Thermotechnical installation and method for operating a thermotechnical installation

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermotechnical installation and to a method for operating a thermotechnical installation. Here, the thermotechnical installation consists of a central thermotechnical unit, a heat circuit which is connected to the central thermotechnical unit and which passes through two residential units, and a decentralized heat pump unit which is connected to the heat circuit and which is assigned to one residential unit. According to the invention, a heat flowmeter is assigned to the heat pump unit in order to detect a heat quantity which is provided to the heat circuit or extracted from the heat circuit by the heat pump unit, which uses the heat of ambient air.

Description

[0001] Thermal plant and method for operating a thermal plant

[0002] 5

[0003] The invention relates to a thermal installation according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a method for operating a thermal installation according to the preamble of patent claim 13.

[0004] 10

[0005] A thermal installation, in particular a heating installation, and a method for operating a thermal installation, in particular a heating installation, of the type mentioned at the outset is known from the document DE 20 2011 106 855 U1. Such a thermal installation consists, in objective terms, of a central thermal device, in this case a central heat generator, a heat circuit connected to the central thermal device and led through two residential units (in this case a so-called heating circuit), and a decentralized heat pump unit connected to the heat circuit and assigned to a residential unit. In procedural terms, in this thermal installation heat is transferred using a central thermal device."Heat transfer" here and in the following, and with reference to the thermal device, means both the provision of heat, for example, through the combustion of fossil fuels such as oil or gas, but preferably, particularly for heating purposes, the raising of heat from the environment (air heat, geothermal heat) to another temperature level, or vice versa for cooling purposes. Furthermore, the transferred heat is transported either from the central thermal device via a heat circuit to two residential units or from the residential units to the central thermal device. Finally, heat is transferred using a decentralized heat pump unit connected to the heat circuit and assigned to a residential unit. In this solution, the decentralized heat pump uses the heat provided by the central thermal device. 5.

[0006] The terms "one" central thermal device, "one" heat pump unit, or "two" residential units used above are to be understood here and in the following as meaning "at least one" central thermal device, at least one" heat pump unit, or "at least two" residential units. In the aforementioned prior art, the geothermal probe (reference numeral 3) and the solar collector (reference numeral 4) each form a central thermal device. 15

[0007] The above-mentioned provision that the decentralised heat pump unit is "assigned to a residential unit" means here and in the following in particular that it, i.e. the heat pump unit, is connected to the same electricity connection as the residential unit itself, which is separate from the other residential units, i.e. both are billed via the same electricity meter.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of improving a thermal installation 25 and a method for operating a thermal installation of the type mentioned at the beginning. In particular, a thermal installation of the type mentioned at the beginning should, on the one hand, be technically simplified and, on the other hand, at the same time, be made more usable. 30 This object is achieved with a thermal installation of the type mentioned at the beginning by the features listed in the characterising part of patent claim 1. In terms of the method, this object is achieved with a method for operating a thermal installation of the type mentioned at the beginning by the features listed in the characterising part of patent claim 13.

[0009] According to the invention, it is therefore provided that - in order to record the amount of heat optionally supplied to the heat circuit by the heat pump unit utilizing the ambient air heat or the amount of heat absorbed by it - the heat pump unit is assigned a heat meter. In terms of the method, the invention provides that the heat transferred by the decentralized heat pump unit utilizing the ambient air heat is optionally delivered to the heat circuit or absorbed by it, and the amount of heat optionally delivered to the heat circuit or absorbed by it is recorded using a heat meter assigned to the heat pump unit.

[0010] 20

[0011] In other words, the solution according to the invention is characterized in that a decentralized heat pump unit is used, in particular to supply additional heat to the heating circuit (alternatively, as explained, heat removal is also possible), with a heat meter being provided to record this heat quantity. The result in this way is a thermal system, here in particular a heating system, in which the residents of the individual residential units can ultimately even connect an additional heat pump unit to the heating circuit themselves (for example in the form of an air-water heat pump arranged on or on the balcony or terrace of the residential unit), with financial accounting, in particular of the quantity of heat introduced into the heating circuit, being easily possible thanks to the heat meter.The decentralized heat pump unit can also preferably operate whenever the ambient conditions are favorable, and even when there is no heat demand at all in the associated residential unit. Or, to put it another way: The amount of heat supplied by the decentralized heat pump unit can be used by all consumers in a building.

