Pumping and degassing system

Abstract

The invention refers to a pumping and degassing system configured for use in a hydronic system and comprising a circulator pump (4) having a pump inlet being in communication with a first system connection (7) and a pump outlet being in communication with a second system connection (13), wherein the first system connection (7) and the second system connection (13) are configured for connection to a hydraulic circuit (5), and comprising a degassing device (8;8') having a degassing inlet (9;9')and a degassing outlet (11;11'), wherein the degassing outlet (11;11') is connected to the pump inlet.

Description

PUMPING AND DEGASSING SYSTEMDescription

[0001] The invention refers to a pumping and degassing system for use in a hydronic system.

[0002] In hydronic systems like heating or cooling systems problems may occur because of gas bubbles in a circulating fluid. For example in heating systems air or gas bubbles accumulating on a heat exchanger surface may decrease the heat transfer and, therefore, the energy efficiency of the entire heating or cooling system. It is therefore known to have a degassing device in such a hydronic system to remove gas or air from the circulating fluid, in particular from circulating water.

[0003] It is the object of the invention to provide a simplified and less expensive system for degassing in a hydronic system.

[0004] This object is achieved by a pumping and degassing system as defined in claim 1 , a hydronic device as defined in claim 17 and a hydronic system as defined in claim 18. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0005] The pumping and degassing system according to the invention is configured for use in a hydronic system. In particular such pumping and degassing system can be integrated into such a hydronic system, for example a cooling and / or heating system.

[0006] The pumping and degassing system according to the invention is configured for use in a hydronic system, for example a hydraulic heating and / or cooling system. The pumping and degassing system comprises a circulator pump which may be a usual circulator pump used in the hydraulic system for circulating a heat transfer medium, for example water. The circulator pump has a pump inlet provided on the suction side of the pump which is communication with a first system connection. Furthermore, the circulator pump has a pump outlet connected with the pressure side of the pump which is in communication with a second system connection. The first system connection and the second system connection are configured and provided for a connection to a hydraulic system for example a circuit or branch of a circuit of a heating / cooling system. In particular the flow path through the circulator pump between the first system connection and the second system connection closes the hydraulic circuit allowing to circulate a fluid, for example waterthrough the connected hydraulic circuit. Furthermore, the pumping and degassing system comprises a degassing device with a degassing inlet and degassing outlet. The degassing outlet is connected to the pump inlet. This allows the circulator pump to provide a reduced pressure in the degassing outlet by sucking liquid out of the degassing outlet. The degassing inlet preferably comprises a nozzle forming a hydraulic resistance on the inlet side that enables the pump to create a low pressure on the outlet side and inside the degassing device or degassing chamber, respectively. Via the degassing inlet and the described nozzle the fluid to be degassed can enter the degassing device.

[0007] According to a possible embodiment of the invention the degassing inlet is connected to the pump outlet. Alternatively, the degassing inlet may be connected to a flow path upwards the pump inlet and upwards the connection to the degassing outlet. Such a connection of the degassing inlet allows a circulating fluid flow through the degassing device and for example via a connected hydraulic circuit, wherein the fluidenters the degassing inlet, flows out of the degassing outlet and back to the degassing inlet via a connected hydraulic circuit. The circulation of this flow is achieved by the circulator pump circulating the fluid. In case that the degassing inlet is connected to a flow path upwards a connection to the degassing outlet, there may be provided a hydraulic resistance or valve between the junction towards the degassing inlet and the connection to the degassing outlet. This allows at least a part of the flow flowing through the degassing device.

[0008] In a further possible embodiment the degassing inlet may be connected to the first system connection such that the degassing inlet is arranged in series with the first system connection. Thus, there is formed a circuit via the system connected to the system connections and through the degassing device. The fluid flow leaving the connected hydraulic system via the first system connection enters the degassing inlet and flows towards the pump inlet through the degassing outlet. From the pump outlet the fluid flows towards the second system connection and enters the connected hydraulic system or circuit. Thus, in this embodiment the degassing device is not arranged in parallel to an hydraulic system, but in series with the hydraulic system.

[0009] According to the invention a single circulator pump can be used for both, for circulating a heat transfer medium in a hydronic system during the normal operation of the hydronic system, and for degassing of the heat transfer medium or fluid by use of the degassing device. Thus, a pump already present in a hydronic system, like for example a heating and / or cooling system, in addition is used for degassing. During the degassing the heating / cooling may be turned off for such a short time that substantially there is no negative impact on the heating and / or cooling. The invention allows to saves cost, since the degassing device does not comprise any additional pump for circulating the fluid through the degassing device. Preferably the degassing control valve is a changeovervalve which just changes the flow between the system connection and degassing device.

[0010] The degassing device with a degassing inlet and degassing outlet is in particular arranged in parallel with a first system connection and a second system connection. This allows a fluid flow produced by the circulator pump to be directed either through the degassing device or the hydraulic circuit connected to the first and second system connection or to be split into two parts, a first part flowing through the degassing device and the second part flowing through a hydraulic circuit connected to the first and second system connection.

[0011] The pumping and degassing system according to a preferred embodiment comprises a degassing control valve, wherein the degassing control valve is configured to adjust the flow through the degassing device. The degassing control valve may be configured to open and close the flow path through the degassing device. The degassing control valve may fully or partly close the flow path through the degassing device. The degassing control valve may open or interrupt the flow through the degassing device directly or indirectly. For indirect adjustment of the flow through the degassing device the degassing control valve may be arranged in a flow path parallel to the degassing device. By changing the hydraulic resistance in this parallel flow path the flow through the degassing device may be influenced and adjusted. The parallel flow path may be fully or partly closed by the degassing control valve. Preferably the degassing control valve has at least two switching positions allowing to activate and deactivate degassing. Deactivating the degassing may be a reduction of the flow through the degassing device to a minimum flow or to fully interrupt the flow through the degassing device.

