A decentralized heat pump system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a decentralized heat pump system (100) comprising: a first set (110) of one or more heat pump modules wherein each heat pump module is configured to be directly connected to a cold side fluid recirculation loop (101) at a first side (111a) thereof and to be directly connected to an ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102) at a second side (111b) thereof; and one or more second sets (120) each comprising one or more heat pump modules wherein each heat pump module is configured to be directly connected, or connected via a respective further fluid recirculation loop (103), to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102), at a first side (121a, 122a, 123a, 124a) thereof, and to be directly connected to a respective hot side fluid recirculation loop (104) at a second side (121b, 122b, 123b, 124b) thereof; wherein the system (100) is configured to transfer energy from the cold side fluid recirculation loop (101) to the hot side fluid recirculation loop (104) via the ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102).

Description

[0001] A DECENTRALIZED HEAT PUMP SYSTEM

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a decentralized heat pump system for transferring energy between fluid recirculation loops.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Nearly all large, developed cities in the world have at least two types of energy grids incorporated in their infrastructures; one grid for providing electrical energy and one grid for providing space heating and hot tap water preparation. Today a common grid used for providing space heating and hot tap water preparation is a gas grid providing a burnable gas, typically a fossil fuel gas. The gas provided by the gas grid is locally burned for providing space heating and hot tap water. In order to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions there are plans to replace such gas grid with more “green” energy efficient energy systems.

[0006] One such energy efficient energy system is cold thermal grids. Cold thermal grids are an evolution of district heating and district cooling systems, where combined district heating and district cooling system with aid of using heat pumps for heating and cooling can provide both cooling, heating and tap water preparation to buildings.

[0007] In order to succeed with the replacement of gas grids, where the respective gas boiler is replaced by a heat pump, the heat pumps used need to be smaller, less costly, easier to control and with lower technical complexity, e.g., with fewer and / or less complex sensors for measuring the space heat and tap water energy consumption than presently used heat pumps.

[0008] The conventional energy systems are associated with several drawbacks and there is thus a need in the art of making energy systems more flexible and optimized for the occasion.

[0009] Summary

[0010] It is an object to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination. These and other objects are at least partly met by the invention as defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect there is provided a decentralized heat pump system comprising: a first set of one or more heat pump modules wherein each heat pump module of the first set is configured to be directly connected to a cold side fluid recirculation loop at a first side thereof and to be directly connected to an ambient side fluid recirculation loop at a second side thereof; and one or more second sets each comprising one or more heat pump modules wherein each heat pump module of each of the one or more second sets is configured to be directly connected, or connected via a respective further fluid recirculation loop, to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop, at a first side thereof, and to be directly connected to a respective hot side fluid recirculation loop at a second side thereof; wherein the decentralized heat pump system is configured to transfer energy from the cold side fluid recirculation loop to the hot side fluid recirculation loop via the ambient side fluid recirculation loop.

[0012] Each second set of the one or more second sets may be introduced in a respective indoor area of one or more buildings. Each heat pump module of each set of the one or more second sets may be introduced in a respective part of the respective indoor area of the one or more buildings. Each heat pump module may be configured to cover, i.e. being able to heat and / or provide tap water, to the respective part of the respective indoor area. The part may be a part of an apartment or a whole apartment of the one or more buildings. The part may be a part of a building or a whole building of the one or more buildings. Each of the respective further fluid recirculation loop may be arranged in the respective indoor area of the one or more buildings.

[0013] As readily appreciated by the person skilled in the art, each heat pump module of the present disclosure comprises a refrigerant circulation loop which includes a first heat exchanger unit, a compressor, a second heat exchanger unit and an expander which may be connected to one another in a sequence. Such a heat pump module is configured to transfer energy from a cold side to a hot side by means of a refrigeration cycle.

[0014] By a heat pump module being “directly connected” to a fluid recirculation loop is herein meant that said fluid recirculation loop passes through a heat exchanger of the heat pump module such that the heat pump module can transfer energy directly to, or from, a working fluid transported within that fluid recirculation loop.

[0015] By a heat pump module being “connected via a further fluid recirculation loop” to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop is herein meant that said further fluid recirculation loop passes through a heat exchanger of the heat pump module such that the heat pump module can transfer energy directly to, or from, a working fluid transported within said further fluid recirculation loop. It further implies that energy can be transported between the further fluid recirculation loop and the ambient side fluid recirculation loop. The latter may be achieved by a heat transfer means. The heat transfer means may be a heat exchanger. The heat transfer means may alternatively be a heat pump. This will be discussed in more detail later.

[0016] The decentralized heat pump system may be advantageous as it allows for a scalable decentralized heat pump system architecture fulfilling the efficiency needs for the case with one or more buildings of various types and use cases. This is achieved by allowing one or more second sets of one or more heat pump modules to be directly connected, or connected via the respective further fluid recirculation loop, to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop. Thus, various parts of the indoor areas of the one or more buildings and various sizes of said various parts of indoor areas may be connected to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop in a flexible way. This is further achieved by allowing connecting and disconnecting one or more second sets of one or more heat pump modules to / from the decentralized heat pump system, i.e. to / from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop. This is further achieved by allowing connecting and disconnecting one or more heat pump modules to / from the respective second set, i.e. to / from the further fluid recirculation loop.

[0017] The decentralized heat pump system may be further advantageous as it allows transferring energy between different fluid recirculation loops which the sets of heat pump modules of the decentralized heat pump system are connected to in an optimized and efficient way.

[0018] The decentralized heat pump system may be yet further advantageous in that a robust energy system is achieved.

[0019] The ambient side fluid recirculation loop of the first aspect may be advantageous as it allows connecting the first set of one or more heat pump modules and the one or more second set of one or more heat pump modules such that energy may be transferred from the cold side fluid recirculation loop to the hot side fluid recirculation loop via the ambient side fluid recirculation loop. Thus, the ambient side fluid recirculation loop allows to transfer energy to the part of the indoor area of the one or more buildings in an easy and efficient way.