[0012] 10

[0013] The aforementioned requirement "using ambient air heat" always includes in particular the air heat outside the residential units, whereby this air heat is used either by a decentralized heat pump unit installed outside or inside (in the case of a heat pump unit installed inside, corresponding air ducts to the outside of the residential unit or connections to an existing residential ventilation system are provided) and whereby this air heat is independent of the air heat used by another residential unit (the ambient air is therefore assumed to be infinite). What is important is that decentralized air heat from the environment of the decentralized heat pump unit - wherever it is located - is used - independently of other residential units, whereby, as explained, this can be both heat absorption and heat emission.If several decentralized 25 heat pump units are provided, these are in particular not connected to a possibly provided, common heating network, i.e. ultimately each decentralized heat pump unit uses air heat from the environment independently of one another, namely through direct or immediate heat transfer between the air and a coolant conducted in the heating circuit. 30 It is furthermore preferably provided that the building has not just (at least) two, but several (preferably at least four, even more preferably at least six) residential units, since the solution according to the invention is particularly profitable when the energy demand is smoothed out due to many tenants with different load profiles and habits.

[0014] Other advantageous developments of the thermal installation according to the invention or of the method according to the invention for operating a thermal installation emerge from the dependent patent claims.

[0015] For the sake of completeness, the following state of the art is mentioned: 15

[0016] From the document DE 25 09 965 B2 a thermal system is known in which a heat storage device, which is difficult to install, and not the ambient air serves as the heat source or primary energy source. 20

[0017] Document DE 20 2011 101 649 Ul discloses a heating system in which the central heat generator is designed as a heat pump and the decentralized heat generators are boilers. This solution essentially involves supplementing existing floor heating systems with a central heat pump.

[0018] Finally, from the subsequently published document DE 10 2022 132 372 A1, a heating system with two heat generators 30 is known, one of which is designed as a heat pump device provided with a heat meter, but which is assigned to the main heating circuit and not to an individual residential unit.

[0019] Finally, reference is made to the documents CH 708 598 A1, JP 2010 / 156469 A, WO 2011 / 050485 A2, DE 10 2007 055 652 A1 and JP 5 2014 / 122762 A.

[0020] The thermal system according to the invention or the method according to the invention for operating a thermal system is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing 10 of two exemplary embodiments.

[0021] It shows schematically

[0022] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the thermal system according to the invention with a total of three residential units and two heat pump units;

[0023] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the thermal system according to the invention with a total of three residential units and one heat pump unit. 20

[0024] The thermal installation shown in the figures consists in a known manner of a central thermal device 1, a heat circuit 3 connected to the central thermal device 1 and led through two residential units 2, and a decentralized heat pump unit 4 connected to the heat circuit 3 and assigned to an individual residential unit 2.

[0025] In procedural terms, to operate the thermal system according to the invention, heat is transferred by a central thermal device 1, where, as already explained at the beginning, "transferred" can, in the broader sense, mean both generation and transfer. Furthermore, the transferred heat is transported either from the central thermal device 1 via a heat circuit 3 to two residential units 2 or from the residential units 2 to the central thermal device 1. Furthermore, heat is transferred by a decentralized heat pump unit 4 connected to the heat circuit 3 and assigned to an individual residential unit 2.

[0026] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, a heat circuit pump 3.3 is preferably provided on the heat circuit 3 10 in order to be able to circulate the heat or heating circuit medium, preferably water, in the heat circuit 3.

