Method for controlling the operation of a modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device and modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device

Abstract

a control unit (133) connected to each control unit (133) of the other heat pump modules (130a, 130b) via a communication channel (140); and a memory (139) in which heat transfer device configuration information for the associated heat pump modules (130a, 130b) is stored, the method (200) including: a) transmitting the associated heat transfer device configuration information over the communication channel (140); b) receiving the associated heat transfer device configuration information; c) storing the received heat pump module configuration information to provide the heat transfer device configuration information; d) determining a selected master control unit from the control units (133) based on the heat transfer device configuration information, wherein a control unit (133) different from the master control unit is defined as a slave control unit; and e) transmitting operational control information from the master control unit to the slave control units. The present disclosure further relates to a modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device (100).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Technical Field FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling the operation of a modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device.The present disclosure further relates to a modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device. [Background technology]

[0002] Background technology Nearly every developed city around the world has at least two types of energy grids built into its infrastructure: one for providing electrical energy and one for providing space heating and hot water supply. Today, the common grid used to provide space heating and hot water supply is a gas grid, which provides combustible gas, typically fossil fuel gas. The gas provided by the gas grid is burned locally to provide space heating and hot water supply. To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, there are plans to replace such gas grids with more "green," energy-efficient energy systems.

[0003] One such energy-efficient energy system is the cooling grid, which is an evolution of the district heating and cooling system, and can provide both cooling and heating to buildings and running water reserves by combining the district heating and cooling systems with heat pumps for heating and cooling.

[0004] For a gas grid replacement, where each gas burner is replaced by a heat pump, to be successful, the heat pumps used need to be smaller, less expensive, easier to control and less technically complex, e.g., with fewer and / or less complex sensors to measure space heating and tap water energy consumption than currently used heat pumps. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Thus, conventional heating and / or cooling systems suffer from several drawbacks, and there is therefore a need in the art for improvements in this area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] overview The object is to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned deficiencies and disadvantages in the art singly or in any combination, or to at least solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an efficient control method for a heat transfer device.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a time-efficient control method for a heat transfer device.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an accurate control method for a heat transfer device.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost-effective method of control for a heat transfer device.

[0011] It is also an object to provide a cost-effective heat transfer device.

[0012] According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for controlling operation of a modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device, the fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device comprising a plurality of heat pump modules, each heat pump module comprising a control unit and a memory, wherein heat pump module configuration information relating to an associated heat pump module is stored in the memory, said heat pump module configuration information including at least identification data specific to said associated heat pump module, and wherein the control unit of each heat pump module is connected by a communication channel to each control unit of the other heat pump modules of the plurality of heat pump modules; The method is: a) transmitting, by the control unit of each heat pump module, relevant heat pump module configuration information over a communication channel; b) receiving, by the control unit of each heat pump module, associated heat pump module configuration information transmitted from each of the other heat pump modules of the plurality of heat pump modules; c) storing the received heat pump module configuration information in a memory of each heat pump module to provide heat transfer device configuration information in said memory, the heat pump module configuration information including heat pump module configuration information for each heat pump module of the plurality of heat pump modules; d) determining a selected master control unit from the control units of the plurality of heat pump modules based on the heat transfer device configuration information, wherein one or more control units different from the master control unit are defined as slave control units; e) transmitting operational control information from the master control unit to the slave control unit; Includes.

[0013] Throughout this application, the term "modular fluid-fluid heat transfer device" is also referred to as "heat transfer device" or "device."

[0014] The term "modular fluid-fluid heat transfer device" as used herein refers to a device that includes multiple heat pump modules that are separate and independent from one another. Thus, multiple heat pump modules may be installed in a housing or zone, e.g., a controlled space in which the multiple heat pump modules are disposed, without the need to attach, e.g., fasten or mount, them to one another. The device may be configured to encase, i.e., to heat and / or cool, an area, and / or to provide running water. The area may be an entire building or a portion thereof. Thus, the fluid-fluid heat transfer device may be configured to provide cooling or heating to a building or a portion of a building. When the device is configured to provide heating to a building, the purpose of the device is to supply heat from the cold side to the hot side. When the device is configured to provide cooling to a building (i.e., remove heat therefrom), the purpose of the device is to remove heat from the cold side.

[0015] The disclosed method helps to control the operation of a modular fluid-fluid heat transfer device in a simple and efficient manner to provide a required outlet temperature, which may be the temperature required to meet heating and / or cooling and / or tap water requirements.

[0016] The one or more control units defined as slave control units are different from the master control unit. This implies that the one or more control units defined as slave control units are control units among the control units that remain "unselected" after the selection of the master control unit has been made. Therefore, the one or more control units defined as slave control units are control units that are not the master control unit.

[0017] The fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device may be a fluid-to-fluid heat pump device configured to provide heat to the hot-side fluid for heating the hot-side fluid.

[0018] The fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device may be a fluid-to-fluid refrigeration pumping device configured to remove heat from the cold-side fluid to cool the cold-side fluid.

