Windbreak component and heat pump with windbreak component

Abstract

Windshield component (200, 200', 200") for an evaporator (130) of a heat pump (100), wherein the windbreak component (200, 200', 200") comprises a cover plate (210) and a wall section (220) projecting from the edges of the cover plate (210), in particular substantially perpendicularly, wherein the wall section (220) comprises a grid-like structure and together with the cover plate (210) defines a cuboid-shaped cavity, wherein the wind protection component (200, 200', 200") is designed for attaching the wind protection component (200, 200', 200") to the heat pump (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat pumps and in particular to a windshield component and a heat pump with a windshield component.

[0002] Heat pumps that use air as a heat source typically have an evaporator, which can be designed, for example, as a finned heat exchanger and which is supplied with ambient air by a fan.

[0003] In the case of heat pumps for outdoor installation, and especially in the case of freestanding heat pumps in outdoor areas, the evaporator is particularly exposed to the weather and the direct ambient air.

[0004] This can lead to various problems, such as uneven moisture or ice distribution on the evaporator due to unfavorable air currents, which makes defrosting the evaporator more difficult.

[0005] Due to ever-increasing requirements, it is necessary that the evaporator of freestanding heat pumps is better protected.

[0006] It is therefore desirable to present a solution that addresses the aforementioned problems and continues to ensure or even improves the normal operation of the heat pump.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a windshield component is proposed as defined in claim 1, namely a windshield component for an evaporator of a heat pump, wherein the windshield component comprises a cover plate and a wall section projecting from the edges of the cover plate, wherein the wall section comprises a grid-like structure and, together with the cover plate, defines a cuboid cavity, and wherein the windshield component is designed for fastening to the heat pump. The wall section preferably projects substantially perpendicularly from the cover plate.

[0008] The grid-like structure defines a free airflow area of ​​the windshield component, at least partially (possibly together with louvered openings or another grid-like structure on the cover plate, as described below). Air can pass through the grid-like structure and through an air inlet opening of the heat pump to reach the evaporator. The grid-like structure is preferably selected such that the free airflow area of ​​the windshield component essentially corresponds to an effective free airflow area of ​​the evaporator or deviates from it by at most 10%, particularly preferably 5%. The effective free airflow area of ​​the evaporator is the free airflow area defined by the evaporator and any other components provided, such as a grid between the evaporator and the air inlet opening (see below), without the windshield component.

[0009] Preferably, the grid-like structure is provided over more than half of the wall section, and particularly preferably over as large an area of ​​the wall section as possible, while still ensuring the stability of the windbreak component. In addition to or as an alternative to the grid-like structure, a lamellar structure is also conceivable.

[0010] Furthermore, the grid-like structure is designed in such a way that it performs a dirt-protection function, i.e., it protects the evaporator from external dirt.

[0011] The wind protection component protects the evaporator from external weather conditions and ensures easy installation of the wind protection component on the heat pump.