[0020] The first set of one or more heat pump modules may be configured to transfer energy from the cold side fluid recirculation loop to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop, i.e. a temperature of a working fluid of the ambient side fluid recirculation loop may increase due to the energy transferred from the cold side fluid recirculation loop to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop. The one or more second sets of one or more heat pump modules may be configured to transfer energy from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop to the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop, i.e. a temperature of a working fluid of the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop may increase due to the energy transferred from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop to the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop. The one or more second sets of one or more heat pump modules may be configured to transfer energy from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop to the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop via the respective further fluid recirculation loop. This design may be advantageous as it allows providing energy to the part of the indoor area of the one or more buildings in an efficient way.

[0021] It should however be noted that the decentralized heat pump system may be able to transfer energy in different directions than previously described. For embodiments where the one or more second sets are directly connected to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop, each heat pump module of the one or more second sets may be reversed such that each heat pump module of the one or more second sets are configured to transfer energy from the hot side fluid recirculation loop to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop. For embodiments where the one or more second sets are connected to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop via the further fluid recirculation loop, each heat pump module of the one or more second sets may be reversed such that each heat pump module of the one or more second sets are configured to transfer energy from the hot side fluid recirculation loop to the further fluid recirculation loop. This design may be advantageous as it allows retrieving energy from the part of the indoor area of the one or more buildings if needed. It should be further noted that if a second set comprises two or more heat pump modules, the heat pump modules may be configured to operate in different ways, i.e. one or more heat pump modules may be configured to transfer energy to the hot side fluid recirculation loop and one or more heat pump modules may be configured to be reversed such that energy is retrieved from the hot side fluid recirculation loop. This may be advantageous as it allows for a flexible heat pump system in which different heat pump modules may be arranged in different ways depending on needs, e.g. for heating some areas and cooling others.

[0022] It should be further noted that also the one or more heat pump modules of the first set may be reversed such that energy is transferred from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop to the cold side fluid recirculation loop. This may be the case if a temperature of the working fluid of the ambient side fluid recirculation loop is determined to be too high, i.e. above a predetermined threshold value.

[0023] If a second set of the one or more second sets of heat pump modules comprises two or more heat pump modules, each heat pump module of said second set may be connected to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop via the further fluid recirculation loop. Thereby, the decentralized heat pump system may be configured to transfer energy from the cold side fluid recirculation loop to the hot side fluid recirculation loop via the ambient side fluid recirculation loop and the further fluid recirculation loop. This may be, as said, advantageous in that a robust decentralized heat pump system is achieved. It is however also conceivable to connect two or more heat pump modules directly to the ambient recirculation loop. For such embodiments, no further recirculation loop is required.

[0024] The fluid recirculation loops are closed loop circuits. Thus, the fluid recirculation loops are all hydraulically disconnected from each other when the system is in use. In other words, the cold side fluid recirculation loop is hydraulically isolated from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop when the system is in use. Further, the ambient side fluid recirculation loop is hydraulically isolated from the respective further fluid recirculation loop when the system is in use. The respective further fluid recirculation loop is hydraulically isolated from the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop when the system is in use. In other words, the fluid recirculation loops are operatively disconnected from one and other, such that no fluid is transferred between any two of said fluid recirculation loops when in use. It should however be understood that the above does not rule out the possibility that there are means to transfer working fluid to, from or even between the different refrigeration loops. As will be detailed later, there may be interconnecting systems, such as e.g. refilling systems, for supplying new fresh working fluid to each refrigeration loop. Such systems are however closed during operation and thus there is no effective transfer of fluid between the different loops when in operation.

[0025] With the term “cold side fluid recirculation loop” is herein meant a closed circuit through which a constant volume of working fluid is circulated. The cold side fluid recirculation loop may be arranged to retrieve, or provide, heat from a heat sink. The heat sink may be for example one or more of: ambient air, an aquifer, a bore hole, and industrial waste heat. The term “cold side fluid recirculation loop” as used herein is a non-limiting term to describe one of the recirculation loops to which the first set of one or more heat pump modules are connected to and the term is chosen to reflect how said recirculation loop most commonly will relate to the other recirculation loops temperature-wise. The term should however not be interpreted as requiring that the cold side fluid recirculation loop have a working fluid which always has a lower temperature than the working fluids of the other recirculation loops.

[0026] With the term “hot side fluid recirculation loop” is herein meant a closed loop circuit through which a constant volume of working fluid is circulated. The hot side fluid recirculation loop may be located in a part of an indoor area of one or more buildings. The hot side fluid recirculation loop may be arranged to provide heating and / or hot tap water to the indoor area of the one or more buildings. The term “hot side fluid recirculation loop” as used herein is a nonlimiting term to describe a recirculation loop to which a heat pump module of one of the second sets is connected to and the term is chosen to reflect how said recirculation loop most commonly will relate to the other recirculation loops temperature-wise. The term should however not be interpreted as requiring the hot side fluid recirculation loop to have a working fluid with temperature being higher than temperatures of working fluids of the other recirculation loops.

[0027] The respective hot side fluid recirculation loop may include a radiator circuit and a tap water heat exchange circuit, and the hot side fluid recirculation loop may be configured such that the second side of each heat pump module of each of the one or more second sets is in fluid communication with either the radiator circuit for providing room heating, or with the tap water heat exchange circuit for heating tap water.

[0028] The respective hot side fluid recirculation loop may include an underfloor heating circuit.

[0029] This may be advantageous as it provides a decentralized heat pump system which is configured to provide both heating and hot tap water. Thus, this is advantageous as it provides a decentralized heat pump system which is arranged as both a radiator system (for floor heating and / or radiators) and a tap water system depending on if a heat pump module of a second set is in fluid communication with the radiator circuit or the tap water exchange circuit.

[0030] It should be noted that some heat pump modules in the same or different second sets may be in fluid communication with the radiator circuit and other heat pump modules may be in fluid communication with the tap water exchange circuit. It should be further noted that each heat pump module of each of the one or more second sets may at all-time be physically connected to both the radiator circuit and the tap water exchange circuit of the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop but may only be fluidly connected, i.e. has fluid communication with, one of the radiator circuit and the hot tap water exchange circuit. Thereby, the decentralized heat pump system may be configured to transfer energy from the cold side fluid recirculation loop to either the radiator circuit or the hot tap water exchange circuit at the time.

