided instead of the corrugated pipes. The corrugated pipes 34, 35 are arranged so that they extend separately from the domestic hot water tank 6 (Fig. 8). This allows the corrugated pipes 34, 35 to be operated separately.

[0156] The drinking water heater 6 has a top 72 and a bottom 73 ( Fig. 8) Cooled heat medium, located at the bottom of the domestic hot water heater 6, is fed to the heat pump via a drain 74 for reheating. The drain 74 is located on the underside 73 of the domestic hot water heater 6.

[0157] The drain 74 is designed as a corrugated pipe with holes for the controlled discharge of water. This drain 74 does not necessarily have to be located directly on the underside 73. It is also possible that the drain 74 is located only in the lower area of ​​the water heater 6 and that the suction effect for the drainage of the heat medium is achieved by a drain pump.

[0158] The heated heat pump fluid is introduced via an introduction device 75. The introduction device 75 is centrally located approximately midway between the top 72 and bottom 73 of the domestic hot water heater 6. This introduction device 75 consists of a radially circumferential corrugated tube with perforations for flow stabilization, formed between two approximately circular, plate-shaped bodies. The plate-shaped body facing the top 72 has perforations for the upward flow of the heat pump fluid. The plate-shaped body facing the bottom 73 has no perforations. The introduction device 75 is designed such that its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the domestic hot water heater 6, allowing heat pump fluid to flow between the rim of the domestic hot water heater 6 and the introduction device 75.

[0159] The setup described here promotes the formation of temperature stratification in the domestic hot water heater 6. Warm heat pump fluid is located at the top in the area of ​​the upper surface 72, and cold heat pump fluid is located at the bottom in the area of ​​the lower surface 73.

[0160] Heat pump fluid, heated by the heat pump, is fed into the domestic hot water heater 6 via the inlet device 75 at approximately the level of a middle temperature layer and settles into a corresponding temperature layer, preferably rising upwards. Cooled heat pump fluid flows past the inlet device downwards to the outlet 74. The lower, plate-shaped body has no holes to prevent mixing of heat pump fluid at different temperatures in the central area and to maintain the temperature stratification.

[0161] For domestic hot water heating, cold water from the drinking water network can be routed through the corrugated pipes 34 and 35 and heated by the stored heat medium in the domestic hot water heater 6. A circulation line, a circulation pump, and a circulation connection 33 are provided at the outlet of the corrugated pipes 34 and 35. The circulation line ensures that the temperature of approximately 55°C, as required by law, is maintained constantly in the drinking water network.

[0162] The corrugated pipes 34, 35 are connected on the outlet side to a consumer connection 32 for heated drinking water, from which the heated drinking water is discharged into the circulation line.

[0163] The circulation connection 33 is provided between the outlet and inlet sides of the corrugated pipes 34 and 35. The drinking water, cooled during circulation, is fed back into the corrugated pipes 34 and 35 via the circulation connection 33. This feed-in point is located at least 25%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of the length of a corrugated pipe from the inlet or outlet side, respectively. The drinking water in the circulation line has a temperature of approximately 55°C, and the water from the cold water connection 31 has a temperature of approximately 10°C. Mixing the two would cause the drinking water in the circulation line to cool down, requiring more energy to reheat it. Therefore, the water from the circulation line is fed into the corrugated pipes 34, 35 at a point where the drinking water in the corrugated pipe has approximately the same temperature as the water from the circulation line.

[0164] Particularly in apartment buildings, it is necessary to provide a larger quantity of hot drinking water during peak times. To simultaneously heat the required drinking water, two or more heat exchangers 35 can be arranged on the hygienic storage tank 34. The heated drinking water is then fed into the building via pipes.

[0165] The heat pump module 1 is generally positioned so that the pipes to the building are as short as possible, thus placing the heat pump module 1 close to the building being supplied. This minimizes losses due to pipe lengths of 3 to 15 m to the building.

[0166] The heat pump module 1 is positioned such that the intake side 14 points towards the building to be supplied. The exhaust side 16 points away from the building to be supplied.

[0167] The housing 4 has four maintenance access points, allowing persons 54 access to the interior of the heat pump module 1. A first maintenance area 36 is formed by the hot service door 13. This allows a person 54 to service the heating components in the hot area 5.

