DE102022119835A1 - heat pump system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat pump system and a method for operating such a heat pump system, comprising a heat pump circuit formed from a compressor device (1), a first heat exchanger (2), an expansion device (3) and a second heat exchanger (4) and through which a heat pump circuit medium flows ( 5), wherein the first heat exchanger (2) has a primary side (2.1) through which the heat pump circuit medium can flow and a secondary side (2.2) through which a first heat transfer medium can flow, the second heat exchanger (4) having a primary side (4.1) through which the heat pump circuit medium can flow and one of one second heat transfer medium through which the secondary side (4.2) can flow, wherein the secondary side (2.2) of the first heat exchanger (2) is assigned a flow interruption device (6) that is triggered in the event of a leak between the primary side (2.1) and the secondary side (2.2) of the first heat exchanger (2). . According to the invention, the secondary side (4.2) of the second heat exchanger (4) is assigned an additional flow interruption device (7) that triggers in the event of a leak between the primary side (4.1) and the secondary side (4.2) of the second heat exchanger (4).

Description

The invention relates to a heat pump system according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

A heat pump system of the type mentioned is from the patent document EP 3 351 868 A1 known. This consists of a heat pump circuit formed from a compressor device, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device and a second heat exchanger and through which a heat pump circuit medium flows, the first heat exchanger having a primary side through which the heat pump circuit medium can flow and a secondary side through which a first heat transfer medium can flow, the second heat exchanger having a has a primary side through which the heat pump circuit medium can flow and a secondary side through which a second heat transfer medium can flow, wherein the secondary side of the first heat exchanger is assigned a flow interruption device that triggers in the event of a leak between the primary side and the secondary side of the first heat exchanger.

The object of the invention is to improve a heat pump system of the type mentioned at the outset. In particular, a heat pump system is to be created which can be operated even more reliably, in particular when it is used both for heating and for cooling (in particular also simultaneously).

This object is achieved with a heat pump system of the type mentioned by the features listed in the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

According to the invention, provision is therefore made for the secondary side of the second heat exchanger to be assigned an additional flow interruption device which is triggered in the event of a leak between the primary side and the secondary side of the second heat exchanger.

In other words, the heat pump system according to the invention is characterized in that, even in a heat pump system in which one or the other heat exchanger is exposed to particularly high pressures due to a corresponding switchover between heating and cooling operation, there is always a flow of a heat transfer medium A device for interrupting the flow is provided on the secondary side of the respective heat exchanger, the task of which is in particular to prevent the heat pump circuit medium from penetrating into a circuit connected to the respective secondary side.

Other advantageous developments emerge from the dependent patent claims.

For the sake of completeness, reference is made to the patent document further away EP 2 885 584 B1 pointed out. However, this solution has no flow interruption devices in the sense claimed.

The heat pump system according to the invention of the type mentioned, including its advantageous developments according to the dependent patent claims, is explained in more detail below with reference to the graphic representation of a preferred exemplary embodiment.

• 1 schematisch den grundsätzlichen Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Wärmepumpenanlage;
• 2 schematisch, aber mit mehr Details als in 1 den grundsätzlichen Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Wärmepumpenanlage;
• 3 schematisch eine besondere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Wärmepumpenanlage mit (mindestens) zwei Wärmepumpenkreisläufen;
• 4 teils schematisch eine Seite der erfindungsgemäßen Wärmepumpenanlage, mit einer im Rahmen einer in Seitenansicht dargestellten Entgasungseinrichtung;
• 5 im Schnitt die Entgasungseinrichtung gemäß 5 mit einem pfropfenförmigen Schwimmer; und
• 6 im Teilschnitt eine Entgasungseinrichtung mit einem kugelförmigen Schwimmer.

It shows

• 1 schematically shows the basic structure of the heat pump system according to the invention;
• 2 schematic but with more details than in 1 the basic structure of the heat pump system according to the invention;
• 3 schematically a special embodiment of the heat pump system according to the invention with (at least) two heat pump circuits;
• 4 partly schematically one side of the heat pump system according to the invention, with a degassing device shown in a side view;
• 5 in section the degassing device according to 5 with a plug-shaped float; and
• 6 in partial section a degassing device with a spherical float.

