EP3705786B1 - Module for integrating heat generators in a heating system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a module for integrating two heat generators into a heating system.

It is known that various heat generators are used to generate thermal energy, especially in residential buildings. Classic heat generators such as thermal baths or boilers as well as modern heat pumps are known.

The combination of a classic heat generator based on fossil fuels such as oil or gas or even wood heating with a heat pump is often a suitable measure, which can significantly reduce heating costs through the interaction of these different heat generators. It is advantageous to choose a heat pump with lower performance to be supported by a classic heat generator.

Given that fossil heat generators, such as thermal baths or boilers, are often already installed in residential buildings, it would be desirable to integrate heat pumps into the existing heating system in the event of a renovation of the heating system or the heating system, on the one hand, to avoid the need to avoid electrical reheating and also to keep the costs of renovation low.

In order to integrate a heat pump into an existing heating system, modifications must be made, in particular so that all components can be addressed and managed by a central controller. This requires a good knowledge of the system, which is usually not always obvious at first glance. An intensive study of the existing components leads to a personnel effort associated with the retrofitting.

It is also possible that the existing parts of the heating system are not designed and arranged for hybrid operation with a heat pump. Integrating new actuators and sensors can therefore be difficult.

Despite the associated costs, a complete rebuild of the system is currently preferable in terms of the expected costs and effort.

Against this background, the task was to simplify the integration of heat generators into a heating system. In particular, it was a task to provide a module that enables integration with as little effort as possible. document DE 201 03 062 A1 discloses a module for integrating two heat generators into a heating system, comprising connections for connecting a first heat generator, a second heat generator, a heat storage and a heating circuit, as well as a control and a hydraulic arrangement with switching valves and mixing valve.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by a module according to claim 1 for integrating two heat generators into a heating system. The heating system can be an existing heating system that is being retrofitted or a newly designed heating system.

The module has connections for connecting a first heat generator. The first heat generator is, for example, a heat pump to be retrofitted or installed. The heat pump can be, for example, an air-water heat pump or a brine-water heat pump. Of course, other forms of heat pumps are also conceivable. The connections for connecting the first heat generator include a connection for a flow, that is, through which a fluid, usually water, flows into the module, and a return, that is, a connection from which the fluid flows back to the first heat generator. This usually creates a circuit through the first heat generator, which is connected via the connections in the module.

The module also has connections for connecting a second heat generator.

The connections for connecting the second heat generator are functionally identical to those of the first heat generator, that is, they preferably have a flow connection and a return connection. The second heat generator is preferably a heater and/or a boiler, which can be operated, for example, using conventional fossil fuels such as gas or the like. In some preferred embodiments of the module according to the invention, the second heat generator is already integrated in the heating system, while the first heat generator is retrofitted and can be connected to the heating system with little effort using the module according to the invention.

The module also has connections for connecting a heat storage, in particular a hot water storage. The heat storage preferably contains process water, that is, drinking water stored at a desired temperature. The water stored in the heat storage medium as a heat storage medium is decoupled from the medium flowing through the connections in order to take hygiene regulations into account.

The module also has connections for connecting a heat consumer, in particular a heating circuit. These connections, like those of the heat storage, also include a flow connection and a return connection, to which a flow or return of the heat storage or heat consumer can be connected.

The module further includes a hydraulic arrangement provided between the various ports. The hydraulic arrangement includes components explained in more detail below, by means of which flows are implemented between the different connections. The hydraulic arrangement has a first switching valve, which is provided downstream in the connection of a flow of the first heat generator and is set up to regulate a flow path from the first heat generator to the heat storage and the heat consumer. This means that by means of the first switching valve, the heat flow that comes from the first heat generator can be divided between the heat storage and the heat consumer or directed to one of the two. For example, if a lot of energy is required in the heat consumer, for example in the case where a heater is heating up a room, the switching valve will direct the flow towards the heat consumer. The first switching valve can also enable parallel operation.