[0168] A second maintenance access point 37 is defined by the cold maintenance door 18. This allows access through the end wall 17 to the cold zone 10 or to the heat pumps 2.

[0169] The discharge louvers 21 are designed to be movable and removable on the heat pump module 1, so that a third maintenance access 38 can be exposed by removing the discharge louvers 21.

[0170] The intake vanes 20 are slidably and detachably mounted on the heat pump module 1. If the intake vanes are fully detachable, a fourth maintenance access point 39 is provided by removing the intake vanes 20.

[0171] The intake and exhaust of air creates sound, which is dampened by the intake louvers 20 and the exhaust louvers 21.

[0172] The intake vanes 20 and the exhaust vanes 21 each have an approximately plate-shaped damping element 40. The damping element 40 is designed to dampen sound. The damping element 40 has two opposing longitudinal edges 41 and two opposing narrow edges 42. The longitudinal edges 41 have a length of at least 150 cm and the narrow edges 42 have a length of at least 30 cm. Preferably, the longitudinal edges 41 of the intake vanes 20 are approximately 170 cm long and 50 cm wide. Furthermore, the longitudinal edges 41 of the exhaust vanes 21 are 170 cm long and approximately 30 cm wide.

[0173] Both the longitudinal edges 41 and the narrow edges 42 are rounded to prevent injuries and reduce flow resistance. Rounded edges are also advantageous for mounting the intake vanes 20 and exhaust vanes 21 on the housing 4 in the area of ​​the narrow edges 42 so that they can slide along a longitudinal direction 43 of the narrow edges 42.

[0174] The plate-shaped damping element 40 has a thickness 44 of at least 5 cm, in particular 10 cm, and preferably at least 15 cm. According to the invention, the thickness 44 is 17 cm. The greater the material thickness of the damping element 40, the better low frequencies of approximately 200 Hz and below are damped.

[0175] In Fig. Figure 10 illustrates the effect of the intake vanes 20 and the exhaust vanes 21, or the damping element, for a heat pump module. The comparison diagram shows that the sound pressure level in dB(A) at a distance of three meters from the heat pump module with a silencer in the form of a damping element 40 is at least 3 dB(A) and preferably about 9 dB(A) lower at a frequency of 200 Hz than the sound pressure level without a damping element. A reduction in the sound pressure level of 3 dB corresponds approximately to a halving of the sound energy.

[0176] The intake vanes 20 and the discharge vanes 21 have an outer layer in the area of ​​the damping element 40, which is formed from a plastic foam, in particular particle-molded foam with a perforated surface. In alternative embodiments, the plastic foam can have an open-cell surface produced by a process. Such a rough, open-pored or perforated surface is known from EP 2 524 788 A1. Alternatively, the surface is porous.

[0177] In one embodiment, the damping body 40 of the intake vanes 20 and the exhaust vanes 21 is constructed in layers ( Fig. 9).

[0178] According to one embodiment, a first plastic foam layer 76, a first sheet 77, a second plastic foam layer 78, a second sheet 79, and a third plastic foam layer 80 are arranged side by side. These layers are enclosed on the outside by the frame 46. The plastic foam layers 76, 78, and 80 are made of a lightweight plastic foam that has at least one perforated or porous surface. The layers 76, 78, and 80 have a thickness of between 4 and 6 cm. The layers 76, 78, and 80 do not necessarily have to be of the same thickness, so that the sound attenuation behavior can be adapted to the respective application. The plastic foam layers 76 and 80 are designed like the outer layer described above. The plastic foam layer 78 is not necessarily weather-resistant. The first and second sheets 77 and 79 are made of steel.However, it is also possible to manufacture the sheets 77 and 79 from a different rigid material, for example, an aluminum alloy or a fiber-reinforced plastic. The sheets 77 and 79 are particularly smooth. It is also possible for the sheets 77 and 79 to have holes for weight reduction. The sheets 77 and 79 have a thickness between 0.5 and 3 mm.

