OUTDOOR ENERGY STORAGE UNIT

Description

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

[0002] A system for air conditioning the interior of a building can include an energy storage system for energy transfer and storage with a water heat exchanger in a liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir is located outside the building, while a heat pump for the water heat exchanger and the building is located inside the building. DE 10 2020 119 653 B3 describes such an energy storage system. Other building services components, such as heating and hot water, are also located inside the building. Although the devices are easily accessible and protected inside the building, they require a considerable amount of space.

[0003] EP 2 450 641 A2 relates to a building comprising a plurality of rooms distributed over at least one floor and having a heating system. The building further comprises one or more air supply devices for supplying air, one or more exhaust air ducts for collecting and discharging the exhaust air, and an exhaust air duct for discharging the collected exhaust air. The building has a heat recovery system comprising a heat pump with an evaporator, a condenser, a first fan, and at least one compressor, as well as a water pipe. The heat recovery system is arranged at least above the floor. Furthermore, a heat recovery system is described which comprises an exhaust air chamber into which the exhaust air duct opens and from which the second fan discharges the exhaust air via the exhaust air duct. The heat pump is arranged such that the exhaust air flowing past the evaporator is guided from and to the exhaust air chamber.

[0004] GB2247072A describes a heat pump unit with heat storage and heat recovery from an exhaust air stream, and the accommodation of the main components with the exception of the heat storage in a single unit.

[0005] The task is to provide a space-saving device for an air conditioning system.

[0006] The problem is solved by an energy storage external unit of a system for air conditioning the interiors of a building according to claim 1. The energy storage external unit can be arranged outside the building and partially submerged in the ground. The energy storage external unit comprises an energy storage unit for energy transfer and energy storage with a liquid reservoir, a water heat exchanger in the liquid reservoir, and an air heat exchanger above the liquid reservoir, a heat pump coupled to the water heat exchanger and the air heat exchanger, and an exhaust air connection for the building's exhaust air, which is coupled to the energy storage unit and the heat pump, such that the exhaust air flowing in through the exhaust air connection tempers the heat pump at least partially before the exhaust air flows into the energy storage unit.The heat pump is designed as at least one stackable functional module, and the energy storage external unit comprises at least one further stackable functional module which is designed to control heating, cooling and / or ventilation in the system, wherein the functional modules are arranged such that the exhaust air flows between the functional modules to the energy storage unit and tempers the functional modules.

[0007] The energy storage outdoor unit is a compact outdoor unit for the air conditioning system that can be installed underground. It can be delivered pre-installed as a complete unit and requires no space inside the building. Unlike conventional systems, where only the energy storage unit with its liquid reservoir is installed outside the house, additional functional modules, in particular the water pump, which is normally located inside the building, are relocated outside. The operation of the functional modules with cold-sensitive electrical circuits is insensitive to cold even at low outside temperatures in winter due to the temperature control of the water pump and the optional additional functional modules via the exhaust air, so no heating is required in the energy storage outdoor unit. "Temperature control" includes both heating and cooling. The latter is relevant in hot summers.

[0008] In the energy storage system, the liquid reservoir enables energy storage in the liquid. Energy transfer in the energy storage system occurs via both the air heat exchanger and the water heat exchanger. The exhaust air is the indoor air extracted from the building, whose thermal energy is channeled through the energy storage system for heat or cold recovery. Prior to this, it is used for temperature control, particularly for heating the functional modules in the energy storage outdoor unit, ensuring safe operation even at low outside temperatures.

[0009] In one embodiment, the heat pump is designed so that the exhaust air flows past it and / or through it, enabling energy transfer between the exhaust air and the heat pump. The exhaust air serves, in particular, to regulate the temperature of an electrical circuit of the heat pump. The heat pump is designed as at least one functional module.

[0010] The same principle is used to control the temperature of other functional modules, in particular their electrical circuits. The functional module forms a closed functional unit, usually with its own housing, within the energy storage outdoor unit. The functional modules are replaceable, which facilitates maintenance and repair. In the electrical circuit, electrical and / or electromechanical components are combined into a functionally appropriate arrangement that, for example, controls the functional module or its interaction with other functional modules, the energy storage unit, or other components of the system, which can also be buildings. Electrical circuits are sensitive to cold and are often the limiting factor for the operation of the functional module at low temperatures, so temperature control, especially of the electrical circuits, improves the operational reliability of the entire energy storage outdoor unit.

[0011] In In one version, the functional modules are designed in such a way that waste heat from electrical components in the heat pump supports the temperature control, so that not only the exhaust air is used for heating.