[0019] As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, fluid-to-fluid heat pump systems and fluid-to-fluid refrigeration pump systems are based on the same principles, the only difference being the heating or cooling the end user is interested in achieving. However, there may be differences between the two implementations of the general concept regarding features such as the temperature ranges used for the hot-side and cold-side grids.

[0020] The term "control unit" as used herein means any device or unit configured to control the operation of an associated heat pump module. Each heat pump module has a respective control unit configured to control the operation of the associated heat pump module. A control unit may be, for example, a microprocessor or central processing unit or CPU, capable of making its own individual evaluation based on operational control information from a master control unit together with input data from, for example, sensors.

[0021] The memory of each heat pump module may be provided within the control unit, or may be provided external to the control unit but in communication with the control unit.

[0022] The term "communication channel" as used herein refers to a connection through control units connected to each other. The communication channel may be wired or wireless. In other words, the control units may be connected either wired or wirelessly. The control units may be connected wired, for example through a data bus such as RS-485. The control units may be connected wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and / or cellular communication, among others. It should be understood that any communication means and / or protocols capable of interconnecting the control units so that information can be sent and received between them are equally applicable to the problem. Therefore, the manner in which the communication channel is embodied should not be construed as limiting in this context.

[0023] As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, each heat pump module is configured to transmit its heat pump module configuration information via its control unit over a communication channel. Furthermore, each heat pump module is configured to receive and store all transmitted heat pump module configuration information via its control unit. Therefore, each heat pump module is preferably configured to store the same number of heat pump module configuration information. Furthermore, each heat pump module is configured to determine a master control unit.

[0024] The term "master control unit" as used herein refers to a control unit configured to transmit operational control information to the slave control units. This implies that the master control unit has the authority to determine how the heat pump device operates. However, each heat pump module is individually controlled by its control unit according to instructions received from the master control unit. Thus, the master control unit does not directly control every aspect of each individual heat pump module. In other words, based on the operational control information, the slave control units have knowledge of how to control their associated heat pump modules. The master control unit may be configured to obtain control laws or control rules and, based on these, transmit operational control information to each slave control unit. The master control unit is thereby configured to instruct the slave control units to control the device in a desired manner. The control laws may be stored in each control unit or may be received from a remote server connected to a communication channel. In other words, the master control unit is configured to transmit operational control information to each slave control unit, as already mentioned, but it is each slave control unit that is configured to control its associated heat pump module. The master control unit is also configured to control its associated heat pump module based on the operational control information, and therefore, for purposes of controlling its own heat pump module, the master control unit does not need to receive any operational control information, since it already has access to it.

[0025] The master control unit may be determined using pre-configured rules, which may include information and / or rules that determine how the heat transfer device configuration information should be handled and how the master control unit should be determined based on the heat transfer device configuration information.

[0026] This is advantageous because it simplifies the control of each of the heat pump modules of the plurality of heat pump modules. This is further advantageous because it simplifies the control of the modular fluid-fluid heat transfer device. By determining a master control unit, the master control unit can receive and / or determine operational control information and transmit the operational control information to the slave control units such that each slave control unit can control its associated heat pump module based on the operational control information.

[0027] The operational control information may include control laws configured to be transmitted to the slave control units such that the slave control units may be configured to control the operation of the associated heat pump modules to operate in an operational mode that may be common to all heat pump modules of the plurality of heat pump modules.

[0028] An operating mode may be defined by an input power, i.e., a compressor power, that is common to all heat pump modules of a plurality of heat pump modules, implying that every heat pump module always operates at the same input power.

[0029] The method may further include individually controlling operation of each heat pump module of the plurality of heat pump modules so that each heat pump module can be operated in a respective mode of operation.

[0030] Each operating mode of each heat pump module may be based on a predetermined percentage of the maximum input power of that heat pump module, the predetermined percentage being common to all heat pump modules. When each operating mode is based on a predetermined percentage, the operating control information may be the percentage, and each slave control unit must control its associated heat pump module based on the percentage.

[0031] The given ratio is the device output power P required by the device. outThe predetermined ratio may be determined based on the total maximum input power of all heat pump modules of the heat transfer device and the required device output power. The predetermined ratio is achieved when the required device output power is divided equally among the maximum input powers of all heat pump modules. As noted above, for this exemplary embodiment, the predetermined ratio is common to all heat pump modules. Thus, if the predetermined ratio is 50% of the device's maximum output power, each heat pump module should operate at 50% of its respective maximum input power. For example, if the maximum input power of one heat pump module is 3 kW and the maximum input power of another heat pump module is 6 kW, one heat pump module should operate at 1.5 kW and the other at 3 kW.

[0032] The respective default operating modes of each heat pump module may alternate based on a predetermined time sequence between a first state in which the heat pump module is not operating and a second state in which the heat pump module is operating at a predetermined input power.

[0033] As already mentioned, the term "slave control unit" is used herein to mean a control unit configured to control its associated heat pump module based on received operational control information sent by the master control unit. The slave control unit may be configured to monitor a communication channel for instructions from the master control unit. The method may further include receiving, by the slave control unit of each heat pump module, the operational control information from the master control unit and controlling operation of said heat pump module based on the operational control information.