[0012] In a further possible embodiment the degassing control valve is configured to adjust the ratio of the flow through a system or hydrauliccircuit connected to the first and second system connections and the flow through the degassing device, preferably to change the flow in the system between a heating or cooling system and the degassing device. The degassing control valve is connected to the circulator pump, to the degassing device and to a system connection, wherein the system connection is configured for connection to a heating or cooling system, for example a hydraulic heating system of a building. The degassing control valve is configured to adjust and / or change the fluid flow, i.e. the flow of a heat transfer medium between the degassing device and the system connection. The degassing control valve for example has at least a first switching position and a second switching position. In both switching positions, i.e. the first switching position and the second switching position, there is provided a flow path through the circulator pump. Thus, the circulator pump may provide a fluid flow through the degassing control valve in both switching positions. In at least the first switching position this flow path through the circulator pump is connected to the system connection, which means that in this first switching position at least the majority of the flow produced by the circulator pump is directed towards the system connection. In a second switching position the flow path through the circulator pump is connected to the degassing device, which means that at least a part of the flow produced by the circulator pump is directed through the degassing device. In the first switching position the connection to the degassing device may be fully closed or partly closed such that only a remaining minimum flow is directed through the degassing device. This minimum flow may be less than half of the flow produced by the circulator pump, preferably less than a quarter of the flow produced by the circulator pump. Vice versa, in the second switching position the flow path towards the system connection is partly closed or fully closed such that only a part flow produced by the circulator pump is directed towards the system connection.

[0013] In a possible embodiment the degassing control valve may be configured as a flow resistance just reducing the flow through the systems connections and the system or hydraulic circuit connected to these system connections. This means, according to this embodiment also in the second switching position the majority of the flow is flowing through the connected system or hydraulic circuit and only a part flow is flowing through the degassing device for degassing. This allows degassing without significant impact on the operation of the hydronic system. However, in other embodiments it would be possible to further reduce the flows through the system connections in the second switching position, for ex- ample such that the flow through the system connections is less than half of the flow produced by the circulator pump.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment the degassing control valve may be configured to adjust the ratio of the flow through the degassing device and a flow through a flow path bypassing the degassing device. For example the flow path bypassing the degassing device may be closed, thereby increasing the flow through the degassing device. If the flow path bypassing the degassing device is opened it may provide a reduced flow resistance so that the main part of the flow is bypassing the degassing device whereby the degassing is minimized or interrupted. The degassing device may provide a higher hydraulic resistance, for example by a nozzle on the degassing inlet. The degassing control valve may be a two-way-valve in the flow path bypassing the degassing device. This two-way-valve may have two switching positions, one open position and one closed position. Alternatively, it may be a valve allowing an adjustment of the flow. In a further alternative embodiment the valve may be a three-way-valve changing the opening degree in the flow path bypassing the degassing device and the opening degree in the flow path through the degassing device. For example the valve may have two switching positions, wherein in one switching position the bypassing flow path is open and the flow path through the degassing device is closedand in the other switching position the flow path through the degassing device is open and the flow path bypassing the degassing device is closed.

[0015] The degassing control valve may be placed on the inlet side of the pump, i.e. on the suction side of the pump, or may be placed on the outlet side of the pump, i.e. the pressure side of the pump. If the degassing control valve is placed on the inlet side of the pump, the pressure side of the pump may be connected to a junction being in connection with the second system connection, i.e. an outlet provided for connecting an inlet of a heating or cooling system, for example. Furthermore, the junction may be connected to the degassing inlet or inlet side of the degassing device. The degassing outlet or outlet side of the degassing device is connected to pump inlet. Furthermore, the first system connection in this embodiment is configured to be connected to the outlet side of a heating and / or cooling system, for example. Vice versa, if the degassing control device is placed on the outlet side of the pump, there may be provided a junction on the inlet side of the pump. The junction being connected to the degassing outlet of the degassing device and to the first system connection being an inlet which is provided to be connected with the outlet of cooling or heating system, for example. The degassing control valve in such an embodiment may have an outlet connected to the degassing inlet of the degassing device, and / or an outlet connected to the second system connection as described above.

[0016] In a possible embodiment the degassing control valve may be connected to the circulator pump, to the degassing device and to a system connection. In such an embodiment the degassing control valve may be a three-way valve forming the connection between the flow path towards the degassing device and the flow path towards the system connection, either on the inlet side or on the outlet side of the pump. In such a three-way valve the opening degree of the flow path may beadjusted to change the flow ratio between the two flow paths. In a special embodiment it may be possible to fully close the flow path in a respective switching position of the valve.

[0017] In a further possible embodiment the degassing inlet is connected to the first system connection and the degassing control valve is arranged in the flow path between the first system connection and the pump inlet. At this location the degassing control valve allows to reduce or interrupt the fluid flow from the first system connection towards the pump, thereby increasing the fluid flow from the first system connection to the degassing inlet.

[0018] In a further embodiment the degassing control valve may be located in a flow path between the system connection and the junction connecting the system connection and the degassing device with the circulator pump. For example, the degassing control valve may be located in a flow path between the first system connection and the pump inlet upstream to a connection or junction connecting pump inlet with the degassing outlet. In such an embodiment the degassing control valve forms a flow resistance, in particular an adjustable flow resistance in the flow path between the first system connection and the pump, just reducing the flow through the system connections and the connected hydraulic system or circuit. By reducing this flow at the same time, the flow through the degassing device is increased. This allows the use of a more simple degassing control valve, in particular a two-way valve.

[0019] The degassing control valve in a possible embodiment has at least a first switching position and a second switching position, wherein the degassing control valve is configured such that in the second switching position there is caused an increased flow through the degassing device compared to the first switching position. This, for example may be achieved by increasing the hydraulic resistance in a flow path bypassingthe degassing device. In an alternative embodiment the degassing control valve may directly close the flow path towards the degassing inlet, i.e. fully or partly close this flow path.