[0012] According to the invention, one or more additional stackable functional modules are provided, which are advantageously designed to control heating, cooling, and / or ventilation in the system. When multiple functional modules are provided, they are arranged so that the exhaust air flows between the functional modules to the energy storage unit and regulates the temperature of the functional modules. The stackable functional modules enable a flexible and space-saving design of the energy storage external unit. The range of functions can be flexibly configured by selecting the functional modules.

[0013] In one embodiment, there is a vertical gap between the functional modules through which the exhaust air can flow to the energy storage unit. The gap directs the exhaust air towards the energy storage unit and at the same time guides the exhaust air past the functional modules. Advantageously, the gap is shaped such that it directs the exhaust air towards an energy storage unit inlet through which the exhaust air flows into the energy storage unit. The shape of the gap can taper horizontally and in particular vertically towards the energy storage unit inlet in order to refocus the exhaust air, which may have cooled several stacked functional modules on either side of the gap. Alternatively or additionally, the energy storage unit inlet can be shaped and / or arranged such that it directs the flow behavior of the exhaust air.

[0014] In one design, the energy storage outdoor unit comprises a base plate, a cover, and a surrounding side wall between the base plate and cover, enclosing the space in which the energy storage unit and the functional modules are housed. The base plate can have a raised edge, resulting in a tub-like shape. The energy storage outdoor unit can be partially installed in the ground, so that only the cover and the upper side wall protrude above the ground. They can be integrated into the design of the outdoor space, for example, by planting plants or providing a seating area on the cover.

[0015] In one embodiment, the energy storage unit has an exhaust air-conducting heat exchanger designed to direct the exhaust air over the liquid reservoir before flowing to the air heat exchanger in the energy storage unit. In this way, an energy transfer already takes place between the exhaust air and the liquid in the liquid reservoir before the thermal energy of the exhaust air is utilized in the air heat exchanger.

[0016] In one design, a cavity is arranged inside the liquid reservoir as a drinking or service water storage unit, offering an additional usage option. A water pump, designed as a functional module, is coupled to the cavity and enables the supply of drinking or service water to the building, thus also allowing drinking or service water storage and supply outside the building.

[0017] Below, some examples are explained in more detail using the drawings. They show: Figure 1 an embodiment of a system for air conditioning the interior of a building, Figure 2 a three-dimensional exploded view of an embodiment of an outdoor energy storage device, and Figure 3 a three-dimensional view of the interior of the energy storage outdoor unit.

[0018] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent components are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0019] In Figure 1 One exemplary embodiment shows a system 2 for air conditioning interior spaces 4 of a building 6. The building 6 can be, for example, a residential building or an office building. However, such a system 2 can be applied to different building types. The example shown should therefore be considered non-limiting. Each of the interior spaces 4 is connected via an exhaust air opening 8 to an exhaust air duct 10, which discharges exhaust air from the interior spaces 4.

[0020] The exhaust air duct 10 is connected via a supply line 12 to an exhaust air connection 42 of an energy storage outdoor unit 40. The energy storage outdoor unit 40 is arranged outside the building 6, for example, in the garden or on the outdoor grounds, and is at least partially submerged in the ground, so that only the upper portion of the energy storage outdoor unit 40 protrudes from the ground.

[0021] The energy storage outdoor unit 40 has an energy storage unit 14 with a water heat exchanger 18 in a liquid reservoir 16 and an air heat exchanger 22 above the liquid reservoir 16. The energy storage outdoor unit 40 further has a heat pump 30 as a functional module 50, which is coupled to the water heat exchanger 18 and the air heat exchanger 22. An exhaust air connection 42 for exhaust air from the building 2 is coupled to the energy storage unit 14 and the heat pump 30, so that the exhaust air flowing in through the exhaust air connection 42 tempers the heat pump 30 before the exhaust air flows into the energy storage unit 14. From the exhaust air connection 42 to the energy storage unit 14, the exhaust air flows past or through the heat pump 30.

[0022] The liquid reservoir 16 has a cavity 46 inside it for storing drinking and / or service water, from which drinking and / or service water can be provided for the building 6. In this exemplary embodiment, the cavity 46 is cylindrical and is laterally enclosed by the liquid reservoir 16, which is hollow-cylindrical in shape. Alternative shapes of the cavity 46, which is enclosed laterally and / or top and / or bottom by the liquid reservoir 16, are conceivable.

[0023] Located in the liquid reservoir 16 of the energy storage unit 14 is the water heat exchanger 18, which comprises a plurality of tubes connected to the heat pump 30 via a fluid circuit. A heat transfer medium flows through the tubes, dissipating heat or cold transferred from the liquid in the liquid reservoir 16. Typically, the liquid reservoir 16 is filled with water or a paraffin compound.

