Heat pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat pump (100), in particular an air-to-water heat pump, with a drip tray (118) for collecting, catching, and / or draining condensate (40). In particular, the drip tray (118) can be associated with an evaporator (102) of the heat pump (100). It is proposed that the heat pump (100) comprises at least one pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a) for heating the drip tray (118), wherein the at least one pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a) connects the drip tray (118) to at least one heat source (120, 120a, 120b) – in particular, a heat-conducting and / or heat-transferring heat source. By means of the invention, condensate ice (40) in the drip tray (118) can be liquefied and / or condensate (40) in the drip tray (118) can be kept liquid. This ensures that condensate (40) is safely drained from the heat pump housing.

Description

State of the art

[0001] Heat pumps are well-known in the art. They can be part of a building's heating and / or cooling system. Alternatively, they can be part of a refrigerator or freezer. During operation, heat pumps can absorb a heat flow at a low temperature level, for example, from ambient air, and release it at a high temperature level, for example, to a consumer, using electrical compressor power. In an air-to-water heat pump, the humidity (water vapor) contained in the ambient air can condense on the heat pump's evaporator surface, and possibly even freeze into condensate ice.The condensate and ice drip into a drip tray assigned to the heat pump evaporator, where it is collected and drained through a drip tray outlet from the drip tray and / or from the heat pump housing and / or into a drain line or drain pit. At temperatures around and below freezing, the condensate in the drip tray can freeze into ice. Freezing of the condensate in the drip tray should be prevented to ensure its drainage. Heating the drip tray to liquefy the ice and / or to keep the condensate liquid using an electric heating element is energy-efficient.

[0002] The object of the invention is to provide an improved heat pump. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a heat pump, in particular an air-water heat pump, with a drip tray for collecting, collecting, and / or draining condensate. In particular, the drip tray can be associated with an evaporator of the heat pump.

[0004] It is proposed that the heat pump comprises at least one pulsating heat pipe for heating the drip tray, wherein the at least one pulsating heat pipe connects the drip tray to at least one heat source - in particular in a heat-conducting and / or heat-transferring manner.

[0005] The invention allows ice to be liquefied in the drip tray and / or condensate to be kept liquid in the drip tray. This ensures that condensate is safely drained from the heat pump housing.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally, condensate can be evaporated in the drip tray.

[0007] The heat pump comprises a refrigerant circuit for flowing through a refrigerant in a circuit. The heat pump comprises, in particular, the components through which the refrigerant flows: evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion device (e.g., an expansion valve), as well as piping elements for connecting the aforementioned components to the refrigerant circuit. The heat pump can further comprise, in particular, the following components: an intermediate heat exchanger, control electronics, power electronics, an inverter, and a piping element of a connection device for connecting the heat pump to an external consumer, for example, a heating circuit and / or cooling circuit.

[0008] The drip tray has, in particular, a base, an outlet opening in the base for draining the condensate from the drip tray, and at least one side wall. It forms a container that is open upwards in the direction of gravity and in which the condensate drops falling from the heat pump evaporator are collected. The fact that the drip tray is assigned to the evaporator of the heat pump can be understood here in particular to mean that, when the heat pump is in an operational position, the drip tray is arranged, in particular directly, below the evaporator in the direction of gravity. A greatest width and a greatest length of the drip tray, in particular an area of ​​the base, occupies at least one projection area of ​​the evaporator in the direction of gravity.

[0009] A pulsating heat pipe is understood here in particular to be a device for heat transfer and / or heat transport. The mechanism of heat transfer or heat transport is based in particular on convection internal to the pulsating heat pipe. The pulsating heat pipe is also called an oscillating heat pipe. The pulsating heat pipe is integrated into the heat pump with the aim of conducting heat from a heat source to the drip tray. For this purpose, the pulsating heat pipe is connected to both the heat source and the drip tray in a heat-transfer manner. The pulsating heat pipe comprises at least one tubular microchannel whose diameter is advantageously in the range approximately 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters. A channel structure surrounding the microchannel is in particular self-contained in a ring shape. The microchannel is filled, in particular partially, with a working fluid, in particular a coolant.By the fact that the microchannel is partially filled with a working fluid, it should be understood that - if the working fluid has at least a partial liquid phase - this liquid phase only fills the microchannel in sections. Other sections of the microchannel can be filled with a gaseous phase of the working fluid. The microchannel runs both along the heat source and along the drip tray and is connected to both the heat source and the drip tray in a heat-conducting and / or heat-transferring manner. When heat is introduced from the heat source into the working fluid, the working fluid evaporates locally and pressure gradients are created that transport the working fluid through the microchannel. The vapor bubbles migrate from the point of heat introduction through the microchannel to the drip tray and condense there. The heat is thus transferred to the drip tray.Overall, the heat absorbed by the heat source is distributed to the drip tray, resulting in only a small temperature difference between the evaporator section and the condenser section of the pulsating heat pipe. Advantageously, the heat source is an internal heat source or a waste heat source within the heat pump and, in particular, comprises at least one component of the heat pump.

[0010] Heat transfer with the pulsating heat pipe is based on the evaporating working fluid, which absorbs heat from the heat source on the warm side of the pulsating heat pipe through evaporation and creates pressure gradients that drive the working fluid through the narrow microchannel. The working fluid condenses at the drip tray on the cold side of the pulsating heat pipe, thus transferring the heat. Advantageously, heat transfer with the pulsating heat pipe is not subject to the effect of gravity, thus the pulsating heat pipe can be arranged very freely and independently of the direction of gravity in the heat pump. Because the working fluid, which can be a refrigerant, is also not subject to the risk of freezing.

[0011] Thus, the pulsating heat pipe cannot be compared to a conventional heat pipe. The working fluid in a conventional heat pipe is usually water. The conventional heat pipe uses gravity and / or capillary forces to distribute the working fluid and transfer heat. The positional dependence of the conventional heat pipe must be taken into account during structural integration. The condensed liquid working fluid flows downwards due to gravity, while the evaporated gaseous refrigerant flows upwards. Therefore, the heat source must always be positioned below the heat sink.

[0012] The fact that the pulsating heat pipe connects the drip tray to a heat source should be understood here in particular to mean that the pulsating heat pipe is connected to the drip tray on the one hand and to the heat source on the other. The connection is a heat-conducting and / or heat-transferring connection. The connection can be created, in particular, through intimate contact, which occurs under pressure or by soldering, welding, or gluing. A heat-conducting and / or heat-transferring connection can also be created using a thermal interface material, for example, a thermal paste, a thermal mat, or a thermal pad.