[0031] Direct electric heaters may be provided to contribute to the heating provided by the second set of one or more heat pump modules. Such a direct electric heater may be provided in each heat pump module of the second set. Alternatively, or additionally, a direct electric heater may be provided outside of said heat pump module of the second set.

[0032] The respective hot side fluid recirculation loop may further include a hot water accumulator tank. A direct electric heater may be placed in the hot water accumulator tank. Thus, the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop may also include the direct electric heater. The provision of the direct electric heater may be advantageous as it allows to provide a faster heating which thus improves comfort for the user. In particular, the provision of the direct electric heater allows to better tailor the operation of the respective heat pump module to particular conditions. As an example, when the outside temperature is low, the heat transfer provided by the heat pump module may have to be directed to the radiators only. The direct electric heater may then be used to selectively heat the hot tap water.

[0033] The one or more heat pump modules of at least one of the one or more second sets may be configured to be connected via the respective further fluid recirculation loop to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop, and wherein the decentralized heat pump system may further comprise, for said at least one set of the one or more second sets: energy transfer means configured to be directly connected to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop at a first side thereof and directly connected to the respective further fluid recirculation loop at a second side thereof.

[0034] This may be advantageous as it improves the efficiency of the decentralized heat pump system. This may be further advantageous as it allows transferring energy between the ambient side fluid recirculation loop and the respective further fluid recirculation loop in a more efficient and flexible way. This is achieved by introducing the heat transfer means between the ambient side fluid recirculation loop and one of the further fluid recirculation loops. Thus, the energy transfer means may be configured to connect the ambient side fluid recirculation loop and a further fluid recirculation loop.

[0035] The energy transfer means may be a heat exchanger or a heat pump module.

[0036] If the energy transfer means is a heat exchanger or a heat pump may, among other things, depends on energy characteristics relating to the one or more buildings for optimized use of the electricity / power needed for each heat pump module of each of the one or more second sets. Thus, if the energy transfer means is a heat exchanger or a heat pump may be decided such that an optimized use of the electricity / power needed for each heat pump module of each of the one or more second sets is achieved. By way of example, if the building is a badly insulated building, the heat transfer means may be a heat pump such that a more efficient and controllable heating may be achieved to increase (or decrease) the temperature of the working fluid of the further fluid recirculation loop for optimized operation of the heat pump modules of the second set in this building. Thus, the heat pump may be advantageous in that it allows adapting the temperature of the working fluid of the ambient side fluid recirculation loop and the further fluid recirculation loop such that an optimal efficiency of the decentralized heat pump system may be achieved.

[0037] If, on the other hand, the heat transfer means is a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger is configured to transfer energy between the ambient side fluid recirculation loop and the further fluid recirculation loop. This may be advantageous in that, it provides a less expensive and more reliable energy transfer and, depending on building energy characteristics, the efficiency of the system may be improved since the ambient loop temperature may be controlled for the in-door area with best insulation for optimized use of power needed for the one or more heat pump modules of the second set configured to cover that indoor area.

[0038] In a typical implementation, regardless of whether the heat transfer means is a heat exchanger or a heat pump, there may be no controllable / steerable valves in the connection between a further fluid recirculation loop and each heat pump module of its respective second set to control the heat flow from the further fluid recirculation loop to each heat pump module of that second set depending on the heat needed in the part of the indoor area, e.g. an apartment. This is possible due to that the further fluid recirculation loop may comprise a central circulating pump configured to drive the further fluid recirculation loop. The main operation strategy by including the central circulating pump in the further fluid recirculation loop is to operate the further fluid recirculation loop with a central circulating pump at constant flow continuously. At first time start-up, the flow may be trimmed to meet necessary temperature demands set by each of the heat pump modules of the second set when each heat pump module is operating at 100%. In this way, the constant flow may pass the respective evaporator of each heat pump module of each of the second sets unhindered such that each heat pump module at all times is allowed to reach 100% operation as fast as possible in response to energy requirement from an indoor area. In other words, the decentralized heat pump system may comprise, for each further fluid recirculation loop, a respective central circulating pump for transporting a working fluid within the further fluid recirculation loop.

[0039] The one or more heat pump modules of each of the one or more second sets may be directly connected to the further fluid recirculation loop in parallel. This may be advantageous as it allows each heat pump module of the second set to start and stop fast and rapidly reach 100% load from 0%, especially when delivering hot tap water to the part of the indoor area, e.g. to an apartment. By continuously delivering a constant 100% thermal flow to all heat pump modules of the second set, i.e. all heat pump modules which are connected to the further fluid recirculation loop, each heat pump module of that set may focus on delivering heat knowing that all necessary low level thermal heat is always available, independent of the heat load of each heat pump module.

[0040] This may be further advantageous as it allows eliminating circulation inertia to each heat pump module by keeping the further fluid recirculation loop circulating continuously.

[0041] This may be further advantageous as it requires a less complex steering.

[0042] This may be further advantageous in that disturbances heat transferring from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop may not immediately affect the further fluid recirculation loop and create a thermal inertia in the further fluid recirculation loop that may prevent an immediate response to interlock all heat pump modules connected to the further fluid recirculation loop, i.e. all heat pump modules of the second set.

[0043] This may be further advantageous in that efficiency of the heat pump modules of the second set may increase due to less need to cool down the working fluid of the further fluid recirculation loop during part loads. This may be achieved by increasing the flow rate of the central circulation pump at part loads.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the first set of one or more heat pump modules is configured to be connected to a first electric grid and each of the one or more second sets of one or more heat pump modules is configured to be connected to a respective second electric grid.

[0045] This implies that each heat pump module of the first set of one or more heat pump modules is connected to the first electric grid. This further implies that each heat pump module of each of the one or more second sets is connected to the respective second electric grid. If the decentralized heat pump system comprises a plurality of second sets of one or more heat pump modules and each second set is arranged in a respective building, the respective building may comprise a plurality of second electric grids such that the heat pump modules of each second set may be connected to different second electric grid.