[0027] Furthermore, in order to be able to use the ambient conditions of a single 15 residential unit as simply as possible (geothermal energy, for example, is obviously rather unfavorable in this case), it is particularly preferably provided that the heat pump unit 4 has a heat exchanger around which ambient air flows, i.e. is preferably designed as a so-called air-water heat pump, which enables heat transfer between the ambient air and the heating circuit medium.

[0028] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 1, it is preferably provided that (at least) one residential unit 2, namely at least the one to which the decentralized heat pump unit 4 is assigned, has a main heat meter 2.1 for recording either a heat quantity provided by the central thermal device 1 of the respective residential unit 2 (keyword: "heating") or a heat quantity provided by the respective residential unit 2 to the central thermal device 1 (keyword: "cooling"). This can be used to determine the heat quantity exchanged with a residential unit 2.

[0029] What is essential for the thermal installation according to the invention is now (initially expressed objectively) that a heat quantity meter 5 is assigned to the heat pump unit 4 for detecting 5 a heat quantity optionally provided to the heat circuit 3 by the heat pump unit 4 using the ambient air heat or a heat quantity absorbed by the heat pump unit 4.

[0030] 10

[0031] In procedural terms, the solution according to the invention is characterized in that the heat transferred by the decentralized heat pump unit 4 using ambient air heat is optionally released to the heat circuit 3 or absorbed by it and the amount of heat released to or absorbed by the heat circuit 3 is optionally recorded using a heat meter 5 assigned to the heat pump unit 4. Particularly preferred is the mode of operation in which heat is generated by the decentralized heat pump unit 4 using ambient air heat and transferred to the heat circuit 3 20. Alternatively, the decentralized heat pump unit 4 can also be used, as mentioned, to cool the residential unit.

[0032] Looking at all of this in more detail, it is preferably provided that the heating circuit 3 comprises supply lines 3 . 1 leading from the central heating device 1 to the residential units 2 and return lines 3 . 2 leading from the residential units 2 to the central heating device 1.

[0033] 30 Furthermore, it is particularly preferably provided that the decentralized heat pump unit 4 (also) comprises a flow line 4.1 and a return line 4.2. Furthermore, a circulation pump 4.3 is preferably provided optionally on one or the flow line 4.1 (as shown) or on one or the return line 4.2 (not separately shown) of the decentralized heat pump unit 4, preferably in its housing.

[0034] Furthermore, it is particularly preferably provided that the decentralized heat pump unit 4 is connected with both its flow line 4.1 and its return line 4.2 to one of the return lines 10 3.2 of the central thermal device 1.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the heat meter 5 (see also https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wZindex.php7tit- 15 le=W%C3%A4rmez%C3%A4hler&oldid=2 17445726 ) is arranged between a flow line 4.1 and a return line 4.2 of the decentralized heat pump unit 4.

[0036] Going into even more detail, it is further preferably provided that a flow line 4.1 of the decentralized heat pump unit 4 is connected via a first connection point 6.1 (preferably a T-shaped pipe section) to a return line 3.2 of the heat circuit 3 and a return line 4.2 of the decentralized heat pump unit 4 is connected via a second connection point 6.2 25

[0037] (again preferably a T-shaped pipe section) is also connected to the return line 3.2 of the heat circuit 3.

[0038] It is further preferably provided that the first connection point 6.1 is arranged closer to the central thermal device 1 than the second connection point 6.2, as seen in the flow direction of a heat or heating circuit medium flowing through the heat circuit 3.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a flow device 7 is arranged between the two connection points 6.1, 6.2, preventing a flow of one or the 5 heat circuit medium from the first to the second connection point 6.1, 6.2 up to a predetermined overpressure of the heat circuit medium.

[0040] In particular, in order to be able to retrofit the decentralized heat pump unit 4 as easily as possible, it is furthermore particularly preferably provided that the flow device 7 is designed to operate without current, i.e., it functions in particular without any electrically operated valves. Or viewed from another perspective: If the central thermal device 15 is controlled by a first electronic control system and the decentralized heat pump unit 4 by a second electronic control system, then, in terms of the method, it is particularly preferably provided that the two control systems are influenced by each other only indirectly (i.e., not directly electrically) via the heat circuit 3 (thus via the heat circuit medium).