[0024] Above the liquid reservoir 16, above an insulation layer 20, is an air heat exchanger 22. The air heat exchanger 22 is arranged in several segments around a central region 24 of the energy storage device 14. A heat exchanger 44 with flow guides is arranged below the insulation layer 20. The heat exchanger 44 is designed so that an air flow is directed over the liquid in the liquid reservoir 16 before the air flows onto the air heat exchanger 22 in the energy storage device 14. As a result, the energy contained in the air flow is first supplied to the liquid reservoir 16. The heat exchanger 44 directs the air radially outward over the liquid. The air is then guided radially from the outside through the air heat exchanger 22.In the central area 24 there is a fan which sucks in the exhaust air from the heat exchanger 44 with air flowing in radially from the outside in the direction of the central area 24, where the air then leaves the energy storage unit 14.

[0025] The heat pump 30 is connected to the fluid circuit of the water heat exchanger 18. The heat pump 30 is also connected to a fluid circuit of the air heat exchanger 18, which comprises a plurality of pipes. A heat transfer medium flows through the pipes, removing heat or cold from the air flowing past the pipes. Two pumping devices can be provided in the heat pump 30 for the water heat exchanger 18 and the air heat exchanger 22. A further fluid circuit 32 leads into the building 6 via a fluid connection 48 on the energy storage external unit 40 and connects the heat pump 30 to an air conditioning unit 34, which, in addition to the connection to the further fluid circuit 32, has a supply of outside air via an opening 36 by means of the supply line 38.

[0026] A water pump is provided as a further functional module 50, which is coupled to the drinking and / or domestic water storage tank. It is designed to pump drinking and / or domestic water from the cavity 46 designed as a drinking and / or domestic water storage tank into building 6. For this purpose, a drinking and / or domestic water connection 54 is provided on the energy storage external unit 40, which is connected to a water line 52 leading into building 6.

[0027] The provision of additional functional modules 50 for air conditioning and building technology in the energy storage outdoor unit 40 is possible. The connections provided for this purpose form an interface whose connections, like those already mentioned above, can be spatially combined in a main connection 56, to which the lines to building 6 are connected. The main connection 56 can be connected to a functional module 50 designed as a main connection module. The main connection module controls the interface and its connections, as well as the coupling and communication of the other functional modules 50 within the energy storage outdoor unit.

[0028] Figure 2shows a three-dimensional exploded view of an embodiment of an energy storage outdoor unit 40. It comprises a base plate 64, a cover 66 with a recess 68 for exhaust air discharge, and a circumferential side wall 60 between the base plate 64 and the cover 66. The side wall 60 is formed by a trough-shaped, raised edge region of the base plate 64 and boards arranged above it, which protrude at least partially from the ground. Fresh air can flow through the boards or openings provided for this purpose. The base plate 64 can be made of concrete, for example. It supports the energy storage unit 14 and the functional modules 50, in particular for heating, cooling, and ventilating the building, including the heat pump 30 and the water pump. The trough shape of the base plate 64 protects the ground from any potentially escaping liquids. The cover 66 can be made of metal, for example.It protects the interior of the energy storage unit, but at the same time allows the exhaust air from the energy storage unit 14 to escape as exhaust air through the circular recess 68. When the energy storage unit 40 is installed and lowered into the ground, the surface of the cover 66 can be integrated into the outdoor design, for example, by planting vegetation.

[0029] In addition to the energy storage unit 14, the energy storage outdoor unit 40 contains functional modules 50 for heating, cooling, and ventilating the building 6. The functional modules 50 also include the previously described heat pump 30 and water pump. Additional functional modules 50 can be provided for controlling a heating system or hot water supply.

[0030] The functional modules 50 are stackable and arranged in two stacks next to one another. For stabilization, a frame 58 is arranged on the base plate 64, in which the functional modules 50 are stacked and secured. Between the stacks is a gap 70 through which the exhaust air flows between the exhaust air connection and the energy storage unit 14, flowing past the functional modules 50. The shape of the gap 70 can taper horizontally and, in particular, vertically towards an energy storage unit inlet 26 of the energy storage unit 14, which faces the gap 70, in order to re-bundle the exhaust air, which has tempered several stacked functional modules on both sides of the gap 70, and guide it into the energy storage unit inlet 26. Alternatively, other means for directing or bundling the exhaust air on its way to the energy storage unit inlet 26 can be provided.The functional modules 50 can be designed so that at least part of the exhaust air flows through them, for example by providing air inlets and outlets in the housing of the functional module 50.

[0031] The gap 70 serves for heat recovery, as the exhaust air flowing through it tempers the functional modules 50 before the exhaust air flows into the energy storage unit 14. Advantageously, the functional modules 50 are designed such that their cold-sensitive components, in particular electrical circuits, are arranged adjacent to the passing exhaust air. The cold-sensitive circuits are arranged in the functional modules 50 on the sides facing the gap 70. The heating is greater in the area of ​​the passing exhaust air, so it is advantageous to place the cold-sensitive components close to the passing exhaust air.

