Combined air-water and air-air heat pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising: • a split heat pump with an outdoor unit and an indoor unit with a hydraulic separator; • at least one refrigerant circuit distributor; • at least one indoor unit. According to the invention, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit of the split heat pump are part of an air-to-water heat pump, and the outdoor unit, the at least one refrigerant circuit distributor, and the at least one indoor unit form an air-to-air heat pump.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system which comprising a split heat pump with an outdoor unit and an indoor unit with a hydraulic separator; at least one refrigerant circuit distributor; at least one indoor room unit The outdoor unit of the split heat pump and the indoor unit of the split heat pump are, according to the invention, part of an air-to-water heat pump, and the outdoor unit of the split heat pump, the at least one refrigerant circuit distributor, and the at least one indoor unit form an air-to-air heat pump.

[0002] Heat pumps are widely used to heat water for building heating systems and to provide hot water or warm air. The basic function of heat pumps is always the same: ambient heat is transferred to a refrigerant, whose temperature is increased in a technical process and then transferred to a heating circuit. Common types include: Water-to-water heat pumps (WWWP) extract heat from groundwater via supply and injection wells, from surface water or wastewater; brine-to-water heat pumps (SWWP), using geothermal probes and geothermal collectors (spiral collectors, trench collectors, geothermal baskets, etc.) as heat sources; air-to-water heat pumps (LWWP) extract heat from exhaust air or outside air; air-to-air heat pumps (LLWP), which are used in buildings to heat or cool the supply air of ventilation systems (air conditioning systems).

[0003] Heat pumps used in buildings are currently designed as monobloc or split heat pumps. A split heat pump consists of two separate units. In the outdoor unit, which is positioned outside a building, air is drawn in by a fan. This air is then directed to an evaporator containing a refrigerant that circulates and heats up at a low temperature. After the refrigerant changes its state of matter, it flows as warm vapor to the compressor. The compressor compresses the vapor, thereby increasing its temperature to the desired level. The compressed refrigerant is then conveyed via refrigerant lines to a condenser in the indoor unit. There, the refrigerant transfers its thermal energy to a heating system and cools down in the process. Since the refrigerant is still under high pressure, it passes through an expansion valve to return to its liquid state.In contrast, the monoblock heat pump combines all components involved in the refrigerant circuit into a single structural unit.

[0004] Currently, air-to-air heat pumps are used to provide warm or cold air for heating or cooling a room. Air-to-water heat pumps, on the other hand, are used to provide hot water for heating systems or domestic hot water storage tanks.

[0005] Ideally, a system would include a heat pump that combines both functions and can provide both hot water and warm or cold air for room temperature control.

[0006] WO 2022 / 094387 A1 and WO 2013 / 138695 A1 deal with a heat pump system designed for the most efficient possible heating of drinking water and process water (e.g., for a heating system). However, neither of the two international patent applications discloses a solution for providing warm or cold air for room temperature control while simultaneously providing heated water, both as drinking water and process water.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a heat pump that can supply both hot water and warm or cold air for temperature control of rooms.

[0008] The present invention solves this problem with a system according to claim 1. Detailed description

[0009] The invention provides a system comprising comprising a split heat pump comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit with a hydraulic separator; at least one refrigerant circuit distributor; at least one indoor room unit; available.

[0010] The system according to the invention is characterized in that the outdoor unit of the split heat pump and the indoor unit of the split heat pump are part of an air-to-water heat pump. Furthermore, the outdoor unit of the split heat pump, the at least one refrigerant circuit distributor, and the at least one indoor unit form an air-to-air heat pump.

[0011] The indoor unit of the split heat pump has a hydraulic separator. This ensures that the flow rate of the heat pump remains constant. In one embodiment of the present invention, the indoor unit has an additional heating element with which additional energy can be supplied for heating water.