The hydraulic arrangement also has a mixing valve. The mixing valve is set up to mix fluid from the second heat generator with fluid from the heat storage or common return in such a way that a desired temperature is established at the outlet of the mixing valve. The mixing valve is therefore particularly advantageous in the case in which the temperature of the fluid that flows into the flow connection of the second heat generator has a higher temperature than is required for the heat consumer. Water from the heat storage or common return can then be used to reduce the resulting temperature in order to avoid unnecessary heat losses in the heat consumer. The opposite case is also advantageously conceivable, in which the temperature of the heat storage is already higher than the temperature required for the heat consumer, so that the second heat generator only produces one very low or no heating at all has to be carried out to provide thermal energy. In another advantageous case, it is ensured that only the drinking water is warmed up.

For this purpose, the hydraulic arrangement also has a second switching valve, which is arranged downstream of an output of the mixing valve in the flow path and is set up to regulate a flow path from the second heat generator to the heat storage and the heat consumer. Accordingly, by means of the second switching valve, both a temperature of the heat storage and of the heat consumer can be controlled as required using thermal energy generated by the second heat generator.

Finally, the module includes a controller that is set up to implement regulation of the heating system based on the efficiencies of the first heat generator and the second heat generator. It is known that the efficiencies of different heat generators in particular vary under different environmental conditions. A prominent example of this are heat pumps, which are less efficient at low outside temperatures. From a certain value, for example the outside temperature, the generation of thermal energy with a heat pump is considered to be worse than the generation of thermal energy with another heat generator.

The module according to the invention thus enables a simple connection of the hydraulic system components due to the provision of various connections on the module. All system components can be controlled and regulated at a central location by the module controller, which reduces the overall complexity of the system. The mixing valve ensures that any existing second heat generator can be integrated. Regardless of whether it is a modern, active condensing boiler with its own pump or a passive boiler without its own circulation option, for example, it can easily be connected to the module's designated connections and can therefore be integrated into the heating system. In particular, parts of the module are advantageously tested during production, which means that errors on the construction site are avoided.

The control preferably includes an adaptive bivalence point control, whereby in addition to the efficiencies of the first or second heat generator, energy costs, Energy efficiencies and/or CO2 emissions are used to select the first or second heat generator. This enables efficient management of the available heat generators.

The control is preferably set up to optimize the operation of the heating system economically or ecologically depending on user input. The bivalence point between the first and second heat generator can be at different points depending on whether the user is carrying out an economic or ecological assessment of the heat generator. For example, CO2 emissions can be used for this purpose. The user can therefore determine whether the control of the heating system should be optimized according to economic or ecological aspects. This allows the user to make an active contribution to environmental protection.

The hydraulic arrangement preferably has a hydraulic switch for decoupling the first heat generator from the first heat consumer and advantageously also the second heat generator from the first heat consumer and optionally also from the second heat generator. Hydraulic switches are particularly known from heating circuits. Accordingly, the hydraulic switch can be understood as preparation of the heat consumer in such a way that the heat consumer can have one or more heating circuits. This has the particular purpose of protecting the heat generators from a completely closed circuit of the heat consumer.

The hydraulic switch therefore takes on the task of a buffer storage. Preferably, the hydraulic switch and the heat storage share a common return to which the two heat generators are connected. The hydraulic switch also ensures a guaranteed minimum volume flow on the heat consumer side, i.e. particularly on the heating circuit side, for example when using thermal baths. The first heat consumer preferably has a hydraulic drive, in particular a pump, so that the heat consumer is supplied with heating heat, for example via the hydraulic switch.

The heat consumer is preferably set up to implement a first and a second heating circuit. The second heating circuit is preferably mounted externally to the module, with a tap of the flow of the second heating circuit being located directly behind the hydraulic switch and therefore not dependent on operation of the hydraulic switch Drive of the first heating circuit. In this version, the returns of both heating circuits are merged externally to the device, although implementations are of course also conceivable that make the merger internal to the device.

The module preferably has a housing, in particular a wall-mountable housing, with the connections being accessible on an underside of the housing. This makes it easy to assemble and connect the components of the heating system. The design is also space-saving and compact as the housing can be easily mounted on the wall.

The housing preferably has or consists of EPP. The EPP serves as insulation, so that any effort or work on insulation is avoided. This minimizes the amount of work required when retrofitting the heating system or when installing the module according to the invention.

Preferably, the first heat generator comprises a heat pump and the second heat generator comprises a thermal bath and/or a boiler.