[0179] In the damping body 40, the intake vanes 20 and the discharge vanes 21 can also have an inner core made of a different material than the material forming the surface of the damping body 40. This core is, for example, made of a fibrous insulating material, such as mineral fibers or biological fibers. Mineral fibers or biological fibers can be wood fibers, flax, cellulose fibers, reeds, coconut fibers, or the like. Alternatively, the plastic foam layer 78 can be configured as the inner core.

[0180] It is possible that the inner core and the outer layer are made of the same material.

[0181] The intake vanes 20 and / or the exhaust vanes 21 have a heating layer for defrosting. This heating layer is designed as a trace heating band that extends in a meandering pattern over the damping body 40, or as a whole layer, e.g. made of heating wires. In one embodiment, the heating layer is integrated into the middle plastic foam layer 78, so that the heating layer is weatherproof ( Fig. 9).

[0182] The intake vanes 20 and / or the exhaust vanes 21 are designed for slidable mounting in the longitudinal direction 43 of the narrow edges 42. For this purpose, the intake vanes 20 and the exhaust vanes 21 are provided with a guide rail 45.

[0183] The guide rail 45 is part of a frame 46 that completely encloses the respective intake vane 20 or exhaust vane 21. The frame 46 is made of a lightweight, rigid material, such as wood, steel, or aluminum, or of steel or aluminum sheet with a powder coating for corrosion protection. According to the invention, the frame 46 comprises only one material. However, it is also possible for the frame 46 to be made of two or more materials, so that, for example, the area of ​​the guide rail 45 is made of a reinforced material.

[0184] The frame 46 is composed of four individual parts. In alternative embodiments, the frame 46 can also be formed in one piece.

[0185] The intake vanes 20 are arranged in a sliding manner. This allows the intake vanes to be pushed away from the heat pumps 2, so that the free space between the heat pumps 2 and the vanes 20 ( Fig. 2) can be enlarged to allow access through the cold maintenance door and to provide space for servicing the heat pumps. The distance between the intake fins 20 and the heat pumps 2 in the retracted state is preferably less than 70 cm, particularly less than 60 cm or less than 50 cm, and preferably less than 40 cm. In the extended state, the distance between the intake fins 20 and the heat pumps 2 is at least 60 cm or at least 70 cm, and particularly at least 80 cm. This makes it possible to design the heat pump module 1 compactly in the operating state while still providing sufficient space for access and for assembling and disassembling components of the heat pump module 1 during maintenance.

[0186] According to the present embodiment, the intake vanes 20 and the exhaust vanes 21 can optionally be repeatedly removed from the housing 4 without damage. For easy removal and reinsertion of the intake vanes 20 into the housing 4, a guide element 47 is provided on the housing 4 for the linear guidance of a single vane in the longitudinal direction 43.

[0187] The guide element 47 is formed from a groove-shaped projection on the housing 4 or as a projection of a strip attached to the housing 4 and designed to receive one of the lamellae.

[0188] Both the intake vanes 20 and the exhaust vanes 21 can be attached to the housing 4 at the intake side 14 and exhaust side 16, respectively, by means of a fixing device 48. A fixing device 48 comprises a connecting element 49 and a fixing element 50. The connecting element 49 is, for example, designed as a screw. However, it is also possible for the connecting element 49 to be designed as a snap-fit, plug-in, or quick-release connection. The fixing element 50 is designed as a strip with an opening for the screw connection. The connecting element 49 and the fixing element 50 are in Fig. 4 shown.

[0189] In a second embodiment, a fixing strip 51 extends over the intake fins 20 and exhaust fins 21, so that the fins can be fixed to the heat pump module 1 together with the fixing strip ( Fig. 5) Alternatively, it is also possible to fix groups of slats using several fixing strips 51.

[0190] The fixing strip 51 is secured with a locking device 52, such as a padlock, so that the entire device is protected against vandalism.

[0191] The intake vanes 20 are arranged in a vertical direction, so that the intake vanes 20 are perpendicular to the bottom wall 24 and parallel to the end walls 17, 19.

[0192] Thus, an intake fin 20 occupies an area which is at least 1.7 m, preferably at least 1.9 m and in particular at least 2 m high, at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 0.6 m and in particular at least 0.7 m wide and at least 17 cm deep.