[0012] The outdoor and indoor units of the split heat pump operate like conventional air-to-water heat pumps. According to the invention, the indoor unit of the split heat pump can be connected to one or more devices selected from the group comprising a hot water storage tank, radiators, underfloor heating, a pool heat exchanger, and a gas boiler. This makes it possible to use the system according to the invention to provide hot water for a building via a hot water storage tank and / or to operate conventional room radiators and / or underfloor heating. Furthermore, a pool heat exchanger can also be connected to generate hot water for a pool. It is also possible to transfer the water heated by the indoor unit of the split heat exchanger to a gas boiler. In this case, the already heated water can be heated further.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant is routed from the outdoor unit of the split heat pump to the at least one refrigerant circuit distributor and from there to the indoor unit of the split heat pump. In this embodiment, the indoor unit of the split heat pump is connected to the at least one refrigerant circuit distributor.

[0014] According to the invention, the outdoor unit of the split heat pump, the at least one refrigerant circuit distributor, and the at least one indoor unit form an air-to-air heat pump. The refrigerant is conveyed from the outdoor unit of the split heat pump via the refrigerant circuit distributor to the at least one indoor unit. The indoor unit is designed to either transfer heat from the refrigerant to the room air or to extract heat from the room air. In the first case, the indoor unit operates as a heater; in the second case, as an air conditioner. Preferably, the indoor unit is designed to enable both functions. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one indoor unit therefore has a heating and / or a cooling function.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, several indoor units can be connected to a refrigeration circuit distributor.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the system can have several refrigeration circuit distributors, each refrigeration circuit distributor being connected to the outdoor unit of the split heat pump via its own connection. The refrigeration circuit distributor is supplied with refrigerant via the respective connection, or the refrigerant is transported from the indoor unit back to the outdoor unit of the split heat pump via the refrigeration circuit distributor.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the indoor unit is selected from the group comprising chest units and wall units. Wall units are mounted on the wall, while chest units are placed on the floor.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant can also be distributed from one indoor unit to one or more further indoor units. The refrigerant circuit back to the refrigeration manifold and to the outdoor unit of the split heat pump must, of course, remain closed; that is, for every line that transports refrigerant to an indoor unit, there must also be a line that carries the refrigerant back to the refrigeration manifold. This can also be achieved via at least one further indoor unit.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the indoor units have a fan. It is particularly preferred that the fan speed can be varied in several stages.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the indoor units operate as quietly as possible, preferably in a range between 18 and 31 dB.

[0021] In one embodiment, the indoor unit can have an additional electric heater in the form of a heating mat.

[0022] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the indoor unit may have one or more additional functions selected from the group consisting of filter function, fresh air intake, fragrancing, dehumidification, humidification, radio-controlled thermostat, CO₂ sensor, lighting, and heating mat. The technical implementation of these functions is familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0023] A filter function makes it possible to remove air pollutants from the room air. Furthermore, this can also kill mold spores.

[0024] Fresh air intake can contribute to a pleasant indoor climate, as can dehumidification or humidification of the room air.

[0025] Scenting rooms makes it possible to introduce specific fragrances into rooms or to neutralize unwanted fragrances in rooms.

[0026] The integration of a CO2 sensor into an indoor unit enables the implementation of a safety function.

[0027] The lighting on the indoor unit can be used to illuminate a room or be part of ambient lighting.

[0028] Additionally, the indoor unit can have a radio-controlled thermostat to regulate the room temperature.

[0029] Furthermore, the indoor units may have an additional heating mat, which allows for an additional energy supply if necessary.

[0030] Advantageously, the indoor units can be designed in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, the external design can be adapted to the preferred interior design style of the rooms.

[0031] In one embodiment, the at least one indoor unit can be controlled by a display and / or LED indicators on the indoor unit and / or by a remote control. The remote control can be achieved using a separate remote control or via an app, for example, on a tablet or smartphone.