[0032] In cold weather outside, e.g., in winter, the temperature control provided by the exhaust air heats the functional modules 50, thus increasing their operational reliability and performance. This temperature-control effect is supported by the waste heat from the electrical circuits in the functional modules 50, which also contribute to the heating. Heating the external energy storage unit 40 is not required. In warm weather outside, e.g., in summer, the temperature control cools the functional modules 50, since the cooler exhaust air also dissipates heat from the electrical circuits.

[0033] Figure 3shows a three-dimensional view of the interior of the energy storage outdoor unit 40 without the cover. This view corresponds to the energy storage outdoor unit 40 sunk into the ground, as only the above-ground area of ​​the side wall 60 is shown, so the underground interface is not visible. The rectangular gap 70 for heat recovery, through which the exhaust air flows between the stacked functional modules 50, is clearly visible. In The funnel-shaped energy storage inlet 26, through which the exhaust air flows into the energy storage 14, protrudes through the gap 70. The walls of the energy storage inlet 26 extend to the corners of the functional modules 50, so that the exhaust air cannot flow past the energy storage 14, but into the

[0034] Energy storage inlet 26 is directed. The upper functional modules 50 are the heat pump 30 and the main connection module.

[0035] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be modified in many ways within the scope of the skilled person, as long as this lies within the scope of the appended claims. Reference symbol

[0036] 2System 4Interior 6Building 8Exhaust air opening 10Exhaust air duct 12Supply line 14Energy storage 16Liquid reservoir 18Water heat exchanger 20Insulation layer 22Air heat exchanger 24Central area 26Energy storage inlet 30Heat pump 32Fluid circuit 34Air conditioner 36Opening 38Supply line 40Energy storage outdoor unit 42Exhaust air connection 44Heat exchanger 46Cavity 48Fluid connection 50Function module 52Water pipe 54Drinking and / or domestic water connection 56Main connection 58Frame 60Side wall 64Base plate 66Cover 68Recess 70Gap

Claims

1. Outdoor energy-storage device (40) of a system (2) for air conditioning interior rooms (4) of a building (6), wherein the outdoor energy-storage device (40) can be arranged outside the building (6), can be partially sunken in the ground and comprises - an energy store (14) for energy transmission and energy storage, having a liquid reservoir (16), a water heat exchanger (18) in the liquid reservoir (16) and an air heat exchanger (22) above the liquid reservoir (16), - a heat pump (30), which is coupled to the water heat exchanger (18) and the air heat exchanger (22), - an exhaust-air connection (42) for exhaust air from the building (6), which connection is coupled to the energy store (14), - characterized in that the exhaust-air connection (42) is also coupled to the heat pump (30), so that the exhaust air flowing in through the exhaust-air connection (42) adjusts the temperature of the heat pump (30), at least in regions, before the exhaust air flows into the energy store (14), wherein the heat pump (30) is designed as at least one stackable functional module (50), and the outdoor energy-storage device (40) comprises at least one further stackable functional module (50) which is designed to control heating, cooling and / or ventilation in the system, and the functional modules (50) are arranged so that the exhaust air flows between the functional modules (50) to the energy store (14) and adjusts the temperature of the functional modules (50).

2. Outdoor energy-storage device (40) according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump (30) is designed so that the exhaust air flows past it and / or flows through it and in particular adjusts the temperature of an electrical circuit of the heat pump (30).

3. Outdoor energy-storage device (40) according to claim 2, wherein the heat pump (30) is designed such that waste heat from the electrical circuit supports the temperature adjustment.

4. Outdoor energy-storage device (40) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein there is a vertical gap (70) between the functional modules (50) through which the exhaust air can flow to the energy store (14).

5. Outdoor energy-storage device (40) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the functional modules (50) are designed such that waste heat from electrical circuits in the functional modules (50) supports the temperature adjustment.

6. Outdoor energy-storage device (40) according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises a base plate (64), a cover (66) and a peripheral side wall (60) between the base plate (64) and the cover (66).

7. Outdoor energy-storage device (40) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy store (14) has an exhaust-air-conducting heat exchanger (44), which is designed such that the exhaust air is directed via the liquid reservoir (16) before it flows to the air heat exchanger (22).

8. Outdoor energy-storage device (40) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a cavity (46) designed as a drinking and / or domestic water store is arranged inside the liquid reservoir (16).

9. Outdoor energy-storage device (40) according to claim 10, wherein a water pump designed as a functional module (50) is coupled to the cavity (46).