Preferably, a hydraulic drive, in particular a pump, is provided for the first heat generator and/or for the second heat generator. Accordingly, a flow through the connections of the first heat generator or the second heat generator is also possible if there are passive components that are connected to the connections. This ensures flexibility and allows any system to be integrated.

The heat consumer is preferably prepared for connection to two heating circuits.

According to the invention, a module is thus provided that enables all existing components to be integrated. The module according to the invention is highly variable when it comes to the composition of the then hybrid heating system. This means that existing devices can also be integrated and costs can be reduced when modernizing the heating system. For this purpose, the second heat generator can preferably be switched on and off externally. For this purpose, the module can include a suitable communication interface, for example a cable or a radio connection, with which the control of the second heat generator, preferably also the first heat generator, is possible.

Fig. 1

schematisch und exemplarisch die Hydraulik des erfindungsgemäßen Moduls;

Fig. 2

schematisch und exemplarisch eine perspektivische Ansicht des Moduls aus Fig. 1; und

Fig. 3

schematisch und exemplarisch eine weitere Darstellung der Hydraulik aus Fig. 1.

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht einer Befestigungsleiste 14

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht auf einen Klemmnocken 15

Fig. 6

ein geschlossenes Modul 10

Fig. 7

ein geschlossenes Modul 10 mit einem Regler 16

Further advantages and refinements are described below with reference to the attached figures. Here show:

Fig. 1

schematically and as an example the hydraulics of the module according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic and exemplary perspective view of the module Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 3

Schematic and exemplary another representation of hydraulics Fig. 1 .

Fig. 4

a view of a fastening strip 14

Fig. 5

a view of a clamping cam 15

Fig. 6

a closed module 10

Fig. 7

a closed module 10 with a controller 16

Fig. 1 shows schematically and by way of example the hydraulics of a module 10 according to the invention in a heating system 1. The heating system 1 has a first heat generator 2, which is designed, for example, as a heat pump, and a second heat generator 3, which is, for example, a boiler or a thermal bath. The heating system 1 also has a heat storage 4, for example a hot water storage tank, in which drinking water is stored for provision, for example at fittings. Finally, the heating system 1 has a heat consumer 5, which in this example has a first heating circuit 6 and a second heating circuit 7 as examples of a heat consumer.

The connections or hydraulic lines that usually carry water as a fluid are referred to in common jargon as flows or returns. In Fig. 1 The hydraulic connections are only shown schematically, while Fig. 2 shows an example of a view of the components including connections and housing.

The first heat generator 2, which is usually designed as a heat pump WP, has, as indicated, a flow WPVL and a return WPRL. The flow directions of the fluid, usually water, are shown schematically by arrows. shown. The second heat generator 3, which is usually designed as a boiler or thermal bath, correspondingly has a flow ThVL and a return ThRL. The heat storage 4, which is usually designed as a hot water storage tank WW-SP, has a return line WWRL and a flow line WWVL. Since the heat storage 4 is a component that, as a result, absorbs heat generated by the heat generators 2 and 3, the flow direction of the flow and return is opposite to that of the heat generators 2 and 3. Correspondingly the heat consumer 5 or the schematically shown first and second heating circuits 6, 7 have a flow HKVL or HK2VL and a return HKRL or HK2RL. It should be mentioned again here that the second heating circuit 7 is optional and the heating system 1 can also be used with only one heating circuit, for example the heating circuit 6 as a heat consumer 5.

The module 10 has a hydraulic arrangement 100 that enables the connections and hydraulics of the system. The heat pump flow WPVL is integrated via a first switching valve 110, with which it is possible to switch between heating operation and hot water operation. In the hot water mode, it is possible for heat generated by the first heat generator 2 to reach the heat storage 4, while in the heating mode, the heat generated can be introduced into the heat consumer 5 via a hydraulic switch 120. The hydraulic switch 120 decouples the first heat generator 2 or the second heat generator 3 from the heat consumer 5 and therefore protects the heat generator from a completely closed circuit of the heat consumer 5. In other words, the hydraulic switch 120 can also be understood as a buffer storage. A common return of the heat storage 4, namely the hot water return WWRL, and the hydraulic switch 120 leads back to the first heat generator 2 via the heat pump return WPRL and to the second heat generator 3 via the thermal bath return ThRL.