[0032] The operation of the split heat pump is controlled by a control unit integrated into the split heat pump. Preferably, the components of the system according to the invention, and thus the entire system according to the invention, are also controlled by this control unit.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the indoor units are also controlled via the split heat pump's control unit. Preferably, in this case, the indoor units communicate wirelessly with the split heat pump's control unit.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the system can include an additional heating system. This additional heating system can, for example, be an oil-fired or a gas-fired heating system. A gas-fired heating system is particularly preferred as the additional heating system. This allows supplementary heating to be provided by the additional heating system as needed. Preferably, the heating output provided by the split heat pump and the additional heating system is controlled by a control unit.

[0035] The system according to the invention advantageously provides a combined air-to-water and air-to-air heat pump with only one outdoor unit. This makes it possible to provide both space heating via the indoor units and domestic hot water preparation. The system can be flexibly deployed by connecting multiple refrigerant circuit distributors. Furthermore, hybrid operation with another heating system, such as a gas or oil boiler, is possible.

[0036] The cycling of a heat pump describes the number of on / off cycles within a specific period. Each time the heat pump starts up, it is referred to as a new cycle. However, excessive cycling leads to higher energy consumption and faster wear of the heat pump components and should therefore be avoided. The combination of an air-to-air heat pump and an air-to-water heat pump according to the invention prevents unfavorable cycling of the split heat pump, thereby extending its service life.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to 5 figures and 1 exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 shows an air-to-water heat pump from the prior art; Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which an additional heating system is included; Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention with two refrigeration circuit distributors.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a state-of-the-art air-to-water heat pump, designed as a split heat pump with an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 20. The refrigerant is conveyed via line 11 to the indoor unit 20 and used there to heat water for a domestic hot water storage tank 30, a space heater 40, and an underfloor heating system 50. The refrigerant is then circulated back to the outdoor unit 10 via line 12.

[0039] Figure 2This represents an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 according to the invention comprises an outdoor unit of the split heat pump 10, from which the refrigerant is conveyed via line 11 to the refrigeration circuit distributor 80. The refrigeration circuit distributor 80 distributes the refrigerant via lines 13 to the indoor unit 70. This unit then distributes the refrigerant to the indoor units 60 and 71. The refrigerant can flow back to the refrigeration circuit distributor 80 via line 14.

[0040] The refrigerant from the outdoor unit 10 is distributed via line 15 to the indoor unit 72 by the refrigeration circuit distributor. The refrigerant can flow back to the refrigeration circuit distributor 80 via line 16.

[0041] Indoor units 70, 71 and 72 are designed as wall-mounted units, while indoor unit 60 is designed as a chest-mounted unit.

[0042] The refrigerant circuit distributor 80 distributes the refrigerant via line 17 to the indoor unit 20 of the split heat pump. The refrigerant then flows via line 18, back through the refrigerant circuit distributor 80, and via line 12 back to the outdoor unit. The indoor unit 20 produces hot water for a domestic hot water storage tank 30. All connections shown in bold from the indoor unit 20 indicate a flow of hot and cold water.

[0043] Figure 3 represents a further embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 according to the invention largely corresponds to that described in Figure 2 system 100 shown according to the invention. In contrast to the system shown in Figure 2In the depicted system 100, the refrigerant is not routed to the indoor unit 20 of the split heat pump via the refrigerant distributor 80, but directly via line 17. The indoor unit 20 then heats water for a domestic hot water tank 30, for space heating 40, and for underfloor heating 50. All connections shown in bold from the indoor unit 20 indicate a flow of hot and cold water.

[0044] Figure 4This represents an embodiment of the present invention, in which an additional heating system is included. The system 100 according to the invention comprises an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 20 of the split heat pump. The indoor unit 20 is supplied directly with refrigerant via line 17 and is used to heat water for a domestic hot water storage tank 30. Refrigerant is also routed from the outdoor unit 10 via the refrigerant circuit distributor 80 to the indoor units 60 to 72. Additionally, the system 100 has a heating system that is not coupled to the refrigerant circuit of the split heat pump. The gas heater 90 enables additional heating via the room radiators 40. The temperature is regulated by room thermostats 41.