[0034] This is further advantageous because it allows for an efficient way to control the modular fluid-fluid heat transfer device.This is even more advantageous because it allows for the modular fluid-fluid heat transfer device to be controlled in an easy and flexible way.

[0035] This is even more advantageous since it can provide a so-called "plug and play" configuration protocol. The term "plug and play" should be interpreted as a set of network or communication protocols that allow networked or connected devices, such as the control units of the respective heat pump modules, to seamlessly discover each other's presence in the installation and establish functional network services, e.g., determining a master control unit as discussed above. The term "communication protocol" is used herein to mean a system of rules by which control units can, for example, transmit information over a communication channel. The protocol may define the rules, syntax, semantics and synchronization of communications, as well as possible error recovery methods.

[0036] The step a) of transmitting by the control unit of each heat pump module the relevant heat pump module configuration information on the communication channel may be performed based on a communication protocol.

[0037] The communication protocol corresponds to the communication protocol discussed above. The communication protocol may be Aloha or may be based on a Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) protocol. If the communication protocol is Aloha, the method may include starting a first timer, and upon expiration of the first timer, transmitting the heat pump module configuration information. The communication protocol may therefore determine the time during which the communication channel is "open" so that the heat pump configuration information may be transmitted. The time typically has a length of 1 to 60 seconds. If the communication protocol is an LBT protocol, the Listen-Before-Talk may state when the communication channel is free so that the heat pump module configuration information may be transmitted. However, it should be noted that other random access protocols may be used as well.

[0038] As mentioned above, so-called "plug and play" configuration protocols may be provided. Such "plug and play" protocols may be advantageous because they allow the device to be controlled in a simple, efficient, and accurate manner even when modules are replaced, added, or removed therefrom. This is further advantageous because it allows the device to be controlled in a flexible manner.

[0039] This is even more advantageous as it allows for a robust method of reducing interference in the communication channel.

[0040] The method may further include determining a number of heat pump modules connected to the communication channel, and the operational control information may be based on the number of heat pump modules.

[0041] This is advantageous because it allows for accurate and efficient control laws to determine the operational control information sent to the slave control units. Once the control laws are accurate and efficient, the operational control information can also be accurate and efficient, thus accurately and efficiently controlling the device. This is particularly advantageous when all heat pump modules are controlled to operate with the same input power. The operational control information for each heat pump module may be determined based on the number N of heat pump modules operating in the device and the total input power P of all heat pump modules in the device. Assume that a heat transfer device includes N heat pump modules. A total input power P is required for the heat transfer device to reach a required outlet temperature on the hot fluid side. The master control unit may send operational control information to each slave control unit to instruct the slave control unit to control the operation of the associated heat pump module so that each heat pump module operates in an operational mode common to all heat pump modules. Preferably, each heat pump module is supplied with the same input power. Thus, if the total input power P is divided equally among the number N of heat pump modules operating in the heat transfer device, each heat pump module operates in an operating mode such that each heat pump module uses a common input power equal to P / N.

[0042] It should be noted that the number of heat pump modules included in the device is dynamic, and may change, for example, if one or more heat pump modules are added to or removed from the device. Additionally, a heat pump module included in the device may be replaced with another heat pump module such that the number of heat pump modules remains the same, but the heat transfer device configuration information is different.

[0043] If a new heat pump module is added to the device, the number of heat pump modules is incremented by one, i.e., N=N+1. The added heat pump module may have to perform steps a) through c) as discussed above so that the added heat pump module can store the same heat transfer device configuration information in its memory as the other heat pump modules previously included in the device. In addition, the heat pump module previously included in the device may have to update the heat transfer device configuration information stored therein to include the heat pump module configuration information for the added heat pump module. The pre-existing heat pump module may therefore have to perform steps a) through c). The device may then have to determine whether to designate a new master control unit based on the updated heat transfer device configuration information.

[0044] In the event of a heat pump module replacement, steps a) through c) may have to be provided by both the added heat pump module and the pre-existing heat pump module so that the heat transfer device configuration information can be updated consistent with the above discussion.

[0045] If a heat pump module is removed from the device, the number of heat pump modules may be reduced by 1, i.e., N=N−1. In this case, steps a) through c) may have to be provided by the pre-existing heat pump module that may still be included in the device so that the heat transfer device configuration information can be updated consistent with the above discussion.

[0046] In all the above cases, a new master control unit may be determined based on updated heat transfer device configuration information.

[0047] Before step d) of determining the master control unit, the method may further include repeating steps a) to c).