[0041] In concrete terms, it is particularly preferred that the flow device 7 has a check valve 7.1 and an overflow valve 7.2 between the first and second connection points 6.1, 6.2 (see also https: / / de.wikipedia.org / w / index.php?title=%C3%9Cberstr%C3%B6mventil&oldid=193121283). It is further preferred that the check valve 7.1 is designed to prevent the flow of the heat circuit medium from the first to the second connection point 6.1, 6.2 and to permit it from the second to the first connection point 6.2, 6.1.

[0042] In order to further simplify the ( regularly subsequent ) installation of the decentralized heat pump unit , it is also preferably provided that the flow device 7 is designed as a ( compact ) assembly with connection points for a return line 3 .2 of the central thermal device 1 and for the supply and return lines 4 . 1 , 4 . 2 of the decentralized heat pump unit 4 . 10

[0043] In other words, the invention thus relates in particular to a hydraulic module for the hybridization of central heating systems in multi-family houses using decentralized retrofit heat pumps without higher-level control. 15

[0044] In this case, it is particularly preferred that, for the billing of transferred heat quantities, the meter readings of the heat meter 5 and one or the aforementioned main heat meter 2 . 1 are offset against each other. This facilitates, in particular, internal heat billing and also improves the financial statistical possibilities of such a system.

[0045] The invention enables the integration of one or more decentralized retrofit heat pumps into the hydraulic network of an existing central heating system in an apartment building, so that no adaptation of the existing central heating system or higher-level control is necessary. All devices can be operated in stand-alone mode. The type and method of hydraulic integration enables the heat pump(s) to feed in a renewable heating component in the entire building, regardless of the design and control of the existing central heating system, and - via the heat meter - to measure the decentralized heat quantities fed in for billing purposes. Furthermore, the invention integrates various pre-dimensioned individual hydraulic components required for the five functionalities mentioned above for each integrated decentralized heat pump, such as a non-return valve 7.1 and an overflow valve 7.2.

[0046] The hydraulic connection is made at any point 10, preferably in the return of the existing heating pipe network of a residential unit. Integration immediately before or in a section of pipe that creates the hydraulic connection to other residential units or to the central heat generator (e.g. a riser 15) is particularly advantageous. Firstly, the cooled heat or heating circuit medium is diverted from the return of the existing pipe network into the heat pump. This is done with the help of the above-mentioned circulation pump 4.3, which is located, for example, in the heat pump unit. The heating medium heated in the heat pump unit is fed back to the existing pipe network and from there is distributed further into the building. At this point, the amount of heat fed in is measured for later billing purposes.The return water heated by the decentralized heat pump(s) reaches the central heating system due to the defined flow directions in the existing heating pipe network. The existing central heating device interprets the increased return temperature of the heating medium as a low heat requirement of the consumers and reduces its heating output or switches off. The amount of heat fed in by the 30 decentralized heat pump(s) can be used by all consumers in the building (so-called prosumer principle). A non-return valve at the point of heat feed prevents a hydraulic short circuit in the heat pump, but still allows the existing central heating system to operate exclusively. In the event that there is no heat consumption by the consumers and they close their thermostatic valves, the overflow valve 7 is also provided at the point of heat feed.2 is provided, which only for this operating case causes a return flow increase of the heat pump unit, thus providing a switch-off criterion for the heat pump unit and preventing freezing of the external pipes. 10.