[0020] Preferably the degassing control valve has at least a first switching position and a second switching position, wherein the degassing control valve is configured such that in a second switching position the flow through the first system connection is closed or is reduced compared to the first switching position. By this the flow through the connected hydraulic system may be reduced and at the same time the flow through the degassing device is increased, as described before. In an alternative embodiment it may be possible to configure the degassing control valve such that substantially the entire flow is changed between the system connection and the degassing device.

[0021] In a possible embodiment the degassing control valve may at least partly be integrated with a pump housing of the circulator pump. In particular at least a part of the housing of the degassing control device may be formed integrally with a part of the pump housing of the circulator pump. The integrated housing parts preferably are made from plastic material, for example in an injection moulding process. Such an integrated housing may for example provide a valve receiving space into which the degassing control valve is inserted. The valve receiving space may be connected with the system connection and the degassing device.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment the circulator pump, the degassing control valve and the degassing device are integrated into a pumping and degassing unit or are integrated as a pumping and degassing unit, respectively. Preferably, a pump housing of the circulator pump, the degassing control valve and the degassing device comprise at least one common housing part. The common housing partfor example may be a housing part made from plastic, preferably in an injection moulding process. By this integrated or common housing part, it is possible to integrate the circulator pump, the degassing control device and the degassing device such that the essential flow paths are provided inside the common housing part, by which a mounting of separate conduits can be avoided and the number of sealings is reduced.

[0023] In a further possible embodiment the circulator pump comprises a first control mode and a second control mode, wherein in the first switching position of the degassing control valve the circulator pump is in the first control mode. The first control mode preferably is configured and optimized for operation of a connected hydronic system. Thus, preferably the first control mode provides a conventional pump control as required by the hydronic system, in particular by the hydronic properties of a connected hydronic circuit, for example a heating and / or cooling circuit. For example, the first control mode may provide a constant pressure or constant flow control or an automatic control automatically adapting the pump to the hydraulic needs. Furthermore, in this embodiment the circulator pump may be configured such that in the second switching position the circulator pump is in the second control mode providing a required flow or minimum flow for degassing. This flow for degassing according to a further possible embodiment may be the maximum flow of the pump. Preferably in the second control mode the pump is controlled to run on maximum speed to provide a required flow for the degassing device.

[0024] The degassing control valve preferably comprises a drive means for changing the switching position, i.e. to change between the described first switching position and the described second switching position. Preferably said drive means is controlled by control electronics. These control electronics may be a degassing control. The degassing control may be a separate control device configured and provided justfor controlling the degassing operation. In an alternative embodiment the degassing control may be integrated into an external control device for example a heat source control like a boiler control or a heat pump control. In a further alternative embodiment the degassing control may be integrated into the control electrics of the circulator pump. The control electronics configured for control of the drive means preferably are configured to start a degassing operation by switching the degassing control device into its second switching position. Furthermore, the control electronics may be configured to cause the pump control of the circulator pump to operate the circulator pump in the second control mode for degassing. Vice versa, the control electronics of the degassing device may be configured to cause the pump control to change the control of the circulator pump into the first control mode if the degassing control valve is switched into the first switching position.

[0025] In a possible embodiment of the invention the degassing device comprises a degassing chamber which is connected to the pump inlet or a vacuum generator for providing a reduced pressure inside the degassing chamber. According to a first embodiment, in which the degassing chamber is connected to the pump inlet the pump produces the reduced pressure inside the degassing chamber by sucking fluid, for example water out of the degassing chamber. This allows a simple design with the circulator pump in the hydronic system also producing the reduced pressure required for degassing inside the degassing chamber. In an alternative embodiment there may be a vacuum generator configured to produce a vacuum or reduced pressure inside the degassing chamber. The vacuum generator may be connected to the degassing control valve such that in the second switching position a flow path through the vacuum generator is connected to the circulator pump. This allows the circulator pump to produce a fluid flow through the vacuum generator, when the degassing control valve is in its second switchingposition. In this switching position the flow path through the system connection may be completely closed or reduced to a minimum flow as described above. The vacuum generator preferably is configured such that it produces a vacuum or reduced pressure by use of the fluid flow from the circulator pump.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment the chamber inlet or degassing inlet, respectively, of the degassing chamber comprises a nozzle, preferably a spraying nozzle. The spraying nozzle is configured for spraying or vaporizing the fluid entering the degassing chamber. The vapor or spray in combination with the reduced pressure enhances the separation of liquid and gas inside the degassing chamber. In the degassing chamber the liquid will collect in the bottom region of the degassing chamber, whereas the air or gas accumulates in the upper region of the degassing chamber.

[0027] Preferably an air-relief-valve is arranged at the degassing chamber. Additionally, a non-return valve may be arranged in series with such an air-relief valve. The air-relief-valve preferably is configured such that is opens if the air or gas captured in the degassing chamber needs to be released from the system. The air-relief valve and / or a non-return valve arranged in series prevents that air is drawn back into the chamber. The air-relief-valve may be configured as an automatic valve opening if predefined air level or water level and / or a predefined pressure threshold is exceeded. The valve for example may be caused to open by stopping the fluid flow through the cyclone device, for example by switching off or reducing the speed of a feeding pump. Thus, the pressure in the low- pressure zone and there the pressure inside the degassing chamber increases. The increased pressure may automatically cause the air-relief- valve to open. In a further possible embodiment there may be arranged a check valve in series with the air relief valve. The check valve does notopen, if the pressure inside the degassing chamber is below the atmospheric pressure. This may be mitigated by shutting of the pump.

[0028] According to a further possible embodiment a non-return valve may be arranged in the chamber inlet or a degassing line connected with the chamber inlet or degassing inlet, respectively. Such a non-return valve or check valve in the chamber inlet or in a connected degassing line may prevent air or gas from the degassing chamber flowing back into the hydraulic system.