[0013] At least one pulsating heat pipe can be understood to mean, in particular, exactly one pulsating heat pipe. Alternatively, at least one pulsating heat pipe can also be understood to mean two or more pulsating heat pipes.

[0014] The two or more pulsating heat pipes can be arranged in parallel with respect to the heat flows they convey, so that each of the two or more pulsating heat pipes connects the drip tray to at least one heat source. Alternatively, the two or more pulsating heat pipes can be arranged in series, so that a first pulsating heat pipe contacts the drip tray in a heat-conducting manner, and a second pulsating heat pipe contacts the at least one heat source.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one heat source is selected from a group of components of the heat pump, comprising an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an intermediate heat exchanger, control electronics, power electronics, an inverter, a piping element of a refrigerant circuit, in particular of the heat pump, a piping element of a connection device for connecting the heat pump to an external consumer, for example a heating circuit and / or cooling circuit.

[0016] At least one heat source can be understood to mean, in particular, exactly one heat source. Alternatively, at least one heat source can also be understood to mean two or more heat sources.

[0017] The aforementioned heat pump components can release heat during operation. Advantageously, the waste heat from at least one of the heat pump components can be used to heat the drip tray. This waste heat is generated during heat pump operation and remains unused in current technology. By utilizing it and simultaneously saving on an additional heat source, the efficiency of the heat pump is increased.

[0018] By harnessing waste heat, the heat-emitting component is effectively cooled, providing a further added benefit for the component. The heat-emitting component is also referred to here as the component to be cooled.

[0019] A section of the refrigerant circuit located downstream of the condenser and upstream of the expansion device is particularly suitable as a possible piping element of the refrigerant circuit.

[0020] A return connection of a heating circuit or cooling circuit is particularly suitable as a possible piping element of a connection device for connecting the heat pump to an external consumer.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one heat source is an electrical heating element.

[0022] The drip tray can be heated effectively and safely using the electrical heating element via at least one pulsating heat pipe.

[0023] An electric heating element is understood here, in particular, to be an electrical device for generating a heat flow. For this purpose, the heating element is supplied with electrical energy (electrical current). In particular, the electrical energy can be regulated so that the heat flow can also be regulated. The heat flow can, for example, be transferred to a pulsating heat pipe.

[0024] For example, both the electric heating element and a component of the heat pump to be cooled represent a heat source for at least one pulsating heat pipe. This allows a higher overall heat output to be introduced into the pulsating heat pipe.

[0025] In another example, the electric heating element serves as the sole heat source for the pulsating heat pipe. The advantage of this variant is that the heat can be optimally and evenly distributed to and / or within the drip tray. In particular, the pulsating heat pipe itself forms the drip tray. In this case, the pulsating heat pipe ensures optimal heat distribution within the drip tray. Additionally, the drip tray can be thermally insulated at the bottom.

[0026] As an alternative to electrical heating using an electric heating element, the component to be cooled can be operated at an energy-inefficient level, generating more waste heat than with energy-efficient operation. This allows the component to be cooled to take over the function of the electric heating, eliminating the need for an additional electric heating element.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the heat pump comprises a further electrical heating element, wherein the further electrical heating element is arranged on the drip tray and / or integrated into the drip tray and is intended to heat the drip tray, in particular directly.

[0028] In addition to the at least one pulsating heat pipe for heating the drip tray of the heat pump, wherein the pulsating heat pipe connects the drip tray to at least one heat source, a further electrical heating element can be arranged on the drip tray as a further heat source. The further electrical heating element is intended in particular to heat the drip tray directly. The drip tray can be heated with the further electrical heating element alone, without introducing a heat flow Q by means of the pulsating heat pipe. Alternatively or additionally, the drip tray can be heated with the further electrical heating element at the same time (in addition) to introducing a heat flow Q by means of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0029] The additional electric heating element should be designed to heat the entire drip tray, thus preventing localized ice formation. The pulsating heat pipe, which transfers waste heat, and the additional electric heating element thus form a hybrid heating system for the drip tray. This can be of interest at heat pump operating points where no, or not yet sufficient, waste heat is available to adequately heat the drip tray.

[0030] The temperature of the electric heating element and / or the additional electric heating element can be regulated to the temperature of the component to be cooled by applying electrical current. If the temperature of the component to be cooled is above a predefined temperature, the electric heating element is not energized. If the temperature is below another predefined temperature, the electric heating element is energized in such a way that the temperature rises above the predefined temperature again.

[0031] The power supply to the electrical heating element and / or the further electrical heating element for the purpose of heat generation can also be controlled based on a predefined target temperature of the drip tray.

[0032] The power supply to the electric heating element and / or the additional electric heating element for the purpose of heat generation can be controlled based on the temperature of the drip tray. It may be advisable to keep the drip tray at a temperature, especially just above the freezing point (0 °C) of the condensate.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the pulsating heat pipe has at least one first heat exchanger section for heat-conducting connection to one or more heat sources and / or at least one second heat exchanger section for heat-conducting connection to the drip tray.

[0034] This makes heat transfer from the heat source via the pulsating heat pipe to the drip tray particularly effective and easily achievable.

[0035] The first heat exchanger section can be connected to the heat source, in particular to a component of the heat pump that heats up during heat pump operation. The first heat exchanger section serves, in particular, to absorb heat from the heat source and to evaporate the liquid working fluid. The first heat exchanger section can, in particular, function as the evaporator section of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0036] The first heat exchanger section comprises a first channel structure section with a first section of the microchannel.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the pulsating heat pipe can also have two or more first heat exchanger sections. The two or more first heat exchanger sections can be connected to one and the same heat source. Alternatively, the two or more first heat exchanger sections can be connected to two or more heat sources.

[0038] The second heat exchanger section can be connected to the drip tray. The second heat exchanger section serves, in particular, to condense the vaporous working fluid and to transfer heat to the drip tray. The second heat exchanger section can, in particular, function as a condenser section of the pulsating heat pipe. The second heat exchanger section comprises a second channel structure section with a second microchannel section.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the pulsating heat pipe can also have two or more second heat exchanger sections. The two or more second heat exchanger sections can be connected to two or more sections of the drip tray. For example, a second heat exchanger section can be connected to a bottom of the drip tray. Another second heat exchanger section can be connected to a side wall of the drip tray.