The heat pump system shown in the figures consists, in a manner known per se, of a heat pump circuit 5 formed from a compressor device 1, a first heat exchanger 2, an expansion device 3 and a second heat exchanger 4 and through which a heat pump circuit medium flows, with the first heat exchanger 2 having a primary side 2.1 through which the heat pump circuit medium can flow and a secondary side 2.2 through which a first heat transfer medium can flow, the second heat exchanger 4 having a primary side 4.1 through which the heat pump circuit medium can flow and a secondary side 4.2 through which a second heat transfer medium can flow, the secondary side 2.2 of the first heat exchanger 2 a flow interruption device 6 that triggers in the event of a leak between the primary side 2.1 and the secondary side 2.2 of the first heat exchanger 2 is assigned.

What is essential for the heat pump system according to the invention, and this applies to all conceivable embodiments, is that the secondary side 4.2 of the second heat exchanger 4 is assigned an additional flow interruption device 7 that triggers in the event of a leak between the primary side 4.1 and the secondary side 4.2 of the second heat exchanger 4. As explained at the outset, this requirement brings with it the significant advantage that the system is protected against possible leakage of the heat pump circuit both in heating and in cooling mode.

Looked at in a little more detail, and this is particularly the case 2 referred to, on the one hand it is particularly preferred that the secondary side 2.2 of the first heat exchanger 2 seen in the operating flow direction of the heat transfer medium is followed by a first degassing device 6.1 (will be explained in more detail below) which, above a predefined gas quantity in the heat transfer medium, prevents a flow of the heat transfer medium in the operating flow direction is trained. On the other hand, it is also particularly preferred, optionally alternatively or also in combination (see the corresponding wording "and/or" in claim 2), that the secondary side 4.2 of the second heat exchanger 4, seen in the operating flow direction of the heat transfer medium, is downstream of a second degassing device 7.1, which from a predefined amount of gas in the heat transfer medium, a flow of the heat transfer medium is formed in the operating flow direction preventing.

Considered in more detail, on the one hand it is furthermore preferably provided that the secondary side 2.2 of the first heat exchanger 2 is designed as part of a first heating or cooling circuit 8 having a first circulating pump 8.1. On the other hand, it is also particularly preferred, optionally alternatively or also combined (“and/or”), for the secondary side 4.2 of the second heat exchanger 4 to be designed as part of a second heating or cooling circuit 9 having a second circuit pump 9.1.

Expressed in terms of the method, it is preferably provided that above a predefined gas quantity of the heat transfer medium, the flow interruption device 6 in the first heating or cooling circuit 8 and/or the additional flow interruption device 7 in the second heating or cooling circuit 9 prevents a flow of the heat transfer medium in the operating flow direction.

With regard to the specific design of the flow interrupting device 6 or the additional flow interrupting device 7, on the one hand it is particularly preferred, viewed in the operating flow direction of the heat transfer medium, to have a first one downstream of the first circulation pump 8.1 and upstream of the secondary side 2.2 of the first heat exchanger 2 and closing if the flow of the heat transfer medium is opposite to the operating flow direction trained check valve 6.2 provided. On the other hand, as seen in the operating flow direction of the heat transfer medium, there is also, optionally alternatively or in combination ("and/or"), a second flow of the Heat transfer medium closing trained check valve 7.2 provided.

In all of this, the heat transfer medium in the heating and cooling circuits 8, 9 that are preferably provided always only flows in one direction during normal (non-faulty) operation of the heat pump system, namely in the aforementioned operating flow direction.

With regard to the further concrete design of the flow interruption device 6 or the additional flow interruption device 7, provision is preferably made for the flow interruption device 6 to be designed to include the first degassing device 6.1 and the first check valve 6.2. On the other hand, it is also preferably provided, either alternatively or in combination (“and/or”), that the additional flow interruption device 7 is designed to include the second degassing device 7.1 and the second check valve 7.2.