[0029] For producing a reduced pressure or vacuum the vacuum generator for example may comprise a cyclone device or a venturi device or a combination of a cyclone device and a venturi device. In the cyclone device and the venturi device like a venturi nozzle there is provided a vacuum in the interior of a cyclone, for example, or in the circumference of a high-speed fluid jet leaving a nozzle. The flow in such cyclone or through a venturi nozzle is provided by the circulator pump which is active while the degassing control valve is in its second switching position. Such a degassing device comprising a vacuum generator in form of a cyclone device and / or a venturi device may be used for degassing of fluids in any system requiring a degassing. Therefore, this part of the invention described in the following and referring to a degassing device using a venturi and / or cyclone device is independent from the use of a single circulator pump and may be claimed independently.

[0030] The degassing device for example comprises a cyclone device having a cyclone housing which is connected to an inlet pipe and to an outlet pipe of the degassing device. This allows a fluid flow through the cyclone device. The cyclone housing is configured such that this fluid flow through the cyclone device provides a swirl inside the cyclone housing. The swirl provides a reduced pressure in a low-pressure zone of the cyclone housing, in particular in a center region of the produced swirl.The degassing chamber may be in fluid communication with this low- pressure zone, for example via a communication pipe or connecting channel, such that a reduced pressure which is provided in the low-pressure zone causes a reduced pressure inside the degassing chamber. The reduced pressure inside the degassing chamber causes an expansion of the fluid entering the degassing chamber such that gas is separated from the liquid. Thus, the cyclone device produces a reduced pressure which is transferred into the degassing chamber, but there is no degassing inside the cyclone device. The degassing preferably is achieved in the separate degassing chamber being in communication with the cyclone device. This results in a more efficient degassing of the liquid. The liquid from the degassing chamber may flow back into the outlet pipe via the fluid communication towards the low-pressure zone. The cyclone device for providing the reduced pressure inside the degassing chamber can easily be integrated into the hydraulic system to have a fluid flow through the cyclone device. It enables a compact design allowing the integration into other hydraulic devices, for example a pump housing or an integrated hydraulic device of a heating system.

[0031] The cyclone housing preferably has an inlet opening at least partly directed in a circumferential direction such that a fluid leaving the inlet opening is directed into a swirling flow inside the cyclone housing. In a preferred embodiment the cyclone housing defines an inner volume having a circular cross section, in particular having a circular cross section in each position along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The inner volume may be defined by a circular inner wall of the cyclone housing. This allows the swirling or rotating flow along the axial direction of the cyclone housing. The swirling flow preferably moves along the inner wall of the cyclone housing in circumferential direction and in axial direction, such that a screwed flow or swirl is provided inside the cyclone housing. In a center region of the swirl a zone of reduced pressure is formed.

[0032] In a further possible embodiment the cross-sectional area of the cyclone housing narrows towards an axial region of reduced cross section wherein the axial region of reduced cross section is distanced from the inlet opening. The narrowing cross-sectional area provides an acceleration of the swirling flow towards the region of reduced cross section. The accelerated flow results in a further reduced pressure in the low-pressure zone which is in particular in the center region of the swirl. In a further possible embodiment the region of reduced cross section in axial direction is distanced from the inlet opening as well as from an outlet region, i.e. an outlet opening of the cyclone housing. In particular the cross-sectional area may increase between the axial region of reduced cross section and the outlet region or the region comprising the outlet opening as described below.

[0033] In a further possible embodiment a first axial distance between the axial region of reduced cross section and the inlet opening is smaller than a second axial distance between the axial region of reduced cross section and an outlet opening of the cyclone housing, wherein preferably the first axial distance is less than 70%, further preferred less than 50% of the second axial distance. This configuration allows a bigger zone or space for slowing down the flow and increasing the pressure towards the outlet opening.

[0034] In a further possible configuration the degassing device comprises a communication pipe having a first end open towards the low-pressure zone and having a second end connected to the degassing chamber. Thus, the reduced pressure in the low-pressure zone can act in the degassing chamber via this communication pipe. Preferably, the communication pipe functions as a liquid outlet for discharging the liquid in the degassing chamber. Thus, the liquid from the degassing chamber may flow through the communication pipe and via the cyclone housing into the outlet pipe.

[0035] In a further possible embodiment the cross-sectional area of the cyclone housing widens towards a region comprising an outlet opening of the cyclone housing. In particular the cross-sectional area widens between a region of reduced cross section and the region comprising the outlet opening. The increasing cross section allows to decrease the velocity of the flow and increase the pressure towards the outlet opening. The flow slows down in this expanding region of the cyclone housing prior to entering an outlet opening connected to the outlet pipe as described above.

[0036] In a further possible embodiment the cyclone housing may at least partly intersect with the degassing chamber. This allows a more compact design of the degassing device. Furthermore, in the intersection it is easy to establish a required communication between the cyclone housing, in particular the low-pressure zone, and the degassing chamber.

[0037] The interior of the cyclone housing preferably is separated from the interior of the degassing chamber. The cyclone housing and the housing of the degassing chamber may be separate housing parts. In a special embodiment, however, the cyclone housing and the degassing chamber may have at least one common wall separating the interior from the cyclone housing and the degassing chamber. Such an embodiment allows to produce the degassing chamber and the cyclone housing as an integral part, preferably in one piece. Such an integrated housing may for example be produced by injection moulding of a plastic material or an additive manufacturing method, for example. Nevertheless, there is a pressure communication between the interior of the degassing chamber and the low-pressure zone in the cyclone housing to transfer the reduced pressure from the cyclone into the degassing chamber. Thiscommunication may be provided by a communication pipe as described above. However, any other suitable connection can be used to transmit the pressure to the degassing chamber.