[0193] The discharge louvers 21 are arranged vertically such that they are perpendicular to the bottom wall 24 and at an acute angle α to the end wall 17. The angle α is approximately 30°. Due to this angle, the area covered by the discharge louvers 21 has a shallower depth. In alternative embodiments, the discharge louvers 21 are arranged with an angle α of approximately 0°.

[0194] The intake louvers 20, when retracted, cover at least part of a walkable area. A walkable area is characterized by the fact that an average-sized adult can walk upright in it. This area is at least 1.8 m, preferably at least 1.9 m, and particularly at least 2 m high, at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 0.6 m, and particularly at least 0.7 m wide, and at least 0.3 m deep.

[0195] For the operation of the heat pump 2, ambient air is supplied from a side close to the building through the flow elements 3 and through the intake vanes 20 on the intake side 14 of the heat pump 2. The noise caused by the intake fan 27 drawing in the ambient air is effectively dampened by the intake vanes 20, which extend vertically over a length of approximately 170 cm. Their arrangement parallel to the end wall 17 ensures that pressure losses due to the straight airflow are kept to a minimum, as no air deflection occurs.

[0196] On the discharge side 16 furthest from the building, the discharge louvers 21 extend vertically and are angled at a certain angle α. This allows for the largest possible sound-absorbing surface to be achieved in a small space. Furthermore, the angled position provides weather protection. Due to the angled position, pressure losses occur during discharge due to the additional air turbulence. However, these pressure losses are negligible during discharge.

[0197] To expose the third maintenance area 38 or the fourth maintenance area 39, the locking device 52, if present, is first released. Then, the screw connection 49 is loosened via the fixing element 50. By means of the interaction of the slide rail 45 and the guide element 47, a single intake vane 20 or exhaust vane 21, or a group of vanes, can be easily moved outwards from the housing 4 and removed. This exposes a walkable maintenance area.

[0198] To close the third maintenance area 38 or fourth maintenance area 39, the removed intake vanes 20 or exhaust vanes 21 are pushed into the housing 4 by means of the slide rail 45 and the guide element 47, depending on the corresponding intake side 14 or exhaust side 16. In a second step, the vanes are reattached to the housing 4 by means of the fixing device 48 and, if necessary, secured with a locking device 52.

[0199] The above embodiment can be modified or supplemented in various ways, as explained below.

[0200] A building can also be cooled using a heat pump module 1. The heat pumps 2 have a reversible operating mode, which reverses the heat pump process using a 4-way valve. In this mode, the evaporator becomes the condenser, and vice versa. A cooling storage tank is located in the hot zone 5. The heating storage tank can also be used as a cooling storage tank. To prevent condensation, it is either controlled to operate above the condensation temperature, or a layer of diffusion-tight thermal insulation (e.g., rubber) is installed.

[0201] At high humidity and low temperatures, or if the silencers are moistened by snow / rain falling at an angle, the surface of the fins 20, 21 can freeze. Therefore, alternative embodiments include measures to prevent ice build-up, such as a trace heating cable in or on the fin 20, 21, a separate air heater in the cold area that defrosts cyclically, or control of an extended defrosting process for the heat pumps 2. A fin 20, 21 can be defrosted by transferring the heat from the heating medium to the air via the evaporator.

[0202] The housing 4 of the heat pump module 1 contains a frame 57. The frame 57 is equipped with hydraulic elements 58 and is designed to be inserted into a finished housing 4 after assembly ( Fig. 7b). The framework 57 is made of a light but still rigid material, such as an aluminum alloy ( Fig. 7a). Furthermore, the frame 57 has a front side surface 59 which is not equipped with hydraulic elements or other functional elements and is therefore open. Opposite the front side surface 59, a rear side surface 60 is arranged. The rear side surface 60 has panels for suspending hydraulic elements 58 and is equipped with hydraulic elements 58. A separating plane 61 is formed approximately transversely or vertically between the front and rear side surfaces 59, 60. Functional elements are arranged in the separating plane 61. The functional elements are hydraulic elements 58 and / or electrical control elements.