The second heat generator 3 is integrated into the heating system 1 via a mixing valve 130 and a second switching valve 140. The mixing valve 130 ensures the required target temperature of the heat consumer 5. The second switching valve 140 functions analogously to the first switching valve 110.

On the heating circuit side, that is to say on the heat consumer 5 side, the hydraulic switch 120 ensures a guaranteed minimum volume flow, particularly when using thermal baths as a second heat generator 3. In addition, by way of example, there is a hydraulic drive 150, 160, 170, for example a pump, in the circuit of the first Heat generator 2, the second heat generator 3 and the heat consumer 5 are provided. The second heating circuit 7 is available as an option, with a tap of the flow HK2VL located directly behind the hydraulic switch 120 and in front of the hydraulic drive 170. The second heating circuit 7 is therefore independent of the operation of the hydraulic drive 170. The return of the first heating circuit 6 and the second heating circuit 7 must be brought together externally in this case.

In Fig. 1 A controller 60 designated WPM4 is also shown. The controller 60 is set up to implement a control of the heating system 1 based on the efficiencies of the first heat generator 2 and the second heat generator 3. The controller 60 is preferably designed to implement an adaptive bivalence point control, which selects the optimal heat generator from the heat generator 2 and the heat generator 3 based on the efficiencies of the heat generators 2, 3 and the corresponding energy costs, energy efficiencies or CO2 emissions. The heating operation can, especially at the request of the user, be optimized economically or ecologically, or, for example, based on CO2 emissions. Alternatively or additionally, a classic operating mode can also be implemented via a bivalence point. The controller 60 preferably acts independently based on a comfort zone selected by the user in order to implement or regulate the set goal.

Fig. 2 shows schematically and by way of example a perspective view of an embodiment of the module 10, which is shown schematically in Fig. 1 is shown. In particular, the hydraulic arrangement 100 of the module 10 including the connections of the other components of the heating system 1 can be clearly seen on the underside of a housing 12. The housing 12 preferably includes all of the hydraulics in an EPP housing, which is in place for better visibility Fig. 2 is not shown and ultimately serves as insulation. This eliminates the work associated with the insulation during assembly, since the module 10 is delivered prefabricated including the insulation. The module 10 therefore compresses the entire system structure into the housing 12, which can preferably be mounted on a wall and, in one example, has dimensions of a maximum of 950 x 770 x 300 mm and is therefore very compact and easy to assemble. Because all connections are on the underside of the housing, connecting the hydraulic system components is simplified. The controller 60 controls and regulates all components of the heating system 10 at a central location. As in Fig. 2 Visible, the module 10 includes a connection 122 for connecting the heat pump flow WPVL, as well as a connection 124 for connecting the heat pump return WPRL. Also in Fig. 2 is the Flow direction in the hydraulic arrangement 100 indicated schematically by arrows. The housing 12 is closed with a cap 13. A fastening strip 14 ( Fig. 4 ) is provided in the housing 12 for fixing pipes. Furthermore, the pipes in the housing are secured by clamping cams 15 ( Fig. 5 ) held.

To connect the second heat generator 3, the module 10 includes a connection 132 for connecting to the flow ThVL and a connection 134 for connecting to the return ThRL.

To connect the heat storage 4, the module 10 includes a connection 142 for the flow WWVL and a connection 144 for the return WWRL. Finally, the module 10 for connecting the heat consumer 5, in particular the two heating circuits 6 and 7, includes a connection 152 for connecting to the flow of the first heating circuit HKVL, a connection 154 for connecting to the flow of the second heating circuit HK2VL and a combined return for connecting to the return of both heating circuits HKRL, connection 156.

Fig. 3 shows schematically and as an example the in Fig. 1 Hydraulics shown in another exemplary representation.

The controller 60 is preferably designed to communicate setpoints to the first heat generator 2 or the second heat generator 3, so that in particular the second heat generator 3 only has to be operated at an appropriate temperature, that is, at a temperature that is suitable for the heat storage 4 or the heat consumer 5 is currently needed. Without such communication, the second heat generator 3 must always provide the higher, required temperature, which is usually the temperature of the heat storage 4, which is then optionally mixed to a lower temperature using the mixing valve 130.