[0038] According to a further possible embodiment the degassing chamber and the cyclone housing are at least partly integrated into one unit. As mentioned before, both parts may have at least one common wall and / or may be produced in one piece, for example by injection moulding. This allows a simplified manufacturing of the degassing device.

[0039] According to a further preferred embodiment the pumping and degassing system comprises a degassing channel which connects the second system connection and the degassing device. In particular the degassing channel may be connected to a vacuum or degassing chamber as described before. This allows fluid from the system connection to enter the degassing device, in particular into the degassing chamber. Inside the degassing chamber due to the reduced pressure, fluid and gas can be separated. For this the degassing channel in a preferred embodiment may run out into a spraying nozzle providing a spray of fluid, as described above. The degassing channel preferably is open at least when the degassing control valve is in its second switching position. Therefore, the pumping and degassing system preferably is configured such that in the second switching position of the degassing control valve there is provided a fluid flow through the system connection and the degassing channel in addition to the fluid flow through the degassing device or vacuum generator. This degassing channel may be configured as a bypass channel bypassing the degassing control valve. According to a further preferred embodiment the degassing channel is configured as a bypass of the degassing control valve, wherein the degassing control valve is arranged on the suction or inlet side of the circulator pump, as described above. Preferably, the degassing channel isconfigured to be connected to heating or cooling circuit ensuring a degassing of the entire system even with a small degassing volume or flow provided by the degassing device.

[0040] Besides the pumping and degassing system as described the invention refers to a hydronic device comprising such a pumping and degassing system as explained before. The hydronic device furthermore comprises a heat and / or cooling device, for example a boiler, a chiller or a heat pump. Furthermore, the hydronic device preferably comprises a device controller which is configured such that it at least controls the heat and / or cooling source and the degassing control valve. Thus, the control electronics required for control of the degassing control valve may be integrated into the control electronics of the device controller. In a further possible embodiment the control of the degassing control valve is provided by a control application in the device controller. This embodiment allows the hydronic device, in particular a hydronic system to activate the degassing if required.

[0041] Furthermore, the invention refers to a hydronic system, preferably a hydronic system comprising a hydronic device as described before. The hydronic system comprises at least one hydraulic circuit for heating and / or cooling a facility or building, for example. The hydronic system according to the invention comprises a pumping and degassing system as described above. The hydronic system is configured such that it has two different modes of operation, namely a heat transfer mode and a degassing mode. At least in the heat transfer mode, a heat transfer medium is fed by the circulator pump through a heat transfer system, e.g. a heating and / or cooling circuit which is connected to the first and second system connections describes above. In a second mode of operation, a degassing mode, at least a part or an increased part of the heat transfer medium is fed through the degassing device by the circulator pump as described before. In the second mode of operation the circulation ofheat transfer medium through a heating or cooling circuit may be interrupted or reduced to a minimum flow. In the first mode of operation the heat transfer medium is circulating through a heating or cooling circuit, for example, and the flow through the degassing device may be interrupted or reduced to a minimum flow.

[0042] In the following the invention is described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these:Figure 1 shows a hydraulic diagram of a heating system according to a first embodiment comprising a degassing device in a heat transfer mode,Figure 2 shows the hydraulic diagram according to figure 1 in a degassing mode,Figure 3 shows a schematic cross section of a degassing device according to the invention,Figure 4 shows a hydraulic diagram of a heating system according to a second embodiment,Figure 5 shows a hydraulic diagram of a heating system according to a third embodiment, andFigure 6 shows a hydraulic diagram of a heating system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a hydraulic circuit of a hydronic system according to a first embodiment. It is a hydronic system like a heating and / or cooling system 2 (in the following referred to asheating system 2) in combination with a degassing device according to the invention. The heating or cooling system 2 may be a conventional system comprising a heat source and / or a cooling source 3 and heat distribution means 5, e.g. radiators, a floor heating system or a heat exchanger for heating domestic hot water. The hydronic system comprises a circulator pump 4 for circulating a heat transfer medium like water through the heating system 2. There is arranged a degassing control valve in form of a three-way valve 6 in front the circulator pump 4. The valve 6 is a switching means allowing to change the flow of heat transfer medium between two different flow paths. Figure 1 shows a first mode of operation, namely a heat transfer mode with the valve 6 in a first switching position. In this first switching position a flow path through the heating system 2 is activated and the circulator pump 4 circulates the water through the heating system 2 in conventional manner. In this first switching position the circulator pump 4 may be operated in a first mode of operation providing a conventional pump control as usually used in hydronic systems, for example constant pressure, constant flow or an automatically adapting control. The valve 6 is connected to a first system connection 7. At the first system connection 7 the heating system 2 is connected to the valve 6.

[0044] The hydraulic system, furthermore, comprises a degassing device 8 connected to the valve 6 and to a junction or connection 10 downstream the circulator pump 4. The degassing device 8 has a degassing inlet in form of an inlet pipe 9 connected to the heating system via connection 10. The connection 10 is connected to a second system connection 13, which is connected to the inlet side of the heating and / or cooling system 2. The degassing outlet or outlet pipe 1 1 of the degassing device 8 is connected to the valve 6. The degassing device 8 may for example comprise a vacuum generator for producing a reduced pressure inside a degassing chamber. The vacuum generator for example may be acyclone device or a venturi device or any other suitable device to produce a vacuum or reduced pressure or suitable for degassing a fluid. The degassing device 8 is connected with the inlet pipe 9 and the outlet pipe 1 1 and is arranged in a flow path from the valve 6 towards the connection 10. The degassing device 8, the circulator pump 4 and the degassing control valve 6 preferably are combined to an integrated pumping and degassing device which is integrated into a hydronic system via the system connections 7 and 13. In a second mode of operation, namely a degassing mode, the valve 6 is in its second switching position as shown in figure 2. In the second switching position the circulator pump 4 produces a fluid flow through the degassing device 8. This flow is used to generate a zone of reduced pressure inside the degassing device used for degassing the fluid.