[0045] Figure 5 This represents an embodiment of the present invention with two refrigeration circuit distributors 80, 81. The functioning of the system according to the invention largely corresponds to that already used for the Figures 2 to 4The principle explained above applies. Additionally, a further refrigerant circuit distributor 81 is provided, which is supplied with refrigerant via line 21 from the outdoor unit 10 of the split heat pump. The refrigerant circuit distributor 81 further distributes the refrigerant to the indoor unit 73, which is designed as a wall-mounted unit. The refrigerant then flows back to the outdoor unit 10 via line 19. According to the invention, each refrigerant circuit distributor 80, 81 is supplied with refrigerant via a separate line 11, 21. Example 1

[0046] A system was set up in which the outdoor and indoor units of the split heat pump provided a maximum heating output of 14 kW. The indoor unit also featured an additional heating element, which could supply an extra 4 to 8 kW of heat as needed. The indoor unit had two heat exchangers. To save space, the refrigerant line connections were located at the bottom of the unit and recessed into the floor. A 200-liter domestic hot water storage tank was connected to the indoor unit.

[0047] The outdoor unit exhibited a maximum noise level of 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night at a distance of one meter from the unit. Furthermore, the outdoor unit provided a cooling capacity of 8 kW.

[0048] The COP value of this split heat pump was as follows: COP at A-7W35 = 3.3 COP at A2W35 = 4.3 COP at A7W35 = 5.0

[0049] The COP value indicates the ratio of energy input to heat output under standard conditions and thus describes the efficiency of the heat pump used.

[0050] The system also included a refrigerant manifold. This manifold had one inlet for the refrigerant coming from the outdoor unit and five outlets. Two wall-mounted units were connected to the manifold. Each wall-mounted unit had a fan with four adjustable speed settings. The fan speeds varied between 18, 29, 30, and 31 dB. The wall-mounted units could heat with a capacity of 1 to a maximum of 4 kW and cool with a capacity of 1 to 2.5 kW. The units could be controlled wirelessly and featured LED lighting on the back and bottom for ambient lighting. Reference symbol list

[0051] 10 Outdoor unit 12-19 Refrigerant lines 20 Indoor unit 21 Refrigerant line 30 Domestic hot water storage tank 40 Space heating 41 Room thermostat 50 Underfloor heating 60 Chest unit as indoor unit 70-72 Wall unit as indoor unit 80, 81 Refrigeration circuit distributor 90 Gas heating 100 System

Claims

1. System (100) comprising a split heat pump comprising an outdoor unit (10) and an indoor unit (20) with a hydraulic separator; at least one refrigerant circuit distributor (80); at least one room indoor unit; characterized by the fact that the outdoor unit (10) of the split heat pump and the indoor unit (20) of the split heat pump are part of an air-to-water heat pump; and the outdoor unit (10) of the split heat pump, comprising at least one refrigerant circuit distributor (80) and at least one indoor room unit, form an air-to-air heat pump.

2. System (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that The indoor unit is selected from the group comprising chest units (60) and wall units (70).

3. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that that at least one indoor unit has a fan.

4. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that that at least one indoor unit has an electric heater in the form of a heating mat.

5. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The indoor unit has one or more additional functions selected from the group, including filter function, fresh air intake, fragrancing, dehumidification, humidification, radio-controlled thermostat, CO2 sensor, lighting, and heating mat.

6. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that that at least one indoor unit has a heating and / or cooling function.

7. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the system has another heating system.

8. System (100) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that The other heating system is a gas heating system (90) or an oil heating system.

9. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe indoor unit (20) of the split heat pump is connected to one or more devices selected from the group comprising hot water storage tank (30), radiators (40), underfloor heating (50), pool heat exchanger, gas heating (90).

10. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the system has several refrigerant circuit distributors (80), each refrigerant circuit distributor (80) being connected to the outdoor unit (10) of the split heat pump via its own connection.

11. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that to which at least one refrigeration circuit distributor (80) several indoor units are connected.

12. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that to which at least one refrigerant circuit distributor (80) is connected the indoor unit (20) of the split heat pump.

13. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe indoor unit (20) has an additional heating element.

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