[0048] This is advantageous because it allows verification that the stored heat transfer device configuration information is stored in the correct manner. This is even more advantageous because it can provide an improved accuracy method. However, it should be noted that when steps a)-c) are repeated, the device and the control unit may have knowledge of the repeats. Each control unit may have knowledge of the number of times it has received heat pump module configuration information from other control units of the plurality of control units. For example, if steps a)-c) are repeated a predetermined number of times, e.g., three, four, or five times, each control unit has knowledge of the number of times it has received heat pump module configuration information from each of the other control units of the plurality of control units. Based on the received heat pump module configuration information, most decisions may be made so that the heat pump module configuration information associated with each heat pump module can be determined. For example, if steps a)-c) are repeated five times and the heat pump module configuration information is different in one of them, a decision may be made to assign the other four received heat pump module configuration information as the "correct" heat pump module configuration information, which will serve as the basis for determining which heat pump model should be the master control unit. Although the heat pump module configuration information has been received multiple times, preferably one heat pump module configuration information associated with each control unit is stored in its respective memory.

[0049] The repetition of steps a) to c) may be performed any number of times, preferably an equal number of times for each heat pump module.

[0050] The repetition of steps a) to c) may be performed a predetermined number of times, or repeatedly for a predetermined period of time.

[0051] This is advantageous as it allows for control over the number or time for which the iterations should be performed. By way of example, the iterations of steps a) to c) may be performed 5 to 10 times. However, it should be noted that the iterations of steps a) to c) may be performed other times as well.

[0052] When steps a) to c) are repeated for a predetermined time, the method may further include starting a second timer, preferably when performing step a) for the first time, and repeating steps a) to c) until the second timer expires. Thus, the second timer may be set to expire after 10 minutes, for example. The second timer may also be set to expire after any predetermined time. Preferably, the second timer is set to expire after 1 to 60 minutes.

[0053] The iteration of steps a)-c) may be performed in response to the heat transfer device configuration information retrieved from at least two heat pump modules being verified to be different.

[0054] This is advantageous as it makes it possible to detect if something is wrong with either the device or one or more of the heat pump modules.

[0055] The repetition of steps a) to c) may be performed in response to two or more control units being determined to be the master control unit. This may be the case when the output of step d) differs between two or more control units. If such a situation occurs, the method may accordingly be adapted to resolve the situation by performing steps a) to c) again. This may be performed until only one control unit is determined to be the master control unit.

[0056] Verification is f) transmitting, by the control unit of each heat pump module, the heat transfer device configuration information stored in its respective memory over the communication channel; g) receiving, by the control unit of each heat pump module, heat transfer device configuration information transmitted from each of the other heat pump modules; h) comparing the received heat transfer device configuration information to verify that the heat transfer device configuration information of all heat pump modules is identical; It may be performed by

[0057] This may be referred to as a verification procedure that is configured to verify that the heat transfer device configuration information of all heat pump modules is identical, which is advantageous because it can verify whether the device or one or more heat pump modules are at fault.

[0058] If it is determined that the heat transfer device configuration information between at least two heat pump modules is different, the verification may include: transmitting, by the control units of the at least two heat pump modules, heat transfer device configuration information stored in their respective memories over a communication channel; receiving, by a control unit of at least two heat pump modules, heat transfer device configuration information transmitted from each of the other heat pump modules; comparing the received heat transfer device configuration information to verify that the heat transfer device configuration information of the at least two heat pump modules is identical; It may be performed by

[0059] In other words, only heat pump modules that are determined to have different heat transfer device configuration information will participate in the configuration procedure, which is advantageous as it allows the verification procedure to be simple and efficient.

[0060] Step f) of transmitting the heat transfer device configuration information on the communication channel by the control unit of each heat pump module may be performed based on a further communication protocol, which may be the same as the communication protocol used in step a) but may alternatively be different, which is advantageous as it allows a robust way of reducing interference on the communication channel and also speeds up the verification procedure.

[0061] Steps f)-h) may be performed in response to the heat pump module receiving a trigger signal.

[0062] The trigger signal may be output from the master control unit, or at least initiated by the master control unit. The trigger signal may be output in response to expiration of a third timer. The third timer may be set to start after step e) is performed so that the time the device has been running can be determined. Preferably, when the third timer expires, all heat pump modules may be configured to report their operation and their heat pump module configuration information and / or their heat transfer device configuration information to verify that the device is still operating as desired. The third timer may be set to expire after a period of time or days, such as 1 to 24 hours or 1 to 5 days. The trigger signal may be output in response to an error event detected in one of the heat pump modules. The trigger signal may be output in response to a request from a remote server, which may initiate a verification procedure performed in this manner.

[0063] This is advantageous because it can be detected that the device is always operating in a desired manner, and it is even more advantageous because it can be detected if something is wrong with the device or with one or more heat pump modules contained within the device.

[0064] This is further advantageous because it allows heat pump modules to be simply added or removed from the system, as discussed above, which also simplifies maintenance and upgrades of the heat transfer system.

[0065] The identification data may include an identification number, a serial number, a Media Access Control (MAC), an address, and / or a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID). The identification number may be one or more numbers, one or more letters, or a combination thereof. This is advantageous because each heat pump module can have unique identification data associated with that particular heat pump module.

[0066] The step d) of determining the master control unit may be based on associated identification data of the plurality of heat pump modules.