[0045] The degassing device 8, for example in a degassing chamber, has a degassing inlet 18 which is connected to the flow path of the heating system 2 via a degassing channel or degassing line 20. The degassing line 20 is connected to the flow path of the heating system 2, i.e. to the system connection, upstream of the valve 6. For discharging the gas or air from the degassing device 8 there is provided a gas outlet 22.

[0046] In this embodiment the circulator pump 4 comprises an electronic control device 28 which is connected to the valve 6 such that the control device 28 additionally controls the valve 6 to start and stop a degassing procedure by changing the switching position of the valve 6. Alternatively, there may be provided separate control electronics for controlling the valve 6, i.e. a degassing control. Furthermore, the degassing control may be provided by an external control device, for example a control device 29 of the heating system 2. This, for example, may be the control device 29 of a boiler or a heat pump inside the heating system 2.

[0047] In the first switching position shown in figure 1 there is no fluid flow through the cyclone device 12 and the degassing device 8. Thus, the degassing device 8 is an inactivate state. In this first switching position the circulator pump 4 provides the fluid flow through the heating system 2,1.e. acts as a conventional circulator pump for the heating system 2. Thus, according to the invention there is only one circulator pump 4 for degassing and for circulating the heat transfer medium through the heating system 2. The circulator pump 4 may have two different modes of operation for the degassing and the circulation of the heat transfer medium through the heating device 2. For degassing the fluid circulating in the heating system 2 the valve 6 is switched into a second switching position by the control device 28. The second switching position is shown in figure2. In this position the circulating pump 4 provides a fluid flow through the degassing device 8. However, branching from the connection 10 there will still be an additional fluid flow through the heating system 2 and through the degassing line 20 into the degassing device 8 via the degassing inlet 18. There, the fluid may be vaporized and gas and liquid are separated. The gas is leaving the degassing device via the gas outlet 22 and the remaining liquid is flowing back to the circulator pump 4 via valve 6.

[0048] An example for a degassing device 8 is described in further detail with reference to figure 3. In this example the degassing device 8 comprises a cyclone device 12 for producing a reduced pressure. The fluid flow through the cyclone device 12 produces a reduced pressure transferred to a degassing chamber 14 so that the pressure inside the degassing chamber 14 is decreased enhancing the separation of gas and water. The gas or air collected inside the degassing chamber 14 is released via the gas outlet 22. The gas outlet comprises a non-return valve and an air relief-valve 24. The air relief-valve 24 opens automatically if an air pressure in front of the valve exceeds a predefined threshold. Alternatively, the air relief-valve 24 may be configured to open at a specific time orafter a predefined time interval, at the end of a degassing cycle and / or dependent on the liquid height inside the degassing chamber. The nonreturn valve prevents air flowing back into the degassing chamber 14 via the gas outlet 22. When the valve 6 is changed in the first switching position, the flow through the cyclone device 12 is stopped and the pressure inside the degassing chamber 14 increases. This may cause a pressure increase overcoming the closing force of the air relief-valve so that the air is discharged through the gas outlet 22.

[0049] In the embodiment according to figure 3 the housing defining the degassing chamber 14 and the cyclone housing 30 are integrally formed. The cyclone housing 30 is intersecting the degassing chamber. However, the inner volume of the cyclone housing 30 is separated from the interior of the degassing chamber 14 by the housing wall of the cyclone housing 30. On one axial end the cyclone housing 30 has an inlet opening 32 connected to the inlet pipe 9 for connection to the hydraulic device. On the opposite axial end of the cyclone housing 30 there is provided an outlet opening 34 connected to the outlet pipe 1 1 , which is provided for connection to the hydraulic circuit. The outlet opening 34 may be in direct connection with the valve 6 which may be integrated with the housing of the circulator pump 4 or connected to the circulator pump 4 via an outlet pipe. The inlet opening 32 is arranged such that a fluid flow entering the interior of the cyclone housing 30 is directed into a circumferential direction along the circular inner wall of the cyclone housing 30. Thereby, a swirl or fluid flow in a helical direction is caused. The circulating fluid flow is moving along the interior wall in longitudinal direction x of the cyclone housing 30 towards the outlet opening 34.

[0050] In a first section starting from the inlet opening 32 the inner diameter or the cross-sectional area of the cyclone housing 30 is decreasing towards a section 36 of reduced cross section. From the section of reduced cross section 36 towards the axial end comprising the outletopening 34 the cross-sectional area or diameter of the cyclone housing 30 is increasing again. Thereby, the axial extent of the second section of increasing diameter between the section of reduced cross section 36 and the axial end comprising the outlet opening 34 is greater than the axial distance between the inlet opening 32 and the section 36 of reduced cross section. Due to the decreasing cross-sectional area the swirl or fluid flow is accelerated towards the section 36 of reduced cross section. Behind this section 36 of reduced cross section the flow is decelerated again, i.e. the speed of the flow is reduced, thereby increasing the pressure. In the center of the swirl there is formed a low-pressure zone due to the centrifugal forces occurring in the swirl. The zone of the lowest pressure is close or in the center of the section 36 having the smallest cross-sectional area. This zone of low pressure in the center of the cyclone housing 30 is connected to the degassing chamber 34 by a connection or communication pipe 16. Via this communication pipe 16 the reduced pressure produced by the cyclone is transferred to the interior of the degassing chamber 14. The degassing chamber 14 has a degassing inlet 18 with a spraying nozzle 40 opening towards the interior of the degassing chamber 14. The fluid entering the degassing chamber 14 is sprayed though the spraying nozzle 40 and vaporized to increase the surface of the fluid. In combination with the reduced pressure air or gas is separated from the liquid. The liquid is collecting in the bottom region of the degassing chamber 14 and sucked into the cyclone housing 30 via the connection pipe 16. The air or gas is collecting in the upper region of the degassing chamber 14 and released via air relief-valve 24 which in this example is inserted into an opening on the upper side of the degassing chamber 14.