According to the invention, the module 10 can be combined with any fossil heat generator 3, regardless of the manufacturer. The module 10 thus enables highly variable use when it comes to putting together the hybrid system for the heating system 1. The second heat generator 3 only needs to be able to be switched on or off externally. Accordingly, thanks to the invention, when renovating a heater, only the module 10 according to the invention needs to be provided and the individual components already present need to be connected to the module 10 via the connections. The control 60 of the module 10 then takes over the operation of the heating system 1.

Although the module 10 according to the invention is particularly used when renovating an old building, it is also suitable as a permanent solution for hybrid systems or as a temporary solution if a building is to be subsequently insulated or an existing oil tank needs to be emptied. As a permanent solution, you can react flexibly to price developments from electricity, gas and oil providers.

It is further preferred that the module 10 according to the invention enables cooling up to the condensation point. For this purpose, the operating direction of the first heat generator 2 designed as a heat pump simply needs to be reversed.

Accordingly, a module 10 for integrating two heat generators 2, 3 into a heating system 1 with a hydraulic arrangement 100 is proposed, the hydraulic arrangement 100 providing hydraulic connections between connections 122, 124, 132, 134, 142, 144, 152, 154, 156 and with a controller 60, wherein the hydraulic arrangement 100 has: a first switching valve 110, a mixing valve 130 and a second switching valve 140, wherein the controller 60 is set up to regulate based on the efficiencies of the first heat generator 2 and the second heat generator 3 of the heating system 1 to be implemented.

The Figures 6 and 7 show a closed module 10 with the housing 12, the cap 13 and the controller 16.

Claims (10)

1. A module (10) for integrating two heat generators (2, 3) into a heating system (1), comprising

   - connections (122, 124) for connecting a first heat generator (2),

   - connections (132, 134) for connecting a second heat generator (3),

   - connections (142, 144) for connecting a water heater (4), in particular a DHW cylinder,

   - connections (152, 154, 156) for connecting a heat consumer (5), in particular a heating circuit (6, 7),

   - a hydraulic arrangement (100), wherein the hydraulic arrangement (100) provides hydraulic connections between the connections (122, 124, 132, 134, 142, 144, 152, 154, 156) and

   - a controller (60),

   wherein the hydraulic arrangement (100) comprises:

   - a first diverter valve (110), which is provided downstream in the hydraulic arrangement (100) in the connection (122) of a flow (WPVL) of the first heat generator (2) and is configured to control a flow path from the first heat generator (2) to the water heater (4) and the heat consumer (5),

   - a mixing valve (130), which is configured to mix fluid from the second heat generator (3) with fluid from the water heater (4) such that a required temperature is established at the outlet of the mixing valve (130) and

   - a second diverter valve (140), which is arranged in the flow path downstream of an outlet of the mixing valve (130) and is configured to regulate a flow path from the second heat generator (3) to the water heater (4) and the heat consumer (5),

   wherein the controller (60) is configured to implement a control of the heating system (1) on the basis of efficiency levels of the first heat generator (2) and the second heat generator (3).
2. The module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control comprises an adaptive bivalence point control, wherein in addition to the efficiency levels of the first heat generator (2) and the second heat generator (3) energy costs, energy efficiencies and/or CO2 emissions are used for selecting the heat generator from the first heat generator (2) and the second heat generator (4).
3. The module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control is configured to optimise the operation of the heating system (1) economically or ecologically as a function of user input.
4. The module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic arrangement (100) comprises a hydraulic low loss header (120) for decoupling the first heat generator (2) from the heat consumer (5).
5. The module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module (10) comprises a casing (12), in particular a wall mounted housing (12), and the connections are accessible on an underside of the casing.
6. The module (10) according to claim 5, wherein the housing (12) comprises or consists of EPP, which is used as insulation.
7. The module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module has respectively a hydraulic drive (150, 160, 170), in particular a pump, for the first heat generator (2), for the second heat generator (3) and/or for the heat consumer (5).
8. A heating system (1) comprising

   - a module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,

   - a first heat generator (2),

   - a second heat generator (3) and

   - a heat consumer (5).
9. The heating system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the heat consumer (5) is prepared for connecting to two heating circuits (6, 7).
10. The heating system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first heat generator (2) comprises a heat pump and the second heat generator (3) comprises a heat source and/or a boiler.

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