[0040] An intermediate heat exchanger section, which can also be referred to as an adiabatic zone, can be arranged between the first heat exchanger section and the second heat exchanger section of the pulsating heat pipe. The intermediate heat exchanger section can comprise an intermediate channel structure section with an intermediate microchannel section and is advantageously thermally insulated.

[0041] In practice, this intermediate heat exchanger section is not mandatory; it is optional depending on the application, and it does not necessarily have to be thermally insulated.

[0042] At least the first section of the microchannel and the second section of the microchannel together form a continuous microchannel of the pulsating heat pipe. If an intermediate heat exchanger section is present, the first section of the microchannel, the second section of the microchannel, and the intermediate microchannel section can also together form a continuous microchannel of the pulsating heat pipe. The pulsating heat pipe can comprise one or more microchannels.

[0043] The pulsating heat pipe advantageously comprises at least one meandering microchannel. The meandering arrangement of the microchannel allows for a larger heat transfer contact area and a particularly effective design. The heat transfer contact area can be varied, in particular, by adjusting the length and spacing of the meandering microchannel loops.

[0044] The pulsating heat pipe or microchannel is divided into at least two fluidically connected heat exchanger sections. The microchannel can be arranged in a meandering pattern in both heat exchanger sections.

[0045] Using the microchannel meander, the heat from the heat source can be spread from the point of heat input into the pulsating heat pipe (e.g., a relatively small heat transfer contact area between the pulsating heat pipe and the heat source) to the point of heat extraction into the drip tray (e.g., a relatively large heat transfer contact area between the pulsating heat pipe and the drip tray). The pulsating heat pipe thus functions as a heat spreading element.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, the drip tray is designed as a heat exchanger section of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0047] With such a design, heat transfer from the heat source via the pulsating heat pipe to the drip tray can be achieved with just a few components.

[0048] For example, the drip tray can be designed as a second heat exchanger section. In particular, the second heat exchanger section can be integrated into the drip tray.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the drip tray has at least one boundary wall, wherein a second meandering channel structure section is formed in the boundary wall or on the boundary wall of the drip tray. The second channel structure section is part of a channel structure of the pulsating heat pipe and is designed as a, in particular second, heat exchanger section of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0050] In particular, the second channel structure section can be integrated into the drip tray.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the heat source has at least one boundary wall, wherein a first meandering channel structure section is formed in the boundary wall or on the boundary wall of the heat source. The first channel structure section is part of a channel structure of the pulsating heat pipe and is designed as a, in particular first, heat exchanger section of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0052] In particular, the first channel structure section can be integrated into the heat source.

[0053] With such a design, effective heat transfer from the heat source via the pulsating heat pipe to the drip tray can be achieved.

[0054] A channel structure is understood here to mean, in particular, a geometric structure of the microchannel of the pulsating heat pipe. A channel structure section is understood here to mean, in particular, a geometric structure of a part of the channel structure.

[0055] The second channel structure section serves in particular as the second heat exchanger section of the pulsating heat pipe for condensing the working fluid. The first channel structure section serves in particular as the first heat exchanger section of the pulsating heat pipe for evaporating the working fluid.

[0056] The drip tray and / or the heat source have, in particular, at least one base and / or at least one side wall as at least one boundary wall. The at least one boundary wall can be bowl-shaped, cuboid-shaped, or box-shaped.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment, the boundary wall of the drip tray comprises at least one, in particular extruded, multi-channel element and / or micro-channel element and / or multi-port element for forming the channel structure section.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment, the boundary wall of the heat source comprises at least one, in particular extruded, multi-channel element (also called micro-channel element and / or multi-port element) for forming the channel structure section.

[0059] With such a design, heat transfer from the heat source via the pulsating heat pipe to the drip tray can be realized particularly cost-effectively.

[0060] The multi-channel element has at least one tubular microchannel, in particular a plurality of tubular microchannels, the diameter of which is advantageously approximately in the range of 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters. The one microchannel or the plurality of microchannels run longitudinally through the element, in particular parallel to one another. The multi-channel element can in particular comprise a section of a flat, extruded and / or extruded profile.

[0061] The at least one multi-channel element can be provided with corresponding end-face boundary walls or end caps at its ends. These end caps, in turn, also have microchannels. The end caps are designed, on the one hand, to connect the microchannels of the multi-channel elements in a working-fluid-tight manner to form a meandering channel system. On the other hand, the end caps are designed to form the drip tray together with the multi-channel elements.

[0062] In a further preferred embodiment, the boundary wall of the drip tray has at least one, in particular deep-drawn, punched or embossed, channel-shaped recess for forming the channel structure section, wherein the recess is circumferentially closed by a second wall adjacent to the boundary wall.

[0063] In a further preferred embodiment, the boundary wall of the heat source has at least one, in particular deep-drawn, punched or embossed, channel-shaped recess for forming the channel structure section, wherein the recess is circumferentially closed by a second wall adjacent to the boundary wall.

[0064] With such a design, heat transfer from the heat source via the pulsating heat pipe to the drip tray can be achieved with particularly lightweight components.

[0065] For example, the boundary wall comprises a sheet metal to form a wall surface. In particular, the channel(s) extend, for example, in a meandering pattern, through the channel-shaped recesses of the sheet metal. The channel(s) can be closed by another sheet metal adjacent to the boundary wall or placed on top of the boundary wall. For example, the boundary wall and the other sheet metal are joined together in a working fluid-tight manner by welding, laser welding, friction stir welding, resistance welding, roll bonding, or brazing.

[0066] In a further preferred embodiment, the pulsating heat pipe has a flow-through channel structure and at least one first actuator, and is designed as a switchable pulsating heat pipe. The first actuator is designed to interrupt and / or open the continuity of the channel structure by switching.

[0067] With such a design, heating of the drip tray can be switched on or off as required.

[0068] The first actuator can in particular be designed as a switchable valve with which the first channel structure and / or the first heat exchanger section can be fluidically separated and / or reconnected from the second channel structure and / or the second heat exchanger section.

[0069] In a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the heat exchanger sections has an actuator and is designed as a switchable heat exchanger section. A second actuator is designed, in particular, to interrupt and / or enable heat conduction between the second heat exchanger section and the drip tray. A third actuator is designed, in particular, to switchably interrupt and / or enable heat conduction between the first heat exchanger section and the heat source.