[0046] The first electric grid may have a certain capability, i.e. maximum allowed power, maximum allowed voltage and maximum allowed current. The respective second electric grid may have a certain capability, i.e. maximum allowed power, maximum allowed voltage and maximum allowed current. Each of the respective second electric grid may be the same electric grid. The first electric grid and the respective second electric grids may be the same electric grid.

[0047] This is advantageous as it allows driving the complete decentralized heat pump system by electricity instead of by combustion as in conventional systems, i.e. it allows an electrified solution based on renewable energy instead of combustion solutions as in conventional system.

[0048] Although individual second electric grids may be provided, it is alternatively conceivable that two or more of the one or more second sets of one or more heat pump modules is configured to be connected to a respective second electric grid. For some embodiments, there is only one second electric grid. For such embodiments, all of the one or more second sets of one or more heat pump modules is configured to be connected to the (sole) second electric grid.

[0049] An electrical grid is typically described as an interconnected network for electricity delivery from producers to consumers. An electrical grid may consist of power stations, electrical substations to step voltage up and down, electric power transmission to carry power long distances and electrical power distribution to individual customers, where voltage is stepped down again to required service voltage(s). However, in the context of this application, an electrical grid may be less extensive and complex than what is implied from the above general definition, and as used herein the term should be construed as limited only in so far as having its own well-defined boundaries and characteristics in relation to adjacent electrical grids. Thus, each electrical grid according to the disclosure may be operably independent on parallel electrical grids, have its own defined operating voltage, frequency and so on. Typically, an electrical grid, as used herein, is a sub distribution grid. As such, it may have its own interface for receiving electrical power from another electrical grid further upstream thereof.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the first set of one or more first heat pump modules is configured to be connected to a control unit being configured to control an operation of the first set of one or more heat pump modules.

[0051] This implies that each heat pump module of the first set of one or more heat pump modules is connected to the control unit. This may be advantageous as it allows optimizing an efficiency of the first set of one or more heat pump modules. The control unit may be configured to control the operation of the first set of one or more heat pump modules based on various parameters such as outdoor temperature, capabilities of the electric grids the heat pump modules are connected to, energy characteristics of the part of the indoor area of the one or more buildings, and so forth. The control unit may be configured to be connected (wired or wireless) to one or more sensors comprised in the decentralized heat pump system and configured to determine data pertaining to the various parameters. The one or more sensors may be a temperature sensor or a current sensor or the like.

[0052] This may be further advantageous in that a robust decentralized heat pump system is achieved. This may be yet further advantageous as it improves the efficiency of the decentralized heat pump system since the control unit is configured to control the operation of the first set of one or more heat pump modules, and as a consequence, the temperature of the working fluid of the ambient side fluid recirculation loop. This may be yet further advantageous as it allows controlling the first set of one or more heat pump modules in a viable, flexible, and effective way.

[0053] With the term “control unit” is herein meant any device or unit configured to control an operation of the first set of one or more heat pump modules. Preferably, the system comprises one control unit which is configured to control the operation of each heat pump module of the first set of one or more heat pump modules. It should however be noted that each heat pump module of the first set may have a respective further control unit which is configured to, together with the control unit, control the operation of the associated heat pump module. The control unit may be e.g., a microprocessor or a central processing unit, CPU. The control unit may be configured to control the power and enablement of the heat pump module operation of the first set. The control unit may be wired, or wireless connected to each of the heat pump modules of the first set.

[0054] Each heat pump module of the one or more second sets may be configured to be connected to the control unit which is configured to control an operation of each heat pump module of the one or more second sets. The control unit may be configured to control the operation of each heat pump module of the second sets based on the operation of the first set of one or more heat pump modules. By way of example, if each heat pump module of the one or more second sets is connected to the control unit, it may be possible to prevent use of the direct electric heater if not needed.

[0055] If the energy transfer means is the heat pump, the heat pump may be configured to be connected to the control unit which is configured to control an operation of the heat pump. The control unit may be configured to control the operation of the heat pump based on the operation of the first set of one or more heat pump modules.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the one or more heat pump modules of the first set has operating powers falling within a first operating power range and each heat pump module of each of the one or more second sets has operating powers falling within a second operating power range, and wherein the second operating power range is smaller than the first operating power range.

[0057] This may be advantageous as it allows to optimize the operation of the decentralized heat pump system. This is achieved in that each heat pump module of the first and second sets may be operated in an optimized way relating to power and loads.

[0058] The first operating power range may be 100 - 30 000 kW, preferably 200 - 20 000 kW. The first operating power range may depend on the number of second sets of one or more heat pump modules and the number of heat pump modules of each of the one or more second sets. Thus, the more second sets the decentralized heat pump system comprises, and / or the more heat pump modules each of the one or more second sets of the decentralized heat pump system comprises, the higher first operating power may be needed. The second operating power range may be 1 - 1000 kW, preferably 3 - 300 kW, more preferably 3 - 20 kW. The second operating power may depend on size and / or other characteristics of the part of the indoor area of the one or more buildings the heat pump module of the one or more second sets may be arranged to cover.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the ambient side fluid recirculation loop and the further fluid recirculation loop are operatively disconnected from one another, such that no fluid is transferred between any two of said recirculation loops when the energy is transferred between said any two of said recirculation loops during use of the decentralized heat pump system.

[0060] This may be advantageous as it allows to use individual and separate working fluids with individual properties. For example, different working fluid compositions may be used, e.g. different ethanol levels. Moreover, it allows operating the loops at different temperature ranges.