[0067] The master control unit may be determined by using a predefined rule that may receive as input data identification data for each of the plurality of heat pump modules, and based on the received identification data, the predefined rule may output which control unit should be the master control unit.

[0068] The method may further include identifying heat pump module operation-specific data that may be related to an associated heat pump module. The heat pump module operation-specific data may include maximum input power, minimum input power, cooling medium required for the associated heat pump module, capacity for the associated heat pump module, etc. As noted above, the identification data is specific to each heat pump module, but is not operation-specific. The maximum input power may be, for example, 3-12 kW. However, other maximum input powers may be possible. The minimum input power may be, for example, 1-3 kW. However, other minimum input powers may be possible.

[0069] Step d) of determining a master control unit may be based on operation specific data of said heat pump.

[0070] For example, a predefined rule may receive as input data operation-specific data of each heat pump of a plurality of heat pump modules, and based on the received heat pump operation-specific data, the predefined rule may output which control unit should be the master control unit. This may be advantageous, for example, because it may determine the control unit associated with the heat pump module having the highest maximum input power. Therefore, which control unit is to be the master control unit may be controlled based on the operation-specific data.

[0071] For example, the predefined rule may receive as input data heat pump module configuration information for each heat pump module, and based on the received heat pump module configuration information, the predefined rule may output which control unit should be the master control unit. Thus, the predefined rule may be formulated to combine the identification data and heat pump operation-specific data to determine which control unit will be the master control unit. This may be advantageous when, for example, all heat pump modules have the same maximum input power and it is necessary to distinguish the heat pump modules from each other so that one control unit is determined to be the master control unit.

[0072] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, these and other objects are also achieved in whole or at least in part by a modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device including a plurality of heat pump modules, each heat pump module including a control unit and a memory, wherein heat pump module configuration information relating to an associated heat pump module is stored in the memory, said heat pump module configuration information including at least identification data specific to said associated heat pump module, and wherein the control unit of each heat pump module is connected by a communication channel to each control unit of the other heat pump modules; The control unit of each heat pump module is transmitting associated heat pump module configuration information over the communication channel; receiving associated heat pump module configuration information transmitted from each of the other heat pump modules; storing the received heat pump module configuration information in a memory of an associated heat pump module to provide heat transfer device configuration information in the memory, the heat pump module configuration information for each heat pump module of the device; determining a selected master control unit from the control units of the plurality of heat pump modules based on the heat transfer device configuration information, wherein one or more control units different from the master control unit are defined as slave control units; The determined master control unit is configured to transmit motion control information to the slave control units.

[0073] The slave control unit of each heat pump module may be further configured to control operation of the associated heat pump module based on operational control information received from the master control unit.

[0074] The control unit of each heat pump module may be connected to the control units of the other heat pump modules via a communication channel, either wired or wirelessly.

[0075] The effects and features of the second aspect are largely similar to those described above with respect to the first aspect. The embodiments described with respect to the first aspect are largely consistent with the second aspect. It is further noted that the inventive concept relates to all possible combinations of features unless expressly stated otherwise. Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of example only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0076] Therefore, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular components of the described device or method steps, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, etc. Furthermore, the words "comprising," "including," "containing," and similar words do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0077] In summary, the present invention may be said to relate to a method for controlling the operation of a modular fluid-fluid heat transfer device including a plurality of heat pump modules, including a control unit connected via a communication channel to each control unit of the other heat pump modules and a memory in which heat pump module configuration information relating to the associated heat pump modules is stored, the method including: a) transmitting the associated heat pump module configuration information via the communication channel; b) receiving the associated heat pump module configuration information; c) storing the received heat pump module configuration information to provide heat transfer device configuration information; d) determining a selected master control unit from the control units based on the heat transfer device configuration information, wherein control units different from the master control unit are defined as slave control units; and e) transmitting operation control information from the master control unit to the slave control units.

[0078] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which show, by way of example, presently preferred embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0079] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device. [Figure 2] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the operation of a modular fluid-fluid heat transfer device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0080] Detailed Description The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show presently preferred embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so as to be thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.

[0081] 1, a modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device 100 is illustrated by way of example. The modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device 100 is preferably for heating and / or cooling and / or for providing running water to a building or the like. Hereinafter, the modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device 100 may also be referred to as "heat transfer device 100" or "device 100."

[0082] The heat transfer device 100 includes a cold side and a hot side. The cold side includes first inlet and outlet junction pipes 111, 112. The cold side is connected to the cold fluid side 101 via the first inlet and outlet junction pipes 111, 112, thereby forming a cold side fluid recirculation path 103. The hot side includes second inlet and outlet junction pipes 122, 121. The hot side is connected to the hot fluid side 102 via the second inlet and outlet junction pipes 122, 121, thereby forming a hot side fluid recirculation path 104.

[0083] The first inlet junction pipe 111 is configured to supply a cold-side first fluid from the cold fluid side 101 to the heat transfer device 100. The first outlet junction pipe 112 is configured to supply a cold-side second fluid from the heat transfer device 100 to the cold fluid side 101, thereby forming a cold-side fluid recirculation path 103. The cold-side first fluid is preferably warmer than the cold-side second fluid.