[0070] With such a design, heating of the drip tray can be switched on or off as required.

[0071] The actuator can, in particular, be designed as a switchable mechanism with which the heat-conducting connection can be interrupted or restored. For example, the second actuator can be used to spatially separate the second heat exchanger section from the drip tray and / or reconnect it. For example, the third actuator can be used to spatially separate the first heat exchanger section from the heat source or reconnect it.

[0072] The switchable mechanism can, in particular, be a temperature-based switchable mechanism that breaks the thermal connection of the heat exchanger section to the drip tray and / or the heat source above a certain temperature. For example, the mechanism can comprise a bimetallic element or a bimetallic spring.

[0073] A thermally conductive connection can be created and / or improved using a flexible thermal interface material, such as a thermal paste, a thermal mat or a thermal pad.

[0074] In a further preferred embodiment, temperature-controlled heating of the drip tray can be achieved by means of targeted dry out of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0075] With such a design, heating of the drip tray can be switched on or off as required.

[0076] According to the current state of the art, the well-known physical effect of dry-out should actually be avoided, since the pulsating heat pipe no longer transfers heat above a certain temperature limit. Upon reaching and exceeding this temperature limit, at least the first heat exchanger section and / or large areas of the channel structure, or the entire channel structure, are completely filled with the vapor phase of the working fluid. The pulsating motion of the working fluid thus ceases, and almost no heat is dissipated.

[0077] Here, dry-out is deliberately exploited to deactivate the pulsating heat pipe above the limit temperature. This effect can be specifically achieved through the structural design and the choice of working fluid. The decisive parameters include the type of working fluid, the filling quantity of the channel structure with working fluid relative to the channel volume of the pulsating heat pipe, the diameter of the channel structure, the surface quality of the channel structure, and the density of the channel structure.

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment, the heat pump comprises a first pulsating heat pipe and a second pulsating heat pipe, wherein the first pulsating heat pipe and the second pulsating heat pipe are arranged in series. The first pulsating heat pipe connects the drip tray to a heat-conducting element. The second pulsating heat pipe connects the heat-conducting element to the at least one heat source. An electric heating element is arranged on the heat-conducting element as a further heat source.

[0079] Advantageously, during operation, the heat-conducting element is at an intermediate temperature between a temperature of the heat source and a temperature of the drip tray. The heat-conducting element can, for example, comprise a small block, in particular a metal block, whose temperature is regulated to a value between the heat source temperature and the drip tray temperature. The heat-conducting element thus represents a heat source for the first pulsating heat pipe (with the drip tray as the heat sink) and, at the same time, a heat sink for the second pulsating heat pipe (with the component to be cooled as the heat source).

[0080] The electrical heating element arranged on the heat-conducting element as a further heat source can be formed, for example, by a Peltier element.

[0081] Such a design with a first pulsating heat pipe and a second pulsating heat pipe, connected via a heat-conducting element, is particularly advantageous when the heat source has an insufficient temperature level or insufficient heat output. In particular, the temperature level of the second pulsating heat pipe can be raised to the usable temperature level of the first pulsating heat pipe with high efficiency.

[0082] In a further preferred embodiment, the pulsating heat pipe has a flow-through channel structure that is filled or can be filled with a refrigerant as the working fluid. In particular, the refrigerants R1233zd(E), R1234ze, R1234yf, or propane are suitable for use as the working fluid.

[0083] With such a selection of working fluid, a pulsating heat pipe for heating the drip tray can be operated particularly effectively. drawing

[0084] Further embodiments and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also conveniently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations. It shows schematically and not to scale: Figure 1 Principle of an exemplary heat pump, Figure 2 Principle of a pulsating heat pipe, Figure 3 a first embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement, Figure 4 a second embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement, Figure 5 a third embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement, Figure 6 a first and second embodiment of a drip tray in cross section, Figure 7 a third embodiment of a drip tray in cross section, Figure 8 a fourth embodiment of a drip tray in cross section, Figure 9 a fifth embodiment of a drip tray in cross section, Figure 10 a fourth embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement, Figure 11 Principle of another exemplary heat pump, Figure 12 a fifth embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement, Figure 13 a sixth embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement, Figure 14 a seventh embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement,Figure 15 shows an eighth embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement, Figure 16 shows various forms of attachment of a heating element to a pulsating heat pipe.

[0085] Figure 1 shows the basic structure of the exemplary heat pump 100.

[0086] The exemplary embodiment is an air-to-water heat pump 100 with an evaporator 102, a compressor 104, a condenser 106, and an expansion device 108. The aforementioned components are connected by means of piping elements 110 to form a refrigerant circuit through which refrigerant 50 flows on the primary side. The heat pump 100 further comprises a fan 112 for conveying an outside air flow 10, which flows through the evaporator 102 on the secondary side. The heat pump 100 further comprises a control unit 114 for controlling the compressor 104, the expansion device 108, and the fan 112. The control unit 114 can comprise control electronics, power electronics, and / or an inverter. The heat pump 100 further comprises a connection device 116 for connecting the heat pump 100, in particular the condenser 106, to an external consumer, for example a heating water flow 20 circulating in a heating circuit.

[0087] The heat pump 100 further comprises a drip tray 118, which is assigned to the evaporator 102. The drip tray 118 is arranged, in particular, below the evaporator 102 in the direction of gravity 30 and serves to collect and drain condensate 40 and / or condensate ice 40 that may occur during operation of the heat pump 100.

[0088] During operation, heat pump 100 extracts heat at a low temperature level from a first heat reservoir, raises this heat to a higher temperature level using compressor 104, and transfers heat to a second heat reservoir. At least two operating states can be distinguished.

[0089] In a heating operation of the heat pump 100 (the flow direction of the refrigerant 50 in the refrigerant circuit is Figure 1For example, in a clockwise direction (see solid arrow 51), the first heat reservoir can be the outside air stream 10, and the second heat reservoir can be the heating water stream 20. Humidity in the outside air stream 10 can condense at the evaporator 102 to form condensate 40 and drip into the drip tray 118. Under certain operating and outside air conditions, the condensate 40 can also freeze at the evaporator 102 to form condensate ice 40.