[0061] This may be further advantageous as it allows handling each of the further fluid recirculation loops and the ambient side fluid recirculation loop individually of each other in relation to pressure, leakage, supply limitations and operation of the respective fluid recirculation loops. Thus, if there may be any problem with one of the further fluid recirculation loops of the decentralized heat pump system, this may not affect the other further fluid recirculation loops or the ambient side fluid recirculation loop of the system. Hence, a more robust decentralized heat pump system is achieved.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the ambient side fluid recirculation loop may be configured to use an automatic refilling system of the working fluid of the ambient side fluid recirculation loop such that smaller leakages may be covered without the need of shutting down the complete fluid recirculation loop and thereby losing its delivery capability to all further fluid recirculation loop and / or hot side fluid recirculation loops in the system. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the further fluid recirculation loops and / or the hot side fluid recirculation loops may be configured to be manually refilled such that, if any leaks occur in the fluid recirculation loops, these may be able to be repaired before continuing refilling the working fluid to the further fluid recirculation loops or the hot side fluid recirculation loops. This may be advantageous in that it allows reducing the risk of having too large damages on the part of the indoor area in case of leakages or the like.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the decentralized heat pump system further comprises a process water refilling circuit system which interconnects the ambient side fluid recirculation loop with the respective further fluid recirculation loop of at least one of the one or more second sets and / or with the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop of at least one heat pump module of at least one of the one or more second sets, wherein the process water refilling circuit system is structured and arranged to allow, selectively, supplying process water from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop to said respective further fluid recirculation loop and / or to said respective hot side fluid recirculation loop for refilling the same.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the decentralized heat pump system further comprises a further process water refilling circuit system which interconnects the further fluid recirculation loop with the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop of at least one heat pump module of at least one of the one or more second sets, wherein the further process water refilling circuit system is structured and arranged to allow, selectively, supplying process water from the further fluid recirculation loop to said respective hot side fluid recirculation loop for refilling the same.

[0065] This may be advantageous as it ensures that the process water is of a certain quality which may be optimal for the respective heat pump modules of the decentralized heat pump system to operate with. The heat pump modules of the second set may be referred to as micro scale heat pump modules, i.e. small heat pump modules, which comprises small components and narrow channels in both heat exchangers of the heat pump module, the vaporizer which is connected to the further fluid recirculation loop, and the condenser which is connected to the hot side fluid recirculation loop.

[0066] With this design, the ambient side fluid recirculation loop, the respective further fluid recirculation loop, and the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop may be refilled with process water which is centrally produced at the first set of one or more heat pump modules. The process water may be treated water, i.e. purified water or distilled water. This means that one takes complete control of the water quality in all three fluid recirculation loops making sure that the working fluid in all recirculation loops will be adequate. In some examples, the working fluid may comprise of water and an alcohol to eliminate risks of vaporizer freezing of the heat pump modules of the respective second set connected to the respective further fluid recirculation loop. The alcohol may be ethanol, or glycol. The alcohol level may be within the range 5 to 20 % wt, preferably 10-15 % wt. The lower level of the interval may be linked to being able to eliminate, or at least reduce, the risk of frost stresses in fluid pipes of the respective fluid recirculation loop. The upper level of the interval may be linked to being able to eliminate, or at least reduce, the risk of the working fluid of the respective fluid recirculation loop becoming flammable at the operating temperature of the heat pump system. As an example, 10% wt ethanol may be used.

[0067] According to some embodiments, a working fluid of the cold side fluid recirculation loop has a fluid temperature in the range of 0-40°C, preferably 5- 25°C, more preferably 5-15°C.

[0068] The working fluid may be water or an ethanol / water mixture with 5-15% ethanol. The temperature range may depend on a working fluid of the cold side fluid recirculation loop and a freezing point of the working fluid.

[0069] According to some embodiments, a working fluid of the ambient side fluid recirculation loop has a fluid temperature in the range of 0-40°C, preferably 5-25°C, more preferably 10-20°C.

[0070] According to some embodiments, a working fluid of the respective further fluid recirculation loop has a fluid temperature in the range of 0-40°C, preferably 5-25°C, more preferably 10-30°C.

[0071] According to some embodiments, a working fluid of the respective hot side recirculation loop has a fluid temperature in the range of 30-70°C.

[0072] This may be advantageous as it allows to provide a temperature which is convenient both for the radiator circuit but and the hot tap water exchange circuit. The temperature of the working fluid may depend on the type of heating system, i.e. if it is the radiator circuit of the hot tap water exchange circuit that is operating. Thus, the temperature of the working fluid may depend on the type of heating system.

[0073] According to some embodiments, each of the one or more second sets of one or more heat pump modules comprises a larger number of heat pump modules than the first set of one or more heat pump modules.

[0074] This may be advantageous in that a robust and optimized decentralized heat pump system is achieved.

[0075] According to some embodiment, the decentralized heat pump system comprising two or more second sets each comprising one or more heat pump modules, wherein each second set of one or more heat pump modules is located in a respective indoor area of one or more buildings.

[0076] This is advantageous as it provides for a scalable decentralized heat pump system architecture.

[0077] Effects and features of the second and third aspects are largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second aspect and third aspects. It is further noted that the inventive concepts relate to all possible combinations of features unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0078] A further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0079] Hence, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or steps of the methods described as such device and method may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0080] Brief descriptions of the drawings

[0081] The disclosure will by way of example be described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, which shows presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure.

[0082] Figure 1 illustrates a decentralized heat pump system.

[0083] Figure 2 is a detailed illustration of one heat pump module of a second set of one or more heat pump modules.

[0084] Figure 3 is a detailed illustration of three heat pump modules of a second set of one or more heat pump modules.

[0085] Figure 4 illustrates a heat pump module.

[0086] Detailed description

[0087] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure 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 for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

[0088] With reference to Fig. 1 , a decentralized heat pump system 100 is illustrated by way of example. The decentralized heat pump system 100 is configured to transfer heat from one side of the system 100 to another side of the system 100. The decentralized heat pump system 100 is configured to transfer heat within the system 100. The decentralized heat pump system 100 comprises a first set 110 of one or more heat pump modules 111 and three second sets 120a, 120b, 120c of one or more heat pump modules 121 , 122, 123, 124. Throughout the application text, the phrase “first set of one or more heat pump modules” and the phrase “first set” are both referring to the first set of one or more heat pump modules. The phrase “one or more second sets of one or more heat pump modules” and the phrase “second sets” are both referring to the one or more second sets of one or more heat pump modules.