In addition, it is preferably provided that the degassing device 6.1, 7.1 is provided with a vent valve 6.1.1, 7.1.1.

Like in particular 2 As can be seen, it is further preferably provided that a connecting line 8.2, 9.2 between the secondary side 2.2, 4.2 of the heat exchanger 2, 4 and the degassing device 6.1, 7.1 is provided with a pressure relief valve 8.3, 9.3.

In all of this, it is particularly preferred that the vent valve 6.1.1, 7.1.1 and/or the pressure relief valve 8.3, 9.3 are designed or is connected to a gas discharge line 8.4, 9.4 for discharging gas that has escaped unintentionally (for example propane gas). In this way, a safe discharge of the gas is possible. Considered a little more closely (see in particular again 2 ), it is particularly preferably provided that each gas discharge line 8.4, 9.4 is designed to open into a common gas discharge manifold 10. In addition, it is provided that the gas discharge manifold 10 is designed to open out outside of a building.

In order to also be able to intervene directly in the operation of the system in the event of a gas leak, it is also particularly preferred that either the gas discharge line 8.4, 9.4 or preferably the gas discharge collecting line 10 is designed to be provided with a gas sensor 11 for the detection of unintentionally escaping gas .

Another special feature is (or are) with reference to 3 Furthermore, preferably between the first and second heating or cooling circuit 8, 9 at least one (or more) further, preferably identical, heat pump system is provided.

At the in 3 The solution shown are the check valves 6.2, 7.2 (cf 2 ) and also the circuit pumps 8.1, 9.1 for all heat pumps on a basic heating or basic cooling circuit are arranged shifted, i.e. pulled “in front of the clamp”, so to speak, so that ultimately only two check valves and two circuit pumps are required, even with several heat pumps. It is just as possible (not shown separately) to also arrange the degassing devices 6.1, 7.1 for all heat pumps together on the said basic heating or basic cooling circuit, so that ultimately only two such degassing devices are to be provided even with several heat pumps. As can easily be seen, any other arrangement combination of the circuit pumps, non-return valves and degassing devices on the heating or cooling circuits or on the basic heating or basic cooling circuit is also possible.

As a further safety function, it is also preferably provided that the circulation pump 8.1, 9.1 is designed to switch off automatically when the supply quantity of heat transfer medium falls below a predefined value. Expressed in terms of the method, it is therefore preferably provided that the circulation pump 8.1, 9.1 switches off automatically when the supply quantity of heat transfer medium to the circulation pump 8.1, 9.1 falls below a predetermined level.

In particular with reference to the 4 until 6 , It is further particularly preferred that the degassing device 6.1, 7.1 has a float 6.1.2. This is preferably optionally in the form of a sphere (see 6 ) or as an elongated plug tapered at its lower end (see 5 ) educated.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the degassing device 6.1, 7.1 is designed as a container with an inlet 6.1.3 and with an outlet 6.1.4 for the heat transfer medium.

In this case, the inlet 6.1.3 is preferably arranged above the outlet 6.1.4 when the heat pump system is operated as intended (ie when it is set up in a suitable manner for normal operation). The outlet 6.1.4 is preferably arranged at a lowest point 6.1.5 in the container.

In addition, it is preferably provided that, when the heat pump system is operated as intended, the float 6.1.2 is optionally arranged above the lowest point 6.1.4 in the container and/or is mounted so that it can be displaced vertically within the container. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the float 6.1.2 is designed to float on the heat transfer medium below the predefined amount of gas and to close the outlet 6.1.4 above the predefined amount of gas.

With reference to 5 it is further preferably provided that the container is formed from a cylindrical shell 6.1.7 closed on both sides with cover elements 6.1.6. In addition, a preferably tubular guide element 6.1.8 for the float 6.1.2 is preferably arranged in the container. As shown, this (ie the guide element 6.1.8) preferably has through-flow openings 6.1.9 for the heat transfer medium.