[0203] In a first embodiment, these functional elements in the area of ​​the separation plane 61 are formed by the control cabinet 62 and the pressure expansion vessel 8. A first side surface 63 and a second side surface 64 of the frame 57 are arranged parallel to the separation plane 61. The first and second side surfaces 63, 64 are equipped with hydraulic elements 58, the hydraulic elements 58 of the first side surface 63 being designed for connection to the heated area 5 or the supply line 26, as they are located closer to the heated area 5. The hydraulic elements of the second side surface 64 are designed for connection to the district heating lines leading to a building to be supplied. Furthermore, the frame 57 has a ceiling surface 65. The ceiling surface 65 extends between the parallel first and second side surfaces 63, 64 and across the separation plane 61. Fig. 7b).

[0204] The opening of the front side surface 59 is arranged corresponding to a closable opening of the housing 4 .

[0205] The frame 57 is divided into two areas by the separating plane 61. A first area 69 and a second area 70 are designed as the first maintenance area 36. Areas 69 and 70 are accessible through the open front side surface 59. Because the front side surface 59 corresponds to or is congruent with the hot maintenance door 13, the first area 69 and the second area 70 are accessible via the hot maintenance door 13.

[0206] Before installation, the frame 57 is fitted with the hydraulic elements 58 and other functional elements outside the housing 4. This makes the frame 57 easily accessible from all sides, which facilitates assembly.

[0207] After assembly, the frame 57 is inserted into the housing 4 or the container 22 via the cold zone 10. The openings of the hot zone 5 are kept as small as possible, since as little heat exchange as possible with the environment of the housing 4 should take place in the hot zone 5.

[0208] For insertion into container 22, the scaffold 57 has a transport feature 66. The transport feature 66 is designed to correspond to the width of a forklift or pallet truck, so that the scaffold 57 can be easily picked up by the forklift or pallet truck and transported to its place of use.

[0209] Since the cold zone 10 is in contact with the ambient air and its temperature, the openings on the exhaust side 16 and the intake side 14 are larger, and the frame 57 can easily be pushed through an opening in the cold zone 10 into the housing 4. The frame is then pushed into the warm zone 5 at its point of use and secured. The partition 11 is then inserted.

[0210] The above embodiment can be supplemented by a method for de-icing the sound-absorbing lamellae 20, 21.

[0211] A first method for defrosting sound-absorbing fins 20, 21 consists of using an air-source heat pump 2 to transfer the heat of a heating medium to the ambient air via an evaporator, so that the sound-absorbing fins 20, 21 are defrosted.

[0212] This method is also used to defrost the heat pump 2 itself. It is, in effect, a reverse operation of the heat pump 2. This reverse operation can be extended by the control unit of the heat pump 2, so that more warm air is blown out of a fan of the heat pump 2, this warm air flows over the fins 20, 21 and thus defrosts them.

[0213] A second method for defrosting sound-absorbing louvers 20, 21 consists of providing and operating an air heater in the housing 4 to heat air, so that heated air reaches the louvers 20, 21 and the sound-absorbing louvers 20, 21 are defrosted.

[0214] Operating the air heater can also defrost heat pump 2. Reference symbol list 1 heat pump module 2 air source heat pumps 3 flow elements 4 cases 5 Warm area 6 water heaters 7 buffer storage tanks 8. Pressure expansion vessel 9 Electrical component setup 10 Cold area 11 Partition wall 12 Longitudinal side surface (intake side) 13 Hot maintenance door 14 Intake side 15 Longitudinal side surface (exhaust side) 16 Exhaust side 17 Front wall 18 Cold maintenance door 19 Front wall 20 intake fins 21 exhaust louvers 22 containers 23 reinforcement frames 24 floor area 25 separating element 26 Supply line 27 Intake fan 28 Exhaust fan 29 Piping system 30 Diverter valve 31 Cold water connection 32 Domestic hot water connection 33 Circulation connection 34 first corrugated pipe 35 second corrugated pipe 36 first maintenance area 37 second maintenance area 38 third maintenance area 39 fourth maintenance area 40 damping elements 41 longitudinal edges 42 narrow edges 43 Longitudinal direction 44 Thickness 45 sliding rail 46 frames 47 Guide element 48 Fixing device 49 screw 50 fixing element 51 Fixing strip 52 Safety device 53 Insulation layer 54 people 55 Steel profile tube 56 Lifting point 57 scaffolding 58 hydraulic elements 59 front side surface 60 rear side surface 61 Separation plane 62 Control cabinet 63 first side surface 64 second side surface 65 ceiling area 66 Transport design 67 internal threads 68 Lifting equipment 69 first area 70 second area 71 storage 72 Top 73 Underside 74 Drain 75 Delivery facility 76 first layer of plastic foam 77 first sheet 78 second layer of plastic foam with heating layer 79 second sheet 80 third layer of plastic foam α Angle of attack QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 3147582 A1