[0090] During defrosting operation (also during cooling operation) of the heat pump 100, the evaporator 102 is heated. The heating of the evaporator 102 can be achieved, for example, by reversing the flow direction (see dashed arrow 52) of the refrigerant 50 in the refrigerant circuit. This reversal of the flow direction can be enabled, in particular, by means of a four-way valve (not shown here). During defrosting operation, the first heat reservoir can be, for example, the heating water flow 20, and the second heat reservoir can be the outside air flow 10. Any condensate 40 on the evaporator 102 is melted and drips into the drip tray 118.

[0091] In both operating modes, condensate 40 and / or condensate ice 40 can drip or fall from the evaporator 102 into the drip tray 118. The condensate 40 can also freeze into condensate ice 40 in the drip tray 118, in which case, reliable drainage of condensate 40 from the drip tray 118 is no longer guaranteed.

[0092] The heat pump 100 further comprises a pulsating heat pipe 200. The pulsating heat pipe 200 establishes a heat-conducting and / or heat-transferring connection between a heat source 120 and the drip tray 118. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the control unit 114 serves as the heat source 120. The pulsating heat pipe 200 is designed and arranged such that it can be used to cool the heat source 120 and heat the drip tray 118.

[0093] Figure 2 shows the basic structure of the Pulsating Heat Pipe 200.

[0094] The pulsating heat pipe 200 comprises a channel structure 202 that is closed in an annular manner to form a continuous loop, with a tubular microchannel 204 formed concentrically therein. The channel structure 202 is arranged in a meandering shape, at least in sections. The microchannel 204 is partially filled with a working fluid, in particular a coolant. The pulsating heat pipe 200 is designed to dissipate heat from thermal hotspots and supply heat to heat sinks. For this purpose, the pulsating heat pipe has a first heat exchanger section 206 for thermally conductive connection to a heat source and a second heat exchanger section 208 for thermally conductive connection to a heat sink.

[0095] The first heat exchanger section 206 acts as an evaporator of the pulsating heat pipe 200 for the working fluid. Here, a heat flow Q from a heat source is introduced into the pulsating heat pipe 200 or into the working fluid in the microchannel 204. The working fluid evaporates locally, creating pressure gradients that transport the working fluid through the microchannel 204. The vapor bubbles migrate into the second heat exchanger section 208, which acts as a condenser of the pulsating heat pipe 200 for the working fluid, where they condense. Here, the heat flow Q from the pulsating heat pipe 200 is coupled into a heat sink.

[0096] In general, the Pulsating Heat Pipe 200 in the Heat Pump 100 can always be used as a heat-conducting and / or heat-transfer connection between a heat source and a heat sink. The advantage compared to a conventional heat exchanger is that there are hardly any restrictions imposed by the arrangement of the components and the design.

[0097] Using the Pulsating Heat Pipe 200, the waste heat dissipation from the heat source and the heat transfer to the heat sink can be solved regardless of geometry and position.

[0098] Geometry-independent is understood here in particular to mean that the pulsating heat pipe 200 can be adapted to at least almost any geometry of the heat source at the point of heat introduction and / or the heat sink at the point of heat dissipation. Position-independent is understood here in particular to mean that the spatial position of the heat source and heat sink relative to each other has at least almost no influence on the function of the pulsating heat pipe 200 connecting them in a heat-conducting and / or heat-transferring manner.

[0099] The spatial distance between the heat source 120 and the heat sink can be bridged by the pulsating heat pipe 200. Intentionally spatially separated areas can remain separate, yet heat transfer between them is still possible. For example, an inverter on the one hand and areas containing a potentially flammable heat pump refrigerant on the other can be spatially separated from each other and yet still be connected to each other in a heat-conducting and / or heat-transfer manner.

[0100] To bridge a spatial distance between heat source 120 and heat sink, Figure 2An intermediate heat exchanger section 212 is arranged between the first heat exchanger section 206 and the second heat exchanger section 208. The intermediate heat exchanger section 212 can comprise an intermediate channel structure section with an intermediate microchannel section and is advantageously thermally insulated. The intermediate heat exchanger section 212 serves in particular for heat conduction and / or heat transfer within the pulsating heat pipe 200.

[0101] All technical refrigeration circuits (e.g., heat pumps 100 and refrigeration machines) with an air-to-refrigerant evaporator 102 can benefit from the invention. In addition to the described air-to-water heat pumps, this also applies in particular to evaporators in cold storage facilities.

[0102] Advantages of the Pulsating Heat Pipe 200 compared to a conventional heat exchanger or a conventional heat pipe are: There are hardly any restrictions resulting from the arrangement of the components and the design. The spatial distance between the heat source and heat sink can be bridged by the Pulsating Heat Pipe 200. Intentionally spatially separated components or areas of the heat pump 100 can remain separate and heat transfer between the components or areas is still possible. If an inverter is located close to the components of the refrigerant circuit, this could unintentionally represent an ignition source for a flammable refrigerant such as propane; when using a Pulsating Heat Pipe 200 for heat transfer between the inverter and the drip tray 118, these can still be arranged slightly spatially separated.

[0103] Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the pulsating heat pipe arrangement.

[0104] The first heat exchanger section 206 of the pulsating heat pipe 200 is designed in the form of a meandering first channel structure section. The first heat exchanger section 206 is thermally connected to a heat source 120. Alternatively, the first heat exchanger section 206 could be integrated into the heat source 120, for example, in the housing walls of the heat source 120.

[0105] The second heat exchanger section 208 has a meandering second channel structure section. The second heat exchanger section 208 is thermally connected to the drip tray 118. Alternatively, the second heat exchanger section 208 is integrated into the drip tray 118, for example, in the boundary walls of the drip tray 118.

[0106] The microchannels 204 of the second heat exchanger section 208 run in a meandering fashion, particularly through the bottom 122 and / or the side walls 124 of the drip tray 118. The microchannels 204 are guided from the drip tray 118 to a first heat exchanger section 206, which is thermally connected to a heat source 120. This can be any warm component of the heat pump 100 that dissipates sufficient thermal power. The first heat exchanger section 206 of the pulsating heat pipe 200 is then thermally connected to the warm component and thus absorbs the component's heat. The first heat exchanger section 206 on the warm component thus represents the evaporator section of the pulsating heat pipe 200. The heat is then transported into the microchannels 204 of the second heat exchanger section 208 on the drip tray 118 by the transport mechanism of the pulsating heat pipe 200.There, the heat is transferred to the drip tray 118 and to the condensate 40 located in the drip tray 118. Any condensate ice 40 in the drip tray 118 is thus melted, or the heat transfer prevents any condensate ice 40 from forming in the drip tray 118 at all. The second heat exchanger section 208 on the drip tray 118 thus represents the condenser section of the pulsating heat pipe 200.