[0047] List of reference symbols

[0048] 1 central heating device

[0049] 2 residential units

[0050] 2.1 Main heat meter

[0051] 3 heat circuit

[0052] 3.1 Supply line

[0053] 3.2 Return line

[0054] 3.3 Heat circuit pump

[0055] 4 heat pump unit

[0056] 4.1 Supply line

[0057] 4.2 Return line

[0058] 4.3 Circulation pump

[0059] 5 heat meters

[0060] 6.1 first connection point

[0061] 6.2 second connection point

[0062] 7 Flow device

[0063] 7.1 Check valve

[0064] 7.2 Overflow valve

Claims

Patent claims 1. Thermal installation, comprising a central thermal device (1), a heat circuit (3) connected to the central thermal device (1) and guided through two residential units (2), and a decentralized heat pump unit (4) connected to the heat circuit (3) and assigned to a residential unit (2), characterized in that a heat meter (5) is assigned to record a heat quantity optionally provided to the heat circuit (3) by the heat pump unit (4) using the ambient air heat or a heat quantity absorbed by the heat pump unit (4).

2. Thermal installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat circuit (3) comprises supply lines (3.1) leading from the central thermal device (1) to the residential units (2) and return lines (3.2) leading from the residential units (2) to the central thermal device (1).

3. Thermal installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the decentralized heat pump unit (4) comprises a flow line (4.1) and a return line (4.2).

4. Thermal installation according to claim 2 and 3, characterized in that the decentralized heat pump unit (4) is connected with both its flow line (4.1) and its return line (4.2) to one of the return lines (3.2) of the central thermal device (1).

5. Thermal installation according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the heat meter (5) is arranged between a flow line (4.1) and a return line (4.2) of the decentralized heat pump unit (4).

6. Thermal installation according to claim 2 and 3, characterized in that a flow line (4.1) of the decentralized heat pump unit (4) is connected via a first connection point (6.1) to a return line (3.2) of the heat circuit (3) and a return line (4.2) of the decentralized heat pump unit (4) is connected via a second connection point (6.2) to the return line (3.2) of the heat circuit (3).

7. Thermal installation according to claim 6, characterized in that the first connection point (6.1) is arranged closer to the central thermal device (1) than the second connection point (6.2) when viewed in the flow direction of a thermal circuit medium flowing through the thermal circuit (3).

8. Thermal installation according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a flow device (7) is arranged between the two connection points (6.1, 6.2) which prevents a flow of a heat circuit medium from the first to the second connection point (6.2, 6.1) up to a predetermined overpressure of the heat circuit medium.

9. Thermal installation according to claim 8, characterized in that the flow device (7) is designed to operate without current.

10. Thermal installation according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the flow device (7) has a check valve (7.1) and an overflow valve (7.2) between the first and second connection point (6.1, 6.2).

11. Thermal installation according to claim 10, characterized in that the check valve (7.1) is designed to prevent the flow of the heat circuit medium from the first to the second connection point (6.1, 6.2) and to allow it from the second to the first connection point (6.1, 6.2).

12. Thermal installation according to claim 2 and 3, characterized in that the flow device (7) is designed as an assembly with connection points for a return line (3.2) of the central thermal device (1) and for the supply and return lines (4.1, 4.2) of the decentralized heat pump unit (4).

13. Method for operating a thermal installation, in which heat is transferred using a central thermal device (1), in which the transferred heat is optionally transported from the central thermal device (1) via a heat circuit (3) to two residential units (2) or from the residential units (2) to the central thermal device (1), and in which heat is transferred using a decentralized heat pump unit (4) connected to the heat circuit (3) and assigned to a residential unit (2), characterized in that the heat transferred by the decentralized heat pump unit (4) using ambient air heat is optionally released to the heat circuit (3) or absorbed by it, and optionally the amount of heat released to the heat circuit (3) or absorbed by it is recorded using a heat meter (5) assigned to the heat pump unit (4).

14. A method for operating a thermal installation according to claim 13, wherein the central thermal device (1) is controlled by a first electronic control and the decentralized heat pump unit (4) is controlled by a second electronic control, characterized in that that the two controls are only indirectly influenced by each other via the heat circuit (3).

15. A method for operating a thermal installation according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, for billing transferred heat quantities, counting results of the heat quantity meter (5) and a main heat quantity meter (2.1) are offset against each other.

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