[0012] Preferably, the windshield component is designed for placement at an air inlet opening of the heat pump or evaporator. The windshield component is preferably designed to protect the air inlet opening or evaporator from direct wind. In particular, the windshield component is designed to protect the air inlet opening or evaporator from direct exposure to air.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the windshield component is designed to not significantly increase the pressure loss of an outside airflow compared to a wall-mounted heat pump with a 200 mm clearance, i.e., not by more than 10%, particularly preferably 5%. Additionally or alternatively, the windshield component is designed to not significantly alter the air distribution at the air inlet opening or the evaporator compared to a wall-mounted heat pump with a 200 mm clearance, i.e., not by more than 10%, particularly preferably 5%.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of one aspect of the invention, the wall section projects from the cover plate at four edges. That is, the wall section comprises four parts, each projecting from an edge of the cover plate. It is preferred that each of the four parts of the wall section has a grid-like structure. Preferably, all parts of the wall section project from the cover plate in the same direction.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of one aspect of the invention, the grid-like structure comprises several elongated openings whose elongated extent runs essentially perpendicular to the cover plate. The elongated openings can be rectangular or oval.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, the windbreak component has a width between 750 mm and 850 mm, in particular between 780 mm and 820 mm.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the windbreak component has a height between 1100 mm and 1350 mm, in particular between 1150 mm and 1300 mm.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the windbreak component has a depth between 100 mm and 400 mm, in particular between 200 mm and 300 mm.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the above design, two or three rows of elongated openings are provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cover plate. Alternatively, a single row of elongated openings would also be conceivable. As a further alternative, instead of elongated openings, round or square openings, or elongated openings with an elongated extent substantially parallel to the cover plate, could also be provided. A mixture of different openings in the wall section is also conceivable.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the wind protection component comprises fastening elements for attaching the wind protection component to the heat pump.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the above design, the windbreak component further comprises, at an end region of the wall section facing away from the cover plate, an edge section running essentially parallel to the cover plate, on which the fastening means are provided. This allows for particularly simple fastening in a plane parallel to the cover plate.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the above design, the edge section projects from the wall section at at least two edges. Preferably, the edge section projects substantially perpendicularly from the wall section. Furthermore, the edges are preferably opposite edges of the wall section. However, it is also conceivable that the edge section projects from the wall section at four edges. This would then allow for a particularly secure attachment of the windbreak component to the heat pump.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the above design, the fastening elements are configured as through-holes, which may be open and / or closed. For example, the through-holes may be designed as elongated holes or slots. Additionally or alternatively, the fastening elements may also include pins. The windshield component can be attached to the heat pump by means of these fastening elements. Furthermore, additional through-holes may also be provided.

[0024] For example, in the case of open or closed bores, screws can be used as fasteners to attach the windshield component. It is particularly preferred that the windshield component (or the heat pump) is designed to be attached to the heat pump with screws that are (additionally) used to attach another component, such as a grille, to the heat pump. Attachment to the heat pump means attachment to a heat pump housing, a heat pump frame, and / or an element that is (integrated) into or on the heat pump.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of one aspect of the invention, the cover plate comprises lamellar openings. This allows for an increase in the free airflow area of ​​the windshield component. In particular, providing lamellar openings in the cover plate allows the free airflow area of ​​the windshield component to be adjusted, for example, to match the effective free airflow area of ​​the heat pump evaporator, both via the grid-like structure on the wall section and via the lamellar openings in the cover plate. Alternatively to lamellar openings in the cover plate, another grid-like structure is also conceivable, for example, as described above in connection with the grid-like structure of the wall section.

[0026] Preferably, the lamellar openings are designed in such a way that they perform a dirt-filtering function, i.e., protect the evaporator from external dirt.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, a heat pump is proposed as defined in claim 10, namely a heat pump, in particular for outdoor installation, with an evaporator and a windshield component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the windshield component is attached to the heat pump on an air inlet side for the evaporator.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of one aspect of the invention, a grid is arranged between the evaporator and the windscreen component.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the reduction of an effective free flow area of ​​the evaporator by the windscreen component does not exceed 10%, preferably not 5%.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the increase in pressure loss at the evaporator due to the windscreen component does not exceed 10%, preferably not 5%.

[0031] Features of advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in particular in the dependent claims, with further advantageous features, embodiments and configurations also being apparent to the person skilled in the art from the above explanation and the following discussion.

[0032] The present invention will now be further illustrated and explained with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Here, Fig. 1 A schematic representation illustrating a heat pump without a windshield component, viewed from a slant front view, Fig. 2 A schematic representation illustrating the heat pump without a windshield component, viewed from a rear angle. Fig. 3 A schematic sectional view to illustrate the heat pump without a windshield component, Fig. 4 A schematic representation to illustrate a first embodiment of the heat pump with a windshield component, Fig. 5 A schematic representation illustrating a first embodiment of the heat pump with a wind protection component from a further perspective, Fig. 6 A first schematic detail view to illustrate a fastening element of the windbreak component, Fig. 7 a second schematic detail view to illustrate a fastening element of the windbreak component, Fig. 8 a third schematic detail view to illustrate a fastening element of the windbreak component, Fig. 9 a fourth schematic detail view to illustrate a fastening element of the windbreak component, Fig. 10 a schematic representation to illustrate a second embodiment of the heat pump with a wind protection component and Fig. 11 a schematic representation to illustrate a third embodiment of the heat pump with a wind protection component.