[0107] The spatial distance between the heat source 120 and the drip tray 118 is bridged by the pulsating heat pipe 200. To bridge the spatial distance between the heat source 120 and the drip tray, Figure 3An intermediate heat exchanger section 212 is arranged between the first heat exchanger section 206 and the second heat exchanger section 208. The intermediate heat exchanger section 212 comprises an intermediate channel structure section with an intermediate microchannel section and is advantageously thermally insulated (not shown here). The intermediate heat exchanger section 212 serves in particular for heat conduction and / or heat transfer within the pulsating heat pipe 200.

[0108] Since the Pulsating Heat Pipe 200 can also be bent, the heat can also be extracted from the heat source 120 in a plane that is not parallel to the drip tray 118. As shown in Figure 3As can be seen, this could be achieved by a 90° bend, particularly in the area of ​​the intermediate heat exchanger section 212. The first heat exchanger section 206 and the second heat exchanger section 208 can also be designed spatially and thus be thermally connected to non-planar sections of the drip tray 118 and the heat source 120, respectively.

[0109] Figure 3 also shows the possible sizing of the heat exchanger surface of the first heat exchanger section 206 and the second heat exchanger section 208, respectively, which can be achieved with the pulsating heat pipe. If the meander loops are packed more closely (first heat exchanger section 206), heat can be transferred with a high density over a small heat exchanger surface, while the larger heat exchanger surface of the second heat exchanger section 208 has a greater spacing and thus a lower density of the meander loops.

[0110] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement.

[0111] Shown is a unit or assembly comprising an electronics box 126 of the heat pump 100, the pulsating heat pipe 200, and the drip tray 118. An inverter 128 of the heat pump 100 is arranged in the electronics box 126. The compressor 104 of the heat pump 100, in particular the delivery rate of the compressor 104, can be controlled and / or regulated by means of the inverter 128. The waste heat generated by the inverter 128 during heat pump operation must be dissipated to protect it from overheating. The inverter 128 is a warm component of the heat pump 100 during heat pump operation and can serve as a heat source 120 for the pulsating heat pipe 200. The pulsating heat pipe 200 allows the waste heat to be dissipated from the inverter 128 regardless of geometry and position. The waste heat flow is used to heat the drip tray 118.A first heat exchanger section 206 of the pulsating heat pipe 200 is thermally connected to the inverter 128 or integrated into the inverter 128. A second heat exchanger section 208 is thermally connected to the drip tray 118 or integrated into the drip tray 118. The drip tray 118, the pulsating heat pipe 200, and the inverter 128 can also be developed as a coupled unit.

[0112] At the evaporator section of the pulsating heat pipe 200, a heat flow must be supplied to the pulsating heat pipe 200. Several components or locations in the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump 100 are suitable as heat sources 120, since their heat flow or waste heat flow has not been utilized in the prior art. Utilizing the heat flow only slightly reduces the efficiency of the heat pump 100, or ideally, even increases it. Suitable heat sources 120 include waste heat from the compressor 104; waste heat from the inverter 128 or the electronics box 126 ("hot box"); a piping element 110 downstream of the condenser 106 and upstream of the expansion device 108; heat from a heating circuit connected to the heat pump 100, preferably heat from a return of the heating circuit; and waste heat from the evaporator 102 during defrosting.

[0113] Figure 5shows a section of a simplified third embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement.

[0114] The pulsating heat pipe 200 connects the drip tray 118 to a warm component of the heat pump 100 in a heat-conducting and / or heat-transferring manner. The pulsating heat pipe 200 has a first heat exchanger section 206 for heat-conducting connection to the heat source 120 and a second heat exchanger section 208 for heat-conducting connection to the drip tray 118. In Figure 5 the heat-conducting connection between heat source 120 and pulsating heat pipe 200 is established and / or improved by means of a thermal interface material 130.

[0115] The first heat exchanger section 206 has an actuator 210 and is designed as a switchable heat exchanger section. The actuator 210 is designed to interrupt and / or release heat conduction between the first heat exchanger section 206 and the heat source 120 in a switching manner.

[0116] After Figure 5a The heat conduction is established or enabled by intimate contact between the first heat exchanger section 206, the thermal interface material 130, and the heat source 120. Alternatively, the heat conduction can also be established or enabled directly by intimate contact between the first heat exchanger section 206 and the heat source 120.

[0117] After Figure 5bthe heat conduction is interrupted or significantly reduced because the intimate contact between the first heat exchanger section 206, the thermal interface material 130, and / or the heat source 120 is interrupted. In the present case, the first heat exchanger section 206 is lifted away from the thermal interface material 130, so that a gap, in particular an air gap, forms between the first heat exchanger section 206 and the thermal interface material 130. Alternatively, the first heat exchanger section 206 can also lift away from the heat source 120 together with the thermal interface material 130, so that a gap, in particular an air gap, forms between the thermal interface material 130 and the heat source 120.Another option is to have no thermal interface material 130 between the heat source 120 and the first heat exchanger section 206, so that the gap forms between the heat source 120 and the first heat exchanger section 206. This gap causes a significantly increased thermal conduction contact resistance. To enable lift-off, the first heat exchanger section 206 is designed to be flexible or deformable. Alternatively, the first heat exchanger section 206 is connected to the pulsating heat pipe 200 in a flexible or deformable manner.

[0118] The actuator 210, which in this case comprises a bimetallic element or a bimetallic spring, interrupts the intimate contact between the first heat exchanger section 206, the thermal interface material 130, and / or the heat source 120. The actuator 210 is a switchable mechanism based on a temperature of the first heat exchanger section 206, which breaks the thermal connection of the first heat exchanger section 206 to the heat source 120 above a certain limit temperature of the first heat exchanger section 206. For this purpose, the bimetallic element or the bimetallic spring is connected to the first heat exchanger section 206 in a thermally conductive manner. This prevents any possible overheating of the first heat exchanger section 206. The limit temperature can be designed, for example, based on a selected material, a selected thickness, and / or a selected preload of the bimetallic element or the bimetallic spring.

[0119] With such a configuration, the pulsating heat pipe 200 and thus the heating of the drip tray 118 can be switched on and / or off as required.