Finally, in order to ensure a calm flow in the container and thus a particularly reliable functioning of the degassing device 6.1, 7.1, it is preferably provided that the heat transfer medium flows into a container of the degassing device 6.1, 7.1 via an inlet 6.1.3 and a flow rate of the heat transfer medium is reduced by at least 50% at the transition from the inlet 6.1.3 to the container.

• Das vom Wärmeübertrager 2, 4 kommende Heizkreislaufmedium strömt über den Zulauf 6.1.3 in den Behälter der Entgasungseinrichtung 6.1, 7.1. Dieser ist mit Wärmeträgermedium gefüllt, so dass der Schwimmer 6.1.2, geführt vom mit Durchströmöffnungen 6.1.9 versehenen Führungselement 6.1.8, oben im Wärmeträgermedium schwimmt. An der tiefsten Stelle 6.1.5 des Behälters ist der Ablauf 6.1.4 angeordnet, über den das Wärmeträgermedium die Entgasungseinrichtung 6.1, 7.1 wieder verlässt und in Richtung zum Beispiel der Heizkörper strömt.

The heat pump system according to the invention works as follows without a leak or leakage at the heat exchanger 2, 4, i.e. with proper operation:

• The coming from the heat exchanger 2, 4 heating circuit medium flows through the inlet 6.1.3 in the container of the degassing device 6.1, 7.1. This is filled with heat transfer medium, so that the float 6.1.2, guided by the guide element 6.1.8 provided with flow openings 6.1.9, floats in the heat transfer medium at the top. The outlet 6.1.4 is arranged at the lowest point 6.1.5 of the container, via which the heat transfer medium leaves the degassing device 6.1, 7.1 again and flows in the direction of the radiator, for example.

If there is now a significant leakage in the heat exchanger 2, 4, what is absolutely undesirable, in particular combustible heat pump circuit medium from the heat pump circuit 5, which is operated at a very high pressure, occurs in a larger quantity into the heating or cooling circuit 8, which is operated at a significantly lower pressure , 9, the heat transfer medium stored in the container of the degassing device 6.1, 7.1 is pressed out of it, so that the float 6.1.2 comes down and then, due to the then high pressure in the container, closes the outlet 6.1.4 tightly until essential Quantities of the heat pump circuit medium were blown off via the vent valve 6.1.1, 7.11, with the closure of the outlet 6.1.4, as described and even promoted by the suction of the circuit pump 8.1, 9.1 itself, leading to the circuit pump 8.1, 9.1 also stopping its operation , i.e. H. the entire heat pump system goes into complete failure, which is logical with this type of error, and since the ventilation valve 6.1.1, 7.11 (via the gas discharge line 9.4 or the gas discharge collecting line 10) is designed to open out, it is ensured according to the invention that that no combustible heat pump circuit medium can get into the building to be heated.

Reference List

1

compression device

2

first heat exchanger

2.1

primary side

2.2

secondary side

3

expansion device

4

second heat exchanger

4.1

primary side

4.2

secondary side

5

heat pump circuit

6

flow disruption device

6.1

first degassing device

6.1.1

breather valve

6.1.2

swimmer

6.1.3

Intake

6.1.4

Sequence

6.1.5

lowest point

6.1.6

cover element

6.1.7

Covering

6.1.8

guide element

6.1.9

flow opening

6.2

first check valve

7

Auxiliary flow disruption device

7.1

second degassing device

7.1.1

breather valve

7.2

second check valve

8th

first heating or cooling circuit

8.1

first circulation pump

8.2

connection line

8.3

pressure relief valve

8.4

gas discharge line

9

second heating or cooling circuit

9.1

second circulation pump

9.2

connection line

9.3

pressure relief valve

9.4

gas discharge line

10

gas discharge manifold

11

gas sensor

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 3351868 A1 [0002]
• EP 2885584 B1 [0008]

Claims (12)