[0051] Figures 4 and 5 show a second and third embodiment of a hydronic system according to the invention with a different design of the degassing device 8’. Also, in the second and third embodiment the hydronic system comprises a pumping and degassing system 1 combininga degassing device 8’ and a circulator pump 4. The pumping and de- assing device 1 , similar to the first embodiment is configured for integration into a hydronic system, like a heating and / or cooling system. For this integration the pumping and degassing device 1 is for example connected to a hydraulic circuit, in particular a hydraulic circuit of a heating and / or cooling system 2. In the examples according to the second and third embodiment as an example there is shown a hydraulic circuit having heat distribution means 5 connected to the first system connection 7 and the second system connection 13. It has to be understood that any other hydraulic circuit or heating / cooling device 2, as discussed above and shown in the first embodiment may be connected to the system connections 7 and 13.

[0052] According to the second and third embodiment the degassing device 8’ comprises a degassing chamber 14’ which has a degassing inlet 9’ and a degassing outlet 1 1 ’. The degassing outlet 1 1 ’ is connected to the pump inlet 42 on the suction side of the circulator pump 4. The degassing inlet 9’ is connected to the pump outlet 44 on the pressure side of the circulator pump 4. The degassing inlet 9’ is provided with a spraying nozzle 40 vaporizing the fluid entering the degassing chamber 14’ via the degassing inlet 9’. The degassing inlet 9’ is connected to the pump outlet 44 at a junction 10. At the junction 10 a first flow path branches towards the degassing inlet 9’ and a second flow path branches towards the second system connection 13.

[0053] In the second embodiment according to figure 4 upwards the circulator pump 4 there is arranged a degassing control valve 6’ in form of a three-way valve. A first inlet of this degassing control valve 6’ is connected to the degassing outlet 1 1 ’, whereas a second inlet of the degassing control valve 6’ is connected to the first system connection 7. In this embodiment the degassing control valve 6’ is configured to adjust the ratio of flows through the two inlets of the valve, i.e. to adjust orchange the ratio of the flow through the first system connection 7 and the flow through the degassing outlet 1 1 Preferably, the degassing control valve 6’ is configured such that there is always a flow through the first system connection 7, i.e. through the hydraulic circuit connected to the system connections 7 and 13. This flow may be reduced by the degassing control valve 6’ to increase a flow through the degassing outlet 1 1 ’ and through the degassing chamber 14’ for initiating a degassing of the fluid. Via the degassing outlet 1 1 ’ there is provided a suction or reduced pressure inside the pressure chamber 14’ allowing to separate gas and liquid from the fluid entering through the spraying nozzle 40. At the same time a part flow branches from the junction 10 towards the degassing inlet 9’ with a spraying nozzle 40. For this part flow the degassing is carried out. When no degassing is required the degassing control valve 6’ may close the connection towards the degassing outlet 1 1 ’, i.e. partly or fully close this flow path. Thereby the flow through the degassing chamber 14’ is reduced or fully interrupted. In this state of operation, the circulator pump 4 may be operated as a usual circulator pump in the hydronic system, for example to produce a flow of a liquid heat transfer medium through a heating device.

[0054] Instead of a three-way degassing control 6’ in the third embodiment according to figure 5 there is provided a degassing control valve 6” in form of a flow reduction valve. In this embodiment on the suction side of the circulator pump 4 upwards the pump inlet 42 there is a connection 46 connecting the flow path from the degassing outlet 1 ’ and the flow path from the first system connection 7 to the pump inlet 42. In the flow path between the first system connection 7 and this connection 46 there is arranged the degassing control valve 6”. This degassing control valve 6” is configured to allow to close or partly close the flow path from the first system connection 7, thereby, reducing or interrupting the flow through the hydraulic circuit connected to the system connections7 and 13. By this a greater portion of the flow is directed through the degassing chamber 14’ for a degassing operation as disclosed above.

[0055] Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of a pumping and degassing device. The embodiment is similar to the embodiment according to figure 5. However, the degassing device 14” is connected to the circulator pump 4 in a different way. In this embodiment according to figure 6 the degassing outlet 1 1 ” is connected to the pump inlet 42 and the pump outlet 44 is connected to the second system connection 13. In this embodiment the degassing inlet 9” is connected to the first system connection 7 such that the degassing device 14” is arranged in series to the hydraulic system in form of the heat distribution means 5 connected to the first system connection 7 and the second system connection 13. Connected to the first system connection 7 there is a junction 48. The degassing inlet 9’ is connected to this junction 48. Connected to the junction 48 there is a further flow path 50 bypassing the degassing device 14” and being connected to the pump inlet 42. In the flow path 50 there is arranged the degassing control valve 6” ’ in form of a two-way-valve which allows to open and close the flow path 50. If the flow path 50 is open, the hydraulic resistance in the flow path 50 is lower than the hydraulic resistance of the flow path through the degassing device 14” because of the resistance provided by the nozzle 40. In this switching position the major part of the flow is flowing through the flow path 50. In this switching position the circulator pump 4 acts as a normal circulator pump circulating the heat distribution fluid through the heat distribution system 5. If the degassing control valve 6” ’ in the flow path 50 is closed a degassing mode is activated and the flow is directed through the degassing device 14’ ’ with the circulator pump 4 sucking the fluid out of the degassing outlet 1 1 ”, thereby producing a reduced pressure inside the degassing device 14” or degassing chamber 14”, respectively. The functionality of the degassing control valve 6” ’ may be integrated into a switchover valve used to switch the flow of the heat distribution fluidbetween the distribution system 5 and a heat exchanger for heating domestic water. This would avoid a further valve in the system.According to the second to fourth embodiment, therefore, no special vacuum generator is required. The necessary reduced pressure in the degassing chamber 14’, 14” is directly produced by the circulator pump 4 producing a suction orreduced pressure inside the degassing chamber 14’, 14”. By this the degassing device is further simplified. Also, in this embodiment there is no special pump for the degassing device, but the circulator pump used for operating the hydronic system is used to produce the necessary flow through the degassing device and additionally produce the required suction or reduced pressure inside the degassing chamber 14’.List of reference numerals1 pumping and degassing device2 heating and / or cooling system3 heat source4 circulator pump5 heat distribution means6, 6’, 6”,6” ’ valve, degassing control valve7 first system connection8, 8’ degassing device9, 9’, 9” inlet pipe, degassing inlet10 connection, junction1 1 , 1 1 ’, 1 1 ” outlet pipe, degassing outlet12 cyclone or venturi device13 second system connection1 , 14’, 14” degassing chamber16 connecting pipe18 degassing inlet20 degassing line, degassing channel22 gas outlet24 air relief-valve28 electronic control device29 control30 cyclone housing32 inlet opening34 outlet opening36 section of reduced cross section40 spraying nozzle42 pump inlet44 pump outlet 46 connection48 junction50 flow path