[0120] Figure 6 shows a first and second embodiment of a drip tray 118 in cross section.

[0121] The drip tray 118 serves to catch, collect, and drain condensate 40. The drip tray 118 has a base 122, an outlet opening (not shown here) in the base 122 for draining the condensate 40 from the drip tray 118, and a plurality of side walls 124. The drip tray 118 forms a flat container, open upward in the direction of gravity, in which the condensate drops 40 falling from the heat pump evaporator 102 can be collected. A meandering channel structure section is formed on the base 122, which is part of a channel structure of the pulsating heat pipe 200 and is designed as a second heat exchanger section 208 of the pulsating heat pipe 200.

[0122] After Figure 6aThe bottom 122 of the drip tray 118 is essentially flat. A second wall 123 adjacent to the bottom 122 has channel-shaped recesses, for example, deep-drawn, stamped, or embossed, to form the channel structure section. These recesses are circumferentially closed by the bottom 122, so that the resulting microchannel 204 is working fluid-tight.

[0123] After Figure 6b The bottom 122 of the drip tray 118 has, for example, deep-drawn, stamped, or embossed, channel-shaped recesses to form the channel structure section. These recesses are circumferentially closed by a second wall 123 adjacent to the bottom 122, so that the resulting microchannel is impermeable to the working fluid.

[0124] The Figure 7, 8 and 9 show further embodiments of a drip tray 118 in cross section.

[0125] The bottom 122 of the drip tray 118 in Figure 7is formed from two multi-channel elements 132. The bottom 122 of the drip tray 118 in Figure 8 is formed from a multi-channel element 132, two further multi-channel elements 132 form the right and left side walls 124. The bottom 122 of the drip tray 118 in Figure 9 is formed from six multi-channel elements 132.

[0126] For example, these multi-channel elements 132 are made of flat extruded profiles, each of which is traversed by two or three microchannels 204. Due to their obtuse-angled arrangement relative to one another and a front and rear end-face boundary wall 124 (end caps), they form a flat container open upwards in the direction of gravity, in which the condensate droplets 40 falling from the heat pump evaporator 102 can be collected. The plurality of microchannels 204 of the multi-channel elements 132 are connected by corresponding further microchannels in the end-face boundary walls 124 to form a meandering channel structure section, which is part of a channel structure of the pulsating heat pipe 200 and is designed as a second heat exchanger section 208 of the pulsating heat pipe 200.

[0127] Figure 10shows a fourth embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement in two different operating states. The pulsating heat pipe 200 connects the drip tray 118 and the heat pump evaporator 102 in a heat-conducting and / or heat-transfer manner.

[0128] During the Figure 10a During the heating operation shown, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit evaporates in the heat pump evaporator 102. The heat pump evaporator 102 is colder than the drip tray 118 and the surrounding air. Heat is transferred from the drip tray 118 to the heat pump evaporator 102 via the pulsating heat pipe 200. The drip tray 118 advantageously acts as an extension of the heat pump evaporator 102 and provides additional heat from the environment. The transferred heat improves evaporation and thus increases the efficiency of the heat pump 100.

[0129] During the Figure 10bDuring the defrosting operation shown, the heat pump evaporator 102 is heated to melt condensate ice 40 on the evaporator surface. The heat pump evaporator 102 is warm during this time. Heat is transferred from the heat pump evaporator 102 to the drip tray 118 via the pulsating heat pipe 200. The drip tray 118 is heated, and any condensate ice 40 in the drip tray 118 is melted and can drain through the outlet.

[0130] An advantage of using the heat pump evaporator 102 as heat source 120 for the pulsating heat pipe 200 is that the drip tray 118 is heated by the pulsating heat pipe 200 only during the period in which increased condensation water 40 and condensation water ice 40 occur in the drip tray 118.

[0131] Figure 11 shows the basic structure of another exemplary heat pump 100. The basic structure of the further exemplary heat pump 100 corresponds to the principle of Figure 1, the description of which is referred to here.

[0132] The heat pump 100 comprises a first pulsating heat pipe 200 and a second pulsating heat pipe 200a. The first pulsating heat pipe 200 establishes a heat-conducting and / or heat-transferring connection between a first heat source 120 and the drip tray 118. The second pulsating heat pipe 200a establishes a heat-conducting and / or heat-transferring connection between a second heat source 120a and the drip tray 118.

[0133] In the embodiment shown here, the control unit 114 serves as the first heat source 120. An electrical heating element 300 serves as the second heat source 120a. The first pulsating heat pipe 200 and the second pulsating heat pipe 200a are designed and arranged such that they can be used to cool the heat sources 120, 120a and to heat the drip tray 118.

[0134] The first pulsating heat pipe 200 and the second pulsating heat pipe 200a are arranged in parallel with respect to the heat flows conveyed by them to the drip tray 118, so that each of the two pulsating heat pipes 200, 200a connects the drip tray 118 to a heat source 120, 120a in a heat-conducting manner and can heat it. The drip tray 118 can be heated jointly, in particular simultaneously, by the two pulsating heat pipes 200, 200a. Alternatively, the drip tray 118 can be heated by each of the two pulsating heat pipes 200, 200a alone. This is decided depending on the heating requirement and the available heat supply, in particular from the first heat source 120.

[0135] Figure 12 shows a fifth embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement as a section of an overall structure of a heat pump 100 according to the invention. The basic structure of the pulsating heat pipe arrangement corresponds to the principle of Figure 4, the description of which is referred to here.

[0136] Shown is a unit or assembly comprising an electronics box 126 of the heat pump 100, the pulsating heat pipe 200, and the drip tray 118. An inverter 128 of the heat pump 100 is arranged in the electronics box 126. The inverter 128 can serve as a heat source 120 for the pulsating heat pipe 200. The waste heat flow from the inverter 128 is used to heat the drip tray 118. A first heat exchanger section 206 of the pulsating heat pipe 200 is thermally connected to the inverter 128 or integrated into the inverter 128. An electrical heating element 300 is further thermally connected to the pulsating heat pipe 200, in particular to the first heat exchanger section 206 of the pulsating heat pipe 200. The electric heating element 300 can generate a heat flow when electrically energized, which can also be used to heat the drip tray 118.A second heat exchanger section 208 of the pulsating heat pipe 200 is thermally connected to the drip tray 118 or integrated into the drip tray 118. The drip tray 118, the pulsating heat pipe 200, the inverter 128, and the electrical heating element 300 can also be configured as a coupled unit.