Heat pump system, comprising a heat pump circuit (5) formed from a compressor device (1), a first heat exchanger (2), an expansion device (3) and a second heat exchanger (4) and through which a heat pump circuit medium flows, wherein the first heat exchanger (2) has a has a primary side (2.1) through which the heat pump circuit medium can flow and a secondary side (2.2) through which a first heat transfer medium can flow, the second heat exchanger (4) having a primary side (4.1) through which the heat pump circuit medium can flow and a secondary side (4.2) through which a second heat transfer medium can flow, the secondary side (2.2) of the first heat exchanger (2) is assigned a flow interruption device (6) that triggers in the event of a leak between the primary side (2.1) and the secondary side (2.2) of the first heat exchanger (2), characterized in that the secondary side (4.2) of the second Heat exchanger (4) one in one Leakage between the primary side (4.1) and the secondary side (4.2) of the second heat exchanger (4) triggering additional flow interruption device (7) is assigned. heat pump system claim 1 , characterized in that the secondary side (2.2) of the first heat exchanger (2), seen in the operating flow direction of the heat transfer medium, is followed by a first degassing device (6.1), which is designed to prevent a flow of the heat transfer medium in the operating flow direction from a predefined quantity of gas in the heat transfer medium, and/or that the secondary side (4.2) of the second heat exchanger (2), seen in the operating flow direction of the heat transfer medium, is followed by a second degassing device (7.1), which is designed to prevent a flow of the heat transfer medium in the operating flow direction from a predefined quantity of gas in the heat transfer medium. heat pump system claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the secondary side (2.2) of the first heat exchanger (2) is designed as part of a first heating or cooling circuit (8) having a first circulation pump (8.1), and/or that the secondary side (4.2) of the second heat exchanger (4) is designed as part of a second heating or cooling circuit (9) having a second circulation pump (9.1). heat pump system claim 3 , characterized in that viewed in the operating direction of flow of the heat transfer medium, a first non-return valve (6.2) is provided downstream of the first circulating pump (8.1) and upstream of the secondary side (2.2) of the first heat exchanger (2) and is designed to close when the flow of the heat transfer medium is in the opposite direction to the operating flow direction and/or that, seen in the operating direction of flow of the heat transfer medium, a second check valve (7.2) is arranged downstream of the second circulating pump (9.1) and upstream of the secondary side (4.2) of the second heat exchanger (4) and closes when the flow of the heat transfer medium is opposite to the operating flow direction. is provided. heat pump system claim 4 , characterized in that the flow interruption device (6) comprises the first degassing device (6.1) and the first non-return valve (6.2) and/or that the additional flow interruption device (7) comprises the second degassing device (7.1) and the second non-return valve (7.2). is trained. Heat pump system according to one of claims 2 until 5 , characterized in that the degassing device (6.1, 7.1) is provided with a vent valve (6.1.1, 7.1.1). Heat pump system one of claims 2 until 6 , characterized in that a connecting line (8.2, 9.2) between the secondary side (2.2, 4.2) of the heat exchanger (2, 4) and the degassing device (6.1, 7.1) is provided with a pressure relief valve (8.3, 9.3). heat pump system claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that optionally the vent valve (6.1.1, 7.1.1) and/or the pressure relief valve (8.3, 9.3) are designed or is connected to a gas discharge line (8.4, 9.4) for discharging unintentionally escaping gas. heat pump system claim 8 , characterized in that the gas discharge line (8.4, 9.4) is provided with a gas sensor (11) for the detection of unintentionally escaping gas. Heat pump system according to one of claims 3 until 9 , characterized in that between the first and second heating or Cooling circuit (8, 9) at least one further heat pump system is provided. Heat pump system according to one of claims 2 until 10 , characterized in that the degassing device (6.1, 7.1) has a float (6.1.2). Method for operating a heat pump system according to one of patent claims 3 until 11 , characterized in that above a predefined gas quantity of the heat transfer medium, optionally in the first heating or cooling circuit (8) the flow interruption device (6) and/or in the second heating or cooling circuit (9) the additional flow interruption device (7) causes a flow of the heat transfer medium in Operating flow direction prevents.

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