Claims

Claims1 . Pumping and degassing system configured for use in a hydronic system and comprising a circulator pump (4) having a pump inlet being in communication with a first system connection (7) and a pump outlet being in communication with a second system connection (13), wherein the first system connection (7) and the second system connection (13) are configured for connection to a hydraulic circuit (5), characterized by a degassing device (8;8’) having a degassing inlet (9;9’)and a degassing outlet ( 1 1 ;1 1 ’), wherein the degassing outlet ( 1 1 ;1 1 ’) is connected to the pump inlet.

2. Pumping and degassing system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the degassing inlet (9;9’) is connected to the pump outlet or to a flow path upwards the pump inlet and the connection to the degassing outlet.

3. Pumping and degassing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the degassing inlet (9; 9’) is connected to the first system connection such that the degassing inlet is arranged in series with the first system connection.

4. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing device (8;8’) with the degassing inlet (9;9’) and the degassing outlet ( 1 1 ;1 1 ’) is arranged in parallel with the first system connection (7) and the second system connection (13).

5. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a degassing control valve (6) which is configured to adjust the flow through the degassing device.

6. Pumping and degassing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing control valve is configured to adjust the ratio of the flow through a system (5) connected to the first (7) and second system (13) connections and the flow through the degassing device (8;8’) .

7. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing control valve is configured to adjust the ratio of the flow through the degassing device and a flow through a flow path bypassing the degassing device.

8. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing control valve (6;6’) is placed on the inlet side of the circulator pump (4) or on the outlet side of the circulator pump (4).

9. Pumping and degassing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing control valve (6;6’) is connected to the circulator pump (4), to the degassing device (8) and to a system connection (7).

10. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing inlet is connected to the first system connection and the degassing control valve is arranged in the flow path between the first system connection and the pump inlet.1 1 . Pumping and degassing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing control valve (6”) is located in a flow path between the first system connection (7) and the pump inlet upstream to a connection to the degassing outlet (1 1 ’)-12. Pumping and degassing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing control valve (6) has at least a first switching position and a second switching position, and the degassing control valve (6) is configured such that in the second switching position there is effected an increased flow through the degassing device compared to the first switching position.

13. Pumping and degassing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing control valve (6) has at least a first switching position and a second switching position, and the degassing control valve (6) is configured such that in a second switching position the flow through the first system connection (7) is closed or is reduced compared to the first switching position.

14. Pumping and degassing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing control valve (6) is configured such that in a first switching position a flow path through the circulator pump (4) is connected to the first system connection (7) and in a second switching position the flow path through the circulator pump (4) is connected to the degassing device (8).

15. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing control valve (6) is at least partly integrated with a pump housing of the circulator pump (4).

16. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulator pump (4), the degassing control valve (6) and the degassing device (8) are integrated as a pumping and degassing unit, wherein preferably a pump housing of the circulator pump (4), the degassing control valve (6) and the degassing device (8) comprise at least one common housing part.

17. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulator pump (4) comprises a first control mode and a second control mode, wherein in the first switching position the circulator pump (4) is in the first control mode being configured and optimized for use in a hydronic system and in the second switching position the circulator pump (4) is in the second control mode providing a required minimum flow for degassing.

18. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing control valve (6) comprises a drive means for changing the switching position, wherein preferably said drive means is controlled by control electronics (28; 29).1 . Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing device (8) comprises a degassing chamber ( 14) which is connected to the pump inlet or to a vacuum generator for providing a reduced pressure inside the degassing chamber.

20. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degassing device (8) comprises a degassing chamber (14) and a vacuum generator connected tothe degassing chamber (14), which vacuum generator is connected to the degassing control valve (6) such that in the second switching position a flow path through the vacuum generator is connected to the circulator pump (4).21 . Pumping and degassing system according to claim 14, characterized in that the vacuum generator comprises a cyclone device (1 1 ) and / or a venturi device producing a vacuum.

22. Pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a degassing channel (20) is connecting the second system connection (7) and the degassing device (8).

23. Hydronic device comprising a heat and / or cooling source, characterized by a pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims and by a device controller (29) which is configured such that it at least controls the heat and / or cooling source and the degassing control valve (6).

24. Hydronic system comprising a pumping and degassing system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the hydronic system is configured to have two different modes of operation, namely a heat transfer mode and a degassing mode, wherein the circulator pump (4) is arranged and operated such that it circulates a heat transfer medium in at least the heat transfer mode and provides a flow of heat transfer medium through the degassing device (8) in the degassing mode.

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