[0033] In the accompanying drawings and the explanations relating to these drawings, corresponding or related elements are marked with corresponding or similar reference symbols, where appropriate, even if they are found in different embodiments.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation illustrating a heat pump without a windshield component, viewed from a slightly oblique front view. Fig. 2 A schematic representation to illustrate the heat pump without a windshield component from a rear oblique angle and Fig. 3 A schematic sectional view to illustrate the heat pump without a wind protection component.

[0035] The heat pump 100 has an air outlet grille 110, at least one fan 120, and an evaporator 130. The air outlet grille 110 is located at the front of the heat pump 100 and covers or protects the at least one fan 120 from the front. The evaporator 130 is located behind the at least one fan 120, i.e., the at least one fan 120 is located between the air outlet grille and the evaporator 130.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat pump 100 comprises a grid 140, in this case designed as a round steel grid. The grid 140 is arranged behind the evaporator 130, i.e., if a windshield is provided, between the evaporator 130 and the windshield.

[0037] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation to illustrate a first embodiment of the heat pump with a windshield component and Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation illustrating a first embodiment of the heat pump with a wind protection component from a further perspective.

[0038] The windshield component 200 is arranged at the rear of the heat pump 100, specifically in front of an air inlet opening of the heat pump 100. The windshield component 200 has a cover plate 210 and a wall section 220. The cover plate 210 is arranged parallel to the rear of the heat pump 100. The cover plate 210 is closed, i.e., it has no openings. The wall section 220 is arranged at four edges of the cover plate 210 and projects substantially perpendicularly from the cover plate 210 towards the heat pump 100. The wall section 220 has a grid-like structure and, together with the cover plate 210, defines a cuboid cavity. The grid-like structure has several elongated openings whose elongated extent is substantially perpendicular to the cover plate 210. The elongated openings are arranged in two rows perpendicular to the cover plate 210.

[0039] Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 9 each shows a schematic detail view to illustrate the fastening elements of the windbreak component. Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 8 each shows a view from below, i.e., of a lower fastening element, and Fig. Figure 9 shows a top view, i.e., of an upper mounting element. The mounting elements 230 are intended for attaching the wind protection component 200 to the heat pump 100.

[0040] In the present case, the windbreak component 200 has an edge section 240 at an end area of ​​the wall section 220 facing away from the cover plate 210. This edge section 240 runs essentially parallel to the cover plate 210, and the fastening means 230 are provided on this edge section. The edge section 240 projects from two edges of the wall section 220, in this case upwards and downwards.

[0041] The fastening elements 230 have through-holes, comprising both open and closed through-holes. Additional through-holes may also be provided.

[0042] Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic representation illustrating a second embodiment of the heat pump with a windshield component. The following describes only the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment; otherwise, reference is made to the description of the first embodiment.

[0043] The windbreak component 200' according to the second embodiment differs from the windbreak component 200 according to the first embodiment in the depth of the windbreak component or the depth of the wall section. In particular, the depth of the windbreak component 200' or the wall section is greater than the depth of the windbreak component 200. In this case, three rows of elongated openings are provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cover plate. This allows the free airflow area of ​​the windbreak component to be increased.

[0044] Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic representation illustrating a third embodiment of the heat pump with a windshield component. The following describes only the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment; otherwise, reference is made to the description of the first embodiment.

[0045] The windbreak component 200" according to the third embodiment differs from the windbreak component 200 according to the first embodiment in that the cover plate in the third embodiment has lamellar openings. These lamellar openings extend over a large portion, i.e., at least more than half, of the cover plate's surface. This allows for an increased free airflow area of ​​the windbreak component while simultaneously keeping its overall size small.

[0046] Even though the figures show various aspects or features of the invention in combination, it is apparent to the person skilled in the art – unless otherwise stated – that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or sets of features from different embodiments can be interchanged.

[0047] The following are further considerations regarding the invention: To prevent the failure of a heat pump in an outdoor installation, it is necessary to provide a wind guard, preferably a sheet metal construction, at the air inlet. The wind guard can also be understood as a windscreen. The wind guard preferably comprises essentially the same free flow area as the evaporator, particularly with a grille, e.g., a round steel grille, i.e., with a deviation of at most 5% or at least 10%.