[0084] The second outlet junction pipe 121 is configured to supply the high temperature side first fluid from the heat transfer device 100 to the high temperature fluid side 102. The second inlet junction pipe 122 is configured to supply the high temperature side second fluid from the high temperature fluid side 102 to the heat transfer device 100, thereby forming the high temperature side fluid recirculation path 104. The high temperature side first fluid is preferably warmer than the high temperature side second fluid.

[0085] The fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device 100 may be a fluid-to-fluid heat pump device configured to provide heat to a hot-side fluid for heating the hot-side fluid. The fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device 100 may be a fluid-to-fluid refrigeration pump device configured to remove heat from a cold-side fluid for cooling the cold-side fluid.

[0086] In a typical heating application of the apparatus 100, the cold fluid side 101 may be an evolution of a district heating and cooling system, where a combined district heating and cooling system utilizing a heat pump for heating and cooling can provide both cooling, heating, and tap water provision to a building. The cold fluid side 101 may be coupled to a downhole or borehole heat exchanger. In a typical heating application of the apparatus 100, the hot fluid side 102 may be a heating system, such as a radiator or tap water system in a building.

[0087] In a typical cooling application of the apparatus 100, the cold fluid side 101 may be an air conditioning system within a building. In a typical cooling application of the apparatus 100, the hot fluid side 102 may be an evolution of a district heating and cooling system, where a combined district heating and cooling system utilizing a heat pump for heating and cooling can provide both cooling, heating, and provision for a tap water system to a building. The hot fluid side 102 may be coupled to a downhole heat exchanger or a borehole heat exchanger.

[0088] The heat transfer device 100 further includes two heat pump modules 130a, 130b. However, although not illustrated, it should be noted that the heat transfer device 100 may include more than two heat pump modules 130a, 130b. Each heat pump module 130a, 130b includes a first inlet and outlet port 131a, 131b and a second inlet and outlet port 132b, 132a. The first inlet and outlet ports 131a, 131b are connected to the first inlet and outlet junction pipes 111, 112, respectively. The second inlet and outlet ports 132b, 132a are connected to the second inlet and outlet junction pipes 122, 121, respectively.

[0089] During use of the heat transfer device 100, the two heat pump modules 130a, 130b are connected in parallel to one another, which is achieved by respective first inlet and outlet ports 131a, 131b being connected to respective first inlet and outlet junctions 111, 112, and respective second inlet and outlet ports 132b, 132a being connected to respective second inlet and outlet junctions 122, 121.

[0090] Each heat pump module 130a, 130b further includes a refrigerant recirculation loop 134. The refrigerant recirculation loop 134 includes a first heat exchanger unit 135 and a second heat exchanger unit 137, as well as a compressor 136 and an expander 138. The first heat exchanger unit 135 is fluidly connected to the first inlet and outlet ports 131a, 131b. The first heat exchanger 135 is thus connected to the first inlet and outlet junctions 111, 112 via the first inlet and outlet ports 131a, 131b, respectively. The second heat exchanger unit 137 is fluidly connected to the second inlet and outlet ports 132b, 132a. The second heat exchanger unit 137 is thus connected to the second inlet and outlet junctions 122, 121 via the second inlet and outlet ports 132b, 132a, respectively.

[0091] Refrigerant recirculation loop 134 preferably circulates a refrigerant through first heat exchanger unit 135, compressor 136, second heat exchanger unit 137, and expander 138. In first heat exchanger unit 135, the refrigerant and cold-side first fluid are configured to exchange thermal energy between one another such that the temperature of the refrigerant increases and the temperature of the cold-side first fluid decreases, thereby forming a cold-side second fluid. Thus, the cold-side first fluid and the cold-side second fluid are typically the same fluid that was fed through first heat exchanger unit 135 of heat transfer device 100, and an exchange of thermal energy occurs between the cold-side first fluid and the refrigerant.

[0092] The cold-side second fluid is circulated to the cold fluid side 101 via the cold-side fluid recirculation path 103. The refrigerant is circulated from the first heat exchanger unit 135 to the compressor 136, which is configured to further increase the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant before supplying it to the second heat exchanger unit 137. In the second heat exchanger unit 137, the refrigerant and the hot-side first fluid are configured to exchange thermal energy between each other such that the temperature of the refrigerant decreases and the temperature of the hot-side first fluid increases, thereby forming a hot-side second fluid. Thus, the hot-side first fluid and the hot-side second fluid are typically the same fluid supplied through the second heat exchanger unit 137 of the heat transfer device 100, and the exchange of thermal energy occurs between the hot-side fluid and the refrigerant.

[0093] The hot side first fluid circulates to the hot fluid side 102 in a hot side fluid recirculation path 104. The refrigerant is circulated from the second heat exchanger unit 137 to an expander 138, which is configured to control the amount of refrigerant discharged into the first heat exchanger unit 135.