[0089] As depicted in Fig. 1 , the first set 110 comprises one heat pump module 111. The heat pump module 111 of the first set 110 is directly connected to a cold side fluid recirculation loop 101 at a first side 111a thereof and to an ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 at a second side 111b thereof. The cold side fluid recirculation loop 101 may be a closed circuit through which a constant volume of working fluid is circulated. The working fluid may have a fluid temperature in the range of 0-40°C, preferably 5-25°C, more preferably 5-15°C. The cold side fluid recirculation loop may be arranged to retrieve, or provide, heat from a heat sink 107. The heat sink 107 may be for example one or more of: ambient air, an aquifer, a bore hole, and industrial waste heat. The ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 may be a closed circuit through which a constant volume of working fluid is circulated.

[0090] The working fluid may have a fluid temperature in the range of 0-40°C, preferably 5-25°C, more preferably 10-20°C. The ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 may be arranged below ground. The heat pump module 111 of the first set 110 is configured to transfer energy between the cold side fluid recirculation loop 101 and the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102. The heat pump module 111 of the first set 110 may have an operating power of 20 - 20000 kW.

[0091] As indicated above, the decentralized heat pump system 100 comprises three second sets 120a, 120b, 120c of one or more heat pump modules 121 , 122, 123, 124. Second set 120a comprises one heat pump module 121. Second set 120b comprises three heat pump modules 122, 123, 124. Second set 120c comprises three heat pump modules 122, 123, 124. The decentralized heat pump system 100 may comprise more than three second sets 120a, 120b, 120c or less than three second sets 120a, 120b, 120c.

[0092] The heat pump module 121 of second set 120a is connected to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 at a first side 121 a thereof and to a hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 at a second side 121 b thereof. Thus, the heat pump module 121 is configured to transfer energy between the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 and the hot side fluid recirculation loop 104. The heat pump module 121 of second set 120a and the hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 are arranged in a first building 140a and are configured to provide heating and / or tap water to an indoor area of the first building 140a. The operating power of the heat pump module 121 may be 10-1000 kW depending on a size of the first building 140a. However, it should be noted that the operating power of the heat pump module 121 of the first second set 120a is smaller than the operating power of the heat pump module 111 of the first set 110.

[0093] The heat pump modules 122, 123, 124 of second set 120b are connected to a further fluid recirculation loop 103 at a respective first side 122a, 123a, 124a thereof and to a respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 at a respective second side 122b, 123b, 124b thereof. Thus, the heat pump modules 122, 123, 124 of second set 120b are configured to transfer energy between the respective further fluid recirculation loop 103 and the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104. The heat pump modules 122, 123, 124 of second set 120b and the respective hot side fluid recirculation loops 104 are arranged in a second building 140b and are configured to provide heating and / or tap water to a respective indoor area of the second building 140b. The further fluid recirculation loop 103 may also be arranged in the second building 140b. By way of examples, each heat pump module 122, 123, 124 and the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 may be configured to provide heating and / or tap water to a respective apartment (i.e. a respective part of an indoor area) of the second building 140b. The operating power of the heat pump modules 122, 123, 124 may be 3-20 kW depending on a size of the respective indoor area of the second building 140b. However, it should be noted that the operating power of the heat pump modules 122, 123, 124 of second set 120b is smaller than the operating power of the heat pump module 111 of the first set 110.

[0094] The decentralized heat pump system 100 further comprises energy transfer means 130. The energy transfer means 130 is connected to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 at a first side 130a thereof and to the further fluid recirculation loop 103 of second set 120b at a second side 130b thereof. The energy transfer means 130 of the second building 140b is a heat exchanger 131a and may be configured to transfer energy from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 to the further fluid recirculation loop 103.

[0095] The heat pump modules 122, 123, 124 of second set 120c are connected in a similar way as the heat pump modules 122, 123, 124 of second set 120b and comprises similar components and features as described above for second set 120b. The heat pump modules 122, 123, 124 of second set 120c and the respective hot side fluid recirculation loops 104 are arranged in a third building 140c and are configured to provide heating and / or tap water to a respective indoor area of the third building 140c. The further fluid recirculation loop 103 may also be arranged in the third building 140c. By way of examples, each heat pump module 122, 123, 124 and the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 may be configured to provide heating and / or tap water to a respective apartment (i.e. an indoor area) of the third building 140c. The operating power of the heat pump modules 122, 123, 124 may be 3-20 kW depending on a size of the respective indoor area of the third building 140c. However, it should be noted that the operating power of the heat pump modules 122, 123, 124 of second set 120c is smaller than the operating power of the heat pump module 111 of the first set 110.

[0096] As indicated above, the decentralized heat pump system 100 further comprises energy transfer means 130. The energy transfer means 130 of the third building 140c is a heat pump 131 b and may be configured to transfer energy from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 to the further fluid recirculation loop 103.

[0097] The respective further fluid recirculation loops 103 may be a closed circuit through which a constant volume of working fluid is circulated. The working fluid may have a fluid temperature in the range of 0-40°C, preferably 5-25°C, more preferably 10-30°C. The respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 may be a closed circuit through which a constant volume of working fluid is circulated. The working fluid may have a fluid temperature in the range of 30-70°C.

[0098] Thus, the first set and the second sets are connected to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 in one way or another, either directly connected or via energy transfer means, wherein the decentralized heat pump system 100 may be configured to transfer energy from the cold side fluid recirculation loop 101 to the hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 via the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 and the respective further fluid recirculation loop 103, if any.

[0099] As best illustrated in Figs 2 and 3, the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 includes a radiator circuit or an underfloor heating circuit 104a and a tap water exchange circuit 104b. The respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 is configured such that the second side 121 b, 122b, 123b, 124b of each heat pump module 121 , 122, 123, 124 of each of the second sets 120a, 120b, 120c is in fluid communication with either the radiator circuit 104a for providing room heating or with the tap water heat exchange circuit 104b for heating tap water. It should be noted that the heat pump modules 121 , 122, 123, 124 are physically connected to both the radiator circuit 104a and the tap water exchange circuit 104b at all times. As depicted in Fig. 2, the heat pump module 121 is in fluid communication with the radiator circuit 104a (illustrated as a solid line) and is not in fluid communication with, but physically connected to, the tap water exchange circuit 104b (illustrated as a dotted line). As depicted in Fig. 3, the first heat pump module 122 and the second heat pump module 123 are in fluid communication with the tap water exchange circuit 104b (illustrated as a solid line) and is not in fluid communication with, but physically connected to, the radiator circuit 104a (illustrated as a dotted line). The third heat pump module 124 is in fluid communication with the radiator circuit 104a (illustrated as a solid line) and is not in fluid communication with, but physically connected to, the tap water exchange circuit 104b (illustrated as a dotted line).