[0048] For example, the free airflow area of ​​the evaporator is approximately 960,000 mm². 2 The effective free airflow area of ​​the evaporator with the grid is then approximately 780,000 mm². 2 The free airflow of one embodiment of the windbreak component is then, for example, 750,000 mm². 2 .

[0049] Due to the dimensions of the windshield component, the heat pump can appear quite bulky, which may be undesirable. The limiting factor is, in particular, the free flow area, as this should approximate the free flow area of ​​the round steel mesh. Accordingly, the dimensions of the windshield component are preferably chosen such that the depth, i.e., the extent along the wall section towards the heat pump, of the windshield component is minimized, and at the same time, the deviation of the free flow area of ​​the windshield component from the effective free flow area of ​​the evaporator does not exceed 10%, preferably 5%.

[0050] The geometry of the windshield component is preferably selected to protect the evaporator from direct air exposure during defrosting. It is preferred that the operating behavior of the heat pump is not negatively affected by the windshield component. To this end, it is preferably provided that the pressure loss of the outside airflow through the windshield component is not significantly increased compared to a heat pump installed 200 mm from a wall, i.e., not by more than 10%, and particularly preferably not by more than 5%. Particularly preferably, the air distribution at the evaporator inlet is not adversely affected, i.e., not by more than 10%, and most preferably by 5%, by the windshield component. A further preferred aspect of the windshield component is its function of preventing dirt from flying debris and protecting the evaporator fins from damage in outdoor installations.The windbreak component is preferably attached using the existing screws that were used to mount the round steel mesh. This allows for straightforward screwing and therefore simple installation.

Claims

[1] Windshield component (200, 200', 200") for an evaporator (130) of a heat pump (100), wherein the windbreak component (200, 200', 200") comprises a cover plate (210) and a wall section (220) projecting from the edges of the cover plate (210), in particular substantially perpendicularly, wherein the wall section (220) comprises a grid-like structure and together with the cover plate (210) defines a cuboid-shaped cavity, wherein the wind protection component (200, 200', 200") is designed for attaching the wind protection component (200, 200', 200") to the heat pump (100). [2] Windbreak component (200, 200', 200") according to claim 1, wherein the wall section (220) extends from the cover plate (210) at four edges of the cover plate (210). [3] Windbreak component (200, 200', 200") according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the grid-like structure comprises several elongated openings whose elongated extension is substantially perpendicular to the cover plate (210). [4] Windbreak component (200, 200', 200") according to claim 3, wherein two or three rows of elongated openings are provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cover plate (210). [5] Wind protection component (200, 200', 200") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wind protection component (200, 200', 200") comprises fastening elements (230) for fastening the wind protection component (200, 200', 200") to the heat pump (100). [6] Windbreak component (200, 200', 200") according to claim 5, wherein the windbreak component (200, 200', 200") comprises an edge section (240) extending substantially parallel to the cover plate (210) at an end region of the wall section (220) facing away from the cover plate (210), on which the fastening means (230) are provided. [7] Windbreak component (200, 200', 200") according to claim 6, wherein the edge section (240) projects from the wall section (220) at at least two edges, in particular substantially perpendicularly. [8] Wind protection component (200, 200', 200") according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the fastening elements are designed as through-holes, the through-holes comprising open and / or closed through-holes. [9] Windbreak component (200, 200', 200") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover plate (210) comprises lamellar openings. [10] Heat pump (100), in particular for outdoor installation, with an evaporator (130) and a wind guard component (200, 200', 200") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wind guard component (200, 200', 200") is attached to the heat pump (100) on an air inlet side for the evaporator (130). [11] Heat pump (100) according to claim 10, wherein a grid (140) is arranged between the evaporator (130) and the wind protection component (200, 200', 200"). [12] Heat pump (100) according to one of claims 10 and 11, wherein a reduction of a free flow area of ​​the evaporator (130) by the wind guard component (200, 200', 200") does not exceed 10%, preferably 5%. [13] Heat pump (100) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the increase in pressure loss at the evaporator (130) due to the wind guard component (200, 200', 200") does not exceed 10%, preferably 5%.

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