[0094] Each heat pump module 130a, 130b further includes a control unit 133 and a memory 139. The control unit 133 is configured to control the operation of the associated heat pump module 130a, 130b. As depicted by the dotted lines in FIG. 1 , the control units 133 of each heat pump module 130a, 130b are connected to one another. The dotted lines indicate a communication channel 140, i.e., the control units 133 are connected to one another via the communication channel 140. The control units 133 may be connected via the communication channel 140 in a wired or wireless manner.

[0095] The memory 139 is configured to store heat pump module configuration information. The heat pump module configuration information may include identification data unique to the associated heat pump module 130a, 130b. The heat pump module configuration information may include heat pump module operation-specific data for the associated heat pump module 130a, 130b. The identification data may include an identification number, a serial number, a media access control (MAC) address, and / or a universally unique identifier (UUID). The heat pump module operation-specific data may include a maximum and / or minimum input power and / or required cooling medium for the associated heat pump module 130a, 130b. The memory 139 may be included within the associated control unit 133 or, as illustrated, may be located separately from but associated with the associated control unit 133.

[0096] 2, a flow diagram illustrates, by way of example, a method 200 for controlling the operation of a modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device 100. The modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device 100 corresponds to the device as introduced in connection with FIG.

[0097] Method 200 includes a) transmitting, by the control unit 133 of each heat pump module 130a, 130b, associated heat pump module configuration information over communication channel 140. Then, method 200 includes b) receiving, by the control unit 133 of each heat pump module 130a, 130b, associated heat pump module configuration information transmitted from each of the other heat pump modules 130a, 130b of the plurality of heat pump modules 130a, 130b. Then, method 200 includes c) storing the received heat pump module configuration information in memory 139 of each heat pump module 130a, 130b. By storing the associated heat pump module configuration information in its respective memory, each control unit 133 is configured to provide heat transfer device configuration information, including the heat pump module configuration information of each heat pump module 130a, 130b. In step d), a master control unit is determined based on the heat transfer device configuration information. A master control unit is selected from the control units 133 of the plurality of heat pump modules 130a, 130b. One or more control units 133 different from the master control unit (i.e., one or more control units 133 are not master control units) are defined as slave control units. In step e), the master control unit is configured to send operational control information to the slave control units.

[0098] Step d) of determining the master control unit may be based on associated identification data of the plurality of heat pump modules 130a, 130b, as discussed in connection with Figure 1. Step d) of determining the master control unit may be based on heat pump operation specific data, as discussed in connection with Figure 1.

[0099] Optionally, although not illustrated, method 200 may include, prior to step d), determining the number of heat pump modules 130a, 130b connected by communication channel 140. The operational control information transmitted by the master control unit may be based on the number of heat pump modules 130a, 130b connected by communication channel 140.

[0100] Optionally, before step a), the method 200 may include connecting S206 the control units 133 to each other by a communication channel 140.

[0101] Optionally, prior to step a), method 200 may include starting S207 a second timer. The second timer may be set to expire after a predetermined time, for example, 5-10 minutes or any other suitable time. The second timer is preferably set to expire after 1-60 minutes.

[0102] Optionally, before step d), method 200 may include repeating steps a) to c). Repeating steps a) to c) may be performed a predetermined number of times. Repeating steps a) to c) may be performed for a predetermined time. If a second timer is started in S207, repeating steps a) to c) may be performed until the second timer expires in S208. Repeating steps a) to c) may be performed in response to verifying that the heat transfer device configuration information collected from the at least two heat pump modules 130a, 130b is different.

[0103] Optionally, before step d), method 200 may include performing a verification procedure in three steps f) to h) to verify whether the heat transfer device configuration information retrieved from at least two heat pump modules 130a, 130b is different. In step f), the control unit 133 of each heat pump module 130a, 130b is configured to transmit the heat transfer device configuration information stored in its respective memory 139 over the communication channel 140. Thereafter, in step g), the control unit 133 of each heat pump module 130a, 130b is configured to receive the heat transfer device configuration information transmitted from each of the other heat pump modules 130a, 130b. In step h), the received heat transfer device configuration information is compared to verify that the heat transfer device configuration information of all heat pump modules 130a, 130b is identical. Steps f) to h) may be performed in response to the heat pump modules 130a, 130b receiving a trigger signal.

[0104] If the heat transfer device configuration information of all heat pump modules 130a, 130b is verified to be identical, step d) may be provided.

[0105] If the heat transfer device configuration information of all heat pump modules 130a, 130b is verified to be different, the timer, if present, may be reset and restarted, and repetition of steps a) to c) may be performed again in accordance with the above discussion.

[0106] Step a) of transmitting, by the control unit 133 of each heat pump module 130a, 130b, the heat pump module configuration information associated therewith over the communication channel 140 is preferably performed based on a communication protocol. Step f) of transmitting, by the control unit 133 of each heat pump module 130a, 130b, the heat pump module configuration information over the communication channel 140 is preferably performed based on a further communication protocol. The further communication protocol may be the same as the communication protocol used in step a), but may alternatively be different.