[0010] EP 2524788 A1 [0048, 0176] EP 2476970 B1 [0118, 0120, 0121]

Claims

[1] Heat pump module comprising a walk-in enclosure, at least one air-source heat pump and flow elements for drawing in air to be heat-exchanged from outside the enclosure to the air-source heat pump inside the enclosure and flow elements for blowing the heat-exchanged air from the air-source heat pump to outside the enclosure, wherein the flow elements for drawing in and / or blowing out the heat-exchanged air include sound-absorbing louvers that delimit the enclosure in an area to the outside, characterized by , that the louvers are detachably attached to the housing and / or can be moved outwards on the housing, so that a walkable area inside the housing can be exposed for maintenance work. [2] Heat pump module according to claim 1, characterized by that the sound-absorbing louvers extend in a vertical direction. [3] Heat pump module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the lamellae are an approximately plate-shaped damping body, with two opposing longitudinal edges and two opposing narrow edges, wherein the lamellae are slidably mounted in the housing in the area of ​​the narrow edges in the longitudinal direction of the narrow edges, wherein preferably the longitudinal edges have a length of at least 1.5 m and the narrow edges have a length of at least 0.3 m. [4] Heat pump module according to claim 3, characterized by that the slats are each equipped with a sliding rail in the area of ​​the narrow edges. [5] Heat pump module according to claim 4, characterized by , that a guide element is provided on the housing for each slide rail, for the linear guidance of the respective slide rail, so that the lamellae are detachably arranged on the housing and / or are slidable outwards on the housing. [6] Heat pump module according to claim 4 or 5, characterized bythat the guide rails are part of a frame that completely encloses the respective slats. [7] Heat pump module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the lamellae are designed to be movable and / or detachable, either individually or in groups of no more than nine or no more than six lamellae, respectively. [8] Heat pump module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that a lamella is formed from at least two layers. [9] Heat pump module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the lamellae have an outer layer made of a plastic foam, in particular closed-cell plastic foam or particle foam, wherein the outer layer may have a perforated surface. [10] Heat pump module according to claim 9, characterized by , that a sheet of metal is placed between two layers of plastic foam. [11] Heat pump module according to claim 10, characterized by that the sheet metal has a thickness between 0.3 and 3 mm. [12] Heat pump module according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by that the plastic foam has a thickness of between 4 and 6 cm. [13] Heat pump module according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by that the lamellae have an inner core which is made of a fibrous insulating material, in particular mineral fibers or biological fibers, such as wood fiber, flax, cellulose fibers, reed, coconut fibers. [14] Heat pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heat pump module is designed for heat pump outputs of at least 15 kW (20 kW). [15] Heat pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing is made from a standardized container. [16] Heat pump module according to claim 15, characterized by, that a reinforcement frame is attached to the underside of the container, the reinforcement frame having openings so that propane can escape from the area of ​​the reinforcement frame to the outside. [17] Heat pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a fixing device is provided for fixing the louvers to the housing. [18] Heat pump module according to claim 17, characterized by , that the fixing device includes a fixing strip which extends along several slats, so that by fixing the fixing strip the several slats are fixed. [19] Heat pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in one section of the housing the heat pump and the fins are arranged and in another section of the housing storage for a heat medium, a water heater, pumps, the electrical switch cabinet and at least part of a control device. [20] Heat pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the flow elements for intake have lamellae which are arranged perpendicular to a side surface of the housing. [21] Heat pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the flow elements for blowing out have lamellae which are arranged perpendicular or inclined to a side surface of the housing. [22] Heat pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing has a water-permeable bottom surface, in particular a grid bottom, for the drainage of condensation. [23] Heat pump module according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by , that a separating element is arranged between the flow elements for intake and exhaust, so that there is a separation between intake and exhaust air. [24] Heat pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a lamella has a heating layer for defrosting the iced-up lamella. [25] Heat pump module, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 24, comprising a housing with a first section in which at least a heat pump, flow elements for drawing in and blowing out air and fins are arranged and separately a second section with a storage for a heat medium, pumps and at least part of a control device. [26] Heat pump module, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 24, comprising a housing, in particular according to claim 25, which is bounded by several walls, a frame which is located in the housing, wherein the frame is equipped with hydraulic elements which are connected to other components in particular only by means of fluid lines and / or power lines. [27] Heat pump module according to claim 26, characterized bythat the housing has an opening through which the frame can be inserted into the housing. [28] Heat pump module according to claim 26 or 27, characterized by , that the scaffold is divided into two areas, wherein a front side surface of the scaffold has no hydraulic elements or other functional elements, whereby the front side surface is designed to be freely accessible, wherein in particular the scaffold is formed from a machine-prefabricated steel profile, in which machine-lasered threaded receptacles are already present at the predetermined fastening points and preferably the pipes fastened in the scaffold are machine-bent and the bent pipe sections are fastened in the scaffold. [29] Heat pump module according to claim 28, characterized by, that a rear side surface arranged opposite the front side surface has elements, retaining elements, suspension elements for the suspension of hydraulic elements, and is equipped with hydraulic elements. [30] Heat pump module according to claim 29, characterized by , that a separating plane can be formed between the front and rear side surfaces by means of a control cabinet or an expansion vessel or a panel, in which functional elements can be arranged, two side surfaces arranged parallel to the separating plane can be equipped with hydraulic elements and / or functional elements, which are connected to each other via fluid lines and / or power lines across the rear side surface and ceiling surface which extends between the parallel side surfaces across the separating plane, so that two walkable areas for maintenance work are exposed with access via the front side surface. [31] Heat storage module for a heat pump module, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 24, comprising a heat storage container for receiving a first heat medium, which is in particular tempered by a heat pump, and at least two separate heat exchanger elements for tempering a second heat medium located in the heat exchanger elements, wherein the heat exchanger elements are arranged in the heat storage container and are connected outside the heat storage container with valves so that they can be operated independently of each other. [32] Heat storage module for a heat pump module, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 24, comprising a heat exchanger container for receiving a heat pump heat medium which is tempered by a heat pump, a heat exchanger element located in the heat exchanger container through which water can be passed for tempering and which extends in the heat exchanger container over a predetermined length and has an inlet on a bottom of the heat exchanger container for supplying water and an outlet on a top of the heat exchanger container for discharging the tempered water, and the heat exchanger element has a circulation connection which is arranged in the heat exchanger container between the inlet and the outlet preferably in a region between about 25% and 75% of the height of the heat exchanger container in order to connect a circulation line which serves to circulate the water independently of a consumption situation. [33] Heat storage module according to claim 32, characterized by , that the area of ​​the circulation connection is located between 60% and 75% of the height of the heat exchanger tank. [34] Heat storage module according to one of claims 31 to 33, characterized by that the heat exchanger elements are designed as corrugated pipes. [35] Heat storage module, in particular according to one of claims 31 to 34, comprising a heat storage container for receiving a heat pump heat medium heated by a heat pump, wherein a connection for supplying the heat pump heat medium heated by the heat pump is arranged in a middle to upper region of the heat storage container and a connection for discharging the heat pump heat medium to the heat pump is arranged in a lower region of the heat storage container, so that a temperature stratification is formed. [36] Method for defrosting sound-absorbing fins, in particular in a heat pump module according to one of claims 1 to 19, using an air-source heat pump, wherein heat from a heating medium is transferred to the ambient air via an evaporator, so that the sound-absorbing fins are defrosted. [37] Method for defrosting sound-absorbing louvers in a housing, in particular in a heat pump module according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein an air heater is operated in the housing to heat air, so that heated air reaches the louvers and the sound-absorbing louvers are defrosted.

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