[0137] Figure 13 shows a sixth embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement as a section of an overall structure of a heat pump 100 according to the invention. The basic structure of the pulsating heat pipe arrangement corresponds to the principle of Figure 4 , the description of which is referred to here.

[0138] The pulsating heat pipe arrangement comprises a first pulsating heat pipe 200 and a second pulsating heat pipe 200b connected in series. The first pulsating heat pipe 200 thermally connects the drip tray 118 to a heat-conducting element 400. The second pulsating heat pipe 200b thermally connects the heat-conducting element 400 to the heat source 120, here embodied as an inverter 128. A heat flow introduced by the inverter 128 into the second pulsating heat pipe 200b flows to the heat-conducting element 400, from there into the first pulsating heat pipe 200 and into the drip tray 118.

[0139] An electrical heating element 300 is arranged on the heat-conducting element 400 as a further heat source 120b. The electrical heating element 300 can generate a further heat flow, which can also be introduced into the first pulsating heat pipe 200 and transferred to the drip tray 118.

[0140] Figure 14shows a seventh embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement as a section of an overall structure of a heat pump 100 according to the invention.

[0141] The pulsating heat pipe arrangement comprises a pulsating heat pipe 200, an electric heating element 300 as the sole heat source 120, and a drip tray 118. The pulsating heat pipe 200 connects the drip tray 118 to the electric heating element 300 in a heat-conducting manner. The electric heating element 300 can generate a heat flow that can be introduced into the pulsating heat pipe 200 and transferred to the drip tray 118.

[0142] Figure 15 shows an eighth embodiment of a pulsating heat pipe arrangement as a section of an overall structure of a heat pump 100 according to the invention. The basic structure of the pulsating heat pipe arrangement corresponds to the principle of Figure 4 , the description of which is referred to here.

[0143] The heat pump 100 includes a further electrical heating element 302 arranged on the drip tray 118. The further electrical heating element 302 can generate a heat flow and is intended to heat the drip tray 118, in particular directly.

[0144] Figure 16 schematically shows various forms of attachment of an electrical heating element 300 to a pulsating heat pipe 200, in particular to a first heat exchanger section 206 of the pulsating heat pipe 200, and / or to a heat conducting element 400.

[0145] What all attachment forms have in common is the heat-conducting connection between the electrical heating element 300 and the pulsating heat pipe 200 or to the heat-conducting element 400.

[0146] The electric heating element 300 can be Figure 16a glued, soldered, welded or shrunk onto the Pulsating Heat Pipe 200. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical heating element 300 can be Figure 16b be clamped onto the Pulsating Heat Pipe 200 by means of a clamping element 304. According to Figure 16c the electrical heating element 300 can additionally be geometrically embedded in the pulsating heat pipe 200.

[0147] The attachment of an electrical heating element 300 to a pulsating heat pipe 200 or to a heat conducting element 400 can be improved with regard to heat transfer by means of a thermal interface material, for example a thermal paste, a thermal mat or a thermal pad.

[0148] Advantageously, the electrical heating, in particular by means of a heating mat or a heating cartridge, can be carried out as coherently as possible and with a large contact area in order to increase the efficiency of the heat transfer system.

Claims

1. Heat pump (100), in particular an air-water heat pump, with a drip tray (118) for collecting, collecting and / or draining condensate (40), characterized in that the heat pump (100) comprises at least one pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a) for heating the drip tray (118), wherein the at least one pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a) connects the drip tray (118) to at least one heat source (120, 120a, 120b).

2. Heat pump (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heat source (120) is selected from a group of components of the heat pump (100), comprising an evaporator (102), a compressor (104), a condenser (106), an intermediate heat exchanger, control electronics, power electronics, an inverter (128), a piping element (110) of a refrigerant circuit, a piping element of a connection device (116) for connecting the heat pump (100) to an external consumer.

3. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one heat source (120a) is an electrical heating element (300).

4. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat pump (100) comprises a further electrical heating element (302), wherein the further electrical heating element (302) is arranged on the drip tray (118) and is intended to heat the drip tray (118), in particular directly.

5. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a) has at least a first heat exchanger section (206) for thermally conductive connection to the heat source (120, 120a, 120b) and / or a second heat exchanger section (208) for thermally conductive connection to the drip tray (118).

6. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drip tray (118) is designed as a heat exchanger section (208) of the pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a).

7. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drip tray (118) has at least one boundary wall (124), wherein a meandering channel structure section is formed in or on the boundary wall (124), wherein the channel structure section is part of a channel structure of the pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a) and is formed as a heat exchanger section (208) of the pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a).

8. Heat pump (100) according to claim 7, wherein the boundary wall (124) of the drip tray (118) comprises at least one, in particular extruded, multi-channel element (132) and / or micro-channel element (132) for forming the channel structure section.

9. Heat pump (100) according to claim 7, wherein the boundary wall (124) of the drip tray (118) has at least one, in particular deep-drawn, punched or embossed, channel-shaped recess for forming the channel structure section, wherein the recess is circumferentially closed by a second wall (123) adjacent to the boundary wall (124).

10. Heat pump according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a) has a flow-through channel structure and at least one actuator and is designed as a switchable pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a), wherein the actuator is designed to interrupt and / or open a continuity of the channel structure in a switching manner.

11. Heat pump (100) according to one of claims 5 to 10, wherein at least one of the heat exchanger sections (206, 208) has an actuator (210) and is designed as a switchable heat exchanger section, wherein the actuator (210) is designed to switchably interrupt and / or release a heat conduction between the second heat exchanger section (208) and the drip tray (118) and / or between the first heat exchanger section (206) and the heat source (120, 120a, 120b).

12. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat pump (100) comprises a first pulsating heat pipe (200) and a second pulsating heat pipe (200b), wherein the first pulsating heat pipe (200) connects the drip tray (118) to a heat conducting element (400), and wherein the second pulsating heat pipe (200b) connects the heat conducting element (400) to the at least one heat source (120, 120a), wherein an electrical heating element (300) is arranged on the heat conducting element (400) as a further heat source (120b).

13. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulsating heat pipe (200, 200a) has a flow-through channel structure which is or can be filled with a refrigerant, in particular R1233zd(E), R1234ze, R1234yf or propane.

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