[0107] Although illustrated and described in a particular order, other orders may also be used.

[0108] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art of the claimed invention, from a consideration of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method (200) for controlling the operation of a modular fluid-fluid heat transfer device (100), wherein the fluid-fluid heat transfer device (100) comprises a plurality of heat pump modules (130a, 130b), each heat pump module (130a, 130b) comprises a control unit (133) and a memory (139), the memory (139) stores heat pump module configuration information relating to the associated heat pump module (130a, 130b), the heat pump module configuration information includes at least identification data specific to the associated heat pump module (130a, 130b), and the control unit (133) of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) is connected by a communication channel (140) to the control unit (133) of the other heat pump modules (130a, 130b) of the plurality of heat pump modules (130a, 130b). The above method (200) is, a) The control unit (133) of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) transmits related heat pump module configuration information via the communication channel (140), b) The control unit (133) of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) receives the related heat pump module configuration information transmitted from each of the other heat pump modules (130a, 130b) of the plurality of heat pump modules (130a, 130b), c) The received heat pump module configuration information is stored in the memory (139) of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) so as to provide the memory (139) with heat transfer device configuration information including the heat pump module configuration information of each of the plurality of heat pump modules (130a, 130b), d) Determining a master control unit selected from the control units (133) of the plurality of heat pump modules (130a, 130b) based on the heat transfer device configuration information, wherein one or more control units (133) that are different from the master control unit are defined as slave control units, and this determination is made. e) Transmitting operation control information from the master control unit to the slave control unit Method (200), including the method (200).

2. The method according to claim 1 (200), wherein step a) is performed on a communication protocol, by which the control unit (133) of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) transmits related heat pump module configuration information over the communication channel (140).

3. The method according to claim 1 (200), further comprising determining the number of heat pump modules (130a, 130b) connected to the communication channel (140), wherein the operation control information is based on the number of heat pump modules (130a, 130b).

4. The method according to claim 1 (200), further comprising repeating steps a) to c) before step d) determining the master control unit.

5. The method according to claim 4 (200), wherein the repetition of steps a) to c) is performed a predetermined number of times or repeated over a predetermined period of time.

6. The method according to claim 4 (200), wherein the iterations of steps a) to c) are performed in response to the verification that the heat transfer device configuration information recovered from at least two heat pump modules (130a, 130b) is different.

7. The aforementioned verification is, f) The control unit (133) of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) transmits the heat transfer device configuration information stored in the respective memory (139) via the communication channel (140), g) The control unit (133) of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) receives the heat transfer device configuration information transmitted from each of the other heat pump modules (130a, 130b), h) Compare the received heat transfer device configuration information to verify that the heat transfer device configuration information for all heat pump modules (130a, 130b) is the same. The method according to claim 6 (200), which is carried out by...

8. The method according to claim 7 (200), wherein the step according to claim 7 is performed in response to the heat pump modules (130a, 130b) receiving a trigger signal.

9. The method according to claim 1 (200), wherein the identification data includes an identification number, a serial number, a media access control, i.e., MAC, an address, and / or a universally unique identifier, i.e., a UUID.

10. The method according to claim 1 (200), wherein step d) for determining the master control unit is based on associated identification data of the plurality of heat pump modules (130a, 130b).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 (200), wherein the heat pump module configuration information further includes heat pump module operation identification data relating to the associated heat pump modules (130a, 130b).

12. The method according to claim 11 (200), wherein step d) for determining the master control unit is based on the heat pump module operation identification data.

13. A modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device (100) comprising a plurality of heat pump modules (130a, 130b), wherein each heat pump module (130a, 130b) includes a control unit (133) and a memory (139), the memory (139) storing heat pump module configuration information relating to the associated heat pump module (130a, 130b), the heat pump module configuration information including at least identification data specific to the associated heat pump module (130a, 130b), and the control unit (133) of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) is connected to the control unit (133) of the other heat pump modules (130a, 130b) by a communication channel (140). The control unit (133) of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) is: Related heat pump module configuration information is transmitted via the communication channel (140). The system receives the associated heat pump module configuration information transmitted from each of the other heat pump modules (130a, 130b), To provide the memory (139) with heat transfer device configuration information including the heat pump module configuration information of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) of the device (100), the memory (139) of the associated heat pump modules (130a, 130b) stores the received heat transfer device configuration information. Based on the heat transfer device configuration information, the master control unit is determined from the control units (133) of the plurality of heat pump modules (130a, 130b), wherein one or more control units (133) that are different from the master control unit are defined as slave control units. It is configured in such a way, The determined master control unit is configured to transmit operation control information to the slave control unit, in a modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device (100).

14. The modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device (100) according to claim 13, wherein the slave control unit of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) is further configured to control the operation of the associated heat pump modules (130a, 130b) based on the operation control information received from the master control unit.

15. The modular fluid-to-fluid heat transfer device (100) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the control unit (133) of each heat pump module (130a, 130b) is connected by wire or wireless means to the control unit (133) of the other heat pump modules (130a, 130b) via the communication channel (140).

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