[0100] With reference to Fig. 4, the heat pump modules 111 , 121 , 122, 123, 124 of the decentralized heat pump system 100 is illustrated and discussed in further detail. Each heat pump module 111 , 121 , 122, 123, 124 comprises first inlet and outlet ports 431 a, 431 b at the respective first side 111a, 121a, 122a, 123a, 124a thereof and second inlet and outlet ports 432a, 432b at the respective second side 111 b, 121 b, 122b, 123b, 124b thereof. Each heat pump module 111 , 121 , 122, 123, 124 further comprises a refrigerant circulation loop 434. The refrigerant recirculation loop 434 comprises a first heat exchanger unit 435 and a second heat exchanger unit 437 as well as a compressor 436 and an expander 438.

[0101] The first inlet and outlet ports 431a, 431 b are connected to a fluid recirculation loop 101 , 102, 103 (depending on the heat pump module as discussed above). The second inlet and outlet ports 432a, 432b are connected to another fluid recirculation loop 102, 103, 104 (depending on the heat pump module as discussed above). The first heat exchanger unit 435 is fluidly connected to the first inlet and outlet ports 431a, 431 b. The second heat exchanger unit 437 is fluidly connected to the second inlet and outlet ports 432b, 432a. The refrigerant circulation loop 434 preferably circulates a refrigerant through the first heat exchanger unit 435, the compressor 436, the second heat exchanger unit 437 and the expander 438. The refrigerant and the working fluid of the fluid recirculation loop 101 , 102, 103 are configured to exchange thermal energy between each other in the first heat exchanger unit 435 such that a temperature of the refrigerant increases and a temperature of the working fluid decreases. The refrigerant is circulated from the first heat exchanger unit 435 to the compressor 436 which is configured to increase the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant even further before supplying the refrigerant to the second heat exchanger unit 437. The refrigerant and the working fluid of the other fluid recirculation loop 102, 103, 104 are configured to exchange thermal energy between each other in the second heat exchanger unit 437 such that a temperature of the refrigerant decreases and a temperature of the working fluid increases. The refrigerant is circulated from the second heat exchanger unit 437 to the expander 438 which is configured to control an amount of refrigerant released into the first heat exchanger unit 435. The working fluid is circulated from the second heat exchanger unit 437 to a further heat pump module 121 , 122, 123, 124 or to the respective radiator circuit 104a or the respective tap water exchange circuit 104b.

[0102] If the energy transfer means 130 is a heat pump module, the heat pump module comprises similar features and is operating in a similar way as described for the heat pump modules 111 , 121 , 122, 123, 124 of the decentralized heat pump system 100 above.

[0103] One or more of the heat pump devices 121 , 122, 123, 124 of the second sets 120a, 120b, 120c may further comprise a direct electric heater 406. When the heat pump devices 121 , 122, 123, 124 of the second set 120a, 120b, 120c comprises the direct electric heater 406, the maximum operating power of the heat pump device 121 , 122, 123, 124 of the second set 120a, 120b, 120c will be the sum of the maximum operating power of the respective compressor 436 and the maximum operating power of the respective direct electric heater 406. As a non-limiting example, if the maximum operating power of the compressor 436 is 5 kW and the maximum operating power of the direct electric heater 406 is 6 kW, the maximum operating power of the heat pump device 121 , 122, 123, 124 will be 11 kW. The provision of the direct electric heater 406 allows to better tailor the operation of the heat pump module 121 , 122, 123, 124 to particular conditions. As an example, when the outside temperature is low, the heat transfer provided by the refrigerant circulation loop 434 may have to be directed to the radiators only. The direct electric heater 406 may then be used to selectively heat the hot tap water. The direct electric heater 406 may be placed in an accumulator tank 407 and the heat pump device 121 , 122, 123, 124 may in this case also include the accumulator tank 407.

[0104] Referring back to Fig. 1 , the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 and the further fluid recirculation loop 103 are operatively disconnected from one another. Thus, no fluid is transferred between the two fluid recirculation loops 102, 103 when energy is transferred between the two fluid recirculation loops 102, 103 during use of the decentralized heat pump system 100. The decentralized heat pump system 100 further comprises a process water refilling circuit system 105. the process water refilling circuit system 105 interconnects the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 and the further fluid recirculation loop 103 of the second building 140b. Although not illustrated, the process water refilling circuit system 105 may interconnect the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 with more than one, or with each, respective further fluid recirculation loop 103. As can be further seen in Fig. 1 , the process water refilling circuit system 105 interconnects the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 and one of the respective hot side fluid recirculation loops 104 of the second building 140b. Although not illustrated, the process water refilling circuit system 105 may interconnect the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 with more than one, or with each, respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104. The process water refilling circuit system 105 is configured to allow, selectively, to supply process water from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop 102 to the respective further fluid recirculation loop 103 and / or to the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 for refilling the respective further fluid recirculation loop 103 and / or the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104. This is provided by a respective valve 106 arranged in the process water refilling circuit system 105.

[0105] As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the respective further fluid recirculation loop 103 and the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 are operatively disconnected from one another. Thus, no fluid is transferred between the two fluid recirculation loops 103, 104 when energy is transferred between the two fluid recirculation loops 103, 104 during use of the decentralized heat pump system 100. The decentralized heat pump system 100 further comprises a further process water refilling circuit system 115. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the further process water refilling circuit system 115 interconnects the further fluid recirculation loop 103 and the hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 of the second building 140b. Although not illustrated, the further process water refilling circuit system 115 may interconnect the respective further fluid recirculation loop 103 with more than one, or with each, respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104. The further process water refilling circuit system 115 is configured to allow, selectively, to supply process water from the respective further fluid recirculation loop 103 to the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop 104 for refilling the respective hot fluid recirculation loop 104. This is provided by a respective valve 116 arranged in the further process water refilling circuit system 115. The first set 110 of one or more heat pump modules is connected to a first electric grid 150. Each of the second set 120 of one or more heat pump modules are connected to a respective second electric grid 160a, 160b, 160c. This may be advantageous in that it allows separated electrical grids which may be beneficial because it makes the system 100 less vulnerable. By way of example, this is achieved by that the first and second electric grids may be different local area network.

[0106] The decentralized heat pump system 100 further comprises a control unit 170. The first set 110 of one or more heat pump modules is connected to the control unit 170, wherein the control unit 170 is configured to control an operation of the first set 110 of one or more heat pump modules 110. Although the control unit 170 is illustrated as being remote from the first set

[0107] 110 of one or more heat pump modules, the control unit 170 may be comprised in the first set 110 of one or more heat pump modules. The control unit 170 may be comprised in one heat pump module 111 of the first set 110 of one or more heat pump modules. The control unit 170 may be wired, or wireless connected to the first set 110 of one or more heat pump modules 111 . As further depicted, the second sets 120a, 120b, 120c of one or more heat pump modules are connected to the control unit 170. The control unit 170 may be comprised in one of the second sets 120a, 120b, 120c of one or more heat pump modules. The control unit 170 may be comprised in one heat pump module 121 , 122, 123, 124 of the second sets 120 of one or more heat pump modules. The control unit 170 may be wired, or wireless connected to the second sets 120a, 120b, 120c of one or more heat pump modules. The control unit 170 may be arranged to be distributed over a plurality of heat pump modules such that a mesh network (well-known in the art by the skilled person) is formed.

[0108] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present disclosure by no means is 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 to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A decentralized heat pump system (100) comprising: a first set (110) of one or more heat pump modules wherein each heat pump module of the first set (110) is configured to be directly connected to a cold side fluid recirculation loop (101 ) at a first side (111a) thereof and to be directly connected to an ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102) at a second side (111 b) thereof; and one or more second sets (120) each comprising one or more heat pump modules wherein each heat pump module of each of the one or more second sets (120) is configured to be directly connected, or connected via a respective further fluid recirculation loop (103), to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102), at a first side (121a, 122a, 123a, 124a) thereof, and to be directly connected to a respective hot side fluid recirculation loop (104) at a second side (121 b, 122b, 123b, 124b) thereof; wherein the decentralized heat pump system (100) is configured to transfer energy from the cold side fluid recirculation loop (101 ) to the hot side fluid recirculation loop (104) via the ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102).

2. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop (104) includes a radiator circuit (104a) and a tap water heat exchange circuit (104b), and wherein the hot side fluid recirculation loop (104) is configured such that the second side (121 b, 122b, 123b, 124b) of each heat pump module (121 , 122, 123, 124) of each of the one or more second sets (120a, 120b, 120c) is in fluid communication with either the radiator circuit for providing room heating, or with the tap water heat exchange circuit for heating tap water.

3. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more heat pump modules (121 , 122, 123, 124) of at least one of the one or more second sets (120a, 120b, 120c) are configured to be connected via the respective further fluid recirculationloop (103) to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102), and wherein the decentralized heat pump system (100) further comprises, for said at least one set of the one or more second sets (120a, 120b, 120c): energy transfer means (130) configured to be directly connected to the ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102) at a first side (130a) thereof and directly connected to the respective further fluid recirculation loop (103) at a second side (130b) thereof.

4. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the energy transfer means (130) is a heat exchanger or a heat pump module.

5. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first set (110) of one or more heat pump modules is configured to be connected to a first electric grid (150) and each of the one or more second sets (120a, 120b, 120c) of one or more heat pump modules is configured to be connected to a respective second electric grid (160a, 160b, 160c).

6. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first set (110) of one or more first heat pump modules is configured to be connected to a control unit (170) being configured to control an operation of the first set (110) of one or more heat pump modules.

7. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more heat pump modules (111 ) of the first set (110) has operating powers falling within a first operating power range and each heat pump module (121 , 122, 123, 124) of each of the one or more second sets (120a, 120b, 120c) has operating powers falling within a second operating power range, and wherein the second operating power range is smaller than the first operating power range.

8. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102) and the further fluid recirculation loop (103) are operatively disconnected from one another, such that no fluid is transferred between any two of said recirculation loops (102, 103) when the energy is transferred between said any two of said recirculation loops (102, 103) during use of the decentralized heat pump system (100).

9. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a process water refilling circuit system (105) which interconnects the ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102) with the respective further fluid recirculation loop (103) of at least one of the one or more second sets (120a, 120b, 120c) and / or with the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop (104) of at least one heat pump module (121 , 122, 123, 124) of at least one of the one or more second sets (120), wherein the process water refilling circuit system (105) is structured and arranged to allow, selectively, supplying process water from the ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102) to said respective further fluid recirculation loop (103) and / or to said respective hot side fluid recirculation loop (104) for refilling the same.

10. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a working fluid of the cold side fluid recirculation loop (101 ) has a fluid temperature in the range of 0-40°C, preferably 5-25°C, more preferably 5-15°C.11 . The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a working fluid of the ambient side fluid recirculation loop (102) has a fluid temperature in the range of 0-40°C, preferably 5-25°C, more preferably 10-20°C.

12. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a working fluid of the respective further fluid recirculation loop (103) has a fluid temperature in the range of 0-40°C, preferably 5-25°C, more preferably 10-30°C.

13. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a working fluid of the respective hot side fluid recirculation loop (104) has a fluid temperature in the range of 30-70°C.

14. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more second sets (120a, 120b, 120c) of one or more heat pump modules comprises a larger number of heat pump modules (121 , 122, 123, 124) than the first set (110) of one or more heat pump modules.

15. The decentralized heat pump system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more second sets (120a, 120b, 120c) each comprising one or more heat pump modules (121 , 122, 123, 124), wherein each second set (120a, 120b, 120c) of one or more heat pump modules is located in a respective indoor area of one or more buildings (140a, 140b, 140c).

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